my baba - st. nicholas greek orthodox church october newsletter.pdfmy baba (grandmother) 2 . st....

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ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495

Volume 19 - Number 10 October 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

How fortunate it is to have or have had a Baba in one’s life.

Fond memories return when one reads the narratives of Babas in The Orthodox Herald to which I add one of my own.

Baba was my maternal grandmother; she had a name, Martha, but we always called her Baba. She traveled to this country before the outbreak of World War I as a young teenager, leaving a larger family behind. She never learned English although much later she proudly became a citizen and had the right to vote through our coaching of her – remember Eisenhower; Washington and other answers to expected questions. She passed. Her lack of English was a positive for me for in daily contact with her I learned Russian and dialects and languages from a multi-ethnic neighborhood in New Haven, CT, where I was born and grew up.

I learned a lot more from Baba. Watching her at home and in Church I learned of God, reverence, worship, spirituality …

Each year I bought her a calendar – those with a page for each day, like secular ones popular today. This one had Russian writing, religious, that I could not read, but Baba could and would be delighted with her Christmas gift from me. Each day she removed a page, standing and praying before the calendar, crossing herself. I learned then that God was present everywhere – even in our homes, even in paper calendars.

I watched her, too, as we often went to Church together. I served in the altar. She with head covered in a babushka or hat sat on the left side, with the men on the right.

“Make sure you hold candle still and straight,” she would remind me in Russian. “Everyone likes that. Make the sign of the Cross carefully,” and she would show me – right hand with three fingers up touching and two down carefully crafted together. And she would continue

touching forehead, each shoulder right to left, and then close to the stomach, all in a careful pattern of horizontal and vertical lines – no zig zags allowed.

And I learned from her and her friends how important it was to go to Church to walk or take a bus. What a picture on Holy Thursday as persons left Church after the 12 Gospels, with lit candles, going to bless their homes. Some boarded buses with those candles from our Holy Transfiguration Church then on Dixwell Avenue in an inner city of New Haven. No one objected in the late ‘50s and ‘60s this devotion that probably violated many a fire code. People just did it. And it was good.

I learned a lot from Baba, both from what she said and what she did not say. We traveled together some when I first got my license and I would take her on rides to Churches that seemed far away to see them . She was thrilled when I drove her by Three Saints church in Ansonia, larger than she had known in this country. Little did I know then that the woman who would eventually be my wife, was already attending there – my beloved Suzanne of blessed memory.

Now as a priest I remember and share a special gift from her. In all of our conversations I never heard her speak poorly of a bishop, priest, the Church. They were part of her journey to God with Whom I trust she now rests comfortably today.

Thank you Baba…I love you. Thank you God….I love you.

Memory Eternal

-from the Orthodox Herald By Fr. William DuBovik

(a pastor of All Saints Orthodox Church in Harford, CT)

My Baba (Grandmother)

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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 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Dino Pappas 314-701-8118

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 October 2015

Announcements

Newsletter Deadlines for October—December

This is an early notice to all that articles for November and December are due early because of the upcoming holidays. October: Oct. 10th November: Nov. 6th December: Dec. 4th

Election Time

We all have the right to run for office—even the President of the United States! But sorry to say, no one thinks of our Parish Council, committees for various activities; let someone else run—so therefore put your mind where your mouth is—do not find fault with people who are trying to make things right for our church. Think about becoming part of your community: Serve and see what you can do!

-Roxana Couternais

St. Nicholas Book Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will gather on Monday, October 5th, to discuss The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier. This novel involves the discovery and subsequent theft of an ancient manuscript on Mount Athos that could change history—if it’s not a forgery.

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

PLEASE JOIN US!!!

DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE October 2015

1 T Acts 9:10-19 Lk 6:12-19

2 F 1 Tim 1:12-17 Lk 6:17-23

3 S Acts 17:16-34 Lk 5:17-26

Sun

4 2 Cor 9:6-11 Lk 6:31-26

5 M Phil 1:1-7 Lk 6:24-30

6 T 1 Cor 4:9-16 Jn 20:19-31

7 W Phil 1:12-20 Lk 6:46-49;71

8 T Phil 1:20-27 Lk 7:17-30

9 F 1 Cor 4:9-16 Mt 9:36-38;10:1-8

10 S 1 Cor 15:58;16:1-3 Lk 5:27-32

Sun

11 Titus 3:8-15 Lk 8:5-15

12 M Phil 2:12-15 Lk 7:36-50

13 T Phil 2:16-23 Lk 8:1-3

14 W Phil 2:24-30 Lk 8:22-25

15 T Phil 3:1-8 Lk 9:7-11

16 F Phil 3:8-19 Mt 27:33-54

17 S Rom 9:18-33 Lk 6:1-10

Sun 18 Col 4:5-11,14-18 Lk 10:16-21

19 M Acts 2:14-21 Lk 9:18-22

20 T Col 1:1-3,7-11 Lk 9:23-27

21 W 2 Cor 9:6-11 Lk 9:44-50

22 T Col 1:24-29;2:1 Lk 9:46-56

23 F Gal 1:11-19 Mt 13:54-58

24 S 2 Cor 3:12-18 Lk 7:1-10

Sun 25 Gal 2:16-20 Lk 8:26-39

26 M 2 Tim 2:1-10 Jn 15:17-27;16:1-2

27 T Col 2:20-23;3:1-3 Lk 11:1-10

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

29 T Col4:2-9 Lk 11:14-23

30 F Col 4:10-18 Lk 11:23-26

31 S 2 Cor 5:1-10 Lk 8:16-21

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CHURCH GREEK FESTIVAL What a magnificent GREEK FESTIVAL with incredible leadership and superb multiple team workers … where, in this Note, it will be impossible to individually name and thank each and every one who helped make this Event a most successful one. However, more detailed acknowledgements & information will follow. Once again, a wholehearted THANK YOU from Fr Doug, Fr Michael and the entire Church Board (… all of who actively worked as well).

SABBATICAL FOR FR DOUG During the month of October, Fr Doug will resume and complete his 3 month Sabbatical (Archdiocese of Am 2014, pp 25, Sec A Item 9) … a well-deserved accumulated leave at that.

SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EVENTS: By now, detailed FLYERS will have been sent by e-mail for each of the following Programs (… with additional information included in the Sunday Bulletins & in this Newsletter) 1. THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH CONSECRATION PROGRAMS on 3-4 Oct

(Sat & Sun) 2. ARCHBISHOP TARASIOS will participate in an Orthodox-Catholic

Relations CONFERENCE on 9-10 Oct (Fri & Sat) at SLU, promoted by SLU & the St Irenaeus Institute. His Eminence is also scheduled to conduct Sunday AM Church Service at St Nicholas on 11 Oct .

CALL FOR CANDIDATES TO CHURCH BOARD & STANDING COMMITTEES The ELECTION COMMITTEE is actively at work attempting to recruit candidates for openings on the Church Board and Standing Committees. This year, however, before submitting the completed form, applicants MUST attend only one (1) of two (2) presentations that will be given by Fr Michael or Fr Doug & the President of the Board … that will include information regarding the positions being pursued. These brief sessions will be given Mon 12 Oct @ 7 PM at FLC … and on Sun 18 Oct immediately after Church Service. The DEADLINE for APPLICATIONS is FRI NOON 23 OCT. So please consider running for an open position … where your Church participation is really needed and will be appreciated

VANDELISM at ST MATTHEWS CEMETERY Sadly, periodic vandalism has been a problem at St Matthews Cemetery where parts of monuments have been destroyed. In the past, the Cemetery Committee and the Church Board had made a decision to have families regretfully assume the repairs and related costs … since the owners & managers of the Cemetery accept no responsibility whatsoever. These issues and problems are regularly reviewed by the Cemetery Committee. Home owner’s insurance may cover any such damaged.

FRIDAY LUNCHEONS HAVE RESUMED Luncheons have restarted on Friday 18 Sept 11 AM – 2 PM. New plans and procedures are constantly in play pending our market & new prospective customers. Your innovative ideas, input and help are always needed and appreciated … by contacting the Church Office @ 314.361.6924.

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ Τι υπέροχο ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΦΕΣΤΙΒΑΛ με απίστευτη ηγεσία και εξαιρετική πολλαπλές ομάδα εργαζομένων ... όπου, σε αυτή τη σημείωση, θα είναι αδύνατο να αναφέρουμε ξεχωριστά

και να ευχαριστήσω όλους και τον καθένα που βοήθησαν να γίνει αυτό το Γεγονός μια πιο επιτυχημένη. Ωστόσο, θα ακολουθήσει πιο λεπτομερείς αναγνωρίσεις και πληροφορίες. Για άλλη μια φορά, η ολόψυχη ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ από π Doug, Fr Μιχαήλ και όλης της Εκκλησίας Συμβούλιο (... όλα που εργάστηκαν ενεργά, όπως επίσης).

Εκπαιδευτικής άδειας για FR DOUG Κατά τη διάρκεια του μηνός Οκτωβρίου, ο π ο Νταγκ θα συνεχιστεί και ολοκληρωθεί τρεις μήνες Σαββατικών (Αρχιεπισκοπή Am 2014, σελ 25, τίτλος Α σημείο 9) ... επάξια τη συσσωρευμένη άδεια του @ αυτό.

