Time to Come Home - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church February Newsletter.pdfThe St. Nicholas Book Group will meet EMAILS If you have not been receiving the Church emails, please

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ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108

Volume 23- Number 2 February 2019

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis (314) 974-4613

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas (314) 425-9641

Church/FLC Office: (314) 361-6924 Church Fax: (314) 361-3539

Office Administrator: Gracie Livaditis Bookkeeper: Diane Winkler

Email: [email protected] Website: www.sngoc.org

ST. NICHOLAS

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

ST. NICHOLAS FAMILY LIFE CENTER 12550 S. FORTY DRIVE ST. LOUIS, MO 63141

If anyone is prodigal like me, take courage, For the door of divine mercy is now open to all. -from the Orthros, Sunday of the Prodigal Son

By the end of this month (Sunday, February 24, to be exact), we’ll be singing the hymns of the Prodigal Son, preparing once again for the journey of Great Lent. Over and over, they remind us that it’s time to come home: Home to the Kingdom of God. Home to the abundant, joyful life that is our high calling, even in a troubled world. And yes, home to the Church.

The Prodigal Son in the parable told by Jesus (Luke 15:11-32) left his home and family hoping to see the world and live life to the fullest. Before long, he had spent his inheritance and found himself living in squalor. He felt the pain of separation from the Father who loved him; he realized that the place where life was most full was the home he had left behind.

“How many of my father’s servants have bread enough and to spare, yet I perish here with hunger!” he said, resolving to go home and beg for his Father’s forgiveness. He even prepared a speech in which he asked that his Father accept him back into the household as a humble servant.

But – How great is God’s love and mercy! – he never got to deliver the speech. The Father, Jesus tells us, saw him at a distance and ran to him. He was watching for his son, longing for his return. The Father put a ring on the son’s finger, symbolizing complete restoration to the family, and prepared a lavish banquet to celebrate his return.

Not everyone who has stepped back from the life of the Church leaves for the Prodigal Son’s selfish reasons. Some of us have been pulled away by the overly packed schedules of our hectic lives. Some have been hurt or offended by fellow parishioners. Whatever the reason, the goal of Lent – and really, of the Christian life – is restoration of our loving relationships with God and each other.

The tough thing is this: The longer we stay away, the harder it is to come home. It takes both humility and courage, as it did for the Prodigal Son. The hardest part of coming home after a long absence is resolving to do it and taking the first step.

But remember that the Father in the parable was watching and waiting, and he embraced his son joyfully. If you’ve been gone from the Church for a while, there are people waiting to welcome you home, too. Even more important, God is waiting, watching and hoping.

Worship is part of our right relationship with God. Getting right with other people flows naturally from getting right with God. And Lent is the time for all Christians – even those who are in church every Sunday – to examine our relationships with God and others, asking for the Lord’s help in re-orienting them and setting them aright.

So, if you’ve been away, for whatever reason, it’s time to take the first step. Then the second. Soon, you’ll be home. It’s easier than you think.

Time to Come Home By Father Michael Arbanas

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St. Nicholas Servants

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin February 2019

2019 PARISH BOARD Teddy Hart, President 314-914-7711 Carol Kamburis, Vice-President Chris Sarantakis, Secretary Helen Carey, Treasurer George Ellis, DDS Asst. Treasurer John Davis Yemane Habtu Jonathan Hartley Marilynn Jemas Tinna King, MD Bill Mastorakos, DDS, MS Joseph Palazzola Pete Stavrides, MD Stephanie Tyler Kon Vellios

AUDIT COMMITTEE Mark Vleisides, Chairperson 314-576-2898 Adonis Chakides Roxana Couternais Peter Lemakis Janet Papageorge

CEMETERY COMMITTEE William Karides, Chairperson 314-422-1968 Janet Hunnius Irene Schildroth

CHURCH SCHOOL Co-Directors Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 Despina Hartley 618-447-6548

DANCE TROUPE Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 ELECTION COMMITTEE

Tina Paradowski , Chairperson 314-781-0781 Kathy Forsting Paul Leara Becky Liringis Mark Vleisides

GREETERS COMMITTEE Lyndia Finer, Director 314-960-3384

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) Jonathan Hartley 618-520-9569 Demetrios Tsikalas

LIBRARY COMMITTEE Elaine Coulson, Chairperson 314-991-5033 Michael Doran Chris Zaharias

“NEXT 100” Dan Tarlas , Chairperson 314-713-5500

PHILOPTOCHOS Carol Kamburis, President 314-803-2451

PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH Dino Pappas, Chairperson 314-701-8118 Jonathan Hartley Pat Johnson

PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FLC Nick Tharenos, Chairperson 314-576-7011 Demos Argyros Nick Koskolos

PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE Leon Spanos Christina Anastas Harry Lemakis Andrew Galakatos, MD Basil Pappas Chris Varvares

PRISON MINISTRY Clark Porter, Director 314-518-6747

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Denise Karras, Chairperson 314-368-4205 Barbara Corrigan Peter Takes

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Fr. Doug Papulis Fr. Michael Arbanas Mary Ann Mastorakos

WEBSITE Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359

*Newsletter Reminder* Please remember if you have something to go in the newsletter, please submit all

articles to Gracie by the 10th of every month at: [email protected]

EMAILS

If you have not been receiving the Church

emails, please call the Church office at

314.361.6924 or email us at [email protected] and we will get you on the

email list! Thank you!!

