The Word. July/August 2011 MAJOR FEASTS OF JULY AND AUGUST. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth John 1:14

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1 The Word And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth John 1:14 MAJOR FEASTS OF JULY AND AUGUST The months of July and August offer us the opportunity to be inspired and uplifted as we reflect on the lives of a number of saints of the Church and several important feast days of our Lord and His Mother. Among the saints commemorated in July are St. Kyriaki on July 7; St. Ephimia on July 11; St. Marina on July 17; St. Seraphim of Sarov and St. Macrina, the sister of St. Basil the Great, on July 19; the Prophet Elijah, on July 20; St. Markella of Chios, on July 22; St. Paraskevi on July 26; and St. Pantelimon on July 27. During the month of August we remember the Transfiguration of our Lord on August 6; the Falling Asleep, or Dormition, of the Theotokos on August 15; and the Beheading of St. John the Baptist on August 29. The following brief reflections on the Prophet Elijah, the Transfiguration of Christ, and the Dormition of the Theotokos, are taken and adapted from A Year of the Lord by Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos. THE GLORIOUS PROPHET ELIJAH A prophet of the ninth century BC, Elijah (Elias) is remembered in Scripture and Christian tradition as the foremost example of zealous loyalty to the living God. He lived during the reign of Ahab, King of Israel (Northern Kingdom, BC) and Ahab s pagan wife Jezebel, who tried to introduce the religion of Baal to the Jews. Because of his uncompromising struggle against paganism, his miraculous deeds, and his ascension into heaven on a flaming chariot, Elijah gained the stature of the pillar of the prophets. As the representative of the prophets, he appeared together with Moses at the transfiguration of Christ. THE LORD OF GLORY On August 6, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What is its meaning? The Transfiguration shows that Christ is God and possesses the divine glory. According to Scripture, the divine glory is an uncreated light in which God eternally dwells, a majestic radiance, which transcends all earthly things, yet shows itself at significant moments when God chooses special persons to fulfill His purposes. Moses saw the divine glory as a flame of fire emanating from the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6). The three disciples experienced it as a transformation of Jesus in divine glory testifying to the truth that He is the Son of God and the Lord of Glory (see 1 Corinthians 2:8). Each believer inwardly bears a reflection of this glory of Christ as a spiritual treasure in clay pots. (2 Corinthians 4:7) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18). MOTHER OF LIFE On August 15, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos (Koimisis or Dormition). As we commemorate the death of the Theotokos, we marvel at the paradox of the falling asleep of the one who, by giving birth to Christ, was the Mother of Life. Highlighted by the Fast of the Dekapentavgoustos (August 1-14), the great feast of the Dormition honors the Virgin Mary through whom the mystery of the incarnation took place. The Virgin Mary accepted the announcement of the Angel Gabriel that she was to give birth to Jesus, with the words, I am the Lord s servant; may it happen to me as you have said. (Luke 1:38) She conceived, carried in her womb, and raised up as a child the Lord and Savior of the July/August 2011 world. Elizabeth acknowledged Mary as the mother of the Lord and Elizabeth s own baby jumped with gladness in the Lord s presence (Luke 1:43-44). Mary said: My soul magnifies the Lord...henceforth all generations will call me blessed. (Luke 1:46) The mystery of the Incarnation, the fact that the invisible God became visible, is the cause of the greatest joy for the world. Therefore, Christians throughout the centuries have rightly blessed and praised Mary for her unique role as Theotokos (Mother of God) in the history of salvation. She is honored by Christian tradition as the greatest person among the Saints. As the Christ-Child was being raised up, Mary was sensitive to the mysteries of His growth and she treasured all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51) At the death of Jesus, she was at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25). During the days after the crucifixion and resurrection, she was a prominent member of the small community who prayed together and waited for the gift of Pentecost (Acts 1:14). In all these things the Virgin Mary served as a model of faith and obedience. O Theotokos, in giving birth you remained a virgin; in falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You have passed to life, being the Mother of Life; through your intercessions, save our souls from death. Fr. Constantine

