December 2015

TTTHEHEHE MMMESSENGERESSENGERESSENGER Newsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox ChurchNewsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

How important is Correct belief ?

St Paul warns of “itching ears.”

II Timothy 3.16-4.9

Saint Paul is concerned about Christians being led away from the true faith. You have heard the expression, “If

you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” Do we believe everything we hear from the TV, newspa-

pers, journalists and politicians? How about everyone who claims to be a Christian? On December 8th we read that the seriousness of Paul's concern is evident in the way he tells Timothy to "Preach the Faith, at all times watch out! Reprove!

Reproach! And Comfort all in patient long-suffering and in the teaching." Paul

knows that he himself is destined in the near future to face death for the faith, Paul places this big responsibility on the much younger man. In the next verses, Paul reveals the reasons for his worry. He warns Timothy that a time is coming when people "will not endure sound teaching." Paul knows that some people will find the challenge of living by Christian teach-ings too difficult, which is why they will not or cannot endure those teach-

ings. Some Bible translations use the words "put up with" or "tolerate" in place of "endure," but the meaning is the same.

It is these people who are described by Paul as having "ITCHING EARS." They want to hear something new, con-temporary and fashionable, and will seek teachers who "suit their own likings." They look for teachers who agree with their own world views. These teachers will enable them to "turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths." So Paul tells Timothy to "be steady, endure suffering and DO the work of an evangelist." If a person stays steadily on the course of Christian truth, Paul is saying, suffering will inevitably follow. There are many with "ITCHING EARS" who reject, ridicule and persecute both the truth and the teachers who profess it. Paul also describes one who fell away, Demas. He gave in to this worldly temptation of "ITCHING EARS." Demas had been his companion and fellow worker. Now Paul must sadly admit that "Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica." A valued helper who had once been attracted by the Gospel, but its requirements were too much for him, and he listened to other voices that promised an easier, less demanding path. He was willing to abandon the Orthodoxy that he had shared with Paul and those who worked with him. The end of the letter shows how much Paul valued companionship in the Truth, and how painful a desertion like that of Demas must have been. He asks Timothy twice to join him, and to make sure he arrives before winter. He affectionately names faithful believers who have supported him. To encourage Timothy, he includes greetings from specific people and from "all the brethren." Paul is well aware that these brethren, like Demas, could be tempted by "ITCHING EARS" to listen to false teachers promising a pleasant life, but let’s imitate Paul who “finished the race and kept the Faith.”

Let’s value the correct Gospel and the teachings of our Beloved Orthodox Church!

PARISH INFOMATION Address:

9012 “Q” Street ,

Omaha, NE 68127

Office Hours:

Monday—Friday:

10am—5pm

Phone:

402-934-3688

Website:

www.allholyspirit.com

Email:

Church:

AHSoffice@allholyspirit.com

Fr. Alexander Lukashonok:

FrAlexander@allholyspirit.com

Services:

Each Sunday

Morning Prayers 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

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SOCIAL HOUR We still have many openings for social hour. A chart is posted in the fellowship hall if you would like to donate treats for a spe-cial Sunday. Let the office know if you are going to bring your

own treats. If not, donuts will be picked up and the cost is $30. Please Make checks out to All Holy Spirit.

Thank you to Brian & Sheila Zachariae, Hellen Petrow, Andy Vassios, and Vassiliki Kennedy

for sponsoring coffee hour in November.

Thank you to Chris & Nadine Saklar for picking up donuts, making coffee, setting up

and cleaning for the Sunday Morning Social Hour.

PROSPHORA It’s a great honor to offer the bread that will become the body and blood of Christ during Divine Liturgy. We still have a few openings. A Prosphora chart is posted in the fellowship hall. If

you would like to offer Prosphora please sign on the Sundays you prefer.

Thank you to Litsa Carter, Debbie Birge, Joanne Sgourakis, Gust Rakes, Hellen Elfering for providing Prosphora in November.

ALTAR FLOWERS Would you like to beautify the Altar for a special occasion? We still have openings on the chart. Please sign up in the fellowship hall on the Sunday you would like and contact

Nikki Moravec at 402-502-2384 for more information.

Thank you to John & Debbie Birge, Jim & Deb McDonnell, and Brian & Sheila Zachariae for providing flowers for the Altar in November.

Memorial

A memorial was offered

November 15 for Jackie (Maria Vassios),

wife of Andy Vassios.

MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL

ICON FLOWERS Thank you to Despina Foster for donating flowers for St. Cosmas and Damian Icon.

ARTOKLASIA Thank you to Deb McDonnell for providing Artoklasia for services in November.

December 2015 3

PHILOPTOCHOS

HOLIDAY PASTRY SALE We will be selling our delicious spanakopita just in time for Thanksgiving in the fellowship hall after Divine Liturgy. Fresh, frozen, and read to bake for your convenience. Yum!

