Trans-a-Gram. Inside this issue. Meet Fr. Demetri 2. And the winners are. 6. What child is this? Storm warnings.. 8

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1 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church January 2007 Monthly / Issue No. 1 Trans-a-Gram Rev. Demetrios T. Costarakis, Pastor Nicholas G. Pappas, Editor Inside this issue Meet Fr. Demetri 2 Our new pastor tells us a bit about himself and his family in an interview with Transa-Gram Editor Nick Pappas. Father Demetri is scheduled to be installed by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios during a vesper service on the night of Jan. 4. And the winners are. 6 The results of the Dec. 10 Parish Council election remain up in the air, given a tie for sixth place between two candidates and a protest petition lodged with the Metropolis of Boston. What child is this?... 7 What would the Christmas season be without the Sunday School s annual Christmas pageant, which was presented on Dec. 17 with the help among others of Mary and the baby Jesus. A night to remember Father Chris, with Presbytera Claire at his side, takes a moment to say a few words of thanks at the close of the Dec. 15 farewell dinner held in their honor at the Olympia Restaurant in Lowell. See story, more photos on Pages 4-5. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Storm warnings.. 8 Parishioners can now turn to two Boston TV stations and a radio station to find out if the Divine Liturgy or church-sponsored events have been cancelled because of inclement weather.

2 Fr. Demetri: Our new parish priest PAGE 2 EDITOR S NOTE: Father Demetri Costarakis, who will be installed as our new pastor on Jan. 4, agreed to participate in this interview with Trans-a-Gram Editor Nick Pappas so parishioners might know a bit more about him upon his arrival. Q: Where were you born? A: I was born in Troy, N.Y. My father was the parish priest at St. Basil s Greek Orthodox Church. Q. Where did you grow up? A: One year later he was assigned to St. Prophet Elias in San Bernardino, Calif., where I grew up. Q. How old are you? A: 30. Q. What is your educational background? A: Hellenic College, bachelor of arts in religious studies; Holy Cross School of Theology, master s of divinity. Q. What is your professional background? A: I have been a summer/winter camp director for both the Metropolis of San Francisco and the Metropolis of Boston. I have been the youth director/pastoral assistant prior to ordination at St. Demetrios in Weston. I have been the assistant priest at Father Demetri and Presbytera Gloria (Ziagos) Costarakis are expecting their first child. St. Demetrios since March of By appointment of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, I am currently the Metropolis of Boston Oratorical Festival chairman. I have been awarded the ecclesiastical honor of Father Confessor, and on a personal note I represent the sixth generation of priests in my family. Q. Tell us about your family? A: My wife, Gloria, who grew up in this parish, and I are expecting our first child. My father is now retired and living in the Northeast, while my mother fell asleep in the Lord in I also have one sister who lives in the area with her family. Gloria s parents (Anthony and Diane Ziagos) are members of this community. Q: What are some of your personal accomplishments at your current parish? A: During my tenure, we revamped the youth program, which includes: religious education, GOYA, JOY, basketball teams and altar boy retreats. Q: What are your thoughts as you prepare to become pastor at a new parish? A: It is with great anticipation and a certain amount of trepidation that I am looking forward to the ministry with which the church is entrusting me. Holy Transfiguration of Lowell is not a strange parish to me. My wife is from this parish; our wedding was celebrated in this parish. And I was ordained to the Diaconate at Holy Transfiguration during the Blizzard of 05. Q: What do you hope to accomplish here? A: I know that Holy Transfiguration is a God-fearing and Christ-loving parish. It will be my responsibility to do everything with the knowledge that God has given me to serve our parish so that this love and trust in God will continue to grow, so that the next generation to follow us will find a Christ-loving church in which to bring up their children. HOW TO REACH US Pastor: The Rev. Demetri Costarakis Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church transfig@hotmail.com Web page: Office hours: Secretary: Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Priest: Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Editor: Nick Pappas Telephone: npappas05@comcast.net Change The home address of Trans-a-Gram Editor Nick Pappas has changed as a result of the recent acquisition of Adelphia Communications Inc. by Comcast Corp. The new address is npappas05@comcast.net. Please all material intended for publication in the Trans-a-Gram to this address. The parish s address remains transfig@hotmail.com.

