The Cross+Roads

Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church | Newport News, Virginia

March 2021Volume/Year 22, Issue #2

Our annual Lenten Journey will begin thisyear on Monday, March 15th. Like any otherjourney the travel time will begin with thefirst step. On Sunday evening March 14th at5:00 pm we will gather in the Church for theForgiveness Vespers Service at theconclusion of the service. Those inattendance will ask for forgiveness from oneanother.All of us should live with the focus that

during the Great and Holy Lenten period,the wonderful prayer of Saint Ephrem theSyrian, which as the late Rev. AlexanderSchmemann described in his classic book,“Great Lent: Journey to Pascha”, as our“check list” for our individual Lenten efforts.This past year we have all dealt with the

disease of Coronavirus and have had tomake certain modifications and sacrifices.How are we to deal with the spiritualdiseases that surround us? The aspects ofwhat is around us as said by Saint Ephremare conditions that cause the very diseasesto infect our spiritual paths. The term sloth,causing us to be lazy in our work, bothphysical and spiritual, is something that caneasily transform the most energetic

Orthodox Christian to become someonewho never gets out of first gear. Thephysical and spiritual work that needs to bedone by each one of us will never get doneunless we take the necessary steps in“doing what needs to be done.”The thought by Christians outside the

Orthodox world is that something has to be“given up” for Lent. As Orthodox Christianswe are to see Great and Holy Lent as aperiod of spiritual growth and cleanliness.The services of Compline and PresanctifiedLiturgies that will be chanted on Mondayand Wednesday evenings, offer us all oneopportunity to grow in grace, by ourwillingness to participate in the readings atthe chanter stand.As we will gather on Sunday mornings for

the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, we willhear in the words of the Gospel readings,our humble reminders of humility andrepentance. Let us first make it a priority tobe in the Church when the Gospel is beingproclaimed, and secondly, may we live thewords of the Gospel in our thoughts andpractices.

Youth Ministry

† From Father GeorgeThe First Step Begins on March 15th

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

March Sundays 2-3, 6

Registry /Announcements 4

Attendance,Refreshments, andKoliva

4

Church, Club, andCommunity News 5

Explanation ofThe Divine Liturgy 7

Preparing for thePassion of Our Lord 8-9

Parish Council Minutes 10

Church Calendar 11

MARCH SUNDAYS

7Judgment Sunday(Meatfare Sunday)

14Forgiveness Sunday

15Clean MondayLent begins

21Sunday of Orthodoxy

28Sunday of Saint GregoryPalamas

Our GOYA has been active with meetings,attendance at church, and a and private movieshowing. Congratulations to the officers for 2021-2022:President: Dean Peri; Vice President: Will Estes;Treasurer: Hannah Fann; Secretary: Cris Campbell;Historian: Sophia Britos; Seargent at Arms: CarlosBritos

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Glory Be To GodSaints Constantine &HelenGreek Orthodox Church60 Traverse RoadNewport News VA 23606www.schgochurch.va.goarch.orgPhone (757) 596-6151Fax (757) 596-2967Email Addresses:priest@office@parishcouncil@youthdirector@webmaster@schgochurch.va.goarch.orgOffice HoursMonday Through Friday8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.(Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m.)

PriestFather George ChiorosWork 596-6152Home 597-7786Mobile 288-4487Email: frgchioros@aol.comDeaconDeacon Noah HendricksMobile 757-218-2053Email:dn.noah.hendricks@gmail.comParish CouncilBob Demson, PresidentPeter Sun, Vice PresidentMike Kokorelis II, TreasurerDr. Haralambos Garofalis,Assoc. TreasurerKent Paumier, SecretaryDr. Stavroula GaileyThomas GrepiotisStephanie PeriKurt SmithAnastasia TheodorogiannisNick Vrettos

ChantersTim SofisHarry FotiouJohn WilliamsBrian FinkGeorge PetrakosDemetri KonstantinouChurch SecretaryRebecca PietronutoArchdiocese on the Webwww.goarch.org

Apolytikion for SaintsConstantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles in the Plagalof the Fourth ToneHaving beheld the image of

Thy Cross in Heaven, and likePaul, having received the callnot from men, Thine apostleamong kings entrusted thecommonwealth to Thy hand, OLord. Keep us always in peace,by the intercessions of theTheotokos, O only Friend ofman.Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν

τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷθεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁΠαῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐνβασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σουΚύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιντὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣνπερίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐνεἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆςΘεοτόκου, μόνεΦιλάνθρωπε.

MARCH 7EPISTLE READINGProkeimenon. Fourth Mode.

Psalm 146.5;134.3.Great is our Lord, and great

is his power.Verse: Praise the Lord, for

the Lord is good.The reading is from St.

Paul's First Letter to theCorinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2Brethren, food will not

commend us to God. We areno worse off if we do not eat,and no better off if we do. Onlytake care lest this liberty of

yours somehow become astumbling block to the weak.For if any one sees you, a manof knowledge, at table in anidol's temple, might he not beencouraged, if his conscienceis weak, to eat food offered toidols? And so by yourknowledge this weak man isdestroyed, the brother forwhom Christ died. Thus,sinning against your brethrenand wounding their consciencewhen it is weak, you sin againstChrist. Therefore, if food is acause of my brother's falling, Iwill never eat meat, lest I causemy brother to fall.Am I not free?Am I not an apostle? Have Inot seen Jesus our Lord? Arenot you my workmanship in theLord? If to others I am not anapostle, at least I am to you; foryou are the seal of myapostleship in the Lord.GOSPEL READINGMatthew 25:31-46The Lord said, "When the

Son of man comes in his gloryand all the holy angels withhim, then he will sit on hisglorious throne. Before him willbe gathered all the nations, andhe will separate them one fromanother as a shepherdseparates the sheep from thegoats, and he will place thesheep at his right hand, but thegoats at the left. Then the kingwill say to those at his righthand, 'Come, O blessed of myFather, inherit the kingdomprepared for you from thefoundation of the world; for I

was hungry and you gave mefood, I was thirsty and you gaveme drink, I was a stranger andyou welcomed me, I was nakedand you clothed me, I was sickand you visited me, I was inprison and you came to me.'Then the righteous will answerhim, 'Lord, when did we seeyou hungry and feed you, orthirsty and give you drink? Andwhen did we see you astranger and welcome you, ornaked and clothe you? Andwhen did we see you sick or inprison and visit you?' And theKing will answer them, 'Truly, Isay to you, as you did it to oneof the least of these mybrethren, you did it to me.'Then he will say to those at hisleft hand, 'Depart from me, youcursed, into the eternal fireprepared for the devil and hisangels; for I was hungry andyou gave me no food, I wasthirsty and you gave me nodrink, I was a stranger and youdid not welcome me, nakedand you did not clothe me, sickand in prison and you did notvisit me.' Then they also willanswer, 'Lord, when did we seeyou hungry or thirsty or astranger or naked or sick or inprison, and did not minister toyou?' Then he will answerthem, 'Truly, I say to you, asyou did it not to one of the leastof these, you did it not to me.'And they will go away into

March Sundays @ Saints Constantine and Helen GOC

PhiloptochosDr. Stavroula Gailey, PresidentReligious EducationViola Allen, Frances TsimplekisCo-DirectorsGreek SchoolPaula Tofalli, Katerina SanbarChoir DirectorsJackie Anas, Alexa Garrison, Gary Nicholls,Joanna VallasYouth MinistryStephanie Peri and Dr. Bobby Garofalis,AdvisorsAcolytesDeacon Noah, Director, Michael Landonand Yianni Tsimplekis, AssistantsJOY/HOPEDr. Vicky Smith, AdvisorBookstoreElizabeth Puckett

