november 2012 bulletinstnicholaslex.org/assets/files/flyers/november 2012 bulletin.pdf · catherine...
TRANSCRIPT
NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember 2012012012012222
PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
.
For centuries now, all doctors take the
Hippocratic Oath promising to practice
medicine ethically and honestly, never doing
harm to a patient. This proposed law would
be impossible to control, and would have
serious societal ramifications.
The Orthodox church believes that to
elevate euthanasia to a right or an obligation
would bring it into direct conflict with the
fundamental ethical affirmation that as
human beings we are custodians of life which
comes from a source other than ourselves.
Furthermore, the immense possibilities, not
only for error but also for decision making
based on self-serving ends which may
disregard the fundamental principle of the
sanctity of human life, argue against
euthanasia.
Generally speaking, the Orthodox
Church teaches that it is the duty of both
physician and family to make the patient as
comfortable as possible and to provide the
opportunity for the exercise of patience,
courage, repentance and prayer. The church
has always rejected inflicted and unnecessary
voluntary suffering and pain as immoral; but
at the same time, the Church also has
perceived in suffering a positive value that
often goes unrecognized in the logic of the
world in which we live, a world characterized
by secularism, materialism, and
individualism.
More information on this topic is available in
this newsletter
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
17 Meriam St., Lexington, MA 02420
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church is a parish under the spiritual and ecclesiastical shepherding of His Eminence Metropolitan
Methodios, the presiding hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the
jurisdiction of His All-Holiness, Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch.
The Orthodox Way is published by the first of each month. The deadline for submissions to this newsletter is the 15h of the
prior month. Thank you for your cooperation.
Icon on cover page courtesy of www.eikonografos.com, used with permission
Office Phone: 781-862-6453 Office e-mail: [email protected] Office Secretary: Mary Correia Church Website : www.stnicholaslex.org Sunday Worship Service: Orthros: 8:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
Rev. Fr. Demetrios Costarakis, Presiding Priest Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.* * Days and times may vary due to Liturgical or other schedules* Father’s Office Phone: 781-862-0315 Father’s Home Phone: 978-275-0002 Father’s Cell Phone Emergency ONLY – 978-201-0636 Father’s e-mail: [email protected]
Our Parish Council Anthony Gray, President [email protected] Lela Digenis, Vice Pres. [email protected] Alyssa Psyhojos, Secretary [email protected] Michael Tanionos, Treas. [email protected] Penelope Tzougros, Steward. [email protected] Lou Saledas, Finance [email protected] Valerie Larsin,Asst.Sec. [email protected] Marcy Norse, Asst. Treas. [email protected] Bill Brown [email protected] Anthony Callahan [email protected] Kostas Daileanes [email protected] James J. Decoulos [email protected] Diane Maimonis [email protected] Nector Ritzakis [email protected] Tom Tsaros [email protected]
Our Parish Ministries Chanters: Timothy Patitsas [email protected] Efthimia Zervoglos [email protected]
Altar Server Ministry: Yianni Barbas, Jack Decoulos, Tino Decoulos, Speros Dimas, Alexander Heisler, Nicholas Heisler,Christopher Kokkinos, Jonathan Kokkinos, Matthew Kokkinos, Dimitri Psyhojos, Christos Saledas, Christian Sevigny, Loukas Speros, Maximos Speros, Jason Vafiades, Nicholas Vafiades, James Wouralis, Anthony Wilson, Andoni Zervoglos Church School Directors: Lariza Panagiotou [email protected] Leto Papadopoulos [email protected] Greek School Principals: Gloria Doukakis [email protected] Lela Digenis [email protected] Family Ministries James Schmidt [email protected] Stephanie Wilson [email protected] “40 to 4” Infant/Toddler Ministry: Gloria Costarakis [email protected] Adult Choir Efthemia Zeroglos [email protected] HOPE/JOY Advisors: Mike Wilson [email protected] Cassandra Girabaldi [email protected] Nick Speros GOYA Advisors: Leto Papadopoulos [email protected] Daphne Papadopoulos [email protected] Nectarios Ritzakis [email protected] Ladies Philoptochos Society, St. Irene Chapter: Pamela Brown, President [email protected] Seniors Group Gloria Doukakis [email protected] John Yanakis Health Ministry Group: Anthony Gray [email protected] Judy Gray [email protected] Mike Wilson [email protected] Alyssa Psyhojos [email protected]
Cosmas & Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia,
& their mother Theodota
November 1 These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father,
their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of
virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This
became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady,
bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are
called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they
reposed in peace.