ΕΙΔΙΚΕΣ θρησκευτικές εκδηλώσεις: Μέχρι τώρα, λεπτομερείς FLYERS θα έχουν σταλεί με e-mail για κάθε ένα από τα ακόλουθα προγράμματα (... Με πρόσθετες πληροφορίες που περιλαμβάνονται στο Sunday Δελτία & σε αυτό το ενημερωτικό δελτίο) 1. Η παραδοχή ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ χειροτονία προγραμμάτων για 3 - 4 Οκτ (Σάββατο & Κυριακή) και 2. ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΟΣ Ταράσιος θα συμμετάσχει σε ένα συνέδριο Ορθοδόξων και Ρωμαιοκαθολικών Σχέσεων στις 9 - 10 Οκτ (Παρ & Σάβ) @ SLU, που προωθείται από την SLU & Αγίου Ειρηναίος Ινστιτούτου. Ο Σεβασμιώτατος είναι επίσης προγραμματισμένο να πραγματοποιήσει την Κυριακή AM Εκκλησία Υπηρεσία @ Αγίου Νικολάου στις 11ης Οκτώβρη

Πρόσκληση υποβολής υποψηφιοτήτων στην εκκλησία ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ & ΜΟΝΙΜΩΝ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΩΝ Η Εφορευτική Επιτροπή είναι ενεργά @ work προσπαθεί να προσλάβει υποψηφίους για τα ανοίγματα της Εκκλησίας του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου και Διαρκείς Επιτροπές. Φέτος, ωστόσο, πριν από την υποβολή του συμπληρωμένου εντύπου, οι αιτούντες πρέπει να παρακολουθήσουν μόνο μία (1) από δύο (2) παρουσιάσεις που θα δοθούν από τον π Michael ή Fr Doug & του Προέδρου του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου ... που θα περιλαμβάνει πληροφορίες σχετικά με τις θέσεις που είναι επιδιώκονται. Αυτές οι σύντομες συνεδρίες θα δοθεί Δευ 12ης Οκτ @ 19:00 @ Life Ctr ... και Sun 18ης Οκτωβρίου αμέσως μετά την εκκλησία Υπηρεσία. Η προθεσμία υποβολής αιτήσεων είναι Παρ ΜΕΣΗΜΕΡΙ 23 του Οκτωβρίου. Επομένως, σας παρακαλώ να εξετάσει τη λειτουργία για μια ανοιχτή θέση ... όπου η συμμετοχή Εκκλησία σας είναι πραγματικά απαραίτητη και θα εκτιμηθεί

VANDELISM @ ST MATTHEWS ΝΕΚΡΟΤΑΦΕΙΟ Δυστυχώς, η περιοδική βανδαλισμός έχει ένα πρόβλημα @ St Matthews νεκροταφείο όπου έχουν τμήματα των μνημείων έχουν καταστραφεί. Στο παρελθόν, η Επιτροπή νεκροταφείο και η Εκκλησία Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο είχε αποφασίσει να αναλάβει τις οικογένειες με λύπη τις επισκευές και συναφή έξοδα ... δεδομένου ότι οι ιδιοκτήτες και οι διαχειριστές του Νεκροταφείου ουδεμία ευθύνη φέρει. Αυτά τα ζητήματα και τα προβλήματα που εξετάζονται τακτικά από την επιτροπή Νεκροταφείο. Ασφάλιση ιδιοκτήτης σπιτιού μπορεί να καλύψει οποιαδήποτε τέτοια ζημιά.

Παρασκευή γεύματα έχουν ξαναρχίσει Γεύματα έχουν ξαναρχίσει την Παρασκευή 18 του Σεπτέμβρη του 11 ΠΜ - 14:00. Νέα σχέδια και οι διαδικασίες είναι συνεχώς στο παιχνίδι, εν αναμονή της αγοράς μας και τους νέους υποψήφιους πελάτες. Καινοτόμες ιδέες, η είσοδος και η βοήθειά σας είναι πάντα

απαραίτητη και θα εκτιμηθεί ... επικοινωνώντας με το Γραφείο Εκκλησίας @ 314.361.6924.

PRESIDENT’S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD PHONE: 314.922.4457

[email protected]

“Do not limit the benefits of fasting merely to abstinence from food, for a true fast means refraining from evil.”