Weekly BulletinRebecca PietronutoCross+RoadsNick VlattasGreek Orthodox Youth AssociationDean Peri, PresidentAdvisors: Stephanie Peri, Viola Allen,Dr. Bobby GarofalisYoung Adult League (YAL)Sydney Galoozis, PresidentGolden HeartsZoe Marcopoulos, PresidentOrder of AHEPAGary Nicholls, PresidentDaughters of PenelopeDr. Helen Dennie, PresidentHellenic Woman’s Penelope SocietyVaries MonthlyHellenic Youth DancersDr. Bobby Garofalis, Director

Parish Ministries and Organizations

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eternal punishment, but therighteous into eternal life."WISDOM OF THEFATHERSFor when one has pity on the

poor, he lends to God; and hewho gives to the least gives toGod--sacrifices spiritually toGod an odour of a sweet smell.- St. Cyprian of Carthage, TheLord's Prayer, 33. B#41, p.102,3rd centurySAINTS AND FEASTSCOMMEMORATEDJudgment Sunday(Meatfare Sunday)

The foregoing two parables --especially that of the ProdigalSon -- have presented to usGod's extreme goodness andlove for man. But lest certainpersons, putting theirconfidence in this alone, livecarelessly, squandering uponsin the time given them to workout their salvation, and deathsuddenly snatch them away, themost divine Fathers haveappointed this day's feastcommemorating Christ'simpartial Second Coming,through which we bring to mindthat God is not only the Friendof man, but also the mostrighteous Judge, Whorecompenses to each accordingto his deeds.It is the aim of the holy

Fathers, through bringing tomind that fearful day, to rouseus from the slumber ofcarelessness unto the work ofvirtue, and to move us to loveand compassion for ourbrethren. Besides this, even ason the coming Sunday ofCheese-fare we commemorateAdam's exile from the Paradiseof delight -- which exile is thebeginning of life as we know itnow -- it is clear that today's isreckoned the last of all feasts,because on the last day ofjudgment, truly, everything ofthis world will come to an end.

All foods, except meat andmeat products, are allowedduring the week that follows thisSunday.The Holy Martyred Bishops of

Cherson: Basileus, Ephraim,Eugene, Capito, Aetherius,Agathodorus, and ElpidiusLavrentios of Megara, the

RighteousPaul the SimpleDometios the RighteousHYMNS OF THE DAYResurrectional Apolytikion

in the Plagal Second ModeAngelic powers were above

Thy tomb, and they thatguarded Thee became as dead.And Mary stood by the graveseeking Thine immaculateBody. Thou hast despoiledHades and wast not triedthereby. Thou didst meet theVirgin and didst grant us life. OThou Who didst arise from thedead, Lord, glory be to Thee.Seasonal Kontakion in the

First ModeO God, when You come upon

the earth in glory, the wholeworld will tremble. A river of firewill bring all before YourJudgment Seat and the bookswill be opened, and everythingin secret will become public. Atthat time, deliver me from thefire which never dies, andenable me to stand by Yourright hand, O Judge most just.MARCH 14EPISTLE READINGProkeimenon. Plagal Fourth

Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.Make your vows to the Lord

our God and perform them.Verse: God is known in

Judah; his name is great inIsrael.The reading is from St.

Paul's Letter to the Romans13:11-14; 14:1-4Brethren, salvation is nearer

to us now than when we firstbelieved; the night is far gone,the day is at hand. Let us thencast off the works of darknessand put on the armor of light; letus conduct ourselvesbecomingly as in the day, not inreveling and drunkenness, notin debauchery andlicentiousness, not in quarrelingand jealousy. But put on theLord Jesus Christ, and make noprovision for the flesh, to gratifyits desires.As for the man who isweak in faith, welcome him, butnot for disputes over opinions.One believes he may eatanything, while the weak maneats only vegetables. Let nothim who eats despise him whoabstains, and let not him whoabstains pass judgment on himwho eats; for God haswelcomed him. Who are you topass judgment on the servant of

another? It is before his ownmaster that he stands or falls.And he will be upheld, for God isable to make him stand.GOSPEL READINGMatthew 6:14-21The Lord said, "If you forgive

men their trespasses, yourheavenly Father also will forgiveyou; but if you do not forgivemen their trespasses, neitherwill your Father forgive yourtrespasses."And when you fast,do not look dismal, like thehypocrites, for they disfiguretheir faces that their fasting maybe seen by men. Truly, I say toyou, they have received theirreward. But when you fast,anoint your head and wash yourface, that your fasting may notbe seen by men but by yourFather who is in secret; andyour Father who sees in secretwill reward you."Do not lay upfor yourselves treasures onearth, where moth and rustconsume and where thievesbreak in and steal, but lay up foryourselves treasures in heaven,where neither moth nor rustconsumes and where thieves donot break in and steal. Forwhere your treasure is, there willyour heart be also."WISDOM OF THEFATHERSHere it were well to sigh

aloud, and to wail bitterly: for notonly do we imitate thehypocrites, but we have evensurpassed them. - St. JohnChrysostom, Homily 20 onMatthew 6, 4th CenturySAINTS AND FEASTSCOMMEMORATEDBenedict the Righteous of

NursiaEuschemon the Confessor,

Bishop of LampasakosForgiveness Sunday

The Holy Fathers haveappointed the commemorationof Adam's exile from theParadise of delight here, on theeve of the holy Forty-day Fast,demonstrating to us not bysimple words, but by actualdeeds, how beneficial fasting isfor man, and how harmful anddestructive are insatiety and thetransgressing of the divine

commandments. For the firstcommandment that God gave toman was that of fasting, whichthe first-fashioned received butdid not keep; and not only didthey not become gods, as theyhad imagined, but they lost eventhat blessed life which they had,and they fell into corruption anddeath, and transmitted theseand innumerable other evils toall of mankind. The God-bearing Fathers set these thingsbefore us today, that by bringingto mind what we have fallenfrom, and what we havesuffered because of the insatietyand disobedience of the first-fashioned, we might be diligentto return again to that ancientbliss and glory by means offasting and obedience to all thedivine commands. Takingoccasion from today's Gospel(Matt. 6:14-21) to begin the Fastunencumbered by enmity, wealso ask forgiveness this day,first from God, then from oneanother and all creation.HYMNS OF THE DAYResurrectional Apolytikion

in the Grave ModeThou didst abolish death by

Thy Cross; Thou didst openParadise to the thief; Thou didsttransform the myrrh-bearers'lamentation, and didst bid ThineApostles to preach that Thou artrisen, O Christ God, grantinggreat mercy to the world.Seasonal Kontakion in the

Plagal Second ModeO Master, Prudence, Guide

of Wisdom, Instruction to thefoolish and Defender of thepoor, strengthen my heart andgrant it discernment. Give mewords, Word of the Father, forbehold, I shall not keep my lipsfrom crying out to You, "OMerciful One, have mercy onme who has fallen."MARCH 21EPISTLE READINGProkeimenon. Fourth Mode.

Daniel 3.26,27.Blessed are you, O Lord, the

God of our fathers.Verse: For you are just in all

you have done.The reading is from St.

Paul's Letter to the Hebrews11:24-26, 32-40Brethren, by faith Moses,

when he was grown up, refusedto be called the son ofPharaoh's daughter, choosingrather to share ill-treatment withthe people of God than to enjoythe fleeting pleasures of sin.Andwhat more shall I say? For timewould fail me to tell of Gideon,Barak, Samson, Jephthah, ofDavid and Samuel and theprophets -- who through faith

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Church Registry / Announcements

ATTENDANCE

REFRESHMENTSDue to the pandemic,

refreshments and fellowshipfollowing the Divine Liturgyin the Hellenic Center onSundays have beensuspended.

