Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
The Desert Messenger “Behold, I send My messenger before Your Face, who shall prepare Your way...” (Matthew 11:10)
From Father John Beloved in Christ:
“O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all . . . You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.”
(Psalm 104:24,30) The Hand of God is indeed in the liturgical calendar of our Orthodox Christian Church. It is more than coincidental that the Feast of Pentecost, which completes the Paschal Season, also ushers in summer. On Pentecost we celebrate the renewal of life and the spreading of the Church to the corners of the earth with the descent of the Holy Spirit. How fitting that summer, the season during which we seek to take time to retreat from the norm in order to replenish ourselves, follows the preeminent feast of spiritual renewal. In Orthodox worship, the past, present and future converge, allowing us participants to enter the realm of God’s Kingdom. This was especially true as we knelt as one Body at the Vespers on Pentecost, praying: “O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who has granted peace unto all, and Who, while yet present with us in the life, granted the gift of the All-Holy Spirit for an inheritance that shall never be taken away; and Who on this day sent down this grace manifestly unto Your Disciples and Apostles . . . through which we . . . have been enlightened by the light of the Spirit . . .” Just as the Holy Apostles, we received the Holy Spirit for our enlightenment in the knowledge of God the Trinity, the release from the darkness and delusion of sin, and to become ambassadors for Christ through the Church, allowing others, through us, to share in the joy of His Kingdom. Although Pentecost should provide the impetus for our renewal in faith, for most of us the post-Paschal slump tends to worsen in summer months, when our Church attendance and spiritual lives fall by the wayside. God set apart for us a season to enjoy the fruits and beauty of His creation, but unfortunately summer is the time most of us will take a vacation from and forget about Him. The importance of this season for our souls is ever so evident in the Church calendar: in June alone, most of the month is set aside as a fast in honor of the Holy Apostles, providing an opportunity to remember the blessed labors of those pillars of faith who suffered to establish and grow the Church. Realistically, however, many of us will opt to wait until the fall before reconnecting with our Apostolic faith and recharging our spiritual batteries. Beloved, it does not have to be so. As we take the time for a much needed respite from our daily labors, let us also allow this to be a season for spiritual renewal – attending Divine Liturgy as a family, creating a time daily for prayer and holy reading, visiting Orthodox Churches wherever our travels lead us, strengthening our relationships with family and friends, reaching out to those in need, being good stewards of the environment and, finally, rejoicing in and thanking God for the exceeding goodness of all He creates. Love in Christ,
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Las Vegas, NV Volume 5, Issue 6 June 2007
2
The Desert Messenger
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sundays: 8:45 am Orthros ~ 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Weekdays (Unless Noted): 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday, June 3/1st Sunday of Matthew/All Saints Orthros: Tone Eight (Fourth Plagal) Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Matthew 28:16-20 Epistle: Hebrews 11:33-40; 12:1-2 Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30 Holy Apostles Fast: June 4-28 Sunday, June 10/2nd Sunday of Matthew Orthros: Tone One Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Mark 16:1-8 Epistle: Romans 2:10-15 Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23 Sunday, June 17/3rd Sunday of Matthew Orthros: Tone Two Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Mark 16:9-20 Epistle: Romans 5:1-10 Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33
Sunday, June 24/4th of Matthew/Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist Orthros: Tone Three Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Luke 24:1-12 Epistle: Romans 13:11-14; 14:1-4 Gospel: Luke 1:1-25, 57-68, 76, 80 Friday, June 29/Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:21-33; 12:1-9 Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19 Saturday, June 30/Synaxis of the 12 Holy Apostles Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 Gospel: Matthew 9:36; 10:1-8 O Holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant remission of the offenses of our
Sunday Schedules
June 3
Ushers: Peter Papas, Alleck Orlando, Pete Kypreos, Marina Adamy, Stephen Carabas, Gary Waters Fellowship: Folk Dance
Memorial: Antoinette Wadlow (40 days); Constantinos Sinodinos (6 months); Theodore Malamatos (9 years)
June 10 Ushers: George Kakavulias, George Nikols, William Carrico, Sam Koutsulis, Angelo Stamis, John Nicholas
Memorial: Departed Members of Eliades Family: Efstathios, Eleni, Katerina, Socrates, Haralambos, Kostandinos, Anna, Haralambos, Triantafilos, Eleni, Dimitra, Meropi, Chyrsanthi, Theodoros, Stavroula,
Loukia, Arlene and John Fellowship: Effie Lekar, in Memory of Eliades Family Members
June 17 Ushers: Angelo Stamis, Gary Waters, Marina Adamy, Stephen Carabas, Peter Papas, Alleck Orlando
Fellowship: Senior Forerunners June 24
Ushers: William Carrico, Sam Koutsulis, George Kakavulias, George Nikols, John Nicholas, Pete Kypreos Fellowship: Pan-Cretans
Attention Happy Couples! Take a fresh look at your marriage through Orthodox Marriage Encounter, designed for couples wanting to enrich their marriage. The weekend includes a series of talks given by Fr. Jim and Donna Pappas and Fr. John and Elaine Alexandres, focusing on loving communication and
allowing couples to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. We would like to host an Encounter weekend in Las Vegas. If you are interested, please call Fr. John at the Church Office (221-8245).
3
The Desert Messenger
4
The Desert Messenger
Religious Education Program
Hi Everyone! I want to thank Tami and Mike Stefanatos for hosting the end-of- the-year bash at their home; everyone had a wonderful time. Religious Education had Commencement on May 20. I would like to thank Marina and Caroline Adamy for making the certificates – they turned out great. The following students ended the year with perfect attendance: Nicholas Bariames, Juliana Likourinou, Eric Szukiewicz, Caroline Lekar and Marissa Hondros.
Get ready for Vacation Bible School starting June 11 through 15, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. We are looking forward to having a great time. Make sure you register your children ages 4 to 11 years old. No walk-ins please. We will have a registration table set up in Panos Hall, or you can call me.
I am looking for moms who are interested in bringing their children to a 3 year-old co-op program this fall. If this is something you would like to help us with, please give me a call.
