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The Epistleof St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
March 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 2018
Pastoral Pastoral Pastoral Pastoral
TTTThoughtshoughtshoughtshoughts
by Fr. Jim Doukas
Celebrations of the
Annunciation and
Greek Independence Day
Saturday, March 24 Greek Independence Day Parade
12 p.m. Doxology at Annunciation Church, 2187 W. 14th Street
1:00 p.m. Parade Kick-off thru Tremont
Parade route will loop around Lincoln Park, back and up W. 14th
Street, where a group photo will be taken on the church steps.
(Note: No program following the parade this year)
7 p.m. Great Vespers at Annunciation Church
Fellowship coffee to follow in Annunciation Hall
Sunday, March 25 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
in St. Demetrios Church,
followed by the Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School’s Program
at Noon in the Metallinos Cultural Hall.
Celebrating the 190th anniversary of the end
of the Greek War of Independence with poetry, song and dance.
Refreshments to follow, courtesy of the PTO.
Before and after the program, we will collect baby items and
donations to benefit Zoe House (see flyer p. 4)
Dear Parishioners,
One of the most beautiful and rhythmic hymns
is the Akathist. The service of the Akathist is
held on Friday of the fifth week of Great Lent. It
is an ecclesiastical poem which describes the
evangelical history in rhythmic form.
Over the years, I have found that fewer people
have been attending this service. Unfortunately,
very seldom do we have our young people
attending, and I hope that this explanation of the
service will energize us to attend. The Akathist,
because of its beauty, simplicity, and grace, is
loved by our faithful.
The Akathist is divided into four parts. One of
these four parts, along with the Small Compline
and Eight Odes, is chanted on the first four
Fridays of Lent.
The First Part describes the announcement to
the Virgin Mary by the Archangel, the questions
raised by the Virgin, her visit to Elizabeth, the
doubts of Joseph, and his joy when the Angel
informed him that the Virgin will give birth to
the Savior.
The Second Part describes the Birth of Christ,
the visit of the shepherds, the Adoration of the
Magi, the trip into Egypt, and the blessing of the
Infant Jesus by St. Symeon in the Temple.
The Third Part describes the new life which
the Son of God initiated. God came down to
help humanity find the way to heaven. It
descries the renewal and the rebirth of the
creation.
The Fourth Part refers to the Virgin Mother.
She became the unique recipient of grace and
virtue which prepared her in sanctity to be the
Mother of God. The blessed Mother stands for
us as a ray of light, guiding all to Her Son. The
Mother of God is “the worthy of all praises” and
we ask her to grant us her assistance and
protection.
It is believed that the hymn was used in a
thanksgiving service after some victory of the
people in Constantinople. The Avars attacked
the City when the Emperor was away fighting
the Persians. Patriarch Sergius with the clergy, Byzantine Prime Minister
Vonos, and the people holding the icon of the Mother of God, prayed to her to
intervene and assist them to save the people and the City. Unexpectedly, a great
storm destroyed most of the enemy’s fleet. After the victory, the people
gathered in the church of the Holy Mother to thank her, the “invisible
champion.” They sang the praises of the Mother of God, praying while standing
throughout the service. For this reason it is called the “Akathist” which in Greek
means “not seated.” Please come hear the Hymn at St. Demetrios Church
Friday evenings at 7:00 p.m., March 2-23
Phone: (440) 331-2246
Fax: (440) 331-8407
www.saintdemetriosrr.org
Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Publication Deadlines: Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday
Monthly Epistle – The 15th of the preceding month
Clergy and Office Staff
Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257
Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou, Assistant Priest……..412-758-1068
Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr [email protected]
Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected]
John Stamatiades, Church Accountant…440-331-2246, ext. 4
Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected]
For a seasonal prayer, call the church and choose extension 7
Parish Council
Lilly Anitas, President…….……………………..440-734-3440
Harry Giallourakis, Vice President...………..…..216-695-1119
Kostas Mathiellis, Treasurer…...…..…….……...440-572-1799
Steve Alex, Financial Secretary…..………..……440-823-9595
Dimitrios Tsatiris, Secretary……………………..216-310-5233
Ellie Chrisman…………………………………...440-835-8430
Anna Kachevas……………………………….….563-542-4692
Andreas Koustis……………………………..….216-513-8905
Evanthia Pallam………………………………….216-402-7646
Tom Theodore. ………………………………….440-331-1927
Anthony Trakas………………………………....440-385-7741
Floyd Trillis, Jr……………………………....…..440-835-6552
Sophia Tjotjos, Legal Counsel
Endowment Fund……………Manuel Steffas…440-871-6362
Trust Fund ……………............John Stamatis…440-937-6258
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America…www.goarch.org
Metropolis of Pittsburgh ……… www.pittsburgh.goarch.org
International Orthodox Christian Charities… www.iocc.org
Orthodox Christian Mission Center………. www.ocmc.org
Orthodox Christian Network………...……. www.myocn.net
Church Organizations’ Contacts
Acolyte Coordinator…………..…Tom Hlepas…216-269-3265
AHEPA…………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079
American Legion…………Spyro Farmakidis…440-779-8190
Bible Study:……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003
Bookstore……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547
Choir Director/Cantor…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230
Youth Choir…….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068
Daughters of Penelope …..………Elisa Demis…440-665-1348
FOCUS Friends…………..……Linda Glynias…216-469-2663
Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131
Board of Education Maria Mougianis…….440-835-2888
GOYA Advisor, Athena Diamantis……………216-469-8607
Student President: Jordyn Prok
Hellenic Dancers
Kymata ….……………....Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807
Kyklonas ……………….Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131
JOY………………………….Sally Tsirambidis…440-716-0581
Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray)…...…Ann Carpadis…440-871-8625
Becky Giallourakis…440-610-3516
Library Committee….………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581
Philoptochos……………………[email protected]
President …………..…Maggie Steffas …440-871-6362
Sunshine Committee….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959
Sunday School….…………... [email protected]
Christina Carpadis Schraff……………………216-215-4232
Spiritual Life Committee...Angie Giallourakis…216-871-2681
Special Needs Services …….Tina Hericks….216-970-3737
Yassou Club…...…………....Mary Pappadakes…440-799-4821
For Local Orthodox events ,visit www.orthodoxcleveland.us
St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland www.sainthermans.com
St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach ministering to nursing
homes and shut-ins www.stpanteleimon.com
Zoe for Life! ministering to those in crisis pregnancies and
mothers in need www.zoeforlifeonline.org
Orthodox Christian Fellowship College campus ministry
www.ocf.net For info on BWU, CWRU, CSU, JCU, Tri-C
Chapters, contact Mira [email protected]
The Epistle is the official publication of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios
Festival Cooking DatesFestival Cooking DatesFestival Cooking DatesFestival Cooking Dates
Most prep days will begin at 9 a.m. in the hall (except as
noted below.) No experience necessary! If you are available,
we’ll show you how we roll!
