Trans-a-Gram. Inside this issue. Fr. Demetri s message Making a difference Meet the president Stewardship update..

Transcription

1 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church February 2008 Monthly / Issue No. 2 Trans-a-Gram Rev. Demetrios T. Costarakis, Pastor Nicholas G. Pappas, Editor Inside this issue Fr. Demetri s message... 2 The Parable of the Prodigal Son offers comfort and hope to all Christians who may feel they are not worthy of God s forgiveness. The parable reminds us that no matter how much we may feel we are not worthy of God s love, that he loves us just the same. Making a difference Several women from the parish were asked to participate in the taping of a local cable television show that celebrates the contributions of women to the community. Dacey s Divas, which is produced and hosted by parishioner Dacey Zouzas, is expected to air in late February or early March. Meet the president... 7 Nikolaos Manolis became the parish s 41st president when he was elected to the position by his fellow Parish Council members on Jan. 13. Nick succeeds Margo DiBenedetto, who chose not to seek a third term. Stewardship update.. 9 The final curtain is about to drawn on a rather disappointing stewardship program for 2007, but hope springs eternal for the new year as the 2008 stewardship program gets off to a strong start with participation by nearly half the parish. Blessing of the Waters Father Demetri immerses his cross in the holy water as he prepares to sprinkle the interior of the church and its parishioners on the Feast of the Epiphany on Sunday, Jan. 6. The Blessing of the waters ceremony commemorates Christ s baptism in the River Jordan. More photos on Page 4. (Photo by Nick Pappas)

2 PAGE 2 Parable shows unending love of God By FATHER DEMETRI COSTARAKIS Pastor How many times have we either hated or despised ourselves because we have not measured up to the impossibly high standards we have established for us? We may acknowledge theoretically that God is willing to forgive our sins, but our rigid anxieties are not ready to forgive us for our lack of achievements and performance. We might keep a brave front, but deep down we have a hollow, sinking feeling that we are no one. Now how many of us remember the parable of the loving Father? It is known to us as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), but this parable shows the unending love of God. The point of the parable is not that God forgives us despite our worthlessness; rather the point is that no matter how many sinful and worthless things we do, there is still enough basic goodness in us for the Heavenly Father to love us. Instead of seeing God as a loving Father, we sometimes might see or have the attitude that he has the values of the other son in the parable. The other son in the parable is jealous on how he was overlooked, never thanked, never welcomed and never greeted. The reading of this parable follows the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee so that, seeing in the person of the Prodigal Son our own sinful condition, we might come to our senses and return to God through repentance. This parable offers hope for any and all who have fallen into great depression over their sins, thinking and believing that there is no forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father is there waiting to embrace us with loving and patient arms. Despite the fact that quite often some Christian preachers give sermons or reflections with threats of God s wrath and judgment, the main theme in the preaching of Christ was the great love and mercy of His Father. The fundamental emphasis is more on the generosity of the Father and His love for us than anything else. Let us then learn well the lesson not only of the Prodigal Son and his return to his father, but also the forbearance and the forgiveness of the father waiting to receive his lost son. We must remember that there is no sin that can overcome the love of God. + Father Demetri Welcome, Deacon Elias We at the Transfiguration Church would like to welcome the Rev. Dn. Elias Stevens. Dn. Elias is a student at Holy Cross Seminary and was just recently ordained to the Holy Diaconate. He has been assigned to us by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios. Please welcome him, his wife Cassandra and their three children Olivia, Eli and Anna to our community. Deacon Elias Stevens HOW TO REACH US WANTED Pastor: The Rev. Demetri Costarakis Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church transfig@hotmail.com Father Demetri demetric@imail.goarch.org Web page: Office hours: Secretary: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Editor: Nick Pappas Telephone: npappas05@comcast.net Volunteers to help serve during the weekly coffee hour. Please call coordinator Susan Pappas at or smpappas16@yahoo.com. Volunteers to provide dinner to mothers and children once a month at the House of Hope. Please contact Lynne Karagianes at Anyone interested in placing an ad in the Transa-Gram to help offset the printing costs. Please contact Editor Nick Pappas at or npappas05@comcast.net for more information.

