BY FATHER PETER DELVIZIS

Transcription

1 Promise The November 2014 ^ Volume 38, Issue 8 htgoc@westfieldnj.com holytrinitywestfield.org The Synaxis of the Holy Archangels November 8 Thanksgiving to God BY FATHER PETER DELVIZIS AS THEY WENT, THEY WERE CLEANSED. AND ONE OF THEM RETURNED... GIVING HIM THANKS! The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration. The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. continued pg. 6 The story of the one leper who was completely cleansed from his disease and who returned with gratitude in his heart to thank the Lord provides us with a perfect background for the celebration of Thanksgiving Day. As we know, God s blessing is not reserved for only a select few. Far from that, as indicated in Luke 17, the Lord blesses ten lepers. This shows us that God s grace touches all, regardless of personal awareness. This miracle is a sign of Christ s abundant and overwhelming mercy that is poured out upon all people. Christ came to heal the entirety of fallen humanity. Yet, as depicted by this Gospel lesson, only a small portion receives Him with thanksgiving. Unfortunately a large portion of people, like the nine other lepers, share in the commonness of ingratitude. How is it that when confronted with healing and experiencing complete deliverance from a living death; only one of the ten had a sufficient sense of indebtedness to return to Christ? continued pg. 3 Wait for the promise of the Father 1

2 Dates in the Life of Our Church November December 2014 ^ NOVEMBER ^ DECEMBER SAT 1 8:15 AM Sts. Cosmas and Damianos the Healing Unmercenaries Orthros TUE 2 Philoptochos 50/50 Raffle 3:30 PM Baptism WED 3 8:30 AM St. Barbara the Great Martyr Orthros 9:30 PM Divine Liturgy SUN 2 TUE 4 8:15 AM Orthros THUR 4 SAT 6 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8:30 AM St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthros THUR 6 SAT 8 8:30 AM Synaxis of Michael and Gabriel an all the Heavenly Hosts Orthros SUN 7 6:30 PM Joy/Hope Christmas Party 8:15 AM Orthros 12:00 PM Parish Council Elections SUN 9 TUE 11 THUR 13 8:15 AM St. Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina Orthros 8:15 AM Sts. Victor, Vicenzios, Menas and Stephania the Martyrs Orthros 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting 7:30 PM Parish Council 8:30 AM St. John Chrysostom Orthros TUE 9 WED 10 THUR 11 FRI 12 SUN 14 7:30 PM Parish Council 7:00 PM 10:00 AM TOTS Philoptochos General Meeting/ Christmas Party 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8:30 AM St. Spyridon the Wonderworker Orthros 8:15 AM Orthros 10:00 AM TOTS 12:00 PM Sunday School Christmas Party Pastry Packaging for the Homebound 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal SAT 15 SUN 16 11:00 AM Baptism 8:15 AM Orthros Save the Date 4:00 PM Veteran's Luncheon The Annual Family Dance SUN 23 & 30 2:00 PM Baptism 8:15 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy Saturday, February 7, 2015 sponsored by The Holy Trinity Greek School at the Galloping Hill Caterers in Union, NJ More information to follow. 2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

