The Orthodox Way The Monthly Newsletter of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

December, 2014

USPS 600-160, No 12

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church - 2100 Boyer Avenue East - Seattle, Washington -

98112 The Orthodox Way is published monthly. Parishioners who wish to contribute content or announcements are asked to email information to

sshirland@saintdemetrios.com; or by fax to 206-631-2550. Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church reserves the right to edit, alter or reject any content.

Discovering Christ’s Love by Deacon Daniel

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the

world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to

worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from

on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.

--Apolytikion of the Nativity of Christ

On November 12, 2014 the European Space Agency made the first ever landing

of a spacecraft on a comet. Since then there has been much excitement about the

discoveries we might make concerning life in the universe. This is the one of the

most significant accomplishments in space exploration we have seen in many

years. There is even audio of what the comet sounds like hurling through space,

which went viral on the internet and social media! As exciting as this event is to

modern humanity, it pales in comparison with the excitement of the magi’s an-

cient “discovery” more than two thousand years ago when a star in the Eastern sky lead them to the

savior of mankind. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. [...] and fell down

and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frank-

incense, and myrrh.” [Matthew 2:10, 11] When we think of Christmas are we filled with this same joy

the Magi felt? Or is it something more mundane? An extra day off to overeat and stock up on the latest

and greatest consumer product. If the magi, who by many accounts had no real reason to care about

Christ’s birth, reacted this way, then how much more joy should we be feeling over the birth of Christ?

First off, why were the magi even there? Consider that they were pagan priests, seers, astrologers and

astronomers. They knew about the stars, which is why they would follow it in the first place because to

them the behavior of this star was significant. We also know that they,

being learned men, would have had knowledge of the prophecies of

Christ. So it was not completely lost on them the path they were follow-

ing. St. John Chrysostom, in his homily on the second chapter of

Matthew, says God called the wise men by the things that are familiar to

them, for being astrologers they were naturally astonished at such a large

star. He says that God, for the salvation of those in error, allowed Himself

to be served by astrologers, normally used to serve the devil, so that He

might gently draw the Magi away from their customs and lead them

toward a higher wisdom.

When we chant the dismissal hymn of the feast “Thy Nativity, O Christ

our God, hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world;” we recog-

nize the effect His birth had on the world and how He drew all of Crea-

tion to Him, not just those who currently believe in him. Jesus said, “for

the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” For us

the magi are a measuring stick of our own faith and represent the discov-

ery of something completely new in the birth of Christ. They remind us

that to have Christ in our hearts is to fall down and worship Him and

give thanks for coming into the world. They show us the power

of Christ to act even in places we think He might not be able.

(Continued on Page 12)

Mission Statement: “To proclaim the Gospel of Christ in the Orthodox Tradition while creating a vibrant, loving, compassionate and supportive community.”

Inside this Issue

Serving Our Ministry 2

All Saints Camp Board

Message/PC President’s

Message/Dance Group

News

3

Philoptochos News 4

Youth Ministry News 5

Stewardship Update 6

Stewardship Update 7

Monthly Calendar 8

Announcements/

Recognitions 9

Stewardship continued 10

Memorials & Vigil Lights 11

Sunday School Christmas

Project & Play/Dn.

Daniel’s message Contin-

ued

12

St. Demetrios Office Hours:

9:30 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Friday

Phone: 206-631-2500 Fax: 206-631-2550 Rentals: 206-631-2515 www.saintdemetrios.com

Parish Directory

Rev.Fr. Photios Dumont Proistamenos 206-631-2501, frphotios@saintdemetrios.com

Dn. Daniel Triant 206-631-2502 frdaniel@saintdemetrios.com

Dn. Perry Angelos,Deacon 425-652-2983, Angelos3@msn.com

Vasilios Lazarou, Chantor

George Tsantilas Parish Council President pcpresi-dent@saintdemetrios.com

Lefteris Sitaras Youth Ministry Director 206-631-2504, lsitaras@saintdemetrios.com

Simoni Shirland Administrative Assistant 206-631-2503, sshirland@saintdemetrios.com

Maria Barbas Financial/Stewardship Admin 206-631-2505, mbarbas@saintdemetrios.com

Saundra Maroussis Hall Rental Manager Ext. 2515, smaroussis@saintdemetrios.com

Paula Charuhas-Macris Sunday School Director Ext 2507, pcharuhas@saintdemetrios.com

Susan Reichmann, Philoptochos President 425-772-1605 susanreichmann@yahoo.com

Tedros Habte-Mezengi, Custodian

Page 2

Altar servers

Dec. 7th

& 21st

Joseph Dumont, Peter Ales, Andrew Christianson, Nicholas Christianson, Theodore Looney, William

Grosvenor, Demetre Teodosiadis, Alex Rotar, Jack Hillman, Samir Kharoufeh, Paul Dudunakis, Peter

Dudunakis, Niko Pagones, Manoli P. Tramountanas, Manoli A. Tramountanas, Johnny Tramountanas,

Ethan Weigle.

Dec. 14th

& 28th

Joseph Dumont, Andrew Christianson, Nicholas Christianson, Theodore Looney, Demetre Teodosiadis,

John Christofilis, Nicholas Biros, Nasi Contoravdis, Niko Contoravdis, Themio Pallis, George Pallis,

Stassi Tsantilas, Yiannis Tsantilas, Phillip Stamolis, Anthony Sampson, James Konugres, Omar Mal-

louk, Stavros Panos.

Church Services, Epistle and Gospel Readings

Date Church Service

Dec. 4rh

Dec. 6th

Dec. 7th

Dec. 12th

Dec. 14th

Dec. 15th

Dec. 17th

Dec. 21st

Dec. 24th

Dec. 24th

Dec. 25th

Dec. 27th

Dec. 28th

Dec. 30th

St. Barbara (services at Assumpiton)

St. Nicholas (services at Assumption)

10th Sunday of Luke

St. Spyridon (services at St. Spyridon)

11th Sunday of Luke

St. Eleutherios

St. Dionysios

Sunday Before Nativity

Royal Hours of Nativity, 9 am

Vesperal D. Liturgy, 7 pm

THE NATIVITY OF CHRIST

St. Stephen

Sunday After Nativity

St. Anysia

Agiva~ Barbavra~

Agivou Nikolavou

10h Kuriakhv Loukav

Agivou Spurivdwno~

11h Kuriakhv Loukav

Agivou Eleuqerivou

Agivou Dionusivou

Kuriakhv Pro Cristougevnnwn

Megavle~ Wre~ Cristougevnnwn, 9 p.m.

