Nativity Epistle. What is Great Lent

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1 Nativity Epistle March What is Great Lent Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas Nativity of the Virgin Mary W. Five Mile Rd. Plymouth, MI Phone: Fax: Church Office Hours Monday through Friday 10:00 am 2:00 pm Office Administrator Kathleen M. Kyriacou 2015 Parish Council Louis Poulos President Angela Kheir Vice President Voula Sonbay Treasurer Charlene Galbraith Secretary Michael Fafalios Evans Ferras Dennis Ford Angelos Katramados Georgia Koumariotis Michael Szlinis George Zervos Prepared by Father Philemon Karamanos Great Lent (Clean Monday or Kahara Deftera) this year began on Monday, February 23rd and ends on Pascha, Easter Sunday Morning April 12th. This period is called Great Lent in contrast to Christmas Lent (40 days before Christmas), because it is longer - 54 days before Pascha including Holy Week. It is a time of preparation which includes physical and spiritual fasting, repentance and Holy Confession. Physical fasting: abstaining from meat and dairy products; spiritual fasting: battling our weaknesses, faults; guarding our hearts and tongues; asking for and giving forgiveness; increasing our prayer life. What is the Purpose of Great Lent? The purpose of Great Lent is to bring us closer to God through repentance and confession and thus to be reconciled with Him, as did the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-31), as did King David (2 Kingdoms 12). What are the Provisions for this Spiritual Journey for the Orthodox Christian and as a Family? 1. Focus on Christ This includes reading the Bible and the pamphlet Great Lent: A Week by Week Meaning. Pray daily - better yet, memorize - the Penitential Prayer of Saint Ephraim (Prayed during Great Lent and actually any time of year - given below). 2. Have a regular prayer life Set aside quiet time each day to pray and go inward, to the oasis of your heart, to be still and know that I am God (Psalm 45:11, Orthodox Study Bible) 3. Make good use of your time Practice philanthropy, charity, being our brother s keeper (Matt. 25:40). Shut out the noise and distractions of the world, including minimizing TV, social events and avoiding improper places and people who can tempt you. 4. Be vigilant against small sins This means daily self examination, especially judging ourselves and not others. (Saint Ephraim s Penitential Prayer) 5. Accept God s Will with joy In everything give thanks. (1Thess. 5:18). Merge your will with His and you won t go wrong. What Other Aids Does the Orthodox Church Give Us? Read: a) the Four Gospels; b) 1 John; c) Romans: Chapters Use the Holy Week Book. Attend as many Church Services as you can. Prepare for Holy Communion by first preparing to go to Holy Confession - a spiritual cleansing. Daily Penitential Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power and idle talk. But, give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to your servant. Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed from all ages to all ages. Amen.

2 Page 2e 22 Nativity Epistle 2015 Lenten Services DAY TIME SERVICE 1ST SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 1ST 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Wednesday, March 4th 6:30pm Pre-sanctified Liturgy Friday, March 6th 6:30pm Salutations to the Theotokos 2ND SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 8TH 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy SUNDAY OF ST. GREGORY PALAMAS Wednesday, March 11th 6:30pm Pre-sanctified Liturgy Friday, March 13th 6:30pm Salutations to the Theotokos 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 15TH 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy SUNDAY OF THE CROSS Wednesday, March 18th 6:30pm Pre-sanctified Liturgy Friday, March 20th 6:30pm Salutations to the Theotokos 4TH SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 22ND 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy SUNDAY OF THE LADDER Wednesday, March 25th at St. Cons 10am Liturgy ANNUNCIATION - Greek Independence Day Friday, March 27th 6:30pm Akathist Hymn 5TH SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 29TH 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy SUNDAY OF ST. MARY OF EGYPT Wednesday, April 1st 6:30pm Pre-sanctified Liturgy Saturday, April 4th 10:00am Lazarus Saturday 6TH SUNDAY OF LENT, APRIL 5TH 8:45am Orthros 10am Div. Liturgy PALM SUNDAY - END OF LENT

