S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H. Glad Tidings

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1 St. Paul, MN September 2008 Volume 14, Issue 8 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H Glad Tidings The Exaltation of the Cross As Orthodox Christians we all know how important the Cross is in our Faith. The Cross is the central fact of the Faith, it is not only where Christ was crucified, as we have heard in today's Gospel, but it is also where Christ is risen from the dead. It is also written elsewhere in the Gospels that by losing our life through the Cross, we save our life. In other words if we live for Christ, we will save our life. However, if we live for ourselves, we will lose our life. This is the law of our being and we can see it in all areas of human life. The spoilt child who lives for himself will not share his toys. Thus he is lonely and bored, he has no-one to play with. His life is lost. The spoilt man or woman who live for themselves will not share their lives. Thus they are lonely, separated or divorced and live singly and in futility. Their lives are lost. The spoilt couple living for themselves refuse to have children; they want to make money in their careers. Thus they grow old and frustrated, it is too late to have children. Their lives are lost. The spoilt rich living for themselves will not share their money. Thus they lie forgotten in the grave, their money taken by the government. Thus their futile lives have no-one to remember them and they contain nothing to be remembered for. Their lives are lost. The spoilt people living for itself will not share its territory. Thus it lives besieged because of its egoism, hated by its neighbours and all peoples. Its life is lost. The spoilt dictator living for himself gains the whole world, controlling territories and peoples. Thus he is unloved, hated by all peoples in the prison of all peoples. His life is lost. Live selfishly, and you will lose everything, your life will be lost in lonely boredom and you will die selfishly. On the other hand, the history of the Church teaches us that the saints, who lived for Christ, were neither lonely nor bored, neither futile nor lost. By living for the Cross of Christ, not only do they not taste of death at the Last Judgment, but even more, they do not taste of the spiritual death and loss of lonely and selfish pride. For, by living through the Cross, they taste of the Kingdom of God come with power, the resurrection of their souls, the Easter of the uplifted heart that comes with repentance, the exalted leap for joy that comes when we take up crosses, weaknesses, difficulties, destinies. Then crosses become instruments of victory, weapons of salvation, Exaltation, because we no longer lock ourselves up, selfishly giving nothing, but instead looking to others. St John Chrysostom speaks of 'the sacrament of our neighbour'. In other words he means that salvation comes to us through others, the challenges and difficulties brought to us by others. Only the proud can imagine the fantasy that salvation comes from ourselves. Let us today go out and take up our crosses, and rejoice and exalt in them, for they have become through the power of Christ, the instruments of our salvation. Editor s Note: Courtesy of orthodoxengland.org.uk/ sermexal.htm (Orthodox England on the Net) Special articles: Sunday School Begins, p. 5; IOCC Reaches Out to Georgia, p. 6

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 From the Desk of the President The Greek Festival and summer are over and we once again have begun a new liturgical year. Of course, that means that Sunday School is back in full swing and I look forward to my third year of teaching the 7 th 9 th graders at St. George. That s not just a figure of speech I really do look forward to teaching them! Ever since I became a Sunday School teacher, not surprisingly, I have continued to learn more about my faith than I knew before. Reflecting upon the new liturgical year got me to thinking about our secular culture and how the coming of a new calendar year is treated outside of the church. The first thing that popped into my head was the tradition many have of making New Year s resolutions. Some times folks resolve to kick a bad habit like smoking. Others try to better themselves, for example, by resolving to engage in regular exercise. I ve never been really big on this practice largely because when I was younger, I d make such hard-to-achieve resolutions (like resolving to never be mean to my sister who is one year older than me) that I quickly grew tired of what I perceive to be the failure of not being able to keep them. Besides, after I blew it (sometime around January 2 nd ) I had to wait a whole year to start over again. Of course, I m not alone. Researchers report that somewhere in the neighborhood of 97% of all resolutions are not kept and well over one-third of them are not even kept through the end of January. And yet, those same researchers report that almost 70% of all people make one or more resolutions each year. So what can we hope to learn from all of this failure? And why do people engage in this behavior in the first place? I believe that people make resolutions because of an inherent (God-given) desire to become better human beings. So each year we set out with the best of intentions and, even though we often fail to keep our resolutions, we make them again the following year again certain that this year will be different. In that sense, it is unfair to label these repeated efforts toward self-improvement as failures because there is a continual striving to do better couple with a can-do attitude. Oftentimes, we look at practices in secular society and we come to the conclusion that general practices don t always square with how we, as Orthodox Christians, believe we ought to live our lives. But in this instance, perhaps the secular New Year s resolution has applicability to our lives as Christians. How? Well, start by asking yourself: Have I ever made a new (liturgical) year s resolution? If you are like me, the answer is probably no. No surprise there. But, perhaps the next question to ask is Why not this year? Now I don t mean to suggest that we make some throwaway spiritual resolution that has a 3% chance of success. To the contrary, the goal of this resolution would be to re-focus on some small, first step that we believe to be attainable and that will lead us closer to God. As such, it doesn t need to be some monumental resolution. Perhaps it could be a resolution to read the Bible on a daily basis. Or to increase our stewardship commitment by some fixed, weekly amount. Maybe the resolution could be to get involved in a committee or ministry or to visit the sick and homebound at St. George. Or, and this is maybe harder than all of the others, to refrain from complaining about things in our lives but, rather, to thank God for all of the blessings we have whenever we feel the urge to complain. Each of us can find something to focus on that is particular well-suited to our own needs. And it really doesn t matter what the resolution is; the important thing is to choose something that is achievable and that will bring us closer to God and strengthen our Faith. Do I think that we ll fair any better with these spiritual resolutions than the general populace does with their secular counterparts? God willing, yes, I do. But because I m pretty sure we won t have 100% success, for those among us who miss the mark, we can take solace from the words of America s most prolific inventor, Thomas Edison. It is said that he struggled mightily to find the right material to use for a light bulb filament. Rather than being frustrated at his inability to solve the problem, he quipped, I have not failed. I ve just found 10,000 ways that won t work. With that same determination and God on our side, we (like Edison) will not have failed in our striving to become better Christians as we begin another liturgical year. May God bless each of you in your efforts this coming year. Eric