Nektarius the Wonderworker, Metropolitan of Pentapolis
November 9
Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, 1846. After putting
himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a
monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his
virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius.
Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to
Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to
Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in
the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of
Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius
showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's
house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, when Nektarius was
in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to
exalt him very high.
On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of
the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift
ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it
aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to
become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May
3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he
commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt.
Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he
found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he
was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of
provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School
in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the
priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly
love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of
certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of
Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up
his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction
of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in
prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought,
healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience,
forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders
in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy
relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through
his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts
of the world.
Philip the Apostle November 14
This Apostle, one of the Twelve, was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was a
compatriot of Andrew and Peter. He was instructed in the teachings of the Law,
and devoted himself to the study of the prophetic books. Therefore, when the Lord
Jesus called him to the dignity of apostleship, he immediately sought out and found
Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law and
the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1.45). Having
preached Jesus the God-man throughout many parts of Asia Minor, and having suffered many things for
His Name's sake, he was finally crucified upside down in Hierapolis of Phrygia.
The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple November 21
According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at
three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was
fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of
the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed
to Joseph.
Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria November 25
Saint Catherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus).
She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth,
lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the
passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her
eloquence, she stopped the mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been
gathered to dispute with her. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the
year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where
they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine was originally dedicated
to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Catherine.
According to the ancient usage, Saints Catherine and Mercurius were celebrated on the 24th of this
month, whereas the holy Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria were celebrated on the
25th. The dates of the feasts of these Saints were interchanged at the request of the Church and Monastery
of Mount Sinai, so that the festival of Saint Catherine, their patron, might be celebrated more festively
together with the Apodosis of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos. The Slavic Churches, however,
commemorate these Saints on their original dates.
Andrew the First- Called Apostle
November 30
This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of
Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist;
afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him
out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of
the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first
disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension
of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His
Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the
shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew.
October 12, 2012
To the Faithful of the Metropolis of Boston Brethren, On Tuesday, November 6, 2012, the residents of Massachusetts will go to the polls to vote for not only the next President of the United States, Senator and other elected officials, but there will also be three ballot questions for your consideration. Ballot question number 2 is entitled, “Prescribing Medication to End Life” or Physician Assisted Suicide.
This past week, I hosted at the Metropolis Center together with Cardinal Sean O’Malley a meeting
of the Inter-Faith Religious Community of Massachusetts. Over 60 religious leaders representing a great diversity of brethren, not only from the Christian community but from the greater ecumenical community including the Islamic, were present and actively participated in the discussion which focused on this proposed legislation concerning physician assisted suicide. (Our Jewish brethren were not present because they were celebrating a High Holy Day.) If this legislation is passed, beginning on January 1, 2013, patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and given a prognosis of less than 6 months to live would have the ability to request a lethal prescription to end their lives.
For centuries now, all doctors take the Hippocratic Oath promising to practice medicine ethically and honestly, never doing harm to a patient. This proposed law would be impossible to control, and would have serious societal ramifications.
As Fr. Stanley Harakas has written, “The Orthodox Church believes that to elevate euthanasia to a right or an obligation would bring it into direct conflict with the fundamental ethical affirmation that as human beings we are custodians of life which comes from a source other than ourselves. Furthermore, the immense possibilities, not only for error but also for decision making based on self-serving ends which may disregard the fundamental principle of the sanctity of human life, argue against euthanasia.
