November Volume 11 Issue 11

Transcription

1 November 2016 Volume 11 Issue 11

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 900 6th Street Sioux City, Iowa Church Office Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Telephone: Office Fax: Parish Council President: Costa Tsiobanos Worship Hours: Sundays: Weekdays: Esperinos: Thursdays: Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m. For Major Feasts 6:00 p.m. Paraklisis Service 6:00 p.m. 1st of Every Month: Agiasmos Service 8:30 a.m. unless there is a service, in which case it will take place 30 minutes prior to Orthros Year Long Ministries Weekly Sunday School: (During School Year) Following Holy Communion Greek Dance: (During School Year) Wednesdays from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Healthy Body/Healthy Soul Wednesdays from 4:30 5:00 p.m. Monthly Orthodoxy on Tap Check Calendar Philoptochos Check Calendar Youth Ministries Check Calendar Seasonal Ministries to begin in Spring: Bible Study: Thursdays from 8:30 9:30 a.m. Blessed Darkness (Adult Education): Thursdays 7:00 8:00 p.m. St. Basil s Students (Adult Education): Tuesdays from 6:30 7:30 p.m. Minerva Faith Group (Adult Education): Tuesdays from 12:30 2:00 p.m. St. Moses the Black Men s Group (Adult Education) Wednesdays from 9:30 10:30 a.m. Athletics Check Calendar November 2016 Page 2

3 Table of Contents Registry Page 4 Father s Message Page 5-7 President s Message Page 8 Stewardship Page 8-9 Philoptochos Page Sunday School Page 12 Youth Page Pictures Page 15 Services Page Posters Page 21 Church & Metropolis News Page 22 Calendar Page 23 Church Staff Parish Priest/ Editor: Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias Parish Council President: Costa Tsiobanos Office Director Mary Sharp Philoptochos President: Dr. Fotene Karantinos Book Store: Kiki Karras & Dr. Fotene Karantinos Sunday School Director: Andrea Kjos Greek Dance Director: Leah Brockway Youth Directors: Dean & Amy Karras Stewardship: John Bostinelos Orthodoxy on Tap Shanda Antonopoulos Patriarchs: Afrodity Segos We Knead You: Janet Antonopoulos Coffee Hour Page 24 Mission of the Parish: To build our Church Family through bountiful religious services, educational classes, fellowship opportunities and outreach. The pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will feature prominently in the ministries of the Parish. Vision for the Parish: A Dynamic Church, equally strong at home as at the Parish, fortified by Ministries that bring the faithful closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Holy Mother, and all the Saints. ABRAHAM S PANTRY: Please donate! Foods from Abraham s Pantry are distributed to the local Food Pantries to feed the poor. November 2016 Page 3

4 Registry and Vital Statistics Baptisms: Chrismations: Weddings: Να ζή σετε! Να εί στε ευτυχίσμε νοί! Funerals On October 8th, we laid to rest the handmaiden of God, Maria Baumert. She is interred at Memorial Park where she joins her husband John. May their memory be eternal! ζωή σε σας We Welcome the following new families to the Parish! Now is the time to reach out to your loved ones who have fallen away for whatever reason and bring them back to Church. Now is the time to share your faith with others! Together we must grow. Together we must build the Body of Christ. Invite someone to a service, to a Bible Study, to a Church Event. We have one of the friendliest communities in the Archdiocese. Let us go out so that they will know we are Christians by our Love. November 2016 Page 4

