Promise BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS. of Holy Trinity. in the historic 50th Anniversary Celebration are thanked for their presence.

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1 Promise The 50 th HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ANNIVERSARY November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 htgoc@westfieldnj.com holytrinitywestfield.org 50 th Thank You Anniversary BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS A Prayer of Thanksgiving Almighty and merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Your divine majesty for Your loving kindness and tender mercies, that You have heard my humble prayer, and graciously vouchsafed to deliver me from my troubles and misery. Grant me, I beseech You, Your helping grace, that I may obediently walk in Your holy commandments, and lead a sober, righteous, and godly life, ever remembering Your mercies, and the blessings You have bestowed on me, the one who is undeserving. May I continually offer You a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving all the days of my life, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. All the families of Holy Trinity who participated in the historic 50th Anniversary Celebration are thanked for their presence. It was an extraordinarily grand day that shall long be remembered as a most edifying and spiritually uplifting event. Our parish started its year-long celebration with the Divine Liturgy, the defining act of the Greek Orthodox faith. Through this sacrament, we are brought into communion with God and one another. The unity that the Eucharist creates is a bond connecting not only the living to each other, but also those who have gone before us and who lay asleep in the Lord. We were honored to have as chief celebrant His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America alongside His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. Together with these respected and beloved hierarchs, Fr. Peter and the parish also welcomed Fr. Alexander Leondis ( ), Fr. Dimitrios Antokas ( ), Fr. James Moulketis, Fr. Bill Gikas, as well as Archdeacon Panteleimon and Deacon Philotheos. Continued on page 3 Wait for the promise of the Father 1

2 Dates in the Life of Our Church November / December 2016 NOVEMBER 1 Sts. Cosmas and Damianos 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 4:00 PM Greek School 3 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 6 Daylight Savings ends 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 8 Archangels Michael and Gabriel 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting 9 St. Nektarios 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 10 9:30 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 6:30 Great Vespers 7:30 PM Choir Christ Encounter Retreat 11 Sts. Victor, Vikenzios, Stephania, Menas 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 12 11:00 AM Baptism 13 St. John Chrysostom 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 15 11:00 AM Trinity Circle 4:00 PM Greek School 17 4:00 PM GreekSchool 7:30 PM Choir 20 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Parish Assembly 21 Entrance of the Theotokos 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 7:30 PM GOYA State Meeting 22 4:00 PM Greek School 24 Thanksgiving Day 25 Office Closed 26 10:00 AM Y2AM Coffee and Connections 27 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 1:30 PM Baptism 29 4:00 PM Greek School 30 St. Andrew the First-called Apostle 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy DECEMBER 1 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 3 3:00 PM Joy/Hope Christmas Party 4 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Parish Council Elections 4:00 PM Venetian event honoring His Eminence 6 St. Nicholas the Wonderworker 8:30 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 4:00 PM Greek School 7 7:00 PM Philoptochos Christmas Party 8 9:30 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 11 8:15 AM Orthros; 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 12:00 PM Sunday School Christmas Party 12 St. Spyridon 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 13 7:30 PM Parish Council 2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

3 Continued from page 1 It was a joy seeing the parish packed to capacity and everyone receiving Holy Communion. Four chalices were used to commune the faithful. After Holy Communion, a Memorial Service was said by the Archbishop for the blessed repose of the ever-memorable founders of this holy church and all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who now lie asleep in the Lord. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios remarked about the parish and how beautiful the choir sounded. Indeed, our liturgical choir, led by Kathryn Athanasoulas, produced a majestic sound that was a powerful display of the beauty and grace of the Orthodox liturgy. After offering several spiritually inspiring words, the Archbishop presented to Fr. Peter an exquisite set of chalice coverings to mark this historic occasion. The kalýmata, as they are called, are green and red threads embroidered on a pure silk backing. From now, each time these new chalice coverings are used the parish will remember His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios in prayer. After the Divine Liturgy, the hierarchs and clergy, together with the faithful, gathered in the Bouras Center for the Anniversary Luncheon. As each person entered the center, we saw on the big screen a slideshow presentation that spanned five decades. Everyone was delighted at seeing these images from the past. On the way to the Bouras Center, the corridors of the church were also lined with various pictures recounting other significant events in the life of the church. These pictures remind us how Holy Trinity has grown and how it has remained vibrant decade after decade. The smiles continued as we heard a series of speeches recounting the spiritual odyssey of the parish. The Master of Ceremonies and 50th Anniversary Chair, Agapios Kyritsis, welcomed everyone and introduced each speaker. He thanked and reminded us about the one special person without whom none of us would enjoy that which the parish has to offer. After saying these words, Agapios held up an icon of Jesus Christ, the person to whom we are most thankful. The parish was amazed by all the wonderful speeches. Parish Council President, Peter Tarhanidis, opened the occasion with words of encouragement and thoughtfulness. Debra Apruzzese offered remarks on Our Legacy at Holy Trinity; the Godmother of the parish, Frieda Anast, proposed an emotional toast; the former and current presiding priests offered reflections on the parish. The parish was elated to hear from Fr. Alexander Leondis and Fr. Dimitrios Antokas about their Christ-centered ministry and their efforts to form a synergy within the parish propelling it to the next level of success. All three priests opened with the familiar greeting, Christ is among us! Two outstanding speeches came from the younger generation. Both Elena Arida and David Athenson personally remarked about the unique qualities of Holy Trinity. Finally, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos and Archbishop Demetrios offered their episcopal remarks and blessings upon the entire community. The greatest blessing of the luncheon came in the form of a video message from His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. In his message, His All Holiness conveyed his patriarchal blessing and prayers to the parish. He encouraged the parish to continue in the loving ministry of Christ. Borrowing from the words of Apostle Paul, His All Holiness called Holy Trinity, our glory and joy. The Ecumenical Patriarch continued saying, this new chapter in the history of your community has brought to us [the Patriarchate] much heartfelt gladness, most especially to our brother and hierarch His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. The entire message of His All Holiness may be viewed online by visiting or the parish s FaceBook page. Fr. Peter remarked that the 50th Anniversary Committee, consisting of: B. Theodore Bozonelis, James C. Fountas, Notis Kotsolios, Agapios Kyritsis, Penny Pefanis, Kassandra Romas, and Peter Tarhanidis, planned this event over the last twelve months. Over the course of that time, the committee s concern was that this event be both elegant and communal for all to enjoy. The committee s work was a labor of love. We especially recognize Penny Pefanis for her superb work in organizing, down to the smallest detail, this lovely luncheon. The parish was honored with a beautiful gift given by the Bouras Foundation. On January 19, 2008, the parish hosted a mortgage-burning event. At that event, a mosaic of the parish, rendered by the hands of Bruno Salvatori himself (whose workmanship is seen in all the mosaics at Holy Trinity) was presented to Nicholas Bouras, Great Benefactor of Holy Trinity. This mosaic was proudly displayed in his office ever since that event. In honor of the 50th Anniversary, this mosaic was gifted back to the parish. It will be on display in a prominent place within the parish for all to see and admire. The many donors to the 50th Anniversary are thanked for their generosity and desire to see a successful event. Their assistance made the day even more delightful and enjoyable. Concluded on page 4 The Promise ^ November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 3

4 The faithful s presence at this event is seen as a meaningful gesture, witnessing your care, concern, and love for Holy Trinity. Let us continue with these same sentiments and commitment going forward. I leave you with some of the opening remarks as we fix our eyes towards the future and those blessings that are to come for our beloved parish. An anniversary, especially one such as this marking fifty years, provides pause to reflect on what has taken place over a period of time and to assess our efforts in the terms of the Church s mandate to reach out in love and fellowship, preaching the saving message of the Gospel. As we do this, we may take delight in all the things the parish has accomplished throughout five decades. Moving forward from today, we have our past as a witness to faith in Christ. Our fathers and forefathers