50 th. Anytime a child is born, this. From the Cradle to the Grave. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

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1 50 th HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ANNIVERSARY December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 holytrinity@htgocnj.org holytrinitywestfield.org From the Cradle to the Grave BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS Anytime a child is born, this blessed and miraculous event creates an overwhelming sense of wonder and happiness. The family in turn praises God for the safe arrival of the infant. I image that Joseph and the Virgin Mary also praised God for the birth of Jesus, even though the circumstances surrounding this particular birth were less than humanly perfect. The Christmas event is another time for the faithful to greatly rejoice, for it marks the birth of a special baby. On Christmas Day, a Child is born, a Son is given His name will be called the Angel of Great Counsel, for He shall bring peace upon the rulers, peace and health, upon which there is no end. Isaiah 9:5-6 It is said that God has a plan for each of us, even from the time of our birth. If we discern rightly His teachings, then we will receive blessing upon blessing. There was also a plan for Jesus as He entered into this world. The birth of Jesus Christ, the God-man, was the first step of God s movement towards man in order to usher in eternal salvation. Christ would accomplish God s plan by offering His life for the salvation of all. What this means is that the purpose of Christ s birth was for Him to become a sacrificial offering by ascending and dying upon the Cross. Continued on page 2 Wait for the promise of the Father 1

2 Dates in the Life of Our Church DECEMBER :15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 11:45 AM Parish Council Elections 5 4:00 PM Greek School 6 7:00 PM Philoptochos Christmas Party 7 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 10 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 12:00 PM Sunday School Christmas Program 12 St. Spyridon the Wonderworker 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Parish Council 14 9:30 AM TOTs 10:00 AM Women of Faith 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 17 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 19 4:00 PM Greek School 21 4:00 PM Greek School Christmas Party 7:30 PM Choir 22 Royal Hours St. Anastasia the Great Martyr 9:00 AM Orthros 9:45 AM Royal Hours 23 5:00 PM Great Vespers 24 Sunday Before the Nativity 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 24 Christmas Eve 6:00 PM Vespers 6:30 PM Orthros 7:30 PM Divine Liturgy 25 Christmas 26 Church office closed 31 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Continued from page 1 If you look carefully at an icon of the Nativity, what you will see might offer more insight into the correlation between the cradle and the grave. Pictured on the cover page is the stained glass icon of the Nativity as found at Holy Trinity. The swaddling clothes in which Christ is wrapped resemble more a burial shroud than they do infant clothing. Time and again, the Church parallels the birth and death of Christ. These two events are evident when comparing the virgin s womb with the new, or virginal, tomb; between the cave in which Christ is born and the grave from which He rises. Why is there such similarity between these two apparently different events of Christ s birth and death? The Church invites the faithful on the eve of every great feast to investigate and consider the paradox of Christ s notable life. Christmastime is no exception. Jesus Christ is born for a very specific reason. He is not born to pursue a career in carpentry. He comes to earth not to find a wife and raise up children. His voice is to call all people to repentance and therefore He is more than a mere itinerant preacher. How silly are all these speculations. God s purpose cannot be redefined. As we are taught, Christ was born and entered into this world in order to take on the fullness of human existence. This means that He assumes not only the fullness of human life, but also the fullness of human death. He was made in our likeness in order to die like us and raise our humanity with His to God the Father. Christ came to restore and complete in us His image and likeness in which we were originally made. Thus we cannot remember the Lord s birth without considering also His death and Resurrection. There would be no salvation for humanity without the Cross, but there would be no Cross without the Nativity. As Christmas approaches, let us contemplate these great mysteries of faith: How can God, who is eternal, who has no beginning, be born? How can God, who is eternal, who has no end, be killed? As we approach these unfathomable expressions of belief, the Nativity experience will become more alive for us and within us. As faith grows, so does our affection for every good and godly thing. How is He contained in a womb, whom nothing can contain? How held in His Mother s arms, He who is in the bosom of the Father? This is according to His good pleasure, as He knows and wishes. For being without flesh, willingly He was made flesh; and He Who Is, for our sake has become what He was not. Without departing from His own nature He has shared in our substance. Wishing to fill the world on high, Christ was born with two natures. Hymn of Orthros of the Nativity 2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