3 St. Paul, MN Page 3 Parish Announcements Loaves and Fishes As a project of the Missions and Benevolence Committee, 17 workers came to Faith Lutheran, St. Paul, on August 11 to serve a spaghetti dinner to local community people in need. These volunteers served 171 guests thank you to all who volunteered their time during this busy time of year. This project needs a new coordinator, please call Father Rick or Naomi Tsantir ( ) if you or someone you know might be interested. Monday, October 13 is the next serving date a good time to train in or to experience firsthand what Loaves and Fishes is all about. Philoxenia House Fund Raiser ~October 19 The ladies of Philoptochos are serving gyros, chips, drinks and dessert in the Social Hall to raise money for a sister parish and Orthodox around the world. Cost: only $6.00. A tray will be passed after liturgy, if you can t join us for lunch. Our goal is to raise $2000. The Philoxenia House offers short and long term housing for Orthodox families whose loved ones are receiving medical care at the Mayo Clinic and other medical centers in Rochester, Minnesota. This house is operated by the Greek Orthodox parish of the Holy Anargyroi (Holy Unmercenaries) and is located at 725 West Center Street, Rochester, MN. The Art Auction Is Coming! Tickets are available for purchase to the 7th Annual Art Auction on Saturday, October 4, Bring your family, friends, and colleagues for a fun evening out! Admission is $20 per person. A Benefit for St George Youth Ministries and the Jeremiah Program "Transforming Families From Poverty To Prosperity". For tickets, contact Dawn Lampros, Denise Smith or purchase online at St. George Church Picnic Fun and games, good food and fellowship following the Divine Liturgy, Sunday, September 21, at Hidden Falls Park, St Paul. Greek School News Anna Christoforides has resigned as Greek School director. We thank Anna for her many years of dedicated service and devotion, and are looking for a new director to begin immediately. Please contact Fr Rick. The Adult Greek Conversation Group meets Mondays, Barnes & Noble, Har Mar Mall, Roseville, 7 p.m. Please annachristoforides@comcast.net to indicate if you will be there. No fees. Daughters of Penelope News Daughters of Penelope and AHEPA will meet at 7:00 PM.on Thursday. September District Governor Maria Koutsoukos will visit Saint Paul. May the memory of our beloved Sister in Theta Pi Mary L. Weiser be eternal. Philoptochos News Philoptochos will meet and dine out at 4:00 P.M. at the St. Clair Broiler on Tuesday. September 9, Afterward. there will be Bible Study at the home of Presbytera Jane and Father Richard Andrews at 7:00 P.M. There will be a special tray collection on Holy Cross Sunday, September , for the benefit of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Seminary. For information, visit or philosny@aol.com. Best Wishes & Prayers! Congratulations to Stephen Kanavati, who has a new job in Irapuato, Mexico, at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education; and to Chris Menke, who has a new job as Processing Supplier Representative for ArcelorMittal Steel in Merrillville, IN. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin these new endeavors. Prison Ministry News The Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry of Minnesota has continued to grow. A former inmate was chrismated as an Orthodox Christian. Over 100 inmates and several volunteers attended the quarterly Typica prison service in June at Lino Lakes State Prison. Fr Stacey Richter from St Mary OCA officiated. Several inmates asked for Orthodox books and literature. For the first time, we publicly introduced, and displayed by the prison church altar, our brand new donated icon "Christ, the Prisoner," specifically written for our Prison Ministry. Our bi-monthly reunion event of former inmates and their families was also held in June, and included a prayer service led by Fr Ted Filandrinos from St Mary GOC, a home cooked dinner, and a message from the Gospel, concluding with fellowship and prayer.

