THE HOLY TRINITY HERALD

Transcription

1 THE HOLY TRINITY HERALD THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ROANOKE, VIRGINIA VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2017 Dear Brothers and Sisters, Engaged with our daily concerns do we ever think about the destiny of the world? Astronauts, people whose engagement forces them to look at the earth, our world, when asked about the effects of their stay in space, quite often express a feeling of care, concern and love for our planet. After their return, many of them become active environmentalists or take up some global issues. Do we, in turn, locked in our daily routines, ever wonder about the earth s future? Do we consider the future of the universe? Similar questions have always troubled people and have caused variant speculations. In our times, it seems that a common acceptance, heavily influenced by popular culture, is the presence of an unnamed and multifaceted danger to our civilization, which is usually perceived as coming to its end. Interrupting this danger will generate a new opportunity for a remnant of a sick but resilient humanity to eventually thrive again. Issues, for example the balance of power necessitated from our inevitable coexistence with intelligent machines, are often considered based on humanity s need for a determined survival struggle against said machines and their superficial omnipotence. Inevitably there is always a hazy and undetermined silver lining at the end of the tunnel in an unspecified residence in the stars. Very little is stated about the necessity to permanently overcome our shortcomings. These perceptions of future human history seem unconcerned about the internal change of humans. In related stories, unchanged human attributes responsible for the expected collapse of our civilization are accented, cultivated and highlighted. The silver lining of the future, as envisaged in our popular culture, emerges after struggles against an oppressive present and always in conjunction with the dogged will of the remnant to survive. Thus, potentially infinite cycles of decay, survival and recreation of our world are locked within an everexpanding attempt to conquer and subjugate the universe following the same principles of greed, imposition of social injustices from those in power. Selfishness coupled with curiosity, drive for excellence, resilience and occasional altruism are integral characteristics of those involved in this futuristic fantasy. Pondering upon these scenarios, it is difficult to comprehend why anybody would be willing to participate in this Sisyphean endeavor. If we are locked into these continuous cycles what is the point of survival? Does the Church offer a different outlook, a way out of these interlocked cycles of happiness, decay and survival, especially one that will be relevant to all humans, even to those who will colonize the edges of our galaxy and beyond? The Church insists that the survival mode that should be generating our responses to the ebbing and flowing of history is simply an illusion

2 generated by the bonds of death gripping the universe. Love, not survival, is the generating energy of life. The denial of one s self, the expansion, the reaching out towards the neighbors and towards God contains the conditions of escape and perfection. Death and current corruption deny us that possibility as they deny us the perfect life. The power of death in the entire universe has generated our will for self-preservation, which in turn is intimately linked to fear, and anxiety. These factors create human fragmentation giving rise to self-assertion, centrality of the ego, jealousy, dislike of the neighbor etc. Because of the fear before a life lacking meaning, humans are constantly endeavoring to prove, to themselves and others, that they have value. People crave compliments and despise insults. They seek like-minded people and try to minimize the successes of others. They seek security and happiness in wealth, glory and bodily pleasures and imagine that such a destiny is a temporal happiness preferred over the alternative, the presence of God. Happiness and security are traits that St. Paul would label as the work of the flesh. Based on his experience, the Church insists that these desires are not normal. It goes further proclaiming that these powers of corruption prohibit humans from living in accordance with God s original intent or as St. Paul states "Who will deliver me from the body of this death?"(rom 7:24). The contrast of human projections for the future with the Church s belief in personal regeneration in Christ brings to the forefront the shortcomings of the former. It is easy to hope that the current attributes of humans will carry us through all future difficulties. Looking beyond this hopeful outlook it is clear that the world will remain essentially unchanged and will continue to offer different settings where the same play is enacted over and over again. Yet this point is very much embedded within our perceptions. It is almost impossible to convince people, who most likely do not wish to be convinced that real change requires the heeding of the message and the trust in the Lord s gift of our salvation from the bonds of evil. For the life of the world and for our future this is only done in one way: by following Him and accepting the Cross as the means of salvation for the entire universe. Isn t it worth the effort? In Christ, Fr. N. Galanopoulos VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 2 NOVEMBER 2017

