The Dormition of the Mother of God August 15

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ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495

Volume 19 - Number 8 August 2015

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis

(636) 527-7843

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas

(314)909-6999

Office (314)361-6924

Fax (314)361-3539

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sngoc.org

ST. NICHOLAS

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER 12550 SOUTH 40 DRIVE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63141

The Dormition of the Mother of God August 15th

In the beautiful hymns of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, we sing and hear of the miraculous event of the Apostles being gathered for her repose. In the Orthos, we chant the Exapostilarion: “O you Apostles, assembled here in Gethsemane from the ends of the earth, offer a funeral to my body, and You, O my Son and God, receive my spirit.” When we reflect on this extraordinary experience of the Apostles of our Lord, we can see how this blessed Feast and the witness of the Theotokos inspire us in our sacred work of sharing the Gospel. The commemoration of the Dormition and the event of the gathering of the Apostles affirms that they had obeyed the commands of Christ to go and preach the Gospel, teach all nations, and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). At the time of the repose of the Theotokos, the Apostles were engaged faithfully and fervently in the work of ministry. However, when they were called by Christ to return in honor of the life, the witness, and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, they it wholeheartedly. Certainly, the Apostles had each been chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit to the ends of the earth (John 15:16). Now they were gathered to honor the one who had been chosen above all others to bear the Son of God. During her final earthly days, the Apostles were in the presence of the one who had born the True Vine, the source of great spiritual fruit in her own life of service and in the lives of all who have come to Christ in faith. Because of her commitment to God’s will, her faithfulness to our Lord, and her lifetime of witness of His power and grace, the Theotokos in her Dormition became a center of celebration and power. It is in this spirit that the Apostles returned to the work they were called to do. The witness of the Virgin Mary, a witness of Christ, filled their hearts with joy. They Rejoiced in the miraculous events of her repose, and they were emboldened even more by the manifestation of grace and holiness. They had once again seen and heard the power of the Gospel, and they could only go forth and be witnesses of the great and mighty acts of God, seeking to bear spiritual fruit in the lives of others (Acts 4:20). As we commemorate the Feast of the Dormition, we do so in honor of Theotokos and her witness. We also gather to celebrate her life and repose as a superb example of being chosen and appointed by God to go and bear fruit. We do not weep, but we sing praises to God for the witness of His power and grace in her life. We do not mourn, for we are strengthened in our commitment, we are assured in our message of truth and life, and we are empowered to go out and share the Gospel so that we can see great spiritual fruit produced in the lives of our fellow human beings. On this sacred and blessed Feast, may you find the strength and the assurance which emanate from the life and witness of the Theotokos, and may you be renewed and inspired for the great and mighty things our Lord will accomplish in your life and through your life.

-Archbishop Demetrios of America

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St. Nicholas Servants 2014 Parish Council

Dr. Andrew Galatakos, President 314-922-4457 Steve Ott, Vice-President 636-230-8066 Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer 314-481-6879 Sakis Salas, Assistant Treasurer 636-379-2109 Mary Ann Mastorakos, Secretary 636-458-8577 Nicky Antoniou 314-878-7720 Yemane Habtu 636-532-4665 Jonathan Hartley 618-520-9569 Marilynn Jemas 636-532-3484 Alexandra Kavourinos 314-862-2866 Robert Meyer 314-494-5794 Pete Papadopoulos 314-721-6599 Fifi Scarato 314-471-7781 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700 Thomas Whaley 314-575-7438

Audit Committee Roxana Couternais 314-752-0252 Peter Lemakis 314-965-6137 Joe Palazzola 314-313-5986 Janet Papageorge 314-878-3513 Mark Vleisides 314-576-2898

Stewardship Committee Fr. Douglas Papulis 314-361-6924 Fr. Michael Arbanas, Chairperson 314-425-9641 Teddy Hart 314-997-4826 Michael Ferretti 636-458-8577 John Koch 636-922-7732 Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222 Steve Ott 636-230-8066 Michael Pappas 636-207-7789 Michael Tsichlis 314-849-2309 Demetrios Tsikalas 314-481-6879 Chris Varvares 314-374-3674

Cemetery Committee Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 William Karides 636-281-0727 Irene Schildroth 314-845-2434

Election Committee Michael Angelides 314-726-4019 Roxana Couteranis 314-752-0252 Helen Leara 314-849-3707 Dean Millonas 314-440-6724 Tina Paradowski 314-781-0781

Library Committee James Anno 405-762-0529 Paul Efthim 314-892-9832 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Dino Pappas 314-701-8118

Physical Facilities Church Paul Efthim, Chairman 314-892-9832 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Dino Pappas 314-701-8118

Leo Pashos Physical Facilities Family Life Center

Mike Kamburis 636-227-3649 Robert Meyer 314-645-2174 Sam Mezines 314-878-8144 Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011

Planned Giving John Koch, Chairman 636-922-7732 George J. Bude 314-579-9151 Voula Francis 314-822-1176 Sakis Salas 636-379-2109 Dan Tarlas 314-968-5010 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700

Scholarship Committee Barbara Corrigan 314-576-1576 Denise Karras 314-368-4205 Peter Takes 314-862-2866

