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Volume 5, Issue 12 December 2015

ON THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD

By Father George Wilson

Cave prepare, for the Ewe Lamb comes bearing Christ in her womb;

Manger receive him who with a word has loosed us - born of earth from irrational action.

Shepherds abiding in the fields, bear witness to a fearful wonder;

Magi from Persia, offer the King gold, frankincense, and myrrh; for the Lord has appeared from a Virgin mother.

Bending over him like a slave, his Mother worshipped him and addressed him as he lay in her arms:

How were you sown in me? How have you grown in me, my Redeemer and my God?

DOXASTIKON FROM VESPERS ON THE TWENTY-FOURTH OF DECEMBER - PLAGAL SECOND TONE

he Liturgical Year of our Holy Orthodox Church covers the entire life of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The announcement is made to the Virgin Mary that she would carry the Christ, and nine months later we celebrate the Glorious Birth of God as Man! The major events in the life of our Lord are experienced in worship as if we are today celebrating these wondrous events in Christ’s life and in His time.

Our worship services are not a play or a stage performance but rather continuous prayer, meditation, and blessings. We do not come to the Divine Services to be entertained but to be elevated in prayer and to reach the heights with the angels, the bodiless hosts, who surround the Glorious and Blessed presence of God yet are indeed invisibly present with us in the Mysteries of the Church.

The Church is the place where we come into the very presence of God so that we may receive the very Body and the very Blood of our Lord. This is a sanctified place; it is, indeed, holy ground. When we enter the Church, we are enjoined to leave our worldly cares behind for as we enter the Orthodox Church building, we are entering heaven on earth.

Atop every Orthodox Christian altar table sits a liturgical vessel called the artoforion, or tabernacle, which contains the Body of our Lord: the reserved Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is this reserved Sacrament, which is shared with the hospital-bound and home-bound Orthodox Christians so that they may receive Holy Communion. This simple, humble liturgical vessel is a receptacle, which contains the uncontainable God. In a parallel view, it is like the Virgin Mary in that she, too, contained the Body of God, the infant Jesus. God in

1200 ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD – NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 70122

First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America

THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

His grandeur and beauty and Love cannot be contained, yet He is fully present in the Church. He was fully present in the womb of the Virgin and is fully present in all who seek a relationship with Him, those who follow His commandments and desire to do His will and share the Good News of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

The evil of the world has no dominion over the Goodness and Power of God. Each year, as we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord as if it were occurring today, we have the opportunity to receive Him in a new way. As we prepare ourselves through the fasting period of the Nativity, we have a chance to physically purify ourselves. Through our increased time of reading the Bible and praying, we are preparing our minds as a manger to receive the Christ Child. Called upon to share our blessings with those who have not, we are opening our souls to the life of Christ that we are each called to lead.

In the Doxastikon hymn at the onset of this article, we hear the Virgin Mary ask of the Christ Child: “How were you sown in me? How have you grown in me, my Redeemer and my God?” In this upcoming New Year of the Lord, let us keep these words in the forefront of our hearts. The Devil cannot take away the Goodness from us unless we relinquish it. I pray that we are strong in our Love, Faith, and Belief in Christ as Lord, God and Savior. May we nurture the morsels of the Body and Blood of Christ that we receive through the Holy Eucharist and understand that by this act the Christ Child is sown in each of us! As we study the life of the Lord through scripture and we incorporate acts of mercy and compassion into our daily lives, we are allowing the Christ Child to grow in us. In worship, liturgically, today IS a new day. Allow this new day to be a new day in Christ in our life - recognizing Him as Redeemer and God as we too ask daily: “How were you sown in me? How have you grown in me, my Redeemer and my God?”

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70122

504.282.0259 – Fax 504.283.5586 holytrinitycathedral.org

Liturgical Services Sundays – Orthros 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am

Clergy Reverend Father George Wilson priest@holytrinitycathedral.org 504-282-0259

Chanter: Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos

2015 PARISH COUNCIL President: Constandinos Vennis

1st Vice President: W. Paul Andersson

2nd

Vice President: Petros Christakis Treasurer: Eleftherios Toras Secretary: Barbara Wolf Members: Maria Anastasiou, Konstantinos Frezoulis, Manoli Ioannidis, Argeta Labatut, Angela Lear, and Ginny Zissis

The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis

EDUCATION

Greek School: Instructor, Fay Kalergi Hymnology: Instructor, Viki Moustoukas

Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Patrick Latour

ORGANIZATIONS

Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons

AHEPA: President, Lance von Uhde, III

Daughters of Penelope President: Sandy Bouzon

Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis

GOYA Coordinator: Presvytera Harriet Wilson

President: Sophia Marathonitis Advisors: Lenna Korominas, Despina Patselikos, Brian Stokes, Maria Stokes,

Hellenic Dancers: Coordinator, Vivi Demarinis Assistant, Manoli Ioannidis Assistant, Maria Patselikos

Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Ana Commagere

HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos

Philoptochos: President, Connie Tiliakos PTA: President, Evagelia Vatakis

Real Estate Committee Chairperson: Steven E. Psarellis

St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou

Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis Maintenance: Dimitri Vatakis

HURRICANE KATRINA COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE DEDICATION SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2015

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HH OOLL YY TTRR IINN IITT YY AA RR CC HH IIVV EE SS CC OOMM MM IITT TT EE EE NNEE WW SS LL EE TT TTEE RR

HHOOLLYY TTRRIINNIITTYY HHIISSTTOORRYY

After Dimitri Vatakis visited the Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey, this past summer, Patriarchate Library/Archives staff promised to conduct research into any documentation that connects Holy Trinity with the Patriarchate during the early years ranging from 1860, when parishioners worked to establish a church in New Orleans, to 1922, when the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was established in New York.

