October, November, and December, Summer Issue:

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1 Ecumenical Patriarchate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1 Marycrest Road, West Nyack, New York (845) westnyack@optonline.net Parish Priest: Father Samaras Welcome to our Parish Family Summer Issue: October, November, and December, 2016 Published Quarterly Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Under the Auspices of His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios Sunday Church Services Proskomidhvv Qeiva Leitourgiva Proskomidi Orthros Divine Liturgy 8:15 p.m. 8:45 p.m. 10:00 p.m. 8:15 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

2 Parish Roll For any emergencies or spiritual need, please call Father Samaras on the Parish cell phone: (845) Parish Council: President: Nikos Anagnostopoulos Vice President: Naoum Hatzis Treasurer: John Livanos Secretary: John Moustakakis The Council Members Mike Dolianitis Gus Drivas* George Hanos* Alex Kalos Demetre Karavanas* Bobby Kostopoulos Kyriakos Lazaridis Kelly Maris* Constantine Mastakouris Effie Traitses (*Past Council President) Sometimes, we only have a few people to do a lot and sometimes, it can be overwhelming. Thus, we extend our thanks to all who help our Parish. If, by any chance, we inadvertently leave out anyone s name from a mentioned list, we apologise for the accidental oversight. We welcome any and all volunteers to help us lighten and share our efforts. You can t get to Heaven by putting other people through hell. Always a Spiritual Focus, First Dear Parish Families, Well, so suddenly we have come to the tenth month of this year. Sadly, the leaves are turning without their usual blaze of colour. It seems they are turning from green straight to brown. And while we are counting down the year, perhaps it can be a good time to consider some other kinds of numbers. Think of the numbers eight, thirty, and ninety-seven. Practically every Sunday morning, when we offer the morning Orthros service, we usually average two or three people in attendance. By the time of reaching (at 9:50 a.m.) the Doxology Hymn, our Church s great hymn that is designed to lead us all triumphantly into the proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the Divine Liturgy, there is usually only eight people present in our pews. Which means that, by rights, only eight people should be able to receive Holy Communion in the Divine Liturgy, since we are supposed to be spiritually and physically prepared and are supposed to receive Holy Communion within full context of a Divine Liturgy. The souls who may receive Holy Communion outside a Divine Liturgy are those in hospitals, nursing homes, or sick at home. So, if you desire to receive Holy Communion, be inspired to pray with us within context of the Divine Liturgy. Experience the whole of it, or you re missing the point. Thirty: Every Sunday, by about 10:20 a.m., there is an average of only thirty people who are in Church and who actually hear the reading of the Holy Gospel, and hear the sermon. Those who get to Church after that point and hear nothing: you ve missed the whole point of spiritual education. And ninety-seven: that s the average number of people in our Church when the Divine Liturgy is over. Which means over sixty people come to Church and never hear the Holy Gospel. Sometimes, we break Page 2 October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016 Page 3

