Messenger. The Desert. From Father John. Behold, I send My messenger before Your Face, who shall prepare Your way...

Transcription

1 The Desert Messenger Behold, I send My messenger before Your Face, who shall prepare Your way... (Matthew 11:10) Volume 1, Issue 12 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, Las Vegas, NV January 2014 From Father John Beloved in Christ: May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you during this New Year. Presvytera Maria recently spent time with her parents packing up a home they have lived in for over forty years, and preparing them for a move to Southern California so they can be closer to their children and grandchildren. A day after they arrived in Las Vegas, where they were to spend ten days before moving into their new residence, my mother-in-law took ill and as I write this she has already spent one week in ICU, had a pacemaker put into her and will be receiving two units of blood, all with the hopes that she will soon feel better enough to leave the hospital. All the excitement, all the hopes and, equally so, all the anxiety over the move is insignificant as we walk through this unexpected situation at hand. When we look back one year ago, which one of us could have predicted the events and changes in our lives we experienced in 2013? Yet, we march confidently (or perhaps, we plod ahead) into 2014 thinking and foolishly so that we are in control of our lives (and the lives of others as well) and that every calculated decision we make will most assuredly result in the outcome we are seeking. In many ways we are no different than those who built the Tower of Babel: We convince ourselves that whatever we personally conceive of with our great minds and build with our own hands will reach the heavens and, even more brazenly, allow us to make a name for ourselves. (Genesis 11:4) And with one swift movement, God allows our plans to be drastically altered, leaving us confused, shaken, questioning how this happened and I cannot help but believe this is in order to humble us and save us from the delusion of our big egos. We do need to have a vision, we need goals and we definitely need to build toward a future but, what is our vision... our goals... and toward what end are we building in this life? When a catastrophic or life-changing event takes place, just how significant is this vision, these goals and all our efforts? Our Creator and Savior never promised us, pardon the cliché, a rose garden in this life: The only promise our Lord Jesus Christ makes is to be with us always, to the close of the age. (Matthew 28:20) But He makes this promise with the caveat that we must, like the Apostles He commissioned, Go... and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit : Our Lord is with us, so long as we are sanctified by Him through His Church and do our part in growing the Body, that the world might know Him, worship Him, surrender to His will, live by His teachings and, as He desires, share eternal communion with Him in His Kingdom. Regardless of what the year may present, when we have eternal life in Christ as our primary vision, goal and the end of all our efforts we will never be confused or question His will, we will be thankful in all circumstances, we will remain humble, be kinder to ourselves and one another, and find our only fulfillment in His free gift of salvation. With much love in Christ,

2 WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sundays: 8:45 am Orthros ~ 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Church School follows Holy Communion No Fasting through January 4 Wednesday, January 1/The Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ/St. Basil the Great 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12 Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, Sunday, January 5/Sunday before Theophany Orthros: Tone Three Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Luke 24:36-53 Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:5-8 Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 Great Blessing of the Water follows Liturgy Monday, January 6/Holy Theophany of Our Lord 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great Epistle: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17 Great Blessing of the Water follows Liturgy 6:00 pm Great Vespers of St. John the Baptist 7:00 pm Name Day Celebration Dinner Tuesday, January 7/Synaxis of St. John the Baptist Our Parish Feast Day 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Acts 19:1-8 Gospel: John 1:29-34 Fellowship after Liturgy, hosted by Philoptochos Sunday, January 12/Sunday after Theophany Orthros: Tone Four Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): John 20:1-10 Epistle: Ephesians 4:7-13 Gospel: Matthew 4:12-17 Friday, January 17/St. Anthony the Great 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Hebrews 13: Gospel: Luke 6:17-23 Saturday, January 18/Ss. Athanasios and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19 Sunday, January 19/12 Sunday of Luke/Ten Lepers/ St. Makarios of Egypt and St. Mark of Ephesus Orthros: Tone Five (First Plagal) Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): John 20:11-18 Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11 Gospel: Luke 17:12-19 Saturday, January 25/St. Gregory the Theologian 8:00 am Orthros ~ 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Hebrews 7:26-28, 8:1-2 Gospel: John 10:9-16 Sunday, January 26/15th Sunday of Luke/Zaccheos/ Holy Father Xenophon and His Companions Orthros: Tone Seven (Second Plagal) Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): John 20:19-31 Epistle: 1 Timothy 4:9-15 Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 Wednesday, January 29 5:00 pm Orthros ~ 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy (The Three Holy Hierarchs) Epistle: Hebrews 13:7-16 Gospel: Matthew 5:14-19 Thursday, January 30/The Three Holy Hierarchs (Liturgy Celebrated on Wednesday Evening) REQUEST FOR HOUSE OR BUSINESS BLESSING Name Phone ( ) Address City Zip We ll call you to schedule! For the blessing, please have bowl of bottled water, a sprig of basil or rosemary, an icon and votive candle. 2