St. Nicholas Book Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will meet Monday, February 4 to discuss My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. This darkly humorous novel about a young

woman who embarks on a year of drug-induced hibernation, abetted by one of

the least ethical psychiatrists in literary history, was on the 2018 Top 10 lists of many literary critics. We will meet at the

Family Life Center at 7 p.m.

PLEASE JOIN US!!! *EVERYONE IS WELCOME*

HOLY WATER BOTTLES Please return your empty Holy Water Bottles to the Church or Family Life

Center Office so we can reuse them for next year! Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Teddy Hart, President

Carol Kamburis, Vice-President

Chris Sarantakis, Secretary

Helen Carey, Treasurer

Dr. George Ellis, Assistant Treasurer

John Davis

Yemane Habtu

Jonathan Hartley

Marilynn Jemas

Dr. Tinna King

Dr. Bill Mastorakos

Joseph Palazzola

Dr. Pete Stavrides

Stephanie Tyler

Kon Vellios

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St. Nicholas Prison Ministry Adopt-A-Child for Christmas Thanks You! The St. Nicholas Prison Ministry sincerely thanks St. Nicholas parishioners for their generous support of our

annual Christmas toy drive. Each year we identify parents who are on federal probation or incarcerated in

Waseca Federal Prison and we assist them in fulfilling their children’s Christmas wish and also provide them

with much-needed winter coats.

For those on federal probation, they are often newly released and unemployed and have not the financial

means to provide gifts to their children during the holiday. Those in Waseca Federal Prison are women from

Missouri who were granted the privilege of selecting a gift for their children and are granted a visit with their

children via video conference. These women have not seen their children in several years, because of the

distance and costs involved. Therefore to see their child open a gift from them during the holidays is a special

moment for these women, as well as for their children.

The St. Nicholas parish has supported the Prison Ministry toy drive for 8 years, and the drive has grown from

a donation of 20 toys for exoffenders’ children to 200 toys this year. For 8 years your giving hearts have

contributed to a joyous Christmas season for children and have renewed their parents’ optimism.

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GRIEF SUPPORT The next meeting for grief support will be on

Thursday, February 28th at 6 pm. We will meet at the Family Life Center. Dinner is

provided, all are welcome and no charge. This is for any grief you may be going

through (divorce, death, loss of a job, etc.) Please contact Fr. Doug with any questions!

St. Nicholas Greek Dancers *Open to all*

• Sunday, February 17th at CHURCH • Sunday, February 24th at CHURCH • Sunday, March 3rd at CHURCH • Sunday, March 10th at CHURCH

**ALL PRACTICE IS AT CHURCH**

Garagouna Dancers (9-12 years) Time 4:30-5:30 pm

Souli Dancers (Adults)

Time: 5:30-6:30 pm

Cariatides Dancers (13-18 years) Time: 6:30-7:30 pm

For more information or questions please contact:

Georgia Johnson at 314.832.0061 or [email protected]

Thank you to the Greek Dance Assistants: Susan Yannakakis, Lyndia Finer, Tina Paradowski

Welcome our new edition to our group Michael Konidaris

50 Somethings Please join us for St. Photios Feast Day on

Wednesday, February 6th at 10 am for Divine Liturgy at the Family Life Center

and lunch to follow! Everyone is welcome!

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Orthodox Youth Mission Team (OYMT): Building a Heart for Missions in Teens and Parishes

by Susan Sulich

If you are a high school or college student looking to participate in a mission service trip in the Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Youth Mission Team (OYMT) welcomes you! Nine years ago, a small group of parents, recognizing that no such opportunity existed for their teens, enlisted the help of Fr. Luke Mihaly, pastor of Holy Trinity parish in Danbury, CT, and long-time OCMC board member, to help form OYMT.

OYMT is open to faithful youth and adults across all jurisdictions. Its goal is to give young people the opportunity to put their Faith to work. OYMT brings youth and adults together to encounter Christ and deepen their personal relationship with Him through mission and service. During a week-long summer mission trip, team members serve in a cross-cultural setting working, worshipping, and living in community with fellow Orthodox Christians.

OYMT has participated in several trips through the Appalachian Service Project (ASP). ASP’s goal is to help impoverished people in Appalachia make their homes “warmer, safer, and drier.” Crews, consisting of 2 adults and 5 teens, are paired with a family for a week of relational ministry and home repair. ASP vets the work projects and provides supplies, living quarters, and construction guidance. Adhering to the tenet of “meeting people where they are,” ASP’s philosophy is in harmony with the beautiful model of Orthodox mission as witnessed by missionaries like St. Innocent of Alaska and St. Nicholas of Japan.