Have a great summer, and we look forward to seeing you at Vacation Bible School. Love in Christ, Eileen Koutsulis, Director (521-6516)
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Vacation Bible School Registration
June 11-15, 2007 9:30 am-12:30 pm For Children Ages 4-11
Please . . . One form per child (duplicate if necessary)
Please return this form to the Church Office or to the VBS Table in Panos Hall Student Name: __________________________________________________________ Birth Date:____________ School Grade 2006-2007: ___________________________ Allergies, Special Needs, on Medications? ____________________________________ Patron Saint and Date of Commemoration: ____________________________________ Parent Name(s):_________________________________________________________ Parent e-mail addresses:___________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________ Phone (s):_______________________________________________________________ I give the above-named child permission to take part in all Religious Education activities, including planned and supervised outings. Signed, Parent or Legal Guardian: ___________________________________________ Many hands ease the load! Please consider helping our children. ____ Teaching ____ Snack ____ Crafts Fees Paid: _____ $5 per child for Stewards _____ $10 per child for Non-Stewards
5
The Desert Messenger
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH
5300 S. El Camino Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89118
Rev. Father John Hondros
Regina Resch
Business Administrator
Karen Rawlinson Administrative Assistant
Eileen Bellsey
Director of Catering and Church Facilities
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Telephone: (702) 221-8245
FAX: (702) 221-9167 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: vegasgreekorthodox.com
Parish Council: George Nikols
Philoptochos: Amalia Dominguez
Choir: Faye Brown
Chanters/Youth Choir:
Presvytera Maria Hondros
Religious Education: Eileen Koutsulis
Altar Servers:
Geo Nikols and Demitri Carabas
Stewardship Committee: John Karas
Hellenic Historical Society:
Nitsa Filios
Junior GOYA: Effie Lekar
Alexandra Carrico
HOPE and JOY Tammy Chomakos
Para Pouridis Jennifer Orlando
Christy Vino
Orthodox Family Fellowship: Michael and Tami Stefanatos
Orthodox Connection:
Angela Coutris
Senior Forerunners: Tessie Peterson
Greek Folk Dance: Georgia Bingham
Carla Cole Bessie Stavropoulos
Greek Language Classes:
Andreas Taxiarhos, Antonia Tzelalis Spiridoulla Vinieratos
Bookstore: Costa Frangakis
Given the opportunity to express myself in a monthly article, I usually find myself asking you to help more, telling you how hard it is to operate Church grounds or how much more money we need.
This month I would like to tell everyone how grateful I am to be here and be a member of the St. John community. I will ask everyone to take a moment and look around at this magnificent Church; it’s very humbling and we should all be happy and proud we’re here.
The Church is here for us, I hope you feel good about coming here and better when you leave. George Nikols, Parish Council President
President’s Column
For those of you who witnessed the Oath of Office on Sunday, May 20 for the 2007-2009 Philoptochos Board, I am sure you will agree in that it was a wonderful event. We thank you Father John
for such a warm and blessed welcome during that Sunday service. The incoming Board offers a unique gift to the parish in that it contains several “legacies” handed down from past members; including the nieces of Wilma Panos and Georgia Adras, the granddaughter of Liberty Eliakis (daughter of Glenda), and the daughters of Niki Stavropoulos, to name a few. Oh, and we must never forget those “seasoned” members who continue to guide, mentor and serve relentlessly for the mission of the Philoptochos Society.
Some, kidding on the square, ask, “Who roped us into this?” Well, as we all serve for the Church and our faith in our own special way, it is with respect and admiration for those who came before us. What keeps us coming back is the love for our Church, growth in our faith, fellowship and humbleness, all combined with that Greek Orthodox pride.
The incoming Board will be working throughout the summer preparing programs and activities for the coming year. We look forward to sharing this at the September meeting.
Amalia Dominguez and the Board Members of Philoptochos
Fr. John and 2007-09 Philoptochos Board after the Oath. ~Photo by Stephen Carabas
Philoptochos News
Note to Philoptochos: I would like to thank the ladies of the Philoptochos Society, and those who make it possible for me to attend and participate in doing the Lord’s work in order to receive the Kairos Award. Many thanks and God bless. Georgia Kourlos (and Soc)
6
The Desert Messenger
Our Community Registry
Baptized into Christ: Na Mas Zisoun!
Michael, son of Jason and Shawna Luckey on April 14, 2007 Godparents: Ben and Michelle Perry
Moise Mihnea, son of Ovidiu and Mirela Ene, on May 12, 2007.
Godparents: Catalin and Anca Popescu
Marriages: Na Zisete!
Jason Michael Luckey and Shawna Bethany Woods on April 15, 2007 at Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta, GA
Sponsors: Janet and Gary Algers
Nikos Gousdovas and Phyllis Diakotos on April 29, 2007 at St. Demetrios Church, Chicago, IL
Sponsors: Nick and Kathy Hatzopoulos
Aristedes Nick Nikolopoulos and Argiroula Lazarakis on May 6, 2007 at Ss. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Honolulu, HI
Sponsor: Eleni Eliades
Marenglen Markos Prifti and Silvia Yesenia Pola on May 13, 2007 Sponsor: Aleko Petro
Alexander Sparkuhl and Antoinette Pretto on May 19, 2007
Sponsor: Efthymios Carabas
Fallen Asleep in the Lord: Eternal Memory
Antoinette Sotira Wadlow on April 22, 2007 Funeral on April 25
The Orthodox Connection
Greetings from the Orthodox Connection! I am fairly certain I can speak for everyone who attended Agave Mexican Restaurant last month and movie night the previous month - we all had a great time. If you have not joined us yet for an event, do not put it off another month.
Join us at the home of Yianni Frangakis on Sunday, June 17 at 6:00 pm for a fun, relaxed get-together. We will have delicious food and most importantly awesome Christian fellowship. We will observe the Apostles Fast and plan our meal accordingly. If you would be willing to bring "fast friendly" food, or for more information and directions contact Yianni Frangakis at 423-0202 or Angela Coutris at 497-2529 or by email [email protected].