BAKLAVA BAKING DAY Philoptochos members making baklava for the pastry sales. Thank you to all the ladies who helped bake, package, and sell pastries. Chairmen: Voula Kotrotsios and Tammy Honke THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Philoptochos prepared Thanksgiving baskets again this year for 10 needy families at Mockingbird Elementary school - 93rd and Q St. The baskets included everything for a Thanksgiving dinner. Leftover funds were sent to the Open Door Mission for Thanksgiving meals for the needy. Thank you to everyone who donated funds and time to make this possible!

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Community Christmas Card

We are preparing a Community Christmas Card to be sent to members of the

Church and their friends. If you would like your family included, forms are at

the back of the Narthex or you can contact the church office for order forms.

Cost to include your family is $25. Deadline is December 20.

Poinsettia Plants

Poinsettia plants are being ordered to decorate the church for Christmas. If you

would like to donate a poinsettia in memory of a loved one or for your family please

complete a form and return to the church office. Cost is $12.

Deadline is December 20.

Please join us for our

AHS FAMILY NIGHT as the parish celebrates

St. Nicholas

Saturday, December 5th

4:00pm Vespers

with Artoklasia

followed by a

Spaghetti dinner

Parishioners of all ages are

encouraged to come and celebrate!

Games and activities will be provided for

children, as well as a visit from St. Nicholas.

This family night is in conjunction with a

multi- parish GOYA retreat.

AHS CHRISTMAS PARTY !

Mark your ca lendars for the AHS Chr is tmas Party !

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26

4 :00 pm Vespers

5 :00 pm

Let the party beg i n ! Jo i n us i n the fe l lowsh ip ha l l for

food and fun !

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Coming up in January…

January 1, 2016 St. Basil

Matins & the blessing of the new year with Artoklasia -10:00 am

January 4, 2016 Vespers - 6:00 pm

January 5, 2016 Theophany eve

Royal Hours -4:00pm-6:00 pm Soup Dinner –6:00 pm

Vespers and Blessing of the Waters –7:00 pm

January 6, 2016 Matins—7:00 am

Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Waters—8:30 am

January 10, 2016

Vasilopita Sunday Vasilopita is a New Year's Day bread or cake in Greece and many other areas in eastern Europe and the Balkans which contains a

hidden coin or trinket which gives good luck to the receiver, like the Western European king cake. It is associated with Saint Basil's day, January 1, in most of Greece, but in some regions, the traditions surrounding a cake with a hidden coin are attached to Epiphany or to

Christmas. It is made of a variety of doughs, depending on regional and

family tradition.

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Our father among the saints, St. Nicholas the Wonder-worker, was the archbishop of Myra in southern Asia Minor in the fourth century and is also the basis for the Santa Claus legends and imagery which accompany Christmas celebrations in much of the world. While widely honored and venerated, not only in the Orthodox Church, but throughout most Christian groups, little is known historically of the life of Nicholas. He is known to have been archbishop of Myra and he may have participated in the Council of Nicea in 325. In addition to being honored as the patron saint of many countries, notably Greece and Russia, and of cities, he is the patron of many occupational groups, most notably of sea-farers. St. Nicholas is commemorated by the Church on December 6, and also on May 9 (the transfer of his rel-ics) and on July 29 (his nativity).

Saturday, December 5 St. Nicholas Celebration–Vespers & Family Night (4:00) Sunday, December 6 Divine Liturgy (9:30 am)

The Conception of the Theotokos by Saint Anna is commemorated by the Orthodox Church on December 9. St. Anna, the mother of the Virgin Mary, was the youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descend-ed from the tribe of Levi. She married St. Joachim, who was a native of Galilee. For many years, St. Anna was childless and the couple suffered much reproach for her barrenness. When they were in Jerusalem to offer sacrifice to God, the High Priest, Issachar, upbraided Joachim, "You are not worthy to offer sacrifice with those childless hands." Both spouses gave themselves to fervent prayer, and the Archangel Gabriel announced to them separately that they would be the parents of a daughter who would bring blessings to the whole human race. The Orthodox Church does not accept the teaching of the Immaculate Conception, but has also always believed that the Virgin Mary was, from her conception, filled with every Grace of the Holy Spirit in view of her calling as the Moth-er of Christ our God.