Generally speaking, the Orthodox Church teaches that it is the duty of both physician and family to make the patient as comfortable as possible and to provide the opportunity for the exercise of patience, courage, repentance and prayer. The Church has always rejected inflicted and unnecessary voluntary suffering and pain as immoral; but at the same time, the Church also has perceived in suffering a positive value that often goes unrecognized in the logic of the world in which we live, a world characterized by secularism, materialism, and individualism. Euthanasia is a Greek word meaning ‘a good death’. The only ‘euthanasia’ recognized in Orthodox ethics is that death in which the human person accepts the end of his or her life in the spirit of moral and spiritual purity, in hope and trust in God, and as a member of His kingdom.”1
The Orthodox Church joins our brethren in the Ecumenical community, the American Medical Association, the Mass Medical Society and all people of good will in opposing question two on Election Day. I ask you to prayerfully consider this vital Ballot Question carefully, discuss it fully with your Parish Priest, family and friends, and vote NO on Question 2 in order to preserve the sanctity and dignity of human life. With Archpastoral love, M E T H O D I O S Metropolitan of Boston
1 Fr. Stanley Harakas, “For the Health of Body and Soul: An Eastern Orthodox Introduction to Bioethics.”
Personal Prayer…DO WE DO IT??? Are you ready to make your vote? Decisions will be made that could affect you for the rest of your life? I am not referring to our National Election Day of November 6, 2012, but to the election that you and I have every single day…by the nature of our free will! You and I have the chance to make a decision at every crossroad that is presented to us…either at home, workplace, school. Yet are we guided enough to make this decision? Do we go off the cuff in making our decisions. There is preparation when needing to make a decision for everything…in the workplace its called data analysis, in sports its called practice…in fine arts it is called rehearsal… in parish life we might call it committees, in our everyday life it is called … prayer with God. Prayerlessness is a curse, but prayer is a cure for all ills…through community prayer and by the Grace of God we are able to receive the HOLY GIFTS, the Mysteries, which unites us together and with our Lord During community worship…The Divine Liturgy, Vespers, Paraklesis Services… we may think that the sermon offered is just for church on Sunday or at that particular service. Allow me to share a short story with you that I used in a sermon a couple of Sundays ago…
A young man brought his mother to the church, left her there, and then went off in his car. About an hour later he got a phone call from her to pick her up. He said to his mom “is the service done, even the sermon, mom?” His mother waited, paused, looked at him with a smile and said, “No…it is not finished.” The young man could not understand and inquired if she left early because: she didn’t feel good…wanted fresh air…wanted to leave…didn’t want to see people after. “I feel great” she said… “But even though the priest has left the pulpit, this does not mean that the sermon is over. It is now our duty to put the words into practice, to give life to what was said, to begin doing what we heard.”