KOLIVAIf you would like to purchase

Koliva for memorials, you maycontact:Mary Graham andChristine Fulmore 595-7871Helen Nicholls 817-8215Athena Savvas 589-1484

Cross+RoadsChurch Email List

Subscribe to the church emaillist for monthly links to theCross+Roads and importantchurch announcements at:www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org

Cross+Roads DeadlinePlease email information nolater than the 20th day of themonth to Nick Vlattas

nvlattas@gmail.com

DEATHSMara Radovanovic died January 29th.

Funeral service was February 4th.Demetrios Anargyros Vassilakos, died

January 8 in California, father of Greg andChristine Vassilakos family.David Allen died February 10th, brother

to Jesse and Vi Allen family.MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL!!!

PayPal ACCEPTEDYou can donate to the Church usingPayPal on our website at: http://schgochurch.va.goarch.org/

LIVESTREAMSERVICES

Go to our Facebookpage and look forthe livestreamduring publishedservice times:

https://www.facebook.com/schgocnn

February 7 88

February 14 90

February 21 83

February 28 NA

February Average 87Philoptochos Scholarship Raffle

March 1 – April 1“Meant for Lent” Gift Basket

$85.00 ValueDonation $10 per ticket

All proceeds will benefit our Scholarship Fund. Thank you for your support.

Fill out one (1) form.We will duplicate your form if multiple tickets are purchased.

Detach the form with cash or check made payable to Philoptochos. Send to:Hope Zambas 2 Estate Drive Hampton, Virginia 23666

Forms & money may also be dropped in the Philoptochos raffle box in theNarthex of the church. Any questions?

Call Hope at 757-826-7212 or Email hope4c73@aol.com

***********************************************************************************Contents of “Meant for Lent” Gift Basket

Wild-Caught Pink Salmon Pouch Light Wild-Caught Tuna Pouch Organic ApplesauceOrganic Strawberry Spread Organic Peanut Butter Organic SpaghettiOrzo Fat Free Fig Newtons Organic HoneyPeaches in light syrup Dried Apricots Mixed NutsVegetable and Barley Soup Stuffed Grape Leaves Sesame Square BarsCretan Rusks Organic Creamy Tomato Soup Kalamata OlivesOrg. Basil & Garlic Pasta Sauce Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Decaf Green Tea

****************************************************************************************************Philoptochos “Meant for Lent” Gift Basket Raffle

Full Name

Address

Phone

Email

# of Tickets purchased ______ Total enclosed __________________

“WHEN I WAS HUNGRY YOUGAVE ME FOOD” - Matthew25:35.

“Feed the Hungry" so that you maybe fed. Please join our ongoingcampaign to feed the hungry whichwill help us to feel the love andcharity that is Jesus Christ eachtime we place one small item in thefood box. If we don’t come tochurch and give, someone will gohungry. Your small contributionevery week will make a differencein someone's life and change yourown. Your donation benefits theVirginia Peninsula Foodbank whofeed the hungry of the Peninsula.

PHILOPTOCHOSPhiloptochos Tsourekia

Baking is available on aPre-Ordered Basis ONLYOrder before April 4 by

calling:Barbara France(703) 216-2562orStavroula Gailey(757) 880-1816Baking: April 13, 14 &

15Pick up: April 16, 10am -

2:00pm & Sunday, April 18after church.

AHEPAAHEPA Woodrow Wilson

Chapter 241 will hold an in-person / video-conferencemeeting on Sunday, March14, at noon. This combinedformat worked well onFebruary 7.

Local and DistrictAHEPA scholarshipapplications can be pickedup at the AHEPA FamilyCenter after church onSundays or by emailing JoeDennieat AHEPANewportNewsVA@gmail.com - applicationsmust be completed andpostmarked by April 15 andare available to studentswith parents who aremembers of AHEPA ingood standing (2021 duespaid by April 15).The AHEPA District

Convention will be held viavideo-conference on May29-30 seewww.district3ahepa.com.The National AHEPA

convention is scheduledfor July 25-31 in Athens,Greece - see ahepa.org fordetails.

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Church, Club, and Community News PORT Ministry

March SundaysHELP US HELP OTHERS!COVID has limited so many of our activities –

including volunteering to help those in need.Now, more than ever, there are people in ourcommunity who could really use our assistance.Philoptochos has an easy way that you canhelp us raise money for charities! All you have todo is shop at any Kroger store and use yourKroger card when you make your purchases ofgroceries and fuel. There are no added fees,and it will not affect the cost of your groceries/fuel. A small portion of your grocery bill will berefunded to our Philoptochos so that we cansupport charities in our community.If you already have a Kroger card, you will

need to link it to our church’s account. Simply goto www.krogers.com and then select “CommunityRewards”. Follow the prompts from there. Weare listed as Saints Constantine & Helen, 60Traverse Road, Newport News and our accountnumber is JI401.Please help us spread the word to your family

and friends – even outside of the HamptonRoads area. Purchases at any Kroger storeacross the country qualify for this program andwill help us raise money to support those inneed. Have questions? Contact Dianne Sun atdsungreek@hotmail.com.

conquered kingdoms, enforcedjustice, received promises,stopped the mouths of lions,quenched raging fire, escapedthe edge of the sword, wonstrength out of weakness,became mighty in war, putforeign enemies to flight.Women received their dead byresurrection. Some weretortured, refusing to acceptrelease, that they might riseagain to a better life. Otherssuffered mocking andscourging, and even chainsand imprisonment. They werestoned, they were sawn in two,they were killed with thesword; they went about inskins of sheep and goats,destitute, afflicted, ill-treated --of whom the world was notworthy -- wandering overdeserts and mountains, and indens and caves of theearth.And all these, thoughwell attested by their faith, didnot receive what waspromised, since God hadforeseen something better forus, that apart from us theyshould not be made perfect.GOSPEL READINGJohn 1:43-51At that time, Jesus decided

to go to Galilee. And he found

Philip and said to him, "Followme." Now Philip was fromBethsaida, the city of Andrewand Peter. Philip foundNathanael, and he said to him,"We have found him of whomMoses in the law and also theprophets wrote, Jesus ofNazareth, the son of Joseph."Nathanael said to him, "Cananything good come out ofNazareth?" Philip said to him,"Come and see." Jesus sawNathanael coming to him, andsaid of him, "Behold, anIsraelite indeed, in whom is noguile!" Nathanael said to him,"How do you know me?"Jesus answered him, "BeforePhilip called you, when youwere under the fig tree, I sawyou." Nathanael answeredhim, "Rabbi, you are the Sonof God! You are the King ofIsrael!" Jesus answered him,"Because I said to you, I sawyou under the fig tree, do youbelieve? You shall see greaterthings than these." And hesaid to him, "Truly, truly, I sayto you, you will see heavenopened, and the angels of Godascending and descendingupon the Son of man."

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Our parish took part inthe PORT ministry bytaking food for dinner andfood bags for breakfast tofeed the homeless atTemple Baptist Church onFebruary 22-23. Thanks toDeacon Noah fororganizing the effort.Pictured above (left)

preparing dinner are

AHEPA brothers FatherGeorge, Nick Vrettos, NickMatthews and DeanChioros.Pictured above (right)

are Philoptochos membersFather George, StavroulaGailey, ChristineMignogna, Alexa Garrison,Maggie Thompson, andBarbara France.