5 Father Dimitri s Message My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, One of my favorite topics of discussion is the Holy Angels, the Synaxis of whom we celebrate on November 8th. There seems to be a lot of confusion about the Bodiless Powers, and I wanted to take the time to discuss them here. The first and most prevalent misunderstanding about angels is that human beings become angels. To which of the angels did God ever say, Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet? (Hebrews 1:13). Jesus did not come to save angels, but humans. We do not become angels when we die. That would be the equivalent of saying you become a dog or a cat when you die. The reason perhaps people make this mistake comes from the verse in Matthew 22:30 At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. Notice the word like. Even in the original Greek it reads: 30 ἐν γὰρ τῇ ἀναστάσει οὔτε γαμοῦσιν οὔτε γαμίζονται, ἀλλ ὡς ἄγγελοι θεοῦ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ εἰσιν The similitude to angels lies in the fact that man and women will no longer be given in marriage. There will be no new children, but like the angels, we will worship God perfectly. This is further seen in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4 as the angels show us the way to glorify God. As a final image of this, look to the icons of the Angels in the domes of most Orthodox Churches. So what are the angels? The angels are the servants of God that came into being between the first two days of Creation. In between then and the creation of the Garden of Eden, the angels warred with one another. Satan, the great deceiver, who was called Lucifer sought to become God. He lost the war, and a third of the angels fell with him. Luke 10:18 I saw Satan fall like lightning. From then until now, the angels have served mankind to bring us closer to our creator. The following is from the Minea of St Dimitry of Rostov and appeared in the November/December 1968 issue of Orthodox Life. This is taken from a reprint included in the booklet _Orthodox Teachings on the Holy Angels_ compiled by Fr Demetrius Serfes (It may still be available through St John of Kronstadt Press) The nine orders of the angels are divided into three hierarchies, each of which is divided into three orders: the highest, the intermediate, the lower. The first hierarch, the highest and closest to the Most Holy Trinity, consists of the SERAPHIM, CHERUBIM, and THRONES. The God-loving six-winged SERAPHIM stand closer than all before their Creator and Maker, as the prophet Isaiah saw, saying: "And the seraphim stood around Him, each having six wings" (Isaiah 6:2). They are fire-like since they stand before That One of Whom it is written: "For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb 12:29); "His throne was a flame of fire" (Dan 7:9); "the appearance of the Lord was like a blazing fire" (Ex 24:17). Standing before such glory, the seraphim are fire-like, as it said: "Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire" (Ps 103:4). They are aflame with love for God and kindle others to such love, as i shown by their very name, for "seraphim" in the Hebrew language means: "flaming". After the seraphim, before the All-knowing God, Who resides in inaccessible light, stand the many-eyed CHERUBIM in ineffable radiance. More than the other lower orders of angels, they are always radiant with the light of the knowledge of God, with the knowledge of the mysteries of God and the depths of His Wisdom; being themselves enlightened, they enlighten others. Their name "cherubim" in translation from the Hebrew language, means: "great understanding" or "effusion of wisdom", because through the cherubim wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment of the spiritual eyes is given for the seeing of God and knowledge of God. Thereafter stand the God-bearing THRONES (as St Dionysius the Areopagite calls them) before Him Who sits on the high and exulted throne, being named "thrones" since on them, as on intellectual thrones (as writes St Maximus the Confessor) God intellectually resides. They are not called "God bearing" according to essence but according to grace November 2016 Page 5

6 and according to their office, as the flesh of Jesus Christ (as St Basil the Great writes) is called "God-bearing" according to essence since it was indivisibly united with God the Word Himself. The thrones are then called "God-bearing" not according to essence but according to grace, given for their service, which is mystically and incomprehensibly to bear God in themselves. Residing on them in an incomprehensible manner, God makes His righteous judgment, according to the word of David: "Thou hast sat upon a throne, O Thou that judgest righteousness." (Ps 9:4). Therefore through them the justice of God is pre-eminently manifested; they serve His justice, glorifying it and pour out the power of justice onto the thrones of earthly judges, helping kings and masters to bring forth right judgment. The middle hierarchy also consists of three orders of holy angels: the DOMINIONS, the VIRTUES, and the POWERS. one's will and be above all temptations. The DOMINIONS are so named because, being themselves free, they dominate over the rest of the angels which follow behind them. Having abandoned servile fear, as St Dionysius the Aeropagite says, they voluntarily and with joy serve God unceasingly. Also they send down power for prudent governing and wise management to authorities on the earth set up by God. Further they teach how to control the senses, how to subdue in oneself dissolute desires and passions, how to enslave the flesh to the spirit, and how to rule over The VIRTUES, [the usual translation of the name of this order of angels as "virtues" is readily misleading if the old meaning of the word "virtue" as "power" or "force", especially as regards to divine beings (cf Oxford English Dictionary), is not remembered. Note of translator.] filled with divine strength, quickly fulfill the will of the All-High and Omnipotent Lord, strong and powerful. They both work very great miracles and send down the grace of miracleworking to God's saints, who are worthy of such grace, in order that these may work miracles, such as heal every sickness and foretell the future. The holy virtues also help people laboring and those overburdened by the bearing of an obedience placed on them by someone - by which their names "virtues" is explained - and they bear the infirmities of the weak. They also strengthen every man in patience, so that he does not faint away in affliction but rather bears all misfortune with a strong spirit, courageously, and with humility, giving thanks for everything to God, arranging all for our benefit. The POWERS are so called because they have power over the devil, in order to restrain the power of the demons, to repulse the temptations brought upon people by them, and to prevent the demons from harming anyone to the degree that they would wish. The powers strengthen the good ascetics in spiritual struggles and labors, protecting them so that they may not be deprived of the spiritual kingdom. They help those wrestling with passions and vices to cast out evil thoughts and slanders of the enemy and to conquer the devil. In the lowest hierarchy there are also three orders: the PRINCIPALITIES, the ARCHANGELS, and the ANGELS. The PRINCIPALITIES are named thus because they have command over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfillment of divine orders. The management of the universe and the keeping of all the kingdoms and princedoms, of lands and all peoples, races and nations, is also entrusted to them since each kingdom, race and people have for themselves a special deeper and manager from the heavenly order called the principalities, for all their country. Further, the service of this angelic order (according to the explanation of St Gregory the Dialogist) consists in teaching the people to requite each person in authority according to his calling. Finally, the angels of this order raise worthy people to various honorable offices and direct them so that they take power not for the sake of their own gain and benefit, nor for the sake of love of honor and vain renown, but for the sake of honor from God, for the sake of spreading and augmenting of His holy glory, and for the sake of the benefit of their neighbors - as serving the general needs of all their subordinates. The ARCHANGELS are called the great heralds of good news, announcing the great and most glorious. Their service (as the great Dionysius the Aeropagite says) consists in revealing prophecies, knowledge, and understanding of God's will which they receive from the higher orders of angels and announce to the lower order, ie. the angels, and through them, to men. St Gregory the Dialogist says that the archangels strengthen people in the holy faith, enlightening their November 2016 Page 6