The Committee happily reports that it received a copy of a 1924 document listing the early financial support of the Patriarchate from American churches (right). In 1924, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese had been in existence for two years. The list shows that New Orleans, Louisiana, sent $62, the third greatest amount after Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.

MMeerrrryy CChhrriissttmmaass,, KKααλλάά ΧΧρριισσττοούύγγεενννναα !!

from

the Holy Trinity Archives Committee:

Fred Ammons; Nancy Athas; Magdalene Maag; Helen Malachias; Nick Moustoukas, MD; Elaine Nugent; Virginia Pepis; Connie Tiliakos; Cathy Vial; Father George Wilson; Georgia Zervoudis; and Ginny Zissis

LEFT: The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ Icon

Painted canvas attached to arched wood panel installed in the iconostasis of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 1222 North Dorgenois Street

Signature: Kausokalibion (?), Agios Oros; Date: 1951; Donated by E. Tzavellas

TThhaannkk yyoouu vveerryy mmuucchh ffoorr aallll yyoouurr MMeemmoorriiaall GGiiffttss..

Mayy TThheeiirr MMeemmoorriieess BBee EEtteerrnnaall.. ““Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη”

Nancy Athas in memory of Bill Malachias

TThhee ffoolllloowwiinngg iinnddiivviidduuaallss mmaaddee ddoonnaattiioonnss iinn mmeemmoorryy ooff FFoottiinnaa PPaavvlloouu::

Tina and Konstantine Angelo, Stella Dabbs, Helen and Charlie Malachias, Adrienne and Greg Owen, and Despina Pappas

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GREEK MUSICIAN HAD SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

Kyriakos Kalaitzidis and his wife, Vasiliki Nevrokopli, visited Holy Trinity Cathedral and the greater New Orleans area between Thursday, November 12, and Monday, November 16. From the onset the couple was introduced to Greek New Orleans by Maggie and Richard Maag, who showed them the important locations that illustrate the history of Holy Trinity and the settlement of Orthodox Christians in New Orleans. The Maags also introduced them to Creole New Orleans cuisine with lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Apparently, the Greek language spoken at the table caught the attention of the staff and was reported to Chef Leah Chase. As the four were checking out, they heard, “Would you like to meet Ms. Leah? Come into the kitchen.” Maggie reports that is when a wonderful and unexpected heartfelt conversation took place. Chef Leah told Kyriakos and Vasiliki that she loved Greece. Her exact words were “I love your country and hate to hear of your troubles and economic problems.” Furthermore, she encouraged them to be strong and “hang tight” because things will get better. Ms. Leah continued, “Life is always a series of ups and downs, and you can survive the lows. Do not leave your country. Stay and make it stronger.” Chef Leah’s grandson took a picture, which Vasiliki will post on her Facebook page. Maggie remarked that there were many damp eyes. Later, she and Richard explained the important role and position of Leah Chase in the history of civil rights in New Orleans. Only in New Orleans would you experience this magic!

On Friday, November 13, the Holy Trinity Community supported and facilitated a special workshop that Kyriakos provided about the music of Byzantium, Greece, and the Eastern Mediterranean for the students at NOCCA, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Kyriakos introduced these public high school students to the history of this music with a PowerPoint presentation, as well as samples of the music that he played on his oud.

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PHILOPTOCHOS ANGEL TREE PROJECT

Once again, the Ladies Philoptochos Society is accepting donations for the Holy Trinity Angel Tree. This special project assists numerous families within the community with their holiday wishes and needs. Last year Philoptochos helped nineteen (19) people, including young children and the elderly. Please stop by and make a donation or bring a gift card (grocery stores and Wal-Mart are examples). A Philoptochos member will be available in the Coffee Room on December 6, 13, and 20 to answer questions and accept donations. Thank you for your continued support and kindness during the Christmas season!

C H R I S T M A S C H E C K L I S T GOYA Community Christmas Card forms are due Sunday, December 6. Christmas Poinsettias forms are due Monday, December 14. Epiphany Celebration participant forms are due Friday, December 18.

Below is the note that Dr. Kyriakos Kalaitzidis and his wife, Vasiliki, sent to the community after their visit to New Orleans in November.