3 PAGE 3 Schedule of Services Sunday Orthros... 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy.. 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Church Services Names of the deceased are read the first Sunday of each month. Please send the names to be read in advance, listing the month you would like them read. If you would like the name to be read in Greek, please include the Greek spelling along with the English. Questions? Please call Dyanne Mitropoulis at DECEMBER TRISAGIA Special Services Jan. 5 (Friday ). Eve of Theophany Blessing of the Waters: 6 p.m. Eva Kotsios JANUARY TRISAGIA Andrew Andricopoulos Olga Georges Jan. 6 (Saturday).. Theophany Blessing of the Waters: 9 a.m. Jan. 17 (Wednesday) St. Anthony Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Jan. 18 (Thursday) Sts. Athanasios and Cyril Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Jan. 25 (Thursday).. St. Gregory Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Jan. 30 (Tuesday)... Three Hierarchs Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Baptisms: Sacraments Sophia Elaine, daughter of Drs. Kevin Malone and Tanya Zouzas. Godparents: John Thibault and Elaine Zouzas Thibault. (Dec. 9) Stella Anganis Eugene Archambault Anastasia Athanasopoulos Ethel Ballas Afrodite Bavelas Arthur Bavelas Helen Berolos Katherine Betses Arthur Contos Nicholas Contos George A. Danas George P. Danas Katherine G. Danas Stephen A. Danas Mary Kalavetinos Soultana Kapsouris James Konstantinakos Tula Konstantinakos Charles Kostoulakos Demetrios Kostoulakos Georgia Kostoulakos Marigo Kostoulakos Speros Lazouras Yianni Manelas Paraskevi Manolis Daniel Marcopoulos Martin P. Martakos Mary T. Mastas Chrismations: Theresa Ann Kacavas. Sponsor: James Kacavas. (Dec. 9) Weddings: Eric Stephen Graham and Jill Cote. Koumbaros: Steven Vercontaire. (Dec. 9) Funerals: Amalia Kostoulakos of Dracut (Dec. 21) Anthony Dimitri Eva Merageas Lillian Economopoulos Mary Metropolis Effie Sintros Economou Stella Mitropoulos Aphrodite Galanis Panagiota Molivas Chrisanthe Gefteas Herbert Moser Constantinos Georgacopoulos Pantelis Nicholaou Marigo Georgacopoulos John Piazas Grace Georges Johnny Piazas Monthly Trisagia Louis Georges Michael Georges Pauline Poulakos Peter Poulakos Continued on Page 14

4 FOUSTOUKAS FAMILY FAREWELL PAGE 4 Father Chris opens one of the farewell gifts he received from the parish during his farewell dinner Dec. 15 at the Olympia Restaurant in Lowell. Father Chris is joined by Parish Council member Ioannis Zaralidis, who served as master of ceremonies, and his wife, Claire. (Photos by Nick Pappas) Farewell, Father Foustoukos family honored at special dinner reception By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor O ne by one they walked out to the center of the floor, taking the microphone in hand to share their fondest personal recollections of life at Transfiguration under the spiritual stewardship of the Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos and his family. Corrine Dubay spoke of Father Chris vitality, wisdom, patience and faith in God. Irene Manelas spoke of how much she loved him in both Greek and English. Dyanne Mitro- Irene Manelas takes the microphone with Master of Ceremonies Ioannis Zaralidis to give an emotional goodbye to Father Chris and his family. poulis spoke of the wonderful times she shared with Father Chris and Presbytera Claire in the Orthodox life and St. Makrina classes. They were the first of more than a dozen speakers who were among the 100 people to attend the Dec. 15 farewell dinner for Father Chris and his family at the Olympia Restaurant. Father Chris announced in mid- November that he would be leaving Transfiguration after more than four years to become the new pastor at his home parish, St. Vasilios in Pea- (Continued on page 5)