3 PAGE 3 Schedule of Services Sunday Orthros a.m. to 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy a.m. to noon Special Services Feb. 2 (Saturday)... Presentation of Our Lord Divine Liturgy: 9 a.m. Funerals Irene Chigas of Swampscott (Jan. 4) Constance Sarantos of Lowell (Jan.5) Steven Mastacouris of Lowell (Jan. 9) Arthur Koulias of Burbank, Calif. (Jan. 12) May their memory be eternal! Monthly Trisagia Names of the deceased are read the first Sunday of each month. Please send the names to be read in advance, listing the month you would like them read. If you would like the name to be read in Greek, please include the Greek spelling along with the English. If you have any questions, call Dyanne Mitropoulis at George Anastos Leo Anastos George P. Danas JANUARY TRISAGIA (Additional Names) Church Services Katherine G. Danas Eirene Manolaras Emanuel Manolaras Herbert Moser Oratorical Festival The Transfiguration Parish Oratorical Festival will take place on Sunday, March 2, following the Divine Liturgy in the St. Sophia Chapel. Students in Grades 7-12 are encouraged to participate. The Junior Division (Grades 7-9) and Senior Division (Grades 10-12) topics, tips and bibliography are available on the archdiocese Web site ( For further information contact Yiota Simoglou or Patricia Mahoney. FEBRUARY TRISAGIA Andrew Balamotis Thalia Milionis Nicholas Bogis George Moskovites John Dabekis David Moultan George A. Danas Donald Musgrave Stephen A. Danas Nicholas Nicholaides George Economou Vasiliki Nicholaides Mary Economou George Nicholas Steve Economou Thomas Poulios Georgia Gerovasilis Georgia Rodopoulos Annetta Gickas Fr. John P. Sarantos Diomedes Gickas Mary Sarantos Senora Gickas Peter Sarantos Demetri Hondros Nicholas Savoley Maria Hondros Grace Sawyer Panagioti Hondros Andrew Skalkeas Soultana Kapsouris Eva Stavrou Katherine Kokos Edward F. Sullivan Theodore Kokos Anargiros E. Vekos Stergios Koravos Maria V. Vekos Crystal E. Laganas Mary Voulgaris Mary Lellos Steve Xifaris T. Peter Lellos Fr. Steven Yankopoulos Paraskevi Manolis Sophie M. Zamanakos Yianni Manelas Mary Zounes Martin P. Martakos Camp Days March 15 Lenten Camp April 19 Saturday of Lazarus April 25 Good Friday Retreat July 28-Aug. 1 Vacation Church Camp

4 PAGE 4 Father Demetri sprinkles parishioners with holy water while walking down the center aisle during the blessing of the waters observance on Epiphany Sunday, Jan. 6. The special service was followed by the annual cutting of the Vasilopita. Blessing of the Waters Vasilopita observance follows service of Epiphany Photos By Nick Pappas Philoptochos President Susan Pappas explains the tradition of the Vasilopita before the distribution of the pieces to the parish. Mary Nicholaides reaches for her foil-wrapped piece of Vasilopita in hopes of getting the lucky gold coin. (She didn t.)