-St. Basil the Great

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DID YOU KNOW … Philanthropy – Gifting (often in memory of loved ones) – may allow you to earn income tax deductions and to transfer money out of your estate to avoid additional estate taxes while leaving a legacy gift to our Church. It could be as simple as providing a bequest of cash in your will or living trust. Charitable gifts distributed at the time of your death provide estate tax deductions. Unlike income tax, however, these deductions are unlimited, which means that you can donate even more, tax-free. Ways to Give: Bequests in your will or living trust Donation of Appreciated Securities Life Insurance Donations (St. Nicholas named as

beneficiary) Charitable Trusts Retirement Assets (St. Nicholas named as

beneficiary)

Καθιέρωση Legacy σας στο St Nicholas Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία

με ένα δώρο στη μνήμη των αγαπημένων

Γνωρίζατε ότι … Φιλανθρωπία - Δωρεά (συχνά στη μνήμη των αγαπημένων) - μπορεί να σας επιτρέψει να κερδίσουν τις εκπτώσεις φόρου εισοδήματος και να μεταφέρετε χρήματα από την περιουσία σας για να αποφύγετε επιπλέον φόρους περιουσίας, αφήνοντας μια κληρονομιά δώρο για την αγαπημένη μας Εκκλησία. Θα μπορούσε να είναι τόσο απλό όπως την παροχή κληροδότημα των μετρητών στη διαθήκη σας ή ζουν την εμπιστοσύνη. Φιλανθρωπικές δωρεές που διανέμονται κατά το χρόνο του θανάτου σας, την παροχή φορολογικών εκπτώσεων ακινήτων. Σε αντίθεση με το φόρο εισοδήματος, ωστόσο, αυτές οι εκπτώσεις είναι απεριόριστες, πράγμα που σημαίνει ότι μπορείτε να δώσετε ακόμη περισσότερο, αφορολόγητα.

Τρόποι για να δώσει:

• Κληροδοτημάτων στη διαθήκη σας ή ζουν την

εμπιστοσύνη

• Δωρεά Εκτιμήθηκε Τίτλων

• Ασφάλειες Ζωής Δωρεές (Αγίου Νικολάου ονομάζεται ως

δικαιούχος)

• Charitable Trusts

• Συνταξιοδότηση Ενεργητικού (Αγίου Νικολάου

ονομάζεται ως δικαιούχος)

DID YOU KNOW - Το Ήξερες Series Article #5

Establish a Legacy at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church with a Gift in Memory of Loved Ones

John Koch in collaboration with Sakis Salas & Voula Francis

PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE John Koch (Chair), Voula Francis, Sakis Salas, George Bude, Peter Vaccaro & Dan Tarlas

BAPTISM “All you who have been baptized in Christ” STEVEN GEORGE Son of Jeffrey and Andrea Markwardt Godparent: Deamando Welsh ALEXIS MAIA Daughter of John and Christina Hamilton Godparent: Diana Grayson

FUNERAL “Where the Righteous Rest”

August 21st Kay Margaret Karras

MEMORIAL

October 4th 1 Year Kyriaki Patakas 3 Year Leo Catsavis 10 Year Tharinos Patakas

Parish Life

In Memory of Loved One Donation

FAMILY LIFE CENTER

IN MEMORY OF THE LATE CATHERINE AGASTRITIS GEORGES Dear Mother of Helen Demmas and Peggy Corthinos Colovos Dear Grandmother of Andrea (Dan) Tarlas, Kathryn (Jim) Sansone, Danielle (Jim) Demmas Walt and her precious grandchildren

By Jeanne & Nicholas Tompras and Family

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Philoptochos Corner October 2015

General Membership Brunch August 22

Our first General Meeting was our Membership Brunch at the Family Life center. A wonderful day was had by all with 45+ in attendance. We encouraged all that attended to please volunteer for Festival duty. We announced that on October 1, our next General Meeting, that our guest of honor will be Julie Ann Najar. She is the local representative for Make A Soldier’s Wishlist” foundation. This organization is one of our chosen recipients for this year’s local charities. We are honored to give a donation and encourage all our members to attend this meeting.

Stavrou Luncheon Elevation of the Cross on Monday, September 14 –

This event will be held at the Family Life Center. Mary Argyros and Cleo Kekeris will prepare the luncheon meal. We will report in next month’s issue.

Kick-off “Jar of Giving” First Day of Sunday School

We will bring back last year’s challenge to our wonderful Sunday school children. Last year the classes were able to collect $850, with a little help from Philoptochos, they were able to present $1000 to Father Doug and Father Michael for the Capital Campaign initiative. Encourage your child to give, if only a nickel, it all adds up. Proverb 22.6 teaches us – Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Last year’s winning class was the 2nd grade.

