Trans-a-Gram. Special Parish Council Election: March 1. Inside this issue. Parish Council Election Letter from Fr. Barbas...

Transcription

1 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church March 2009 Monthly / Issue No. 3 Trans-a-Gram Catherine Koufogazos, Editor Inside this issue Parish Council Election... 1 There will be an important Special Parish Council Election on March 1. All parishioners in good standing are encouraged to vote. Special Parish Council Election: March 1 Letter from Fr. Barbas... 2 Fr. Ted Barbas delivers a Lenten message to the Transfiguration community Philoptochos Dinner... 4 The Ladies Philoptochos Society held its annual family dinner on January 25. Vasilopita Coin Winner... 8 This year s Vasilopita gold coin winner proves that luck runs in the family. Meeting Minutes... 9 A Special Parish Assembly meeting was held on February 15 to accept nominations for the Parish Council. Church News Read all of the latest news being reported by our parish groups and committees. Parishioners gathered at a special parish assembly meeting held on February 15. (Photo by Melanie Pappas) By CATHERINE KOUFOGAZOS Trans-a-Gram Editor There will be a Special Parish Council Election on Sunday, March 1, 2009, following the Divine Liturgy, from 12:00 3:00 p.m. at the Transfiguration Church. During this special election, 12 parish council members will be elected: six to serve a two-year term ( ), and six to serve a one-year term (2009). No absentee ballots will be accepted for this election all stewards in good standing must be present to vote. Please make every effort to attend church that day, and to participate in this special election. Taking the time to consider the candidates and to cast your vote is one of the easiest and perhaps one of the most important ways to involve yourself with the activities of our parish. Let the example of our recent national election inspire you, where Americans showed up in record numbers at the polls to become involved citizens; we owe no less to our church. Nominations for the upcoming special election occurred at a Special Parish As- (Continued on page 8)

2 PAGE 2 LETTER FROM REVEREND THEODORE BARBAS To the Faithful Stewards of the Transfiguration Parish By REV. THEODORE BARBAS Chancellor, Metropolis of Boston Dear friends, Let us observe a fast acceptable and pleasing to the Lord. True fasting is to put away all evil, to control the tongue, to forbear from anger, to abstain from lust, slander, falsehood and perjury. If we renounce these things, then is our fasting acceptable to God. (Hymn of Clean Monday Vespers) We embark upon, again this year, the journey that will take us to the inner most regions of our heart, soul, mind, and body. A journey of inner exploration, upon which the Church invites us to travel each year. A journey of catharsis. A journey of self-discovery. A journey of freedom from the imprisonment of passions, weaknesses, temptations, and from sinful habits. A journey of repentance and forgiveness. A journey of renewal. A journey towards a new life in Christ that will lead us to the Light of His glorious third-day Resurrection. This period of true fasting is, as the hymn quoted above clearly teaches us, to put away all evil, to control the tongue, to forbear from anger, to abstain from lust, slander, falsehood and perjury. If we renounce these things, then is our fasting acceptable to God. The three pillars of our Lenten journey are Prayer, Fasting, and Acts of Love towards others. Allow this sacred time of the Great Fast to transform you, and initiate for you a renewed commitment in your spiritual life. To assist us on this journey, our holy Orthodox Church prescribes many Lenten divine services for our spiritual growth and prayerful edification. Please try your best to arrange your schedules so that you may faithfully participate in as many of these Lenten services as possible. The special Lenten services on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as the powerfully moving services of Holy Week, are liturgical opportunities for reflection, refreshment, and renewal. Together with our Shepherd and Spiritual Father, Metropolitan Methodios, I pray that this period of quiet meditation and prayer will fill you with the Spirit of God which enables us to accomplish great things. The past few months have been very difficult for all of us. May this Lenten Season bring peace, love, and reconciliation to the entire Transfiguration Parish family. As we gather at the Paschal vigil at midnight, anxiously awaiting the new Light, may that be the moment of renewal, rebirth, and true reconciliation for this most beloved Community. I leave you with the following hymn for your thoughtful and prayerful meditation: Let us joyfully begin the all-hallowed season of abstinence, and let us shine with the bright radiance of the holy commandments of Christ our God, with the brightness of love and the splendor of prayer, with the purity of holiness and the strength of good courage. So, clothed in raiment of light, let us hasten to the Holy Resurrection on the third day, that shines upon the world with the glory of eternal life. (Hymn of Clean Monday Orthros) I extend to you the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios for a most blessed and spiritually rewarding Lenten journey! Kali Tessarakosti! With love in the Lord, + Father Theodore J. Barbas Chancellor CHURCH INFORMATION Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church transfig@hotmail.com Web page: Office hours: Secretary: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PRIEST INFORMATION Chancellor: Reverend Theodore J. Barbas Telephone: FatherTed@boston.goarch.org HOW TO REACH US INFORMATION Editor: Catherine Koufogazos Telephone: cmkouf@verizon.net PARISH COUNCIL INFORMATION Interim President:: Nick Pappas Telephone: npappas05@comcast.net Interim Parish Council Members: George Chouprakos, Arthur Faneros, Nicholas Nicholaou, Nicholas Pappas, Spiros Sintros