Next month we will beat the heat by taking a group hike up Lee Canyon/Mt. Charleston area. Get ready: More details to come! The Orthodox Connection is a Pan-Orthodox Ministry sponsored by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church for singles in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Angela Coutris
Notes From the Loft The Choir was so happy to welcome back Ritsa Prokopis after her long and arduous illness. Also joining our Choir on April 29 were John and Kathy Lecas from Oakland, and Bill
from Pittsburgh. Just a few additional male voices enhanced our music to a new level. If any of you gentleman have any inclination to lend your expertise to our Choir, please join us. Faye Brown, Director
7
The Desert Messenger
Greek Folk Dance News Registration - Greek Folk Dancing has become a very popular activity here at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church with more children wanting to join. Registration for the 2007-08 Greek Folk Dance groups has begun. Registration is open to children ages 5 years and older as of December 31, 2007. A table for registration will be set up in Panos Hall during Fellowship after Church on Sundays until June 24. The Registration Form is included on Page 8 in the June Desert Messenger; please duplicate as needed. We are excited to announce the formation of a fourth group this year to better accommodate the various ages and development of our dancers. The groups will be as follows: • Liondaria – Ages 5, 6 and 7 by December 31, 2007 • New Group (name to be chosen later) – Ages 8, 9 and 10 by December 31, 2007 • Delfinia – Ages 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 by December 31, 2007 • Argonaftes – Ages 16 and up by December 31, 2007 Late registrations will be accepted at the discretion of the Dance Directors. It is important that you register by June 24 so that the Dance Board and Directors will know how many dancers to plan for as far as costume needs and for budgeting for the year. Contact Tina Liaos at 492-7217 or email at [email protected] if you need registration information or have any questions. Costume Return – All costumes must be returned by June 3. Please bring your costumes to the Church on any Sunday before then, and return them to the registration table in Panos Hall. Swim Party – The Bochanis Family has generously opened up their home (once again) for a swim party for all dancers to be held on Sunday, June 10 at 3:00 pm. Pizza and beverages will be provided; dancers are asked to bring appetizers and desserts. A great time is guaranteed to be had by all. Fellowship – The Dance Groups will host Fellowship on Sunday, June 3. Our fabulous Frappes will be sold once again for only $2. We have a lot of exciting new dances and events planned this year and hope to see a lot of new faces join our wonderful dance groups. Tina Liaos, Dance Board Chair
St. John the Baptist Bookstore
Hello from the Bookstore. Do we view the Church with the eyes of the world? Or do we view the world through the eyes of
the Church? Whether we realize it or not, the way we think is shaped by everything around us from the day we are born. The society that we live in molds our thought processes; therefore, our values are closely tied to those of our society through all forms of media. This is a paradigm. It is the lens by which we view the world around us and how we judge right and wrong. God offers us a different paradigm – a different way of seeing the world – and that is through His eyes. By partaking in the Life of the Church, through the Holy Mysteries (Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, etc.), we begin to purify our hearts. As we purify our hearts, the Holy Spirit will dwell in us and we can begin to see the world with our spiritual eyes, the eyes of the Church. Recall how often Jesus deals with blindness in the New Testament. It is spiritual blindness that He is concerned with.
Now what does any of this have to do with the Bookstore? As we have said, our thinking is shaped by what we see, hear, and read. The books written by the Saints of our Holy Orthodox Church for the last 2000 years are written by men and women who had purified their hearts to a great extent. Reading their writings has a cleansing and purifying effect on us. By reading Holy Scriptures, writings and biographies of the Saints, without being conscious of it, our thinking will gradually change. Our eyes will be opened to seeing reality as it is, and not as we have been conditioned to see it.
This month we have two books by Bishop Kallistos Ware: The Orthodox Church, and The Orthodox Way. Bishop Kallistos is one of the great theologians and lecturers of our Church today. If you have any questions or would like a recommendation for reading, please see me at the bookstore.
Until next month (GW), Costa Frangakis, Director
8
The Desert Messenger
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH GREEK DANCE MINISTRY ~ GREEK FOLK DANCE GROUPS
REGISTRATION FORM 2007-2008 (One Registration Form Required per Dancer)
Dancer’s Name ______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________
City ______________________, Nevada Zip Code _______________
Phone: ____________________ ____________________
Home Cell
Email: ____________________________________
Age Requirements: Must be at least 5 years old as of December 31, 2007. Birth Date ________________________________ Age ______________ Father’s Name _________________________ Mother’s Name _________________________ I understand and accept the following requirements for participation in the St. John Folk Dance Ministry. 1. The dancer must be a communicant of the Greek Orthodox Church. 2. The parent(s) must be a Steward of Record for 2007-2008 in St. John Church. 3. All Dancers MUST ATTEND Divine Liturgy on Sunday. Those who are of age (5-17) MUST be a participant of Church School. 4. All dancers must arrive to practice ON TIME and be RESPECTFUL 5. The dancer/parent(s) agree to meet all financial obligations assigned to the participants by the Folk Dance Ministry of St. John not earned through active participation and sharing in fundraising. 6. Directors will determine dancer eligibility for competition at FDF 2008 by December 1, 2007.
Registration deadline is JUNE 30, 2007. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A NON-REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION FEE OF $50.00 PER DANCER IS DUE, PAYABLE TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH. PLEASE WRITE FOLK DANCE GROUP IN THE MEMO. Received on ___________________________ Check # __________ Cash __________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This year, the 2008 Folk Dance Festival will be February 14-18, 2008 in Ontario, California. For information on all St. John Folk Dance Groups, please contact Tina Liaos at (702) 492-7217 or email [email protected], or the Church at (702) 221-8245. ______________________________ ______________________________ Signature of Dancer Signature of Parent or Guardian ______________________________ ______________________________ Date Date
Would like to participate in: _____ Dance _____ Youth Choir _____ Both
9
The Desert Messenger
ORTHODOX SUMMER CAMPS Saint Sophia Camp www.saintsophiacamp.org - Online Registration Available. Offers Two Sessions Session I July 29 – August 4, 2007 Session II August 4 – August 11, 2007 Saint Sophia Camp offers an exciting program for children ages
7 to 17. All campers are assigned to a group led by a certified counselor. There is an average of seven campers to every counselor. A St. Sophia camper can look forward to all of the following activities on a daily basis: arts and crafts, Orthodox Christian Education – Orthodox Life, summer Olympics program and swimming. There are many optional events to choose from. Location: Camp Seeley, Crestline, CA. Cost: Includes transportation from St. Sophia Cathedral, camp picture, and camp T-shirt. Each Session is $350 per camper. After June 15, $400 per camper. No Registrations will be accepted after July 15, 2007 All Saints Pan-Orthodox Summer Camp www.gomona.org/summer_camp.html - Applications Available Online. Sunday, June 24 – Friday, June 29, 2007 What Does God Want Us to Do? - The world is constantly telling us how much we should weigh, who our friends should be, what we should look like, what we should do on Friday nights, and the list goes on. For one week, let us at least try to hear what God wants us to do. Campers, ages 8 to 17 can look forward to Divine Liturgy, hiking, s’mores, late night talks, daily prayer, horseback riding, bible study, confession, swimming…and the list goes on! This year All Saints Pan-Orthodox Summer Camp will be held at the Native American Retreat Center “El Nathan” in Flagstaff, Arizona. http://www.ameritribes.org/rebuild/navahoelnathnew.html Cost: $190 per camper - Registration Deadline is June 8 St. Nicholas Ranch & Retreat Center http://www.stnicholasranch.org/summer_camp.htm - Applications Available Online. Come prepared for adventure: swimming, hayrides, archery, canoeing, campfires, cowboy ropin', and much more! Camp is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships, and also a time for young Orthodox Christians to learn about their faith, values and heritage in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Location: St. Nicholas Ranch, Dunlap, CA. St. Nicholas Ranch offers 3 sessions: Session I: July 9-15 Session II: July 16-22 Session III: July 23-29 Ages: 8 to 17 Each Session is $414.75 per camper.