5 By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor If you saw someone wandering around the church with a TV camera a few Sundays ago, you won t have to wait much longer to find out why. That s because several women from our parish were chosen to be featured on Dacey s Divas, a cable television show produced and hosted by fellow parishioner Dacey Zouzas of Chelmsford. The show, which first aired in June 2006, celebrates women who have made a difference in their professions and their communities. TRANS-A-GRAM Parish women featured on cable TV PAGE 5 I wanted to do something to celebrate these women working hard, raising families and, no matter what cards they were dealt, moving their dreams forward, Dacey told correspondent Mary Sampas in an article published Jan. 1 in The Sun. Many of them were, to me, more than survivors they were warriors. I was so privileged to get to know so many inspirational women from many walks of life. On Sunday, Jan. 13, Dacey and her camera operator spent some time after church interviewing four prominent women of the parish: Helen Georges, Jill Laganas, Susan Pappas and Olivia Sintros. Dacey said she invited them to participate as representatives of all women in the parish who have dedicated much of their lives to helping others both inside and outside the church community. The women that represent the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on Dacey s Divas spoke on behalf of all of the inspirational women from all walks of life that Dacey s Divas Parishioner Dacey Zouzas, second from right, who hosts a cable TV show called Dacey s Divas for Chelmsford TeleMedia, spends some time with, from left, Jill Laganas, Olivia Sintros, Susan Pappas and Helen Georges on Jan. 13 in the Philoptochos Room. Dacey interviewed them as part of a series on local women who are making a difference in the community. (Photo by Nick Pappas) have entered this church from past, present and future and that have all made a difference with their families or with their strong Greek Orthodox faith, she said. The four women will be in good company. During the 40 previous episodes of Dacey s Divas, Dacey has interviewed businesswomen, philanthropists, politicians, educators, musicians, newspaper and radio personalities, and leaders of the nonprofit community. The program videotaped at the church is expected to air sometime in late February or early March. As soon as specific programming information becomes available, it will be publicized in the Trans-Notes. The show airs on the following cable stations: Chelmsford Cable Channel 8: Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Dracut Cable Television Channel 8: Monday at noon, Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday at 8:30 p.m., Thursday at 3 p.m. and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Lowell Cable Television Channel 8: Tuesday at 9 p.m., Wednesday at 11 p.m. and Friday at 7:30 p.m. Westford Cable Television Channel 8: Monday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 5:30 p.m. The program also airs on Worcester Channel 13 (WCCA-TV).

6 PAGE 6 Parish Council 08 The members of the 2008 Parish Council were administered the oath of office by Father Demetri at the close of the Divine Liturgy on Jan. 13. This year s council consists of, front row from left, President Nikolaos Manolis, Vice President Margo DiBenedetto, John Gkolias and Ioannis Zaralidis; middle row, Spiros Sintros Jr., Treasurer James Murphy, Andrew Govatsos and Christos Tournas; back row, Secretary Christopher Selvaggio, Michael Karagianes and Matthew Blake. Missing from the photo is council member Demetrios Tsichlis. (Photo by Arthur Sparages) Nikolaos Manolis elected new council president By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor Nikolaos Manolis was elected as the parish s 41st president when the Parish Council met to elect officers after taking the oath of office on Sunday, Jan. 13. Nick succeeds Margo DiBenedetto, who chose not to seek re-election after serving as president for the past two years. Nick is a longtime member of the council, having served for about 10 years until He was again elected to the board in 2007 and served as its stewardship chairman that year. He is a longtime member of the Men s Guild and served as its president from 1997 to He is also veteran volunteer of Grecian Festivals and Food Fairs, and he was an original co-chairman of the Building Committee that was responsible for the construction of the Transfiguration Family Life Center in Nick is the owner of Dracut House of Pizza & Seafood Restaurant. He and his wife Voula have two sons: Tim, 21, and Elias, 20. Margo was elected vice president, and Christopher Selvaggio, who served as treasurer of the council for five years, was elected to the position of secretary, replacing council member Matt Blake in that position. James Murphy was elected to replace Chris as the new treasurer of the council.