March 11* trim grape leaves
March 12-13 Dolmades
March 19-20 Pastitsio
March 26-27 Moussaka
April 16 Souzoukakia
April 23 Green Beans
* Immediately after Divine Liturgy in the Fellowship Room
3Speaking of Stewardship…
From the President’s PenHello all! I hope everyone is doing well and your 2018 goals are
going strong. I know Parish Council’s are. All but one
member has come back to help run our
beautiful church. We welcome Tom
Theodore (pictured, left) as our newest Parish
Council member. Thank you Tom for joining
our Team!
And speaking of going strong, Raise the
Roof pledges are currently at $750,000. That
is a great accomplishment but we are not quite done yet.
Construction will start May 21st and we will do our best to
keep you in the loop of all the excitement headed our way.
I had another great year assisting our girls GOYA basketball
team. Both our Junior and Senior girls took championship at
every tournament! From what I understand, that’s a first. Way
to go, Girls! The boys took some trophies home, too, with our
Junior boys winning championships as well. The important part
is that the kids had a great time and get a chance to make new
friends at each tournament.
Our Lenten Season has begun. Please check the calendars
on pages 17-18 for times and dates of our services. After
Wednesday night Liturgies we have a lecture and a meal in the
hall, so please join us.
Finally, Stewardship is an important part of our Church. If
you haven’t done so, please finish up your 2017 pledges as soon
as possible. Thank you to all that have finished and to those
who have already filled out their 2018 pledge cards.
Please don’t hesitate to ask me or any other Board member for
help. We are for you.
Sincerely, Lilly Anitas, Parish Council President
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000
Goal
$ Pledged
Pledges Paid
Other Donations
$410,0
00
$1
96
,47
4
$78,712
Budget Goal: $410,000
2018 Stewardship Report
FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER FORM
NAME ________________________________________
Phone or Email _________________________________
I would like to assist in the following area(s):
___Food Line ___Kitchen ___ Salads ___Gyro booth
___Taverna ___ Bars ___Coffee ___Setup
___Pastries ___Drive Thru ___Costumes
I am available the following days /times:
Thu. June 21 ___11 a.m.-3 p.m. ___3-7 p.m. __7-10 p.m.
Fri., June 22 ___11 a.m.-3 p.m. ___3-7 p.m. ___7-11 p.m.
Sat., June 23 ___11 a.m.-3 p.m. ___3-7 p.m. __7-11 p.m.
Sun., June 24 ___11 a.m.-3 p.m. ___3-7 p.m. ___7-10 p.m.
Return to the church office or email the chairperson
You can also help by being one of the 125 workers PER
DAY needed to run the festival by contacting a chairperson:
• Drive-Thru –Dean Pasalis ([email protected])
• Drive-thru Orders - Linda Glynias ([email protected])
• Food Line – Carrie & Alex Delaney-Gesing
• Kitchen- Tony Trakas ([email protected])
• Salads – Cindy Souris ([email protected]) or
Jenny Abersold ([email protected])
• Souvlaki/Gyro Stand– Jim Sarantos ([email protected])
• Taverna - Nick Petrakis ([email protected])
• Pastries – Kim Vlastaris ([email protected])
• Loukoumades/Express Line – Marianna Hadgis
• Greek Coffee – Theano Skordeles 216-941-6138
• Frappe – Helene Santarelli ([email protected])
• Inside bar – Jeff Wrick 440-777-1691
• Outside bars –Chris Steffas ([email protected])
• Wine Booth – Tony Apotsos ([email protected])
• Wine Cart- Jean Hillman ([email protected])
• Dance Costumes -Eleni Papouras-Jenks
(as of Feb. 25)
$22,196
4
Parish News
Asleep Asleep Asleep Asleep in the in the in the in the LordLordLordLord
Emily Kariotakis (nee Poulos,) wife of Lambert, passed away Jan.
15, 2018.
John Kalbouridis, son of Kaliope and the late
Tom, brother of Francis and Avie (James) Sabol,
nephew of Daphne & George Theofylaktos
and Andrew & Panagiota Vrottsos, Godfather of
Zoe, uncle, cousin and friend of many,
companion to his dog "Kenya," passed away on
Feb. 6, 2018. John was a graduate of our Balourdas
Greek School and Miami University. He devoted his life to many
causes, especially the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Cleveland Zoo,
various dog shelters and organizations in northeast Ohio. His 40-day
Memorial will be on March 18th.
Presvytera Emilia Metallinos (Linos), wife of Fr.
Peter, mother of Jack (Megan) and Elizabeth Linos,
grandmother of Emilia and Claire Linos, and aunt
of Jennifer Constantin, Aundrea Sofronas, Jack
Metallinos and Arthur Plathe, passed away Feb. 26,
2018. Presvytera was a long-time member of the St.
Demetrios Choir, and supporter of Ladies
Auxiliary, Philoptochos, and festival volunteer during the 35 years of
her husband’s service as our priest.
We also extend our condolences to Lou Frangos on the loss of his
brother Michael.
Zoe House helps mothers and infants by meeting some of their material and spiritual needs. Through the prayerful support of the faithful, ZOE
for Life! is taking another step toward abundant life and, in faith, is beginning the process of adding peer counseling and limited medical
services! This pan-Orthodox ministry is located at 5454 State Road, Parma. Currently volunteers to Zoe House from St. Demetrios include
Presvytera Goldie, Andie Titas, and Betty Swingos.
Life us on Facebook ZOE FOR LIFE!
Thanks to all who have donated in the past! Our gifts of love have been appreciated by many children who would have otherwise gone without.
Receipts will be available for all gifts donated!
GENERAL ASSEMBLY GENERAL ASSEMBLY GENERAL ASSEMBLY GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Sunday, March 18 at Noon
In the Cultural Hall
A quorum of 25 members in good standing
are required for this meeting to take place.
Agenda to be mailed
‘Those who Have Put on ‘Those who Have Put on ‘Those who Have Put on ‘Those who Have Put on
Christ’Christ’Christ’Christ’
Andreas Petros, son of Costa & Lena, was baptized on
Feb. 3, 2018. His godparents are Bill and Valerie Lakios.
Joined with Joined with Joined with Joined with StefanaStefanaStefanaStefana
Nicholas Kopasakis and Patricia Mariano were
married on Feb. 3, 2018. Their koumbaro is Andrew
Kopasakis.