T H A N K Y O U f r o m

K Y R I A K O S a n d V A S I L I K I

Αγαπητοί μας φίλοι,

Συγχωρέστε με που γράφω στα ελληνικά, αλλά μόνο στη μητρική μου γλώσσα μπορώ να σας γράψω αυτά που θέλω να πω. Και πρώτα απ' όλα, να σας ευχαριστήσουμε θερμά για την υπέροχη φιλοξενία, τη φροντίδα και όλα όσα κάνατε για εμάς κατά τη διαμονή μας στη Νέα Ορλεάνη. Να σας συγχαρούμε για την άψογη διοργάνωση της συναυλίας και του workshop, αλλά και για όσα κάνετε για να κρατάτε άσβεστη τη φλόγα της Ορθόδοξης πίστης και της αγάπης στην πατρίδα. Ο Θεός μας αξίωσε να επισκεφτούμε εκατοντάδες πόλεις σε όλο τον κόσμο και να γνωρίσουμε πολλούς ανθρώπους διαφορετικών εθνικοτήτων και θρησκευμάτων. Μπορούμε να πούμε ότι είστε σπάνιας ποιότητας άνθρωποι, όχι μόνο πολύ ευχάριστοι στην παρέα, αλλά, και κυρίως για όσα σημαντικά κάνετε για ότι αγαπάτε και πονάτε. Γνωρίσαμε εσάς καλύτερα και τα γράφουμε σε εσάς, αλλά αφορούν και όποιους άλλους επιτελούν αυτό το σημαντικό έργο στην κοινότητα και την ενορία της Νέας Ορλεάνης. Παρακαλούμε να τους διαβιβάσετε τις ευχαριστίες μας και τα συγχαρητήριά μας. Ευχόμαστε από καρδιάς ο Θεός να πολλαπλασιάζει τις χαρές στη ζωή σας την οικογειακή και την κοινοτική, και να εξαφανίζει τις λύπες. Να έχουμε καλή υγεία και με το καλό να ανταμώσουμε και πάλι!

Θερμούς χαιρετισμούς, Κυριάκος - Βασιλική

Dear Friends,

I apologize for writing in Greek, but I am only able to write in my mother tongue what I want to say.

First of all, we warmly thank you for your wonderful hospitality, care, and everything that you did for us during our stay in New Orleans.

Then, we congratulate you not only for the way the concert and the workshop were organized but also for keeping alive the flame of the Orthodox faith and the love for your country of origin.

God blessed us with visiting hundreds of cities all over the world. We met many people of different nationalities and religious denominations. However, we can say that it is the first time that we met people with such unique qualities. You have been great company, and you have done great things for all that you love and for which you care. You are the people whom we met, and though this note is addressed to you, it refers to whoever works with you within the New Orleans community and parish. Please, extend our thanks and congratulations to them.

We pray God will multiply the joyful moments in your family and community life and make sorrow disappear. May we be healthy and meet again!

Best regards, Kyriakos - Vasiliki

Join the entire community in celebrating Christmas at the annual

Church School Christmas Pageant.

This year the pageant will be held in the Cathedral following church services, and

the children will perform a very special new song. Please check the weekly

bulletin for practice schedules.

If you have questions, contact Christina Kogos at cmkogos2@aol.com or 504-390-1768.

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PRESERVATION RESOURCE CENTER INCLUDES CATHEDRAL IN OCTOBER TOUR

Father George Wilson hosted on Sunday, October 25, approximately fifty members of the Preservation Resource Center. Its Stained Glass Art Tour Committee included the Holy Trinity Cathedral stained glasses windows on their multi-stop trek throughout the city that day. Below is a letter of appreciation, and on the opposite page is a related article that appeared in their October publication.

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DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE

The Daughters of Penelope celebrated Founders Day in November. Sister Helen Malachias made a presentation about the beginning of the organization, which started eighty-six years ago in San Francisco, California, by Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld. Sister Helen shared a poem written by the founder, as well as pictures from the 50th Anniversary Book of the Daughters. Debbie Funti and Ginny Zissis set a beautiful Thanksgiving table for the meeting.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Pastry Sales Workshops will be held on December 1, 2, 3, and 4 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm each day. Please come

out and help. The Daughters need lots of hands to complete this project. Holiday Pastry Sale will be held on December 6. Please make plans to pick up your order following church

services. No Daughters of Penelope meeting in December Holiday Get Together will take place Sunday, December 13. Information will be sent out.

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL AWARD I am honored to be a Metropolis Archangel Michael Honors recipient this year for Holy Trinity. On November 14 I attended the beautiful Archangel Michael Dinner in Atlanta with family and friends. It is with humility and appreciation that I accepted this award, and I thank Father George, the Church Board, and the members of Holy Trinity for this special recognition. - Barbara Stavis Wolf

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Diane Chronis, Sandy Bouzon, and Helen Malachias

Cathy Vial, Koula Vennis, and Father George Wilson prepare the baskets.

Debbie Funti presents sponsor Pauline Caridas

a bingo prize.

Almost seventy senior citizens and guests attended the luncheon in the Coffee Room on November 12. Chefs John Koniditsiotis, Sandy Bouzon, Diane Chronis, Patrick Latour, Helen Malachias, and Alex Tiliakos cooked a delicious Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, peas, salad, and dessert. Sincere thanks are extended to Bella and Ray Bouton and to Pauline Caridas for sponsoring the luncheon in honor of their sister, Mary Castrinos Giannopulos. Philoptochos members are most thankful and count

their blessings.