2 July/August Services & Readings Date/Time July 3 July 10 July 17 July 20 July 22 July 24 July 26 July 31 Aug 6 Aug 7 July/August Acolyte Schedule July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28 Aug 14 Aug 15 Aug 21 Aug 28 Service 3 rd Sunday of 4 th Sunday of The Holy Fathers St. Elijah, the Prophet St. Markella of Chios 6 th Sunday of St. Paraskevi of Rome 7 th Sunday of Transfiguration 8 th Sunday of 9 th Sunday of Dormition of the Theotokos 10 th Sunday of 11 th Sunday of Epistle Romans 5:1-10 Romans 6:18-23 Titus 3:8-15 James 5:10-20 I Corinthians 9:2-12 Romans 12:6-14 Galatians 3:23-4:5 Romans 15:1-7 II Peter 1:10-19 I Corinthians 1:10-17 I Corinthians 3:9-17 Philippians 2:5-11 I Corinthians 4:9-16 I Corinthians 9:2-12 Alexander Eliades, William Boosalis, Franco Mavromihalis, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks and Andrew Boosalis Victor Gavallos, Alexander Eliades, Franco Mavromihalis, Odysseas Fourakis, Ari Boosalis and Andrew Boosalis William Boosalis,, Victor Gavallos, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks, Ari Boosalis and Odysseas Fourakis Alexander Eliades, William Boosalis, Franco Mavromihalis, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks and Andrew Boosalis Victor Gavallos, Alexander Eliades, Franco Mavromihalis, Odysseas Fourakis, Ari Boosalis and Andrew Boosalis William Boosalis,, Victor Gavallos, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks, Ari Boosalis and Odysseas Fourakis Alexander Eliades, William Boosalis, Franco Mavromihalis, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks and Andrew Boosalis Victor Gavallos, Alexander Eliades, Franco Mavromihalis, Odysseas Fourakis, Ari Boosalis and Andrew Boosalis William Boosalis,, Victor Gavallos, Nick Daifotis, Andrew Weeks, Ari Boosalis and Odysseas Fourakis July/August Candle Duty Schedule July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 August 7 August 14 August 21 August 28 Peter Eliades, George Georgeson, Scott Walters Alex Slenkin, George Sotiras and Tony Kosmas Chris Siefkas, Nick Livanos and Steve Rigisich Bruce Corcoran, Pete Gikkas and George Kokalis Peter Eliades, George Georgeson, Scott Walters Alex Slenkin, George Sotiras and Tony Kosmas Chris Siefkas, Nick Livanos and Steve Rigisich Bruce Corcoran, Pete Gikkas and George Kokalis Peter Eliades, George Georgeson, Scott Walters 2 Gospel 6: :5-13 5:14-19 Luke 4:22-30 Luke 8:1-3 9:1-8 Mark 5: : :1-9 14: :22-34 Luke 10:38-42; 11: : :23-35 The Word Monthly Newsletter published by Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, CA Phone: (415) Fax: (415) ncchurch@pacbell.net Fr. Constantine Efstathiu, Pastor In this Issue: July/August 2011 Message from Father...1 Services & Readings...2 Acolyte and Candle Duty Schedules...2 Parish Activities & Ministries...3 Stewardship Seasonal Information...4 Family/Youth...5 July Calendar...6 August Calendar...7 Retirement Festivities...8 Festival Thanks...9 Church Etiquette...10 Sacraments & Rites...11