5 PAGE 5 FOUSTOUKOS FAMILY FAREWELL An open (farewell) letter from Fr. Chris to the parish Dear Transfiguration Family, As Claire, Peter and I prepare to leave our ministry here at the Transfiguration Church, it is hard to say goodbye. How can we express how much you have meant to us over the past four-plus years? It has been a pleasure working and planning with you. But most of all, it Farewell... (Continued from page 4) body. The Rev. Demetri Costarakis, the assistant priest at St. Demetrios in Weston, was scheduled to be installed by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios as the new Transfiguration pastor on Jan. 4. Ioannis Zaralidis, who served as president of the Parish Council during Father Chris entire tenure here as pastor, served as mater of ceremonies for the affair, which attracted priests and laity leaders from parishes across Greater Lowell. has been a sheer delight just knowing you and sharing the joyous moments together! My deepest thanks to all of you for your gifts and party honoring my ministry here at the Transfiguration. You have always been generous and thoughtful to me, my family, as well as the church, and I shall be forever grateful. I know that you will continue to be as thoughtful and supportive to our new priest, Father Demetri Costarakis. You will always be in my prayers. May the Lord bless you and the Transfiguration Church. Rev. Christopher P. Foustoukos Pastor At the close of the ceremonies, deejay Nick Hamourgas entertained those in attendance with some Greek music for their dancing pleasure. Father Chris accepts a icon from Nikitas Flaris on behalf of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church in Dracut. (Photos by Nick Pappas) Dyanne Mitropoulis says a few words. A pectoral cross was among the gifts. Presbytera Claire was all smiles.

6 CHURCH NEWS Council election remains unsettled By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor Three former members and a fourth yet to be determined were elected to serve two-year terms on the Parish Council during the church s annual election of Dec. 10. Nick Pappas, Olivia Sintros and Spiros Sintros Jr. will return to the council after a one-year absence, joining Michael Karagianes and Christopher Selvaggio, who were reelected to another term. THE WINNERS Arthur Faneros (tie) Michael Karagianes Nikolaos Manolis (tie) Nick Pappas Christopher Selvaggio Olivia Sintros Spiros Sintros Jr. PAGE 6 the election results to the Metropolis of Boston over the unusually high number of absentee ballots cast in this year s election. Article 25 / Section 9 of the archdiocese s Uniform Parish Regulations states that any five parishioners in good standing can file a written protest to the metropolis within five days of the election. At that point, the metropolitan can either ratify the election results as they stand or declare the election void and order a new one. Former council members Arthur Faneros and Nikolaos Manolis tied for the final seat. The new council is expected to break that tie when it meets in early January to elect officers for the new year. The newly elected councilors will join the six members who were elected to two-year terms last year: Matthew Blake, Margo DiBenedetto, John Gkolias, George Malliaros, James Murphy and Chris Tournas. Their terms are due to expire in December Man of the hour Parish Council President Margo DiBenedetto and Father Chris presented Ioannis Zaralidis with a plaque and icon in recognition of his many years of service on the Parish Council, including five as president. Following the presentation after the Divine Liturgy on Dec. 17, a brunch in his honor was sponsored by Margo and parishioner Nick Manolis downstairs in the church hall. Photo by Arthur Sparages Three council members were unsuccessful in their re-election bids Andrew Govatsos, Ioannis Zaralidis and Christian Zouzas in an election that attracted 13 candidates for the six available seats. The other three unsuccessful candidates were Andrea Garibaldi, former council member Susan Pappas and Demetrios Tsichlis. In addition to the two-way tie for the sixth and final spot, a petition was filed by some parishioners protesting Under the parish bylaws, parishioners in good standing this year were able to request absentee ballots by contacting the church office between Nov. 20 and Dec. 3. The deadline for the return of those ballots was by the start of voting the following Sunday, the day of the election. The parish was still awaiting a final determination of the election results from the metropolis as this issue of the Trans-a-Gram went to press. The results of that ruling will be published next month. Oratorical Festival The deadline for students to submit their essays and applications to their Sunday School teachers for consideration in this year s St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is Jan. 21. The event is open to students in Grades 7-9 (Junior Division) and Grades (Senior Division). Parish oratorical festival information is available in the church office and further guidelines for topics can be found at the religious education Web site. Yiota Simoglou Festival Co-chairperson

