Glad Tidings. Jesus Triumphs Over the Grave by Fr. Bill Chiganos. Special articles: Stewardship Information & Lenten Services page 6

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1 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H April 2006 Volume 12, Issue 4 Glad Tidings Jesus Triumphs Over the Grave by Fr. Bill Chiganos It was a morning like any other in the ancient Roman city. Children romped just as they did the day before. Men and women went about their business as usual. The marketplace was filled with merchants and buyers. Yet in a few precious hours, they would all be dead, as the fury of Mount Vesuvius would erupt to encase Pompeii in a tomb of lava for centuries to come. About forty years before Pompeii was destroyed, another eruption had taken place that shook the foundations of heaven and earth. An ordinary woman had come to the tomb of her beloved friend, as she had probably done the day before and the day before that. Today she was horrified by an open grave; the body missing and the stone rolled away. She ran away in terror and grief, but what she didn t know was that the tomb had erupted with the power of God. The crucified Son of God had risen, triumphantly brining new life to a human race encased in sin since time began. Recently I read an article concerning escape from the fear of death. Approximately 6,400 die each day in the U.S. from various causes: heart attacks, cancer, accidents, and the like. That means that twice as many people died of natural causes on that fateful day, September 11, as died in the terrorist attacks. Death is ever with us. Many Christians welcomed the plagues during the early centuries after Christ, because they believed that imminent day gave them an opportunity to demonstrate to pagans that Christians die differently. Before Christ, history reminds us that people died of many plagues and disease. Psalm 91 states: Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. No wonder the pagans said of Christians, They carry their dead as if in triumph! On that fateful day of September 11, millions of people focused on the television screen in absolute disbelief and sorrow, witnessing the unforgettable scene of death. Our world is full of people who are terrified to die. It s said that Louis XIV of France wouldn t even allow the word death to be mentioned in his presence. Sadly, many of our own Orthodox friends live with this same fear. They ve been so accustomed to seeing death as an enemy that they forget it is also our friend. For it is through death that God opens the door to Heaven for us. The awe-inspiring holy icon of the Resurrection show the Risen Lord bringing Adam and Eve and all the Old Testament Saints out of the darkness of Hades. Saint Paul encouraged the saints with the truths of the Resurrection. If there is no resurrection of the dead, he says, Then even Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1Cor: 15:13-14.) It s no wonder that ever since the first Pascha, people have been trying to keep Christ in the tomb. His Resurrection is the single biggest challenge to their belief. Every year at the Midnight Resurrection Liturgy many familiar faces are missing, because they have lost a loved one that year. Absence from this meaningful and inspiring service reflects a lack of understanding of the faith. Where else may our faith be sustained other than that glorious moment when our church resounds with the loud affirmation that Christ is Risen? Make no mistake what the Apostle Paul is saying: if Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Christianity itself collapses like house of cards. THE Resurrection is the one fact that explains the other facts of Christianity and gives meaning to our lives. In John 20:1-7, three important pieces of material evidence support Christ s resurrection: the displaced stone, the empty tomb and the linen wrappings. In the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the celebrant reads the following prayer immediately after he has partaken of Holy Communion: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your Holy Resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come all faithful, let us venerate the Holy Resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to the world. Blessing the Lord always, le us praise His Resurrection. For enduing the cross for us, He destroyed death by death. Even in the golden years of Chrysostom s ministry, the people must have had difficulty with the doctrine of the Resurrection. In his attempt to dispel any feat of death, he emphasized the joy of the triumphs of death. Continued on page 2. Special articles: Stewardship Information & Lenten Services page 6

