ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014...

18
ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 Next to Heaven There is only... GREECE METRO TOURS By Peter Metropolis, Manager [email protected] Www.metrotours.com 978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax Tremont Pharmacy Tremont Drug Co. 86 Tremont Street Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 15 Peabody, MA 01960 Return Service Requested C B S CONSULTING NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS Chief Executive Officer Continental Business Systems Strategic and Financial Planning and Management P.O. Box 3216 Tel: 978-922-0133 Beverly, MA 01915 Fax: 978-921-0139 nkkanaloupitis@cbs-consulting.net PRESIDENT/CEO: NICK SARANTOPOULOS BRANCH MANAGER: NIKI CHARALAMBOUS 32 CENTRAL STREET - (978) 968-2222 www.myccu.org «nameline» «address» «city», «state» «zip» ORTHODOX LIFE ORQODOJOS ZWH A Publication of SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522 Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected] September 2014 Inside this Issue: Fr. Chris’s Message p. 1 &5 Church Service Announcements p. 2 Weekday Services p. 3 Fr. Kerry’s Message p. 4 Fr. Timothy’s Reflection p. 6 Ministries Sunday p. 6 Parish Council News– President’s Message p. 7 St. Vasilios 2014 Festival p. 8-10 International Festival p. 9 Metropolis Family Picnic p. 11 2014 St. Vasilios Stewardship p. 12 Town Hall Meeting p. 12 Organizations & Ministries p. 13 St. Vasilios Coffee Fellowship Hour p. 14 Orthodoxy on TAP save the date p. 15 Senior & Junior GOYA Meeting dates p. 15 September/October Calendars p. 16-17 November/December Calendars p. 18-19 Greek School News p. 20-22 Church School News p. 22-23 Philoptochos News p. 24-26 Healthbeat p. 27 Clergy-Laity Congress Reflections p. 28-29 Men’s Club News p. 30-31 Monthly Bulletin Advertising p. 32 Donations p. 33-34 (Continued on page 5) Recently I re-read the following article written by Father Kyria- kos Saravelas when he was pas- tor of the Annunciation Church in Newburyport. I thought the article might be useful as we pre- pare to begin the New Ecclesias- tical Year on September 1 st . Certainly our parish needs your support and attendance at services and ministry events. Please include the St. Vasilios in your calendar! Little Kristina was happy and proud to be eating out with her mother and father. They were eating brunch after Liturgy on Sunday morning. Kristina ate careful- ly, wanting to be polite so she could go out and eat again soon. After the meal, she saw her father put five dollars next to his plate. “Daddy, why are you putting that money there?” asked Kristina. “That’s for the waitress,” explained her father, “it’s called a tip.” “Oh, is that like the dollar you put in the basket at church this morning?” Kristina’s father was embarrassed and didn’t know Our parish needs your support and attendance at services and ministry events Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos Proistamenos

Transcript of ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014...

Page 1: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

36

Next to Heaven There is only... GREECE

METRO TOURS By

Peter Metropolis, Manager

[email protected] Www.metrotours.com

978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax

Tremont Pharmacy Tremont Drug Co. 86 Tremont Street

Peabody, MA 01960

Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 15

Peabody, MA 01960

Return Service Requested

C B S

CONSULTING

NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS Chief Executive Officer

Continental Business Systems

Strategic and Financial Planning and Management P.O. Box 3216 Tel: 978-922-0133 Beverly, MA 01915 Fax: 978-921-0139

[email protected]

PRESIDENT/CEO: NICK SARANTOPOULOS

BRANCH MANAGER: NIKI CHARALAMBOUS

32 CENTRAL STREET - (978) 968-2222 www.myccu.org

«nameline»

«address»

«city», «state» «zip»

ORTHODOX LIFE ORQODOJOS ZWH ● A Publication of

SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522

Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected]

September 2014

Inside this Issue:

Fr. Chris’s Message p. 1 &5

Church Service Announcements p. 2

Weekday Services p. 3

Fr. Kerry’s Message p. 4

Fr. Timothy’s Reflection p. 6

Ministries Sunday p. 6

Parish Council News– President’s Message p. 7

St. Vasilios 2014 Festival p. 8-10

International Festival p. 9

Metropolis Family Picnic p. 11

2014 St. Vasilios Stewardship p. 12

Town Hall Meeting p. 12

Organizations & Ministries p. 13

St. Vasilios Coffee Fellowship Hour p. 14

Orthodoxy on TAP save the date p. 15

Senior & Junior GOYA Meeting dates p. 15

September/October Calendars p. 16-17

November/December Calendars p. 18-19

Greek School News p. 20-22

Church School News p. 22-23

Philoptochos News p. 24-26

Healthbeat p. 27

Clergy-Laity Congress Reflections p. 28-29

Men’s Club News p. 30-31

Monthly Bulletin Advertising p. 32

Donations p. 33-34

(Continued on page 5)

Recently I re-read the following

article written by Father Kyria-

kos Saravelas when he was pas-

tor of the Annunciation Church

in Newburyport. I thought the

article might be useful as we pre-

pare to begin the New Ecclesias-

tical Year on September 1st. Certainly our parish

needs your support and attendance at services and

ministry events. Please include the St. Vasilios in

your calendar!

Little Kristina was happy and proud to be eating out

with her mother and father. They were eating brunch

after Liturgy on Sunday morning. Kristina ate careful-

ly, wanting to be polite so she could go out and eat

again soon. After the meal, she saw her father put five

dollars next to his plate.

“Daddy, why are you putting that money there?” asked

Kristina.

“That’s for the waitress,” explained her father, “it’s

called a tip.”

“Oh, is that like the dollar you put in the basket at

church this morning?”

Kristina’s father was embarrassed and didn’t know

Our parish needs your support and attendance at services and ministry events

Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos

Proistamenos

Page 2: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

2

Funerals The following members of St. Va-

silios have fallen asleep into the

hands of our Lord over the past

months.

