VOLUME10NUMBER2 FEBRUARY2020

THE S P I R I T

Saint George

Antiochian Orthodox Church 1073 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14305

Office: 716-297-2668 - Fax: 716-524-2261

email: contact@stgeorgenf.org website: https://stgeorgenf.org

OF ST. GEORGE N E W S L E T T E R

ST. GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS

Altar Servers Elias Kensinger 804-3010

Antiochian Women Kathy Fadel 282-4567

Patti Haick

Choir Director Sam Fadel

Church Store Ann Salhany 754-1657

Kh. Kelleylynn Barberg

Custodian Michael Slaiman 754-4417

Endowment John Moshides 741-4790

Food Pantry Sarah Smith 940-9602

Newsletter Denise Filosofos 867-0598

Parish Council Richard Chown

Photographer Ken Salhany 754-1657

Sunday School Kh. Kelleylynn Barberg

St. Ignatius Sob Haick 731-3328

Teen SOYO Alex Kurian 630-418-3367

Ushers Ron Chambers 297-7241

THE PARISH COUNCIL

REV. FR. RAPHAEL BARBERG, PASTOR

Very Rev. Paul A. SolbergPastor Emeritus

OFFICERS

Chairman: Richard Chown; Vice Chair: Tom SlaimanRecording Secretary: Jeff Shearer;

Treasurer: Scott Slaiman; Financial Secretary: Gayle Fadel

TRUSTEES

Kathy Fadel, Sam Fadel, Samir Haddad, John Moshides, Steve Sargent, Lisa Scalzo and Sarah Smith

Supervising Hierarch: +JOSEPHArchbishop of New York, Metropolitan of All North America

Auxillary Bishop: +ALEXANDERBishop of Ottawa and Assistant to the Metropolitan

Subdeacons: Thomas Slaiman, Paul (Regis) Woodward, Kevin (Elias) Kensinger

Chanters: Mary Kate Barberg, Colline Doyle, Sam Fadel, Samir Haddad, Alex Kurian, James Puerner, Jeffrey Shearer

The Newsletter is published by St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church each month

EDITOR Rev. Fr. Raphael Barberg, Pastor

Contact the church office at 297-2668 or email stgeonewsletter@gmail.com to submit your news.

Deadline for the next issue is: February 25, 2020.

How to submit articles, text, photos, for the Newsletter:

Limit articles, reports, and features to one page , double spaced, if possible. All articles should be submitted in electronic format as WORD, or text file. Graphic arts, digital photos and flyers should be submitted in jpeg,

WORD or pdf.Coordinator: Denise Filosofos

Memory Eternal - May WoodwardWOODWARD, May Victoria (nee Shahin) - After a life well lived, it is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of May Woodward on Thursday January 9, 2020 at the age of 90. Devoted wife of R. Regis (Reg) Woodward for 70 years and mother to 7 children, 28 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She held close in her heart her eighth child, Victoria, who died at birth in 1964. Predeceased by her brothers James, Charles, Raymond and George, and her sisters Barbara Mokhiber and Betty Dovi, May leaves her husband Reg, children Susan (Steve) Sanderson, Merville BC, Tom (Audrey), Ottawa ON, Tim (Tala), St. Catharines ON , Michael (Barbara), Oakville, Joe (Rhonda), Niagara Falls ON, Joan (Reverend John) Teebagy, Westwood MA, Laura (Marc) St. Pierre, Ottawa ON, a huge extended family and friends everywhere. We are left to continue her legacy of family, laughter and generosity. Self-described as “fav” Aunt May and “Sitty” (grandmother in Arabic), May enjoyed life to the fullest, always surrounded by family and friends. Her home on Woodbine St. with its park like backyard was for many years a gathering place not only for her own children but for all neighborhood kids and her extended family. Born to Lebanese immigrants, Naif and Sadie Shahin, May was raised in Niagara Falls NY. She met Reg at a radio station in Niagara Falls Canada where she had originally hoped to meet Gordie Tapp. They fell in love and were married on December 24th 1949. Enormously proud of being an American, May loved her adopted country of Canada. They settled on the Canadian side of the border where they raised their 7 children including 2 sets of twins. There was always room for one more at the kitchen table and always enough food whether it was family, friends, neighborhood kids or anyone stranded during a blizzard! May always enjoyed some chaos and disorganization in her life and there was always the “easy way” or “May’s way” of getting things done. Her loud, booming and authoritarian voice ensured that everyone (including Reg) followed her directions with very few questions asked. A very spiritual woman and life-long member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Niagara Falls, NY, May and Reg were active in all areas of the church including being one of the founders of St. George Church Camp in Allegheny State Park. More recently they helped found St. Ignatius Orthodox Christian Church in St. Catharines, Ontario. She sang in the choir, taught church school, cooked at parish meals, created items for the bazaar and of course welcomed new faces and greeted familiar ones. May was a school bus driver for many years and extended her boisterous personality to that

