Lenten Camp Welcomed by Campers and Staff USING PRAYER IN OUR DAILY LIFE PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS

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1 March 2015 Monthly / Issue No. 2 TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor Lenten Camp Welcomed by Campers and Staff USING PRAYER IN OUR DAILY LIFE By Olivia Sintros, VCC Co-ordinator Lenten Camp 2015 was held on the Second Saturday of Souls. Campers and counselors attended liturgy before beginning their camp program. What is a censor called in Greek? How many bells on the censor? What do the bells and smoke represent? When is it okay to pray? Fr. Tom and our youth worker, Alex Orphanos, led Orthodox Life discussion groups. Now, these questions and many more can be answered by even our youngest campers. Thank you to Amanda Apostolou, who coordinated the making of gift tags and placemats during Arts and Crafts and a special thanks to our very talented GOYAns Olivia and Zachary Gulezian who led the children during Music.move over Mrs. Sparages. As always, it takes a village, and a very grateful thanks to all the GOYAns and parents who spent the day in fun, faith, and fellowship. During the last session of the day, as an expression of Christian service, the campers and counselors rolled and baked koulourakia. The koulourakia were bagged and tied with lovely gift tags. The bags of cookies, as well as the placemats they made will be part of the dinner presented to the guests of the Lowell Transitional Living Center during our March visit. PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS Anniston and Luke make placemats that will be used at the Lowell Transitional Living Center when we serve dinner in March. The campers enjoy making them almost as much as the residents love using them. IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2 Meet the Members of the Parish Council - Part 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS page 3 Join the Trans-a-Gram staff, Transfiguration Mini-store Open and Information on Donations and Volunteers PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 4 Parish Council President greetings, Treasurer s Report; Parish Council Report; and Stewardship Numbers EVENTS & OUTREACH page 7 Lenten Camp in Pictures, Palm Sunday Fish Dinner Announcement, Family Fun Nights and More PARISH GROUPS page 10 Philoptochos, Sunday School, and GOYA CHURCH INFORMATION page 13 How to contact the church and who to contact; Parish Council member names and contact information; and more. CALENDARS pages Regular and special services calendar; Sacraments; Church Calendar of Events; and more. PAGE 1

