NOVEMBER 2019

“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:23)

The Voice

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

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St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 3301 33rd Avenue Extension North

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 Tel.no. (843) 448-3773 ·

Church office hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am -2:00pm Email: office@stjohn-mb.org · Website: www.stjohn-mb.org

Father Demetrios Babilis

Parish Council President Perry Koustenis (301)-807-9243 Vice President Penny Vlandis (843) 222-3979 Treasurer Steve Paraschis (443) 616-8130 Secretary Ligia Bolet (843) 299-0832 Board Members Charlie Belissary (843) 448-5687 Bruce Bigart (843) 650-4598 Vernon Rondeau (908) 872-5963 Sandy Sarandos (843) 504-8429 Tom Vrantsis (843) 267-2127 Ministries, Committees Altar J.J. Kefalas (Ecclesiarch) (843) 421-1429 Sunday School Michele Michalos (Director) (843) 742-3713 Greek School Ted Kesoglou (Director) (843) 503-3893 Philoptochos Society Elaine Willett (President) (843) 385-3957 Stewardship Committee Steve Paraschis (Chairman) (843) 616-8130 Endowment Fund Anastasia Haar (843) 995-1606 Holy Nook Gift Shop Loretta Siotka (843) 399-8955 GOYA Alex Vlandis (President) (843) 497-5607 GOYA Advisor (Acting) Lucy Eleftheriou (732)551-6325 Greek Dancing Class Katherine Wright (Teacher) (843) 267-3137 Welcome Committee Linda Moustakis (843) 238-1473 Prosforon, Koliva, Coffee Hour Linda Moustakis (843) 238-1473 “Parish Champion” Linda Moustakis (843) 238-1473 Church Office Volunteers Cindy Anagnostopoulos & (843) 448-3773 Sandy Sarandos Other Groups AHEPA Myrtle Beach Chapter 498 Jimmy Lambrinos (President) (843) 626-1572 Daughters of Penelope Chapter 369 Linda Moustakis (President) (843) 238-1473

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The Road to Christmas The road to Christmas winds through mountains of parties, friends and family, fes-tal foods and drink, baking and buying, social gatherings and gift exchanges (and also giving to charity – more money is given to charity in December than in any oth-er month – 1/3 of the annual charity given occurs in December). The pre-Christmas season was meant to be quiet, prayerful, ascetical, preparatory, anticipatory and devoted to alms. The season will certainly capture our attention with all its sparkling lights and joyful music, while the quietness of Orthodoxy will be lost beneath the mounds of gifts, food and seasonal dress. The Nativity Fast, is the Orthodox road to Christmas and preparation for the Feast:

Lent is an intense period provided for us to focus again on what should be the content of every moment of our life – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the beginning, the middle, and the end of Lent because he is the Alpha and the Omega of all creation – the first word and the last word of life itself – who, again, for the joy set before him accepted the Cross so that we might live, so that we might taste this joy as we also begin living, not for ourselves, but for God and others.

The Feast we are preparing to celebrate is the birth of a man who was born in a cave because his family was too poor to afford other accommodations. His family was forced to flee even their inadequate lodgings because of the threat of persecu-tion and to become refugees in a foreign land. So, St Photius the Great, writing in the 9th Century reminds us what Lent consists of – Fasting is acceptable to God when abstention from food is accompanied by refraining from sins, from envy, from hatred, from calumny, from vainglory, from wordiness, from other evils. He who is fasting the true fast that is agreeable to God ought to shun all these things with all his strength and zeal, and remain impregnable and unshakeable against all the at-tacks of the Evil one that are planned from that quarter. The Nativity Fast is one of our four main fast periods throughout the ecclesiastical year. Beginning on November 15 and concluding on December 24, the Nativity Fast gives the Christians, the opportunity to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior in the Flesh on December 25.

AN LETTER FROM FATHER

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Le er from The Parish Council President

Dear Parishioners,

We have to start this month’s letter with a very big “THANK YOU” and “CONGRATULATIONS” to our community for the amazing work that went into making the Myrtle Beach Greek Festival an incredible event!

We have heard numerous positive comments about this year’s Festival but, of course, the big question we get is Was It Successful?

Most people are really asking was it financially successful. The final data is slowly coming in and once all the Invoices and statements are available, we will have the complete results to share.