in the faith, those from this parish, and those long before who have passed the Orthodox faith unto us, encourage us to advance into the future with confidence knowing that in our possession is something of profound value. We, too, must now take up the mantle of grace which our predecessors so enthusiastically and faithfully held within their hearts to march bravely into the next generation that is to come. To march forward is important and also quite necessary. Yes, we recognize and honor the past today but in similar fashion we must use this event to look forward to the situations that the parish will encounter in the tomorrows that follow and rise from today. The eyes of our faith naturally are situated towards the future (eschatology) and therefore every Christian must orient his focus towards the things that are to come. For you see, the eyes of the world see no further than this life, but the eyes of a Christian see deep into eternity. Fr Peter I warmly thank you for the love and devotion that you offer Holy Trinity and for making this 50th Anniversary Celebration a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who participated. v The Fiftieth Celebration Continues There are ways for you to continue celebrating and supporting the 50th Anniversary. You can still send photos to Htgoc50years@ gmail.com for inclusion in the commemorative DVD. Also you are encouraged to submit a personal advertisement to be included in the Commemorative Album. Deadline for submission is November 29. As the album will become one of only three parish albums of historic significance, it is important for you to participate in it. A contract for Commemorative Album submission is available in the office or on Sundays during the Fellowship Hour. Thanksgiving Day Let us give thanks to the Lord With all our hearts, all our minds, and all our strength. Thanksgiving Day i s a uniquely American Holiday that encapsulates the giving of thanks to God. And even though this holiday allows time off from work to enjoy a four-day weekend, let us not forget to recognize the many special blessings that have been given to us. Thanksgiving Day reminds me about a Gospel story concerning Ten Lepers (Luke 17:12-19). At its heart, this is a story of the relationship between blessings and thanksgiving, which for me is the precise theme of Thanksgiving Day. As we know, God is the giver of all that is good. His blessing and bounty is given to every person with excess and no partiality. The abundance of His divine grace is equally distributed for all to enjoy and by partaking of it, He shares His divine nature with us. This Gospel passage emphasizes this message as Christ blesses each of the ten lepers. What is remarkable about this story is the fact that Christ exceeds the expectations of those who come to Him in faith. The lepers ask for mercy, not healing. They came to Christ looking for charity (alms), but received a cleansing of their bodies, a blessing far beyond their request or motive. In similar fashion, like the lepers, we also approach Christ asking for certain things. We seek His divine blessing and request things that are favorable to us. In His goodness, the Lord does not withhold or restrict His blessing. He showers us with so many good things, above and beyond our requests. From this we learn that God s graciousness and favor cannot be outdone by anyone. His blessing is there for us to receive. But consider just for a moment, is it possible to increase the multitude of the Lord s blessings? The simple answer is YES, we most certainly can! My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the one proven way to multiply God s abundance is by simply and humbly acknowledging His blessings through gratitude. When we are thankful for the multitude of gifts given to us by God, then something remarkable happens. T hose gifts transcend the material and mystically exchange themselves for the eternal. In other words, by being thankful and recognizing all that God has done for you, an everlasting connection between you and the Lord is established and sustained. And thus, we become sharers of His divine grace. Just like us, the ten lepers were given blessings far beyond their initial request. Sadly, just like us, of the ten, only one returned to thank the Lord. The other nine, for some reason never returned to thank the One who treated them with such kindness. Yet for the one who did come back, in return for his gratitude, the Lord multiplied and increased his blessing to include eternal salvation. Just as the thief was saved by crying out, Remember me, this leper was saved by saying, thank you. According to Tertullian, the leper s gratitude was an acceptable sacrifice of praise for what he had received. Astonished that only one out of the ten was thankful for his release to the divine grace, Jesus does not command him to offer a gift according to the Law, because he had already paid his tribute of gratitude when he glorified God. Tertullian. With this story of the ten lepers in mind, let us return to Christ upon Thanksgiving Day recognizing all the wondrous blessings He has bestowed upon us. Let us go forward thereafter on a daily basis offering our tribute of gratitude by glorifying God and crying out with the deepest of conviction, offering Him thanksgiving both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Happy Thanksgiving Day and GLORY TO GOD! v 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