Raise the Raise the Raise the Raise the Roof TimelineRoof TimelineRoof TimelineRoof Timeline
The time is drawing near for the next phase of the
Church Renovation. The new roof will be installed as
soon as weather permits. Interior Phase will begin Mon.,
May 21st with the demolition of the pews, carpets, etc.
Please note that Sunday services will be in the Cultural
Hall during construction.
If you have not yet contributed, donor forms are
available in the Narthex, Church office, and at
raisetheroofnow.com
Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus
Great and Holy LentSalutations to the Virgin Mary (Χαιρετισµοί) : Fridays, March 2 - 23, at 7:00 p.m.
Please contact the office, if you wish to read either the Aspile or Ke Dos Imin
Pre-Sanctified Liturgies: Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28, at 6:00 p.m.
The Pre-Sanctified Liturgies are followed by a Lenten meal at 7 p.m. in the Hall and an 8 p.m. Lecture
DATE SPEAKER TOPIC MEAL HOST
March 7 No service or lecture due to Clergy Retreat
March 14 George Athanasiou Prophecies of the Crucifixion (Part I) GOYA
March 21 Gerald Largent Prophecies of the Crucifixion (Part II) JOY
March 28 Paul Finley Prophecies of the Resurrection Choir
Holy WeekSaturday of Lazarus, March 31 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Palm Sunday, April 1 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Bridegroom Services. April 1-3 7:00 p.m
Holy Wednesday, April 4 3:30 p.m. Unction service 7:00 p.m. Bridegroom service with Unction
Holy Thursday, April 5 6:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 6:00 p.m. 12 Gospels
Holy Friday, April 6 8:30 a.m. Royal Hours 3:00 p.m. Un-nailing Service 7 p.m. Lamentations
Holy Saturday, April 7 8:00 a.m. Vesperal Liturgy 11:00 p.m. Vigil / Midnight Anastasi & Divine Liturgy
Pascha (Easter) Sunday, April 8 11:00 a.m. Agape Service
5
If you need extra spiritual support at Lent, you can call the church (440-331-2246) at any time day or night, and choose
extension 7, to hear an inspiring seasonal prayer.
Lenten Lectures Look Back To Old TestamentOn Feb. 21, our annual
Lenten Lecture series
kicked off with the
theme “Old Testament
Prophecies of Jesus”
introduced by first time
guest speaker Deacon
Jonathon Lincoln of St.
Innocent Orthodox
Church in Olmsted Falls
and graduate of St.
Tikhon Seminary. (pictured above with Fr. Jim & Fr. A)
Dn. Jonathon noted that all through Lent, the Church
assigns readings from the Old Testament to prepare us for
the Messiah, just as God prepared Israel centuries before the
coming of Christ. Despite the modern connotation of
‘prophecy’ equated with telling the future, Old Testament
prophets were those who communicated God’s will as a
spokesperson, interpreted events, and called the immoral to
task. The era in which most of the prophecies (which we
will hear throughout the Lenten Lecture series) were
recorded between 900-500 BC when the Jewish people were
split between the kingdoms of Israel and Judea.
This separation was further punished when Syria destroyed Israel
in 721 BC and Babylon destroyed Judea in 587 BC.
Many books of the Old Testament are named after the Prophets
who wrote them (‘minor’ prophets being named so only because
their books are shorter.) They are split between oral prophets who
shared God’s call to them (ex: “Thus says the Lord…”) and
narratives which were written down (ex: Jonah’s story which we
read in its entirely on Holy Saturday.)
“Messianic” prophecies about Jesus Christ (Messiah being the
Hebrew word and Christ being the Greek word for ‘anointed
one’) were preparing the people to recognize Him, but many did
not see; even His Disciples tried to stop the Crucifixion. It was
only after the Resurrection that even His closest understood and
showed Old Testament prophecies when they went out to preach
and make disciples of all nations (since there was no new
testament yet!)
But why should we bother reading the Old Testament prophecies
2,018 years after Christ? Dn. Jonathon suggested that “the whole
of Scripture should be re-enacted in each person.” Each of us, at
some point, experiences a fall, like Adam and Eve, in our own
lives. Just as the Israelites were prepared for the Messiah , we
must prepare for His Second Coming. He concluded with St.
Paul’s message to the Bereans to ‘search the Scriptures daily.”
6A Word From
Fr. Anastasios
Sat., March 3– FOCUS Friends serving dinner at 5:00 p.m.
To volunteer, please contact Linda Glynias at 216-469-2663.
This Lenten season,
join your parish
family in providing
almsgiving meals to
Cleveland’s
homeless.
Many of us experienced
something new and exciting
at St. Demetrios on February
25th… many more people
were “on time” for the
Divine Liturgy. We are usually known for
being on “Greek Time” and showing up at
least 30 mins late for something, but for this
occasion we showed up in droves not only on
time, but even early. We attended and prayed
the starting words of the Divine Liturgy,
“Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” which open
up the Kingdom of God to us for the unique
experience of the Divine Liturgy and
participating in its icon of the Kingdom. Our
Theology teaches that during the Divine
Liturgy, for a time outside of time, our earthly
realm and heaven are united by God’s grace
and allows us to fully participate in God’s
Kingdom, much like how God’s Kingdom will
be established after the 2nd Coming, a united
heaven and earth. We celebrate mystically
among the angels around the throne of God
and the saints who pleased God throughout the
ages.
Unfortunately, many of us miss the
beginning of the Liturgy: the opening prayers,
the antiphons, the small entrance, the daily
hymns, the Trisagion hymn, and our reading of
Scripture. One priest once told me that they
had a parishioner who, after he left the Church,
asked the priest why we never ever read the
Bible, which couldn’t be further from the truth.
This portion of the Liturgy is instructional and
teaches us God’s word, which we cannot
afford to miss. If we miss this portion of the
liturgy, we miss the teachings and truth that is
Jesus Christ’s Good News. If we miss this
portion, we tell ourselves that we already know
everything about God’s Kingdom and how to
live, and we just come for the banquet that He
offers, without even knowing what’s on the
menu.
Matthew 5:37 reads, “But let your ‘Yes’ be
‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” We have all
already agreed to unite ourselves to Christ, we
have accepted His calling to be His people, and
we have to live up to our end of the covenant.
Let your Yes be Yes to Him, Yes to Christ,
Yes to His Church, Yes to His Communion,
Yes to His Peace, Yes to His Good News, and
YES to the liturgical life in which His Church
is founded. Say Yes to “Blessed is the
Kingdom.”
Scholarship Opportunities
AHEPAcademy June 24-30, 2018, a select group of Greek-American students
will gather at George Mason University near Washington D.C., for a
professional and development program thru networking and inspiration by
prominent Greek-Americans. Early Application deadline: March 15, 2018.