Save the Date Saturday October 10th

A Night at the Mouse Races This event will be held at the Family Life Center. Very much like a Trivia style night in set up. You’ll have your own table, bring your own appetizers and drinks, with beer, water, and coffee provided. It is a “fun” night of races. Look for more information to follow and bring your family, friends and co-workers for a promised night of excitement! For more details contact Helen Carey at 314 750-0745 or [email protected]

Save the Date

Saturday, November 7th Grecian Kitchen Holiday Open House at the Family Life Center. Please mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for lunch and place your home-made “Grecian Specialties” order for the Holidays. We’re excited for this year’s event. Our Prayer Shawl ladies will display their beautiful baby clothing, blankets and shawls, Grecian jewelry/imports. This year’s event will once again include outside vendors, many returning from previous years. For advance pita orders please contact Dianne Zotos 636 530-6988. Look for more information concerning our “special” pie orders. More details to follow.

Save the Date Sunday, November 22

Grecian Kitchen Holiday Harvest Bake Sale/Luncheon at St. Nicholas. The ladies of Philoptochos will be hosting their Annual Grecian Kitchen Holiday Harvest Bake Sale/Luncheon. We need “home –made” items: breads, cakes, pies, etc. for the Holiday Harvest Bake Sale. If you are interested in baking an item please contact Georgia Ferretti 636 675-0329 [email protected] . For advanced orders please contact Dianne Zotos 636 530-6988 and she will have orders for pick up ready in advance. Calendar of Events: 10/01 – General membership meeting 10/08 – Executive Board Meeting 10/10 – Mouse Races 11/01 – Philoptochos Sunday. Pass tray for “Families in Need”/Announce Woman of the Year 11/01 – IOCC Banquet – St. Nicholas 11/07 – Grecian Kitchen Holiday Open House 11/12 – General Meeting – approve 2016 budget 11/15 – Metropolis Clergy Laity Conference 11/22 – Grecian Kitchen Holiday luncheon and Pita order pick up

For a Laugh

A woman accompanied her ailing husband to the doctor’s office. After his checkup, the doctor called the wife into his office alone. He said, “Your husband is suffering from a very sever disease, combined with horrible stress. If you don’t do the following, your husband will surely die.

Each morning, fix him a healthy breakfast. Be pleasant, and make sure he is in a good mood. For lunch make him a nutritious meal he can take to work. And for dinner, prepare an especially nice meal for him. Don’t burden him with chores, as this could further his stress. Don’t discuss your problems with him; it will only make his stress worse. Try to relax your husband in the evening by giving him plenty of back rubs. Encourage him to watch some type of team sporting event on television. And most importantly, satisfy his every whim. If you can do this for the next 10 months to a year, I think your husband will regain his health completely. “On the way home, the husband asked his wife,

“What did the doctor say?”

“You’re going to die,” she replied.

International Orthodox Christian Charities

Faith in Action: Christ teaches us that we should extend love and compassion to everyone in our lives, from family and friends to complete strangers. At International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), we strive every day to extend a loving hand, without discrimination, to those who are in greatest need – families, refugees and displaced persons, orphans, the elderly, school children, and people with disabilities. Since 1992, IOCC has responded on behalf of you, the Orthodox community, to the world’s most vulnerable in more than 50 countries.

“If we really want to turn our burdensome wealth into something that benefits us, let us distribute it to many people.”

-St. Basil the Great

St. Louis IOCC Annual Banquet Sunday, November 1, 2015

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

mailto:[email protected]


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ERASTUS, the City Treasurer

Corinthian Christians hardly amounted to much. When St. Paul wrote to the congregation some six or so years after its founding, he mentioned that their number included “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble” (1 Corinthians 1:26)

Indeed, Paul went on to remark, in his own missionary efforts at Corinth he had deliberately refrained from using “persuasive words of human wisdom” (2:4), the sort that might appeal to the powerful and well-educated. He had intentionally directed his message, rather, to the city’s lower, less seemly classes – drunkards, thieves, and sexual perverts – those social elements that respectable citizens might regard as the very dregs (6:9-11).

That does not mean, however, that the church at Corinth included no one wise, no one mighty, and no one noble. In fact, we are sure of one Christian in the place who was arguably all three of these things. His name was Erastus.

From a worldly point of view, Erastus was certainly an important Corinthian. We know that he held significant positions of public trust, one of which was City Treasurer, ho oikonomos tes poleos (Romans 16:23). In addition he was, according to a Latin inscription on a marble pavement block excavated there, the city’s Commissioner of Public Works, who “laid this pavement at his own expense.”

In such positions of municipal service, the responsibilities of Erastus were enormous. Corinth, sitting on a narrow isthmus joining the ports of Cenchreae on the Saronic Gulf and Lechaion on the Gulf of Corinth, was bustling and wealthy commercial center. Its strategic position joining the Aegean and Adriatic Seas prompted the Romans, who had destroyed the place in 146 B.C., to reestablish it as a Roman colony by a decree of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. It was apparently settled by freedmen from Rome, a circumstance that would account for the Latin names of some of the Corinthian Christians: Crispus, Gaius, Fortunatus, Tertius, Quartus (Romans 16:22-23; 1 Corinthians 1:14-16; 16:17).