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March Sundays at Saints Constantine and Helen

WISDOM OF THEFATHERSPeter, when after so many

miracles and such highdoctrine he confessed that,"Thou art the Son of God"(Matt. xvi. 16), is called"blessed," as having receivedthe revelation from the Father;- St. John Chrysostom, Homily21 on John 1, 1. B#58, pp. 72,73, 4th CenturySAINTS AND FEASTSCOMMEMORATEDPhilemon and DomninosThomas I, Patriarch of

ConstantinopleJames the ConfessorSunday of Orthodoxy

For more than one hundredyears the Church of Christ wastroubled by the persecution ofthe Iconoclasts of evil belief,beginning in the reign of Leothe Isaurian (717-741) andending in the reign ofTheophilus (829-842). AfterTheophilus's death, his widowthe Empress Theodora(celebrated Feb. 11), togetherwith the Patriarch Methodius(June 14), establishedOrthodoxy anew. This ever-memorable Queen veneratedthe icon of the Mother of Godin the presence of the PatriarchMethodius and the otherconfessors and righteous men,and openly cried out these holywords: "If anyone does notoffer relative worship to theholy icons, not adoring them asthough they were gods, butvenerating them out of love asimages of the archetype, lethim be anathema." Then withcommon prayer and fastingduring the whole first week of

the Forty-day Fast, she askedGod's forgiveness for herhusband. After this, on the firstSunday of the Fast, she andher son, Michael the Emperor,made a procession with all theclergy and people and restoredthe holy icons, and againadorned the Church of Christwith them. This is the holydeed that all we the Orthodoxcommemorate today, and wecall this radiant and venerableday the Sunday of Orthodoxy,that is, the triumph of truedoctrine over heresy.HYMNS OF THE DAYResurrectional Apolytikion

in the Plagal Fourth ModeFrom on high didst Thou

descend, O CompassionateOne; to burial of three dayshast Thou submitted that Thoumightest free us from ourpassions. O our Life andResurrection, Lord, glory be toThee.Apolytikion for Sunday of

Orthodoxy in the SecondModeWe worship Thine

immaculate icon, O Good One,asking the forgiveness of ourfailings, O Christ our God; forof Thine own will Thou wastwell-pleased to ascend theCross in the flesh, that Thoumightest deliver from slavery tothe enemy those whom Thouhadst fashioned. Wherefore,we cry to Thee thankfully:Thou didst fill all things withjoy, O our Saviour, when Thoucamest to save the world.Seasonal Kontakion in the

Plagal Fourth ModeTo you, Theotokos,

invincible Defender, havingbeen delivered from peril, I,your city, dedicate the victoryfestival as a thank offering. Inyour irresistible might, keep mesafe from all trials, that I maycall out to you: "Hail, unweddedbride!"MARCH 28EPISTLE READINGThe reading is from St.

Paul's Letter to the Hebrews1:10-14; 2:1-3GOSPEL READINGMark 2:1-12At that time, Jesus entered

Capernaum and it wasreported that he was at home.And many were gatheredtogether, so that there was nolonger room for them, not evenabout the door; and he waspreaching the word to them.And they came, bringing to him

a paralytic carried by four men.And when they could not getnear him because of the crowd,they removed the roof abovehim; and when they had madean opening, they let down thepallet on which the paralyticlay. And when Jesus saw theirfaith, he said to the paralytic,"My son, your sins areforgiven." Now some of thescribes were sitting there,questioning in their hearts,"Why does this man speakthus? It is a blasphemy! Whocan forgive sins but Godalone?" And immediatelyJesus, perceiving in his spiritthat they thus questionedwithin themselves, said tothem, "Why do you questionthus in your hearts? Which iseasier, to say to the paralytic,'Your sins are forgiven,' or tosay, 'Rise, take up your palletand walk? But that you mayknow that the Son of man hasauthority on earth to forgivesins"-he said to the paralytic-"Isay to you, rise, take up yourpallet and go home." And herose, and immediately took upthe pallet and went out beforethem all; so that they were allamazed and glorified God,saying, "We never sawanything like this!"WISDOM OF THEFATHERSNow Matthew indeed saith,

that "they brought him," but theothers, that they also broke upthe roof, and let him down. Andthey put the sick man beforeChrist, saying nothing, butcommitting the whole to Him. -St. John Chrysostom, Homily29 on Matthew 9, 1. B#54, pp.195, 196, 4th CenturySAINTS AND FEASTSCOMMEMORATEDHerodion the Apostle of the

70Hilarion the NewStephen the WonderworkerSunday of St. GregoryPalamasThis divine Father, who was

from Asia Minor, was fromchildhood reared in the royalcourt of Constantinople, wherehe was instructed in bothreligious and secular wisdom.Later, while still a youth, he leftthe imperial court andstruggled in asceticism onMount Athos, and in the Sketeat Beroea. He spent some timein Thessalonica being treatedfor an illness that came fromhis harsh manner of life. Hewas present in Constantinople

at the Council that wasconvened in 1341 againstBarlaam of Calabria, and at theCouncil of 1347 againstAcindynus, who was of likemind with Barlaam; Barlaamand Acindynus claimed that thegrace of God is created. Atboth these Councils, the Saintcontended courageously forthe true dogmas of the Churchof Christ, teaching in particularthat divine grace is not created,but is the uncreated energiesof God which are poured forththroughout creation: otherwiseit would be impossible, if gracewere created, for man to havegenuine communion with theuncreated God. In 1347 he wasappointed Metropolitan ofThessalonica. He tended hisflock in an apostolic manner forsome twelve years, and wrotemany books and treatises onthe most exalted doctrines ofour Faith; and having lived fora total of sixty-three years, hereposed in the Lord in 1359.His holy relics are kept in the

Cathedral of Thessalonica. Afull service was composed forhis feast day by the PatriarchPhilotheus in 1368, when itwas established that his feastbe celebrated on this day.Since works without right faithavail nothing, we set Orthodoxyof faith as the foundation of allthat we accomplish during theFast, by celebrating theTriumph of Orthodoxy theSunday before, and the greatdefender of the teachings ofthe holy Fathers today.HYMNS OF THE DAYResurrectional Apolytikion

in the First ModeApolytikion for Sunday of

St. Gregory Palamas in thePlagal Fourth ModeLight of Orthodoxy, pillar and

teacher of the Church,adornment of monastics,invincible champion oftheologians, O Gregory thouwonderworker, boast ofThessalonica, herald of grace:ever pray that our souls besaved.Seasonal Kontakion in the

Plagal Fourth ModeTo you, Theotokos,

invincible Defender, havingbeen delivered from peril, I,your city, dedicate the victoryfestival as a thank offering. Inyour irresistible might, keep mesafe from all trials, that I maycall out to you: "Hail, unweddedbride!"

(Continued from page 5)

Page 7

An Explanation of the Divine Liturgy in the Greek Orthodox ChurchBy Father Simon Thomas

In this issue, we begin astudy of the Divine Liturgywith an article courtesy ofFather Simon Thomas of TheAnnunciation Greek OrthodoxChurch in Memphis,Tennessee.