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue. Thurs. 8:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Fiona Eustathiades, Administrative Assistant (651) Eric Chadwick, Parish Council President (507) chadwick@ptslaw.com Registry Day Churchings Alexis Boulos & Nectarios Mersina Van Cleave & Eleni Funerals Diana Baca Births Eleni to Jason & Mersina Van Cleave Athan to Rob & Taci Zahl Memorials George Tortorelis (6 month) George Rappos (1 year) Josephine Papadopoulos (40 days) Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Diane Anastos Glad Tidings - Editor Festal Icons Needed Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50.00 per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. To donate an icon, fill out a form (found on the bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office. St. Euphrosynos the Cook St. Evanthia May 11 St. Ephraim the Syrian March 7 St. Ephraim the Syrian St. Euphrosynos the Cook

5 St. Paul, MN Page 5 YOUTH NEWS UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS Community/Family Night A Drug-Free Back to School Stathopoulos/Sauro Home 9642 Brookview Court, Woodbury RSVP to Tel: or Cell: to RSVP. Potluck & Activities, Friday, September 19th 6:30 pm. Family Camp Camp Wapo, October 10-12th.camp Vacation Church School 2008 The Miracles of Jesus See below left for details. SAVE THE DATES Sunday School Begins September 7th! Need families to host: Upcoming Community Nights Sunday School is fast approaching-please register your child(ren) at Your early registration helps us to plan! A Senior High program will resume this year (students 10-12th grade). Please encourage your older student to continue the pursuit of their faith and understanding of Orthodoxy. Questions? Contact Andrea Faches afaches@msn.com. Friday, December 12th Caroling for the homebound Sunday School Volunteers Contact Andrea Faches to get on the schedule afaches@msn.com. Can t commit to teaching but want to help? We have jobs for you. Check the website for how you can support our youth educational programs, or afaches@msn.com. Friday, October 10th - TBA Friday, Nov. 21st At church Youth & Family Ministry Junior Choir News Monday, September 8th 6:30 St. George As we come to the close of summer, we will resume our rehearsal schedule of 30 minutes on the first & third Sundays of the month at noon following the Divine Liturgy. New Junior Choir members are encouraged to join. We will begin on October 5th, and will start working through the green hymnal. Monthly planning meeting. Sunday School Staff and Youth Workers are encouraged to attend. Family Camp 2008 Upcoming Youth & Family Ministry meetings will be on October 13th, November 10th & December 8th at 6:30 pm. Family camp is quickly approaching, October 10-12th at Camp Wappagosset in Amery, Wisconsin. At this lovely retreat center 1.5 hours away, families gather to spend time together with other Orthodox families from the Twin City area and to get closer to our Lord. Dr. Philip Mamalakis, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is returning to offer his workshops on families and parenting. Please contact Cindy Karos ckaros@visi.com or Father Rick for more details. For a preview, visit view=article&id=148%3afamily-camp-200 to listen to workshops offered last year.

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 Book Store The Book Store has many books written by Orthodox scholar Constantine Cavarnos. One of those books The Holy Mountain is available in both Greek and English. This is a very informative book on the Holy Mountain of Mount Athos which concentrates on the various aspects of monastic life. He approaches Mount Athos as an Orthodox Christian who finds in the Holy Mountain a living reality which is to be valued by its faithfulness to genuine Orthodox tradition. This book helps to open up views and understanding of the nature of Orthodox Christian monastic life. The Central Church at Mount Athos What s Happening Around the World International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) distributed emergency food and hygiene supplies to people who were displaced due to the conflict between Georgian, Russian, and South Ossetian forces. The distribution took place on Thursday in Tbilisi where displaced families took shelter in a school for the blind and in the nearby town of Tskvarichamia. IOCC is also coordinating assistance to refugees in North Ossetia (Russia) in partnership with the Russian Orthodox Church. Most people had to flee the fighting in South Ossetia and brought nothing more than the clothes on their backs, said IOCC Georgia Program Manager Darejan Dzotsenidze. The Georgian government and the U.N. are currently registering some 23,000 people who fled the conflict and poured into Tbilisi. Those numbers are expected to increase. IOCC released emergency funds to its Tbilisi and Moscow offices earlier this week to purchase food items such as pasta, rice, cereal, sugar and tea, and hygiene items including towels, soap and tooth paste. The collective centers where the displaced are housed often have two families in one room. Many of those who fled hid in basements and forests until they had to find food, said Dzotsenidze. Now they are saying, please help me to get home even if you give me a palace here, I would rather go home. IOCC, which has worked on emergency and development projects in Russia and Georgia since the early 1990s, is working in partnership with the Georgian Orthodox Church in the affected areas of Georgia and with the Russian Orthodox Church in North Ossetia. To help in providing emergency relief, call IOCC s donation hotline toll-free at , make a gift on-line at or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC and write Conflict in the Caucasus in the memo line to: IOCC, P.O. Box , Baltimore, Md