During the century that followed its refounding, Corinth had become one of the most prosperous cities of the empire. Various wares from hundreds of ports and islands of the Black Sea and the Aegean arrived at Corinth on hundreds of ships, there to be bartered for the products of Adriatic cities arriving from the other direction.

The smaller of these ships were actually dragged over the Isthmus of Corinth through an artificial shipway that the historian Strabo called a diolkos, or “haul-across.” To and from the larger vessels, meanwhile, there moved the steady traffic of wheeled conveyances bearing assorted products from one port to the other, a process requiring the daily labor of thousands. Corinth was ever abuzz with businessmen, seamen, galley slaves, stevedores, longshoremen, and other dock workers, along with hawkers and vendors of every sort.

And from all of this enormous commerce, needless to say, the city of Corinth exacted its regular tolls and taxes. Finally, the oversight of this vast resulting revenue was the responsibility of the city’s treasurer and commissioner of public works, a Christian named Erastus.

Because the Romans had destroyed classical Corinth two hundred years earlier, modern archelogy has uncovered mostly remnants from the city’s later period, including the time of St. Paul. Since this later city was less than a century old when Paul arrived there in 49/50, it was still very much under construction. Supported by the enormous new wealth of the place, this construction was varied and extensive. It included roads and elaborate public buildings adorned with colonnades. Especially prominent to the modern visitor is the “judgement seat,” or bema, where Sosthenes was beaten in the spring of A.D. 51 (Acts 17:18).

It is instructive to think that less than a decade later; a Christian would be in charge of this extensive municipal renovation and have oversight of its funding. Erastus, then, stands at the head of a long tradition of Christians who served their fellow citizens in government and public trust. It is also instructive to observe that the high political position of Erastus does not seem to have made him a dominant figure in the local church. Even in a congregation that had not many wise, mighty, or noble, Erastus appears to have been just another Christian.

-Again Magazine

Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon

Sowing and Reaping

According to Mental Floss magazine, Jane Percy planted a most unusual garden. She was fascinated by botanical gardens that grew plants with healing properties. In 2005, she decided to plant a garden of poisonous plants. Her 14-acre plot contains 100 plants that could kill. We often plant such gardens, filling our lives with destructive emotions, behaviors and beliefs, things so deadly they can kill the soul.

-J. Michael Shannon

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Dear St. Nicholas Family, As Chairman of the 2015 Greek Festival, I'd like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this year's festival another great one! It was really gratifying to see the enthusiasm and positive energy of so many parishioners working together for the good of our Church. And of course, our guests recognize this warmth and enthusiasm; it's one of the reasons they come back every year. In addition to being a fundraiser for the church, as it always is, it's also a great morale booster, not only for our parish, but for the entire St. Louis community, which is in great need of positive events that raise people's sense of community. Many thanks to our Executive Board: Helen Carey, Christina Ginos, Carol Kamburis, Bob Meyer and Ben Murphy; to the Steering Committee, which includes the Executive Board members along with Chris Anastas, Michael Ferretti, Peter Ferretti, Jonathan Hartley, George Menos, Steve Ott, Sakis Salas, Chrysoula Tomaras, Demetrios Tsikalas and Peter Vaccaro, and to all of the volunteers who gave of their time and their energy to make the festival such a great success. Yours in Christ, Father Doug Papulis Parish Priest and Festival Chairman

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The Green Thing

In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.”

The clerk responded, “That’s our problem today. Your generation didn’t care enough to save our environment.”

He was right – our generation didn’t have the green thing in our day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles, and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So, they really were recycled.

But we didn’t have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn’t have an

escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.

But she was right. We didn’t have the green thing in our day.

Back then, we washed the baby’s diapers because we didn’t have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar-power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that old lady is right; we didn’t have the green thing back in our day.

Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn’t have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded-up, old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline, just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working, so we didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she’s right; we didn’t have the green thing back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty, instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink, instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor, instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But we didn’t have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids

rode their bikes to school or walked, instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearing pizza joint.

But isn’t it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were, just because we didn’t have the green thing back then?

Congratulations Festival Team Leaders/Lunch Donors!