Patrick Latour John Koniditsiotis Alex Tiliakos

Sponsors Bella and Ray Bouton

November Senior Citizens Luncheon

Thanksgiving Baskets Delivered to Families

Each fall Philoptochos hosts a “Thanks-Giving” Food Basket drive throughout the months of October and November. This year the spirit of giving and sharing provided families with gift cards to be used to purchase a Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Philoptochos sincerely thanks the many individuals,

families, and organizations that contributed.

Philoptochos Christmas Senior Citizens Luncheon DECEMBER 10

Ladies Philoptochos “Elpis” Society

The Philoptochos chefs planned and cooked a delicious meal.

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GREEK SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Fay Kalergi, Greek School Director

The proper opening line to a newsletter published in December usually includes warm wishes for a happy holiday season since the Christmas spirit lingers in the air and the Christmas holidays are the focal point of this most beloved month. At the same time, December signals the end of a year and a point when everyone celebrates achievements, both big and small. Likewise, Holy Trinity Greek School wishes you all a Merry Christmas and shares with you its achievements during the 2015 fall semester.

BIBLICAL GREEK LANGUAGE COURSE Early in October a new language course was initiated. Introductory Biblical Greek is now taught in the classes, and there is hope that this new language program will continue to grow, helping the local Orthodox community study the language of the New Testament and better understand the messages of the Holy Bible.

BOOK CLUB FOR LANGUAGE LEARNERS The dream of many advanced students has finally materialized. A book club for Greek language learners was set up early in October. Its members are working on the simplified version of “A Tale without a Name,” the book by eminent Greek author Penelope Delta. All participants work on vocabulary, reading comprehension, and grammar exercises, thus further improving their language skills. The first meeting took place on November 19. There is no language instructor who would not get emotional listening to students, who joined the Greek classes as beginners, narrating the content of the first chapter in perfect Greek!

OCTOBER 28 CELEBRATION On November 1 the gymnasium of the Hellenic Cultural Center filled with children's voices reciting extracts from the poem Ioannis Ritsos wrote for October 1940 and what another eminent Greek poet and author, Odysseas Elytis, wrote inspired by the same historic event. Also, a group of girls impersonated “Women of Epirus,” whose contribution to the Greco-Italian conflict must be highlighted and commemorated. All participants learned much about the role of Greece in World War II not only from the lines they memorized but also from a presentation prepared by the advanced students, Stella Vatakis and Maria Vennis, who triggered the younger students’ interest to learn more about that era. Dr. A. N. Yiannopoulos honored the community with his presence and motivated the audience to travel back in time. He read extracts from his personal diary. Katerina Katsianis-Christakis added to what Dr. Yiannopoulos reported by reading the letter of a Greek soldier, who wrote to his father about his personal experience on the battlefield.

The OXI DAY celebration marked a revival of the Holy Trinity Greek Community’s tradition of celebrating the occasion. The success of this event is contributed to the combined efforts and support of several. Many thanks are extended to Parish Council President Constandinos Vennis; Holy Trinity PTA President Evagelia Vatakis, who hosted the event and helped the students learn Greek folk dances; all Holy Trinity PTA members; Koula Vennis, who served as the English narrator, thus helping non Greek speaking guests understand the importance of what the Greeks celebrate on October 28; group leaders Angeliki Frezoulis, Ana Kanellos, and Donna Venturatos, who helped cast members onto the stage and provided “Women of Epirus” with their white head scarves; Terry Marathonitis, who did his magic with music; Dr. Nick Xiros, who assisted with the stage curtains; the parents; the students; and the many guests, who supported the OXI DAY Celebration and helped commemorate one of the most important events in Greek history. Holy Trinity Greek School looks forward to another great OXI Day celebration next year!

CHRISTMAS CARDS EVENT Holy Trinity Greek School will celebrate Christmas by hosting a workshop on October 12 for children five (5) years or older. Each participant will write Christmas wishes in Greek to decorate their Christmas tree; all children of Holy Trinity Cathedral are invited to attend and learn how to pronounce and write ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ, ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ.

On behalf of the Holy Trinity Greek School program, I wish you all,

ΚΑΛΕΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΕΣ

Fay Kalergi, Greek School Director

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GREEK SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ‘Ενα ενημερωτικό σημείωμα που δημοσιεύεται τον Δεκέμβριο περιλαμβάνει συνήθως θερμές ευχές για χαρούμενες γιορτές, καθώς η γιορτή των χριστουγέννων είναι το επίκεντρο του πιο αγαπημένου μήνα. Ταυτόχρονα, οι μέρες του Δεκέμβρη είναι μέρες που σηματοδοτούν το τέλος ένος χρόνου και μας ωθούν να γιορτάσουμε για ό,τι καλό έγινε τη χρονιά που πέρασε. Ετσι, το ελληνικό σχολείο της κοινότητάς μας μαζί με τις πολλές ευχές για ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ θα ήθελε να μοιραστεί με όλους εσάς μια σειρά από λόγους που δικαιολογούν την επιθυμία μας να γιορτάσουμε για κάθε επιτυχία που σημειώθηκε το χειμερινό εξάμηνο του 2015.