The Great DoxologyThe Choir sings - “Glory to

You, Who have shown us thelight! Glory to God in thehighest, and on earth peace,good will to men! …”Thus begins the Divine

Liturgy every Sundaymorning – at least in theminds of most OrthodoxChristians. In reality, theGreat Doxology is the end ofthe previous service, theOrthros (or Matins) Service.This service, unfortunatelyrarely attended by mostOrthodox, is a beautifulservice that emphasizes theimportance of theResurrection in the Sundaymorning services.The Beginning of theServiceThe service begins with the

reading of six Psalms [3,37(38), 62(63), 87(88),102(103) & 142(143)]. ThesePsalms speak of thesinfulness of man, and hisneed for repentance.Following the reading ofthese Psalms is the GreatLitany, in which we pray forpeace in the world, theChurch, the clergy and thelaity, our Parish and city, andfor our salvation. We thenchant the hymn, “God is theLord,” which praises God forrevealing Himself to us. Thenwe chant the hymns of theday, which teach us aboutthe Saints commemoratedthat day.KairosThe next set of hymns are

called the “Kathismata,” orliterally, “The Sitting Hymns,”and are immediately followedby the “Evlogetaria.” All ofthese hymns teach about theResurrection of Christ. Whilethese hymns are beingchanted, the priest exits theAltar by the North Door (onthe left), comes to the front ofthe soleas and performs asmall service called “Kairos.”During this service, the priestsymbolically and mystically“receives permission” from

God to perform the DivineServices about to becelebrated. The Royal Doorsleading into the Altar areopened and the priestvenerates the four icons onthe Icon Screen. Finally, thepriest asks forgiveness ofthose present, re-enters theAltar by the South Door andvenerates the Holy AltarTable, completing Kairos.VestingThe next set of hymns

includes the “Obedience,”which is read, followed by thechanting of the “Anavathmoi.”We then read the “Kontakion”and “Oikos” of the day, whichonce again teach of theResurrection, followed by the“Synaxarion,” or the readingof the lives of the Saintscommemorated that day.During this time, the priest isclothing himself in hisvestments for the service.There are eight articles ofclothing which make up thevestments of a priest: 1. theSticharion, or robe; 2. theEpitrachelion, or stole; 3. thebelt; 4. the right cuff; 5. theleft cuff; 6. the Epigonation(which designates anEcclesiastical Office), literally“upon the knee,” a diamondshaped shield worn on theright side; 7. the Phelonion,or mantle; and 8. the pectoralCross (if a priest is entitled towear one). Finally the priestwashes his hands as the“Katavasiai,” a set of hymnsdescribing the coming Feast,are chanted.The Oblation(Proskomide)Once the priest is vested,

he begins to prepare thebread and the wine for theDivine Liturgy. A fresh loaf ofbread, called “Prosphoro,”which has been marked witha special seal, is selected foruse by the priest. The seal isin the form of a cross,bearing three squares on thevertical bar, each marked ICXC NIKA (“Jesus ChristConquers”). To the left of themiddle square is a largetriangle, bearing the reed andthe lance from the Crucifixionon each side. To the right ofthe middle square is a singlesquare of nine smallertriangles in rows of three. Thepriest then symbolically and

mystically “re-enacts” theCrucifixion of our Lord,cutting the middle square asthe sacrificed Lamb of God tobe consecrated into the Bodyof Christ. Piercing the Lambwith the lance, he pours thewine and some water into theChalice to be consecratedinto the Blood of Christ. Thepriest then commemorates allthe Saints, cutting the triangleon the left in commemorationof the Theotokos, thetriangles on the right incommemoration of all theranks of the Saints, andportions of the square at thebottom in commemoration ofthe members of the Parish,both living and thosedeparted. Finally, the Patenand Chalice are covered withcloth, and the “Aer,” a largesquare cloth, covers them all.The priest concludes theOblation by censing theoffering.The Morning Gospel

The Gospel reading in theOrthros service describesone of the eleven instancesin the Gospels where Jesusrevealed Himself to Hisdisciples after HisResurrection from the dead.The Gospel is read from theside of the Altar Table, andnot from the Royal Doors, asin the Divine Liturgy.Following the Gospel, weread the hymn, “Havingbeheld the Resurrection ofChrist…,” and then Psalm 50(51) is chanted. While thePsalm is chanted, the priestcarries the Gospel Book outto the soleas for the faithful tovenerate, just as the Myrrh-Bearing Women veneratedthe empty Tomb of Christ.

When all have venerated theGospel, the Book is returnedto the Altar Table, and thepriest commemorates a longlist of the Saints, asking Godto save us and bless us.The Censing

Next, the priest censes theentire church, while the hymnhonoring the Ever-VirginMary, “More honored thanthe Cherubim…,” is chanted,along with the verses fromLuke 1:46-55. The priest (ordeacon) first censes the AltarTable on all four sides, thenbehind the Altar, and then theprosthesis (the niche wherethe bread and the wine havebeen prepared). The priestcenses three times (as hedoes with everything hecenses). He then exits theAltar by the North Door andproceeds to the center of thesoleas where he first censesthe Bishop’s Throne, sincethis is where Christ mysticallypresides over the service,and then the icons on theIcon Screen (Christ, theVirgin Mary, St. John theBaptist, St. Barbara, theArchangels Michael &Gabriel). Next, the priestwalks down the center aislecensing the right side of thechurch, then the Narthex,then walks back down thecenter aisle censing the leftside. Returning to the soleas,the priest again censes theBishop’s Throne and the IconScreen before re-entering theAltar through the South Door.He finishes by censing theAltar Table again, the Iconsin the Altar and the Acolytes.The Orthros Service comesto a close with the chanting ofthe “Exapostilarion” and the“Praises” accompanied byPsalm verses, both of whichonce again teach of theResurrection of Christ.(To be continued in thenext issue of theCross+Roads)

Preparing for the Passion & Resurrection of Our Lord

The Cross+Roads Page 8

Great Lent is a time for self-examination and self-denial – atime for taking control of ourlives and our bodies. Thepurpose of the fast is to give usa greater awareness of ourdependence on God. It is a timeto improve ourselves and ourrelationship with God.Lent is a time for greater

works of mercy and charity forthose less fortunate than us. It isa time for visitation of the sickand assistance to the poor, andgenerally a more joyfulrelationship with those who areclose to us – our family andfriends.Most of all, Lent is a time of

joy and a new beginning. Wecleanse ourselves –mind, bodyand soul– through the physicaland spiritual fast, keeping aChristian attitude in all that wedo. All this is done to prepareus for the Great Feast of Pascha– the Resurrection of Christ.Repentance &Confession

Repentance has its roots inthe apostles. In the Book ofActs the Apostle Peter says,“Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of JesusChrist for the forgiveness ofyour sins, and you shall receivethe gift of the Holy Spirit.”(Acts 2:37-38)When we fall away from

God, we have removed

ourselves from His communion– with Him and with otherChristians. We haveexcommunicated ourselves. Tore-enter communion with Godis the on-going activity of allChristians. We fall away dailyin some way or another. No oneis exempt.Often, when children play in

competitive games, one willcall out “that’s a do over!”Haven’t we all wished for thatchance to undo the past andstart over? Repentance offersus this new beginning.We are telling God that we

have changed our mind aboutour past direction and want tobe back in communion withhim. The Greek word forrepentance,metanoia, implies avery deep change in the way wesee ourselves, our world, andour relationship to God. Tochange our mind in repentanceis the starting point in ourLenten journey. We leavebehind regret as we movetoward hope. Repentance is nota single action but an attitude, aframe of mind.Think back over your life of

things which you regret havingsaid or done – hurtful,inconsiderate, selfish, deceitful.Think also of those thingswhich you have done whichmay not have directly affectedothers, but which you know tobe wrong according to theteachings of the Church. Bringthem to mind as if they wereoccurring right now. Think ofhow it would have been if youhad acted differently. Take thisregret and turn it intorepentance. Acknowledge thatyou have offended anotherperson or the Church, and indoing so you have offendedGod.If we are to be forgiven by

God, He requires of us that wealso forgive one another. Formany of us, this is the mostdifficult aspect of repentanceand confession. Yet we say iteach time we pray the Lord’sPrayer, “forgive us ourtrespasses as we forgive thosewho trespass against us.”Just as God’s love for us is

personal, so must ours be forHim. As the Christian growsfrom child to adult, his or her

personal response to Godbecomes crucial. This personalresponse is the act ofconfession.

FastingThe fast for the forty days of

Lent is indicated below, thoughmany are not able to hold to thestrict fast. We offer thefollowing guidelines to beconsidered prayerfully with theguidance of your spiritualfather and in consideration ofany medical condition ordietary requirements.