5 GUARDIAN ANGELS Angels are ministering spirits who are sent to minister to us for our future salvation (Heb. 1:14). God gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided all mankind, He set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the angels of God (Deut. 32:8 LXX). They were created before the physical world and humanity. The Archangels Michael and Gabriel (November 8) serve the work of the Divine Economy for the salvation of humanity, and in Holy Scripture their appearances to specific persons are mentioned, in order to transfer to them a message. Such as, for example, the Archangel Michael to the Judge in the Old Testament named Gideon, and the Archangel Gabriel to the Theotokos and to Zachariah, the father of the Honorable Forerunner. At Baptism, God sends every believer an Angel for their protection, to remind them of God s will and rebuke them when they sin, in order to lead them to repentance. That is, to help them return to the path that leads to communion with God when they have gone astray. This creates joy, since repentance is associated with eternal divine life, and this is why heaven celebrates when a person sincerely repents (Lk. 15:7). Saint John of Sinai, the author of The Ladder, in his discourse on discernment, writes on the conscience: Conscience is the word and conviction of our Guardian Angel given to us from the time of Baptism. That is why we find that the unbaptized do not feel such keen pangs of remorse in their soul for their bad deeds. The truth of the presence and work of a Guardian Angel in the lives of the faithful is mentioned in Holy Scripture, in the writings of the Holy Fathers (who are infallible interpreters of Holy Scripture) and in the lives of the Saints. In the twelfth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, the Evangelist Luke tells us of the miraculous rescue of the Apostle Peter, who was imprisoned by Herod after the martyric death of the Apostle James. The Apostle Peter was bound with two chains in prison, and suddenly there appeared before him the Angel of the Lord, who freed him and led him out of prison. He then realized he was not seeing a vision, but this was a reality, so he went to the house of the mother of the Evangelist Mark, where many believers were gathered, praying for his rescue. The Apostle Peter knocked on the door and waited for an answer. The servant, however, named Rhoda, did not answer the door out of enthusiasm when she heard the voice of Peter, but ran to tell the happy news to those gathered there. When she told them the Apostle Peter was knocking on the door, they thought she had lost her mind. When she insisted, however, they said together that it was because of his Guardian Angel (Acts 12:1-16). From this we see it is clear that the early Christians had personal experiences of the existence of Guardian Angels, rejoicing in their presence and protection. Yet the same occurs today, just as in previous times, with the Saints and those who struggle to achieve their personal sanctification. They sense the presence of their Guardian Angel and some, depending on their inner purity, see them and converse with them. Indeed, internal purity is not achieved magically, but it implies an ascetical, prayerful, and sacramental life. When someone by the grace of God and their personal struggle gains dominion over their passions, their nous is illumined, which is the eye of their soul, and they are able to see what their physical eyes cannot. They are able to perceive the glory of God, the Angels, the Saints, as well as their Guardian Angel, whom they always feel beside them protecting them. In the Great Horologion, which contains the daily church services, there is a wonderful Canon to our Guardian Angel, which we can read and chant. Also, at the end of the Service of Small Compline, there is a Prayer to our Guardian Angel. When we read this every night, during Small Compline, we also can, to the extent of our ability, sense their presence and love, since we invoke them for our daily protection. Below is this prayer: v O Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all opposing evil of mine enemy, lest I anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me forth worthy of the kindness and mercy of the All Holy Trinity, and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, and of all the Saints. Amen. Source: Ekklesiastiki Paremvasi The Promise ^ November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 5