3 from pg. 1, Thanksgiving... Many secularists argue: We do not choose to assemble ourselves under any God, nor do we call Christ, the Master. We can construct our own character and morality as a nation; we can build up purity and benevolence from something apart from His truths or will. What is foolishly overlooked by this type of secular reasoning is suppose we subtract Christ s elevating and purifying influences upon the world, what then is left? Goodness, moral values, the inherent desire to help others, the sense of self-sacrifice and duty would be completely lost since these are higher principles generated from God and not from man. Without recognizing God and being thankful for His blessings, do you really think that humanity is poised to accomplish a utopian state for all? Look at the chaos of the modern world. Do you think the condition of world turmoil will improve if God is withdrawn completely? With the absence of godly principals, in reality humanity loses its sense of dignity and grace, and digresses to that which resembles some type of wild animal freely acting upon instinct. With the emergence of a crude nature, then the animalistic and earthly things become a present reality. Ignorance overshadows the mind and is accompanied with this the downfall of mankind, for there is nothing for us to look up to or to be inspired by. Currently, we are privileged to live in the richest and most blessed country on the earth. On November 27, Thanksgiving Day is a time set aside by our nation to recognize and acknowledge our rich blessings. We are fortunate to be both children of God and children of America. It is a good thing to be children of privilege. But there is one grave peril connected with it. We may become so familiar with greatness as to become insensitive to greatness. We must not become as the Swiss peasant who lives on the Alpine slopes who sees no grandeur in those snow-clad summits on which his eyes are always resting; or as the Greek sailor who lives by the sea and hears no music as the waves keep harmony with the shore. As we celebrate the National Holiday of Thanksgiving, we must be ever mindful of Christ s wonderful blessings bestowed upon us. We must recognize our obligation to Christ and His Church to be people of dignity and grace. We must imitate the one cleansed leper who returned to Christ with joyful thanksgiving in his heart. And we must utter from the depths of our souls, Glory to You, Christ our God! Glory to You! ^ Religious Education Update from the Director The Sunday School year is in full swing and our annual parent Open House took place on Sunday October 19. We have been blessed with a returning group of devoted Sunday School Teachers many have passed the fifteen year milestone of teaching. Like any successful educational program, we always need to recruit new teachers and we are happy to welcome Sandy West as a 1st Grade Assistant, Manuela Dragana as a 5th Grade Assistant and Anthe Angelides as a 9th Grade Assistant. Additionally, we have been very fortunate to add many new parents to our substitute list which helps ensure the long term success of our program. And of course, parent volunteers are always needed for many of our wonderful programs such as the Angel and Mitten Tree, Christmas Pageant and the Communion Breakfast which are all right around the corner. At our Parent Open House, we reviewed the goals of the Sunday School Program: To encourage active participation from all students in Pre-K through High School Seniors To have active participation and partnership from parents To create a stable Orthodox Christian educational environment To provide well-rounded and theologically based lessons on the Bible, Liturgical Worship, Prayer Life, Sacrament Life, Stewardship and Mission Awarenesss To have a reliable volunteer staff, who because of their personal commitment to Christ, serve His Church as teachers To provide the teachers and students with text books, suitable learning facilities and other resources (such as craft supplies, videos, etc) which inspire Orthodox Christian learning To learn how to work together with one another in the House of God To encourage respect and Orthodox Christian agape among all children of our church To be the prerequisite for any participation/membership in JOY, HOPE, GOYA, Athletics, Acolytes, Dancing and all other youth activities Sunday School is one of our most important ministries and by far the largest. Orthodox Christian education of our children paves the way for the future success of our church. With deep gratitude, I remain yours in Christ, Chris Economides, Director of Religious Education Festival Outreach During the week of October12, the Holy Trinity Greek Fest made its three presentations to the worthy charities selected by the committee. Holy Trinity is known for its outreach efforts and the Festival is no exception having selected as this year s recipients: Orthodox Christian Fellowship (O.C.F. Archdiocese campus ministry), Westfield E.M.T. and Children s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. Each charity was given a check in the amount of $3036. This represents the proceeds from the $2 entrance fee at the 2014 Greek Fest. Fr Peter presenting a check in the amount of $3,036 to Children s Specialized Hospital Board Member Morris Lenczicki and Phil Salerno III, President and Chief Development Officer As the festival continues to grow, year after year, Holy Trinity is proud to partner with these charities to fulfill its outreach responsibilities. The Promise ^ November 2014 ^ Volume 38, Issue 8 3