7 PAGE 7 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Glory to the newborn king Melanie Simpson and Philip Lane portrayed Mary and Joseph during this year s Christmas pageant, which was presented by the Sunday School on Dec. 17. Playing the role of the baby Jesus this year was Sophia Malone, the daughter of Drs. Kevin Malone and Tanya Zouzas. (Photos by Nick Pappas) Athena McCann and the second-graders were the angels. The baby Jesus (Sophia Zouzas Malone) rested silently in Mary s lap for the duration of the Sunday School s annual pageant. First-graders represented the donkeys in the pageant.

8 PAGE 8 Parish Council Church News Stewardship 2006 By MARGO DiBENEDETTO Parish Council President The Parish Council took the following actions when it met on Dec. 14: Maintenance: Noted that the towers are in the final stage with a few items left to do. There is some plaster peeling off the ceiling of the church. EDM Contractors of Westford can erect scaffolding and repair it for approximately $2,500. A motion was passed to repair the ceiling. Christmas gifts: Voted to give Christmas gifts to several people working in the church. Priest installation: Discussed Father Demetri s official installation on Jan. 4. We will be hosting a reception in the church hall following the Vespers at 7 p.m. His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will be in attendance. Financial commitment: Reported the parish s financial commitment to the archdiocese has been reduced due to a new formula introduced at a meeting in November. In 2006, we will have paid $39,600, and in 2007 that amount has been reduced 13.2 percent to $34,392. Building Committee: Recommended that the parish thank the committee for all it has accomplished and decide at the April Parish Assembly if it should be disbanded and re-formed at a later date as needed. Absentee ballots: Voted to recommend to the April Parish Assembly that a new bylaw committee be formed in order to address the issue of absentee ballots. Next meeting: The council is tentatively scheduled to next meet on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. in the board room. Treasurer s Report Here is a summary of the operating budget as of Nov. 30 and how it compares to the same period last year: Category Change Stewardship 151, , % Other income 127, , % Total Income 279, , % Expenses 258, , % Balance 20, , % By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor As we prepare to enter the new year, the stewardship Stewards rolls were running pretty (2005) 515 much on par with the previous year as of this time. Returned Cards 496 Another 12 cards arrived in the church office during the past month, raising to 496 Cards Outstanding 19 the number of families and Return 96 percent individuals who had submitted their stewardship cards Rate for That s only three less than the number received during the previous year as of this time and 19 Average Pledge $ $9.76 less than the total number received during all of As of mid-december, those stewardship cards represented $165, in actual contributions and pledges toward last year s annual operating budget of $285, Some 456 stewards had fulfilled their stewardship pledges in full, while another 40 stewards paying on account had $7, outstanding as of this time. To put those numbers into perspective, the amount contributed and pledged so far in 2006 was running $3, ahead of the previous year, an increase of 2.4 percent. If the remaining $7,500 were to be collected, the parish would end the year nearly $6,000 ahead of the $160,000 projected when the operating budget was approved at the November 2005 Parish Assembly. Finally, even though the New Year has arrived, it s not too late to make your stewardship contribution for 2006 if you have not yet done so. Please contact the church office during regular business hours if you have any questions. Cancellation Notices Parishioners can now turn to Boston TV and radio stations to find out if the Divine Liturgy or Greek School classes have to be canceled because of inclement weather this winter. Cancellation announcements will be aired on CBS-TV (Channel 4), WCVB-TV (Channel 5) and radio station WBZ (1030 AM).