3 PAGE 3 Church Services Schedule of Services Orthros... 9 to 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy to 11:30 a.m. Special Services March 1 (Sunday)... Cheesefare Sunday Orthros: 9 a.m. / Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. March 2 (Monday)... Great Lent Begins Compline: 6 p.m. March 4 (Wednesday)... Pre-Sanctified Liturgy: 6 p.m. March 6 (Friday)... 1st Salutations: 6 p.m. March 7 (Saturday)... 3rd Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. March 8 (Sunday)... Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthros: 9 a.m. / Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. March 9 (Monday)... Compline: 6 p.m. March 11 (Wednesday)... Pre-Sanctified Liturgy: 6 p.m. March 13 (Friday)... 2nd Salutations: 6 p.m. March 15 (Sunday)... Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Orthros: 9 a.m. / Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. March 16 (Monday)... Compline: 6 p.m. March 18 (Wednesday)... 3rd Salutations: 6 p.m. Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. March 20 (Friday)... Salutations to the Theotokos Pre-sanctified Liturgy: 6 p.m. March 22 (Sunday)...Sunday of the Holy Cross Orthros: 9 a.m. / Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. March 23 (Monday)... Compline: 6 p.m. March 25 (Wednesday)... Annunciation (Greek Independence Day) Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. March 27 (Friday)... 4th Salutations: 6 p.m. March 29 (Sunday)... Sunday of John Climacus Orthros: 9 a.m. / Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. March 30 (Monday)... Compline: 6 p.m. Sacraments 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, contact Dyanne Mitropoulis at Spiros Alemesis George Anastos Leo Anastos George Betses James Betses Penelope Betses Stavroula Betses Nicholas Bogis George A. Danas George P. Danas Katherine G. Danas Stephen A. Danas Rosemary Eliopoulos Rev. Demetrios Frangos Presbyt. Hariklia Frangos Seraphim Garas Charles Jais Nicholas Kalantzis Soultana Kapsouris Louis Kareores MARCH TRISAGIA Panagiota Koniditsiotes Stergios Koravos Nicholas Loupis Yianni Manelas Paraskevi Manolis Patricia Mellonakos James Mitropoulos Licourgos Manteas Paraskevi Manteas Martin P. Martakos Vasilios Molivas Antonios Paparisis Gus Pappas Leonidas Pappas Evangelia Rizos George Rizos Margo E. Roussakos Constantin Sarides Vasiliki Sarides Steve Xifaris Additional name read in February: Sophie M. Zamanakos Funerals: February 2nd: Argeroula (Geladares) Tsitsipas February 2nd: Frances G. (Gianopoulos) Chiungos February 6th: James Spanos

4 PAGE 4 By SUSAN PAPPAS Philoptochos President The Philoptochos annual Family Dinner, held on Jan. 25 this year, was very successful as we began our calendar year of fund-raising. About 150 parishioners enjoyed the Tailgate party. Thanks to Yiota Simoglou and her dedicated committee: Soula Spaziani, Elenia Stavrou, Patricia Mahoney, Daphne Zaralidis, Olivia Sintros, Maria and Charlie Tournas, Sandra Gulezian, Sophia Quinn, Daphne Kouloungis, Eva Dukakis, Agnes Yankopoulos, Katrina McCann, Georgia Genna, Mary Piper, Thea Tully, Corrine Dubay, and Andy and Stephen Simoglou. CHURCH EVENT Philoptochos Family Dinner Thanks to our auctioneer, Harry Stamas, who brought us a little football history and sold an autographed picture of Andre Tippet to the highest bidder, Soula Spaziani. (Left to right) Eleni Stavrou, Daphne Zaralidis and Soula Spaziani preparing the plates for the lunch. (Photo by Nick Pappas) A new menu of meatball subs, chips, salsa and salad, a sports-themed raffle and games for the children added to the family fun and festivities. A video of one of the Patriots Super Bowl victories was enjoyed by fans as we ate lunch. Young and young at heart could be seen scattered around Luke Sintros, left, and Philip Dubay proudly show off their Tony Romo jerseys. Romo is the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Yiota Simoglou, chairperson of the Tailgate Lunch, welcoming the parishioners. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Harry Stamas playing the role of auctioneer. (Photo by Nick Pappas) (Continued on page 5)