4 CHRIST ENCOUNTER 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

5 A busy hum can be heard in the preschool room the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Hands are busy, bodies are in motion and minds are being awakened and guided by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Much happens during T.O.T.S., Holy Trinity s Trinity Orthodox Toddler Social, which is in full swing again this fall. Out little parishioners are guided through play, movement and prayer with the goal of developing a sense of security and love within the church walls. Amazingly enough, even the ones year olds know our routine: get your candles to light (with help of course), wait quietly on the rug before the doors, enter God s house and sit at the steps of His table. This past July, Holy Trinity s T.O.T.S. program was showcased in a display of church ministries at the 2014 Clergy /Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A banner depicting a quote from a current T.O.T.S. mother, photographs and the T.O.T.S s mission statement was part of the ministries showcase. This banner can be now seen hanging in the hallway in front of the Bouras Center for all to see. It will later be hung in the back hallway by the pre-school room. We are honored, humbled and thankful for this recognition by the Clergy Laity Congress. T.O.T.S is always waiting to welcome new friends. Children 18 months to 4 years old with their mother, father, grandparent or caregiver, meet us in the pre-school room at 10am for fun and fellowship. ^ Westfield Junior Successfully Dives for the Cross in Asbury Park, New Jersey Asbury Park, NJ: The 66th Annual Holy Cross Celebration took place on September 21st in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The Diving for the Cross is very symbolic in the Greek Orthodox Church that dates back centuries and has been a New Jersey Greek Orthodox tradition since The event marks the Blessing of the Waters, the world s oceans, which connects everyone on earth thereby uniting the whole world as one under the Lord. The Asbury Park celebration was inaugurated by the then Archbishop Athenagoras of America who later became Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople on November 1, This year sixty-six teenagers participated in this event. They represented 20 Greek Orthodox Churches from across the State of New Jersey. After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and a mass procession to the shoreline, another short prayer service was offered. The Cross is then tossed into the waters (ocean). Participants are divided into the following four categories: Junior Girls and Boys Division, and Senior Girls and Boys Division. This year Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, was represented by the following youth: Georgiana Katsingris, Nicholas Savorgiannakis, Christina Christodoulou, and Christopher Boutsikaris. It has been over thirty years since a Holy Cross Diver from Holy Trinity, Westfield has been Nicholas Savorgiannakis, Chris Boutsikaris, Christina Christodoulou, and Georgiana Katsingris. successful in retrieving the Cross. This year, Christopher Boutsikaris was triumphant in retrieving the Cross in his division. It was a true blessing and honor, not only for Chris but the entire Holy Trinity Family. Congratulations Chris! ^ The Church Book Store BY SANDY MOURATOGLOU AND ANDREA BLASI This month we are featuring children s books. It has been said that the best way to learn the basics of anything is to get a book written for children. Why is this thought especially important for Christians? Saint Mark wrote: (10:14-15) Jesus said Let the little children come to Me for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it. What is so special about children? Their innocence and purity, their humble eagerness to learn, knowing that they know so little about everything! Faith comes easily to children. Whether you are a parent who wants to bring your children closer to God, or whether you are an adult (parent or not) who wants to bring yourself closer to God as a little child, or a godparent who want the best for their godchild, the Bookstore has many wonderful offerings for you. Come and browse them. If you do not see what you want, we can order it for you. Please support the Church Book Store. Here are only a few of the offerings we have for children of all ages! Of special note for young children are: The Tottler s Bible, for children ages two to five, and The Children s Bible, for children ages 6 and older. We also have a few copies of the Golden Children s Bible. The Story of Mary the Mother of God; by former parishioner Dorrie Papademetriou is a wonderful book for children of all ages. It has vivid, brilliant illustrations and simple language that every child can understand. It explains the early life of the Theotokos, based on mosaics the author had seen in her travels and on Church tradition. A very interesting commentary by Fr. Thomas Hopko is on the back cover. In only 65 pages The Illustrated Life of the Theotokos For Children; by Georgia and Helen Hronas tells about the holy life of Theotokos with simple language, large print, and wonderful illustrations. It is truly a treasure for children of all ages. Other children s books include: The Nameday Book; by Despina Manatos, Esther s Easter Dress by Katherine Kafarakis, and The Nicene Creed For Young People by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris. ^ The Promise ^ November 2014 ^ Volume 38, Issue 8 5

