Trans-a-Gram. Bylaw info sessions.. 6

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1 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church September 2007 Monthly / Issue No. 8 Trans-a-Gram Rev. Demetrios T. Costarakis, Pastor Nicholas G. Pappas, Editor Keeping the Traditions Irene Manelas, standing to the right of Father Demetri, teaches some children how to prepare the prosforo during last month s Vacation Church Camp in the church hall. Story, more photos on Pages 4 and 5. (Photo by Arthur Sparages) Inside this issue Fr. Demetri s message. 2 The start of the new ecclesiastical year is an excellent time to get involved in one of the parish s many programs and ministries. Bylaw info sessions.. 6 The Bylaw Committee is planning four informational sessions this month to engage the parish in a conversation about its recommended changes to the church bylaws. A Special Parish Assembly to act on the committee s recommendations is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30. Philoptochos leader 7 Susan Pappas has been elected to serve as president of the Ladies Philoptochos Society for the term. Learn more about her and what she hopes to accomplish in the next two years.

2 PAGE 2 FATHER DEMETRI S MESSAGE Learning never ends for the faithful By FATHER DEMETRI COSTARAKIS Pastor As we begin this new ecclesiastical year, we need to be realistic of so many things concerning our lives, our commitment to God, our Church, our families and especially our education. Education plays a vital role in one s life for the future. If one wishes to be a doctor, lawyer or teacher, he or she knows that many years of schooling and dedication are needed to attain the goal. These professionals also will agree that their education does not end with the completion of their studies or the passing of a certain test, but is an ongoing learning process. Our Orthodox Christian education is no different. The Church is responsible for cultivating and educating each person who enters her doors, but each person has the responsibility to take the time, put forth the effort and grow in the likeness of our Creator. There are many programs/ministries that our parish offers for all of us to learn more about our faith and what we believe in. Many programs offered to our youth are Sunday School, GOYA, JOY and HOPE. There is a new ministry that will be offered this year for 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders. This group will be called Through Our Eyes (T.O.E.) and will meet every Sunday during the time of Sunday School. They will discuss concerns and issues that they face on a daily basis, and they will be able to see and understand what the Church says about them. A wise man once told me: As adults we continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom throughout our life. We continue learning and developing our talents and gifts. However, for many, our knowledge of God s word and the teachings of the faith are only a faint memory of what we learned as children. How can we grow into spiritually aware and mature Orthodox Christians? How can we become responsible examples for our children when we ourselves lack in knowing the basic teachings and faith of our Church? This education in the Church should begin at an early stage of one s life. As an example, if a child is born into an Orthodox family, his/her education in the faith should begin on the 40th day. From that day on, the child with his/her family must be in Church on a regular basis so that the child becomes accustomed to being in a special place where people gather to do the work of the people. For adults there will be the Orthodox Life series, which will be four to five sessions each consisting of four to five weeks. Whether these will cover the history of the Church, Scripture, developing one s spiritual life, etc., these will help in developing both an appreciation for your Orthodox faith and spiritual growth. I hope that all of you will be able to attend at least one of these sessions during the course of the ecclesiastical year. There will also be a Bible study class that will be offered on a weekday. I look forward to a very productive and exciting year in the life of our parish. Please let us all work together to achieve these goals. With Love in the Lord, +Fr. Demetri HOW TO REACH US Pastor: The Rev. Demetri Costarakis Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church transfig@hotmail.com Father Demetri demetric@imail.goarch.org Web page: Office hours: Secretary: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Editor: Nick Pappas Telephone: npappas05@comcast.net Transfiguration Church of Lowell and Annunciation Church of Woburn Golf Tournament Monday, Oct. 1 Andover Country Club 9:30 a.m.: Registration and breakfast 11 a.m.: Shotgun followed by dinner Registration forms are in the church office