3 Parish Activities & Ministries Philoptochos Scholarship Recipients Our chapter was pleased to announce at the June 5 Graduate luncheon that George Eliades, Alexander Eliades and Victor Gavallos were awarded this year s chapter scholarships. Many thanks are given to the family of Lela Perivolaris for making available the third scholarship in her memory. Our best wishes to all the graduates and continuing students in their careers and studies. Chapter Board Election Results At the May 3 general meeting the board members for the term were elected. Congratulations to our new President, Debbie Kokalis and returning Vice President, Irene Meehan; Corresponding Secretary, Nancy Slenkin; Recording Secretary, Rose Hunter; and Advisor, Susan Stockton. Welcome back to the board Cathie Selmi as Treasurer. Our board members include Carol Economy, Diane Kavantjas, Karen Keller, Stassie Sideris, Kay Simon and Erene Sotiras. Most importantly, we must give our sincerest thanks to retiring board member Antonia Touras. She is an inspiration to us all for her faith and dedication to the mission of Philoptochos. We look forward to working with her as a continuing member of our chapter. Fellowship Hours While Sunday School is on summer break, coffee hours will only be held when someone has signed up to host the hour. Hosting a coffee hour is a great way to honor a family member or special event and we welcome anyone to participate. Hosting a fellowship hour means that you provide snacks of your choice and clear and clean the food/coffee tables after the fellowship hour. Philoptochos members make the coffee and set up the food/coffee tables. Contact Stassie Sideris at or sign up on the board located in the lower hall if you would like to host a fellowship hour. Please keep in mind those who benefit from Philoptochos when contributing for your coffee and snack. Dates to Remember Jul/Aug No meetings, enjoy the summer Sep TBD Board meeting Gyros Booth Marin County Fair The 4th of July is just around the corner. Please contact Effie Fourakis if you are able to help out at the Gyros Booth at the Marin County Fair, June 30-July 4. This fundraiser is managed by the Minoan Dancers, with 60% of the proceeds benefiting the dance program of our parish (used for costumes and musician fees) and 40% benefiting the parish directly. Here s how you can help out: - Preparation of veggies for Greek salad and veggie pita will be on Wednesday June 29, 5:30 pm at the church kitchen - Work a shift! Contact Effie Fourakis at effiejf@me.com or to sign up (we especially need 1-2 helpers on Friday July 1, 4:30-11 pm and lots of help on Sunday July 3, 10 am - 5 pm) Stewardship Campaign 2011 Stewardship Update June 24, 2011 Number of Commitment Cards Received 246 Total Amount Committed $195,929 Budgeted Goal $225,000 Gather My People to My Home Come and See Thank You We thank those listed below, as well as the others previously listed, for their response to the 2011 Stewardship Campaign. Stewardship Commitments Received between 5/23/11 and 6/24/11 Madias, Alex Madias, Dino & Marti Madias, Theo 3

4 Prayer Requests During the Dormition Fast O Theotokos, in giving birth you remained a virgin; in falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You have passed to life being the Mother of Life. Through your intercessions, save our souls from death. Dismissal Hymn of the Dormition Confession and Prayers More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God, the Word. True Theotokos we magnify you. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) During the Dormition Fast, in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of our Lord, Confessions will be heard following the Supplication Services (Paraclesis), on Saturdays as indicated on the calendar and by appointment. The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) in preparation to receive Holy Communion is offered for our spiritual health and well being. Let us use this fasting period as a means of spiritual regeneration and recommitment. 4 At the the intercession of the Blessed Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary are requested for special needs. We pray for the health, well-being, and forgiveness of sins of our loved ones as well as for those who are in times of trouble, distress, or sorrow. Included on this page is a prayer request slip. Please write on it the names of those for whom you wish Father to pray during the s, and return it to the church office.

