the promise sep. 2013

September 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 5

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY

[email protected] 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org

PromiseThe

Wait for the promise of the Father 1

ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST - SEPTEMBER 26

Saint John came from Bethsaida, a poor village in Galilee. He was the son of Zebedee the fi sherman and of Salome. John and his brother James were helping their father Zebedee with the fi shing when the Saviour called them to follow Him and become fi shers of men. John was one of the three closest to Jesus. He, along with Peter and James, ascended Mount Tabor to witness the Transfi guration. Our intense love for Christ, it was John who wanted

Enthronement of Christ■ THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS

Christ is the central fi gure as well as the founder of the Church. This holy foundation has been laid by the Incarnate Word of God for the salvation and sanctifi cation of mankind. The Church’s mission is to lead us toward perfect union with Christ, her head (Eph. 1:22). In Orthodoxy, we are to personify any divine image given to us

whether found in Scripture or through Holy Tradition. One such image is that of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) who is Christ. As a shepherd, He leads the fl ock of pious believers towards His eternal kingdom. And as the Gospel of John reminds us, the shepherd always cares for those entrusted to Him even protecting them to the point of death.Mankind was created as the master of the cosmos and called by the Creator to draw all creation to God. As Stewards of God’s creation, the world is given to us as our fl ock and thus we are called to shepherd the entire cosmos towards God’s kingdom. By directing and presenting everything that has been entrusted to us to God, we follow the divine paradigm as outlined by Christ’s perfect example.By bringing the cosmos to God, we become Christ-centered. The Church is Christ-centered and through its architecture and design, it once again vividly provides imagery of how we, in like manner, can follow the Church’s Christ-centered approach.I would like to point out two areas of the interior of Holy Trinity that indicate the presence of Christ. [See picture at right] When we face the holy altar in prayer, we see a book bound in silver placed atop the altar table. This book is the Gospel Book. It represents and depicts the wonderful events and miracles of the Incarnate Logos while on earth. It is enthroned on the altar table representing Christ’s signifi cance and dominance in the Church. When it is taken in hand and lifted high for procession around the Church or when it is read from, we are to view this as though Christ is mystically present among us. As the faithful sense the divine presence by way of the Gospel Book, we are drawn closer to the Pag. 4

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ThePromise-SEP2013.indd 1 8/29/13 11:01:59 PM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey2 The Promise ^ September 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 5

Holy Cross Liturgy & Diving for the Cross in Asbury Park

No Services at H.T.

GOYA State Meeting – Bouras Center

11:00 AM Trinity Circle

4:00 PM Greek School


7:30 PM Choir

Christ Encounter Weekend (GOYA)

8:15 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

10:30 AM Trinity Circle trip


10:00 AM TOTs


7:30 PM Choir

3:00 PM Wedding

8:15 AM Orthros


YHT Meeting



7:30 PM Choir

3:00 PM Wedding

St. Thomas the Apostle

8:15 AM Orthros


12:00 PM Golf Outing


Philoptochos General Meeting

10:00 AM TOTs


7:30 PM Choir

3:00 PM Wedding

8:15 AM Orthros


4:00 PM Mr/Miss GOYA

11:00 AM Trinity Circle



7:30 PM Choir

St. Luke the Evangelist

8:30 AM Orthros


7:00 PM State Youth Dance – Bouras Center

8:15 AM Orthros


YHT Meeting

GOYA State Meeting – Bouras Center


10:00 AM TOTs


7:30 PM Choir

11:00 AM Baptism

8:15 AM Orthros


Philoptochos 50/50 Raffle


Lord & Taylor-Shop Smart. Do Good



September - OctoberDates in the Life of Our Church

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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ September 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 5 3

Orthodox Christian StewardshipStewardship Witness

ELECTRONIC STEWARDSHIP & CONTRIBUTIONS!

Holy Trinity is excited to announce that we will soon introduce a new electronic giving program on our website. Parishioners will be able to easily set up recurring stewardship contributions and make one-time

contributions for various ministries. We will encourage you to arrange a schedule of recurring contributions.