Two years ago, OYMT approached OCMC about the possibility of the youth mission team being sent out on a short-term OCMC trip. The work with ASP laid a good foundation, and OYMT had a fruitful experience in Napaskiak, AK, where they had the joy of serving and making friends in the community under Fr. Vasily Fisher. The team assisted with the running of youth and teen camps and also helped the village across the river, Oscarville, begin building a new church.

OYMT provides an excellent training ground for people, especially youth, to experience and learn about relational mission ministry. It’s also a chance to introduce them to the work and vision that is OCMC. To date, several OYMT team members have expressed interest in exploring the possibility of short and long-term mission work through OCMC.

OYMT also ignites a fire for missions in our Orthodox parishes. Because it involves high school youth, it also necessarily involves their parents, extended families, and parishes. OYMT has become a vehicle for sharing the work and enthusiasm for missions and the necessity of relational interaction to many Orthodox parish communities. Plans are underway for 2019 to again have an all-Orthodox center with ASP. The trip will take place from July 6-14, and OYMT is currently recruiting individuals and parishes who would like to be a part of this mission/service project.

If you’d like more information about OYMT or want to join the 2019 youth mission trip, contact Fr. Luke Mihaly at [email protected] or e-mail the OYMT team at [email protected] You can see photos from previous trips on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/oymt1/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618-447-9688, if you have any questions, would like to be

part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries. Thank you for your continued support!

https://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/5?userinfo=d93619837caac5641aa74c0a0a3b88be&count=1543281753&randid=1029702636

https://webmaila.juno.com/webmail/new/5?userinfo=d93619837caac5641aa74c0a0a3b88be&count=1543281753&randid=1029702636

https://www.facebook.com/oymt1/

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SAVE THE DATES

Vacation Bible School 2019: July 8-12th

Hellenic Culture Camp 2019: July 15-19th

St. Nicholas Parish Christmas Card Thanks to all our parishioners who donated toward the 2018 Parish Christmas Card. Due to a problem with the mail, the following names were omitted from the card:

Mark, Renee and Tim Vleisides

They add their voices to those families on the card who offer their best wishes for a wonderful year ahead to all our parishioners!

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February 2019 Sunday School News

We are off to a good start this year and we have much to look forward to! All of our classes through 5th grade are working on Oratorical Festival class projects. We are hoping that many of our middle school and high school students will elect to participate in the festival with individual projects that are outlined in the festival guidelines. Please contact Fr. Michael or High School Sunday School teacher co-chair Mark Vleisides at [email protected] or co-chair Mary Bouras at [email protected] for details. The Oratorical Festival will take place after Divine Liturgy on March 3rd. If you wish to help with the festival, please contact us. We need help with the reception afterwards, leaders to help students develop their projects and practice on delivery, a timer and judges. We ask that you encourage your children to participate in this very important and special program that allows our teenagers to express and articulate their Orthodox Faith while providing opportunities for public speaking, travel and scholarship awards. It also creates a culture and example for our younger students. If you haven’t had the opportunity to join us for Friday Night Basketball, we have two more dates coming up on Friday, February 1st and 8th at St. Nicholas Church Gym from 6-8 pm. It’s a fun way to visit with other families, enjoy concessions (usually pizza and cookies), and give the kids an opportunity to run around and play while fostering relationships with fellow students. This is also a good way to prepare for Jr. Olympics. February 3rd is Godparent Sunday, a day we honor our Godparents and a great day to take communion with Godparents. We encourage Godparents to visit their Godchildren in Sunday School class this day. We’ll be finishing up our “Souper Bowl” canned food drive at the end of this month which will benefit FOCUS, our local Orthodox food pantry. If you haven’t done so yet, please send some non-perishable food items or personal hygiene items with the kids for this very important ministry. Monetary gifts are welcome too. We also wish to highlight our Family Pot Luck which will take place at the Family Life Center on February 10th from 4:30-6:30 pm. Our church will take care of drinks and the entree, we just kindly ask that you bring a side dish, fruit, or dessert to share. We will have games and activities and fellowship. This is a terrific opportunity for everyone to reach out and get to know someone new while connecting with our familiar friends and family. Please contact Fr. Michael or Bess Fitzmaurice [email protected] to RSVP.