Philoptochos Georgia Ferretti, President 636-458-8577

St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 x330

Church School Co-Director Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 Despina Hartley 618-447-6548

Handmaidens Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359

Dance Troupe –Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 GOYA –Helen Carey 636-458-5173

-Mark & Renee Vleisides 314-576-2898

JR. GOYA –Mimi Davis 636-532-4470

-Debbie Palazzola 636-458-2133

HOPE –Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS -Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2015

Announcements

Please submit all articles by the 10th of month

Email: [email protected]

In this issue of the monthly newsletter:

Parish President message and Planned Giving

Flyers/info on Festival donations and volunteering, preparation schedule

Flyers on Rental and Catering for the Family Life Center

Youth events: Sunday School 2015-16

Registration form

K thru C

New clothes, supplies for school, new teachers and moving out to a higher school for knowledge—but is God with you? A bible is a must in your move from home, with daily prayers before school and at night—not just think of God when you have an exam or help in homework. God is with you 24/7, remember that, not just when you think of him once in awhile!

-Roxana Couternais

Sleeping Mat Project

Thank you for your help with the Sleeping Mat project. We have received a lot of bags and no longer need plastic bags at this time.

Thank You to all Dianne Zotos

St. Nicholas Book Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will gather on Monday, August 10 to discuss A Death in the Family by James Agee. This novel, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, traces the family dynamics of a Knoxville, Tennessee family after the accidental death of one of the members.

We’ll meet at 7pm at the Family Life Center; everyone is welcome!

PLEASE JOIN US!!!

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ELECTION COMMITTEE Thank you MICHAEL ANGELIDES & DEAN MILLONAS for volunteering to join the ELECTION COMMITTEE with Roxana Couteranis, Helen Leara, Tina Paradowski … all of whom have been ratified by the Church Board. FALL FESTIVAL (UPDATE) Recently, both the City and Barnes-Jewish Hospital approved the closing of Forest Park Ave for our 2015 LABOR DAY GREEK FESTIVAL (Friday 5 thru Monday 7 Sept). Even up to the “last minute”, please consider volunteering and participating in this great event … by contacting the Festival Volunteer Coordinators CHRISTINA GINOS @ 314.504.6988 and SANDRA KAMBURIS @ 314.952.9958 CHURCH PRISON MINISTRY In a follow-up to the May Newsletter article, fellow parishioner, CLARK PORTER (head our CHURCH PRISON MINISTRY), took a group trip of young kids to the federal prison in Leavenworth KA for incarcerated prisoners to meet with their family, especially young boys with their fathers … that was made possible by the generosity & help of our Parish contributions. He states that such programs help cut the recidivism (going back to a previous criminal behavior) rate roughly in half. BRAVO Clark!!! CHURCH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Even with all of the Church activities and events taking place, please consider participating in and recruiting individuals to play in and to help sponsor the 13th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC on Monday Noon 28 Sept @ the Forest Park Probstein Golf Course. Details are in the weekly Sunday Bulletin NEON FLYERS and in this NEWSLETTER. NEW STREET METERS The City removed the coin meters in front of the Church & adjacent BJH East Lot and replaced them with numbered cards atop the poles. Also in front of the BJH Lot is a COLLECTION METER in which the 4 #s shown in the pole space where you parked are entered and payment made with either cash or credit card. CHURCH BOARD & STANDING COMMITTEES It is not too early to give serious thought to running this fall for the Church Board and any of its 6 Standing Committees. The Parish is in need of “fresh faces” who would bring innovative new ideas and recommendations for its growth and development. More detailed information will be forthcoming.

Eφορευτική Eπιτροπή Ευχαριστούμε MICHAEL ANGELIDES & DEAN MILLONAS για τον εθελοντισμό να ενταχθεί στην Εφορευτική Επιτροπή με Roxana Couteranis, Ελένη Leara, Τίνα Paradowski ... όλοι τους

έχουν κυρωθεί από την Εκκλησία του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου.

FALL ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ (UPDATE) Πρόσφατα, τόσο ο Δήμος και η Barnes-εβραϊκές Νοσοκομείο ενέκρινε το κλείσιμο του Forest Park Ave για μας το 2015 Ημέρα της Εργασίας ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ (Παρασκευή 5 μέσω της Δευτέρας 7ης Σεπτέμβρη). Ακόμα και μέχρι το «τελευταίας στιγμής», παρακαλούμε να εξετάσει τον εθελοντισμό και συμμετέχει σε αυτό το μεγάλο γεγονός ... επικοινωνώντας με το Φεστιβάλ συντονιστές εθελοντών ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ Ginos @ 314 504.6988 και η Σάντρα KAMBURIS @ 314.952.9958

ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΦΥΛΑΚΗ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ Σε ένα follow-με το άρθρο Μαΐου Ενημερωτικό Δελτίο, τους συναδέλφους ενορίτης, CLARK PORTER (ιεράρχης της εκκλησίας μας ΦΥΛΑΚΗ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ), πήρε ένα ταξίδι ομάδα νέων παιδιών στην ομοσπονδιακή φυλακή στο Λίβενγουορθ ΚΑ για έγκλειστος κρατούμενους να συναντηθεί με την οικογένειά τους, κυρίως νεαρά αγόρια με τους πατέρες ... ότι κατέστη δυνατή με τη γενναιοδωρία και τη βοήθεια των εισφορών Ενορίας μας. Δηλώνει ότι τα προγράμματα αυτά συμβάλλουν στη μείωση της υποτροπής (πηγαίνει πίσω σε μια προηγούμενη εγκληματική συμπεριφορά) ποσοστό περίπου στο μισό. BRAVO Clark !!!

ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΕΤΗΣΙΑ Kλασικός Yκολφ Ακόμη και με όλες τις δραστηριότητές της Εκκλησίας και τα γεγονότα που λαμβάνουν χώρα, παρακαλούμε να λάβετε υπόψη η συμμετοχή και την πρόσληψη άτομα να παίξετε και να βοηθήσει χορηγός το 13ο ΕΤΗΣΙΟ Kλασικός γκολφ για το μεσημέρι της Δευτέρας 28 Σεπ @ το Δασικό Πάρκο Probstein Golf Course. Οι λεπτομέρειες είναι στα εβδομαδιαία Κυριακή Δελτίο NEON φυλλάδια και σε αυτό το ενημερωτικό δελτίο.

NEW STREET ΜΕΤΡΑ Η Πόλη αφαιρεθεί τα μέτρα κέρμα μπροστά από την εκκλησία και δίπλα BJH Ανατολή Λωτ και τους αντικατέστησε με αριθμημένες κάρτες κορυφή νέους πόλους. Επίσης, μπροστά από το BJH Lot είναι ένας μετρητής συλλογή της οποίας οι 4 #s φαίνεται στο πόλο χώρο, όπου μπορείτε σταθμευμένα εισήλθε και η πληρωμή γίνεται είτε με μετρητά είτε με πιστωτική κάρτα.

ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ & ΜΟΝΙΜΩΝ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΩΝ Δεν είναι πολύ νωρίς για να σκεφτεί σοβαρά να τρέχει αυτό το φθινόπωρο για την Εκκλησία Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου και κάθε 6 μόνιμων επιτροπών της. Η Ενορία έχει ανάγκη από «νέα πρόσωπα» που θα φέρει νέες καινοτόμες ιδέες και προτάσεις για την ανάπτυξη και την ανάπτυξή του. Περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες θα είναι επικείμενη.

PRESIDENT’S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD PHONE: 314.922.4457

[email protected]

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DID YOU KNOW - Το Ήξερες by John R. Koch

DID YOU KNOW… that WHOLE or PERMANENT LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES that are purchased for children at a very early age (form of savings for children’s future college expenses) or by young married couples (spousal survivor benefit), tend to grow in cash value unnoticed over the years. Premiums are paid monthly and are often forgotten until later in life when you realize that a significant cash value has been built up inside such policies. In later years, the needs for such permanent life insurance are long gone, no longer necessary. If you have any such permanent life insurance policies

with cash value that served their original purposes

(protection), they are excellent gifts to St. Nicholas Greek

Orthodox Church. There may be tax benefits to simply

give the cash value to the church, or transfer the policy to

the church. Please keep our beloved church in your

plans for gifting, to help honor the memory of a loved one

that you believe would want to see our St. Nicholas

Greek Orthodox Church continue its loving work well into

the future.

Γνωρίζατε Oτι ... ότι το σύνολο ή μόνιμη ασφαλιστήρια συμβόλαια ζωής που έχουν αγοραστεί για τα παιδιά σε πολύ νεαρή ηλικία (μορφή εξοικονόμηση πόρων για τις μελλοντικές δαπάνες κολλεγίων παιδιών) ή από νιόπαντρα ζευγάρια (συζυγική παροχή επιζώντων), έχουν την τάση να αυξάνεται σε αξία σε μετρητά απαρατήρητη πάνω τα χρόνια. Τα ασφάλιστρα που καταβάλλονται σε μηνιαία βάση και συχνά ξεχαστεί μέχρι αργότερα στη ζωή τους, όταν θα συνειδητοποιήσουμε ότι μια σημαντική αξία σε μετρητά έχει δημιουργηθεί στο εσωτερικό αυτών των πολιτικών. Στα νεότερα χρόνια, οι ανάγκες για μόνιμη ασφάλεια ζωής έχουν περάσει προ πολλού, δεν είναι πλέον απαραίτητη. Αν έχετε οποιαδήποτε τέτοια μόνιμη ασφαλιστήρια

συμβόλαια ζωής με αξία μετρητών που εξυπηρετούνται

αρχικούς σκοπούς (προστασία) τους, είναι εξαιρετικά

δώρα στον Άγιο Νικόλαο Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία.