3 PAGE 3 Schedule of Services Church Services SEPTEMBER TRISAGIA Prior to Sept. 16. Orthros 8 a.m. / Liturgy 9 a.m. Sept. 16 and after Orthros 9 a.m. / Liturgy 10 a.m. Special Services Sept 14 (Friday). Elevation of the Cross Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Sept. 16 (Sunday)... St. Sophia and her 3 Daughters Vespers: 6 p.m. Sept. 17 (Monday)... St. Sophia and her 3 Daughters Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Sept. 26 (Wednesday)... St. John the Evangelist Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Baptisms: Sacraments Sophia Demetria, daughter of Cesar and Elizabeth (Tsitsipas) de la Torre. Godmother: Presbytera Gloria Costarakis. (July 28) Nicholas, son of Christopher and Lynn (Gounaris) Jordan. Godmother: Katie Sandven. (Aug. 12) Weddings: Na sas zisi! Garid Flood and Jennie Grimard. Koumbara: Christy Gorman. (June 23) Peter Musgrave and Melanie Sicard. Koumbara: Amy Musgrave. (July 14) Congratulations! Monthly Trisagia Names of the deceased are read the first Sunday of each month. Please send the names to be read in advance, listing the month you would like them read. If you would like the name to be read in Greek, please include the Greek spelling along with the English. If you have any questions, please call Dyanne Mitropoulis at Catherine Abodeely Koula Linardos George Abodeely Nicholas Linardos George Anastos Yianni Manelas Leo Anastos Paraskevi Manolis Peter Apostolakos Martin P. Martakos Faye Barakis Anthony Massahos John Barakis Maria Massahos Georgios I. Bouras Russell Massahos Christy Chiklis Fevronia Mavrelis Nicholas C. Chiklis Thalia Milionis Peter Contos Demetrios Molivas George A. Danas Katherine Monoxelos Patricia Danas Stella Otis Stephen A. Danas Helen Pappas Aphrodite Dukakis Frances Proyous George Dukakis Peter Proyous Helen Finnocchiaro Grace Sawyer Anetta Gickas Spiros Sintros Sr. Elvira Kaknes Esther Stamas Emmanouil Kaknes George L. Stamas Ernest Kaknes Ifghenia Stamas Dr. George Kaknes Louis Stamas Richard Kaknes Peter Stamas Dr. Theodore Kaknes Dr. Theodore Stamas William Kaknes Dr. Theodore Stamas Jr. Soultana Kapsouris Shirley Stamas Pauline Koniditsiotes Arthur Tsatsios Stergios Koravos Chris Tsatsios Helen Koulias Rita Vainas Nicholas Koulias Charles Vloras Scott John Laganas Evangeline Vloras Despina Linardos Steve Xifaris (Continued on Page 14)

4 VCC 07 PAGE 4 Nearly 90 campers and counselors gather for the traditional group photograph with Father Demetri during Vacation Church Camp, which ran the week of July 30 to Aug. 3. (Photos by Arthur Sparages) Camping with the Lord Fourteen years later, summer camp still going strong By OLIVIA SINTROS VCC Coordinator D ivine Liturgy, Work of the People was the theme of our 14 th -annual Vacation Church Camp held July 30-August 3. It is with pleasure that the staff of VCC welcomed Father Demetri and thanks him for his spiritual guidance, love and great ideas. This year we were able to provide some 88 campers and junior counselors an enriching, positive, and, yes, fun day camp experience. A trip to the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H., was a nice way to end a fun week. Thank you to Father Demetri, who began each day with a prayer service, as well as presenting Orthodox Life each day to each group of campers in the chapel of St. Sophia. Thank you to Jill Laganas and Patty Corbin, who assisted the campers each day with such beautiful arts and crafts as creating an icon of the Transfiguration. Thank you to Toula Sparages and Thea Dukakis Tully, who taught the campers hymns of the church during music that they shared with parents on Thursday afternoon. Thank you to George Murphy and Corrine Dubay, who coordinated Drip, Drip Splash an all-time fa- (Continued on page 5)

5 VCC 07 PAGE 5 Camping with... (Continued from page 4) vorite and other games during athletics. Thank you to the organization of group counselors Lynne Karagianes, Joanne Kalambokis, Catherine Doulames and Thea Anderson, who were assisted by a number of junior counselors too numerous to mention. Thank you to Angela Hastings and her food service team, who coordinated snacks and lunch along with the generosity of time and treasury of the Philoptochos, Parish Council, GOYA and Men s Guild. Thank you to Arthur Sparages, who is the official VCC photographer. A very special thank you to Irene Manelas, her daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughters, who came and taught all of us how to make prosforo, the true work of the people. Thank you to the camp staff of the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H., for hosting some 60 campers and their parents on our annual Friday field trip. Thank you to all the parents and parishioners who so generously contributed their time, talent and treasury to ensure a successful quality program for our children. Junior counselor Anna Manetta teaches children how to Greek dance (top); VCC coordinator Olivia Sintros helps campers with their reflection journals (bottom). Photos Courtesy Of Arthur Sparages Father Demetri teaches Orthodox Life in the chapel. Children are all ears in Toula Sparages music class.