3 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Boulevard, N.E. Roanoke, Virginia PHONE: (540) FAX: (540) PHONE: (540) FAX: (540) Rev. Fr. Nick Galanopoulos Subdeacon Gregory (Gray) Smith Georgia Liagki, Church Administrator PARISH COUNCIL Carol Royal President Dr. Paul Dallas Vice President Secretary Deno Poulos Assistant Secretary Matt Mandros Treasurer Andre DeMaurice Assistant Treasurer Board Members Naji Karim Dr. Wendy Larson-Harris Lampros Peroulas Dr. Charles Tarasidis Terry Tomaras David Williams ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos President Tina Poulos Religious Education Dr. Wendy Larson Harris GOYA Ariana Mandros & Dino Oikonomou Chanters - Dr. Paul Dallas Happy Hearts - Joanne Stamus, Vickie Stamus, & Amelia Tames Dance Troupe Maria Hatzios Book store Denise Stewart Megdova President Dr. Paul Dallas Webmaster Mark Bonds COMMITTEES Adornment - Basil Grapsas Archives Chris Stratton Education - Dr. Wendy Larson Harris Festival Pete Simopoulos Finance Dr. Bobby Karageorge & Chris Stratton Grounds Dr. Charles Tarasidis Planning Bobby Ziogas Projects Dr. Charles Tarasidis Stewardship David Williams Ushering & Welcome The deadline for notices to be placed in the bulletin is the 15 th of each month. Please them to htrinityroa@verizon.net attention: Georgia Liagki on or before this date. Thank you. VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 3 NOVEMBER 2017

4 NOVEMBER DIVINE LITURGY SCHEDULE November 2017 Wed. 11/01/2017 Cosmas and Damian the Holy Unmercenaries of Asia, and their mother Usher(s): Thodora Beth Gianakouros 8:00 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Liturgy Sun. 11/5/2017 5th Sunday of Luke 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00 AM Liturgy Epistle: Galatians 6:11-18 Gospel: Luke 16:19-31 Usher(s): David Williams, Naji Karim Wed. 11/08/2017 Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & Gabriel 8:00 AM Orthros 9:00AM Liturgy Usher(s): Beth Gianakouros Sun. 11/12/2017 8th Sunday of Luke 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00AM Liturgy Epistle: II Corinthians 9:6-11 Gospel: Luke 10:25-37 Usher(s): Carol Royal, Terry Tomaras Sun. 11/19/2017 9th Sunday of Luke 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00AM Liturgy Epistle: Ephesians 2:14-22 Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 Usher(s): Voula Dallas, Angela Flegas Tues. 11/21/2017 The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Usher(s): Beth Gianakouros Sun. 11/26/ th Sunday of Luke 8:00 AM Orthros 9:00 AM Liturgy 9:00 AM Orthros 10:00AM Liturgy Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-7 Gospel: Luke 18:18-27 Usher(s): Nada Melki, Chris Flegas USHERS ARE REQUIRED TO ARRIVE FIFTEEN MINUTES PRIOR TO BEGINNING OF LITURGY! THE USHER LEADER IS TO ARRIVE FOR THE BEGINNING OF ORTHROS. IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO USHER AS SCHEDULED, PLEASE CONTACT ANOTHER USHER FROM YOUR LIST TO REPLACE YOU. VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 4 NOVEMBER 2017

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS BAPTISM The daughter of Jon & Katie Snowden was baptized on October 22, 2017 and given the name Evelyn Marie. We congratulate the godmother, Beth Gianakouros, the parents, the grandparents and the great grandmothers, especially Marie Pappas. AWARD Arianna Krinos, a Virginia Tech Junior, triple majoring in biological sciences, computer science, and computational modeling and data analytics was presented with an Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Award. Astronaut, Kathryn Thornton, presented Arianna with the award on October 19 th. To read the full article, please visit: VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 5 NOVEMBER 2017

6 Fellowship Hour Hosts For October October 1 October 8 October 15 October 22 October 29 Philoptochos Voula Dallas for Voulas Tampasis 40days memorial Angela Flegas Vickie Stamus for Edna s Munger 1st year memorial OXI Celebration The 2017 calendar is posted in the church hall; please show your hospitality by signing up to be a host. Religious Education The Sunday School theme for the fall is prayer. Students are learning or reviewing the Lord s Prayer and learning about the Jesus Prayer, an important Orthodox tradition. They will also be receiving prayer bracelets as part of learning about the Jesus Prayer. November 12 th is OCF Sunday! The Orthodox Christian Fellowship is the national pan- Orthodox organization created for the support and spiritual growth of Orthodox college students. Holy Trinity will be hosting students from Virginia Tech, Roanoke College, VMI and Washington and Lee, and they will be guests at the Philoptochos luncheon following the service. VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 6 NOVEMBER 2017