This will be convenient for you and provide much needed consistency for Holy Trinity’s Stewardship Program. If you are currently contributing on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year and prepare 52 envelopes. Even when circumstances prevent you from attended services, Holy Trinity will continue to receiver your Stewardship on an uninterrupted basis.

This new system will provide a convenient and consistent way to meet your Stewardship Commitment.

For more information about this new opportunity, please speak with Ted Exarhakos. www.HolyTrinityWestfi eld.org ^

Those of us who sit on the Parish Council deal with many of the non-pastoral aspects of our community. We oversee the physical plant, the ushering duties, the kitchen, the

youth activities and the fi nances. At Holy Trinity we adopted a STEWARDSHIP model many years ago. This program allows for each of us to contribute monetarily according to our means and our heart. While this approach has served us well through the years, recently the numbers are a little troubling. With the exception of a very few, who are large donors, it appears that many are passing the buck and not pulling their weight. We are not asking you to make great sacrifi ces to your living standards – just to keep the church in perspective in arranging your budget.

In discussion at a recent stewardship meeting, many on the committee expressed their feelings about the Lord and what He and the church have meant to them. I was encouraged by their dedication and witness to the Lord. I too shared with the members the following story.

When I left my home to serve the in army as a very young man, I focused on the comfort the church brought to me. Army camps can be very lonely places, especially during the weekends. You are thrown together with a bunch of strangers, and you don’t always meet a compatible person you can call a friend. I found the warmth of the local Greek Orthodox

Church to be a great comfort in my time of transition. This was the fi rst time I left my parents’ home. The liturgy, the ritual, the iconography, the familiar scent of incense, the friendliness of the people all helped me feel “at home”.

In this day of the atomic family, where children might work or go to school a thousand miles away from their family, the church provides a grounding experience. It is a home even when we are not at our home. The wonderful thing about the church is while it brings us closer to God it also brings us

closer to our family.

I ask you to ponder, what has the church brought to you throughout your life?

Do you see it as a family, as I do? To me, our church is worth a lot and I want to see Holy Trinity thrive. Like you, I want a church in times of need or celebration when one marries, or is baptized or in death. Why do you think our church is so clean, orderly, well-kept, and beautiful? It is because we take our faith seriously and it is important to us, therefore, we want

to enjoy participating in its life. Each of us should count our blessings. We

should never sit on our blessings but rather thank God for all the wonderful things at Holy

Trinity and continue improving them. As you consider Stewardship - giving to the church - consider everything and give according to your ability but always with generosity, for the church is our home. ^



Parish CouncilPresident’s Message

■ AGAPIOS KYRITSIS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Dear Holy Trinity Brothers and Sisters,

It is that time of year again where we begin a new ecclesiastical year fi lled with a busy worship schedule, youth activities, fellowship events, religious education, outreach

programs, and even festival preparation. (I had to slip that in). Considering our busy schedules at home combined with professional responsibilities, school commitments, and other social activities, how is it possible to incorporate into our lives a strong relationship with our church? This is the challenge all of us face as Orthodox Christians.

When we think of all the sacraments, celebrations, and fellowship events we experience at Holy Trinity it becomes easier to make our church life and faith a high priority especially when we compare long-term benefi ts.The love, friendships, and support I have personally experienced beginning with our pastor, council members and other parish members, has reinforced my commitment to our Holy Trinity family and given me much reason to be excited about the upcoming year. I look forward to everyone’s participation and commitment this year as we continue to grow our Holy Trinity family. ^

holy altar which is representative of heaven. As the priest carries the Gospel Book inside the altar and places it upon the holy table, we are asked to do the same symbolically, by enthroning Christ in our hearts. As His reign is supreme in the Church, so too must He govern and direct our lives.The second area of the church to which I would like to direct your attention is the Icon of Christ Enthroned located in the narthex dome. (See picture above) This exquisite icon shows Christ seated upon His throne of glory. Encircling Him are the ministering spirits who keep constant doxology and vigil. The holy angels sing ceaselessly of the praises of God. Who is so great a God as our God! You are the One who does wonders! These heavenly beings show us how to properly honor and respect Christ. Most importantly, they confi rm that it is God, and God alone, who is to be worshipped and adorned. The Holy Prophet Isaiah spoke thus, saying: “[I looked up and] saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. The house was full of His glory. Around Him stood seraphim; each one had six wings; with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he fl ew. And one cried to another and said, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” - Isa. 6:1-3Both images of the Gospel Book and of the icon of Christ Enthronedshould lead us, the faithful, to the contemplation of Christ.

