April, May, and June,

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Ecumenical Patriarchate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek

623-4023 westnyack@optonline.net www.saintschchurch.

Spring Issue: April, May, and June, 2015 Published Quarterly Greek

Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios Sunday Church Services Proskomidhvv

1 Ecumenical Patriarchate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1 Marycrest Road, West Nyack, New York (845) westnyack@optonline.net Parish Priest: Father Samaras Welcome to our Parish Family Spring Issue: April, May, and June, 2015 Published Quarterly Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Under the Auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios Sunday Church Services Proskomidhvv Qeiva Leitourgiva Proskomidi Orthros Divine Liturgy 8:15 p.m. 8:45 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 8:15 a.m.

Parish Roll For any emergencies or spiritual need, please call Father Samaras on the Parish cell phone: (845) 731-9333 Parish Council: President: Nick Anagnostopoulos Vice President: John Moustakakis

2 Parish Roll For any emergencies or spiritual need, please call Father Samaras on the Parish cell phone: (845) Parish Council: President: Nick Anagnostopoulos Vice President: John Moustakakis Treasurer: John Livanos Secretary: Manny Kostakis The Council Members Mike Dolianitis Naoum Hatzis Alex Kalos Demetre Karavanas* Bobby Kostopoulos Nick Labridis Kyriakos Lazarides Steve Lambos (*Past Council President) Sometimes, we only have a few people to do a lot and sometimes, it can be overwhelming. Thus, we extend our thanks to all who help our Parish. If, by any chance, we inadvertently leave out anyone s name from a mentioned list, we apologise for the accidental oversight. We welcome any and all volunteers to help us lighten and share our efforts. What prayer do we need more than this: Christ has risen from the Dead. By death, He has vanquished Death and, to those in the Tombs, He has granted Life. Always a Spiritual Focus, First Dear Parish Families, After the endless snows of this winter, we emerge into Spring and the promise of Spring. How appropriate that, this year, our Holy Week and Easter come earlier. And with the efforts of our fasting, and with the efforts of striving for spiritual growth and maturity, perhaps what we can also do is regroup ourselves as a community and parish family. Let s take joy in our celebration of the actual Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is truly supernatural and we can actually continue this reality of Resurrection by continuing our presence in Church, by bringing our families, and participating in not only our worship services, but also by enjoying the support of our church ministries for all ages, from youth to senior citizens, from Bible study and understanding the words of God, and from the rejuvenating, social interaction that enriches our lives. It is always fascinating to look at holy Icons and see NOT the focus of the Icon, but to take a look at the backgrounds of the icons. For example, this Icon featured here is of Christ, during His time of Death, before the Resurrection: he spends three days, preaching to all the souls of those passed-away before him. This is called The Harrowing of Hell, in which those souls who listened to him were raised from the tombs of their deaths and brought with Christ into Heaven. You will see Christ is rasing both Adam and Eve from their tombs, while a crowd of souls looks on. I am always fascinated to look into the backgrounds of Icons, to see what is going on in the crowds of people and who are gathered there. Take another look at our Newsletter Cover photo, and see who s there. So, please be alive in our programs, both faithful and social. Let s continue to see you and all gather together, as we progress to school graduations and our summer schedules. Faithfully, Father Samaras Page 2 Page 3

3 STEWARDSHIP Focus, Come and See Is Your Family Represented? The Story of the Magi (from Christmas-time) is not simply a cute part of Christmas, but it represents central characters who model a path of faith and stewardship worthy of imitation. They offer an example of a sincere search for God using the intellectual gifts they possessed; a willingness to overcome any obstacles or challenging inconveniences in their journey towards God; and the witness of offering the best they had once they encounter the Christ Child. Father Luke Veronis Let us share the love of God with others. Christ has come to bear witness to the Father s love for us. We too can share this love with others, especially with the poor and less fortunate among us. We can be sensitive to those who cannot easily celebrate because of a loss in their lives. Let us be the ambassadors of God who share His care and philanthropy. Father Thomas FitzGerald As of this date, we have seventy stewardship families for This same time, last year, we had 120. Please step up and be counted. Drop off a Stewardship Pledge card now so that your family can continue receiving all our Church ministries. Support for our Church is critical. Please consider your love and obligations to our Church. Only our donation of time, talents, and resources can make the efforts for our Church successful. Please contact our Church Office and send in your commitment. Sunday School Do you value your Orthodox Faith? Do you love your children? Then, combine the two by bringing your children to Sunday School. We begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Please have your children meet their teachers downstairs. Then, parents come up to join our Worship Service. This is how our children will learn to value our Faith in their lives: by your example. Some of our Sunday School teachers are graduating from their teaching. Please, we need volunteers to step forward and take their places. We need anyone who will commit to teaching our teenaged children and our second to third graders. We can t do it without your help and service. Please help us to help our children. Please speak to Father Samaras to volunteer your time, so our children may be raised in our Faith. Most respectfully, Evangeline (Beca) Michaels and Dr. George Chondris Sunday School Co-Directors Greek School April 1st to June 14th, 2015: Registration for school year. $50 Registration fee required. After Graduation Day, the registration fee is $60. (The education committee will propose a program change that, if adopted, will affect the registration fee.) April 2nd, 2015 (Tentative): No classes. Parent/Teacher Conferences by appointment. Report cards distributed April 6th-12th, 2015: Holy Week and Easter school closed June 4th-9th, 2015: June Festival school closed June 2nd, 2015: Last day of scheduled classes June 9th/11th, 2015 (Tentative): 2 snow make up days (if needed) June 14th, 2015: Graduation June ----, 2015 (to be announced): Greek Regents Examination Page 4 Page 5

