The Voice - Holy Trinity St Nicholas Church Voice... · The Voice . Volume : 15 Number : 6 Month :...

The Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

The Voice Volume : 15 Number : 6 Month : June 2015

The Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to All Saints, both those who are known to us, and those who are known only to God. There have been saints at all times, and they have come from every corner of the earth. They were Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hier-archs, Monastics, and Righteous, yet all were perfected by the same Holy Spirit.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to rise above our fallen state and to attain sainthood, thereby fulfilling God’s di-rective to “be holy, for I am holy” (Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16, etc.). Therefore, it is fitting to commemorate All Saints on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

This feast may have originated at an early date, perhaps as a cele-bration of all martyrs, then it was broadened to include all men and women who had borne witness to Christ by their virtuous lives, even if they did not shed their blood for Him.

St. Peter of Damascus, in his “Fourth Stage of Contemplation,” men-tions five categories of saints: Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hier-archs, and Monastic Saints (PHILOKALIA [in English] Vol. 3, p.131). He is actually quoting from the OCTOECHOS, Tone 2 …

St. Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain (July 14) adds the Righteous to St. Peter’s five categories. The list of St. Nicode-mus is found in his book THE FOURTEEN EPISTLES OF ST PAUL (Venice, 1819, p. 384) in his discussion of I Corinthians 12:28.

The hymnology for the feast of All Saints also lists six categories: “Rejoice, assembly of the Apostles, Prophets of the Lord, loyal choirs of the Martyrs, divine Hierarchs, Monastic Fathers, and the Righteous....” Some of the saints are described as Confessors, a category which does not appear in the above lists. Since they are similar in spirit to the martyrs, they are regarded as belonging to the category of Martyrs. They were not put to death as the Martyrs were, but they boldly confessed Christ and came close to being executed for their faith. St. Maximus the Confessor (January 21) is such a saint.

The order of these six types of saints seems to be based on their importance to the Church. The Apostles are listed first, because they were the first to spread the Gospel throughout the world.

The Martyrs come next because of their example of courage in professing their faith before the enemies and perse-cutors of the Church, which encouraged other Christians to remain faithful to Christ even unto death.

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The Synaxis Feast of All Saints Commemorated on June 7

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THE VOICETHE VOICE June 2015June 2015

Although they come first chronologically, the Prophets are listed after the Apostles and Martyrs. This is because the Old Testament Prophets saw only the shadows of things to come, whereas the Apostles and Martyrs experienced them firsthand. The New Testa-ment also takes precedence over the Old Testament.

The holy Hierarchs comprise the fourth category. They are the leaders of their flocks, teaching them by their word and their example.

The Monastic Saints are those who withdrew from this world to live in monasteries, or in seclusion. They did not do this out of hatred for the world, but in order to devote themselves to unceasing prayer, and to do battle against the power of the demons. Although some people erroneously believe that monks and nuns are useless and un-productive, St. John of the Ladder had a high regard for them: “Angels are a light for monks, and the monastic life is a light for all men” (LADDER, Step 26:31).

The last category, the Righteous, are those who attained holiness of life while living “in the world.” Examples include Abraham and his wife Sarah, Job, Sts Joachim and Anna, St Joseph the Betrothed…and others.

The feast of All Saints achieved great prominence in the ninth century, in the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise (886-911). His wife, the holy Empress Theo-phano (December 16) lived in the world, but was not attached to worldly things. She was a great benefactor to the poor, and was generous to the monasteries. She was a true mother to her subjects, caring for widows and orphans, and consoling the sorrow-ful.

Even before the death of St. Theophano in 893 or 894, her husband started to build a church, intending to dedicate it to Theophano, but she forbade him to do so. It was this emperor who decreed that the Sunday after Pentecost be dedicated to All Saints. Be-lieving that his wife was one of the righteous, he knew that she would also be honored whenever the Feast of All Saints was celebrated.

Inside this Issue:

The Synaxis Feast of All Saints ......... 1

Youth Ministries............................... 2

PANEGYRI......................................... 3

Church Organizations ...................... 4

Transitions........................................ 5

2015 Scholarships............................. 5

Panigyrikos....................................... 6

Outreach Ministries.......................... 7

President’s Message......................... 8

DOP Fathers’ Day Form.................... 8

Christmas in Bethlehem................... 9

Stewardship Message....................... 10

Stewardship List .............................. 10

Parish Announcements.................... 13

Parish Calendar ............................... 14

Church Information ......................... 15

41st PANEGYRI................................... 16

For the electronic version of THE VOICE visit our website at:

www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/

YOUTH MINISTRIES By: Father William Redmon

It has been an eventful year for our GOYA and HOPE/JOY programs, and I have enjoyed meeting and working with our youth and Ministry Team volunteers. While we will not be holding regular meetings during the summer, we will be gathering for fun and service.

At the GOYA picnic, officers were elected. Congratulations to Constantine Stroplos (President), Andrew Diaz (Vice President), Dean Georgostathis (Treasurer), Lilly Richardson (Secretary), Angelica Georgostathis (Assistant Treasurer), and Mikayla Diaz (Assistant Secretary). Our Youth also decided to participate in a service project this summer, and to go out for fun and fel-lowship on a date to be determined later.

Our HOPE/JOY youth will be going on an outing to Chuck E. Cheese’s for an afternoon of fun and games. The ministry team and I are in the process of choosing a date, and will inform the parents as soon as we select one.

I would like to thank our officers and Ministry Team members for welcoming me to this parish and for providing constant aid and support. If you would like to be informed about the dates, times, and locations of our summer events, and have not been receiving the GOYA or HOPE/JOY e-mails, please contact me and I will put you on the list.