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 Jesus Triumphs continued from page 1 Thus, we have evidence from scripture and tradition affirming the message of the Church, the Resurrection and the powerful and unmistakable results in our lives. On four separate occasions in this brief liturgical prayer, the faithful are called to venerate the Resurrection. In our rigid imaginations, we strain to make room for miracles. Like Thomas, we are so used to living by sight rather than by faith that we are constantly looking for hands with nail prints. Sometimes we need to be nudged again and again to come to the realization of truth. Such was the case of the young and successful executive traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cares and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brinc smashed into the Jag s side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, What was that all about and who are you? That s a new car and that brick you threw is going to coast a lot of money. Why did you do it? The young boy was apologetic. Please, mister...please, I m sorry but I didn't know what else to do, he pleaded. I threw the brick because no one else would stop With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. It s my brother, he said. He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can t lift him up Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He s hurt and he s too heavy for me. Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallowing the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him every thing was going to be okay. Thank you and may God bless you, the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward the house. It was a slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: Don t go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention! Some of us go through the Easter Season so quickly that we forget what we have learned from the empty tomb. Christ is alive and through His triumph over death HE has given to all, the hopeless and the helpless, reason not to fear death. We too have reminders of this event. Forty days we recite the Christ has risen; we have lighted candles and we crack the red eggs. We rejoice and our hope is sustained. Christ is Risen! Fr. Bill Chiganos is Pastor at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois. He graciously allowed Glad Tidings to reprint this article. Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Pascha & St. George Feast Day Dinner Following Midnight Resurrectional Service This year, the feast day of St. George falls on Pascha. Join us for a celebratory lamb dinner after the midnight service.

3 Page 3 PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS Lenten Opportunities for Spiritual Growth Great Compline Service on Monday evenings, is full of beautiful psalm readings and hymns. Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evenings, allows the faithful to receive Holy Communion to sustain them while fasting. Akathist - Salutations on Friday evenings, is a service in honor of the Virgin Mary and her great example to us in the spiritual life. Lenten Lectures on Wednesday and Friday evenings after service, to learn more about the disciplines and practices to help us in our Lenten journey. Holy Confession to ask for God s forgiveness in the sacramental service with the help and guidance of the priest. Call Fr. Rick to make an appointment as soon as possible. Reading dust off your bibles at home and also visit our bookstore for many Lenten themed books. Prayer absolutely essential to our relationship with God. Devote yourself to daily practice. Fasting follow the Church s guidelines to exercise/build spiritual self-discipline and obedience. Almsgiving reduce unnecessary expenses and give money saved to philanthropic causes. Suggested Lenten Readings Please peruse the materials from our bookstore. Suggested Lenten books to read- Beginning to Pray, Anthony Bloom The Lenten Spring, Thomas Hopko Great Lent, Alexander Schmemann A Journey Through Great Lent, Rev Stephen Beloned Lenten Cookbook, Boston Diocese Synaxarion of the Lenten Triodion Living Prayer, Anthony Bloom Lenten Reflections, Archdiocesan Committee of Spiritual Renewal Rising with Christ, Hugh Wybren The Festal Fast, Marigoula Kokkinou & Georgia Kofinos Courage to Pray, Metropolitan Anthony Bloom & Georges LeFebevre Lenten Workbook for Children Parish Assembly Meeting Sunday, April 2, after Divine Liturgy and Fellowship Hour. Loaves & Fishes Loaves & Fishes is a St. George Community project, and needs volunteers to cook and serve dinner to the needy at Faith Lutheran, Monday, April 10, 2:30-7:30PM. Call Stella Treiber, , or Irene Loudas, , for more information. Sunday of Orthodoxy On the first Sunday of Lent we celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy. As usual, the Sunday School students participated in the procession of icons. (See picture below.) Treasurer's Financial Report February Income February Expenses Monthly Balance YTD* Income YTD* Expenses YTD* Balance $ 8, $ 17, $ (9,203.62) $ 21, $ 36, $ (15, ) Stewardship Report February Pledge February Pledge Income Goal Balance YTD* Pledge Income Year Pledge Goal Balance* $ 12, $ 16, $ (4,292.85) $ 21, $ 33, $ (12,059.74) *All year-to-date figures are as of February 28, 2006

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue. Thurs. 8:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Fiona Eustathiades, Administrative Assistant (651) Jason and Kelly Barbes, Youth Ministers (612) barbes11@msn.com. Eric Chadwick, Parish Council President (507) chadwick@ptslaw.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@hickorytech.net Barbara Bauman, Choir Director (651) Anna Christoforides, Greek School Director (651) Diane Anastos & Ann Woods, Glad Tidings Co- Editors February Registry February 12 February 26 Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50.00 per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. To donate an icon, fill out a form (found on the bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office. Betrayal of Christ by Judas Pilate Washed His Hands Scourging & Carrying Cross Coffee Hour April 2 Mike and Connie Tzenis 9 Soule and Vicky Paraschou 16 AHEPA fish dinner 40 Day Churchings Angie Crowther and her son, David; father is Brian; sister is Samantha. Anastacia Zahl and her daughter, Amalia; father is Kelly Speros and her son Yiannis in Eau Claire. Christ Appears on the Road to Emmaeus Raising the Paralytic Christ with Samaritan Woman at Well 22 Philoptochos & YAL Resurrection Service & Feast Day Dinner 23 Sue & Peter Boosalis & Debra & Ippocratis Vrohides 30 Evelyn Charnell, Dina Kiprose, Angie Cender Holy Week Holy Week Holy Week Bright Week 4th Sun. of Pascha 5th Sun. of Pascha Healing Man Born Blind 6th Sun. of Pascha Holy Fathers of Nicaea/First Ecumenical Council 7th Sun. of Pascha St. Thomai April 14 St. Nathaniel April 22

