ST. NICHOLAS MONTHLY BULLETIN · St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2013 2 St. Nicholas Servants Parish Council George Bude, President 314-579-9151 Steve Ott,

JUNE 2013 VOLUME 18 NUMBER 6

ST. NICHOLASMONTHLY BULLETIN

ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH4967 FOREST PARK AVENUEST. LOUIS, MO 63108 -1495

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis(636) 527-7843

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas(314) 909-6999

Office (314) 361-6924Fax (314) 361-3539

sngoc.org

Ten Important Things To Do While On VacationBy Archpriest Alexander Iliashenko

I think the following recommendations can be offered:

1. Make every effort to improve your health: try to get enough sleep; go for walks in the fresh air as often as you can; put your daily regime in order. Having a bad "time off " and not restoring your strength can lead to difficulty in doing your work with proper concentration over the course of the year.

2. Expand your prayer rule by adding something that you do not normally have time to read: prayers, psalms, or a chapter from the Gospels. Or read your usual rule with greater attention and concentration.

3. Read at least one book about faith: something by one of the Holy Fathers (for instance, St. John Chrysostom) or by a contemporary theologian.

4. Try to visit a monastery and venerate its sacred objects. Do not allow yourself to miss the Sunday Liturgy, justify-ing yourself by saying you are on vacation.

5. An information break is also essential. Put aside a few days of your vacation time that will be entirely free from the Internet, social networks and frequent text messaging. Reduce the amount of time you spend reading the news or watching television. Hold out for as long as possible!

6. Communicate on a serious and deep level with members of your family—wife, husband, parents—without hur-rying and without being distracted every five minutes by the telephone. Talk about life, joys, problems and plans; rejoice in one another's company.

7. As our children grow up, we often stop teaching them anything new in the same way we did when they were little. Read aloud to them an interesting but serious work that will open up something new to them. Watch a good, meaning-ful film with them. Teach them to listen to silence or to understand the beauty of poetry.

8. Think of something that members of your household have been asking you to do for some time, but you have kept putting off. Take the children to the zoo, repair something, or sew up something —fulfill what was requested of you.

9. Complete an act of charity you have long been putting off.

10. Visit your godparents, godchildren, or old family friends whom you have not seen for a long time.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2013

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St. Nicholas ServantsParish CouncilGeorge Bude, President 314-579-9151Steve Ott, Vice-President 636-230-8066 Mary Ann Mastorakos, Secretary 636-532-3222Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer 314-481-6879Nicky Antoniou 314-878-7720Michael Ferretti 636-458-8577Dr. Andrew Galakatos 314-922-4457Yemane Habtu 636-532-4665Alexandra Kavourinos 314-862-2866Dr. William Mastorakos 314-966-4117Pete Papadopoulos 314-721-6599Sakis Salas 636-379-2109Peter Takes 314-862-2866Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700George Zotos 636-530-6988Audit Committee Janet Pappageorge 314-878-3513Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619Peter Lemakis 314-965-6137Mark Vleisides 314-576-2898Stewardship CommitteeFr. Douglas Papulis 314-361-6924Teddy Hart, Chairperson 314-997-4826George Bude 314-579-9151Michael Ferretti 636-458-8577John Koch 636-922-7732Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222Steve Ott 636-230-8066Michael Pappas 636-207-7789Michael Tsichlis 314-849-2309Demetrios Tsikalas 314-481-6879Chris Varvares 314-374-3674Cemetery Committee Irene Schildroth 314-845-2434Pat Johnson 314-832-0061William Karides 636-281-0727Election CommitteeAndrew Efthim 636-938-6787Jim English 314-355-1372Teddy Hart 314-997-4826Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011Library Committee Elaine Coulson 314-991-5033Michael Kontominas 314-997-1299Michael Tsichlis 314-842-1604Physical Facilities Pat Johnson 314-832-0061Leo C. Pashos 314-351-0516Paul Efthim 314-892-9832Physical Facilities Family Life Center Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011George A. Pappas 314-569-1890Sam Mezines 314-878-8144Planned GivingJohn Koch, Chairman 636-922-7732Voula Francis 314-822-1176Sakis Salas 636-379-2109Dan Tarlas 314-968-5010Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700Scholarship Committee Barbara Corrigan 314-576-1576 Tina Fakonas 636-394-5339 Denise Karras 314-368-4205Philoptochos Christina Anastas, President 314-647-4636

St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological InstituteMichael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 Ext 330Church School Director Jenny Pappas 636-207-7789Handmaidens Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359Dance Troupe - Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061GOYA -Helen Carey 636-458-5173 -Mark & Renee Vleisides 314-576-2898JR. GOYA - Mimi Davis 636-532-4470 -Debbie Palazzola 636-458-2133 HOPE - Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999 - Nadina Robinson 314-457-8511 Our Little Angels/Cherubs - Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849- - Cynthia Pappas 314-365-3131

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Soccer VS Church

Listen up all you soccer moms and dads. This month’s message not only applies to you, but includes all moms and dads whose children miss Sunday School or church due to other activities including soccer, softball, etc.