-Fr. William

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CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS OVER FIFTY CLUB…Ann Jonson

We had a wonderful Easter luncheon, prepared by Alex, Jim and Gary. Father William Redmond spoke to us about how he became a priest and everyone enjoyed his humor. Our table decorations, donated by Jim and Thelma Jonson were a big hit. Thank you for the three-tiered chocolate covered nuts. Also, thank you to John and Chris Morris for the cake in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary in February.

We will not have a luncheon in June because of the Panegyri, but in July we will go to a restaurant. Then in August, we will have our pizza party at Church, which we had to cancel in February.

We would like to thank all of the Parishioners that supported the Festival of Tables on May 9. The attendees were lucky enough to have had good food, great music and the best of friends and family. Special thanks to "George and the Corner Band" for supplying the perfect music mix for listening and dancing, Maria and Dimitri Ververis of Grecian Delight in Middletown for serving a delicious meal as well as a special thanks to Diane Kevin, "the raffle saleswoman of the year". Our Philoptochos Chapter was able to raise a signifi-cant contribution for the St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero in New York City. Thank you all very much for your help.

At the May Philoptochos meeting, we had our biennial elec-tions and the following individuals were elected to the new Board for 2015/16 and 2016/2017: Tina Zaferes, Eleni Zaf-eres, Carol Stefanopoulos, Elaine Snyder, Helen Nicholas, Mary Morgan, Vera Manolakas, Diane Kevin, Irene Kaneris, Loy Jonson and Georgianne Gaz. Congratulations to all the new Board members and a most sincere thank you to the exiting Board members for all of their dedication and work.

On Sunday, May 31, following the Divine Liturgy, the Ladies of Philoptochos will be serving a light snack in celebration of Holy Pentecost. We hope all Parishioners will join us.

PHILOPTOCHOS…Georgianne Gaz

Our tsoureki sale this year was very successful. Judging from the comments we received, our new baker did an out-standing job. Thanks to Mary Morgan for chairing the event and thank you all for supporting the sale as we could not have done it without you. We'd also like to thank you for supporting our Mothers' Day Memorial and Artoklasia. It was a wonderful way to honor and remember the women in our lives. Thank you, Helen, for chairing this event.

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE…Vera Manolakas

On June 21, we will be celebrating Fathers' Day and remem-bering and honoring the men in our lives. You may use the form which is included in the VOICE to list the names of the important men in your life. The cost is only $5 per name. If you have questions, please call Helen Nicholas at 513-697-0583, or see a Daughter at our table following Divine Liturgy.

At our May meeting, we elected officers for the 2015-2016 year. Our new officers are: Vera Manolakas, President; Mel-ody Dargis, Vice President; Mary Morgan, Corresponding Sec-retary; Jay Williams, Recording Secretary; Patricia Neuendorf, Treasurer. Our Board members are: Helen Nicholas, Irene Zigoris, and Angela Storch. Our new officers were installed at the end of our May meeting. We also elected delegates to the District and Supreme Conventions.

June will be a busy month for us. Several of us will be at-tending the District Convention in Canton on June 19 and 20. Many of the sisters will be participating in the Panegyri serv-ing in various capacities ranging from chairing and/or work-ing in booths or departments to working in the office and some even being part of the Panegyri dancers. We are proud to be part of the AHEPA Family and to be serving our Church community.

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL…Cara Chryssovergis

As you know, Sunday May 17th was my last official day as SCS Director; to date, the position has not been filled. After some discussion about the future of Sunday Church School, the clergy and I have decided that perhaps a new approach to running this SCS program is to break up the responsibilities into more manageable pieces. This will allow for more pro-gress with each portion of the program without over-burdening one person.

To this end, the goal is to establish a Religious Education Team of 5-to-8 people to manage the different aspects of the SCS program. The RET would be split up into the following areas — Communication, Special Events, Staff, Curriculum and Oversight. If you would be interested in helping the SCS program grow and continue to succeed by taking on one the responsibilities of the RET, please contact Father Bill or Cara Chryssovergis as soon as possible. We need to get the team in place quickly in order to make plans for the next school year.

I hope you will prayerfully consider this opportunity to serve your Parish.

In His Name, Cara

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Transitions

BAPTISMS:

ADULT BAPTISM:

WEDDINGS:

FUNERALS:

George J. Cavalaris, age 88, on May 1, 2015, at Middletown, Ohio. Maria Vasilakis, age 78, on May 15, 2015.

The New Christian: Isabella Nicole Parents: Joshua and Katherine Phillips

Sponsor: Andreas Kamilaris Date: April 26, 2015

The New Christian: Isabelle Nicole Parents: Matthew Benard and Sophia Kissopoulos

Sponsors: George Kyrios and Lillian Kyrios Date: May 17, 2015

The Newlyweds: Sofia Mirkopoulos and Gregory McCotter Sponsors: Elizabeth and Chris Kyrou

Date: May 2, 2015

The Newlyweds: Sara Waldenmayer and Essa Naser Sponsor: Sammir Naser

Date: May 16, 2015

The New Christians: Elizabeth Maria and Viktoria Sophia (Twins) Parents: Steve and Edyta (Swiatkowska) Mirkos

Sponsors: Steve and Tatsa Toleski

Agios Demetrios Scholarship:

Zoe Sarakatsannis

AHEPA Scholarships:

Stephanie Rodish

Zoe Sarakatsannis

Evangelos Stathis

Gabriella Stroplos

Katerina Stroplos

Demetri Trester

Nicholas P. Bogis Award: Alex Freeman

Viola Christopher Memorial Scholarship:

Allison Papathanas

Anestis J. and Janeen D. Condorodis Scholarship:

Alex Freeman

Michael Fritz

GOYA Scholarship: Dimitra Mamaligas

Gregory Family Scholarship (Male): Alexander Schutter

Gregory Family Scholarship (Female): Elaina Gruber

Three Hierarchs Award: Samantha Frantzis

Three Hierarchs Award: Evangelos Stathis

Holy Trinity Scholarship: Dimitri Loukoumidis

St. Nicholas Scholarship: Madeline Gelis

Mothers Club Scholarship: Harry “Joey” Polen

Janice Pantel Memorial Scholarship: Gabriella Stroplos

Perdikakis Scholarship (Male): Zachary Nicholas

Perdikakis Scholarship (Female): Mary Leon

Philoptochos Society Scholarship: Alexa Chryssovergis

Congratulations to our 2015 Scholarship Recipients!

