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. Glad Tidings. Cremation: a little history. empire-wide impact (p.18-19).

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1 St. Paul, MN 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 October 2007 Volume 13, Issue 9 Glad Tidings Cremation: a little history Introduction empire-wide impact (p.18-19). by Father Rick Burial in Ancient Judaism Ashes to ashes and dust to dust is a common phrase we hear associated with funeral practices. This first appeared in the Church of England s Book of Common Prayer in The phrase dust to dust has some biblical origin from Gen. 3:19 and Ecclesiastes 3:20 but the words ashes to ashes do not appear anywhere in the bible. As we will see from Alvin Schmidt s book, Dust to Dust or Ashes to Ashes? A Biblical and Christian Examination of Cremation, the scriptures never instruct people to burn dead bodies turning them into ashes (p.67). History of Cremation Cremation comes from Latin word cremare meaning to burn (p.6). Some historical reasons for cremating the dead were (p.7): 1. To cope with fear of the dead. 2. To enable easy transportation of bones back to homes or other places. 3. To prevent bodies from being stolen by thieves and miscreants. 4. Belief that fire freed the soul from wandering and searching. 5. Belief that fire purifies the deceased person s soul. By the latter part of the fourth century, the burning of human corpses had become increasingly rare in the Roman Empire. Likely, the consistent Christian rejection of cremation, long before Christianity became legal, was having an Cremation begins reappearing in the West following the efforts of Prussian pro-cremationists in 1855, when an international congress of medical experts met in Florence in 1869 contending that earth-burial was unhygienic (p.19). Cremation appealed not only to atheists and freethinkers but it was commonly requested usually as an act of rebellion by Spiritualists, Theosophists, Unitarians, Universalists, anti-clerics and anti-church types (p.30). In 1875 the Cremation Society's in England and New York are formed (p.20). Cremation rates in United States have increased dramatically over the last several decades, from.003% in 1900,.04% in 1920, 3.5% in 1960, to 27% in 2001 and are expected to rise to 40% by year 2010 (p.21). What is Cremation? Cremation is not a completely accurate term for the burning of a deceased person. Human bones do not burn because they contain about 60% inorganic, noncombustible matter (p.23). Thus, the unburned bone portions are pulverized in today s crematoria by a grinding process that reduces them to small granules resembling dried fertilizer pellets, the latter comprising at least half of the total remains. Sometimes a white colored substance is added to make the ashes look more attractive (p.24). As a result of package leakages, UPS and FedEx refuse to transport ashes of cremated bodies. Sometimes, human ashes are mixed with ashes from another person or other sources. The Hebrews/Israelites in the Old Testament era lived and were surrounded by pagan societies: Canaanites, Amorites, Edomites, Hittites, Philistines and others. Through the prophets, God frequently warned the Israelites not to adopt the pagan values, beliefs, or practices of those societies such as worshipping pagan polytheistic gods, marrying pagan wives, engaging in homosexual practices, eating unclean food, sacrificing infants, and making graven images of pagan idols (p.31). In the OT, earth burial was the norm for treating deceased persons. Cremation was used only as punishment and humiliation for those who engaged in grievous, sinful acts as recorded in Joshua 7:15; Leviticus 21:9; 20:14. Cremation was also an instrument of God s wrath as He destroyed certain peoples by fire as recorded in Numbers 11:1-3; 16:35; Joshua 7:15,24-26; 2Kings 1:10-12 and famously the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24 (p.35-36). The Lord says through the prophet Amos, For three sins of Moab, even for four, I will not turn back my wrath, because he burned, as if to lime, the bones of Edom s king (2:1-2). This is argued as a clear denunciation of cremation. (p.37) The Israelites treated the body of a dead person with great respect by closing the eyes (Gen.46:4); washing the body (Acts 9:37); draping a napkin over the dead person s face (John 11:44); anointing with aromatic spices (Lk.23:56; 24:1; Jn.19:39-40). Con't p. 2 Special articles: In memory, p. 4; Stewardship Book Review, p. 6