However, there is another answer to Was It Successful?

It was successful in so many ways that it is hard to list them all in this letter. It was a success by bringing the community together, it was a success in how all that were in-volved worked together, it was a success in how all displayed such a positive “KEFI” to the Myrtle Beach Community, it was a success in how much support was given by Sponsors, it was a success in how some of the business owners were quick to help when the pastries ran out and more were needed, it was successful when the Ladies of the church all helped to make additional pastries in the kitchen on Saturday night, and how some went home and made more to bring. It was truly a success!!!!

For those of you that use Social Media, you will see many positive comments about the Festival, and even a few good suggestions.

The best comment you can all be proud of is an email I received from a group of my neighbors that attended:

“We enjoyed the Greek Festival last evening. We’ve been to this event several times before but last night was by far the best yet. The difference was the volunteers. With-out exception, everyone we met was happy, anxious to answer questions and truly appreciative of our patronage. The volunteer’s pride in their heritage and their festival was outstanding. Congratulations to all who made this possible.” I think this says it all!! Yours in Christ

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NOVEMBER 2019 Schedule of Services and Community Events

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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3 5th Sunday of

Luke Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am

GOYA Mtg 12:45 General Assembly

12:30 pm

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5 AGLL

6:30-8 pm

6 AHEPA Mtg

5:30 pm Daughter’s Set

up for Bake Sale 10-2

7 Daughter’s Set up for Bake Sale

10-2

8 Synaxis of the

Archangels Divine Liturgy

10 am Daughter’s Bake Sale 9:30-4pm

9 Daughter’s Bake Sale 9:30 -4 pm

10 8th Sunday of

Luke Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am

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12 AGLL Class 6:30-8 pm

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14 Volunteer

“Thank You “ Dinner 6 pm

15 Nativity Fast

Begins

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17 9th Sunday of

Luke Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am

18 Parish Council

Mtg 6 pm

19 AGLL Class 6:30-8 pm

Deadline for December

“The Voice”

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Daughter’s of Penelope Mtg

1 pm Festival Wrap-

Up Mtg. 7:00 pm

21 Divine Liturgy

Entrance of The Theotokos

10 am Philoptochos

Mtg 1pm

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24 7th Sunday of

Luke Orthros 9:00am Liturgy 10:00am

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26 AGLL Class 6:30-8 pm

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28 Thanksgiving

Day Office Closed

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Office Closed

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Strict Fast

Wine/Oil Allowed

Fish Allowed

Fast Free

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CHURCH NEWS

PPangari Duty

November 3rd

Penny Vlandis

November 10th

Ligia Bolet

November 17th

Steve Paraschis

November 24th

Sandy Sarandos

“The Voice” Monthly Newsletter The next publication of “The Voice”

will be for November 2019.

Deadline for articles for

“The Voice” is October 23rd

Please send any dates and information to the church

office!

St. John’s Email List Have you subscribed to St. John’s

email list? If not, send an email

over to the office and we

will sign you up!

office@stjohn-mb.org

“The Voice” is now being published and distributed to parishioners by email. If you did not receive the August electron-ic version, please contact the office with your email address. “The Voice” can be viewed on the church website and a limited number of hard copies will be placed in the narthex. If you know of someone that needs a hard copy please contact the office.

ST JOHN WEBSITE www.stjohn-mb.org

Coffee Hour November 3rd

Sandra Lambros &

Tanya Georgakopoulos

November 10th

Daughters of Penelope

90th DOP Anniversary

(Domestic Abuse Month)

November 17th Poppee Kesoglou and Ann Zakhary

November 24th

Charlie & Katie Belissary

COFFEE HOUR HOSTESSES: Please note the church provides all paper items, and coffee & sugar. Hostesses are re-sponsible for pastries, juice & cream for coffee. The directions for making coffee are located on upper cabinet door where coffee cups are kept. The large urn is for Regular coffee and small urn for Decaf.

The bottom cabinet has the coffee. Please start coffee no later than 10:15 am. There is a drawer for tablecloths. Please wash and return to drawer for

future use. Please note that this is not a lunch but a time to have fellowship with other parishioners and enjoy a pastry & coffee. It should not be a hardship for anyone. Any questions please contact

Linda Moustakis @ 843-238-1473. NOTE: An asterisk next to the date de-notes Fasting. Please place the Dona-

tion Basket provided by the Philoptochos on the table for donations to help cover the Philoptochos Monthly “More Than Meals” program for ailing parishioners.