Last month I wrote about the importance of continuing to improve Sunday School and giving our children a strong religious and spiritual foundation with which to meet the challenges of growing secularism and atheism. This month I’d like to address the problem of children who fail to attend regularly Sunday School or church in the summer because they “interfere” with the children’s sports schedule. Physical education and sports are important to all kids, without question. However, children can obtain more than enough physical education without sacrificing their spiritual education. It’s a matter of balance and proper proportion.

Parents whose children play on “select” teams or other teams which play a huge number of games, including many weekend tournaments, must think that their kids are going to become famous professionals. Unfortunately, this is just a dream which becomes more and more apparent as their children grow older and find that there are always higher levels of competition. I am suggesting that 9:30-Noon on Sunday be set aside for God. That’s just two and one-half hours per week.

Regular attendance at Sunday School and church encourages closer friendships and participation in other youth ministries with friends which will be fun and spiritually rewarding.

I asked Fr. Michael to list some of the youth ministries, what they do and how the children benefit from them. Following is his memo to me:

“The various youth ministries complement the Sunday School. In each, we try to offer a balance of worship, fellowship and service appropriate to the age group. They include:

“GOYA (9th-12th grade) The group meets monthly on Wednesday nights to discuss the way that faith and daily life intersect. The kids have been involved in service projects at FOCUS and elsewhere, trips to Ash Grove and Trout Lodge, ski trips and many other activities.

“Jr. GOYA (6th-8th grade) This is a great group that also meets monthly and has a tremendous amount of fun activities together. Bowling, mini-golf, tubing at Hidden Valley, and certainly service projects.

“HOPE (K-5th) has had a revival in recent years. Recent events included stargazing at Francis Park, followed by ice cream at Ted

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3Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Drew’s and making Christmas cards that were distributed by an Orthodox chaplain to troops in Afghanistan.

“Cherubs (preschool) - Mom’s meet regularly for fellowship and play time. The group also does a tremendous amount of interesting nature walks, children’s plays, museum activities and other fun events that allow them to put their faith, friendship and creativity together.

“Youth Choir, directed by Diana Ott, is highly successful. The group not only sings beautifully together, but the kids have really bonded and become a great group of friends. They sing at church and travel each year to the Metropolis Youth Choir Conference.

“Junior Olympics - Fun and fellowship with kids from throughout the Metropolis. Competition in a number of sports, plus worship together in church. The kids enjoy being together with friends they’ve made over the years. Bible Study, crafts, swimming and a lot of other great activities.

“This is just a sampling of all the activities for kids in the parish. We know that parents are busy, but we depend on them to make church activities somewhat of a priority so our kids can know that this is not only their grandparents’ church or their parents’ church, but their church as well. We tend to say that the kids are the future of the church, but they’re the present; they’re here now and we’re called to provide what they need to grow spiritually as well as emotionally and physically.”

Regular attendance at Sunday School and church and participation in one or more of the youth ministries has much to offer your children without interfering with a reasonable sports program. However, you have to be strong enough to set a proper schedule for your child or children.

Yours in Christ

George J. Bude

ST. NICHOLAS AGAPE EASTER LAMB ROAST

Wow! What an event! The Family Life Center auditorium was spectacularly decorated with fifty-seven tables covered with red and white table cloths and floral center pieces. Freshly cut floral sprays on the perimeter and on either side of the stage filled the air with perfume-like scents and the beauty of a great artist’s still life. The luncheon included delicious roasted lamb served with Grecian potatoes, Greek salad and spanakopita followed by coffee and galaktoboureko. Each table also had two complimentary bottles of outstanding wine from California, a full-bodied and aromatic 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley and a rich and fruity Chardonnay from Sonoma Valley. Approximately five hundred delighted parishioners and friends enjoyed this succulent meal while listening to the beautiful music of the Fabulous Grecian Keys. The meal was served by waiters and waitresses smartly dressed in black slacks and white tuxedo shirts or blouses and bow ties.