On Sunday, February 17th, our Jr. Goya (6th-8th graders) will have a Shut In Retreat at the Family Life Center from 6-10 pm. This will be a fun evening to connect and have fun together in a safe environment. Please contact Fr. Michael or Joanna Dalakos to RSVP [email protected]

On President’s Day, Monday, February 18th, from 10:00 am-Noon, there will be a fun snow tubing at Hidden Valley for the JOY kids (3rd-5th graders) and their older siblings. Please contact Fr. Michael for details. We thank you all for bringing your beautiful children to church and Sunday School. We are so grateful for our Sunday School teachers and their dedication and commitment. In His Service, Your Sunday School Directors Bess Fitzmaurice and Despina Hartley

mailto:[email protected]




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YOUTH EVENTS

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2019 GOYA SKI TRIP The St. Nicholas GOYA hit the slopes in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin January 19 and 20

as part of the annual Ski Trip. This year, the group stayed at the Metropolis of Chicago’s St. Iakovos Retreat Center. A Friday-night snowstorm provided plenty of

good snow for the weekend of skiing, and the group was able to celebrate the Divine Liturgy Sunday in the center’s beautiful log chapel.

Thanks to John and Mimi Davis, the chaperones for the trip.

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2019 Membership Drive - As we begin the New Year, 2019, with renewed enthusiasm toward the Philoptochos mission to minister to the underprivileged, we want to invite women of all ages to join the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society. Being a member of Philoptochos means being a part of something greater than yourself, it means making the world a better place. It is our tradition of philanthropy, our living and practicing Orthodox faith, which enables and encourages us to serve with compassion, dignity and respect. It is now the time to Invite you to offer your talents to our mission. It is now the time to Embrace your ideas of compassion for our fellow man. It is now the time to Involve yourself by offering your talents and ideas for the betterment of our community. When making your 2019 pledge, please consider the following: $21.00 of each pledge is used to fulfill yearly commitments to the National & Metropolis Philoptochos. The balance of your pledge supports our local chapter of St. Nicholas Philoptochos. Please mail checks payable to: St. Nicholas Philoptochos to 4967 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Stewardship is due no later than March 1, 2019. Annual Vasilopita Celebration was held on Sunday, January 20th – we thank Dianne Zotos & Georgia Ferretti, Chairpersons, for another successful fundraiser to benefit Saint Basil Academy. A very special thank you to the Piloptochos ladies who made Vasilopita Breads: Aliki Bibas, Chrysoula Panopoulos, Becky Tharenos, Trigona Maleas, Helen Koskolos, Georgia Antonopoulos, Eugenia Kirkou, Maria Cutsoukos, Antigoni Dafnides. And to Christina Ginos who made the large vasilopita that was cut in Church in loving memory of her mother, Maria Zouglas. These contributions continue to be a tremendous support for the Academy and we thank our St. Nicholas parishioners, church groups and organizations for their generous donations and continued support. For more than half a century, Saint Basil Academy has provided a “home away from home” for Orthodox young people who come from broken homes, or are victims of poverty, abuse or abandonment. GK Pre-Lenten Luncheon Sale: February 3rd – Join us for lunch after Divine Liturgy – dine-in with your family/friends or carry out for Sunday dinner. All proceeds benefit the mission of Philoptochos. First Day of Lent/Clean Monday: March 11th – We invite you to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten period at our annual Lenten Luncheon immediately following the Compline Service at the Family Life Center.

Calendar of Events: 2/03 – Godparent/Godchild Sunday 2/03 – Pre-Lenten Luncheon Sale 2/21 – Board Meeting (FLC) 3/01 – Ladies’ Night Event (FLC) 3/11 – Clean Monday/Lenten Luncheon (FLC) 3/17 – Sunday of Orthodoxy (Assumption) 3/23 – General Meeting (FLC) 3/27 – Pre-Sanctified Dinner (FLC)

Philoptochos Corner February 2019

St. Nicholas Philoptochos

Invites you to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten period

Clean Monday

“Kathari Theftera” Annual Lenten Luncheon

Monday, March 11th

11:00 a.m. Compline Service Luncheon immediately following *St. Nicholas Family Life Center*

$10.00 per person

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CHURCH FUND In Memory of Pete Mezinez -Tim & Jeanne Pappas

In Memory of James N. Lappas -Bertha Lappas

In Memory of Ted Anastas -Thomas Moloney

In Memory of Jim Kondis -Zoi Kondis

In Memory of Konstantinos & Eleftheria Manolis & Olga Orfaniday -Roger & Athina Miller

In Memory of Konstantinos & Eleftheria Manolis; Xristos & Kerasia Manolis & Olga Orfaniday

-Chris, Janice, Soula & Alexandra Manolis; Jake & Christina Strauser

In Memory of Paula Townsend -Christina & Paul Efthim

In Memory of Fleeda Memos -James Memos -Kathy & John Gaeta -JoAnn & Jim Gugliano -Jen & Kris Amptman -Gina Gaeta -Austin & Andrew Desroche -Aidan, Henry & Oliver Amptman

In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Debbie Wehrenbrecht -George & Diane Ellis -Paula & Bob Pritts -The Angelo Dendrinelis Family -Thimios & Mary Zanetos -Barry Cervantes -Charisse Pappas, Cynthia Pappas, Candace Simmons