3 Page 3 Nativity News SPECIAL THANK YOUS: To Nick and John Petru for skillfully painting the office and Larry Stassinos for graciously donating the paint. To Alex Tzelepis for wiring the electrical and communications lines for the new office. To John Vardouniotis for volunteering to have the carpet cleaned in the Ed Center. To Angela Kheir and cleaning aid Sandy Snyder for cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen (lets work together to keep it that way from now on!). STEWARDSHIP 2015: Please fill out your 2015 stewardship pledge form and remember that according to our archdiocese, a Parishioner in Good Standing is an adult who lives their life according to the Orthodox Faith, fulfills their financial obligations and is current on their stewardship. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES: To the family and friends of Christopher Theos, who recently reposed in the Lord. May his memory be eternal. NATIVITY PRAYER LIST: Lord Jesus Christ, Physician of our Souls and Bodies, have mercy on, forgive, heal and save your servants: Michael, Stefanos, Gerasimos, Charles, Maria, Chris, Andrew, Helen, Jenny, Richard, Ekaterina, Michali, Sandy, Nick, Taylor, Mia. Please submit your name or those of loves ones who approve and would like to be prayed for by our community to the office. Names will be listed in the weekly bulletin and monthly Epistle. CONNECTING WITH YOUNG ADULTS: A new committee called Nativity Kiss has been created to communicate love to our young adults age who have gone to college, entered the military or moved away through the sending of care packages. If you would like to include a loved one (even if they are living at home), please submit names, address, date of birth and a brief note about what they are doing to nativitykiss@gmail.com. Please contact Anne Randall at the above address or with questions or if you would like to help. PAINTING THE NAVE: Thank you parishioners Steve Vlahakis of Seaway Painting and Dimitri Papasoglou of Colortech Painting Co. for teaming up to paint our church interior with paint donated by Sherwin Williams. The much needed and difficult job requires equipment to be left in the church while the improvements are being made, we apologize for any inconvenience. MARCH 1ST - SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY - SCOUTS SUNDAY - All boy and girl scouts are invited to wear uniforms to church and serve with the parish council assisting with Sunday duties such as greeting, ushering, candle and collections. Also Photo June 2014: Father Sean awards Charles Hunsinger, Jay Patterson & Sophia Zervos the Chi Rho award. For scouting info PHOTOS FOR THE EPISTLE: If you have captured any photos showing parish life, please forward them to nativityvmphotos@gmail.com for publication in the Epistle. SARAH LAMBI IN THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE: South Lyon East High School Drama presents Beauty and the Beast starring Sarah Lambi as Cogsworth! Support Sarah and South Lyon arts by seeing her perform March 12th-15th or 20th-22nd. Tickets available at Congratulations Sarah and God s Blessings! HAVE NEWS YOU WANT TO SHARE? Please submit your family news, celebratory events, congratulations, accomplishments, highlights, awards, new job placement or any life moments you wish to have listed on this page to nativityvmvoice@gmail.com.

4 Page 4 Stewardship Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdiocese, Metropolises, and institutions.

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6 Page 6 THE ORDER OF AHEPA DISTRICT # 10 EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Once again, the Order of AHEPA District # 10 Educational Foundation will be awarding educational scholarships to high school students who are graduating in June In addition, the Foundation will also be awarding scholarships to current college students. It is extremely important that applicants review carefully, the individual application requirements, to avoid any submission problems. Applications must be completed no later then May 1st. APPLICATION FOR SCHOLARSHIP CAN BE PICKED UP FROM EITHER YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER OR GOYA ADVISORS. All Scouts

7 Page 7 GOYA SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2015 ADULTS - $10.00 CHILDREN UNDER 12 - $5.00 Following Services Your Support is Greatly Appreciated

8 Page 8 HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA 2015 Palm Sunday April 5, :30 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm 1 st Bridegroom Service Holy Monday April 6, :00 pm 2 nd Bridegroom Service Holy Tuesday April 7, :00 pm 3 rd Bridegroom Service Holy Wednesday April 8, :30 pm Holy Unction Service Holy Thursday April 9, :30 am Vesperal Liturgy of St.Basil 6:30 pm The 12 Gospels Holy Friday April 10, :00 am Royal Hours 3:00 pm Apokathelosis 6:30 pm The Lamentations Holy Saturday April 11, :00 am The Protoanastasis 11:00 pm Resurrection Service Pascha Sunday April 12, :00 am Agape Vespers

9 Page 9 Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church West Five Mile Road Plymouth, Michigan Telephone: (734) Fax: (734) Website: Dear Parishioner: The Nativity Parish Council is sponsoring a community Pascha Card. The cost is $10 and your Paschal greetings will be sent to all our church families. If you wish to participate in this year s Pascha Card, simply fill out the form below. Include your check or money order made payable to Nativity Church and give to Georgia Koumariotis who will be colleting forms for the Parish Council. The form can also be dropped off at the church office. Only those whose order forms are received with payment by the deadline date of Sunday, March 22, 2015 will be included in our card. PLEASE DON T DELAY DO IT TODAY. Sincerely, Nativity Parish Council Detach on the line below and return with your payment. Nativity Pascha Card deadline Sunday, March 22, 2015 Print your name exactly as you want it to appear on the Pascha card. Name Phone (Home) (Work) Enclose payment donation of $10.00 and this form. Check or money order made out to Nativity Church. Please fill out and return to the church as soon as possible.