10
The Desert Messenger
Congratulations to Our Graduates! Irene Anthony Irene Maria Anthony, daughter of Stavros and Bernadette Anthony, graduated from University of Nevada-Reno with a Bachelors of Science in Health and Community Sciences. Irene graduated with high distinction in her department, was a member of Gamma Sigma Alpha and Order of Omega honor societies, and Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity. Irene will be returning to work in Reno in the health field. In the St. John community, Irene has participated in Folk Dance Group, GOYA and Religious Education. Athena Bochanis
Athena Bochanis, daughter of George Bochanis and Mari Bochanis, is graduating Magna Cum Laude (3.89 GPA) as a double honors major in History and German Studies, having received highest honors in both subjects. She has written two honors theses, one for each major. For her thesis in German Studies, she received the Leonard Marker and Daniel Getman memorial prize, which allowed her to travel to Berlin, Germany to do research for her project. In the College of Arts and Science, she won the Auguste Ulfers Memorial Prize for excellence and accomplishment in German Studies (for both 2006 and 2007) and the Helen M. Jones Prize for Best Undergraduate Thesis in History (2006). Athena is also an NYU
Presidential Scholar, and a Phi Beta Kappa member (top 5% of students). This year she was a recipient of the national Fulbright Scholarship to study and assistant teach English in Germany, which will place her in Germany this September for one year. After that, she plans to apply to a joint degree program in International Law and German Studies (MA), and eventually plans to practice International Law.
Yorghos Carabas Yorghos Carabas, son of Efthymios and Sotiroulla Carabas, graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts on May 12. Yorghos plans to pursue a career in fine arts, in particular, in photography, painting and sculpture. His first show—a collection of images from Greece—at the Quiet Place Gallery on Water Street in Henderson closed this week. During June and July his work will be on display at the CCSN Cheyenne Campus. George Foskaris George Foskaris, son of Thomas Foskaris and Zoraida Caldera, is a graduating senior from Green Valley High School. He will be graduating with an Honors Diploma on June 13. He intends to attend UNLV and major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.
Irene Anthony
Athena Bochanis
Yorghos Carabas
George Foskaris
11
The Desert Messenger
Class of 2007 . . . Pete Georgis Pete J. Georgis, son of John and Kaliopi Georgis, graduated from George Washington University on May 20 in Washington, DC. He received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Economics with minors in Business Administration and International Affairs with a concentration in International Economics. After graduation, Pete will be moving to New York City where he has accepted a position with Bear Stearns and Co. Inc. Michelle Konstantarakis Michelle Konstantarakis, daughter of Mary Nichols, received the Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Geo Nikols Geo Nikols, son of George and Christine Nikols, is
a graduating senior from Palo Verde High School. He will be graduating with an Honors Diploma on June 13. He will also be awarded as an officer in the International Thespian Society and has been given two theatrical awards from the school district, one for acting and the second for directing a full length production in which he also received an award for his performance. Geo is going on the Journey to Greece program sponsored by AHEPA and wishes to thank the Senior Forerunners for their assistance. He later plans to attend the University of Nevada-Las Vegas for a degree in the performing arts and eventually attend either the Julliard School, or the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
Michelle Piña
Michelle Piña, daughter of Jose and Doris Piña, recently graduated from the College of Southern Nevada as a Registered Nurse. She plans to soon be working at a local hospital within a Medical-Surgical Unit. Rebecca Rores Rebecca Rores, daughter of Christopher and Rene Rores, graduated from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine with a post graduate degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) on May 12. She will be moving to Dallas, TX to begin a General Practice Residency program at the Veteran's Affairs Hospital. More Graduates on Page 12
Pete Georgis
Geo Nikols
Michelle Piña Rebecca Rores
12
The Desert Messenger
Congratulations to Our Class of 2007! Sarah Beth Siekerman Sarah Beth Siekerman, daughter of Elizabeth and Rupert Sikerman, is graduating from Rancho High School Academy of Medical and Aviation she will be receiving a High Honors Diploma. She is planning to attend Southern Utah University while majoring in Political Science, and minoring in music. Sarah’s father will drive her back to Las Vegas every three weeks so she can attend St. John Church. Irene Skarlatos
Irene Skarlatos, daughter of Cristina Frangopulu and Kostas Skarlatos, will be graduating from Advanced Technologies Academy with high honors. She will be attending the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in the fall. Irene will be majoring in International Business with a minor in Chinese. She plans to study abroad for either a summer session or a school semester. She later plans to pursue a DDS in oral and maxillofacial surgery and/or an MBA. Irene is excited to continue her service to the Church, especially with the Greek Food Festival and Folk Dancing.
Andreas Sparkuhl
Andreas Sparkuhl, son of Dr. Alexander Sparkuhl and Paulina Sparkuhl, is a graduating senior from Faith Lutheran Jr./Sr. High School, and will receive his Diploma on June 1. Andreas has been accepted to the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Sophia Taxiarchos Sophia Taxiarchos, daughter of Andreas and Alexandra Taxiarchos, received the Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix-Nevada Campus. Stephen Walter Stephen Walter, son of Vernon and Alice Walter and grandson of Elias Spanopoulos, is graduating from Odyssey Charter High School this June. Stephen has been on Odyssey’s AB Honor Roll for the last two years. He is a junior black belt in Kempo karate. In the fall, Stephen will begin his collegiate career at the Community College of Southern Nevada.
We’re sure that there are more graduates out there! If you were unable to meet the deadline for our June issue, please don’t fret . . . There’s always next month. We want to share your good news, so please email the following to [email protected] by June 15: • School from which you are graduating • The degree you will receive, including honors • What your plans are, and what you will study if pursuing further
education • And, most importantly, a photo of you!