2 MARCH 2015 MEET THE 2015 PARISH COUNCIL CONTINUED Wiiam Arvanites was born and raised in Lowell. Bill served in the Army from 1969 to 1979 and is a Vietnam Veteran. Following the service he worked as a social worker and vocational rehabilitation specialist at the Bedford VA from where he retired. He is the father of three children, one son and two daughters. He has been a parishioner of the Transfiguration Church for over thirty years and is currently serving on the Parish Council for his fourth year. Bill has been a member of the community outreach team helping to coordinate the monthly Community Kitchen meals. He is also involved with the Veteran s Ministry and currently is the team leader. Weekly you will find Bill participating in the Wednesday morning Bible Study. James Demetri has been a bartender and cook at his father s restaurant, the former Walbrook in Dracut, a union carpenter for 26 years until an injury forced his retirement, and for the past five years has been a member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Parish Council where he has focused his energy and attention to the church and its parishioners. Born in Marlboro and raised in Dracut, he has been married to Noule (Papadopoulos) Demetri for 26 years (God bless her) and they have two beautiful daughters, Maryna, 25, and Katerina, 22. They all reside in Pelham, N.H., and enjoy spending vacation time in Florida. As a member of the board, he has worked on the festival, handles all the maintenance issues involving the church and has confronted issues objectively and has worked through conflicts. His ultimate goal has always PAGE 2 been to achieve results and have a positive working relationship with all the board members. As an effective board member he has put in the time, the heart and the standards to make the Transfiguration a model in the Greater Lowell community. Constantine Tsioulis was born in Trikala, Thessalia, Greece and graduated from Trikala High School before entering the Greek Army. He served in the Elite Greek Army (L.O.K.) as a Paratrooper with the Special Air War Training with 7th Air Commando Squad, USAFE. Following his military service he served as a Greek Police Officer for five years. He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 43 years and has one son, Christopher. He attended and graduated from Mt. Wachusett Community College and worked for Market Basket for 37 years retiring as Store Director. He has served on several Festival committees and has been chairman of the Transfiguration Golf Outing for three years. This is his first term on the Parish Council. Christian Zouzas is married to Hariklia and they reside in Chelmsford with their five children, Despena, Soteria, Demetra, William, and Hope. He is a lifelong parishioner of the Transfiguration Church. Having been baptized at Transfiguration he grew up in the parish and participated in the Sunday School program with super perfect attendance. He was later married in the parish. Christian has been chairman of several Grecian Festivals and is currently serving as Parish President for the third year. Jim Piazas is currently serving his second year as Parish Council Treasurer. He is a lifelong parishioner of the Transfiguration Church. Jim is following in the footsteps of his father, John, who also served as a member of the Parish Council. His mother, Evangelia, was a 60-year member of our Philoptochos. Jim and his wife of 26 years, Elaine, are blessed with two daughters. Lea 23 and Joanna 16. Elaine is a Sunday school teacher. Jim has been employed in the sales department at Acton Toyota for the last 20 years. He is always willing to help out so if you have a question, he encourages you to ask. John Dristilaris is a longtime parishioner of the Transfiguration Church. He is married and has three children. John has served for several area police and security departments in positions from patrol officer to operations commander. He holds a Masters degree in Criminal Justice and has recently completed his Doctorate degree in Transitional Leadership. He has taught courses on the college level as an adjunct professor for the past six years. John has previously served on the Parish Council and held the office of president. In the recent past he has assisted the Metropolis with leadership workshops. Additionally, he has held leadership positions on Grecian Fair committees and is currently serving on the stewardship ministry team.

3 MARCH 2015 ANNOUNCEMENTS The Search is On ARE YOU WILLING TO JOIN THE TRANS-A-GRAM STAFF? The Trans-a-Gram is marvelous communications vehicle for our community. Those who have contributed in the past have built a wonderful publication, but we need the help of a few more people. Listed below are a few of the ways you can volunteer to help: Staff/Contributing writer: From time to time the contributing writer would offer an article on a special event or topic. A staff writer would write articles on a more regular basis. Editor: Each issue needs to be edited for content and grammar. Several people can be used. This usually requires just a few hours and is done electronically. Editor-in-Chief: Responsible for all aspects of the publication including, layout, articles, editing. Photographers: Like to take pictures? We can always use more photos of more events. Contact Fr. Tom with questions of to volunteer at frtom@transchurch.org You Can Help DONATE PANTRY ITEMS VISIT THE TRANSFIGURATION MINI-STORE by Sandra Gulezian There are many weeks that I forget that our church is looking for pantry items to be collected for donation to the MerrimackValley Food Bank. I am reminded as I walk into church and I think to myself next week I won t forget. But I often do. So, last year during Lent, you may recall seeing pantry items being re-sold during the coffee hour in the Transfiguration Mini-Store. The same thing will be done during this Lenten season. I have begun searching local retailers for the best sale prices and have been using coupons to purchase pantry items, with the help of my daughter, Olivia. Our parishioners were very generous last year and as a result we were able to donate hundreds, if not thousands, of pantry items to the Food Bank. Please consider donating and supporting this effort. We will set up our table each Sunday during Lent and we will have items selling for $1 to no more than $5-6 each. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Donation Envelopes Enclosed YOUR GENEROSITY IS GREATLY APPRECIATED Enclosed in this issue of the Trans-a-Gram are two envelopes that you can use for special Paschal donations. One envelope you can use for donating Easter Lilies. Please use the enclosed flyer. The second envelope is for an Easter donation. Many of the faithful help provide for special needs of the parish during this time of year through an Easter offering. The Parish extends it appreciation to all who make special donations during this blessed time of the year. Readers Needed for Agape Service CAN YOU READ ANOTHER LANGUAGE? Are you able to read another language? Maybe you took Spanish, French, or German in high school or college. Maybe you participated in a study abroad program and learned another language while there. Your talents can help celebrate the joy of Christ s Resurrection. Traditionally, the Gospel reading at the Agape Service on Easter Sunday is read in as many languages as possible, symbolizing the spreading of the news of the Resurrection to all the world. If you would like to participate in the service please contact Father Tom (frtom@transchurch.org). He will be happy to help you find the text in advance. PAGE 3