3 Sacraments &Rites June 10 November 19, 2017 BAPTISMS 9/23/17 James David, son of Andrea and Jon David Quintanilla, Godparent is Steven Rose 9/23/17 Aristides Andrew, son of Angela and Andrew Koutoudis, Godparents are Yianni and Zaharoula Zaris 10/8/17 Forrest (Foti) Gray, son of Andrea and Daniel Pulito Godparent is Constantine Verenes 10/14/17 Joseph Constantine, son of Fay and Eric Witkowski, Godparents are Anastasia Lazarides and Kostas Giatras WEDDINGS 6/10/17 Alexis Galinis and Timothy F. Harris; Michael Galinis, Sponsor 7/2/17 Gerri Repousis and Peter J. Guastella;Penelope Moschona, Sponsor 8/19/17 Ioana C. Donose and Razvan A. Cojocaru;Carla M. and Max Caponegro, Sponsors 10/22/17 Rosemary Caputo and Steven J. Andriopoulos; Maria and Serafim Galatas, Sponsors 10/28/17 Caitlin J. Snyder and Balantis C. Kontos; Afroditi Kontos, Sponsor 11/17/17 Michelle M. LeDrappier and Peter Guarraci; Helen Kardias, Sponsor 11/19/17 Ioanna Tsolaki and Gerasimos M. Kitsopoulos; Nicholas Kitsopoulos, Sponsor CHURCHINGS 6/18/17 Theseus John, son of Katherine and Chris Mitrotasios 9/24/17 Paikos, son of Georgia Alexis and Dimitrios Vardas 11/19/17 Christian James, son of Kristine and Alexander Izaguirre FUNERALS 6/20/17 +Nicholas G. Geotakes 7/20/17 +Arthur Carpousis 7/31/17 +Evonthia Laskaris 8/16/17 +Mary Karagannis 9/7/17 +Frances Pappas 9/8/17 +Nicholas J. Lazos 9/30/17 +Sarantos Panagakos 10/6/17 +Nicholas Mastakas 10/10/17 +Kellie Niotis 10/12/17 +Julia Poznanski 10/16/17 +Neocle Tsounikas NEW MEMBERS Richard and Evagelia Cunningham 163 Oakland Rd. Maplewood, NJ Alexis and Michael Galinis 15 N Rahway Avenue Colonia, NJ Stefania Kolianitis 725 Walnut Ave Cranford, NJ Balantis Kontos 189 Victoria, Dr. Clark, NJ Jason and Zoey Kyriacou 71 Stanton St. Clark, NJ Vasilios and Ariadne Mavridis 10 Woodfern Avenue Summit, NJ Mrs. Constantina Poga 161 Woodland Avenue Summit, NJ Jon and Andrea Quintanilla 1484 Lamberts Mill Rd. Scotch Plains, NJ Eric and Fay Witkowsky 47 Dolores Dr. Metuchen, NJ THE KALANTA MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 3