After the meal the Keys focused on Greek folk-dancing music to the delight of many dancers over a period of at least two hours. The children were entertained by balloon-making clowns and enjoyed free ice cream delivered from an ice cream truck ordered for the occasion.

In addition vases of freshly cut flowers adorned the foyer, but the coup de gras was a thin, five-foot glass vase with a profusion of freshly cut skyward reaching spring flowers in the chapel in front of the altar. This was a fitting climax to our Lenten journey and joyful Pascha.

As a footnote, none of this could have happened without the hard work of the Men’s Fellowship and many other men and women as well as the generosity of an anonymous donor.


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Young Years Summer Sunday School

5 Consecutive Sundays,

June 23rd - July 21st, for 1 hourimmediately following Holy Communion.

For children who have completed pre-k 1 (Miss Daphne's class) up to age 7 (2nd grade).

Each week we'll focus on a bible story, a song, and a craft.

to register or to volunteer, please email Bess Fitzmaurice @ [email protected] or

call at 314-602-5406

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR YOUNG YEARS SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL

call or email Bess Fitzmaurice at [email protected]

or 314-602-5406

PARISH LIFE

BAPTISMS“All you who have been baptized in Christ”

NOELSon of Bereket & Hermone GebremariamGodparent: Yosief Ghirmai

MATTHEWSon of Tsehai & Merhawit DebesaiGodparent: Tirhas Zereabruk

FUNERALS

“Where the Righteous Rest”

April 17th Dennis Koutroubis

THE HARD QUESTIONS

Have you ever tried to explain something that just can’t be put into words? As you stumble along trying to get it right, to get the truth out, you may put too much emphasis on some parts and overlook others.

For the early Christians, finding the words to describe Jesus Christ’s identity was just this kind of problem: Was Jesus fully God or was He just human? How is Jesus both human and divine? When disagreements and confusion arose around questions like these, the bishops throughout the empire met in councils (also called “synods,” or meetings). They prayed for guidance from God and studied the issues. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they worked through the questions, defining and agreeing on the teachings of the Church.

The Orthodox Church calls seven of these councils “ecumenical,” which means their decisions affected the entire Church. In various ways, these seven councils were trying to answer the big question: What is the right way to understand God?

The bishops of the councils knew that the Christian faith is real and life-changing. Like the rock of St. Peter’s faith (Matthew 16:13-19), they wanted to lay a solid foundation for future generations to build on. Even though the Ecumenical Councils took place more than a thousand years ago, they shape our faith and practices to this day.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate continues to call meetings of bishops and theologians to deal with questions facing the Church. In 1923, bishops from across the Orthodox world met to discuss issues caused by the end of World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution. Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras organized meetings in the 1960’s to work on the relationships among the Orthodox Churches and among other Christian Churches.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew gathered the leaders of the Orthodox Churches in 1992, 1995, 2000, and 2008 to discuss issues such as greater Orthodox cooperation, the environment, and the fall of Communism.

—selected from First Among Equals – The ecumenical Patriarchate

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of AmericaDepartment of Religious Education



St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church4967 Forest Park Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63108Parish Offi ce Phone: 314-361-6924

Church School Registration — 2013 - 2014

Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2013 to enter the three-year-old class. Church School follows theage limits of St. Louis School Districts. Please use the back of the form for more than 4 children.

Parents:

Address: City: Zip Code

Telephone: Email (Mandatory):

Parents! We need your continued support to make Church School and all of its extra curricular activities run smoothly.Please help us by volunteering for any of the events below. Th is is a great way for parents to make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hard-working and dedicated teachers! Please circle your choices below:

September: First Day Treats/Teacher Appreciation

November- Meal a month food drive

December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags - Christmas Pageant

January: Souper Bowl food drive

May: End of Year Picnic

Substitute/Assistant Teacher

Registration will run from March 24th through May 19th. Registration fees are $10 per child until May 19th . Aft er May 19th late registration will be $20 per child. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church and send it to St. Nicholas Church, 4967 Forest Park Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108, or drop them by the Church School Offi ce.

PLEASE REGISTER EARLY !