4 MARCH 2015 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS President s Message CONTINUING COMMUNITY OUTREACH by Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President Normally, every couple of years the parish hosts a Festival. Although this is the year in which we would normally be hosting a Grecian Festival, this time around, unfortunately we will need to pass. In the previous issue of the Trans-a-Gram you may have noticed a flyer and an announcement calling for volunteers. The month of February has brought about changes in our plans. The Charter School, because of all the snow days, will not finish the school year in time for us to properly set up for the festival, so therefore, we have had to alter our plans. commitment to our parish and to each other so that we can look one another in the eye and know that we have the support of one another and our parish. For thirty years our festivals have helped us share our Greek culture, customs, foods, and the Orthodox faith with the community at large. While we won t be able to hold a festival this year, we still need to show that same sense of commitment to our parish. Whether it is through volunteering for one of the other events of the parish, helping with outreach efforts, such as the monthly dinners at the This is disappointing to many on the Parish Council, Lowell Transitional Living Center, volunteering to Festival Committee, and in the parish because having help with one of the other parish ministries, or look a Festival is not solely about the food and pastry to increase and fulfill our stewardship commitment, sales, total profit, or balancing our budget. It is more as individuals and as a community we need to about the relationships that we create with one demonstrate to one another that we are willing to another as family, friends, and fellow parishioners. It roll up our sleeves and do our share, together, to help is about learning about ourselves and our history in the Transfiguration Church. our parish and community. It is about our Parish Council Report NOTES FROM THE JANUARY MEETING by Amanda Apostolou, Parish Council Secretary The Parish Council met on January 6 for its first monthly meeting of the year. The first order of business was the Oath of Office for Melanie Pappas and Chuck Karayianis. Christian Zouzas reviewed the calendar for the first few months of the year in order to schedule responsibilities for the Council members. He reminded the Council of the continuing outreach ministry at the Lowell Transitional Living Center. A Strategic Planning committee was established and PAGE 4 John Dristilaris and John Thibault volunteered to organize the committee. A report on events at 465 Feltcher was offered and discussions with Club Lafayette continue in order to enhance our working relationship. The Charter School is not certain if they will need to use our facility for all or part of the year, if at all. The Council authorized a month to month lease. If the school continues to lease our facility there will need to be further renovations to accomodate them.

5 MARCH 2015 Treasurer s Report by James Piazas, Parish Council Treasurer ACCOUNT SUMMARY (AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 2015) Account Altar Fund Balance $5, Special Events Checking General Checking $53, , Kitchen & Hall Fund $39, Money Market Savings $37, Building Maintenance $7, Endowment Fund $8, Rental Account (restricted) $97, Youth Ministry $4, Account Totals: If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. $273,402 Stewardship Report REFLECTING by Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter At our Parish Assembly held in November 2014, we voted to accept the proposed 2015 budget of $295,000. Since the goal of the Stewardship Ministry has always been that we, as dedicated stewards, raise the funds to meet the operating budget of our parish, it stands to reason that our focus should be to meet this goal. As we pay our bills at home without asking our neighbors, the same should hold true for our parish. Money raised from such events as raffles, festivals and golf outings. should be used to fund and expand such things as youth ministries, outreach to the community, as well as in reach to our parish. Stewardship Ministry would like to thank the 165 stewards who have thoughtfully and sincerely completed their 2015 commitment card since Stewardship Sunday in December. If you have not yet pledged for 2015, won t you please give prayerful consideration to the commitment you will make to the church. It has been suggested that we might consider increasing our pledge by 10%. For instance, if one pledged $1000 in 2014 or $20 per week, one may consider pledging 10% more which would be $1,100 in 2015 which would be an additional $2.00 per week. Another example, if one pledged $500 in 2014, or $10 per week, a 10% increase would be an additional $1.00 per week. You are welcome to continue to send your contributions by mail or you may consider using ParishPay.com, an online opportunity to make your stewardship contributions. You can make a one-time gift or make your contribution in a more budget friendly manner, monthly or weekly. That being said, On the first day of every week (Sunday), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income. (I Corinthians 16:20) 2015 Stewardship Participating stewards as of 02/27/ Total pledged $98,827 Received to date $45,325 Budgeted stewardship goal $185,000 Overall 2015 goal $295,000 PAGE 5

