MESSENGER THE VOWS? Newsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church. Come & Celebrate. Come and make Your vow to the Lord and offer a gold candle!

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1 THE MESSENGER Newsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church VOWS? Our words are heard, and vows help us recognize that we are not just wishing into the air. We have a heavenly Father, who loves us deeply, and we can, and should, turn to Him with sincerity and integrity. Sincere in our intentions, our Christian life. Sincere in more than our wants and our needs, but also, in our response and our praise. Integrity is our end, our realization that we can hurt Him, if we are careless or selfish. Integrity is being accountable for our side of the relationship. VOWS are part of life. Couples make vows to each other, adding a maturity. Many make a New Years vow. Monastics make vows. The Parish Council made vows last month. Vows are biblical and important, as they have always been made in faith. What vows will you make to your Savior? This Year, we at AHS are restoring the VOW to our spiritual life, as we try for a deeper relationship with our Savior. As we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord in the Temple, by Sts. Joachim and Anna, on February 1 st and 2 nd. Traditionally in the West, candles were blessed on this day, calling it Candlemas, as will we. Come and celebrate this Feast of our Lord on Monday evening or Tuesday morning before work. We will bless special gold 7-day candles. Then, take one and make a good-will offering along with your VOW. Don t ask for anything! This is not about obtaining something!@ It is about probing your heart and making a serious step towards God. It is about responding to God. He will hear you and bless you in ways you cannot imagine! So, let s celebrate Candlemas! Make a good-will offering, grab your gold candle and make your Vows to the Lord, for all his goodness to you! We will keep them lit throughout February. +Fr Alexander Feburary 2016 Come & Celebrate Come and make Your vow to the Lord and offer a gold candle! Join us February 1st and 2nd The Presentation of the Lord! [See inside for more details] Presentation of the Lord Learn the names: Greek Ἡ Ὑπαπαντὴ τοῦ Κυρίου Ipapandi Tu Kiriu Latin: Praesentatio Domini Russian: Сре тение Госпо дне Sreteniye Gospodne

2 PHILOPTOCHOS We had a successful Vasilopita Auction this year, with 19 breads and cakes auctioned!! This event could not be carried out without the dedication and love of the following people!! Thank you, Father Alexander and Dave Elfering for the prayers for the New Year, Helen Petrow who organized this event, Helen Lazanas for phoning members to bake, Gust Rakes for his auctioneering talents to sell these beautiful breads, Peter Wilger, Bill Lambert, Dave Rakes, Chris Sakalar and Maria Knowles for assisting Gust in the Auction, Nadene Sakalar for making coffee, for the Choir, and Mike McDonnell for providing lunch. [More details on this event inside] Deb McDonnell Thank You We are thankful for the dedication of the All Holy Spirit parishioners who are participating in the 2016 Stewardship Ministry. If you have not made your pledge for 2016, please do so today, stewardship cards are available. It is by offering our blessings back to God, Infinite though He is, has chosen to work through us, through our gifts, to continue His saving work through the many ministries of His Church. Glory to God in all things, Shelly Petrow Debbie Birge Thank you Thank you to everyone who provided prosphora, altar flowers, coffee and food for fellowship hour, and artoklasia for the month of January. We are grateful for the participation of: Joanne Sgourakis, Stephanie Wilger, Hellen Elfering, Debbie Birge, Joan Rakes, Mike & Sandi Kriha, Karen Chader, Jim & Deb McDonnell, Joe & Kiki Papke, and John & Michelle Sgourakis. God Grant Them Many Years! Congratulations to Debbie and John Birge who will celebrate 40 years of marriage on February 22nd. Happy Birthday to Effie Bitsos! Happy 85th Birthday to Chris Saklar! Office Hours: Monday Friday: 10am 5pm Phone: PARISH INFOMATION Address: 9012 Q Street, Omaha, NE Website: Church: AHSoffice@allholyspirit.com Fr. Alexander Lukashonok: FrAlexander@allholyspirit.com Services: Each Sunday Morning Prayers 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am 2 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