Child: DOB: Baptismal Name:

Grade, Fall 2013:


Grade, Fall 2013:


Grade, Fall 2013:


Grade, Fall 2013:


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PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER -June 2013RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT

OF NAVE ALCOVES

It is inspiring to see the recent growth of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and how its parishioners have rallied to support the current and future ministries. Under the direc-tion of Father Doug, Rip Kastaris and Steve Chalmers, they have recently worked to revitalize and enhance the current state of the nave of the sanctuary at St. Nicholas.Rip Kastaris has donated his time, talents and materials to restore the mosaic pattern, repair broken or missing finials and medallions, and repaint distressed areas in the alcoves within the side aisles of the nave. Kastaris went to the extent of creating molds of the original finials. He made exact duplicates of the mosaic borders and repaint-ed all the distressed areas to complete the restoration.Steve Chalmers has commissioned two additional icons to complement the six he previously initiated and a custom walnut cover for the electrical panel to match. The two icons are "The Universal Ministry of St. Paul" for the west alcove and "Saint Catherine's Monastery in Sinai Egypt" for the east alcove. This first will embody Saint Paul as he began his Christian ministry to impact both ancient cities and modern cities alike. The Saint Catherine's Monastery icon will honor the site that is held holy by Christians, Muslims, and Jews.Upon completion of the icons, a full color pamphlet will be available to parishioners and visitors, offering infor-mation about Saint Nicholas Church, its history, and its contemporary additions.

Palm Sunday Brunch April 28th – President Christina Anastas extends a personal thank you to her committee and everyone who devoted their time in making our Annual Palm Sunday a huge success. We served 339 parishioners for brunch. The auditorium was decorated in a beautiful spring like setting, hot pink and lavender. The committee spent endless hours in the kitchen preparing the meal, shopping, setting up, and making centerpieces, taking reservations, baking/selling our Grecian Kitchen spring menu specialties. Many thanks to our chefs, omelet chefs and others who helped serve the meal. The children enjoyed the Easter bunny, face painting and taking home their favorite balloons. We are grateful to our cleanup crew and to the many parishioners who helped on this very special day.

Philoptochos Newly Elected Board 2013-2015 – Congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected Philoptochos Board: Christina Anastas, Nicky Antoniou, Helen Carey, Georgia Ferretti, Nikki Gertken, Christina Ginos, Teddy Hart, Marilynn Jemas, Carol Kamburis, Maria Kamburis, Bess Millonas, Betsy Murphy, Jenny Pappas, Irene Schildroth, Leonora Taratsas, Cleo Tarlas, Jeanne Tompras, Ann Zotos and Dianne Zotos.

Save the Date – Appreciation Dinner June 20th — The old/new board will be celebrating at the Missouri Athletic Club – West for dinner at 6:00 p.m. Congratulations to all!

Koliva – Eight trays were prepared in March, three trays in April, and 4 trays in May. Thank you to Cleopatra Georges for her help in preparing trays.

Sandwiches for the Needy – Thank you to the following for preparing the sandwiches: Tsigirda DeBass and Presvytera Caroline and her 5th Grade Sunday School class in April; Jeanne Tompras and Susan Yianakakis in May; and Vasiliki Dubis, Linda Meyer, and Rebecca Dubis in June.

Coffee Hour – Thank you to the Prayer Shawl Ministry group for hosting in March, the Women’s Faith Group for hosting in April, and the Parish Council for hosting in May.

How can servants of the Church be f rst?

They are, first of all,Followers of Christ.

The first to arrive in church.

The first to offer to help.

The first to financiallysupport the Church's

Mission


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The St. NicholasBook Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will not meet in May. We'll meet next on Monday, June 3 to discuss The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This compelling story, wide-ly acclaimed as one of the greatest American novels, re-counts the lives of the title character and his associates in the midst of the giddy prosperity of the Roaring Twenties has been the subject of numerous film adaptations since its 1925 publication, including a new version starring Leonardo DiCaprio set for release this May.

Congratulations to Marilynn Jemas

Marilynn has been appointed to the Philoptochos National Board of Directors and also serves on the Metropolis Board of Directors. She has been representing our Parish with pride.

We thank you, Marilynn!

Congratulations to St. Nicholas Dancers for the outstanding performances at the Crowne Plaza for the Anthropologial Association on April 5th, and the International Festival at Meramac College on April 6th. The St. Nicholas Dancers hosted the Lenten Meal on April 10th. I would like to thank Mrs. Voula Natsis for cooking and also baking and donating the bread that night. Her daughter, Bessie Fitzmaurice and her son, Fotios. Thank you to Mrs. Lyndia Finer for making and donating her signature dessert. And more thanks to all the St. Nicholas dancers who helped that night. Georgia Johnson

FATHER’S DAY – JUNE 16Just FolksEdgar A. Guest

Living Monuments

Our children are our monuments.The little ones we leave behind,

if they are good and brave and kindand labor here with true intents,our lives and work perpetuate

far more than marble tablets great.Far rather would I pass away

and leave a sturdy son of mine whom I had taught to love the fine.