Personal prayer allows this to be implemented in our daily schedules Prayer can be many things… Prayer can be powerful… Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ Jerm 33:3 Prayer can be positive… 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. 1 John 5: 14-15 Prayer can be personal… In which our Lord teaches us how to pray, (known as the Lord’s Prayer) we hear… 9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
11 If a son asks for bread[a] from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11: 9 -13 We are to Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking… Lets look at past references of prayer…Jacob at Bethel, Joseph in cell, Moses in wilderness, Daniel in the Lions den, Elisha, Peter in prison. But are we showing anything from it…do we pray in our homes…by ourselves…with our spouses…with our children? We know that prayer was suggested by Christ and echoed by His Aposltes. Prayer can help smash the temptations we face in our lives…keep us in great focus and remind us how we can improve and be His Saints today… PRAYER HELPS!!! In order to have prayer we must whole heartedly have ...BELIEF IN GOD!!!... This past Sunday we heard about the woman who was healed by just touching the garments of Christ! So we too need to have that same faith, when we come to the Church for its Holy Mysteries: The Holy Eucharist, Holy Confession, Holy Unction. We come to God, we call upon Him by/with sincere prayer. We come to Him by not just listening but HEARING His words and receiving them into our lives. This can be a powerful force within us, yet we need to help that seed which is planted in us at Baptism or Chrismation, the opportunity to grow…we need to take the time and put it the effort to pray and just have an open communication with our Lord. He knows what we are going through!!!...yet it is one thing to have Him be outside our door and knowing what is going on… and another to open the door of our hearts and to let Him in! With the Mysteries of the church…worship…living a Christ centered life and having a prayer life can be a powerful impact not only on our lives but on the lives of other. Every Sunday, we meet Christ here in His Church, our home. We believe Him when He said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there I am amongst them…” We believe we unite ourselves with Him in the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. The name of our Savior - Emmanuel, “God is with us” - becomes a reality for us here at every service!
The question remains… Does anyone else know that we have been united with our Lord?
Some can say that they can tell when someone has gone to church because the person smells like incense. Can others tell that we have been in the Lord’s presence not just by the scent of incense, but the joy and beauty of our lives…our thoughts…our words…our actions?…all of these are helped and stemmed from a prayer life with God. It may not bring complete recovery of life for a loved one, may not heal a life ending sickness or disease, but it will provide strength to bear life’s crosses, …our prayer life will give purpose and meaning to life with eachother and in Christ. Amen! With love in Christ,
Cheerful Giving
In the last few years the U.S. economy has faced its greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. The financial debacle, fueled by failed mortgages, the collapse of Wall Street, andother factors, has rippled through every sector of the economy. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low. Millions are out of work, wondering how they will make ends meet. In these troubled times despair is not an option. Only hope! We must believe that with each new challenge comes a new opportunity. When crises occur and the affairs of life are thrown into confusion, we become more aware of our vulnerabilities. In such moments, we are able to see more clearly the things that matter most in our life. We come to realize that loving relationships count the most, and that includes our relationship with the living God. A crisis allows us to make judgments on our values and our priorities. What catches and holds our attention most of the time? Are we focused on the higher and nobler things of life that lead to good works, or are we focused on, what St. Paul calls, “selfish ambitions and conceit” (Phil. 2:3), that enslave souls and shut out the concerns of others, even of those closest to us. The economic meltdown has had huge negative effects on countless people, some of whom may be our neighbors, friends, or relatives. The economic crisis has also impacted many charitable institutions, including schools and churches. Having felt the pinch, many institutions have been forced to slash budgets and lay off staff. People everywhere are hurting. In these challenging times of distress and want what role are we called to play? I think St. Paul provides us with an answer. In his 2nd Letter to the Corinthians he extols theunflinching generosity of the faithful of Macedonia who, though poor themselves, did not hesitate to lend their support to the indigent brethren in Asia Minor and Jerusalem. “In a severe test of affliction their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (2 Cor. 8:2-4). What a marvelous witness of Christian joy and love; a perfect example of cheerful giving. The faithful of Macedonia, filled with and motivated by Christian love, did not ask “How little” but “How much?” This is how cheerful givers think and act. An authentic Christian life requires that we be imitators of God in his bountiful love and compassion. Because He gives freely expecting nothing in return, He desires that we do the same. “The point is this,” wrote St. Paul. “he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:6-8) By belonging to Christ, we have become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). This means that we think, see, feel, understand, and do things differently. As free persons, the recipients of God’s great blessings, we seek to manifest His mercy and love by maintaining good conduct and performing good deeds, giving cheerfully, that God may be glorified (1 Peter 2:9-12).