role too. She was an avid bowler into her 80s and loved singing in the community choir. May and Reg traveled with their young family to Alleghany Camp each year and visited many relatives across the United States and Canada including camping outside Montreal with all 7 kids for Expo 67. On their 25th anniversary, they travelled to England to visit Reg’s extended family. May and Reg kept busy in retirement traveling to see their children, grandchildren and family and friends across North America. May fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2005 when she and Reg travelled to Lebanon, the birthplace of her parents. When she was no longer able to travel, she kept in touch with family through Facebook and even used on-line banking before some of her younger family members. May’s physical health declined in recent years and a move out of her beloved Woodbine home was difficult but inevitable. Even at her nursing home, May continued to make friends and endeared herself to the staff responsible for her care. The family wishes to thank Dr Hu and all the nurses and PSWs at Meadows of Dorchester Nursing Home for their kindness and compassionate care provided for both Reg and May. The family also wants to acknowledge, with gratefulness and gratitude their brother Joe, his wife Rhonda and their children for their unwavering support, love and devotion to both May and Reg. With their help, May and Reg continued to be involved with their church and extended family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to either St. George Orthodox Church, 1073 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls NY 14305 or St. Ignatius Orthodox Mission, 332 Carlton St. St. Catharines, ON, L2N 1C3.

Memory Eternal - Thomas SlaimanThomas James Slaiman entered peacefully into rest on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 after a brief illness.  He was 69. 

Born in Niagara Falls, NY on November 5th, 1950, he was the son of the late James and Mabel (nee Bishara) Slaiman. Tom was a 1968 graduate of Niagara Falls High School and received his Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Brockport in 1972.  He was an elementary school teacher in the Depew School District for twenty years, during which time he was twice named Educator of the Year.  He was also active in the Depew Teachers Organization, serving as both DTO President and chief negotiator.  Tom earned his Master's Degree in School Administration from Niagara University.  After twenty years of teaching in Depew, he became the school principal at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School in the Cheektowaga Sloan School District- a role he cherished for 20 years.  Tom was beloved by his colleagues, teachers, students and everyone he encountered during his time as an educator.  He retired in 2012 after a 40-year career.

Tom was a lifelong member of St. George Orthodox Church in Niagara Falls, NY.  He was ordained as a Subdeacon in 1980 and served in this capacity ever since.  He was very active in the spiritual life of the church, as well as its day-to-day operations.  Tom served on the Parish Council for over 30 years, including two terms as President.  At the time of his passing, Tom was the Vice-President and chairman of the capital projects team.   His knowledge and expertise were heavily relied upon when important decisions had to be made and crucial actions had to be taken. Tom was an active member of the Whirlpool Park Little League throughout his life.  He served as its treasurer for 25 years, but his biggest joy came as a baseball coach.  For 15 years, he took great pride and pleasure in teaching kids the fundamentals of the sport he loved.  For Tom, it wasn't about winning and losing, but the enjoyment that came from playing the game. 

Community service was also an important part of Tom's life.  He graciously donated his time to his church and many other organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site, Meals on Wheels, and various soup kitchens throughout Western New York.  He lived his life according to the following principle: "It is better to give than to receive."

A natural showman, Tom took an active role in the Western Door Playhouse during his retirement years.  He served on its Board of Directors and performed in and directed many plays and musicals.  He especially enjoyed his starring role in "An Evening With

Tom Slaiman"- a self-written comedy routine based on the stories of his life.

