2.13 EDUCATION, LEARNING & TEACHING. in this issue. Sunday, February 24. Triodion begins

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1 2.13 St. V O L U M E 1 9, I S S U E 2 F E B R U A R Y George Greek Orthodox Church St. Paul, Minnesota EDUCATION, LEARNING & TEACHING Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Again, I wish a blessed New Year to all. I hope your holidays were pleasantly memorable. As we enter into the month of February, we look forward to our annual Metropolis of Chicago Western Region Family Basketball tournament, which will take place in Omaha, Nebraska on Feb We have boys, girls, men s and JOY teams participating. We pray for safe travels and an enjoyable weekend. You ll notice elsewhere in the newsletter some of the main accomplishments of our parish this past year The parish council is currently brainstorming goals for the this year 2013 and we hope to share those in the March newsletter. If you have input for that, please let a parish council member know. We continue with our series on the Top Ten Basics of Orthodox Christianity. Over the past year, we covered Faith, Prayer, Worship, Fasting, Almsgiving, Sacraments, Scripture and Stewardship. This month we will look at Education. Sunday, February 24 Triodion begins Sympathies & Prayers: to Jennifer Argeros (St. George parishioner and Gladtidings editor), whose father, Michael Bruntmeyer, fell asleep in the Lord on January 10th. May his memory be eternal! in this issue Registry P.3 Parish News P.4-5 Youth P.7 Event Photos P.4 TOP 10 BASICS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY Continued Education: Learning & Teaching Since our journey of growth in the image and likeness of God embraces our whole being, that includes our mind, our intellect as well. Thus, intellectual learning is very much a part of the life of an Orthodox Christian. As we ve said before, knowing about Christ is different than knowing Christ, which is more important. But knowing about Christ, about His Church, her teachings, history and all that she is, is still important. We must be careful to keep a balance though and not fall into the trap of the so called Western mindset, that seeks to know and understand God through rational intellect. Looking at history, this approach led to the Enlightenment and Age of Reason of the th centuries. One of the negative consequences of this time was the subordination of faith in relation to reason. In other words, if I cannot rationally, logically understand something about God, then I will not believe it. So, as we explore religious/spiritual education, let s keep in mind that it is meant to serve us in the journey of faith, not the other way around. First, we can say that learning about God and His Church is a life-long journey. The treasure of Orthodoxy is deep and vast and it contains more than any one person could possibly know. God doesn t expect us to know it all, but He does expect us to try to know more than we did yesterday. Second, our society places great value on helping children learn how to read. However, with the emergence of technology in the form of computers, internet, video games, smartphones and the like, we ve forgotten the importance of actually reading as adults, especially when it comes to religious/ spiritual material. Spiritual and meditative reading can be found in books, magazines, articles, newsletters, and bulletins. Try to find one that you particularly like, get a subscription and then devote yourself to a daily discipline of reading. It doesn t have to be long, just a few minutes a day. Many books can be found in our library (to borrow) and our bookstore (to purchase). Our bookstore was established in 2000 and open ever since. However, it remains one of the least visited parts of our complex. Third, perhaps the bookstore is not busy because everyone is ordering books through Amazon, or getting material on their e-readers or visiting Archdiocese websites. If so, great! Technology can be used for holy purposes. The internet including online radio stations; podcasts, Orthodox Wiki; Archdiocese websites, blogs, listservs and the like are all valuable tools in learning. Some websites that I recommend are: There are many, many more. Continued on page 2