"Thank You” for all your efforts.

Prosforon/Coffee Hour

Interested in making Prosforon or

hosting Coffee Hour? Contact Linda Moustakis @ 843-238-1473.

Prosforon

November 3rd

Irene Sfougaristos

November 10th

Lisa Rondeau / Roula Bofilios

November 17th

Veatriki Vrantsis

November 24th

Poppee Kesoglou

Call Linda Moustakis at 843-238-1473 if you would like to make

prosforon on a particular day. Bring 4 loaves of Prosforon before 2:00

pm on Friday. Please make sure that the seal is visible. Call the church office

prior to drop off.

Deaths Antonious Ioannis Bofilios

September 30, 2019 May his memory be eternal.

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STS. COSMAS & DAMIANOS (NOV. 1st) These two brothers were raised in a compara-tively wealthy family in Asia Minor in the early years

of the Church. They were educated as doctors and be-lieved that “of the most high cometh healing.” They made a decision not to charge any of their patients, hence they a r e k n o w n a s t h e “unmercenaries.” They were known for their healing and their miracles throughout the early Christian community. Respected by non-Christians

as well, they lived and practiced medicine to an old age.

SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGELS GABRIEL & MICHAEL (NOV. 8th) Michael and Gabriel, the Archangels, are consid-

ered to head the heavenly incorporal (not being of body) powers. The two side doors of the Ortho-dox iconostasis always bear full figure icons of the two Archangels in guard’s attire. They were symboli-cally placed on the two sided doors as if to warn and prohibit the unauthor-ized to enter the Sanctu-ary. In the Orthodox

Church the feast of the Archangels is celebrated on November 8th.

ST. NEKTARIOS (NOV. 9th) St. Nektarios is a mod-ern saint, born in 1846 in Thrace (Turkey). He be-came a bishop in the church in Egypt, but was stripped of his authority by jealousy. He then became dean of a theological school, estab-lished a convent for nuns and eventually retired to the island of Aegina, near Piraeus. Pilgrims came to

visit him throughout his life and continued to visit and pray at his grave following his death in 1920. Because of his miraculous cures, Nektarios was de-clared a saint in 1961. He is the patron saint of peo-ple with cancer, heart trouble, arthritis and epilepsy.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (NOV. 13th) St. John, author of the Liturgy used in most Sun-day Services, was known as “Chrysostom” or “Golden-Mouthed” for his eloquence. Trained as a lawyer, he instead entered a monastery, then was ordained as a priest in 386 AD. He was so popular and gifted as a preacher that he was elect-ed to the Patriarchate of Con-stantinople at the age of 49. His crusade against the wealth and excessiveness of the royal court caused him to be banished, but even in exile he continued to preach and write beautiful sermons for his beloved Church. ST. PHILIP (NOV. 14th) When the apostles set out to preach the word of Christ, they drew lots to deter-mine who would go to which region. St. Philip, born in the same small village as Sts. Peter and Andrew, was assigned to much of Asia Minor, where he traveled and taught with the aid of his sister Miriam and the apostle Bartholomew. He also successfully ministered to the Greeks. When he killed a giant snake that the Phrygians of Asia Minor were worshipping as a god, simply by touching it, thousands were converted. This angered the pagans’ leaders, who had the three condemned to death. Their crucifixion was stopped by an earth-quake, which was seen as a sign from God, but St. Philip died from his wounds, praising the Lord.

SAINTS AND HOLY DAYS FOR NOVEMBER

Happy Nameday & Chronia Polla to all those celebrating

Namedays in November!