9 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 9 By CORRINE DUBAY Philoptochos President Philoptochos Society A note from the president: As I begin to write a few words for the New Year, I ponder upon the full extent of events and activities this church community has achieved during the past year, All of us are responsible for the success of our church through actions and daily gifts of sacrifice. Each act of giving, however small or large, bonds us together in love for the church and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are connected in this, a common goal felt in our minds, our souls and our hearts. Above all else, the church is the center of our lives, it strengthens us and together we are a loving church family. I am happy and grateful that we have each other, we're a great team and we never give up. With this said, I am confident that 2007 promises a new year of continued commitment in achieving the best for our church. In this, we are always united. For the New Year 2007, the Ladies Philoptochos Society extends to all wishes for continued unity and love for our church and our families. I am looking forward to another wonderful Transfiguration year. As in previous years, we are off to a winning start! Christmas Card Committee: Acknowledgement and thanks go out to the individuals who helped in the Christmas card fundraiser this year. Thank you Cathy Economou for the gathering of the names and first mailing; Kathy Allen, Maria Tournas, Melanie Charko and Ellen Vercontaire for stuffing, labeling and stamping the envelopes, and a special thanks to Evan Coravos for use of his office and printer. All the committee hopes that everyone liked the card this year. I would like to also express appreciation and acknowledgement to the following parishioners whose names were unfortunately received after cards were sent to the printer: Arthur and Toula Sparages Ellen Simorellis and daughters Victoria and Alana George Chouprakos Anonymous To these above-mentioned church family parishioners, we express our sincere appreciation for your donation to this fundraiser. And to all of you who participated, thank you for supporting our mission of philanthropy. From the heart Presbyteras Mary Velonis and Claire Foustoukos look over the multitude of Christmas gifts donated as part of the parish s Adopt-a-Family program. In all, parishioners donated gifts for 165 needy adults and children in Greater Lowell in conjunction with Community Teamwork Inc. The program was coordinated this year by Presbytera Claire and Sally Chvany. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Vasilopita: On Sunday, Jan. 7, the Philoptochos will again help in the tradition of cutting the New Year's Vasilopita. Parishioners who have taken advantage of the special pieces of St. Basil s bread will have their minds focused on winning the piece with the gold coin. A tradition of our church, this event brings us together to honor St. Basil. Donations received will benefit St. Basil's Academy and fulfill the January national commitment. Please contact Corrine Dubay if you wish to participate. Donation per piece: $20. Family Dinner: Mark your calendars! The annual Philoptochos Family Dinner will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, following the church service. As of this writing, two co-chairladies are needed to coordinate this event. Please contact Corrine Dubay if you and a friend could help coordinate this fundraising event. There will be a raffle to delight all ages, too. As in year s past, this is an opportunity to share a delicious lunch together with family and friends. Take-out is also available. Please plan on coming and helping. General membership meeting: Please take this opportunity to mark your calendars for our upcoming meetings: Saturday, Feb. 3: Brunch with a speaker from the American Heart Association at 10 a.m. (Continued on page 10)

10 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 10 (Continued from page 9) Thursday, March 15: Interior designer Debbe Daley will speak to us about colors for our house. Monday, May 15: The Gkolias sisters again have graciously offered to put together a lovely meeting to honor mothers at our Mother s Day meeting. At this meeting, the swearing in of the newly elected Philoptochos Board will take place. Hope to see you there! Chapter elections: Per bylaws of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, a new board of directors will be elected this year in May at our Mother's Day meeting. Philoptochos welcomes any member in good standing to join the board. To be qualified for election to the board, a member must have been a member in good standing of the parish and the chapter for a period of one year. Please see a member of the Election Committee if you are interested in running. Membership: Philoptochos members will soon be receiving the upcoming information for the 2007 membership year. Please return your membership donation upon receipt in order that we can forward our membership list to national and the diocese in a timely manner. Thank you always for your generous support. By FRANK STEVENS Men s Guild President Men s Guild Christmas meeting: Thirty-nine members assembled on Monday, Dec. 11, at Dracut House of Pizza to enjoy choice of menu and especially each other s company. Vito flew in (direct to Dracut) to join us in time for the meeting, while Nick Manolis proved to be a gracious host. Elections for 2007 were held with the following results: President: Frank Stevens Vice president: Michael Fokas Treasurer: Marc Gulezian Recording secretary: Thomas Amick Corresponding secretary: John Gkolias The officers will be sworn in this month. Three bottles of ouzo were available as door prizes and Brunch brigade Men s Guild members played a key role in the Dec. 17 brunch honoring Ioannis Zaralidis for his many years of service to the parish: preparing the food. From left: Chris Selvaggio, Angelo Koukos, Matthew Blake, Nick Manolis and Frank Stevens. (Photo by Arthur Sparages) were taken home by Bill Karayiannis, Gary Mastas (attending his first-ever meeting) and Tom Amick. The most special part of the meeting was afforded us as we had the opportunity to personally bid farewell to Father Chris. The Guild unanimously adopted the following two motions in respect of Father Chris service to the Transfiguration community: 1. To elect Fr. Christopher Foustoukos as a lifetime member of the Transfiguration Men s Guild. 2. That the Men s Guild present a gift to Father Chris at the dinner honoring him at the Olympia Restaurant on Dec. 15, 06, in recognition of his service to the entire Transfiguration Parish. The following commendation was read into the Guild s minutes on Dec. 11 and repeated at the dinner on Dec. 15: Although your time with us was too short, we will long remember your efforts not only as our spiritual leader, but as our guide and comforter. Your perseverance, your boundless energy, your constant concern for our beloved parish, your courage in times of adversity and your unbounding good humor will always remain with us. On behalf of the Men s Guild, we present to you a token of our esteem and affection and wish you and your family Godspeed. Christmas raffle: By the time you read this at least 35 of you will be the lucky winners of this year s raffle, (Continued on page 11)