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 Cremation cont. from pg. 1 Jn.19:40) and wrapping with linens (Mt.27:59; Mk.15:45; Lk.23:53; Christian arguments against Cremation Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ died on the Cross and was buried. (Nicene Creed) We should imitate Jesus. Everyone will be bodily resurrected in the Second Coming of Christ. Cremation is a denial of the bodily resurrection. The human body is a sacred sanctuary even after physical death. Cremation with God s blessing is never mentioned in the Old Testament We must not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2) especially as cremation becomes more common. Benefits of Earth Burial Cemeteries provide consecrated ground for survivors to visit the graves and honored loved ones. These visits reminded survivors of the brevity and uncertainty of their own lives and our inevitable destination to leave this world and meet our Lord (p.28). Studies show that survivors of the deceased who are cremated express less grieving and weeping at time of funeral, rarely visit the site where their relatives or loved ones are kept, especially with those whose ashes are scattered. Relics of the Saints It is well known among church historians that the early Christians fervently opposed infanticide, child abandonment, abortion and suicide because they believed in the sanctity of the human being. In their minds, the sanctity of the human body did not come to an end when a person died. They saw the human being as the crown of God s creation, for man was made in the image and likeness of God (Gen.1:27) (p.49). The saints, during their earthly lives, were filled with the Holy Spirit. And when they fulfill their course, the grace of the Holy Spirit does not depart from their souls or their bodies in the tombs (St. John of Damascus). Cremation denies and deprives us of the sacred tradition and benefits of the presence of saintly holy relics. St. Paul emphasizes this in today s Epistle reading from the 9 th Sunday of Matthew: 16 Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person. For God's temple is holy and you are that temple (1Cor.3:16-17). He repeats this again later, Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which have from God? You are not your own (1Cor.6:19). So, even though we may not have attained a level of saintliness like some of our spiritual predecessors, nevertheless, God s Holy Spirit lives and dwells within us. Conclusion Cremation is the denial and purposeful destruction of God s human temple. As follower s of Christ, we are not dualists or spiritualists who believe that the material world is inherently evil and to be despised. Rather, as Christians, we believe in the inherent goodness of the material world, especially our human bodies. Together, our body and soul, are created in God s image and likeness. We are called to redeem and transfigure the creation to its original glory and beauty by continually resisting sin and temptation, repenting of our transgressions, and opening our hearts, minds and bodies to the indwelling presence of God s divine grace through His only-begotten Son and live-giving Holy Spirit. The only fire we should submit ourselves to is the fire of God s love and holy presence. St. Paul also says in today s reading, 13 Each man s work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done 15 If any man s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved but only through fire (1Cor.3:14,15). Amen! Page number quotations from: Dust to Dust or Ashes to Ashes? A Biblical and Christian Examination of Cremation by Alvin J. Schmidt, Regina Orthodox Press Note: Because the Orthodox Faith affirms the funda-mental goodness of creation, it understands the body to be an integral part of the human person and the temple of the Holy Spirit, and expects the resurrection of the dead. The Church consid-ers cremation to be the deliberate desecration and destruction of what God has made and ordained for us. The Church instead insists that the body be buried so that the natural physical process of decomposition may take place. The Church does not grant funerals, either in the sanctuary, or at the funeral home, or at any other place, to persons who have chosen to be cre-mated. Additionally, memorial services with kolyva (boiled wheat) are not allowed in such instances, inasmuch as the similarity between the "kernel of wheat" and the "body" has been intentionally destroyed. ( ourfaith/articles/article8083.asp)