With Love in the Lord, Fr. Philippe Mousis
Attention Youth – GOYA & JOY
If you would like to play in the Metropolis of Boston Basketball League please contact Fr. Demetri ASAP!!! The league will be starting in the next few weeks…and we have been asked by neighboring parishes if we would like to join with them and make a few teams! All games take place at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, MA. JOY games take place on Saturdays and GOYA games take place on Sunday. PLEASE, HURRY!!!
President’s Letter
October 31, 2012 Dear St. Nicholas Parish Family, I pray that this letter finds you and your loved ones safe, and that God provides comfort to those who have been affected by the recent hurricane. October was a busy month for our parish family, and also for your parish council. I would like to thank the parish council, specifically, for the extra effort put forth in coming together to help solve the sudden but not-yet-actualized budget shortfall. The response to this call to action was tremendous. Thank you! For those not able to attend the Special General Assembly on October 21st, we presented and discussed the upcoming loss of our long-time renters, the Weight Watchers group, and the loss of revenue that would result from this. The impact would be felt in our ability to pay down the remaining loan from the major renovation project undertaken in 2008/2009 when new offices, seven new classrooms, a conference room, a new commercial kitchen, handicap-accessible bathrooms, a new high efficiency heating system and fire alarm system, among others were added to our St. Nicholas. Of the nearly $750,000 borrowed for the renovation, only approximately $100,000 remains. By way of motions passed at the general assembly, your parish council was tasked with: a) Sending letters to all parishioners to seek assistance in paying down the total remaining mortgage of $110,717 of which $42,654 has already been pledged, followed by “personal contact” to the members of our parish family, and b) Ensuring that all money raised during this “Burn the Mortgage” Campaign be used only for mortgage payments Over the next weeks, please be aware of these duly passed motions when contacted by a member of the parish council, and please contact anyone on the parish council to assist in this
endeavor, if you have the time to help with this campaign. Any assistance at all will be greatly appreciated – please help shape the future of our beloved church. Lastly, on a much more joyous note, several members of the parish council and parish family met with His Eminence Methodios on September 24, 2012 to ask questions posed by our parish family regarding the Consecration of St. Nicholas. Questions included potential dates, details of the services, “check list” of items needed, among others. Please take the time to review the minutes of this meeting, and to be a part of this exciting chapter in the history of St. Nicholas! As always, I welcome suggestions, input, criticism with proposed solutions from our parish family and look forward to ongoing guidance provided by Father Demetri. With love, Tony Gray
[email protected] 978-266-1409
FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY Sunday, November 11, 2012 Following Divine Liturgy &
Fellowship
Please make every effort to attend.
“Burn the Mortgage”
Thanks to all those who have contributed as of October 28, 2012. Note: An asterisk (*) signifies that a prior donation was also made to the Building Fund.
Diamond - $25,000 & Up
Your name could be here.
Platinum - $10,000 - $24,999
Your name could be here.
Gold - $5,000 - $9,999
Dimitrios & Wendy Konstantopoulos
Rob & Stephanie DeVasto*
Mark & Sandra Miminos*
Mike and Melanie Tanionos
Tom & Amantha Tsaros
Silver - $1,000 - $4,999
Anonymous*
Margaret & Athos Bousvaros*
Alexander Brown
Bill & Pam Brown*
Charlie & Elaine Daileanes
Buddy & Janet Demers*
Costa & Lele Digenis*
Frank & MaryNed Fotis*
Tony & Judy Gray*
Demetrius & Stavroula Kazan*
(Silver continued)
Michael & Mary Kirmani*
Leo & Lariza Panagiotou*
Helen & Jim Pitarys*
John & Felia Proakis*
William & Joan Tarkulich
Penelope Tzourgros
David & Monica Vafiades
Andy & Nancy Vasilakis*
Bronze - $500 - $999
Anonymous*
Nick & Marion Avtges
Pamela Giannatsis
Peter & Wende Manickas
Nicholas & Francine Miles*
Daphne Papadopoulos
Patron - $1 - $499
George & Yiota Katsarakes
Virginia & Harold Meyer
Leto Papadopoulos
Greg & Helen Splagounias*
Total Number of Pledges: 34
Total Amount Pledged: $57,224
Total Amount Received: $27,024
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serving On the Parish Council
If you are interested, please see one of the Election Committee: Maria Decoulos, Mark Miminos or Danny Wouralis. Three current members of the PC have served for two consecutive terms and therefore can not seek election (per our parish bylaws). WE NEED FAITHFUL FOR THIS MNISTRY!!!