Apply at www.ahepacademy.com
AHEPA BUCKEYE SCHOLARSHIP For Ohio students entering college or
current undergrads who are, or whose parents are, active members of AHEPA
or Daughters of Penelope, based on scholastic achievement, community
involvement, and financial need. Application at www.bsf.buckeyedistrict11.org
Deadline: March 31, 2018.
AHEPA 389 / DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE 321
For 2018 high school graduates whose parents are members of these chapters or
St. Demetrios Church. Applications available in the church office. Deadline is
April 30, 2018.
AHEPA Journey to Greece June 23-July 21, 2018, AHEPA and Webster
University invite you to earn college credit while traveling to many iconic
ancient Greek sites. Get the application at
https://ahepa.org/Journey-to-Greece/ahepa-JTG-Application-current.pdf
Deadline to apply : April 30, 2018
JOAN LAMBROS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Available to women of St. Demetrios Church pursuing an undergraduate or
post-grad education in the Sciences. Applications in the church office. Deadline
is April 30, 2018.
DR. KOMNINOS S. FOTINOS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Available
to St. Demetrios students majoring in the health care field. Applications in the
church office. Deadline is May 4, 2018
ARCHDIOCESE SCHOLARSHIPS
~George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship and the
Katina John Malta Scholarship are for undergraduate studies.
~ Paleologos Scholarship for grad work of a non-theological nature.
~The Christos and Georgia Trakatellis Fellowship for the 2018-19 academic
year to Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology graduates to study
Greek language, Hellenic culture and liturgical practice, in the United States, in
Greece or at the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
~The S. Gregory Taylor Scholarship For students pursuing a post-graduate
degree in theology, religious studies, or pastoral training.
All applications at http://www.goarch.org/. Deadline: May 4, 2018
National Philoptochos Launches Anti-Bullying
Program to Serve Parish CommunitiesBy Barb Pasalis
Social and technological progress bring inherent challenges.
Today’s youth are plagued by problems unheard of before the
explosion of the Internet and smart phones. In response,
Philoptochos has developed a complete educational program
intended for use in every parish across our country to educate our
youth, parents and youth advisors about the causes, warning
signs and responses to bullying. Stop Bullying in Your
Community, is an Anti-Bullying Curriculum, which combines
videos, a PowerPoint presentation, reinforcing educational
activities, emojis that students can download to their cell phones
to call out bullies and tell them, “I see that and it’s NOT okay,”
and even a movie. The complete program is designed to teach
our communities how to recognize and respond to bullying to
help them become safe, bully-free environments. The program is
available on the national website at www.philoptochos.org
Stop Bullying in Your Community is just one of many
educational initiatives being developed. In addition, Be Safe Be
Smart is designed to inform and help our community members
use technology safely in the computer age. The information on
Inclusion Ministries is a series of programs for children with
special needs and their families. Additional initiatives are
planned on the Opioid Crisis, Technology Addiction and
Women’s Health.
Philoptochos President Maggie Steffas and National
Philoptochos Board Member Barbara Pasalis have met with Fr.
Jim and Fr. Anastasios, Nick Hillman, Greek School Principal
Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Sunday School Director Christina
Carpadis and GOYA Advisor Athena Diamantis to discuss
implementing the Stop Bullying in Your Community program
here at Saint Demetrios.
COMING UP…
Tue., March 6 – serving dinner at St. Herman’s. Meet at church
at 4:30 p.m.
Mon., March 12 – 7 p.m. General Meeting
7
We take a break this month during the Lenten Lecture series.
Monday, April 16 : 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Risen(2016,Rated PG-13;
1 hour, 47 minutes)
Joseph Fiennes stars as a
pagan Tribune in Roman-
occupied Judea who is
assigned by Pontius
Pilate to find the missing
body of a Crucified Jew,
said to have risen from
the dead. What do we do
if the demands of our job
conflict with our duty to
God?
Monday, May 21 : 7:00 p.m. (one showing only due to
Sts Constantine & Helen feastday services)
The films in this new, on-going parish program will vary
from features and documentaries, English-language to
foreign films, adult themes to family-friendly. The
schedule is also posted outside the GOYA Room.
Do you have suggestions for upcoming films to
discuss? Email them to [email protected]
Movie Mondays
All welcome
once a month to watch
& discuss a film in the
St. Demetrios GOYA Room.
Each month’s movie will be
shown twice that day for your
convenience.
Free and open to all.
Focus on Philoptochos
Pop (Priest) (2009, In Russian
with English subtitles; no rating
available; 2 hours, 10 minutes)
Based on a true story of an
Orthodox priest trying to
maintain a peaceful life for his
parish during the World War II
Nazi occupation of Russia. At
what point does civil
disobedience become the moral
thing to do?
Thanks to all those who took
part in the Souper Bowl of
Caring on Super Bowl Sunday
last month to help feed the
hungry.
Non-perishable goods that were
collected were delivered by
Philoptochos to St. Herman’s
FOCUS Cleveland, who serve 3
meals a day, every day of the
year to area homeless.
We also collected $162.00 in
monetary donations that were
sent to IOCC and earmarked for
their food programs in Greece.
Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14)
Sunday School
Hellenic Dancers
Sun., March 11 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival,
Round I. Students in the Junior Division (Grades 7-9) or the
Senior Division (Grades 10-12) see your teacher for the topics.
This Lent, we will support Orthodox Missions by collecting
change in our OCMC coin boxes (see p. 15)
Sunday, March 25 – This year, our annual Annunciation &
Greek Independence Day program takes place on the actual
feast day! After Divine Liturgy, everyone is invited to the
Cultural Hall for a program of poems, songs, and dances
celebrating this double holiday.
Students who are also in Sunday School should change into
their ethnic costumes immediately after. All others should
arrive at church by 11:30 a.m. to get into costume.
We are also preparing to take part in the Metropolis of
Pittsburgh’s Greek Language Festival next month (see p. 13.)
Registration forms available in the office thru March 25th:
~Kymata Dancers rehearsals on Sundays 11:45 a.m.-12:45
p.m. in the Fellowship Room. March 4, 11, 18. No rehearsal
on March 25th
~Kyklonas Dancers rehearsals Thursdays, 6:45-7:30 p.m. in
the hall. March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Performers must be registered and attend at least two
rehearsals this month to be eligible for the festival June 21-24.
Greek School
8
AcolytesSundays: Team
March 4 2
March 11 3
March 18 4
March 25 1
Those available to serve at any
of the additional Lenten
Wednesday or Friday services,
please contact Tom Hlepas
to sign up.