3 2016 Stewardship List Evan Argyrakis Alexandra Bakke Chris & Carole Bakke Nicholas Bakke William Bakke John & Elaine Berger Zach & Kelli Berger John & Debbie Birge Justin & Nicole Birge Effie Bitsos Paul & Dora Bitsos Nick Bitzes Phil & Tammy Bitzes Matt & Alexis Boulos Julie Bouzis Mike Bouzis Angie Brown Maria Brown Josh & Leah Busch Joe & Litsa Carter Karen Chader Tom & Brenda Denich John & Hillary Detisch Steve & Nikki Diamantis Mary Dounias David & Hellen Elfering Katie Elfering Sarah Elfering Elias & Demetra Eliopoulos Despina Foster Jason Gill Tammy Gill Clark & Annie Gorder Zach Hennings Chris & Vika Hoegemeyer Trey & Tammy Honke Steve & Mariana Hurst Jeff Johannesmeyer Adam & Sandy Karavas Andy & Debbie Karavas Bob & Maria Knowles Paul & Annie Kosel Christopher & Emily Krampe Mike & Sandi Kriha Harry & Dee Lahs Bill & Cindy Lambert Robert & Maria Laws Ted & Helen Lazanas Jim & Deb McDonnell Michael McDonnell Jon & Liz Mehuron Cindy Miller Mary Mitchell Mike & Nikki Moravec Spiro & Mary Moustakes Ashley Olson Linda Olson Mike & Gail Osberg Joe & Kiki Papke John & Laura Pavalis Nick & Aphrodite Petrihos Helen Petrow Nick & Shelly Petrow Nicole Petrow Sophia Petrow Theodora Petrow George & Jody Poullos George Poulos George Pserros David & Lisa Rakes Gust & Joan Rakes Shelly Reiling Bill & Donna Sabo Chris & Nadine Saklar Bill & Joanne Sgourakis John & Michelle Sgourakis Anna Smith Julie Smith Steve & Heidi Thomson Scott & Rena Thornton John & Kathy Treantos Sam Tsichlis Andy Vassios Ted Warren Alyssa Wilger Andrea Wilger Peter & Stephanie Wilger Brian & Sheila Zachariae HOUSE BLESSINGS! This is a Pastoral Visit. PURPOSE: To bless your home, connecting to the Feast of Epiphany and the Grace of the Holy Spirit in the Church; To connect your home to the Church Home and make it a holy place; To connect your life to the priest and to renew your Spiritual life, spending time with your Spiritual Father. It should not be matter of stress of entertaining, only a cup of coffee or tea, and it takes about 1 to 1.5 hour. Let s be expedient and do it this month -Fr. Alexander February

4 Merry Christmas Charlie Brown Presented by Our Youth On January 10th, the Sunday School scholars put on a Christmas play towards the end of our Vasilopita celebration. The children reenacted Charles Schulz s Merry Christmas Charlie Brown. Our Sunday school teachers and children worked hard to make this play a success! Thank you to all who participated in putting on this production and to all who stayed to enjoy this lovely show. It was a wonderful way to start of the new year! Congratulations Following liturgy on Sunday January 10th, we reinstated our parish council members with the Affirmation of Office. We want to extend a big congratulations to our 2016 Parish Council Members: John Birge, Dora Bitsos, Chris Hoegemeyer, Andy Karavas, Mike Kriha, David Rakes, John Sgourakis, John Treantos and Pete Wilger. We are looking forward to see what you have planned for us in this coming year. 4 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

5 Going once...going twice...sold! Our Vasilopita Auction was a huge success this year! The fellowship hall was filled with joy and laughter as Father Alexander cut and served the first slices of the Sweet Bread of Basil. This was followed by the auctioning off of 19 loaves of this traditional New Years bread. A special thanks to: Nikki Diamantis, Annie Kosel, Voula Kotrotios, Dora Bitsos, Effie Bitsos, Joan Rakes, Stephanie Wilger, Aphrodite Petrihos, Deb McDonnell, Jordan McDonnell, Hellen Elfering, Hillary Nather -Detisch, and Angie Brown for baking this special bread. A special thanks to: Teddy Petrow, Helen Lazanas, Helen Petrow, Joe Papke, Bill Lambert, Peter Wilger, Pete Treantos, Joanne Sgourakis, Mike Kriha, Maria Brown, Brian Zachaire, Demetra Eliopoulos, Paul Bitzos, Nick Bitzes, John Detisch, Annie Kosel, John Birge the winners of our Vasilopita Auction. Thank you to Gus Rakes, our auctioneer and to everyone else who patriated to make this celebration a success! The More you Know: The tradition of Vasilopita began in the fourth century when St. Basil the Great was Bishop. St. Basil wanted to find a way to distribute money to the poor, but in a way to preserve their dignity. He commissioned a woman to bake sweetened bread and to place a gold coin in each loaf. The sweetness of the bread symbolizes the joy of life everlasting. It also symbolizes the hope that the new year will be filled with sweetness of life, liberty, health and happiness to all who participate in the Vasilopita Celebration. Vasilopita.com/story.html 6 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church December February

