Promise. Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! The. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

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1 Promise The April 2015 ^ Volume 39, Issue 3 htgoc@westfieldnj.com holytrinitywestfield.org Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hallmark of our faith. Nothing can surpass its radiant beauty or its theological significance. In similar manner, the icon of the Resurrection represents the quintessential image of salvation in the Church. It reflects the eminent themes and glorious aspects of Christ s redemptive work affected through His Resurrection. The icon of the Resurrection brings comfort and faith by reassuring us that death no longer has dominance over humanity, for it has been utterly defeated and forever annihilated by Christ. God proves once again that the ultimate authority in the universe rests in the One Who raised Himself from out of the tomb and Who grants to all of us the fruits of eternal life. For humanity, death is the most notorious thief. From the moment we are born, this insidious fiend stalks us seeking any chance, any moment, to steal from us God s precious gift of life. Because it prowls in the darkness of night, impending fear befalls the one who looks upon it without faith. The Christian, however, need not fear death because he is acutely aware that death has been conquered through Christ s Resurrection. I AM the Resurrection and [I AM] the Life. From Christ s statement found in the Gospel of St. John (11:25) both Resurrection and Life are gifts given to us by God. Yet, perfectly understood, these gifts are seen as the personification of Jesus Christ, the Giver of all good gifts. The purpose of Christ s entreaty into this world is to connect His divine life with our earthly lives. The concept of linking humanity to God is acutely illustrated in the icon of the Resurrection through the interlocking of hands. Extending His hands downward, Christ is offering help to both Adam and Eve. Through this simple gesture, the theological meaning is that of the divine and human relationship. Christ s concern and love for humanity are richly symbolized in this compassionate act. So too, if we reach out to Christ with faith as did the First-creations, His powerful grasp will meet ours in a clasp that is literally earth shattering. For we, who were once dead and consigned to the grave, shall rise in glory with Him who is the Resurrected One. Indeed, the Eastern Orthodox depiction of the Resurrection reassures the onlooker that this act is not an isolated one accomplished and meant for Christ alone. Hence, Christ is not portrayed as exiting the tomb by Himself but rather, is surrounded by those who are in desperate need of His help. In addition to Adam and Eve, great Biblical figures such as St. John the Baptist, together with the prophets, kings and other personalities of the Old Testament are depicted. Everyone, without exception, is in need of Christ s redemptive powers. Only He saves. The true beauty of this icon becomes a reality, for us, on Easter night. As the faithful assemble to celebrate Christ s Resurrection, as we chant Xristos Anesti, as we receive the Paschal light, and as we commune with His precious Body and Blood, we perceive, that in this magnificent icon, our own faces and our own lives are being etched into the scene. We have become true participants in Christ s Resurrection and accordingly bask in His glory on Pascha day and every day that follows unto the ages of ages. Amen. ^ Wait for the promise of the Father 1

2 Dates in the Life of Our Church April May 2015 APRIL 1 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 PM Theosis 2 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 3 7:00 PM Spirit of Lent Concert HOLY AND GREAT WEEK 4 SATURDAY OF LAZARUS St. Theonas of Thessaloniki 8:45 AM Orthros 10:45 AM tying of palms 5 PALM SUNDAY 8:30 AM Orthros 7:00 PM Bridegroom Service 6 Holy Monday 7:00 PM Bridegroom Service 7 Holy Tuesday 9:00 AM Presanctified Liturgy 7:00 PM Bridegroom Service 8 Holy Wednesday 3:00 PM Sacrament of Holy Unction 7:00 PM Sacrament of Holy Unction 9 Holy Thursday 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 7:00 PM The Holy Passion of our Lord Twelve Gospels and the Crucifixion 10 Holy Friday 9:00 AM 3:00 PM Church open for Veneration of the Cross 9:30 AM Royal Hours 10:00 AM 3:00 PM Holy Friday Retreat 3:00 PM Apokathelosis Service of the Unnailing; Descent from the Cross and Burial 7:00 PM The Lamentation Service at the Epitaphios 11 Holy Saturday 9:30 AM Vesperal Divine Liturgy 11:00 PM Resurrectional Vigil and Divine Liturgy of Pascha 12 THE GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA 11:00 AM Agape Service 14 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Parish Council 15 Trinity Circle Trip 16 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 17 The Life-giving Spring 8:45 AM Orthros 18 Art Show 19 8:15 AM Orthros 1:00 PM Baptism 20 7:30 PM GOYA State Meeting 21 4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting 23 10:00 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 26 8:15 AM Orthros 28 4:00 PM Greek School 30 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal MAY 2 2:00 PM Joy/Hope Bowling Party 3 8:15 AM Orthros 5 4:00 PM Greek School 6 Mid-Pentecost 8:45 AM Orthros 7 4:00 PM Greek School 6:00 PM Philoptochos Fashion Show 9 3:30 PM Baptism 10 Mother s Day 8:15 AM Orthros 12 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Parish Council 2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