RENOVATIONS OF ST. NICHOLAS In Memory of Fleeda Memos -Maria A. Tanurchis

In Memory of George Leontsinis -Maria A. Tanurchis

ST. NICHOLAS DANCERS In Memory of Violetta (Papagianis) King -Michael Krutzscu & Catherine King

GOYA In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Niko & Alexia Georges

SCHOLARSHIP FUND In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Greg & Cheryl McDermott

THE NEXT 100 In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -George & Kim Tarlas

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND In Memory of Eugenia Arger -Mary Tsichlis

In Memory of George Leontsinis -The Todd Family In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -John & Gina Russon -The Kamburis Family -Achilles & Dorothea Karakas -Bess Pappas

FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of George Leontsinis -Elizabeth Krekorian-Riethmann -Bonnie Andrews -Peter & Kathy Mavromatis -William & Arlene Sullivan -Gus & Angela Demos -Penny Tsichlis -Mary Tsichlis -Tom Harrington with Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP

-Sandy & Frank Wasserman -Ed & Alice Boeschenstein -Johanna & Leon Spanos -Ed & Laurie Chod -Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas T. Kouchoukos

In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Jim & Terry Demos -Johanna & Leon Spanos -Skip & Elaine Spielberg

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

PARISH LIFE

FUNERALS

† Peter Vaccaro fell asleep in the Lord on December 27, 2018. The funeral was on January 3, 2019. May his Memory be eternal.

† Tina Kavadas fell asleep in the Lord on January 5, 2019. The funeral was on January 10, 2019. May her memory be eternal.

MEMORIALS

† 13 Year Memorial for Haralambos “Bob” Natsis on January 20th.

† 40 Day Memorial for Fleeda Memos on January 27th.

† 1 Year Memorial for Tasia Millonas on January 27th.

† 1 Year Memorial for Cleo Furla Tarlas on February 3rd.

† 39 Year Memorial for Hercules Tarlas on February 3rd.

† 25 Year Memorial for Pitsa Furla on February 3rd.

† 39 Year Memorial for John Furla on February 3rd.

† 2 Year Memorial for Litsa Athanas on February 3rd.

† 40 Day Memorial for George Paspalas on February 3rd.

† 1 Year Memorial for Karen Pappis on February 24th.

† 40 Day Memorial for Peter Vaccaro on February 24th.

WEDDINGS

Congratulations to Demetria Panopoulos and Nicholas Manuel who were married on January 12, 2019!

CHRISMATION

Congratulations to Hannah Campbell-Smith who will receive the sacrament of Chrismation on February 2, 2019! Her sponsor is Julia Arbanas.

BAPTISMS

Congratulations to George Barton, who will be Baptized on February 2, 2019! His parents are Alex and Rick Barton and his Godparents are Lauren and

Rob Muckler.

Congratulations to Zoe Panopoulos, who will be Baptized on February 16, 2019! Her parents are Claire and Lou Panopoulos and her Godmother is Stathy

Darcy.

Congratulations to Donovan Mann, who will be Baptized on February 23, 2019! His parents are Maria and Austin Mann and his Godmother is Yiannoula

Anthon.

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In Honor or Celebration of a Loved One St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

The sum of $_______ is enclosed as a donation to the

Please indicate your preference:

Church Fund The Next 100 Philoptochos Society

In Honor or Celebration of (please select one):

Birthday for (name) ______________________________________________________________________

Anniversary for (name) ___________________________________________________________________

Good Health (name) _____________________________________________________________________

Graduation (name) _______________________________________________________________________

Promotion (name) ________________________________________________________________________

Safe Return Home (name) ________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of Donor

_________________________________________________________________________________________ Address City, State Zip Code

Your note of celebration will appear in the next Monthly Bulletin. Bulletin deadline is by the 10th of the

current month to appear in the following month's bulletin.

Donations In Celebration of a Loved One

An anonymous donation has been made to The Next 100, in celebration of Dr. William L. Mastorakos’s birthday!

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Focus Food Pantry Donation Needs The FOCUS Food Pantry can take donations Tuesday

between 9:30 am and 11 am, before we are open on Wednesday (2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month) or the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 8:30 am to 11 am. You may also schedule to bring them on a date we are serving Sunday Supper from 3:15 pm to 6:00 pm. You may also send a check to be used for the food pantry.

Please mail to: 9701 Twincrest Dr., St. Louis, MO 63126 (make payable to: Focus Gateway City). Please email

our food pantry coordinator, Mandy Kornuta at [email protected] to answer questions, or schedule another date to drop off donations.