7 PAGE 7 Meet the new council president EDITOR S NOTE: Nikolaos Manolis, the newly elected president of the Parish Council for 2008, participated in this interview last month with Trans-a-Gram Editor Nick Pappas. Q: Birthplace: A: Grevena, Greece. Q: Hometown: A: Dracut. Q: Work background: A: Dracut House of Pizza & Seafood Restaurant, owner, 30 years. Q: Family: A: Wife, Voula, and two sons: Tim, 21, and Elias, 20. Q: Associations/organizations: A: Saints Medical Foundation, board of directors; Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, board of directors; and Lowell Housing Authority Youth Sports, board of directors. Q: Church affiliations: A: Parish Council, member; Men s Guild, member and past president; and Stewardship Committee, chairman, Q: How long have you been a member of the Parish Council? A: About 10 years up until 2001, then again in Q: What are the reasons you accepted the nomination for president? A: I accepted the nomination because I truly believe I can make a positive difference in the future of the parish. I feel that I can objectively deal with anything or anyone in order to allow our parish to thrive and become a parish we can all be proud of. Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your initial term?: Nikolaos Manolis was elected president by his fellow Parish Council members on Jan. 13. (Photo by Nick Pappas) A: A lot of issues face our parish this year. Some items are the mortgage, church maintenance, the hall and kitchen remodeling and most of all goodwill. I would like to revive the term Transfiguration Family. Who remembers that term? My mission is for everyone to say it and mean it! Q: Any closing thoughts? A: No one person can change the attitude or direction of our parish. It must be a group effort in which everyone participates. I look forward to working with everyone and anyone that has an idea for the future of our parish. PEOPLE IN THE NEWS / Please family news items to npappas05@comcast.net Jim Govatsos, who is the son of Andrew and Maureen Govatsos of Salem, N.H., has accepted the position of product manager at the Hanover Technology Group. Jim recently graduated from the Tufts University School of Engineering and was a member of the Dean s List. He also was an active member of the parish, serving as an altar boy and as treasurer of the GOYA for three years.

8 PAGE 8 FEAST DAY OF THE MONTH God, be merciful to me a sinner! The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee is the first Sunday of a three-week period prior to the commencement of Great Lent. It marks the beginning of a time of preparation for the spiritual journey of Lent, a time for Orthodox Christians to draw closer to God through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of charity. It is also on this day that the Triodion is introduced, a liturgical book that contains the services from this Sunday, the tenth before Pascha (Easter), to Great and Holy Saturday. He humbles himself, and his humility justifies him before God. He becomes, in the words of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3), poor in spirit. He acknowledges that he is a sinner, and he knows that salvation is only found in the mercy of God. Here we find an example of true humility, an essential aspect of repentance. A change of mind and the transformation of our lives can only happen when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our willingness to turn from sin, and receive His grace into our lives. Biblical Story The name for this Sunday is taken from the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Luke 18: This is the story of two men, one a Pharisee, a member of a Jewish sect known for its diligent observance of the Law, and the other a Publican, a government official charged with the responsibility of collecting taxes. Both men enter the temple, and the Pharisee stands openly and prays, thanking God that he is not like other men, specifically extortioners, the unjust, adulterers, or even this tax collector (v. 11). He then begins to list his religious accomplishments by stating, I fast twice a week, and I give tithes of all that I possess (v. 12). In direct contrast to the pride of the Pharisee, the Publican goes to a place where he will not be noticed by others and beats his breast saying, God, be merciful to me a sinner! (v. 13). Having told this story, Jesus affirms that it was the Publican who returned home justified and forgiven rather than the Pharisee. He states, Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (v. 14). The theme of this parable is repentance. Repentance is the door through which we enter Lent, the starting-point of the journey to Pascha. To repent signifies