7 St. Paul, MN Page 7 Greek Festival 2008 Metropolis & Archdiocesan News Orthodox Christian Network Launches New Show for Gen X and Y The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is pleased to announce its newest weekly show, "Journeys to Orthodoxy," produced by Icon New Media Network and now available at Journeys to Orthodoxy tells the personal stories of individuals who have searched for spiritual truth often in remarkable ways and ultimately found what they are looking for in the Orthodox Christian Church. Jacob Lee, host of the new show, believes Journeys to Orthodoxy will help "members of Gen X and Y find out information about Orthodoxy, but in a non-threatening way." "I think that through listening people will see how the Holy Spirit has moved and be inspired to share the Orthodox faith with their friends and neighbors," Lee said. Orthodoxy and the Environment: Greening your Parish This booklet is a wonderful, practical guide that offers guidelines and challenges for young adults to take an active role in making our local Greek Orthodox parishes more environmentally conscious with the challenges laid out by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Download at Saints alive! is a new offering by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and features interactive games and puzzles, in a colorful, fun environment, all with an Orthodox theme. The games are suitable for kids from ages 5 on up. Visit for more information.

8 S T. G E O R G E G R E E K O R T H O D O X C H U R C H 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES St. Luke the Evangelist Monday, September 8 8:00AM Orthros, 9:00AM Liturgy St. Sophia Wednesday, September 17 8:00AM Liturgy Dormition of St. John the Theologian Friday, September 26 9:00AM Liturgy Saturday, September 27 9:30AM Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (September May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: (September through May) starts after administration of Holy Communion

9 September 2008 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ECCLESIASTICAL +FAST DAY +FAST DAY NEW YEAR LABOR DAY - Office Closed *6:30pm Missions & Benevolence *5:00pm Radio Program KKMS 980am SUN. BEFORE +NATIVITY OF +FAST DAY +FAST DAY CROSS THEOTOKOS +8:30am ORTHROS +9:45am LITURGY +8:00am ORTHROS +9:00am LITURGY *5:00pm *12:00pm MEOCCA *5:00pm Radio Philoptochos Program KKMS *12:00pm Junior *6:30pm Youth *7:00pm Parish 980am Choir Practice & Family *7:00pm Bible Council Ministry Mtg. Study at Fr. Rick's +5:00pm VESPERS Home ELEVATION OF +ST. EUPHEMIA +FAST DAY +FAST DAY +ST. EUSTATHIOS CROSS - STRICT +ST. SOPHIA FAST DAY +9:00am LITURGY +8:00am LITURGY +9:45am LITURGY *5:00pm Radio Program KKMS *12:00pm Acolyte *5:00pm Spiritual *6:00pm Parish 980am Training Life Cmte Family Night SUN. AFTER +CONCEPTION +FAST DAY +ST. EUPHROSYNE +FAST DAY CROSS OF FORERUNNER +9:30am Liturgy +ST. THEKLA +DORMITION OF in Eau Claire, WI +8:30am ORTHROS ST. JOHN +9:45am LITURGY THEOLOGIAN *5:00pm Radio *12:00pm Choir +9:00am LITURGY Program KKMS Practice 980am *7:00pm *7:00pm Welcome *12:30pm Church Stewardship Cmte & Outreach Cmte. Picnic +1ST SUN. LUKE +8:30am ORTHROS +9:45am LITURGY Coming in October Holy Protection of the Theotokos 4. Art Auction 6. St. Thomas the Apostle 12. Family Camp 18. St. Luke the Evangelist 23. St. Iakovos 26. St. Demetrios 28. Holy Protection - Oxi Day St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