7 NOVEMBER 2017 NEWSLETTER Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Church Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We enter the autumn season, with its falling foliage, glistening through rays of sunlight or drops of water, like beads of glass. It s at this time that we enter a busy season for the upcoming Holidays. I would like to thank all of you for your participation in the Operation Christmas Child event. Because of you all it was a huge success. We collected more than our goal. And thank you to all who participated in the Alzheimer s Walk. A cause close to many of our hearts. That s what our church family is at Holy Trinity. Whatever we do, we pull together, get busy and pull it off, in Jesus Name and in His Service. CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 5 Pass tray for Ecumenical Patriarchate November 12 Bake Sale/Luncheon- purchase tickets, buy baked goods, get the word out. The Holidays are coming! December 3 Business Meeting December 3-17 th Collect money for poinsettias see Amelia Tames in the Fellowship Hall Just a reminder to embrace our college youth (OCF), and all newcomers, as they are far from home. To encourage them as our children and family so they feel home here. Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Luke 6:38 Give and it will be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Your Sister in Christ, Tina Poulos, President VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 7 NOVEMBER 2017

8 Grecian Luncheon and Bake Sale Sunday, November 12, :30-3:30PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Blvd Roanoke, VA Tickets $14 Menu featuring: Choice of Moussaka or Pastichio, Greek Salad, Dolmades, Bread, Grecian Style Green Beans, Dessert, Coffee or Tea Place your order by mailing the form below and your check to: Ladies Philoptochos Society Attn: Luncheon/Bake Sale Pre-order to guarantee your items. 30 Huntington Blvd Orders taken until Wednesday, November 8 th Roanoke, VA If you have questions please call (540) , (540) or philoptochosroa@gmail.com Order Form : Name: Address City, State, Zip Phone address: Price Quantity Total Luncheon tickets $14.00 Baklava (4 pieces) $10.00 Koulourakia twisted butter cookies (dozen) $5.00 GOYA Tiropita Meeting - Cheese 9/10/2017 Puffs (dozen) $9.00 Total for this Order Other bake items (breads, cakes, etc) will also be on sale. VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 8 NOVEMBER 2017

9 Roanoke As our November outing, we are asking everyone to support the Philoptochos Luncheon and Bake Sale to be held on Sunday, November 12 th. Please invite your family and friends to join us for a delicious lunch. See a Philoptochos member to purchase your tickets. The Hellenic Club will attend the Thomas Road Baptist Church Christmas Spectacular in Lynchburg on Saturday, December 2 nd at 2 p.m. followed by dinner. If you are interested in attending the show, please or call Frances Simopoulos ASAP at ptsims@ntelos.net or by November 6. The cost per ticket is $ If you would like to join us for dinner only, please let me know by Friday, November 17 th. Details about the restaurant will be announced as soon as reservations have been confirmed. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Alzheimer s Association Walk on October 14 th! We had a great time supporting a great cause that effects so many people! VOL. 15 ISSUE 11 9 NOVEMBER 2017

10 The Festival Committee wishes everyone and their families a very Happy Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Peter Simopoulos Chairman, Roanoke Greek Festival HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD - It is that time of the year to express your Holiday Greetings to our fellow parishioners, through the Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card. Please complete the information and mail it along with your donation to our church office by December 3rd. We will also be accepting your listing along with your donation on Sundays, Nov. 26, and Dec. 3, in our Community Center. Συμπληρώστε τις παρακάτω πληροφορίες και στείλτε το απόκομμα μαζί με την επιταγή σας στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας, πριν τις 3 Δεκεμβρίου. Please print the family names of your household only, as they are to appear on the Christmas card. Minimum donation is $10.00 per household, per line. Γράψτε τα ονόματα όπως θέλετε να τυπωθούν στην κάρτα. Η ελάχιστη δωρεά είναι $10.00 για κάθε σπίτι Enclose your donation payable to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and designated for Christmas Card. Εσωκλείω την επιταγή μου πληρωτέα στην Αγ. Τριάδα, για την Χριστουγεννιάτικη κάρτα. VOL. 15 ISSUE NOVEMBER 2017

11 Poinsettias If you wish to donate money for the purchase of poinsettias, to decorate our church for the holiday season, they are $20.00 per plant. Please complete the information below and mail it to: Philoptophos, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Blvd. Roanoke, VA Αλεξανδριανές γλάστρες - Η Φιλόπτωχος δέχεται δωρεές, για λουλούδια που θα στολίσουν την εκκλησία μας τα Χριστούγεννα. Η κάθε γλάστρα κοστίζει $20.00, στείλτε το απόκομμα με την επιταγή σας γραμμένη στην Φιλόπτωχο, στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας πριν τις 3 Δεκεμβρίου Name / Όνομα Enclosed is my donation payable to Philoptochos, for _ $. poinsettias in the amount of Εσωκλείω την επιταγή μου πληρωτέα στην Φιλόπτωχο, για γλάστρες εις το ποσόν των $. VOL. 15 ISSUE NOVEMBER 2017

12 HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ROANOKE, VA Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 30 Huntington Boulevard, NE Roanoke, VA ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME VALUE MATERIAL NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 392 ROANOKE, VA