Wednesday, December 9 Divine Liturgy (9:30am)

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Our venerable father Herman of Alaska (1756 -1837) was an 18th century missionary to Alaska. He, in 1970, became the first saint to be glorified by the Orthodox Church in America, concurrent with parallel services in another location by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. St. Herman is remembered by the Church on August 9 and December 13. Herman of Alaska was a Russian Orthodox monk from Valaam Monastery in Russia who traveled with eight other monks in 1793 to bring the Gospel to the native Aleuts and Eskimos in the Aleutian Islands. As part of the Russian colonization of the Americas, Russians had been exploring and trading there since at least 1740. Thus, he marks the first arrival of Orthodox Christian missionaries in North America. He built a school for the Aleu-tians, and he often defended them from the injustices and exploitation of the Russian traders. He was known to them as Apa which means "Grandfather." He lived most of his life as the sole resident of Spruce Island, a tiny wooded island near Kodiak Island. St. Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary (Kodiak, Alaska) is named in his honor. A portion of his relics are enshrined at the St. Ignatius Chapel at the Antiochian Village, where he is regarded as one of their patron saints.

Sunday, December 13 Divine Liturgy (9:30 am)

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The Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, also called Christmas, is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on December 25. In the fullness of time, our Lord Jesus Christ was born to the Holy Theotokos and Virgin Mary, thus entering into the world as a man and revealing Himself to mankind. According to the Bible and to Holy Tradition, Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem in a cave, surrounded by farm animals and shepherds. The baby Jesus was born into a manger from the Virgin Mary, assisted by her husband St. Joseph. St. Joseph and the Theotokos were forced to travel due to a Roman census; the odd location of the birth was the result of the refusal of a nearby inn to accommodate the expect-ing couple (Luke 2:1-20). Since it is known historically that dwellings were built directly over such caves housing live-stock--in order to make use of the heat. Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Thursday, December 24 Divine Liturgy (8:00 am ) Vespers (4:00 pm )

Friday, December 25 Divine Liturgy (9:30 am)

St. Stephen was a relative of St. Paul. He was the first of seven deacons whom the holy apostles ordained for the service of the poor in Jerusalem. This is why he is called the Archdeacon - the first, or chief, of them. St. Stephen did many things for the poor and widows in Jerusalem and by the power of his faith, he worked many miracles. He lived his life to be an example to everyone who saw him of how Jesus came to serve and not be served.

Sunday, December 27 Divine Liturgy (9:30am)

Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian, and a successor of the Apostles, and he became the second Bishop of Antioch, after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful, strengthening them in their confession, and preserving for us the teachings of the holy Apostles. Brought to Rome un-der Trajan, he was surrendered to lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of martyrdom about the year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully gathered by the faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called God-bearer, as one who bare God within himself and was aflame in heart with love for Him. There-fore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4), imploring their love not to attempt to deliver him from his longed-for martyrdom, he said, "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Sunday, December 20 Divine Liturgy (9:30 am)

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Advent Fast (Nov. 15-Dec. 24) As the Advent Fast continues, Remember this is a Special Time when your life can be changed! The Gospel takes fruit by starting with your habits, your routine! Stop giving excuses, you must make time and space for God, if you are going to be His disciple!

As a Parish, we will offer a Prayer Service to the New Born Savior

The Akathist: “Glory to God for All Things!” On Wednesdays, Dec 2, 9 and 16 @630pm

A short talk and discussion on Confession to follow.

Great Vespers on Saturdays at 5pm. (There will be opportunities to experience Personal Confession

on Saturdays and by appointment.)

Fasting Guidelines for beginners

1.) No meat and chicken for the entire fast (if need be, take it easier on the Weekends.)

2.) Wed. & Fri. Vegan; 3.) Weekends relaxed (Trick: Make a greater effort M-F at the beginning of the Fast, it will seem easier.)

4.) Smaller portions, eat less in general, no snacking. 5.) Increased prayer life at home, establish a Prayer Routine. 6.) Take advantage of Prayer in Common at the Church; Saturday vespers is a great idea to spiritually grow!

7.) Less meaningless TV and Internet, and read and learn about the Orthodox Faith, visit ancientfaith.com, holycrossbookstore.com, svspress.com, or look on Amazon)

8.) Confession with your Spiritual Father. Confession is the norm, alongside Holy Communion. As often as you commune, you should be regularly confessing. 9.) More Quiet Time---self-reflection, or examining your life. Even science says, "a life UN-examined is a life not worth living."

December 2015 7 8 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

December 2015 9

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk is remembered on December 2nd. His brief book poses deep questions about human life and suggests equally deep answers from God.

The opening verses express the prophet's suffering: "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and Thou wilt not hear? Or cry to thee, 'Violence!' and Thou wilt not save? Why dost Thou make me see wrongs and look upon trouble?" He goes on to complain that God's unwillingness to hear means that the law becomes slack and ineffective, and justice never prevails.

God gives an answer that, at first glance, seems anything but merciful. He tells Habakkuk He is doing a work "that you would not believe if told." He says that He is using the Chaldeans, a dread and terrible people, as instruments of chastisement upon His still-beloved Israel.