Sarah Beth Siekerman
Stephen Walter
13
The Desert Messenger
Orthodox Family Fellowship Congratulations to all those graduating this year, and may God bless you with great success in your
future career choices. The Swim Party was a blast and we had a great turn-out. What a blessing to help sponsor and host a wonderful event for our youth ministries. We look forward to doing it again.
Summer is here and many of us will be traveling, including our family – to Greece in June. With that in mind, we will not have OFF this month. God willing, we will meet again in July or August, watch for information in your bulletin.
Mike and I have had such a great experience organizing and hosting OFF for the past 2½ years. OFF allows our families the opportunity to become closer to Father John and each other in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Father is an open book, and it’s the perfect time and place to ask all those questions you have. All families are invited to attend, no matter what the age of your children. We hope to see new faces along with the regulars in the upcoming year. If you are interested in hosting OFF at your home please contact Mike or Tami at 458-0266.
In Christ Service, Mike and Tami Stefanatos
HOPE and JOY
We would like to thank all the families that attended the Swim Party. We all had a good time. To kick off our summer activities, we will be going to Gilcrease Orchard Thursday, June 21. We will meet 9:00 am at the Olive Garden parking lot on Cheyenne, just off the I-95 exit. Please be on time as the orchard closes at 12:00 pm. The kids can pick peaches, tomatoes and berries. Admission is $2 per adult and $1 per child. Afterwards, we will be having lunch. We hope to see everyone there.
For the month of July we will meet once a week for free movies at Village Square Theaters. Please look to your weekly bulletins for more information. Enjoy your summer!
HOPE and JOY is a youth ministry for children preschool through 5th grade. All are encouraged to attend.
HOPE: Christy Vino 228-7657 and Para Pouridis 304-1726 ~ JOY: Jennifer Orlando and Tammy Chomakos 338-4671
Adult Study Continues in June:
“Learning Orthodoxy through the
Gospel of John.” Join us Wednesdays,
7:00 pm, in Kokkos Hall!
Junior GOYA
We would like to thank everyone for their donations at our Fellowship and Bake Sale in May. We were able to raise $290 for our future projects. We ended our year with a trip to the Adventuredome and we all had a great time.
We will be on vacation for the summer months and will start up again in the fall. Enjoy the summer and be safe. Thank you for a wonderful year!
Junior GOYA is a youth ministry of the Church for children 6th-8th grade.
Love in our Lord, Effie Lekar 768-5500 and Alexandra Carrico 655-8641, Advisors
Children’s and Youth Choir
The Youth Choir will be chanting the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 10. Yes, please be at the front right pew by 9:45 am and no, you do not have to wear black and white for summer Liturgies. See you in front! Happy Summer!
Love, Presvytera Maria
Fast of the Holy Apostles: This fast was initially undertaken by the Holy Apostles following the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, to strengthen their resolve as they undertook the mission of spreading Christ’s Church. With this fast, which has existed at least since the mid-5th century, the faithful express their thanks for the Apostles’ endurance. The fast, which begins the Monday after All Saints and lasts until June 29, entails abstaining from meat, poultry, fish and dairy, though fish, wine and oil are allowed on weekends.
14
The Desert Messenger
YO
UR
NA
ME:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LAST
FIR
ST
C
OU
NTR
Y
S
TATE
C
ITY
C
HIL
DR
EN:
NU
MB
ER _
____
__ N
AM
ES _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_ SP
OU
SE N
AM
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LAST
FIR
ST
C
OU
NTR
Y
S
TATE
C
ITY
M
OTH
ER’S
BA
CK
GR
OU
ND
N
AM
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LAST
FIR
ST
CO
UN
TRY
STA
TE
CIT
Y
GR
AN
DM
OTH
ER’S
NA
ME:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LA
ST
FI
RST
C
OU
NTR
Y
S
TATE
C
ITY
G
RA
ND
FATH
ER’S
NA
ME:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_ B
IRTH
PLA
CE:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
LAST
FIR
ST
CO
UN
TRY
STA
TE
CIT
Y
FATH
ER’S
BA
CK
GR
OU
ND
N
AM
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LAST
FIR
ST
CO
UN
TRY
STA
TE
CIT
Y
GR
AN
DM
OTH
ER’S
NA
ME:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
BIR
THPL
AC
E: _
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
LA
ST
FI
RST
C
OU
NTR
Y
S
TATE
C
ITY
G
RA
ND
FATH
ER’S
NA
ME:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_ B
IRTH
PLA
CE:
___
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
LAST
FIR
ST
CO
UN
TRY
STA
TE
CIT
Y
YO
UR
, O
R Y
OU
R F
AM
ILY
’S,
JOU
RN
EY T
O T
HE
UN
ITED
STA
TES/
LA
S V
EGA
S:
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
W
HA
T IS
YO
UR
“G
REE
K C
ON
NEC
TIO
N”?
(BO
RN
GR
EEK
, MA
RR
IED
IN, C
ON
VER
TED
TO
OR
THO
DO
XY
, ETC
.) __
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
__
IF A
PPLI
CA
BLE
, WH
AT
GEN
ERA
TIO
N G
REE
K A
RE
YO
U?
(IM
MIG
RA
NT,
1ST
, 2N
D, E
TC.)
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
PLE
ASE
AT
TA
CH
FA
MIL
Y P
HO
TO
S T
HA
T Y
OU
WO
UL
D
LIK
E T
O S
UB
MIT
AL
ON
G W
ITH
YO
UR
FO
RM
.
15
The Desert Messenger
Stewardship Report
Pledge Range Number of Families $ & % of Gifts Pledged $1-$999 312 $111,526 – 31.95% $1000-$2499 93 $121,346 – 34.76% $2500-and higher 27 $116,180 – 33.29%
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our 2007 Stewardship Drive continues on a pace that gives us a chance of achieving the goal
established by the Parish Assembly. As noted above, we have 432 stewardship families pledged for a total of $349,052 or 87.26% of our targeted goal of $400,000. This past month the average pledge from our Stewards dropped to $807.99. As of May 15 we continue ahead of the 2006 pace: 22 more families have pledged and our pledge sum has increased by $21,387.
All of us have heard of the parable of the talents from St. Matthew’s Gospel: A man traveled “to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” (Matthew 25:14-15) These talents that were given to the servants were not really just a sum of money, but were in fact the time, talents and treasures “loaned” to them by the Lord. St. John Chrysostom, in one of his homilies on the Gospel of Matthew notes, “For the talents here are each person’s ability, whether in the way of protection, or in money, or in teaching, or in what thing so ever of the kind.”