This year several of our St. Nicholas parishioners volunteered their services in becoming “Team Leaders” on the Baking and Meat Kitchen Prep Teams for our Labor Day Festival. Thanks to the Team Leaders and volunteers who have shown week after week to get thousands of items made. A special thank you to Becky Tharenos for mentoring these individuals and leading them through the process. Team Leaders: Pastitsio/Moussaka – Nicky Antoniou & Paula Exarhou Spanakopita – Georgia Ferretti, Maria Kamburis, Jenny Pappas & Dianne Zotos Tiropita – Sue Lampros Galatoboureko – Haroula Souris Koulouria – Christina Anastas, Mary Angelides & Sarah Angelides Kourabiedes – Teddy Hart Finikia – Becky Tharenos & Helen Koskolos Shish-Kebobs – Michael Ferretti Chickens – Demetrios Tsikalas Lamb Shanks – Dean Millonas & Pete Papadopoulos Salads – Lexi Dendrinelis & Fr. Douglas Papulis Salad Dressing Bottles – Christina Anastas & Becky Tharenos Pastry Boxes – Becky Tharenos Loukoumades – Aliki Bibas, Elizabeth Glynias & Helen Koskolos Assisted on several teams – Georgia James We also want to thank the ladies and gents who volunteered and donated delicious lunches. Thanks to Christina Anastas, Fr. Michael & Presvytera Caroline Arbanas, Katherine Ellis, Bess Fitzmaurice, Michael & Georgia Ferretti, Festival Steering Committee, Teddy Hart, Helen Leara, Bess Millonas, Gina Nakis, Voula Natsis, Sue Lampros, Joe & Deb Palazzola, Stephanie Demos McPherron, Mary Muckler, Elizabeth Krekorian Reithmann, Katherine Rutter, St. Nicholas Philoptochos, Angie Sevastianos, Anna Siromas, Anne & George Souris, Andrea Tarlas & Kim Tarlas. If you are interested in assisting the teams we would love to hear from you. The teams will meet in mid-September 2015 to review this year’s process, so please feel free to contact us so we can include you in the meeting. Congratulations and many thanks for the time you have given to this year’s Festival! Christina Anastas 314.647.4636 or [email protected]


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Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Corner: "The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches

of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally."

OCMC News - Destruction of a Church in Albania

by Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania

On August 26, 2015, before dawn at around 4 o’clock in the morning, in order not to confront the residents of Dhermi in Himara, the Orthodox church of St. Athanasius was secretly and insidiously destroyed by construction inspection forces which

were brought from other areas of the country.

It was dejecting and offensive to see the Holy Gospel, the Icons and the sacred objects buried under the rubble. This act

reminds us of the desecration at St. Mary's Church in Permet, where the holy objects were thrown into a garbage truck.

This action is a flagrant violation of the Law no. 10057, 22.01.2009, "On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Albania and the Orthodox Church of Albania", Article 21/1,2 according to which "Buildings and facilities which serve for religious ceremonies and services are considered sacred by the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania. The intervention of the state authorities is prohibited, except in cases of urgency when it is required pursuant to an order of prosecution, a judicial or executive title, or in case of threat of an imminent danger. 2. The inviolability of public space is guaranteed by the State. The State protects religious objects and religious areas, in accordance with the Law. "The intervention was made without prior official or informal notification and the clergy were ignored. The hierarchical representatives, Protopresbyter Fr. Pandeli Mitru, Fr. Efthim Bixhili

and Fr. Athanasius Kareem demanded an explanation by local authorities.

From the beginning, those who had planned the destruction of this holy place were contradictory, megalomaniac and inconsistent throughout their statements, claims, and actions. They stated that the church was an illegal construction recently built. However, the church was erected by the faithful at the dawn of Democracy (over 20 years ago), in the same place where the old church had been destroyed by the Communist Regime. They said that it was a monument of culture but this is not true. They stated that it was not under the possession of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, but documents prove the opposite.

They stated that the concrete layer was laid at the walls of the historic old church and then it was flattened etc.

This event is a violation of the universal right of belief and secularism promulgated at the Constitution of the State, which privately undertakes the demolition of an object of religion to establish another one by undertaking initiatives and commitments that do not belong or comprise with the internal religious issues. Such

irresponsible and reckless actions endanger religious harmony in the country bringing up conflicts among religions and religious communities.

This action occurs at a time when the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, along with the community of Saint Egidios and the Catholic Church in Albania, are preparing an event in early September to organize a great interreligious activity "Peace is Always Possible." This is a historic event for Albania. It will be attended by 500 delegates from 30 different religious communities from all over the world. Such actions undertaken against the Orthodox Autocephalous

Church of Albania are in opposition to the spirit of the event and provoke and distort the image of our country and its people.

The Orthodox Church of Saint Athanasios in Dhermi has been

completely demolished in the middle of the night. May God lead us and

help us in our time of need.