6 PAGE 6 CHURCH NEWS Loan to convert to 10-year mortgage By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor Parishioners were updated on the status of the construction loan including the need to convert it to a more conventional 10-year mortgage in September during a July 29 information session during the coffee hour. Treasurer Chris Selvaggio and Jim Murphy, mortgage elimination chairman, informed parishioners that the Parish Council had tentatively agreed to enter into an agreement with Enterprise Bank the current lender at a rate of 7.25 percent for 10 years based on a 25-year amortization schedule. Under this plan, the monthly payment would be $3,982.21, they said. A few weeks later, however, the parish was able to secure a lower interest rate with Enterprise 6.25 percent for the first five years; percent for the next five which lowers the monthly payment to $3, As of Aug. 2, the loan stood at $535, In order to pay off the mortgage in that 10-year period, A M O U N T MORTGAGE ELIMINATION PROGRAM $40,000 $20,000 $0 $26,725 $21,300 PLEDGED COLLECTED Chris and Jim stressed the importance of much broader participation in the mortgage elimination program. As of July 29, 92 families had contributed or pledged $26,725 toward the program. If you have not yet joined our mortgage elimination program and would like to do so, please mail your contribution to the church to Jim s attention. Please be sure to note in the memo portion of the check that it is for the mortgage elimination program. Info sessions to precede bylaw special assembly By FRANK STEVENS Bylaw Committee Chairman Shortly after Labor Day you will receive the document containing the recommendations of the Bylaw Committee elected at the Parish Assembly this past April. The committee respectfully urges each parishioner to read this document as well as the bylaws now in effect. Both are enclosed in the mailing you will receive. The committee has developed a comprehensive system of checks and balances, within the framework of the Uniform Parish Regulations, with duties and responsibilities clearly defined. With your approval, this document will prescribe the conduct of parish business for the foreseeable future. We need to keep in mind that we are not an ordinary society, but rather an ecclesiastical group that seeks to honor our Lord, while conducting the increasingly sophisticated business of our parish in such a manner that does honor Him. It is with this in mind that the Bylaw Committee will offer its recommendations for your consideration at a Special Parish Assembly scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 30, one-half hour following dismissal from the Divine Liturgy. Realizing the nature of this undertaking, the committee has scheduled a series of informational meetings: Sept. 16 (Sunday): Following dismissal. Sept. 19 (Wednesday): 7 p.m. Sept. 20 (Thursday): 7 p.m. Sept. 23 (Sunday: Following dismissal. Parishioners are respectfully encouraged to bring their questions and concerns to these meetings. The committee believes it can protect your interests best only by listening to you. Parishioners unable to attend on any of the dates above may contact Chairman Frank Stevens by leaving a message at the parish office with secretary Jeanne Brady. Members of the Bylaw Committee are: Father Demetri Costarakis; Martha Coravos, counsel and secretary; Margo DiBenedetto, Parish Council president; Lynne Karagianes; James Murphy; Donna Spanos; Daphne Zaralidis, and Frank Stevens, chairman.