ΔΙΔΑΣΚΑΛΙΑ ΤΗΣ EΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΑΣ ΤΩΝ ΒΙΒΛΙΚΩΝ ΚΑΙ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΩΝ ΚΕΙΜΕΝΩΝ Στις αρχές του Οκτωβρίου ξεκίνησε στο σχολείο μας σειρά εισαγωγικών μαθημάτων για τη διδασκαλία της Ελληνικής όπως χρησιμοποιείται στα βιβλικά και εκκλησιαστικά κείμενα. Ελπίζουμε το πρόγραμμα αυτό να γίνει ιδιαίτερα δημοφιλές στο άμεσο μέλλον ώστε να συμβάλει στις προσπάθειες των μελών της τοπικής Ορθόδοξης κοινότητας να μελετήσουν τη γλώσσα στην οποία γράφτηκε η Καινή Διαθήκη και να κατανοήσουν καλύτερα τα μηνύματα της Βίβλου.

ΛΕΣΧΗ ΒΙΒΛΙΟΥ ΓΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ ΣΠΟΥΔΑΣΤΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΓΛΩΣΣΑΣ Στις αρχές του Οκτώβριου το όνειρο των προχωρημένων μαθητών της Ελληνικής γίνεται πραγματικότητα. Δημιουργήσαμε μια μικρή ομάδα φίλων του ελληνικού βιβλίου και το πρώτο προς μελέτη βιβλίο είναι η απλοποιημένη έκδοση του βιβλίου της Πηνελόπης Δέλτα «Παραμύθι δίχως τίτλο». Οι συμμετέχοντες δουλεύουν πάνω σε ασκήσεις λεξιλογίου,γραμματικής και κατανόησης κειμένου προκειμένου να βελτιώσουν τις γλωσσικές τους ικανότητες.Η πρώτη μας συνάντηση πραγματοποιήθηκε την Πέμπτη, 19 Νοεμβρίου και δεν θα υπήρχε καθηγητής ξένης γλώσσας που θα έμενε ασυγκίνητος ακούγοντας τους μαθητές που ήρθαν στο ελληνικό σχολείο της κοινότητας ως αρχάριοι, να διηγούνται το περιεχόμενο του πρώτου κεφαλαίου του βιβλίου σε άπταιστα ελληνικά!

ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ 28ΗΣ ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΥ Την 1η Νοεμβρίου στην αίθουσα του γυμναστηρίου του Ελληνικού Πολιτιστικού Κέντρου πραγρατοποιήθηκε ο εορτασμός της 28ης Οκτωβρίου 1940. Η αίθουσα γέμισε από τις φωνές των παιδιών που απήγγειλαν αποσπάσματα από το ποίημα του Γιάννη Ρίτσου, Οκτώβρης του 40 και αποσπάσματα του έργου ένος άλλου εξέχοντος ποιητού και συγγραφέως, του Οδυσσέα Ελύτη. Επίσης στην σκηνή του θεάτρου μας, μια ομάδα κοριτσιών έπαιξε το ρόλο των γυναικών της Ηπείρου, των οποίων η συνεισφορά στον ελληνοιταλικό πόλεμο είναι αξιομνημόνευτη.Όλα τα παιδιά που συμμετείχαν έμαθαν για το ρόλο της Ελλάδας στο δεύτερο παγκόσμιο πόλεμο όχι μόνο από όσα είχαν να αποστηθίσουν αλλά και απο την παρουσίαση που ετοίμασαν οι προχωρημένες μαθήτριες του σχολείου μας , Στέλλα Βατάκη και Μαρία Βέννη για τους πιο μικρούς μαθητές. Ο καθηγήτης ,κύριος Γιαννόπουλος μας τίμησε με την παρουσία του παροτρύνοντάς μας να ταξιδέψουμε πίσω στο χρόνο μέσα από τις σελίδες του ημερολογίου του. Η κυρία Κατερίνα Κατσιάνη- Χριστάκη συμπλήρωσε τα λεγόμενά του διαβάζοντας το γράμμα ένός στρατιώτη που μιλά στον πατέρα του για τις εμπειρίες του από το μέτωπο.