4 Parish Council Rewards - A Merited Motivation! BY A.J. KARANIKOLAS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21 Where is our treasure? The answer is this our true treasure is in Heaven! Christ is the treasure, and we worship Him by coming to Holy Trinity for fellowship, to pray, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, and to partake in Holy Communion, which gets us closest to God. In essence, Jesus is our path and Holy Trinity is the map to the treasure! Where are our hearts? There is a very easy answer to this question as well - our hearts are with Christ, whom we worship in this wonderful parish! Holy Trinity is a beautiful garden that God has blessed us with, a true reward for our faithful service to Him. It is incumbent upon us to tend to this garden, which will allow it to bear fruit through our various ministries such as Stewardship, fellowship, and youth. We have had an amazing start to the Ecclesiastical year with many events and activities at our vibrant parish, and all were successful because we have kept, and will continue to keep, our focus on Christ! We continue to be engaged, involved, and committed to serving our Lord. When we think of rewards, many times money comes to the forefront. In today s fast world, instant gratification can be a motivating factor for our decision making. Rewards are so much more than monetary compensation. Recognition, encouragement, and true merited motivation comes when we keep Christ present in everything we do - what a wonderful reward! Consider Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the Lord from your righteous labors, and offer Him the first fruits from the fruits of your righteousness, that your storehouses may be filled with abundance of grain, and your winepresses may gush with wine. This verse emphasizes that when we give to God first - through Stewardship and service, He will continue to reward us with His grace and blessings. Let us come together as one Holy Trinity family, through our bond in Christ, and tend to His garden with all of our hearts, understanding what a wonderful treasure we have in our beautiful parish, a true reward from God! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Parish Council. Make a Difference Day 2017 BY ELLEN MANOS-ATHENSON, PRESIDENT Every act of kindness grows spirit and strengthens the soul. - Author unknown The goal of embracing members of our community to reach out with a gentle act of kindness to make someone s life a little better. Working together, the Ladies Philoptochos and GOYA launched an initiative and through the generosity of our parishioners donations, the team secured several items to package and distribute to those in need. On Tuesday, October 31 members of the Philoptochos and GOYA served a homemade, warm meal and disseminated toiletry bags, hats, gloves and Halloween goodie bags to the residents of the shelter at the YMCA in Plainfield. Felicia Karsos chairs the effort to prepare and deliver food to the YMCA every month. Please contact her if you would like to contribute to this effort. Thank you to Nicole Boutsikaris, Daniella Cohen, Ellen Conti, and Felicia Karsos for coordinating and organizing this worthwhile event and making a difference. 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

5 Dear Fr. Peter Delvizis and Parishoners of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Christ is in our midst! On behalf of all us at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Church, maraming salamat (thank you so much) for your generous donation! We received eleven boxes of clothing, pants, shoes, toiletries, books and small icons last week of September and everything were in good condition. Many of our parishoners especially the young ones benefitted from this early Christmas gift (as you know in the Philippines and among the Filipinos as early as September, Christmas is already being celebrated or anticipated) given by the kind and loving parishoners of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Two of the eleven boxes were shared and sent to the community of St. Eleutherios Orthodox Mission in Sorsogon, Bicol (southern part of Luzon). As what the Lord has said, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me and indeed your faithful flock has responded charitably. We shall remember this forever in our hearts and time will come and we have taken this as an inspiration to continue to help others as well who are in need. We would like to take this opportunity also thank the family of Tiberiu for the coordination they have made for us to be considered in this project of your loving parish. Rest assured of our humble prayers for you and for your community. Again, maraming salamat and mabuhay! In Christ, Rev. Fr. Gregory Latoja Parish Priest The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 5

6 Philoptochos Achieving our Mission BY ELLEN MANOS-ATHENSON, PRESIDENT Mission of Philoptochos To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council The Holy Trinity Ladies Philoptochos, a self-funding ministry works hard to stay true to our mission and to responsibly manage the funds raised in order to meet our commitments and respond to urgent social service requests. Each year, Holy Trinity Philoptochos donates more than $45,000 to numerous organizations and individuals including our National, Metropolis and Community obligations. With many requests to consider, our chapter has used a variety of tools (e.g. Charity Navigator, Charity Watch) to carefully evaluate our commitments and adjust our annual budget accordingly to ensure that the organizations we support are highly rated. Last month s Promise article focused specifically on the significant support from Philoptochos in response to the financial crises of Greece and Cyprus. Now, we are faced with the great need to provide relief in light of the recent natural disasters. Our chapter will allocate funds to meet this need. The list below are the budgeted donations from September through December National Gaucher Foundation IOCC St Michaels Home Ad Journal Ovarian Cancer Education Doctors Without Borders National Forum of Greek Orthodox Musicians Breast Cancer Research Foundation HomeFirst Homeless in Union County Orthodox Mission to Sierra Leone GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services) Holy Cross/Hellenic College Tabeh Education GOYA NJ State Scholarship Ad Sunday School Christmas Party Biennial Children s Medical Fund Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyters Benevolent Fund National Philoptochos Emergency Fund Ecumenical Patriarchate National Sisterhood of Presbyters General Medical Fund UNICEF Aid to Greece and Cyprus Social Services St Basil Academy In addition to our monetary commitments, Philoptochos generously gives of its time and talent to support our philanthropic responsibilities. We are grateful to our 230 stewards and the support of the Holy Trinity parish. We sincerely urge every woman at Holy Trinity 18 years or older to become a Philoptochos member. Your support enables our organization to continue to deliver on our commitments and to strive to achieve and exceed our goals. 6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