STRICT FASTNo Meat, Fish, Milk, Dairy

Products, Oil, or Oil ProductsPALM SUNDAY

Fish, Oil & Wine permittedFEAST OF THE

ANNUNCIATIONMARCH 25TH

March 25th - all day: Fish,Oil & Wine PermittedShellfish are permittedthroughout Great LentJESUS’ INSTRUCTIONS

ON FASTING"Moreover, when you fast,

do not be like the hypocrites,with a sad countenance. Forthey disfigure their faces thatthey may appear to men to befasting. Assuredly, I say toyou, they have their reward.But you, when you fast, anointyour head and wash your face,so that you do not appear tomen to be fasting, but to yourFather who is in the secretplace; and your Father whosees in secret will reward youopenly.”Gospel of Matthew Chapter

6:16-18ST. JOHN

CHRYSOSTOM ONFASTING

Do you fast? Give me proofof it by your works.

If you see a poor man, takepity on him.

If you see a friend beinghonored, do not envyhim.

Do not let only your mouthfast, but also the eye andthe ear and the feet andthe hands and all themembers of our bodies.

Let the hands fast, by beingfree of avarice.

Let the feet fast, by ceasingto run after sin.

Let the eyes fast, bydisciplining them not toglare at that which issinful.

Let the ear fast, by notlistening to evil talk andgossip.

Let the mouth fast from foulwords and unjustcriticism.

For what good is it if weabstain from birds and fishes,but bite and devour ourbrothers?May He who came to the

world to save sinnersstrengthen us to complete thefast with humility, have mercyon us and save us.

PrayerHave no anxiety aboutanything, but in everything by prayer andsupplication with

thanksgiving let yourrequests be made knownto God. And the peace ofGod, which passes allunderstanding, will keepyour hearts and yourminds in Jesus Christ.

-St. Paul’s letter to thePhilippians

One key to a more fulfillinglife is prayer. For OrthodoxChristians, the aim of prayer isto enter into conversation withGod. Prayer is sometimesreferred to as dialogue withGod. Often it is a waiting onGod in silence. In the church itis defined as the lifting of themind and heart to God, andalso as walking in the presenceof God. We turn our mind andthoughts toward Him. Wementally gaze at Him and speakwith Him in reverence, fear,and hope. At times we speak toHim with words and at othertimes we stand in reverentsilence, saying nothing, butbeing aware of His presence. Inthis dialogue with God wepraise Him and thank Him. Weask Him for what we need. Ourmind and our heart are openedto Him. Prayer is not onlyrepeating words, it is trust inGod that he hears and directs usin His Way involving spiritualgrowth and development.

Page 9

PRAYER TO THE HOLYSPIRIT

Heavenly King, Comforter,the Spirit of Truth,present in all places andfilling all things,

the treasury of blessings andGiver of life:

come and abide in us.Cleanse us from all

impurity,and save our souls,O Gracious Lord.

PRAYER OF ST.EPHRAIM THE SYRIANTo be read each week-day

during Great LentO Lord and Master of my

life, take from me the spirit ofsloth,

despair, lust of power, andidle talk.

But give rather the spirit ofchastity, humility,

patience, and love to Thyservant.

Yea, O Lord and King,grant me to see my owntransgressions,

and not to judge my brother,for blessed art Thou, unto

ages of ages.Amen.

Holy Communion

The Sacrament of HolyCommunion, the Eucharist,which literally means"Thanksgiving," is the Mysterywhereby the bread and wine ofoffering are changed, actually,not symbolically, into the very

Body and Blood of JesusChrist. The Eucharist is at thevery center of the Church's life,and from it flows the prayer ofbelievers in a sacrifice ofentreaty for the peace of theworld, for all those who ask forhelp, and for all men andwomen '"The Eucharist unitesus in the most intimate fashionwith the Lord; it nourishes oursoul and body, and aids ourstrengthening, increase, andgrowth in spiritual life.According to the promise of theGospel, “He that eats thisbread will live forever.” (TheGospel of John 6:58)The cup which holds the

wine that becomes the blood ofChrist is the chalice, the cup ofsalvation. When we kneelduring the liturgy, we pray withthe priest that God the HolySpirit may change the breadand wine into the Body andBlood of Jesus. This means thatwhen we receive HolyCommunion, Jesus comes tolive in us.How do we prepare to

receive the Body and Blood ofJesus? We pray. We shouldhave love in our hearts for allpeople. We should askforgiveness from God and fromour parents, brothers, andsisters, and from anyone wemay have hurt.When we come before the

priest for Communion, wemake the sign of the cross, tellthe priest our baptismal name,hold the Communion clothunder our chin, and open ourmouth wide. After receiving,we wipe our lips with theCommunion cloth, make thesign of the cross, and hand theCommunion cloth to the personnext to us. (Currently followingCOVID requirements)Once we have received

Communion, we mustremember that we have becomeone with Christ and with allthose who receivedCommunion with us. Christnow lives in all of us. We are allliving icons of Jesus. It is byloving one another that we loveJesus. After receivingCommunion our bodiesbecome holy chalices. Godlives in us.Jesus wants to use our hands,

which have now become Hishands, to help those in need.When we receive Communion,

we become members of Christ'sBody, the Church. This meansthat Jesus has no eyes but oureyes, no feet but our feet to doHis work in the world today.What kind, thoughtful act willyou do for Jesus today?

From Let’s Take a WalkThrough Our Orthodox Church

by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris /Light & Life Publishing

Bible ReadingIn private study, when a

Christian profitably reads theBible, receiving inspiration andstrength from it, familymembers, friends, relatives andeven acquaintances willinevitably notice the difference.Any person who comes intocontact with such a Christiancannot but notice the growingpeace, love and inner assurance- the spirit of Christ - in thatChristian, and will frequentlyask (if not ask, certainly think)what gives that person suchstrength and radiance. God willprovide many opportunities tothe growing Christian forsharing with others his or herexperience with the Bible.What better witness for thetruth of the Christian faith thana solid Christian life nourishedby Holy Scripture and radiatingtrue Christian love at home, atChurch and at work? TheChristian's own life becomes akind of gospel, a living Bible, inwhich other people observe,read and experience the truthsof God in action.

From Bread for Life, by FatherTheodore StylianopoulosGreek Orthodox Archdiocese

Department of Religious Education

Suggestions for familyBible reading:Set aside a regular time for

daily reading preferably in theevening at the supper tablewhen the whole family istogether. When the children areyoung, mom or dad can do thereading. When the childrengrow older, they may share inthe reading. Reading tochildren is one of life's greatestjoys. Children treasure it.

Don't read too much or too fast.One chapter a day issufficient. Let what youread sink in slowly. Ifchildren are young, readfrom a Bible story book-onethat has pictures which youcan show the children.

Start with the biographies ofJesus (Matthew, Mark,Luke, John).

Read with the faith and theexpectation that God willreally and truly speak to youthrough what you read.

Don't worry about the passagesyou do not understand.Concentrate on what you dounderstand. The more youread, the more you willunderstand. One passageexplains another.

Each day memorize at least oneverse that grips you. Say itout loud as a family three orfour times. Encourage yourchildren to fall asleep withthis verse on their lips.

Get a translation your childrenunderstand.

As you read, try to have an iconof Jesus before you if youare reading the Gospels; oneof St. Paul if you arereading his epistles, etc.This will help you realizewho it is who is speaking toyou.fromMaking God Real inthe Orthodox Homeby Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris /Light & Life Publishing

This guide has been compiledto assist you on your LentenJourney, guiding you in fasting,prayer, repentance & confession,Bible reading and in receivingHoly Communion. May God blessyou and guide you, and may youreach your Paschal destinationwith the joy of renewed faith inChrist.