Eliott Pohlmann was welcomed into the Orthodox Faith by the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Chrismation on May 19, 2015. He was given the name Elias. His sponsors are Jason and Vasiliki Brunson.

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“Panigyrikos” for Greek Independence Day 2015 By Nektarios Papasavvas

Today is a day of remembrance for our great ancestors; today is a day of history’s grand memory. Today we celebrate our praised anniversaries of independence; the 25th of March 1821, marking the start of the Greek revolution against the Otto-man Empire and the 1st of April 1955, marking the start of the Greek-Cypriot revolution against the British colonials. Today, sacred duty and moral obligation are calling us to rechristen in the holy water of Hellenism and bathe in the blinding light transmitted by these praised anniversaries. This is the blinding light that radiates from the battlefields of Agia Laura, Ala-mana, ‘Xani tis Gravias’, Mesologgi and Dervenakia and from the battlefields in Cyprus , of Mahaira, Dikomo, Liopetri, and Kerynia, … because nations who forget their history and ethnicity are doomed to extinction!

Today, Hellenes and Philhellenes from every corner of the earth celebrate and yearn those old and praised years and we pay the utmost respect and gratitude in memory of those grand heroes, known and unknown who painted with their fights and sacrifices today’s anniversaries and infused with their blood the arteries of our Freedom. With their immense faith to God and the power of their unconquered souls, those Greek heroes were waiting and waiting, century after century, decade after decade, year after year, to find freedom;

“ςς

” …in translation … “The freedom to come, with sword in their hands, the enemy’s army to macerate. They were waiting the pigeon from Nazareth the message of freedom to bring”. Four centuries of slavery and mis-ery have passed since the dreadful day of 29th May 1453. The day when the descendants of Attila were stepping over Con-stantinople, when Constantin Palaiologos was falling at the Gate of Romanou and when the Byzantine double-headed Eagle was dying at the Door of Ayia Sophia.

But the Greek soul, oppression does not tolerate … the white as snow pigeon escaped the tyrannical claws of the occupier and flew all over the Hellenic land … from Nazareth to Lavra, and from Moria to Roumeli, singing the coveted message of freedom. The human race is espoused with joy from Nazareth. Our enslaved people are espoused with the joy of resurrec-tion and freedom in Ayia Lavra. The day has come, where our heroes decide to deposit their life as collateral to freedom and to throw the weight of their presence in the middle of history. With the first spark of the revolution, slavery and misery be-came an astonishing and commanding fire, the cluttered souls became an oasis of hope, the pain and suffering became fuel for their hearts; and now here they are … with their voices resounding like thunderbolts they rose like mythical super heroes, like a tsunami wave, up high ready to devour the endless and awful tyranny of the occupiers. The world is now witnessing, my friends, in its vast history, the unreal, the impossible, the fairy tales and the dreams coming alive. And they saw the re-birth of Akritas, they saw the indestructible soul of Salamina resurrecting from our glorious past to save the enslaved Hellen-ism. The world is now seeing women and children fight just like men. The world is seeing everyday people become unde-feated warlords. The world is seeing tiny peaceful fishing boats transform into fearful floating torpedoes exterminating the giant Turkish navy. Monasteries; otherwise places of calm and serenity are becoming the lifeline of freedom with the storage and supply of ammunition. The big dream of freedom now has flesh and bones; it is alive; the revolution is now a reality. The small and tortured Greek population believed one more time, those big ideas cannot be measured with giant and count-

less armies. “ςς” … in other words, “With the fire from the heart and with blood are measured”.

Our thoughts travel back in time and at the battlefields of Alamana, Xaniths Gravias, Mesologgi and Arahova, and those of Tripolitsa, Maniaki, Hios and Psara, and we take communion from the blessed sacraments of our national heritage. We kneel with devotion to the memories of those brave stalwarts who erected temples of triumph and sanctuaries of freedom. Every Greek corner has trophies to show from that 9-year long battle of the titans. They surpassed once again the limits of human strength those Greeks; and they were admired by friends and foes alike.

However, the Greeks were not able to escape from the heavy curse of dissension that is following step by step our nation’s troubled history. At the time, the powerful of Europe and the Grand Alliance defined a small Greek country but excluded pieces of Greek land; like Constantinople and Cyprus. Places that offered their sacrifices to the altar of freedom without any