6 Parish Council My hope is the Father, My refuge is the Son, My protector the Holy Spirit, Glory to You, Holy Trinity! BY PETER TARHANIDIS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT On, Sunday, Oct 2, 1966 our parish held its first Divine Liturgy and on October 2, 2016, we came together to commemorate our 50th Anniversary. The day began with a spiritual moving Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey along with past presiding priests Father Alexander Leondis, Father Demetrios Antokas, and our current Protopresbyter Father Peter Delvizis. Archbishop Demetrios gave everyone his blessing during dismissal. Over 375 parishioners attended the 50th Anniversary Commemorative luncheon including 60+ youth which made for an exceptional, elegant and memorable celebration. We debuted our digital picture slide show chronicling our 50 years, sang our Holy Trinity Hymn, and heard a special video message from our Ecumenical Philoptochos A Day of Gold Patriarch Bartholomew. Our clergy, parish leaders, parishioners and the youth spoke, all with a great message on our how our parish is our home, we honored the past in the present with a focus on our future. By having our foundation centered on Christ, the true vine, it has taken deep roots here at Holy Trinity. Thus, the parish has made a spiritual imprint in your life. I welcome all of you to continue to participate in a reflective journey chronicling the last 50 years of our parish. Stop and read the historical pictures on the walls of our major parish events Visit our Sunday Fellowship Hour to see the slideshow for your enjoyment which will run until the end of November Continue to send your photos to Htgoc50years@gmail.com so we can build our digital time capsule Ensure your testimony in this commemoration by taking out an ad in our Commemorative 50th Anniversary Journal. Contact the parish office, Kassandra Romas or me for any assistance in getting your ad completed. The deadline in November 29. Looking to the future, we must grow even more united in our collaboration with God and keep Christ at the center of our lives for our community to be vibrant and our youth to thrive. We must become a beacon for other ministries as we lead our parish by example. Lastly, I would like to thank all the parishioners, clergy, sponsors, vendors, and 50th Anniversary Committee that brought this event to life. Please enjoy what I hope to be a yearlong commemoration of our unique and once in a lifetime milestone! Glory to God! v BY PENNY PEFANIS Truly the church is Heaven upon earth; for where the throne of God is, where the awesome sacraments are celebrated, where the angels serve together with men, ceaselessly glorifying the Almighty, there is truly Heaven. -St. John of Kronstadt The understanding revealed by St. John of Kronstadt describes the crown jewel, Holy Trinity, Westfield, New Jersey, and the one Body, the Holy Trinity Family, a community that has worshipped together for five decades. This is the faith! On Sunday, October 2, 2016, the Faithful were honored to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Geron of America and His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey. We were blessed with the presence of our three exceptional Presiding Priests, Rev. Fr. Alexander Leondis, Rev. Fr. Dimitrios Antokas, and Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis. The day of fellowship and recognition of insightful Founders and dedicated Orthodox Christians in every ministry was a gloriously golden day, a milestone in our church s history. The loving efforts of many produced a joyous afternoon, reminiscing with friends and showcasing our youth. The Fiftieth Anniversary Chairman, Agapios Kyritsis and Parish Council President Peter Tarhanidis worked with spiritual diligence throughout the year to deliver an extraordinary event. Peter Verenes artistic vision for the 2016 Jubilee Year was phenomenal. We are most grateful for his creativity and stunning design of the logo, invitations, program and menu. The Ladies Philoptochos Society recognizes: Debra Vlahakis and Cynthia Ladas Reservations Co-chairs, Elise Savnik and Nitsa Bruno Event Coordinators, Joanne Kallerges Pastries Coordinator, Marina LoAlbo Dessert Co-chair, Sophie Stappas Floral Designer, all the excellent Holy Trinity pastry chefs for their outstanding contributions of homemade delights, and all the Philoptochos women who swarmed the Bouras Center in preparation for the festivities. Your gracious hearts were the pinnacle of hospitality. The vision that was given birth in the mid 1960 s flourished and touched many souls whose thoughts and deeds have radiated the Light of Christ in many vistas. Through the Holy Spirit we have been able to ascend, striving to fulfill our potential because Christ was, is, and shall always be the wind beneath our wings. v 6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