4 YOUTH PAGES HOPE Happenings (ages 3-7) It is our HOPE children s group that has been growing in a vibrant, healthy way. We have over twenty children registered in this age group and who are regularly meeting. So far, we have enjoyed outings and gathered events, all under the ministry and advisorship of Bonnie Mavrommatis and Krisin Laoudis Rosenstein. Just recently, our group has enjoyed times at Screaming Parties and a pre-easter party for children. HOPE is a ministry at Saints Constantine and Helen that provides an opportunity for children ages 3-7 to meet, socialize and interact with one another. Our children will have fun through crafts, activities, and special events while making new friends! The program will run on a monthly basis from October through June. A parent/chaperone is required to attend with their child. There is no registration fee and you are only responsible for the activities your child attends! Please contact the church office or the advisors if you are interested in signing your child(ren) up for HOPE this year. Our advisors are Bonnie Mavrommatis and Kristin Laoudis Rosenstein. They can be reached at: Kristin: tcbk64@aol.com or Bonnie: nmavro@me.com JOY Happenings (Ages 8-12) We need two volunteers, two parents, to take over our JOY group. Please help our children by stepping up. Please call Father Samaras to coordinate our efforts for continuity. GOYA Happenings (Ages 13-18) Also, our three GOYA advisors will be stepping down, as of the conclusion of our June school year. We especially thank them Marina, Despina, and Elena for their attentive service to our children. Now, we need two or three parents who will take the mantle of gathering our teenagers. Please contact Father Samaras to help us all together keep our children bonded together! Many thanks. Parent/Teacher Organization We definitely thank everyone for supporting the Greek School. We will be sending out announcements for our next plans for events, raising funds to provide for our children and hosting beneficial get-togethers. Please stay tuned and announcements will be sent out in church and via s. The PTO Board: Despina Tsekenis, President (desvougi@ gmail.com); Mercka Gerasimopoulos, Vice-President (gmercka@yahoo. com); Marina Georgiou; treasurer (marinageo74@gmail.com); Maria Triantafyllopoulos, Secretary (triantos4@msn.com). Our Kali Parea group will have their luncheon meetings on the second Monday of every month. The coordinator for our group is Mr. Gianakouros. Please join this active group for fellowship and conversation. Kali Parea The Wonderful World of Greek Proverbs Άκουσε γέρου συμβουλή και παιδεμένου γνώση. Take an old man s counsel and an experienced man s knowledge. Άκουσε πολλά και λέγε λίγα. Listen to all, say little. ~A wise head keeps a closed mouth. Ακριβός στα πίτουρα και φτηνός στ αλεύρι. Expensive in barn and cheap in flour. Ακόμα δεν τον είδαμε, Γιάννη τον εβγάλαμε. Before seeing him, we called him John. Άκουε πολλά, λάλει καίρια.* Listen carefully, speak seasonably. Page 6 Page 7

2015 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2015 SATURDAY, April 4th: SATURDAY OF SAINT LAZARUS Orthros Divine Liturgy 10:00a.m. SUNDAY April 5th: PALM SUNDAY Orthros Divine Liturgy 10:00a.m. BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7:00 P.M. HOLY MONDAY April 6th:BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7:00 P.

M. HOLY PASSION OF OUR LORD 7:00 P.M. HOLY FRIDAY April 10th: GREAT ROYAL HOURS, 8:30 A.M. DESCENT OF THE LORD FROM THE CROSS 3:00 P.M. BURIAL LAMENTATIONS 7:00 P.M. HOLY SATURDAY April 11th: VESPERAL DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL 9:00 A.