“After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.” (Matthew 25:19) We know from our reading of this parable that the one who had received five talents gained another five, the one who had received two talents gained another two and the one who received one talent buried it awaiting the return of his Lord. By this the Stewards are being called to account for how they used the talents given to them by the Lord. Those who used the talents given to them with love in the service of the Lord will be awarded accordingly and those who squandered their talents on themselves and not sharing their abundance with others will receive their due. “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30) As St. John Chrysostom writes, “He that hath a gift of word and teaching to profit thereby, and useth it not, will lose the gift also; but he that giveth diligence, will gain to himself the gift in more abundance; even as the other loseth what he had received.”
Now is the time for all of us to prayerfully reflect on the “talents” the Lord has provided us. Have we lovingly grown them to the glory of the Lord? I pray that all our parishioners will take the time to reflect on the blessings bestowed upon them and that as we grow in our love and commitment to the Lord, we will utilize these blessing to His Glory.
If you are not a 2007 Steward, please make your pledge today. This past month letters were sent out to over 140 Stewardship families who were pledged in 2006 and had not as of yet pledged for 2007. Since that letter was sent, 37 families have responded with their loving pledges to support the Lord’s work. If you received the follow up letter and have not yet responded, please take a moment to fill out your pledge for 2007 and submit it to the Church at your earliest convenience.
May everything we do be for His Glory. Glory be to God – Δόξα Σοι ο Θεός. In Christ, John G. Karas (219-5057) Stewardship Chairman
2007 Stewardship Status (May 15, 2007): Stewardship Families Pledged 432 Stewardship Gifts Received $178,031 Average Stewardship Pledge $807.99
Stewardship Target – 2007 $400,000 Stewardship Gifts Pledged $349,052 Current Stewardship Deficit $ 50,948 Percentage of Goal Achieved 87.26%
16
The Desert Messenger
(As of May 15, 2007) Adamy, Marina Agnos, George and Maggie Agnos, Jim and Angie Agnos, Kosta and Erin Alex, Jim and Renee Alexander, Eleni Andraktos, Manuel Andrews, Catherine Andrews, Presvytera Helen Andrews, George Angelova, Kostadinka Anthony, Stavros and Bernadette Apostolopoulos, Chris and Katia Aristides, George and Diana Asim, Demetrious Athens, Ann Attard, Constantine and Sofia Bagis, Eleni Bakalas, Estella Balason, Anna Balason, Voula Baldwin, Richard and Vivi Balodimas, Dr. James Bariames, George and Athans, Eleni Bartzos, Sam and Eugenia Bauck, Jeremy and Amy Beckas, Constantinos Belavilas, Aristotelis Bicos, Andriana Bieker-Grissom, Georgeea Bigler III, Louis B. Bingham, Robert Bochanis, George Borzekas, Stephen and Katharina Brillis, Christine Brillis George and Satoko Britten, Ron and Carol Brown, Andrew and Christina Brown, Faye Bucy, Brent and Elaine Cahill, Irene and Michael Campbell, Ann Campbell, Theodore Capadalis, Tim and Marling Captain, Nicholas and Maria Carabas, Stephen and Linda Carabas, Thomas and Sotiroulla Carrico, William and Alexandra Caredis, Jon and Marjorie Carson, Michele Carter, Maria Cero Dean Chachas, Bessie
Chachas, James Chandrinos, Alexia Chandrinos, Peter Chandrinos, Ricki Chanos, George Chanos, Jennifer Chomakos, Dean and Tammy Chomakos, George and Nikki Christou, Andreas and Toni Chumas, Russell and Stella Cole, Darrick and Carla Collins, David Collins, James and Barbara Cominos, Ted and Emily Conger, William and Alexia Constantine, Bill Constantinou, Magdeline Coroneos, Marika Costuros, George and Marsha Cotsilis, Peter and Jenny Coutris, Angela Curtis, Liberty Dabour, Larry and Maria Dalacas, Anthony and Eugenia Dalacas, Demetrias Dalacas, Dimitri and Athanasia Dalacas, Eleni Dalacas, Nick and Georgia Daskalos, George and Voula DeCarlo, Frank and Nadine Delalis, Dina DeMangus, Robert and Joanne Demas, George Demas-Goodin, Maria Demolas, George and Ellen Demolas, Ilias and Jody Demoleas, Spero and Grace Demoleas, Stephanie Demopoulos, Tommy and Vasiliki Depelchin Serge and Vassilion, Melissa Dervis, Irene DeWindt, Dennis and Susan Dimitrios, Mr. and Mrs. Doering, Bruce and Lynn Dominguez, Amalia and Eric Dougan, Linda Doukakis, Panagiotis and Chrisi Dounis, Georgia Dounis, Kiki Dounis, Sam and Dina Dudunakis, Michael Eliades, Eleni Eliades, Gregory and Maria
Eliades, Harry and Agapi Eliades, Peter Eliakis, Peter and Glenda Eliakis, Varthie and LeeAnn Ene, Mira and Ovidiu Exarhos, Nick and Sharon Eyler, Fr. Paul and Presv. Ilean Eyler, Jesse and Dianna Eyler, John and Elizabeth Falcone, Frank and Nancy Fanandakis, George and Helen Felecos, Sophia Filios, George and Nitsa Flangas, Albert and Trudi Flangas, Bill and Marilyn Flangas, Gus and Tamara Flangas, Leo Flangas, Peter and Wanda Fokas, Elene Fontaine, Tony and Bagis, Eleni Foskaris, Thomas and Irina Frangakis, Christos and Anastasia Frangakis, Costa Frangakis, John Frangopulu, Cristina Frantzen, Robert & Marjorie Franzi, Jack Franzi, Zachary and Patricia Fuson, Aglaia Fyssakis, Paul and Kathy Gear, Darius and Bessie George, Elias Pete George, Louis George, Pete and Georgia Georges, William and Esther Georgis, John and Kaliopi Gialketsis, Babe and Terry Gialketsis, Barbara Gialketsis, Bill and Shelli Gialketsis, Julie Gialketsis, Steve Gianakoulias, Nick and Magda Giouzolis, Anastasia and Eliades, Artemis Goddard, Elizabeth Goldman, Love Gomes, Joseph and Cecelia Gortsilas, Nikolas and Stefania Gousdovas, Nikos Gousias, Elias and Maria Grabovi, Daphne Grant, Gregory Grillas, Vasilios and Roula Gruber, Ernest and Zoe