3 SUNDAY SCHEDULE January 5 ~ Eve of Theophany: Great Blessing of Water Parish Council Oath of Office Ushers: Jeremy Bauck, John Koutsulis, Adam Bieker, Skip Ruffner, Paula Kelesis and George Bochanis Fellowship: Folk Dance Groups January 12 ~ Community Vasilopita Ushers: George Bochanis, Ramona Tasios, Stacy Mavrantonis, Kouli Pouridis, John Fotopoulos and Stephanie Demoleas Fellowship: Philoptochos ~ Vasilopita January 19 Ushers: Stacy Mavrantonis, Skip Ruffner, Demetrious Asim, Ramona Tasios, Jeremy Bauck and John Koutsulis Gala Luncheon Honoring Father Constantine Raptis and Father Paul Eyler in Panos Hall January 26 Ushers: John Fotopoulos, Stephanie Demoleas, Adam Bieker, Paula Kelesis, Demetrious Asim and Kouli Pouridis Fellowship: Folk Dance Groups ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5300 S. El Camino Rd. Las Vegas, NV Rev. Father John Hondros frjohn@vegasgreekorthodox.com Rev. Father Matthew Swehla frmatthew@vegasgreekorthodox.com Karen Rawlinson Administrative Assistant Carolyn Clark Bookkeeper Eric Kornbluh Catering & Events Manager Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Telephone: (702) FAX: (702) Parish Council: John Fotopoulos Philoptochos: Bernadette Anthony Stewardship & Outreach: Mark Karris & Justina Szukiewicz Choir: Athena Mertes Chanters & Youth Choir: Presvytera Maria Hondros Church School: Eileen Koutsulis Altar Servers: Alex Szukiewicz GOYA: Tammy Chomakos & Kouli Pouridis Orthodox Family Fellowship: Amy Bauck, Robyn Goldrick & Sharon Katsaros Greek Folk Dance: Tammy Chomakos Greek School: Helene Soursos Orthodox Connection Las Vegas: Adam Bieker Orthodox Christian Fellowship: Father Matthew & Presvytera Annie Swehla Mr. & Mrs.: Amy & Jeremy Bauck East Valley Fellowship: Bill Bruninga Adult Basketball: Panagiote Tsolis Forerunners: Marie & Gary Setian Orthodox Bookstore: Constantine Frangakis Bill Andrews Library: TBD Hellenic Historical Society: Nitsa Filios Kokkos Scholarship Committee: Helen Stock 3