Wed., March 21 – We are hosting the Potluck Lenten dinner
after the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. Families are encouraged to
attend the short pre-sanctified Liturgy at 6 p.m. (which is
mostly in English) and bring a Lenten (no meat, no dairy)
potluck dish to share for the meal afterwards in the hall.
J.O.Y.
(above) Sunday School students processed with icons on Sunday
of Orthodoxy, the first Sunday of Lent. Photo: Nick Hillman
Youth ChoirFri., March 9 - 5 pm rehearsal in the chapel, working on the
Salutations, Annunciation, and Holy Week.
Saying good-by to meat at
the Apokreatiko lesson
(clockwise) Fr Anastasios
sharing a lesson about Lent;
Maria Dagiasis, Valia
Trichonas, Zoe Horne and
Sophia Schraff baking
‘kreatopita’; Lenah
Papadorotheou & Valia
Trichonas at the party.
9G.O.Y.A.
Sun., March 4 – Staff pangari; meeting,
GOYA vs. Parents Basketball Game in the
Zapis Activity Center, to follow
Mondays, March 5-26 – 6:00-8:00 p.m.
GOYA-only Open Gym
Wed., March 14- Hosting the Potluck
Lenten dinner. All families should drop
off a Lenten dish (no meat, no dairy) to
the kitchen prior to the service. Parents,
please plan on helping clean up so that
GOYA can listen to guest speaker George
Athanasiou.
March 16-18 – Spring Retreat at Camp
Nazareth (see flyer on p. 13)
Sun., March 18 – Lenten Soup Sale.
Thanks to Dan Packis and Anthony
Santarelli for again helping with this
fundraiser.
Sat., March 31 – Palm Folding,
immediately following the Divine Liturgy
for Saturday of Lazarus.
Last tournament
results
(above) Seniors at their last tournament: Jordyn
Prok, Panayotis Samarellis, Pana Souris, Chris
Salveter, Antonia Hadgis.
(below) Championship coaches Andrea Giavroutas,
Lilly Anitas, Jim Souris and Nick Hillman.
Senior Boys Survive Scare; Not Fake News(below) After the travel tournaments ended last month, our GOYA Boys vs. Girls
game took place in the Zapis Activity Center, in front of many spectators. The girls
almost pulled the upset of the year but the boys came back with the winning, heart-
stopping basket to win 52-50! Photos: Nick Hillman
Three in Row!
Our girls teams
took trophies at
the third and
final
tournament in
Warren, Ohio
last month.
Great job girls!
Photos: Andrea
Giavroutas
“Can Anything Good Come out of Nazareth?”By Eleni Papouras-Jenks
In 2000, I had the opportunity to visit Nazareth.
I had already been to several other towns with
Biblical significance and was prepared for the
modern world surrounding yet another sacred
site.
I was traveling with my koumbara and our
bus arrived late in the day, leaving us to hastily
search hotels as it got dark. (“Isn’t Bethlehem
supposed to be where we don’t find room at the
inn?” she jokingly lamented.) When we finally
found a pension, we were just happy to have
clean beds. The next morning, we were awed
by a beautiful view of the city below, framed
by an arched balcony, and could not wait to start
our journey.
St. Helen, mother of St. Constantine the Great,
had built a Basilica in Nazareth in the First
Century AD, which included the traditional,
small house in which Mary was visited by the
Angel.
However, when we asked the front desk
about visiting the “Annunciation Church,” they
assumed that, as Americans, we were Catholic
and sent us to the Catholic cathedral. In the
Holy Land, various sites are either ‘held’ or
shared by various Christian denominations. For
example, within Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulcher are
smaller chapels belonging to the Greek
Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Armenian
churches. Having come so far, we entered a
very modern looking church with a piped-in
water fountain, and felt some disappointment at
how contrived it felt. The only highlight was an
outdoor garden wall which contained large
mosaic icons sent from Catholic churches from
around the world depicting the Virgin Mary and
Infant Jesus as envisioned in those lands. (see
next page.)
It was only after we left that a local person
told us about the smaller church of St. Gabriel,
that was built over the original well from which
Mary and the other women of Nazareth would
have brought water to their homes, and
maintained by the Orthodox Church. It was not
professionally lit. In fact, it was dark except for
some oil lamps over the iconostasis. But as we
approached and felt the dark coolness of the
well, a few steps down to the grotto, we knew
we had found the right place – here is where the
humble betrothed of a carpenter would come to
draw water – and change the world.
Photos: Eleni Papouras-Jenks;
google stock images (from top) Modern day Nazareth; the Annunciation fresco at St. Gabriel Church
with the angel’s greeting in several languages; the entrance to the grotto.
The account of the Annunciation can be found in
Luke 1: 26-38 :
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent
by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a
virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph,
of the house of David. The virgin’s name was
Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her,
“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women!” But when she saw
him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered
what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel
said to her, “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have
found favor with God. And behold you will
conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and
shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will
be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God
will give Him the throne of His father David. And
He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and
of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary
said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not
know a man?” And the angel answered and said to
her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the
power of the Highest will overshadow you;
therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born
will be called the Son of God. Now indeed,
Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in
her old age; and this now the sixth month for her
who as called barren. For with God nothing will be
impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the
maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according
to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
When Jesus begins His ministry, a man familiar
with the Old Testament Prophecies (none of which
mention Nazareth) wonders how the Messiah can
be someone from that tiny village, as recorded in
John 1:43-51:
At that time, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. And he
found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and
Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and he said to him,
“We have found him of whom Moses in the law
and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the
son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can
anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said
to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael
coming to him, and said of him, “Behold, an
Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” Nathanael
said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus
answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you
were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael
answered him, “Rabbi, you are the son of God!
You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him,
“Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree,
do you believe? You shall see greater things than
these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to
you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of
God ascending and descending upon the Son of
man..”
Clockwise:
Mosaics from
around the
world of the
Virgin Mary
and Christ-
child sent to
Nazareth
Argentina
Scotland
Thailand
Japan
China
12
Around Town
Archaeological Society Explores Greek SiteThe Cleveland Archaeological Society and the Archaeological
Institute of America’s 2018 Lecture Series continues its lecture
series on Wed., March 14, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Christopher Ratte of
the University of Michigan’s Departments of Classics and Art
History will speak on “Archaeological Research at Notion,
Turkey.” Notion (Greek for “southern” ) was a Greek city-state
located on the coast of Asia Minor, south of Smyrna on the Bay
of Kusadasi. It was once a thriving port, and the site of a 406 BC
Spartan victory during the Peloponnesian War, before passing
into obscurity after the Roman conquest.
The talk is free and open to all , in the Murch Auditorium inside
the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on Wade Oval. A
reception will follow.
Inspirational Speakers Visited ClevelandLeading up to Lent, two sister churches hosted speaker retreats
open to all. St. Paul Church hosted the inspirational Fr.
Barnabas Powell in January. Anyone who missed the talk “My
Personal Journey to Orthodoxy,” can view videos from the
weekend by visiting ‘St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church, North
Royalton, Ohio’ on Facebook.
In February, Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral hosted Fr.
Dimitrios Moraitis, author and professor at Holy Cross
Seminary. Apropos to the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, who
himself hit ‘rock bottom,’ Fr. Moraitis spoke to students,
educators, and parents on dealing with and preventing
addictions. He discussed a ‘sacred space’ inside us all- either
we fill it with God or it will get filled by earthly addictions of
all kinds, including drugs, alcohol, and even technology.
Fr. Moraitis is also the former pastor at St. Paraskevi Shrine
in Long Island, NY. That parish was established in 1969 and
water was brought back from the original spring associated with
St. Paraskevi (to whom many ascribe healings of eye diseases,)
and put into a tank at the church, which is replenished. He
shared the story of a miraculous healing of a former fireman
who had been blinded after exposure to the chemical Xylene
when a tanker exploded. Fr. Moraitis witnessed first-hand this
man’s healing from the waters at the shrine. He also announced
he received permission from that person to begin writing a book
about the extraordinary circumstances (which includes the fact
that the explosion happened on July 26, which is the feastday
of St. Paraskevi.) Those in attendance were then anointed with
the water from the Shrine. – Eleni Papouras-Jenks
NORTH ROYALTON- Fr. Stephen Callos, Fr. Anastasios,
Fr. Joseph Destefano, Fr. Andrew Lentz, Fr. Dean Dimon
and Fr. Jim gathered at St. Paul Church in North Royalton
last month to celebrate the feast day of St. Photios, patron
saint of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. Photo: Courtesy of
St. Paul Church
Lakewood Community Services seeks volunteersLakewood Community Services Center, serving the needy in
that community since 1982, offer weekly volunteer
opportunities from 9:45 a.m.-2:00 p.m., such as greeting
clients and registering them for food, working in the food
warehouse, packing client grocery bags, etc.
You can volunteer every week during our open hours or
give with a special project, including monthly summer
farmers markets, door-to-door senior deliveries, the Summer
Lunch and Enrichment Program and our community garden.
If you are interested in joining the team of volunteers, please
contact Colleen Timm: [email protected]
Parishioner Plays at Severance
CLEVELAND - Tera Vangelos (2nd from the left) , daughter
of Zeno and Julie, played the violin at Cleveland’s Severance
Hall last month as the Bay High School Orchestra performed
with the Cleveland Symphonic Band. Photo: Julie Vangelos
Priests Celebrate Patron Saint
Sunday of Orthodoxy Pan-Orthodox Service
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS- Fr Jim co-celebrating the annual
Pan-Orthodox Vespers marking the first Sunday of Lent, hosted
this year by Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral.
Photo: Fr. Costa Keares
15
On The Bulletin Board13
Thru March 30th
Early Registration $15 ($20 after March 4) ~Students $5
To participate with St. Demetrios, register by March 30
Contact Eleni Papouras-Jenks ([email protected])
14
Around The CountryElection of New Metropolitan of Chicago
CHICAGO -Last month, the Holy
and Sacred Synod of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate elected
unanimously the Very Reverend
Archimandrite Nathanael
Symeonides as Metropolitan of
Chicago.
The Very Reverend Archimandrite
Nathanael Symeonides was born
in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1978, to Irene and
Vasilios Symeonides. He is a graduate of Hellenic
College (BA, 2000) and of Holy Cross Greek
Orthodox School of Theology (MDiv, 2003). He
went on to earn an STM (2003) and a Th.D (2007)
in Bioethics from Boston University. He also studied
the history and ethics of public health at Columbia
University Mailman School of Public Health. He is a
guest professor of Christian ethics and bioethics at
Fordham University, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology, and St. Vladimir Theological
School. He has authored numerous articles in
theology and bioethics.
In 2003, Fr. Nathanael was ordained a Deacon,
serving, in that capacity, with Metropolitan
Methodios (2003-2006) and the Archbishop (2006-
2010.) His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of
America ordained him a Presbyter in 2010. He then
served as Pastor of the Annunciation Greek
Orthodox Church, N.Y. (2010-2013) during which
time he developed an urban ministry, Orthodox
Professionals in Action (OPA), harnessing the
talents of more than 400 young professionals of
Manhattan, with opportunities to create meaningful
change in the lives of society’s most vulnerable. He
also served at Holy Resurrection Church of
Brookville, NY and Sts. Constantine and Helen
Cathedral of Brooklyn, NY.
In September of 2013, he was appointed Director
of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and
Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, directing the relationships
between the Archdiocese and numerous religious
organizations, think tanks, non-governmental
organizations, and Permanent Missions to the United
Nations. Most recently, he convened a colloquium
entitled, Orthodoxy and Humanitarianism: Ideas
and Action in the Contemporary World, which
brought together experts from around the world to
consider ways in which the Church may help
respond to humanitarian crises and promote
sustainable development in post-crisis regions.
Fr. Nathanael is also a brother of the historic
monastic community of St. George Epanosifis in
Crete, Greece. AXIOS! (source: www.goarch.org)
Metropolitan’s Statement on Ohio ShootingPITTSBURGH - On learning about the shooting that occurred at Jackson
Memorial Middle School in Massillon, Ohio, His Eminence Metropolitan
Savas responded:
"It is with heavy heart that we take in the news of yet another incident of
gun-related violence in our nation's schools. Our immediate concern is, of
course, for the student wounded by the shooting, and for his family... But
our concern is for the many…students, teachers, parents, administrators,
law-enforcement officers - many of whom are members of our Greek
Orthodox parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Haralambos, Canton.
Such tragedies, which have become numbingly routine in recent years,
ought not to be measured by numbers of fatalities or frequency of
occurrence. A single such incident is one too many. Our thoughts and
prayers are surely required - but they must be our best thoughts, focused
on finding the most effective and expedient way to protect our children;
and our most powerful prayer, which expresses itself not in passivity but
in God-inspired action.”
Archdiocese Statement on Florida School ShootingNEW YORK –As the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, we share
the deep pain and mourning for the horrific death of 17 innocent human
beings…This absolutely unacceptable and totally unthinkable school
massacre is yet another sad chapter in a long series of violent crimes
perpetrated across our country against innocent victims, many times
against children, many times against young students in our schools and
college campuses…As we find ourselves, once again, in need of offering
words of comfort and solace, words of solidarity and hope to those who
were directly affected, we seriously question whether we have done all
we can to stop this epidemic disease. …Let us then work to restore the
schools to be the sanctuaries that they, by nature, should be. Let us all
work to restore trust and confidence within our children by establishing
the appropriate security conditions and legal measures prohibiting any
kind of any repetition of the massacre in Parkland, Florida.
We offer our wholehearted plea to our elected officials for immediate and
effective action. Our plea is accompanied by the certainty that by the
assistance of the God of mercy and wisdom positive results will be
achieved in order to restore hope to our society and the world.
Orthodox Camp Workers ConferenceBy Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou
ATLANTA - In early February, I was blessed to attend the 2018
Orthodox Youth and Camp Worker Conference in Georgia. Our
Metropolis of Pittsburgh sent me there, as one of the Co-Chairs of the
Metropolis Summer Camp Committee. This was my eighth time
attending the conference, in which we hear and discuss how to better our
youth ministry at Camps and in parishes. This year’s focus was on
gratitude in ministry. Keynote speaker Fr. Alexander Goussetis, Director
of our Archdiocese’s Center for Family Care, focused on relationships we
have with our youth. It is much easier to name 5 people who influenced
our journey in faith than 5 sermons that influenced our faith. As we are
relational beings, it is our relationships that foster our growth in the
Church. He spoke of his grandparents and youth directors as the two
main conduits for engaging our faith, both family members and Church
workers. Much of what we teach at Church must be supported and
emphasized in the home for real engagement to take place. And this has
been the way of the Church for centuries, as even St. Basil had his
grandmother and his priest, and these people changed his understanding
of the Church and his experience of Christ in this world.
15
Around the world
2018 Mission Trips Empower the Church at home and abroad by
working, worshipping and making disciples of all
nations. Minister to the needs of Orthodox
communities by: presenting a visible expression of
the love, unity, and support; sharing the teachings
of the Orthodox Faith and providing labor to
communities around the globe; the unending
mission efforts of the Church in:
Albania June 12-30 Youth Work
Sept. 17-27 Teaching
Ghana Aug. 6-21 Youth Work
Guatemala April 27-May 6 Healthcare
June 18-30 Teaching
Aug. 1-8 Teaching
Nov. 9-18 Healthcare
Indonesia June 26-July 9 Teaching
July 3-16 Teaching
Jamaica Aug. 2-11 Youth Work
Kenya April 30- May 8 Teaching
Aug. 8-20 Teaching /Healthcare
Nov. 28- Dec 8 Youth Work
Mexico June 27- July 2 Construction
Aug. 11-18 Teaching
Uganda May 21- June 3 Teaching/Health
U.S.A. July 7-15 Construction
July 9-19 or July 20-31 Youth Work
For more details on each mission team go to
https://www.ocmc.org/about/open_teams.aspx
AHEPA response to Turkish AggressionLast month, tensions in the Aegean Sea escalated when Turkish warships
blocked an Italian energy firm from reaching Cypriot waters where the rig
had intended to start exploring for gas. The U.S. government stated it
supports the Republic of Cyprus' right to explore for energy resources in its
exclusive economic zone. Separately, a Turkish coast guard vessel rammed
a Greek coast guard vessel. These Incidents, in addition to many others that
have occurred, prompted U.S. Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt to
express concern, and AHEPA’s Supreme President to issue the following
statement: "Turkey's ongoing acts of provocation in the eastern
Mediterranean--let alone in the broader region--are alarming and a danger.
Turkish aggression unnecessarily elevates tensions, contributes to instability,
is a detriment to achieving peace, and violates international law. We are
deeply concerned.”
Concurrently, AHEPA applauded the introduction of congressional
resolution H.Res. 732 calling on Turkey to cease its violations of the rights
and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. U.S. Reps. Carolyn
Maloney and Gus Bilirakis, co-chairs, Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
(source: ahepa.org)
On behalf of St. Demetrios Church, our Parish
council has donated $500 to OCMC
missionaries Fr. Paul & Presvytera Kathryn
Patitsas’ work in New Zealand and Oceana.
Anyone who would like to add to this
contribution, please contact Fr. Jim.
In addition, this Lenten season, coin boxes
are being distributed to our youth ministries.
Participants can collect loose change all through
Lent, and bring back on Palm Sunday. All the
funds will then be sent to support Christian
mission work around the world.
Christian Leaders in the Holy Land Protest IntimidationJERUSALEM - On Feb. 26, the leaders of Jerusalem’s Christian churches
Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, Francesco Patton, Catholic Custos
of the Holy Land, and Nourhan Manougian, Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem announced the unprecedented decision to close the Church of
the Holy Sepulcher, in protest at persistent moves to intimidate Christians
and discriminate against churches in the Holy Land. The Church of the
Holy Sepulchre, which dates back to the 4TH century, is considered to
contain the sites of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
The decision to close the Holy Sepulchre was in response to recent
actions by the Mayor of Jerusalem to enforce a punitive and retroactive
tax on church properties in the Holy City and Knesset member, Rachel
Azaria (“Kulanu” party) seeking to advance the “Bill of Church Lands”,
which would give the Israeli government the power to confiscate church
property. These actions contravene the long held Status Quo which is
foundational to the guarantee of the churches’ rights and privileges in the
Holy Land; and critically undermines the ability of churches to carry out
their pastoral mission of housing the community, feeding the poor, caring
for refugees, running schools and maintaining the holy sites.
Their joint statement argued that ‘the systematic campaign against the
Churches and the Christian community in the Holy Land’ has ‘reached an
unprecedented level as the Jerusalem municipality issued scandalous
collection notices and orders of seizure of Church assets, properties and
bank accounts for alleged debts of punitive municipal taxes.’ The
statement also highlights the ‘discriminatory and racist bill that targets
solely the properties of the Christian community in the Holy Land.’ The
Holy Sepulcher was re-opened on Feb. 28 after Israeli Prime Minister
Netanyahu’s government intervened to uphold the Christian presence in
Jerusalem
These developments come in a period when Christians are suffering an
escalating campaign of intimidation from radical settler groups. Churches
face daily desecration and vandalism, and Christians are regularly
subjected to violent assault as they travel to pray. These groups have long
used intimidation, bribery and extreme anti-social behavior in an attempt to
force Christians and other non-Jews out of the Holy City. While their
actions clearly contravene Israeli law their crimes go largely unchecked.
(source: www.goarch.org)
As we celebrate Greek Independence Day this month, we look at two “Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke” with very
similar histories, sadly typifying the tribulations of 19th century Greek Orthodox Christians under the Ottomans. 16
St Luke of Mytilene (March 23) St Euthymios of Peloponnesos (March 22) This martyr, baptized Eleutherios, was born in Dimitsana,
Peloponnesos to Panagiotis and Maria, the youngest of five
children. After grammar school, he and his brother John enrolled
in the Patriarchal Academy of Constantinople, and then joined
their father and brothers in business, in Romania. But Eleftherios
decided to go to Mt. Athos to become a monk. Due to the Russo-
Turkish War, he only got as far as Bucharest, where he stayed
with the French consul, pursuing a life of pleasure. When the war
ended, he put aside plans for monasticism, and instead returned to
Constantinople in the company of some Muslims.
On the way, he turned away from Orthodoxy and embraced
Islam. He was circumcised and given the name Reschid. Soon,
however, his conscience began to torment him for his denial of
Christ. The others noticed a change in his attitude, so they
restricted his movements and kept a close watch on him.
One day, they saw him wearing a cross and reported it the
master of the house, Rais Efendi. The master favored Eleutherios
(which made the others jealous,) and told them it was too early for
him to give up his Christian ways. The household soon traveled to
Adrianople in Thrace, where Metropolitan (later Patriarch) Cyril
was serving. Eleutherios pretended to have letters for him, but
unfortunately, the Metropolitan sent someone else to receive
them. When Eleutherios asked for Christian clothes, the
messenger became suspicious and sent him away. Rais Efendi
tried bribing him with costly presents, to keep him a Muslim, but
the young Greek prayed to God to permit him to escape.
He ran away the first chance he got, seeking out a priest from
Peloponnese who lived near the Patriarchate, and asked for help.
But the priest refused to assist him, fearing Turkish reprisals if he
were caught. Finally, the Russian Embassy helped him board a
ship to Mt. Athos, where he was chrismated back into the
Orthodox Church. He was tonsured a monk with the name
“Euthymios” and read The New Martyrology of St Nikodemos,
which inspired him wipe out his apostasy through martyrdom.
So, he returned to Constantinople, and on Palm Sunday 1814, he
dressed as a Muslim and went to the palace of the Grand Vizier.
There, he confessed that he was an Orthodox Christian,
denounced Mohammed, and trampled on the turban he had worn.
The vizier threw him in jail, but released him after an hour, and
tried to convince him to return to the Muslim faith. Euthymios
refused and was beaten, but they soon realized he would not be
convinced, and so condemned him to death by the sword. On
March 22, 1814, he freely walked unbound and unafraid, to the
place of execution, praying in gratitude, and for his friends and
family. The executioner struck
him twice with the sword, but
when that failed to kill him, he
took a knife and slit the martyr’s
throat.
The head of St. Euthymios is
in the Russian monastery of St.
Panteleimon on Mt. Athos.
There is also a church in
Dimitsana (pictured, left)
dedicated to him and Patriarch
Gregory V.
St. Luke was born in Adrianople, Thrace.
His father died when he was six and the
family lived in extreme poverty, so his
mother gave him as an apprentice to a
merchant from Zagora. During a business
trip to Constantinople, the 13-year-old
got into a fist fight with some local
Turkish boys. When Turkish adults rushed to punish the
Greek boy, fearing for his life, Luke called out that he
would become Muslim. A witness immediately took him to
his home and had him renounce Christ. When the boy
calmed down, he regretted what he had done and rejected
all the material gifts that his new master offered as bribes.
He was not permitted to leave the house, but he managed to
get a message to the merchant, who went to the Russian
embassy. They demanded the boy’s release, but the Muslim
refused and quickly had Luke circumcised, against his will.
The Russians helped Luke escape, and he went to Smyrna
and then to Santorini, where he grew very ill and almost lost
his eyesight. Fearing he would die un-chrismated, he asked
to confess. The local priest comforted him and encouraged
him to go to Mt. Athos, both to hide from the Turks and
look to his salvation.
There, he was received back into the Church and
tonsured a monk. But he always felt persecuted and
wandered to many places without being able to settle down.
He returned to Mt. Athos but still could find no peace even
in various monasteries, being driven out either when they
heard of his past as a Muslim or because he was still
‘beardless’ (too young to serve) or his own guilt.
Eventually, he confided in a Father Vissarion his desire
to be martyred. The priest couldn’t talk him out of it so he
helped him prepare his soul, and arranged for a boat to take
them to Lesvos. At that time, a Muslim family there had
converted to Orthodox Christianity, and the authorities had
arrested the Metropolitan of Mytilene.
Luke presented himself to the kadi (judge) and denounced
the conversion and forced circumcision he’d been deceived
into as a child. The kadi ordered him taken into custody,
and Luke went willingly, without being bound. While
walking out, he saw the Metropolitan and asked for his
blessing, and the Muslim guards began to beat him. For this,
the Metropolitan later ordered prayers to be said in all the
churches on Lesvos for the “servant of God Luke.” He was
then take around to several Muslims for interrogation, and
they both flattered and threatened him with torture to keep
him from renouncing Islam. Luke stood firm and was
returned to prison, where he received Holy Communion. He
asked for company and Eustratios, an Orthodox Christian
from Chios, tried to visit him but was expelled.
On Sunday, March 23, 1802, the 19-year-old monk was
taken to the gallows and given a last chance to be saved, by
renouncing Christ. He replied, “I don’t wish to be saved; I
wish to die for His love,” whereupon he was hanged. His
body was thrown in the sea but resurfaced and buried by
Christians. (source: New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke)
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Open every Sunday after Divine Liturgy and by appointment on weekdays.
� Thanks to our Lenten Lecture meal hosts: Philoptochos,
Daughters of Penelope, GOYA, JOY and Choir.
� Thanks to the flower donors for the Salutation icon:
Maria Theodore & friends, Eleni Giavroutas, Kathy Markou,
John & Betty Poulos, Ann Petrakis
� Thanks to the readers at the Salutations:
Sofia Trichonas and Ted Bahas; Despina Matheos and Lula
Souris; Mary Perperidis and George Ermidis; Eleni
Nikolakis and Nicholas Szkeley.
� Thanks to Church & Maria Stoll for donating the
daffodils fro Holy Cross Sunday in loving memory of
Steve & Helen Kriaris
To decorate or donate flowers, please contact the office
at 440-331-2246 or [email protected] :
� Palm Sunday icons (April 1)
� Holy Thursday Crucifixion icon (April 5)
� Holy Friday Epitaphio flowers (April 6)
� Altar flowers (April 7)
Come and help glorify God and His
Resurrection! Anyone wishing to help decorate the
Epitaphio on Good Friday, April 6, contact Michelle Baker:
440-617-0973 or [email protected]
Decorating will begin at 9:00 a.m., and last until about 2:00
p.m. Many hands make light work.
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