Stewards and Contributors 2007 GIFTS FROM HEAVEN
“No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27)
17
The Desert Messenger
Guerrero, Lynn and Rudy Hallis, Louis and Betty Hamilton, Mary Hamilton, Paul and Brandi Haralambakis, Demetre and Dimitra Harris, Melty and Angeline Hart, Dr. Russell and Dora Hastings, Audra Hastings, Teri Hemmers, Oliver and Pantelis, Anne Hernquist, Jim and Angela Hetzel, Dr. David Hionides, Mary Hondros, Christina Hondros, Fr. John and Presv. Maria Hoover, Patrick and Pauline Howe, Kiparissia Iracleanos, Sonia Kachikis, Paul and Ernestine Kakavulias, Christina Kakavulias, George and Helen Kakavulias, John Kakavulias, Maria Kalamantis, George Kalianiotis, Kelly Kambouris, Nick and Litsa Kanoles, Helene Kanoles, Konstantine Karagines, Peter and Linda Karas, James Karas, John and Marcie Karas, Vasiliki Karris, Mark and Suzy Karvounidis, Nick and Alexandra Katris, Nick and Kathryn Katsanevas, Alexandria Katsanevas, Nick and Mary Katsaros, Thomas and Sharon Kebret, Showateshaye Kelesis, John and Vicki Kelesis, Peter and Dina Kleanthis, George and Zanetta Knoblock, Jamie and Laurie Kokenes, Lt. Col. Willam and Katherine Koliambas, Eleni Kolinas, Claire Konsolakis-Garcia, Eleni Kostas, Maria Kostin, George and Mihaela Kostopoulos, George and Georgia Kotonias, George and Patricia Kountanis, Dionisios and Panagiota Kourafas, Chris and Trish Kouretas, Demetri and Amanda Kourlos, Georgia Koutsulis, John and Eileen Koutsulis, Sam and Effie Kover, Barbara Kypreos, Peter and Geri
Kyprianou, Gilbert and Alexis Lakis, Antoinette Lambros, Ellen Lambros, Kyriakos Lambros, Marianthi Latelle, George and Penny Lawrence, Vicki Lazarakis, John and Panagiota Lekar, Michael and Effie Leone, Stephen Leonis, Tishe Leventis, Nick and Christina Liaos, Jim and Tina Liaos, Steven and Francine Liaos, William and Irene Likourinou, Angie Likourinou, Steve and June Lohse, JoAnne Luckey, Jason and Shawna Lymberopoulos, Mary Lyons, John and Mary Malamatos, Kindina Maland, Tim and Donna Mallett, Gina Malpee, Mack and Kalliope Mamasis, K. Dena Mamasis, Tessie Manolakos, Catherine Manos, Patricia Maragos, Constance Margaretis, John and Lucila Markakis, Emmanuel and Catherine Markantonis, George and Sarah Markham, Lily Markou, Ann Marlas, Louis and Vivien Matsis, John and Rebecca Matsukas, George Matsukas, John and Ariadne Mavrantonis, Stacy, and Kiki Mavroidis, Demetrios and Debra Mavros, Michael and Debbie Mazzetti, Tess McNear, Elizabeth McPherson, Robert and Marie Mezilson, Evangeline Michelas, Michael Migliorini, Andrew and Diane Mikelis, Peter Millet, Jennie Milonas, George Milonas, Henry Mimikos, Matina Miner, George Miralles, Jean Metroyanis, George Moffett, Todd and Tina Eliopulos Monoyudis, Jim and Julie Mulopulos, George Murnane, Sharon
Murphy, Terence and Karen Nadzan, Don and Athena Neocleous, Plato Newell, Ronald and Maria Niarkos, Evgenia Nicholas, James and Myrna Nicholas, John and Estella Nichols, Mary Nickolson, Chloe Nikitas, Rigas and Aphrodite Nikolopoulos, Niko and Demetra Nikolopoulos, Peter and Pelagia Nikols, George and Christine O’Brien, William and Chris Orlando, Alleck and Jennifer Ostis, Sotirios and Evelyn Ozun, Michelle Pallis, Paul and Sandra Pandelis, Cheryl Pantos, James Papas, Christian Papas, Louie Papas, Peter and Areti Papas, Theodore Pappas, Adrian and Diane Pappas, Antonia Pappas, Constantine and Karina Pappas, Peter and Libby Pappas, Rita Pappas, Tina and Beavin, Rick Paschalis, Evangelos and Maria Payan, Luis and Eleni Payne, Peter Pentogenis, Michael and Katherine Peronis, Mercury and Fay Petersen, Todd and Koutsulis, Diane Peterson, Barbara Peterson, Tessie Petro, Aleko and Georgia Piña, Jose and Doris Platis, Chris Plentzas, Spiros and Ruth Plomatos, Kathryn Polimerou, Angeline Politis, Nick and Alice Poulos, Christine Poulos, Peter Poulsen, Nicholas and Brenda Pouridis, Kouli and Para Prather, Moses, Jr. and Dina Prifti, Marenglen Prud’homme, Edwin and Pennye Pullano, Rena Radosta, Athena Raptis, Fr. Dean and Presv. Evonne Rifakes, John and Carol Rigas, Anthony and Mary Roberts, Sofia Robison, Diane Robison, Patricia
18
The Desert Messenger
Senior Forerunners
Please join us for our Luncheon on Tuesday, June 19, 11:30 am in Kokkos Hall. We are asking for a $5 donation. This will be our last social event before summer. We will resume meeting again in October. Thank you for your participation; it was a joy and a blessing being with you. May God bless you with a happy and healthy summer. If you have any questions please contact Tessie at 645-8715 or Aphy 873-9370
Mark your calendar! The Hellenic Historical Society will be hosting the Historical Society Annual Conference May 2-4, 2008. It will be a great event including guests from
Churches from the around the country, and we will be unveiling our World Odyssey Exhibit at that time! We will want participation and support from all the Greek organizations and the St. John Church ministries. Please contact us for more information. As you know, the World Odyssey Exhibit will trace this community’s roots and arrival in Las Vegas. In order to have your stories included, please fill out the enclosed form and include your photos as well.