6 About the Assembly of Bishops The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America is one of thirteen bishops' assemblies that have been established in different geographical regions throughout the world. It is made up of all the active, canonical Orthodox bishops of the United States of America, of every jurisdiction. The Assembly was established in accordance with the Decision of the 4 th Pre-Conciliar Pan-Orthodox Conference, convoked in Chambésy, Switzerland, June 6-12, 2009, at which met representatives from all the universally-recognized autocephalous Orthodox churches. These representatives recognized substantial canonical "anomalies" in the organization and life of the Church in these regions, and realized that, though these anomalies had arisen from specific historical circumstances and pastoral needs, they nonetheless present a number of serious problems for the faithful; moreover, they give an appearance of disunity in the one holy Church. As such, these representatives unanimously agreed to the formation of the assemblies of bishops to heal, as quickly as possible, these anomalies. The bishops of the USA, Canada and Central America were originally together in one Assembly, called the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America; in April 2014 it was announced that, in order to best respond to the cultural diversity and pastoral needs in the region, the Canadian and US bishops would form separate assemblies and the Central American bishops would join the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of Latin America. The purpose of the Assembly of Bishops of the United States of America is to preserve and contribute to the unity of the Orthodox Church by helping to further her spiritual, theological, ecclesiological, canonical, educational, missionary and philanthropic aims. To accomplish this, the Assembly has as its goals: i) the promotion and accomplishment of Church unity in the United States ii) the strengthening of the common pastoral ministry to all the Orthodox faithful of the region; and iii) a common witness by the Church to all those outside her. In addition, the Assembly has as an express goal iv) the organization of the Church in the United States in accordance with the ecclesiological and the canonical tradition of the Orthodox Church. The Assembly, which meets annually, functions by a consensus of all its members. It has established a number of committees to help further its work. These committees are charged by the Assembly with specific tasks; they are made up of member bishops, and are assisted by lay and clergy advisors. The Assembly understands itself to be the successor of SCOBA, and as such, it has assumed all of its agencies, dialogues, and other ministries. Unlike SCOBA however, the Assembly is a transitional body. If it achieves its goal, it will make itself obsolete by developing a proposal for the canonical organization of the Church in the United States. This proposal will in turn be presented to the forthcoming Great and Holy Council, which will consist of all canonical Orthodox bishops throughout the world. Should this proposal be accepted, it is hoped that the Assembly of Bishops will then come to an end, ultimately to be succeeded by a governing Synod of a united Church in the United States. 6 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church December

7 OCF College Conferences Have Huge Turnout LIGONIER, PA and DUNLAP, CA (OCF) From December 28, 2015 to December 31, 2015 hundreds of college students gathered for Orthodox Christian Fellowship s 2015 College Conference. The theme of the conference this year was Modern Martyrs: Witnesses of the Word where students discussed how they can be witnesses to Christ on their college campuses and in the secular world. Students also participated in worship, service, and fellowship activities. Three hundred and twenty students attended College Conference East, which was held at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA. Sister Vassa, nun of ROCOR and liturgist for the University of Vienna was the keynote speaker. Workshops were led by V. Rev. Fr. Timothy Hojnicki (OCA); Fr. Alexandros and Pres. Stephanie Petrides (GOA); V. Rev. Fr. Stephen Loposky (ACROD); Dr. Tim Patitsas from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; Louis Zagami, Development Officer for IOCC; and Steven Christoforou, Director of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and the Office of Camping Ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. His Grace Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, Ecumenical Liaison for OCF to the Assembly of Bishops and Fr. Joel Gillam (Antiochian), spiritual advisor for College Conference East, were also present. Anna Valliant, a senior at Pitt and College Conference East Student Leader said, There is something so beautiful about 300 Orthodox students gathering together in prayer and fellowship to grow closer to Christ. OCF s College Conference gave us an opportunity to broaden our knowledge about being a witness for our faith, while allowing us to create and strengthen our friendships with those at the conference. A little over sixty students attended College Conference West, which was held at St. Nicholas s Ranch in Dunlap, CA. Rev. Fr. Apostolos Hill of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ was the keynote speaker and served as spiritual advisor. Workshops were led by Abbot Tryphon of the All Merciful Saviour Monastery and author/podcaster of The Morning Offering (ROCOR); Mother Melania, of Holy Assumption Monastery (OCA); Fr. Michael Gillis (Antiochian) author/podcaster of Praying in the Rain; Mrs. Christina Andresen, Manager of Chapter Relations of OCF and her husband, Mr. Daniel Andresen. Nora Haddad, a junior at Sacramento City College and College Conference West Student Leader said, The College Conference experience this year was unparalleled in that the love of Christ flourished through the union and companionship of all who attended! Glory to God, through prayer, education on martyrdom and saintliness, the shar- ing of our hearts with one another, and allow- ing love to conquer over all that arose in any given circumstance, we were able to witness transformation together from beginning to end; everyone left OCF s College Conference West with their hearts elated and eyes glimmer- Posted by Josephus Flavius ing with inspiration! 8 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church February