WHAT WE ALWAYS NEED: · Canned meat · Chicken · Roast Beef · Spam · Beef Stew · Sardines · Chili · Chicken Noodle; Cream of mushroom; Vegetable beef · Chunky Soups (preferably with beef) · Condensed Soup · Canned Soups · Canned Vegetables · Pork and Beans · Asparagus · Spinach · Beans

HYGIENE NEEDS: · Razors · Deodorant · Soap (not small bars from hotels) · Tooth Brushes · Tooth Paste · Shampoo

WE DO NOT NEED: carrots, corn, green beans

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Alexander, Tom and Stacey

Anastas, Christina

Antonopoulos, Konstantinos and

Georgia

Athanasiadis, Christos & Penelope

Carey, Alexandra

Cassimatis, Ted and Stacey

Charles, Harry

Chrissos, George and Anna

Dagartzikas, Anastasios

Dedes, Fr. Seraphim

Eck, Dimitri

Efthim, Frank and Carol

Ellis, Katherine

Fakonas, Anastassios & Christina

Ferretti, Peter and Tonya

Ferretti, Edward

Fotenos, Helen

Fournier, Michael and Pamela

Francis, William and Voula

Fryntzko, Agnes

Gaddis, Nicholas

Gallagher, Sean and Stephanie

Georges, Niko and Alexia

Germanos, John E.

Ginos, Nicholas and Kathleen

Glastris, George

Glynias, Stefan and Elizabeth

Guarino, James

Heine, Betty

Kallaos, Tom and Mersine

King, Ordie

Mann, Austin and Maria

Marmigas, Dena

Mastorakos, Mary Ann

Mavromatis, Peter and Kathy

McDermott, Gregory & Cheryl

McPherron, Colin and Stephanie

Memos, James and Fleeda

Mezines, Chris and Mary

Milonas, Cynthia

Nichoalds, Joe and Helen

Nicozisin, Demetra

O'Hara, Thomas and Mary

Orf, Ronald and Cynthia

Otso, Carl and Nancy

Pappas, Michael and Jenny

Perkins, Frieda

Peterson, Anastasia

Porter, Clark & Tumica

Schildroth, Irene

Shamia, Constantin and Janet

Shisko, William and Fotina

Sorbello, James Jr. and Carmen

Sorbello, James Sr. and Catherine

Souris, John and Hariklia

Souris, Kosmas and Despina

Stamelos, Christina

Tanurchis, John

Taratsas, Leonora

Tarlas, Dan and Andrea

Teferi, Mulugheta and Zegge

Thavorides, Anne

Thavorides, Fay

Theodorou, Argyirios and Evan-

gelia

Tompras, Angeline

Trakas, Evelyn

Tsimpris, Catherine

Varvares, Mary

Vellios, William and Sophia

Volas, Mary

Walters, Lexie

Winter, Don and Susan

Woodcock, Mary

Zaman, Anthony and Karen

Zotos, Ann

Zotos, George and Dianne

Zotos, Katherine

STEWARDS


Stewardship 2019 (As of January 10)

LEADERSHIP ST. NICHOLAS Leadership St. Nicholas: A minimum financial

commitment of $10,000 per year for 10 years. Your

contribution is considered to be your annual Stewardship

pledge as well as making you a contributor to Paying

Down the Mortgage, AND it provides you with a Brick

from the Brick Campaign. In addition, you may have

scheduled use of the Family Life Center Facility once per

year of your membership without a rental charge. If you

have an existing outstanding Capital Campaign pledge,

you need to fulfill it in a timely manner.

• Demos, Gus and Angela

• Efthim, Andrew

• Galakatos, Andrew

• Grayson, William and Diana

• Hart, James and Theodora

• Kalomas, Dean

• Pulos, Jason and Barbara

• Souris, George

• Stavrides, Pete D. and Teresa

• Tarlas, George and Kimberly

SUPER STEWARDS St. Nicholas Super Stewards: A minimum financial

commitment of 5% of household income or $5,000. Your

contribution is considered to be your annual Stewardship

pledge as well as making you a contributor to Paying Down

the Mortgage, AND it provides you with a Brick from the

Brick Campaign. If you have an existing outstanding Capital

Campaign pledge, you need to fulfill it in a timely manner.

• Arbanas, Fr. Michael and Presv. Caroline

• The Angelo Dendrinelis Family

• Ellis, George and Diane

• Kamburis, Michael and Maria

• Leara, Paul and Helen

• Mastorakos, Mary

• Papulis, Fr. Doug and Presv. Christina

• Salas, Sakis and Cathy

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THE NEXT 100 DONORS

THE NEXT 100 THE NEXT 100 is an initiative to lead us into the next generation of St. Nicholas. Our objectives are to sustain and

grow our programs, expand our ministries, enhance the communications with our parishioners, increase the utilization of our physical facilities, make capital improvements, continue to reduce our debt, and create an

endowment that will serve as a long-term investment of the church. UPDATE We currently stand at $1.2 million in contributions and pledges. NEW DONOR WALL We have established a new Donor Wall in our beautiful Family Life Center - to recognize all donors and those who they wish to honor. The Donor Wall was unveiled at our St. Nicholas Day celebration on Saturday, December 8th. As in the last campaign, those who have contributed $50,000 or more are honored with a special individual plaque. HOW TO MAKE A DONATION/QUESTIONS? All donors must complete a donor card, which can be found on the St. Nicholas website. You can also find more details on the St. Nicholas website. If you have questions, feel free to contact Fr. Doug, Fr. Michael, Dan Tarlas (314-713-5500) or Chris Anastas (314-647-4636).