6 MARCH 2015 Christmas Flower Donations We thank all who made donations for Poinsettias that were used to adorn the church during the Christmas season. Varvara Stancheva In Loving Memory of Varvara, Louka and Nevena; Connie, Freda and Clara Gkolias In Loving Memory of John, Irene & Mark Gkolias and grandparents; Vonofortis Gkolias; Arthur Kostoulakos For the Good Health of Thomas Kostoulakos; The Yankopoulos and McCann Family In Loving Memory of our beloved parents, grandparents and siblings; Nick and Christine Nicholaou For the Good Health of the Nicholaou Family; Harry and Christine Stamas In Loving Memory of our deceased parents; Anonymous For Peace in the World; George and Jill Laganas In Loving Memory of Crystal, Debra, Scott, John, Evangeline Laganas; Alice Danas In Loving memory of George and Stephen and for the Good Health of Arthur; Mrs. Beverly M. Patsourakos In Loving memory of my husband- Vasilios P. Patsourakos; James and Katrina McCann In Loving memory of Fr. Steven and Pres. Ann Yankopoulos; Angie Rigs In Loving memory of grandparents, parents and brother; Melanie Pappas For the Good Health of Nikolaos, Andreas & Gaius Gi"; Mary Nicholaides In Loving Memory of Nicholas & Vasilike Nicholaides and for the Good Health of Nicholaides & Pappas Families; Elizabeth Balamotis In Loving Memory of my husband Andrew and departed family; Elaine, Bob & Teddy Masse In Loving Memory of Tina Sarantos; Dottie Costa and Ann Stamas In Loving memory of Christos & Ste"a Anganes; Elizabeth Lemondes In Loving Memory of Fr. John Sarantos Christmas Donations We extend our appreciation to all who made a special Christmas donation to the parish. Anonymous Demetrios Karamanolis Marc and Sandra Gulezian Arthur and Toula Sparages Louis K. Salpas Demi and Wallace Flanagan Arthur and Alice Danas Mary Nicholaides Cresse Bogis In Memory of Manuel Bogis Polyxene Bouras Antoinette Eliopoulos Ethel I. Tournas Sam Zouzas and Family Marina Balkas Eliopoulos Sisters Nicholas and Christine Nicholaou J. Thomas and E.J. Amick Theano G. Eliopoulos, D.M.D. Menelaos and Agnes Yankopoulos Harry and Christine Stamas Spiros and Olivia Sintros Marian Metropolis George and Jill Laganas Andrew and Thelma Coravos Nicholas and Mary Papageorgiou Jerome and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick In Memory of Eva # # # # # Denopoulos Martha Sintros Constantine and Elizabeth Tsioulis Anna B. Tavoularis Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Patricia Costa Miss Mary Moskovites James F. O'Donnell & Sons Funeral Home In memory of a" the deceased members of the Transfiguration parish whose families the O'Donne" Funeral Home was privileged and honored to serve $om Dec. 1, 2013 to December 1, 2014: Helen Makarones, Mary Nestervich and Arthur Manelas. PAGE 6