10 YOU RE INVITED! St. George Greek Orthodox Church along with Marlin Art of New York proudly presents its 7th Annual ART AUCTION! SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2008 Enjoy an evening of delicious Greek appetizers, wine and a variety of beautifully framed original and reproduction art sold in a spirited live auction! Art at all price points available! Preview at 6 pm Auction at 7 pm Admission: $20 per person For tickets & information: Dawn Lampros Denise Smith OR purchase tickets Auction held at St.George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul A Benefit for St. George Youth Ministries & The Jeremiah Program* *Transforming families from Poverty to Prosperity

11 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, MN Parish Council Meeting Minutes April 10, 2008 Attendees: Absent: Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Eric Chadwick, Stacy Katsiyannis, Pendelis Eliou, Ann Woods, Jim Theros, Paul Pliakas and Frank Mortari Christ Kontenakos, Georgia Bruer-Panopoulos, Diane Anastos I. The meeting was called to order at 19:15. II. Fr Rick opened the meeting by leading the Council in a prayer. III. Minutes from the February 13, 2008 Parish Council Meeting, the February 24, 2008 Parish Assembly meeting and the March 13, 2008 Parish Council meeting were submitted by Frank Mortari and were approved by Council. IV. TREASURER S REPORT Stacy Katsiyiannis submitted a report of finances covering the period of January to March 2008 period (the report will be attached to the minutes). We have begun to receive bills for the Social Hall upgrade and funds will need to be transferred from the investment accounts. Eric Chadwick clarified for Council the negative balance entry on the Budget statement for item D (Transfer Funds), which is simply a reflection of funds not having been transferred from different accounts.. V. FATHER RICK S REPORT Fr Rick submitted his report (the report will be attached to the minutes). There were 3 bible readings followed by discussion on the readings. Fr Rick highlighted a few items from his report including: o Holy week details and practical matters that need attention. o Fr Rick encouraged Parish Council members to attend all services during this special period. o Need for ushers to be available at all services and be ready to deal with the money collected. o o Ann Woods agreed to send out an instruction sheet outlining proper protocol for ushers during services. Frank Mortari agreed to contact the tenants and landlord of the building that make use of the Church parking lot and ask them not to park in the lot from Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday April 27, because of expected large number of parishioners attending services. Fr Rick informed Council that Anna Christoforides has expressed her intention to resign from the Greek School at the end of the school year. VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS Stewardship Committee Pendy Eliou provided a report for Council (the report will be attached to the minutes). The total number of pledges and the total dollar amount pledged to date for 2008 are down from the full year totals of 2006 and 2007 but the average pledge amount is up by 25% compared to The Stewardship Committee has contacted a number of individuals who have not yet pledged this year, and encouraged them to fill out a pledge card. By Laws Committee Paul Pliakas indicated this Committee has met and they are in the final stages of completing a draft of proposed changes to the Parish Council ByLaws. The draft will first be reviewed by the Parish Council and then presented to the Parish Assembly for approval. The impetus behind these changes is to update the ByLaws to conform with the current UPR policies. VII. NEW BUSINESS Memorial Donations Policy Fr Rick gave a historical background to these discussions that began in The larger issue is how to deal with specific requests from donors on how to use their donation, and at the same time have a written record of their wishes. A policy statement approved by Parish Council in May13, 2004, was provided to Council for review. The current policy, which outlines choices that the donor can make of possible beneficiaries of their donation, was not being strictly enforced. Father pointed out that recent memorial donations on behalf of David Trudeau and George Tortorellis have been applied to the Iconostasis project according to the donors wishes.