Ms. Julie Ambrozat Mrs. Christina Anastas Ms. Mary Angelides Fr. Michael & Presvytera Caroline Arbanas

Mr. Christos Athanasiadis Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Been Ms. Diane Botonis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Botonis Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Carey Ms. Dede Catsavis Mr. & Mrs. William Coulson Dr. A. K. Dagartzikas Mr. & Mrs. John Davis Mr. & Mrs. James Demos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Demos Angelo Dendrinelis Family Mr. Socrates Dendrinelis Dr. Stilianos Efstratiadis Ms. Elizabeth Ann Efthim Mr. & Mrs. Paul Efthim Dr. & Mrs. George Ellis Mrs. Katherine Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Tassos Fakonas Mr. & Mrs. Thanasi Fakonas Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fandos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferretti Mrs. Katherine Forsting Mrs. Helen Fotenos Mr. & Mrs. Bill Francis Ms. Agnes Fryntzko Dr. Andrew Galakatos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Galakatos Drs. Gregory & JoAnn Galakatos Ms. Theresa Galakatos Mr. Nick P. Gartelos Mr. & Mrs. Tom Ginos Mr. & Mrs. Yemane Habtu Mr. & Mrs. James Hart

Mr. & Mrs. John Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. William Jackson Mr. & Mrs. George James Mr. Dean Kalomas The Kamburis Family Mr. & Mrs. Achilles Karakas Mr. & Mrs. Dan Kazanas Dr. Ordie H. King, Jr. Dr. Tinna King Mr. & Mrs. John Koch Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Lampros Mr. & Mrs. Leonard LaPasso Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leara Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lemakis Mr. & Mrs. Terry Livaditis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Lockwood Mr. Alexander S. Magdalinos Mrs. Theodora Malakelis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Mavromatis Mr. & Mrs. Greg McDermott Mr. & Mrs. Colin McPherron Mrs. Andrea Mendia Mr. & Mrs. Sam Mezines Mr. & Mrs. Dean Millonas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. William Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Ben Murphy Mr. & Mrs. Steve Ott Mr. James Panopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Basil Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Papulis Mr. & Mrs. Chris Paradowski Mr. & Mrs. Leo Pashos Ms. Margaret (Peggy) Pierroutsakos Mr. Vlasios Politis Mrs. Georgia Prstojevich Drs. Roger & Valerie Reichert

Mrs. Elizabeth Krekorian-Riethmann Ms. Katherine Rutter Saint Nicholas Philoptochos Society Chris & Tina Sarantakis Mr. & Mrs. Byron Smyrniotis Mr. Nicholas Smyrniotis Mr. & Mrs. George Souris Mr. & Mrs. John Souris Mr. & Mrs. Kosmas Souris Mr. & Mrs. Leon Spanos Mr. & Mrs. Pete Spanos Mr. & Mrs. Pete Stavrides Mrs. Cleon Tarlas (*) Mr. & Mrs. Dan Tarlas Mr. & Mrs. George Tarlas Mr. Lindsey Tarlas Mrs. Chrysoula Tomaras Mrs. Jeanne Tompras Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas V. Tompras Mrs. Evelyn Trakas Elaine, Allison & Anna Tripolitis Ms. Stephanie Tyler Mr. & Mrs. Dino Vainalis Mr. Nicholas Vazopolos Mr. Kon Vellios Mr. & Mrs. Don Winter Mrs. Mary Woodcock Mr. & Mrs. Mark Wunderlich Mr. & Mrs. Harry Yiatras Mr. & Mrs. Thimios Zanetos Ms. Marybeth Thavorides Zerdecki – Donations from the families of Zerdecki, Thavorides and Corrigan Mrs. Dena Konstandina Zias (*) Deceased

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Dear St. Nicholas Parishioners:

Our “2019 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival” festivities are underway! We are in celebration of “The Next 100” – the future of St. Nicholas. Over the years we have had loved ones who have spent many hours in the St. Nicholas kitchen making our Festivals huge successes. “YOU” can do the same by joining us in making this the best Festival ever. This will be a great opportunity for you to serve your St. Nicholas Community by volunteering your services for a couple of hours or for one day. A delicious lunch will be served by our volunteers. We look forward to seeing you.