7 Sacraments &Rites July 12 October 9, 2016 BAPTISMS 8/13/16 Isabella Pearl, daughter of Pamela and Pat DiSarro. Godparent is Andrea Antonoff 8/27/16 Elephteria Asimina, daughter of Carolyn and Louis Glynos. Godparent is Triston Glynos 9/10/16 Georgia Sophia, daughter of Christina and Michael Manousos. Godparents are Fotini Papadakis and Emmanuel M. Manolios 9/24/16 Zoe Lynn, daughter of Elizabeth and Ronald Kiprotich. Godparent is Peter Kyriakoulis 9/24/16 Konstantinos Peter, son of Georgia and Greg Sarantidis. Godparent is Anna Sarantidis 9/25/16 Scarlette Gisele (Evangelia) and Robert James, twins of Michelle and Naushad J. Abrahim. Godparents are Christina and Demetrios Inglezakis 10/8/16 Demetra Maria, daughter of Eleni and Christopher Gathercole. Godparent is Anastasia Kakrinos Hastings WEDDINGS 8/20/16 Eleni M. Sallas and Brian J. Marx 8/20/16 Laura M. Banu and John P. Lesnewich 8/27/16 Katherine E. Keerdoja and Andrew F. Jayson 10/23/16 James Biniaris and Hellen Silverman 10/29/16 Peter Tsilios and Tara Taggart FUNERALS 8/16/16 +George Bistis 8/19/16 +Theodore Demetriou 8/30/16 +Harry A. Panagos CHURCHINGS 8/7/16 Elizabeth Sofia, daughter of Maria and Steven Wachtel 9/11/16 Genevieve Catherine, daughter of Christine and Josh Ciersky 10/9/16 Melina Joanne, daughter of Ariana and Michael Chiaravalloti 10/9/16 Michael, son of Maria and Stelios Koniarelis NEW MEMBERS Ian and Marina Lowry 525 W 28th St Apt 836 New York, NY Nicholas Jayson 429 Broome St FL 4 New York, NY John & Laura Lesnewich 22 Sulfrian Rd. New Providence, NJ Kevin and Valerie Comprelli 7 Charles Place Chatham, NJ Alexander and Athena Makris 24 Heritage Drive Chatham, NJ The Promise ^ November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 7

8 50 th HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Arrival of His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos 2. Arrival of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios 3. Greeting the Archbishop 4. Fr Peter welcoming Archbishop Demetrios 5. Archbishop blessing the faithful 6. Archdeacon Panteleimon 7. Faithful venerating the Holy Gospel 8. Archbishop saying preparatory prayers (Kairos) 9. Hierarchs on the solea during the Divine Liturgy 10. Archbishop blessing the faithful 11. Metropolitan Evangelos blessing the faithful 12. Offering the Holy Gifts 13. Fr. Peter welcoming the hierarchs on behalf of the parish 14. Ladies of Philoptochos in hierarchs reception. 15. Signing the golden journal 16. Agapios Kyritsis, 50th Chair Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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10 Fr. Peter and Pres. Victoria with His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios 18. Fr. Alexander and Pres. Mary Leondis 19. Peter and Penny Pefanis 20. Peter Tarchanidis, Parish Council President 21. Debra Abruzzese 22. Frieda Anast, Godmother of Holy Trinity 23. The Reverend Fathers of Holy Trinity 24. Elena Arida 25. Fr. Dimitrios and Pres. Maria Antokas Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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12 ICON OF THE SAINTS The Holy Martyrs, Sts. Menas, Victor, Vikenzios, Stephania nov ember 11 The Holy Great Martyr St. Menas Menas was an Egyptian by birth and a soldier by profession. As a true Christian, he was not able to witness the abominable sacrificial offerings to the idols and left the army, the town, the people and everything else, and went to a deserted mountain, for it was easier for him to live among the wild beasts than with pagans. One day Menas clairvoyantly discerned a pagan celebration in the town of Cotyaeus. He descended into the town and openly declared his faith in Christ the Living God. He denounced idolatry and paganism as falsehood and darkness. Pyrrhus, eparch of that town, asked Menas who he was and where he was from. The saint replied, ``My fatherland is Egypt, my name is Menas. I was an officer, but witnessing the worship of idols, I renounced your honors. I now come before you all to proclaim my Christ as the true God, that He may proclaim me as His servant in the Heavenly Kingdom.'' Hearing this, Pyrrhus subjected St. Menas to severe tortures. They flogged him, scraped him with iron claws, burned him with torches, and tortured him by various other means, and finally beheaded him with the sword. They threw his body into a fire so that Christians would not be able to retrieve it, but Christians recovered several parts of his body from the fire nevertheless. They reverently buried those remains, which were later transferred to Alexandria and buried there, where a church was built over them. St. Menas suffered in about the year 304 AD and went to the Kingdom of Christ. He was and remains a great miracle-worker, both on earth and in heaven. Whoever glorifies St. Menas and invokes his help with faith, receives his help. The saint has often appeared as a warrior on horseback, arriving to help the faithful or punish the unfaithful. The Holy Martyrs St. Victor and St. Stephanida Victor was a soldier of Roman birth. He was tortured for Christ during the reign of Emperor Antoninus Pius. At the time of his torture a young woman, Stephanida, declared that she too was a Christian. Victor was beheaded and Stephanida was pulled apart by having her legs bound to the tops of two palm trees that had been bowed down. When she was released, she was torn in two parts. The Holy Martyr St. Vikenzios Vikenzios was from the diocese of Saragossa and is one of the most illustrious martyrs of Spain. Because of his virtue, he was ordained a deacon by Valerios the Bishop, who, because of his advanced age and an impediment in speech, commissioned Vikenzios to preach the Gospel. In 303 AD, the impious Emperors Diocletian and Maximian sent Dacian to Spain as governor, with an edict to persecute the clergy. St. Vikenzios was brought with Bishop