5 2015 HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE 2015 SATURDAY, April 4th: SATURDAY OF SAINT LAZARUS Orthros Divine Liturgy 10:00a.m. SUNDAY April 5th: PALM SUNDAY Orthros Divine Liturgy 10:00a.m. BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7:00 P.M. HOLY MONDAY April 6th:BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7:00 P.M. HOLY TUESDAY April 7th:BRIDEGROOM SERVICE 7:00 P.M. HOLY WEDNESDAY April 8th: HOLY UNCTION (SACRAMENT OF HEALING) 3:00 P.M. LAST SUPPER SERVICE 7:00 P.M. HOLY THURSDAY April 9th: VESPERAL DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL 8:00 A.M. HOLY PASSION OF OUR LORD 7:00 P.M. HOLY FRIDAY April 10th: GREAT ROYAL HOURS, 8:30 A.M. DESCENT OF THE LORD FROM THE CROSS 3:00 P.M. BURIAL LAMENTATIONS 7:00 P.M. HOLY SATURDAY April 11th: VESPERAL DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL 9:00 A.M. SERVICE OF THE CANON 11:00 P.M. RESURRECTION DIVINE LITURGY 12:00 MIDNIGHT PASCHA, SUNDAY, April 12th: VESPERS OF LOVE, 12:30 P.M. CHRIST IS RISEN! " " v 00 Page 8 Page 9

6 SOME ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN OUR SERVICES By Leo Michaels For the last five years or so, I have made some minor changes in the Divine Liturgy that not only are erroneously omitted by most churches, but I also find it absolutely necessary that they should be included at all times. These minor insertions are an integral part of the liturgy and add meaning to that part of the service. So far, these additions have been made: The Alleluia that is chanted at the end of the Epistle was changed to the proper format. After all, this part of the service does not signify the end of the Epistle, but it is the preparation to the Gospel. In most churches, the alleluia s are simply chanted three times. But that is not correct. It must be chanted three times, followed by verses between two additional times that Alleluia is chanted again three times. Our choir has been doing this for the last four years or so. Another addition was the inclusion of the thanksgiving prayer Πληρωθήτω το στόμα ημών αινέσεως σου Κύριε... (O Lord, let our mouths be filled with praise...), following Holy Communion. This is a necessary chant that, for the life of me, I have no idea why it is omitted. As a matter of fact, you can find it on page 33 of the current hymnals found in our own pews! A third change will take place sometime in the Fall, when all the chanters will learn it. This involves a small detail concerning the hymn that follows the Doxology of a normal Sunday. It is the last hymn before the start of the liturgy, just before the priest begins with Ευλογημένη η βασιλεία του Πατρός... (Blessed is the kingdom of the Father... ). For years, if not for centuries, on a normal Sunday, the hymn that is usually chanted is: Σήμερον σωτηρία τω κόσμω γέγονεν. Άσωμεν τω αναστάντι εκ τάφου και αρχγώ της ζωής ημών. Καθελών γαρ τω θανάτω τον θάνατον, το νίκος έδωκεν ημίν και το μέγα έλεος. (Today, salvation has come to pass in the world. Let us sing to Him who was resurrected from the tomb and is the Master of our life. For, by destroying death by death, He gave us victory and great mercy. ) Strictly speaking, this hymn is appropriate ONLY for the first four modes (για τους 4 πρώτους ήχους). For the last four, the so-called plagal modes (για τους 4 πλαγίους ήχους), the appropriate hymn is: Αναστάς εκ του μνήματος και τα δεσμά διαρρήξας του Άδου, έλυσας το κατάκριμα του θανάτου Κύριε, πάντας εκ των παγίδων του εχθρού ρυσάμενος, και εμφανίσας σεαυτόν τοις Αποστόλοις σου, εξαπέστειλας αυτούς επί το κήρυγμα, και δι αυτών την ειρήνην παρέσχες τη οικουμένη, μόνε πολυέλε. (After You rose from the sepulcher and broke the bonds of Hades, You repealed the sentence of death, O Lord, and delivered all from the snares of the enemy; and when You showed yourself to Your Apostles, You sent them out to preach, and through them You granted peace to the whole world, O only most merciful One. ) So, listen for this beautiful hymn sometime in September, if not sooner. Our choir, which includes the chanters, is a very dedicated and talented group that will learn a lot of new hymns in a relatively short time. Philoptochos Meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month after Divine Liturgy. Please attend and share your ideas with us. Reminder: it s not too late to renew your membership and to welcome new members for the year Dues are $ Events Planned April 5th: Distribution of Tsourekia on Palm Sunday. April 9th: April 10th: Holy Thursday: Egg Dyeing for Easter Good Friday: after services, help is needed to decorate the Epitafio. Sincerely, Connie Edlund, Philoptochos President Page 10 Page 11

Q: Why are other ethnic groups and other religious faiths so strong in their solidarity and community? A: Because they support each other, and patronize each other s businesses.