far more than self-pity or futile regret over things done in the past. The Greek term metanoia means change of mind. To repent is to be renewed, to be transformed in our inward viewpoint, to attain a fresh way of looking at our relationship with God and with others. The fault of the Pharisee is that he has no desire to change his outlook; he is complacent, self-satisfied, and so he allows no place for God to act within him. The Gospel depicts him as a man that is pleased only with himself who thinks that he has complied with all of the requirements of religion. But in his pride, he has falsified the meaning of true religion and faith. He has reduced these to external observations, measuring his piety by the amount of money he gives. The Publican, on the other hand, truly longs for a change of mind. Our preparation for Lent thus begins with a prayer for humility, the beginning of true repentance. Through repentance, we can find and return to the true order of things, a restoration of our spiritual vision that will guide us in a very difficult and challenging world. By entering Great Lent in humility and repentance, we can attain deeper communion with God as we receive His forgiveness and He blesses by guiding us to greater spiritual heights. Icon of the Feast The icon of the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee shows both men in the manner in which they enter the temple to pray. The Pharisee goes to a very prominent place where others will see him. The positions of his hands indicate that he is addressing God by speaking of his stature and accomplishments. In contrast, the Publican enters and remains in a low place, far from the holiest parts of the temple. His posture shows his openness to God, his humility, and his petition for mercy. The icon also shows the state of both men as they leave the temple. Following the words of Christ in Luke 18:14, the Publican has now been exalted in the kingdom of God be- (Continued on page 14)

9 PAGE 9 Parish Council Church News Stewardship 2007 By CHRISTOPHER SELVAGGIO Parish Council Secretary The Parish Council discussed the following issues when it met on Jan. 9: Sound system: Council member Andrew Govatsos reported that the sound system was updated on Dec. 29. A new microphone also has been ordered for during the services. GOYA update: Treasurer James Murphy reported that he will be stepping down as GOYA adviser. Pamela Murphy will take over that role and will be assisted by Kathy Doulames. Church repairs: The council is going to schedule a walk-through of the building to make a list of maintenance issues that need to be done. Anyone with suggestions of repair items is asked to contact President Nikolaos Manolis. Security cameras: President Nikolaos Manolis is looking into purchasing video cameras for the exterior of the building. The total cost with installation could be about $1,200. Christmas Eve: Acting on a motion by council member Ioannis Zaralidis, voted to hold a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Motion passed unanimously. Next meeting: The council will next meet on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. in the boardroom. Treasurer s Report Here is a brief summary of income and expenses as of Dec. 31 and how they compare to the same period last year. Category Change Stewardship 156, , % Other income 127, , % Total Income 283, , % Expenses 279, , % Balance 4, , % By NICK PAPPAS Trans-a-Gram Editor Barring a late influx of 2007 stewardship cards over the next few weeks, it appears the number of parish stewards will have dropped to its lowest point in recent memory. As of mid-january, the church office had received 472 stewardship cards, down 27 or 5.4 percent from the same time last year. The total number of stewards for 2006 was 503; the final number for 2007 should be available next month. Stewards (2006) Cards Returned Cards Outstanding Return Rate Average Pledge In the meantime, here is a brief summary of the 2007 stewardship program as it compared to the previous year: Total amount pledged: $158,424.20, a decrease of $8, or 5.1 percent from 2006, and about $1,500 short of the $160,000 target in the 2007 budget. Total amount collected: $155,875.20, down $3, or 2.3 percent. Stewardship As of Jan. 18, there were 246 families/stewards who had returned their stewardship cards for Please remember the stewardship program helps support and run the parish s many ministries and programs. Here is a breakdown of the contributions to date. FAMILIES percent $ (+$1.00) AMOUNT 136 $25 to $ $301 to $ $601 to $ $901 to $1,200 2 $1,201 to $1,500 2 $2,000 and up