3 St. Paul, MN Page 3 Parish Announcements May His Memory Be Eternal! Yiannis Pitsavas fell asleep in the Lord September 6. The funeral service was celebrated on September 10 with the burial at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield. Our continued prayers and sympathies to his parents, Bill & Theologia, brother Dimitri (Sofia), sister Aleka (Luis) Wakely and the rest of his surviving family and friends. Youth Minister Position Open The youth minister position is open for applicants. The job consists of hours per week mainly devoted to youth of high school age and younger. The youth minister works under supervision of the priest and with youth worker volunteers. Please send resume with cover letter to Fr Rick by mail or . Fatherrick@usa.comDuring our time of transition, we depend even more on parents to ensure their children are present for youth activities. Please offer your support in whatever way possible. Thank you! Missions & Benevolence Thanks You Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies for the Trinity Children`s Foundation in California. We collected many items and if you are still interested in contributing, contact Diane Anastos, dcanastos@earthlink.net. On behalf of the Missions and Treasurer's Financial Report August Income August Expenses Benevolence Committee, Thank You for your support. Get Your Tickets to the 6th Annual Art Auction! Saturday, October 13, 2007 Preview: 6:00 pm ~ Auction: 7:00 pm Tickets are $20 per person ($25 at the door) Browse and bid on a wide variety of framed art and enjoy music, appetizers and wine! All proceed benefit St. George Youth Ministries with a portion going to The Jeremiah Program. Any size donation is welcomed. Advertise your business in our program booklet! All donations are tax deductible. Love This! Share your favorite recipes for the first ever St George Parish Cookbook! Submission forms are available in the St George Bookstore. Contact Maria Andrews, or Georgia Haidos, Youth Choir Rehearsal Our Youth Choir rehearsals are very successful, and your contributions make a difference! Support the youth choir by donating much needed funds for choir gowns and supplies. Contact Barbara Bauman, , or Andrea Faches, Monthly Balance YTD* Income Those In Need Are Still With Us At this time of year, we usually have several bags of canned goods in the narthex on the shelves by the doors has been very difficult for those in need there have been more home foreclosures and defaulted loans than at any time since the Depression, and the emergency help programs, homeless shelters and food shelves have seen record numbers of people coming in asking for help. Your donations make a difference in a very direct way. Keep bringing food for Trinity Mission Food Shelf, and help feed the needy. Greek Dancing The Greek Dancers of Minnesota are starting their new year and encourage new members to join. There is no age limit and families are welcome. You can learn over 50 Greek folk dances and thrill the audiences with your performance. Practice is on Sunday evenings at St. George's from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Angela Mortari at for more info. OXI DAY On Sunday, October 28th, the Greek School will host a luncheon to commemorate OXI Day after Liturgy, which commemorates the Oxi from Greeks which delayed Hitler s expansion of power. The children will also have a short presentation.. YTD* Expenses YTD* Balance $18, $25, ($7,188.03) $123, $158, ($34,845.36) Stewardship Report August Pledge August Pledge Income Goal Balance YTD* Pledge Income Year Pledge Goal Balance* $8, $ 15, ($7,253.67) $91, $123, ($31,385.89) *All year-to-date figures are as of August 31,2007.

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Registry 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) Births Miriam Jordan (To Misael & Lisa Jordan) Veronica Katherine Pappas (To Thanasi & Melinda Pappas) Funerals Arianthe Pavlis Eric Chadwick, Parish Council President (507) chadwick@ptslaw.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Anna Christoforides, Greek School Director (651) Diane Anastos, Glad Tidings Editor 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. Patriarch Isaac Prophet Job May 6 Righteous Noah Archangel Gabriel Ioannis John Bill Pitsavas - May His Memory Be Eternal Ioannis "John" Bill Pitsavas was born November 10, 1974, in Northfield to Bill and Theologia (Tsiampera) Pitsavas. He was raised in Northfield and he graduated with honors from Northfield High School in He graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He was currently the owner and operator of Basil s Pizza. Ioannis was a member of St. George s Greek Orthodox Church, A.H.E.P.A., and a former member of the Northfield Golf Club. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, his many trips back to Greece, swimming, fishing, hunting, golfing, reading, listening to music, chanting, and he loved all things in life.