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SST. GREGORY PALAMAS (NOV. 14th) Although St. Gregory Palamas was born into a

noble family and raised in the royal palace of Constantino-ple, his heart yearned to work for Christ. At an early age, he left the palace to live an aes-thetic life in a monastery on Mt. Athos. By the 14th centu-ry, these monasteries were nearly extinct and St. Gregory made it his life’s work to re-store their spiritual life and

leadership. He taught that the human body is sancti-fied by the sacraments and participates through the senses in prayer offerings, a concept that, at that time, was highly controversial. As a result of his ef-forts on behalf of monasticism and the monasteries, Mt. Athos was closely tied to the Patriarchate, and once again became a spiritual bastion for Christianity. ST. MATTHEW (NOV. 16th) St. Matthew the Evangelist was a member of a

hated profession, a tax collec-tor for Rome, when Jesus called him to become an apos-tle. He became the most intel-lectual of the twelve apostles. His gospel is filled with refer-ences to the prophecies and events of the Old Testament. After Pentecost, he preached the gospel throughout the Ho-ly Land and beyond. He was

martyred in Ethopia. PRESENTATION OF THE THEOTOKOS INTO THE TEMPLE (NOV. 21st) It was an ancient Jewish custom for some parents

to dedicate a child to God and present him or her to the tem-ple. Joachim and Anna present-ed their daughter Mary to the temple when she was three years old. She remained with the holy men for twelve years, ac-quiring the finest education. Soon after her return home, she was visited by the Archangel Ga-briel, announcing that she would

be the Mother of Christ.

ST. KATHERINE (NOV. 25th)

Katherine was a lovely girl of 18 from a noble family when she first came to the at-tention of the authorities in Al-exandria, Egypt in the 4th cen-tury AD. Public debates in the forum were very popular, but the Christian community did not have an orator who could match the pagan debaters. Katherine out-argued and out-

debated the pagan orators and left her audience amazed. Enemies of the Christians reported her to Emperor Maxentius. She was martyred on the spiked wheel which is usually depicted in her icons. ST. STYLIANOS (NOV. 26th) St. Stylianos was a 7th century hermit who became a patron saint of children. Although a member of a desert hermit community, he liked to go among the people dur-ing the day and pray and mediate in his cave at night. After praying for guidance in helping people, he was visited by the Holy Spirit and performed many miraculous cures. He concerned himself primarily with children, both their physical welfare and spiritual needs. He was al-so known to always have a smile on his face; even in death, he had “a faint smile from the light of the Lord.” ST. ANDREW (NOV. 30th) St. Andrew, a fisherman from Bethsaida, is also known as Prok-litos, “first called,” since he was the first person chosen by the Son of God when he began his minis-try. Following the Resurrection, he went out to preach along the Black Sea, where he brought Christianity to many thousands of people in Thrace, Macedonia, Greece, Scythia (Russia, where he is con-sidered to be a patron saint), and Byzantium. He or-dained Stachys, the first bishop of Byzantium, estab-lishing the unbroken line of Patriarchs from whom all priests, bishops and archbishops are spiritually de-scended. He was martyred on an X-shaped cross at the age of 80, for converting the wife of the ruler.

SAINTS AND HOLY DAYS FOR NOVEMBER

Happy Nameday & Chronia Polla

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CChristmas Lent Christmas Lent lasts 40 days in the Orthodox Church from November 15th to December 25th. This is a time for prayer, fasting, confession, anticipation and prepa-ration for the Savior’s coming. The Sacrament of Confession, is available to everyone. “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unright-eousness,” the Bible teaches. Call the church (843-448-3773) for an appointment for Confession.

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Lord God, from whom flow all the blessings of life,

we worship Your Holy Name on this Thanksgiving Day.

We give thanks for your unceasing goodness upon us through families, friends,

the Gospel, the Church, and our freedom in America.

We thank you for your Words of abundant life.

We thank you for filling our hearts with faith, hope, joy and love.

Grant us your peace this day, we pray, and be in our gathering.

AMEN

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I am overwhelmed with the support we had for our festival this year! Lisa, Ligia and I started planning this event back in January. We had monthly meetings with the other co-chairs. The three of us had many meetings together as well. I don't feel "Thank You" is enough!!! All of you who volunteered your ideas, your time and your hard work went above and beyond! I don't recall a time when we were running out of food and ran out of pastries on Sat-urday! What a weekend!!! Thank you for baking koulourakia Sat-urday night in the hall kitchen. Thank you to our local businesses who baked for us Saturday and Sunday to allow us to have more pastries, and thank you to our parishioners who went home and baked and came in early to use the kitchen to prepare more!!! This is an outstanding representation of unity!!! I am so proud and honored of the great success of this festival! We have already started taking notes to have an even more successful festival next year. I was hoping to have a monetary report at this time. Unfortu-nately we are still awaiting invoices to pay a few more bills. In the meantime we would like to invite all of you who volunteered to a dinner in the fellowship hall Thursday, November 14 at 6pm. This is our way of saying thank you for all of your hard work. We are also having a wrap up meeting Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm. Please come and provide us with feedback to improve next year's festival. If you are interested in chairing a committee or working on a certain committee please join us! In closing I would like to quote my dear friend Chris Theodore: "When you take care of God's house, God takes care of you!" Sincerely, Penny Vlandis co-chair Myrtle Beach Greek Festival