Mable Hatzes

Bill Kipouras

Mary Mallas

Nicholas G. Christy

Katherine Nicholoplus

Stavroula Demitre

Pauline Harvey

Barbara Ann (Moses) Arvanitides

Harriet (Drabatzis) Chihilas

Mable Christopher

Baptisms

The child of

Michael & Jessica Hatzipetros

with Godparent

Anthony Petrides

The child of

Steven & Kristi Vanne

with Godparent

Nicole Goodridge

The child of

Gerald & Kristine Knox

with Godparent

Gia Davis

The child of

Theofan & Elaine Qirjazi

with Godparent

John & Stephanie Sevastakis

Memorials 40–Day

Joanne Mandragouras

Soula Nikola

Larry Lekos

Charles Karis

William Kipouras

Nicholas Christy

Katherine Nicholoplus

1-Year

James Maheras

5 –Year

Peter Maistrellis

10 –Year

Efterpe Maistrellis

30 –Year

Spiro Vasilakopoulos

Trisagia

Eleni Garabedian

Alexandros Kritopoulos

John Gikas

Michael Vayeos

1 yr. Katherine Grant

2 yr. Areti Christ

3 yr. Doreen Karidis

4 yr. Vasilios Ritsos

5 yr. Ermioni Reppas

22 yr. De/spoina Tsoubala 23 yr. Peter Tsouvalas

2014 Dates to Remember

Church School Begins

September 7

Greek School Begins September 10

Philoptochos Annual

Membership Dinner September 16

St. Val’s Men’s Club Carnival

September 18, 19, 20, & 21

Flu Shots September 21

Ministry Sunday

September 28

Town Hall Meeting October 5

Festival Prep November 3-7

2014 St. Vasilios Festival

November 7, 8 & 9

Thanksgiving Service in Lynnfield November 23

Parish General Assembly

November 24 & 7pm

St. Val’s Men’s Club Christmas Party

December 6

Philoptochos Christmas Party December 13

Parish Elections

December 14

Greek School Christmas Program December 17

Christmas Breakfast

December 21

Weddings

Anthony Petrides&

Jillian DeMass

with sponsor Michael Hatzipetros

Vasilios Stephanides Jr. &

Karen Lynn Keough

with sponsor

Constantine Stephanides Jr.

Eric R. Harrison &

Gia Davis

with sponsor Kristine Knox

Andrew R. Sullivan &

Anthoula Pnevmatikos

with sponsor Nick Exarhos

George Markos &

Joanna John Gikas

with sponsor Vasilios Iatrou

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

35

STEPHEN M. ZOLOTAS Attorney at Law

133 Washington Street

Salem, MA 01970

Tel: (978) 744-5333

Fax: (978) 832-1177

[email protected]

NEW ENGLAND

MEAT MARKET

Charles Silva

62 Walnut Street,

Peabody, MA 01960

978-531-0846

MENIATES FAMILY

IN MEMORY OF

JAMES X. & RENA

MENIATES

METRO CLEANERS

43 FOSTER ST PEABODY, MA

978-532-6337

100 CUMMINGS CENTER

BEVERLY, MA

978-998-3200

ORGETTAS FAMILY

IN MEMORY OF

MICHAEL & RENA

ORGETTAS

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

Monthly Bulletin Advertising

Reaches 1,200 Families

Ads starting at $325.00 per year

Please contact Irene at

978-531-0777

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

FOFO’S Stefana only $59

Christening Outfits 25% off

Decorated Candles

Religious Items

Plenty of Matia,

Favors for All Occasions

136 Main Street

Peabody, MA 01960

(978) 977 9141

Tue-Fri 11-5 Sat 11-4

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene at

978-531-0777

Bulletin Advertising

Space Available

Please contact Irene

at

978-531-0777

Page 3: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

34

Donations continued

IN MEMORY OF BARBARA A. ARVANITIDES

Carol McDonald & family /Dorothy Bryan & family

Lucille Addelahad

Mary C. Cahalane

Rosie Rines-

Patricia Feeney

Edith Vaccaro

Bill & Anne Tsapatsaris

Lisa Haidar

John & Pat Vozella

Peter & Deborah Pantazelos

Georgia Salaris

Ruth Aborjaily

Catherine Aborjaily

Maryanne & Bob Couillard

Ronald Simon

Daughters of Penelope Zelia Ch. #120

Karen Aborjaily

Mary Nickitopoulos

Zisis & Sandra Veloukas

Irene Christ

Ann Bogdanski

North Shore Hellenic Womens Guild

Margo & George Padios

Ruth Morfis

IN MEMORY OF LARRY LEKOS

$25 Harry Shambos

$50 Maria Tsoutsouras

$50 Steven & Mina Kappa

$30 Christopher & Effie Chigas

$25 Helen & Konstantinos Himaras

$25 Peter & Sophia Cakounes

$25 Elaine Vronkas

$100 Stephen S. Kalivas

$25 Dimitrios & Stamatina Malatos

$25 Margo & George Padios

IN MEMORY OF JOAN MANDRAGOURAS

$100 Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Zisis

$50 Harry & Joan Mandragouras

$25 Cavallon Family

$50 Janet Scangas

$25 Cynthia Mandragouras

$50 Michael & Cynthia Gargas

$50 John & Marie MacArthur

$50 Stephen S. Kalivas

$25 Florence & Cindy Avagianos

$50

Kostas & Gail Tsamardinos and John &

Irene Tsouvalas

IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM TSONIS

$50 Bill & Anne Tsapatsaris

$100 Joyce, Erica & Tina Gianellis

$20 Marjorie Millea & Eugene Yanchus

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

3

Vesperal Liturgy for St. Iakovos

Wednesday, October 22nd

St. James 6 p.m.

Synaxis of the Archangels

Saturday, November 8

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

St. Chrysostom

Thursday, November 13

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Entrance of Theotokos

Friday, November 21

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Vespers at Cathedral for St. Andrew

Saturday, November 29 @ 7 pm

St. Savas

Friday, December 5

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

St. Nicholas

Saturday, December 6

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

St. Spyridon

Friday, December 12

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil

Wednesday, December 24

Divine Liturgy 6pm

Christmas Day Liturgy

Thursday, December25

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Feast of St. VasiliosThe Great

Thursday, January 1

Orthros 9 am

Liturgy 10 am

Esperino/c Teta/rth, 22h Oktwbri/ou

St. James 6 p.m.

Su/najic Tajiarxw/n Mixah/l kai Gabrih/l

Sabba/to, 8h Noembri/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc

9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Iwa/nnhc Xruso/stomoc Pe/mpth, 13h Noembri/ou

8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Ei/sodoc thc Uperagi/ac Qeoto/kou

Paraskeuh/ 21h Noembri/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc

9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Esperino/c ston Kaqedriko/ Nao/ gia tou Agi/ou Andre/a

Sabba/to, 30h Noembri/ou 7 m.m.

/Agion Sa/ba Paraskeuh/ 5h Dekembri/ou

8:00 p.m ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

/Agioc Niko/laoc

Sabba/to, 6h Dekembri/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc

9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

\Agioc Spuri/dwn Paraskeuh/, 12h Dekembri/ou

8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Paramonh/ Xristouge/nnwn Teta/rth, 24h Dekembri/ou

Qei/a Leitourgi/a stic 6:00 m.m.

Ge/nnhsic tou Ihsou/ Xrhstou/ Pe/mpth, 25h Dekembri/ou

8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Me/gac Basi/leioc

Pe/mpth, 1h Ianouari/ou 2014 9:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc

10:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Weekday Services KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES

Page 4: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

4

Επή Τή Ενάρξη Τού Νέου Εκκλησιατικού Έτους

2014 -2015 - Αρχή Τής Ινδίκτου

Αγαπητοί μου Αδελφοί,

Τώρα πού φτάσαμε στήν αρχή τού Νέου Εκκλησιατικού Έτους,

ήθελα νά σάς ευχηθώ «ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ!» Αυτές τίς ευχές τίς μεταδίδω διά μέσου

μιάς προσωπικής μου προσευχής γιά τό μέλλον τής αγαπημένης μας Κοινότητος ώς

εξής:

«Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ, Υιέ τού Θεού,

ό ευλογημένος καρπός τής Παναγίας Μητρός σου,

σύ πού καταδέχθηκες νά γίνης άνθρωπος διά τήν

σωτηρίαν τήν ιδικήν μας, καί εμεγάλωσες ανεστραφής

μέσα είς τήν οικογένειαν.