2 Orthodoxy available on the internet Orthodox Radio on the Internet: even though the local terrestrial broadcast of Come Receive the Light has ended, you can still listen to it and much more on the internet any time or any day of the week. contains a wealth of programs including: The Rudder featuring liturgical chant of the Eastern Church; The Ark featuring contemporary music from Eastern Orthodox perspective; And The Anchor, featuring Orthodoxy online talk radio. Several podcasts are also available including: Harmony Thunder- patristic preaching explored, Theologically Thinking- sermons & short reflections, Come Receive the Light- orthodox topics, Turning to the Fathers- Orthodox spirituality today, FOCUS- charity updates, Axion Estin- glories of byzantine chant, Just Thinking- commentary on current events, Special Moments in Orthodoxylectures & interviews, Seeds- music for younger audiences, Journeys to Orthodoxy, OTTO- Orthodox Teen Talk Online, OCN Now- current events in Orthodoxy, Beyond the Veil- Orthodoxy & the Apocalypse, IOCC charity update, Mission Impossible- Orthodox parenting today, Get Wisdom- Orthodox bible study, Icons in Sound- Orthodox sacred music, Between Two Worlds- studying the early Church. TOP 10 BASICS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY cont d from page 1 Fourth, one of the first things that might come to mind when we talk about learning is Sunday School. Unheard of in Orthodoxy before the 20 th century, Sunday religious education classes came into our Church with the immigration to America and the exposure to Catholic and Protestant communities. Sunday schools are important for teaching the basics to our children. It helps augment the liturgical experience and provides time for questions and answers. It helps adult teachers know their Faith better as they prepare lessons. Sunday school helps provide an environment for establishing and developing relationships between kids and between adult teachers and youth. However, we must be very careful not to place more importance on Sunday school than on the Divine Liturgy. Kids and parents coming late to liturgy (or missing it altogether) in order to focus on Sunday school is wrong because it will ultimately serve to perpetuate spiritual ignorance as those children become adults who are totally disconnected from the liturgical life of the Church. In turn, those adults become parents and repeat the cycle. Placing the priority on worship will only serve to improve the Sunday school experience. In addition, religious education classes are needed for adults, whether on Sunday or another day. Fifth, regarding Orthodox worship, from the early Church onwards, the Divine Liturgy has always been the Sunday School, par execellance. The whole first half of the service is called the Liturgy of the Word or Liturgy of the Catechumens. The catechumens are people who are preparing to become Christians through Baptism and Chrismation. The titles are expressed in the build-up to and focus on the Epistle and Gospel readings and the subsequent homily. The people are called to listen and understand. At our parish, two sermons are offered almost every Sunday, one for the adults and one for the children. The sermon is meant to help them apply the teachings to their own life. This is why it so important to arrive on time for liturgy. To come late is to ignore the didactic experience of worship. We must remember that not every scripture reading and sermon will apply directly to us. Yet, we are called to hear and listen and learn. Even if we draw only one small kernel of knowledge and understanding, it is of immense benefit to us. Sixth, to augment the liturgical experience of learning, the Church has many different modes of educational experience. An example is Catechism classes. The word catechism comes from the same root as catechumen does. Catechism is typically a basic introduction to the Orthodox Faith. Our parish has been the site for the Pan-Orthodox Catechism program over the last twelve years. Everyone who joined the Orthodox Church through Baptism and Chrismation has taken this class. Some who were already members have taken it as well. Even if we have been life-long Orthodox Christians, it is good to be reminded or re-learn the basics including: Who God is, Who We are, Who is Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Saints, Christ s teachings and salvific work, Who is the Church, What are the Sacraments, the Ecumenical Councils, etc. The list goes on. This particular class is about twelve weeks long and just sets a foundation for further learning. Each of those topics could be developed into its own twelve week course. Continued on page 5 page 2

3 St. Paul. MN Registry Birth Demetrios Sherod on December 30th, son of Brandon, and Anne and sister,alexandra Memory Eternal Ione Sater fell asleep in the Lord on Dec. 21st. Address Changes Pauline Axiotis 625 West 31 st St. Minneapolis, MN Nicholas Lambert 850 Washington Ave. SE Apt. 219 Minneapolis, MN Dimitra Ostermann Tame Fish Lake RD Aitkin MN Dimitrios Panayoton 3321 Lyle Ave. Waco, TX Betty Assimacopoulos 5709 W 32 nd St. Sioux Falls, SD Fotis Souslian 1818 E Madison St. Apt. 405 Seattle, WA Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11ʺ x 14ʺ) in memory of a loved one. The cost is $75.00 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. Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours (Monday-Friday) 8:00 AM--2:15 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Lori Kurtyka, Administrative Assistant (651) office@stgeorgegoc.org Tom Lampros, Parish Council President (651) tlampros@hotmail.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Stella Hofrenning, Greek School Director Jennifer Argeros, Glad Tidings Editor Sue Gnetz & Sandra Thole, Loaves and Fishes Coordinators gnetzsue@gmail.com, quadmom196@yahoo.com Submissions for upcoming issues are due by the 11th of the preceding month. Saint Thekla Saint Thaddaeus page 3