7 mind with the light of knowledge of the holy Gospel and revealing the mysteries of devout faith. The ANGELS are the lowest of all the orders in the heavenly hierarchy and the closest to man. They announce the lesser mysteries and intentions of God and teach people to live virtuously and righteously before God. They are appointed to guard each of us who believe: they sustain virtuous people from fallen, and never leave us though we have sinned, but are always ready to help us, if only we ourselves want it. All of the heavenly orders are also called by the common name "angels". Although they have different names according to their situation and grace given by God (as seraphim, cherubim, thrones and the rest of the orders), yet all in general are called angels, because the word "angel" is not a denomination of essence, but of service, as it is written: "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister" (Heb 1:14). But their service is different and not identical: each order has its own service; for the All-Wise Creator does not reveal the mystery of His design to all to the same degree, but from the one to the others, through the higher He enlightens the lower, revealing to them His will and commanding it to be as in the book of the Prophet Zachariah. There it is said that one angel, after conversing with the prophet, met another angel who ordered him to go again to the prophet and reveal the future fate of Jerusalem: "And behold, the angel that talked with me went forth and another angel went out to meet him, and said unto him, Run, speak to this young man (that is, the prophet Zachariah), saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of mena and cattle therein: For I, saith the Lord will be unto her a wall of fire round about" (Zach 2:3-5). Deliberating about this, St Gregory the Dialogist says, "When one angel says to the other: 'Run speak to this young man' there is no doubt that certain angels send others, that the lower ones are sent, that the higher send" (St Gregory the Dialogist, Interpretation of the Gospels, #4). We find exactly the same thing in the prophecy of Daniel, that one angel orders another to interpret the vision to the prophet. From this it is evident that angels of higher orders reveal the divine will and intention of their Creator to angels of the lower orders, that they enlighten them and send them to people. The Orthodox Church militant, being in need of the help of the angels, celebrates the Assembly of all the nine angelic orders with a special supplication, as is fitting, on the eighth day of the month of November (Nov 21 OS) ie. the ninth month, since all these nine orders of angels will gather on the day of the Terrible Judgment of the Lord, which the divine teachers of the Church call the eighth day. For they say, at the end of seven thousand years will begin as if an eighth day, "When the Son of man shall in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him" (as the Lord Himself foretold in the Gospel - Matt 25:31). "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds." (Matt 24:31), ie. from the East, West, North, and South. I remain your servant in Christ, Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Fall Grecian Dinner October 30, 2016 November 2016 Page 7

8 Hello family and friends of Holy Trinity, President s Message I truly hope this letter comes after yet another successful fall dinner. I would like to thank everyone in advance for all the prep work, cooking, and cleanup needed to put this fundraiser on. It takes many hours of preparation and planning to put these dinners on and it would be great for everyone to chip in a little bit to lessen the load of the handful of people that do most of the work. On a less positive note we held our fall general assembly on October 23 and we were unable to vote on some important issues because we did not have enough stewards in attendance. I am personally a far from perfect steward of our church, but it saddens me when we cannot get even 50% attendance for a meeting that is going to have a great financial impact on our church moving forward. It is my hope that on November 6th we can get the input of the majority of our stewards. I look forward to seeing you all then. Costa Tsiobanos 2016, Parish Council President Progress Report of the 2016 Special Assessment to cover the lack of Saturday in the Park and the Spring Grecian Dinner November 2016 Page 8