Esperinhv Qeiva Leitourgiva, 7 m.m.

AGIA CRISTOUGENNA

Agivou Stefavnou

Kuriakhv Metav twn Cristougevnnwn

Agiva~ Anusiva~

Parish council servers

Dec. 7th John Ales, George Tsantilas, Tom Contoravdis, George Tramountanas, Jim Kost,

& 21st Stephanos Margaritis, Christos Psichos

Dec. 14th George Papanastasiou, Dale Hazapis, Pam Plumis, George Constantine,

& 28th Evanglia Lagos, Bob Read, Louis Kotsakis

EPISTLE READERS—ARTHUR SARIDAKIS—INSTRUCTOR; Chris Macris— assistant

Dec. 7th Manoli T. Tramountanas, in Greek Demetris Konugres, in English

Dec. 14th Alexandra Koceski, in Greek and Stavros Panos, in English

Dec. 21st Jack Hillman, in Greek and Sophia Looney, in English

Dec. 28th Theodore Looney, in Greek and Samir Kharoufeh, in English

Sunday Offerings for November 2014

November 2 $ 8,648.80

November 9 $ 5,582.05

November 16 $ 4,218.75

November 23 $ 6,822.00

November 30 $ 3,448.00

Total $ 28,719.60

Fasting Type December

Fish Allowed 1, 2, 4, 6-9, 11,

Wine & Oil Allowed 5, 12-15, 17, 20, 21

Strict Fast 3, 10, 16, 18, 19, 22-24

Page 3

Merry Christmas from the All Saints Camp

Board!

Is there someone on your list that has everything?

Are you looking for worthy causes for your end of

year donations? Give a donation in a loved one’s

honor and help All Saints Camp with their Christ-

mas Wishes….

$25 – buys a new chair for our Arts & Crafts

Area. (We need 40 of them!)

$100 – buys a new sink & faucet for the upper

cabins

$500 – buys new ceiling fans & installation for

the Chapel Save the Date! Save the Date!

Save the Date! Saturday, February 7th 2015 – St Demetrios Hall

www.allsaintscamp.com

GREEK DANCE GROUP NEWS

MONDAY NIGHT DINNERS at dance practice start before

practice at 5:30pm and have been very well received by our

community. The dance board would like to thank Bill and

Nina Contoravdis for their donation on Nov. 10th and also

thank Stephano and Paula Margaritis together with George

Papanastasiou for their donations to Nov. 17th dinner. Also,

Andrew and Michelle Escobar provided dinner for Nov. 24th.

Thank you to all for stepping forward and making this happen

for our community!!!

To host a dinner, contact Dana Tramountanas at dana-

tramo@gmail.com or by phone at 206-706-5268.

HOLIDAY BAKLAVA AND DELI – Come get into the holi-

day spirit and assemble the pans of baklava during dance prac-

tice. I can already smell the cinnamon and cloves and see the

smiles on people’s faces!! Feel free to bring your mom, sister,

thea or friend with you. Dates are as follows….

Monday, Dec. 1st – Assembly of Baklava pans in large

kitchen, 6pm

Monday, Dec. 8th – Prep for Deli – Cut and Package

Baklava, 6pm

Sunday, Dec. 14th – Holiday Deli Sale after church

(cheeses, olives, fillo, small packaged Baklava, etc.)

For purchase of Baklava by the pan, please contact Dana

Tramountanas at danatramo@gmail.com or by phone at 206-

706-5268. Whole size $110, ready Dec. 4th. All proceeds go

towards the support of our dance ministry, thank you for your

support.

SAVE THE DATE – Come welcome in the New Year with

the Dance Group at their annual celebration in the large hall on

December 31st. Live Greek music by Takis, great food, and

terrific times are guaranteed.

More details to come in the eNews and at the church.

Parish Council President's Message

Dear Saint Demetrios parishioners,

This is my final column as your Parish Council President. I have

enjoyed working with the council members for six years and am

grateful for their support in my terms as president. I know that

being a Parish Council member is a great responsibility and I

congratulate the new members who will be elected at the

General Assembly for their willingness to serve our parish.

Thank you to everyone who made my job as president go

smoothly; the staff, the council and parish members.

November was Stewardship Month and it was a success, thanks

to John Ales and Pam Plumis. Ministry Sunday showcased the

many ministries of the church and was a wonderful opportunity

for people to see all of the good causes their stewardship

supports. I encourage everyone to turn in your stewardship card

for 2015 and also to consider serving in one of the ministries of

our church.

The Christmas season is upon us and I hope you will take the

time to come to the church services offered during this busy time

of the year. It is an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of

Christmas and for spiritual renewal. I wish you all a blessed

Christmas and a very happy new year!

Sincerely, George Tsantilas

Saint Demetrios Philoptochos Christmas 2014 Bake Sale

Sunday December 21st after Divine Liturgy

Tsoureki $5

Melomakarona $10/dozen

Kourabiethes $12/dozen

Koulourakia $6/dozen

Round Vasilopita (with coin) $15

Paximathia $8/dozen

******Pre-orders due by Tuesday, December 16th!*******

Mail order form and check to:

Lena LaMarche

21031 – 49th Avenue SE, Bothell, WA 98021; 425.486.6899

All orders will be available for pick up at church on Sunday,

December 21st only; No early pick up, please!

Name and phone number ________________________________

E-mail (please print)_______________________________

Quantity of: Tsoureki _____________ $____________

Melomakarona____________________ $_____________

Kourambiethes_______________________$_____________

Koulourakia ______________________ $_______________

Vasilopeta ______________________ $_______________

Paximathia ______________________ $________________

Total : $_________________

Thank you for your support of Philoptochos!