5 St. Paul, MN Page 5 YOUTH NEWS SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School begins with a Kick Off event on can best support the religious education of their students. Pre-K: Stella Hofrenning & Krisandrea Rylander K and 1st: Toni Selliris & Georgia Panopoulos 2nd and 3rd: Stacy Katsiyiannis & Tony Selliris 4th - 6th: Tom Lampros & Vaios Vlachos 7th - 10th: Eric Chadwick & Diane Anastos Director: Andrea Faches See insert for registration and more details. 6 th th Annual Art Auction To Benefit St. George Youth Ministries with a portion of the profits going to The Jeremiah Project on Saturday Evening, October 13, 2007 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church Preview 6:30 pm Auction: 7:00 pm Admission: $25.00 per person Music Wine Hors D oeuvres Dessert & Coffee For Tickets & Information, contact: Dawn Lampros (651) or Denise Smith (952) Major Credit Cards Accepted Art Auction Saturday, Oct. 13th, 6:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Please plan to attend and sell tickets to your friends and neighbors. This is a great event which supports St. George s youth programs. Family Camp 2007 Parenting to the Kingdom Is the theme for camp, taking place October 19-21st. Camp Wapogasset is located in Amery, Wisconsin Space is linited! Register early and spread the word to your family and friends. See insert for more information. Family Night Thursday, Oct. 25 th 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Celebration of the Feast Day o St. Demetrios Vespers followed by pot luck dinner and discussion groups with adults and children. Save the Date On, Wednesday, Nov. 14th We will be delivering food to Trinity Missions that has been collected by parishioners and participating in a tour of the facility. Youth Ministry Monday, October 8 th 7:00 p.m. (after Loaves & Fishes) St. George Greek Orthodox Church Monthly planning meeting. All Sunday School staff and youth workers invited to attend. Featuring Art in all Media & Price Ranges Auction Coordinated by Marlin Art of New York

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 On Wealth and Poverty by Eric Chadwick If you want to challenge the way you view stewardship and almsgiving, pick up a copy of St. John Chrysostom s On Wealth and Poverty. The short book contains a collection of six sermons expounding upon the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) and provides insights into how it applies to our daily lives. While St. John Chrysostom exhorts and admonishes the reader to abstain from luxurious living he does not denigrate material wealth as inherently evil. Rather, he cautions about its danger when combined with unwillingness to engage in generous almsgiving. The hidden danger of wealth, he instructs, lies in its tendency to engender spiritual laziness and forgetfulness that leads us away from God. Accordingly, St. John Chrysostom defines true fortune as virtue (not wealth) and true misery as wickedness (not poverty). One who is truly wealthy then is not one who has collected many possessions but one who needs few possessions. Likewise, one who is truly poor is not one who has few possessions but one who has many desires. Lazarus is not to be admired by virtue of his poverty but because even though he lacked any semblance of material wealth he did not complain about his station in life; to the contrary, he glorified God. Similarly, the rich man is a poor example, not because of his wealth but because of his callous indifference to the poverty that he witnessed on a daily basis. Finally, St. John Chrysostom explains that that almsgiving benefits the giver because wealth in this life is a blessing from God that he expects to be shared with those less fortunate. Thus, when we share our wealth, we act in concert with God s will. Of course, the recipient also benefits from almsgiving because it provides a safe harbor and is done without questioning why the need exists. ( A judge is one thing, an almsgiver is another. Charity is so called because we give it even to the unworthy. ) As we witness the many needs in our Church and in society today, these sermons provide a welcome reminder of keeping one s priorities in order. Take the time to read this book you won t be disappointed! STEWARDSHIP UPDATE Year to Date Receipts Just a reminder to all! During the summer, with many of us away on vacation, our receipts tend to fall behind, but our expenses remain the same. Please make an effort to keep on track with your Stewardship pledge (treasure). Thank you for your help at this time! Stewardship Campaign 2008 Beginning October 1, 2007 and running to December 5, 2007, we will be sending out the 2008 Stewardship Cards, asking people to make a commitment of their Time, Talent, and Treasure to our church for This period of the year presents us with an important opportunity for all of us to consider the various ways we participate in the life and support the life of St. George s. We will present more details soon. Thanks to all for you faithfulness to St. George Church! Steve Arsenault & Peter Hofrenning, co-chairmen, Stewardship Committee