4 Parish Council Report Dear Reverend Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Χρονια Πολλα! As we move into 2014 let us pray that God keeps us all healthy and in spiritual harmony. I am pleased to announce that we have hired a Bookkeeper, Carolyn Clark, and a new Catering and Events Coordinator, Eric Kornbluh. We are confident that these two individuals will be valuable to our community as we grow together. We ask that you please give them your support and encouragement. We have a relatively full schedule at Church in January. I ask that you please participate and help out, should you be called upon. Our Parish Name Day (January 7) falls on a Tuesday this year. We will celebrate this occasion on the evening before, which is the beginning of the liturgical day. On Monday, January 6, 2014, the Day of Theophany, there will be Great Vespers at the Church starting at 6:00 pm. Immediately following we will have a Name Day Dinner in Panos Hall. We ask that all attend, so that we begin 2014 as one body coming together in Christ. Please see a Parish Council Member on Sunday to offer your donation of $15 per person. We will record your name and offering. There will be no tickets or table reservations this year. Again, let us come together as one body. Also in January there will be an Appreciation Luncheon to honor our senior priests, Father Dean and Father Paul. Cheryl Pandelis and Susan Stamis are chairing this event. We are selling tickets for $25 per person. Please mark the date, Sunday, January 19, Karen in our Church Office will also be able to accommodate your needs for both events. Those who wish to donate above and beyond the regular ticket request are encouraged to contact Cheryl or Susan. Thank you to the Bauck family for hosting a Christmas party in their home, complete with beautiful voices from our talented youth, and wonderful food and fellowship. In January we do have our regularly planned meetings and social gatherings. I ask that you please refer to both our Desert Messenger and Weekly Bulletins. May our Lord s humble Birth and Baptism inspire our thoughts and how we treat one another. With Love in Christ, John Fotopoulos, Parish Council President Stewardship and Community Outreach Happy New Year! What a wonderful time of the year when we begin again our journey in faith toward a more meaningful relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. As we start a new calendar year, let us all make a New Year s resolution to become more active members of the St. John the Baptist community. Our stated goal for 2014 is 475 stewards of the Church 475 witnesses to our Lord s Nativity and Resurrection as the measure of God s unconditional love for us all. In this new year of 2014, let us each seek out the Lord in our everyday lives and activities, so that we might emulate Jesus love for us by the acts of love and service we perform for one another. I pray that all of us at St. John the Baptist have a New Year filled with health and the blessings of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Peace, Mark Karris, Stewardship and Community Outreach Our Community Registry Baptized into Christ: Na Mas Zisi! Nicholas, son of Phillip and Terra Feist, on December 14, Godparent: Maritza Kelesis. Chrismations Thomas Melton on December 8, Sponsor: Ramona Tasios. Yonas Woldu on December 17, Sponsor: Spyridon Ruffner. Fallen Asleep in the Lord: Eternal Memory Virgil Hawkins on November 15, Trisagion on November 19. Sprinkle us Your unworthy servants, according to Your promise, with cleansing water... 4

5 Please join us as we celebrate the Feast Day of our Church St. John the Baptist Name Day Celebration Monday, January 6, :00 pm Great Vespers 7:00 pm Name Day Dinner in Panos Hall Three-course Dinner prepared by Chef Eric Kornbluh $15 per person (cash bar) Payment on Sundays with Parish Council Members and on Weekdays with Karen at the Church Office Adult Study: The Gospel of St. Luke Join us on Wednesdays (unless noted) at 7:00 pm in Kokkos Hall BYOB ~ Bring Your Bible (Oxford Annotated RSV is available in the Bookstore) 5

6 Philoptochos News Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) January brings a clean slate to the year. It is time to renew, refresh, rethink, revive and recharge ourselves. Renew... those pledges and promises that we make every year. Refresh and rethink... those past ideas and thoughts about the way we do things and give them a New Year polish. Revive and recharge: Time to get up and shake off 2013 and make 2014 exciting, meaningful and spiritual! The Ladies Philoptochos Society will also renew, refresh, rethink, revive and recharge! Mark these dates on your calendar: Sunday, January 12, 2014 Elizabeth Goddard will bake the Community Vasilopita that is blessed and distributed in Church, and Marcie Karas will host the annual Vasilopita Fellowship following Liturgy. If you would like to donate a Vasilopita please call or see Marcie after Liturgy on the previous Sundays. Monday, January 13, 2014 Our monthly meeting. We will have a mix and mingle at 6:00 pm and the regular meeting at 6:30 pm. We look forward to a full room of ladies to share ideas of what 2014 will hold in store. Saturday, January 25, 2014 Please join us for the Annual Membership Tea. Alexia Chandrinos, Membership Chair, has a delicious Tea planned for us. This is the perfect day to become a part of the Ladies Philoptochos Society, to renew your involvement, share you new ideas to help refresh our projects, revive your giving spirit or just come and have a cup of tea! The Philoptochos vision began in our past, is with us in our present, and will continue into the future. Wishing you all a Happy New Year! Bernadette Anthony, Philoptochos President Orthodox Bookstore Greetings from the Bookstore! Why are we called Orthodox Christians? Orthodox is the combination of two Greek words: Orthos, which means straight, correct, proper, right and true, and Doxa, which is glory or worship. So, we say about ourselves that we have the proper worship; that we are the One True Church; that we believe in our Church what the Apostles believed. We do. As we read books written by the Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church who have been sanctified, our minds begin to be formed as God intends, and we start thinking and looking at the world as God wants us to. Please stop by the Orthodox Bookstore and have a look. ICXC NIKA, Constantine Frangakis, Bookstore Director Sanctify this water by Your Holy Spirit. 6