11 (Continued from page 10) which was held on Dec. 24. We hope this will contribute toward brightening your Christmas. Major prize winners will be announced in the next Trans-a-Gram. A complete list of winners will be available at the church. We take this opportunity to thank all of you who so graciously contributed prizes and each and every one of you who purchased raffle tickets. Membership drive: Our efforts to increase our membership continue. Our average age is declining as we are continually signing up young parishioners. Stewardship cards will be mailed in January. It is through your generous participation that we are able to continue the good works of our Guild. 125 Club: Please see Treasurer Marc or Secretary John with your entry fee at your earliest opportunity as the official closing date is Dec. 31. Our first drawing will be held in February. Announcement of the date will be made in the next Trans-a-Gram and in the Sunday bulletin. Visitations: On Friday, Dec. 15, Harry Stamas, Chris Tournas, John Gkolias and I visited with our parishioners who are confined at the Northwood and D Youville Manor nursing homes. We had the opportunity to wish Sophie Chiklis, Dr. Chris Daoulas, Stephen Sotakos and Jim Metilinos a Merry Christmas and best wishes from the Guild. John and I also had visited with Andy Spanos at home earlier in the week. If you have relatives or friends who are members of our parish and are confined or recovering from illness or surgery, please inform us by leaving a note at the church office as we are planning visitations at least monthly in the future. Next meeting: The Guild will next meet on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall. In addition to another fine meal prepared by our top chefs, we will be planning activities for the upcoming months. Also featured at this meeting will be our resident expert on financial planning. If you have questions regarding finances or income taxes, bring them with you. A personal note: There are too many of you to thank for what I feel has been a most successful year for the Men s Guild. Whenever I ve asked for assistance, preparing meals for the meetings, working on our many fundraisers, visiting the less fortunate, helping with the family dinner, contributing to many worthwhile charities and much more, you ve been there. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to serve with you to enhance the work of our Guild and our beloved parish. Thank you. Remember this: A year is comprised of 365 gifts. Cherish and enjoy each one of them. TRANS-A-GRAM CHURCH NEWS By MARGO DiBENEDETTO Parish Council President President s Message PAGE 11 New Year s greetings: Happy New Year to everyone! I hope that 2007 brings health and happiness to all! As usual, there are many things happening at the Transfiguration Church. The most important is the arrival of Fr. Demetri and his wife, Gloria. We welcome them and hope that God helps Fr. Demetri as he begins his ministry here. Adopt-a-family: I am proud to announce that we were able to give the gift of love to 165 needy people in the Lowell area. These moms, dads, and children would not have had any presents for Christmas if not for the wonderful generosity of all of you! Thanks to all of you who shopped, wrapped and dropped your packages off on time and thanks to all who made a monetary donation. Thanks to the GOYA for shopping for some special children. A special thanks to Claire Foustoukos and Sally Chvany, who spent those donations on great gifts and organized the event. By CONNIE GKOLIAS Sunday School Director Sunday School Looking back: As we begin the new year, let us reflect back on our accomplishments from last year, and my resolution is to always try to do more the next year and for the future. Christmas pageant: The Sunday School children presented our annual Christmas pageant on Sunday, Dec. 17, for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to all for a great performance as always. Special thanks: Thank you to all the teachers and assistants for all their hard work through the past year and the new year to come. Special thanks to Hariklia Zouzas for her help and dedication to the Sunday School. We also would like to thank all the parents who help us through the year. Reminder to all children: Please remember to bring your envelope donation to Sunday School every week. Bake sale: The Sunday School will hold its annual Valentine s bake sale and raffle on Sunday, Feb. 11. Raffle gifts will be on display the previous Sunday of Feb. 4. (Continued on page 12)