Page 4

Philoptochos News December 2014

I want to wish you all a blessed Christmas season and thank you

for your support of all of our Philoptochos ministries this year. I

look forward to working with anyone who wishes to join us in

the coming year as we minister to the less fortunate in our com-

munity ~ all are welcome! Gratefully, Susan

Thank You from the Sinatra Chocolate Wine Ball

Sunday, November 16th, Camp Agape Northwest was celebrated

with an elegant evening at Herban Feast. The 6th annual celebra-

tion featured a seasonal dinner menu, Washington wines and

chocolatiers, and the music of Frank Sinatra. Proceeds from the

event will benefit Camp Agape, a camp at no cost to children

with cancer and their families. My heartfelt thanks to all who

participated in making this year’s event such a success!

Thank You to the Panos Family!

Our chapter once again wishes to thank the Panos family for

their generous support of our program to feed the homeless men

who come to St Martin de Porres Mens Shelter in search of

nourishment. Their letter reads…Over the course of the past

year, we understand that almost 5,000 meals have been prepared

by Philoptochos thanks to your dedication to this cause. Our

family would like to renew our commitment to sponsor this

worthy cause for the 17th consecutive year in loving memory

of our wife and mother, Harula Panos. Realizing the greater

need for financial support for hot meals at the shelter beyond the

holiday occasions, we have been delighted to partner with the St

Demetrios Ladies Philoptochos Society and to sponsor your

monthly program to feed the homeless on a full year basis and

for the years to come. Thank you again for your service.

Sincerely, Steve, Artemios and Rebecca, Stavros, Lula and

Chloe, Alexander and Christina, Lily and Nicholas Panos.

Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale

Our annual Christmas Bake Sale will be Sunday, December

21st after Divine Liturgy. Pre-orders are due by Tuesday,

December 16th and will be available for pick up on Sunday, the

21st only. You may order online through the Saint Demetrios E-

News and we will be taking orders at the coffee hours so be sure

to place your order early so you aren't disappointed! Greek pas-

tries handcrafted by Philoptochos make great gifts for your

office as well as your friends.

Shut In Parishioners

Every year we deliver a gift of baked goods to our shut in pa-

rishioners. If you are aware of someone who is a shut in, please

call our Visitation Chairperson Kathy Mitalas at

206.824.8511 so we don't miss anyone. If you would like to

help with visitation in your part of town, please let Kathy know

you are available. Everyone is welcome to help and it means so

much to those we take time to visit.

Christmas Shopping to Benefit Camp Agape NW

As you start your Christmas shopping, please remember that

you can help Camp Agape simply by shopping! Please go

to www.igive.com and select Camp Agape NW as your char-

ity. It’s free to join and up to 26% of your shopping will be

donated to Camp Agape NW. Even if you only use the website

to conduct a search and you don’t buy anything, each search

gives a penny to Camp Agape NW. i-give has access to free

shipping deals and exclusive coupons, on top of the great deals

you'll find

in over 800 popular stores including: Amazon.com, Pottery

Barn, REI, Staples, Petco, Expedia, Best Buy, QVC and many

more. A percentage of your purchase is donated to Camp

Agape NW. Many of these contributions can even be consid-

ered tax-deductible. For more information, contact Georgia

Steenis at ggianacos@hotmail.com.

Regional Philoptochos Conference January 31, 2015

A regional conference is being planned at Saint Demetrios

for Saturday, January 31, 2015. Our Metropolis President

Jeannie Ranglas will join us for this very special day. One of

our sessions will be presented by New Horizon Ministries, a

local organization partnering with youth in Seattle to exit street

life. Another will be our own Jubilee Women’s Center. Speak-

ers from New Beginnings will address the issue of multigen-

erational domestic violence. The day will begin with coffee

and registration and lunch will be served. There is no charge

for the event but reservations are needed to plan for lunch and

child care. Reservations can be made through Maria

Barbas:mbarbas@saintdemetrios.com or 206.631.2505. Please

mark your calendars for this informative day. All are welcome, men, women and youth!

Winter is Coming

Please consider what you might be able to share with the less

fortunate. Downstairs in the large hall by the steps is a barrel

for St. Philaret to collect blankets, sleeping bags, men’s items

(socks, gloves, hats and coats). If you have the small soaps and

shampoo left over from your vacation hotel, please consider

packaging them in zip lock bags and donating them. For fur-

ther information, you may contact Jillian Chandler at the

Church of the Assumption at 206.323.8557 or Chris Macris at

St Demetrios.

Please give for Hungry Children

There are barrels in the Narthex and downstairs in the hallway

for Northwest Harvest. Donations of food are especially

needed during this time of economic hardship for so many.

Monetary donations are also accepted, every little bit helps.....

no donation is too small. You may have noticed longer lines at

food banks all around the city. Your donation (cash or food)

will be gratefully received as the number of hungry families

has increased considerably. If you don't want to carry canned

goods to church, please consider a donation to your local food

bank.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule:

All are welcome to attend our meetings and events:

No regular meeting in December – Merry Christmas!

December 18th – cook for St Martin de Porres Men’s

Shelter

January 11th - regular meeting at church after Divine

Liturgy

January 15th - cook for St Martin de Porres Men’s Shelter

January 28th - cook for Jubilee Women’s Center

January 31st – Philoptochos Regional Conference at Saint

Demetrios

Your Sister in Christ,

Susan Reichmann, President

425.772.1605 susanreichmann@yahoo.com

Page 5

Youth Ministry News

HOPE & JOY make Christmas Ornaments -

Sunday, December 14

All HOPE and JOY youth and their parents are invited to make

Christmas Ornaments after Sunday School on Sunday, Decem-

ber 15th. We will meet in the small hall for light refreshments

and our Ornament project.

Please RSVP so we have enough supplies for our children.

Contact Lefteris Sitaras at 206-631-2504

Join the 2015 Youth Ministry Council

T he Youth Ministry council's mission is to provide over-

sight as well as develop and enhance youth organizations

and activities. We wish to create a setting where every child

feels a sense of excitement about and ownership of the

Church's ministries.

The council is responsible for assisting in coordinating the

activities of the youth ministries at St. Demetrios.