12 Council felt that the current policy statement should be updated to be clearer in its beneficiary choices as well as easier for the donors to follow. Eric Chadwick suggested tabling further discussions on this matter until the next Parish Council meeting. Sacramental Fees Policy The issue of whether to charge fees for sacramental services (baptisms, weddings, funerals) for non-parishioners or parishioners who are not in good standing was discussed. Having a policy to address this matter would more clearly communicate any associated costs for making use of Church services for those that are not active members of the parish. A draft policy document was provided to Council for discussion purposes. Discussions on this matter were tabled to the next Council meeting so that additional information could be gathered, including policies at other churches. Resources Manuals Eric Chadwick recognized the difficulties of a smooth transition when new Council members are elected and long standing members leave. This change in staff creates a knowledge gap of policies and practices, and responsibilities, for new members. Eric Chadwick suggested that all Council members undertake a review of their current role and responsibilities and document these in writing, which could then be collected in a binder that would contain all key information a policy booklet. New Council members would be given this policy booklet, which they could update as required and then they could hand it down to their successor. Council members agreed to begin the long process of collecting these data that pertains to their respective roles and responsibilities. Greek School Fr Rick pointed out the need to begin planning to recruit a new director of the Greek School for the next school year. Holy Week Ann Woods will once again coordinate the readers required for the various services during Holy Week (Ann would prefer if one family could handle one service and handle all the reading details). Foreign language readers for the Agape service were selected. Stock Donation Policy Although a policy does currently exist to address the procedure for stock donations to the Church, it appears that the brokerage house did not get the memo of this policy. One of the issues is that when such donations are made, Council is usually not aware of these transactions until much later. Acknowledgment of the donation by the Church at a later time has caused some tax concerns to the donors Eric Chadwick suggested that the acknowledgement letter from the Church should simply reflect the date the Church received the donation and not the dollar amount of the donation since varying stock prices could have impacted the actual value of the donation. We need to reiterate the policy to the brokerage house, and hold them accountable to the Parish Council for donated stock transactions. Solea Flooring Paul Pliakas provided a report from the joint meeting of the Iconostasis, Capital Projects and Long Term Planning Committees summarizing cost options on new flooring for the solea (the report will be attached to the minutes). The Committee recommended using marble as the material of choice for the Solea floor. The prices varied from $20,000 to $40,000 based on type of marble being used and installation costs. The Council would prefer to keep the floor replacement costs around $20,000 provided that the marble selection is satisfactory to all concerned and that the job can be done correctly within the time frame required (likely during July 2008). Given the importance of this particular project, Council asked for more information on the material being considered (actual samples), possible layout of the floor to enhance the look/design and written bids for both the material and the installation before making any further decisions. The Committees also recommended donating the old Iconostasis to Holy Trinity Serbian Church, including the icon of St George, given that the new Iconostasis includes a new St George icon. The Committees also recommended not moving ahead with any audio upgrades for the Sanctuary. 2

13 Clergy-Laity Conference Fr Rick forwarded to all Council members registration material for the upcoming Clergy-Laity conference in Washington, DC on July 12-18, Up to four delegates are allowed to represent each Parish. Council members who wish to attend should make their intentions known to Council. Parish Council will cover the registration costs of attendees, which is $550/delegate, after delegates are approved at the next Parish Assembly meeting. Parish Assembly A possible date being considered for the next Parish Assembly meeting is May 18, A definitive decision will be made at a later time point. Fr Rick in his report highlighted some key agenda items for this meeting, including: approval of audited financials, board of elections, board of auditors, capital projects and disposition of old iconostasis. Once there is agreement on a meeting date, the agenda for this meeting will be mailed to all parishioners. Accounting Issues Stacy Katsiyiannis reviewed for all Council members procedures for bringing church offerings from the Church to the upstairs office. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Pascha Dinner Jason Barbes has offered to help with this event. Jim Theros indicated that the lamb has been purchased. Additional help is highly appreciated. Festival of Nations Paul Pliakas reiterated the need for volunteers during the May 1-4, 2008 Festival of Nations event. Social Hall Renovations Upgrade work to the Social Hall is expected to take place during the month of June A contract has been signed for this work. Father asked that he be consulted as to the progress of the work and whether workers could leave certain areas of the Social Hall available on weekends to allow for the social/fellowship hour to take place after service. Parish Council Vacancies Both Pendy Eliou and Eric Chadwick have contacted a few individuals to determine their interest in serving on the Parish Council. Discussions continue with these individuals so that only those who have genuine interest in serving are encouraged to be formally considered by the Council. Land Development The bulk of the electrical work associated with transformer replacement has been completed. The pouring of cement will require warmer temperature for its completion. Eric Chadwick and at least one member from the Long Range Planning and Development Committee will review a detailed list of all work required for job completion including restoration of landscaping to its original condition. James Nickitas Funds Disposition Eric Chadwick continues to attempt to resolve the issue of back-interest owed to the Church associated with the delayed donation of funds to the Church from the Nickitas estate. Council will write a letter of the Nickitas estate confirming our intention to use the donated funds for a specific project, thus establishing a written record of our proposal. Fr Rick asked Council members to keep Christ and Antonia Kontenakos in their prayers to assist them in getting over this difficult time. Motion: Jim Theros moved to adjourn the Parish Council meeting. Ann Woods seconded the motion. The motioned carried. The meeting was adjourned at 22:20. Fr. Rick led the congregation in a closing prayer. 3