White Elephant Sale St. Irene’s Philoptochos
Saturday, November 3, Saturday, November 3, Saturday, November 3, Saturday, November 3,
2012201220122012 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. –––– 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m.
St. Irene’s HallSt. Irene’s HallSt. Irene’s HallSt. Irene’s Hall
SAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATESAVE THE DATE St. Nicholas New Years Eve
Dinner Dance
AnnunciationAnnunciationAnnunciationAnnunciation Greek Greek Greek Greek Orthodox ChurchOrthodox ChurchOrthodox ChurchOrthodox Church WoburnWoburnWoburnWoburn, MA, MA, MA, MA
Stewardship
Someone rings the bell. You open the door, surprised to greet a loved one you haven’t seen for years. Even with your happiness, in the back of your mind, you have flashes about the condition of the house. Did you leave dishes in the sink; is the bathroom scrubbed, etc.? Oh, the many things that lead us to say, “Oh please don’t mind the condition of the house…” It’s great to be a teenager with no apology about a room. This room is me. I am growing, involved in lots of stuff so, of course, it isn’t “picked up”. What if people criticize our appearance, or our home’s appearance? What is the worse outcome? They might make fun of us or gossip, but we want to be thought of as having appropriate pride in keeping things nice, in being part of polite society. True. But what if the visitor is your priest coming to bring Christ’s blessing to your home? “Oh, not a good time, because… I have to clean the house.” “ I have to…” whatever it is. Doesn’t that make us like the guests St. Luke describes? Christ provides an analogy of a man calling those in polite society to a great supper (Luke 14:15-25). Those who were invited made excuses. Can’t come, I just got married; I just bought property that I need to check out; I just bought oxen. The Master was very angry. Since they could not put aside their everyday concerns, they would not taste of his great supper. They would not eat bread in the kingdom of God. That is the worst outcome. You’re going to be invited to a “come as you are” party. Each of us is going to be invited. We won’t have time to worry about a bad hair day, or being clean shaven. It’s “come as you are”. Let’s pray that our souls are “picked up”, even if our homes are not. We work so hard at being in the world, being responsible, and getting through long to do lists. All that is praiseworthy, if, at the same time, we answer, “Yes” to the many invitations to be in communion with Christ. Imagine how terrifying it would be to hear that we will not eat bread in the kingdom of God? With love in Christ, Penelope Tzougros, Stewardship Chair
Stewardship Report October 23, 2012 2012 Goal: $135,000 Total Stewardship pledges: $ 135,799 WOW Total Stewardship received: $117,416 87% of goal Total pledged Stewards: 180 Last year rec., $109,539 was 88% of goal of $124,500.
Giving Blocks October 23, 2012 $10,000 - $19,000 1 $5,000 - $9,999 1 $2,000 - $4,999 9 $1,000 - $1,999 33 $ 500 $ 999 55 $ 300 $ 499 39 $ 100 -- $ 299 40 Less than $ 100 2 Total pledged Stewards 180 Same time last yr., 174 Stewards were included.
Stewardship Sunday
Stewardship Sunday was a success thanks to the video team that produced the first St. Nicholas High Definition film: Maria and Jim Decoulos and all those who spoke of the love of our church. And, of course, the Iron Chefs-- Josh Norse and Lou Saledas, who cooked and cooked and all the folks who helped set up - Bill Nimee, John Yanakis, Lela Digenis, Pam Saledas and all of you who helped in various ways. Thank you. What a great family to be part of.