Valerios to Valencia; the bishop was sent into exile, but the holy deacon was tortured on a rack and then burned on an iron grid, and after suffering other cruel torments, gave up his soul into the hands of God in 304 AD. His body reposes in Rome in the church bearing his name. v Here are two selected books for the month of November Becoming A Healing Presence by Albert S. Rossi, PhD There is not one person [young or old] who does not have loved ones in need of healing: This book is the perfect answer for that need. In order to become a healing presence for others, we must first be healed ourselves through an active relationship with the great Healer, Christ. Drawing on the teachings of the Fathers and saints of the Church, Dr. Rossi gently points the way toward deepening our love for God and for each other so that others may experience Christ through us. A Guide To Greek Traditions And Customs In America, Second Edition by Marilyn Rouvelas This book is a popular best seller and standard reference about Orthodox and Hellenic traditions throughout the world: 66,000 copies have been sold! It seeks to explain in simple terms the Orthodox faith, giving advice on participating in Sacraments. The book also helps in the pronunciation of common Greek words, suggests major cites to visit in Greece, popular Greek music, the right thing to say on special occasions, and even on how to observe name days, fast, and bake communion bread! The reader will learn why traditions are kept in addition to the practical advice of how and when to keep them. In the section "The Global Community" you will see Greek Americans in the wider context of the Orthodox faith and the Greek Diaspora. v 12 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

13 GOYA BY GEORGE KONIARIS, GOYA PRESIDENT Ms. Westfield, Alexandra Monfalcone Mr. Westfield, George Koniaris Alexandra Monfalcone, Ms. GOYA with His Eminence Ms. GOYA and Mr. Westfield with advisors Ms. GOYA with her parents and Fr. Peter Welcome back from summer break everyone! First off, I am thrilled and honored to be selected as this year s president.of GOYA. I can t wait to strengthen my bond with Jesus Christ alongside my fellow Greek Orthodox Christians. I have been a GOYA member for the past 5 years, and I have loved each and every minute of it! Over the past 5 years, I have been an active participant in Sights & Sounds, as well as the Holy Trinity Olympic team. I also love attending our GOYA dances and retreats each and every year! I can confidently say that the friends I have made by attending these events will be my friends for the rest of my life. I encourage every youth member of Holy Trinity between the ages of 12 and 18 to join GOYA this year. The one aspect that I love about our GOYA is how inclusive it is. There is truly something for everyone in GOYA. This is why I am inviting you to participate. You can participant in athletics, art, music, theater, and many other things. GOYA allows all of its members shine brightly! Another part of GOYA that I love is how loving and welcoming it is. We are truly a family of brothers and sisters in Christ and, like family, we love and protect each other. I would like to take a moment to congratulate and introduce the new Executive Board, Board, and Outreach Committee. We are lucky to have these individuals on our team to help make GOYA amazing this year! EXECUTIVE BOARD: George Koniaris-President Olivia Manousos-Vice President Ava Leichtling-Treasurer Andrew Economides-Corresponding Secretary Alexandra Monfalcone-Recording Secretary UPCOMING GOYA EVENTS: BOARD MEMBERS: Alex Apostolos Abby Apostolos Nicole Boutsikaris Cipi Christodoulou Georgiana Katsingris Caroline Maglaras Nicholas Savorgiannakis OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Nicholas John- Senior Outreach Coordinator Stamati Angelides Christina Arida William Arida Daniella Cohen Julia Love John Petris We have some awesome events coming up that are great opportunities for members to attend and get involved! For additional information on the Goya Youth Program at Holy Trinity please stop by the Goya table during fellowship hour. The Promise ^ November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 13

14 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

15 The Promise ^ November 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 8 15

16 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 Fax Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis Office Manager Admin. Assistant Worship Caretaker Lead Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Diana R. Waltsak E. Joy Daniledes Ocione Nunes Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes Nicholas John Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Greek School Greek School PTO Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore Peter Tarhanidis Penny Pefanis Chris Economides Anna Mikros Alexis Kiriakatis George Koniaris Iris Love Joanne Paras & Jenny Stellakis Sandy Mouratoglou Schedule of Services The Promise: Volume 40, Issue 8 Cultural Trinity Circle Barbara Manos Hellen Kiriakatis Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month Fellowship Lauren Karanikolas 16