Η παράδοση της τοπικής ελληνικής κοινότητας να εορτάζει την επέτειο της 28ης Οκτωβρίου αναβίωσε μετά από πολλά χρόνια και η επιτυχία της εκδήλωσης οφείλεται στην συνεισφορά του Συλλόγου Γονέων και Κηδεμόνων καθώς και στην υποστήριξη του προεδρείου της κοινότητας. Οφείλουμε να ευχαριστήσουμε την κυρία Κούλα Βέννη που ήταν ή αγγλόφωνη αφηγήτριά μας και βοήθησε όσους από τους καλεσμένους μας δεν μιλούσαν ελληνικά να καταλάβουν τη σημασία του γεγονότος που οι Έλληνες γιορτάζουν την 28η Οκτωβρίου.Ακόμα οφείλουμε πολλά ευχαριστώ στην κυρία Ευαγγελία Βατάκη που ήταν η οικοδέσποινα της εκδήλωσης και βοήθησε τα παιδιά να μάθουν να χορεύουν ελληνικούς παραδοσιακούς χορούς, στις κυρίες Αγγελική Φρεζούλη, Ντόνα Βεντουράτος και Άννα Καννέλου που προσέφεραν τα μαντήλια των γυναικών της Ηπείρου και ήταν οι αρχηγοί στις ομάδες των νεαρών ηθοποιών μας οδηγώντας τους με ασφάλεια στη σκηνή του θεάτρου.Τέλος ευχαριστούμε τον κύριο Μαραθωνίτη που μας βοήθησε με τη μουσική, τον καθηγητή,κύριο Ξηρό που επέβλεψε την θεατρική σκηνή και τους γονείς, τα παιδιά και τους καλεσμένους μας, που υποστήριξαν τον εορτασμό της ημέρας του ‘Οχι και γιόρτασαν μαζί μας ένα από τα πιο σημαντικά γεγονότα της ελληνικής ιστορίας. Ελπίζουμε στο μέλλον ο εορτασμός της 28ης Οκτωβρίου να πραγματοποιηθεί με ακόμη μεγαλύτερη επιτυχία.

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΕΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΚΑΡΤΕΣ! Το ελληνικό σχολείο θα γιορτάσει φέτος τον ερχομό των Χριστουγέννων με το εργαστήρι Χριστουγεννιάτικης Κάρτας. Πρόκειται για μια δραστηριότητα κατάλληλη για παιδιά από 5 χρονών και πάνω. Προσκαλούμε όλα τα παιδιά της κοινότητάς μας να συμμετέχουν σ’ αυτήν για να μάθουν να γράφουν και να διαβάζουν χριστουγεννιάτικες ευχές στα ελληνικά. Κλείνοντας θα θέλαμε να ευχηθούμε και πάλι

ΚΑΛΕΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΕΣ Fay Kalergi, Greek School Director

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HOLY TRINITY PTA PLANS FULL SLATE OF ACTIVITIES THROUGH CHRISTMAS

The OXI Day Celebration presented after church services on Sunday, November 1, offered a great opportunity for the members of Holy Trinity PTA to assist Greek School Director Fay Kalergi and her students with a wonderful production highlighting the historic events of October 28, 1940. Also, guest speaker Dr. A. N. Yiannopoulos contributed to the commemoration of OXI Day with his personal accounts as a young boy. He generously shared information from his diary, relating how it affected him, his family, and Greece. His presentation imparted exceptional significance to this historical World War II event. During the program the Greek School students performed a portion of a religious historical skit and read poetry, as well as performed traditional folk dances. Many thanks are extended to Reception Chairperson Marianthe Melancon and to the volunteers, whose efforts capped off the memorable afternoon.

Congratulations to Georgia Zervoudis, who won the annual Thanksgiving turkey raffle. This year's bird was donated by Stephanie and John Malachias.

Presently, two (2) Christmas wreaths are being raffled. To purchases chances for this fundraiser, simply visit the PTA table after church services on Sundays through December 6. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

UPCOMING EVENTS: DECEMBER 6—monthly meeting in the Upstairs Common Area after Divine Liturgy DECEMBER 13—Combined PTA Christmas ornament and Greek School event in the gymnasium DECEMBER 19, 10:15 am—PTA Communion Breakfast chaired by Stephanie Malachias and Koula Vennis DECEMBER 19, 5:30 pm—PTA and GOYA will attend Celebration in the Oaks, City Park. The event will be

rescheduled to a later date should inclement weather deter attendance that evening. DECEMBER 20—PTA Christmas Lenten Potluck reception following Annual Church School Christmas Pageant

COMMUNITY WIDE “THANKS TO GOD” FAMILY DAY LUNCEON

A community wide "Thanks to God" Family Day Luncheon was held on Sunday, November 15, in the gymnasium. Chairperson Vicki McCallef greatly appreciated the assistance and contributions that parishioners offered. Before everyone enjoyed the delicious items that the parishioners brought, Father George offered a Thanksgiving prayer. Afterward, he and Presvytera Harriet randomly handed out to the youth several GOYA Cake Walk Fundraiser tickets, which they had purchased. The next Community Wide Family Day Luncheon will be in January! More information is forthcoming.

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CATHEDRAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL HOSTS FALL FUNDRAISERS

Cathedral Montessori School held its first Annual Golf Tournament at Lakewood Country Club this fall. Dr. Steve Venturatos, Georg Venturatos, and Sophia Pappas were among the golfers supporting the event.

Dr. Nia Terezakis opened her elegant home (a virtual art gallery) for Cathedral Montessori's November fundraiser. Present were members of the school board, CMS parents, and other art interested supporters.