Ελθέ Κύριε, νά κατοικήσης καί νά μείνης μαζί μας.

Επιθυμούμεν, καί σέ παρακαλούμεν, νά γίνης

σύμβουλος καί διδάσκαλος, ό παντοδύναμος

Προστάτης καί βοηθός καί ό ιατρός τών ασθενειών μας.

Δώσε Κύριε, νά βασιλεύση είς τόν οίκον μας τό άγιον

θέλημά σου. Χάρισέ μας τήν ομόνοιαν, τήν ειρήνην,

τήν αγάπην, τήν αμοιβαίαν ανοχήν καί μακροθυμίαν,

τήν ενότητα, τήν υπομονήν καί πάσαν άλλην αρετήν.

Χάριζέ μας τά αγαθά σου, τά πνευματικά καί τά υλικά.

Καί αξίωσέ μας ημέραν καί νύκτα νά δοξάζωμεν καί νά

ευλογούμεν μέ καρδιάν ευγνώμονα τό άγιον όνομά

σου, καί τού ανάρχου σου Πατρός καί τού Παναγίου

καί αγαθού σου Πνεύματος. Αμήν.»

Είθε, αγαπητόι μου αδεδλφοί, ό Κύριός μας πάντοτε νά ευλογεί τήν αγαπημένη μας Κοινότητα

τού Αγίου Βασιλείου μαζί μέ όλα τά μέλη Της!

Μετ΄αγάπης πολλής έν Κυρίω,

+ π. Κυριάκος Β. Σαραβέλας

ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE

We have scheduled the next meeting of the Accessibility Committee for Thursday SEPTEMBER

25TH AT 7:30 PM in the Parlor Room.

We will be reviewing the Architects' renderings for creating a ramp in the front of the church and allowing

access for all.

We will be reviewing the phases that were discussed previously and the proposals given by the architects.

In addition, we will be discussing our kick-off campaign and fundraising efforts.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

33

Donations

$30 Weekday coffee hour-BT fund

$50 Georgia Panagopoulos in memory of son William D. Fletcher

$50 Ruth Morfis in memory of Diane (Soula) Nikola

$100 Lola Kalivas in memory of Diane (Soula) Nikola

$25 St. Val's Men's Club in memory of Bill Kipouras

$1,100 Family & Friends of James Yeannakopoulos-Scholarship

$100 Tina Kennery in memory of Sophocles Kritikos

$100 St. Vasilios Philoptohos Athena in loving memory of Soula Nikola

$100 Evangelia Kastrinakis in memory of George Kastrinakis

$100 Priscilla Giftakis in memory of husband Theodore Giftakis

$50 Mrs. Penny Karahalis in memory of Diane (Soula) Nikola

$100 Church School in memory of Diane (Soula) Nikola-BT

$100 Mr. & Mrs. George Velonis in memory of Grace Macrinotis

$25 St. Val's Men's Club in memory of Ralph Mirra

$100 Lola Kalivas in memory of Charles Karis-H/A

$25 Robert & Gloria Shay in memory of John Karahalis

$25 Robert & Gloria Shay in memory of James Maravalias

$25 Virginia Katsoulas in memory of James Maravalias

$100 Irene Christ in memory of mother Areti Christ

$100 Dorothy Raczkowski in memory of beloved daughter Kathryn Mayo and sister Connie Troubetaris-4th anniv.

$100 Cynthia Gikas in memory of husband John Gikas & son Michael Vayeos

$35 Mary Argeros in memory of John Karahalis

$50 Connie & Faith Theokas in memory of John Karahalis

$100 Connie, Faith & Christina Theokas in memory of William Kipouras

$50 Bill & Anne Tsapatsaris in memory of Efthalia Andrianos

$50 Dr. & Mrs. Asher Alpern in memory of James Maravelias

$50 Dionisios Moutsoulas in memory of wife Nicoleta

$20 Maria Collins in memory of Charles Karis

$100 John & Virginia Tsouvalas in memory of Despina Tsouvala-22 yrs

$200 Julie Kallas for good health of family

$70 Co-workers from Salem Hospital Laboratory in memory of Joanne Mandragouras

$50 Osram Sylvnia Quarter Century Club in memory of Katherine Nicholoplus

$25 Mary Nickitopoulos in memory of Katherine Nicholoplus

$30 Bill & Mary Stratis in memory of Nikos Haitoglou

$25 Mary Ann Cerat in memory of Harriet Chihlas

$100 Mr. & Mrs. Petros Sofronas in memory of mother Nicoleta and grandson Petros

$50 Yokas family in memory of parents George & Martha Yokas

$50 Yokas family in memory of brother Sotirios Yokas

$200 Mary Tenedios in memory of husband Michael Tenedios-2yrs

$100 In memory of De/spoina Tsoubala/ to Sunday School

Page 5: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

32

Children’s Friend and Family Services seeks volunteer mentors ages 21 and older to be matched with one

youth mentee from the North Shore. Youth are between the ages of 5 and 18, and as a mentor you would

meet every week for at least two hours to establish a one-to-one relationship that over a year’s time ma-

tures into a genuine, caring friendship. Our mentors – like the individuals and families we serve – come

from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, watching a movie,

cooking or just talking on the phone – when you take time out of your day to enrich the life of a child,

you’re making a real difference. Our current program waitlist has 39 youth, there is a significant need! If

you are interested or would like to know more, please visit http://childrensfriend.net/services/youth-

mentoring/ or contact Samantha Alves, Director of Youth Mentoring at [email protected] or call

978-219- 1528.

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

5

Our parish needs your support and attendance at services and ministry events.

how to answer. He thought, “Am I only tipping God

when I give an offering?”

“No, Kristina,” he finally said, “it’s not the same.”

The Bible speaks about honoring the Lord with our

first fruits. This means giving to God the first and

best of our earnings, not what is left over. Everything

we have comes from God. It belongs to Him. That’s

why we call our gift an offering. We offer it back to

God because it’s His in the first place.

Waiters and waitresses serve us, so we give them a tip

to show our appreciation. However, we don’t want to

treat God like a waiter. God lovingly sent His Son to

rescue us from every evil and eternal death. Because

He loves us and blesses us, we don’t give Him a tip

but an offering from a thankful heart.

Wherever we live, we observe two common items

made of glass: windows and mirrors. We look

through a window but at a mirror. A mirror simply

reflects what is in front of it. We look in a mirror to

see how we look, but we don’t need a mirror to see

how other people look; we need a window.