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compromise, yet they were denied their own freedom. For centuries under the Ottoman Empire, Cyprus was singing the pain away, waiting for the morning of freedom to arrive. And when the British took over Cyprus from the Ottomans, people mistakenly believed the time of freedom has come. The British were praising the monumental Greek contributions by the Greeks in defeating the Nazis during the World War II, and promising justice for Hellenism and Greece; and Cyprus was pa-tiently waiting for the right of a nation’s self-determination and ‘Enosis’, the reunification with Greece. A different fate, how-ever, was carved for the small island. Despite their philellinistic declarations, the British not only did not help in the pursuit of reunification, they contrived to drown the national pride of the Greek Cypriots. They said Greek Cypriots did not want freedom, they said Greek Cypriots did not want the Greek motherland, and they interpreted patience as a subservience, as a weakness, and they said the famous “Never”. That was the moment, when Cyprus started turning into a volcano, with Hel-lenic pride boiling like hot lava. One spring day, on 1st of April 1955, with the order of General Grivas and the blessing of archbishop Makarios, the Greek Cypriot youth answered, once again, ‘Patrida’s’ call to break the chains of slavery and enter the marbled temples of honor. That day, the nation awoke to the sounds of EOKA’s bombs. Gunshots were reverberating across the mountains and valleys. Just like 134 years earlier, in March 1821, the youth of EOKA, with heart full of heroism faith to God and immense love for Greece, took on the baton of history. Inebriated from the immortal wine of the Greek Revolution of 1821 continued their duty to respond to the nation’s call for freedom. Here they are, sacrificing themselves in the fields of honor and reliving the battles of Marathonas, Salaminas, with their spirit joining Leonidas, Kolokotronis, Diakos, Androutso, Karaiskaki and Papaf-lessa. Their fight became legend and hope, creating pilgrimages for every free soul to bow in respect. These heroes created another era worthy of the Greek revolution of 1821, which, it never ended, but instead was continuing on in Macedonia, Crete and Cyprus. In 1959, Cyprus is free from the British, yet the colonials managed once again to keep Cyprus away from mother Greece and to leave dissension on their trail. Fate has this small Greek island on another course of yet more conflict; the familiar Turkish war machine strikes again and makes its way invading the majestic shores in the north of Cyprus in July of 1974. This is why it is a revolution which never ends; it just pauses and then restarts until the cause of total freedom is reached in every piece of Greek land. My friends, today we celebrate our national heritage and our very existence. Let’s pause for a moment and reflect; what would the Greek nation be today if it wasn’t of our immortal ancestors fighting for what they believed in? It is time for us to realize that self-denial of our being, and the complacencies of today’s prosperity not only do not contribute to our cause but they could lay mines on the pedestal of our existence. Let’s listen to the call of our ancestors, let’s take peace as our impene-trable thorax, let’s take faith as our invulnerable shield and let’s take patience as our impervious helmet. Let’s keep the flame of freedom lit in our souls, and let’s raise up high the banner of our fight. The road of ‘Litrosis’ is long, with abundant hurdles in our course. I will leave you tonight with the words of General Makriyiannis in 1821 to the French Admiral De Rigny during the battle of the Lerna Mills: “My General, our positions are weak, we are weak, but God who is protecting us is Big. Luck has us the Greeks always few, with all the monsters of the earth trying to devour us. They eat from us but there is al-ways yeast left over. And when those few decide to die, few times lose but many times they win”.

OUTREACH MINISTRIES - THE GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD PANTRY

Kroger Community Rewards Renewal

It’s not too late to renew you Kroger Reward card affiliation with our Parish. If you did not renew in April, the Church will not receive do-nations based on your purchases until you renew. This program has been a tremendous benefit to our Food Pantry. Last year, we received $2,716 from our participation in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. Please consider taking a few minutes to attach your Kroger Rewards card to our Church. The process is simple and once you are registered, all you need to do is renew each year in April.

Here are simple instructions for enrolling or renewing:

1. Go to https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards 2. If you already have an account, click on “Sign In”, or click on “Create An Account” to set up an account 3. Follow the enrollment instructions 4. Our Organization Number is 82785

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The Daughters of Penelope will again offer Memorial and Artoklasia services on Father’s Day, June 21, 2015. These services will be in memory and in honor of the important men in our lives. Requested donation is $5 per name. If you would like to have

your loved one’s name included in the prayers, please complete the form below and return it with your check to: Daughters of Penelope, 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45224. The deadline for submission is Saturday, June 14. Contact Helen Nicholas

at 513-697-0583 if you have questions. Thank you for your support.

Submitted by: _________________________________________________________________________

Street Address, City, & Zip Code:___________________________________________________________

In Memory of: In Honor of:




Summer is approaching and, for most if not all of our students, another school year has passed. To those who have graduated, congratula-tions and best wishes for success in your future endeavors. In May, we recognized the recipients of scholarships, the Sunday Church School students, the Greek School students, and their teachers. Our Parish thanked Cara Chryssovergis for all her years of service as the Director of Sunday Church School. Preparing our youth for the future is a very important part of our Church ministries.

Strengthening those ministries such as those that teach and serve is one of the goals for 2015 that I listed in my April message. That is why the committee being formed, to run the Sunday Church School program in the next academic year, will have an important role in continuing our parish’s efforts to fulfill the Church’s mission. Perhaps you have the talent to inspire students to learn. I would encourage you to contact the Parish Office to ask how you can get involved and contribute to the success of the educational ministry.

Expanding our outreach is another goal for this year. As we take a break and make travel plans this summer, keep in mind outreach pro-grams such as the Food Pantry and the philanthropic organizations that run all year. Hunger and poverty do not take a vacation. Check your emails for needed items, but also be proactive by asking how you can help.

Continue the growth of Stewardship. Remember that includes time, talent, and treasure. It is our call to action to get involved, especially this time of year when we host our annual festival, the Panegyri. So mark your calendars, sign up to volunteer, and get involved in the pre-festival preparations because this is when the parish needs your time and talents. Also remember the financial commitment you made at the beginning of the year and keep the momentum going. Your Stewardship gifts make a difference.

Finally, here is a report on the upgrade of our Parish facilities. The Building Improvement Committee is finalizing the planning and sched-uling of the alterations in the gym and corridor set to begin this autumn after the Car Raffle. Meanwhile, thanks to the repairs of the me-chanical systems, the air conditioning will keep our church building comfortable throughout the summer.