5 OUR FAITH Annunciation of the Theotokos March 25 PAGE 5 Reading Six months after John the Forerunner s conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph s house, the Archangel declared: Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God s unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most high overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38). Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, she felt her sixmonth-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediately, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour, and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded. (1:39-55) Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you. Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: Hail, unwedded bride! Reading courtesy of Narthex Press Apolytikion courtesy of Narthex Press Kontakion courtesy of Narthex Press Icon courtesy of Theologic Systems * * * Courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Web site ( (Continued from page 4) the room, sporting their favorite team jersey. A special thanks goes to all the parishioners who supported the luncheon. Without your support, we would not have been successful. Profit for the luncheon was close to $1,000, which will help our chapter with its mission to help those in need. Some of the tasty baked treats on sale at the Sunday School s recent Bake Sale. See Sunday School on page 12 for details. (Photo by Nick Pappas)

6 PAGE 6 OUR FAITH The First Sunday of Lent The Sunday of Orthodoxy Lent was in origin the time of final preparation for candidates for baptism at the Easter Vigil, and this is reflected in the readings at the Liturgy, today and on all the Sundays of Lent. But that basic theme came to be subordinated to later themes, which dominated the hymnography of each Sunday. The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy, which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, that Sunday been commemorated as the triumph of Orthodoxy. Orthodox teaching about icons was defined at the Seventh Ecumenical Council of 787, which brought to an end the first phase of the attempt to suppress icons. That teaching was finally re-established in 843, and it is embodied in the texts sung on this Sunday. From Vespers: Inspired by your Spirit, Lord, the prophets foretold your birth as a child incarnate of the Virgin. Nothing can contain or hold you; before the morning star you shone forth eternally from the spiritual womb of the Father. Yet you were to become like us and be seen by those on earth. At the prayers of those your prophets in your mercy reckon us fit to see your light, for we praise your resurrection, holy and beyond speech. Infinite, Lord, as divine, in the last times you willed to become incarnate and so finite; for when you took on flesh you made all its properties your own. So we depict the form of your outward appearance and pay it relative respect, and so are moved to love you; and through it we receive the grace of healing, following the divine traditions of the apostles. The grace of truth has shone out, the things once foreshadowed now are revealed in perfection. See, the Church is decked with the embodied image of Christ, as with beauty not of this world, fulfilling the tent of witness, holding fast the Orthodox faith. For if we cling to the icon of him whom we worship, we shall not go astray. May those who do not so believe be covered with shame. For the image of him who became human is our glory: we venerate it, but do not worship it as God. Kissing it, we who believe cry out: O God, save your people, and bless your heritage. We have moved forward from unbelief to true faith, and have been enlightened by the light of knowledge. Let us then clap our hands like the psalmist, and offer praise and thanksgiving to God. And let us honor and venerate the holy icons of Christ, of his most pure Mother, and of all the saints, depicted on walls, panels and sacred vessels, setting aside the unbelievers ungodly teaching. For the veneration given to the icon passes over, as Basil says, to its prototype. At the intercession of your spotless Mother, O Christ, and of all the saints, we pray you to grant us your great mercy. We venerate your icon, good Lord, asking forgiveness of our sins, O Christ our God. For you freely willed in the flesh to ascend the cross, to rescue from slavery to the enemy those whom you had formed. So we cry to you with thanksgiving: You have filled all things with joy, our Savior, by coming to save the world. The name of this Sunday reflects the great significance which icons possess for the Orthodox Church. They are not optional devotional extras, but an integral part of Orthodox faith and devotion. They are held to be a necessary consequence of Christian faith in the incarnation of the Word of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, in Jesus Christ. They have a sacramental character, making present to the believer the person or event depicted on them. So the interior of Orthodox churches is often covered with icons painted on walls and domed roofs, and there is always an icon screen, or iconostasis, separating the sanctuary from the nave, often with several rows of icons. No Orthodox home is complete without an icon corner, where the family prays. Icons are venerated by burning lamps and candles in front of them, by the use of incense and by kissing. But there is a clear doctrinal distinction between the veneration paid to icons and the worship due to God. The former is not only relative, it is in fact paid to the person represented by the icon. This distinction safeguards the veneration of icons from any charge of idolatry. Although the theme of the victory of the icons is a secondary one on this Sunday, by its emphasis on the incarnation it points us to the basic Christian truth that the one whose death and resurrection we celebrate at Easter was none other than the Word of God who became human in Jesus Christ. * * * Courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website (