6 6 from pg. 1, Synaxis of Archangels... The Highest Hierarchy includes: The Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones The six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Isaiah 6:12) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others. The many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Genesis 3:24) stand before the Lord after the Seraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Through them wisdom is poured forth, and people s minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory. The THRONES (Colossians 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through the grace given them for their service. They are ministers of God s justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacity for righteous judgment. The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities DOMINIONS (Col 1:16) hold dominion over the angels subject to them. They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God, to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. The Dominions teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to master our will, and to conquer temptation. POWERS (1 Peter 3:22) fulfill the will of God without hesitation. They work great miracles and give the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to saints pleasing to God. The Powers assist people in fulfilling obediences. They also encourage them to be patient, and give them spiritual strength and fortitude. AUTHORITIES (1 Pet 3:22, Col 1:16) have authority over the devil. They protect people from demonic temptations, and prevent demons from harming people as they would wish. They also uphold ascetics and guard them, helping people in the struggle with evil thoughts. The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels PRINIPALITIES (Col 1:16) have command over the lower angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of God s commands. They watch over the world and protect lands, nations and peoples. Principalities instruct people to render proper honor to those in authority, as befits their station. They teach those in authority to use their position, not for personal glory and gain, but to honor God, and to spread word of Him, for the benefit of those under them. ARCHANGELS (1 Thess 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and the mysteries of the faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God among the people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel. ANGELS (1 Pet 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remain steadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desire it. All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others. Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means who is like unto God ), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God! According to Church Tradition, and in the church services to the Archangel Michael, he participated in many other Old Testament events. During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him the power of the Lord was made manifest, annihilating the Egyptians and Pharaoh who were in pursuit of the Israelites. The Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes. He was the one, with a flaming sword in hand, to stand guard over the entrance to Paradise when Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise. He appeared to Joshua Son of Navi and revealed the will of the Lord at the taking of Jericho (Josh 5:13-16). The power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185 thousand soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4 Kingdoms 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3: 24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan. 3:22-25). Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions den (Dan. 14:33-37). The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9). The holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of St Neophytus of Docheiariou. We invoke Archangel Michael for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversaries on the field of battle. He conquers all spiritual enemies. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Holy Scripture and Tradition give us the names of the Archangels: Gabriel: strength (power) of God, herald and servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26). He announces the mysteries of God. Raphael: the healing of God, the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15) Uriel: the fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezdras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those with darkened minds. Other named Archangels are: Selaphiel: the prayer of God, impelling to prayer (3 Ezdras 5:16). He prays to God for mankind. Jehudiel: the glorifying of God, encouraging exertion for the glory of the Lord and interceding for the reward of efforts. Barachiel: distributor of the blessings of God for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for people. Jeremiel: the raising up to God (3 Ezdras 4:36) On icons the Archangels are depicted in according to the character of their service: Michael tramples the devil underfoot, and in his left hand holds a green date-tree branch, and in his right hand a spear with a white banner (or sometimes a fiery sword), on which is outlined a scarlet cross. Gabriel with a branch from Paradise, presented by him to the Most Holy Virgin, or with a shining lantern in his right hand and with a mirror made of jasper in his left. Raphael holds a vessel with healing medications in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish for healing (Tobit 5-8). Uriel in his raised right hand holds a naked sword at the level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand a fiery flame. Selaphiel in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest. Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand, in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs. Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his breast. Jeremiel holds balance-scales in his hand. GUARDIAN ANGELS Each person has a guardian angel, and every nation also receives its own guardian angel from God (Dan. 10:13). When a church is consecrated, it also receives a guardian angel. Yoke unto his life a shining angel to deliver him from every plot directed against him from the adversary, from evil encounters, from the noonday demon and from evil dreams. Service of Holy Baptism Nameday today, those who bear the name Michael, Michele, Gabriel, Gabriella, celebrate their nameday. ^

7 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Online Stewardship Giving and Donations Program Stewardship Sunday is November 16 When we speak of stewardship and family we must also consider stewardship of family. Too often, we stress the importance of stewardship of the great gifts of God s material world, but which of God s gifts is greater than family? Throughout our life s journey, our family will take many forms. For a child, the family is parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, godparents and individuals with significant roles in the child s life. As we mature, we become stewards of our parents as they also are of us. We are stewards of our siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and more. We are called to encourage and support our family members to grow in the faith. We are also called to encourage and support them in developing their God-given gifts and talents to the full for the glory of God. If we are blessed with a spouse, our concept of family expands and our stewardship of family expands with it. As our role within our family evolves, we become stewards of the authority and influence which we hold in the family. This requires balance tempered by love and respect. A spouse or parent with authority must also relate to family members with respect and humility. St. Paul writes to the Ephesians, Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (5:21). St. Paul further instructs us, Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (5:25). And in Colossians 3:21, St. Paul instructs, Parents, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. We are stewards of our family through the influence that we have upon them. This influence may be for good or for evil. In The Moral Intelligence of Children, Robert Coles writes, the child is an ever-attentive witness of grownup morality or lack thereof; the child looks and looks for cues as to how one ought to behave, and finds them galore as we parents and teachers go about our lives, making choices, addressing people, showing in action our rock-bottom assumptions, desires, and values, and thereby telling those young observers much more than we may realize. We exercise our stewardship of family by our actions more than our words. Throughout our lives and the roles we assume within the family, we are stewards of the love, authority, trust and respect that exist among members of the family. Unlike material possessions, these are not diminished by use. But if mishandled, they can be lost. Love, authority, trust and respect require the most diligent stewardship, because once they are lost, they are most difficult to recover. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great includes beautiful silent prayers expressing the Church s concern for the family: remember, Lord, the people here present and those that are absent with good cause. Have mercy on them and on us according to the multitude of your mercy, fill their store-houses with every good thing; maintain their marriage-bonds in peace and concord; nurture the infants; instruct the young, strengthen the aged, encourage the faint-hearted, gather together again those that are scattered; bring back those who went astray and unite them to Your holy, catholic and apostolic church; defend the widows; protect the orphans... As Orthodox Christians, we are also stewards of our Church family those with whom we worship, fellowship and serve the community. In the same way that we care for our immediate family, we also care for our Christian brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. We are one family at Holy Trinity and must practice being stewards of one another. In his book on the Eucharist/Divine Liturgy, Fr Alexander Schmemann explains that in the early church, the Eucharistic sacrifice was offered by all the members of the church. Each person coming to the gathering of the Church brought with them everything they could spare for the needs of the Church. This meant for the sustenance of the clergy, widows and orphans, for helping the poor, and for all the good works of the Church. This is the Church that we as Orthodox Christians claim to be. In the Gospel of Saint Matthew (6:19), Jesus instructs us, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. Often in life, we pursue and collect those things that do not last. We must ask, One hundred years from now, where will our possessions be? Our greatest blessing is our family. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to be stewards of this great gift. If we are faithful to this calling, perhaps our Lord will say to us as he did to the faithful steward, Well done good and faithful servant (Mt 25:23). ^ Christian Stewardship Is... learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ s redeeming love. caring for the needs of others. offering one s self to God as He offered Himself to us. what a person does after saying I believe, as proof of that belief. devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as parish, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal. 7