Our lifestyle can be like a window or like a mirror.

Window people look beyond themselves, at other peo-

ple, at the world. Mirror people see only themselves.

Therein lies their misery. Christ and His followers are

window people. Through Christian Stewardship they

find life’s highest joy in helping and supporting God’s

work in the world through His Church.

When someone sends you something, you look at the

gift card, or at the address, to see who sent it. This is

only natural. But there is a gift card that goes with

everything we have, if we only look to see, and the

card reads like this: “With infinite Love, Yours faith-

fully, God.”

Miquel De Unamuno, the great Spanish thinker, said

once: “It is not the coin I give that counts, but the

warmth it carries with it from my hand.” We may say

the same, I’m sure about our offering to God; “It’s not

only the money I give that counts; it is also the

warmth of the love it carries with it from my heart.”

Can money buy everything? It can buy a bed, but can

it buy sleep? It can buy food, but can it buy an appe-

tite? It can buy finery, but can it buy beauty? It can

buy a house, but can it buy a home? It can buy medi-

cine, but health? It can buy amusement, but can it buy

a Savior? It can buy a church building, but can it buy

heaven?

Have you ever heard a person ask, “Why should I

give? What has the church done for me?”

Let’s see exactly what the church does for us. She

welcomes us with a prayer on the day of our birth,

blessing our entrance into the world. She gives us our

name on the eighth day, as is the ancient custom ac-

cording to the Orthodox Prayer Book. She leads us

into the sanctuary on the fortieth day after birth to

dedicate us to God. She baptizes us, anoints us with

the seal of the Holy Spirit, and nourishes us with the

Body and Blood of the Lord. She catechizes us, lead-

ing us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. She

crowns our marriage with God’s rich blessings. She

stands by us in moments of illness anointing us with

God’s healing through the Sacrament of Holy Unc-

tion. When the hour of death comes, she is again by

our side with prayers and Sacrament of God’s pres-

ence, the Eucharist. Even after we have left this world

the church does not forget us but continues to remem-

ber us with memorial prayers until the end of the

world. Instead of asking, “What has the church done

for me?” the true Christian asks another questions,

“What can I do for the Church?” Whatever we do for

the Church, we do for Christ.

A person was complaining of the many money prob-

lems his church had. After he finished his tale of woe,

a friend said to him, “I have never seen a church yet

that had money problems – only idea problems. Let

your church get some great ideas, get a vision, and

you will attract wonderful people to help fulfill those

dreams. Great people are just waiting to give money

to an idea that fulfills a vital human need.

When a Greek hot dog vendor in New York was asked

one day why he bought a school bus for the children

in his home town in Greece and personally supported

his Church and many poor people wherever he could,

he replied, “God has been good to me. So always I

have a debt to Him. Always I try to say, “Thank you”

every way I can!”

(Continued from page 1)

Page 6: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

6

My dearest Brothers and

Sisters in Christ,

Our Church begins

its new Ecclesiastical Year

in September at around the

same time most people

begin school. The month

of September contains two

major feasts that we cele-

brate which set the tone of

the rest of the year for us

as Orthodox Christians: The Nativity of the Theotokos

and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The first feast, The Nativity of the Theotokos,

is celebrated on the 8th of September, and represents

the beginning of God’s economy of salvation and his

plan set into motion. The Apolytikion hymn of the

feast tell us that in being born the Panagia “brought joy

into the world” because the one whom God declared

“spotless” and “more honored than the Cherubim” and

the one who would give birth to God in the flesh was

herself brought into the world. It is a foretaste of the

victory of God over sin and death and is a glimmer of

hope of the horizon of the New Year.

This contrasts somewhat with the second major

feast, that of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sep-

tember 14th. The Cross signifies the completion of that

plan that God put in motion, Our Lord’s victory over

death by death. Because the Cross had been a univer-

sal symbol of death, through Christ’s Crucifixion and

Resurrection it instead became the symbol of eternal

life. In our time the Cross has come to mean a struggle

or hardship and we use phrases “carry that cross” and

“my cross to bear” that makes the Cross of our Lord

seem something ominous. In Byzantine times the sign

of Cross was actually used as a Battle Standard be-

cause of its victorious power, but I think it’s most ac-

curate meaning is for it to be understood as the ulti-

mate symbol of perfect love.

Our Lord said that “greater love have no man

than this; that he lay down his life for his

friends” (John 15:13). Christ, who Himself is God in-

carnate and Love itself, lay down his life for all of hu-

man kind and conquered death by death on the Cross.

Rather than a symbol of military victory, let us see the

Cross of Christ as the real victory that it embodies:

Love’s victory over death. Through the Cross Love is

shown to be the single most powerful force in the Uni-

verse. In every liturgy as the priest censes the altar be-

fore the Great Entrance, he utters the paradoxical

phrase “through the Cross Joy has come into the

world” echoing the hymn of the Nativity of the The-

otokos quoted above. As we begin this new Ecclesi-

astical year let us carry with us the hope which is in-

stilled in us as the Theotokos is born, and the love and

victory that the Cross brings to us so that God may

bless all our endeavors in the coming year.

Fr. Timothy Curren

Fr. Timothy’s Monthly Reflection

MINISTRY SUNDAY

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Our Annual Ministry Sunday will be

held on Sept 28th during coffee hour. Our Par-

ish Ministries will be available with information

and any questions you have. There will also be

committees that need your support. If you want

to join Education, Parish Elders, Building plan-

ning to name a few, the Parish Council will be

there with the information you need.

Please join us for Coffee hour and learn

more about our Parish.

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

31

Page 7: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

30

Men’s Club News

Diane DiPaolo

Paula M. Halepakis

Marietta Goodridge

Charlie Silva

Alexandra Antoniou

Victor Fanikos

Meleti Family

Tsoutsouras Family

Metropolis Family

Joyce Chaisson

Nick Marinakis

Nancy Lalikos

Tia Joy

John Rogers

Pam Katsiris

PICNIC RAFFLE WINNERS

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

7

Parish Council News PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President

President’s Message August 2014

I cannot decide what my feelings are, or at least separate them enough to tell what I am exactly feeling. All I

know is that it is a mixture of sadness, pride, excitement, fear, nervousness and a profound sense of change.

As many of you know, our Dean is away at a residential school during the week, and comes home mostly eve-

ry weekend, however this week our daughter Antonia is leaving for college. This feels different. I know it is

a giant step for her towards independence and beginning the long walk on her own path. She will come home

“to visit” on weekends, holidays and vacations, but the truth is she actually may never “live” with us again. I

tear up just typing the words. It feels so final.

So many of us go through this rite of passage and many more: children getting married, moving to another

state, parents passing on, and others. I know that the feelings are all a bit different and loss is definitely more

profound and emotional, but there are so many common threads: the fear of the unknown, the nervousness of

change and the sadness in the loss.

