THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS

VOLUME , ISSUE

A MESSAGE FROM FR. JOHN WALLACE

Inside this Issue

Focus on our Community Preparing for an evening Divine Liturgy

2

Christmas Message From His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios

3

What wondrous gifts our God has given us! Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

4

Zoe Ministry 5

Working in his Vineyard Missions and Philanthropy Ministry

6-7

Founders Day 8-9

Feast Day of St. Nektarios of Aegina

10

Opera Carolina Special Speakers

11

Ministry Expo 12

Financial Matters 13

Honoring Our Veterans 14-15

Youth Ministries 16-19

Saints of our Faith 20

M y faith seems to ebb and flow like a tide; sometimes it is high, sometimes it

is low. A high tide of faith, when experienced, usually happens during the Divine Liturgy. It is often a moment of fleeting, but extreme bliss, a joy; one that may result in a quiet small tear making its way down my cheek. It is something I long for, but cannot control. It literally takes me away to somewhere else I feebly understand as the kingdom. They are always moments of blessing; a real and present high tide of faith. They give me something to hold onto during those less joyful moments when my faith seems to be at low tide.

When our faith ebbs, however, it offers us the opportunity to focus on our spiritual weaknesses because they are no longer covered by the waters of joy. It is when the joyful waters have receded that the garbage on the beach of our hearts is exposed and we can see it more clearly. This is the time for us to get to work through prayer and confession to cleanse our hearts. Low tide also encourages us to venture further out into the waters of deeper faith as our hope and trust in Christ mature and strengthen. Even though it is frightening to swim further away from shore, it gives us more appreciation for what others sometimes experience and in this way helps us to empathize with them and show them compassion.

Perhaps the most dangerous experience of a low tide of faith is the temptation to despair; that quiet whisper to just give up and float away in the waters of this world, to

wherever it would carry us. We must see this for what it is, an attempt by the devil to corrupt our faith into giving up on Christ our God. Our response must be to redouble our prayer, fortify our patience, embolden our hope, buckle down and carry on secure in the knowledge that Christ has not and will not desert us. Our faith is proved true at low tide, not high.

Our response to the high tide of faith is to accept it with humility; that it is of God and not of us. We must not try to hold onto it, but

to let it be free and living as of the Holy Spirit from which it flows. As such, it will come back to us of its own accord and in its own time.

A low tide of faith requires we accept it with thanksgiving to God; and that we pray, pray, and pray some more. Jesus our Lord prayed unto tears of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane before His glorious crucifixion; how

much more must we pray before the trials we face. We should realistically expect low tides, but faithfully trust that Christ will help us walk through our valley of shadows.

Hear the words of Moses to the children of Israel as he told them not to worry even though he could not go with them into the promised land, “Be valiant and strong, do not fear nor be afraid; for the Lord your God goes before you and with you and among you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6) These words are no less true for Orthodox Christians living at this present moment in history; believe it and find peace and strength in Christ our God.

Amen.

“…Be valiant and

strong, do not fear nor

be afraid; for the Lord

your God goes before

you and with you and

among you.…” (Deut. 31:6)

2

H ow do we prepare for an evening Divine Liturgy?

Fasting is only one of the ways we prepare to receive Holy Communion at Divine Liturgy, whether it is in the morning or in the evening. To worthily approach the chalice involves our confession of sins, forgiveness of others, and prayers of repentance. We seek to prepare the garden of our heart to receive the seed of God’s grace or else it will not germinate and produce the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Preparation for receiving the Holy Mysteries is necessary, for if we “labor for the food which perishes” how much more should we labor “for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give [us]”? (John 6:27) We prepare with the fear of God, faith and love as we begin to draw near in the hours ahead. When we prepare for a morning Divine Liturgy, we abstain from eating or drinking anything from midnight the night before. When we prepare for an evening Divine Liturgy, we should have a light lunch with the goal of eating or drinking nothing but water in at least the four to six (4-6) hours preceding the service. Preparation to receive Holy Communion involves more than our stomachs. It involves our whole being as we seek to approach the Lord with a heart, mind, and body free from the weight, burdens, and appetites of this world.

*Portions of this discussion were excerpted from “The Heavenly Banquet” by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis

In our prayers

Zoe Andrews Helene Antone Pat Baker Sylvia Belk Sandy Brewer John & Sandra Capousis

Christopher Chopelas Mary Jane Cloninger Nick Collias Cleo Demopoulos Duke Duncan

Shannon Elliot Vasileki Frangopoulos Ted Gillis Hank Hanegraaf Cynthia Hicklin Gail Hood

Georgia Kalivas Maria Kleto Dean Kondilis Mary & Elton Longshore Georgia & Peter Mannering

Catherine Manthos Jack McCullough Michael Christopher Mentavlos Tish Merrill Christina Nixon

Anastasia Peceridou Margaret Phillips Mark Phillips Athena Rodgers Heather Solomon

Teziah Stalling Lilly Trakas Maria Tsiamis Ron Wheatley

AND FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY

Helene Carras Buddy Craft Jordan James Dunn Krassimire Ivanov

Nicholas Kachulis Michael Constantine Mentavlos Zack Millsaps Matthew Millsaps

Amanda Moril Danielle Zervakos Nickolopoulos Anton Savin

Congratulations and best wishes

To Stephanie and John Paul Tsahakis on the 40 day blessing of their son, John Paul

To Katerina and Rick Coker on the birth and 40 day blessing of Philip’s brother, Nikolaos Alexander

To Cannon Miller and Zack Walker on their marriage

To Nicole Johnson and Michael Roupas on the birth of their son, Gunnar James

Elias Elia is honored to announce the engagement of his daughter Alexis Elia to Elias Stergiou son of

George Stergiou and the late Vivian Stergiou. Kala Stefana.

To Cindy and Alexander Chaprak on the baptism of their nephew, Cyril Oleksiy

To Adam Farrell on his Chrismation

To Ana and Brian Martin on the baptism of Pascal’s brother, Kallistos Vonn Martin

Congratulations to the George Bacogeorge, Charles Hubbard, Peter Keretsis, Teddy Poulos and Aka Vashakidze

on being elected to the 2018 Parish Council

With Sympathy on the passing

of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ

To the Athanas family on the passing of Betty’s husband, Dinos

To the Vashakidze family on the passing of Aka’s father, Omari Vashakidze in Georgia

To the Gionis family on the passing of Christina’s sister, Alice Agapion in Cary, NC

To the Gionis family on the passing of Beth’s mother, Doris Browning Broadway

To the Kleto family on the passing of Kristy’s father, Terrence O’Connor

To the Karres family on the passing of Pitsa’s husband, Gus

To the Stefanick family on the passing of Andrew’s brother, James in Altoona, PA

To the Klund family on the passing of Tim’s mother, Elaine in Wisconsin

To the family of Presbytera Joanne Ganiaris on her passing in Wilmington, DE

To the Tsoulos, Pitsikoulis and Massouras families on the passing of John’s brother, Angelo

To the Vallas family on the passing of Pota in Raleigh, NC

In Appreciation

Thanks to Diane Gilbert and Copycat for printing the Church Bulletin and Newsletter.

kclewell@stnektarios.org

by February 6th to be included in the February issue.

Focus on our community

Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support

3

Albanian

Gezur Krislinjden

Bulgarian

Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito

Rojdestvo Hristovo

Ethiopian

(Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal

Romanian

Craciun Fericit

Turkish

Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu

Olsun

Christmas message from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios

December 12, 2017

To All the Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta

My Beloved Children in Christ,

“Christ is born, glorify him.

Christ is from heaven, go to meet him. Christ is on earth, be ye lifted up. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing out with gladness, all ye people. For he is glorified.” (Katavasia of the Nativity)

I t is my great privilege to once again communicate with you, on

the occasion of the celebration we are approaching, the Birth of our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This year, I pray that each of you has the opportunity to truly bring out, and focus on the family oriented spirit of this most blessed feast. For this celebration is one that involves the whole Orthodox Christian family. Together we will go to worship, reflect on the meaning of the Nativity, break bread with one another, and enjoy the spirit that comes from this feast. This spirit, of course, is one of reconciliation: man reconciles himself to God, and God reconciles Himself to His creation. In order for this spirit of reconciliation to be made manifest, God sends to us His Only-Begotten Son. His Son, out of love for us, takes on our flesh, and all its

weaknesses. It is not merely enough for Jesus Christ, to humble Himself in this way. We must truly receive Him with open hearts. Only then, will we truly be able to receive His blessings, and His mercy. In this spirt, I greet you, your families and your loved ones, wishing you the most blessed and joyous Christmas you have ever experienced. I therefore remain, Paternally yours with love in the Lord,

+ A L E X I O S Metropolitan of Atlanta

4

December 25

Glory to God in the highest! And on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!

5

E ach year near the feast day of St. Stylianos, and before Christmas, we

have a special memorial service to remember families who have suffered infant loss through miscarriages, stillbirth and/or neo-natal loss (recent or years ago). An angel ornament symbolizing the child’s guardian angel is placed on our Christmas Tree in their memory. It is a wonderful time of year to remember these special babies and honor their patron saint, St. Stylianos.

The Friday before the Zoe Memorial Service I was feeling a little down thinking of all the babies that have been lost. I too have experienced this heartbreak. I brought out the tray of angel ornaments, each with a different name written on it and I prayed for comfort for each family. My loss was many years ago but the pain never fully heals. At that time our daughter, Brianna was only 5 years old. We were trying to decide whether or not to name the baby when a friend called from Texas to say, “I feel like God prompted me to call you and tell you that you need to name this baby.” We were awe-struck by the timing of the call. We felt impressed to name the baby, Elisha Joseph (not knowing the meaning of the name). Ten years passed by and we had two more children and someone was asking the meanings of their names. I told them and then I look up the meaning of Elisha Joseph and was struck by awe again. I said, “God, why did this happen?” When I looked at the meaning of the names, Joseph means “that God may add” and Elisha means “the double portion” so the baby’s name means….that God may add the double portion, which

He did because I had two more children, Arianna and Summer.

I was thinking about all of that on this day as I placed the trays of angel ornaments on the table in the sanctuary. Suddenly bright beams of light burst through the windows near the top of the dome. It was so sudden and so incredible that it took my breath away. I believe God heard my prayer that day and I was able to snap a picture of the light shining down on our “angels”.

If you or someone you know has lost a child, please let us know and we will add their name to an ornament to be placed on next year’s Christmas tree in the fellowship hall.

Kim Sheree’ Braswell (Clewell)

~ GOD’S LIGHT SHINEs DOWN ON OUR “ANGELS” ~ Life & family ministry ~ Zoe Memorial SVC

Jenny & Chris Kauffman placing angel ornaments on the tree in memory of

Angel & Sunshine

6

WORKING IN HIS VINEYARD: M ISSIONS AND PHILANTHROPY M INISTRY

“ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26

IOCC Event at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church

On Saturday October 28, 2017, Orthodox churches from all over Charlotte celebrated the 25th anniversary of the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) at a Pan-Orthodox event at Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church. The evening included a presentation of sacred music from several churches in the area, including Saint Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, Saint George Eritrean Orthodox Church, Saint Anthony the Great OCA, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. Each group sang several hymns from the various services of the ecclesiastical year. Each group had a different way of expressing their devotion through song, and it was a pleasure to experience all of them. After the music, the event guests moved into the fellowship hall to enjoy different wines and food donated by members from all the churches. Laura Wallace, a high school student from St. Nektarios, played the piano as background music throughout the fellowship time. Then, after fellowship, Lou Zagami, the IOCC development officer, discussed the work that IOCC has done locally and internationally throughout the year and showed moving videos depicting the work of IOCC. After the presentation, he fielded questions from the audience, and several people expressed the desire to help with the work that IOCC is doing locally. The IOCC Metropolitan Committee is grateful for everyone who came to the event and generously donated to the efforts of IOCC. As Orthodox Christians, we are very fortunate to have an organization like this one to express our concern for people throughout the world. By partnering with IOCC in their efforts, we truly fill Christ’s command to provide for the “least of these.” Again, thank you to all those who participated.

Missy Davis

7

WORKING IN HIS VINEYARD: M ISSIONS AND PHILANTHROPY M INISTRY

“ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26

E ight St. Nektarios parishioners joined

in the 39th annual Crop Walk for

Hunger on October 14, 2017.

Katie Caltis organized our participation in

this special event. St. Nektarios has been a

long-term supporter of this event and with

your helped raised over $850. toward the

ZERO HUNGER GOAL. Thank you St.

Nektarios Walkers and Supporters! Next

year we hope to see more people get

involved.

Crop Walk’s Mission

Charlotte CROP is a poverty-fighting organization that honors the call to improve

the quality of life of people suffering from poverty and hunger. We educate, inspire

and empower the Charlotte community to become agents of change through fund-

raising events with local and international impact.

P hiloptochos prepared Snack

Packs for Urban Ministry

Center. Urban Ministry Center

supports poor and homeless people

by meeting daily needs and

assisting with long-term steps to

increase income and access to

housing. They do this through love,

compassion and

tangible help

such as the

donations of

snack packs we

sent.

8

Founders day

Founders Day Celebration and Memorial Sunday, November 12, 2017

Honoring our Charter Members who took the first step to our future After months of prayer, planning, and preparation, we celebrated our first Divine Liturgy on October 18, 1998. We began our Twelve

Months of Commemoration of our Twentieth Year as a parish by acknowledging the adult members who were on our parish register as of our first Liturgy. Many who are pictured above joined us for this opening event.

O n Founders’ Day we recognized those who had the courage and the faith to begin the journey that led to the founding of

our community. It started on Christmas Eve, 1997 around a dining room table with a half-dozen faithful, obedient servants. In the days, weeks and months that followed, their number grew and grew. They spent countless hours until that long awaited Sunday in October, 2018 when they celebrated the first Divine Liturgy. We thank you for your faithfulness and your obedience to the Holy Spirit’s urging of “Let’s build a new church!”.

Christina Bonderer

Our children are our future. May God give us the wisdom to lead them on the right path so they may continue our Lord’s Mission.

Twelve Months of Commemoration Begins

George Karavokiros reads Fr. Steve’s poem,

I See a Miracle

9

I 'm honored to be here today on this 20th anniversary of Saint Nektarios. We have so many families that have helped

build our church to what it is today. What I want to speak with you now about are the 12 members that had a vision for our church but who are not with us today but in spirit. They are angels around us, angels beside us, angels within us. They are watching over us when times are good or stressed. Their wings wrap gently around us all whispering you are loved and blessed. After death communications are the little and amazing ways that our loved ones in heaven let us know that their spirit is still around us. We remember things they said to us such as Frank Cockinos telling us all that "the hardest thing to be is a good Orthodox Christian". Ted Solomon would tell his family and friends that "we always put God first, family second and everything else last. Sadly, many of these men and women had passed away at a young age but if they could say something to us now they might

say job well done. Leigh Elia welcomed the opportunity to join so that she could begin practicing her religion knowing that one day this community would be the place for her family to worship. God created these angels for many purposes, including guiding, protecting, encouraging and strengthening us. Scripture tells us that angels are Gods servants, sent by him into the world to serve his will. Lela and George Anton will tell us that we need to cultivate our relationships with Jesus. Our loved ones are letting us know that they aren't gone for good, but have just stepped out of view for a while. If you are ever in need of guidance then Nick Miller has a bench and he welcomes everyone to come sit and chat. Though you may not see them or know they are there, these men and women will always be watching over us, transporting blessings into our lives, protecting us from danger and helping us to glorify God better.

Timira Cockinos

Adult Members on the roster as of our first Divine Liturgy

Parishioners & our youth holding photos of our departed Founding Members

We extend our apologies to anyone whose name we may have inadvertently omitted. Our paper records from 1998 may be incomplete. Please contact Evelyn Klund so we may update our files.

*Our departed members and **Chris Collins, son of Daryl & Renee Collins, who were commemorated in today’s Memorial Service

Founders day

Alaeddin & Kholoud Alyateem Pete & Pam Copsis Albert Isaac Evan Miller Yorgos & Cindy Anagnostopoulos George & Helen Couchell Ghada Isaac George N. Miller

Aphroula Anderson Effie & Chad Davis George & Kay Kamvouris John & Cheryl Miller Gary & Michelle Anderson Henry & Donna Dellinger Nancy Kapordilis Nick* & Chris Miller

John & Mimi Anderson Don & Cathy DeWolfe Tim & Evelyn Klund Peter & Mary Milliones George* & Elaine Anton Ron & Dee Drobonick Dennis & Kabee Kokenes Stacy & Susan Milliones

Lela Anton* Elias Elia Bill & Irene Liapis Michael & Ritsa Neary Sylvia Anton Leigh Elia* David Lowery David & Kara O'Brien

Andrew & Christie Asimos Sam* & Doris Fadel Mark & Christine Malatras Perry Bill Pappas Lambros Balatsias Christina Indianos-Filis (Svilich) Jeannie Mallos Peter & Kim Pappas

Paul & Anne-Tracy Barros-Ruof Steve & Elham Flaherty Dave & Alexis Maloney Taso & Donna Roupas Spencer Burton & Michelle Ostis Sandy Gallins Jeff Mathews Jimmy & Mary Roupas

Barry & Maria Caldwell Steve & Karen* Gardner Irene Mavroidis David & Natalie Scott Peter & Kathy Cestrone Gus & Phyllis Gianakopoulos Steve Mavroidis Doug & Ana Sistare Frank* & Dee Cockinos Larry & Diane Gilbert Ted* & Pota* Mavroidis Ted* & Madeleine Solomon

Dimi Collias Demetre & Beth Gionis Bob & Helen Demmie McKane Shari Solomon Pete & Mary Collias Jodi Gorman Hank & Diane McSwain Matt & Ellen Tedrick

Daryl & Renee Collins** His Grace Gregory of Nyssa June Megremis David & Lynne Thomas Richard & Bess Collins Peter & Vangie Harakas Tommy Megremis Dn. Paul & Lea Tsahakis Stephanie Columbus Omer & Tina Heracklis Christopher Miller Phillip & Sandra Walker

Steve & Kathy Constantelos George Isaac & Benita Lynn Husson Elaine Miller Konstantine & Maryann Zitsos

Go back to missal & make

sure names are correct.

10

Feast day of St. Nektarios of Aegina,

The Wonderworker ~ November 9

O ur community

came

together for the very

special celebration of

the Feast Day of our

patron saint, Nektarios which is

celebrated on November 9, the date of his repose. We

welcomed Fr. Theodore from Holy Trinity and Fr. Gregory

Waynick as co-celebrants at our services. Hundreds of faithful

joined in the vesper services held on the eve of the feast day,

November 8. The evening included an Artoclasia service and

a special anointing of the congregation. Following the vespers

service, the Ladies Philoptochos hosted a wonderful reception

for all our guests and pilgrims for the occasion. On the actual

feast day, Matins and Divine Liturgy were celebrated. Our

parishioners and guests enjoyed a delicious luncheon

featuring baked salmon, green beans and Greek potatoes

prepared by Pete Douglas and his kitchen crew. Thank you to

all who helped prepare and serve.

Why do we honor

St. Nektarios

and saints in general?

In the Orthodox Church the worship (latreia)

given to God is completely different from the

honor (time) of love (agape) and respect, or even

veneration (proskynesis), "paid to all those

endowed with some dignity" (St. John

Chrysostom, Hom. III, 40). The Orthodox honor

the saints to express their love and gratitude to

God, who has "perfected" the saints. As St.

Symeon the New Theologian writes, "God is the

teacher of the Prophets, the co-traveler with the

Apostles, the power of the Martyrs, the

inspiration of the Fathers and Teachers, the

perfection of all Saints. . . ." (Catechesis, I).

http://www.goarch.org/resources/saints

11

Adult Religious Education Ministry Special Speaker

W e were delighted to have author, Foti Jean-Pierre Fotiu and his wife, Teresa with us last month and to be able to hear his personal story. Foti spoke about his book

“Constantinople: The Beautiful City and the Destruction of its Greek, Armenian, and, Jewish Ethnic Communities”.

Mr. Fotiu was born in Istanbul (Constantinople), Turkey in 1942. With part of his family, he emigrated first to Brussels, Belgium then to the United States to Albany, New York in

1962. Foti and his wife Theresa, both now retired, have made their home in North Carolina. He is passionate in his volunteer work with The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association

(AHEPA) and with the Greek American Community in Raleigh. He enjoys researching and writing stories of historical events.

He is passionate for the Greek causes and continues to promote Hellenism.

Retired United States Army Medical Specialist A.A.S. Radiology Technology, Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY

B.A. Business Administration, Siena College, Loudonville, NY M.A. Public Administration, State University of Albany, NY

Opera Carolina Christmas Concert

T he Opera Carolina Chorus took us on a journey that

uplifted and moved everyone who attended. Our evening began with a special presentation by Gerry Clonaris about THE ORIGINS OF THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD. . .What Really Happened. This elegant concert was a beautiful way to begin the Christmas season. The concert ended with a resounding rendition of The Hallelujah Chorus which left all those who attended literally breathless. The evening continued with a reception in our

Spiritual Life Center with refreshments provided by our Welcome Team. This concert also successfully raised donations for Child Of God and for Opera Carolina. We have already secured the Thanksgiving weekend date for next year as Opera Carolina has agreed to come back again with another performance to start our holiday season. Who knows where they will take us to next year, but we know for sure they will strive to take us all to even greater heights. Thank you to Gerry Clonaris for organizing this event, the Welcome Team for their hard work on the reception and to John Cosmas who took these beautiful photographs.

12

Ministry expo

W e set sail for a year of service and fellowship

at our Ministry Expo on Sunday, October 29th. We invited parishioners to explore Parish Life opportunities that enrich our faith, our family and our community. Everyone had a chance to meet members of our Ministry Teams and talk about the opportunities to serve in our community and beyond. Ministry Guide Booklets are available at church, on the website, and will be mailed to all parishioners. Please look through this booklet and find an area that interests you. We have over 164 ministry events each year so there are many opportunities to join in.

Celebrating the Gifts We Share

Ministry Expo Sunday, October 29th: Installation of Ministry Directors and Team Leaders

13

Financial matters

You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21

Parish Assembly Approved 2018 Operating Budget

Parish Council reviews monthly all funds processed by the church administrative staff.

1. Operating: track all income and expenses for management

purposes

2. Building Fund & Capital Campaign: ensure monies available to

repay mortgage and monitor capital campaign

3. Dedicated: track income & expenses in 35+ designated accounts

4. Kuykendall House: rental property

5. Endowment: investments and yield

6. Iconography

7. Bookstore

8. Greek Language School

Financial governance

Two Priests – full time, salaried with benefits

Parish Administrator – full time, salaried

Music Director – full time, salaried

Youth Director – full time, salaried

Property Manager – part time, hourly

Office Staff — One full-time, hourly; Four part-time, hourly

Janitorial Staff — Two part-time, hourly

Responsibilities

Worship and Preparation, Sacraments and Pastoral Care and Support Associated administrative support: volunteer scheduling, document

preparation

Membership Services Database management, welcoming, and documentation support

Ministry and volunteer management - 14 Ministry Departments and over 300 volunteers

Risk Management and Security

Event Management (beyond Sundays) Ministry (164), Philoptochos, and Private Events (19)

Hospitality and Kitchen Support

Financial Services & Fund Development Financial monitoring and reports for parishioners, Parish Council,

Metropolis & Archdiocese Contribution Processing – paper & electronic

Building Fund & Capital Campaign; Endowment

Compliance for regulations and mortgage lender

Communications Missal, bulletin, newsletter, special appeals, guides -- print,

electronic, and web

Facilities Management Oversee and maintain 30,000 square feet in three buildings over 10

acres

Employee Expense for Operating Fund alone = 57% of budget income

Employee Expense for All Funds listed under Governance and processed by church staff = 27% of all annual income

Staffing Report

Over the last 14 months $ 440,000 paid in mortgage principal $ 65,750 paid in interest

$ 505,750 raised and paid towards mortgage! Balance due as of 11/30 is $1,748,866

Cash flow projections (based on pledges in hand) Note matures May 2019 with $1,830,000 Total due ($81,134 accrued interest plus $1,748,866 principal)

$ 558,000 offerings to be received in 2018 from pledges $ 681,000 offerings to be received in 2019 from pledges $ 466,000 Additional funds needed to burn the mortgage

Capital/Building Fund

Stats: $758,619 --2017 Stewardship Budget Goal $639,966 --Stewardship Received as of 12-15-17 $118,653 --Stewardship Gap

We are now serving about 700 families

589 have an active pledge;

37 are making offerings without a pledge

Bridge the Gap -- $13,000 received

Stewardship Pledge balances due of $130,890

Stewardship

$639,966

$118,653 How to Bridge this Gap: Submit your pledge before Christmas Make an extra offering beyond your

pledge. Please note “extra for gap” on your

offering so this amount will be excluded from your 2018 auto-renewal

Make a Stewardship Pledge

Parish Assembly

Authorized the incorporation of The St. Nektarios Endowment

Accepted the proposed by-laws of the new corporation; and

Authorized the application to be recognized as a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Endowment

14

Honoring our veterans

O n Sunday, November 19h, we paid tribute to our parish members who are military

veterans. We said a prayer for them and held the Fellowship Coffee Hour in their honor.

Somehow, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. Veterans have sacrificed so much for so many. Whether enlisted or drafted, our military representatives were ready and willing to defend our way of life. Transitioning from military life back into the civilian world is a challenge. Many veterans lack the resources they need to make this transition. Veterans have an alarmingly high rate of suicide, depression, divorce, homelessness, and substance abuse. Please keep all veterans in your daily prayers and let them know how much their service means to you and your family.

I had the opportunity to talk to a few of our former and active servicemen and learned some interesting facts about them.

Fr. Steve Dalber: The photograph was taken right after boot camp. My rank was E-2 like PFC. I was discharged E-5 aviation structural mechanic, second-class petty officer. I was crew chief on H-34 helicopters. Stationed at Naval Missile Center Point Mugu, California, Naval Air Facility Cam Ranh Vietnam, Carrier Air Group, Beach Detachment Cubi Point/Subic Bay, Philippines, VF-143, F-4 squadron Miramar California/CVAN USS Enterprise, Tonkin Gulf, Vietnam.

Mike Neary retired from the U.S Air Force after serving 28 years. Working his way up the ranks, he held many positions in the security field. He was part of the Security Force responsible for securing America's resources, surveillance aircraft, our missile systems, Base Security, just to name a few, stateside and overseas. He proudly served our Great Nation at FOB Anderson, Guam and OSAN Air Base, Korea during the Vietnam Era and European Theater during his service.

Bill Seymour was on active duty during the Korean War from 1952-1956, later serving in the Reserves until 1960. While serving aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Bennington CVA-20 in the Atlantic, explosions involving the catapults resulted in a massive fire killing and severely burning hundreds of officers and enlisted men. The memory of

this disaster will always be a lasting memory for Bill and his shipmates. Toward the end of Bill’s active duty he was one of three technical specialists selected to train Danish and Japanese Navy crews on ships given to those nations by our government.

While serving in Greece in the 50’s, Steve Constantelos often thought of Greece’s long history of civil wars... remembering being taught in school that the Spartan’s sent their soldiers out to crush the Athenians, telling the troops,

“If you don’t win, don’t come back.”

John Andromidas served in the Marines during the Korean War. He remembers another soldier whose torso looked like a pegboard...he survived 10 - 12 bullet wounds. John’s brother, Harry, served in Germany during WWII. He earned the Purple Heart when wounded in hand-to-hand combat with bayonets.

Ron Drobonick was drafted into the Army in 1965. He did not want to serve but what pulled him through basic training was thinking about his dad, a PFC serving in the European Theatre during WW II. His father earned the Bronze Star for capturing a German outpost during the Battle of the Bulge. He was an inspiration to Ron.

George Stephenson served in the Air Force during WWII helping develop flight plans. During one overseas briefing he met with Col. Paul W. Tibbits Jr. Col. Tibbits flew the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Sam Kleto’s dad, Tom, served in the Army’s Tank Division. Sam has a photograph of his dad, Fr. Mamalis (Dennis Kokenes’ uncle), and Bill Anderson (Gary Anderson’s uncle). All three friends served in the European Theatre during WW II and met each other in Paris where the photo was taken.

Jeff Clewell served in the 3rd Armored Division in Operation Desert Storm and was awarded the bronze star for rendering medical aid while taking fire in a war zone. Jeff also received a Humanitarian Service Medal for rendering medical aid to the Iraqi people surviving the heavily bombed areas in southern Iraq.

Corporal Bryan Steel was stationed at Ft. Benning, Georgia from 2011-2014, where he was proud to serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Matthew Kirk Dunn, served in the US Army from 2006 through 2011. He was enlisted and served 2 tours in Iraq. Currently Matthew is a Defense Contractor with Constellis living and working at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq – they primarily provide armed security for the US State Dept.

These are but glimpses into the lives of some of our veterans. To all who served gallantly, our heartfelt thanks. We can never repay you

for the sacrifices you made on our behalf. And we will never know the challenges you may have faced.

Veterans, thank you for your service and

God Bless You all.

Kim Braswell

***Stories and information about our veterans***

15

Honoring our veterans

John Frank Tsantes, father of Adrienne Shelton

Theodore James

George WW2, father

of Tessa Dunn

Left: Stephen Medvid with son, Onuphrios Medvid,

father of Dan Medvid

The late

Ted Solomon

Above & right: The

late Xenny Koinis

Gus Stamas

George Couchell, Pete Couchell and

George Stephenson

Amber Hillmann

Kras Ivanov with John Nichols &

Deacon Harry Lainis

Tom Clewell

Demetrios Polyzos (2nd from right) with fellow soldiers,

father of Helen Clonaris

Elias Nickolopoulos

16

17

18

19

20

OUR MISSION: St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to the continuation

of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry of salvation through the proclamation and teaching of the Gospel;

through Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and through loving service to God and to mankind.

OUR VISION: The community will provide a loving, caring and welcoming environment where all belong and grow in the faith through

worship, service, witness, and fellowship.

DIRECTORY

Church Office: 704-708-4669 Church Fax: 704-846-6094 Email: office@stnektarios.org Website: www.stnektarios.org 5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte, NC 28270

Father Steve Dalber, Protopresbyter

Home: 704-708-4638 Cell Phone: 704-451-6524 Email: frdalber@stnektarios.org

Father John Wallace Home: 704-364-2211 Cell Phone: 704-364-2211 Email: frwallace@stnektarios.org

Father Seraphim Dedes Music Ministry Phone: 704-719-3074 Email: frdedes@stnektarios.org

Dn. Father Stephanos Potter

Dn. Father Paul Tsahakis

2018 Parish Council Peter Keretsis, Elizabeth Kleto, Kholoud Alyateem, Theodora Sexstone Jim Thomas, Christina Bonderer, George Bacogeorge, Charles Hubbard, Teddy Poulos, John Tsefrikas and Aka Vashakidze

Parish Administrator Evelyn Klund

Administration Staff Niki Kleto, Kim Braswell, Madalina Lowen, Carol Jelush, Silva Awaimrin

Dir. Youth Ministries, Helen Giles

Property Manager, Dena Kondilis

Philoptochos Board

President: Thalia Fergione Vice President: Charlotte Nickolopoulos Recording Secretary: Helen Clonaris Corresp. Secretary: Joanne Kiser Treasurer: Evelyn Klund Ass’t. Treasurer: Madalina Lowen Members: Helen Bakos, Dee Drobonick, Maria Kleto, Niki Kleto, Ana Levantis, Ritsa Neary, Rita Pappas, Bessie Vrettos, Maria Wheatley (Advisor)

SUNDAYS AT

SAINT NEKTARIOS

Worship Matins & Divine Liturgy: 8:15 a.m. Youth Catechism: Sundays following Divine Liturgy

Fellowship Coffee: Following the Divine Liturgy

Prosfora Please contact the church office or Christie Asimos at 704-756-1512 if you would like to provide Prosfora.

Coffee Hour Please contact the church office if you would like to host or co-host a Coffee Hour on Sunday. Your Stewardship pays for the coffee hour refreshments provided by the Hospitality Ministry Team.

Flowers

You may donate flowers in honor of a family member’s feast day, in memory of a loved one or friend, on the occasion of a holiday, or simply as a gift to the community of St. Nektarios. To donate flower arrangements to be placed at the Iconostasis, St. Nektarios Shrine or in the Narthex for Sunday Services, please contact the church office to reserve a Sunday.

Sacramental Wine & Pure Olive Oil You may make a financial gift to help defray the cost of the sacramental wine that is used for Holy Communion. Please note on the memo line of your check or on the envelope “Communion Wine”. You may also donate a bottle or can of pure olive oil which is then blessed at the Shrine of St. Nektarios and is offered in the anointing kits. Please feel free to bring this with you to any of our services and give to an usher on duty. For additional information contact the church office.

UPCOMING DEADLINE

Newsletter & Bulletin:

Information Due: February 6, 2018

Published: February 13, 2018

Eugenia

The Righteous

Nun-Martyr of

Rome

December 24

T his Martyr was the

daughter of most

distinguished and noble

parents named Philip and Claudia. Philip, a

Prefect of Rome, moved to Alexandria with his

family. In Alexandria, Eugenia had the

occasion to learn the Christian Faith, in

particular when she encountered the Epistles

of Saint Paul, the reading of which filled her

with compunction and showed her clearly the

vanity of the world. Secretly taking two of her

servants, Protas and Hyacinth, she departed

from Alexandria by night. Disguised as a man,

she called herself Eugene while pretending to

be a eunuch, and departed with her servants

and took up the monastic life in a monastery of

men. Her parents mourned for her, but could

not find her. After Saint Eugenia had laboured

for some time in the monastic life, a certain

woman named Melanthia, thinking Eugenia to

be a monk, conceived lust and constrained

Eugenia to comply with her desire; when

Eugenia refused, Melanthia slandered Eugenia

to the Prefect as having done insult to her

honour. Eugenia was brought before the

Prefect, her own father Philip, and revealed to

him both that she was innocent of the

accusations, and that she was his own

daughter. Through this, Philip became a

Christian; he was afterwards beheaded at

Alexandria. Eugenia was taken back to Rome

with Protas and Hyacinth. All three of them

ended their life in martyrdom in the years of

Commodus, who reigned from 180 to 192.

http//www.goarch.org

"Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA,

used by permission. All rights reserved."