ORTHODOX LIFE Next to Heaven There is only GREECE ... bulletin... · ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014...
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ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014
36
Next to Heaven There is only... GREECE
METRO TOURS By
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Peabody, MA 01960
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St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496
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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
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
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Tel: (978) 744-5333
Fax: (978) 832-1177
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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
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
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)
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
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
ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014
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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
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
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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.
ORTHODOX LIFE - September 2014
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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
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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
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!
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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
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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
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