3 a hundred on an average Sunday. On Palm Sunday, we can go over three hundred, even four hundred. Think of what our parish family could accomplish if everyone showed up on every Sunday. Just by sharing a few of these average numbers, we thought it might be enlightening for one and all to really see how counting can help us see how to take stock of ourselves. Just as we ve counted down 2016 and are close to ending the year, so too we re counting down our lives and how we live our faith. It s so easy to lose track of time. Suddenly, the leaves are turning brown, faster and faster, and we find we are losing opportunities, with time running out. I invite one and all to take a slower look at our beautiful Divine Liturgy, our lives of worship and faith, our families, our children who are quickly growing and watching our examples, not just of our faith and heritage, but more so, of how we value our time in our faith. Please strive to help our numbers grow. Last year, we had 263 families in our stewardship parish family. This year, our numbers are down by twenty, from that level. We haven t lost any families. It s just that twenty families haven t yet given in their stewardship for this year. Let s be counted. Let nobody be lost or forgotten. Whether you see it or not, God shows up for you and counts you in. Please come earlier to Church and show up for your faith. Be counted. Let your presence count for more quality, sincerity, and value. Faithfully, Father Samaras STEWARDSHIP Focus, Come and See Is Your Family Represented? We ended 2015 with a recording of 263 parish families. But we know there are over a hundred families who weren t counted. Was your family included? Please help us make 2016 our best year ever. Please send in your stewardship card and be COUNTED. Let us know you are there and what we can do to serve you better. This is about you and about your being recognised and included, not left out. Sunday School Many thanks to our volunteers who have come onboard and are helping our children. You ll notice we have quite a large, new crop of youngsters who are being brought to church by their families. Let s get them all the support of our ministries by keeping them coming! We need more helpers and ask for others to come forward and help us help your children. Please consider this as a holy offering, a ministry you can participate in. Your children will thank you, as we thank you. So, help us help our children. Give of your time, so they may grow into their time as upstanding citizens aware of their Orthodox Christianity and faith. Which of you parents will come forward? Most respectfully, Evangeline (Beca) Michaels and Dr. George Chondris, Sunday School Co-Directors Greek School CALENDAR OF HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS FOR Oct. 4th: School Closed Nov. 8th: Election Day - School Closed Nov. 15th: Parent Teacher Conferences (by app t). Nov. 24th: Thanksgiving Day - School Closed Dec. 17th: Christmas program after Liturgy (Greek School and Sunday School Students) 12/25-1/2 Christmas Recess Jan. 3rd: School Reopens Jan. 29th: Three Hierarchs Presentation / Greek School Students Feb. 21st: Winter Recess - School Closed Feb. 23rd: Winter Recess School Closed (Possible snow make-up day) March 19th: Celebration for March 25 March 26th GREEK INDEPENDANCE DAY PARADE (Student participation expected) April 4th: Parent Teacher Conferences, by appointment April 9th: Palm Sunday Greek School Registration Begins for September 2017 April 11/13th: Holy Week School Closed April 16th: PASCHA/EASTER October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016

4 Philoptochos Meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month after Divine Liturgy. Please attend and share your ideas with us. October 16th: Cancer Fund Luncheon November 6th: pass tray for Ecumenical Patriarchate. November 20th: Collecting Food and distributing Thanksgiving Baskets to Rockland Social Services. Lenten Luncheon: possible Date, Dec. 4th to benefit Archangel Michael Nursing Home. Reminder: it s not too late to renew your membership and to welcome new members for the year Dues are $ Sincerely, Connie Edlund, Philoptochos President YOUTH PAGES HOPE Happenings (ages 3-7) Here is our tentative HOPE schedule for We are very excited about it! Please plan to join us. September: Apple/Pumpkin Picking at Demarest Farms October 28th: Bake Sale; GOYA Halloween Party November: PB&J: Pizza, Bible and Jammies (and ice cream!) December: Gingerbread decoration, learn Christmas Hymns and learn from Father Samaras about Christ being the greatest gift we receive on Christmas. January: February: March: April: May: June: Outragehiss Pets or Magician Chocolate Making Party at Matisse Outragehiss Pets or Magician Learn how to make kolyva; Easter egg hunt Screamin Parties Festival Participation & End of Season Picnic Any HOPE aged children (3-8) interested in attending or would like additional details (such as the cost per child) can reach out to Kristin Laoudis Rosenstein at or tcbk64@aol.com Our advisors are Bonnie Mavrommatis and Kristin Laoudis Rosenstein. They can be reached at: Kristin: tcbk64@aol.com or Bonnie: nmavro@me.com JOY Happenings (Ages 8-12) Two parents have come forward to advise and gather our JOYaged children: Dr. Stephen Tsoucaris and Mr. John Moustakakis. Please bring your children to our Youth events and let them bond with one another. Stay tuned for a meeting announcement in our Church services and Church Sunday bulletin. Autumn Apple Picking! Some of our group before scattering for fun Recently, our great advisors broadcast a great invitation for our annual, traditional fun gathering for Apple Picking. This year, we discovered a great place: Demarest Farms in nearby Hillsdale, New Jersey. The fields of apples were much larger, greatly organised with labeled trees (I never knew there were so many varieties of apples). There was a petting zoo for the youngest kids (I myself was actually impressed with the llamas and miniature animals). The playground boat was actually so appropriate for us: Noah s Ark. The store was huge in comparison, selling all kinds of excellent food items for home, for lunch, Page 4 October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016 Page 5