The just and honest, in his dayto serve the world with courage bold

than have my life on granite told.I’d rather feel when death is nearthat in my children I shall live;

No monument of stone would giveme greater glory, year by year,

than son and daughter treading onin truth and honor when I’m gone.Who leaves a sturdy son on earth,A noble daughter sweet and pure,has monuments that long endure.

He needs no shaft to prove his worth;The luster of his children’s deedsare all the monuments he needs.



1 S Acts 12:1-11 Jn 8:31-42 SUN 2 Acts 11:19-30 Jn 4:5-42 3 M Acts 12:12-17 Jn 8:42-51 4 T Heb 7:26-8:2 Jn 10:1-9 5 W Acts 13:13-24 Jn 6:5-14 6 T Acts 14:20-15:4 Jn 9:34-10:9 7 F Acts 15:5-12 Jn 10:17-28 8 S Eph 2:4-10 Jn 10:27-38 SUN 9 Acts 16:16-34 Jn 9:1-38 10 M Acts 17:1-9 Jn 11:47-54 11 T Acts 11:19-30 Lk 10:16-21 12 W Acts 18:22-28 Jn 12:36-47+ 13 T Acts 1:1-12 Lk 24:36-53 14 F Acts 19:1-8 Lk 4:22-30 15 S Acts 20:7-12 Jn 14:10-21 SUN 16 Acts 20-16-18,28-36 Jn 17:1-13 17 M Acts 21:8-14 Jn 14:27-15:7 18 T Acts 21:26-32 Jn 16:2-13 19 W Jude 1-25 Jn 14:21-24 20 T Acts 25:13-19 Jn 16:23-33 21 F Acts 27:1-28:1 Jn 17:18-26* 22 S 1 Thes 4:13-17 Jn 21:14-25++ SUN 23 Acts 2:1-11 Jn 7:37-8::2 +++ 24 M Eph 5:8-19 Lk 1:1-25,57-68,76-80 25 T Rom 1:1-7,13-17 Mt 4:23-5:13 26 W Rom 1:18-27 Mt 5:20-26 27 T Rom 1:18-2:9 Mt 5:27-32 28 F Rom 2:14-28 Mt 5:33-41 29 S 2 Cor 11:21-12:9 Mt 16:13-19 SUN 30 Heb 11:33-12:2 Mt 9:36-10:8 + Ascension * Saturday of Souls ++ Pentecost +++ Holy Spirit

DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDEJUNE 2013

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

PENTECOST

Pentecost-a Renewal for the Church and the Christian

When we think of Pentecost in the Orthodox Church the painful thought of kneeling through three long prayers comes to mind. Unfortunately, we never seem to get beyond this point. Inevitably, every year someone comes up to the priest and says jokingly with an element of truth,

“Fr., warn me next year when you are going to read the three long prayers so I can stay home.”It pains the heart to hear statements such as these since Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. Imagine, would any of us stay away from our loved one’s birthday because it is too long or boring? I really doubt it. So why would we say this about the one place where we are spiritually nourished and experience the unconditional love of God?The Feast of Pentecost reminds us of the reality that the Holy Spirit is alive and dwells among us. We therefore, are obliged to take seriously our call as Orthodox Christians. That is, we need to come to the Divine Liturgy of Pentecost with an open heart, soul and mind. Come with the expectation that you will receive the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit that touched the lives of the disciples over 1900 years ago can and does change lives, and circumstances, and gives to us renewal today. The Holy Spirit imparts to us the inner strength and insight to heal broken relationships, to stand up against the pressures of the day that bombard us, to experience the freedoms from slavery, the shackles of despondency, addictions, poor health, or a spiritual inner paralysis.

—Fr. Aristotle Damaskos

ON PRAYER

Theophan the Recluse says, "Prayer is the test of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right." Jesus taught us the importance of prayer through-out His ministry, especially when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion. Just as Christ did, it is also important for us to rely on prayer to gain strength and discern and do the will of God.


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HOLY WEEK AT ST. NICHOLAS April-May, 2013



Photos courtesy of:

Christina GinosCarol Kamburis

Jenny PappasSpecial thanks to all!