7 PAGE 7 LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Meet the new Philoptochos president EDITOR S NOTE: Susan Pappas, who was elected earlier this year as the new president of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, participated in this interview with Trans-a- Gram Editor Nick Pappas. Birthplace: Lowell. Hometown: Hudson, N.H. Educational background: Northeastern University School of Radiological Technology and Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston. Work background: Presently a radiological technologist at Merrimack Valley Orthopedic Associates, Chelmsford. Previously worked for Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, Boston; Lawrence General Hospital; Medical Associates, Chelmsford; Day Kimball Hospital, Putnam, Conn., and Lowell General Hospital. Associations: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; American Society of Radiologic Technologists; and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Radiation Control Program License. Family: Husband, Nicholas; two daughters and a son-in-law: Stepha- Susan Pappas of Hudson, N.H., is the new president of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, replacing outgoing president Corrine Dubay. (Photo by Nick Pappas) nie and Conan Gill, and Melanie Pappas. How long have you been a member of Philoptochos?: 18 years. Reasons you accepted the position: As an active board member over the last 14 years, I have learned a lot about the organization, the women of our parish and myself, while holding the positions of corresponding secretary, past president and adviser. I would like to take all that I have learned, combine it with the true friendships of these wonderful board members and help the Transfiguration Philoptochos to grow. What do you hope to accomplish: There are so many kind and wonderful women here at Transfiguration both in and out of the Philoptochos organization who have so much to offer, be it time, talent or resources. I would sincerely like to involve all of them in some project or other to help the people of our church community, Greater Lowell, the metropolis and beyond. By doing this, I would like to see our membership grow as women see and learn all about Philoptochos. With the challenging times in the world today, and all of our busy schedules, we need to take the time to help make a difference in someone s life, and I challenge all of the women of the parish to step up to the plate. I know this is a lofty goal, but I am sure by working together we will be able to achieve it because I believe in our women. FEAST DAY OF THE TRANSFIGURATION His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, the Rev. Nicholas Kastanas and Emma Easton all played a role in the parish s observance of its Feast Day on Aug. 5 and 6. (Photos by Nick Pappas)

8 PAGE 8 FEAST DAY OF THE MONTH Exaltation of the Life-Giving Cross Feast Day celebrates Saint Helen s finding of the Cross of Christ The Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross is celebrated each year on September 14. The Feast commemorates the finding of the True Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. Background In the twentieth year of his reign (326), the Emperor Constantine sent his mother Saint Helen to Jerusalem to venerate the holy places and to find the site of the Holy Sepulchre and of the Cross. Relying upon the oral tradition of the faithful, Saint Helen found the precious Cross together with the crosses of the two thieves crucified with our Lord. However, Helen had no way of determining which was the Cross of Christ. With the healing of a dying woman who touched one of the crosses, Patriarch Macarius of Jerusalem identified the True Cross of Christ. Saint Helen and her court venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross along with many others who came to see this great instrument of Redemption. The Patriarch mounted the ambo (pulpit) and lifted the Cross with both hands so that all of the people gathered could see it. The crowd responded with Lord have mercy. This became the occasion of the institution in all of the Churches of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross, not only in memory of the event of the finding of the Cross, but also to celebrate how an instrument of shame was used to overcome death and bring salvation and eternal life. The Feast is an opportunity outside of the observances of Holy Week to celebrate the full significance of the victory of the Cross over the powers of the world, and the triumph of the wisdom of God through the Cross over the wisdom of this world. This Feast also gives the Church an opportunity to relish the full glory of the Cross as a source of light, hope and victory for Christ's people. It is also a time to celebrate the universality of the work of redemption accomplished through the Cross: the entire universe is seen through the light of the Cross, the new Tree of Life which provides nourishment for those who have been redeemed in Christ. Icon of the Feast The icon of the Feast of the Precious Cross tells the story of the finding of the Cross and of its Exaltation. Patriarch Macarius is standing in the pulpit elevating the Cross for all to see and venerate. On each side of the Patriarch are deacons holding candles. The elevated Cross is surrounded and venerated by many clergy and lay people, including Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine. In the background of the icon is a domed structure that represents the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem. This church was one of the churches constructed and dedicated by Emperor Constantine on the holy sites of Jerusalem. Orthodox Celebration This Feast of our Lord is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, which is conducted on the day of the feast and preceded by the Matins service. A Great Vespers is conducted on the evening before the day of the feast. On the day of the Feast at the conclusion of the Matins or of the Divine Liturgy, a special service is held. The Cross is placed on a tray surrounded by branches of basil and is taken in solemn procession through the church to the chanting of the Hymn of the Feast. The tray is placed on a table, and the priest takes the Cross and offers petitions from each side of the table, the four directions of the compass. This represents the universal nature of the offering of Christ upon the Cross. As the people respond by chanting Lord have mercy, the priest raises and lowers the cross, a commemoration of its finding and exaltation. At the conclusion of the service, the people come and venerate the cross and receive the basil from the priest. The basil is used and offered, as it was the fragrant flower growing where the Cross was found. Courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Web site.