5 Page 5 YOUTH NEWS GREAT AND HOLY LENT YOUTH RETREATS These Retreats are offered by GOYA, JOY and HOPE children. School absence letters are available from Fr. Rick. Saturday, April 15 th Lazarus Saturday Youth Retreat. 9:00 a.m. Liturgy 11:00 a.m. Brunch (potluck) 11:30 a.m. Make Palm Crosses 12:30 a.m. Clean up and decorate church with palms Friday, April 21 st Holy Friday Retreat 9:00 a.m. Royal Hours (readers are needed) 11:00 a.m. Brunch (potluck) 11:45 a.m. Strip Rose Petals 12:00 noon Relays and games. 12:45 p.m. Songs 1:00 p.m. Crafts and activities 2:30 p.m. Clean up and dress myrrh bearers 3:00 p.m. Decent from Cross 7:00 p.m. Lamentations. Parent volunteers are needed: Station leaders, lunch preparation, craft activities. Please volunteer by calling Jason or Kelly Barbes. Please register your student(s) by signing up on the Youth Board, contacting Jason or Kelly Barbes (612) or at barbes11@msn.com. Summer Camp Registration Begins The goal of St Mary s Summer Camp at Big Sandy Lake is to provide a safe camp setting for children and adults in an Orthodox Christian community of worship, witness, service and fellowship centered on Jesus Christ. Camp dates are June Register online at beginning March 20, closing April 25. This year s camp tuition is $325, non-refundable as of June 9. Register early, as space is limited and this is a first come, first served system based on payment received. Contact Fr Rick for information about scholarships. Contact Nikki Beauchamp, Camp Registrar, , with any other questions regarding registration Summer Camp Scholarship Contest Two Camp scholarship coupons will be awarded in memory of Presvytera Mary Conairis and James H. Zubulake. This year s theme is: How Has The Pan-Orthodox Nature of Summer Camp Impacted My Life? There are two divisions Junior Division, for 3rd-6th grades, requires a 250-word (typed) essay on the theme, and Senior Division, for 7th grades, requires a 500-word (typed) essay on the theme. Deadline is May 1, Contact Doria Saros, c/o St Mary GOC, 3450 Irving Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN or Doria@stmarysgoc.org UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Sunday, April 2 nd Oratorical Festival After Liturgy. Please come and encourage the participants. Monday, April 10 th Loaves and Fishes 2:30-7:30PM Faith Lutheran Church Come and help out with preparing and serving of a meal for your Lenten journey by participating in almsgiving. Sunday, April 23rd Egg Hunt After the Agape Service join the children of St. George for an egg hunt on the adjoining property. Bring your basket and have some fun. Saturday, May 6 th Feed My Starving Children 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Your help is need to package food that will feed hungry children around the world. Please register your student(s) for these events by signing up on the Youth Board, or by contacting Jason or Kelly Barbes (612) or at barbes11@msn.com. THANK YOU!!! Thank you to all who donated personal hygiene items for the SPACC Project Bundles of Hope.