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WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

How we live together is important and it says a lot. For instance: how often in our times together in coffee hour do we spend time gossiping and nay saying? We talk about “how broke” we are as a community and

“how we can’t afford” whatever it might be. Even our talk about others often turns the corner from genuine care to speculation that betrays trusts and destroys reputations.

Money is a common topic, it seems—and that’s not always bad. The question becomes, “Are we serving God or mammon?” More often than not, money is our god, or at least it seems to be. All too often communities try to support themselves off others through all kinds of events which may be had under the guise of “outreach into the community around us, but which are really done to make money (so that I don’t have to sacrifice what I have). Yes, that’s what I said." “We’re broke! How are we going to pay the bills?” Panic ensues. And those who may visit us also will see that panic!

When such challenges, a common one being finances, come the question is: what do we do now?

We can panic. We can cry, whine, point the finger, blame this or that ministry, and blame the Archdiocese or any number of things! And every one of them, if left unchecked, is the soft spot that Satan looks for as he deludes us into thinking that this is “my church” (not Christ’s), and that my stuff is more important than anyone else and that God will not support, bless or care for us! We don’t say that He won’t—we act as though He won’t!

When this begins to overtake us, we look to the future with fear. We say that we are an “aging community.” We wonder, “Who will take care of things?” We look at time lines and think in terms of this world. Our focus is NOT on prayer, fasting, almsgiving, worship and faith at all!

Actually, when the panic strikes and fears arise, we must remember who we are and Whose we are.

This is Christ’s Church! He has called us together in this place through the history that we share. We are blessed and formed in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Not only has God gathered us in this place: He has created and blessed each one of us with life and with this world. And however misshapen

by sin and evil and greed we become, we are redeemed through the suffering death and resurrection of Christ our God! Whenever the going gets tough and when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death in any of its forms, we sing and shout, “Christ is risen from the dead and through death He has trampled down upon death, and to those in the tombs given everlasting life!” Apply this to the circumstances we find ourselves in.

First, we can support the life of this community through the sacrificial giving and service of each and every one of us. If there is a financial challenge, we trust God and give to meet it! That can be hard. It can be a fearful thing, but we can do it! Budgets? Financial needs? Each and every one gives generously and sacrificially on the first day of the week! “Tithes and offerings.” Together in Christ we can do it. Together, we are concerned about our brothers and sisters who aren’t present, to be sure. And we may speak of them, but always with tenderness and regard, praying individually and together for their salvation and wellbeing. That concern will also show itself in action, as we don’t just talk about, but pray for, and then find ways to gently approach those brothers and sisters with the love of Christ!

We have many ministries in our community, don’t we? Philoptochos is a ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. It is NOT a “ladies aid” or

“group for older women.” Its purpose is to support various philanthropic ministries and outreaches as we live for the life of the world. EVERY woman should consider joining and supporting this ministry! Our youth ministry is growing through GOYA and other activities—support by parents and other adults as chaperones and for supervision and mentoring is always needed! A number of activities, including a Greek Fest in the fall are planned to reach out into the community, that those around might see Christ in our midst and our Greek heritage. People are always needed to serve and support!

Other ministries and outreaches are being looked at for the future. All of them will involve you, the members of the Body of Christ in this place. No one can be involved in every one, but every one of you can join together in some. As we continue to walk together in the name of the Blessed and Holy Trinity, we need not be caught up in nay saying, or selfish quibbling.

Continued on Page 13



When we see the financial challenges, we can say “Together we can do it!” When we see rough spots, we will not and cannot quit, but we will, by God’s grace, walk through the rough valleys.

Practically speaking, it begins and it ends in the Divine Liturgy and the other services of the Temple. Those are essential and not optional. Without them, you are separate from the life giving mysteries. You are left to face your life alone. You aren’t praying the life and light giving Word. Contrary to popular sentiment, there really is no life in Christ apart from His Body, the Church. We don’t walk alone, but we walk together, joined in Him.