St. Irene’s Philoptochos
I’d like to thank all the ladies who make the effort to come to our meetings. They have been well attended and we fill the conference room! For those not aware of our commitments to National Philoptochos, I will recap our contributions since the new ecclesiastical year. In September, we sent $500 to the HCHC Scholarship Fund, and $100 to the Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyteres Benevolent Fund. In October, we sent $100 to the National Philoptochos Emergency Fund. It is not a National commitment, but we sent $200 to the Hellenic Women’s Benevolent Association Radiothon, which took place the end of October. We will be posting sign up sheets for pastry donations for our St. Nicholas feast day celebrations on December 5 and 6. We welcome your contributions! We’re pleased to announce that our St. Irene’s Annual Christmas Party to take place on Monday, December 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Pappa Razzi in Burlington. See attached flyer. Our Annual Christmas Bake Sale will take place on Sunday, December 16 following Divine Liturgy. Make it easy on yourself – Don’t bake for your Christmas dinner – Purchase homemade pastry and support a good cause! A sign up sheet for pastries for this event is on the church bulletin board. Our next meeting is November 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Please note the time change! Thank you all for your support. Hope to see you at our next meeting! Happy Thanksgiving! Pam Brown
Church School
The Church School will be having our first teacher's meeting of the year following the Teaching Divine Liturgy on November 4th. We hope all teachers will be able to join us. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, November 10th. There will be aTeacher/Parent Seminar from 9am - 2pm at St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington. It is very important that ALL teachers attend this seminar. We are requesting at least one teacher per class from St. Nicholas to attend..The seminar is a way to enrich ourselves as teachers and parents.
Greek School
On October 13 Fr. Demetri offered the Agiasmo blessing to all the members of the Greek School family. It was a beautiful service that brought all of us together. The Greek School children have been busy learning the Greek language. On Sunday the 28th of October, Sonya Alam and Basil Sousounis presented readings about the importance of “OXI DAY”. They all did an excellent job and we are very proud of them.
This year we are fortunate to have two new teachers joining us. They are Nectarios Ritzakis and Sophia Grammenos . They are both fluent in Greek, computer literate and enjoy working with children. Nectarios is also an engineer and has been teaching Sunday School at St. Nicholas for a few years. Sophia has a BA in Spanish and a degree in Business. Sophia will also be teaching the recently offered Greek 101 for Adults. This new group has a few more openings and is a great opportunity for parents who bring their kids to Greek School to learn along with their children and for any one in the community interested to better understand the Greek Language, our Divine Liturgy and to better communicate when visiting Greece. Please call Lela Digenis at 978 443 2614 for more information about this class. Everyone associates November with Thanksgiving. The Greek School is having its annual Thanksgiving fundraiser. Soon you will be receiving some fundraising tickets in the mail. We would appreciate if you could support us as you always do. The money donated will help offset the cost of books and other supplies. The drawing will be on November 18 in the hall. Two lucky people will receive a gift card to Wilson’s Farms. Again, we are grateful to all of you who help us every year. Both Gloria Doukakis and Lela Digenis are happy to help and answer any questions. We hope that all of you enjoy the weather. Have a Happy Thanksgiving. We will not have classes on Saturday, November 24. Classes resume on December 1.
GOYA
The GOYA went on a hike October 20 at the Fells Reservation. We have one event planned for November - we will be baking pumpkin Bundt cakes, ala My Big Fat Greek Wedding! The baking is Saturday November 17 at 11:30am. We will sell them on Sunday the 18th during fellowship hour.