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 Lenten Services and Catechism Classes LENTEN 4:00 PM April 2 April 9 April 16 Lenten Holy Trinity OCA Clayton, WI Fr. Georga Oanca Lenten St. Mary Greek Joe May, Matthew 25 House of Hospitality Bridegroom St. Herman OCA Fr. Anthony Conairis (tentative) LENTEN LECTURES 8:00 PM (St. George Greek) April 5 April 7 April 12 Trisagion Prayer and the Lord s Prayer-Fr. Richard Andrews Hospitality Fr. Nick Kasemeotes Prayer-Setting a Rule, Unceasing & Jesus CATECHISM CLASSES 7-9 PM (St. George Greek) April 3 April 10 The Goal: Second Coming & Living the Christian Life -Fr. Richard Andrews Conclusion: Orthodox in American, Jurisdiction, Q & A -Fr. Nathan Kroll Stewardship 2006 The stewardship pledge drive for 2006 is in full swing. As of March 1, we received pledges from 78 households. The average pledge so far this year is $951. The total households in our parish are approximately 280, so approximately 27% of households have submitted their pledge cards. Last year, a total of 143 households (51%) submitted pledges with an average pledge of $824. The Stewardship Committee s goal is to have 100% of households submit a pledge. Why submit a pledge card? One reason is that it is a way to show your commitment to your faith and the Church. We all routinely make commitments of money in our consumerist society: e.g. some of us make regular payments for automobiles, fitness clubs, season ticket payments for sports, cable TV payments and the like. These regular payments show part of what we value. Doesn t our Church also deserve a steady and dependable stream of income? Shouldn t we also show that we value our Church more than these discretionary items? Obviously, we cannot put a price on God s blessings to us, but we should take the time, and make the effort to make a commitment of support for our Church and people in need. Our Church needs your pledge of support to grow and thrive. Have you made your 2006 commitment yet? If so, thank you! If not, Pledge Cards are available in the Narthex and in the Church Office, and we urge you to submit your Pledge Cards. (Peter Hofrenning and Steve Arsenault, Co-Chairs Stewardship Committee)

7 Page 7 AROUND TOWN Camp Counselors Needed Summer school, internships, travel, or work. There is one more opportunity that cannot be overlooked-camp counseling! Camp St. George, a week-long camp sponsored by the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese, is seeking volunteer counselors and staff for its 2006 summer session. The camping session runs from August and has a staff training that begins August 11. Applications can be downloaded at and are due by June 1, Camp director Father Patrick Kinder can be reached at or Fatheratrick@saintIgnatious.org Guatemala Mission St. Mary GOC is planning a Pan-Orthodox maintenance mission team to the Hogar Rafael Ayau Orphanage in Guatemala, May 9-16, Responsibilities at the orphanage include painting, power washing, sanding, etc. Responsibilities before the trip include helping raise funds for the trip. Application deadline is March 30, Approximate cost per individual is $800. For more information or any questions contact John Beauchamp, or theoinko@juno.com Applications are on the St Mary GOC website: Clean Out Your Closets... Cause the St. Mary's GOC Rummage Sale is approaching. If you have goods to go after Spring cleaning, please consider donating them to the St. Mary's Rummage Sale (June 1-3). Collection will begin on May 30. Help Make A Difference This Lent Does your home keep you warm and dry? Project Mexico and St. Innocence Orthodox Orphanage has built more that 130 homes for poor families and provides homes for orphan teenage boys. But there is much more to do. Give something however small to the one in need; for it is not small to one who has nothing; neither is it small to God, if we have given what we could. St. Gregory of Nazianzus Please donate at or call: St. Mary s Summer Camp Sunday, June 18 Saturday, June 24, 2006, at Big Sandy Camp, McGregor, MN Deadline to register 4/25. SEE PAGE 5 FOR MORE INFORMATION. METROPOLIS & ARCHDIOCESAN NEWS The 38th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress Will be hosted by Nashville, where Greek hospitality is legendary. Southern hospitality is renowned. What happens when you combine them? Come join us in Nashville and we ll show you the best of both! At the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 38th Biennial Clergy- Laity Congress July 15-21, This year's Congress is not solely for delegates and Clergy. For the first time, the Clergy-Laity Congress is also designed to be a retreat for Orthodox Christians of all ages. The theme of this Congress is Sharing The Truth Of The Gospel And The Love Of Christ. Registration forms are available at church. Deadline is May 1. Support Holy Cross School of Theology It s the year Do you know where your church is? Holy Cross is looking to you, to invest in the education of future leaders. Call for more information. The Immigrant Experience- Now Showing The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center in Chicago is asking for your participation by helping the Hellenic Museum acquire Greek immigrant memorabilia things worth remembering, items reflecting the expression of our shared Greek American heritage in home, school, business, medicine, education, law, military etc. Chicago's Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, currently operating in approximately 10,000 square feet of space, serves as the nation's foremost center of Hellenic history, culture and the arts where the public can explore the legacy of the Greek immigrant experience in America, and examine the influence of Hellenic people and culture from antiquity to the present. To inquire about donating objects or for more information please call or fax your information to You can also learn more about the museum by visiting our website at