9 Stewardship Time-Talent-Treasure This is an election year and it is obvious to most that it occupies 90% of the news coverage. Yes, national elections are important. We also have important elections coming up soon to fill six vacancies on the Board of Directors of Holy Trinity Church. We typically think about Stewardship as donating money to support the operation of the Church. That s true,but, Stewardship is more that donating money. It s also about donating your time and your talent to help guide the progress of our church. No one person has all the answers. It is important though that you volunteer your thoughts by participating as a member of the Board. The election committee will be asking for volunteers. Offer your service without being asked. We are a small community and it sometimes appears that the same people keep running the Board. That perception can change only when you make up your mind to give your time and talent to the Board of Directors. There are 2 months left in the calendar year. Pledges made by you must be honored in order to keep our Church in good financial condition. I personally like the envelope system because it helps me manage my pledge from year to year. I know some of you prefer to make a single payment and that s okay. Some like to pay quarterly or by some other method. That s fine too. We made our pledges as honorable Stewards, so let s be sure we all honor our commitment. Stewardship Chair John Bostinelos Holy Trinity 2016 Stewards Fr. Dimitri & Presbytera Mary Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Perry Antonopoulos Dr. & Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. John Baryo Mr. Tom Baryo Mrs. Maria Baumert Mr. & Mrs. George Belbas Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mrs. Chris Bikakis-Miller Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. John Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Greg Boucher Mr. & Mrs. Nick Bovis Mr. & Mrs. Pete Bovis Mr. & Mrs. Beau Brockway Mr. Rob Conyers and Mrs. Athena Ladeas-Conyers Mr. & Mrs. George Demetroulis Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Demetroulis Mrs. Georgia Diavastes Mrs. Mary Eliades Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Eliades- Kennelly Ms. Cula Foundoulakis Mr. Nick Foundoulakis Mr. Vaios Gennatos Mr. & Mrs. James Giasafakis Mr, & Mrs. Casey Glanzer Mr. & Mrs. Craig Golden Mr. & Mrs. Tom Haddad Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Holevas Mr, Christos Iordanou Mr. & Mrs. Rick Jones Dr. Andrew Karantinos Dr. Fotene Karantinos Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mr. Michael Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kazos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ketchelos Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mrs. Bessie Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. George Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. Tim Konidas Ms. Anna Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Mr. & Mrs. John Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kouris Mr. John Lazaris Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Listamann Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Margeas Mrs. Daisy Margeas Mr. & Mrs. John Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Tim Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Ray McAvoy Mr. & Mrs. Mike Michelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Ted Michelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mrs. Olympia Niederecker Mr. & Mrs. George Paradise Dr. & Mrs. Michael Paradise Mr. & Mrs. George Poulos Mrs. Maria Rigas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Schultz Mrs. Nancy Selleris Mrs. Mavra Sengos Mrs. Mary Sharp Mrs. Helen Siganos Mr. & Mrs. Eric Smith Mr. & Mrs. Nick Stabile Mrs. Anna Theros Dr. Andrew Tobias Dr. & Mrs. Richard Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiobanos Mr. George Vlahoulis Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis Mr. John Vlahoulis Mr. Spyro Yianopoulos 81 Stewardship Families November 2016 Page 9

10 Kalo Mena Everyone! Philoptochos News I would like just to take a few minutes to update on National Philoptochos news. At the opening national board meeting, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios reappointed Maria Logus to a second term as National Philoptochos President. In her first term, Maria Logus set a goal for Philoptochos chapters to actively feed 250,000 hungry in America in her 2-year term. I am ecstatic to report that we not only met this goal but overwhelmingly exceeded it to serve 764,000 meals nationally! Ms. Logus set guidelines for this project by demanding that all meals to count towards the goal needed to be a hands-on activity. To quote President Logus I want people to know what Philoptochos can do. I want Philoptochos to inspire them to do things. Here at Holy Trinity, we participated by returning to the Soup Kitchen after a long hiatus and starting a new project by preparing meals for the Ronald McDonald House. My own goal is to continue both these projects indefinitely (and possibly add another philanthropic project to feed the hungry in our community.) As we make our Thanksgiving plans, this is a good month to reflect on those who may not know when or what their next meal will be. And to realize that hunger is an ongoing problem in our nation. I also would like to highlight that this past month was National Make a Difference Day. Philoptochos chapters are encouraged to do acts of kindness and projects; and, to involve the youth and families of their parishes. Our chapter decided this past May, to purchase items to make personal hygiene packs to be distributed to the Syrian Refugees in camps through the IOCC. Items included hand sanitizer, a washcloth, toothbrush, and nail clippers. At the last youth event, we had the children of our parish put the packs together in assembly line fashion. Thereby teaching them about philanthropy and to help those in need. As I returned home, after my Philoptochos Presidents meeting earlier this month, I felt a sense of pride as our community consistently participates in Metropolis events (even though we are the farthest parish west) and actively meets chapter goals. I would like to say a job well done to everyone that does Philoptochosing or supports our Philoptochos endeavors. Upcoming Events for November Nov. 18 will be the Philoptochos meeting at 2 pm at the Sweetwater cafe (2nd floor of Ho Chunk Center). There will meet for a short meeting, a light lunch. Afterwards anybody who would like to stay can decorate the Christmas tree we donate for the Festival of trees. This year proceeds will benefit senior citizens though Siouxland Aging. 2. Dec. 5th- Philoptochos Christmas Party With Sisterly Agape and Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone, Dr. Fotene Karantinos, Philoptochos President November 2016 Page 10

