the Official Newsletter Publication of HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH February 2018

Transcription

1 the Official Newsletter Publication of HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH February 2018 The Jordan River And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD"), and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS." Luke 2:22-24 HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Hillcrest Road Dallas Texas Office Fax htgoc@holytrinitydallas.org Web Site:

2 Holy trinity greek orthodox church Hillcrest Rd. * Dallas, Texas * * Rev. Presbyter Peter Kostakis, Acting Proistamenos frpeter@holytrinitydallas.org Clergy Reverend Protopresbyter Reverend Presbyter John Essa, Retired Christopher Constantinides Reverend Presiding Deacon Priest Mark Pakes Reverend Frchristopher@Holytrinity.info Deacon Athanasios Sharpley Reverend Reverend Deacon Deacon Christopher Mark Pakes Stern Administration Tom Priscilla Clark, Administrator Owens tclark@holytrinitydallas.org Church Administrator Maureen powens@holytrinity.info Rakow, Financial Assistant mrakow@holytrinitydallas.org Maureen Rakow Vickie Wells, Executive Assistant vwells@holytrinitydallas.org Financial Assistant mrakow@holytrinity.info Liz Strong, Administrative Assistant lstrong@holytrinitydallas.org Vickie Wells Executive Basil Administrative Xeros, Neokoros Assistant bxeros@holytrinitydallas.org vwells@holytrinity.info Demetrios Buck, Youth Director dbuck@holytrinitydallas.org Support Staff Torye Basil Morris, Xeros, Facilities Neokoros Manager Torye tmorris@holytrinitydallas.org Morris, Facilities Manager 2011 Parish Council 008 Parish Council President Harry Tomisides Vice President Christopher Nick Cimino Canellos Treasurer Vice President Sam Wade Paulos Stephens Recording Treasurer Secretary Dimitrios Bill Horiates Zaemes Corresponding Secretary Charles Pappas Max Adams Monica Matt Arroyo Fossey Nic Carayannopoulos Ellena Fox James Chappel Amelia Fritz James Dolmas Peter Hronas Tasos Kaiafas Clergy Administration Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Perry Alexandris Chrisoula Kazanas Members Jimmy Horiates Mary Ann Trapalis George Gus Kostas Karahal John Mary Lymberopoulos LeBrecht Constantine John Nickolas Mathas Frank Charles Mihalopoulos Pappas Michael Hellen Petridis Smith Daniel Shaheen Dimitri Tsevoukas Church Office Hours Monday Thursday 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Bookstore Hours Sundays after Divine Liturgy until 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays 2-5:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Church is under the Jurisdiction of The Holy Metropolis of Denver 4550 E. Alameda Ave. * Denver, CO Tel. (303) Fax (303) The Holy Archdiocese of America 8 E. 79th St. * New York, NY Tel. (212) * Fax (212) and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople Ekfonesis February 2018 Sunday Bulletin All information to be included in the Sunday Bulletin is to be submitted to the office no later than Wednesday at noon. Please submit each article as an attachment to Vickie Wells at: vwells@holytrinitydallas.org Memorial Service, Artoclasia Service & 40 Day Blessings All Memorials, Artoclasias, & 40 Day Blessings may be arranged by contacting Liz Strong in the church office at or Lstrong@holytrinitydallas.org Sunday Worship Service Orthros 8:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Weekdays Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. 2

3 Pastoral Reflections by Fr. Peter Kostakis On February 2, We commemorate the Meeting of the Lord in the Temple. When the Elder Symeon held the forty-day-old Christ, one of the things he said to the Lord was, "My eyes have seen your salvation." What a beautiful sight! Can we say the same thing? Have we seen God's salvation? In the Holy Spirit, all the love and wonders of the Gospel are our shared experience. So, yes, our eyes have seen the Lord's salvation. When we say in the Liturgy "We have seen the true light" we mean that we have been blessed to share an experience with the Undivided Trinity. We can see the salvation of God with our whole spiritual self, not only with the sensory organs. But the day to day challenge can leave us very jaded if we allow our trust to move elsewhere. What do our eyes see from day to day? Where do our eyes fix their gaze? We are surrounded by billboards, book covers, video postings, music videos, competitions, articles, news, blogs. Some point us to salvation; some do not. The availability of pornography is vast. Many eyes around the world allow themselves to be poisoned by this abuse of the icon of God. The sight of violence and hate are well known. Cyberbullying is a new and additional pain that we have not previously seen. Sometimes we are hurt to see that we or another person has done something wrong. Sometimes our eyes become evil with jealousy, even over gifts that God gives to all of us generously, as the Lord warned in His parable, saying "are your eyes evil because I am generous?" Sometimes the eyes of those with hard hearts are not able to see God's marvels. The man born blind, with his heart of faith, had more eye-sight than those who merely had the functioning sensory organs. How can we even breathe with such burdens? As the Psalm teaches, we must have our eyes fixed on the Lord! This is where true freedom is! This is where the blessings are! God, who is generous and merciful, who has given us a magnificent life, a magnificent creation to care for, gives eternal life to us all. After that, what can we covet? What sensory pleasures compete with eternal life? What would we put above God's perfect and unconditional love? As the Apostle Paul blesses and we repeat in every divine liturgy, The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit are for all of us. We can see the salvation of the Lord through our eyes every time we see a new opportunity to repent. Are we ready to look at each day with the right eyes? Can we see God's wonders in all of creation? Do we look for Christ in every person? Do we allow God to direct our thoughts, so that we know where to fix our gaze? May the joy and the fulfillment felt by Symeon always be communicated to us! May the Lord who prepared the light for the nations, encourage us to look to Him with all our trust and thanks! 3