9 PAGE 9 Parish Council Church News Stewardship 2007 By MARGO DiBENEDETTO Parish Council President The Parish Council took the following actions when it met on Aug. 22: HVAC system: Voted to ascertain a quote for the cost of routine maintenance of the heating and air conditioning units throughout the building. Phone contract: Voted to change our phone system maintenance contract from Avaya Inc. to Dictronics for an annual savings of $300. Parish mailing policy: Voted to draft a letter to all organizations of the parish stating that all documents pertaining to the parish should be mailed to and maintained at the church office. Financial letter: Voted to draft a letter to all the financial institutions of the parish listing the authorized signers of our accounts, which will ensure that information is processed through the proper channels. Mortgage payment: Voted to increase the payment on the mortgage each month by approximately $310. This will round up our principal payment to $1,000. The other $2,800 is interest per month. Next meeting: The Parish Council will next meet on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. Treasurer s Report Here is a brief summary of income and expenses as of July 31 and how they compare to the same period last year: Category Change By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor A friendly reminder letter sent out to those parishioners who had yet to submit their stewardship cards for 2007 prompted a strong response during the past two months, resulting in the return of 38 stewardship cards containing contributions or pledges of nearly $11,000. That encouraging response also helped to narrow what had been a sizable gap in yearto-year comparisons with Stewards (2006) Cards Returned Cards Outstanding Return Rate Average Pledge to about $5,500. Two months earlier, stewardship collections and pledges had been down more than $12,000 from the same period last year. If you are among the nearly 80 stewards who have yet to participate in this year s stewardship program, please do so as soon as possible. Any questions about the program can be directed to the church office at Financial update: As of mid-august, the 424 stewards had pledged or contributed $146, toward the parish s annual budget of $291,043.96, as illustrated in the chart below. This translates to an average pledge to date of $344.42, which is up $1.03, or less than 1 percent from the same period last year. In order to meet the stewardship income goal of $160,000 set at last year s Parish Assembly, the parish would need to raise another $13, during the final four months of the year. STEWARDSHIP percent $ (+1.03) Stewardship 115, , % Other income 82, , % Total Income 198, , % Expenses 154, , % Balance 43, , % , , ,000 COLLECTED PLEDGED BUDGET

10 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 10 By SUSAN PAPPAS Philoptochos President Philoptochos Society First, I would like to thank the Philoptochos Board for its encouragement and support in electing me president. A special thanks goes to Corrine Dubay and the board for its two years of hard work and dedication in leading the Transfiguration ladies in the ministries of Philoptochos. I look forward to working with all of you for the next two years to continue with these important works. As we embark on a new ecclesiastical year, Philoptochos will continue to support many charities at the local, metropolis and national levels. We need each of you to help us with your time, talents and resources as we support all these programs. Vacation Church Camp: During the week of July 30, many Philoptochos ladies were active in promoting another successful Vacation Church Camp, helping to ensure the children enjoyed themselves and learned about their Orthodox faith. I want to express my sincere thanks to all who helped during this week of fun and learning. Special thanks to Angela Hastings, Jill Laganas and Olivia Sintros for their organizational skills and to Christine Faneros, Soula Spaziani and Christine Stamas for their cooking skills. Feast Day: On Sunday evening, Aug. 5, after the Vesper service, a special tradition was continued under the direction of Daphne Easton and Georgia Dristilliaris. In honor of Emily Kostoulakos, Daphne s mother, the Kostoulakos and Dristilliaris cousins came together and sponsored the reception. This family has hosted this reception for many years, and Emily had been their energetic leader. A special thanks to Corrine Dubay, Yiota Simoglou and Olivia Sintros, who also helped the family. On Monday, Aug. 6, the Philoptochos sponsored a light luncheon in celebration of the church s Feast Day. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios joined us. Thank you to Elizabeth de la Torre, Corrine Dubay, Eva Dukakis, Tina Dzedulonis, Cathy Economou, Nancy Lane, Pat Mahoney, Olivia Sintros and Maria Tournas for preparing the lunch and helping to serve. Thank you to all who donated the artos for the Vesper service: Bessie Andricopoulos, Demi Botos, Corrine Dubay, Helen Georges, Sophia Karamanolis, Dyanne Mitropoulis, Mary Nicholaides, Joan Pappas, Sophia Quinn, Angie Rigs, Yiota Simoglou, Olivia Sintros, Maria Tournas and Mary Tsoumas. It is only through these volunteers that we can continue our beautiful Transfiguration traditions. Board meeting: On Aug. 22, the Philoptochos board The Pastor s Wife The Very Rev. Cleopas Strongylis of Holy Trinity introduces Presbytera Niki Sarantos during a special reception for her art exhibit, Niki Sarantos: The Pastor s Wife, on July 22 in the Parker Gallery at the Whistler Museum of Art. More than 300 friends and family members attended the reception, which also marked the 80th birthday for Niki, wife of the late Transfiguration pastor, the Very Rev. John Sarantos. The exhibit consisted of 27 of her paintings and ran from June 27 to July 28. (Photo by Nick Pappas) met and began planning a busy and exciting year. Discussions included the calendar, fundraising ideas, outreach, the Benefit Tea and new ideas for the coming year. No Bake Cake Sale: The chairladies for the annual No Bake Sale for Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology are EJ Amick and Sophia Quinn. You will soon be receiving a donation envelope. The funds collected are sent to Holy Cross for seminarian scholarships. Remember that we need basil and fall flowers for the Elevation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 14. House of Hope: During the months of September, October and November, we are in need of volunteers who can help serve meals at the House of Hope. The time commitment is a few hours on the fourth Thursday of the month. Contact Lynne Karagianes if interested. Philoxenia House: The Philoxenia House needs your visits at any time. Patients and families welcome all visitors with love and appreciation. Contact Yiota Simoglou if you are interested in visiting. IOCC/school bags: Sandra Gulezian is continuing with this worthy project to supply school bags and supplies to needy children through the International Orthodox (Continued on page 11)