I am keeping busy, as usual, and my jobs and other kids occupy my time, but in my alone moments before

sleep or in the mornings is when my mind wanders. I want to cling to my routines and the comforting things

that I can count on to not change and to bolster me in these uncertain times.

I look forward to the routine of the school year, homework and sports and I am especially looking forward to

spending more time back at church. Sunday services, fellowship at Coffee Hour, the frantic pace during the

festival and continuing with the amazing work we are all doing to beautify our church and make it accessible

to all are a comfort to me.

The time passes so quickly; it was a moment ago that we brought her into the church for her 40-day blessing,

then her baptism, Christmas pageants, church school, Greek school, basketball, GOYA and so much more. I

hope that she takes these memories, lessons, friends, and faith with her on her journey. I pray for her success-

es and that her missteps are few and heal quickly. I hope that she holds onto her faith during the challenges of

young adulthood and that she misses St Vasilios and all that it represents.

I wish the same for all of you; in whatever transitions this new “school” year brings you and your families.

May you find comfort in the routines and the fellowship of your St Vasilios Family, I know I have. Thank you

all!

Yours in Christ,

Pamela Karamas Katsiris

Parish President

Page 8: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

8

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

29

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: The Department

of Religious Education has expressed concern regard-

ing the decline of Sunday School enrollments and ir-

regular attendance The overall purpose of the Sunday

Church School is to bring our young people to faith in

our Lord Jesus Christ, not only to learn, but to live an

Orthodox Christian life.

The Department of Religious Education hopes

to reach out to all parishes by providing new instruc-

tional materials and software that will be more func-

tional for use by teachers in Sunday School classes.

The new instructional strategies should help to in-

crease attendance and encourage more participation

not only in Sunday School but in youth activities

sponsored by the church..

The panel also addressed a need to introduce

hymnology in the Sunday School curriculum in order

that our children learn to sing certain church hymns.

The director of this program teaches at Hellenic Col-

lege and travels across the Archdiocese

doing workshops for parishes. He is available upon

request.

THE GREEK SCHOOL: According to the

Archdiocese Office of Education, there has been an

increase in the number of students enrolled in after-

noon Greek schools within the last few years. This

trend shows a continued interest and effort to learn the

Greek language with a renewed emphasis on speaking

proficiency. The increasing number of school attend-

ance in the primary grades shows that there is a real

need for well-trained teachers focused on developing

speaking skills to young children of the present gener-

ation many of whom are products of mixed marriages.

A new curriculum for Greek studies is in the

process of development in collaboration with the Uni-

versity of Salonica, Department of Languages and the

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Lan-

guages. The program which will prioritize the devel-

opment of speaking skills will include teaching mate-

rials from Pre-K through Grade 6. It was also empha-

sized at this session that the influence of the clergy

plays a significant role in Greek education. Therefore,

there should be a collaborative effort with the teachers

and the clergy to reach out to parents in an effort to

create a greater interest and enthusiasm for their chil-

dren to attend Greek School as well as Sunday School.

These are the roots of our faith and identity leading to

the preservation of our Greek Orthodox life.

Teachers also need the support of the church

leadership to continue to stimulate and motivate stu-

dents to learn to speak Greek not only in the context of

their heritage but also in response to the national needs

and interests of 21st century language skills required

in a pluralistic and global society and economy.

IONIAN VILLAGE: Archbishop De-

metrios is seeking to increase interest and participation

in the Ionian Village program conducted in Greece

every summer for our young teen-agers. The Arch-

bishop is looking for ways to make this program more

financially accessible to all youth. In recent years, the

Faith Endowment organization has given over 100 full

or partial travel grants to worthy students amounting

to $260,000. The availability of these grants has been

providing a great opportunity for more young teen-

agers to benefit culturally and spiritually from this en-

riching experience. The parishes across the country

owe it to their constituents to promote the Ionian Vil-

lage experience by encouraging and helping more of

its youth to participate in the program.

VICE-PRESIDENT JOSEPH BIDEN ADDRESSES

CLERGY- LAITY BANQUET:

The final event was the Gala Banquet which

included the closing session of the Congress

and attracted over 1200 delegates and guests whose

attention was focused on the keynote speaker, Vice-

President Joe Biden. In his 40 minute address, the

Vice-President was positive as he spoke on the three

issues of great concern to the Greek Orthodox com-

munity: the relationship between the United States and

Greece; religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriar-

chate and Christians in Turkey, and the situation with

Cyprus. With regard to religious freedom, Mr. Biden

expressed that the Greek Orthodox Church has the

right to control its own destiny, and the right to re-

open the Theological School in Halki without the in-

terference of the Turkish government.

Needless to say, the Clergy-Laity Congress of

2014, held in Philadelphia was an overwhelming suc-

cess. It was a productive, informative and thought pro-

voking experience for the clergy, delegates and mem-

bers in attendance representing the Greek Orthodox

Church across the United States, Canada, Central

America and abroad.

Respectfully submitted,

Phyllis J. Dragonas, Ph.D.

Fotini Manolakos, Delegates,

St. Vasilios Church, Peabody, MA

Fotini Manolakos, Delegates ,

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church

Page 9: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

28

The following report of the 42nd Clergy-Laity

Congress will focus on four topics of interest, one of

which was the central theme of the program: The

Unity of the Family.

According to the message of the Patriarch, the family

is the essence of Greek Orthodoxy through the unity

of marriage. The Orthodox Christian family is com-

posed of a man and a woman who have been granted

the power of procreation through a Greek Orthodox

Christian marriage. Christ was born in a family and

spoke from the Cross when he said to John this is

your mother and to his mother he proclaimed this is

your son. Therefore, what God has put together let us

not put asunder is the belief of our church.

Supporting the Christian family in the Ortho-

dox tradition is to preserve its values, principles, cul-

ture and heritage in this country. The family receives

its strength, wisdom and salvation from its Greek

Orthodox faith. Therefore, faith must be preserved

and transmitted to our children. Living in today’s

multi-cultural society with so many challenging

choices and distractions, it is necessary to proceed by

seeking the Lord’s commitment to preserve Ortho-

doxy in the family. The family is the nucleus, the

foundational element for the future prosperity of our

church in the world.

Today’s family is a challenge as the traditional

family is no longer the norm in this country: 45% of

marriages end in divorce; less than half the couples

living together ever marry, and 36% of children are

born to single mothers.

The current demands of modern life are weak-

ening the family. One of the issues of family today is

focused on socio-economic accomplishments. Eco-

nomic well-being leads us to believe that we are the

center of the universe. Parents are overwhelmed by the

demands of their children, and easily give into them

the priorities placed on organized sports and varied

activities are taking the children out of the home on

Sunday and out of Sunday School. Modern culture is

one of “face in the box”. It is the computer, I-Pad and

texting that distracts the daily lives of young people.