How can I better honor and respect the One who created me? Am I a participant in His glory and kingdom? Do I sing His praises, see His wonders, minister to His people, direct my life, and present my gifts to Him, and Him alone? Do I shepherd others towards Him and provide a pure image for others to see His glory refl ecting in my life? Let us learn from the Church how to be participants in Christ’s life. Everything is possible with Christ. Allow the heart to become a throne for Him. For if we enthrone Christ in our hearts, my dear brothers and sisters, a more profound relationship with God will develop. Then we can be seen as the angels of heaven who, with their deepest desire, adorn, praise, honor, and worship God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. ^

Pag. 1 ENTHRONEMENT OF CHRIST



YHTFROM THE YHT PRESIDENT

■ NIKOLAS KARSOS

Fellow parishioners,

I look upon the upcoming year with great joy and anticipation as I have been given the great opportunity to lead so many wonderful young men and women as they seek to grow

closer to Christ through Orthodox fellowship. This year we have an enthusiastic and committed executive board that shares my passion for GOYA. These members are: Jonathan Savorgiannakis-Vice President, Michael Anastasiou-Treasurer, Andreas Vlahakis-Corresponding Secretary, and Alexandra Maglaras-Recording Secretary. Outreach Committee members are: Elena Arida, Nicole Economides, Andie Kanaras, and Dean Logus. The general Board Members are: Juliana Baurkot, Christina Karsos, Nicholas John, Elias Vitoroulis, Christina Kallinosis, George Leichtling, and Christopher Boutsakaris-Athletic Liaison. Together we will lead YHT members in various events and activities that will promote a sense of fellowship, unity and belonging. GOYA has been an integral part of my life since the seventh grade. I can honestly say that this youth group helped me grow closer to my faith and shaped me into the Orthodox

Christian I am today. I look forward to giving new and current members the same opportunities that GOYA offered me. Some of the events I am most excited about are the upcoming Pumpkin Sale on September 8th and a charity event to benefi t Lainie’s Angels. Outreach events such as these are critical to the growth of young Orthodox Christians. These events teach YHT members the beauty of multiplying one’s own gifts and sharing them with those in need. As always our YHT year will begin with the annual Christ Encounter Retreat (Sept. 20-22), which this year will be held at Camp Bernie. This inspiring retreat opens our understanding to Christ’s Gospel, strengthens Christian bonds between members, and helps set the tone for the year to come, to be Christ-centered.

My personal goal for the upcoming year is to help create a welcoming and fun environment for new and younger members. GOYA has something to offer for everybody. Whether you are artistic, athletic, sociable, shy, spiritual, and adventurous or anything in between, you are sure to fi nd a family within the YHT community. Friendships are formed on common ground, but when the common ground is Christ the friendship is strengthened and much more meaningful. In Christ ^

■ PENNY PEFANIS, PRESIDENT

To aid the poor, the aged, the hungry, the needy, and the sick through charitable works performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness.Kindly join us as we embark on an exciting year of activities. Your soul will thank you for it.

Though often referred to as the weaker sex, there is great power in the feminine.

The Greek language stipulates a word to be masculine, feminine or neuter. Some of the most powerful nouns affecting our lives are feminine. For example: The community of the church is H Ekklhsiva (H Ecclesia). We receive communion, which is H Koinoniva (H Koinonia). All of this has occurred through the Grace of our Lord, H Cavri~ tou Kurivou hJmw`n.The Lord’s Grace has also brought many dynamic women into this world. We worship together with you every Sunday. When we come together as a church community and receive the Eucharist (communion), it is through God’s Grace that we have been able to cast His net wide in service, H Diakoniva (H Diakonia). For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45)

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity continues to grow in service (diakonia) locally, nationally and globally, offering aid to those who are in need. We can only continue this charitable Christian outreach with the feminine power that exists in each and every woman (18 years of age and more mature) at Holy Trinity when you offer your time, talent and treasures. Our collective dynamism comes from the individual gifts God has bestowed in every one of you.