As we pursue these goals and complete our tasks, there is still much to do, and the year is almost half over. So relax this summer, take a break, but stay involved. If your plans include travel, I wish you a bon voyage and safe return. To the graduates who are continuing their education or starting their careers, whether here in town or in other cities, celebrate your success and be thankful for all your blessings. Remember those who helped you along the way and do likewise for those who will follow you.

That’s all I have to say. Let’s get to work.

Parish Council President's Message by Jim Gelis

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Aamodt, Peter & Karen Adinamis, George & Robyn Allgeier, Brian & Ellen Anastasiou, Demetra Andreadis, Paul Andreadis, Sophie S. Andrews, Evan & Terry Antoniades, Anthony & Tracey Apostol, Katherine Apostolides, Vasso A. Argeros, Aristea Arvanetes, Gregory & Sandra

Assaley, Lewis & Patricia Bakiri, Keti & Andrew Murray Balli, James & Virginia Basile, Courtney Batsakes, George P. Batsakis, Chris & Lydia Beish, Andrew Beish, Karen Beltsos, Chris & Melissa Beltsos, Paul & Jeanna Beltsos, Sam & Esmine Beltsos, Steven & Kanda

Benard, Matthew & Sophia Bender, Robert & Kathy Bertok, Christina Betas, Dimitrios Betas, George Bikas, Michael & Anna Bikas, Nicholas Bilionis, Charles & Angela Binzer, Brian & Chrisanthi Borcoman, Tate & Nicole Borod, Gregory & Gloria Bottomley, Stephen & Stephanie

2015 STEWARDSHIP LIST THROUGH 5-20-15

Panegyri is a major event for our Parish – it’s both an expression of our heritage and culture to the external community - re-quiring almost herculean effort on the part of volunteers to effectively coordinate. The Panegyri is also a major source of our Parish’s on-going operating budget. In an ideal world our Parish would use the income from Panegyri for non-operating ex-penses like debt reduction and capital improvements and as the main mechanism for giving back to our community in the numerous ministries we all support. However, we have become financially dependent on the earnings from Panegyri and need the income just to “make ends meet.” A primary way we can better control our destiny as a Parish is to become more financially self-reliant and self-sustaining through Stewardship. Panegyri provides a wonderful platform to highlight the major themes of Stewardship as Time, Talents and Treasure which are all in full display throughout the weekend, and indeed during the set up and breakdown of this event.

Time – Every volunteer who participates gives freely of themselves to our Church Community. There is a core group of individuals who work for months to ensure an organized event that proudly represents our community to our guests. Other team members dedicate the better part of the pre and post Panegyri week ensuring pristine set-up and tear-down occur. Countless others spent untold hours preparing food and pastries, learning new dances, practicing music, setting up cultural areas, coordinating raffles and honing up on their church knowledge to ensure a wonderful experience for all attendees. There are others who work the entire weekend serving food, cleaning up or providing entertainment. Just about everyone in our parish takes part and gives of themselves in some way, even if only for a few hours. This is the es-sence of community and everyone should be proud of the way we represent ourselves.

Talent – Looking around at all the activity during Panegyri weekend, one can see our stewards sharing their talents and God-given gifts. From entertainment to cooking, from hosting church visitors to feeding hungry guests the best of our church community is on display, reaching out to greater Cincinnatians to ensure a wonderful experience by doing things they enjoy through the simple act of contribution.

Treasure – Panegyri sponsors, parishioners, vendors and the greater Cincinnati community support, promote and attend the event over the three-day weekend resulting in a direct financial contribution to Panegyri and ultimately to our Church.

This tremendous outpouring of Stewardship makes Panegyri possible. We thank everyone who participates; be proud that you enable our Parish the opportunity to share our ethnic heritage and faith with the greater Cincinnati community. Would-n’t it be wonderful to be able to return more of this support back to Cincinnati by relying less on Panegyri to fund the operat-ing expenses of our Parish and instead use it as a platform to support future growth and further broaden our ministerial vi-sion?

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Boulmetis, Samuel N. & Anita Boumis, Peter & Kimberly Brausch, Robert & Julie Bouras, Anna Brown, Bryan & Nickie Brown, William & George-Ann Bugitzedes, Marian Caddell, Chris & Eleni Callos, Harry† & Angie† Callos, Thomas & Patricia Caneris, Adonis & Ana Maria Caneris, Anthony & Antoinette Caneris, Dr. Onassis A. Cardullias, Dr. Peter & Elaine Carey, Lee & Tula Carras, Evan & Betsy Carumpalos, Constantine Cassis, Constantine & Carrie Cassis, Fr. William & Presvytera Anastasia Chachoff, Nada Chantilas, George Chantilas, James & Dr. Lydia Chapas, Lefty Charnas, Terry & Koula Christman, Carl & Becky Christofield, Angeliki Christon, Angelos & Deanna Christopher, Spiro & Olga Christopoulos, Vassiliki Christos, Mary J. Chryssovergis, Chris & Cara Claffie, Sean & Angela Colak, Tony & Joan Colyer, Jeff & Laura Colyer, Keith & Diane Condorodis, Anestis J. & Janeen D. Cook, Barbara Cook, Frank† & Karen Coures, George Cranley, John & Dena Dargis, Melody & David David, Mossa & Caroline Demetrion, Jim J. & Carole Denas, George & Eugenia Denas, Haralambos & Athoniseea Diaz, Chris & Stephanie Drew, Dr. William & Katherine Economacos, Demetrios & Christine Economacos, Tom & Jennifer Economakis, Tina Edgington, Paul & Mary Lou Elias, Nicholas