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12 Sunday School News Greetings: Our Sunday school is off to a superb start with a great number of our children returning this year. We enjoyed a Sunday school kick-off with a luncheon in honor of our children in which they enjoyed preparing their own favorite snacks and brought them to church to share with others during coffee hour. Our teachers Mary Baryo, Shanda Antonopoulos and myself can say with confidence that our lessons are going well and that our students are gaining in their spiritual life. We encourage questions and discussions. May I add that our students love being an integral part of the lesson as well. In our Preschool-2nd grade, we also make a craft most every Sunday so that we have a hands-on experience that coincides with our lesson of the day. We will also begin working on Biblical verse work in that of short memorization that will be supported by gifts from our Orthodox Bookstore (Thank you Cassandra for the great idea.) We are grateful for the extra set of hands on board for both support and extension and coverage to both Kim Hensley and Cassandra Ketchelos. They are always offering to do whatever they can for your children and grand children - our students. It gives us grate pleasure from time to time during the year to award our students with their hard work in Sunday school with Orthodox gifts from our in house Orthodox Bookstore. Christmas Preparations The months of November and December will be a time of preparation for our Christmas program. It is my hope that we will have both speaking parts along with music this year. Thus it is imperative that the children be attending Sunday school as that is when we will be working on our program during the months of both November and December. Looking forward to seeing everyone in attendance. The Sunday school department thanks the parents, grandparents and family s support in their ensuring that our students are present in Sunday school; thus creating a child who is strong in their faith and has a solid Orthodox foundation to withstand the challenges of life. +++ We look forward to seeing even more students that haven t yet had a chance to attend. Every child is welcome as well as their friends. We offer classes from Kindergarten - 12 th grade. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. God bless you all. Sincerely, Andrea Kjos ( ) or andreakjos@yahoo.com November 2016 Page 12

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14 Youth Corner On October 12th, the Youth volunteered at the Siouxland Foodbank Backpack Program! On October 16th the Youth hosted Oktoberfest. Shewitt, the GOYA President, thanked the community for their support. On October 21st, the Youth met for their Fall Party. While there, they assembled kits for Refugees under the supervision of Philoptochos October Orthodoxy on Tap met at Leah and Beau Brockway s home on October 22nd for a wonderful evening! November: Rita and Greg Boucher More Details to Follow! Please see Shanda Antonopoulos for more into! November 2016 Page 14

15 Fall Outing to Scarecrow Pumpkin Farm October 5 November 2016 Page 15

16 November 1st SS. Cosmas & Damianos the Unmercenaries These Saints were from Asia (that is, Asia Minor). After the death of their father, their Christ-loving mother Theodota reared them in piety and in all manner of virtue, and had them instructed in every science, especially that of medicine. This became their vocation, and they went about healing every illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on both men and beasts alike; because of this, they are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace. Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone Sainted Unmercenaries and Wonder Workers, regard our infirmities; freely you have received, freely share with us. November 8th Synaxis of the Angels All the Angels, according to the Apostle Paul, are ministering spirits, - sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation - (Heb. 1:14). God set them as overseers of every nation and people, and guides to that which is profitable (Deut. 32:8); and while one Angel is appointed to oversee each nation as a whole, one is also appointed to protect each Christian individually. He commands them to guard them that hope on Him, that nothing should harm them, neither should any evil draw nigh to their dwelling (Ps. 90:10-12). In the Heavens they always behold the face of God, sending up to Him the thrice-holy hymn and interceding with Him in our behalf, seeing they rejoice over one sinner that repents (Esaias 6:2-3; Matt. 18:10; Luke 15:7). In a word, they have served God in so many ways for our benefit, that the pages of Holy Scripture are filled with the histories thereof. It is for these reasons that the Orthodox Catholic Church, wisely honouring these divine ministers, our protectors and guardians, celebrates today the present Synaxis that is, our coming together in assembly for their common feast to chant their praises, especially for the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, who are mentioned in the Scriptures by name. The name Michael means "Who is like God?" and Gabriel means "God is mighty." The number of Angels is not defined in the divine Scriptures, where Daniel says that thousands of thousands ministered before Him, and ten thousands of ten thousands attended upon Him -(Dan. 7:10). But all of them are divided into nine orders which are called Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! " November 9th St. Nectarios Saint Nektarius was born in Selyvria of Thrace on October 1, After putting himself through school in Constantinople with much hard labour, he became a monk on Chios in 1876, receiving the monastic name of Lazarus; because of his virtue, a year later he was ordained deacon, receiving the new name of Nektarius. Under the patronage of Patriarch Sophronius of Alexandria, Nektarius went to Athens to study in 1882; completing his theological studies in 1885, he went to Alexandria, where Patriarch Sophronius ordained him priest on March 23, 1886 in the Cathedral of Saint Sabbas, and in August of the same year, in the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, made him Archimandrite. Archimandrite Nektarius showed much zeal both for preaching the word of God, and for the beauty of God's house. He greatly beautified the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, and years later, November 2016 Page 16