Sunday & Monday, September 12th & 13th - Bouras Center - Rummage Sale.Sunday, September 22nd - National Philoptochos Fellowship Sunday.Wednesday, October 9th @ 7:00 pm. - Bouras Center - General Meeting - Stella Wacker - Speaker “Soles 4 Souls” Shoe Collection.Wednesday, October 30th - Westfi eld - Lord & Taylor - Charity Shopping Event.Friday, November 1st -Saints Cosmas & Damianos - Patron Saints of Philoptochos.Wednesday, December 11th @ 6:30 pm - Bouras Center - Christmas Party. ^

Philoptochos

Some thoughts... Save the Dates



FROM THE YHT PRESIDENTMr. & Miss GOYA Pageant

■ MICHAEL ANASTASIOU & NICOLE ECONOMIDES(2013 Mr. and Miss Representatives)

The Mr. and Miss GOYA pageant has taken place over the past forty years. This pageant is a statewide competition where two representatives from each parish compete on a

variety of different subjects and matters regarding their faith.

There is much preparation needed to compete in this contest. Once representatives are elected by their respective GOYA’s, certain applications are required to be completed which covers many aspects of the contestants’ lives; not limited to school, church, and community involvement.

In addition, this year’s contestants will read Father Anthony Coniaris’ book entitled, Introducing the Orthodox Church. This book goes into great detail of the many aspects of Orthodox Christianity, and helps one become closer to their faith. Lastly, contestants must hone their oration skills, while applying their knowledge of their faith.

Mr. and Miss GOYA is a two-day event. The interview process takes part on Saturday October 12th, where contestants express information about their personal life, and knowledge gained from reading Introducing the Orthodox Church. The judges, based on the representatives’ work, answers, and effort put forth in their application and interview; then make a decision. The top fi ve males and females are chosen to move on to the next round. The fi nal portion of the pageant takes place at the Pines Manor in Edison the following day, (Sunday October 13th) which includes the fi nal competition, a dinner and a dance. It is here where the top ten representatives mentioned earlier will then be asked a fi nal question by the judges relating to their faith. The fi nalists (male and female) are chosen from the quality of the content in their answer.Both of us are excited as the pageant nears. Preparation for this event has already begun and has been very involved. It has brought the both of us closer to our faith. The two of us recognize this honor as representative of Holy Trinity and we hope to make our church proud as Mr. and Miss Westfi eld. ^

T.O.T.S. Trinity Orthodox Toddler SocialHappenings:

Every other Thursday morning, one will hear the hum of creative activity and the sound of little footsteps through the church halls. A warmth of love and care fi lls Holy Trinity

when T.O.T.S. gather in the Lord’s presence.Join us on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month for the Trinity Orthodox Toddler Social from 10:00 am - 11:30 am in the preschool room for fun, laughter and fellowship. Dress for

play. Bring a drink. Snack will be provided. Children 18 months to 4 years of age are welcome with their parent or caregiver.

We will meet: September 12, 26, October 10, 24, November 14, and December 12, 2013. January 9, 23, February 13, 27, March 13, 27 April 10, May 8, 22 and June 12, 2014.

Please join us. We look forward to seeing you on the 12th! ^

The Joy/Hope Ministry is excited to kick-off our 2013-2014 season. We have so many fun events planned for fellowship with the children this coming school year. Mark your calendar

for these events. We hope you will be able to join us for all of them. Please contact Julie Vagelos (732-595-8589) or Peggy Tsirigotis (240-447-7554) for more information.October 6th - Apple Picking/Hay RideNovember 3rd - BowlingDecember 6th - Christmas Party with GOYAJanuary 25th - Laser TagFebruary - Date TBD - Apokriatiko GlendiApril 5th - Quilt-a-ThonApril 12th - Palm MakingMay 4th - End of Year Swim Party at Somerset Hills YMCA. ^