The Council is comprised of parents, young adults and GOY-

Ans. We encourage your involvement and invite you to join us

on Sunday, December 14th for a brief meeting after Liturgy.

Please contact Lefteris Sitaras at 206-631-2504 or at

lsitaras@saintdemetrios.com with questions or to volunteer.

Family Christmas Caroling around Montlake -

Monday, December 22nd

All HOPE & JOY youth, GOYAns and their families are in-

vited to sing Christmas carols to our neighbors on Monday,

December 22nd.

We will meet in the Fr. Homer Library at 6 p.m. for a short

practice then hit the neighborhood at 6:30 p.m. Hot Chocolate

for everyone at 7:30! Please bring a flashlight. Parents and

teens are needed to help chaperone and Sing! Please RSVP to

Lefteris Sitaras at 206-631-2504 to participate or to help out.

YAL Christmas Party

Friday, December 19

Please join us for YAL's 8th Annual Holiday Party on

Friday, December 19th at Hollywood Club Casino

beginning at 8 p.m. This event is for all YAL ages 18

and older.

Catch up with friends old & new while you enjoy

great music, delicious appetizers & desserts and cool

drinks at the cash bar. It’s the perfect way to kick off

the holiday weekend and all guests will be entered to

win great Christmas gifts if they’ve been good!

Cost is $20 per person includes appetizers, raffle

ticket and a $5 donation to St. Basil's Academy.

Tickets available at the door only.

Come and support a great cause and get into the

Holiday spirit! Hope to see you all there and invite

your friends!

Please RSVP via the Seattle YAL Facebook page.

2015 YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS

January 14 - YAL Orthodoxy on Tap

18 - HOPE & JOY Family Ice Skating at Highland Ice Arena

24 - Dance Crab Feed

31 - GOYAns make Superbowl Subs, Small Hall 10 am -

Noon

February 1 - GODPARENTS SUNDAY & Superbowl Sub Sale after

Liturgy

7 - GOYAns serve at the All Saints Camp Benefit Dinner

13-16 Folk Dance Festival

18 - YAL Orthodoxy on Tap

23 - Lent Begins

28 - GOYA Teen Talk

March 14 - Mother & Daughter Tea

28 & 29 - GOYA Lent Retreat at All Saints Camp

O ver 40 teens from St. Demetrios, Church of the Assump-

tion, Holy Trinity and St. John Greek Orthodox Churches

participated in a GOYA retreat at Camp Angelos in Portland,

Oregon on November 21st to 23rd, 2014.

The theme of the retreat was Choices and discussions were led

by Fr. Alban West from St. George Antiochian Orthodox

Church. We wish to thank Holy Trinity's youth director,

Christine Whitton, for organizing the retreat and for being a

wonderful host to the youth of our parish. St. Demetrios is

hosting a Lenten Retreat for all GOYAns in March and we are

looking forward to hosting the youth of Washington and Port-

land Orthodox parishes.

2014 GOYA Winter Retreat

Page 6

Stewardship update

For our 2014 Stewardship Campaign, we currently have 529 stewards who have

returned their signed pledge cards and have pledged $ 480,293 Our goal for 2014 is

$535,000. Remember that you can arrange for automatic payments through your bank

or paypal. (go to www.saintdemetrios.com/Stewardship/egiving)

We thank the below stewards for their contributions!

The Stewardship Committee 2014 Stewards:

Steve and Eva Aaron

John and Margaret Ales

Andrew and Vicky Aliferakis

Christopher Anagnostopoulos

Dina Anast

Irene Anastasiou

Larry and Aikaterine Anderson

Rothopi Andrews

Fr. John and Presb. Anna Angelis

Theodore and Kim Angelis

Dn. Perry and Fran Angelos

Evangelos and Magdaline Angelou

Basil Anton

Costas Antonopoulos

George and Dina Apostolou

K.G. and Kostoula Apostolou

Serafim and Eva Apostolou

Scott and Fotini Arehart

Clifford and Theodora Argue

Patricia Arvanitidis

Yeshareg Asfaha

Andrew and Carole Asimakopoulos

Anna Asimakopoulos

Brent and Rhea Aslin

Bill and Voula Athan

John and Stella Athans

Alex and Denise Avgeres

Kostas and Linda Avlonitis

Niko and Kiriaky (Carrie) Avlonitis

Nancy Aziz

John and Zacharou Babarakos

Pat Bacolas

William and Dina Bakamus

Josh and Eleni Banchero

Thomas and Maria Barbas

Eleni Athans and George Bariames

George and Frances Barnecut

Greg Bartell and Fotini

Georgiadou

Bassam and Duaa Bayouk

Gabriel Bayouk

George and Alice Bayouk

Lena Bayouk

Brandon and Molly Bede

Brew and Janice Bede

Anastasia Bekris

Hristos and Diamando Bekris

Konstantinos Bekris

Helen Benis

Kay Betts

Zachariah and Aliki Birkenbuel

Panagiotis and Demetra Biros

Mark and Georgiana Bitzes

Neena Blackwell

Joanne Blankenburg

Maria Bollman

Andrew and Rosalie Boulieris

Gus Boutsinis

Joshua and Ashley Brockmeyer

Jeffrey and Allison Brooks

John and Theodora Broutzakis

Frank and Shelley Buhler

Steve and Chryssa Calandrillo

Lance and Soraya Campbell

Constantine Carkonen

Nick and Vanessa Carkonen

Paul and Paulette Carkonen

Calliope Carras

Efthemia Carras

Eleni Carras

Nick Castas

Susanna Cerasuolo

Douglas and Jillian Chandler

Mark Charonis

Chris and Effie Chriest

Ron and Vicky Christianson

Eleni Christo

Constantinos and Jeannine Christofilis

Demetrios and Katherine Christofilis

John and Helen Christofilis

Anastasios and Voula Christophilis

Dino and Nikki Christophilis

Margo Christophilis

Kosta and Maria Christopoulos

Dino and Heather Christothoulou

Pete and Heather Christothoulou

Edward and Anastasia Clarke

Daniel and Vicky Cohen

Jeffrey and Katie Comstock

Madeline Conom

Debbie Constantine-Skouras

O. George and Kay Constantine

Paul Constantine

Elefteria Contoravdis

Tom and Evelyn Contoravdis

Olivia Contos

Gus and Margaret Cooper

Maria Cooper

Jerry and Eva Costacos

Barbara Cotton

Madge Cotton

Maria Cotton

Gus Courounes

Jerry and Nicoleta Courounes

Renee Courounes

Dale and Marianna Crane

Donald and Laura Crews

Christos and Judith Dagadakis

Eftihia Dagadakis

George and Angela Dalas

Mary Dallas-Smith

Mary Damascus

Daniel and Angela Daoura

Marguerite Daoura

Pamela Darvirris and Andrew Heidt

Vince Davis and Effe Manolakos

Bettye DeLappe

Barbara Deligan

George and Alexandra Delegans

Sam and Vicki Deliganis

Nicholas and Stella Demonakos

Presv. Artemis Demopulos

Peter and Diane Demopulos

Ryan and Demetra Dennis

Volodymyr and Olivera Derevyanyy

Sophia Derezes

Dimitrios and Maria Devekos

Nick and Athena Diafos

Darden Dickson

Panagiotis and Voula Dikeakos

Stephanie Dikeakos

Vasili and Katherine Dikeakos

John and Aksenia Dikun

John and Julie Doces

Kay Doces

Thelma Doces

Christopher Dodd and Maria Christofilis

Voula Dodd

Athena Doolittle

Joseph and Manal Doughly

Gus and Gregoria Dounis

Paul and Anna Dremousis

David and Nicole Drumhiller

Katherine Drumhiller

Robert and Janie Drumhiller

Thomas and Pandora Christie Dudler

Kenneth and Kristina Dudunakis

Fr. Photios and Presb. Katherine Dumont

Robert and Andrea Tsiakilos Dunbar

Kevin and Trina Durgan

James and Janis Dyment

Chris and Marla Economou

George and Elizabeth Economou

Hatziantoniou

Richard and Christina Economou Grunder

Mary P. Economou

Litsa Edwards

Sophia and David Eitel-Mcshea

Helen and Arianna Exarhos

Nicolette Farmasonis

Petros and Colleen Farmasonis

Yemane and Sharon Glein Fecadu

Page 7

Our Stewards...