5 for everything. We are so pleased with everyone who advised and everyone who joined us. Please stay tuned for our next Youth Event, which shall be the Octobe 28th, Friday night, at 7:00 p.m. Harvest Dance, with all our kids getting together for more bonding and positive imaginations in costumes (no negative or demonic costumes, please). Many thanks and see you there. Echoes of Summer 2016 At the recent Summer Olympics, one of our own, Smaragda Ziotis Thomas, got to attend the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, sharing some key photos of the Greek athletes and even a photo with the Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, winner of the greatest amount of gold medals. Early arrivals at Noah s Ark GOYA Happenings (Ages 13-18) This year, we have two advisors who are helping our Goya-aged children: Lena Paxos and Kelly Maris. Let s keep our teenagers involved. Our first event is our traditionally- Goya hosted Harvest Dance for all children, on Friday night, 7-9:30 p.m., October 28th. Goyans, help us provide a positive, safe place for our younger kids to have fun with your imaginations and costumes. We welcome all kids from ages to join with us. Please come to our Divine Liturgies on Sundays, to share in our fellowship and contribute to our planning. Ten Things that Require Zero Talent 1. Being on time 2. Work Ethic 3. Effort 4. Body Language 5. Energy 6. Attitude 7. Passion 8. Being Coachable 9. Doing Extra 10. Being Prepared Thoughts to Get Us By Submitted by Gus Zgourides The love and acceptance of other persons makes us into the unique persons we are meant to be. Our earthly lives are fulfilled through our loving involvement with others, men, women, and children who may share our quest for salvation. It is not by accident but by God s design that we ve been drawn together to share common goals, at work, or at home. We contribute to each other s search for understanding, and the spiritual quest that s at our innermost core...the Lord in one another s hearts. The letter, the smile, or phone call we offer our neighbor and fellow Christians today will bless our own sometimes faltering steps through the hours and days ahead. Each time we focus our attention on the struggle or joy of someone else, our personal salvation is enhanced. When we give away our love, we will not doubt that we, too, are loved. Page 6 October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016 Page 7

6 CHOIR NEWS Choir Appreciation Month Our Archdiocese reserves October in recognition of our Church Choirs. Our parish will hold, on October 9th, a Sunday brunch in honour of our resident Church Choir, following our Divine Liturgy. All are invited to join, partake, and express our gratitude to our Choir and its august history of dedication and leadership. Remember: our church hymns are our second-greatest source of Orthodox Theology (right next to our Holy Scripture). Faithfully, Father Samaras and the Parish Council. A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT By Leo Michaels Let us consider a timely subject during these Fall months until December. Are you disappointed and depressed by the way Christmas is advertised, or rather miss-represented in our ever more secular and anti- Christ society today? Take a look at the non-christmas environment: Stores are thriving on Christmas sales, but, with a few exceptions, they have Holiday Sales. Christmas trees have been replaced by Holiday trees. Most public schools no longer have Christmas concerts but Holiday concerts where Christmas carols are forbidden, etc., etc.. In this jungle of anti-christmas atmosphere, there is a bright ray of spiritual uplifting that brings the Christmas spirit back to us and Jesus comes alive again in our lives: It is the traditional West Point performance of Handel s Messiah that takes place traditionally on the first Sunday in December for the last 55 years or so. On that day, members of area choirs, including our own, join the West Point cadets and perform Handel s masterpiece in an atmosphere that is close to Paradise on Earth. This year, the performance takes place on Sunday, December 4, at 3:00 PM at the West Point chapel. Don t miss it! Stewardship Stories A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two men on it were able to swim to a small, deserted island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island. The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning, the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the land, and he was able to eat its fruit. The other man s parcel of land remained barren. After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing. Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes and more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. However, the second man still had nothing. Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side of the island. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the Second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God s blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered. As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a voice from heaven booming, Why are you leaving your companion on the island? My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them, the first man answered. His prayers were all unanswered and so he does not deserve anything. You are mistaken! the voice rebuked him. He had only one prayer, which was answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings. Tell me, the first man asked the voice, What did he pray for that I should owe him anything? He prayed that all your prayers be answered. For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but those of others praying for us. This is too good not to share. My prayer for you today is that all your prayers be answered. Pray for our parish members together, and offer your stewardship. October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016 Page 8 Page 9