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7 Q: Why are other ethnic groups and other religious faiths so strong in their solidarity and community? A: Because they support each other, and patronize each other s businesses. Then, to likewise be strong, let us learn the lesson: Support and patronize our people s businesses. NY JUNGLE HAIR, BODY & SOUL Expose The Ultimate You! Hair Nails Facials Massage Tanning Waxing & More Route 303 Tappan, NY Our 2015 Greek Festival June 4th-7th, 2015 The date has been set for our church s largest fundraiser. The proceeds from this festival are critical in funding the church s operating expenses. We have already begun the preparations to make this festival another great success. However, we need every parishioner to volunteer some time (even ONE HOUR). Help is needed in all areas of the festival, whether it is in preparation in the months before the festival or during the actual festival. Every parishioner has a talent to contribute that will make this festival the most successful yet. Some of the most critical areas include cooking the various foods in the upcoming months, raffle-selling and set-up/clean-up of festival grounds. We are also looking for any food donations for the festival or, would you know of any vendors who would like to showcase and sell their items at the festival? We are especialy looking for donations of Diples, Koulourakia, Melomakarona, and Kourabiedes (to bring to the festival so we can sell them). Please call our Church Office ( ) for available time slots. Part of our stewardship spirit is also in volunteering your time or talents. Good Day! Here is our Parish Calendar and Events for our SPRING Season: April, May, and June, For the next Summer newsletter of July, August, and September, 2015, the deadline for all news items is July 1st. So, everybody think about what your group will be planning and doing for those Spring months. All Church groups are asked to submit their materials in a timely fashion. Be sure to double-check our Sunday Church Bulletins for any possible scheduling changes or last-minute developments, additions, or deletions. Page 12 Page 13

8 April, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SAT./LAZARUS OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am. COMM. BREAKFAST 5 PALM SUNDAY BRIDEGROOM, 7 pm 6 HOLY MONDAY Bridegroom Service, 7 pm. 7 HOLY TUESDAY Bridegroom Service, 7 pm. 8 HOLY WEDNESDAY Holy Unction, 3 pm. Last Supper, 7 pm. 9 HOLY THURSDAY Vesperal Liturgy, 8 am. Passion Service, 7 pm. 10 HOLY FRIDAY Royal Hours, 8:30 am. Cross Descent, 3 pm. Lamentations, 7 pm. 11 HOLY SATURDAY Vesperal Liturgy, 10 am Midnight Service, 11:00pm. 12 AGAPE SERVICE 12:30 pm Zoodoghos Pigi OR, 8:45 am Saint George OR, 8:45 am OR =

9 May, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Greek Educational Meeting, 7 pm. Parish Council Meeting, 8:00 p.m PARISH NAMEDAY VESPERS, 7:00 p.m. 21 PARISH NAMEDAY AND ASCENSION OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am Memorial Day SAT/SOULS 31 PENTECOST OR =

10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Greek Edu, 7 pm. June, PARISH FESTIVAL 5 PARISH FESTIVAL 6 PARISH FESTIVAL 7 PARISH FESTIVAL Parish Council Meeting, 8:00 p.m ALL SAINTS BIRTH/JOHN BAPTIST HOLY APOSTLES OR =

11 July, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Saint Paraskevi OR =

12 August, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 FASTING PERIOD, AUGUST 1ST THROUGH 15TH. FOR THE THEOTOKOS Paraklisis, 7 pm. 6 TRANSFIGURATION 7 Paraklisis, 7 pm Paraklisis, 7 pm Paraklisis, 7 pm. 15 KOIMISIS Saint John/Baptist OR =

13 September, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Educational Meeting, 7 pm 6 AYIASMO/CLASSES 7 8 Theotokos Birth Greek School Begins.. 9 Parish Council Meeting, 8:00 p.m HOLY CROSS OR =

14 October, 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Kali Parea, 11:30 am. 6 Greek Education Committee. 7 p.m. 7 Parish Council, 8 pm. 8 Greek School Open Night, 7:30 p.m SAINT DEMETRIOS Youth Harvest Dance, 7 pm. 31 OR =

15 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Kali Parea, 11:30 am. November, Greek School Comm. 7 pm Synaxis Archangels OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am Parish Council, 8 p.m Entrance/Theotokou OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am SAINT CATHERINE OR =

16 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 December, 2015 Greek Educational, 7 pm Saint Nicholas Kali Parea, 11:30 am. Parish Council, 8 p.m. SAINT SPYRIDON Christmas Play. Comm. Breakfast OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil, with Substitute Priest 7:OO p.m New Year s Eve Party 25 HOLY CHRISTMAS Liturgy of Saint John 26 OR =

July, August, and September, Summer Issue:

July, August, and September, Summer Issue: Ecumenical Patriarchate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1 Marycrest Road, West Nyack, New York 10994 (845) 623-4023 westnyack@optonline.net www.saintschchurch.org Parish Priest: Father