7 From Father Matthew Bear one another s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Dear Beloved in Christ, How often we have heard that the Church is a hospital. What does this mean? Commonly we understand this to mean that the Church is a place of healing, where one can be restored to health. This is true. The Church has a great storehouse of medicines and treatments for our spiritual, physical and psychological maladies. Through Confession, the Eucharist, Holy Unction and Holy Water, a life of prayer, through fasting and almsgiving and the liturgical life of the Church one can be treated for many ailments. Yet the Church is a hospital means something else as well. It means that this is a place where sick people reside. For we are all infirm in some way; and restoration to health is a life-long process. We must remember that all of us are broken, all of us are sick. Just as each of us needs patience as we seek treatment for our unique infirmities, so those around us also must be treated with patience and kindness and compassion. A contemporary spiritual guide has these words about the hospital of the Church: Preserve peace with your close ones Consider that all sorts of sick people have gathered there in a group; this is so. For this reason you must relate to everyone as they do in a hospital. They don t berate people there for having an ailing lung or heart or stomach. They don t say, Oh you good-for-nothing blind woman. What s the matter with you that your eyes are infected? So, too, you mustn t rail at each other for your spiritual illnesses; rather you should be patient and pity one another. Bear one another s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Abbot Nikon, Letters to Spiritual Children) In the greater society we are taught to forget the brokenness of others (and our own brokenness, for that matter). If people are brusque or impolite or downright mean, we are taught to despise them and berate them in person or behind their backs because it is their own fault and they are wrong. We judge people based upon a partial and incomplete picture. And our judgment always finds them lacking. (Interestingly our judgment of ourselves is so often less harsh. This is in part because we have a more complete picture of ourselves.) We Christians are called to a higher standard than society s. We must remember first that only God is the Judge, and secondly that our picture of another person is always incomplete. Even when we think we know the full picture we usually do not. Only our Compassionate Lord knows this. Yet see how He walked among sinners and prodigals. By becoming Christians at our baptism we are accepting to be admitted into the hospital of the Church. We are confessing our own weakness and fallenness, and seeking renewal through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone around you is doing the same. If they fail at times, it only mirrors the failings of you and me. Sometimes we forget this. Here at St. John the Baptist I humbly ask that you remember this: We live in a sick ward. (In fact the entire world is a sick ward, though many stubbornly refuse to believe it.) And just as the good doctor has compassion upon his patients, so should we St. Panteleimon, the Healer have compassion for everyone in our community. When we bear one another s burdens, we unite ourselves to Christ. Our Lord, Who is called, ὀ Πολυεύσπλαχνος, the Most Compassionate One, bears the burdens of the entire human race. And we, who are His followers, are called to bear our portion. As is said in each Divine Liturgy, Let us love one another, that with one heart we may confess. The next time a fellow parishioner incites you or annoys you, remember your own brokenness and his as well. Pray for him. And pray that God may have the same compassion upon you. May God bless you in the coming year! In Christ s unconditional love, Father Matthew 7

8 Church School Youth and Family Ministries Hi Everyone! Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a wonderful and joyous Christmas. Our Christmas Pageant was lovely. A big thanks to all of the students who worked hard and participated in this annual event. A special thanks goes out to Presvytera Maria for all her musical talents. We appreciate everything that she does for us. We had a wonderful and delicious pasta luncheon prepared by Steve Tzelalis and Boston Pizza. Even Saint Nicholas came to our party! Please make sure that your child is registered for Church School. Registration forms are always on the bulletin boards outside of the classrooms. Please fill it out and leave it with any of the teachers or with Karen in the Church Office. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Eileen Koutsulis, Church School Director (702) or vivaleenie@cox.net Youth Choir News Happy New Year! I hope 2014 will bring all of you many blessings from above. We will have a short practice on Sunday, January 5 at 12:15 pm in the 4 th 5 th grade classroom. The Youth Choir will chant the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 12. Please be prompt at 9:40 am. Looking forward to a wonderful New Year with all your angelic voices singing praises to God. Love in Christ, Presvytera Maria Orthodox Family Fellowship GOYA Thank you to Jeremy and Amy Bauck for opening your home to another warm and joyous Christmas Party! We can all look forward to this event in On Saturday, January 18, all the families of St. John Church will go to Lee Canyon for a Snow Day, full of sledding, snowball fights and winter merriment. Please meet promptly at the Church at 10:00 am (following Liturgy), so that we can drive together to the snow. We will return to the Church around 5:00 pm. There will be a northwest meeting location at 95 and N. Durango Drive in the Jack in the Box parking lot, in front of the Lowe s store (7741 N. El Capitan Way, LV, 89143). If you prefer to meet on the northwest side of town, please be at Jack in the Box at 10:30 am. What to bring? Remember the Five S : Snow clothes, sunscreen, sleds, sack lunch and some water. Amy Bauck, Robyn Goldrick and Sharon Katsaros, OFF Advisors SNOW DAY! On Saturday, January 18, GOYAns will join the families of St. John Church for a day of sledding, snowball fights, and winter merriment in Lee Canyon. Please meet promptly at the Church at 10:00 am, so that we can drive together to the snow. We will return to the church around 5:00 pm. There will be a northwest meeting location at 95 and N. Durango Drive in the Jack in the Box parking lot, in front of the Lowe s store (7741 N. El Capitan Way, LV, 89143). If you prefer to meet on the northwest side of town, please be at the Jack in the Box at 10:30 am. Important: Any minor (under 18 years old) who will not have parents present must fill out a medical waiver form prior to departure. What to bring: snow clothes, lunch, water, sunscreen, sleds, sleighs, toboggans, shenanigans, and hot chocolate for Father Matthew. Tammy Chomakos and Kouli Pouridis, GOYA Advisors 8