12 PAGE 12 (Continued from page 11) CHURCH NEWS Please support the Sunday School. By TOULA SPARAGES Choir Director Choir A new year: Happy New Year to all from Toula, Marc and the Trans Choir! The choir is looking forward to singing the hymns and responses of the Divine Liturgy on Sundays with our new and energetic priest, Father Demetri. I remember his lovely chanting when he was a deacon, and I m happy to be working with him again. Rehearsal schedule: Attendance at rehearsals is still weak; therefore, I have decided to hold only two rehearsals per month one in the morning and one in the evening. The schedule for January is as follows: Jan. 4, Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18, Thursday, at 7 p.m. Bad weather protocol: Please call me at if the weather looks unfriendly and be sure to ring the bell by the front doors when arriving for the morning rehearsal, as the secretary prefers to keep the doors locked for safety reasons. At the evening rehearsal, the doors will be unlocked. By GEORGE MURPHY GOYA President GOYA Turkey raffle: Our turkey raffle was a success. We were able to raise $150, which went to Project Helping Hands coordinated by Mr. Nick Manolis. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and a special thank you to Mr. Christopher Selvaggio for contributing all the items for this year s basket. December activities: In the month of December, the GOYA purchased a new Christmas tree from the proceeds of our apple pie sale. In addition, the GOYA sponsored a family in this year s adopt-a-family program, and we also purchased more than 15 items for the Toys for Tots drive. Thank you to everyone who went shopping for both of these worthy causes. I am pleased to also announce we had our Christmas party on Dec. 16 and had a great time. Thank you to everyone who came and thank Pavillion dedication The city of Lowell dedicated an area across from the front of the church as the Kacavas Pavillion in honor of that family s many contributions to the city. (Photo by Nick Pappas) you to Mr. Nick Manolis of Dracut House of Pizza for donating the pizza for the party. Family Glendi: We are planning our annual family dance with the Andover GOYA on Feb. 10 from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the Olympia Restaurant. The cost of tickets will be $25 for anyone over the age of 10 and $15 for ages 5 to 10. Please plan on purchasing your tickets in advance from one of our GOYA members. All proceeds from the tickets we sell will remain with our GOYA, and any tickets sold at the door will be split between the GOYAs. Pasta dinner: The GOYA will be hosting a pasta dinner on Feb. 18 after the Divine Liturgy. All proceeds from the stewardship offering will benefit the GOYA. By SUSAN PAPPAS Coffee Hour Coordinator Coffee Hour Nov. 26: Sponsored by George and Anne Patterson in memory of their dear friend, Katherine Tzanetakos Ziakos; also by Chris Tournas in memory of Anna Tournas. Dec. 3: Sponsored by the Parish Council to mark the initiation of the Transfiguration Greek School; also by Kathleen Mamalis in memory of her husband, George. Dec. 10: Sponsored by Joe Licciardello and family in (Continued on page 13)