8 Let your soul be nourished. I have two sisters who took a cruise recently. My younger sister had never travelled before and was overjoyed to have the opportunity to go away. Her very favorite part of the trip was room service. Every night for dinner, she had a cheeseburger delivered to her room and ate it on a little table by her bed. For my sister, having her favorite food delivered to her room every day for twelve days was the height of luxury. She never once entered the dining room of the ship, and never took part in the amazing feast, which was prepared for and paid for by her. She was content and delighted with her decision. I haven t told many people this story, because I m a little embarrassed for my sister. I was a little concerned that people will think that my family is backwards. But this story reminds me of all of us as Orthodox Christians. We attend our weekly liturgy on Sunday, and we partake in the Holy Week activities before Easter. But we don t partake of the full spiritual feast being offered to us at church. The pews are nearly empty at Vespers. The delicious Artoklasia is shared by only a few people. The Athakist of St. Ignatius was available to us all during December, but so few of us took part. (By the way, it is a glorious service of worship! The loveliest service you can imagine! Available on i-tunes and I recommend it!) Please, make the effort to broaden the borders of your Christian life in Take part in something. Let your soul be nourished more than just on Sundays. Come together in the community and delight yourself in the Lord. When you attend, you help me to grow in faith. When you stay home, I wonder where I will find sisters and brothers to share my faith journey. I miss you, especially at Vespers, and I hope you ll join soon. -Anonymous The Prodigal Son (February 28th, 2016) 68 All All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church December

9 Presentation of the Lord Monday, February 1st-Tuesday, February 2nd The History of the Presentation of the Lord Forty days after Christ was born he was presented to God in the Jerusalem Temple according to the Mosaic Law. At this time his mother Mary also underwent the ritual of purification and offered the sacrifices as prescribed in the Law. Thus, forty days after Christmas, on the second of February, the Church celebrates the feast of the presentation called the Meeting (or Presentation or Reception) of the Lord. How to Celebrate the Presentation of the Lord? Come and bring a dish! Potluck dinner Monday, February 1st 5:30-7:00 PM Stay for Vespers and Blessing of Candles Take a candle and make your Vow to the Lord. We will have gold votive candles that can be lit throughout the month of February. Tuesday, February 2 7:00 AM Matins 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy February

10 Get Involved Are you interested in baking prosphora? Do you want to provide food and coffee for our Fellowship Hour? Would you like to beautify the altar with flowers? Get involved today! Sign up sheets are located in the Fellowship Hall. ICON FLOWERS NEEDED! Flowers needed for The Presentation of the Lord Contact Nikki Moravec (614) RALSTON CHAPTER 534 February 2016 As we get ready to start our 8 th Annual Fish Fry on Friday, February 12th, we will have 4 new Fryers to assist us with another banner year. As we continue to grow, we welcome our parishioners to pitch in and volunteer. Our biggest challenge is set-up & tear-down. Those of you who would like to help, contact: Paul Bitsos: (402) Publican and the Pharisee (February 21, 2016) GOT QUESTIONS? Father is still collecting your questions! Join us in the fellowship hall : Wednesday February 3,10, & 17. Father will be answering your questions. Submit your questions to the church office. (ahsoffice@allholyspirit.com) 10 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah 5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. 6 You will prolong the king s life, His years as many generations. 7 He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! 8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my VOWS. Psalm 61 Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion, and to you shall VOWS be performed. Psalm 65.1 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make your VOWS to the Most High. Psalm 50.14

11 January February 2016 March Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00 PM 9th Hour THE 7:00 PM 5:30 PM Potluck PRESENTATION OF Vespers & Discussion 7:00 PM Vespers & OUR LORD Blessing of Candles 7:00 AM Matins 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 7 8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy 8 9 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 10 7:00 PM Vespers & Discussion 11 7:00 AM Matins :45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy Memorial for Georgia Mallas 15 6:00 PM Parish Council John s Office 7:00 PM Choir :00 PM Vespers & Discussion 18 7:00 AM Matins :45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy :45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy 29 7:00 PM Choir Notes: USHER SCHEDULE If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please find a replacement within your group. February 2/7 George Poullos, Paul Bitsos, John Sgourakis, & Nikki Diamantis March 3/6 Paul Bitsos, Josh Busch, John & Cathy Treantos 2/14 Bill & Cindy Lambert, John & Kathy Treantos 2/21 Mike & Sandi Kriha John Birge, & Tammy Gill 2/28 John & Elaine Berger Dora Bitsos, & Zach Hennings 3/13 Bill & Cindy Lambert, Mike Kriha, & Jeff Johannesmeyer 3/20 Brian & Sheila Zachariae, John Birge, & Bob Knowles 3/27 Mike & Nikki Moravec, John Sgourakis, & Paul Kosel February

12 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church 9012 Q Street Omaha, NE (402) office NON-PROFIT organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Omaha, NE Vows? Parish News Vasilopita Auction...5 Pan-Orthodox New My Life in Christ....8 Upcoming News Parish Involvement..10 February Calendar