4 Stewardship 2018 Ten Reasons I ve spent the last many months coaxing, cajoling and hopefully entertaining us with random stories that somehow get bent and twisted into a stewardship lesson. But when it comes down to it, we must all ask ourselves how, and how much, to give of our time, talent and treasure. On the other hand, some do not respond to the call to give. Some want or need more reasons to give. Instead of answering why we should give of our time, talent, and treasure, let s ask the opposite uncomfortable question. At great personal risk and perhaps risking what great things we have achieved together these last few years. Here they are: The Top 10 Reasons NOT to Give to Your Church 10. You are depending on your own ability. We can achieve salvation on our own, right? 9. You think you are being coerced to give. We don t want our arm to be twisted, do we? 8. You don t belong to God yet. How do you give yourself up to Him? He s been there since your Baptism and before! 7. You don t understand what Christ did for you. Weak faith and weak convictions make a weak steward. 6. You have to give grudgingly. Nobody wants to hold a grudge against His Church, hmmm? 5. You don t believe we give most what we love most. Ask a parent how much of their life they give to their children. 4. You don t believe in the principle of sowing and reaping. Basic farming and investment sense just works here. 3. You don t know why God blesses you financially. What good is the tool of treasure, when it sits around un-utilized? Doesn t it rust and crumble away? 2. You don t understand what generosity does. How good does it really feel to give? 1. You don t understand that the why is greater than the what. Do you understand why we need to give, or are you still stuck with what the giving is for? As we continue to submit our 2018 pledge cards, please prayerfully consider that the why is truly greater than the what. Consider your blessings of time, talent and treasure and how you can give them back to His church. Harry Yianitsas Stewardship Chairman 4

5 CATECHETICAL CORNER Godchild/Godparent Sunday Luncheon on February 18 (Cheesefare/Forgiveness Sunday) It would be wonderful if all Godchildren and Godparents lived close to each other so that they could attend the Godchild/Godparent Sunday together. If your child s Godparent/s live in another city, why not contact them to attend their Church on February 18 and receive the Eucharist while you and your family do so at Holy Trinity! Concerning Godchildren/ Godparents, we are truly blessed today to have such a wealth of materials about our Orthodox Faith. Please take advantage of the books, articles, and especially, internet information that is available. Following are some very interesting websites that deal with selecting or being a godparent. Check them out! Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 14 Feb. 25 FEBRUARY SAINTS & FEASTS God grant many years to all who celebrate their Feast Day! Hronia Polla! Tryphon the Martyr; Bridget of Ireland The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ into the Temple Symeon the God-Receiver; Anna, the Prophetess; Nicholas, Archbishop & Enlightener of Japan Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople Haralambos, the Holy Martyr Cyril, Equal-to-the-Apostles Photini the Samaritan Woman & her martyred sisters: Anatole, Phota, Photis, Paraskevi & Kyriaki Teaching our Children the Orthodox Faith and Traditions The Triodion, a liturgical book containing the services of the feasts before the Great Fast and during the Fast and Holy Week, began on January 28 this year, with the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14), which is a fast-free week. The Sundays that follow are: Feb. 4 The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) Feb. 11 Feb. 18 Feb. 25 Judgment Sunday (Matthew 25:31-46) also know as Meat-fare Sunday; Forgiveness Sunday (Matthew 6:14-21) also known as Cheese-fare Sunday. Great Lent Begins, Sunday of Orthodoxy - (Clean Monday) begins the next day, February 19 Take time to read the Sunday Gospel passages with your family before you come to Church. Discuss these movable Feasts that are the same each year but on different dates. The Church calendar provides us with a framework for preparing for the important Feast Days of the Church. Notice how we ease into Great Lent. There is a time of preparation for Great Lent and Great Lent prepares us for the joyous Feast of the Resurrection. As parents, we need to make this palpable in our homes. To be Orthodox we must also practice the Faith, to demonstrate Orthopraxia, the correct practice. To learn more about the Triodion: 5