If parents want to play a role in their children’s lives,

it is their responsibility to set the tone and example for

them. When parents religiously go to church on Sun-

day and also participate in church related activities

during the period of growth and adolescence of their

children, the children will often be inclined to follow

the example of their parents in good faith. By laying a

foundation of faith at an early age, the young people

will have something that will guide and strengthen

them through life.

Family is the dynamics of the church. The

church has to have a substance and a passion

imbedded in the family. The church Sunday School

and Greek School are both components of an Ortho-

dox child’s development, identity and sense of belong-

ing.

As leaders of the church together with the in-

volvement of the clergy we must collaboratively find

ways to reach out to parents and families. We need to

educate the parents by helping them to develop an in-

terest, conscience and passion. Parents will no longer

have to worry what choices their children are making

on Sunday. They will know how to explain to their

children why it is important and in their best interest

to go to church and to attend Sunday School.

Through their influence and actions more than words,

parents become stewards of their family, and within

the family, the parents are the stewards of love, trust

and authority.

REFLECTIONS: THE GREEK-ORTHODOX CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS

Philadelphia, PA July 6-10, 2014

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

9

Page 10: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

10

HELP NEEDED

FOR OUR NOVEMBER FESTIVAL

We need every parishioner to volunteer some time (even ONE HOUR) to make our Festival another great success!

Below is the list of volunteer opportunities. Please contact the appropriate person to GET INVOLVED!

FOOD DONATIONS

If you would like to donate food for the festival, please contact Jim Limberakis at 617-694-5022 or 978-535-0351

Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8531 for a complete list of items needed.

BOOTH RENTALS

If you’re interested in showcasing your own items for sale at the Festival, please contact Bessie Silva at 978-771-

2119 on renting a table.

COUNTRY STORE

The Country Store is seeking donations of baked items and other goods to be sold at the Festival. For more infor-

mation, please contact Persephone Santos at 798-531-2121.

SOUVENIR JOURNAL

The Souvenir Journal is a great way to advertise your business or send a greeting in honor or memory of a loved one.

For more information on placing an ad in the journal, please contact Kirsten Nikola at [email protected] or

978-531-0777. (Please see page 9).

SKEWERING We will be skewering for the Festival on Wednesday, November 5th at 6.00p in the Educational Center. To volunteer, please

call Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8531.

FESTIVAL PLANNING MEETINGS The following meetings are open to all parishioners to help with our November festival, in the Parlor Room.

Monday September 8th 7pm

Monday September 22nd 7pm

Monday October 6th 7pm

Monday October 20th 7pm

Any questions call Bessie Silva 978-771-2119 or email [email protected]

Set-up / Clean-up Bessie Silva 978-771-2119

Baking Ruthie Morfis 978-531-8655

Kitchen Prep Steve Stephanides 978-744-8531

Kafeneio / Pastry

Shop

International Festival St. Vasilios will be participating in the City of Peabody’s annual International Festival on Sunday,

September 14th. If you are interested in making a donation for this event, please contact Pam Katsiris at

978-740-2449 or Bessie Silva at 978-771-2119.

We will be skewering for the International Festival on Thursday, September 11th, at 6 p.m. in the Educational

Center. Please contact Steve Stephanides at 978-744-8230 to volunteer. All are welcomed to assist.

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

27

HEALTHBEAT

Driving to Stay Independent

From The Harvard Health Letter

Sophia Grevelis RN

For many of us, driving is vital for freedom and independence. Aging brings physical

changes that can jeopardize that. Subtle changes in your health can affect your reaction time.

You need to address them while you are well so you can keep driving.

Changes in eyesight may make it harder to see at night, read traffic signs and cope with

glare from oncoming headlights or sunlight reflecting on cars ahead of you.

Hearing loss can also affect your driving skills by keeping you from hearing outside

noises such as sirens and horns. Keep the noise level inside the car to a minimum.

Physical changes such as arthritis pain, the tremors of Parkinson's disease or chronic

back problems may cause difficulty in gripping the steering wheel, turning to look for traffic or

pressing in the brake. Stay active by exercising to maintain flexibility. People with type 2

diabetes, driving skills may become impaired when blood sugar levels drop below 100. It can

cause blurred vision or feel confused.

Serious problems with thinking skills such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia can

cause drivers to get lost, become confused and misjudge distance. When this occurs it's time to

consider giving up the keys. In general, mental sharpness fades as we age which can affect

reaction time when a car cuts you off or a child runs into the street.

Two big offenders that affect driving skills are medications and alcohol. Medications may

cause side effects such as confusion, dizziness and drowsiness. Also, because you are older

your body metabolizes alcohol differently, especially if you are taking medication.

If you experience any signs and symptoms of an emergency such as heart attack or

stroke, stop the car in a safe place and call 911.

If there are any doubts about your driving skills, take a trusted party, friend or family

member, with you for an honest evaluation of your driving skills. Retesting at the Registry of

Motor Vehicles is also an option.

Page 11: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

26

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

11

Page 12: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

12

2014 St. Vasilios Stewardship

Below is a listing of the parishioners who have pledged

from 6/28/2014 through 8/28/2014

SAVE THE DATE:

TOWN HALL INFORMATION MEETING

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2014

10:30 AM DURING COFFEE HOUR IN THE GYM

The Parish Council invites all Stewards to a Town Hall Style Meeting.

You may also submit questions in writing in advance of the Town Hall or General Assembly at the of-

fice or via email to [email protected] . Please contact Parish Council President, Pam Katsiris, at

978-531-0777 if you have any questions.

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Alex

Mrs. Nina Anezis

Mr. George Arvanitides

Mr. Chris Athas

Mr. Michael Bazoukas

Mrs. Jean Brothers

Mrs. Elizabeth Caron

Mrs. Aspacia Cassidy

Mr. & Mrs Christopher Chigas

Ms. Faye Cicci

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Dacey

Mrs. Kristen E. DeSimone

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Efstathopoulos

Mr. & Mrs. George Exarhos

Mr. & Mrs. Victor Fanikos

Mr. Stephen Gargas

Mr. & Mrs Leonidas Gianellis

Ms. Cortney Gould

Mr.& Mrs. Peter Horemiotis

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Horemiotis

Mr. George Horemiotis

Ms. Angelina Kalafatis

Mr. & Mrs. Theodoros Kougianos

Mr. & Mrs. James Leras

Mr. & Mrs. Alexandros Litzos

Mr. Nicholas M. Manos

Mr. George M Manos

Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Mason

Mrs Alexia Meechin

Mrs. Vasso Meniates

Mrs. Elena Moreira

Mr. & Mrs. George Nikolaou

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Palmeira

Mr. & Mrs. Agathoklis Papachronopoulos

Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Psyhogios

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Rexinis

Mrs. Sandra Richards

Ms. Stacey Richards

Mr. Robert F. Shay, Jr.