But more than anything, Tom enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 47 years, Mary Anne (nee Marasco); four loving children, Jim (Kristen) Slaiman of Grand Island, Ricco (Cassie) Slaiman of Niagara Falls, Dan (Katie) Slaiman of Grand Island and Maria (Brian) Cosen of Lake View; and nine grandchildren he adored, Francesca, Kate, Tommy, Leena, Jake, Ramona, Max, Julian and T.J.;brothers, Michael (Marie) Slaiman and George (Christine) Slaiman; brother-in-law of, David (Marianne) Marasco, Kathleen (Donald) Culbreth, James (Dawn) Marasco, Salvatore (Rocio) Marasco and the late Richard (Joanne) Marasco and many nieces and nephews.  

Flowers graciously declined, memorials may be made to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1073 Saunders Settlement Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or St. George Orthodox Catholic, 2 Nottingham Terrace, Buffalo, NY 14216.

Church Directory Please see Jeff Shearer to make

sure your information is correct and up to date for the data base.

Jeff is working diligently to update the information on the

parishioners, but he needs your help!

Glory be to Jesus Christ!  Glory forever!

God's blessings be upon all of you my faithful Brothers and Sisters in Christ,January was a tough month for our community, losing both our beloved matriarch May Woodward, and our

faithful servant Subdeacon Tom Slaiman.  May the Sweet comforting Spirit be with the Woodward and Slaiman families, and on all of us.

As we head further into 2020 I ask all of you to think about your promptness in attending divine services.  Our actions peak louder than words, and we show what we think by how prompt we are for appointments.  We know that we need to be on time for work, because we might be docked pay or our boss will get fed up and fire us.  Same with school; tardiness results in long-term problems and marks on our "permanent record."  We know our doctor's time is precious and we respect it by being early for our appointments.  And for sure, if for some reason we were invited to an interview with a president or a king, or other Important Person, we would not only be on time, but would even be early, lest something happens on the way!  Or even just to show them that we respect them and appreciate their graciousness to us.

Brothers and Sisters, we have the most important appointment of the week, every Sunday.  But yet as a parish we struggle to be on time.  The Lord God is not going to fire us, or dock our pay.  He is gracious and merciful and forgives us 70 times 7 over and again.  So certainly shouldn't we show Him our gratitude and respect by taking this important appointment seriously.  Not just a duty.  Not just an obligation.  But an appointment with the Lord Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth!

Let us therefore work very hard to show our love and respect for God to Him, our children, our visitors and anyone else who may be paying attention.

By God's grace and your prayers,Priest Raphael

~~ Pastor’s Pen ~~

We would like to start recognizing those who have birthdays during the month. If you wish for yourself or your loved one to be listed and sung “many years” to, please make sure your directory information is correct and put to date. See Jeff Shearer to update your information and fill out a form with your information. Also include any children who are away at college so that they may stay informed of what is happening at St. George.

In addition to the above, we are hoping to also eventually commemorate “Names Days” (feast days of patronal saints) and marriage anniversaries. Please make sure Jeff Shearer has correct information in our parish directory data base. We will sing m any years to those celebrating birthdays, Names Days and anniversaries every Sunday for this celebrating in the week ahead, but we need the information in the directory to make it happen.

Contact Jeff Shearer for information on how to get your information to him.

Church Directory Information Needed

Wishing the following people a Happy Birthday during the month of February:

Maris Huff        2/4 Jennifer Ross          2/10 Elias Saba              2/10 Nathaniel Albert     2/11 Jackie Aimian          2/19 Carl Bishara          2/26      Elizabeth Lia          2/27

St. George Orthodox Church Presents

Murder at the Banquet!

Saturday, February 8th

Doors open at 5:30pm Dinner served 6:00 - 7:00pm

Show starts at 7:30pm

Seating is limited.

$25 per person includes dinner, show, dessert and coffee

There is a $25 discount for a table of 8 ($175)

Reservations accepted until January 30th

Contact Robin Bishara (716)531-6342 for reservations

Proceeds to benefit St. George and Western Door Playhouse.

Come and enjoy the fun before lent begins!