Μπορεί να υπάρχουν φορολογικά οφέλη για να δώσει

απλά την αξία σε μετρητά στην εκκλησία, ή να μεταφέρετε

την πολιτική στην εκκλησία. Παρακαλώ κρατήστε την

αγαπημένη εκκλησία μας στα σχέδιά σας για τις δωρεές,

για να σας βοηθήσει να τιμήσει τη μνήμη ενός αγαπημένου

προσώπου που πιστεύετε ότι θα ήθελαν να δουν Αγίου

Νικολάου μας Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία να συνεχίσει

το έργο της αγάπης και στο μέλλον.

PLANNED GIVING - Committee Article Series #3:

DID YOU KNOW? [Γνωρίζατε ότι?] John Koch,(Chair) Voula Francis, Sakis Salas, George Bude, Peter Vaccaro, and Dan Tarlas

HERITAGE GREECE 2015 An unforgettable opportunity to explore your Greek heritage

On June 11 through 28, fifty-one college students from the USA were privileged to go through a cultural immersion experience in Greece. They came from all four corners of America and their common bond is that they had Greek ancestors. Some were more versed in their Greek roots, while others were discovering for the first time treasures they did not know existed.

Heritage Greece is sponsored by the National Hellenic Society and organized by the American College of Greece (DEERE). This program, which can earn students college credit, introduces participants to their Hellenic roots by offering language classes, cultural activities, outings to archaeological sites, field trips to various areas, and even dinner with a Greek family to experience the true meaning of φιλοξενια.

This year’s students visited the Benaki Museum, the Goulandri Natural History Museum, as well as the Acropolis Museum; went to Marathon, Sounio and Nafplio; travelled by train to Thessaloniki and were at the St. Demetrios Cathedral for Liturgy; did some shopping at a λαικη (street produce market) and at Monastiraki; had lots of Greek food specialties; and some were even able to see their relatives there during their free time.

From our area, Christina Hartley applied and was selected to join Heritage Greece. The participants were joined by other peer students in Athens to help them with this cultural journey. They all bonded over the two week course and were very emotional with

leaving each other and the land of their ancestors which opened its arms to embrace them. Heritage Greece is a yearly program. Trips are during the month of

June and applications must be submitted before the March deadline.

For more information, visit the National Hellenic Society website.

Figure 1 Christina Hartley with other IL students at the Acropolis

Figure 2 Heritage Greece 2015 at Halkidiki Photos from www.kathimerini.org Greek newspaper

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DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE August 2015

On the Bible:

The Bible is not a book, but life; because its words are spiritual life (Jn 6:63). Therefore its words can be comprehended if we study them with the spirit of its spirit, and with the life of its life. It is a book that must be read with life, by putting it into practice. One should first live it, and then understand it. Everyday read at least from the Old and the New Testament; but side by side with this, put a virtue from each into practice. Practice it until it becomes a habit to you. Let us say, for instance, that the first virtue is forgiveness. Let this be your daily obligation. And along with it pray to the Lord: O gentle Lord, grant me love towards those who insult me! And when you have made this virtue into a habit, each of the virtues after it will be easier for you. The main thing is to read the Bible as much as possible. What the mind does not understand, the heart will feel; and if neither the mind understands nor the heart feels, read it over again, because by reading it you are sowing God’s words in your soul. And there they will not perish, but will gradually and imperceptibly pass into the nature of your soul.

-St. Justin Popovich

* 1 S Heb 11:33-40;1-2 Mt 10:16-22

Sun 2 Acts 6:8-15;7:1-5,47-60

Mt 14:22-34

3 M 1 Cor 15:12-19 Mt 21:18-22

4 T 1 Cor 15:29-38 Mt 21:23-27

5 W 1 Pet 1:1-25;2:1-10 Mt 21:28-32

6 T 2 Pet 1:10-19 Mt 17:1-9

7 F 2 Cor 1:12-20 Mk 9:2-9

8 S Rom 15:30-33 Mt 17:24-27;18:1-4

Sun 9 Acts 1;12-17,21-26 Mt 17:14-23

10 M 2 Cor 2:3-15 Mt 23:13-22

11 T 2 Cor 2:14-17;3:1-3 Mt 23:23-28

12 W 2 Cor 3:4-11 Mt 23:29-39

13 T 2 Cor 4:1-12 Mt 24:13-28

14 F 2 Cor 4:13-18 Mt 24:27-33,42-51

** 15 S Phil 2:5-11 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28

Sun 16 1 Tim 3:13-16;4:1-5 Mt 18:23-35

17 M 2 Cor 5:10-15 Mk 1:9-15

18 T 2 Cor 2:14-17;3:1-3 Mk 1:16-22

19 W 2 Cor 6:11-16 Mk 1:23-28

20 T 2 Cor 7:1-10 Mk 1:29-35

21 F 2 Cor 7:10-16 Mk 3:13-21

22 S 1 Cor 1:26-31;2:1-5 Mt 20:29-34

Sun 23 Phil 2:5-11 Mt 19:16-26

24 M 2 Cor 8:7-15 Mk 3:6-12

25 T Titus 1:1-5;2:15;3:1-15 Mt 5:14-19

26 W Heb 6:9-12 Mk 3:20-27

27 T 2 Cor 10:7-18 Mk 3:28-35

28 F 2 Cor 11:5-21 Mk 4:1-9

29 S Acts 13:25-33 Mk 6:14-30

Sun 30 1 Cor 16:13-24 Mt 21:33-42

31 M Heb 9:1-7 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28

*Fast Begins **Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

A Role Model for Christians

When we turn on the television, celebrities are making an impact on our lives. Many people in general want to live their life like them and dwell within the riches that they hold. But what if we can find this same richness among the one of our own? During this month of August we have an opportunity to admire a Christian celebrity; the Virgin Mary. Are we willing to dwell within the richness that she possesses? Hopefully my brothers and sisters as we prepare for the blessed feast of the Dormition may we look to her as a true role model for Christians to admire her and to live similar lives.