What to do?No more dire faces.No more dark and dreary predictions of what will

happen.No more gossip.Come to participate in Divine Liturgy (from the

start of the service).Pray the prayers given by the Church privately and

with your family daily at your icon corner.Give generously: when challenges arise, joyously

give that the challenges will be overcome!Serve together with joy. Find your spot(s) and take

the time to join together in getting the thing done!Invite all around to “come and see Jesus,” praying

that they see Him in you as you see Him in them!Know that THIS is Christ’s Church! Now you are

Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

—EzekielSts. Constantine and Helen Church

Swansea, IL

Continued from Page 12 Harnessing the Talents of a Great ParishJune Stewardship Report

Steward of the Month – Becky Tharenos – and the Many Others dedicated to Our Festival

If this is the beginning of summer, then you can bet that the preparation for our festival is in full swing. This does not happen in a vacuum—our freezers don’t just magically fill up with food for sale at the largest ethnic festival in a 2.8 million population metro area. This takes planning and execution—lots of it. And a mainstay of all of this is this month’s Steward of the Month, Becky Tharenos, and through her, a lot of other people as well.Ever carved a lamb shank? We make nearly 2,000 of them for the Festival. Do you know who “we” is? Becky leads the way through a lengthy 2-day process of prep, cooking, cooling and packaging. Yes, cooling is a step, because you can’t just go from cooking to the freezer—there is more of a science to it than that, and there is a specific cooling process that’s more than just putting the food out for a time. Numerous spices, just the right amounts of liquid ingredients, and timing are involved, as batch after batch are prepared. Think of the numbers—you can only do so many at one time. How many batches it take for 2,000 is, well, a lot. And we’re not talking about a few minutes, but several hours and steps per batch. Coordination is key, and you can’t just up and leave, someone HAS to be there. Most of the time, it’s Becky.Ever long for other food, moussaka, pastitsio, or other dishes? Ditto for the preparation, etc., and ditto for the effort involved. Becky relies on a cast of supporters, people like Helen Leara, Bess Millonas, and Cleo Tarlas, as well as others who follow a schedule filled out in early March.These women (and, no doubt, the men behind them to whatever extent possible!) are dedicated and have proven longevity in this endeavor. We must make sure the torch is passed to the next generation of volunteers if we are to maintain this rich tradition going forward. We need to work with these people and learn the tricks because they can’t do it forever. You would be amazed at the energy they muster as they work for our festival, and we can only hope to carry on as best we can.Many thanks to Becky for her leadership, hard work, dedication and innovation as she continues, often without due thanks, to look for ways to make this entire process better.

Axia!

If you would like to discuss stewardship, please call Michael Pappas (636-207-7789) at home or 314-973-7799 at work) or the church office.

SPIRITUAL WISDOM

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for

them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

—Matthew 5:43-48


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16

Festival Preparations June/July

JUNEMonday, June 3rd8:00am Galo (130)

Wednesday, June 12th8:00am Slice and Cook Eggplant

Saturday, June 15th 8:00am Assemble Mousaka(110)

& Pastitsio (135)

Tuesday, June 18th8:00am Cut & clean onions

for Stefado

Saturday, June 29th7:00am Cook Lamb Shanks

JULYMonday, July 8th

8:00am Salad Dressing Cups (8,000)

Thursday, July 11th 8:00am Shish-k-bobs (4,200)

Thursday, July 18th 8:00am Shish-k-bobs (4,200)

Monday, July 22nd 8:00am Finikia (3,750)

Thursday, July 25th8:00am Shish-k-bobs (4,200)

Monday, July 29th8:00am Koulouria (6,000)

THE CRUSADES

In the eleventh century, the Roman Catholic Church and Western European rulers organized armies to recapture the Holy Lands from the Islamic armies that had conquered them centuries earlier. From 1095 to 1292, nine crusades were launched. The Fourth Crusade, which began in 1202, had a disastrous effect on Constantinople and the Orthodox Church. Instead of proceeding to Jerusalem, the crusaders attacked Constantinople, which was called “the city of the world’s desire.” In 1204, they sacked the city, including the Church of Hagia Sophia. Many religious treasures were stolen. Today, many of them are in museums throughout Europe, especially in Venice.

For nearly sixty years, crusaders controlled Constantinople, establishing their own emperor. In 1261, the Byzantine emperor, who had moved to Nicaea, was finally able to re-conquer Constantinopole. The Fourth Crusade damaged the relationship between Christians of the east and of the west, in many ways far worse than the events of 1054 had. It would be hundreds of years before they would try to repair the relationship.

In 2001 and again in 2004, Pope John Paul II asked for forgiveness for the Roman Church’s sins against the Eastern Churches, expressing his “pain and disgust” at the events. In 2004—the 800th anniversary of the Fourth Crusade—Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew accepted this apology for the Sack of Constantinople. He then asked the Pope to take another step forward: returning the relics of two Ecumenical Patriarchs, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom which had been stolen from their rightful place in Constantinople in 1204. The Pope gladly agreed, and the Ecumenical Patriarch accompanied the relics home on November 27th, 2004, which we now celebrate as a feast day.