7 MARCH HOLY WEEK DONATIONS The list below reflects specific items needed to beautify our Church during Holy Week. If you or your family would like to make a donation to the Transfiguration Church (in Memory or for the Health of a loved one) please contact the Church office (978) The items that will be needed are as follows: Flowers to Adorn Icon of Lazarus $85 Palms strip $75 Palms bay leaf $350 6 Palm Trees $25 each Flowers to Adorn Palm Sunday Icon $85 Flowers to Adorn Nymphios Icon $120 Wreath for Holy Cross $100 Flowers at base of Holy Cross $100 Candles on Holy Cross $25 Flowers to Adorn Icon of Myrrh Bearing Women $85 Resurrection Candle $50 Flowers to Adorn Icon of Resurrection $85 1 Arrangement for Anastasi $120 1 Arrangement for Anastasi $120 Lavaron (Banner) of Anastasi $50 Leaves and Petals $75 Incense (3 donors) $30 each CHURCH EVENTS & OUTREACH CELEBRATING 91 YEARS OF FAITH, FAMILY, AND FELLOWSHIP Please join us for our 2nd annual Fish Dinner as we come together as a parish family in faith and fellowship. Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Palm Sunday, April 5, 2015 following Divine Liturgy Transfiguration Church Family Life Center Lowell, Massachusetts No donation is necessary. Your presence will be your gift PAGE 7

8 MARCH 2015 PAGE 8

9 MARCH 2015 Lenten Church Camp in Pictures LOOKING INWARD IN PRAYER AND REACHING OUT THROUGH PROJECTS PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS PHOTOS BY ARTHUR SPARAGES PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS PAGE 9

10 MARCH 2015 PARISH GROUPS Philoptochos Society Report by Soula Spaziani, Philoptochos Society President Membership: Many thanks to the women of the Transfiguration who have responded to the Philoptochos membership initiative for 2015 by returning their stewardship envelopes. We hope every woman in our parish will join us in helping those in need and helping our parish, while enjoying fellowship and friendship. Our Transfiguration family is a community of wonderful, loving parishioners. Philoptochos offers a way to develop relationships with folks that you might not otherwise meet and an opportunity for the whole family to participate in service and ministry projects. Please contact our membership chairman, Georgia Dristiliaris at or at gdristiliaris@verizon.net. Welcome to our new member, Gertrude Kizza February meeting: Our annual Heart Healthy meeting was held on Saturday, February 7th. Many thanks to our hostesses Deanne Finn and Susan Mitchell for providing us with a delicious and healthy breakfast. Susan arranged for Christina Nikitopoulos of the Connector Café in Lowell to come and speak to us about nutrition and clean eating. During the meeting we voted to send $3250 collectively to our national and metropolis commitments of Saint Basil Academy (Vasilopita proceeds), Social Services, Autism Assistance Fund, Saint Photios Shrine Fund, and Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards. PAGE 10 PHOTOS BY SOULA SPAZIANI (Above) Guest speaker, Christina Nikitopoulos, captures the attention of the Philoptochos members. (Left) Many hands make for light work. Eleni Stavrou prepared the koulourakia dough, and many joined in to roll out the cookies. Thanks to all who helped prepare the delicious koulourakia. Koulourakia Sales: Philoptochos will be selling koulourakia every Sunday after Liturgy through Lent. On Sunday, Feb. 22nd, 19 Philoptochos members gathered to roll and bake almost 2200 koulourakia. Special thanks to Eleni Stavrou for preparing the dough and to all our rollers. Proceeds from this endeavor go directly to Philoxenia House, one of our Metropolis commitments and a very deserving ministry. Soup Sales: Philoptochos will be offering fasting appropriate soups during the Lenten season. These will be available in one-quart size containers and offered each Sunday during coffee fellowship. If you would like to provide soup for this project, please contact Eva Dukakis for containers at Again, proceeds go directly to help Philoxenia House. Go Red Sunday was celebrated on Sunday, February 8th to promote heart health awareness. Greek Independence Day: Deanne Finn and Susan Mitchell will be distributing blue ribbons in celebration of Greek Independence Day on Sunday, March 22nd. Proceeds from donations for the ribbons will benefit Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology. Continued page 13

