glad tidings - annunciation greek orthodox church tidings/2015... · here are the newly elected...

GLAD TIDINGSA N N U N C I A T I O N G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H

146 West Utica Street Buffalo, NY 14222-2085 716.882.9485 (24 Hours) 716.886.9151 fax www.greekorthodoxchurchbuffalo.org

FEBRUARY 2015 VOL 47/NO. 2

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Luke 2:10

BLESSING OF THE WATERS

PARISH COUNCILProistamenos - Rev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis

[email protected] .716.882.9485 (church) .716.839.0495 (h) .716.319.0099 (c)Assistant Priest - Rev. John Sakellariou

[email protected] .716.882.9485 (church) .716-730-1982 (c)Here are the newly elected members and continuing members for 2015.As of this issue, the Parish Council Board had not been elected yet.

George Danakas . Douglas Davis . Peter Hiczewski . Thomas Jousma .Fotini KoutsandreasBarbara Kuvshinoff . Patrick Markey . Dean Mellas . Maria Papafagos

Paula Schembri . Dina Turecki . Dean Paul Vallas

PARISH ORGANIZATIONSChoir Directors Adult (832.9971 or 835.3882) Tom Krestos Byzantine (689.2464) George Marinides Youth (433.5950) Beth Mellas Protopsaltis (689.2464) George MarinidesAltar Boys Advisor (681.5841) Brian CerviSunday School Coordinator (433.5950) Beth MellasCultural Committee (694.8201) Ellene PhufasGreek Language School Principal (568.0371) Ria Andreadis P.T.O. Presidents Niki Varvakis, Angela KlentosBuffalo GreekFest (882.9485 church) Hellenic Senior Club (885.1729) Barbara KellyWomen’s Philoptochos Committee (553.5722) Barbara KuvshinoffYouth Council JOY/HOPE Lea Cervi GOYA Ben Rossiter YAL Irini FaltasOrthodox Action (565.3630) Mary DanakasOCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) John Mellas

Campus Ministry Orthodox Book Shop (688.5816) Tina Colaizzo-Anas, CoordinatorOrthodox Gift Shop Helen Giokas . Iriny Faltas. Lynda Mermigas . Stacey Scime . Litsa Koutsandreas .Diane Schlabig Wedding and Baptism Accessories Lynda Mermigas Martyrikca (lapel pins) & Lambathes (decorated candles) Vickie Malamas Library (688.8036) Aglaia Polisson, Coordinator Pat Papafagos . Joanne Liaros . Patricia Christian Jean Botsoglou . Tina Colaizzo-AnasChurch Secretary (882.9485 (O) or [email protected]) Ria Andreadis

SERVICESSunday Services: 9:00 a.m. Orthros (Matins)/10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Sunday School: Begins following Communion until 12:00 p.m.Weekday Services: 9:00 a.m. Orthros (Matins)/10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

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IN THIS ISSUEBlessing of the Waters 3House Blessings 4Youth News 5Youth Retreat 6Saturday of the Souls 7Calendar 8-9Community Register 9Sunday School 10Greek School 11-12Women’s Philoptochos 13Feast of the Annunciation 14Community Food Drive 14Library 15Book Discussion Group 16Orthodox Action 17Lenten/Holy Week Donations 18Lent & Pascha Schedule 19GreekFest 20Glad News 20Living Water 21Sacrament Statistics 21Hellenic Seniors Club 22St. Nicholas Shrine 22Friends of the Metropolis 23Scholarship Trust 24Memorials 24Daily Bible Guide 25

Glad Tidings is published by the Annunciation Greek OrthodoxChurch monthly in January, February, March, April, May,June/July/August, September,

October, November, and December.

EditorFr. Christos B. Christakis

DesignerJennifer Gogos

Contributing PhotographersRia Andreadis, Lea Angelaki Cervi, Effie

George, Michele Graham Hiczewski,

Ellene Phufas-Jousma, Natalie Marinides

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BLESSING OF THE WATERS 2015

Today the nature of water is sanctified. Jordan is divided in two, and turns back the stream of its waters, beholding the Master being baptized.

We would like to thank all the parishioners who braved the cold and made it to the annual outdoor blessing of the waters. Despite thecold, this year’s ceremony was truly a memorable event.

In Christ,

Fr. Christos & Fr. John

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HOUSE BLESSINGS

Dear Parishioners,

In the month of January, we celebrate a Great Feast within the Orthodox

Church, EPIPHANY on JANUARY 6TH. It is the season of the blessing

of the Holy Waters, when also the parish priest through this very rich cus-

tom brings the Blessed Holy Water to the faithful in their homes and busi-

ness establishments in order that they may receive the Great Blessings of

Our Lord for the NEW YEAR of 2015.

It is a beautiful custom to bring the blessed Holy Water of Epiphany to

you the parishioners and at the same time meet your families. Once you

fill out the form or call the Church Office, our Secretary or myself will be

contacting you in advance to set up a convenient time. This will assist me

in blessing certain homes together in a specific vicinity. If you know of any-

one in the area who does not attend Church, but would like to have their

home or business blessed, please have them contact me.