7 St. Paul, MN Page 7 Around Town Icon Writing Classes Monday sessions: 6pm to 9 pm for 6 weeks ( Oct. 1,8,15,29, Nov. 5,12) at: St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church in South Minneapolis 3450 Irving Avenue South Minneapolis, MN Tuition- $ includes paint, brushes, panel and 23 kt. gold leaf Thursday sessions; 6pm to 9 pm for 6 weeks (October 4,11,18, November 1,8,15) at: St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in Minneapolis 602 University Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN Tuition- $ includes paint, brushes, panel and 23 kt. gold leaf Icons are not merely representations of the prototype, they are grace-bearing blessings to the faithful; not being only works of art but most of all, works of prayer. Peace & Violence in Our Religious Traditions: An Interreligious Dialogue October 8 November 12, six Monday evenings, 7:00-9:00 PM (beginning at 6:30 PM on Oct 8 only). Free and open to the public. Presentations by clergy/leaders from Jewish, Catholic, Mennonite, Muslim, Baha i and Quaker traditions. Facilitated intra- and inter-religious dialogue among participants will be part of each session. Presenters will discuss their tradition s teachings on non-violence, how violence appears in the tradition s texts/history, and how the tradition practices peace-making and non-violence. Sponsored by several area congregations/ organizations of different traditions and the Interreligious Network of Saint Paul (an affiliated group of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches). For more information and specifics on each location check on Metropolis & Archdiocesan News Relief Aid in Response to fires in Greece: The Archdiocese has established the Greek Fire Relief Fund to assist in the aftermath of the devastating fires in Greece. Donations are also being accepted by the National Philoptochos and by International Orthodox Christian Charities. To make contributions visit the web sites below or contribute through your local parish. or National Philoptochos at: philosny@aol.com or fires Resources from the Orthodox Marketplace: The Orthodox Marketplace now offers books and materials from the Family Ministries, Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Greek Education departments: Online Survey on Contemporary Issues: The Department of Communications has been running a series of surveys on issues and topics of the day that affect Orthodox Christians and society at large. The site features a brief survey that affords participants the opportunity to interact with the Archdiocese and offer their responses to various issues. The surveys and survey results are published in the Orthodox Observer. To complete the newest on-line survey on Faith and the Environment, go to

8 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 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Holy Confession: By Appointment Thursday, October 18 9:00AM Liturgy St. Luke the Evangelist Thursday, October 25 6:00PM Vespers Friday, October 26 9:00AM Liturgy St. Demetrios Saturday, October 27 9:30AM Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (September May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: (September through May) starts after administration of Holy Communion

9 October 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday HOLY +FAST DAY +FAST DAY +ST. THOMAS PROTECTION THE APOSTLE OF THEOTOKOS *6:30pm Greek *6:30pm Missions School & Benevolence * 5pm Radio KKMS 980 AM +5pm VESPERS NATIONAL CLERGY RETREAT ` RD SUN. LUKE COLUMBUS DAY +FAST DAY +FAST DAY - Office Closed +8:30 AM ORTHROS +9:45 AM LITURGY *12pm MEOCCA *5pm Radio *5pm Loaves Meeting Program KKMS & Fishes 980 AM *6:30pm Greek +5pm VESPERS School 6pm ART *7pm Youth *7pm Bible Study *7pm Parish AUCTION Ministry Fr. Rick's Home Council SUN. HOLY +FAST DAY +ST. LUKE +FAST DAY +ST. GERASIMOS FATHERS- 7TH EVANGELIST ECUM. SYNOD FAMILY CAMP +9 AM LITURGY *5pm Radio +8:30 AM ORTHROS Program KKMS +9:45 AM LITURGY 980 AM *5pm Spiritual Life *6:30pm Greek * 6:30pm GT Edit Cmte +5pm VESPERS School Meeting Family Camp TH SUN. LUKE +ST. IAKOVOS +FAST DAY +FAST DAY +ST. DEMETRIOS +9:30am DIVINE +8:30 AM ORTHROS LITURGY in Eau +9:45 AM LITURGY +9 AM LITURGY Claire, WI *6pm Metr. *6:30pm Greek Iakovos +6pm VESPERS *5pm Radio School Nameday Dinner Program KKMS in Chicago, IL 980 AM Family Camp *7pm Parish *7pm Family Night +5pm VESPERS Stewardship Cmte +HOLY PROTECTION - OXI DAY +7TH SUN. LUKE *12pm Greek School Oxi Day Program *6:30pm Greek School +FAST DAY Coming in November Archangels 13 - St. John Chrysostom 14 - Parish Family Night 15 - Advent Fast Begins Metropolis Clergy Laity, Chicago IL Philoptochos Bake Sale 21 - Entrance of Theotokos into Temple 21 - Pan-Orthodox Thanksgiving Eve Liturgy 22 - Thanksgiving Holiday 30 - St. Andrew the Apostle St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