Dan and Helen Ferrelli

Alex and Anna Fleet

Georgios and Maria Flemetakis

Matthew and Alexandra Flugstad

Irene Fotes

Bill Fournarakis

John and Athanasia Franks

Loukas and Zoe Ganoulis

Nick Ganoulis

Demos Gennaios

Panagiotis and Nicoletta Gennaios

Meletis and Theodora Geokezas

Demetri and Sherri Georgakopoulos

Panayiota Georgas

Dan George

Evan George

Harry and Mary George

Tyler and Anastasia Geving

Konstantinos and Mary Ann Giakoumatos

Kyriakos and Sandi Gianotas

Michael and Wanda Gikas

Elaine and Lars Giusti

Katina Gotsis

Gary and Kathy Gookstetter

Basil Gregores

Robert and Danielle Griffith

Efy Grivas

James and Shawn Hages

Eissa Hanna

Joann Hanna

Dorothy Haskell

Neil and Terri Hawdon

Dale Hazapis

Helen Heuer

John and Maria Hillman

Patrick and Vickie Howard

Vickie Huff

Mary Hulbush

Stavros and Elsa Ioannou

Peter and Demetra Jacobsen

Carlos Jimenez and Eleni Lagos

George J. John

John and Emilie John

James and Pota Johnson

Jeff and Johanna Jones

John and Natalie Kusulos Jury

Georgia Kalasountas

Helen Kalasountas

Panagiotis and Rena Kalasountas

Jim Kaloris

George and Christina Kaltsounis

Theodore and Maria Kaltsounis

Vicky Kangles

John and Virginia Kapelouzos

Elia Karagiannis

Maurice and Carmen Karagiorgos

James and Georgene Karambelas

Evagelos and Ellia Karantonis

JoAnna and Thomas Pallua Karas

Tim and Nadine Karas

Francine Karavias

Spiros and Zoe Karimbakas

Anthony and Sarah Karis

Nick and Nancy Karis

Terry and Hannah Karis

Christine Karzmar

Aimee Kassir

Nicholas and Kalliopi Katholos

Matthew and Sophia Katinas

Jean Katsandres

Gregory and Angela Kavounas

Teresa Kazaras

Stephen and Ann-Marie Keeney

Constantine and Helen Kefalas

Peter Kenny

Timothy and Sofia Kenny

Bishara and Diane Kharoufeh

Don and Kathy Klausing

Joshua and Karen Knabe

Brian and Jiovanna Koceski

James and Vickie Kolios Morris

Alexander and Leta Kolios

Evyenia Kollia and Naguib Youssef

Vivie Kollias

George and Maria Kost

James and Patti Kost

Louie and Vicky Kotsakis

Petros Koumantaros

Yiannis Koumantaros

Panos and Toula Koutlas

Charles and Nicolette Krekas

Helene A. Krikris

Gary Kuhar

Ales and Dena Kusulos

Angela Kusulos

Harold Kusulos

Peter Kyriacou

Steven and Annie Kyriakides

Yota Maria Kyriakos

Kostas and Linda Kyrimis

Haritine Ladas

Angelos and Katerina Lagos

Tsakopoulos

Demetrios and Evangelia Lagos

George and Eleni Lagos

Michael and Lena LaMarche

James and Sharon Langus

Angelina and Henry Larson

Pete and Blue Lazarou

Vasilios and Emorfia Lazarou

Christopher and Julie Legeros

Jason and Sanaz Lemelson

Dean and Kathleen Lentgis

Thomas Leonidas

Jeffrey and Tina Lewis

John and Polette Limantzakis

Johnny and Lucy Limantzakis

Bill and Florence Lolos

Glen and Georgine Looney

Asimo Loukas

George and Giannoula Lymberis

Paul and Rebecca Lymberis

Chris and Paula Macris

Eugenia Macris

Greg and Mia Macris

Wendell and Demitrula Madison

Emanuel and Dina Magoulas

Louis and Mary Malesis

Helen Malevitsis

Nina Malevitsis

Samuel and Sarah Mallos

Bechara and Xiomara Mallouk

Luca and Danika Manfredi

Nicky Manitaras

Pete and Georgia Manolakos

Demetris and Emily Manolopoulos

Stilianos and Kari Manos

James and Mary Lou Manus

Stephanos and Paula Margaritis

James Markezinis

John and Kelly Markezinis

Anthony and Alexandra Maroussis

Ted and Ariane Maroutsos

Yianni Maroutsos

Jean Mastor

Constantine and Areti Mavromatis

George and Vera Mazoonin

Lillian C. McDermott

David and Georgia McFarlan

Sam and Tania McIntosh

Christina Meletis

Pipena Mercouriadis

Michael and Kelly Meyers

Michael and Elaine Michaelidis

Andreas and Irene Mitalas

Katherene Mitalas

Chuck and Anne Mitsakos

Walter and Frances Moldskred

Dorothea Mootafes

Alexandros and Maria Moroseos

Andrew Moser and Diana Moldovan

James and Sandra Mykris

Pete and Carol Mykris

Bettyann Nassar

Peter Neckas

Sandy Neckas

James and Stella Nelson

Kristin Nelson

Tim and Melissa O’Brien

James and Carolyn O’Donnell

David and Yiota O’Laughlin

Shirley Olsen

Insaf and Madison Oraivej

Jonathan and Stephanie Otis

Yacoub and Ruba Oweis

Anthony and Elaine Pagones

Stamatios and Stella Palios

Bill Pallis

Chris and Rebecca Pallis

Chris and Vasiliki Pallis

Elli Pallis

Margie Pallis

Tina Pallis

Evangelos and Anastasia Pampoukas

Alice Panagakis

(Continued on Page 10)

Page 8

Page 9

Announcements

Baptisms

C ongratulations to Dr. Evyenia Kollia and Naquib Youssef whose son, Nikos, was baptized on

November 9th, 2014. His sponsor is Yiota Georgas. Na sas zese!” Congratulations to Zachariah and Aliki Birkenbuel whose son, Lukas, was baptized on November 16th, 2014. His sponsors are Jeff and Eleni Jungsten. “Na sas zese!”

Correction: The sponsors of Nicole Steen, who was baptized on October 19th, 2014, were Alexandra Gluhova AND Drew Asi-makopoulos.

JUBILEE WOMEN’S CENTER IS THANKFUL

FOR ST. DEMETRIOS!!!!

M uch appreciation to the many parishioners that helped

provide a delicious Thanksgiving Meal to our neighbor

and sisters in need…

Monetary donation from Nikolaos and Holly Poulias for

turkey, salads and side dishes.

Sweet potatoes and desserts provided by Despina and Bob

Read, Pandora Christie, Shelley Buhler and Peggy

Tramountanas.

The residents at Jubilee Women’s Center truly enjoy meals that

St. Demetrios provides and are very thankful for all we do for

them.

JWC provides housing, clothing and support to low income and

Homeless women. For more information on JWC or how you

can help, please contact Georgene Karambelas 206 829 9337

Karambelas@comcast.nett, www.JWCenter.org

Thank your for Festival Donations

W e wish to thank Yianni and Katerina Tziotis and

Dometios Tziotis of “Yiannis Foods & Wines” and

“Plaka Estiatorio” for their monetary donation. Your

generosity is truly appreciated!

Our Condolences

W e express our Deep Condolences to

Danielle Griffith and her family and

Connie Marble for the passing of their father,

Dan George. May his memory be eternal!

We express our Deep Condolences to Nicoleta

Courounes and her family, and Mary George and

Marco Courounes, for the passing of her

husband, and their brother, Jerry Courounes.

May his memory be eternal! “Aiwniva autwvn h mnhvnh!”

Bookstore News

P repare for the birth of Christ! Special

books now available:

“Meditation for Advent”

“Celebrating the Twelve Days of

Christmas”

“Orthodox Bible for Young People”

Other Christmas gift ideas include: New

Nativity cards, icons, prayer bracelets, brass censors,

Christmas ornaments & CDs, and children’s books. May the

birthday of our Lord bring you faith, peace, and love. Have a

blessed Nativity!

Lost Baptismal Candle (Lampada)

D ear Parishioners please call the Church Office

(206-631-2500) in case you have seen/found a white

Baptismal Candle decorated with a white bow (about 30 in.

long). It was left either in the Church or Large Hall by a

parishioner. Thank you.

Yiayia & Friends Luncheon

O ur Christmas Yiayias & Friends luncheon is

on Thursday, December 4, at Varlamos Pizzeria,

located at 3617 NE 45th in Seattle. Time is 11:30

a.m. There is some parking available in the lot across the

street. We will once again hold an optional gift exchange for

those who want to participate. The suggested price limit is

$10.00. Please bring your gift wrapped and ready to

exchange. Only those who bring a gift will be able to take

home a gift.

As always, I appreciate a call or email message

l e t t i n g me k n o w y o u a r e p l a n n i n g t o

attend: mndamascus@comcast.net (or alternately by

phone: 509-951-2975) . When calling from a home phone/

land line, you will need to dial 1 before entering my phone

number. Thank you to those who have emailed or called me!

Orthodox Mission News

O CMC is celebrating 30

years of mission ministry!

According to Director Father

Martin Ritsi, OCMC has an im-

pressive list of accomplish-

ments:

100 long-term missionaries in the field

2,000 short-term team members

37 churches constructed

10 schools established

Thousands of new members into the Body of Christ

Please pray for the OCMC staff, board, missionaries, and many

volunteers in the coming year. Thank you for your support in

spreading the Orthodox faith throughout the world!