17 when Nektarius was in Athens, Saint Nicholas appeared to him in a dream, embracing him and telling him he was going to exalt him very high. On January 15, 1889, in the same Church of Saint Nicholas, Nektarius was consecrated Metropolitan of the Pentapolis in eastern Libya, which was under the jurisdiction of Alexandria. Although Nektarius' swift ascent through the degrees of ecclesiastical office did not affect his modesty and childlike innocence, it aroused the envy of lesser men, who convinced the elderly Sophronius that Nektarius had it in his heart to become Patriarch. Since the people loved Nektarius, the Patriarch was troubled by the slanders. On May 3, 1890, Sophronius relieved Metropolitan Nektarius of his duties; in July of the same year, he commanded Nektarius to leave Egypt. Without seeking to avenge or even to defend himself, the innocent Metropolitan left for Athens, where he found that accusations of immorality had arrived before him. Because his good name had been soiled, he was unable to find a position worthy of a bishop, and in February of 1891 accepted the position of provincial preacher in Euboia; then, in 1894, he was appointed dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School in Athens. Through his eloquent sermons his unwearying labours to educate fitting men for the priesthood, his generous alms deeds despite his own poverty, and the holiness, meekness, and fatherly love that were manifest in him, he became a shining light and a spiritual guide to many. At the request of certain pious women, in 1904 he began the building of his convent of the Holy Trinity on the island of Aegina while yet dean of the Rizarios School; finding later that his presence there was needed, he took up his residence on Aegina in 1908, where he spent the last years of his life, devoting himself to the direction of his convent and to very intense prayer; he was sometimes seen lifted above the ground while rapt in prayer. He became the protector of all Aegina, through his prayers delivering the island from drought, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Here also he endured wicked slanders with singular patience, forgiving his false accusers and not seeking to avenge himself. Although he had already worked wonders in life, an innumerable multitude of miracles have been wrought after his repose in 1920 through his holy relics, which for many years remained incorrupt. There is hardly a malady that has not been cured through his prayers; but Saint Nektarius is especially renowned for his healings of cancer for sufferers in all parts of the world. Apolytikion in the First Tone O faithful, let us honor Nektarios, divine servant of Christ, offspring of Silivria and guardian of Aegina, who in these latter years was manifested as the true friend of virtue. All manner of healing wells forth for those who in piety cry out, "Glory to Christ who glorified you; glory to Him who, through you, wrought wonders; glory to Him who, through you, works healing for all." November 13th St. John Chrysostom This greatest and most beloved of all Christian orators was born in Antioch the Great in the year 344 or 347; his pious parents were called Secundus and Anthusa. After his mother was widowed at the age of twenty, she devoted herself to bringing up John and his elder sister in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. John received his literary training under Anthragathius the philosopher, and Libanius the sophist, who was the greatest Greek scholar and rhetorician of his day. Libanius was a pagan, and when asked before his death whom he wished to have for his successor, he said, "John, had not the Christians stolen him from us." With such a training, and with such gifts as he had by nature, John had before him a brilliant career as a rhetorician. But through the good example of his godly mother Anthusa and of the holy Bishop Meletius of Antioch (see Feb. 12), by whom he was ordained reader about the year 370, he chose instead to dedicate himself to God. From the years 374 to 381 he lived the monastic life in the hermitages that were near Antioch. His extreme asceticism undermined his health, compelling him to return to Antioch, where Saint Meletius ordained him deacon about the year 381. Saint Meletius was called to Constantinople later that year to preside over the Second Ecumenical Council, during which he fell asleep in the Lord. In 386 Bishop Flavian ordained John presbyter of the Church of Antioch. Upon his elevation to the priesthood his career as a public preacher began, and his exceptional oratorical gifts were made manifest through his many sermons and commentaries. They are distinguished by their eloquence and the remarkable ease with which rich imagery and scriptural allusions are multiplied; by their depth of insight into the meaning of Scripture and the workings of God's providence; and, not least of all, by their earnestness and moral force, which issue from the heart of a blameless and guileless man who lived first what he preached to others. Because of his fame, he was chosen to succeed Saint Nectarius as Patriarch of Constantinople. He was taken away by stealth, to avoid the opposition of the people, and consecrated Patriarch of Constantinople on February 28, 398, by Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who was to prove his mortal enemy. November 2016 Page 17