10 PAGE 10 By SUSAN PAPPAS Philoptochos President Philoptochos Society Membership: Notices have already been sent to renew membership for the calendar year Please return your stewardship donation promptly so that we may forward the names to the archdiocese/metropolis in order to receive the new membership cards. Your donation should be received by March 15. Contact membership Chairperson Jill Laganas for further information. Vasilopita: On Sunday, Jan. 6, our parish celebrated the Feast Day of St. Basil. Thanks to Chairperson Mary Nicholaides and to Presbytera Gloria Costarakis, Georgia Dristiliaris, Corrine Dubay, Tom Gianacakes, Stephanie Gill, Diane Pappas, Melanie Pappas, Maria and Charlie Tournas for cutting and wrapping over 300 pieces of Vasilopita. A special thanks to Eleni Stavrou for baking the delicious bread. Susan Pappas presented the special pieces wrapped in gold foil to 80 parishioners. The lucky recipient of the gold sovereign was Dr. Charles Mitsakos. We wish him good health and the best in January meeting: Thirty-four women attended our first Saturday morning meeting of the year. Kathy Allen and Ellen Vercontaire provided us with a continental breakfast. We welcomed new member Daphne Kouloungis, who was also the lucky raffle winner. During the business part of the meeting, we voted to donate $50 to the Special Olympics, as well as to give an honorarium to Peking and the Mystics, who delighted us at the December tea. The proceeds from the Vasilopita celebration totaling close to $1,920 will be sent to the National Philoptochos office for St. Basil s Academy. We are also sending $350 for Social Services, both of which are our January commitments. It was also reported that the Benefit Tea in December netted a profit of $7, Literacy outreach project: We have reached our goal for the McAvinnue School in Lowell. Close to 1,500 books have been received thanks to our generous parishioners. The tote bags have been ordered again thanks to generous donors and soon the children will be enjoying all the great books. We will continue with another local school in the future. Watch this space for the time and school. Vasilopita Day Ladies Philoptochos Society member Diane Pappas holds a basket of Vasilopita in the church lobby at the close of the Jan. 6 service. The Philoptochos presided over the annual observance to benefit St. Basil s Academy. Dr. Charles Mitsakos was the winner of the gold coin. (Photo by Nick Pappas) Go Red Sunday: In support of the American Heart Association, the National Philoptochos has declared Sunday, Feb. 3, as Go Red Sunday and are asking our Philoptochos sisters across the country to join the movement and wear red to church as a symbol of support of this program. Older adult grant: The National Philoptochos Ladies Society has granted $10,000 to each metropolis in the Archdiocese of North America. The grant offers funding to older Orthodox adults (male or female age 62 and older) who are in need of financial assistance for a variety of personal, medical and housing needs. The applications are available from Father Demetri or Susan Pappas, Transfiguration Philoptochos chapter president. Applications are simple to complete and all information is private and will only be disclosed to Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos President Diane Miminos. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt at the metropolis; grants will be awarded on first-come basis. This is a wonderful opportunity for the National Philoptochos to return a (Continued on page 11)

11 PAGE 11 (Continued from page 10) portion of the funding chapters have donated throughout the year to our elderly in each metropolis. It is part of the renewed commitment to assist our Orthodox elderly parishioners. The deadline for the application is March 1, If these funds are not disbursed, they will need to go back to the National Philoptochos Society. Philoptochos pins: We still have pins available for $5 each. Members should wear them proudly. See Susan Pappas if you want to purchase one. Easter pastry baskets: We will once again be selling our delicious Easter pastry trays for $25. As we have many interfaith marriages in the church, we will be baking and selling for both Easters. Orders will be taken for the Western Easter on Feb. 17, 24, March 2 and 9 during the coffee hour or by calling Susan at Orders for Eastern Orthodox Easter will begin at a later date. Next meeting: Our next meeting will be Saturday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m. in the Philoptochos Room. Our hostesses for the morning will be Patricia Mahoney and Daphne Zaralidis. It will be our healthy heart meeting. The outreach collection for the month will be sanitary napkins and deodorant. Watch your mail for our reminder