7 Fine Art and Photography Exhibit to Benefit Hellenic Relief Fund BY AVI KIRIAKATIS The Ladies Philoptochos sponsored their 10 th Annual Fine Art and Photography sale showcasing American artists of Greek descent on Oct 28 th and Oct 29 th in the Bouras Center. This special event was chaired by Soula Athanasoulas, Avi Kiriakatis, and Trish Gianakis. A portion of the funds are donated to The Hellenic Relief Foundation (HRF), a notfor-profit organization, governed by a Board of Directors with a variety of backgrounds encompassing education, business, law, and medicine. Its exclusive mission is to actively aid those in need in Greece and address nutrition and medical needs during this period of crisis. For further information on the mission of HRF please visit their website This art show was a blend of dimension, beauty and realism, explains Avi Kiriakatis, board member of the Ladies Philoptochos. The Ladies Philoptochos reaches out to our communities to inspire that special connection of art and culture. We are touching the hands of youngsters, enriching the lives of challenged citizens, and helping organizations with our fundraising efforts for humanitarian causes. We strive to develop a valuable forum for Greek-American artists and all students and collectors interested in the visual arts. In viewing prominent paintings and photographs of past and present, and by meeting the artists face-to-face at our Annual Fine Art & Photography Show, we provide a place of learning, meeting, and a great source of inspiration. Artists displayed numerous works and were on-site to discuss their work and their inspiration. Featured artists included John Antokas, Soula Athanasoulas, Calogeros & Gemma Carletto, Dr. Nicholas Demos, Trish Gianakis, Avi & Constantine Kiriakatis. Epiphany House Blessings One of the most beautiful traditions in Orthodox Christianity is the blessing of homes during the Epiphany Season. Just as the entire church is sprinkled with Holy Water on Epiphany Day, our homes are blessed in like manner. The home is seen as a reflection of the parish and is dubbed the little church. By blessing the space that we occupy and live in, we dedicate it to God and reaffirm His lordship in our lives. The house blessing is seen as the surrendering of our material possessions and spiritual lives to Christ. The faithful should bless their homes annually during the celebration of Epiphany when the holy water bottles are distributed in church. Periodically, the priest should be invited to bless the home. Fr. Peter would be honored to bless your home. If you would like him to visit and bless your home, please fill out the House Blessing Form and return it to the church office. Alternatively, you may contact the church office to make arrangements. Fr. Peter will bring the Holy Water (agiasmo) and all necessary items. Please have prepared the family icons, incense, and candles, to use if available. Cards should be received by: January 6, 2018 The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 7