Thank you,

Fr. Christos

BLESSING OF THE HOME/BUSINESS

NAME: ________________________________________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE #__________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________________________________

DAY and/or TIME THAT IS NOT CONVENIENT: ____________________________________________________

Please complete and return above form to Church Office orcall the Church Office at 882-9485. Father Christos will schedule time of visit.

“HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR”

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YOUTH NEWS

Fr. John Sakellariou | 716-730-1982 | [email protected]

Dear GOYANs and Parents,

Our LASERTRON Lock-in was a great event in which over 40GOYANs participated from Buffalo and the surroundingparishes. I would personally like to thank all the GOYANs andparents from our parish who made the event possible. Our youthdid a really great job of offering a hospitable, fun, and safeenvironment for our friends from the surrounding parishes. Iwould also like to thank all the parents who brought in snacksand offered rides to the youth from the Church to LASERTRON.It is no wonder why this event is extremely popular and wellattended because our youth and parents. The night (and morning)was a great balance of fun, games, fellowship, worship, and lasertag! I had a great time with you all and I thank you all for allowingme to share this opportunity with you.

On February 28th, Annunciation in Rochester would like toinvite us to their annual youth Lenten retreat from 11am-8pm.All grades from 6-12 are invited and food will be provided. Here’sa breakdown of the event:

Session One

• The first session will be an exploration of our infiniteGod’s creation at the Rochester Museum & Science Center.

• We will start the session with an exploration of the stars inthe Wonders of Orion show at the Strasenburgh Planetarium.

• After the planetarium show, we’ll have time to explore thescience museum, and we’ll have a couple of sessions talkingabout how Orthodox Christians have historically viewed God’sCreation.

Session Two

• The second session will focus on the internal struggle thatwe all endure during the Lenten period.

• The second session will be concluded with a vesper service.

If anybody has any questions or suggestions, please do nothesitate in contacting me.

In Christ,

Fr. John

Youth enjoying the LASERTRON Lock-In and Retreat, held on January 16 & 17.

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Sund

ayMo

nday

Tuesda

yWed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFriday

Saturday

36 13 20 27 6

25 12 19 26 5

14 11 18 25 4

3 10 17 24 3

2 9 16 23 2

1 8 15 22 1

7 14 21 28 7

FEBRUARY

MARCH

- 1st Sat. of the Souls

9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

-10:00am – Greek School

-11:00am-12:30pm -Orthodox

Action Soup Kitchen

- 3rd Sat. of the Souls

9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy



Action Soup Kitchen

- 2nd Sat. of the Souls

9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy


- 7:00pm - Salutations to

the Virgin Mary

- Trio

dion B

egins

- 9/10:00am Matins/Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Youth Choir Sings

- 3 Hierarchs Celebration - Greek

School

- Greek Sch. sponsors coffee hour

- El Greco Tribute

-WPC collects for Sat. of the Souls

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Godparent/Godchild Sunday

- Super Bible Bowl

- 12:15pm – Library Story time

-WPC GO RED

-Chili Luncheon

- Meatfa

re Sun

day

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Youth Choir Rehearsal

- Che

esefare S

unda

y- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- SS Faculty Meeting

- WPC Last Chance Dessert

Deli

- Sun

day o

f Orth

odox

y-1st Sunday of Lent

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- 5:00pm - Lenten Vespers

Series

- 6:30pm – Adult Greek

Language Class

- 7:30pm-Adult Choir

Rehearsal


Rehearsal


Language Class


Rehearsal


Language Class

- 6:00pm - Pre-sanctified

Service

- 7:00pm - Lenten Pot

Meal & Book Discussion

- 8:00pm – Adult Choir

Rehearsal


the Virgin Mary


Service




Rehearsal

- Clea

n Mo

nday

- Great Len

t Beg

ins



- WPC Board Meeting

- 1:00-3:30pm - Seniors’

Coffee Klatch

COM

MUN

ITY

REGI

STER

BAPTISM

S

•Mila Ka

therin

e– Novem

ber 8, 2014

Daughter of Doug & Stephanie Whaley

Godparent: An

na Lamb

ert

• Andrea

s Rousse

ttos – Novem

ber 9, 2014

Son of Nectarios & Chelsey Kollidas

Godparents:Doug &

Christina D

avis

• Calliop

e Alethea– Novem

ber 22, 2014

Daughter of Matthew & Anastasia Norman

Godparent:

Alexan

der Psar

os Lon

g

• Matte– Novem

ber 29, 2014

Son of Salvatore Barone & Panagiota Ainalakis

Godparent:

Eugenia

M. Gree

n

• Alex

andro

s Miltiades– December 13, 2014

Son of Fotinos Koutsandreas & Andrea Pasternak

Godparent:

Vasili

os Pep

pes

• Adrianna-Marie– December 21, 2014

Daughter of Thomas & Julie-Marie Pastore

Godparents:Ed

ward

& Ang

ela-M

arie V

asbind

er

DEAT

HS

• Nich

olas Econ

omou– December 15, 2014

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Sund

ayMo

nday

Tuesda

yWed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFriday

Saturday

13 20 27

12 19 26

11 18 25

10 17 24

9 16 23

8 15 22

14 21 28


Language Class


Language Class


Language Class



Action Soup Kitchen



Action Soup Kitchen


- St. Gr

egory P

alamas

-2nd Sunday of Lent

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Oratorical Festival


Series

- Holy C

ross

-3rd Sunday of Lent

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Oratorical Festival

- WPC passes HC/HC Tray


Series

- St. Jo

hn Clim

acus

-4th Sunday of Lent

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy

- Sunday School

- Youth Choir Rehearsal


Series


the Virgin Mary


the Virgin Mary

- WPC trip to NYC


Service




Rehearsal

- Ann

uncia

tion Ve

spers

- 6:00pm - Vespers Service

- 7:00pm - Reception in De-

makos Community Center

- Fea

st of the

An

nunc

iation

- 9/10:00am Matins/

Divine Liturgy


Service

- 7:00pm - Lenten Pot Meal &

Book Discussion


Rehearsal


the Virgin Mary - Akathyst

Hymn

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SUNDAY SCHOOL

Beth Mellas, Coordinator |[email protected]. Barbara Kuvshinoff and Peter Hiczewski, Assistant Coordinators

SAVE THE DATES

Feb. 8 Super Bible Bowl and Godparent Sunday (Sunday of Prodigal Son) with chili luncheon fundraiser. Mar. 8 Oratorical Festival: Junior/senior division in Chapel during Sunday SchoolMar. 15 Oratorical Festival: Elementary division in Demakos Center after church

First Sunday each month is Youth Sunday

Facebook: Sunday School Parents at Annunciation Orthodox Buffalo

With a chili luncheon fundraiser

for Women’s Philoptochos Committee

February 8, 2015

Godparent-Godchild Sunday andSuper Bible Bowl Game Show

Immediatelyafter Divineliturgy

Be There!

11Continued on page 12

The Cutting of the Vasilopita – February 17, 2015

Special thanks to Anna Kesidis for her wonderful Vasilopita!

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Greek School, cont. from pg. 11

The Apokriatiko Dance – February 17, 2015

The Greek School would like to thank:

• Fr. Christos and Fr. John

• The president of the Parish Council, Dean Mellas and Mrs. Beth Mellas

• The President of WPC, Barbara Kuvshinoff and the ladies of WPC for their continuous support

• Our wonderful PTO ladies: Presvytera Pavlina, Angela Klentos, Anna Kesidis, Niki Varvakis,

• Krystalia Panagopoulos, Eleni Tsoulos, Amy Vasiliadis for their hard work and dedication.

• The Peppes family, the Kollidas family and the Lignos family for the generous donations

• Milton & Sophia Koutsandreas and Family

• Kaliroy Orfanos and Family

• Athena Tsembelis and the Festival Committee

• All our parishioners for their support!

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WOMEN’S PHILOPTOCHOS COMMITTEE

Barbara Kuvshinoff, President

It’s membership time! Stop by the Philoptochos table on Sundaysto join, or mail your membership to the church office. Suggestedmembership dues are $25. MEN are also invited to join Philopto-chos as associate members, so gentlemen – join us ladies in be-coming friends of the poor. We invite ALL parishioners to assistus in our philanthropic work.

Our fundraising continues on February 8th with a chili luncheonheld in conjunction with the Super Bible Bowl andGodparent/Godchild Sunday. Plan to stay after church, have awarm bowl of chili and watch teams of our Sunday school studentscompete to answer questions about our faith. It is also our “GoRed for Women” day, to raise awareness of women’s heart health.

Also ongoing is a fundraiser for Alex Kuvshinoff who will becompleting a week long mission trip to Honduras in the spring.

Alex will be working with the children at the St. Nektarios Or-phanage, as well as assisting the sick and homeless in the areasurrounding the St. John Baptist Cathedral, the only Orthodoxchurch in the country of Honduras. Philoptochos will be send-ing a quilt to the orphanage and for a donation of $10 you cansign your name or message on a quilt square. With 100 squaresavailable we hope to raise $1000 for Alex’s mission trip. Thetotal cost of the mission trip is listed at $1,600. You can readmore about the mission trip on the OCF (Orthodox ChristianFellowship) webpage under the tab Programs & Events – RealBreak 2015. You can also donate http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2015/to Alex’s mission trip directly online with this link toOCF http://www.ocf.net/real-break/sponsor/ Please note,that some internet security programs may block the link.

WOMEN’S PHILOPTOCHOS NEEDS YOU!Please join us in 2015 by completing the form below and sending it to thechurch office or giving it to a WPC board member after church on Sundays.

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone (home): (mobile):

Email:

Suggested membership donation: $25. Checks may be made out to WPC.

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COMMUNITY WIDE FOOD DRIVE

Hunger is an ever present problem in Buffalo. It affects men, women and especially children. It’s easy to do a small part to combat hunger– pick up some extra groceries each time you go to the store and bring them to church with you to donate on Sundays. Philoptochos humbly asks that you bring non-perishable food donations to church on a regular basis and leave them in the des-ignated area in the narthex, community center or Sunday school/Greek School hallway. Each month Philoptochos will collect thefood items and distribute them to Orthodox Action and Hearts for the Homeless to assist in feeding Buffalo’s hungry. Below is alist of suggested items which are always needed:

Canned beef stew . canned chicken . canned potatoes . canned chili . kidney beans . baked beans . pasta/sauceparmesan cheese . canned tuna/chicken . grape jelly . juice boxes . peanut butter (smooth) . cereal . tomato sauce

cake mix . frosting . fruit cocktail . macaroni & cheese . rice . canned vegetables . sandwich bags . instant mashed potatoes

FYI: Hearts does not use green beans, black beans, refried beans or tomato soup

Please make sure all food donated is within date and not expired!! Thank you for your generosity!