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PARISH REGISTRY Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support

BIRTH November 28, 2015 George Spiro Latsis Son of Katherine (Andrinopoulos) and Spiro Latsis

BAPTISMS November 22, 2015 Leo Maxim Jilin Son of Inga (Bragari) and Maxim Nicolai Jilin Godparents—Victoria Bakhmutova and Jose Avelino Faleiro

MEMORIAL November 8, 2015 Argyro Pitsakis, 5-Years

TRISAGION November 12, 2015 Mary Giannopulos, 1-Year

SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF Maria Kolovos Kirkikis November 22, 2015—Shreveport, Louisiana

MILESTONE Kristine Lamana received her Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange, Florida, and was awarded special distinction in radiology.

Gemisis, Georgios Georges, Constantine Gervais, Angela and Derrick

Gheorghiu, Rodica and Traian Gioganis, Lazaros Gonzalez, Alexander Heath, Angela Herta, Svetlana Pizlag and Damian Hionakis, Anna and Nicholas Hoselle, Lisa and Jacques Howard, Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Ioannidis, Christine and Emmanuel Ioannidis, Eleftherios Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Jones, Fotini Kambouris, Ermione and Antonios Kampitsis, Eleni and George Kanellakis, Christ & Sophia Pappas

Kanellos, Polimnia and Evangelos Karagiannis, Calliope and George Kardoulias, Despina and Nicholas Kardoulias, Rhonda and Emanuel Karmoukos, Charlotte and James Karmoukos, Antonia and Nicholas Kiriazis, Italia Kleamenakis, Andrew Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick

Kleamenakis, Jr., Nicholas A. Kleamenakis, Sue and Michael Klein, Maria and Gary Kloumassis, Evangelos Kloumassis, Niki Kombolias, Alexandra and Stefanos Koniditsiotis, Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis, Jeanne and Elias

Koniditsiotis, Jenny and Harry Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Kontos, Mary and Chris Korominas, Lenna and George Koublitskaia, Ioulia Kouloubis, Frank Kouloubis, Helen Kouloubis, Mary and John

Kringas, Angie Ktistakis, Maria Regina Kyame, Faith Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Labatut, Argeta and Lawrence Labatut, Jonathan Labatut, Michael Ladies Philoptochos Society—Elpis

Lamana, Jr., Cynthia and Eugene Lambousy, Katherine and Peter G. Lambron, Joan Lambron, Nicholas Latour, Patrick Latsis, Katherine and Spiro Latsis, Kathy and George Lawrence, Mersina Gavmrogianis Lear, Angela Fyssas and Darrin Leporda, Daniela and Petru Levendis, Eleni Levidis, Ermioni and Theodosios Leyva, Helen Lorio, Kathryn and Philip

Lupu, Luminita and Viorel Maag, Maggie and Richard Lorio, Megan and Philip

MacInnes, Deborah Madonia, Arlene and Jason Mailhes, Konstantina Malachias, Anna Malachias, Anthoula and Paris Malachias, Bobby Malachias, Helen and Charles Malachias, Ilya Malachias, Stephanie and John Malachias, Vange Mantikos, Vasili and Miranda Webb Mantis, Rosy and Thomas Marathonitis, Eleftherios McCallef, Vicki and Anthony McCrary, Mona and Douglas McGee, Kris Diane and Richard Menutis, Ruth Ann and Jimmie

Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Michailakis, Bridgett and Kosta Michailakis, Kalliopi and Petros Michailakis, Michael Michailakis, Pam and Gus Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Michalos, Effie Moustacas, Maria and Constantinos Moustaka, Dimitra

Moustoukas, Despina Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Munch, Andrea and Joseph Naquin, Georgia and Lee Negru, Oleg and Anastasia Gulica Nevels, Anastassia and John Max Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael F. Nicoladis, Maria

Nicoladis, Peggy and Frank Nicopoulos, Sue and Constandinos Nugent, Elaine Michalos Order of AHEPA Order of St. Markella of Chios Orkoulas, Marcelle Owen, Adrienne Dabbs and Greg Pantiushenko, Inna Papadopoulos, Denise and Dennis

Papadopoulos, Laura and Kyriakos Papazis, Irene Pappas, Alexandra Pappas, Christina and Nicholas Pappas, Despina Pappas, III, Nicholas Pappas, John E. Patselikos, Despina and Panagiotis

Patselikos, Maria Pavlou, Fotine Payavla, Callie Pelias, Erin and Michael Pelias, Magda Pembo, Angela Pembo, Dayna and Tony Pembo, Tim Pepps, Mary Peterson, Diana and Brian Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Petratos, Angelina and Demetrios Ponder, Helene and Michael Popa, Maria and Vasile Prekas, Maria

Ammons, Denise and Vladimir Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Andersson, Billie and W. Paul Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Angelus, Maria and George Apostolides, Marlene and Spyridon Athas, Nancy Baer, Elisabeth Lorio and Jason Bakamitsos, Marion and Georgios Baldrachi, Peggy Tsatsoulis Barry III, Nicholas Taylor Batricevich, Dragana Lovre & George Bell, Victoria and Jon Benoit, Katherine and Chris Beraki, Yergalem H. Bilalis, Evangelia and Petros Bilalis, Markella Bilalis, Mathoula