CHURCH FUND In Memory of James Dendrinelis

Sophia J. Dendrinelis In Memory of Veda Martin

George & Maria Kantis In Memory of Kyriaki Patakas

George & Maria Kantis In Memory of Eugenia Cosmas

Bill & Voula Francis In Memory of Kay Margaret Karras

Madeleine Vatterott-Mori Chris & Mary Mezines

Susan Cassimatis Chris & Tina Paradowski

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN In Memory of Theodore Anastas

Harry & Georgia Pliakos Kathy & Ron Rogers

In Memory of Sebbe Dafnides Harry & Georgia Pliakos

In Memory of Catherine Agastritis George & Kimberly Tarlas

In Memory of Kay Margaret Karras Tina Cassimatis, Elaine & Jimmi, Francine & Bernie, Pete Reyna

Rileigh Jim & Terry Demos

Ann & Chris Dafnides Dr. & Mrs. A.K. Dagartzikas

Michael & Jenny Pappas George Demetre

SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Kay Margaret Karras

Thimios & Mary Zanetos

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY In Memory of Kay Margaret Karras

Audrey Giovani

FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of Catherine Agastritis

Bess Pappas Katherine Ellis

In Memory of Kay Margaret Karras Jeanne Tompras Katherine Ellis

Memorial Donations August 10th thru September 10th

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IOCC Helping Others Help Themselves ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES

Daniel Christopulos US Country Representative, IOCC

Dan Christopulos is the US Country Representative for International Orthodox Christian Charities, (IOCC) the official humanitarian relief agency of Orthodox Christians in the United States. He is responsible for managing all aspects of IOCC’s humanitarian activities in the United States, ranging from emergency response to development programs. Dan, who has also served as the organization’s development director, joined IOCC in 2001.

After receiving his Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 1983, Dan participated in parish ministry for 15 years. During that time he spent almost three years in the mission field in East Africa, and served in various communities in the United States as well as assisting to establish the Archdiocesan Office in Hong Kong.

He has also received a Masters in Social Work and managed several federal grants in the health field.

The Metropolitan St. Louis Committee for IOCC

Annual Fundraiser Banquet

Sunday, November 1, 2015 Vespers 5pm – Dinner 6pm

St. Nicholas

Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63108

$35

Reservations

Please mail your check payable to

IOCC to:

Mrs. Teddy Hart

1715 Featherwood Dr.

St. Louis, MO 63146

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) is a non-profit 501 © (3) organization eligible to receive

tax-deductible contributions

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St. Nicholas Church presents

Something’s brewing, and it’ll be ghoulishly fun…

A wicked good time for everyone!

Come see all the costumes It’ll be quite a sight

When we celebrate on this Trunk or Treat night

Saturday, October 17, 2015 6 pm at the Family Life

Center

$8.00 per person in advance $10.00 at the door

Chili supper, games, crafts, and caricature artist (NEW this year)

Everyone is invited!

Contact Stephanie Glioumas for

more info (314)324-8367

Scrapbooking & Project Day

Saturday, October 3, 2015 10am-10pm

$15

Do you have a project that you have been wanting to complete (or start)? We have set up the

time and space for you!

Traditional and online scrapbooking, sewing, card

making, quilting, jewelry making, knitting, needlepointing.

Bring your friends & family – all projects welcome!

Wi-Fi and power sources available.

Proceeds benefit St. Nicholas Greek

Orthodox Church

At St. Nicholas Family Life Center

Philoptochos Room 12550 South Outer 40 Dr. 63141

For reservations & questions contact

Steph McPherron at

[email protected] or 636-778-0061

Please make checks payable to St. Nicholas Greek

Orthodox Church and mail to:

1501 Timberbridge Ct.,

Chesterfield, MO 63017


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OXI DAY LUNCHEON

Sunday, October 25, 2015 following Divine Liturgy

This historic and meaningful day commemorates the

bravery and tenacity of the Greek people.

Come celebrate with friends

and family. Enjoy a delicious luncheon

Cost: $12 adults Children under 18: free

Take-Out lunch will not be available

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr. Nikos Poulopoulos Professor of Byzantine &

Modern Greek History and Culture

University of Missouri- St. Louis

Sponsored by the

Harry Karagiannis family

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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

October Chili with Beans

Package of Macaroni noodles Carrots

Pineapple Chunks Powdered Milk (optional)

Dishpan Detergent (optional)

November Chicken and Dumplings

Lima Beans Cranberry Sauce Instant Pudding

Baby Wipes Gentle Washing Machine Detergent

(optional)

Mary Mezines, Food Bag Chairperson

PHILANTHROPY REPORT October 2015 “He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, But whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Proverbs 14-31

We are looking for a car seat that would accommodate a one year old child. Please contact Jeanne or Johanna if you have a gently used car seat you can donate.

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. We thank the parishioners who kindly donated school supplies, bookbag, & clothing for our prison ministry child.

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

If 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. We will be pleased to send you a tax form if you need it.

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

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