3 Parish Council Update BY PETER TARHANIDIS In January I stated that it would take the collective leadership of the Parish Council to achieve the priorities of the Parish. With that in mind, I want to share the Parish Council s collective leadership model that supports the administrative needs of Stewardship, Ministries and Fellowship to serve parishioners needs to grow and experience our Orthodox faith. I considered that our chief goal is to grow the parish and the church. To accomplish this we bind our collective leadership into a common focus to increase the outcomes of the committees, exceed the needs of the ministries and develop our future leaders. Our leadership model is further defined across the following three parts: First, as Council members we practice servant leadership. Servant leadership begins for all of us as a need to serve first. The model constantly held up before us by the Church is that of Christ. He is the model par excellence of servant leadership. Whoever desires to be first among you, let him become your servant just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:27. The servant leader values strong relationships through communication and community. This type of leadership emphasizes attentiveness to the parishioners concern and nurtures their need. Second, our role as Committee Chairs is to support the necessary changes and produce movement within the committees and the supported ministries. We accomplish this activity by establishing direction, align and communicate with parishioners, motivate and inspire our committee members into action to satisfy the unmet needs among Parishioners Third, our role in support of the ministries is to help develop the management approach to create order and consistency. Consistency is a key to establishing positive experiences. We accomplish this through activities that provide for the ministries, assist in organizing their events and generate creative solutions to meet the ministry s vision. Last month I asked for each of us as Council members to re-dedicate ourselves to our committee work to support the needs of our parish. Over the next few months Council members will convene their committees to achieve that goal. As a result of the Parish Council s leadership and in consensus with Father Peter s blessings the parish has expanded four select committees and ministries. These highlights include new committees for Holy Trinity s 50th Gala Anniversary and The Holy Trinity Endowment Fund and Planned Giving. Religious Education is expanded to include Church Music to represent Choir and Chanters. The Youth GOA is expanded to create a Young Adult Ministry. Today I ask that any interested Parishioner join a Ministry or Committee to experience the fellowship within our Parish. Below is a listing of the key committees and the leaders who are the committee Chairs that work in conjunction with the ministry leaders. If you have any question, comments or feedback please contact the Chair leader or me directly. ^ Committee Chair Co Chair Stewardship Jim Fountas Agapios Kyritsis 50th Anniversary Agapios Kyritsis Ted Bozonelis Endowment Ted Bozonelis Peter Arbes Ways and Means AJ Karanikolas Mike Savva Greek School Education Leon Carayannopoulos George Youlios Religious Education and Church Music Tony Bosco Leon Carayannopoulos Youth and Young Adult Ministry Jo-Ann Jayson Penny Mavridis Sales Fellowship and Cultural Jo-Ann Jayson AJ Karanikolas Outreach Peter Tarhanidis Tony Bosco Golf Outing Jim Fountas AJ Karanikolas All Aboard The Ark of Salvation! Holy Trinity Religious Education will be holding the second Vacation Church School on July 27 - July 31 for children in grades 1-7. Children will learn about the Orthodox Church, its scripture, the saints, the many feast days, worship, music and prayers, in a fun, interactive way that will enhance their spiritual lives! Registration is free and lunch will be served. Please sign up in the Bouras Center beginning May 17. For more information call the church office. ^ Come Sail with us! The Promise ^ April 2015 ^ Volume 39, Issue 3 3