7 By His Eminence METROPOLITAN MAXIMOS of Pittsburgh Fasting, in our days, has become one of the most neglected spiritual values. Because of misunderstandings regarding the nature of fasting, because of confused and reversed priorities in its use, many of today's Orthodox Christians fast very little, or disregard fasting altogether. The Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church which is scheduled to be convened in the near future has placed the problem of fasting as one of the first items on its agenda. It is hoped that through this Council the ageold practice of the Church to use fasting as one of the important means of spiritual growth will regain its proper place in the life of the Church. Fasting was practiced by the Lord Himself. After prayer and fasting for forty days in the wilderness, the Lord victoriously faced the temptations of the devil (Matthew 4:1-- 11). The Lord himself asked the disciples to use fasting as an important spiritual weapon to achieve spiritual victories (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29; Luke 2:37). The example of the Lord was followed by His disciples (Acts 14:23; 27:9; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27, etc.). What is fasting? Why is it so important? Why does fasting precede such important feasts such as Easter and Christmas? The importance of fasting depends on its meaning. Many of the Fathers have written on fasting. Among others, St. Basil has left us with most inspired comments on fasting. St. Basil tells us that fasting is not abstaining from food only; it is first of all, abstaining from sin. Grounded in the teaching of the Fathers, the Church in its hymnology describes fasting as the mother of chastity and prudence, as the accuser of sin and as the advocate of repentance, the life worthy of angels and the salvation of humans (The Lenten Triodion, trans. Kallistos Ware, London 1978, p. 195). Fasting becomes all of these when observed in the proper spirit. First of all, fasting is abstinence from food. By detaching us from earthly goods and realities, fasting has a liberating effect on us and makes us worthy of the life of the spirit, a life similar to that of angels. Second, fasting, as abstinence from bad habits and sin, is the mother of Christian virtues, the mother of sound and wholesome thinking; it allows us to establish the proper priority between the material and spiritual, giving priority to the spiritual. Fasting is the advocate of repentance. Adam and Eve disobeyed God; they refused to fast from the forbidden fruit. They became slaves of their own desires. But now through fasting, through obedience to the rules of the Church regarding the use of spiritual and material goods, we may return to the life in Paradise, a life of communion with PAGE 7 OUR FAITH On Fasting God. Thus, fasting is a means of salvation, this salvation being a life we live in accordance with the Divine will, in communion with God. Because of the liberating effect of fasting, both material and spiritual, the Church has connected fasting with the celebration of the major feasts of our tradition. Easter is, of course, our main feast. It is the feast of feasts. It is the feast of our liberation from the bondage of sin, from corrupted nature, from death. For on that day, through His Resurrection from the dead, Christ has raised us from death to life, and from earth to heaven (Resurrection Canon), Christ, our new Passover, has taken us away from the land of slavery, sin and death, to the promised land of freedom, bliss and glory; from our sinful condition to resurrected life. It is most appropriate to prepare for this celebration through a liberating fast, both material and spiritual. This is the profound meaning that fasting takes during the Great Lent. Let us allow ourselves to take advantage of the spiritual riches of the Church. Let us use the precious messianic gifts offered to us through its sacramental life, through its celebrations of the central mysteries of our salvation in Christ. Let us use the spiritual weapons, to fight the good fight, to walk the way of fasting, to crush the heads of the invisible dragons, to prove ourselves victorious over sin, and without condemnation to reach our goal of worshiping the Holy Resurrection (Prayer of the Pre-sanctified Liturgy). This is the challenge of the Great Lent: to use fasting to obtain the resurrected life, to unite with the Risen Lord. Who could refuse to accept this challenge? * * * Courtesy of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Web site ( Camp Days Schedule Vacation Church Camp (VCC) this summer provided 100 campers the opportunity to learn about their faith. Keeping with the same format, we look forward to offering our children additional day-camp opportunities. Lenten Camp: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, on the second Saturday of Souls, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Good Friday Retreat: Friday, April 17, 2009, at 11 a.m. If you are interested in planning or helping in any way, please contact Olivia Sintros at osintros@comcast.net or by calling her

8 PAGE 8 Jonathan Stuck Coravos, the son of Pamela Coravos and Garrett Stuck of Newton,and grandson of Andrew and Thelma Coravos, is a sophomore at Bowdoin College CHURCH EVENT Vasilopita Gold Coin Winner Good Luck Runs in the Family Jonathan Stuck Coravos, this year s Vasilopita gold coin winner. (Photo provided by Pamela Coravos) majoring in biology. He is a graduate of Milton Academy. His younger sister, Catherine, won the gold Vasilopita coin a few years ago. Holding her brother s winning gold coin, Catherine Coravos displays the Vasilopita gold coin that she won, which she had made into a necklace. (Photo provided by Pamela Coravos) (Continued from page 1) sembly Meeting held on Sunday, February 15. Over 140 parishioners attended this special parish assembly meeting. Reverend Theodore Barbas, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston, presided over the meeting. Attorney Demitri Moschos served as the moderator. You can read the detailed minutes of the meeting on page 9. Atty. Demitri Moschos moderated the meeting. (Photo by Melanie Pappas) The names listed for nomination in the minutes are unconfirmed as of this writing. Candidates nominated for the Parish Council must formally accept their nomination, and they must provide proof of good standing within the parish. The official list of confirmed candidates will be provided by the Metropolis prior to the election. At the meeting, Rev. Barbas commented on the spirit and legacy of unity and pride that Father John Sarantos began for our parish and that subsequent priests have continued. He noted that the past few months have been difficult, and he thanked everyone for their patience as we move forward. The long communion lines during the Divine Liturgy, Rev. Barbas noted, is proof of a vibrant life in our parish. He expressed his commitment to continue to walk with us through these next few weeks. Atty. Moschos then introduced interim Parish Council President Nick Pappas, who spoke a few words to the gathered assembly. Nick noted that we are at a crossroad, at a transformational moment. What happens here today and over the next few weeks will go a long way toward determining the future of our beloved parish, he said. Nick then went on to mention other transformational events within our Parish history, during periods of growth and of hard times, all carried out by the extraordinary faith and dedication of its members, and all made possible by the willingness of the men and women here to work in harmony for the greater good of what we always have taken pride in calling our Transfiguration Church family. And in the end, that is what we are a family. Rev. Barbas addresses the assembly. (Photo by Melanie Pappas) At the special assembly, parishioners gathered with mutual love and respect, showing true fellowship, with the common purpose of mending fences and moving forward in the spirit of unity and pride that has been our Transfiguration legacy.