10 Page 10 Nativity Kiss A new committee has been created to connect with and support our college students, as well as those young adults aged who have decided to enter the military, job training or the world of work. The Committee is called "Nativity Kiss". We will be providing intermittent care packages and words of encouragement to our young people. Please assist us by providing the names, addresses, date of birth and a brief note about what your young adult is doing (for example: a junior at Eastern University, first year vocational training at Schoolcraft college, entered U.S. Air Force, started new job at Macy's in 2014). We would like to connect with all of our young adults, even if they are still living at home. Please send contact information to nativitykiss@gmail.com. For questions or if you would like to assist with this committee, please see Anne Randall Calling all High School Juniors & Seniors Applications are currently being accepted for the Crossroads summer program at Hellenic College/Holy Cross in Boston. CrossRoad is a ten-day academic summer institute that prepares high school juniors and seniors to make big life decisions and connect with the Orthodox Christian theological and spiritual tradition. Hosted on the scenic Hellenic College Holy Cross campus, overlooking the beautiful Boston skyline, participants experience daily worship, visit local parishes, tour Boston, and spend a day at the beach. This wonderful program focuses on all vocations and life decisions, not just religious vocations. For more information or to apply - June Session: June 20 June 30 July Session: July 7 July 17 Application Priority Deadline: March 2.

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12 Page 12 Dear Nativity Families, We would like to invite your daughter to serve as a Myrrh-bearer (Myrophora) in the Holy Friday evening service. As Myrrh-bearers, the girls will represent the faithful and holy women who went to the burial site of Our Lord, to dress the Body with sweet herbs and spices. It is a position of honor and love. In order to participate, the following will be required: The girls will need to arrive at the church by no later than 5:15 p.m. The girls will process into the church together. It is an honor to serve in this manner and the girls need to understand the significance of whom they are representing. Girls who do not arrive on time will not be able to participate. The girls will need to be dressed in white. Dresses should be modest and appropriate to the occasion. Unduly tight fitting revealing tops and plunging necklines or short skirts are not appropriate. If you would like your daughter to participate, please call Mary Takis at (734) by no later than Palm Sunday, April 5, 2015 With Love in Christ, Your Sunday School Teachers

13 Page 13 PHILOPTOCHOS I pray this New Year has started with health and happiness for you. It's a time we resolve to do the things that we haven't yet fulfilled. Let's not forget to add helping those in need and visiting someone sick. Maybe cook a meal for someone unable to or just call them to say hello. It would mean so much to them. We started January off with our Vasilopita Sunday and passed a tray for St. Basil's Academy. We also hosted a pancake breakfast to support the rebuilding of St. Nicholas the Shrine at ground zero in New York City. We would like to thank the Detroit Sausage Co, D & M Coffee Co and Zoe's Pancake House for their generous food dontions. Also, a great big thank you to Jimmy Fefopoulos and Yianni Petrou for their cooking talents in the kitchen. Thanks Vessa Fefopoulos for chairing and the Philoptochos members for their hard work. Our next meeting will take place on Monday, February 2nd and most of the discussion will be on our Love Luncheon which we have scheduled for Sunday, February 15th. Please join us for this event. It is, by far, the only event we host to help us raise the funds needed to support our parish. In Christ's Holy Name, Betsy Basoukeas

14 A special HOLY FRIDAY RETREAT for all Church School Youth (Kindergarteners through Teens) An important learning experience for all: the theology, symbols, and hymns of Holy Friday and Holy Week Friday, April 10, :30 pm 3:00 pm Followed by the Taking Down from the Cross Service (Apokathilosis) MARK THE DATE!

15 Page 15 Nativity of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church West Five Mile Road Plymouth, Michigan Telephone: (734) Fax: (734) Parish Priest: Rev. Father Demetrios Sean Govostes Website: Registration and Permission Slip Holy Friday Retreat 12:30pm-3:00 pm April 10, 2015 Participant s Last Name First Middle Date of Birth Street Address Apt. # City State Zip Name of Parent(s) or Legal Guardian(s) Phone Number Address Home Parish City State MEDICAL EMERGENCY INFORMATION Information provided is strictly for use by retreat leader. All information is mandatory and will be confidential. Emergency Contact Information Name Phone Number Relationship to Participant Insurance Information Name of Policy Holder Insurance Provider Policy Number Please list any allergies (food, pets, etc.): Please list any other special medical needs: I, (print name), verify that this child has permission to attend this youth activity. All information provided is accurate and up to date. Parent or Legal Guardian Signature Date:

16 Page 16 The Parish Council Invites You To The Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 5, 2015 Please join us in the Church Social Hall For a Delicious Fish Dinner Ticket prices are as follows Adults $15.00 $5.00 children 12 & under Macaroni & Cheese available for children Please see any Parish Council member to purchase tickets.