4 Cutting of the Vasilopita Above, left, Philoptochos Presidents, Ellen Athenson speaking, middle, on Philoptochos Stewardship. Are you a member? Anne Michals, Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President. Fr. Peter, above right, The Vasilopita Celebration was truly an exceptional day in the life of Holy Trinity, Westfield, NJ. Helen Constantinides Bruno and Janet Zervakos O Sullivan, co-chairs, delivered a superbly coordinated jubilee that warmed the hearts of all. Their detailed planning, using their exemplary talents, generous hearts, and hriso heria, included many lovely and loving signature touches of perfection, making the festivities so memorable and joyous. In fact, they ensured that everyone received a chocolate coin as a favor. Together with Reservations Co-chairs, Julie Exarhakos and Debra Vlahakis, and the support of the entire Board, the Westfield chapter hosted a packed Bouras Center in breaking the New Year s bread with the Holy Trinity Family. The Light of Christ radiated in true fellowship with ultimate grace. Ellen Manos-Athenson, Philoptochos Stewardship Chair, thoughtfully spoke in an uplifting manner about the focus and direction of Philoptochos, which can only continue with support from all women. She invited the Board members of Chapter #1036 to come forward and offer their Stewardship for 2015, setting an example to encourage others in the New Year. An icon of St. Basil the Great was presented to Agapios Kyritsis, past Maria Logus, National Philoptochos President is blessed with having received the Vasilopita coin. president of Holy Trinity Parish Council, and newly appointed Secretary of St. Basil Academy Board for his continued love and dedication to SBA and Philoptochos over many years. Apostolos Apostolou, his brother-in-law and partner at Marco Polo Restaurant, was bestowed the icon of St. Euphrosinos, the Cook, for his continued service and love to the Vasilopita celebration. We were honored to have in attendance Maria Logus, National Philoptochos President, Anastasia Michals, NJ Metropolis President, and the stars, the children of St. Basil Academy, from Divine Liturgy and throughout the celebration. Father Peter Delvizis led the faithful in a brief blessing of the Vasilopita. In accepting the third piece cut in honor of the Poor, Maria Logus was rewarded with the commemorative St. Basil Coin. AXIA! More good things to come for our exceptional and worthy president! Anastasia Michals graciously presented a $100 donation from the Me- 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

5 The Church Book Store tropolis Philoptochos to the chapter to be given to assist a member of the chapter who may have financial difficulty in contributing to the St. Nicholas National Shrine Initiative. Each table cut their individual Vasilopita while dessert was served. Anastasia Michals was blessed with the coin at the head table. AXIA! More good things to come for Philoptochos in 2015! Breaking the New Year s Bread together as one Holy Trinity Family, beginning our 49th year in Westfield, the Ladies Philoptochos Society extended their deep appreciation to all parishioners, who due to their individual generosity throughout the year, have enabled us to fulfill our true Christ-centered mission, helping those in need. ^ May the Lord continue to bless us all with good health, happiness, and prosperity. Ke tou hronou mazi! BY SANDY MOURATOGLOU AND ANDREA BLASI April marks the end of dreary winter ice, snow, and early darkness and the beginning of the brightness of spring with more day light and the blossoming of flowers and trees! Celebrate Spring At The Book Store! What time could be more appropriate to visit the Book Store and treat yourself and your family to learn more about the Light of Christ that He offers to children of all ages! (John 1:9-13) This is not accomplished in a moment, or even in a year, but it is a continuous lifelong journey. (Matthew 7:7-8) Persistence will be rewarded. (Luke 11:8) Even so, how can we possibly succeed? (Mark 10:27) In addition to prayerful participation in the Divine Liturgy and Holy Sacraments, prayer and fasting, active study helps. Come to the Book Store for help in this lifelong journey! There are Icons, Crosses, and religious CDs to inspire prayers; Bibles for young and old; and books on various aspects of the Greek Orthodox religion, culture and cooking. If you don t see what you want, we can order it for you! Please support the Book Store: all profits are donated to the Church. Help Spread The Word Of God! Book Store Stewardship gives you the opportunity to browse our offerings and meet new friends, and most rewarding of all, to help spread the Word of God. There is an old saying: It is better to give than to receive. Why? Because you can receive more than you give. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. See 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 for Saint Paul s landmark writing on bountiful stewardship, and thus the bountiful rewards God will give: 1 Corinthians 2:9: But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. ^ Pictures from the Vasilopita Lunchon The Promise ^ April 2015 ^ Volume 39, Issue 3 5