9 PAGE 9 Church News SPECIAL PARISH ASSEMBLY MEETING: FEBRUARY 15, 2009 Meeting Minutes Purpose: To accept nominations for the special Parish Council election for Present: Rev. Theodore J. Barbas, chancellor; Atty. Demitri Moschos, moderator; Angelo Stamoulis, vice-chair of the Metropolis Council of Boston; interim Parish Council members Nicholas G. Pappas, president; Spiros Sintros Jr., treasurer; George Chouprakos and Nicholas Nicholaou. Attendance: 146 Called To Order: 12:55 p.m. Opening Prayer: Fr. Barbas Chancellor s Comments Fr. Ted Barbas acknowledged the past few months had been difficult for the parish and thanked all the members of the Community for their love, dedication, patients, and desire to move forward in a spirit of peace and reconciliation. He also thanked the 2008 Parish Council for working with him to ensure a smooth transition. He explained that the special Parish Assembly was called after the Metropolis of Boston received a request in writing from more than 10 percent of the parishioners. Fr. Ted noted the appropriateness of the assembly falling on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, the Gospel reading of St. Luke that speaks to repentance, love, reconciliation and moving forward. This parable lets us understand, he said, that God's love and mercy awaits all who seek forgiveness. The sole goal (of this assembly) is to move this parish forward, he said. Fr. Ted extended the blessings and prayers of His Eminence, Metropolitan Methodios, and assured the Parish Assembly that the Metropolis will guide this period of transition for the Parish. Interim Parish Council President Comments Mr. Pappas thanked the past presidents who had agreed to serve with him on the interim Parish Council before stating the parish was facing a critical time in its history, one that would determine the future of the parish. He then proceeded to outline six other times when the parish faced important decisions in its 85-year-old history from the initial founding of the parish in 1924 to the approval of the Transfiguration Family Life Center in 2000 and how it had emerged stronger than before. Mr. Pappas also urged the members of the 2008 council to remain active in the parish regardless of the outcome of the March 1 special election and advised the new council members to reach out to them to ensure that occurs. Nominations for Board of Elections Atty. Moschos opened the floor for the nomination of six members to serve on the 2009 Board of Elections, which would work with the metropolis to oversee the special Parish Council election of March 1. Parishioner Frank Stevens raised a point of order, inquiring why the remaining members of the parish s own Board of Elections would not be permitted to preside over the special election, since they were elected to serve oneyear terms beginning in April Atty. Moschos responded a new Board of Elections was needed for this special 2009 election, since the previous board was elected to oversee elections in 2008, and ruled the point out of order. The following parishioners were then nominated to serve on the Board of Elections: Frank Stevens, nominated by Ioannis Zaralidis. Martha Sintros, nominated by Mr. Zaralidis Patricia Mahoney, nominated by Corrine Dubay Karen Mitropoulis, nominated by Daphne Zaralidis Greg Floor, nominated by Cassandra Floor Cathy Economou, nominated by Sophia Quinn George Malliaros, nominated by Gail Golec Prior to initiating a vote to determine the six members from the field of seven candidates, Mr. Stevens withdrew his name from nomination, thereby eliminating the need for a contested election. A motion by Anthony Ziagos Sr. to appoint the six parishioners to serve on the Board of Elections for the March 1 special election was approved on a voice vote. Nominations for the Parish Council Atty. Moschos read the names of the 18 candidates who had completed the self-nomination form and returned it to the metropolis by the Feb. 10 deadline. Those 18 candidates, in alphabetical order, are as follows: Thomas Amick John Dristiliaris Corrine Dubay Andrea Garibaldi John Gkolias Sandra Gulezian Angela Hastings Konstantine Kalabokis Nikolaos Manolis James Murphy Nicholas Pappas Mary Dukakis Piper Olivia Sintros Elaine Thibault John Thibault Christos Tournas Ellen Vercontaire Christian Zouzas (Continued on page 13)