14 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, MN Parish Council Meeting Minutes May 8, 2008 Attendees: Fr Richard Demetrius Andrews, Eric Chadwick, Diane Anastos, Christ Kontenakos, Pendelis Eliou, Ann Woods, Jim Theros, Paul Pliakas and Frank Mortari Absent: Georgia Bruer-Panopoulos, Stacy Katsiyannis I. The meeting was called to order at 19:10. II. Father Rick leads Council in an opening prayer and readings. III. The amended minutes from the April 10, 2008 Parish Council Meeting were submitted by Frank Mortari and were accepted by Council. IV. TREASURER S REPORT Diane Anastos submitted a report of finances covering the period of January to April 2008 period (the report will be attached to the minutes). Year to date Total Income is less than budgeted by $13,137 while Expenses are under budget by $9,667. Eric Chadwick reminded Council some of these apparent financial imbalances are simply a reflection of funds not having been transferred from different accounts. Eric Chadwick asked the assistant treasurer to provide more details to some of the financial transactions.. V. FATHER RICK S REPORT Fr Rick submitted his report (the report will be attached to the minutes). There were 2 scripture readings followed by discussion; both readings dealt with the benefits of giving generously to the church and the potential pitfalls on not doing so. Fr Rick reminded Council to attend the upcoming Stewardship Committee meeting on May 27, Fr Rick reported on Holy Week Activities highlights: o Lazaros Saturday activities went well. o Holy Thursday -washing of feet service- still requires better participation from Parish Council members. o Ushering activities went well lead by Jim Theros; more ushers are required during the Anastasi Service to control crowd noise. o Holy Friday activities went well with a positive response to having a sound system during the procession o outside of church. Sunday AM lamb dinner went well but Fr Rick suggested that Council consider moving it to Sunday PM to encourage greater participation Fr Rick requested help from Council in managing the Phone Voice Mail system and Frank Mortari volunteered. Fr Rick and Eric Chadwick suggested that Council begin the process of recruiting a director of the Greek School given the upcoming vacancy of this position. VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS By Laws Committee Paul Pliakas and 2 other members of the ByLaws Committee (Mary Makredes and Chris Georgantones) presented to council a draft of the proposed changes to the Parish Council ByLaws and a summary of the key changes (report will be attached to the minutes). Paul Pliakas indicated that this Committee has worked on this project for about 2 years and they were ready to submit their recommendations to Council and eventually to the entire Parish. Mary Makredes and Chris Georgantones pointed out key changes such as: clarification of Pledging procedure, definition of member-in-good standing and addition of Assistant Treasurer as a Council officer. The draft will be first reviewed by the Parish Council and then presented to the Parish Assembly for approval. Christ Kontenakos asked if the Committee had considered changing the Parish Council tenure term to 3 years and having elections for only 4 members per cycle. The Committee members indicated they did consider such changes to the Parish Council election terms, but because the Committee was evenly split on the issue, the status quo prevailed. Stewardship Committee Pendy Eliou provided a report for Council (the report will be attached to the minutes). The Year-to-Date total contributions are about $12,000 below budget. Total number of Pledgers for 2008 is 109 (compared to 127 and 131 for 2006 and 2007 respectively) while the average pledged amount is up 25.8% from the 2007 average pledge. Fr Rick and Pendy Eliou reminded Council to please attend the next Stewardship meeting on May 27, 2008.