Bilalis, Michael Bobeica, Luiza and Andrei Boulahanis, Angela and John Bountovinas, Angeliki and Panos Bouton, Bella and Raymond Bouzon, Nicholas Bouzon, Sandy and Spiron Bozinis, Ena and Theodoros Cabali, Juanita

Cantillon, Rachel and Matthew Caridas, Pauline Casten, Peter G. Cathedral Montessori School Catinis, Ana and George

1. Catsulis, Victoria 2. Chancy, Jr., Dena and James W.

Charalampidis, Panagiota & Dimitiros

Christakis, Aikaterini and Petros Christakis, Joann S. Christakis, Loukia and Michael

3. Christakis, Maria T. 4. Christakis, Nektarios 5. Christakis, Olga

Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Chronis, Diane and Nicholas Cochran, Jennie and Jerry

Coluceriu-Dandu, Amanda & Calin Commagere, Anastacia Kanellos Constantinou, Laurie and Antonis Cotsoradis, Brille and Stephen Dabbs, Stella Dagoglou, Christine and Prodromos Daughters of Penelope—Nestor Chapter Demarinis, Eleftheria

Diamantopoulos, Lila Cedotal & Adam DiGiorgio, Catherine DiGiorgio, Olga Doss, Betty and John B. Doukakis, Ploumi and George Doussa, Sandra Fotiades, Joan Fotiades, Julie Frezoulis, Angeliki & Konstantinos

Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Gamvrogianis, Erin and Dimitris Gamvrogianis, Roula and Stamatis

Psarellis, Michael Psarellis, Steve Psilos, Gail and Tony

Psilos, Nicolle and Christopher Psomas, Stella Ramirez, Anna and Jesus Ramirez, Maria and Ramon Razza, Anna B. Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Rico, Anastasia and Roger Rotari, Natalia Gradinari and Iurie Salles, Vaso and James Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy and John Sarantakos, Maria and Steve Sher, Anna Skaff, Amy and Brandon Skoufalos, Ofeliamanda and Dimos Sorochuk, Natalia Spanolios, Jeanne and Demetrios Spanolios, Maria and Emanuel

Spinu, Cristina and Leonard Stefanias, Maria and Adonios Stokes, Maria and Brian Strain, Martha and James R. Stratikis, Suzanne and George Stratis, Nicholas Stratis, Stavros Surucean, Gabriela and Sergiu Sutton, Katerina and Ashley

Tadros, Katherine and Daniel Theodoron, Sophie Thorton, Maria Tiliakos, Connie and Alexander Tiliakos, John Toras, Eleni and Nikolas Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Toras, Laura and Socrates

Tsatalios, Peter Tsatsoulis, Angela and John Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Tzavellas, Fotini and George Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Vassilas, Anastasia Vatakis, Evagelia and Dimitris Vatranis, Constantina and Demetrios Vaveris, Matthew K.

Vennis, Koula and Costandinos Venturatos, Carol and Steve Venturatos, Donna and Gregory J. Venturatos, Evelyn and James S. Venturatos, Stephanie Vial, Catherine Vial, Stacey Vial, Stephanie

Vloutis, Frank Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Whitehead, Martha and Joel Wisdom, Maria and Andrew Wolf, Angelle and William Wolf, Barbara Stavis Xiros, Nick and Fay Kalergi Yiannopoulos, A. N. Yudina, Larisa Zannis, Marie Zarganas, Glikeria and Alexandros Zissis, Ginny Zissis, Laila and Efthimios Zouboukos, Carol and Nick Zoumberos, Sophia and Nicholas

2015 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS

As of November 30, the Cathedral office has received 275 commitments totaling $133,355.04. Of this $126,118.67 was paid with an average pledge of $484.93. Thank you to all, who support the 2015 Stewardship Ministry.

Reverend George and Presbytera Harriet Wilson

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2

Sponsored by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 255 Beauvoir Road - Biloxi, Mississippi

Join us for an evening of Christmas songs performed by Nataliya Petrovska-Molsbee, J.T. Anglin, and Karen Henderson

After the performance enjoy an International Dinner – Georgian, Greek, Moldovan, Romanian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Southern – 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Donation is $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. Contact George Yurchak at 228-831-5820 or georgeyurchak@yahoo.com for tickets. Seating is limited; advance reservations are required.

Saturday, December 19, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

International Christmas Festival

and Pastry Sale in Biloxi The community of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Biloxi is hosting "Under One Sky," an ethnic Christmas festival and pastry sale, on Saturday, December 12, 2015, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will include live entertainment, kids' activities, ethnic gifts, church tours, ethnic baked goods, traditional ethnic food, a silent auction, and more! Greek, Georgian, Moldovan, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian foods will be showcased.

Father George and Presvytera Harriet,

the Parish Council, and the Cathedral staff

wish you all a blessed, Merry Christmas!

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““AAnn EEvveenniinngg ooff CChhrriissttmmaass SSoonnggss””

J.T. Anglin Karen Henderson