10 PAGE 10 By NICK PAPPAS Interim Parish Council President On Feb. 3, the Rev. Theodore Barbas, chancellor of the Metropolis of Boston, extended an invitation to the past presidents of the Parish Council to serve on an interim board in the wake of the metropolis decision to suspend the nine members of the existing Parish Council. Five members agreed to serve in this capacity until the results of the March 1 special election are ratified: Nicholas Pappas, president; Spiros Sintros Jr., treasurer; George Chouprakos, Arthur Faneros and Nick Nicholaou. The interim council members met with Fr. Barbas at the church on Feb. 5 and were charged with handling all the administrative responsibilities of the parish until that time. Fr. Barbas advised us to treat today as the first day By INTERIM PARISH COUNCIL CHURCH NEWS Parish Council Treasurer s Report in the history of the parish and to leave yesterday in the hands of God. He also encouraged us to embrace everyone in the parish, including the most recent members of the council. After reviewing the many logistical issues necessitated by the change, the five members of the interim council were administered the oath of office in the chapel. On Feb. 7, three of the new council members Spike, Arthur and myself went to Enterprise Bank to make the necessary changes to the signature cards for the general checking account. Afterward, we were joined by Nick at the church and reviewed the procedures for the security alarm, lights, heat, sound system and other operational issues in anticipation of the Divine Liturgy the following morning. Here is a brief summary of income and expenses as of Jan. 31 and how they compare to the same period last year at this time: Category Change Stewardship 42, , % Other income 25, , % Total income 67, , % Expenses 25, , % Balance 42, , % By OLIVIA SINTROS Contributing Writer As we consider God s blessings, we are in awe of His immense goodness toward us. His greatest gifts to us were His Son, Jesus Christ and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit working in our Church and in our lives. Christian Stewardship reminds us that we must give a portion of our time, talent, and treasury back to God as a way of expressing and thanking Him for these gifts. Our Church meets the financial needs of its Ministries and Operating Budget Stewardship 2009 by way of this Stewardship program. The following year to year comparison clearly demonstrates our stewardship position to date. As of mid-february, 273 stewards have returned their cards, representing 10 less than last year at this time. The amount pledged to date is $95, compared to last year s pledged amount of $103, Based on these figures the average pledge to date comes to $ compared to last year s average pledge of $ Let s remember that we, the parishioners of the Transfiguration Church, are directly responsible for the financial support and progress of our beloved church. If you have not submitted your 2009 stewardship card, please give the matter your most serious and prayerful consideration Stewardship Summary FAMILIES AMOUNT 161 $250 to $ $301 to $ $601 to $ $901 to $1,200 2 $1,201 to $1,500 3 $1,501 to $2,700

11 PAGE 11 CHURCH NEWS Philoptochos Society By SUSAN PAPPAS Philoptochos President Membership: Thank you to all members who have sent in their Philoptochos stewardship for the year If you have not sent in your donation, please do so in order that we may forward our complete membership list to the archdiocese/metropolis by late March. Remember that any amount above $15 can remain in our treasury to support our parish and community projects. Contact membership chairperson Jill Laganas for further information. February meeting: Our annual Heart Healthy meeting took place on Sat. Feb. 7. Our hostesses, Daphne Kouloungis and Elaine Lazouras, provided us with a wonderful lunch. During the business part of the meeting we voted to send $100 to the American Heart Association, $100 to the Hellenic Cardiac Fund for Children at Children s Hospital in Boston. For our National commitments, we voted to send $100 to St. Photios Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida and $100 to the Autism Assistance Fund, the newest commitment voted at the National Clergy Laity in Washington, D.C. last July. For the Metropolis commitment, FOS (Fellowship of Orthodox Stewards), we voted to send $100 as well. Family Dinner: Read the full article on page 4. Sunshine Lady Change: After over 20 years of service to our Philoptochos, Eugenia Marcus is stepping down as our Sunshine Lady. Eugenia has sent hundreds of cards to mem- Olivia Sintros, Family and Society chairperson, explains the literacy bers who have been ill, project for the Washington School celebrating special birthdays, anniversaries, en- in Lowell. (Photo by Melanie Pappas) joying the birth of grandchildren and to those suffering the loss of family members. Many thanks and we all wish you well, Eugenia. Replacing Eugenia will be Christine Stamas. We thank Christine for stepping up to the plate to send thoughts and prayers to our members and bring a ray of sunshine to all. Easter Pastry Baskets: We will be selling our delicious Easter Pastry Trays for $25. The proceeds of this fundraiser are again targeted for the Philoxenia House in Brookline, MA. As we have many interfaith marriages in the church, we will be baking and selling for both Easters. Orders will be taken beginning Sunday, March 15 during the coffee hour. We are in need of a chairperson to coordinate the orders, baking and packaging. If you can help in any way, please contact Susan at Pick up date is Friday, April 10 between 9:00 and 1:00 for Western Easter and Friday, April 17 between 9:00 and 3:00 for Pascha. Diane Pappas was one of the lucky raffle winners. (Photo by Melanie Pappas) Greek Independence Day: On Sunday, March 22, Philoptochos members, Deanne Finn and Daphne Kouloungis will be distributing blue ribbons to parishioners. Proceeds from donations for the ribbons will benefit the Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Christine Faneros made all ribbons. Thank you for your generosity. Lent: During our Orthodox Lenten period, our Philoptochos chapter assists the parish with many of the preparations. Consider helping with Kouvouklion decorations, (April 17), Easter egg dyeing or pastry baking and packaging. Scholarships: Scholarship applications for graduating High School seniors will be available in the church office beginning April 1. Numerous scholarships are available for seniors who are Greek Orthodox and whose parents are members in good standing with the parish. Applications should be returned by May 1. The scholarship chairperson is Patricia Mahoney. College and post secondary graduates will also be recognized. Contact Melanie Pappas. Scholarship/Graduate Sunday is scheduled for June 21 this year following the Divine Liturgy. Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be Monday, March 2, following the Compline Service in the Philoptochos room. Our hostess for the evening will be Kathy Allen. The outreach collection for the month will be shampoo, deodorant and soap. Chapter Elections: It is once again time for the Philoptochos Board Elections. Members will be receiving information regarding the elections. Please take the time to consider playing a more active role in our chapter. Being a very active philanthropic organization with over 170 members in our chapter, we will need 19 Orthodox women for the board. Elections for the new board will be held at the May 7 meeting.