Page 10

Our Stewards…

(continued from Page 7)

Froso Panagiotopoulos

Sophia Panagiotopoulos

James and Ursula Panagiotou

John and Lisa Panagiotou

Sam and Colleen Panagiotou

Evgenia Pangopoulos

Yiannis and Johnette (Limantazkis) Panopoulos

Artemios and Rebecca Panos

Steve Panos

Argyro Papadakis and Chris Clephan

Gregory and Stellee Papadeas

George Papanastasiou

George and Lora Pappas

Ryan and Stacy Parnell

Norman and Frances Parr

Christopher and A. Ellie Pedersen

Robert and Penelopy Perkins

Claire Pess

George and Susan Pess

Irene Peterson

Kristopher and Clara Peterson

Helen Petratos

William Phillips

Harry and Alethea Platis

George and Diana Plumis

Kristina Plumis

Paul and Pamela Plumis

David and Toula Poletti

Theologia Polizos

Andonios and Evangelia Polychronopoulos

Nikolaos and Charekleia Poulias

Lia Preftes

Anna Prineas

Brad and Angie Prior

Eleftheria Proios

Christos and Tammy Psichos

Nicholas and Anastasia Raissis

Robert and Despina Read

Susan Reichmann

James Retelas

Harry and Evie Rigas

Erik and Nicole Rolfness

Sorin and Maria Rotar

Cathy Rottle

Adele Rottle-Williams

Chris Roumeliotis

Kary Roumeliotis

Kayla Roumeliotis

Christina Routos

Ted Routos

Emanuel and Marilyn Rouvelas

Gordon and Katina Ruh

Brad and Renee Russell

Mark and Angelique Saffle

Chris and Dina Saites

John Sakas and Paris Johnson

Dena Sakelaris

John and Penelope Sakellaris

Pantazis and Katina Samolis

Katherine Sampson

Philip and Barbara Sancken

Arthur Saridakis

Angelos and Penelopi Savranakis

Patrick and Ioanna Schmidt

Alexandra Schwenke

George Seal and Alithia Squires

Alexandra Serpanos

Iyad and Christina Shahwan

Mike and Elaina Shemeta

Annette Shepherd

Simoni Shirland

Tanya Shirland

Stella Siamatas

Christos and Agapi Siskos

Lefteris and Fay Sitaras

Demetrios and Stamatina Skepetaris

Nikolaos and Brenda Skokos

Alexander and Vassie Skoulis

Sofia Smetheram

Georgea Sotirhos

Irene Sotirhos

Eleni Soudas

John Soudas

Alicia Sourapas

Steve Sourapas

Jeff and Angela Sourapas Jones

Stavros and Aimee Sourelos

Vagios and Fanoula Sourelos

Audrey Southas

Gus and Nancy Spiropulos

Pauline Spyridis

Tom and Mary Spyridis

George and Joanna Staikos

George and Thalia Stamatoyannopoulos

George and Zoe Stamolis

Gregory and Vicky Stamolis

Vasilike Stamos

Thelma Stasinos

Alexi J. Stavros

John A. and Dimitra Stavros

Peter A. and Maria Stavros

Vlasi J. Stavros

Phyllis Steen

Kevin and Georgia Steenis

Andy and Joann Stergachis

Andrew Stergachis and Emily Brice

Michael and Christine Stollings

Chris and Heidi Stoumbos

Eugene and Cleo Supernaw

Marco and Christina Tapia

Linda Tavernarakis

Bryan and Stacy Taylor

Kevin and Angela Taylor

Stephen and Georgia Teodosiadis

Demetri Themelis

Nick and Cindy Theodorou

Perry and Billie Jo Therson

Vance and Alexa Thompson

Brian and Mary Thurber

Spyros and Niki Todoulos

Christto and Dorothea Tolias

Irene Tolias

Kegan and Nichole Tosto

Evangelia Tountas

Antonios and Antonia Touras

Nikolas Touras

Harry and Angela Tourikis

Athan and Cindy Tramountanas

Emmanuel and Peggy Tramountanas

George and Dana Tramountanas

James and Barbara Trehearne

George and Thelma Treperinas

Sam and Elly Treperinas

Steve and Cindy Treperinas

Dn. Daniel and Dns. Michelle Triant

Vasilios and Dionisia Tsafos

Sam and Stephanie Tsakonas

George and Eftihia Tsantilas

Stavroula Tsantilas

Stavros Tsitsis

George and Susan Tsoukalas

Michael and Jodi Tveit

Dometios and Georgia Tziotis

Ourania Tziotis

Yiannis and Katerina Tziotis

Liz Valauri and Ivan Orton

Jordan and Emily Vardell

John and Karin Varlamos

Kosta and Judy Varlamos

Nick and Eleni Varlamos

Vasilis and Nina Varlamos

Peter and Maria Vassiliou

Irina Visintainer

Demetrios and Aspasia Voltsis

Evangelos Voltsis

Darlene Vyzis

Mia Vyzis

Mia (Efthemia) Vyzis

Elliott and Demetra Waldron

J. Robert and Effie Walker

John Walker

Rob and Katherine Watson

George Webb and Anastasia

Deliganis

William and Darlene Weigle

Joann West

Brett and Yvonne Willard

Vivian Williamson

Edmund Wood and Cathy Chohlas

Melissa Wyatt

Demetra Xenos

Emmanuel J. Xenos

John Xenos

Spiros and Voula Xenos

Angelos and Mary Xidias

Tim and Harriet Young

John and Andreanna Zafiroupoulos

Anthony Zardis

Nicholas and Lizabeth Zardis

Arvid and Sophia Zervas Berg

Gus and Diane Zotos

John and Mary Ellen Zoulas

Page 11

Holy Altar Candles from last month

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light was offered on November

8th in loving memory of Michael Deligan (in honor of his

nameday); and for good health for Michael Betts (in honor of

his nameday), by Kay D. Betts and Family.

Two Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights were offered on

November 23rd in loving memory of George Tsiakilos

(twenty-six years since his passing), by his children and

grandchildren.

Holy Altar Candles for December 7th

The Eight Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in

loving memory of Pauline Stamos (thirty-six years since her

passing), by Vasilike Stamos and Family.

Three Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in loving

memory of Peter Economou (thirteen years since his passing),

by his wife, Mary Economou and their children and grandchil-

dren.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of Herb Williams (eleven years since his passing), by his wife

and sister-in-law, Margaret Williams and Cathy Rottle.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of Jack Rottle (twenty-three years since his passing), by his

daughters, Margaret Williams and Cathy Rottle.