—selected from First Among Equals – The ecumenical Patriarchate

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of AmericaDepartment of Religious Education



MEMORIAL DONATIONS – April 10th thru May 10th

CHURCH FUNDIn Memory of George OttFay ThavoridesIn Memory of Fay PatakasJohn P. CarnasiotisFay ThavoridesIn Memory of Pauline HassikasMary Beth & Thomas BlerjackIn Memory of Florence MastisDorothy LakeDeborah Dugan FamilyJordan R. LynchNathan LynchMr. & Mrs. John McNicholasLeo & Rebecca CaseyBarbara A. ReicheltMr. & Mrs. Frank ScogginsBob &w Barb SoulonMr. & Mrs. Michael SudaNickey CertoWalter & Jadienne MeyerLinda & Terry DaumIn Memory of Dennis KoutroubisMrs. Nota ChronopoulosSophia ChronopoulosMitch & Lynda BarisWilliam & Stathy DarcyLynne IngersollJean McLaughlinMr. & Mrs. John KoulouriotisJohn & Connie StevensSandra & Brian SargentDuane & Karri StevensSuzanne KoutroubisGus & Maria ArvanitakisMr. & Mrs. Gus PanopoulosJason & Kalliopi MartinMr. & Mrs. Chris Athanasiadis

Betty L. KueblerBud & Patsy CreechBart & Linda CreechTerry & Dana HumphreyStephen & Lisa JianakoplosDoug & Dina KassingThe Bob Walton FamilyGeorge & Dianne Walton Mary Ann GrundelJune PulosPat FroechmannMr. & Mrs. James BeysSofia EvangelopoulosDino Giarmenitis FamilyYanoula HarrisJanssen Biotech, Miami DistrictPatrick & Ann GunnNelson McBrideAlbert & Evonne MeyerTricia PavlopulosHarry G. KaragiannisIrene SandersBeverly TaylorBud & Rosie ZoneThe Klostermann Family

FAMILY LIFE CENTERIn Memory of George P. CassimatisValerie KarrasIn Memory of Catherine FitzmauriceAchilles & Dorothea KarakasIn Memory of Nicos GanisBill & JoAnn DunlapIn Memory of Fay PatakasLouis & Theone PolitisHarry & Georgia PliakosAchilles & Dorothea Karakas

In memory of Florence MastisGus & Angela DemosIn Memory of Dennis KoutroubisKatherine EllisTom & Mersine Kallaos

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNIn Memory of Florence MastisDimitri D. EckIn Memory of Dennis KoutroubosMr. & Mrs. George A. SourisMike & Linda WhalenBetty CreechTerry & Kathy LivaditisDr. & Mrs. William ShiskoPete & Sandy Martin

RESTORATION OF ST. NICHOLASIn Memory of George KrekorianLeo & Despina PashosIn Memory of Agnes BottomleyLeo & Despina PashosIn Memory of Florence MastisLitsa AthanasScott, Vicky & Evan Morris

May their memory be eternal

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church4967 Forest Park AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63108-1495

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDST. LOUIS, MO

PERMIT NO. 1029

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

PHILOPTOCHOS PHILANTHROPY

FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY

JUNE

Spaghetti with MeatballsPeas

ApplesaucePowdered Milk (Optional)\

Toothbrush (Optional)

JULY

Chicken Chow MeinBrown Rice

Turnip GreensChunky Fruit Mix

Baby WipesGentle Washing Machine Detergent (Opt.)

Powdered Milk (Optional)Shampoo (Optional)

Thanks to Barbara Mavromatis and Susan Winters, Co-chairs!

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed."—Proverbs 19:17We have received a request for the following gently used items: Baby crib, sofa; recliner, 4 chairs, dresser; full size mattress & frame. We appreciate your donations.

A woman from Greece, who has hospital experience, is looking for employment as a caregiver and to live in the home part time. Please call Johanna Spanos, 314 966 5176. We are still in need of the following items: gently used small adult desks, desk chairs, laptop computers, working television sets and converter boxes (not cable boxes) that are used for older television sets that you are replacing. Men's casual clothing—shoes and bootsIf you have questions, please contact Johanna Spanos( 966-5176) or Jeanne Tompras (994-7667). Thank you!

PHILANTHROPY REPORT

Documents

ST. NICHOLAS MONTHLY BULLETIN · St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin June 2013 2 St. Nicholas Servants Parish Council George Bude, President 314-579-9151 Steve Ott,