12 PAGE 12 Men s Guild CHURCH NEWS Sunday School By HARRY STAMAS Men s Guild President On Tuesday evening, February 10th, we had our first business meeting of the year. As usual, we had a great meal and lots of fellowship before the meeting began. With the New Year, we need to think about two important things: 1. Our stewardship donation to the club comes due. 2. We start thinking of our famous 125 Club for We ask all current and former members, and any other men interested in joining the Men s Guild, to send in their monies early in the year. These are the funds needed to help our church. As yet we do not have a calendar of events for 2009, but we will get that done soon. There will be no business meeting during Lent; our next meeting will be held after Easter. Stay tuned for more details in the next issue of the Trans-a-Gram! Graduate Sunday By PATRICIA MAHONEY Graduate School Coordinator (High School) The Ladies Philoptochos Society plans to recognize all Class of 2009 high school and college/advanced degree graduates after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 21. Graduating high school seniors whose parents are stewards of the Transfiguration Church and who plan to pursue a post secondary education may acquire a Scholarship Application in the church office beginning April 1st. The deadline for completed applications is May 1st. High school graduates not planning to continue their education are encouraged to complete biographical information forms also available in the church office. Please contact Patricia Mahoney with any questions regarding scholarships at or patm1231@hotmail.com. This year s college or advanced degree recipients should notify Melanie Pappas at or melaniepappas@gmail.com. Newsletter Deadline Transfiguration organizations are asked to submit entries for the Trans-a-Gram no later than the 15th of the month. Please submit your material by to Cathy Koufogazos at cmkouf@verizon.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. By CONNIE GKOLIAS Sunday School Director As we approach the month of March and our Lenten journey which begins on March 2, let us all take the time to try to come to church during this time and greet one another with love and respect as we ourselves would want to be treated. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to the Bake Sale put on by the Sunday School it was a huge success. Special thanks to Georgia (Dodi) Skrekas for her donation of library books for the third grade children to Diane Casavant and daughter Jaclyn purchase some tasty items from Connie use for their studies, donated in Gkolias at the Sunday School Bake Sale. memory of her (Photo by Nick Pappas) dear sister and our friend Debbie. May her memory be eternal. We are always looking for volunteers in the Sunday School Department. Please see Connie or Harilikia if you would like to help. Dates to remember: April 12 April 17 April 19 June 14 Freda Gkolias selling raffle tickets at the Sunday School Bake Sale. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Palm Sunday Good Friday Easter Sunday Sunday School Graduation