8 GOYA Update BY NICHOLAS SAVORGIANNAKIS, GOYA PRESIDENT We are off to a very busy start! On October 13th we hosted the first state dance of the year. The harvest dance was attended by 500 Goyans, advisors, and parents. The music was provided by DJ Taso, and we all had a great time. We would like to thank all of the Goya parents for their help donating, decorating, and chaperoning this event. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Marianne Savorgiannakis for chairing this event. Thank you also to Mr. Steven Ladas and Mr. Mike Savorgiannakis for cooking the food donated by Mr. Op Kyritsis. We ended the night with s'mores and loukoumades prepared by Eleni Repousis with ice cream sundaes donated by Mr. Jim Biniaris. The decorations were sold and the money was donated to hurricane victims. From October 27th - October 29th, we had our annual Christ Encounter Weekend at Camp Mason. Approximately 40 Goyans attended. We were also accompanied by our spiritual leader, Father Peter and two Holy Cross ambassadors, Moira and Nicholas. We spent the weekend learning about true and false liturgies in our life. We discussed how daily routines in our life such as school, sports, watching TV, and checking social media cannot compare to our daily routines that keep up closer to God such as prayer and reading the Bible. We also participated in ice-breakers, hikes, activities, and a campfire saturday night. We would like to thank our chaperones Mr. and Mrs. Karanikolas, Mr. Vasilopoulos, Mr. Colonias, and Mr. Tarhanidis. Athletics: So far we have played Holmdel, Asbury Park, and Trenton. The girls have an impressive 3-0 record to begin the season. They seem to be early favorites to win the title. After a tough loss to start the season, the senior boys team led by offensive superstar John Petris and defensive specialist/rebounding machine Nick Savorgiannakis have brought the team back to a 2-1 record. The boys are seeking their fourth straight championship. The junior boys have lost both of their games so far, but put up a great fight and have shown lots of potential. Outreach: YHT has partnered with Philoptochos with make a difference outreach project. Daniella Cohen and Nicole Boutsikaris, our co-chairs, have organized our Goyans who collected and bagged toiletries for the needy as well as served dinner at the Plainfield YMCA. On November 4th, we celebrated the end of our 50th year celebration with a gala at the Plainfield Country Club. A number of our Goyans attended, and we had a night of celebration and Greek dancing. It was great that we, the Goyans, were able to attend as we do represent the future of our church, and we hope to make the next 50 years just as spectacular. Our next big event is Youth Sunday on 11/13. We will be hosting a luncheon to honor our veterans along with entertainment provided by our Goyans. It will be a great event and thank you to Mrs. Penny Mavridis-Sales for organizing this event. We will also be having a harvest bread sale and the proceeds will be donated towards hurricane relief. In conclusion, I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks to God for everything He has given you. 8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

9 A Ref lection on the GOYA Retreat Since joining GOYA as a seventh grader, the annual Christ Encounter Weekend has been one of my favorite events of the year, in which I have grown closer with my fellow GOYAns, learned more about my faith, and partaken in truly wonderful experiences throughout the weekend every year. However, this past Christ Encounter Weekend was different from years past. First, it was my last Christ Encounter Weekend, as I am currently a senior. Because of this, I was a bit sentimental, knowing that it would be my last time going on the nature hike, my last time laughing while failing to make a decent candle, and most importantly, my last time learning more about my faith with my fellow GOYAns in a beautiful setting which God created. Another reason why this retreat was different from years past was because of my experience this past summer at Ionian Village. One of the many things which I learned this summer was the importance of not letting things such as our phones and the internet get in the way of our relationship with Christ. This went hand in hand with what we learned during this retreat, which was the importance of incorporating Christ into our daily life. This enhanced my experience this past Christ Encounter Weekend, and as a result, made it one I will definitely remember. The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 9

10 Religious Education Update BY IRIS LOVE One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his good deed. - Proverbs 19:17 Tis the Season for giving and goodwill to all! The Religious Education department has several events and giving opportunities coming up and we hope you will join us to celebrate the season with song, service, and fellowship! Our PreK-6th grade students, under the musical direction of Ryan Kiel, have been busy practicing and preparing for our Annual Christmas Program on December 10. This event is a favorite among both the students and parents/grandparents and there's no better way to spread Christmas cheer than singing loud for all to hear! Please join us for this musical presentation, followed by breakfast and a special visitor from the North Pole! Again this year we will be partnering with the Salvation Army to bring the Angel Tree program to Holy Trinity. Please stop by the Christmas Tree outside the Bouras Center to select a Teddy Bear card which will indicate what gender/age child you can surprise with a gift this season! The Angel Tree program puts new clothes and toys under the tree for over one million children who usually have to go without. Anonymous donors adopt these little "Angels" in a Christmas tradition that makes the season brighter for both the gift giver and the receiver! We will also be accepting warm scarves, mittens, and socks to be donated to those in need. We can't wait to see the tree decorated in the bright colors of your generosity! The Religious Education department will be holding a fundraiser leading up to Christmas Eve. Please see us in the Bouras Center to purchase a luminary in celebration, honor or memory of a loved one. The luminaries will then be used to light up the entrance to church for the Eve of the Nativity Service. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12 Choir News Congratulations to Dr. Miriam Kotsonis, this year s recipient of the Patriarch Athenagoras Medallion, presented to her by Metropolitan Evangelos. This presentation was made at the annual conference of the Eastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Musicians (EFGOCM) hosted by St. Demetrios, Perth Amboy on October 29, Miriam is most worthy of this award for her work in the Federation. Axia! Years of Service Awards were also presented at this time. Connie Baboukis received a certificate for her 50 years of service and dedication to our church music programs. Axia! The choir conference premiered the Anna Gallos IV Liturgy on Sunday, October 29 with Nicholas Kyrus directing. On Friday evening, the Arcadian Chorale performed a Tribute to St. Demetrios directed by Marina Alexander in celebration of St. Demetrios Church 100 th Anniversary. 10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