11 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 11 (Continued from page 10) Christian Charities. For a $15 donation, parishioners can sponsor a bag in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Next meeting: Our first meeting of the year will be on Monday. Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. We will be having a potluck dinner to begin the year, and our hostesses will be Clara, Connie and Freda Gkolias. Everyone is invited to attend and if you can bring your favorite dish, please let one of these ladies know. We look forward to welcoming new members in September. Please consider joining us for dinner and as we plan various activities and fundraisers throughout the year. Our outreach for the meeting will be new or gently used children s books appropriate for ages pre-school through fourth grade. If you are able to bring one to the meeting, local schoolchildren will be very appreciative. By FRANK STEVENS Men s Guild President Men s Guild How was your summer? While many of us enjoyed our summer vacation, many members of the Guild continued to contribute their time to parish activities. On Aug. 2, the Guild sponsored a midday feast for 85 children and their mentors who were attending the weeklong Vacation Church Camp. A tip of the Guild capello goes to Angela Hastings, the Fokas family, Nick Nicholaou and John Gkolias for prepping the meal and to all those who participated in helping our beautiful Trans children to enjoy another great VCC. Only a few days later, 20 of our faithful attended a Spinners game at handsome LeLacheur Park. The Guild sponsored several attendees while again we tip the capello to Spike Sintros, who organized the event and was honored by the Spinners, receiving an adorable Jonathan Papelbon bobble-head doll. Next meeting: Plan now to be with us on Tuesday, Sept. 18, as we kick off the season. In addition to yet another great Guild meal, be there to meet and socialize with older and younger Guild members. We ll be inaugurating the new season with plans for our upcoming Guild Past Presidents Dinner. Those members who have not yet submitted their Guild stewardship offering for 2007 are reminded to do so at their earliest convenience. Your generosity last year allowed the Guild to contribute more than $7,000 to our parish and to many other area charities. Help us keep up the good work. What JOY! HOPE and JOY children and their families got the summer off to a good start at a cookout hosted by Marc and Sandra Gulezian at their Tyngsborough home. More than 50 people attended the event, which included cooling off in a sprinkler and a hike through nearby trails. (Photo by Sandra Gulezian) Past Presidents Dinner: You ll want to reserve Saturday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m. to join together to honor 11 of the Transfiguration s finest, who have led our Guild over the past 30 years. In addition to a social hour, you ll be treated to a gourmet meal, short speeches, as well as music and dancing. It s another opportunity to join together as part of the Trans family. Tickets will go on sale for the event beginning Sunday, Sept. 30. Don t miss it! Remember this: As we care for each other, Our Lord Jesus cares for us. By MARGO DiBENEDETTO Parish Council President President s Message Another summer is gone! There has been a lot of activity at the church all summer long, and I hope that you have been a part of it. The children had a wonderful time at Vacation Church Camp. Thank you to all the parishioners and GOYAns who helped at our camp this year and a very special thank you to Angela Hastings for planning snacks and lunches, and to Olivia Sintros for organizing the camp. The Name Day of our church was celebrated at Vespers on Sunday, Aug. 5. There were 22 priests along with Father Demetri and well over 150 faithful in the pews. The Dristilliaris family carried on the tradition and provided a wonderful reception after the service. Thank you to all who attended. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios led the Divine Liturgy on Monday morning, and the Philoptochos pro- (Continued on page 12)