5 Focus on Youth & Family Icons or icons? Guys--have you ever tried to impress a girl by trying to control a robot rover on the surface of Mars, only to get it stuck in a Martian ditch? Girls--have you ever broken up with a guy because he told you neurobiology is superior to theoretical physics? Something tells me you haven t. And yet, this hilarity is the essence of CBS The Big Bang Theory, a (mostly) hilarious sitcom with, well, brilliant science nerds as the main characters. The show is now in its fourth season and gaining new viewers with every episode as it climbs the popularity charts. A friend of mine recently sent me a link to a YouTube clip of the show that I thought was hysterical, in which the three main characters--leonard, Sheldon, and Penny, exchange Christmas gifts. Penny (the socially-with-it cool girl of the show) gives Sheldon (a not-socially-with-it guy) a napkin signed by Leonard Nimoy, who she had run into in a restaurant. I m not going to explain who Leonard Nimoy is, or his place in sci-fi history (although if you saw the new Star Trek movie two years ago, you Dn. Niko Bekris, Director of Family & Youth Ministries, Metropolis of San Francisco know who he is), but needless to say, Sheldon nearly passes out from excitement and goes crazy with happiness. Basically how I would have reacted. I m going to guess that your reaction would probably not have been the same as mine, although I will make another guess and say that you do have someone, whom, if you received an autograph or some kind of memento from them, your reaction would be the same towards--a pro-baseball player, a pop singer, a movie star--right? Being star struck is only natural, and maybe each of us has met a star who s had this effect on us. And yet, as I watched this YouTube clip of a fellow nerd s euphoria, I asked myself a question that I have thought of in the past--what would my reaction be if I was given an autograph from Jesus? Think about it for a moment--if we met Jesus or had a direct, physical encounter with Him, would our reaction be the same? This takes on a whole different dimension when we consider that, in fact, we do meet Jesus every Sunday when we receive Holy Communion--it is His Body and Blood which we are in direct, physical contact with. But we don t even have to go that far--when we pray, we are encountering Jesus as well. He is always around us, knocking on the door of our hearts (Romans 4:17), wanting to share an encounter with us! Of course, Jesus does not offer entertainment as our perception of movie stars does, but still, is our reaction at all similar to encountering a movie star? If our answer is no, then I think we have fallen into an all too common trap that we, as humans, find very difficult to resist. With all the entertainment we see around us on a day-by-by, hour-by-hour, even minute-by-minute basis, without realizing, we slip into a spiritual lull. When this happens, entertainment becomes the main focus of our day (even our life!), eclipsing even spending energy on getting to know God better, and growing our relationship with Him. Spiritual slumber shifts our focus too much, to the point where we easily react like Sheldon did when encountering a star, but such a reaction toward God becomes much harder. It is a very easy, very subtle shift which happens often in our American entertainment culture, and we need to be watchful. There is nothing wrong with diversion--we do need to unwind from time to time to keep ourselves rested and refreshed. And there s nothing wrong with having a favorite, or a hero. God has given each individual different interests, wiring each of us differently, so as to enjoy different hobbies and interests. Yet we should remember that we take nothing with us when we leave this earth but our faith in God. Let us, then, follow the example of the Apostle Thomas, who upon seeing Jesus resurrected, joyfully exclaimed, my Lord, and my God! (John 20:28) [Youth and their families can contact Dn. Niko at: sfyouth@sanfran.goarch.org You can also view and download this article from the Metropolis Youth webpage at: Additional Graduate The names of additional Graduates have been brought to our attention. We offer them our sincere congratulations and best wishes and, above all, our prayers for a life and future pleasing to God in every way. Katia Gatzios Diploma - St. Vincent s High School Angela Farmer BA Fine Arts - California College of the Arts 5

6 NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY July 4 th June Saints Peter Synaxis of the & Paul Twelve Holy Apostles July 1 2 JULY 2011 Marin County Fair - Gyro Booth June 30 - July rd Sunday of Marin County Fair - Gyro Booth June 30 - July 4 4 th Sunday of Sunday of the Fathers St. Markella Chian Society Picnic Following Liturgy Prophet St. Elijah (Elias) St. Markella of Chios th Sunday of St. Paraskevi of Rome V 30 7 th Sunday of 31 Parish Council Meeting 7:30 pm 6

7 NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R AUGUST SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY July 31 August th Sunday of 8 th Sunday of 9 th Sunday of 8 15 Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Begins 7:00 pm The Dormition of the Most Holy Theookos :00 pm 7:00 pm Great Vespers 7:00 pm 7:00 pm Transfiguration of Christ Confession 3:00-4:00 pm Great Vespers 5:00 pm Confession 3:00-4:00 pm Great Vespers 5:00 pm th Sunday of th Sunday of Retirement Reception on the deck following Liturgy Celebratory Banquet Reception 5:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm 7