Health Ministry
The Health Ministry had our first Health walk of the year on Sunday, October 7 th. It was a nice walk through Lexington center. Hopefully more of you will join us on the next one! We are hoping to have the next walk the Sunday after Thanksgiving...we can all work off those extra pounds of turkey!!!! Also, we are staring our 'Healthy Thursdays' with an exercise class for all fitness levels on Thursdays at 10 am here in St. Irene's hall. Please join us for fun, fellowship and exercise!!!!!! If you have questions about this class, please call Judy Gray @ 978-266-1409. Blessings for a healthy November!!
Social Committee
Plans are underway for our semi-formal New Years Eve Dinner Dance. The Planning Committee for this event consists of only two people thus far. Please step forward and join in. This is a large undertaking and, as such, help will be needed to have a successful event. Please contact Marcy Norse and offer a helping hand. Thank you.
Announcement
On October 27, 2012, a funeral service was celebrated at St. Nicholas Church for Steven Dostou, husband of Mildred Dostou, and father of Jaime Dostou and Linda Rudd. May his memory be eternal.
PAST TWO MONTHS IN PHOTOS…
BEST TRIVIA NIGHT COSTUME TRIVIA NIGHT WINNERS TRIVIA NIGHT GROUP SHOT
RELICS OF ST. NICHOLAS PLANAS PUMPKIN PAINTING FUN FAMILY NIGHT SMILE
40 – 4 CRAFT GROUP CARVING EFFORT ALTAR BOY MTG FOR 2012-13
GOYA CARAMEL APPLES STEWARDSHIP APPRECIATION BREAKFAST & FELLOWSHIP
STEWARDSHIP APPRECIATION SUNDAY - BREAKFAST & FELLOWSHIP
SAINT NICHOLAS HEALTH AND WELLNESS MINISTRY
INVITES YOU TO JOIN US WITH
‘GET FIT THURSDAYS’
COME AND JOIN US FOR AN HOUR OF
EXERCISE!!!!!!
BEGINNING ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25TH
, WE WILL BE
HAVING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR ALL FITTNESS LEVELS
10 AM -11AM
ST IRENE’S HALL
IT WILL BE A LOW IMPACT, TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
IT’S A GREAT WAY TO START YOUR DAY!!!!!!!
YOU JUST NEED COMFORTABLE CLOTHES AND SHOES, A WATER BOTTLE OR
SPORTS DRINK AND A DESIRE TO BE HEALTHY!!!
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, OR WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,
PLEASE CALL
JUDY GRAY @978-266-1409
All women of the St. Nicholas CommunityAll women of the St. Nicholas CommunityAll women of the St. Nicholas CommunityAll women of the St. Nicholas Community
are cordially invited to are cordially invited to are cordially invited to are cordially invited to
ST. IRENE’S PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS ST. IRENE’S PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS ST. IRENE’S PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS ST. IRENE’S PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS GATHERINGGATHERINGGATHERINGGATHERING
Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, December 10, 2012 Monday, December 10, 2012 ---- 6:00 p6:00 p6:00 p6:00 p.m.m.m.m....
Papa Papa Papa Papa----RRRRazzi Restaurantazzi Restaurantazzi Restaurantazzi Restaurant 2 Wall Street2 Wall Street2 Wall Street2 Wall Street Burlington, MABurlington, MABurlington, MABurlington, MA
$ $ $ $ 40404040 per person per person per person per person
M E N UM E N UM E N UM E N U
Choice of: Veal Parmigiana with Pasta
Or
Baked Haddock with Red Bliss Potatoes and Broccoli
Caesar Salad Dessert: Tiramisu
Unlimited coffee, tea and soft drinks
Cash Bar for alcoholic beverages.
For fun - Yankee Swap - please bring a small, wrapped gift – value $10.
In lieu of requesting a toy be brought to our Christmas Gathering, we ask that you bring a new, unwrapped toy to the church hall on
Sunday, December 16 (or before) to coincide with our Philoptochos Bake Sale. The toys will be donated to children in need through
REACH – Refuge, Education, Advocacy, Change. Thank you.
RSVP by December 5, 2012 by calling the church office
781-862-6453