18 At that time the Emperor of the East was Arcadius, who had had Saint Arsenius the Great as his tutor (see May 8); Arcadius was a man of weak character, and much under the influence of his wife Eudoxia. The zealous and upright Chrysostom's unsparing censures of the lax morals in the imperial city stung the vain Eudoxia; through Theophilus' plottings and her collaboration, Saint John was banished to Pontus in 403. The people were in an uproar, and the following night an earthquake shook the city; this so frightened the Empress Eudoxia that she begged Arcadius to call Chrysostom back. While his return was triumphant, his reconciliation with the Empress did not last long. When she had a silver statue of herself erected in the forum before the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Saint Sophia) in September of 403, and had it dedicated with much unseemly revelry, Saint John thundered against her, and she could not forgive him. In June of 404 he was exiled to Cucusus, on the borders of Cilicia and Armenia. From here he exchanged letters with Pope Innocent of Rome, who sent bishops and priests to Constantinople requesting that a council be held. Saint John's enemies, dreading his return, prevailed upon the Emperor to see an insult in this, and had John taken to a more remote place of banishment called Pityus near the Caucasus. The journey was filled with bitter sufferings for the aged bishop, both because of the harshness of the elements and the cruelty of one of his 310 guards. He did not reach Pityus, but gave up his soul to the Lord near Comana in Pontus, at the chapel of the Martyr Basiliscus (see May 22), who had appeared to him shortly before, foretelling the day of his death, which came to pass on September 14, 407. His last words were "Glory be to God for all things." His holy relics were brought from Comana to Constantinople thirty-one years later by the Emperor Theodosius the Younger and Saint Pulcheria his sister, the children of Arcadius and Eudoxia, with fervent supplications that the sin of their parents against him be forgiven; this return of his holy relics is celebrated on January 27. Saint John was surnamed Chrysostom ("Golden-mouth") because of his eloquence. He made exhaustive commentaries on the divine Scriptures and was the author of more works than any other Church Father, leaving us complete commentaries on the Book of Genesis, the Gospels of Saints Matthew and John, the Acts, and all the Epistles of Saint Paul. His extant works are 1,447 sermons and 240 epistles. Twenty-two teachers of the Church have written homilies of praise in his honour. Besides his feasts today and on January 27, he is celebrated as one of the Three Hierarchs on January 30, together with Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian. It should be noted that, because September 14 is the Exaltation of the Cross, the Saint's memory has been transferred to this day. Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone The grace of your words illuminated the universe like a shining beacon. It amassed treasures of munificence in the world. It demonstrated the greatness of humility, teaching us by your own words; therefore, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede to Christ the Logos for the salvation of our souls. November 21st Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Esperinos the night before begins at 6:00 p.m. & Liturgy begins at 9:00 a.m. According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Today is the prelude of God's pleasure and the proclamation of man's salvation. The Virgin is clearly made manifest in the temple of God and foretells Christ to all. Let us also cry out to her with mighty voice, "Hail, fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation." November 25th St. Katherine Saint Catherine, who was from Alexandria, was the daughter of Constas (or Cestus). She was an exceedingly beautiful maiden, most chaste, and illustrious in wealth, lineage, and learning. By her steadfast understanding, she utterly vanquished the passionate and unbridled soul of Maximinus, the tyrant of Alexandria; and by her eloquence, she stopped the November 2016 Page 18

19 mouths of the so-called philosophers who had been gathered to dispute with her. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Catherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Catherine. According to the ancient usage, Saints Catherine and Mercurius were celebrated on the 24th of this month, whereas the holy Hieromartyrs Clement of Rome and Peter of Alexandria were celebrated on the 25th. The dates of the feasts of these Saints were interchanged at the request of the Church and Monastery of Mount Sinai, so that the festival of Saint Catherine, their patron, might be celebrated more festively together with the Apodosis of the Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos. The Slavic Churches, however, commemorate these Saints on their original dates. Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone Let us praise the most auspicious bride of Christ, the divine Katherine, protectress of Sinai, our aid and our help. For, she brilliantly silenced the eloquence of the impious by the sword of the spirit, and now, crowned as a martyr, she asks great mercy for all. November 30th St. Andrew the First Called This Apostle was an Antiochean, a physician by trade, This Saint was from Bethsaida of Galilee; he was the son of Jonas and the brother of Peter, the chief of the Apostles. He had first been a disciple of John the Baptist; afterwards, on hearing the Baptist's witness concerning Jesus, when he pointed Him out with his finger and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1.29,36), he straightway followed Christ, and became His first disciple; wherefore he is called the First-called of the Apostles. After the Ascension of the Saviour, he preached in various lands; and having suffered many things for His Name's sake, he died in Patras of Achaia, where he was crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X," the first letter of "Christ" in Greek; this cross is also the symbol of Saint Andrew. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone As first of the Apostles to be called, O Andrew, brother of him (Peter) who was foremost, beseech the Master of all to grant the world peace and our souls great mercy. November 2016 Page 19

20 For the Young and Young at Heart Across 2. The Saint of Aegina and Patron against Cancer. 6. Saint who broke the wheel of blade. 7. The First Called Apostle S G P K L N H Z H L M W V G B K B I D J P M S X L U E E K R H M L U M S U I I I Q A O X C D B H T E D Q I Z W D K Q M L A A R K Q I C M T K X E L X W H K S T J N E I E I T K T E K Z R T T Y U K W P C C L A E I V R G O Q G G U G G O G C P D B G O H Q O V M B U L N C A N E A E W B M Q Q G O U I U J H I V S O B A A N F W T N S Q J S Y P B B Z U A C K W W O K H D D P K A T H E R I N E H F W S O T R D D D C C M R Z V I M I A R C E J H R G N E A G F N M R R W E B N W P C M D Y O T E S O N O I M A D Z K A Q W V J Y L G Z N I S Y N A X I S E R M P M R A G Z V Y G S D A P I I H T Y E R F R S A I F X L S G R U R E L P M E T X R P B I S I L U N B K N J T I S U P O W E R S P A O P A X D E O A E U D M Q M O T S O S Y R H C N H O J R R G O M S C R O B Q F I B S O E I W O C V O V Z B N E S D C R E M T R L J I O B Y L X E F H G F H A F I S P S E H I P E H C F M C V Y U G Q B E E U Z M E Y C Q M C N N A Y B N L P R H O F X H L D B O Q S V U Q N B I E Y B K I Z P E H W U X F A Z J Y H J M V Y U T O T I Z I W L J H B Y U C J A N B L L Y C B M L W N D L B V X K S J D M P W K M J I M G J N S S Q A S U D W E T A Y W F N B T Z W F E G K Z Z T K U H U I F Y N N U S S R O H R W V D K J E R R T K H V L E W R O G O H A C R F S Y J P J W H A D G B N X I N C Down 1. The Holy Saints Cosmos and Damionos. The received no pay for their healings because they were: 3. The Gathering of the Holy Angels 4. The Saint whose Liturgy we celebrate most Sundays. 5. The Place the Virgin Mary was taken at 3 years old. 1. Katherine 2. Andrew 3. Temple 4. Entrance 5. Nectarios 6. Aegina, 7. John Chrysostom 8. Liturgy 9. Unmercenaries 10. Cosmas 11. Damionos 12. Synaxis 13. Angels 14. Seraphim 15. Cherubim 16. Thrones 17. Dominions 18. Powers 19. Virtues 20. Principalities 21. Archangels 22. Angels November 2016 Page 20