6 Youth Ministries GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) Last Month in GOYA Metropolis of Denver Basketball Tournament The MLK weekend was very successful with 600 GOYAns and their families gathered in Dallas for the annual Basketball Tournament! Events included; Welcome Ceremony, music and dancing, Basketball games, bowling and arcade games at Bowlmor Dallas, Liturgy, Brunch, Semifinal and Championship games and the Final Banquet. Thanks goes to all our parents, families, and parishioners who made Dallas home to 1,000 Orthodox Christians that weekend! Coming up This Month February 14 GOYA Meeting, 7pm FOLLOW US Holy Trinity Dallas GOYA realdallasgoya realdallasgoya JOY meets every first Wednesday of the month, 7p.m. - 8 p.m. at Holy Trinity Next Gathering February 7, 7 p.m. HOPE will meet first Wednesday of the month, at 5 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. at Holy Trinity Next Gathering February 7, 5 p.m. 6

7 Metropolis of Denver GOYA Basketball Tournament 2018 Teamwork on the court... Fellowship off the court... Special thanks to our fans!! 7

8 Holy Trinity Greek School s Vasilopita Celebration Το Ελληνικό Σχολείο Γιορτάζει την Βασιλόπιτα Afternoon classes resumed on Tuesday, January 9. All classes gathered in the Greek School Room to observe the cutting of the Vasilopita. Vasiliki Peters, Mia Petropoulos, Alexander Scullin and Victoria (Vasiliki) Alexandris listen attentively as they learn about the St. Basil and the tradition of the Vasilopita. Our Greek School only has one Vasilis, Vasilis Tsevoukas; however, there are four Vasilikis and one Vasilia! In addition to the two Vasilikis who are pictured, we have Vasiliki Scullin, Vasilia Nikolopoulos and Vasiliki Paulos. The future of the New Year s Day Basil Celebration after Divine Liturgy is secure!! Mark your calendars! The March 25 th Parish Celebration of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day falls on Sunday, March 25 th, this year! Plan to join this annual event hosted by the Greek School. More information to follow! 8

9 ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES 2018 Roundtable Discussions This year, NTOM is hosting three roundtable discussions with topics that will be of interest to those who are involved in the various ministries that will be discussed. The intent is to bring together Orthodox Christians from other Orthodox Parishes and to share information. The Roundtables are still in the planning stage; however, NTOM wants to share the dates, venues and topics with our Holy Trinity Parishioners. All roundtable discussions will take place in the morning. NTOM OCP 2018 Roundtable 1 - A thoughtful conversation about developing an effective youth and young adult ministry was held on Saturday, January 27, at Sts. Constantine and Helen AOC. NTOM OCP 2018 Roundtable 2 A thoughtful conversation about developing an effective parish library and religious education in the home. Saturday, April 21, St. Seraphim OCA NTOM OCP 2018 Roundtable 3 A thoughtful conversation about developing effective adult religious education. Saturday, May 19 at Holy Trinity GOC NTOM NORTH TEXAS ORTHODOX MISSIONS The Orthodox Christian parishes of North Central Texas are represented in this joint ministry to provide a witness to the Orthodox Christian faith. Both clergy and laity from many jurisdictions worship and work together to support local, national, and international Orthodox Christian mission efforts. Programs include: IOCC, OCMC, Support of Missionaries as well as other projects TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NTOM, PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE: 9

10 10

11 2018 MISSION BLANKETS Happy New Year to everyone!! We want to thank all of you who helped make Mission Blankets so productive last year, including the Church Office. With your donations of money, blankets, overseas contact info and time, we were able to reach a record amount of children living in group homes. We are off to a great start for this current year, with plenty of blankets already on hand!! One man alone from our church generously donated 36 blankets. We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to every one of you who made contributions over the holidays that catapulted us into the New Year. The Hamogelo Charity which oversees 5 Children s Homes in Greece will be our main focus. A member of our church recommended this group to us and we are in touch with them. They are eager to receive these gifts for all their children. We are busy sewing the personalized trims onto each blanket. By March we will start a staggered series of shipments to Greece. What we can use the most right now is funds for shipping. Any amount, great or small is appreciated. It all adds up!! Make checks out to Holy Trinity Church and mark Mission Blankets in the memo line. An average box containing 8 blankets costs $90 to send overseas. It s not the cheapest way, but we are assured that the items get delivered to the orphanage door. You are a wonderful group of people. It is most rewarding to work with all of you. With love and appreciation, Karen Antos and Nancy Hebert 11