postcards. Looking forward to seeing you all. By FRANK STEVENS Men s Guild President Peter Dulchinos Thelma Coravos Angie Riggs Men s Guild Holiday raffle: Thanks to all who participated in the Guild s holiday raffle. Those who purchased raffle tickets and/or donated prizes are to be commended for making this year s raffle one of the most successful ever. Major prize winners are: Thirty-five other parishioners won prizes. A complete list of winners is available in the parish office. Presidents and Valentines: You will want to be with us on Sunday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m. to celebrate a pre- Lenten Glendi that will be talked about for years to come. Originally planned for Jan. 13, the committee thought better to reschedule to a date more appropriate to the theme of this celebration. The following gentlemen have served as presidents of the Guild since 1976: Farewell Gift Father Demetri presents Conan and Stephanie Gill with a decorative bowl on Jan. 13, their final Sunday in the parish prior to moving to Dallas, Texas. Conan is now serving as a youth director at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas. (Photo by Arthur Sparages) Charles Sarantos (1976) Michael Zymaris (1977) Peter Marioles (1978) Charles Manousos ( ) Wesley Stillwagon ( ) George Skrekas ( and ) Nicholas Dristiliaris ( ) Christopher Selvaggio ( , and ) John Gkolias ( ) Nikolaos Manolis ( ) Harry Stamas ( ) Come join us in honoring their service to the Guild and their parish. Highlights of the program for the evening will be: Social hour with the romantic music of Toula and Arthur Sparages. Dinner promptly at 6 p.m. Recognition of honorees. Valentine music, entertainment and dancing, featuring JC s Golden Oldies. Raffle drawing with the grand prize of a 37-inch Sylvania, flat-screen HDTV. Door prizes. Tickets for the event, as well as raffle tickets, are avail- (Continued on page 12)

12 (Continued from page 11) able at coffee hour each Sunday until Feb. 17 or by calling the church office at Next meeting: The Guild will next meet on Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the church hall. The Guild will not meet again until after Easter. On the agenda: a full report of the Feb. 17 event, a 125 Club update, treasurer s report and plans for the future. Remember This: Stop and think! Love really is the answer! By NIKOLAOS MANOLIS Parish Council President President s Message I would like to thank the Parish Council for showing its confidence in me by electing me Parish Council president for I will not let it or the parish down! I would also like to thank Margo DiBenedetto for all of her hard work and dedication serving as our president for the past two years. I look forward to working with all the organizations and parishioners of the church. There are already many events and activities planned for the upcoming months, including the Men s Guild dinner-dance, Vacation Church Camp, the Philoptochos Family Dinner, and Lenten liturgies and dinners. Please support these events. There are many issues facing our parish in 2008, including the mortgage, church maintenance and repairs, and goodwill. Please know that I am available to answer questions and to listen to your concerns or suggestions. With everyone working together our parish will flourish! By CONNIE GKOLIAS Sunday School Director Sunday School As we enter the month of February also known as the month of love let us remember our loved ones and spread our love and good fortune to all. School calendar: Everyone received the Sunday School calendar for January through June in last month s Trans-a-Gram. There is Sunday School every Sunday unless noted on the calendar. Cancellations due to snowstorms will be announced on the radio or you can call the church. TRANS-A-GRAM PAGE 12 Bake sale: The Sunday School will sponsor its annual Valentine s Day bake sale on Sunday, Feb. 10. We will have delicious home-baked goods for purchase, and we will also hold our annual raffle. Please support the Sunday School. By TOULA SPARAGES Assistant Choir Director Choir New members needed: It s hard to believe that we re into another calendar year and there are no new members as of this writing. We urge those of you who have considered joining the choir, to take that big step and just do it this month! We really need new voices and we remind you that auditions are not necessary! Rehearsal schedule: In a few short weeks, we ll be thinking about Lenten music. With that in mind, we have decided to try having two very important evening rehearsals in February so that we can begin to look at the lovely hymns and minor music of the Lenten period. The dates are the Mondays of Feb. 11 and 25 beginning