Two Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in loving

memory of Spiro Aliagas (fifteen years since his passing), by

Dino and Nikki Christophilis.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of Kosta and Panagiota Makris (twelve and five years since

their passing), by their niece and nephew, Paula and Chris

Macris.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving

memory of Seraphim Vlahos (in honor of his nameday on

Dec. 4th), by Irene Sotirhos and Family.

Memorials and Holy Altar Candles for December 14th

A Forty-Day Memorial Service, a Holy Altar Table Vigil

Light and the Coffee Hour are offered in loving memory of

Barbara Magoulas (of Kephalonia, Greece), by her chil-

dren, Athanasios Magoulas and Emanuel and Dina Ma-

goulas and grandchildren.

A Forty-Day Memorial Service and a Holy Altar Table

Vigil Light are offered in loving memory of Konstantinos

Papadakis, by his daughter and son-in-law, Argyro and Chris-

topher Clephane and his wife, Sophia Papadakis.

Two Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in loving

memory of Demetrios and Eula Begleris (six years and thirty-

four years since their passing), by their daughters, Renee

Knowles, Stephanie Lembesis and Elaine Laurent.

Memorials and Holy Altar Candles for December 21st

A Forty-Day Memorial Service, the Eight Holy Altar Table

Vigil Lights and a donation to St. Demetrios Church (in lieu of

the Coffee Hour) are offered in loving memory of

Jerry Courounes, by his wife, Nicoleta Courounes and Fam-

ily.

A Forty-Day Memorial Service, two Holy Altar Table Vigil

Lights and a donation to St. Demetrios are offered in loving

memory of Dan George, by Connie Marble, Danielle and Bob

Griffith and their families.

Six Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights and a donation to St.

Demetrios are offered in loving memory of Kiki George (1

year), Debbie Comstock (9 years), Kay Phillips (10 years),

Tom Phillips (9 years), Joy Brewer (11 years), Helen Gun-

derson (20 years), Vasiliki George (54 years) and Daniel

George (61 years), by their families.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of David Haskell (one and a half year since his passing), by his

wife, Dorothy Haskell and Family.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of Elias Sotirhos (twenty-four years since his passing), by his

wife, Irene Sotirhos, their children, Maria and Ken, Sophia and

Mat and granddaughters, Angela and Maria.

Memorials and Vigil Lights

Holy Altar Candles for December 28th

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of Mary Cotton (three years since her passing), by her

daughters, Barbara Cotton, Vickie Huff and grandson, Nick

Huff.

Two Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in loving

memory of Gregorios and Panagiota Tsopanos (ten years

and nine years since their passing) and Eleftherios and De-

metrios Vassiliou, and Mary Rahioti, by Petros and Maria

Vassiliou and Family.

A Holy Altar Table Vigil Light is offered in loving memory

of George and Vasilike Christopoulos (nine years and thirty-

four years since their passing), by Angela and Harry Tourikis

and Dora Fournarakis and their families.

The Eight Holy Altar Table Vigil Lights are offered in

loving memory of Katina Halkia (four years since her

passing), by her children, John A. and Dimitra Stavros and

grandchildren.

The Orthodox Way (USPS 600-160)

Published Monthly

by St. Demetrios Church

2100 Boyer Ave. East,

Seattle, WA 98112

Postmaster send address changes to:

The Orthodox Way

2100 Boyer Avenue East

Seattle, WA 98112

PERIODICALS

POSTAGE PAID AT

SEATTLE, WA

The Above are Contributed Announcements to The Orthodox Way Page 12

Join us for the annual Sunday School Christmas

Program: Silent Night

on December 21, 2014 in the Large Hall

following the Divine Liturgy

2014 St. Demetrios Sunday School Program

Christmas Service Project

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and

you gave Me drink…” Matthew 25:36.

This year’s Sunday School service project will support the

Jubilee Women’s Center. Jubilee assists women in our com-

munity on their transformational journeys from homelessness

and poverty. A ministry of the St. Demetrios Philopto-

chos Society, Jubilee has provided women with safe and

affordable housing, personalized care management, as well as

technology and life skills training for over 30 years.

For more information, please visit: www.jwcenter.org

We are collecting funds to support Jubilee with the goal of

raising $1,000. Checks may be made payable to Jubilee

Women’s Center.

Sunday School will also be hosting several coffee hours

during the month of December and all proceeds will be

donated to Jubilee.

Please bring your monetary donations to your Sunday School

classroom by Sunday, December 21, 2014.

Thank you and God bless your for your support of this worthy

cause. For more information, please contact Christina

Economou-Grunder at christinae@windermere.com

(Continued from Page 1)

Discovering Christ’s Love

The problem we have in our own spiritual lives is that we have

lost that sense of discovery and excitement. We allow ourselves to

become like the child who receives that most-wanted toy for

Christmas, but by February has forgotten where the toy even is.

That initial thrill will always subside, but we must continue to

strive to foster that joy of Christ in our own hearts because we

know this leads to something much greater, eternal life. We allow

the cares of the world to drown out His triumphant message.

God will always meet us where we are at, even though we exist in

a fallen world separated from Him. While he does not condone our

sins, He does pour grace upon those who struggle to be in com-

munion with Him. Elder Amphilochios of Patmos tells us,

“Cultivate love towards the Person of Christ to such an extent that,

when you pronounce His name, tears fall from your eyes. Your

heart must really burn. Then He will become your teacher. He will

be your Guide, your Brother, your Father, and your Elder[...]" The

Church provides us with the way to cultivate that love in our lives.

When we deny our fleshly desires through fasting, when we dig

into Scripture and try to discern its meaning, when we worship in

the Divine services, these are all acts of discovery of Christ in

which we are cultivating Him in our hearts. When we do this we

understand the joy the magi showed for the newborn Christ and we

can celebrate His birth with just as much fervor.

A blessed feast of the Nativity to us and all pious Orthodox Chris-

tians! May the light of the knowledge of our the Lord and Savior’s

birth shine on all the world.

Merry Christmas!