6 In Selma, A Day of Honor and Tribute to the Legacy of Struggle and Sacrifice, Equality and Freedom civilrights.goarch.org SELMA, Ala. Thousands of people attended the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 National Voting Rights Act and Bloody Sunday, that concluded today, March 8, 2015, with a long service at the historic Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and a final march through the town of Selma and across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In great struggles, hope is sustained by faith in God and the assurance that He will fulfill His promises On this anniversary we commemorate the heroic faith and hope of those who struggled, of those who upheld human dignity through powerful yet peaceful protests and demonstrations against racism, prejudice, fear and hatred, said His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, delivering remarks on God, Struggle, and Unity, during the early morning Martin and Coretta King Unity Breakfast, at the Wallace Community College of Selma. The event was attended by many religious and civic rights leaders including the Mayor of Selma George P. Evans, Martin Luther King III, Lucy Baines Johnson, the daughter of President Johnson; the Governor Duval Patrick of Massachusetts, US Secretary of HUD Julián Castro, US Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez and the Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget Shaun L. S. Donovan. The service at the Brown Chapel AME Church, that followed included scripture readings, choral responses, tributes and remarks by government officials, religious leaders and Civil Rights Movement leaders. Among those present were the Attorney General of the United States Eric H. Holder, Jr. and the former US Ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young. Ambassador Young, who was a good friend of Martin Luther King Jr. and his principal lieutenant, was also a good friend of Archbishop Iakovos. In his remarks, he warmly presented Archbishop Demetrios as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and successor to Archbishop Iakovos, paying tribute to his memory and contributions to the Civil R i g h t s Movement and the March on Selma. Archbishop Demetrios continues the longstanding legacy of the Orthodox Church to fight against racism and to defend human rights. ^ (Photos: D. Panagos) Coming Soon! Be on the lookout! This year Holy Trinity will award to the winner of the parish raffle a new CAR Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC Raffle tickets will go on sale shortly after Pascha. More details to follow. Only a 1,000 tickets will be sold so your chances of winning are greater. RAFFLE 6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

7 Philoptochos Report Holy Trinity's Ongoing Efforts BY PENNY PEFANIS In this Paschal season, we celebrate the Lord s Resurrection, as He is the Truth, the Way, and the Light. Jesus Christ literally rose above it all by keeping the heavenly perspective. He leads us to rise above controversies, jealousies, petty personal attacks, and ego slights, real or imagined, directing us to accomplish good in this world. The saintly invocation, Agios (o Theos), means that He was in the world, yet not of it, again, rising above it all. Despite all the torture and Passion that He endured, Christ maintained confidence in His perspective, the power inherent in taking an aerial view. He rose above it all. When He had completed the Divine Plan and said: It is finished, we were given the ability to track Christ s energy on Earth; witnessing that everything bloomed, was healed, or came to life in His presence. Over 2000 years later, we still glorify these acts. With His Resurrection, we clearly see that He came to bring life to our souls and bring it abundantly. As we glorify His Resurrection, we must continue to glorify His life by emulating His acts of compassion. Please join us in Stewardship, activities, and donations to perpetuate the mission of Philoptochos, helping those in need. Upcoming events include: Annual Art Show April in the Bouras Center; Annual Fashion Show, The Joy of Spring May 6 at Brooklake Country Club, Florham Park NJ; and Elections and General Meeting May 20 in the Bouras Center. We wish you and your families a blessed Paschal season, radiant in the Light of the Risen Christ. Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! ^ Join Us for a Holy Friday Retreat Friday, April 10th, 10am 3pm Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 250 Gallows Hill Road Westfield, New Jersey is pleased to host Special Holy Friday Retreat for children: Grades 1-6 Learn the theology, symbols, and hymns of Holy Friday, Easter and Holy Week. Followed by the Taking Down from the Cross Service (Apokathelosis) 3pm-4pm Parents are encouraged to attend the Apokathelosis service A Lenten lunch and midday snack will be included Register during fellowship hour or contact Lauren Karanikolas (lkaranikolas@msn.com) Kathy Maglaras, (maglarask@yahoo.com), or Alexandra Maglaras (greekcookie@yahoo.com) Registration is free The Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians District of New Jersey s 25th Anniversary The Spirit of Lent A Choral Offering of Ancient and Modern Works in English and Greek Kathryn Athanasoulas, Director E. Hope Demitry, Organist Friday, April 3, :00 p.m. Donation $10.00 Children under 12 free A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the St. Nicholas National Shrine at Ground Zero Refreshments following program GREEK FEST MAY Don t miss this year s Holy Trinity GreekFest VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are looking for another wonderfully successful year. The Promise ^ April 2015 ^ Volume 39, Issue 3 7