12 (Continued from page 11) CHURCH NEWS PAGE 12 vided a light lunch in the church hall. Many, many thanks to the people who worked so hard. Sunday School/Greek School: September brings the start of another Sunday School year. The first day will be the 16th. Our new Greek School is scheduled to start the 11th. Open house: There will be an open house at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H., on Sept. 9. A bus has been provided by a parishioner for anyone who would like to go. The Transfiguration will celebrate the Divine Liturgy that Sunday morning. Special Parish Assembly: There will be a Special Parish Assembly for the revised bylaws on Sept. 30. We will provide a light lunch and child care. The Bylaw Committee has been working very hard and will have four informational meetings prior to the assembly. The regular Parish Assembly will be the first week of November. Golf tournament: Lastly, please support our annual golf tournament. We need golfers, volunteers, sponsors and raffle prizes. Please see me if you can help. By CONNIE GKOLIAS Sunday School Director Sunday School Hello, boys and girls. I hope everyone had a great summer. September is here and our Sunday School year is beginning on Sunday, Sept. 16. As always, come to church with your family and celebrate the Divine Liturgy. After receiving Holy Communion, we will proceed to our classrooms for our lessons. Dear Parents: Registration forms have been mailed out. Please fill them out completely and return them to the church office, or you can bring them to Connie or Hariklia on the 16th. We are always looking for volunteers. If you would like to help out the Sunday School, please see Connie or Hariklia. By TOULA SPARAGES Choir Director Choir We hope you ve all enjoyed the peaceful pace of the summer months. Congregational singing was quite successful these past few weeks with a leader to assist the people. At Vacation Those Who Sing Together... Marc and Sandra Gulezian played host to the choir s traditional summer gathering at their Tyngsborough home last month. (Photo by Arthur Sparages) Church Camp, the children learned that the Divine Liturgy is a work of the people, and so the summer liturgies were an example of that work. Thanks to those who sang each week. Party time: In July, the end-of-the-year choir party was held at the home of Marc and Sandra Gulezian in Tyngsborough. As usual, everything was perfect. We thank them for their kindness and hospitality. Choir returns: The choir will resume in the loft on Sunday, Sept. 9. All current members will receive either a personal call or an with some dates to keep in mind. Donna Spanos and Louis Stamas will be taking over for the next two months while Toula takes some time off to travel. New office: In August, Toula, Arthur, Louis, Donna and Margo set up a new choir office in the loft room nearest the organ. It was a lot of work, but all music is now filed and labeled and more easily accessible. Thanks goes to those who gave of their time for this much-needed task. New members wanted: As always, we encourage new members to join especially in September when we begin the new ecclesiastical year. It s such a wonderful way to praise God each Sunday morning. Won t you give it some serious thought this year? There are no auditions just a desire to sing His praises. All GOYAns and Sunday School children who are in third grade or over also are encouraged to sing the first part of the Liturgy before they proceed to classes after Holy Communion. I d love to see a crowded loft! (Continued on page 13)