7 Kali Parea Our Kali Parea group will have their luncheon meetings on the second Monday of every month. The coordinator for our group is Mr. Gianakouros. Please join this active group for fellowship and conversation. You can be a Parish Newsletter SPONSOR for any issue! An easy way to help sponsor the production of this great service and ministry to our parish community our parish newsletter is to sponsor an issue and its production costs. You may dedicate such an issue to the memory of someone, or to the celebration of someone s life or birthday or anniversary. Simply send in to our Church Office any photos, dedicational text, and remembrances, and a donation of $ which will cover all inks, papers, staples, labels, mailings, and productions. All to your doorstep, box, or mailbox, suitable for framing! The Typika of our Church Did you know that our Church s Holy Liturgical Life is governed by the Typika, a calendar of Eccleasiastical Services, precisely regulated and maintained by our Holy Patriarchate and the Church of Greece? This year, 2016, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Because Christmas falls on Sunday this year, the day before, as well as the Feast day are different in church celebration and commemoration: Christmas Day is celebrated by serving the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil. The night before, Christmas Eve, is ONLY Vespers, conducted in the evening. On that Christmas Eve morning, Saturday, December 24th, is to be celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Therefore, we shall still have two opportunities to receive Holy Communion during our Christmas weekend, and our Church services will be held in the proper order of the Typikon. Q: Why are other ethnic groups and other religious faiths so strong in their solidarity and community? A: Because they support each other, and patronize each other s businesses. Then, to likewise be strong, let us learn the lesson: Support and patronize our people s businesses. Good Day! Here is our Parish Calendar and Events for our FALL Season: October, November, and December, For the next Winter newsletter of January, February, and March, 2017, the deadline for all news items is December 1st. So, everybody think about what your group will be planning and doing for those months. All Church groups are asked to submit their materials in a timely fashion. Be sure to double-check our Sunday Church Bulletins for any possible scheduling changes or last-minute developments, additions, or deletions. Page 10 October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016 Page 11

8 October, 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Greek Education Committee. 7 p.m. 5 Parish Council, 8 pm CHOIR APPRECIATION DAY 10 Kali Parea, 11:30 am CANCER FUND LUNCHEON SAINT DEMETRIOS Youth Harvest Dance, 7 pm OR = ORTHROS, 8:45 a.m. DL = Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016

9 November, 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Greek School Comm. 7 pm OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am. 7 Kali Parea, 11:30 am. 8 Synaxis Archangels OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am. 9 Parish Council, 8 p.m NATIVITY FAST BEGINS Greek School Parent/ Teacher Conferences Philoptochos Food Gathering 21 Entrance/Theotokou OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am THANKGIVING 25 SAINT CATHERINE OR = ORTHROS, 8:45 a.m. DL = Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016

10 December, 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday West Point Show after Church 5 6 SAINT NICHOLAS Greek Educational, 7 pm SAINT SPYRIDON Kali Parea, 11:30 am Parish Council, 8 p.m Christmas Play. Comm. Breakfast OR, 8:45 am. DL, 10 am HOLY CHRISTMAS Liturgy of Saint Basil TYPIKON: Liturgy of Saint John, Vespers, 7 p.m New Year s Eve Party OR = ORTHROS, 8:45 a.m. DL = Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. October, November, December, 2016 October, November, December, 2016