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10 CHURCH ETIQUETTE In many respects, contemporary society is rather casual in its approach to life, arguing that externals are unimportant. Indeed, God sees and judges the heart of every person but we humans aren t in that position. We are influenced and affected by externals. Don t allow this prevailing attitude to enter into your Orthodox Christian piety. Most of church etiquette is based on common sense and showing respect for God and others. Always remember that we are in church to worship God, the Holy Trinity. Let this be the way we approach all of worship. The House of God: Every Orthodox Church edifice is dedicated and consecrated to the glory and worship of God. The church is unlike every other structure in that it has been set aside as the very House of God. We all have the responsibility to maintain proper decorum in church. It is the one place where all secular activities are left behind and where we may, without distraction, worship our Creator. An atmosphere of peace and quiet should be maintained. Attire: Since you are entering God s house and meeting God at Church, it is respectful to present yourself in a clean and neat manner. For Church services, dresses, skirts (please no mini skirts or strapless dresses), and a blouse, shirts, or jackets that cover the shoulders are preferred for women and a jacket and pants for men. In all cases, of course, modesty is the rule. Entering Church (Late): The time to arrive at church is before the service begins. If you arrive after the begins, wait quietly in the Narthex and observe what is happening. If the Epistle or Gospel is being read, for example, or the Small or Great Entrance is taking place, wait until it is finished before entering the Nave. Then, at the appropriate time, enter the Nave quietly and find a seat. Those who come late for the Liturgy should not partake of the Eucharist! What is late? Any time after the has begun, but certainly no later than the singing of Holy God (Agios o Theos) and the reading of the Epistle and Gospel. Crossing Those Legs? Should we cross our legs in church? No. Not because it is wrong to ever cross legs, but rather because it is too casual and too relaxed for being in church. Remember, sitting in church is a concession, not the normative way of prayer. You surely don t want to get too relaxed and let your minds wander off too much. Venerating Icons: When venerating (kissing) an icon, pay attention where you kiss the icon. It is not proper to kiss an icon in the face. When you approach an icon to venerate it, kiss the gospel, scroll, or hand cross in the hand of the person in the icon or kiss the hand or foot of the person depicted. Making the Sign of the Cross: To a certain extent, when to cross oneself is according to personal piety and not an issue of dogma. But there are times when it is specifically proper to cross yourself: when you hear one of the variations of the phrase Father, Son and Holy Spirit; entering or exiting the church and when passing in front of the holy altar table; before venerating an icon, the cross or Gospel book. Bowing the Head: We bow our heads, when we hear the exclamation, Let us bow our heads to the Lord; when the priest or bishop blesses or censes, and when he asks forgiveness before the Great Entrance and again before Holy Communion. Parents with Babies: We very much want our children with us in the main church during the Divine Liturgy. However, out of respect for all the members of the congregation who have come to church to worship, mothers or fathers of noisy and crying babies are asked to please take your child to the Nursery for a while. Your understanding is appreciated. Blot That Lipstick! Lipstick may look fine on lips, but it looks horrible on icons, crosses, the communion spoon and the priest s or bishop s hand. What is the answer? Ladies, blot your lips well before venerating an icon, taking communion, or kissing the cross or the priest s or bishop s hand. Cell Phones: If you have a professional reason to carry a phone for emergencies, keep it on mute, in case of emergency calls. Otherwise, turn off your phone before entering church. 10

11 Sacraments and Rites Baptism June 4 -- Eleni Rose, daughter of Michael & Meredith Passaris. Sponsors were Paul & Kristen Efstathiu. As many as have been baptized in Christ have put on Christ. Monastic Tonsure Lia Eliades, daughter of Peter & Marie Eliades, was recently tonsured a nun receiving the name Macrina. Sister Macrina will serve at the Monastery of the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring in Dunlap, California. Axia Funerals & Trisagion Services May Beatrice (Panagiota) Sarry, who reposed on May 24 in Novato. June 6 -- Markos Perivolaris, who reposed on June 2 in Novato. June 9 -- Kendall Hill, who reposed on June 3 and Nicolaia Hill, who reposed on June 5. We extend our sincerest condolences to the families. May their memory be eternal. Condolences We express our deepest sympathy to Pauline Booras on the recent passing of her sister, Esther (Anastasia) Pantels, in Palm Desert. May her memory be eternal. New Liturgy Books for Congregational Singing Thank You We offer our sincere thanks to John and Susan Stockton for underwriting the cost for the reprinting and binding of our new Liturgy Books. These books are in the pews to encourage congregational participation during the celebration of the. The heavier cover and wire binding make for a much more attractive looking and sturdy book. Please use the book to enhance your personal participation in the by singing the responses along with the choir. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. Psalm KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS Please use this list to pray for members of our parish who are sick or in need of God s care. Alexandra Edrich Fr. Haralambos Fox John Gigounas James Kolyvas George Pantazes Elektra Fourakis Evelyn Lendaris Paul Truebenbach, Sr. From time to time, we may remove names that have been on the list for awhile. If you feel a name should remain on the list, or if you would like a new name placed on the list, please contact Father Constantine. 11

12 Transfiguration of Christ August 6 You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Your disciples Your glory as each one could endure. Shine forth on us, who are sinners all, Your light everlasting. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to you. Apolotykion