2013-2014 SeasonThe Joy/Hope Ministry

We have so many fun events planned for fellowship with the



When was the last time you began something new? As long ago as

college, perhaps, or a new job? When you got married or had a child or moved to a new town? Maybe one of the most signifi cant new beginnings you recall now was your conversion to the Orthodox Faith, or joining a new parish.Or it could be the most recent time you started something new was today. Maybe you started a book you’d never read before, or tried a new recipe, or met a new coworker. Newness is everywhere in God’s world, if we look for it—echoes and foreshadowings of the new life in Christ that we are promised in baptism.Each year at the beginning of September we have another chance to experience this newness on the fi rst day of the liturgical year. The long and complex history of the Church’s interaction with various states throughout Western civilization has resulted in a specially blessed coincidence for us Orthodox in North America: our church year begins at about the same time as the academic year. At the same time as many members of the Church or their children are preparing to begin a new level in their education, the Church welcomes all of us to a “course of studies.” This is why we are called “disciples”—a disciple is a learner, a student. But not one who reads through the Bible in a higgledy-piggledy manner—one who, rather, follows a discipline.We have such a discipline in the Church’s liturgical cycle, a complete and orderly celebration of the history of God’s dealings with His people. In fact, unlike in elementary school, high school, or university, we are studying one subject only: God. And there is no graduation until the end of this life—learning is not a preparation for life, it is life. For in our school— the Church in all her aspects, whether liturgical services, Sunday school or Bible study, service to the needy, or fellowship with other members—we not only learn about God, we learn to know Him and follow Him.Do you remember getting ready for the fi rst

day of school when you were a child? The anticipation of reunion with old classmates... the last-minute checks to be sure you had every last pencil in your bag, every fold of new clothes (a size too big) in place... the butterfl ies in the stomach?The butterfl ies were there because of the newness. Part fear, part curiosity, part a kind of thrill that we were about to take our place with “the big kids”—that we had grown since last year and belonged in the next grade now, even if the new clothes did still hang a little loosely.What preparations do we make as we embark on this new year in the Church? How about a little “back-to-school shopping”? As children, and older students as well, are caught up in the hustle and bustle of gathering supplies and trying on fashionable new outfi ts, and working people come back from vacation with perhaps a sigh at returning to the old grind, wouldn’t this be a good time to think about acquiring some things to aid you in your spiritual studies?Have you set aside an icon corner? Do you have a saint’s icon for each member of your family? Do you have a copy of the Orthodox Study Bible, The Year of Grace of the Lord by a monk of the Eastern Church, or other spiritual reading? Do you keep a prayer rope at your bedside, or a little notebook

for names of people to pray for in your icon corner? Father Peter can advise you on many such matters, and help you fi nd out where to get these things.

Who can forget that traditional fi rst essay of the school year— “What I did on my summer vacation”? The new church year is a time for review, too—taking stock, remembering with thankfulness, then preparing for the new routine. Some people may fi nd it useful to make their “New Year’s resolutions” now, rather than in January. And this is an excellent time to plan on coming to confession.

One last aspect of going “back to school” is important to remember—the encouragement of “school spirit” in the gathering of community. Many parishes like to hold their Sunday picnic (Stewardship Family Picnic, Sept. 8) or other social event to bring everyone together at this time of year. Some who practice general confession may fi nd this a good time for it, or for a Saturday retreat (Christ Encounter Weekend, Sept. 20-22) to focus on the challenges to come.

The bell will ring early this September, on Sunday morning, with opening line of the Liturgy, “Blessed is the Kingdom!” Don’t be late! ^

Donna Farely, The Handmaiden, Vol. I No. 3 (Summer 1996).

Parish LifeBACK TO SCHOOL



■ KATHRYN ATHANSOULAS

Tou can take my word for it, read an article Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness While Singing

With Others by Stacy Horn, Algonquin books, or ask any choir member. The choir welcomes three new members this year, Karen Coulis, Ria Wolf and Steve Xenakis. The choir is always looking for new members who love to sing and can commit to rehearsals and Liturgies throughout the year. September is a great time to join but singers are welcome at any time. You may occasionally see a 4th member George Lykoyiannis however he most recently started his doctorate at Rutgers and will necessarily be among the missing at times. We welcome him whenever he is available and hopefully will join up permanently when he can.