10 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, MN Parish Council Meeting Minutes August 9, 2007 Members Present: Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Soule Paraschou, Dimitri Dokos, Pendelis Eliou, Stacy Katsiyiannis, Christ Kontenakos, Paul Pliakas, Ann Woods, Katerina Kaniamos, Diane Anastos, Eric Chadwick, Ronald Adkins, Georgia Bruer-Panopoulos Members Absent: The meeting convened at 7:30 pm with an opening prayer. A. Officer s Reports 1. Secretary s Report --Minutes from the Parish Council meeting on July 12, 2007, approved as corrected. 2. Treasurer s Report --Ronald Adkins presented (attachment). B. Father s Report --Attachment. --Diane Anastos moves to allocate $250 from Missions and Benevolence towards the Christina Sacorafas Fund with Parish Council support. A separate tray will be passed to the congregation on August 12. Motion seconded. Motion passes. C. Committee Reports 1. Greek Festival --Paul Pliakas presented --Things are going well. There are still 75 more volunteer spots to fill. 2. Pictorial Directory --Paul Pliakas presented (attachment). --Dimitri Dokos moves to authorize 285 copies of the directory to be produced and that a check for $ be made payable to Olan Mills for the full cost of those directories. Motion seconded. Motion passes. --Katerina Kaniamos moves to have the directory available for free and advertise a suggested $5.00 donation to cover the cost for the people who did not sit for the pictures. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 3. Buildings and Grounds --Christ Kontenakos presented. --The window in the social hall still needs to be fixed. --Due to an elevator inspection, a key must be put in a box inside the elevator room. We have 30 days to comply. If we do not comply service will be discontinued. --Power for the Greek Festival was discussed. The air conditioner must be bypassed to ensure enough power. It will cost approximately $11, to secure the power we need. If the Church comes up with $5, Jim Theros has offered to contribute $3, and the Greek Festival can contribute $2, The consensus from the Parish Council was that this should be brought up at the Parish Assembly for approval.

11 4. Stewardship --Pendelis Eliou presented (attachment). D. New Business 1. Parking and Next Door Neighbors --Ann Woods presented. --Ann spoke with the owner of the tri-plex, Mike Federson, so that he is aware that the tenants should not be parking at the Church parking lot during Church events. 2. Renting to the Strength For Living Fitness Group. --Barbara Fritz presented (attachment). --Eric Chadwick will appoint a committee to discuss what our renting policies should be. 3. Choir Director Position --Father Rick presented (attachment, Father s Report). --A notice has been sent to all local Orthodox churches advertising the open position. --Fr. Rick asked for input from parish council members regarding the status and purpose of the choir. An extended discussion took place. Fr. Rick will take the opinions into consideration in formulating goals for the choir and plans to share them with the choir in the near future. 4. Miscellaneous --Eric Chadwick presented. --With the new copier/printer/fax attachments could be sent electronically if we so choose. --Fiona (church secretary) forwarded individual stewardship information to the Auditing Committee in error (Excel attachment). The report has since been shredded by the Auditing Committee. E. Unfinished Business 1. Land Development Update --Eric Chadwick presented. --The excess unforeseen cost is still being negotiated. 2. New Copier Update --Dimitri Dokos presented. --Prices from different vendors are still being compared. A purchase could possibly be made next week. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 pm with a closing prayer from Fr. Rick. 2

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