11 Holy Trinity Dinner Dance November 4 Holy Trinity Veteran s Celebration and Youth Luncheon The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 11

12 12 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

13 The Book Store December Feature is High on "Santa's" List for All Your Loved Ones! The Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers by Fr. Stanley Harakas, quoting Ancient Faith. In a matter of seconds you will be able to find the answers to 455 questions most often asked about the Orthodox Church, its faith and life. The author is a pastor and emeritus professor who writes in a language all can understand. This story explains why "Santa" rates this book so highly. Several years ago, a five year boy old visited Saint Paraskevi Church in Long Island. For some time he studied the magnificently and awesomely beautiful icons of the creation on the dome of that Church. He asked his grandmother: "I see Jesus, but I don't see God: where is God?" His grandmother was at a loss as to how to explain this, so she asked a friend who studied and wrote much about the Bible. The friend wrote this: God is very, very big and our eyes are so small that we can not see God! This made God very, very sad. Do you remember how we all give gifts at Christmas to all our loved ones? On the first Christmas, over 2,000 years ago, God decided to give everyone the greatest Christmas gift of all: His only Son, Jesus. [John 3:16-17] This made God very, very happy! When Jesus grew up to be a man, everyone could see Him and ask Him whatever questions they thought would help them to be good Christians and get to Heaven when the time came. The Orthodox Church: 455 Questions and Answers, $21.95 The Orthodox Study Bible:, $32 The Gospel of Matthew: $24.95 The Gospel of Mark: The Gospel of Luke, $24.95 The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are part of a 13 volume set: The Orthodox Bible Study by Archpriest Farley, $236.35: the books can be purchased individually or as a whole set of 13 store.ancientfaith.com These are a few books we can order for you: If you browse the Book Store table during the Fellowship hour and want to order anything else, let us know! We do, however wait until we have a substantial number of orders to place so that we can save on shipping! The Book Store wishes everyone a Blessed Christmas and a New Year over flowing with the best of health, and happiness! The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Vasilopita Luncheon and Philoptochos Stewardship Drive SAVE THE DATE January 28, 2018 Immediately following Divine Liturgy In The Bouras Center Proceeds to benefit Saint Basil Academy. Your generous support is greatly appreciated For more details or to RSVP, please contact HTvasilopita18@gmail.com The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 13

14 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 5FINGERS FITTING5KEYS PIANO INSTRUCTOR & WEDDING ORGANIST PHYLLIS A. VERENES 9 SAND HILL ROAD, MORRISTOWN, NJ TEL: CELL: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

15 Ioanna Tsolaki, DDS, DMD, MS Board Certified Periodontist Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 135 Somerset Street, Suite A New Brunswick, NJ p f it120@sdm.rutgers.edu rutgersdentists.org Permit #: 6526 The Promise ^ December 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 9 15

16 Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654 Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ Phone Fax Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis Office Manager Admin. Assistant Worship Caretaker Lead Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Diana R. Waltsak E. Joy Daniledes Ocione Nunes Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes Andreas Economides Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Greek School Greek School PTO Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore A.J. Karanikolas Ellen Manos-Athenson Chris Economides Stavroula Mergoupis Alexis Kiriakatis Nicholas Savorgiannakis Kathy Drivas Joanne Paras Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Barbara Manos 16 Schedule of Services Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM The Promise: Volume 41, Issue 8 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month Trinity Circle Fellowship Helen Criares Lauren Karanikolas