ANGEL CHOIR AND BYZAN “TEENS”Please do not neglect our Angel Choir and Byzan-“teens”. Our Angels are growing

up and becoming Byzan-“teens” so we need to keep replenishing them. If your child is between 7 and 12 and likes to sing please consider having them join us. A short rehearsal after Religious Education class is the most convenient time. We have been doing this since 1992. Let’s not stop now. Once they reach 13 and life gets more hectic for these teenagers they can continue as Byzan-“teens” and are really a help to the Adult Choir.They also help insure that the choir continues its ministry as stewards using their time and talents.These young singers have also been singing with the annual “The Spirit of Lent” concerts. The New Jersey District of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians was able to donate $1,000 to the Metropolis of NJ Philoptochos Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund. On top of this article there is a picture from our 23rd concert atSt. George, Ocean (formerly Asbury Park), April 26, 2013. ^

Lenten Concert

Join the choir. Science shows it’ll make you feel better.Holy Trinity Choir

The Choir’s New Music Stand.Look carefully to see the beautiful new hand carved wooden music stand pictured above. The stand was

most generously and lovingly donated in memory of Gust Capatides by his children Joanne Pagoulatos & Michael Capatides. Gust was a former choir director years ago

and loved to sing. May his memory be eternal.



SEPTEMBER 26St. John the Apostle & Evangelist

to sit on the right hand of the Lord in His kingdom

(Matthew 20:21). At the Mystical Supper, the Lord placed him at His side, where he leant on the breast of his beloved Master (John 13:23). When Jesus was arrested, Saint John followed Him into the palace of the High Priest (John 18:15). He alone remained with the Mother of God at the foot of the Cross when the Saviour was crucifi ed. Seeing John standing by, Christ said to his Mother: Woman, behold your son! And to John: Behold your mother! And from that hour he took the Virgin into his own home (John 19:27).Saint John was present at the empty tomb very early in the morning on the day of the Resurrection. He outran Peter to arrive fi rst. Then he stooped to look inside the tomb only to discover the sacred body of Christ was not there. After Christ’s Ascension into heaven and Pentecost, he remained in Jerusalem in the company of the Theotokos, whom he served until her Dormition.When the time came to part from the other disciples to preach the Gospel, the Apostles drew lots to tell where each should go. It fell to John to preach in Asia Minor which was full of idolatry and entirely given over to paganism. As obedient to Christ, he took his disciple Prochoros to begin evangelizing this area. He met much resistance but with patience and enduring his love for the Saviour revealed the message of Truth.In one episode while in Ephesus, the great Greek city-state, the inhabitants at this time were devoted to the goddess Artemis (Diana). During the celebration of a high festival in her honor, John climbed a hill where stood a great statute of the goddess in order to address the crowd. The pagans were enraged to see him there and tried to stone him but, by the grace of God, all the stones missed their mark and struck the statue, which was reduced to rubble by its votaries. As the stature collapsed, parts fell upon the crowd. Those who saw came to their senses and begged John to intercede with God.The Emperor Domitian (81-96 AD) heard of John’s renown and arranged to meet him. He was so impressed by the Apostle’s confi dence that Christ is mightier than any worldly power, that he banished him to the island of Patmos in the hope of reducing his infl uence. While on Patmos, John received a letter from the Bishop of Athens, Dionysios the Areopagite (Oct.. 3), who was then ninety-nine years old. He praised John as the daystar of the Gospel and prophesied that he would soon be freed.

While fasting, John, accompanied by Prochoros, went up into a mountain to pray. Suddenly, the sky was rent by fearful fl ashes of lightening and claps of thunder. Prochoros was overwhelmed and fell to the ground while John remained impassible in contemplation, for perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). He heard a voice like thunder proclaiming from the height of heaven: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) These fi rst words of the Gospel were transcribed by Prochoros as revealed to John as was once the Law to Moses.