11 MARCH 2015 Sunday School News by Connie Gkolias, Sunday School Director Hello everyone After the snowy month of February I m sure everyone is looking forward to the coming of spring. As we enter March we also find ourselves on our annual Lenten journey. Our Sunday school staff is prepared to lead our children on this journey. They have prepared wonderful lessons, but we need all of our parents and grandparents to assist in this endeavor. You can do so in two simple ways. First, encourage your children s participation in class. Make sure they are here on Sundays in a timely fashion so you as a family can participate in liturgy together. Second, engage your children in conversation about their lessons. This conversation helps to reinforce the lessons they learn in class. Due to the inclement weather in February and the cancellations of religious education classes on two of GOYA Holds Annual Lock-in Retreat PLANS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS MADE by Alex Orphanos, Youth Worker The Transfiguration GOYA held their annual Lockin Retreat on January 23rd-24th. Throughout the night, the GOYAns enjoyed fellowship, activities, and discussions, as well as a sleepover in the church. The evening kicked off with dinner, during which time the GOYAns and their advisors enjoyed catching up on events in their lives. The seminarian Sotiri Michalatos, who is currently serving our parish, led some icebreaker games with the GOYAns so that they could all get to know each other a little bit better. Later during the Lock-in the GOYAns did a small service project for the parish by inserting the new translation of the Creed into the liturgy books that we use every Sunday. Now the Creed that is in the pamphlets and the Creed in the liturgy books are the same translation. The GOYAns are always willing to help and do a great job PHOTOS BY ALEX ORPHANOS The night ended with a discussion led by our Youth Worker Alex Orphanos. the four Sundays, the Sunday School is holding their annual Valentine s Day bake sale and raffle on Sunday, March 1 (better late then never). Your purchases help support the religious education programs of the parish. The staff and students thank you for making our bake sale a success and supporting the Sunday School. Dates to remember: Wednesday, March 18: The Sunday School staff will sponsor a Lenten meal following Pre-sanctified Liturgy. Sunday, April 12: Easter Sunday. There will be no Sunday School. Sunday, June 14: Year-End Program and Graduation Sunday. Sotiri Michalatos, Soteria Zouzas and Melanie Pappas also helped with the Lock-in Retreat. The GOYAns then settled in and watched some movies, most notably "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," and shared some good laughs. After settling in for the night we woke to what has come to feel like a neverending snowfall. The GOYAns are looking forward to some warmer weather (as we all are) and events coming up in March and April. Watch for coming announcements for details. For more information about GOYA, or to be added to the list, please contact Alex Orphanos at or by at ajorphanos@gmail.com GOYAns enjoy each other s company as they diligently work to complete their service project for the parish at their retreat. PAGE 11