A Note From our Festival Co-Chair

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2019 Myrtle Beach Greek Festival

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GOYA N

GOYA would like to “Thank” the following individuals/groups for their contributions to the “Trunk or Treat” event: Athens Pizza, Chris Theodore, Elaine Willett, The St. John Philoptochos and the Parishioners who donated candy and decorated vehicles, and all the children and parents who participated. Thanks to all!!!

Alex Vlandis

843-497-5607

GOYA President

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December 27-30, 2019 - Register Today!

Calling All Disciplies

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." ~Matthew 28:19

The Winter Youth Rally commences each year on the Feast of St. Stephen on December 27. All Orthodox teens in the Metropolis of Atlanta involved in their local parish's GOYA and Church School program are invited to Atlanta, GA each December to com-pete in tournaments representing their church community. We offer Volleyball, Basketball and Bible Bowl Tournaments for GOYANs in 7th-12th grades. Each evening several rounds of Bible Bowl are also offered for teens to grow in their faith and knowledge of Holy Scripture. Only registered GOYANs are al-lowed to play on WInter Youth Rally team and allowed into the Hotel.

Bible Bowl Topic: St. Paul the Apostle

GOYANS $270.00 (price increase on 11/10/2019) All Orthodox Teens in grades 7-12 involved in their local parish's GOYA and Church School program are invited to attend the Winter Youth Rally as long as they have an advisor to accompany them to the event. When registering one must indicate which events they will be participating in at the Winter Youth Rally. The options are Bible Bowl, Basketball, Volleyball, or Not Playing a Sport. GOYANs are to stay at the hotel provided by the Metropolis of Atlanta during the Winter Youth Rally. All GOYANs must register to particiapte in the WYR.

Lead Advisor (R/S/T - Youth Worker): $245.00 (price increase on 11/15/2019) The Lead Advisor is assigned by the Parish Priest and must be 25 years old. This Lead Advisor will be the liaison between the Metropolis and the local Parish before and during the Winter Youth Rally. The Metropolis will inform the lead advisor which GOYANs from the local parish have registered. The Lead Advisor will be responsible for lo-cal Basketball, Volleyball and Bible Bowl team registrations, team assignments, roommate assignments by November 15. Lead Advisors will also need to confirm that the local parish is in compliance with the 1:10 (minimum) advisor ratio set by Winter Youth Rally. All Lead Advisors are required to stay at the Hotel. If your parish needs a coupon code, con-tact youth@atlmetropolis.org.

Go to the website for further information. https://www.atlmetropolis.org/winter-youth-rally

Registration deadline is December 1. Registration Questions? Contact Maria Patselikos or Monica Gjerde

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The OXI Dinner was a huge success!! Thanks to all who attended and supported our youth Greek School event.

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Letter from The “Parish Champion” Dear Fellow Parishioners, Congratulations to Bruce Bigart and David Radomsky (Our Parish Honorees) for the Archangel St. Michael Awards that will be held Saturday, November 9th in Atlanta. Well deserved Bruce and Dave!!

We had a mighty fine successful festival this year and we should all feel grateful and happy knowing that together and with all our ef-forts made it so. Bravo! We connected our minds, heart and hands.

OCF WorkDaze - Diakonia Retreat Center - NOVEMBER 22ND – NOVEMBER 24 College & University Students from throughout the southeast are invited to a weekend of spiritual renewal, service to others, and friendship. This twice yearly retreat is a favorite time for many of our OCF students. For more information contact: southeaststudent@ocf.net.