9 The Desert Messenger Greek Folk Dance We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and we wish you and your family a healthy and happy New Year! Our annual Christmas Caroling was amazing. We would like to thank those who welcomed us into your homes! Your generous support of the Greek Folk Dance Ministry is greatly appreciated. Our last stop of caroling was once again at the warm and welcoming home of Jeremy and Amy Bauck, where they were hosting the Orthodox Family Fellowship Christmas Party. The dancers performed; then we all joined in on the beautiful fellowship together. Thank you, Jeremy and Amy! We would like to give a huge THANK YOU to Joe Graziosi for his amazing time and talent working with our dancers. Dance practice is in full swing in preparation for competition at the Folk Dance Festival in Anaheim next month. We urge parents to make sure your children are at every practice and are on time. Just as important, dancers must attend Divine Liturgy and Church School regularly. Greek Folk Dance will be hosting two Fellowships on Sunday, January 5 and 26. Save the date for our Annual Folk Dance Luncheon, scheduled for Sunday, February 11, following Divine Liturgy. The dancers from our four dance groups will be performing the FDF competition dances for all of you to enjoy. Along with the luncheon and dance performances, we will have a raffle with lots of great prizes. Tickets will soon be available to purchase on Sundays after Church services. This event is sold out each year, so we recommend you buy your tickets early. Love in Christ, Tammy Chomakos and the Greek Folk Dance Board 2013 Stewardship and Financial Report 2013 Stewardship Status as of December 20, 2013 Pledges Stewardship Gifts Pledged: $348,316 Stewardship Gifts Received: $301,974 Unfulfilled Pledge Balance: $46,342 Stewardship Families Pledged: 412 Financial Status for Month of November 2013 Bank Accounts General Operating Building/Maintenance Community/Education Ctr Construction (Loan Paymts) Food Festival Icon Money Market Library Checking Bookstore Checking Beginning Balance as of Income $131, $170, $ $0.00 $78, $4, $69, $0.00 $231, $104, $34, $ $15, $0.00 $7, $ Expenses ($269,422.61) ($7.00) ($6,641.53) ($15,401.65) ($278,673.97) ($7.00) ($7.00) ($1,067.00) 9 Balances as of $32, $ $77, $54, $57, $35, $15, $6,954.58