It was also on Patmos, on the Lord’s Day, that John saw in the spirit Christ, having the appearance of a young man whose face was like the sun shining in full strength. Reassuring John, who fell at His feet as though dead, the Lord said: “Fear not; I AM the First and the Last; I AM He that Lives and was dead; and behold, I AM alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things that you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter”(Revelation 1:17). Then in successive revelations John was shown what will happen at the end of time: the gathering strength of iniquity, the coming of the Antichrist, his warfare against the faithful and his fi nal struggle against Christ who, in the end, will cast him forever into Hell with the Devil and his angels. It was also given him to see in his vision the violent upheavals that will take place in

the world, the fi ery end of all things, and the fi nal triumph of the Son of Man, the general Resurrection and the Last Judgment.

The book of Revelation, which is also the last book of Holy Scripture, ends with the sublime vision of the coming forth from God out of Heaven of the celestial Jerusalem, the holy and eternal City where God will dwell forever with man, as the Bridegroom united with His bride. This City is perfect in its proportions and adorned as with crystal and fi ne gold; its foundations are garnished with precious stones and its gates are twelve pearls. “I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb (Christ) are its temple. The City had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illumined it. The Lamb is its light.” (Revelation 21:22-23)After his exile on Patmos ended, Saint John spent the remainder of his twenty-six years in Ephesus and died in peace. He is the only disciple of Christ who did not meet a martyr’s death. ^

From pag. 1

of Death. Write the things that you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter”(Revelation 1:17). Then in successive



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Tel.: 732.271.1771 • Fax: 732.271.9477

PromiseTheAdvertise in

CONSTANCE EFTHEMIOS-THOMAS

PIANO LESSONS

908•803•2511Gallows Hill Road

Cranford, NJ 07016


The Promise ^ September 2013 ^ Volume 37, Issue 5 11

PARAS & PARASMETRO APPRAISALGEORGE PARAS, S.C.G.R.E.A.Appraisal/Consulting

e-mail: [email protected]

340 Main StreetMadison, NJ 07940

Tel.: 973-236-0100Fax: 908-277-3050Cell.: 201-681-5366

Restaurant & TavernSince 1934

Your HostsAgapios Kyritsis

Apostolos Apostolou

Open 7 days, Lunch & Dinner, Catering, Wines & Spirits.

527 Morris Ave., Summit, NJ 07901908•277•4492 - email: [email protected]

www.marcopolonj.com

Photography by KostasCall me for your special occasion

Kostas Lymperopoulos908•370•7149

20 Claremont Ave.Colonia, NJ 07067

[email protected]

FlowersbyEllie.com Call us for Weddings,

Family Funerals,Christenings,

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Freelance Florists No overhead!

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Spread the News!ELLIE ZERVAKOS COVIELLO & JOE COVIELLOfl [email protected] • 908-285-3095

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ThePromise-SEP2013.indd 11ThePromise-SEP2013.indd 11 8/29/13 3:50:06 PM8/29/13 3:50:06 PM

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Non Profi t Org.US postage

PAIDRahway, NJ

Permit No. 654

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

250 Gallows Hill Road ^ Westfi eld, NJ 07090Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

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Metropolis ofNew Jersey

The Promise: Volume 37, Issue 5

10 issues published annually. No subscription fee.Article deadline - 10th of the preceding month

Schedule of Services

Sundays Weekdays

Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM

Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM

Ministries

Parish Council Agapios KyritsisPhiloptochos Avi Kiriakatis

Religious Education Jenny Hantzios-BasisGreek School Rita Fitanidis

Youth (GOYA) Stephanie JohnJOY / HOPE Julie Vagelos

& Peggy TsirigotisTOTS Joanne Paras

Bookstore Sandy MouratoglouCultural Barbara Manos

Greek School PTO Christina WarnickTrinity Circle Antoinette Genakos

Worship

Psaltis Pascalis KuvalakisChoir Director Kathryn Athanasoulas

Organist Phyllis VerenesHead Acolyte

Office Staff

Accountant Diana R. WaltsakCaretaker Ocione Nunes

Contact Information

Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd.Westfi eld, NJ 07090-1109

Phone 908-233-8533

Fax 908-233-0623

E-mail HtgocWestfi [email protected]

Web site holytrinitywestfi eld.org

Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis

E-mail [email protected]


the promise sep. 2013

Documents

presence of christ

enthronement of christ

gospel of john

holy altar

interior of holy trinity

saint john

good shepherd john

holy tradition