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22 Liturgies for the Month. Please note that this is a tentative list and subject to change. Please check Weekly Bulletins for places and times of Services. Liturgies November 1 st SS. Cosmas & Damianos the Unmercenaries at Holy Trinity November 7 th St. Raphael at St. Thomas November 8 th Synaxis of the Angels at Holy Trinity November 9 th St. Nectarios at St. Thomas November 13 th St. John Chrysostom at Holy Trinity November 14 th St. Philip & St. Gregory Palamas at St. Thomas November 21 st Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple At Holy Trinity November 25 th St. Katherine at St. Thomas November 30 th St. Andrew the First Called at Holy Trinity Parish News November 11 November 11 November 16 November 18 General Assembly Drop Zone Youth Event Fall Seminar Bringing the Liturgy Home Philoptochos Meeting at Sweet Water Cafe and Festival of Trees Tree Trimming December 4 Philoptochos Christmas Party Metropolis News December 18 Metropolis of Chicago Open House November 2016 Page 22

23 Holy Trinity GOC November 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 FEAST DAY of PHILOPTOCHOS 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of SS. Cosmas & Damian the Unmercenaries at Holy Trinity 2 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul :00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 6 Teaching Liturgy 2: 7 8 Election Day Liturgy of the 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Eucharist Raphael of Brooklyn Synaxis of the Daylight Saving Time ends 6:00 pm Parish Council Archangels at Holy General Assembly Meeting Trinity 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 13 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 14 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Philip and St. Gregory Palamas at St. Thomas 9 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Nectarios at St. Thomas 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 15 Advent Fast 16 Advent Fast 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 6:00 pm Fall Seminar - Bringing the Liturgy Home 10 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 11 Veterans Day 6:00 pm Drop Zone Youth Event 17 Advent Fast 18 Advent Fast 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 2:00 pm Philoptochos Meeting 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service and Tree Trimming Advent Fast 20 Advent Fast 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 6:00 pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy of the Entrance 21 Festival of Trees Advent Fast 22 Advent Fast 23 Advent Fast 24 Advent Fast 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Thanksgiving Day Soul 25 Advent Fast 26 Advent Fast 27 Advent Fast 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 28 Advent Fast 29 Advent Fast 30 Feast of Archons Advent Fast 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Andrew at Holy Trinity 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul November 2016 Page 23

24 Prosforo to be offered by the following Families on the following Dates: November 6 Mr. & Mrs. Rick Jones Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Ted Mihelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ketchelos November 13 Mr. & Mrs. Steve Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Mr. & Mrs. Tim Mr. & Mrs. Tim Margellos Davenport Konidas November 20 Mr. & Mrs. Tony Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Yiani Arvis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fountoulakis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Holevas November 27 Mr. George Vlahoulis Mr. Tom Baryo Mr. & Mrs. Mr. Bill Margellos Vassilaki Emanuel December 4 Mrs. Afrodity Segos Mr. John Vlahoulis Mr. Chris Jones Mr. Chris Margellos December 11 Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis December 18 Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis December 25 Mrs. Nancy Selleris Mrs. Leah Brockway Dr. & Dr. George Makhoul Mrs. Leah Brockway Dr. & Dr. George Makhoul Presbytera Vasiliki Mr. & Mrs. Nick Balomenos Stabile Mrs. Anna Theros Mrs. Anna Theros Mrs. Maria Rigas We need Coffee Hour Sponsors! Does a loved one have a name day, birthday, anniversary, memorial coming up? Why not honor that loved one by sponsoring the Coffee Hour in his/her/their honor? Check the Coffee Hour Section of the Website to see open days. Sun November 6 Sun November 13 Sat November 20 Sun November 27 Coffee Hour: John Lazarus Coffee Hour: 40 Day Memorial for Maria Baumert Coffee Hour: The Davenport Family Coffee Hour: November 2016 Page 24