10 Adult and Young Adult Ministries Orthodox Connection Las Vegas and East Side Fellowship Καλη Χρονια from OCLV! OCLV, along with the East Side Fellowship, will be having its annual Holiday Potluck Party on Saturday, January 18 at 6:00 pm. Penny Latelle has graciously offered to host this year s party. And in turn Father John will be performing a house blessing as part of the evening s festivities. Please RSVP for further information on the address as well as what items will be needed for the potluck. In Christ, Adam Bieker orthodoxconnectionlv@gmail.com Mr. & Mrs. ~ Fellowship for Couples This month Mr. & Mrs. resumes with an evening at John and Eileen Koutsulis home in Green Valley on Saturday, January 25, at 7:00 pm. We will enjoy a potluck dinner, fellowship, and discussion with other M&Ms, including the Fathers and their Presvyteras. It will be a time to get together with couples from the parish to talk about married life or parenting. All couples are welcome married or yet-to-be. Just bring a dish and your favorite beverage and leave the kids at home. See the Koutsulis or Father John or Father Matthew to RSVP and get directions. Forerunners ~ The Seniors of St. John the Baptist We enjoyed our last meeting for 2013 at The Mad Greek. Thank you Charles for the arrangements and to Gary and Marie for organizing the party. We had 57 in attendance, and we enjoyed Father Matthew's company! Good food (and plenty of it!), a great Christmas game, many door prizes and a raffle, combined with good friends, made for a most enjoyable time. Forerunners once again completed the Shoe Box project the most successful one yet! Thanks to everyone who helped to make this such a success. Many young people will enjoy Christmas surprises because of your generosity. Remember: If you want to go on trips or excursions, you will have to commit in advance so that we can rent a bus and buy tickets to help make the event possible. We hope to go on a trip soon, so be prepared. Our next meeting will be Monday, January 13 at 11:30 am in Panos Hall. Let's start 2014 off with a commitment to enjoy every meeting and learn something new or go someplace fascinating. We can if each of us cooperates! If you would like to become part of the Forerunners Board, just let one of us know. See you on the 13th! Yours in Christ, The Forerunners Board Notes from the Choir Loft Thank you to all who rehearsed and sang the beautiful service on Christmas Eve. A big thank you to Faye for stepping in to direct in my absence! I am pleased that our Choir is continuing to grow with new members. We will take a short break from rehearsals for the month of January and resume in February. I will be facilitating a Church Music Institute in Northridge, CA on Saturday, January 11. If you are interested in attending, please let me know so I can provide more details. Athena Mertes, Director Orthodox Christian Fellowship ~ For Young Adults For January, OCF will meet at Tia Lawson s house in Henderson on Sunday, January 12, at 7:00 pm. If you know of any college students who have not joined us yet, please invite them! In Christ, Father Matthew and Presvytera Annie 10

11 5 8:45 am Orthros 6 Holy Theophany 7 St. John the Baptist 1 Circumcision of St. Anthony the 18 Ss. Athanasios and St. Gregory the 30 Three Holy Sunday 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Great Blessing of the Water 12:15 pm Youth Choir Practice in 4th/5th Rm. 12 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Youth Choir Chants Community Vasilopita 7:00 pm OCF at Lawson Home 19 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Gala Luncheon for Fr. Raptis & Fr. Eyler 26 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy JANUARY IN THE YEAR OF THE LORD Monday Greek Folk Dance Practice: Tuesdays ~ 5:30-9:00 pm Sundays ~ 12:30-3:00 pm (See Weekly for changes) 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Great Blessing of Water 6:00 pm Great Vespers 7:00 pm Name Day Dinner in Panos Hall 13 11:30 am Forerunners Luncheon in Panos 6:00 pm Philoptochos General Mtg. in Kokkos Tuesday 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Fellowship (Philoptochos) 4:30 pm All Youth Greek 6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting in Library 14 4:30 pm All Youth Greek Classes :30 pm All Youth Greek Classes :30 pm All Youth Greek Classes Wednesday Christ/St. Basil the Great 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy (Church Office Closed) 8 7:30 pm Adult Study: The Gospel of Luke 15 7:00 pm Adult Study 22 6:00 pm Church School Teachers in Library 7:00 pm Adult Study 29 5:00 pm Orthros 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy (Three Holy Hierarchs) 7:30 pm Adult Study Thursday :00 am Liturgy at St. Barbara in McGill (Fr. Matthew) Hierarchs (Celebrated Wednesday 1/29) Great 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 31 Friday Saturday Cyril 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am GOYA and OFF Snow Day 6:00 pm OCLV and EVF Potluck at Latelle Home Theologian 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 1:00 pm Philoptochos Membership Tea 7:00 pm Mr. & Mrs. at J. Koutsulis Home 11

12 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 5300 South El Camino Road Las Vegas, Nevada NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAS VEGAS NV PERMIT NO. 98 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED POSTMASTER : DATED MATERIAL - PLEASE EXPEDITE The Desert Messenger The Way of the Lord Let us faithful sing of the greatness of God s dispensation toward us. For in our fallen state, becoming man, the only pure and perfect One, He effects our purification in the Jordan, sanctifying both me and the waters, and shattering the heads of dragons lurking there. Let us then draw water with gladness, brethren; for to those who draw in faith the grace of the Spirit is given invisibly by Christ God, the Savior of our souls. ~ Idiomelon (Tone Six), The Blessing of the Waters at Theophany