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Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner:

GREETINGS FROM MONGOLIA by Chris Moore

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ in the Greater St. Louis area! Greetings in the Lord! Did you know we get Summer Snow in Ulaanbaatar? There are cottonwood trees releasing seeds everywhere right now. It’s quite a sight!

Our News: After finishing a busy semester, we have a lot more flex time and hope to spend the summer boosting our language study and developing relationships. We'd like to get together with many different people from our church and with Mongolian families and singles that we've made acquaintance with in different settings. And now that it's warmer, we'd like to get Andrew out to play at the playground just outside of our apartment in hopes to get to know some of our neighbors. Please pray that we can take good advantage of this extra time for God's glory. Also, Fr. Martin Ritsi, OCMC's Executive Director, will be visiting in mid-July! We're excited for the chance to share our lives and work with him and think about the future.

We're also making a change in our work plans for this fall. Jen is going to continue teaching and will have 2 classes at the college level and one class with high school students. Chris is going to switch to a spouse visa and not teach at MIU. Our communications, family time, and mission hopes/plans were put on hold a lot this past semester, and we feel we need to cut back a bit on the teaching workload through MIU. In addition to being able to focus on mission plans within the church, Chris will also be able to invest more in the connections he’s making in the music world.

Finally, we have a big life change coming up this winter. We rejoice to report that Baby Two is on the way with a due date of January 11! We’ll be back in the States this coming winter for the birth then plan to return to Mongolia mid-spring. While we’re in the States, though busy with all the adjustments of the new baby, we also hope to touch base with many of you and your parishes.

Music Opportunities: Chris continues to have opportunities to teach music and play his sax. He has started teaching beginning saxophone lessons to a medical doctor, and also will start teaching some other students this summer. He occasionally plays at the UB Jazz Club, recorded some tracks for an Inner Mongolian composer's music, has been playing weekly on the top floor of the Best Western hotel downtown, and just last Saturday played experimental free improvisational music with a Korean composer and pianist and a

German bassist in a concert put on by MIU. He's really thankful for the opportunities to connect with local musicians.

Home Group: Thank you so much for your continued prayers regarding our home group. We are small some weeks (One recent meeting only had two attend) and more numerous on other weeks (as many as 7 not including our family). We pray that God calls and brings those who can be encouraged. We sense the need for a regular translator fluent in English, Mongolian, and Russian, to deepen our conversation topics. Please join us in prayer for God to bring the right person to the group for this role.

What do we do in these meetings? The format that we’ve established for the group seems so far to be working well. People start coming usually between 5:30 and 6:15. We have time to find out how people are doing and what’s new in their lives. By 6:30 we try to start dinner, sometimes with a conversational question to get everyone involved (What do you like best about summer? If you were an animal, what would you be? What childhood place is your favorite memory?), followed by trilingual evening prayers and an opportunity to share prayer requests for intercessory prayers. Then there’s time for discussion. We have a catechism by St. Nikolai Velimirovich translated and published in Mongolian, though some of our more animated discussion has been generated by asking, “What questions do you have?” We’ve had a wonderful discussion spring from within the group: “What is Pentecost?” “What are the seraphim?” and “What does eternal life mean?” Usually the group ends with a request for a game of Uno or Spoons, which has been a great way to end on a fun note together as a group. While the format seems to be working well right now, we pray we’ll be open to adapt to the needs of the group as we go.

We remember our times in St. Louis fondly and are so glad for your continued interest, prayers, and support! You are a team with us enabling us to serve here!

Thank you! -Chris, Jen, Andrew, & Baby 2

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CHURCH FUND In Memory of Theodore & Margo Anastas

Mr. & Mrs. Trifon Abatgis Chris Abatgis

Achilles & Dorothea Karakas In Memory of Paraskevi “Voula” Stratos

John & Niki Ferris & Family In Memory of Xanthula Tripolitis

John & Niki Ferris Vasiliki Stratos

In Memory of Eugenia “Jeanne” Cosmas Peggy Pierroutsakos & Family

Argyrios & Evangelia Theodorou Nick Stratos

Kalliopi Maleka Katherine Ellis

Sylvia & Stewart Massad Vasiliki Stratos

Nick & Nicky Theodorou Maria Xenos

Mr.& Mrs. Dino Giarmenitis Tim & Jeanne Pappas

Tom & Helen Karagiannis The Psara Family Alex Karagiannis

SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Eugenia “Jeanne” Cosmas

Peggy Christakis Kathy & Aaron Hinni

MEMORIAL DONATIONS June 10th thru July 10th

FUNERALS

“Where the Righteous Rest”

June 30th Annette Cocos

Parish Life

Emergency Health Kits For IOCC

On June 28, 2015 our wonderful Jr. Goyans assembled 100 Emergency Health Kits to help IOCC send help to earthquake victims in Nepal as well as Africa and the Middle East where people are living in desperate situations. Father Arbanas talked to the Jr. Goyans about the importance of doing service projects for those less fortunate than ourselves. Older students shared their service project experience on their recent mission trip to New Orleans. We are very proud of our young people who are sharing their many talents and gifts with others. We would like to thank Philoptochos and the many individuals who contributed to the project. A special thanks to Kathy Forsting, Father and Presvytera Arbanas, and John Angelides for helping.

IOCC News (International Orthrodox Christian Charities)

SAVE THE DATE

The annual IOCC banquet will be held this year at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Sunday, November I, 2015 Vespers at 5:00 Banquet at 6:00

This is our only major fundraiser to do the

Great work of IOCC

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Sunday School Dear Parents,

Summer vacation is coming to an end. Hopefully, your summer has been a restful reprieve from

the hectic routine of what is often a rigorous school year. Although part of me is sad to see summer

slip away, another part of me happily awaits the comfortable rhythm and routine the school year

brings: regular bed times, Scouts, activities, study and reading time. I also look forward to

experiencing and sharing many of my favorite fall actives with family and friends. And the return of

Sunday school and regular church attendance is always comforting. Summer activities and vacation

often disrupts regular attendance and it feels good to get back and nourish our spirits as well as see

familiar friends.

This year, Sunday School will begin on September 20th and the registration form is enclosed in

this newsletter. Please take the time to fill it out and return to us (you can mail it or bring it to us). We

hope you will make a commitment to volunteer a few hours. So often, it’s the same people

volunteering. This usually not because they have more time; on the contrary, they are usually very

busy people. Please try to make a commitment to helping our Sunday School by circling one or

more of the volunteer opportunities on the registration form. In addition, please remember that all of

the Sunday School staff—teachers and directors are volunteers. No one is paid for the countless

hours spent on preparation, lesson planning and teaching as well as regular attendance of staff

meetings and training. So the least we can do as parents is to provide support. Also, the cost of

Sunday school is $10 per child. If you have the means, please consider increasing your registration

fee by $5 or $10 to help offset Sunday School costs. We also understand that some families may

have difficulties paying the registration fee and do not want cost to prevent any family from

participating in Sunday School so just contact us if you’re unable to pay the fee.

In the next month’s newsletter, an outline of the Sunday School year, activities, and some special

events will be provided. In His Service,

Bess Fitzmaurice and Despina Hartley

Co-Sunday School Director

Ahepa 53 Scholarship Congratulations to our area Ahepa 2015 Scholarship Recipients! The awards were given out on June 14th, at the Ahepa 53 apartments. The St. Louis Ahepa chapters have given out over 200 Scholarships since 1950k, and we are proud to continue that tradition with the 7 scholarships just awarded.. In addition Odessa Magafas, one of last year’s winners, received an additional scholarship at the district level. Our guest speaker this year was Sophia Pierroutsakos who gave an excellent speech on the importance of having the right tool kit for life’s journey. The scholarships were presented by Basil Pappas to: Zachery Elias LaPasso Dean Schreiber Maria Tsiaklides Angela Lemakis Demi O Tellios Lydia Tsikalas Michael G. Murphy Ceremonies were emceed by Chapter President, Scott Thompson; Scholarships presented by Basil Pappas; Invocation and closing ceremony Fr. Michael Arbanas; and Boudoures Catering provided the dinner. Applications for both Chapter and District level scholarships can generally be picked up in February from the church offices, or online.

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ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2015-2016

Parents:

Address: City: Zip:

Telephone: Email (mandatory):

Cell:

Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2015, to enter the 3 year old class. Church school follows the age limits of St. Louis School Districts. Use the back of the form for more than 4 children.

Child: Baptismal Name:

Grade - Fall 2015: DOB:





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. This is a great way for parents to make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hardworking Sunday School Staff! Please circle below:

September: Ice Cream Social (planning, set up, serve, clean up)

November: Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive (organize & manage), Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase

and set up)

December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags (assembly and distributions), Christmas Pageant

January: “Souper Bowl” Canned Food Drive (organize and manage), Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase

and set up snacks and beverages), Oratorical Festival (help organize and manage)

March: Teacher Meeting Refreshments (purchase and set up)

May: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, End of Year Picnic

Other Areas:

Help with cleaning and organizing (decorations, prizes, supplies)

Substitute/Assistant Teacher

Decorating Committee: Help decorate halls and bulletin boards and maintain decorating materials

Registration will run from May - August. Registration fees are $10/child until August 31st. Late registrations will be

$20/child. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church and note Sunday School Registration. Drop them by the Church

School Office or send them in to:

St. Nicholas Church 4967 Forest Park Blvd St. Louis, MO 63108

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When the Church offers us relics for veneration, it is telling us that a sliver of bone or a square of cloth associated with a holy person can be filled with the power of God. This invites us to explore the wild and dizzying heights of our human calling in Christ. And it shows that as we ascend to these heights, we take the entire material creation with us.

The True Nature of Holiness When we think of our relationship with the saints, we often think of them as examples, heroes, and models for

our lives. This is not untrue, nor is it trivial. But it does not capture the essence of sanctity or fully explain its importance to us. After all, many people of other religions or none provide us with truly inspiring and humbling examples. They may embody the whole range of human virtues, including sacrificial love. To recognize someone as holy is to affirm something more than their fine character and deeds, or even their depth of faith and prayer: it is to recognize that here is a human being become transparent to God. We might not always be very aware of this when we read or hear a saint’s life. When we stand before his or her relics, however, we are confronted with this reality in the most immediate way. Here we see nothing of the saint’s life. When we stand before his or her relics, however, we are confronted with this reality in the most immediate way. Here we see nothing of the saint’s deeds or words or teachings. We see only a mortal creature like us, of flesh and blood and bone: and this ‘earthen vessel’ has become a vessel of the Holy Spirit. Sanctity has no other meaning; relics have no other rationale. ‘The saints during their earthly lives were filled with the Holy Spirit,’ writes St. John of Damascus; ‘and when they fulfill their course, the grace of the Holy Spirit does not depart from their souls or their bodies in the tombs…’

The essence of our relationship with a person of holiness whether living or departed, is that we are not relating simply to an individual, however impressive. We relate through them to the God who fills them, who lives in them. Through the totality of their life and death, but perhaps most starkly through their relics, the saints remind us what our calling to holiness means. Our vocation is not simply to become a ‘good person,’ but to become godlike.

Holiness and Material Creation The Holy Spirit penetrates not only our soul but our very bones – and, as holy relics often remind us, may extend

outwards even to our clothing or other properties. Trying to make sense of this takes us deep into the implications of our faith and practice, implications that affect the entire cosmos.

The obvious starting point for our exploration is the Transfiguration of Christ, when ‘His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light’ (Mt. 17:2). Here we have the same process of extension, first to the physical body, and them beyond the body to other physical things. The fact that this is possible at all teaches us something very profound about the nature of material creation.

So matter has the potentiality to be transformed, filled with God. But this potentiality is not something static; we do not need simply to become aware of it. Rather, we have the responsibility, as ‘hybrids’ of matter and spirit, to manifest this potentiality and bring it to fulfillment. For the transfiguration of Christ does not only reveal His divine ‘glory as of the only begotten of the Father; it equally reveals the glory of the resurrection, of which we are all to be heirs. And it is precisely this eschatological glory that the saints are manifesting by anticipation when they sanctify not only their own bodies but the material objects round them.

-Elizabeth Theokritoff

RELICS And the Transfiguration of the World

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Dear St. Nicholas Family & Friends:

Our Annual Labor Day Festival festivities are underway. We kicked off our baking on Monday, May 11th with Spanakopita – our #1 seller! This year we have new Team Leaders who are being mentored by Becky Tharenos. In order to make their day easier, we are asking you to partner up with family members and friends in providing lunch for our ladies and gentlemen on one of the following days.

There are a few remaining lunch slots left. Many thanks to the ladies and gentlemen who have already signed up!

May – Monday, May 11th – Spanakopita – Angie Sevastianos Monday, May 18th – Spanakopita – Kim Tarlas

June – Monday, June 1st – Tiropita – Gina Nakis Tuesday, June 9th – Finish Spanakopita – Sue Lampros Saturday, June 13th – Lamb Shanks – Joe & Deb Palazzola Monday, June 15th – Salad Dressing Cups – Stephanie Demos McPherron Tuesday, June 16th – Salad Dressing Bottles – Chris Anastas Monday, June 22nd – Galatoboureko – Katherine Ellis

July – Thursday, July 9th – Shish Kebobs – Andrea Tarlas Thursday, July 16th – Shish Kebobs – Helen Leara & Bess Millonas Thursday, July 23rd – Shish Kebobs – Elizabeth Anne Krekorian - Reithmann

Monday, July 27th – Koulouria – Anne & George Souris

August – Monday, August 3rd – Koulouria – Mary Muckler Monday, August 10th – Kourabiedes – Teddy Hart Monday, August 24th – Finikia – Voula Natsis & Bess Fitzmaurice Friday, August 28th – Finikia Monday, August 31st – Pastry Boxes – Fr. Michael & Pres. Caroline Arbanas

September – Tuesday, September 1st – Workers – Katherine & Anna Rutter Wednesday, September 2nd – Workers Thursday, September 3rd – Chickens/Workers – St. Nicholas Philoptochos Friday, September 4th – Salad Prep for Festival/Workers – Greek Festival Steering Committee

Lunch is served around noon buffet style. The count is approximately 20 – 30. We will provide the plates, flatware, napkins, soda, water and other cooking utensils. Lunches can be simple: salads, soups, sandwiches, pasta, casseroles, etc. Please choose one of the above dates and notify Christina Anastas 314.647.4636 – [email protected] or Becky Tharenos 314.576.7011 – [email protected].

Just knowing a delicious lunch is coming means so much! We hope to hear from you.

Thanks, Chris Anastas

Dear Parishioner,

As we move forward with plans for the 2015 St. Louis Labor Day Greek Festival, there is a new effort underway to increase the profitability of this year’s event.

As you know, in previous years, we attempted to raffle off a luxury automobile. Although each raffle was successful, we were never able to sell all of the available tickets.

This year, the Steering Committee decided to take a different approach. Instead of raffling a car, it was decided to sell 1000 tickets at $25.00 per ticket, and hold a drawing for the winning ticket on Monday, September 7, 2015. The winner will receive a cash prize $10,000.00, which will be subject to 28% Federal withholding tax.

To reach our goal, I’m asking 100 St. Nicholas parishioners to commit to selling 10 raffle tickets to their friends, family and associates; by August 31, 2015.

If you’re willing to help, please contact me, by phone, at 314-503-3873; or, by email at [email protected] and request the number of tickets you wish to sell or individually purchase. I will then send the tickets to you. Then, on or before August 31st, I want you to remit the ticket proceeds and return any unsold tickets to the church’s office, using the enclosed envelope.

Please send the proceeds from these sales by check. This can be any combination of your purchaser’s checks, or your personal check, if you were paid cash for the ticket(s).

Finally, I want to thank you for helping me sell the tickets and increase the profitability of this year’s Festival. Without your

support we will not reach our goal. . Best Regards,

Peter Vaccaro, Raffle Chairman Fr. Douglas Papulis, Parish Priest

SAMPLE TICKET

FRONT

BACK

REMINDER - Festival Raffle Ticket

mailto:[email protected]



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GREEK FESTIVAL GUEST CHECK REQUEST FORM

No. of Checks

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Please Print

With the understanding that I will be billed for each dinner check redeemed, please send the number of checks specified in my name to the individuals listed above.

Your Signature ____________________________________ Print your name clearly _________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________

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Special Opportunity for Parishioners Only

The MARKET DAY TEAM is available for

Showers Anniversary Baptism Birthday

Offering a full menu from which to choose,

using only the Freshest In-Season ingredients

No tax, gratuity or additional rental fee

Will provide set-up, serve, and clean-up

Cost per person based on menu selection

ATRIUM – minimum 50 Guests

PHILOPTOCHOS ROOM – minimum 30

Guests

Let us Prepare for your next party

Our rates are competitive We do all the work

So You can have all the Fun!

All proceeds benefit St. Nicholas

Becky Liringis 636-227-0165 Marilynn Jemas 636-532-3484 FiFi Scarato 314-471-7781

The MARKET DAY TEAM of St. Nicholas

is honored to offer Makaria Meals

Our warm custom of Faith, the Makaria meal, comforts the family

and commemorates the life of your loved one

The available areas for the Makaria are:

Philoptochos Room at St. Nicholas

Philoptochos Room at the Family

Life Center

Atrium at the Family Life Center

With Heartfelt Sympathy and Love in Christ

Becky Liringis 636-227-0165 Marilynn Jemas 636-532-3484

FiFi Scarato 314-471-7781

All proceeds will benefit the buildings of

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

MARKET DAY TEAM

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ST. LOUIS, MO

PERMIT NO. 1029

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Philoptochos Philanthropy

FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY

August Tuna

Macaroni and Cheese Beets Plums

Whole Wheat Crackers Powdered Milk (optional)

Hand Lotion (optional)

September Ravioli

Spinach Fruit Cocktail

Cornbread Mix Baby/Children’s Shampoo

Hand Sanitizer / Liquid Soap (optional)

Mary Mezines, Food Bag Chairperson

PHILANTHROPY REPORT August 2015

“Blessed is he who understands the poor and the needy” Psalm: 40:1

We wish to express our thanks to the community for their support in donating furniture, clothing appliances and kitchen items. You have helped people who have had great need for these items.

We are in need of a twin size bed and mattress and household items at this time. Please contact Johanna or Jeanne so we can make arrangements to pick up your items. When you have furniture to donate it is helpful to send an email giving us the list of items and how soon they need to be picked up.

If you are donating clothing, please mark the clothing TO Jeanne or Johanna’s attention and drop off at the Family Life Center UNTIL AFTER THE FESTIVAL. All space is needed for preparing for the festival. We are in need of gently used men’s & women’s clothing & continue to need children’s clothing from infant to teen age…. We are specifically looking for size 8 and 10 in boys clothing & shoes.

If you are donating small appliances, microwave ovens, kitchen utensils, etc. please if you can hold deliver-ing these items until after the Festival. Most of our Charities pick up from St. Nicholas….and we do not have help to transfer these items. Thank you for your cooperation.

Please continue to fill your food bags, our need for this ministry has grown and very much appreciated by our charity organizations. Please see the suggested menu next to our message.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176 or Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667. If you cannot reach us., please contact Kathy Ellis at church who will put you in touch with a Philoptochos mem-ber who will handle your donation. We are grateful f or your support. Thank you.

Documents

The Dormition of the Mother of God August 15