February – • Thursday, February 7th – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Pastitsio Ground Beef • Friday, February 8th – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Pastitsio Noodles/Setup • Saturday, February 9th – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Pastitsio Assembly • Friday, February 22nd – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Pastitsio Noodles/Setup • Saturday, February 23rd – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Pastitsio Assembly

March – • Monday, March 18th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Koulouria for our Easter Ministries • Wednesday, March 27th – 8:30 a.m. at St. Nichols Church – Miscellaneous day for melting butter, making salad dressing, Loukoumades and Baklava Sundae bags

April – • Monday, April 1st – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Spanakopita Assembly • Monday, April 8th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Spanakopita Assembly • Friday, April 12th – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Tsoureki for Easter

May – • Monday, May 6th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Baklava Sundae and Leftover Spanakopita • Monday, May 20th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Galatoboureko Assembly

June – • Friday, June 7th – 1:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Marinade Lamb Shanks – Manpower needed • Saturday, June 8th – 7:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Cook Lamb Shanks • Monday, June17th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Salad Dressing Cups

We are very interested in having the youth of our parish learn the skills of our parents and grandparents. If you need “service hours” for school or would like to do an “internship” in learning what takes place in the kitchen for our Annual Labor Day Festival, please feel free to contact me with any questions at 314.647.4636 or [email protected]

Thanks again for all your continued support, Chris Anastas


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Presentation of Christ to the Temple February 2

Introduction This feast, celebrated on February 2, is known in the Orthodox Church as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple. Another name for the feast is The Meeting of our Lord. Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians call the feast, The Purification of the Holy Virgin. About 450 AD in Jerusalem, people began the custom of holding lighted candles during the Divine Liturgy of this feast day. Therefore, some churches in the West refer to this holy day as Candlemas. The Feast of the Presentation concludes the observances related to the Nativity of Christ, a period that opened on November 15 with the beginning of the Nativity fast.

Biblical Story The story of the Presentation is told in Luke 2:22-29. Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews and observed their religious customs. An important custom was for the couple to take their first-born son to the Temple. The baby was taken to the Temple forty days after his birth and was dedicated to God. In addition, if the parents were wealthy, they were to bring a lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove to be offered as a sacrifice at the Temple. The custom provided that if the parents were poor, they were to offer two pigeons or two turtle doves for the sacrifice.

Joseph and Mary were not wealthy, so they took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. When Jesus was forty days old, Mary and Joseph took Him to the Temple in Jerusalem. They were not wealthy, so they took two turtle doves with them to offer as a sacrifice at the Temple. As they arrived at the Temple, Mary and Joseph were met by a very old man named Simeon. He was a holy man and was noted as a very intelligent scholar. Simeon spent much time studying about the prophets of Israel. It was during his studies that he learned of the coming of the Messiah. The Jewish people were waiting for the Messiah to come and deliver Israel from their conquerors. From that time on, Simeon spent his time praying for the Messiah to come. He spent many years in prayer. Finally, while Simeon was praying he heard the voice of God. God promised Simeon that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah.

When Simeon saw Jesus, he took the baby in his arms and blessed the Lord and said: "Lord, now let Your servant go in peace according to Your promise, because my eyes have seen Your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory to your people Israel."

Also, in the Temple was Anna the Prophetess. She had been a widow for many years. Anna was about eighty-four years old and spent her time in the Temple worshiping, fasting, and praying. When she saw the Christ Child she praised God and spoke of him to all who were awaiting the Messiah.

After Jesus was presented in the Temple, the family returned to Galilee to the town of Nazareth. The Bible tells us that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom.

(Source: https://www.goarch.org/presentation)

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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

February 2019 Vienna Sausages

Canned Corn Canned Lima Beans

Canned Chocolate/Vanilla Pudding

March 2019 Corned Beef Green Beans Fruit Cocktail

Cornbread Mix Baby Wipes

Gentle Washing Machine Detergent

PHILANTHROPY REPORT: February 2019

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and He will repay him for his deed” -Proverbs 19:17

We are pleased to report that we continue to assist our people in our

Confidential Program and we thank you for your support when we need your help.

We hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. These are difficult times for many people and your donations of clothing, furniture and financial assistance have allowed us to help our own parishioners & those in our outreach programs. Thank you.

We are currently in need of furniture for a family. They are most in need of a kitchen table, dressers, microwave, toaster and potentially beds for her and two toddlers. If you have any of these items, please contact Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667. Thank you.

CLOTHING FOR FOCUS We have a new need for clothing for men, women and children – We have started a drive for FOCUS. They have requested our help to collect clothing for their outreach program -- Please gather any gently used clothing for men, women or children and bring to St. Nicholas – Please ask for Chris Paradowski so he can assist you in putting the clothing in a specific place for storage until FOCUS can pick it up. Please continue to fill your food bags. Our need for this ministry has grown and is very much appreciated by our charity organizations, our clergy and our outreach projects. Please see the

suggested menu next to our message IMPORTANT TEMPORARY CHANGE IN OUR MENU- We are currently asking that you not send powdered milk with your donations until we contact you. We have a good supply of this item… you may add other suggested items. We appreciate your help and appreciate all that you do for this ministry.

If you have any questions please contact Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176, or Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667 or Kim Tarlas (314) 740-0955… We are grateful for your support. Thank you.

Documents

Time to Come Home - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church February Newsletter.pdfThe St. Nicholas Book Group will meet EMAILS If you have not been receiving the Church emails, please