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATIONTuesday, March 24

Feast of the Annunciation Vespers - 6:00 PM

Annunciation Greek Orthodox ChurchBuffalo, New York

A Reception will follow in the Demakos Community Center at 7:00 PM

All are Welcome!

$

$

15

February brings us to The Presentation of Christ in the Tem-ple. This is the Feast celebrated on the 2nd of February and thisFeast concludes the observances related to the Nativity of Christ.

Presentation of Our Lord Resources in our library include:

• The Story of the Icons by Mary Hallick

• The Festal Menaion (p60)

• The Incarnate God – The Feasts of Jesus Christ and the

Virgin Mary

This month, we are also entering the ecclesiastical periodknown as the “Triodion”. This is a time to spiritually prepare forthe approach of Holy and Great Lent. This period includes dailyprayers, fasting, worship and service. We focus on repentanceand forgiveness.

The Library has an abundance of books to guide you through the Lenten Season:

• Children’s Bible Reader: Brings to life the central stories ofthe Old Testament and the New Testament and makes them acces-sible to children.

• Becoming Orthodox – A Journey to the Ancient ChristianFaith: The inspiring story of over two thousand evangelical Chris-tians and their search for Historic Christianity.

• Seasons of Grace: These short yet thoughtful reflections willhelp weave together the great feasts into the fabric of our lives.

• The Illuminated Heart: Why are modern Christians so in-distinguishable from everyone else? What did the Christians of thefirst centuries know that we don’t? That’s what this book is about.

• On Fasting: Includes outline of fast days and their rules. Acollection of articles on prayer and fasting which give spiritual ref-erences and reason for our need to fast.

LIBRARY EVENTS

• Story Time: February 8th. Join us for a favorite story, pop-corn and a craft.

• Orthodox Book Discussion Group: We were inspired byour January review and discussion of Lifted by Angels by Joel J. Miller. Thank you to all who attended. Visit our HOCALi-brary.blogspot.com for updates and next book to be announced.

• Valentine’s Day Raffle: Check out a book of your choiceand enter the raffle. A “sweet” prize!!

THANK YOU

Thank you to the following for their donations:

George and Elenie Basil for their donation to the library in mem-ory of John Basil and Anna Liaros. May their memory be eternal.

LIBRARYAglaia Polisson

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Orthodox Book Discussion Group

Art of Salvationby Elder Ephraim

Art of Salvation (Elder Ephraim)…33 homilies of Elder Ephraim, founder of 18 Greek Orthodoxmonastic communities in North America and former abbot of Philotheou Monastery (Mt.Athos).

Each Wednesday during Lent the church community meets after the Liturgy of Presantifiedgifts for a Lenten pot-luck dinner in the taverna. Following dinner, Father Christos leads a dis-cussion of a few chapters of the selected book. This year’s book, the Art of Salvation, is anheirloom quality book that has recently been translated from the original Greek. It normally re-tails for $42, but as a ministry of the bookstore, it will be sold for $26.

Here is what the fathers of St. Nektarios Monastery, publishers of the book, say in the intro-duction: “This book as rightfully been titled The Art of Salvation, for it demonstrates how to

cultivate the fruits of repentance….If you are plagued by sinful passions, it will instruct you how to decrease them.If you are confronted by temptations, it will encourage you to deal with them. If you are overcome by indifference, itwill infuse you with heavenly zeal. If you are battled by despair, it will show you how to draw hope. If you are assaultedby pride, it will inform you how to develop humility.”

We will be meeting February 25, March 4, March 11, and March 18. The Liturgy of the Presantified Gifts is sched-uled for 6:00 P.M. and the Lenten Potluck and discussion is at 7:00 P.M.

Announcing the five books approved by Fr. Christos for discussion in 2015. All five books are (will be) available inthe library and bookstore. Visit www.hocalibrary.blogspot.com for book discussion updates. To become a memberof the book discussion group email list, email: [email protected].

January- Lifted by Angels (J. Miller)Lent - Art of Salvation (Elder Ephraim)May/June - Sacred Parenting (G. Thomas) …a Mother’s Day tributeAugust - Ascent to the Summit (I. Rozin)… “martyred by a Muslim extremist at 44,…his life was one of total self-sacrifice….whether Christian or Muslim.” Fall – Voyage to the Rock (M. Penney)…A teenager’s odyssey; for grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents, and teenagers!

For Book Discussion Group updates visit: www.hocalibrary.blogspot.com . To join the book group email list, email [email protected]

lent discussion book

books for 2015

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ORTHODOX ACTION

Mary Danakas

“Share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless and poor into your house.” Isaiah 58:7

EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO GIVE

To pour out our lives for others is one ofthe greatest things we can ever learn to do. Ibelieve that it is important to cultivate a heartfor giving, or to live a lifestyle of giving.

So how do we cultivate a heart to give? Ithink an attitude of gratitude is an excellent way to start. Whenwe make a practice of counting our blessings, something wonder-ful happens in us and we want to express it, usually by giving insome way.

A natural outcome of gratitude is generosity. When we thinkof the many ways God has blessed us, our hearts become soft andcompassionate toward those who are not as fortunate. Our grate-fulness makes us want to give. And the more generous we are, themore blessed we will be.

Our aim here at Orthodox Action is to give – to give practicalaid to people in need and show them the love of Christ – as muchand in as many ways as we can. We are blessed by the support ofnumerous volunteers and partners which allows us to take manyopportunities to bless others in return.

So, as we count our blessings, we’ll keep being a blessing. Andwe’ll always be grateful to you for being such an integral part ofsharing Christ and loving people!

Those who volunteer at Orthodox Action’s Saturday Soup Kitchens sharetheir gratitude through their generosityof the giving of their time. To speak tothis point is the following reflectionfrom Mr. Ed Gargala, one of our regular volunteers, who has also become part ofthe core team at our Saturday SoupKitchens.

In September of 2013 my 15 year old son informed me he had35 hours of volunteer work he had to do for his community serviceobligation in school. I remembered a good friend of mine (JohnSpanos) volunteered at a Greek Soup Kitchen in Buffalo and askedhim to see if Lucas could work there. I also said I would come along,to “keep an eye on him,” at least in the beginning. If it was a safe,productive environment, my plan was to move to “drop off and pickup” duty in this parent moment. I knew my buddy would take goodcare of him. However, I did plan on working once or twice in thebeginning to get him started, then move on.

Well, here it is February of 2015, my son has “moved on” tothe next school/friend event, and here I am, still at the Soup Kitchen.As a matter of fact I’ve been going every month. Why? Well, I foundout an interesting thing. I really enjoyed it. The Soup Kitchen at theGreek Orthodox Church is well run and a very organized communityendeavor that exudes a sense of warmth and welcome, both to thepeople it serves and the volunteers who labor at it. The work is simpleand fulfilling, with the overwhelming majority of the people who receive it (at least in my experience) gracious and appreciative. Wehave our occasional “grouch” but they are few and far between, andthey actually add to the “stories of the day.”

Without being too ‘soapy', it also just feels good to help peoplein a concrete manner. For me, I am a very blessed man, withGREAT kids, a wonderful wife, and a job I love. I know no onemore fortunate than myself. Being part of this Soup Kitchen isjust another moment I feel blessed. Blessed, because I am againreminded that when you give, you generally get back more thanyou gave. I certainly have!

Ed Gargala is the Director of Residential Services at Wyndham Lawn Home for Children, a program of

New Directions Youth and Family Services.

Our Soup Kitchen is Looking for Volunteers

• If you, like Ed, would like to volunteer at the Orthodox Action Soup Kitchen on the second or last Saturday of themonth in the Demakos Community Center, please call MaryMastoras, Volunteer Coordinator at 440-2130.

• Orthodox Action’s Soup Kitchens are a great way to fulfill your community service requirements!

• Also if you can help prepare or bring in desserts for ourSoup Kitchens, please call Carolyn Skaros at 228-0001.

A Special ank You from Orthodox Action to the following individuals:

• Dean and Beth Mellas for their very kind and extremelygenerous donation towards our ongoing Soup Kitchen efforts!

• Peter and Betty Pavlakis for their very kind donation to-wards our Saturday Soup Kitchens in honor of their childrenChristine & David Bowling, Martha Pavlakis & Erik Brynjolf-sson, and Dean Pavlakis & Patricia Christian!

• Our Greek School for their very kind donation of three traysof baked chicken which was used at our January 31, 2015Soup Kitchen!

May God bless you all for your service and generosity!

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LENTEN AND HOLY WEEK DONATIONS 2015

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LENT & PASCHA 2015 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Saturday, February 14 1st Saturday of the Souls - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amSaturday, February 21 2nd Saturday of the Souls - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amMonday, February 23 Clean Monday - Lent Begins

Wednesday, February 25 Presanctified Liturgy – 6:00 pm, followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion (The Art of Salvation)

Friday, February 27 1st Salutations to the Theotokos – 7:00 pmSaturday, February 28 3rd Saturday of the Souls - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amSunday, March 1 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT – Sunday of Orthodoxy - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Lenten Vespers – 5:00 pm – Sts. Peter and Paul’s, 45 Ideal St. Buffalo, 14206Wednesday, March 4 Presanctified Liturgy – 6:00 pm, followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion (The Art of Salvation)

Friday, March 6 2nd Salutation to the Theotokos – 7:00 pmSunday, March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – St. Gregory Palamas - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Lenten Vespers – 5:00 pm – St. Stephen’s, 177 Weber Rd. Lackawanna, 14218Wednesday, March 11 Presanctified Liturgy – 6:00 pm, followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion (The Art of Salvation)

Friday, March 13 3rd Salutation to the Theotokos – 7:00 pmSunday, March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT – Holy Cross - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Lenten Vespers – 5:00 pm – St. Theodore Church, 96 Los Robles, Williamsville, NY 14221Wednesday, March 18 Presanctified Liturgy – 6:00 pm, followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion (The Art of Salvation)

Friday, March 20 4th Salutation to the Theotokos – 7:00 pmSunday, March 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT – St. John Climacus – Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Lenten Vespers – 5:00 pm – TBATuesday, March 24 Feast of the Annunciation Vespers – 6:00 pm – Annunciation Church, Buffalo, NY – Followed by a Reception at 7:00 pmWednesday, March 25 Feast of the Annunciation - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amWednesday, March 25 Presanctified Liturgy – 6:00 pm, followed by Lenten Pot-Luck Meal, Lenten Reflection & Book Discussion (The Art of Salvation)

Friday, March 27 Akathist Hymn – 7:00 pmSunday, March 29 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT – St. Mary of Egypt – Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Lenten Vespers – 5:00 pm – St. George, 2 Nottingham Terrace Buffalo, NY 14216Saturday, April 4 Saturday of Lazarus - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amSunday, April 5 PALM SUNDAY - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Service of Nymphios – 7:00 pmMonday, April 6 HOLY MONDAY - Service of Nymphios – 7:00 pmTuesday, April 7 HOLY TUESDAY - Service of Nymphios – 7:00 pmWednesday, April 8 HOLY WEDNESDAY – Holy Unction – 6:00pmThursday, April 9 HOLY THURSDAY – Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 8:00 am - followed by Community Paschal Egg Preparation (Demakos Community Center) - Reading of 12 Gospels – 7:00 pmFriday, April 10 HOLY (GOOD) FRIDAY – Royal Hours 10:00 am – followed by Holy Friday Youth Retreat (Grades K-12) – Removal of Christ’s Body 3:00 pm – Service of the Lamentations with Flower Girl Presentation 7:00 pmSaturday, April 11 HOLY SATURDAY – Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00am – Resurrection/Paschal Vigil Divine Liturgy 11:00 pm – followed by Pascha Community MealSunday, April 12 GREAT & HOLY PASCHA – Agape Service 12:00 Noon – followed by Youth Easter Egg HuntFriday, April 17 Feast of the Life Giving Font (Zoodochos Pegi) - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 amThursday, April 23 Feast of St. George - Matins 9:00 am - Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

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38th Annual Buffalo Greek Fest

June 5, 6 & 7, 2015

Please reserve these dates and participate in thebiggest fundraiser for our church.

Information and details, as they become available, will appear in the Sunday Bulletin and in the Glad Tidings

Festival Hours: Friday: 11:00 AM to Midnight

Saturday: 11:00 AM to Midnight

Sunday: 12 Noon to 9:00 PM

Please volunteer your time and your talent – help is always needed!

WINTER IS HERE!

With the arrival of inclement weather, we would like to inform you of the following:

If Church services should be cancelled, it will be announced on:

• WKBW-TV Channel 7 • WGRZ-TV Channel 2 • WBEN 9:30 AM Radio

If it is not announced on television or radio, church or Sunday school has NOT been cancelled.

GLAD NEWSJordan Pozantides and Alicia Mecca welcomed a new daughter,

Carlee Marie on Sunday, November 29, 2014

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LIVING WATER

Macarios the Great (also known as Macarios the Egyptian in contrastto Macarios of Alexandria), lived from 300 to 390 AD. He was a formercamel rider who traded in nitre. He was ordained a priest and lived as ananchorite (a hermit)in remote areas of the Egyptian desert. He was muchinfluenced by Saint Anthony the Great. His memory is celebrated on January 19.

1. Abba Sisoes said, ‘When I was in the Scetis with Macarios,we went up, seven of us, to bring in the harvest. Now a widowcried out behind us and would not stop weeping. So elder Macar-ios called the owner of the field and said to him, “What is thematter with the woman that she goes on weeping?” “It is becauseher husband received a deposit in trust from someone and he diedsuddenly without saying where he had hidden it, and the ownerof the deposit wants to take her and her children and make slavesof them.” The elder said to him, “Tell her to come to us, whenwe take our mid-day rest.” The woman came, and the elder saidto her, “Why are you weeping all the time like this?” She replied,“My husband who had received a deposit on trust from someone,has died and he did not say when he died, where he had put it.”The elder said to her, “Come, show me where you have buriedhim.” Taking the brethren with him, he went with her. When theyhad come to the place, the elder said to her, “ Go away to yourhouse.” While the brethren prayed, the elder asked the dead man,“So and so, where have you put the deposit?” The corpse replied,“It is hidden in the house, at the foot of the bed.” The elder said,“Rest again, until the day of resurrection.” When they saw this,the brethren were filled with fear and threw themselves at his feet.But the elder said to them, “It is not for my sake that this has hap-pened, for I am nothing, but it is because of the widow and the

orphans that God has performed this miracle. This is what is re-markable, that God wants the soul to be without sin and grants itall it asks.” He went to tell the widow where the deposit was. Tak-ing it, she returned it to its owner and thus freed her children. Allwho heard this story gave glory to God.’

2. They said about Abba Macarios that when he visited thebrethren he laid this rule upon himself, ‘If there is wine, drinksome for the brethrens’ sake, but for each cup of wine, spend aday without drinking water.’ So the brothers would offer himsome refreshment, and the elder would accept joyfully to mortifyhimself; but when his disciple got to know about it he said to thebrethren, ‘In the name of God, do not offer him wine any more,or he will end up dying of thirst in his cell.’ When they heard that,the brethren did not offer him wine any more.

3. When Abba Macarios was returning from the marsh to hiscell one day carrying some palm-leaves, he met the devil on theroad with a scythe. The latter struck at him again and again, butin vain, and he said to him, ‘What is your power, Macarios, thatmakes me powerless against you? All that you do, I do, too; youfast, so do I; you keep vigil, and I do not sleep at all; in one thingonly you beat me.’ Abba Macarios asked what that was. The devilsaid, ‘Your humility. Because of that I can do nothing against you.’

4. Abba Macarios the Great said to the brothers at Scetis, whenhe dismissed the assembly, ‘Flee, my brothers.’ One of the eldersasked him, ‘Where could we flee to beyond this desert?’ He puthis finger on his lips and said, ‘Flee that,’ and he went into hiscell, shut the door and sat down.

ABBA MACARIOS THE GREAT

$SACRAMENTAL STATISTICS

FOR 2014

• 4 Chrismations

• 33 Baptisms

• 22 Funerals

• 7 Weddings

• 3 Divorces

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February is Membership Month, but due to Lent starting early,our Membership Luncheon has been postponed until April, afterEaster. We hope to have it at The Columns, and soon a date anda menu will be confirmed.

Dues are collected at this luncheon,but you can pay them before then at aCoffee Klatch, at church, or mail $10.00to our treasurer, Joyce McDaniels at 199Columbia Ave. Williamsville, 14221.

Please come to the Coffee Klatches sowe can discuss plans and the directionour club should take.

I am trying hard to secure programs for the Coffee Klatchesin February and March.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• February 24 - Coffee Klatch, 1:00 - 3:30pm

• March 31 - Coffee Klatch, 1:00 - 3:30pm

• April - Membership Luncheon - Details TBA

HELLENIC SENIOR CLUB OF STS. JOACHIM & ANNA

Barbara Kelly, President

ST. NICHOLAS SHRINE AT GROUND ZERO

A Ground Blessing ceremony for Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the WorldTrade Center took place on October 18, 2014 on Liberty Street at the site of thenew National Shrine. As the only house of worship destroyed in the terrorist attackson September 11, 2001, the shrine is set to be fully rebuilt by the end of 2016.

The grounds for the National Shrine, designed by world-renowned ArchitectSantiago Calatrava were blessed in an “agiasmos” (Greek for ‘sanctification’) ceremony led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.

The Ground Blessing ceremony included a prayer service, readings from scrip-ture, and the blessing of water from the memorial pools followed by commentaryfrom political officials, religious figures and Calatrava. The service concluded witha moment of silence remembering the victims who perished in the tragic attacks onSeptember 11.

“This is truly a remarkable event, commemorating not only what was lost, but acknowledging a future of rebuilding, reconciliation, healing and peace,” said Fr.Evagoras Constantinides, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America’s spokesperson.

“The ground blessing ceremony marks the rebuilding project coming to life,” Fr. Constantinides added. “It’s been a long road, and the Archdiocese welcomeseveryone to attend St. Nicholas National Shrine once its doors are opened.” Oncerebuilt, the National Shrine will include a 2nd floor non-denominational bereave-ment center welcoming all those seeking comfort and prayer and a place of solace.

The ceremony boasted more than 2,000 attendees, including U.S. Sen. CharlesSchumer, former NY Gov. George Pataki, and former NYC Mayor David Dinkins Above: His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios during the ceremony.

Below: The Archbishop blesses the the carins,representing the Twin Tow-ers, which will be placed at the entrance of St. Nicholas; His EminenceMetropolitan Nicholas signs the wall of St. Nicholas Shrine.

Photos by Dimitrios Panagos/GOA.

For more information, photos and video about St. Nicholas NationalShrine, or to make a donation, please visit: www.stnicholaswtc.org

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MEMORIALS

A full accounting of memorial donations from December - February will appear in the March issue of Glad Tidings.

Please remember: All memorial donations must be received by the 10th of every month to appear the following month.

In Loving Memory ofIordanis and Parthenopi

PozantidesLou, Kalliope, Jordan and

Carlee MariePozantides

SCHOLARSHIP TRUST

The Committee thanks the following who have donated to the Church’s Scholarship Fund. We can think of no better way for our Church, in atangible way, to show its appreciation to the members of our parish for their hard work, dedication, and devotion.

The Church Scholarship CommitteeRev. Dr. Christos B. Christakis • Dean Mellas (Parish Council President) • Dean Pavlakis • Boris Kuvshinoff

A full accounting of memorial donations from December - February will appear in the March issue of Glad Tidings.

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DAILY BIBLE GUIDEResearched from: http://www.goarch.org/en/resources/dailyreadings/index.asp

2/1/2015 .............Matins: Matthew 28:16-20, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Romans ...........................8:28-39, Gospel: Luke 18:10-142/2/2015 .............Matins: Luke 2:25-32, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:7-...........................17, Gospel: Luke 2:22-402/3/2015................Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14, Gospel: Luke 2:25-382/4/2015 .............Epistle: St. Peter's Second Universal Letter 3:1-18, Gospel: Mark ...........................13:24-312/5/2015 .............Epistle: St. John's First Universal Letter 1:8-10; 2:1-6, Gospel: Mark...........................13:31-37: 14:1-22/6/2015 .............Matins: John 10:1-9, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 7:26-...........................28; 8:1-2, Gospel: John 10:9-162/7/2015 .............Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 6:11-16, Gospel: Luke 20:46-...........................47; 21:1-42/8/2015 .............Matins: Mark 16:1-8, Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians...........................6:12-20, Gospel: Luke 15:11-322/9/2015 .............Epistle: St. John's First Universal Letter 2:18-29; 3:1-8, Gospel: Mark...........................11:1-112/10/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10, Gospel: John ...........................15:17-27; 16:1-22/11/2015............Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6, Gospel: ...........................Matthew 10:1, 5-82/12/2015 ...........Epistle: St. John's First Universal Letter 4:20-21; 5:1-21, Gospel: Mark...........................15:1-152/13/2015 ...........Epistle: St. John's Second Universal Letter 1:1-13, Gospel: Mark ...........................15:20,22,25,33-412/14/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians 4:13-17, Gospel:...........................Luke 21:8-9,25-27,33-362/15/2015.............Matins: Mark 16:9-20, Epistle: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians...........................8:8-13; 9:1-2, Gospel: Matthew 25:31-462/16/2015 ...........Epistle: St. John's Third Universal Letter 1:1-15, Gospel: Luke 19:29-...........................40; 22:7-392/17/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10, Gospel: Luke ...........................20:46-47; 21:1-42/18/2015 ...........Vespers OT1: Joel 3:12-21, Vespers OT2: Joel 2:12-262/19/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Jude's First Universal Letter 1:11-25, Gospel: Luke 23:1-...........................31, 33, 44-562/20/2015 ...........Vespers OT1: Zechariah 8:7-17, Vespers OT2: Zechariah 8:19-232/21/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2, Gospel: ...........................Matthew 6:1-13

2/22/2015 ...........Matins: Luke 24:1-12, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, 13:11-...........................14; 14:1-4, Gospel: Matthew 6:14-212/23/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 1:1-20, Vespers OT1: Genesis 1:1-13, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 1:1-202/24/2015..............Matins: Luke 7:17-30, Epistle: St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians...........................4:6-15, Gospel: Matthew 11:2-152/25/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 2:3-11, Vespers OT1: Genesis 1:24-2:3, Vespers...........................OT2: Proverbs 2:1-222/26/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 2:11-21, Vespers OT1: Genesis 2:4-19, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 3:1-182/27/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 3:1-14, Vespers OT1: Genesis 2:20-3:20, Vespers...........................OT2: Proverbs 3:19-342/28/2015 ...........Epistle: St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10, Gospel: Mark ...........................2:23-28; 3:1-53/1/2015 .............Matins: Luke 24:13-35, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 11:24-...........................26, 32-40, Gospel: John 1:43-513/2/2015 .............Orthros OT: Isaiah 4:2-5:7, Vespers OT1: Genesis 3:21-4:7, Vespers...........................OT2: Proverbs 3:34-4:223/3/2015 .............Orthros OT: Isaiah 5:7-16, Vespers OT1: Genesis 4:8-15, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 5:1-153/4/2015 .............Orthros OT: Isaiah 5:16-25, Vespers OT1: Genesis 4:16-26, Vespers...........................OT2: Proverbs 5:15-6:33/5/2015 .............Orthros OT: Isaiah 6:1-12, Vespers OT1: Genesis 5:1-24, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 6:3-203/6/2015 .............Orthros OT: Isaiah 7:1-14, Vespers OT1: Genesis 5:32-6:8, Vespers...........................OT2: Proverbs 6:20-7:13/7/2015................Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 3:12-16, Gospel: Mark 1:35-443/8/2015 .............Matins: Luke 24:36-53, Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-...........................14; 2:1-3, Gospel: Mark 2:1-123/9/2015 .................Epistle: St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 12:1-10, Gospel: Matthew 20:1-163/10/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 9:9-10:4, Vespers OT1: Genesis 7:1-5, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 8:32-9:113/11/2015............Orthros OT: Isaiah 10:12-20, Vespers OT1: Genesis 7:6-9, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 9:12-183/12/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 11:10-12:2, Vespers OT1: Genesis 7:11-8:3, ...........................Vespers OT2: Proverbs 10:1-223/13/2015 ...........Orthros OT: Isaiah 13:2-13, Vespers OT1: Genesis 8:4-21, Vespers ...........................OT2: Proverbs 10:31-11:12

Business advertising in Glad Tidings is patronized by mem-bers and friends of our Greek community.

Advertising rates for ten (10) issues are:Full page: $500.00 Quarter page: $250.00Half page: $350.00 Business Card: $150.00

Contact the church office at 882.9485 or [email protected] to submit your ad.

Deadline for the next issue: February 10, 2015

Limit articles, reports and features to ONE page. All articles shouldbe submitted in electronic format as a Word document or a text file.Digital photographs, graphic arts and advertisements should be submit-ted in electronic formats as a jpeg, tiff or pdf file. Printed photos shouldbe originals, no photocopies will be accepted. If you do not have cameraready art, we can set up artwork for you at a minimal charge.

Materials submitted for publication may be edited for brevity, spaceand errors. All materials must be received by the deadline to be includedin the next issue. Materials received after the dealine will be published on a best effort basis.

HOW TO SUBMIT ARTICLES, TEXT, PHOTOS ANDADVERTISEMENTS FOR GLAD TIDINGS

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