Communiqué of the Holy Eparchial Synod The Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America convened for their regular fall meeting, October 15-16, under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

Yours In Christ,

Linda Moustakis

Parish Champion

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Dear Parishioners, Thank you to all for working so hard to make this year’s festival a success. It was so heart warming to see so many smiling faces even while baking more kourourakia on Saturday night! Philoptochos has once again partnered with GOYA for their annual food drive. A box has been set-up in the coffee room to collect the donations. More Than Meals will be cooking and delivering meals on November 12tth at 10:00 am. All help is needed, from prepping the food to delivering the meals. Please contact Virginia Theodore at (603) 842-2323. Starting November 3rd Philoptochos will have a table located in the Hall entrance to collect donations for the Church Christmas card and Poinsettias. Forms have also been included in this months Voice. Our Christmas Luncheon will be on December 3rd at 12:00pm at the Dunes Club. Cost for the meal is $20, cash, and spouses can attend. We will be collecting new books Freedom Readers. The Philoptochos Holiday Bake Sale will be on December 20th and 21st in the Church Hall. We will be baking on December 10th and 11th. More details will be forth coming. Our next General Meeting will be on November 21, 2019 at 1:00pm in the Hall Library. The St John's Women's Craft Society will not be meeting until after the holidays. Your Sister in Christ, Elaine Willett

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“MORE THAN MEALS”

MINISTRY

A huge “Thank You” to those that have donated generously to this ministry. Your donations have helped this ministry grow.

If you or someone you know in this parish is in need of a delicious hot meal, please notify me or the church office.

Please come and participate in this very fulfilling ministry. We will be baking and delivering meals on November 12, 2019.

Virginia Theodore “More than Meals” Coordinator

AGORA Beginning November 3rd the AGORA will be open during coffee hour. The AGORA will be open the first Sunday of each month. Come by and check it out!

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The Daughters of Penelope have been involved in a Civic Responsibilty Campaign and awareness of Family Violence Prevention and Services. Nationally Penelope Place, Domestic Family Violence Center: Penelope House, Mobile, AL and Domestic Family Vio-lence Center: Penelope's Place, Brockton, MA. Locally we support the Family Justice Center of Georgetown and Horry Counties. The Statistics are alarming: Nationwide, an average of three women are murdered by a current or former intimate partner every day. One in four women and one in seven men have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence annually. Do-mestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. 51.5% of victims who iden-tified a need for housing services did not receive them. The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $6.5 billion each year. Domestic violence has been estimated to cost employers in the U.S. up to $13 billion a year. Though steady progress has been made there are many victims who still suffer in silence. In fact, a 2018 24-hour survey of domestic violence pro-grams across the U.S. found that in just one day alone 74,823 victims of domestic violence received services and 19,459 Domestic Violence Hotline calls were answered. However, 9,183 requests for services (such as emergency shelter, transportation, or legal representation) went unmet that day due to lack of funding and resources(2). The unconscionable gap between need and resources only widens.

The Daughters of Penelope commemorates the 79th Anniversary of “Oxi” Day, observing it as a day to celebrate freedom, justice, liberty, and the passion of the Hellenic spirit.

We had a DOP meeting on October 23rd and planned for our upcoming Bake Sale on Fri-day/Saturday November 8th & 9th 2019. Preparation dates include Thursday 10/31, Friday 11/01, Wednesday 11/06 & Thursday 11/07. (usually beginning at 10am. We do need volun-teers for preparation dates and days of Bake Sale.

November 10th, the DOP will be hosting Coffee Hour in Celebration of 90 Years. We are the Daughters of Penelope - an organization that EMPOWERS WOMEN! Together we are STRONGER! Together we THRIVE.

Our Christmas Party with AHEPA will be in December.......date pending.

You Sister in Christ,

Linda Moustakis, President

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News from the AHEPA Myrtle Beach Chapter 498 Our new AHEPA calendar year for our local Chapter 498 is in full swing. We held our first meeting on 9/11/19 and our second one on 10/25/19. We were honored by the visit of our AHEPA Su-preme Secretary, Mr. James Stasios during our October meeting. His message echoed a need for a renewed interest in the AHEPA organization activities. Our next meeting is set for November 6, 2019 at 5:30pm at the St. John The Baptist GOC Church Hall. Only existing AHEPA members may attend.

Membership Drive – We continue to promote membership increase for our local chapter’s fraternal organization from among adult male members in our community. Greek heritage is NOT Required; however, Philhellenism (i.e. being a friend/ having the love for the Greek culture and people) and a solid Christian faith is required to join. Please join us!!!