8 Philoptochos Report Scene of Philoptochos Helen Constantinides Bruno Helen Constantinides Bruno, a dedicated, dynamic and extraordinary Orthodox Christian has been a member of the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity, Westfield, New Jersey for nearly seven years and a board member for five years. Known to us as Nitsa, she inspires us with her boundless energy, undertaking every Philoptochos project with pleasure, thoroughness, finesse to detail, creative exuberance, humor and kindness. Born in Cyprus, educated in the United States with a BA degree in Commercial Art and Textile Design, Nitsa s roots for Philanthropy began at Evangelismos in Jersey City. She worked tirelessly as a teen planning spaghetti dinners, dances, bake sales and car washes to help build the dream of a much-anticipated community center. Nitsa continues to inspire with that Christcentered spirit as she embraces all Chapter, Metropolis and National initiatives with zeal and has instituted new projects and revitalized old ones with a creative modern edge. She has motivated all of us so that the complacent have become infected with her drive to work cheerfully along side her in fellowship. The use of her talents in fundraising has garnered for four years a Vasilopita Luncheon of unprecedented attendance where outstanding proceeds have benefitted the children of St. Basil Academy. Her search to find worthy charities drives her to educate her sisters on the board to make informed decisions in helping those in need locally, nationally and globally. Communicating with the Hellenic Relief Fund and the Cyprus Children s Relief Foundation, Nitsa continually updates us all about the efforts and direction of the organizations, to ensure that the focus remains on the needs of those in crisis. Chairing this year s Art Show once again, Helen is also an accomplished and featured artist, her works literally aiding the suffering children of the world. As Corresponding Secretary, Nitsa has developed new church bulletin boards, birthday and name day blasts and a yearly scrapbook/ photo Philoptochos journal. All of this thoughtful communication by Helen, incorporates spiritual anecdotes, updated letters of appreciation and progress of the afflicted. s to each board member include researched biographies of each sister s patron saint, Troparion of the saint, and attributes of the saint that the celebrating sister embodies, lifting our souls. The Veterans Recognition Project has begun at Holy Trinity under her artistic direction. Helen is assembling photos of all veterans of foreign wars to honor and commemorate their service to God and country. Her respect for the aged and the infirm is reflected in the delectable dishes she prepares for them when called upon in a heartbeat. Homebound parishioners look forward to her fabulous baked goods at Christmas and Pascha. Quietly and privately, she has also been of comfort and guidance to some in life-threatening situations who needed assistance when confronting devastating medical diagnoses, truly saving lives. Her strong Christian faith has always been the cornerstone of her life. Helen has accomplished all this while being a devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister to family in Cyprus, Ohio and Oregon. She continues to touch and impact us all with her angelic grace. Nitsa has set the bar high as an example of character, compassion and faith, using her talents in response to God s love by serving the poor, the aged, the young, the destitute and the sick. Her stewardship through Philoptochos has put her faith into action. The person of Helen Constantinides Bruno is a sterling example of Christ s hands on earth. Holy Trinity Choir Members attend the Metropolis Choir Conference: 90 Voices Praising God Eight members of the Holy Trinity Choir attended the 2014 Conference of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians, held October 2-5 in Holmdel, NJ. Each year the conference not only offers fellowship and fun, but also builds skills and deepens participants love for Orthodox liturgical music. Attendees included Kathryn Athanasoulas (choir director), Connie Baboukis, Stacey Carumpalos, Susan Karcanes, Ryan Kiel, Miriam Kotsonis, Joanne Lazos, and Joy Sakalis. They learned the beautiful arrangement of the Liturgy composed and directed by Archon Primikirios, Dr. Constantine Limberakis, director of the Annunciation Cathedral Choir in Boston, MA. The warm hospitality of Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, led by conference chair and choir director Marie Devino, made the event especially joyous. A workshop by Marina Alexander, a distinguished composer and director well-known to many Holy Trinity parishioners, introduced the singers to challenging choral arrangements. On Saturday night, the group of about 90 plus guests enjoyed an autumn-themed banquet and dancing. Then on Sunday morning they donned choir robes and chanted the Holy Liturgy together with celebrants Metropolitan Evangelos and Father George Nikas. Our choir members are active in the leadership of the Metropolis Federation: Kathryn is Past President, Susan manages the Membership Database, and Miriam is incoming Secretary. If you are interested in joining the choir at Holy Trinity please see Kathryn Athanasoulas. 8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