Mrs.. Deborah Siopis

Mr. & Mrs. Petros Sofronas

Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Solomos

Mr. Kostas Spirakis

Ms. Nicole Tgettis

Ms. Sandra Theodorou

Mr. Arthur J. Tsonis

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Tzortzis

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Velonis

Mr. & Mrs. George Velonis

Mrs Cynthia Worthylake

Mr. John Zannino

Ms. Elaine Zetes

Mr. & Mrs. John Zgonis

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

25

Page 13: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

24

The Philoptochos Christmas luncheon will be on December 13 at the Hawthorne Hotel, Salem.

Philoptochos News

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

13

Presiding Priest Rev. Christopher Foustoukos [email protected]

Assistant Priest Rev. Timothy Curren [email protected]

Parish Council President Mrs. Pam Katsiris [email protected]

Organizations Liaison Mrs. Bonnie Antoniou [email protected]

Office Manager Mrs. Irene Stephanides [email protected]

Stewardship Chairman Mr. Stephen S. Kalivas [email protected]

Church School Mrs. Sophia Hennessey [email protected]

Greek School Principal Mrs. Dina Kalaitzidis [email protected]

Altar Boys Fr. Timothy Curren [email protected]

Myrofores Mrs. Jan Terzakis [email protected]

St. Vals’s Hoops Mr. Steve Stephanides 978-744-8531

Philoptochos President Mrs. Tracey Franggos [email protected]

PTA President Mrs. Constance Spack [email protected]

St. Val’s Men’s Club President Mr. Chris Grevelis [email protected]

St. Stephen’s Ministry Deacon Michael Fadel [email protected]

Parish Nurse Mrs. Sophia Grevelis [email protected]

Family choir Mr. Tony Vatousios [email protected]

Contact Information

Our History in Brief

Who is a Parishioner?

Stewardship

Worship Schedule

Priestly Ministry

Hospital Visits

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

The Orthodox Life Study Group

St. Makrina Women’s Study

Group

On Becoming an Orthodox

Church School

Greek School

St. Vasilios Scholarship Program

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Junior GOYA

Senior GOYA

Altar Boys

Myrofores

Playgroup

St. Val’s Hoops

Metropolis of Boston Athletic

Ministries

Metropolis of Boston Cam (MBC)

ADULT FELLOWSHIP

Parish Council

Philoptochos Society

PTA (Parent Teachers Association)

St. Val’s Men’s Club

St. Methodios Faith & Heritage

Retreat Center

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

St. Stephen’s Ministry

Parish Nurse

Internet Ministry

Religious Resource Center &

Bookstore

Family Choir

Marriage Preparation Program

PASTORAL GUIDELINES

Fasting

Weddings, Divorces, Baptisms,

Funerals and Memorials

Dear Parishioners,

The Stewardship Committee has distributed a booklet with information regarding

membership and the various ministries of St. Vasilios Church. Annually in this

issue of the Orthodox Life , we again publish an outline of our current ministries

available to our parishioners. Our goal is to constantly provide our faithful with

the spiritual and educational tools needed to successfully serve God. For addition-

al information, you also may look further on our parish web site at

www.stvasilios.org and view the PARISH MINISTRY book file on our main web

page or come to our church office for a written copy. Below is a listing of what is

included in the Parish Ministry Book. If you have any questions, please contact

the appropriate parishioners listed below or the Church Office at 978-531-0777.

Organizations & Ministries

Page 14: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

14

ST VASILIOS COFFEE FELLOWSHIP HOUR

As most of you know, while Church School is in session, parents, grand-

parents and friends gather in the Rev Andrew Demotses Community Center for

fellowship and refreshments. These “coffee hours” are a place for us to reconnect

with our St. Vasilios family, celebrate joys and be comforted during loss. The St.

Val’s PTA supplies and staffs our time together with volunteers, but has always

welcomed and encouraged anyone from the community to sponsor a week. These

sponsorships help defray the costs of paper goods and supplies. You can use these

days to remember loved ones on their birthday, anniversary, name day, christening, celebrating a wedding or

mourning at a funeral or memorial service, or just for the good health of family and friends.

Just as the church and families have been feeling the squeeze of the slow economy, rising costs and

limited incomes, the PTA has also been struggling with the continued pressures of financing our weekly fel-

lowship. The weekly cost to put forth refreshments is approximately $250. This accounts for coffee and

necessary condiments, donuts, muffins, and paper goods. We operate at a loss each and every week and it

has become increasingly more difficult to subsidize. In addition, we try to focus our hard won fundraising

dollars on student centered programming, events and improvements that effect student classrooms and expe-

rience.

This year we will be offering FULL SPONSORSHIP for $150 with no other sponsors, or $50 for a

PARTIAL SPONSORSHIP. There may be multiple sponsors on such days, and a free will basket will be

in place. We also welcome any homemade treat, fruit platter or sweet you would like to provide for the

event. Your sponsorship will be listed in the Sunday Bulletin that is distributed in church and placed in a

frame on the table of treats.

We ask that you consider sponsoring a coffee hour in the near future or in the alternative, be generous

at the free will baskets!

Please contact Louisa Simpson at [email protected] or 978-774-2689 to reserve your

week.

Also we are looking for volunteers to staff the Coffee Hour. We will

have sign ups the first weeks of church school or you can contact any of the

PTA officers.

THE ST. MAKRINA WOMEN’S STUDY GROUP

The St. Makrina Women’s study group will begin on Wednesday, October

1 and meet for the next 8 weeks on Wednesdays from 9:30 am-11am. For

more information please see Pres. Claire or call at 617-957-0175.

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

23

Church School News

Welcome Back!! September 7, 2014 is the first day of Church School. We welcome all students who turn

four years old on or before September 1st to attend St. Vasilios Church School. If your child was a student last

year, they will simply go to the classroom that is assigned for their grade this year. New students report with

parents to the lobby of the Educational Center on Sept. 7th to register. If your child was unable to attend last

year’s Church School Classes, please come back – all children are welcome to attend Church School. Thank

you all for supporting your child’s religious education - we look forward to seeing you on September 7th!

Children and parents are encouraged to attend the Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m. and then proceed to your class-

room.

Grade Room#

Pre-K 9 Old Greek School – 1st floor – 10:30 - 11:20

Kind. 11 Old Greek School – 1st floor – 10:30 - 11:20

Grade 1 12 Old Greek School – 2nd floor – 10:30- 11:25

Grade 2 13 Old Greek School - 2nd floor – 10:30- 11:25

Grade 3 5

Grade 4 3 Grades 3-12 in Educational Center–

10:30 – 11:30

Grade 5 & 6 6

Grade 7 & 8 2

Grades 9 – 12 Parlor Room

Panagia’s Garden

From August 4th through the 8th we provided our 4 to 8 year olds with

St. Vasilios' very first Vacation Church Camp experience, "Panagia's

Garden". What a success! We had 11 children participate in a week of

fun, fellowship and learning all about the life and feast days of the The-

otokos. Each day began and ended with a short prayer service in the

church. Throughout the day the children learned songs, created crafts

and listened to stories centered on the theme. We also traveled to Pump

it Up, had a visit from

Curious Creatures and

ended our week with a trip to the Metropolis of Boston

Camp and Retreat Center. We look forward to having you

join us next year!