8 GOYA Report/Update Athletics: Basketball BY CHRISTOPHER BOUTSIKARIS AND GEORGE LEICHTLING Sr. Basketball 1st Place The senior boys basketball team had a tremendous season this year. The boys started off the season with a close game loss to Holmdel. After that first loss, they went undefeated and went on a five game winning streak while demonstrating good sportsmanship heading into the playoffs as the number one seed. In our first playoff game, we earned a victory against Trenton, finishing with a 7 point lead which advanced us to the finals. In the finals against Asbury Park, the whole team displayed great teamwork and were very motivated to achieve the victory. They were determined not to let the game slip away and kept battling throughout the game. The game came down to the last second when the scored was all tied up. With one of the most exciting games Westfield basketball has ever been a part of, the coaches devised a great play and it worked to perfection with a buzzer beating layup to end the season in the highest note possible. The final score of the game was 50-48, Westfield. It was an ultimate ending to a truly amazing season. We would like to thank all of the coaches and parents who supported us during our successful season. Jr. Basketball 2nd Place The junior basketball team also had a great season. After a slow start, the juniors got it going and willed themselves into the championship against Asbury Park. It was a hard fought game by both teams and it came down to the last quarter with Asbury pulling away at the end. The junior boys gave a great effort throughout the season and we are immensely proud of their accomplishments this year. ^ GOYA Athletics Awards 2015 Volleyball 3rd Place BY CHRISTINA KALLINOSIS Our volleyball team this year consisted of girls from 7th-12th grade. With some of the girls coming to the first practice having never played before, we had our work cut out for us. As the season progressed we practiced twice a week, working on skills and learning to play as a team. With some great wins and a couple of tough losses we went to the playoffs and finished in 3rd place. We worked so hard all season and are proud of our season's outcome which of course would not be possible without our head coach, Ellen Conti, trainer, Zenon Christodoulou, and parent assistant, Greg Panagos. We look forward to working with everyone again next year! ^ 8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

9 GOYA Outreach BY CAROLINE MAGLARAS My Outreach theme this year focuses on Random Acts of Kindness. The first project that the GOYA worked on was Christmas Caroling, which was a great success. The second outreach project was to write Valentine`s Day cards for the children in Children`s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside. Valentine`s Day is a time to celebrate our love for those important to us and delivering cards would be a perfect fit for our GOYA to connect with the children. In February we wrote and decorated cards for many of the children. We had fun making them. I hope and continue to do this activity again for another holiday. 44th Annual Sights & Sounds Festival Wow is all I can say. Not only am extremely happy that the Westfield GOYA has finally won Sights and Sounds after 6 long years, but I am extremely proud of the effort and hard work of all our participants. I am thankful for the endless amount of time the advisors and directors have put into making our performances one-of-a-kind. We wouldn't have been able to achieve our first place success without the hard work from everyone. Also, being a senior and Sights and Sounds being my favorite GOYA statewide event, this is a great way to go out with a bang! Congratulations to all of our winners and participants, you should be very proud of your accomplishments! Participation is key in this festival, so let's double our efforts next year. Your proud president, Alexandra Bridges Holy Trinity YHT teamed up with GOYANs from Holmdel, Ocean and Union Churches to prepare 300 brown bagged lunches and toiletry kits for the needy. A pizza party social followed. Items were delivered to St. John s in Newark on Valentine s day a perfect way to help others less fortunate. Thank you to all GOYANs who participated in this outreach event. For additional information on the GOYA program at Holy Trinity, please stop by the GOYA table during fellowship hour or YHTGOYA@aol.com. ^ Westfield Places First in the 44th Annual Sights & Sounds Festival Congratulations to Westfield GOYANs for a job well done. Your hard work paid off and we are all extremely proud of you! Thank you to those people for making this year s Sights & Sound a success. GOYANs, Directors, Parents, Host Committee, Kitchen Crew, Snack Bar and Door Monitor Volunteers, the entire Holy Trinity Family. This was a team effort and all contributions were very much appreciated. Be proud of your achievements! Holy Trinty Captures First In S & S The Promise ^ April 2015 ^ Volume 39, Issue 3 9

10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 5FINGERS FITTING5KEYS PIANO INSTRUCTOR & WEDDING ORGANIST PHYLLIS A. VERENES 9 SAND HILL ROAD, MORRISTOWN, NJ TEL: CELL: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

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12 Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654 Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ Phone Office Manager Caretaker Admin. Assistant Diana R. Waltsak Ocione Nunes E. Joy Daniledes Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Peter Tarhanidis Penny Pefanis Chris Economides Fax Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis Worship Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes Andreas Vlahakis Greek School Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore Cultural Rita Fitanidis Alexandra Maglaras Iris Love Joanne Paras & Jenny Stellakis Sandy Mouratoglou Barbara Manos Schedule of Services The Promise: Volume 39, Issue 3 Greek School PTO Trinity Circle Jenny Stellakis Antoinette Genakos Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month 12