Memory Eternal February 1 Jennie Aswad 1990February 2 Mary A. Wasmund 1980

Raymond S. “Moe” Fadel 2015February 4 Effifi (Eva) Fadel 1960February 5 Agnes Clark-Moretti 2006February 7 Najla Bishara 1972

Michael S. Bishara 1966February 8 Rachel Fadel 1986February 11 Fred Kinan 1984February 12 Emily Kinan 1992February 17 Elias M. Kobti 2007February 18 Daniel Meterko 2005

Andrew Harold Perry 2006February 20 Nettie Fadel 1951February 22 Argerous Filosofos 1955

Michael Kargatis, Sr. 2012February 24 Mary M. Fadel 2000

John A. Solomon 2000February 25 Charles Haick 1981February 26 Selma Haick 1958

Cynthia Scott 2011February 27 Rose M. Bishara 1971February 28 Diana Shadeed 1982

Basket Auction is May 2

Its getting close!Time to get your thoughts together and your baskets

made for this years Annual Basket Auction!Sylvia Bailey and Colline Doyle are the co-chairs

again this year and are looking for donations of baskets, cash to purchase basket items, help for setting up, working the day of the auction and helping clean up.

This is St. George’s main fundraiser for the church and we need everyone’s help in making it another great success! Please give of your time and talents!

Antiochian Women On Saturday night, the 29th of February at 6:30pm, a

parish wide Talent Show/Coffee House will be held at St. George. All talent is invited, whether it be a child, young adult or an adult. This event will be held in honor of the memory of our Subdeacon Tom Slaiman.

March is Antiochian Women’s Month so each week the collection and epistle reading will be done by a woman. One Sunday, the sermonette will be delivered by a woman.

Remember, meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Mike Slaiman to be Honored

Michael Slaiman has been the faithful custodian and facilities manager for St. George since the beginning of time (or so it seems!)

This Sunday, February 2nd, St. George will be honoring Mike for his many years of devoted and faithful service to St. George. He has made sure that the hall is clean each week, the church is ready each Sunday, all the needed supplies are available. He sets up for the many events we have in the church, gets the equipment needed for events such as the Peach Festival, etc., ready. He repairs equipment if needed, he does things only God knows to keep St.George running smoothly.

Without Mike Slaiman doing his magic each week, we would be at a loss!

God Bless you, Mike Slaiman, faithful and loving servant!

services are important and special, unless we attend?  Our Lord loves us all and calls us to Him.  How comforting is that?

This season's lessons are centered around the Twelve Feasts and how we as faithful Christians can gather to keep the Traditions in the One True Faith alive in our homes, our hearts and our souls.  Year after year, the rhythm of our Liturgical calendar, when celebrated, takes root and nourishes our very souls; there we experience the Divine while seeking the "One-thing needful" which is Eternal.  What a glorious and rich Faith the Church offers unto us all.  Let us attend ye Lovers of Christ. Come, taste and see that the Lord is good! +++In ICXC~ Kh Kelleylynn

Christian EducationChrist is in our Midst!

As we continue into the new year, the youth are an extra special blessing to our faithful Saint George community and those devoted teachers who instruct and love on them.  We simply love when you and yours are gathered in the name of the Lord!    The Orthodox church provides numerous spiritual-growth; when we participate, we learn about the Orthodox Faith and we then open the gates of Paradise into Godly worship during the Divine Liturgy, Vespers, an Akathist prayer, and/or during the Fasting seasons and the many Festal celebrations.   Parents and caretakers, Godparents and Grandparents, guide your beloved children to love God's church; help them make the connections needed to live a good and holy life by attending services while embracing Orthodox teachings.  Each week, encourage yourselves and your children to listen to Father Raphael's sermons; participate during his children's sermon (not just for the wee ones),  make an effort to attend Divine Liturgy; and added lessons that also include Liturgical music with Ms. Karen Campbell, outreach endeavors, and Fine Arts with "Auntie Margaret"  It is in participating, we foster a deep Faith in Christ.