12 12

13 13

14 HOLY TRINITY ACADEMY FUNDRAISER Need a gift for your sweetie, friend, neighbor, Holy co-worker, Trinity or Academy family? We can help! Decoratively wrapped gift for Valentine s Day is here! Greek Biscotti (Paximathia) 1 dozen for $10 Place your order today! Delivery will be Sunday, February 11 th (Or you may pick up at HTA the week of February 12 th ) Name: Quantity: X $10 per BAG = Total Enclosed $ Please make checks payable to Holy Trinity Academy 14

15 15

16 General Interest Coffee Hour! Sunday, February 4 S.A.L.T. Sunday, February 11 DOP Save a Life Bake Sale Sunday, February 18 Godchild/Godparent Luncheon Sunday, February 25 HTHD To volunteer your organization contact Amelia Fritz at amfrtiz1816@sbcglobal.net SCHOOL KITS FOR THE CHILDREN OF GREECE Many school children in Greece are unable to fully participate in their studies in school due to the need for basic school supplies. To fill this need, IOCC has asked our Youth to provide the necessary supplies for the children. The Youth of the Catechetical School, Greek School and Holy Trinity Academy have set a goal to prepare 250 school kits. The project began on Sunday, February 28th. List of Supplies: One pair of blunt metal scissors (round tip) Three 70 count spiral or tape-bound notebooks of 8 x10 1/2 ruled paper totaling sheets. Please do not provide loose-leaf or filler paper. One 30 centimeter ruler (12 ) One hand held pencil sharpener Six new pencils with erasers One large eraser, 2 1/2 One box of 24 crayons (only 24) Parish Council Schedule Feb. 4 Amelia Fritz, Wade Stephens, John Nickolas, Bill Zaemes, Peter Hronas Feb. 11 Hellen Smith, Dimitri Tsevoukas, Perry Alexandris, Mary Ann Trapalis, Chrisoula Kazanas, Mary LeBrecht Feb. 18 Matt Fossey, Charles Pappas, Nick Cimino, Jimmy Horiates, Jimmy Horiates, Gus Kostas, Ellena Fox Feb. 25 Amelia Fritz, Wade Stephens, John Nickolas, Bill Zaemes, Peter Hronas 16

17 General Interest Parish Registry Please note our practice for submitting names for prayers Baptisms for health! Please us at or call the Church Office at ( ) before the 5th of the Alexander & Laura Lebron, Rhett month. Each entry will be for a month duration and must Mantzuranis, Nicoletta Papanickalaou be renewed each month. Funerals Toula Mihalopoulos, Peter Poulos and Constance Raptis who fell asleep in the Lord Trip to: Thackerville, OK Date: Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Depart at: 9:30 a.m. Leave OK at: 3:00 p.m. Cost: Transportation ONLY: $15.00 per person We will need at least 35 people to sign up before February 5 th. Please call to reserve your seat: Annette Dempsey Note: There is no lunch scheduled at the Community Center in February. Caregivers Support Group Next Meeting on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. The Caregivers Support Group meets the second Saturday of the month in the Boardroom of the Community Center. Caregivers provides support for the Caregiver in a confidential setting. For more information, contact Steve Pakes spakes1@att.net, Bill Lane lanetex@yahoo.com, or Presv. Alexandra Poulos presvyalex@verizon.net 17