If you ever wonder “Why Should I Join AHEPA”, you may Be Motivated by the following facts:

AHEPA was founded in 1922 in Atlanta, GA on the principals that undergirded it fight for civil rights and against discrimination, bigotry and hatred felt at the hands of the Ku Klux Klan. AHEPA is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the USA, Canada and Europe.

AHEPA’s Mission is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility and Family and Individual Excellence through community service and volunteerism.

“Conversational Greek Language Fundamentals” Sessions for Adults –Set to begin on Tuesday November 5, 2019 and weekly thereafter. There are 17 committed participants with 13 oth-ers, who have expressed interest but not yet committed. We look forward to offering these ses-sions, as part of the “Educational” cornerstone of the AHEPA organization.

AHEPA Social Events – The goal is to promote social engagement and fun for our membership and community. Our local Chapter 498 plans to hold a Reverse Raffle Dinner Party on Saturday, February 22, 2020 (SAVE THE DATE!!) prior to the start of the Lenten season. Dinner, wine and beer along with a live music for dancing will be included at a cost of $120 per couple. All proceeds will go towards our AHEPA charities and scholarship programs. We look forward to this fun filled evening for all.

Jimmy Lambrinos

AHEPA Chapter 498 President

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Stewardship 2019 (as of Oct. 28, 2019) The list below indicates all those that have turned in their Stewardship Cards for 2019.

If you have turned in a card, and do not see your name listed, please contact the church office. Stewardship Cards are available in the Pangari or in the office during regular business hours.

George & Eileen Adrian

Jonathan Aftosmes AHEPA Chapter Yorgos & Cindy Anagnostopoulos Georgia Andriotis George Andros Chris & Laura Arakas James & Brenda Arakas Joseph Arakas Mike & Wendy Arakas Dale Athanas Dan & Sylvia Baker Vincent & Marion Barone Irina Batchelor Charles & Katie Belissary Bruce & Rebecca Bigart Lorraine Birbilis Evan & Alexia Bofilios Tony & Roula Bofilios Celso & Ligia Bolet Annette Bolinsky Patty Bruno Christopher & Amy Castanes John & Anastasia Daskalis Preston & Jennifer Dellinger Nick Demis John Demtrak Artemis & Aristou Eleftheriou Lucy Eleftheriou John & Stefani Engonidis Jordan & Maria Engonidis Peter Engonidis James & Adrianne Finn George Galitsis Michael & Maria Gavrilis Nektarios & Maria Gavrilis Costas & Urania Geladakis John Geladakis Spiro Geladakis Alexandra Grivakis Timothy Groza David & Anastasia Spirakis-Haar Michael & Kelly Hatton Nancy Jackson Irene Jaquet Evangelos & Anthoula Kaltsounis Sofia Karatza Elaine Karavan Harry & Yvonne Karetas Milton & Joyce Karetas Eirini Karras

Vasiliki Karras George & Kaye Kartsaklis Constantine (Dean) Karukas George James Karukas George Karukas, Sr. John & Carolyn Kefalas John J. Kefalas Jr. Seraphim Kefalas Katherine Keirnan David & Diane Keiser Theodoros & Kalliopi Kesoglou Walter and Connie Klimash Jimmy & Stacey Kontos Konstantinos Kostarelos Costas & Ioanna Koullias Chris & Dina Kousoulou Perry & Tina Koustenis Jimmy & Vivian Lambrinos Andrew & Sandra Lambros Patricia Lazarou Gary & Stacy Legge Angelo & Susan Magafan George & Olga Manos Keith & Holly Marin Evangelos & Patricia Mavroidis Francis & Sandra McAteer Jamie & Helen McLain Michael Merisotis Nicholas & Linda Michaels Takis & Michele Michalos Joy Mitchell Claire Moomjian Deane Morris Calliope Moshoures Michael Moshoures Victoria Moshoures George & Linda Moustakis George & Jennifer Nicholas Costos and Lisa Nicolaou Ashleigh Orrock Theodore & Amanda Panaretos Angela Panos Nick & Mary Papadea George & Dena Paparis Mike & Moska Pappas Patsy Pappas Stathis & Fannie Paraschis Athina Paraschos Charilaos & Soultana Paraschos George & Ekaterine Paraschos Kostas & Domna Paraschos