Department ofStewardship, Outreach &

EvangelismGreek Orthodox Archdiocese of

Americawww.Outreach.Goarch.orgOutreach@goarch.org

The Cross+Roads Page 10

Parish Council Minutes: January 18, 2021

I: Call to Order & Opening Prayer:Present: Father George Chioros,

Robert Demson, Pete Sun, KentPaumier, Michael Kokorelis, NickVrettos, Tom Grepiotis, Kurt Smith,Stavroula Gailey, Stephanie Peri,Bobby GarofalisAbsent:Anastasia TheodorogiannisGuest: Brian FinkThe meeting convened at 18:30 with

an opening prayer by Father George.The following items were discussed:II: Minutes:Kokorelis made motion to approve

the meeting minutes of the 14 Dec2020 meeting; seconded by Peri,passed unanimously.III: Correspondence:Letter of Thanks, Menchville House

Ministries , DTD 17 Dec 2020, S.B.Jones, Executive Director, for the GiftBags donation.Letter from Greek Orthodox

Archdiocese of America, DTD 5 Jan2021, Archbishop Elipidophoros, forFather George’s Letter, DTD 30 Dec2020, with our Community’s Statusand Ministries for the 2020 CalendarYear.IV: Treasurer’s Report: Mike

Kokorelis attached with minutes.Reviewed monthly financial, budget

and PPP reports.$15K transferred to the general

account from the Morgan StanlyAccountReplenish the Festival Account

$15K (1/2 in February and 1/2 inMarch)V: Visitor’s Comments: NoneVI: Committee Reports:Stewardship Ministry – Bob

DemsonThanked out going Chairman Nick

Vrettos and his committee Elaine &Chris Jansen and Rebecca Pietronutofor their work this past year2021 may need to fill gap with

another fundraiser similar to the BTPProgramStewardship Pledges to date for

2021 we have 86 Pledging Families –$109,538 and 14 non-pledging families– $1,122Stewardship as of 12/30/2020Stewardship (Fund 1): $220,548Stewardship Other (Fund 2): $112,810Stewardship Other (Funds 1 & 2):$333,358Total (Fund 3): $1,000.00Fundraiser Income: $88,168Total (Funds l, 2, 3 & Fundraiser):$422,526Families Pledged:175Stewardship Commitment: $187,037Average Family Pledged: $1,069Youth Ministry – Chairs Stephanie

Peri & Bobby GarofalisWorking on getting the youth

together by doing an event a month.GOYA is meeting Saturday the 23RDat 1:00 PM and then go bowling.Sunday School is on hold.Greek School by is part of Youth

Ministry. Gaily reported there are 10students presently enrolled. Discussedthe tuition and teachers salary perschool year. Gaily and Garofalis toreview.Technical Committee (New) –

Chairs Kurt Detweiler, Frank PeriMembers – Rebecca PietronutoOpen Issues:Archdiocese cancelling email

domain service; need to transferdomainPlanning to use Microsoft Office 365

or Google G-SuiteSet-up Church email using same

“goarch” domain transferUpdate website w/ use of VANCO

applications that are integrated withthe Parish Data System (PDS).Use EventBrite for the Sunday

Registrations online processGoal is to set up a stable platform

for Church electronic functions &servicesMake it easier to supportCandle on-Line has been fixed

and back on-lineHouse Committee – Barbara

FranceHall Rentals:May 3-14, 2021 - AP Exams

2021May - $5,000Baccalaureate Testing - $2,500Events scheduled before May are

questionable because of lingeringCOVID concernsList of Rentals for 2021 as of 18 Jan

2021 attached hereinMaintenance Committee – Pete

SunCompleted ProjectsKAMCO Security system repairs and

upgrades completed 10/8/2020.Flags/FlagpolesNew flags provided by Pete Sun,

Kurt Smith, Stavroula GaileyFlagpoles repaired by Sign

Technologies on 8/7/2020Hellenic Center Doorways repair/

replace. Contract with RENCONcompleted 10/5/2020. Option to addkick plates and repair closerscompleted 11/04/2020.Non-operational HVAC units on

Hellenic Center Roof removal.Materials only contract (NTE $1,000)with Elias Doulgerakis completed9/21/2020. Invoiced 21 Dec and paid.Dishwasher/Booster/Fan contract

with Ecolab signed 7/28/2020 InstalledDamaged fence repaired by New

Leaf Landscaping 10/9/2020Church and chapel domes painting.

Contract with Pro Works completed11/14/2020.Church and chapel arches and

parapet walls repair. Contract with ProWorks completed 10/19/2020. Optionto paint chapel arches completed11/14/2020.Roof maintenance (HC) Contract

with Chase Roofing completed10/22/2020.HC HVAC Repair (Heat Exchanger)

replaced by Worley’s 10/8/2020.Hellenic Center front & sign soft-

wash. Contract with MCP-Brian Martincompleted 10/19/2020. Refund ofoverpayment received.HC locks: Coffey’s replaced

10/26/2020Hellenic Center arches, portico and

window repair. Contract with VADrywall completed 11/02/2020.Projects in progressWalk Behind Floor Scrubber:

Approved for purchase 2/17 /2020 - onholdBreezeway painting. Proposal from

Pro Works under consideration (Deferuntil spring)Breezeway power-wash. Proposal

from MCP-Brian Martin underconsideration (Defer until spring)Breezeway roof repair. Contract with

Chase Roofing completed 11/25/2020.Brickwork removed for drain repairsreplaced and repainted 1/8/2021.School Rooms: Baseboard floor

molding & doors. Donated by EliasDoulgerakisReplace HC Portico lettering:

Cardinal Sign responded. On holddue to cost.Lights: Replaced with LED bulbs

by Gault Electric LLC 12/28/2020Roof repairs: Hellenic Center,

Chapel, Church: Repaired by Chase

Roofing - pending final inspection.(Not invoiced)Emerging IssuesChurch ceiling tile (Proposal

received. On hold)Sanctuary ceiling water damage -

Confirming adequacy of roof repairChapel ceiling water damage -

Confirming adequacy of roof repairHC ceiling water damage -

Confirming adequacy of roof repairMold/mildew inspection/remediation-

Library and Youth Director’s officeTwo remediation proposals

received (SERVPRO/911Restoration)-On hold until causesrepairedLibrary wall –Seeking proposals

for repair: Received from S&DContracting/VFS declined/Responsepending from Steve Pheifer.Youth Director’s office roof-

Proposal requested from ChaseRoofingFunding Required: N/AMotion to approve reportVrettos made the motion to accept

Sun’s Building & Maintenance aspresented; seconded by Paumier,passed unanimously.Note: No work or payments unless

approved by Pete SunVII: Priest’s Report – Father

GeorgeFather wished everyone a Blessed

and Happy New Year2020 Statistics – 6 Baptisms, 2

Weddings, 2 Chrismations and 5Funerals2020 our community donated 3,532

Lbs of food to the local food bank. Thegoal for 2021 is send at least one morepound.25 Jan – GOA Seminar – PPP Loan

will be held by Elaine Alllen at 7:00 PMEST22 Feb – PORT Project we will be

doing the dinner at Temple Baptist anda bag “grab & go” breakfast. DeaconNoah is POCFather A.C. Moralis, Chancellor,

asked Father George to be on theMetropolis Oratorical FestivalCommitteeFather attended a Zoom

Stewardship Seminar held by BillMarianes. Next seminar is 26 Jan202122 Mar – Our parish will host the

Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan OrthodoxVesper Service at 6:00 PM25 Feb – Kathy Dermanis will be

receiving the Humanitarian Award fromVirginia Center for InclusiveCommunities. Due to the Pandemic,there is no dinner this year. Id youwould like to support this event pleasecontact FatherFather noted slow mail service to the

churchHappy Birthday to Kurt SmithVIII: Unfinished Business:Governor of Virginia announced

new COVID restrictions effectiveDec 14individuals age five or older to wear

face coverings in an indoor settingshared by othersoutdoors when unable to maintain at

least six feet of physical distance fromnon-family membersrevised face-covering requirement

now applies to all businessesViolation of the business

restrictions are punishable as aClass 1 misdemeanor and subjectto a civil penalty of up to $25,000.The requirement to wear a face

covering does not apply to thefollowing:While eating or drinking;

Individuals exercising or usingexercise equipment;Any person who has trouble

breathing, or is unconscious,incapacitated, or otherwise unable toremove the face covering withoutassistance;Any person seeking to communicate

with the hearing impaired and forwhich the mouth needs to be visible;When temporary removal of the face

covering is necessary to securegovernment or medical services; andPersons with health conditions that

prohibit wearing a face covering.Any person who declines to wear a

face covering because of a medicalcondition may not be required toproduce or carry medicaldocumentation verifying the statedcondition; nor may the person berequired to identify the preciseunderlying medical condition.PPP Loan2020 PPP Loan Forgiveness Status:

12/31/20 Loan Forgiven2021 New PPP Loan:New guidance from the SBA

released on 1/7/2021SBA to approve $284 billion for

existing and new borrowersExisting PPP borrower, you may be

eligible for a "second round" PPP Loanif you:have used or expect to use all of

your first loan (yes)have no more than 300 employees

(yes)demonstrate year-over-year

quarterly revenue reduction of at least25% (2019 to 2020 – Yes)Will begin application for new PPP

Loan on Jan 19 with Towne BankIX: New Business:Budget Committee planning met

in Dec; completed 2021 BudgetAlvin Garrison, Michael Chalkias,

Bob Demson, Michael Kokorelis, NickVrettosApproval of 2021 budget –

Reviewed budget its bare-boned for2021Festival Budget – based 2020 April

– November monthly averagerevenues/expenditures for baselineChurch operations and primaryFestival Profit & Loss report from K.Detweiler with the assumption of twoCarry-out Festivals for 2021Demson – motion to approve the

2021 as presented for 2021 SpringParish Assembly. Seconded by Gaily;motion passed unanimouslyPORTDec 9-16 – In-house PORT

cancelled because of low attendanceFebruary 22 – New date for meal

prep at Temple BaptistMeals will be prepared and served

at Temple Baptist, 235 HarpersvilleRoad, Newport News, VA 23601Dinner service times 4:30-6:15Dinner food prep (i.e. meatloaf,

mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans)Breakfast food prep (i.e. bag

breakfast with apple or banana,Danish, fruit cup)General Assembly – February 28

Feb 2021 at 12:00 PMX: Adjournment:Fr. George offered the closing

prayer at 20:15. Next PC meeting willbe 15 Feb at 1830.XI: Certification:Respectfully SubmittedKent M. Paumier, Secretary

Page 11

MARCH 20211 Monday6:30 pm Philoptochos2 Tuesday4:00 pm Greek School6 SaturdayFirst Saturday of Souls(Main Church)10:00 am Divine Liturgy1:00 pm Baptism7 SundayJudgement Sunday(Meatfare)8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy9 Tuesday4:00 pm Greek School13 SaturdaySecond Saturday of Souls(Main Church)10:00 am Divine Liturgy14 SundayForgiveness Sunday –CheesefareDaylight Savings Time8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy12:00 pm AHEPA5:00 pm ForgivenessVespers15 MondayLent Begins/Clean Monday5:00 pm Compline6:30 pm Parish Council16 Tuesday4:00 pm Greek School17 Wednesday6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy19 FridayFirst Salutations (Chapel)7:00 pm First Salutations20 SaturdayThird Saturday of Souls(Main Church)10:00 am Divine Liturgy

21 SundaySunday of Orthodoxy8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine LiturgyArtoclasia for the ZambasFamily1-Year Memorial for JamesKaratsikis2-Year Memorial for ArgieKaratsikis61-Year Memorial forKonstandinos Karatsikis26-Year Memorial for SamMageras6:00 pm Pan OrthodoxVespers Hostedat Saints Constantine &Helen, NN22 Monday6:00 pm Compline23 Tuesday4:00 pm Greek School24 WednesdayFeast of the AnnunciationGreat Vespers6:00 pm AnnunciationCathedral Norfolk25 ThursdayFeast of the AnnunciationGreek Independence Day9:00 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy26 Friday2nd Salutations (Chapel)7:00 pm Second Salutations28 SundaySunday of St. Gregory ofPalamas8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine LiturgyParish Saint JohnChyrsostom OratoricalFestival29 Monday6:00 pm Compline30 Tuesday4:00 pm Greek School31 Wednesday6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy

APRIL 20212 FridayThird Salutations (Chapel)7:00 pm Third Salutations4 SundaySunday of The Holy CrossSpecial Tray for HellenicCollege/Holy Cross8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy5 Monday6:00 pm Compline6:30 pm Philoptochos6 TuesdayNo Greek School7 Wednesday6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy9 FridayFourth Salutations(Chapel)7:00 pm Fourth Salutations11 SundaySunday of Saint JohnClimacus8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy14 Wednesday6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy16 FridayAkathist Hymn (Chapel)7:00 pm Akathist Hymn18 SundaySunday of Saint Mary ofEgyptGodparent Sunday8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy19 Monday6:00 pm Compline6:30 pm Parish Council21 Wednesday6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy24 SaturdayLazarus SaturdayTeaching Liturgy8:30 am Orthros9:30 am Divine Liturgy

25 SundayPalm Sunday8:45 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy7:00 pm First NymfiosService26 Holy Monday10:00 am PresanctifiedLiturgy7:00 pm Second NymfiosService27 Holy Tuesday10:00 am PresanctifiedLiturgy7:00 pm Third NymfiosServiceNo Greek School28 HolyWednesday10:00 am PresanctifiedLiturgy7:00 pm Holy Unction29 Holy Thursday7:00 am Vesperal Liturgy ofSt. Basil7:00 pm Holy Passions,Twelve GospelsProcession of Holy Cross30 Holy Friday9:00 am The Royal Hours3:00 pm Vespers of theUnnailing from the HolyCross & Burial of our Lord7:00 pm The Lamentationand SolemnProcession of the EpitafioMAY 20211 Holy Saturday8:00 am Vesperal Liturgyof St. Basil11:00 pm The Resurrectionand Holy Pascha (Easter)2 Great and HolyPascha11:00 am Vespers of Love(Agape)3 MondayFeastday of St. George9:00 am Orthros10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 50Newport News

Virginia

Saints Constantine and HelenGreek Orthodox Church60 Traverse RoadNewport News VA 23606

Return Address Requested

Come Worship the Glory of GodSunday Services8:45 a.m. Matins10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Religious EducationSuspended due to COVID

Christian FellowshipSuspended due to COVID

Mission StatementThe mission of Saints Constantine & HelenGreek Orthodox Church in Newport News,Virginia is to keep, practice, and proclaim theOrthodox Christian Faith. The work andministry of our Parish will include proclaimingthe Gospel, sanctifying the faithful throughGod's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgyand the Sacraments, and enhancing theirspiritual life. We will fulfill the greatcommission of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist by inviting others into the Churchthrough Baptism and/or Chrismation,educating them in the Orthodox Faith throughthe establishment of programs, schools andphilanthropic activities, and implementingChristian ministries.

www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org

Phone: (757) 596-6151Fax: (757) 596-2967