Elias, Tom & Tina Eliopoulos-Rosenbloom, Connie Evangelou, Sofia Fawcett, Tracy & Jessica Fekkos, Haralambos & Loella Ann Fielden, Brad & Tricia Fillios, Elias & Mary Firman, Nancy & Jerry Francis, Dean & Kathy Frangowlakis, Thomas Frankenstein, George & Christine Franklin, Gari Frantzis, Kosta & Tammy Freeman, Maria Freudenberg, Grey & Eleni Fritz, Christine Furkas, Lisa Gaier, Dean Gaier, Jeffrey & Chris Anne Galanes, George Gallagher, Sean & Marina Gaskins, Mark & Kristin Gaz, Georgianne Gelis, James & Kathy Gelis, Maria Georgeton, John C. & Ann Georgeton, Peter T. & Nancy Georgiou, Dean Georgiton, Nick & Kristy Georgiton, Peter J. & Betsy Georgostathis, Gus & Connie Georgostathis, Gus & Eleni Georgostathis, Maria Georgoulakis, Athanasios & Sofia Geromes, Alexander Gerros, Mary Ghiz, Leslie Ghizas, John & Helen Gilbert, Bob & Faith Gionnette, Lena & Mike Giovis, Thomas M. Glaser, Brian & Stella Gormas, Pete Grammas, George & Pam Greene, David & Maria Gregory, Dean & Hedy Gregory, Matula Gregory, Thomas & Pamela Gregory, Victoria Haddad, Saba & Elise Haralamos, George & Eleni Haralamos, Mike G. & Akrivi

Hayden, Jason & Rebecca Herrmann, Dennis & Stacy Hill, Ann “Tasha” Himonidis, Chris & Ruth Hodges, Nick & Millie Humbert, Randy & DeDe Hudson, Christine Iatrides, Panawiota Iatrides, Steve & Christina Kutsubu Ioannides, Tasos & Anna Ioannou, Maria & John Ioannou, Michael & Meagan Johnson, John & Antigone Jones, Carolyn Jones, Demus J. & Betty Jones, James A. & Jo Ann Jonson, Alexander & Ann Jonson, Chris C. & Loy Jonson, George N. & Sophia Jonson, James G. & Thelma Jonson, Luke & Lauren Jonson, Patricia J. Kahle, John & Nickie Kalemanis, Gary & Maria Kalemanis, George & Nikki Kalomeres, Carol Kambelos, John P. & Erato Kambelos, Dr. Peter J. Kanaris, Christos Kanaris, Kostantinos & Katy Kanelos, Dino & Julie Kanelos, Eleni Kaniaris, John & Idalia Kappas, James P. Karageorge, Dimitri & Athena Karakatsani, Marianthi Karampas, George & Diane Karas, Bill J. & Lynn Karas, Ted & Dixie Karras, Giorgio & Erene Kasprzycki, Peter & Edyta Katsanis, Claire C. Katsaounis, Nick & Fay Kavouras, George & Fran Kehayes, Peggy Kehayes, William & Melissa Kellaris, Dr. James & Janice Kelley, Michael & Pauline Kelso, Greg & Kelly Kereiakes, James & Helen Kessis, Nick Kessis, Paul Kevin, Patrick & Diane

The rich man is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever.

St. John Chrysostom

The parishioners listed here have made a commitment and/or contribution towards 2015 Stewardship. If you have not made your Stewardship

Pledge for 2015, we encourage you to do so today. Pledge Cards are available through the Church Office or can be obtained by contacting any

member of the Parish Council or the Clergy.

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Kissopoulos, Nick & Effy Kladakis, John & Teddi Kontonickas, Mary Kontopos, Pete & Katerina Kontopos, Vagelis & Amanda Kontsis, George & Melissa Koros, Kostas & Dina Korvessis, Anthony & Georgia Lydia Kostopoulos, Dina Kostopoulos, Nikolaos & Dana Kotsovos, Christos & Victoria Koutas, Peter & Barbara Kranias, George & Litsa Kranias, Stratos & Amanda Kunkemoeller, Thomas & Janice Kurlas, Gus Kyrios, Eleni Kyrios, Irini Kyrios, Lillian Kyrios, Tassos & Maria Lambrinides, Ted & Kimberly Lambrinides, Thomas J. & Mary Ann Landando, James & Yvonne Landers, Lauren Lazares, Gus J. Lazares, John K. & Patricia Leon, Gus A. & Kathryn LesChander, Scott L. & Alexandra Leslie, Wayne & Peggy Levenderis, Bill & Jill Liaros, Vasilios & Evangelia Liston, Robert & Eleni Loukoumidis, George & Stacey Lysko, Bob & Stacy Makris, Thomas & Ellen Maleas, Pete C. & Pearl Mamaligas, Mike & Joann Manolakas, Alexander & Vera Marinakis, Bill D. & Evonne Marinakis, George D. & Eleni Marinakis, Panagiota Marinakis, Ted D. & Katie Maris, George & Tricia Marrone, John J. & Jeri Marrone, John & Tai Masella, Ron & Christine Mathes, Robert & Dena Mavridoglou, George & Penny Mavridoglou, Konstantinos Mavridoglou, Michael & Laura Mavridoglou, Nicholas & Jessica McKay, Betty Jo McKay, Phil & Chris McLeish, David & Kiki Megois, Lee S. & Stephanie Merianos, Ted Meyer, Andy & Maria Mikesell, Marco & Aphrodite Minor, Eleni Mintsoulis, Maria & Jack O’Banion