Michael & Kristina Paraschos Constantine Pavlakos Ladies Philoptochos Society Harry & Diana Pieri Tony & Helen Politis John Popa Kleoniki Pournaras Toula Pournaras Vaslios & Dana Pournaras Zoe Pournaras David & Jane Radomsky Michael & Stephanie Ravaschio Joe Reagan Vernon & Lisa Rondeau George & Sandy Sarandos George & April Savas Nicholas & Loretta Siotka Donald & Elizabeth Sliker Harold & Constantina Smith Paul & Annette Smotas George & Eleni Sourlis Georgia Sourlis Pete & Joanna Sourlis George Spirakis George G. & Zhanetta Stathos Sam and Ashley Stathos Bernie & Kalla Szostek Greg & Besiane Terova Elaine Teruel Ted & Happy Theocles Chris & Virginia Theodore Kurt Theurer Dino & Susan Thompson Olga Toggas & Eric Wright Vickie Tsagatos Demetrios Tselides Violet Tsiantis George & Effie Vandoros E.Timothy & Mary Vaughan Constantine & Karen Verenes William & Penny Vlandis Konstantinos & Veatriki Vrantsis Themis & Maya Vrantsis Danny & Nitsa Watson Elaine Willett Charles & Chriss Wroblewski Peter Xenakis Peter Yahnis Christopher & Ann Zakhary Total # of Families Pledged– 148

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All,

As you know, St John’s operates under a pure stewardship program, where each parishioner is asked to complete a yearly Pledge Card.

The Parish By-Laws state that in order to be in “Good Standing”, parishioners need to not only complete a new pledge card each year, but also need to make regular contributions towards the amount that they have pledged.

The church will be sending out a year to date donation statement, in order to ensure each of you has the most current information on your “Giving” for this year, prior to the Parish Council elections in December.

This will give you time to review the information prior to the election.

At the upcoming General Assembly Meeting the annual Audit, Nominating, Election, and Budget Committee members will be selected. There will also be five (5) Parish Council seats that need to be filled for the coming year.

As a reminder, in order to participate in either the voting, or to run for the Parish Council, parishioners need to be in good standing based on the Uniform Parish Regulations, and the By-Laws of St John’s.

Below is a summary from the By-Laws of those requirements:

A steward in good standing, shall be any person 18 years of age or older, who was baptized accord-ing to the rites of the Church, or was received into the Church through Chrismation, abides by the Uni-form Parish Regulations of the Archdiocese of America and St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Parish By-Laws, who has completed and signed a Stewardship Pledge Card for the current year, and makes regular contributions towards that pledge.

The spouse of an individual signing a Stewardship Pledge Card will also be a steward, unless indicat-ed otherwise on the Card, if said spouse is baptized or chrismated into the Orthodox faith All stewards in good standing shall be entitled to all the special Sacramental services of the church (baptisms and weddings), the right to vote and participate in all regular and special General Assembly meetings, the right to vote in Parish Council elections, and the right to run for the Parish Council, providing they are currently up to date on their stewardship pledge. Up to date shall be the prorated amount from January 1st to the current date. Stewards in arrears for a period of more than a year must meet the previous and current year's financial obligations in order to run for office.

A steward duly enrolled in the Parish register but delinquent in his or her Parish financial obligations may vote in the election by meeting his or her financial obligations any time prior to balloting and dur-ing the balloting until the conclusion of same at 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions pertaining to your Stewardship, please feel free to contact the Church office, or if you wish, you can contact me directly either by phone at: 301-807-9243 or by email: perry.koustensi@gmail.com Yours in Christ,

Perry Koustenis

Voting Reminder—Upcoming General Assembly Meeting

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2019 Sponsors’ Ads Ads offset the costs of producing our monthly newsletter. The cost for a business-card sized ad is $65 per quarter. Ads will appear in “The Voice” as well as on our parish

website. For more information contact the Church Office, tel.no. (843) 448-3773 .

The Hall at St. John’s 3301 33rd Avenue Ext. N.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Cheryl L. Cox Hall Promoter

Phone: 843.916.4982

E-Mail: TheHall@stjohn-mb.org

www.thehallatstjohns.com

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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MYRTLE BEACH, SC

PERMIT NO. 419 Greek Orthodox

Metropolis of Atlanta

“The Voice”— Volume VIII, Issue 10 A Monthly Publication

St. John Greek Orthodox Church 3301 33rd Avenue Ext. N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED