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I read this the other day on Facebook and needed to share it with all of you…It shows that the love, support and prayers of a community can work WONDERSWONDERSWONDERSWONDERS for
ALL ALL ALL ALL of its members, both laity and clergy!!!
Fr Demetri
“What Can Separate us From the Love of Christ?”
Bishop Michael (Dahulich) of New York and New Jersey.
I grew up in Binghamton, New York, in a parish where the church was the center of my life. I served as an altar boy and went to the Church School, which was huge! We had a teenage Bible Study group; the church had a basketball team (which I was not very good at). I ran the parish library. We had altar boy practice every Saturday – we sang the Liturgy and learned about serving the services – there were as many as 36 altar boys at a time! So, almost every weekend, I was in church for Saturday Liturgy, Vespers, Matins, and Sunday Liturgy… plus holy days, baptisms, weddings, funerals and everything else that came with life in the Church.
After high school, I went to college nearby and lived at home. I never had the problem of wondering, “What do I do when I’m on my own?” I worked out my class schedule so I could be at the Liturgy during the week when there was one. Church was the place to be.
I loved being in church, and I loved what I was doing in church – especially serving in the Altar and learning about the Faith. So it was only logical for me to want to become an imitation of my parish priest, Fr. Stephen Dutko of blessed memory, so that I could have, and give, that same kind of experience. I wanted to be like Father Stephen.
And so I did. I went to seminary right after college. I got married and ordained at 22 years old. I was assigned to my first parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church in Homer City, PA, and I was raring to go.
Then it all changed. After 29 days of marriage, my wife and I were in a car accident. She was killed instantly. I was in the hospital – in a coma. I came out months later, confused and bitter, guilt ridden and doubting. I was feeling all those kinds of things that a person would feel in that horrific situation. Why did God let this happen? It had to be somebody’s fault. All the confusion, all the anger, definitely made me think about not being a priest anymore.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
17 Meriam St., Lexington, MA 02420
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a parish under the spiritual and ecclesiastical shepherding of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the presiding hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston of the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the jurisdiction of His All-Holiness, Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch.
The Orthodox Way is published by the first of each month. The deadline for submissions to this newsletter is the 15h of the prior month. Thank you for your cooperation.
Icon on cover page courtesy of www.eikonografos.com, used with permission
Office Phone: 781-862-6453 Office e-mail: [email protected] Office Secretary: Mary Correia Church Website : www.stnicholaslex.org Sunday Worship Service: Orthros: 8:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
Rev. Fr. Demetrios Costarakis, Presiding Priest Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.* * Days and times may vary due to Liturgical or other schedules* Father’s Office Phone: 781-862-0315 Father’s Home Phone: 978-275-0002 Father’s Cell Phone Emergency ONLY – 978-201-0636 Father’s e-mail: [email protected]
Our Parish Council Anthony Gray, President [email protected] Charlene Colt, Vice President [email protected] Judy Gray, Secretary [email protected] Marcy Norse, Treasurer [email protected] Penelope Tzougros, [email protected] Stewardship Chair Lou Saledas, Finance [email protected] Robert DeVasto [email protected] Maria Decoulos [email protected] Lela Digenis [email protected] Alexandra Joseph [email protected] Mary Murray [email protected] Alyssa Psyhojos, Asst. Secretary [email protected] Michael Tanionos [email protected] Helen Theodosiou [email protected] Tom Tsaros [email protected]
Our Parish Ministries Chanters: Timothy Patitsas [email protected] Efthimia Zervoglos [email protected]
Altar Server Ministry: Yianni Barbas, Jonathan Colt, Jack Decoulos, Tino Decoulos, Alexander Heisler, Nicholas Heisler, Christopher Kokkinos, Jonathan Kokkinos, Matthew Kokkinos, Dimitri Psyhojos, Christos Saledas, Christian Sevigny, Themis Splagounias, Loukas Speros, Maximos Speros, Jason Vafiades, Nicholas Vafiades, James Wouralis, Anthony Wilson, Andoni Zervoglos Church School Directors: Lariza Panagiotou [email protected] Leto Papadopoulos [email protected] Greek School Principals: Gloria Doukakis [email protected] Lela Digenis [email protected] Family Ministries Stephanie Wilson [email protected] “40 to 4” Infant/Pre – K Ministry: Gloria Costarakis [email protected] Adult Choir Efthemia Zeroglos [email protected] HOPE/JOY Advisors: Mike Wilson [email protected] Cassandra Girabaldi [email protected] GOYA Advisors: Leto Papadopoulos [email protected] Daphne Papadopoulos [email protected] Nectarios Ritzakis [email protected] Ladies Philoptochos Society, St. Irene Chapter: Pamela Brown, President [email protected] Seniors Group Gloria Doukakis [email protected] John Yanakis Health Ministry Group: Anthony Gray [email protected] Judy Gray [email protected] Mike Wilson [email protected] Alyssa Psyhojos [email protected]
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However, I couldn’t conceive of not serving at the Altar. I could not conceive of living my life outside of that experience that I had had all those years. I just could not imagine that.
So, rather than walk away from the Church, I did what I really needed to do – and what I have counseled so many people, of all ages from the youngest to the oldest, to do when we have these terrible, tragic experiences. And that is to draw closer to Christ in the face of pain and agony and loss. When I did that, it was not just an inner, “me and Jesus” kind of experience. The Lord came to me, and began to heal me through the faces, the words, the embraces, the love of His people: the Church.
My spiritual father was one of them. He was tough on me. He told me, “Your faith just has to kick in.” One of the questions I raised was, “Where was God when all this happened?” And he said, “He was in the same place the day that Debbie died that He was on Great and Holy Friday, when His Son died.” He told me that even though that particular Tuesday when we had the accident might have been a Good Friday to me… still, Good Friday is not the end of the story… Pascha is. He reminded me that Christ triumphed over death – and I had to believe that my wife was a sharer in that victory and in the Resurrection.
So, I never left the Church. I never walked away from the priesthood. My first parish as a priest became a replica of what I had experienced in my home parish as a young person… and those people who I served as a young widowed priest helped me nurse back to spiritual health – as well as me helping them in their dark moments and in their difficulties. It wasn’t just me, as their priest, taking care of them. Guided by God, as His family, we cared for each other.
A famous Christian writer named Tertullian, who lived less than 200 years after Jesus, wrote that “A Christian alone is no Christian.” He meant that no one is saved alone… it takes the Church to save a soul. Whenever I look back on that incredibly painful time in my life, I am more and more deeply convinced that I never would have survived – not spiritually, and maybe not literally – without the Church. I do not mean just the Church as a building, although that is the place where we meet and pray and even play together. I mean, the Church as a community; the constant presence of the people of God – my spiritual father, my parishioners, my brother priests and their families, with all of the guidance, the prayers and the love that they have to share.
Even though my hope for you who read this is that you never have to go through what I went through, I pray that somehow, whenever you do experience difficulties, doubts, and obstacles, by God’s grace, your faith will “kick in.” I pray that you will seek, and find, the healing and the love that Our Lord offers us in the faces, the embraces, and the prayers of others — the love of Christ Jesus, shown within the community of His Church.
One of my favorite quotes in the Bible is from St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, in which he asks the question, “What can separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35). And he answers that neither height nor depth… nor life nor death… nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks to the Church, I am living proof that this is true.
The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple
February 2
When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had
been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.
The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.
Zechariah the Prophet
February 8
The Prophet Zachariah was the son of Barachias, and a contemporary of the Prophet Aggeus (Dec. 16). In the days of the Babylonian captivity, he prophesied, as it says, in the book of Ezra, "to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem" (Ezra 5: 1); he aided
Zerubbabel in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. In the book of Ezra he is called "Zachariah the son of Addo (or Iddo)" but in his own prophetic book he is called more fully "Zachariah, the son of Barachias, the son of Addo the Prophet" (Zach. 1:1). When the captives returned from Babylon, he came to dwell in Jerusalem in his old age. His book of prophecy is divided into fourteen chapters and has the eleventh place among the books of the minor Prophets; his name means "Yah is renowned." Sozomen reports that under the Emperor Honorius, Zachariah's holy relics were found in Eleutheropolis of Palestine. The Prophet appeared in a dream to a certain Calemerus, telling him where he would find his tomb. His body was found to be incorrupt (Eccl. Hist., Book IX, 17).
Philemon & Archippos, Apostles of the 70
February 19
Philemon, who was from Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was a man both wealthy and noble; Apphia was his wife. Archippos became Bishop of the Church in Colossae. All three were disciples of the Apostle Paul. Onesimos, who was formerly an unbeliever and slave of Philemon, stole certain of his vessels and fled to Rome. However, on finding him there, the Apostle Paul guided him onto the path of virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and sent him back to his master Philemon, to whom he wrote an epistle (this is one of the fourteen epistles of Saint Paul). In this epistle, Paul commended Onesimos to his master and reconciled the two. Onesimos was later made a bishop; in Greece he is honoured as the patron Saint of the imprisoned. All these Saints received their end by martyrdom, when they were stoned to death by the idolaters. Saint Onesimos is also commemorated on February 15.
St. Andrew Brotherhood Clergy Message
We have just completed the month of January, during which many of us make so- called “New Year
resolutions” (which, by February 1st are usually promptly forgotten!). The typical one we hear from many of
our friends and family members, has to do with losing weight. Other resolutions take on a more serious
tone, such as improving interpersonal relationships, changing bad habits, and improving other various forms
of negative behavior. As an Orthodox priest I wonder, however, how many people make serious resolutions
each year regarding their spiritual lives?
It seems increasingly evident that many Orthodox Christians today don’t make the life of the Church, and
their own spiritual lives the priority that they should be. Today’s increasingly humanistic, secularized society
does not provide an environment conducive to a spiritual, God-centered life-style. Unfortunately, the world
at large has become an “un-godly” place. The only places where we can be assured of God’s omnipresent
in our lives, is through our local church and in our homes.
God’s presence in our homes is a strongpoint of Orthodox Christianity. Even though God is increasingly
absent in society, we must remember that the Church Fathers have always emphasized the need for home-
life to be a mirror of the life of the Church. Communal worship in our churches, along with our personal
prayer-life, and the upholding of Orthodox traditions in the home, keep us close to God. A committed
Orthodox Christian family lives and experiences the faith on a daily basis. The Orthodox faith has never
been a “Sunday-only” experience (though many of our faithful have allowed this to happen). Therefore, one
spiritual resolution for the new year, is perhaps to consider how much attention we give our spiritual lives
apart from Sunday.
Some of us fall into the category of those who think that our faith can be experienced in an abstract fashion. By applying the concept that God is everywhere, some people attempt to live an Orthodox Christian life-style apart from the Body of Christ. This group is correct in stating that one can pray to God at any time and in any place (as we all should be doing daily). In fact, prayer is an extremely important and central activity in the life of an Orthodox Christian. However, the liturgical and sacrament life of the Church cannot be substituted, nor replaced by this phenomenon of privatization of our spiritual lives. When persons of this mindset are raising children, then this view is being passed on to their offspring. Their children will also think that church attendance is optional. Perhaps some of us, therefore, should make a spiritual resolution to become part of the Body of Christ through action, and not just theory.
Unfortunately, there is also the category of Orthodox Christians who are completely absent from the life of the Church, both formally and in the home setting. This is the saddest situation of all, especially when there are children involved. Whenever a family approaches me to baptize a child, I emphasize the importance of raising that child in the faith, lest the baptism be viewed only as a “rite of passage” into something that they will never fully experience. It is amazing to see with what diligence some families follow the tradition of three consecutive Sundays of church attendance with the godparent after a baptism, and then disappear for months. When these families reappear on the next major holiday in order to bring the child to communion, the child is typically traumatized by the unfamiliar setting of church! A major spiritual resolution is in order in these cases, which is only possible through the commitment of the parents to make a change; otherwise, these children will be raised not knowing or living their Orthodox faith in any meaningful way.
The bottom line is that all of us, both clergy and laity, are constantly in need of spiritual renewal and growth. Not too far into each new calendar year our Church offers us Great Lent, which is the ideal time for spiritual introspection and growth. So let us all begin working on our own spiritual resolutions, and be prepared to carefully examine them during Great Lent. Remember that as each one of us grows spiritually, we become a shining example to our fellow Orthodox Christians, and to the world at large. This is especially true regarding our children, whose spiritual upbringing is the greatest responsibility God has given us. I pray that in this new year, we will all seek to do our part toward our mutual salvation!
In Christ’s love,
+Fr. Anthony Evangelatos
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Brockton, MA
“Burn the Mortgage”
Thanks to all those who have contributed as of January 15, 2013.
Note: An asterisk (*) signifies that a prior donation was also made to the Building Fund.
Diamond - $25,000 & Up Your name could be here. Platinum - $10,000 - $24,999 Your name could be here. Gold - $5,000 - $9,999 Dimitrios & Wendy Konstantopoulos Rob & Stephanie DeVasto* Mark & Sandra Miminos* John & Nina Pantazis* Mike and Melanie Tanionos Tom & Amantha Tsaros Silver - $1,000 - $4,999 Anonymous* Margaret & Athos Bousvaros* Alexander Brown Bill & Pam Brown* Charlie & Elaine Daileanes Jim & Maria Decoulos* Buddy & Janet Demers* Demoulas Foundation Costa & Lele Digenis* Richard & Patricia Diorio* Millie Dostou* Tony & Judy Gray* Demetrius & Stavroula Kazan* Michael & Mary Kirmani* William & Angeline Lemnios* Bill Nimee* Helen & Jim Pitarys* John & Felia Proakis* George & Alyssa Psyhojos* Katherine Speliotis* William & Joan Tarkulich David & Monica Vafiades Andy & Nancy Vasilakis*
Bronze - $500 - $999 Anonymous* Anonymous* Nick & Marion Avtges Lee & Cynthia Cummings* Apostolos Doukas Frank & MaryNed Fotis* Pamela Giannatsis* Peter & Julie Kondon* Peter & Wende Manickas Nicholas & Francine Miles* Daphne Papadopoulos Vangie & Robert Puopolo* Penelope Tzourgros John & Amelia Yanakis* Patron – NGT $499 Anonymous Drake & Maria Behrakis Stratos & Kathy Dimas* George & Yiota Katsarakes John Macaris & Fay Patsiocostas* Virginia & Harold Meyer Evelyn Milona* Leto Papadopoulos Nector Ritzakis Orestis & Claire Savas Jim & Pam Schmidt* Greg & Helen Splagounias* Hope & James Tsacoyeanes Christine Vallas* Nick & Hariklia Vallas* Irene & Paul Vouros* Mandy & Nicholas Zervoglos Total Number of Pledges: 60 Total Amount Pledged: $77,864 Total Amount Received: $59,159
BURN THE MORTGAGE
A HUGE thank you to everyone who has participated in our efforts to 'BURN THE MORTGAGE".
Out of 180 families, we have had 60 families participate, our goal is to have 100% participation.
The dollar amount is not important. It is more important that you give what you feel you can
afford. We have hit one of our goals, which was to pay off the first mortgage of approximately
$60,000. We are now working diligently to retire the equity line/ SECOND MORTGAGE. This
second mortgage/Equity Line started at approximately $49,000. We have whittled it down to
$40,000.
We are having a BURN THE MORTGAGE EVENT on March 2, 2013 at 6:00 pm. There are still tickets
available for $100 each. They are going quickly and we must limit this event to the first 50 people to
sign up. It will be a fun-filled evening with great food, Greek Music and Great Parea. We hope that
you will join us for a memorable evening.
You can also contribute to our Burn the Mortgage Drive by using a credit card, electronic check, or
transfer from a savings account. Simply log on to our website: www.stnicholaslex.org and click
on DONATE NOW. Under CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT, please put in your donation amount and follow
the prompts.
Many thanks to all of you who continue to help us BURN THE MORTGAGE!
Bob DeVasto and Bill Brown
Burn the Mortgage Dinner
And Silent Auction
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Possible Items to Donate for the Silent Auction
• Gift certificates (nothing is too small) • Vacation home (for weekend, week) • Frequent flyer miles • Host a dinner party
• Prepare a gourmet dinner for 4 or 8 and deliver it to the home • Offer your talents (tax preparation, computer lessons, music lessons, Greek lessons,
dance lessons etc) • Tickets to sport events, symphony
• Share your passion for wine (a special bottle, a case, a basket of wine & goods) • Games for Wii, Playstation 3, Nintendo 3DS XL • Lottery scratch tickets
• A tray of Greek home made desserts • A hand made item • Jewelry (any kind $25 or more) • Pottery
• Art work • Babysitting or mother’s helper • Small electric appliance (that you have & never used)
• Raking leaves
These are only some ideas, use your imagination. Thank you very much!
Please call Lela Digenis at 978 443-2614 by February 25, 2013 or email to: [email protected]
Stewardship
“I love chocolate.” “I love my mom.” “I love Christ.” “I love my sweetheart.” “I love my country.” What’s “love” if we can use it in these distinct ways? Does Valentine’s Day reveal a perpetual ambivalence? Is it just another excuse for chocolates, dinner out, cards, gifts, and flowers? Yeah, for celebrating.
Traditions, like tapestries, are woven from many threads. Some threads of Valentine’s are the gifts, like cards and chocolates. The earliest cards date from the 1400’s, with a flourishing in the 1800’s in England. In the US, fancy lace cards were handmade and commercially popularized by Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts starting in 1844. www.emotionscards.com/museum/vals.html). About 180 million greeting cards are sent worldwide, making it the second biggest card day after Christmas. For the USA, add in about 196 million roses, and 58 million pounds of chocolate, which includes 35 million heart shaped boxes of chocolate, and you can see how the average American might be spending over $116 for the day. (www.statisticsbrain.com/valentines-day-statistics)
Though is it a worldwide holiday, we would be banned from celebrating it in Malaysia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and elsewhere, both because it encourages immorality and because of its Christian history. (www.jakartagloble.com/home/maylasia-arrests-100-muslim-couples-for-celebrating-lovers-holiday); Referring to February 14th as Saint Valentine’s recalls the many martyrs and saints named Valentine and Valentinus who are honored by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans, and Orthodox. For Orthodox, July 6 remembers Martyr Valentine, the Presbyter, and July 30, Hieromartyr Valentine, Bishop of Interamna in Italy. This strand of the tradition isn’t about changeable romantic love, but about the immutable love of God that leads to civil disobedience, and being killed for your beliefs. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine’s_day).
St. Valentine’s Day, then, is an emblematic reminder of our ambivalent values, actions, and intentions. We want the pleasures of life, and also the reward of heaven. Ah, now, that leads to deep discussion and introspection. When we place our loves on a continuum from the fickle to the immutable, from play to pilgrimage, where do they cluster? Where to spend our treasure which is our money, time and talents? Christ warns us to reflect that where our treasure is, there will our heart be. (Luke 12:34). So it’s up to each of us to share that box of chocolates, smell the roses, and pray that Christ not only guides us, but maybe even pushes and pulls us closer to Him.
Respectfully submitted, Penelope Tzougros, Stewardship Chair
Stewardship Report
January 22, 2013
2012 Goal: $148,100
Total Stewardship pledges:
$ 81,785
Total Stewardship received: $ 36,760
25% of our goal
Total pledged Stewards: 79
Giving Blocks
January 22, 2013
$20,000- $29,000 0
$10,000 - $19,000 1
$5,000 - $9,999 0
$2,000 - $4,999 5
$1,000 - $1,999 22
$ 500 $ 999 35
$ 300 $ 499 9
$ 100 -- $ 299 6
Less than $ 100 1
Philoptochos
It was wonderful to have a full conference room at our January meeting! Thank you to all who have been attending to share their thoughts and ideas – you are a wonderful group to “work” with!
Through the generosity of the community, we were able to send the National Philoptochos $450 for St. Basil’s Academy. For our additional January National Commitments we voted to send $50 for Social Services and $100 for the Cancer Fund.
We also sent $200 to the Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Church in Staten Island to help the 30 families of their community affected there by Hurricane Sandy.
We have been invited to attend Woburn’s monthly Philoptochos meeting on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 P.M, when Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou, from Boston University, will be speaking. A number of ladies are interested and will confirm at our February meeting. Please let me know if you would like to attend, as they have requested to know how many to plan for.
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 11 at 6:30 P.M.
Hope to see you there!
Pam Brown
Greek School
Hope you are staying warm with this cold weather. Greek School children are studying hard and learning a lot. On Sunday, January 27, Sonya Alam, Nicolas Digenis Bury, Sofia Khoury, Rena Khoury, Nicholas Manickas-Hill and Themis Splagounias presented recitations for the celebration of the Three Hierarchs. They did a wonderful job and we are all very proud of them.
On the following Sunday, February 3rd the Maliotis Center will also celebrate the Three Hierarchs with poems and recitations. They will also distribute certificates to the children who passed last year’s Greek Proficiency exams.
In the month of February, classes will take place on 2nd, 9th and 23rd. Winter break is approaching so there will not be any classes on Saturday, February 16.
The teachers and parents are already planning the Apokreatiko Glendi which will take place on March 9th. This is always a lot of fun for both kids and adults. The authentic Greek food and music is just great and, of course, there’s the young Greek Dancers who will be performing. You will be getting fliers via email and at Church. Of course, tickets will be sold after Church on Sundays.
Health and Wellness Ministry
We hope everyone is having a healthy year so far! Our Healthy Thursday exercise classes will resume on Thursday, February 7th at 10:00 A.M. Again, this class is appropriate for ALL fitness levels!!! Once Great Lent begins, we will be having the classes three times a week!!! More information to follow!
If you have any suggestions and or ideas to better serve you from this ministry, please let us know at [email protected]. We would love your input!!!!
Celebrating This Month… Please note we are mentioning those who provided this information on their 2013 Stewardship form
Birthday Celebrations:Birthday Celebrations:Birthday Celebrations:Birthday Celebrations:
Pam Vlahakis
Martha Sevigny Eleni Bury Joe Malandrakis Brianne Hantzis Kelly Sarandis StephanieDelichasios Diana Downey Marsha Hunt Zach Lemnios Thomas Tsaros John Pantazis Peter Wallace Nick Avtges
Dean Maimonis Peter Katsarakes Maria Barbas Elektra Plemenos
George Stamatakos Evangeline Puopulo Maria Behrakis Maura Miminos Gloria Doukakes Olympia Wheeler Nicholas Heisler Adam Heisler Matthew Kokkinos Julia Maimonis
Anniversary CelAnniversary CelAnniversary CelAnniversary Celebrations:ebrations:ebrations:ebrations: Mary & George Sarandis 59 years on February 14th Monica & Dave Vafiades 20 years on February 14th Nick & Marion Avtges 54 years on February 22nd
Goya
The GOYA is volunteering for Habitat for Humanity on Friday February 22nd and Saturday, March 30th. Volunteers must be 16 or older. Parents are welcome. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in joining our group.
God Bless!!!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR A NIGHT OF GREAT FOOD, GREEK DANCING,
FUN AND GREAT COMPANY Saturday, March 2 6:00 pm The Club House at Seven Springs 1 Seven Springs Lane Burlington, MA This event is sponsored by the Burn the Mortgage Committee. Please send your check for $100 per person to St. Nicholas G.O. Church, 17 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA 02420 to reserve your space. This event must be limited to the first 50 people to respond. Please put "BURN THE MORTGAGE EVENT" in the note area on the check. Questions? Please feel free to call Bob and Stephanie DeVasto 781-369-1612
House Blessings
Fr. Demetri and the members of the Parish Council are trying to organize the schedule of house blessings. All will be notified when house blessings will take place in their town/city.
Announcement
On Januay 3, 2013, a funeral service was celebrated for Poppy Aftosmes at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Lynn. She was the mother of Maria Zallas. May her memory be eternal.
Fellowship Hour
How long has been since you sponsored the Sunday Fellowship Hour??? Or, have you ever done so??? It’s really not a big-to-do! All one needs to bring is pastry (milk) for the adults and cookies and juice for the children. Everything else is provided by the church. Fellowship Hour has become an integral part of each Sunday and our parishioners and visitors have come to enjoy this wonderful gathering following the Divine Liturgy. A sign-up roster can be bound on our bulletin board. Please offer to host a Fellowship Hour. Thank you.
.
SAVE THE DATES
Apokriatiko Glendi – Saturday, March 9, 2013
Trivia Night – Saturday, May 13, 2013
Pastoral Challenges in Marriage Conference February 7-9, 2013 Brookline, MA.
Utilizing the expertise of leaders in the field of pastoral care and marriage, the purpose of this conference is to inspire and equip those in the front lines of ministry with the tools and resources to effectively serve the pastoral challenges of marriage they encounter.
In addition to keynote presentations and workshops, the conference will offer participants opportunities for formal and informal discussion. It is our hope that they will leave the conference with a network of people to support
them in their ministry. Below are some highlights of the conference:
To inspire and equip those in the front lines of ministry with tools and resources to effectively serve the pastoral challenges in marriage they encounter.
Family Winter Camp is a weekend-long opportunity for families and people of all ages to share in the camp
experience together, strengthening their relationship with God and with each other. All ages are welcome. Campers
under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates: March 1-3, 2013
Location: Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH
Suggested donation: $225.00 for up to three campers, $50.00 for each additional camper.
Program directed by: Dr. Philip Mamalakis; Marriage and Family Therapist as well as the Assistant Professor of
Pastoral Care at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.
Family Winter Camp is an opportunity for people of all ages to share in the same fun and fellowship that our youth
camp has been offering to youth for over 20 years now. Families will spend the weekend in our Retreat House
connecting with other families from across the New England area as well as strengthening their relationships with each
other and God.
Highlights of the weekend will include family-based activities and sessions as well as sledding and outdoor fun on the
beautiful grounds of the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center located in the foothills of the White Mountains.
Call (603) 746-4400 or email [email protected] for more information *SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE*
GOYA Winter Camp offers a long weekend of fun and fellowship at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH for campers ages 12-18.
Dates: February 15-18, 2013 Ages: 12-18
Location: Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, NH Suggested donation: $175.00 per camper
Miss your Friends? Want to make new friends? Spend a weekend with us at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center Re-connecting with people and meeting new ones!!
Highlights of the weekend will include a Winter Carnival, the annual winter Camp Dance and a day at Pat's Peak for Karaoke, Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing!!
Call (603) 746-4400 or email [email protected] for more information
*SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE*
It is with the utmost excitement that the Metropolis of Boston
has been selected to participate in a week long service trip to the
Hogar Raphael Orphanage in Guatemala City, Guatemala, for the
summer of 2013! By the grace of God, we have been given this
wonderful opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters. As a
Metropolis, as a family united in a common belief, we have been
blessed with many gifts and talents from God. It is our duty as
Christians, but more importantly as human beings, to share these
gifts and talents with those who are in need. Mission work is an
integral part of our faith, and through it, we are able to
accomplish spectacular acts of love and compassion, and grow
closer to God. Learn More.
Dates
June 14 - 21 2013
Cost
$2,500.00
Information Sessions *Tuesday Jan 29th - 7:00pm
*Monday Feb 4th - 7:00 pm
Mertropolis of Boston
162 Goddard AVe
Brookline, MA 02445
Requirements
*Ages 18 - 30
* Application Deadline
February 12th
*Participants must raise all
Trip Details
The dates of the mission trip will be
June 14th- 21st. Participants must be
18 - 30 years of age and each
individual will be required to raise
$2500, which will cover all expenses
on the trip; including lodging, food,
accommodations and travel.
Applications must be submitted by
February 12th, team members will be
notified of their acceptance shortly
after. Funds must be raised in two
portions; the first 3/4 by May 1st and the last 1/4 by June first. In
addition to the full length of the mission trip participants will also
be required to participate in 5 monthly team meetings (dates are
outlined in the attached
trip details document).
Want to know more? Join us for an informational session at the
Metropolis of Boston January 29th or February 4th @ 7:00 pm -
162 Goddard Ave Brookline, MA 02445
Application Information Contact [email protected]
or
Visit Our Website: CLICK HERE
funds indvidually
Can't Come, but want to
be apart of our team?
Donations can be mailed to;
329 Camp Merrimac Road
Contoocook, NH 03229
or call the office to donate
electronically 603-746-4400
More Information about
our trip
Visit the Metropolis Website
CLICK HERE
complete with downloadable
information on applications
and additional trip details
More Information about
the Hogar
Visit their Website
CLICK HERE
Questions?