Be especially mindful that Christian education lessons are NOT just "in the classroom", or once a month, or limited to Sundays but during each and every prayer service offered in your own home or in the church.  How can our youth know that attending the

All Families Are Welcome to Participate in our Annual

Godparents Brunch

Sunday, Feb. 23 Catered by Syros Restaurant

Come share your faith with your godchild by celebrating the Divine Liturgy,

receiving Holy Communion and enjoying a wonderful brunch together.

$10 13 - Adult

$5 ages 5 - 12

FREE under 5

RSVP to Jackie Fadel with payment by 2/16

Any financial hardships, please see Fr. Raphael.

Stewardship Commitment 2020 Please fill out this form and return it to Gayle Fadel

NAME_________________________________________________________

ADDRESS_____________________________________________________

CITY__________________________________________________________

STATE __________________________ ZIP _________________________

PHONE____(_______)__________________________________________

CELL PHONE __(______)________________________________________

EMAIL_________________________________________________________

Please provide family members email addresses so they may receive information from the church office, newsletter, etc. Also, please provide children’s addresses who are away at school, so they can continue to keep up with happenings at St. George.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In gratitude for God’s blessings, I/We commit to Christ and His Church for the following amount:

$ ______________________ / year

I will be making my offering:

_______ Annually ______ Semi-Annually _______Monthly

_______ Weekly

Thank you for your support of St. George Antiochian Orthodox

Church!

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1GV 5p

2Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30aPOTLUCKTribute to Mike Slaiman

3 4St. Paraskeva 10a

5Akathist 6pm

6 7 8GV 5pMurder Mystery Dinner Theater 5:30pm

9Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

10 11St. Paraskeva 10a

12Akathist 6pm

13 14 15GV 5p

16Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

17 18St. Paraskeva 10a

19Akathist 6pm

20 21 22GV 5p

23MEATFARE SUNDAYOtthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

24PC Mtg 7pm

MEAT FAST BEGINS

25St. Paraskeva 10a

26Akathist 6pm

27 28 29GV 5pTalent Show/Coffee House 6:30 pm

ST. GEORGE CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2020

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1CHEESEFARE SUNDAYOtthros 9:15aDL 10:30aPOTLUCKForgiveness Vespers 1pm

2CLEAN MONDAY LENT BEGINS

3 4 5 6 7GV 5p

8Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

9 10St. Paraskeva 10a

11 12 13 14GV 5p

15Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

16PC Mtg 7pm

17St. Paraskeva 10a

18 19 20 21GV 5p

22Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

23 24St. Paraskeva 10a

25The Annunciation

26 27 28GV 5p

29Otthros 9:15aDL 10:30a

30 31St. Paraskeva 10a

ST. GEORGE CALENDAR MARCH 2020

St. George Bookstore & Gift Shop

Buy your Religious books and gifts from the St. George Bookstore & Gift Shop and get the lowest prices available!

Ann Salhany and Kh. Kelleylynn will get the "church bookstore discount" and pass that savings on to you.

All proceeds benefit our parish.

Let Us Pray for Them!!

AtHome:Fr.JamesDeschene,3989ForestPkwy.,Apt.225,N.Tonawanda,NY14120

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

InNursingHomes:ElaineBaia-OurLadyofPeace,5285LewistonRd.,Lewiston,NY14092HelenChurakos-5467UpperMountainRd.,Lockport,NY14092716-243-5878StephenDaniels-2700N.FrenchRd.,Unit210,Getzville,NY14068LucilleShadeed-MilleniumTrailManor,6861OakwoodDrive,NiagaraFalls,ON,CanadaL2E6S5

Non-Profit Org.US PostagePAIDNiagara Falls, NYPermit No. 133

HOLY BREAD

PLEASE SEE THE CALENDAR IN THE HALL TO SIGN UP FOR DONATION OF HOLY BREAD. PICK YOUR WEEK NOW!

Contact Sylvia Bailey 471-9622 if you would like to be a Holy Bread sponsor.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ COFFEE HOUR

February 2 Potluck February 9 Mike Bobick Family February 16 K. Fadel/S. Bailey February 23 Pealer Family

Please Contact Patti Chown 283-3037 if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour.

If you need to contact Fr. Raphael:Cell: 716-277-8805

Email: FrRaphaelBarberg@gmail.com