17 Page 17 Scouts Sunday Girl Scouts of America Sunday, March 1, 2015 Sunday of Orthodoxy & Scouts Sunday All boys and girls scouts are invited to observe a combined Scouts Sunday to remind our community that a scout promises to serve God respectfully and reverently. Please report to the social hall at 10am. Altar boys scheduled for this Sunday should serve as usual. Please wear your uniform. Girls may wear a dark skirt with their vest/sash. Remember to please bring an icon as we will be helping the ushers and participate in the Icon procession. All scouts will receive service patches for their efforts. Parents are asked to contact Mrs. Mary Takis ( ). Alumni are welcome. To learn more about religious awards available through Girl or Boy Scouting visit Senior Citizens Gathering The Senior Group had another successful luncheon in February. Thank you to Theodora Bageris and all those who help make another delicious meal. Their next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10th at 12:00pm. If you are interested in attending please contact the church office no later then Friday, March 6th (734)

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22 Page 22 Nativity of the Virgin Mary March 2015 Sunday 1 Sunday of Orthodoxy Memorial 40 day Alexandra Zembylas 8 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Memorial 1 year Katherine Valtadoros GOYA Lenten Spaghetti Luncheon Monday 2 Philoptochos 6:30pm 9 10 Senior 12pm Tuesday Wednesday 3 4 Presanctified 6:30pm Lenten Potluck to follow Greek 6pm 11 Presanctified 6:30pm Parish Counciluck to fol- Lenten Pot- low 7pm Greek 6pm Thursday 5 Greek 6pm 12 Greek 6pm Friday 6 Salutations of the 6:30pm 13 Salutations of the 6:30pm 7 14 Saturday 15 Sunday of the Holy Cross Nativity Dancers Bake Sale following services 22 Sunday of St. John Climacus Greek School Greek Indpendence Day Program at St. Cons Presanctified 6:30pm Lenten Potluck to follow Greek 6pm Annunciation Service at Sts. Constantine & 10am Greek 6pm 19 Greek 6pm 26 Greek 6pm 20 Salutations of the 6:30pm 27 Akathist 6:30pm Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt Sunday Services 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

23 Page 23 DID YOU KNOW? There is an easier and more environmentally friendly way to fulfill your stewardship pledge! Sign up for DIRECT WITHDRAWAL and transfer funds electronically to our church on a weekly or monthly basis. No more writing checks, bringing envelopes or falling behind on payments. Forms are available in the Narthex or call Kathy in the church office for more information. WISDOM Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been upheld by Me from birth, who have been carried from the womb: Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; I will carry, and will deliver you. -Isaiah 46:3-4 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. - Proverbs 16:31 Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. - Job 32:7

24 Continued Thanks to our monthly Epistle Sponsors Nativity Ministries Philoptochos Betsy Basoukeas President Religious Education Michele Prokos Hunsinger Jerry Takis Nativity GOYA Irene Kaplantzes Fay Mili Senior Citizen Group Kostantine Kassapis Protopsaltis Dr. Panayiotis Mitsias Greek School Anna Liakou-Hentnik Fellowship Georgia Koumariotis Stewardship Evans & Diane Bageris Cleo Demetriou Angela Kheir Christina Tzilos OYAA Basketball Nondo Basoukeas Michael Fafalios Fundraisers Angela Kheir Book Club Marc Rentis Book Store Jerry Takis Usher Coordinator Michael Fafalios Nativity Dancers Peggy Collias Boy/Girl Scouts Mary Takis Hope/Joy Alyssa Galbraith Denise Stein Building/Grounds Nick Varlamos George Zervos George N. Atsalis, D.D.S Atsalis Dental Excellence Boloven, Tiano & Associates PC Certified Public Accountants Charles Step Funeral Home, Inc. Redford Twp. And Walled Lake George s Livonia Gardens Diamond Kapsalis Steele and Family Global GNC Industries Ltd. The Stassinos Family Karl s Cabin Restaurant The Karl Poulos Family Francis X. Kelly D.D.S. Family Dentistry L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, Inc. Canton, Livonia and Westland Ram s Horn Restuarants Gus and Eugene Kasapis Seaway Painting Steve Vlahakis Transworld Title Company LLC Farmington Hills Undercover Self Storage A Kallis Enterprise Company Nativity Kiss Anne Randall Epistle Editors Kathleen Kyriacou Lous Poulos