9 PHILOPTOCHOS CONTRIBUTIONS and DONATIONS National Obligations/Commitments Retired Clergy & Widowed Presbyteres Benevolent Fund HC/HC Scholarship Fund (second tray) Aid to Greece and Cyprus (second tray) Nat. Philoptochos Emergency Fund $1000 (Sept) $500 (Sept) $750 (Sept) $250 (Oct) Metropolis Obligation/Commitments Social Services St. Basil Academy Visit Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries (second tray) Patriarchal Schools Commitment $250 (Oct) $500 (Oct) $500 (June) $800 (June) Metropolis Requests Funeral Social Services Case Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries Philabundance (Phila. Food Bank) $1000 (June) $500 (June) $200 (June) $250 (June) 2014 AGAPE Award Anastasia Michaels Metropolis President, Nitsa Bruno (recipient), Penny Pefanis HT Philoptochos President with Father Peter Donations National Gaucher Foundation Project Mexico (Humberto tuition) GOYA - NJ State Scholarship Ad Smile Train National Forum of G.O. Musicians Race for the Cure St. Michael s Gala Ad Journal OCMC Stella Wacker Roseland Phil. Ad Journal Mr./Miss Jr. GOYA HT Ocean Phil. Ad Journal Pastoral Discretionary Fund Shop-Rite Gift Cards Cyprus Children s Fund Lainie s Angels St. Basil s Graduate Community Food Bank Alzheimer s Research Foundation Prevent Child Abuse NJ Holy Trinity Student Scholarships $200 (Sept) $1300 (Sept) $100 (Sept) $250 (Oct) $200 (Oct) $100 (Oct) $500 (Oct) $500 (Sept) $50 (Sept) $100 (Sept) $50 (Sept) $500 (Sept) $480 (June) $250 (June) $100 (June) $200 (June) $3500 (June) $3500 (June) $8000 (June) Saint Basil s Academy Visitation October 4th 2014 Penny Pefanis President with Board members Sophie Stappas, Nitsa Bruno & Joanne Kallerges Saint Basil s Academy children The Promise ^ November 2014 ^ Volume 38, Issue 8 9

10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 5FINGERS FITTING5KEYS PIANO INSTRUCTOR & WEDDING ORGANIST PHYLLIS A. VERENES 9 SAND HILL ROAD, MORRISTOWN, NJ TEL: CELL: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

11 The Promise ^ November 2014 ^ Volume 38, Issue 8 11

12 Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654 Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ Phone Office Manager Caretaker Admin. Assistant Diana R. Waltsak Ocione Nunes E. Joy Daniledes Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Agapios Kyritsis Penny Pefanis Chris Economides Fax Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis Worship Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes Greek School Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore Rita Fitanidis Alexandra Maglaras Julie Vagelos & Iris Love Joanne Paras & Jenny Stellakis Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Barbara Manos Schedule of Services Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM The Promise: Volume 38, Issue 7 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month Greek School PTO Trinity Circle Jenny Stellakis Antoinette Genakos 12