12 MARCH 2015 Continued $om page 11 Scholarships: Scholarship applications will be available in the church office and on the church website beginning March 15th. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors planning on attending college in the fall and also meet the scholarship guidelines included. Applications must be submitted to the church office by May 1. Contact Pat Mahoney at or with any questions. College and post secondary graduates will also be recognized. Graduate Sunday will be celebrated on June 14th following Divine Liturgy. Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be held on Monday evening, March 16th following Compline Service in the Philoptochos room. The outreach collection for the month is gently used or new books for our Literacy Program, now in its 8th year, under the leadership of Karen Mitropoulis and Olivia Sintros. Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader Next Generation of Philoptochos: Sisters, Sophia and Olga De LaTorre have participated in Philoptochos since they were babies, through Mom, Elizabeth De la Torre and Yiayia, AnnMarie Tsitsipas, who are both very involved members. After attending this year s Benefit Christmas Tea and helping the committee draw raffle winners, the girls decided to collect their Christmas and Birthday gift money to purchase and donate an American Girl Doll as a raffle gift for next year s Christmas Tea. These sweet, generous girls represent the true spirit of philotimo Wishing our Transfiguration Church Family a blessed Lenten season The De la Torre girls help at the February meeting by passing out paleo muffins. These future members of the Philoptochos are learning the great lesson of giving. The Trans a Gram is available online on the church s website, before your printed copy arrives in the mail. Visit to view and download previous issues of the Trans a Gram, as well as the most recent issue. Happy reading Established in Choose Community Choose Enterprise Bank The Enterprise Bank team helps create successful businesses, jobs, opportunities, wealth, and vibrant prosperous communities. Choose-Community.com M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home Funeral Directors Louis M. Fazio, III M. Richard Laurin Scott Laurin Pre Need Counseling Handicap Accessible Ample Parking Member FDIC 295 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, Massachusetts Acton Andover Billerica Chelmsford Derry, NH Dracut Fitchburg Hudson, NH (Coming Soon) Leominster Lowell Methuen Tewksbury Salem, NH Westford PAGE 12

13 MARCH 2015 CHURCH INFORMATION Contact Information CHURCH Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church e mail: info@transchurch.org Web site: Office Hours: Secretary: Mon. Fri., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Tuesday Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment FACEBOOK CLERGY Rev. Father Thomas Chininis Telephone: E mail: FrTom@transchurch.org Rev. Deacon John Vaporis Cell: DeaconJohn@transchurch.org GOYA Alex Orphanos Cell: ajorphanos@gmail.com TRANS A GRAM Acting Editor: Fr. Tom Chininis Telephone: E mail: frtom@transchurch.org BOOKSTORE Joan Tsoukalas joantsoukalas@gmail.com Virginia Kimball virginiakimball@comcast.net WEBSITE Webmaster: Melanie Pappas Telephone: E mail: melanie.pappas@gmail.com 2015 Parish Council Members PRESIDENT Christian Zouzas Home: Cell: zouzas@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT Olivia Sintros Home: Cell: osintros@comcast.net Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Smile with confidence TREASURER Jim Piazas Home: Cell: jpiazas@comcast.net SECRETARY Amanda Apostolou Home: su_lou22@me.com ASSISTANT TREASURER Costa Tsioulis Cell: costasusa@hotmail.com Evan Coravos General and Aesthetic Dentistry 75 Arcand Drive Lowell, MA Office Hours: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays Dracut Funeral Home Proudly serving the Greek Community in Dracut and Greater Lowell for 25 years 2159 Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA Mark P. Gacek (978) Owner/Director William (Bill) Arvanites Home: Cell: arvanites.willy@gmail.com James Demetri Home: Cell: jdemetri56@hotmail.com John Dristilaris Home: Cell: jdristilaris@yahoo.com CHRISTOPOULOS CMI MULDOON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Providing excellent service for over 40 years 8 CHELMSFORD ST. CHELMSFORD, MA Robin Ley George Dristiliaris Home: Cell: gndrist@yahoo.com Charles Karayianis Cell: cwkabk@gmail.com Melanie Pappas Cell: melanie.pappas@gmail.com John Thibault Cell: johncthibault@comcast.net AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS TOM CHRISTOPOULOS TEL: CELL: FAX: tom@muldooninsurance.com TOP DONUT 700 Aiken St. Lowell, MA Tel. (978) Store Hours Open 7 days a week 5 a.m. 9 p.m. PAGE 13