4 Parish HOUSE BLESSINGS GOING ON NOW with the Feast of Theophany comes the season of home/house blessings. If interested, please call/ Fr. Rick to make an appointment. Items needed are: large serving bowl for water, candle, icon, incense and burner (can be purchase in our bookstore; a burner can be made from spreading aluminum foil over a ceramic mug), sprig of basil or evergreen. These is a beautiful tradition of our Orthodox Faith to begin/continue in your family. STEWARDSHIP Brochures available/2012 balance Please consider contributing today in two ways: 1) to fulfill your usual yearly commitment, 2) to give above and beyond your usual commitment. Thanks to all who have generously supported our parish and her mission this past year! FOCUS on FOCUS- Canned goods & coats are needed - we are still collecting food to stock the FOCUS food shelf; St George is asked to provide peanut butter & soup. Please provide what you can and remember-the need is great and the reward is even greater. Outer wear is also essential this time of year so if you have any winter garments not needed or being used please bring to the Church and I will be glad to deliver them. Again thanks to all and God bless. LOST AND FOUND A parishioner has lost a gold cross in the sanctuary. If found please contact Lori in the office M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E Want to Make a Difference?- at the January parish council meeting, we reviewed the various committees and ministries of our parish. We identified several areas that need parishioner involvement and leadership, including: Missions & Benevolence, Landscaping, Parent Youth Advisors for all ages, Archives & Library, Vacation Church School. If interested and/or have questions, please contact Fr. Rick. ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS OFFERED BENEDICTIONAT PRESIDENTIAL INAU- GURAL LUNCHEON WASHINGTON The 57th Inaugural Ceremonies for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden was also a special occasion of honor and recognition for His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and the Greek Orthodox Church in America. Archbishop Demetrios attended the swearing-in ceremony and the President s Inaugural Address today, Jan. 21, from the presidential platform, just a few feet away from the podium. Immediately following the official ceremonies, His Eminence attended the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and offered the benediction following the President s toast. The event was carried nationally and internationally by many broadcasts and networks. The text of the Archbishop s prayer is as follows: Let us pray as we prepare to go forth in peace, confident in America s bright future. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen O God of all, we give thanks to You and praise You on this day, as did our first President on the day of his inauguration, for we too resort once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication. We bless and praise Your Holy Name for Your gracious favor and divine blessing upon these United States of America, our President Barack Obama, and Vice-President Joseph Biden, as they commence the second term of their sacred responsibilities in the highest Office of our Country. Bless, preserve, and keep them and their families safe and healthy, together with all who serve our Nation, especially the Congress, the Judiciary, and the Armed Forces here and everywhere who heroically and sacrificially defend our pursuits of life, liberty and happiness. Heavenly, Father, may we ever abide in this land of opportunity and freedom in perfect tranquility, faithful to our foundations, and ever building a more prosperous, just, equitable, and decent society for all our citizens. And may we always share our faith and hope for the future with the whole world, through Your Divine and gracious love. Amen. To watch video from the luncheon visit program/ # and go forward 23 minutes to 23:00/34:52 Alexander McMahon bapized Jan.13 th w/ parents, Adam & Angie, and Nouna Dina & Eric Negron. On January 12 th Oleg Voskresensky (middle) gave a presentation about the historicity of the Scriptures. Oleg works for FaithSearch International. Joe Komarek (left) is the executive director and a high school classmate of Fr. Rick s page 4