Page 15: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

22

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

15

Page 16: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

16

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 LABOR DAY

Office Closed

2 3 4 Prep for

International

Festival

5

6

7 Winter Hours

Begin

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy Church School Begins

8 Nativity of

Theotokos

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Function

Committee 6pm

Parish Council

7pm

9

10

Philoptochos.

Greek School Begins

@ 3:30 in Church

11

Tentative

Prep for

International

Festival 6pm

12

Trip

13

14

Elevation of Holy

Cross

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Senior GOYA Meeting

7-9pm

15

16 OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

Philoptochos

Membership

Dinner at

Danversport

17

18

Carnival

19

Carnival

20

Carnival

21

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Flu Shots

Carnival

22

23

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

Building

Committee

7pm

24

Daughter of

Penelope to cook for

Haven from Hunger

Men’s Club Dinner

Meeting

25

Accessibility

Committee

7:30pm

26 \

27

28 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Ministry

Sunday

Senior GOYA Apple

Picking 2-4pm

29

30

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

For the most updated information, check out

www.stvasilios.org

September 2014 ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

21

Page 17: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

20

Greek School news Opportunity Knocks

Each September, opportunity knocks for every

Greek Orthodox child, the opportunity of learning a second

language, Greek history and the rudiments of Orthodox

faith.

Our fast-moving world is demanding the

knowledge of two and three languages and public education

is even now initiating language courses in the elementary

grades.

How fortunate and advanced a youngster is when

he has the head start that attendance at Greek School can

give him. No other language offers comparable fundamen-

tal training to all tongues as does Greek. Even more im-

portant is the fact that both in high school and college

knowledge of Greek will be a decidedly strong asset in the

mastery of English vocabulary, for over 35 percent of the

English language has Greek derivatives.

Unfortunately, however, we live in a world of ma-

terial and superficial values that often lure us into believing

that other activities are more important. Music and dancing

lessons, baton twirling, TV, athletics, school clubs, etc.,

compete with Greek Schools for valuable time. They are

all feeble excuses for non-Greek learning and when

stripped of their glamour really offer very little in compari-

son to the lifelong contribution given to each child by the

Greek School curriculum. No child need to be deprived of

music lessons, athletics or after-school activities because of

Greek School; only the degree of participation will be af-

fected.

Children of today must learn to discriminate and

choose widely from the multitude of activities available to

them and in making such choices for their children, parents

must ask themselves the simple question: “Of all the oppor-

tunities available to my children, which ones will contrib-

ute the most to their future success and happiness?” The

easiest choice is not necessarily the best choice, for nothing

worthwhile comes easy and easy things are seldom worth-

while.

Moreover, it has become clear over the years that

those children who are exposed to Greek School usually

migrate to junior choir and to junior GOYA and subse-

quently into the senior groups of these organizations.

Through Greek School, Greek Orthodox youth find friends

of similar sympathies and aspirations. Such associations

benefit Orthodoxy obviously, but the enhancing of the lan-

guage is also their natural product.

No child will ever regret attending Greek School,

but those who do not attend may in future years bitterly

regret the choice their parents made denying them this priv-

ilege. Every Greek Orthodox home with children of Greek

School age must make that important decision.

The St. Vasilios Greek School has functioned con-

tinuously since the founding of our parish. The

Greek School is the oldest educational program

within the church. The school offers the youth of

our community knowledge of the Greek language, a

love for the Orthodox Faith, and an appreciation for

the culture and history of the Greek people. Our

students build strong bonds with their classmates

that last a lifetime.

We will have an open registration this year, you can

visit the church website www.stvasilios.org to

download the registration form and bring it to the

office at your convenience, Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Greek School will begin on Wednesday, September

10th with an Agiasmos Service at 3:30 p.m. in the

church. Classroom assignments will be announced

at the end of the service.

St. Vasilios Greek School

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

17

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

35th Anniversary

Men’s Club

No Greek School

PD

4

5 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Community Town

Hall—Youth 10:30 am

6

7

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

8

9

10

11

12 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Teaching Liturgy

Senior GOYA Meeting

7-9pm

13

Office Closed No Greek School

Function

Committee 6pm

Parish Council

7pm

14

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

15

16

17

18

19 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

20

21

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

22 Council to cook

for Haven from

Hunger

Vesperal Liturgy

6pm

23

24

25

26 St. Demetrios

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Senior GOYA Bowl

7-9pm

27

Function

Committee 6pm

Parish Council

7pm

28

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

Building

Committee 7pm

29

Men’s Club

Dinner Meeting

30 31

October 2014

Page 18: ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014 36 ... Peabody, MA 01960 Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853 ... $50 Steven

ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

18

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Sts. Cosmas &

Damianos

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

2

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

3 Festival Prep

4 Festival Prep

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

5 Festival Prep

6 Festival Prep

7 No Greek

School

Senior GOYA

Festival

8 Taxiarche

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Festival

Festival

9St. Nectarios

One Liturgy

10 am Liturgy

No Church School

Help

Festival

10 No Greek School

Veterans Day

Office Closed

11

12

13 St, John

Chrysostom

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

14

15 Nativity

Fast begins

16

8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

17

Parish Council

7pm

18

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

19

20

21 Entrance of

Theotokos

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

22

23 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am

2nd Liturgy

Lynnfield Thanksgiving

Service

Senior GOYA Laser

Quest 7-9pm

24 Parish

Assembly 7pm

25

OL 2:30

Inquirers 7pm

Building Commit-

tee 7pm

26

No Greek School

27 Thanksgiv-

ing

Office

Closed

28 Office

Closed

No Greek

School

29

Vespers at

Cathedral for

St. Andrew 7pm

30 St. Andrew

8am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am

2nd Liturgy

No church School

November 2014 ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014

19

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3

4

5 St. Savas

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

No Greek School

PD

6 St. Nicholas

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

St. Val’s Men’s

Club Christmas

Party

7 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

8

Function

Committee 6pm

Parish Council

7pm

9

10

11

12 St. Spyridon

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

13 Philoptochos

Christmas Party

St. Val’s Men’s

Club Christmas

Party Snow Day

14 Christmas Pageant 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

Parish Elections

Senior GOYA Meeting

7-9pm

15

16

17

Greek School

Christmas

Program 3:30pm

18

19

No Greek School

20

21 Christmas Breakfast 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

No Church School

Snow Day Pageant

22

No Greek School

23

Building

Committee 7pm

24

No Greek

School

Vesperal Divine

Liturgy 6pm

25 Christmas

Orthros 8 am

Liturgy 9 am

Office Closed

26

No Greek School

Office Closed

27

28 8 am Orthros

9 am 1st Liturgy

10:30 am 2nd Liturgy

No Church School

Senior GOYA Ice

Skating 7-9pm

29

No Greek School

30

31

No Greek

School

December 2014