14 MARCH 2015 TransfigurationGreekOrthodoxChurch Lowell,MA March2015 Sunday' Monday' Tuesday' Wednesday' Thursday' Friday' Saturday' Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am MonthlyTrisagion LentenVespers@ Transfiguration6pm Compline 6pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am ParishCouncil Mtg6:30pm BibleStudy10am PreJSanctified Liturgy6pm Dinner& Discussion Salutations Service 6:30pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am LentenVespers@ HolyTrinity6pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am LentenVespers@St. GeorgeAntiochian 6pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am LentenVespers@St. GeorgeGreek6pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Compline 6pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am BibleStudy10am PreJSanctified Liturgy6pm Dinner& Discussion FamilyFun Night6:00pm Salutations Service 6:30pm LTLCDinner Compline 6pm Philoptochos Meeting7pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am BibleStudy10am PreJSanctified Liturgy6pm Dinner& Discussion Salutations Service 6:30pm Akathist Compline Hymn 6pm 6:30pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am Community Feastofthe Annunciation& Greek IndependenceDay Kitchen Liturgy9:30amat 11:30am HolyTrinity Doxology&Parade April1 April2 April3 April4 Compline 6pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am ParishCouncil Mtg6:30pm BibleStudy10am PreJSanctified Liturgy6pm Dinner& Discussion Saturdayof LazarusLiturgy 9:30am Palmsand Pancakes following ForthedatesandtimesofalltheHolyWeekServicessee theenclosedschedule PAGE 14

15 Mark your Calendars for these Youth Ministry Events Holy Friday Retreat - April 10, 2015 MARCH 2015 James F. O Donnell & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS since 1884 Serving members of the Lowell and Greek community for over 120 years 276 Pawtucket Street Vacation Church Camp July 27- July 31, 2015 Lowell, Massachusetts (978) John W. Crane James F. O Donnell, Jr. BLUE ANGUS CAFÉ 34 Broadway Road (Route 113) Dracut, MA Proprietors Steve Chicklis Steve Graham Andy Graham Randy Davis JAMES MONOXELOS Mama s Italian Restaurant 1140 Lakeview Avenue Tel: (978) Dracut, MA Fax: (978) When you re hungry, come to Mama s NORTHEAST VISIT OUR E MAIL: jmonoxelos@neref.com PHONE: x15 FAX: SHAWSHEEN ST., TEWKSBURY, MA PAGE 15

16 MARCH 2015 SERVICES, SACRAMENTS, AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS Services SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Monthly Trisagion March 1 following Liturgy HOLY WEEK SERVICES For the dates and times of all Holy Week Services (Saturday of Lazarus, April 4th through Agape Service on Pascha, April 12th) see the enclosed Holy Week Schedule. Sacraments WEDDING & MARRIAGE BLESSINGS None BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS None SPECIAL SERVICES (MARCH) March 1, 8, 15, 22 & Lenten Vesper 6:00 pm (See flyer for hosting parish & location) March 2, 9, 16, 23, & Compline 6:00 pm March 4, 11, 18,... Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:30 pm (Lenten Dinner and Discussion following) March 6, 13, 20, & Salutations Service 6:30 pm March Orthros 9 am & Liturgy 10 am at Holy Trinity (Feast of the Annunciation) FUNERALS: MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL January 28: Genya Liakos February 2: Charlotte Nigzus February 22: Pota Pat Kalergis Calendar of Events VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC) April 10 (Friday): Holy Friday Retreat CHOIR Rehearsals as announced BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION March 4, 11, & 18 (Wednesdays): Bible Study, 10:00 11:00 a.m. All are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekly study. SUNDAY SCHOOL March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: Sunday School Classes March 1: Sunday School Bake Sale PHILOPTOCHOS March 16 (Monday): Meeting 7 pm FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES March 13 (Friday): Family Fun Night 6:00 pm March and April: GOYA Meetings and Activities TBA OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES March 3, 10, 17 & 24 (Tuesdays): Ladies Group Meeting, 9:30 a.m. OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTS March 14 (Saturday): LTLC (Shelter) Meal April 5 (Sunday): Palm Sunday Fish Dinner Stewardship Giving Online Weekly, Monthly, or One-Time Go to ParishPay.com to enroll or call the Parish Office PAGE 16