5 St. Paul. MN TOP 10 BASICS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY cont d from page 2 Seventh, another example of education is Bible Study. We previously covered the topic of personal daily reading of Scripture. Bible studies are important to receive expert guidance in interpreting, learning and understanding the stories and teachings contained in the Scriptures. The Apostle Peter taught this when he wrote: 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21 NKJV). Bible study also provides opportunity to learn from each other as we try to apply the teachings to our own lives. Bible studies can be thematic or focus on a particular Book of the Bible. Our parish Bible Study, which is hosted at our home every month, focuses on the liturgical/lectionary readings by devoting our time to the Gospel of the subsequent study. That way, when it is heard in the liturgy, many of the important themes and lessons are already in our mind. Eighth, another example is Lectures. These are typically brief (one hour or less) speeches based on a theme or topic. If one is not necessarily interested in a particular topic, they might be interested in the speaker because of their reputation or relation to the listener. Our parish holds two lecture series every year during Lent. Both are thematic in nature and one is taught by me on Wednesday evenings while the other is taught by various outside speakers on Friday evenings. We also have periodic lectures throughout the year based on availability and proximity of speaker. Nathan Hoppe speaking about missions in Albania comes to mind. As well, Mr. Oleg Vroskresensky, of Faith Search International, a Russian Orthodox Christian, who spoke last month about the archeological and manuscript support of the Bible. Being one of many Orthodox churches in the Twin Cities, we have many other lecture opportunities to partake of throughout the year. Ninth, another example is a religious/spiritual Seminar. The difference between a seminar and a lecture is that the seminar is typically longer and may involve more than one speaker. Seminars are often half-day or all-day in length and provide a more intensive experience. So, if you really want to delve deeply into a topic or theme, a seminar is the way to go. Dr. Anton Vrame, the Greek Archdiocese Director of Religious Education has travelled several times to the Twin Cities to give seminars for Sunday School teachers and other interested people. Deacon John Chryssavgis, and internationally known Orthodox theologian representing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, came to the Twin Cities last month to speak about Orthodoxy and the Environment at a seminar organized by a Protestant church. Tenth, another example is a religious/spiritual Retreat. A retreat is typically a multi-day experience that is more intensive than a seminar. Our parish has hosted the St. Gregory Palamas Festival of Lights Lenten Retreat for the last eight years. This year, at the end of March, we will welcome back Dr. Kyriacos Markides. A retreat often is held away from our usual surroundings. Think of the Fall Family Camp each year. This helps our minds get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life so we can focus on the theme/topic and re-orient our lives in the proper manner. Continued on page 6 SO BLESSED FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2012: At the December meeting the parish council reviewed the year and brainstormed some of the community s achievements. Administrative: Color copier & publications new computers 1135 Summit Ave. purchase proposal new admin office furniture. Events: Basketball Tourney 1st parish picnic on church lawn. Projects: Pictorial Directory Archives Roselawn Cemetery- installation of monument installation of safety railings on outside landscape stairs & choir loft new basement furnace. Pastoral/Education/Benevolent: Recruiting Youth Minister Lenten Lectures (11 yrs) & Retreat (7 yrs) w/ Fr. Goussetis Archdiocese Clergy Laity & Metropolis Assembly mtg- sent reps increased interest in parish council continued support of Loaves & Fishes & FOCUS MN including matching donor program. Donations: Large 100+ graves at Roselawn Cemetery Flat Screen television for conference room bibles for pews. Fundraisers: successful Festival of Nations & Greek Festival (w/ increased tv coverage) active stewardship efforts. page 5

6 Saint Basil s Academy by Emilios Kapetanakis I attended St. Basil s from Looking back at those years, not only are they filled with numerous memories, both good and bad, but the Academy had set a foundation that was both solid and inspirational. As a child, one doesn t fully understand the benefits and rewards that the current environment offers. The only thing a child wants is to be able to play with friends. St. Basil s certainly offered that with about two-hundred kids roaming about the grounds in the early years, there were plenty of playmates around and activities to keep us entertained. And as usual, we were not very excited about classes although we loved field trips into New York City, or visiting other churches throughout the New York City area, and even into Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. But the biggest thrill of all, was marching in the annual Greek Independence Day Parade along 5 th Avenue. The mayor of New York always started the parade by marching at the beginning of the line. We may not have been too happy with wearing the uniforms that were provided for us, but the fun and excitement certainly melted away any ill feelings we may have had. Into the teenage years, I wanted to be somewhere else, not quite sure where, but away from the Academy. Like every teenager, somewhere else is always more desirable than at home. But the Academy had instilled the notion that there are rules that must be followed and consequences if they are not just like any loving parent does for their child. At the time, I was not very happy with having to do chores, studies, going to church and anything else that a teenager dislikes at the moment. By 1984, the year that I graduated from high school, there were just over one-hundred children at St. Basil s. And over the following years, the numbers continued to dwindle. Today, there are fewer than thirty children at the Academy. Looking back, I now understand how good being at the Academy was for me, and I only wish that there were more children there to experience a safe environment, that allows kids to be creative and free, yet, instill the morals and virtues of a wise and productive citizen, who is also entrenched in the Greek culture. In years past, the Academy may have been touted as the orphanage, but most kids there had at least one parent. Back then, as well as today, parents have a difficult time trying to raise children and hold a job that allows them to provide for the necessities required for the family. All too often, children s needs are gradually being pushed aside in order to make use of what little time is left to make sure that bills are paid and food is on the table. Maybe the benefits that St. Basil Academy offers need to be closely looked at and seriously considered, if the child s nurturing and growth are in any way impeded by our daily lives. I long to return to the Academy, visit the grounds where I once played, walk through the woods where I once hid, enjoy the majestic view of West Point Military Academy across the Hudson River, and walk through the mansion which houses the main offices. TOP 10 BASICS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY cont d from page 5 Eleventh, another example is a religious/spiritual Pilgrimage. These typically are multi-day, involve significant travel and often the destination is a holy site, monastery, shrine or other church(es). Many of our own faithful have travelled to the nearby (five hour drive) monasteries of St. John Chrysostom in Kenosha, Wisconsin and Holy Transfiguration in Harvard, Illinois. Another popular monastery is Holy Dormition in Rives Junction, Michigan (eight hour drive). A few have been blessed to travel to the most visited popular site of pilgrimage in the whole world the Holy Land in the Middle East. Others, including myself, have been blessed to travel to Mount Athos, the center of Orthodox monasticism. Still others have travelled to the ancient churches and monasteries of Greece and Asia Minor, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. In conclusion, I hope I haven t missed any other opportunities for educational enrichment in Orthodox Christianity. We are most blessed to live in a free society and in a relatively wealthy society. Our ability to access all the opportunities I listed above is unprecedented in history. No previous generation has had such a wealth of knowledge at its fingertips. Just think, a little over one hundred years ago, there were no cars to travel with. Thirty to forty years ago there were only a handful of Orthodox books written in English (there is still much more to be translated). Twenty years ago the world wide web (the internet) was in its infancy, only used by a few highly educated scientists. For most of the 20 th century, Orthodoxy in Russia was fiercely persecuted and nearly destroyed. Under the Ottoman Muslims, Orthodoxy was treated the same for over four hundred years (1453 to 1821, some places until 1912). Millions died because of their faith in Jesus Christ. We owe it to them, to ourselves and to God, to be educated in the rich, vast treasures of our Orthodox Christian Faith! The time is now. 2 For He says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you."behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV). page 6