13 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 13 (Continued from page 12) memory of his wife, Mary. Like to help?: If you would like to sponsor a coffee hour for any occasion, or would like to help serve at one, please call coffee hour coordinator Susan Pappas at , her at smpappas16@yahoo.com or see her any Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. By ANDREA GARIBALDI Hellenic Dancers Coordinator Hellenic Dancers After taking a break for the Christmas and New Year s holidays, the next practice for the Hellenic Dancers has been tentatively scheduled for Jan. 28 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Greek School The church will be starting classes for the afternoon Greek School in January This year s program will run from January until the end of May. We are very fortunate to have Niki Ladakos as the coordinator and advanced Greek teacher. The classes will be broken down into beginner, intermediate and advanced and will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. For more information contact the church office. Winter Camps The Metropolis of Boston Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is accepting applications for its two winter camps next month at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H. The JOY Winter Camp is scheduled for Feb. 9-11, while the GOYA Winter Camp will take place Feb Running for Effie Susan Sintros of Milford has been selected as a member of a team in training by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to run in the 111th Boston Marathon in April. She will be running the 26.2 mile race in memory of her cousin, Effie Sintros Economou, who died on Dec. 18, 2005, from non-hodgkin's small cell lymphoma. Susan has set a goal of raising $3,000 by Jan. 15. If you would like to donate, please make out a check payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and mail it to her at 3 Dewey Circle, Milford, MA, Or you can go online to her Web page at tntmassintro and follow the instructions. You re our hero, too Longtime parishioner Angie Rigs, second from right, accepts the Marjorie McDermott Award after being designated by Community Teamwork Inc. as one of its Local Heroes on Oct. 26. Angie was recognized during an awards dinner at Lenzi s in Dracut for her tireless volunteer work over the past 30 years serving those in need at area hospitals, nursing homes and shelters. IOCC Internships International Orthodox Christian Charities is offering two three-month internships for college and graduate school students in Lebanon and Ethiopia next year. The internships require a 10- to 12-week commitment. The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, For more information visit the Web site the internship coordinator relief@iocc.org or call Orthodox Radio The National Orthodox Christian Radio Program of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has announced that its Come Receive the Light radio program can now be heard in this region over Boston radio station WROL (950 AM). The radio show, which now can be heard in more than 100 cities across the country, began airing Dec. 9 on Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. For more information visit the organization s Web site, write to P.O. Box 4690, Fort Lauderdale, FL or call Tuesday Morning Group The Tuesday Morning Ladies Group would like to invite other ladies of the parish to come join them on Tuesdays from about 9:30 a.m. until noon. It s a great place to (Continued on page 14)

14 CHURCH NEWS PAGE 14 (Continued from page 13) meet, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your ideas for crafts or whatever and enjoy new or old friendships. Mommy and Me The Mommy and Me Group meets regularly for a variety of activities. All mothers and children through age 4 are welcome to join the group. If you would like more information, please call Susan Mitchell at Prayer List The Orthodox Life class will continue to pray for the names on our current prayer list. Please continue to submit the names of those who are in need of prayer. You may do so by contacting George Tsoukalas by at georgeandjoni@verizon.net or by placing your prayer requests in the can that is located in the narthex. Newsletter Deadline Transfiguration organizations are asked to submit entries for this newsletter as early in the month as possible and no later than the 15th. If at all possible, please submit your material by to Editor Nick Pappas at npappas@adelphia.net. Entries also can be faxed to the church office at or dropped off in the office during normal business hours. It is important that all church organizations be represented in the Trans-a Gram, so please make an effort to participate. Arthur Poulios Louis Sakelakos Polita Sakelakos Helen Skaperdas Vasilios Stavrou Aristotle Tavoularis Carolyn Tavoularis John Tavoularis Katherine Tavoularis Louis Tavoularis Anastasia Tournas Chris Tournas DECEMBER TRISAGIA (Continued from Page 3) George Tournas Joanne Tournas John Tournas Stephanos Tournas Angelike Tsaknopoulos Katherine Tsaknopoulos Vasilike Tsaknopoulos Vasilios Tsaknopoulos Steve Xifaris Costas Zymaris Maria Zymaris

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