8 April 2006 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May 2006 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat STRICT FAST + 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT ST. JOHN CLIMACUS + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am 11:30am Oratorical Festival Parish Assembly + 4:00pm Holy Trinity in Clayton, WI 9 + STRICT FAST + 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT ST MARY OF EGYPT + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am + 4:00pm St. Mary Greek 16 + PALM SUNDAY + WESTERN EASTER + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am + 4:00pm BRIDE- GROOM St. Herman OCA + 7:00pm BRIDE- GROOM SERVICE 3 + STRICT FAST + 6:00pm GREAT COMPLINE 6:15pm Greek School 7:00pm Catechism Class Fr. Rick 10 + STRICT FAST 5:00pm Loaves & Fishes + 6:00pm GREAT COMPLINE 6:15pm Greek School 7:00pm Youth Ministry Meeting 7:00pm Catechism Class 17 6:15pm Greek School + 7:00pm BRIDE- GROOM SERVICE 23 + GREAT AND 24 HOLY PASCHA + ST. GEORGE FEASTDAY + 11:00am AGAPE 6:15pm Greek School 12:00pm Youth Piñata and Egg Hunt 30 + ANTIPASCHA SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am Coming up in May 4-7 Festival of Nations 14 Mother s Day / Greek School Graduation 17 Feast Day of Mid-Pentecost 21 Sts. Constantine & Helen / Sunday School Graduation 29 Memorial Day Holiday / Offices Closed 31 Apodosis of Pascha 4 + STRICT FAST 6:30pm Philoptochos 11 + STRICT FAST Spring Pie Sale 7:00pm Bible Study at Fr. Rick s Home :00am PRESANCTIFIED + 7:00pm BRIDE- GROOM SERVICE 5 + STRICT FAST + 5:30pm Ninth Hour + 6:00pm PRESANCTIFIED 7:30pm LENTEN LECTURE 12 + STRICT FAST Spring Pie Sale + 5:30pm Ninth Hour + 6:00pm PRESANCTIFIED 7:30pm LENTEN LECTURE :00pm HOLY UNCTION SERVICE + 7:00pm BRIDE- GROOM SERVICE WITH UNCTION 6 + STRICT FAST 7 + STRICT FAST 13 + STRICT FAST Spring Pie Sale 12:00pm MEOCCA Meeting + 6:00pm PARAKLESIS 7:00pm Parish Council :00am VESPERAL + 6:30pm FOOT WASHING + 7:00pm HOLY PASSION WITH 12 GOSPELS + GREAT AND HOLY WEEK STRICT FAST ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST + 9AM + 11AM BRIGHT BREAKFAST 7:00pm Stewardship Committee Meeting + 6:00pm AKATHISTOS SERVICE 7:30pm LENTEN LECTURE 1+ STRICT FAST 5:00pm Radio + 5:00pm 8 + STRICT FAST 10:00pm Youth- HOPE TBD 5:00pm Radio + 5:00pm 14 + STRICT FAST 15 + STRICT FAST + LAZAROS SATURDAY + 9:00am DIVINE 11am-2pm Youth Retreat 5:00pm Radio + 5:00pm 21 + HOLY FRIDAY + 9:00am ROYAL HOURS 11:30am-2:30pm Youth Retreat + 3:00pm DESCENT FROM THE CROSS + 7:00pm LAMENTATIONS :00am VESPERAL 5:00pm Radio + 11:00pm MATINS + 12:00pm RESSURECTION SERVICE + 12:30AM DIVINE :00am Eau Claire 5:00pm Radio + 5:00pm + BRIGHT / RENEWAL WEEK NO FASTING + St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

9 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Holy Confession: By Appointment Monday, April 3, 10, Great Compline, 6:00 pm Wednesday, April 5, 12, Ninth Hour 5:30pm Presanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Friday, April 7, Akathistos, 6:00 pm Thursday, April 13, Paraklesis, 6:00 pm Lazarus Saturday, April 15, Divine Liturgy, 9:00 am, Vespers 5:00 pm Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (September May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: after administration of Holy Communion-Sept. to May See insert for Holy Week Schedule