7 St. Paul. MN St. George Youth FEBRUARY YOUTH HAPPENINGS ~ 2013 Metropolis of Chicago western region basketball tournament is this month! This year s tournament will be held Feb 8-10 at St. John the Baptist GOC in Omaha, NE. Pray for our families to have safe travels and an exciting time with friends on and off the court! We will have teams in all of the categories: Men s, Women s, GOYA Boys, GOYA Girls and JOY. If can, come cheer us on. Go, St. George!! Help plan 2013 ~ Get your ideas written down so that your ready to let Father know what you would like to do this year ~ service projects, activities, projects around church, education in your faith. Thank you to all of the parents that have worked with our youth. If you would like to continue working with the youth, please contact her or Fr. Rick asap. F.O.C.U.S. A great way to help those less fortunate that us is serve dinner at FOCUS in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoons. It is also a great way to meet youth from other parishes. Let Pres. Jane know if you would like to get a group together and serve. She would be happy to take you. page 7

8 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 177 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota Phone Fax Glad Tidings February 2013 WEEKDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Saturday, Feb. 2 Orthros 8:00AM Liturgy 9:00AM Meeting of our Lord Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: (Sept. - May) Saturday 5:00 pm Orthros: Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School: (Sept. - May) following Communion Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:30 am

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Coming in March TH SUN. MATTHEW +8:15am ORTHROS +9:30am LITURGY 1 2 +MEETING OF OUR LORD +8:00am ORTHROS +9:00am LITURGY +5:00pm VESPERS ST. PHOTIOS +ST. THEODORE STRATELATES *8:00am Bus leaves for Omaha *12:00pm Basketball Practice at St. Paul *7:00pm Catechism *1:30pm Philoptochos +5:00pm VESPERS Academy-Goodrich Class Meeting *2:30pm Adult Basketball Practice at St. Mary Greek + Family Basketball Tourney + *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN +16TH SUN. MATTHEW +ST. HARALAMBOS +8:15am ORTHROS +9:30am LITURGY *12:00pm MEOCCA Meeting *12:00pm Acolyte *5:00pm Loaves Training & Fishes *4:00pm Feed *7:00pm Bible *7:00pm Parish +5:00pm VESPERS the Hungry at Study at Fr. Council FOCUS, MN *7:00pm Catechism Rick's Home Class +17TH SUN. MATTHEW +ST. THEODORE OF TYRE +8:15am ORTHROS +9:30am LITURGY PRESIDENT'S DAY February Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste 10 Meatfare Sunday Sanctity of Life St. Mary Greek 17 Cheesefare Sunday 18 Clean/Pure Monday- Great Lent Begins 23 Saturday of the Souls / Psychosavvato 24 Sunday of Orthodoxy/Icons 25 Feast of Annunciation / Greek Independance Day Lenten Retreat w/ Dr. Kyriacos Markides + Family Basketball Tourney + +ST. POLYCARP OF SMYRNA +9:00am Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN +5:00pm VESPERS PUBLICAN & +ST. FOTINI PHARISEE - - SAMARITAN TRIODION BEGINS WOMAN +8:15am ORTHROS +9:30am LITURGY *4:00pm Feed the Hungry at FOCUS, MN *7:00pm Catechism Class + No Fasting + St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)