15 Offering envelopes for 2009 have arrived but Father has expressed concern on the use of envelopes given the large number of parishioners who do not use them. Eric Chadwick suggested an opt-in clause for envelopes on the pledge card that would allow parishioners to request envelopes. Eric Chadwick reported that he had spoke with the President of St Mary s GOC and was informed that they have begun a campaign to request that all parishioners pledge between 2.5% and 3.5% of gross income. Eric Chadwick said that he believes this is a reasonable long term goal for the Parish. Festival of Nations Paul Pliakas handed out a revenue and expense report from Jean Pliakas for the Festival of Nations event (report will be attached to minutes). Income was $28,139, an increase of 26.9% over 2007 income, estimated expenses totaled to $8,284, and estimated net income was $19,854 which represents a 20.3% increase over 2007 net income. Fr Rick praised Paul and Jean for their heroic efforts to bring this project to fruition. Paul wishes to thank those families and individuals who donated food or money to the event. The only glitch was the fact that some volunteers did not make their intentions known in advance to Jean Pliakas, so that she could better schedule the volunteers. Given the success of this event, Fr Rick wished to plant an idea-seed with Council to consider extending the Greek Festival to 3 days from the current 2 days given that it appears to have significant upward potential to grow. VII. NEW BUSINESS Nickitas Camp Scholarships The Nickitas Camp Scholarship Committee received 7 applications for financial support for children to attend this camp. Maximal financial support is $350/child if financial need can be demonstrated. The fund currently has a balance of around $19,500. The Fund Guidelines allow only earned interest to be used, in the absence of Parish Council approval. Given the larger number of requests and the recent poor interest yield on the fund, Eric Chadwick requested that Council consider authorizing the use of principle funds. Motion: Frank Mortari motioned that the Nickitas Camp Scholarship Committee be authorized to make use of funds from the Nickitas Camp Scholarship Fund not to exceed 7% of the existing principle balance. Christ Kontenakos. seconded the motion. The motion carried. MEOCCA Spirit Fest The MEOCCA Spirit Fest is a community event that promotes orthodoxy, with various priests speaking about the orthodox faith. The event was held at St George Antiochian in St Paul, MN on June 15, Paul Pliakas indicated that we have supported this event in the past by attending and by paying for some of the advertising costs. Motion: Paul Pliakas requested that Council authorize a $500 payment in support of MEOCCA. The motion was not seconded, hence it failed. Motion: Christ Kontenakos requested that Council authorize a $200 payment in support of MEOCCA. Pendy Eliou seconded the motion. The motion carried. Metropolis Oratorical Festival Stipend Alexandra Selliris represented the Parish at this year s Metropolis Oratorical Festival. Council has historically covered a portion of the expenses to attend the Festival. Past support was $150, with funds coming from the Youth Program. Motion: Frank Mortari motioned that Council authorize payment of $150 to the Selliris family for expenses associated with attending the Metropolis Oratorical Festival. Pendy Eliou seconded the motion. The motion carried. Candle Stand Placement Frank Mortari reported on the potential benefits of having the candle stand in the narthex (lobby) of the Church to reduce noise in the church and less congestion while lighting candles. Christ Kontenakos indicated the benefits of ushers being inside the church. Fr Rick agreed that for the moment having the candle stand inside the church narthex seems reasonable although he indicated that in traditional Byzantine, style the narthex is typically separated from the nave. GOYA/Benevolence Missions Fundraiser Presbytera Jane and Jean Pliakas would like to co-ordinate a fundraiser to coincide with Grand Old Days. They would charge a fee for cars to park at the Church during Grand Old Days on June 1,

16 Proceeds would be used for Benevolence Missions activities and to purchase plants for around the church. Motion: Jim Theros moved to allow GOYA and Benevolence Missions to conduct the fundraiser on June 1, 2008, and make use of any profits. Diane Anastos seconded the motion. The motion carried. VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Parish Assembly Eric Chadwick indicated that the most likely date for next Parish Assembly meeting would be June 1, A letter containing the meeting agenda and also the procedures that would be followed in the event that a quorum is not established would be mailed to all parishioners prior to the meeting according to UPR regulations. Social Hall Renovations Work on the Social Hall will take place between June 2 and June 22, Contracts for lighting, acoustics, painting and new furniture have been signed. During this period the social hall it will not be possible to have the social hour after Sunday service in the hall and alternative arrangements are being planned, including outside or in the Narthex in the event of inclement weather. James Nickitas Funds Disposition Eric Chadwick spoke with Ted Toso, the executor of the Nickitas Estate. Mr Toso did not agree with the Church s position that given the length of time the donated funds sat in the estate account, the Church may be owed additional interest for this time period. Christ Kontenakos suggested that Council drop the matter since the time and effort to resolve it is likely to be lengthy. Eric Chadwick will speak to Nouli Priest to clarify the wishes of Mr Nickitas on the proper use of the donated funds. Memorial Donations Policy Eric Chadwick handed out a draft of the proposed document for Council to review. Ann Woods and Diane Anastos have offered to help Eric Chadwick improve the document s clarity and the beneficiary choices that are listed. Sacramental Fees Policy Discussions on this matter were tabled to the next Council meeting so that additional information could be collected. Office Administration Issues Eric Chadwick provided Council with a list of proposed closing dates for the church. The draft document lists the recognized 9 federal holidays plus 5 religious days. Father pointed out the benefits of having clear and defined policies. This matter will be discussed further at future meetings. Christ Kontenakos thanked Council for keeping his wife Antonia in their prayers and for the continued support they have received during this difficult time. Frank Mortari reported that Fr Simeon sent a letter of thanks to Council for the stipend paid to him for being one of our Lenten speakers. Father reminded Council of the need to update banking information on various bank accounts as new people are added to committees and Eric offered to help in resolving this matter. Motion: Paul Pliakas moved to adjourn the Parish Council meeting. Ann Woods seconded the motion. The motioned carried. The meeting was adjourned at 22:10. Fr Rick led the Parish Council in a closing prayer. 3