Mirkopoulos, Nicholas Mirkos, Marilyn Mirkos, Steve & Edyta Misali, A. J. "Ike" Misali, John P. & Deborah Misali, Mary Jean Mohler, David & Angel Mokas, Mary Monroe, Angeliki Morgan, Paul & Mary Morris, John & Christine Mortensen, Danny Moulas, Dean & Catherine Moyer, Gabe & Maria Muennich, Sam & Melissa Murray-Nikias, Stella P. Naser, Jacoub & Dina Nathan, Jaimie & Amy Neuendorf, David & Patricia Nicholas, Eugene & Cindy Nicholas, George & Eugenia Nicholas, Nick & Helen Nichols, Ron & Philanthy Niehoff, Barbara Nikias, Charles P. & Vicki Nikias, Vasilia Nitsis, Dimitrius & Leisa Nourtsis, Sam & Alexandra Nyktas, George W. O'Neill, Brian & Stephanie Orphanos, Peter & Angela Palassis, Nick & Maria Paliobagis, Vasiliki Panagiotidis, Pantelis & Anastasia Panagis, Nick & Maria Papakirk, James & Maria Pantel, Nicholas J. Papaioannou, Thomas & Mary Paparodis, Bess Papasavvas, Nektarios & Sally Papathanas, Harry & Joyce Pappas, Steven & Jolene Parsenios, Lewis G. Parthenakis, Nicholas & Angie Pascal, Betsy Pascal, James Pastroumas, Evgenia Pavlakis, George & Suzanne Payiatis, Paul & Patricia Perdikakis, Constance Perdikakis, Gus G. & Jo Ann Perdikakis, Lynn Perdikakis, Maria Peters, Claire Petkos, Joannis & Christina Petropoulos, Kosta & Tina Petrou, Evey Phillips, Joshua & Katherine Pilipovich, George & Cynthia Plomaritis, Peter & Elsa

Politis, Michael & Carmen Poneris, Constantino & Tara Poneris, Kosta & Christine Ponticos, George D. Ponticos, Koula Prasinos, Jim & Nicki Prasinos, Zoe Priest, Daniel & Christina Psihountakis, Manouso & Anastasia Psihountas, Mary Quill, Kevin & Mary Ramstetter, Robert & Lisa Raptis, James & Maria Redmon, Fr. William & Presvytera Elizabeth Riber, Sam & Filio Richardson, Josh & Nicole Riemann, Christopher & Blanca Rodish, Peter & Suzanne Romanos, Michael & Carla Rombes, Tom & Angie Rombis, Petros & Sofia Romero, Evangelia & Eric Peck Rose, Marvin & Chrysoula Saba, Youhana Sajkich, Steven Sakellariou, Maria B. Sakelos, James Sakelos, John & Kathleen Sampson, Angeline Sampson, Michael G. & Roxanne Sampson, Tony & Mary Ann Sansalone, Anthony & Angeleke Sarakatsannis, George & Marie Sarakatsannis, Nicholas J. & Vicki Sarakatsannis, Nicholas L. & Carla Sarakatsannis, Panny Sarros, George H. & Alexandra Schmalz, Mary Ann Schmidberger, Gary & Elizabeth Schmitz, Thomas & Cathy Schneider, Elizabeth R. Schooley, Barbara Schuler, Bill & Julie Schulte, Nick & Ianthe Schultz, James & Sarah Schutter, Michael & Lynne Semertzides, Manos & Elizabeth Seremetis, Afrodite K. Seremetis, Gregory G. Seremetis, Stratin & Marjory Sherlock, Michael & Chrysanne Sias, Georgios N. & Kathy Sideris, Danny & Amy Sideris, Mina Sideris, Nick & Jane Siegel, August C. Simos, Marianthi Snider, Luke & Dacia Snyder, Milan & Elaine Spanorigas, Nicholas & Becky

13 | Page


Spanos, Van & Litsa Sparks, Ryan & Sophia Spirtoff, John & Vicki Stamatakos, Anthony Stamatakos, Dino & Diamanto Stanifer, Randy & Eleni Stathis, Angelos & Aspasia Stathis, Lee & Evie Stavros, Cathy Stefanopoulos, Andrew & Carol Stenger, Doug & Lauren Stephan, Charles M. Stephan, George Stephan, Kara Stephan, Melinda Stephan, Michael Stephan, Nicholas & Alyssa Steppe, Greg & Ellene Stergiopoulos, James & Dilys Stergiopoulos, William M. & Janis Stergiopulos, Anna Storch, Mark & Angela Storgion, James & Terry Strain, Richard & Katherine Strike, Louis Stringas, Emanuel Stroplos, Gus Suhar, Sylvia Sweiss, Riyad Sylvester, Debi Tassopoulos, Michael & Ritsa Thomakos, Artemis Tipis, Constantine & Lisa Tipis, Eleni Trennepohl, Mike & Tina Trester, Ron & Maria Triantafillou, Nicholas Triantafillou, Tilemahos Triantafilou, Alex & Jennifer

Triantafilou, George & Eleni Triantafilou, Nicholas P. & Lenna Triantafilou, Peter J. Triantafilou, Rita Trivett, Michael & Matina Truta, Traian & Alina Campan Tsolometes, James & Maria Valcarcel, John & JoAnne Vardaka, Marianna Varnell, Charles & Krista Vasiliou, Angelo & Maria Vasiliou, Demetrios & Gloria Vessey, Lenie Vidas, Cynthia Vidas, Ethel Vidas, Michael & Sofia Vidas, Olga Vlahakis, Tom & Carol Watson, Douglas & Akrivi Weis, Daniel & Anastasia Weisenborn, Cary & Maria Weitfle, Christopher & Maria Williams, Jacinta Wilson, Beth & Martin Wilson, Wallace & Michelle Witt, Alan J. & Bessie Wright, Duane M. & Stacy Xanthakos, Stavra & Helmut Roehrig Zaferes, Eleni Zaferes, Katherine (Tina) Zaferes, Patricia P. Zaferes, Toula Zaharopoulos, Antonios & Dimitra Zigoris, Mark & Irene Zolotas, Pete & Papy

PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kayla Elizabeth Singleton graduated from the College of Mount St. Joseph in December 2014 with her BA in Business. She is the daughter of Steve and Sandy Singleton and granddaughter of Mina Sideris of our Parish. Congratulations to Michelle Renee Papathanas on her recent completion of her Doctorate degree from the James L. Win-kle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati where she graduated with High Distinction - Magna Cum Laude. Michelle will be moving to Chicago, IL where she matched into the position of PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Proud Parents are Harry and Joyce Papathanas and Grandmother Katherine Papathanas.