18 Strict Fast 7,19,20,21,22,23,26,27,28 February 2018 Wine/Oil Allowed 9,24,25 Dairy Allowed 12,13,14,15,16,18 Day Event 1 Thursday Adult Bible Study (BR) 10:45a; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Philop Brd Mtg 7p (A); Men s B ball (O) 7p 2 Friday Presentation of the Lord: Orthros 8:30a Divine Liturgy 9:30a (C) 3 Saturday DOP Prosforo Baking (K) 9a-4p; Great Vespers (C) 5pm; GOYA Basketball Family Celebration 7-9p (CC) 4 Sunday Orthros 8:15a Divine Liturgy 9:30a; Coffee hosted by SALT following Div Lit; Catechetical Schl after H C; Souper Bowl of Caring Party/Potluck (A,Gym) 4:45-9p 5 Monday Yarn Guild (BR) 10am-2pm 6 Tuesday St. Photios: Orthros 8:30a Div Lit 9:30a (C); Pkleball (Gym) 1:30-3:30p; Austin St Cooking (K) 2:30p & Volunteers leave at 5:30 to serve; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Adult GS 7-9p (GS Room) 7 Wednesday HT Bookstore OPEN 2-5p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; HOPE (A) 5p; CANCELED Paraklesis (C) 6p; JOY (A) 7-8p; FAITH E (BR) 7-8p; 8 Thursday Adult Bible Study (BR) 10:45a; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Men s B ball (O) 7p 9 Friday No activities 10 Saturday 1st Saturday of the Souls: Orth 8:30a Div Lit 9:30a; Caregivers Support (BR) 10:45a; Great Vespers (C) 5pm; 11 Sunday Orth 8:15a Div Lit 9:30a; Catechetical Schl after H C; Philoptochos Wear Red Day; DOP Save a Life Bake Sale after Div Lit; Oratorical Festival (C) 12-2p; HTHD Practice (A,D) 1-3p 12 Monday Yarn Guild (BR) 10am-2pm 13 Tuesday Pkleball (Gym) 1:30-3:30p; Sr Fellowship Trip to OK 9:30a - 3p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; AHEPA & DOP (O,A) 6:30p; Adult GS 7-9p (GS Room) 14 Wednesday HT Bookstore OPEN 2-5p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Paraklesis (C) 6p; GOYA (A) 7p; F E (BR) 7-8p; 15 Thursday Adult Bible Study (BR) 10:45a; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; SALT 7p (A); Men s B ball (O) 7p 16 Friday No activities 17 Saturday 2nd Saturday of the Souls: Orth 8:30a Div Lit 9:30a; Great Vespers (C) 5pm; Nafpaktian Apokreatiko Dinner 18 Sunday Cheesefare Sunday Orth 8:15a Div Lit 9:30a; NO Catechetical Schl after H C; Godchild/Godparent Luncheon after Div Lit; HTHD Practice (A,D) 3-5p; Forgiveness Vespers 5-6 pm 19 Monday GREAT & HOLY LENT BEGINS; OFFICE CLOSED for Pres. Day; CANCELED Yarn Guild; GREAT COMPLINE 6-7p (C) 20 Tuesday SF Luncheon (A) 11:30a; Pkleball (Gym) 1:30-3:30p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Parish Council Mtg (A) 6:30p; Adult GS 7-9p (GS Room) 21 Wednesday HT Bookstore OPEN 2-5p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Presanctified Liturgy (C) 6p; Lenten Meal (A) 7p; NO F E (BR) 7-8p; Philoptochos General Mtg (D) 7:30p Please check the web calendar at for schedule changes 18

19 February 2018 Day Event 22 Thursday Adult Bible Study (BR) 10:45a; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Men s B ball (O) 7p 23 Friday Salutations to the Theotokos (S) 7-8 pm 24 Saturday 3rd Saturday of the Souls: Orth 8:30a Div Lit 9:30a; Great Vespers (C) 5pm; 25 Sunday SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Orth 8:15a Div Lit 9:30a; Catechetical Schl at 10a TODAY; Coffee hosted by HTHD after Div Lit; Pan Orthodox Lenten Vespers (S) 6p; Philoptochos Pan Orth Lenten Potluck (O,K) 7-9p 26 Monday Yarn Guild (BR) 10am-2pm; GREAT COMPLINE 6-7p (C) 27 Tuesday Pkleball (Gym) 1:30-3:30p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Adult GS 7-9p (GS Room) 28 Wednesday HT Bookstore OPEN 2-5p; HTGS (GS Rooms) 5-6:30p; Presanctified Liturgy (C) 6p; Lenten Meal (A) 7p; A, D, O Alpha, Delta, Omega CC Community Center GS Greek School CS Catechetical School DL Divine Liturgy AFE Adult Faith Enrichment HTHD Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers HC Holy Communion WW West Wing 19

20 EKFONESIS FEBRUARY 2018 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Hillcrest Road Dallas, TX Holy Trinity Cemetery Lots Available Cemetery plots are still available in the Orthodox Christian Garden at Restland. Prices in the funeral industry continue to rise, so please don't miss this opportunity to secure your family s burial needs. Please contact: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Office Pre-Purchase: $2, At Need: $2, Ekfonesis Information Deadline Please be reminded that all information to be included in the next Ekfonesis must be in the Church office no later than the 15th of the month. Please submit each article as an attachment to: vwells@holytrinitydallas.org Layout Editor: Vickie Wells 20