Nitsa Filios, President
Rodes, Anne Rodis, Dimitri and Jennifer Romeo, Vincent Rores, Rebecca Rumanes, Nicholas Savas, Christina Scanlan, David and Mariann Scott, Ann Serpentini, Athanasia Setian, Gary and Marie Siekerman, Sarah Sigalas, Connie Sinodinos, Kathy Skalkotos, Nikolas and Georgia Skandros, Georgia Skerbetz, Frank and Sophia Snowden, Robert and Niki Sotira, Dhimitra Sotira, George Spanopoulos, Elias Sparangis, Spyro and Helen Sparkuhl, Alex Spotti, Peter and Alexandra Spourdos, George Stadkevich, Yura Stamis, Angelo and Susan Stamis, George and Effie Stanford Michael and Wood, Victoria Stavropoulos, Bessie Stavropoulos, Terry and Niki Stephanos, Stanley and Aspasia Stefanatos, Michael and Tami Stefanatos-Hetzel, Dr. Joanne Stinis, Pam Stika, Arthur and Melinda Stock, Lincoln and Helen Struzas, Maria Stubberud, Peter and Laura Szukiewicz, Joe Szukiewicz, Joseph and Jennia Tafoya, Steven and Irene Takas, Andrea Taxiarchos, Andrew and Alexandra Taxopoulos, Bryan Taylor Frederick and Katherine Teed, Charles Thebeau, Matt and Christina Theodoredis, Nicholas and Chrysanthy Thomas, Angie Thompson, Maggy Tindall, Randy and Panagiota Toutoulis, James and Anaid Triffon, Cathy Tsolis, Christos and Pangioula Tsolis, Kosta Tsouras, Christopher and Diana Tsouras, George Tsouras, Helen Tsouras, Peter Turman, Maria
Vassiliadis, Athena Vasos, Maria Vergos, Charles and Eve Vervilos, James and Anna Vinieratos, Arestotalis and Spiridoula Vogiatzis, Chrisa Vosdoganis, Nicholas and Janeen Walford, Robert Wallace, Angela Walter, Vernon and Alice Walters, Lane and Mary Waterman, Tony and Angela Waters, Gary and Susan Weisman, Phil and Diane White, William Wiedemann, John and Denise Wilkerson, Chuck and Kristina
Willey, Anthony Wilson, Clyde Wilson, Kelly Wilson, Robert and Lori Wilson, Steven and Cleopatra Womack, Karl Womack, Kimberly Wronski, Chuck Xikis, Gregory Xikis, Victoria Zachariou, Sozos and Aspasia Zaferatos, Ted and Jackie Zafiropoulos, John Zarkos, Nick and Dina Zarras, Nick and Chery Zimmerman, Paul and Angela Zoumboulis, James and Tina
Treasurer’s Report
Hello from your Parish Council Treasurer. Our financial report from January 1 through May 2, 2007 is as follows:
Gross Income: $344,690.03 Total Expenses: $367,277.41 Total Net Income: $-22,587.38 As you can see we are in the negative, but that doesn’t mean
we have to be negative. Let’s be positive; life is too short to be negative. In Christ, John Nicholas, Parish Council Treasurer
19
The Desert Messenger
1 2
3 8:45 a
m Or
thros
10
:00 am
Divi
ne Li
turgy
Re
turn
Gre
ek C
ostu
mes
4 Apos
tles F
ast B
egin
s;
Ends
on
June
29
6:00 p
m Gr
eek F
olk
Danc
e Boa
rd M
eetin
g
5 6:00 p
m Yo
uth
Minis
tries M
eetin
g
6
7:00 p
m Ad
ult S
tudy
7 6:45 p
m Gr
ief S
hare
8
9
10
8:45 a
m Or
thros
10
:00 am
Divi
ne Li
turgy
Yo
uth C
hoir C
hants
3:
00 p
m F
olk D
ance
Swi
m
Party
at B
ocha
nis’ H
ome
11
1st D
ay o
f VBS
! 12
13
7:00 p
m Ad
ult S
tudy
14
6:45 p
m Gr
ief S
hare
15
16
10
:00 am
Cos
tume
Inven
tory
17 Fa
ther
’s Da
y 8:4
5 am
Orthr
os
10:00
am D
ivine
Litur
gy
6:00
pm
Orth
odox
Co
nnec
tion a
t Yian
ni Fr
anga
kis’ H
ome
18
6:30 p
m Pa
rish C
ounc
il 19
11
:30 am
Sen
ior
Fore
runn
ers L
unch
eon
in Ko
kkos
Hall
20
7:00 p
m Ad
ult S
tudy
21
9:00 a
m Ho
pe an
d Joy
at
Gilcr
ease
Orch
ard
6:45 p
m Gr
ief S
hare
22
23
24
8:45 a
m O
rthro
s 10
:00 am
Divi
ne Li
turgy
25
26
27
7:0
0 pm
Adult
Stud
y 28
6:4
5 pm
Grief
Sha
re
29 Ho
ly Ap
ostle
s Pe
ter a
nd P
aul
8:00 a
m O
rthro
s 9:0
0 am
Divi
ne Li
turgy
30 Sy
naxis
of t
he 12
Ap
ostle
s 8:0
0 am
Orth
ros
9:00 a
m D
ivine
Litur
gy
Last
Day
to R
egist
er
for G
reek
Fol
k Dan
ce
Satu
rday
Fr
iday
Th
ursd
ay
Wed
nesd
ay
Tues
day
Mon
day
Sund
ay
JUN
E 2
007
- IN
TH
E Y
EA
R O
F T
HE
LO
RD
VA
CA
TIO
N B
IBLE
SC
HO
OL
9:30
am
- 12
:30
pm
The Desert Messenger St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 5300 South El Camino Road Las Vegas, Nevada 89118-1922
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
POSTMASTER : DATED MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Las Vegas, NV Permit No. 98
The Way of the Lord
“’Honor your father and mother’ (Exodus 20:12) . . . After God you should honor them and love them,
provided that your love for them strengthens your love for God . . . If it is thus with natural fathers, how much more should you honor and love those
who are your spiritual fathers. For they have brought you from a state of mere existence to a state of virtue and spiritual health; they have transmitted to you the illumination of knowledge, have taught you the revelation of the truth,
have given you rebirth through the water of regeneration and have instilled in you the hope of resurrection and immortality, and of the eternal kingdom and inheritance. In this way they have converted you from being unworthy to
being worthy of eternal blessings, have transformed you from an earthly into a heavenly being, and have made you eternal instead of temporal,
a son and disciple not of a man, but of the God-man Jesus Christ . . .” ~ St. Gregory Palamas, A New Testament Decalogue, The Philokalia, Vol. 4
The Desert Messenger