13 HOPE / JOY CHURCH NEWS Coffee Hour PAGE 13 By SANDRA GULEZIAN HOPE/JOY Coordinator During the Lenten season, the Hope and Joy children are challenging each parishioner to contribute a minimum of 200 pennies for their It Makes CENTS to Give Campaign. Each week, children will be holding coin collection containers at the end of Divine Liturgy, where pennies or other spare change can be deposited. The campaign will end on Easter Sunday, and the proceeds of this campaign will directly benefit the Transfiguration parish. On Saturday, March 21st, Hope & Joy Theaters will be hosting Family Movie Night, and all are invited to attend bring your entire family, and invite your relatives and friends, too! Two movies will begin promptly at 6:30: A Bug s Life will be showing in Theater 1 for the younger crowd, and A Night at the Museum in Theater 2 for those ages 9 and up. There is a small cover fee of $1/person and concessions will be available for sale. Kids are encouraged to wear their PJs and bring pillows and blankets. Please make every effort to support the youth of our parish. Quality family time, creating memories and making friends are key missions of the Hope & Joy ministries. By PAM MURPHY GOYA Advisor GOYA Please mark your calendars and join us for our Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, March 1, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. This event is being chaired by Despena and Soteria Zouzas. Stewardship offerings will be accepted, with proceeds to benefit the needs of the parish. We would like to thank Holy Trinity GOYA for inviting us for a night of tubing at Nashoba Valley Ski Resort in Westford, MA. A fun time was had by all who attended. We also had a number of Goyans attend MBC winter camp; they had a great time with other fellow area Goyans. They enjoyed each other s fellowship, as well as a ski trip to Pat s Peak. Our next GOYA meeting will take place on Sunday, March 8, following the Divine Liturgy. By SUSAN PAPPAS Coffee Hour Coordinator January 18, 2009: Sponsored by Theodore Sarantos and family in loving memory of Constance (Tnia) Sarantos. February 15, 2009: Sponsored by Milton Nicholaides and family in loving memory of Georgia Nicholaides. Volunteers needed: We are always looking for volunteers to help serve during the weekly coffee hour. If interested or for more information on what is involved, please contact Susan during the coffee hour. Coffee hour sponsors: Anyone who would like to sponsor a coffee hour should contact Susan Pappas at , her at smpappas16@yahoo.com, or see her on Sunday during the coffee hour. (Continued from page 9) Atty. Moschos then opened up the floor for additional nominations, which resulted in six additional candidates: Michael Karagianes, nominated by Mr. Manolis Ioannis Zaralidis, nominated by Mrs. Zaralidis Margo DiBenedetto, nominated by Donna Spanos Regina Dabilis, nominated by Dacey Zouzas Christopher Selvaggio, nominated by George Abodeely Andrew Govatsos, nominated by Mr. Manolis At this point, Fr. Barbas made an appeal to those parishioners in attendance who had never previously served on a parish council to step forward, which resulted in three additional nominations: George Bertos, who nominated himself Cesar de la Torre, nominated by Annmarie Tsitsipas Carl Maib, nominated by Mr. Zaralidis Parishioner George Eliopoulos then made a motion to close nominations, which was approved on a voice vote. Fr. Ted then asked all parishioners nominated to complete the official nomination form prior to leaving the assembly or to do so in the church office on Tuesday, Feb. 17. All candidates determined to be in good standing with the metropolis and the parish will be placed on the ballot for the special March 1 election. Closing Prayer: Fr. Barbas Meeting Adjourned: 1:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nicholas G. Pappas Interim Parish Council President

14 PAGE 14 ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Summer 2009 Online Registration Now Available! Summer Travel Camp: June 26 - July 16 Byzantine Venture: July 24 - August 13 What is Ionian Village? Ionian Village is a unique summer camping program for Greek Orthodox teens located in Greece and operated by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Participants travel across Greece, venerate the relics of saints, walk in the footsteps of the Apostles and visit significant sites or Greek history and culture. They also participate in a fun and exciting summer camp program with a typical camp program setup Arts and Crafts, Athletics, Evening Program, etc. Where is Ionian Village? Ionian Village is located on a stretch of ocean front property in Bartholomeio, Greece. The property is about 130 stremata, the Greek equivalent of acres, and lies along the western coast of the Pelopponese, directly across from the island of Zakynthos. What ages are eligible? Students who have completed 7th through 12th grade are eligible. How long are the sessions? Each session is about 3 weeks long. Do I need to know Greek? No, you do not need to speak Greek to participate! Of course, you will be exposed to the language and culture of Greece and be given the opportunity to learn. Where do the campers travel to while in Greece? During their stay at the Ionian Village, campers make excursions about every other day to religious and cultural sites of Greece. Destinations include: Ancient Olympia Zakynthos Kefalonia Kastro Klemoutsi Patras The Village of Kalavrita Metsevoe Meteora Aegina Athens Syntagma Monostiraki, Plaka, Mitropoli For more information on Ionian Village, visit their website at THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Special Offer: Receive 10% off food bill up to $10 w/this ad. Not valid holidays. Expires 12/31/08.

15 SPONSORSHIP PAGE PAGE 15 Thank you for your support BLUE ANGUS CAFE 34 Broadway Road (Route 113) Dracut, MA AD SPACE AVAILABLE Contact Editor Nick Pappas Lakeview Ave. Dracut, MA 01826

16 PAGE 16 SPONSORSHIP PAGE Thank you for your support Evan Coravos 75 Arcand Drive, Lowell, MA Smile with confidence AD SPACE AVAILABLE Contact Editor Nick Pappas