13 PAGE 13 (Continued from page 12) CHURCH NEWS her any Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. Rehearsal plans: More information regarding rehearsals will appear in the next issue of the Trans-a-Gram. GOYA The first GOYA meeting of the new season is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16, after Sunday School. New members are welcome to attend.. Watch the weekly Trans-Notes and the next Trans-a-Gram for more detailed information. By SANDRA GULEZIAN HOPE/JOY Adviser HOPE / JOY HOPE and JOY will conduct a new membership drive during the first three weeks of Sunday School: Sept. 16, 23 and 30. We will be planning fall and winter activities with the help of the HOPE and JOY families. Ideas include a movie night in the church hall, an apple/pumpkin picking/hay ride at a farm, a pizza party and a gingerbread decorating family night. Anyone who would like to know more about HOPE and JOY can contact any of the advisers: Sandra Gulezian, Andrea Garibaldi, Lynne Karagianes and Katrina McCann. Want to join?: If you would like to join HOPE or JOY, or if you would like to receive s about upcoming events, please msgulezian@comcast.net. By SUSAN PAPPAS Coffee Hour Coordinator Coffee Hour June 24: Sponsored by Arthur and Toula Sparages in honor of their new grandson, Luke Sparages. Aug. 5: Sponsored by the friends of Mary Argerake. May her memory be eternal. Aug. 12: Sponsored by Mary Moskovites, Mary Nicholaides and Mary Tsoumas in honor of their Name Day Volunteers needed: We are always looking for new people who are willing to help serve during the weekly coffee hour. If you would like to volunteer to serve, or if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour for any occasion, please call coffee hour coordinator Susan Pappas at , her at smpappas16@yahoo.com or see Greek School It is still not too late to sign up for afternoon Greek School, which will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m. Registration forms are available at the church. If you are interested in registering your child (Grades K-6), please do so as soon as possible to assure we have enough material for all students. The registration fee is $300 per child. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Please feel free to contact the church with any questions, and Jeanne will forward the message to the appropriate person. Elevation of the Holy Cross His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios invites all parishioners to celebrate with him the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross on Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H. Festivities include the Divine Liturgy, an open house and barbecue. Other activities include fun and games for children of all ages, face painting and an animal of New Hampshire exhibit, canoe rides and a basketball tournament. Bus transportation will be available from Transfiguration. The bus will leave the church grounds at 9 a.m. and will leave the center grounds at 2:30 p.m. Please contact the church office if you would like to reserve a spot on the bus. For more information about the event contact Michael Sintros at or smfh.events@yahoo.com. Or contact the Metropolis of Boston at or metropolis@boston.goarch.org. Metropolis Golf Tournament The Metropolis of Boston is sponsoring its seventh-annual For the Children Golf Classic on Monday, Sept. 10, at the Andover Country Club. The day begins with time on the driving range and lunch at 11 a.m., shot-gun bramble play at 1:30 p.m., a complimentary social hour at 6:30 and dinner and awards at 7:30. The $300 per person entry fee includes range balls, green fees, golf carts, a cookout luncheon, full-course dinner, and gifts and prizes. Proceeds will (Continued on page 14)

14 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 14 (Continued from page 13) benefit the metropolis camp program. For more information call Michael Sintros at Youth Basketball The Lowell Orthodox Youth Association is inviting boys and girls ages 8 and up from the Orthodox community to participate in its basketball program this fall. The initial registration is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8, from 9-11 a.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center. A second opportunity to register will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15, from 8:30-9 a.m. at the same location, followed by practice and drills from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday Morning Group The Tuesday Morning Ladies Group would like to invite other ladies of the parish to come join them on Tuesdays from about 9:30 a.m. until noon. It s a great place to meet, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your ideas for crafts or whatever and enjoy new or old friendships on Tuesday mornings. Newsletter Deadline Transfiguration organizations are asked to submit entries for this newsletter as early in the month as possible and no later than the 15th. If at all possible, please submit your material by to Editor Nick Pappas at npappas05@comcast.net. Entries also can be faxed to the church office at or dropped off in the office during normal business hours. It is important that all church organizations be represented in the Trans-a Gram, so please make an effort to participate. Rev. Steven Yankopoulos Lambriny Yankopoulos Paskale Yankopoulos Gregory Zaralidis SEPTEMBER TRISAGIA (Continued from Page 3) Evangelia Ziogas Maria Ziogas Stavros Ziogas THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

15 SPONSORSHIP PAGE PAGE 15 Thank you for your support AD SPACE AVAILABLE Contact Editor Nick Pappas Lakeview Ave. Dracut, MA

16 SPONSORSHIP PAGE PAGE 16 Thank you for your support AD SPACE AVAILABLE Contact Editor Nick Pappas Tewksbury / Andover Four Highwood Drive (Exit 39, Route 133) Tewksbury, MA Weddings * Rehearsal Dinners * Showers *Christenings * Class Reunions *All Types of Banquets For your personal tour, call Melanie at Ext. 162 Please visit for additional information