But God's answer does not end with the terrifying Chaldeans. He instructs the prophet to "write the vision, make it plain upon tablets...For still the vision awaits its time; it hastens to the end, it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay" (2: 2-3). Then God promises that the righteous shall live by their faith; those who trust God will see the fulfillment of the vision, the saving plan He has for humankind. The prophet is satisfied by this promise, and at the end of his book he writes, "Though the fig tree does not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines...yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation" (2: 17-18). Saint Paul quotes Habakkuk in Romans 1:17, writing about the importance of keeping faith even in suffering and worldly oppression.

The fourth Ode of the Canon we sing at Pascha describes "the inspired prophet Habakkuk" who "stands with us in holy vigil" and "cries with a piercing voice: 'Today salvation has come to the world, for Christ is risen as all-powerful.'" This Ode tells us that the "vision" promised to Habak-kuk has been fulfilled by Christ. Like the prophet, we can be sure that the even if the fulfillment "seems slow" we are right to "wait for it" because it does "surely come."

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, the fourth-century Church Father, picks up on Habakkuk's declaration that he will "take my stand to watch, and station myself on the tower, and look forth to see what [God] will say to me" (2:1). In his Oration XLV Gregory writes, "Well, I have taken my stand and looked forth; and I behold a man riding on the clouds...His countenance is as the countenance of an angel, and his clothing as the brightness of piercing lightning; and he lifts his hand toward the East and cries with a loud voice...'Today is salvation come to the world.' "

For Habakkuk, for Saint Paul, and for Saint Gregory, the answer to the universal question is the same: it is the Risen Christ and His salvation.

dce.oca.org

Habakkuk Asks the Universal Question

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A General Assembly was held on November 15, 2015. At this meeting, new board members were nominated. -Dora Bitsos -Jordan Fox -Anastasia Jones -Peter Wilger -Mike Kriha Elections for these nominations will be held on Sunday, December 6.

Board of Auditors Tom Denich Matt Boulos Mike Kriha Board of Elections Robert Laws Chris Bakke Maria Brown

We unanimously

voted and approved the

Purchas Agreement to sell the AHS land at 181st and Harney. We now have the

approval from the Metropolitan. The next step will be

to look for land at a

new location.

USHER SCHEDULE If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please find a replacement within your group.

January 1/3 Mike & Sandi Kriha,

John Sgourakis, & Steve Thomson

1/10 John & Elaine Berger John Birge, & Scott Thornton

1/17 Mike & Niki Moravec, Dora Bitsos, & Chris Bakke

1/24 Brian & Sheila Zachariae,

Chris Hoegemeyer, & Phil Bitzes

1/31 Jason Gill & Mike Bouzis Andy Karavas, & Joe Carter

December 2015 11

December 12/6 Brian & Sheila Zachariae,

John &Kathy Treantos

12/13 Mike Bouzis, Jason Gill, John Birge, & George Rakes

12/20 George Poullos, Paul Bitsos, & Chris Hoegemeyer

12/27 Bill & Cindy Lambert,

Shelly Reiling, & Andy Karavas

December 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

6:30pm Akathist

3 7:00am Matins

4

5 Family Night St. Nicholas Celebration 4:00pm Vespers fol-lowed by dinner

6 Parish Council Elections

8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

7 7:00pm Choir

8

9 9:30am Divine Liturgy 6:30pm Akathist

10 7:00am Matins

11

12 9:00am Divine Liturgy 5:00pm Vespers

13 8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

14 6:30pm Parish Council Meeting

15

16 9:30am Divine Liturgy 6:30pm Akathist

17 7:00am Matins

18

19 5:00pm Vespers

20 8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

21 7:00pm Choir

22

23 9:30am Divine Liturgy 6:30pm Holy Unction Healing Service

24 Nativity Eve

8:00am Divine Liturgy 4:00pm Vespers

25 Holy Nativity 8:30am Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

26 CHRISTMAS PARTY 4:00pm Vespers 5:00 Dinner

27 8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

28

29

30 9:30am Divine Liturgy 6:30pm Akathist

31 New Years Eve 7:00am Matins

All Holy Spirit Greek

Orthodox Church 9012 “Q” Street

Omaha, NE 68127-3549 (402) 934-3688 office www.allholyspirit.com

NON-PROFIT

organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 1830

Omaha, NE

Correct Belief……...……………….….1

Community Activity.………….……..….2

Philoptochos ...…. …………………….3

Upcoming Events…. ………...………...4

Community Activity ….….…………….5

December services…….... …………....6&7

Advent Fast …………………………..8

Meet the Church Fathers ………….…..9

Community Activity……...…. ………..10

December Happenings ……...…….....11

AHS CHRISTMAS PARTY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26