Fr. Bill, Fr. William and the Parish Council would like to thank everyone who attended this year's Agape Luncheon and we hope you had an enjoyable afternoon celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord with family and friends. Congratulations to Pat Assaley upon winning the Gourmet Easter Basket Raffle and to Marie Tsacalis upon winning the Jellybean Jar guessing contest. We look forward to planning next year's event for you!

June 2015 For the most updated Calendar, visit www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

6:30 p.m. Orthodox Reading Group

2

3

4

7:00 p.m.

Panegyri

Dance Practice

5

6

7

All Saints Day 8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

8

Apostles Fast begins


9

6:30 p.m. AHEPA Mtg.

10

11

7:00 p.m.

Panegyri

Dance Practice

12

13

14

8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

15


16

17

18

6:00 p.m. Parish Council Dinner & Mtg. 7:00 p.m.

Panegyri

Dance Practice

19

20

21

8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

22

No Orthodox Reading Group

23

24

Nativity of St. John the Baptist 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

25

7:00 p.m.

Panegyri

Dance Practice

26 PANEGYRI

5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

27 PANEGYRI

3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

28

8:15 a.m. Matins 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy PANEGYRI

1:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m.

29

Feast of Sts, Peter and Paul 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

No Orthodox Reading Group

30

Synaxis Feast of the 12 Apostles 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

15 | Page


Clergy Presiding Priest: Very Rev. Father William Cassis

Assistant Priest: Rev. Father William Redmon

Staff Parish Administrator: Eugene Nicholas

Facilities Manager: Chris Jonson

Parish Council Members

Organizations and Ministries

Philoptochos Society: Georgianne Gaz, President

Parish Choir: Janice Kellaris, Director

Cantors: Louis Kapourales, Tasos Ioannides, James Raptis, Philanthy Nichols

Altar Boys: Gus Siegel, Father William Cassis, Father William Redmon

Sunday Church School: Cara Chryssovergis, Director

Greek School: Alexandros Laftsidis, Director

GOYA: Father William Redmon, GOYA Ministry Team

HOPE and JOY Groups: Father William Redmon, Ministry Team

Mothers Club: Catherine Stavros, President

AHEPA: Peter Rodish, President

Daughters of Penelope: Vera Manolakas, President

Over 50s Club: Ann Jonson, President

Parish Bible Study and Orthodoxy 101: Father William Cassis

Orthodox Reading Group: Father William Redmon

Outreach/Samaritan Fund: Father William Cassis,

Father William Redmon, Eugene Nicholas

The Good Shepherd Food Pantry: Stephanie Diaz, Maria Freeman,

Mary Morgan, Matina Trivett Agios Demetrios Society: Jim Grammas, Maria Panagis

PANEGYRI: Eugene Nicholas, Chris Chryssovergis

Parish Bookstore: Christina Polychroniou

Office Hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Worship Schedule: Matins, 8:15 a.m.; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

Other Services as scheduled.

Our Mission

THE VOICE is the official monthly

newsletter of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas

Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati,

Ohio. Our Parish was founded in 1907

and serves Orthodox Christians

throughout the tri-state area. Our mis-

sion is to reach out to all members of

the Community by providing relevant

information on the religious, spiritual

and cultural life of the Parish; news on

the accomplishments of Parish mem-

bers and organizations, and editorial

points of view.

The next deadline for submitting

news to the "Voice" is

July 5, 2015

Submissions can be dropped off or

mailed to the Church Office or

e-mailed to

[email protected] or

[email protected]

Our Church website can be found

at

www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org

THANK YOU

Officers Members

James Gelis, President Chris Chryssovergis

TBA, Vice-President David Greene

Peter Rodish, Treasurer Stacey Loukoumidis

Justin Bates, Asst. Treasurer Christine Masella

Karen Aamodt, Secretary Jessica Mavridoglou

Matthew Neuendorf, Asst. Secretary Michael Mavridoglou

Nektarios Papasavvas

Nicholas L. Sarakatsannis

Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45224 Tel: (513) 591-0030 Fax: (513) 591-0043 www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID CINCINNATI, OH

PERMIT NO. 2118

41st Annual Panegyri By Eugene Nicholas

IT’S PANEGYRI TIME! There are less than 4 weeks until the Panegyri! As the festival draws near, our volunteer needs continue to grow. Please check the Sunday Voice and your email for volunteer needs. With the loss of Frank Cook, we have some huge shoes to fill. As many of you know, Frank’s leadership in the operational preparation prior to the weekend and throughout the weekend is what made everything run so smoothly. Over the last cou-ple of weeks, I have met with several volunteers to develop a plan to maintain the system which Frank put in place. We know that Frank will be with us in spirit throughout the Panegyri, and he would want us to make it the best ever. Our Panegyri is led and run by our volunteers. In many cases you already know where you want to work. Please take a mo-ment to contact your booth chair and let them know your availability. If you have not picked a booth to volunteer in yet, feel free to contact the Church Office at 513-591-0030. We will help direct you to the booths needing the most help. Let’s sup-port the volunteers who have stepped up to chair a booth and help them by offering your time and talent. The Panegyri is our largest fundraiser of the year. The proceeds fund 30% of our operational needs. We need EVERYONE’S help to make it successful. Please consider volunteering for our 41st Panegyri.

The Voice - Holy Trinity St Nicholas Church Voice... · The Voice . Volume : 15 Number : 6 Month :...

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