at 7 p.m. sharp! Rehearsals generally last for 90 minutes. On the road again: As of this writing, our own Louis Stamas is on tour with the Arte Shaw Band, and we wish him much success in this venture. Hopefully, he ll be back soon to resume his position in the choir loft. In the meantime, Donna Spanos will be directing with Toula acting as her assistant. Youth choir: Donna is also looking forward to working with a newly formed youth group this month. Please see information in this issue of the Trans-a-Gram. By DONNA SPANOS Assistant Choir Director Youth Choir The choir directors and Father Demetri are excited to announce plans for reorganizing a youth choir for our parish. We would like to invite and strongly encourage all of the children from Grade 3 and up to participate. Practices will be held every other Sunday beginning on Feb. 17 and will commence when Sunday School ends at noon in the church chapel. Rehearsals will run for approximately 30 minutes. (Continued on page 13)

13 PAGE 13 (Continued from page 12) In order to ensure the correct number of hymnals and other materials, we ask that you contact either Toula Sparages or me via or by phone no later than Feb. 15 if your child is interested in being a part of this program. My is dspanos@verizon.net, and my phone number is Toula s is toulaarthur@comcast.net, and her phone number is At the first rehearsal, information including a schedule will be available to those who attend. We look forward to having a wonderful group of children learn the hymns of our church and enhance our senior choir in the choir loft on Sundays singing praises to our Lord. Graduate Sunday like to get notifications about other HOPE and JOY activities, please contact Sandra Gulezian at msgulezian@comcast.net. By SUSAN PAPPAS Coffee Hour Coordinator Coffee Hour Dec. 30: Sponsored by Stephen and Cathy Economou in memory of Effie Economou. Jan. 6: Sponsored by George and Joanne Gickas in memory of their daughter, Nancy (Gickas) McCutcheon. Jan. 13: Sponsored in memory of Emily Kostoulakos by her family and by Harry and Christine Stamas and family in memory of Sophie Chiklis. By PATRICIA MAHONEY Graduate Sunday Chairperson The Ladies Philoptochos Society plans to recognize all Class of 2008 high school and college/advanced-degree graduates after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 22. Scholarship applications will be available April 1 in the church office for high school graduates whose parents are stewards of the Transfiguration Church and who plan to pursue a post-secondary education. The deadline for completed applications is May 1. High school graduates not planning to continue their education are encouraged to complete biographical information forms also available in the church office. Please contact Patricia Mahoney at or patm1231@hotmail.com with any questions regarding scholarships. College or advanced-degree recipients should notify Melanie Pappas at or melanie.pappas@gmail.com. GOYA The GOYA would like to thank everyone who supported the Family Glendi on Saturday, Jan. 19, at Sts. Constantine and Helen in Andover. It was a huge success. Keep your eye on the weekly Trans-Notes and next month s Trans-a-Gram for news of upcoming events. HOPE / JOY We are in the midst of making plans for an activity during February vacation, but the details are not final at this time. All HOPE and JOY families will be notified by . If you would like to participate or if you would Jan. 20: Sponsored in memory of Athanasius Zunes and Efthemia Coravos by their great-grandchildren Cassie, Christina and Andrea Coravos. Volunteers needed: We are always looking for new people who are willing to help serve during the weekly coffee hour. If you would like to volunteer to serve, or if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour for any occasion, please call coffee hour coordinator Susan Pappas at , her at smpappas16@yahoo.com or see her any Sunday after the Divine Liturgy. Greek School Greek School students will recite a few short poems on Sunday, Feb. 3, right before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy in honor of the Three Hierarchs. Winter Camps The Metropolis of Boston is sponsoring winter camps this month at the St. Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, N.H. The JOY winter camp is scheduled for the weekend of Feb. 8-10, while the GOYA camp will take place the weekend of Feb The GOYA camp will be followed by an optional two-day winter chant camp. If you are interested in attending either of the winter camps, please call or smfhcenter@boston.goarch.org. Hospital/Nursing Home Visits If you or a loved one are not able to come to church to receive Holy Communion and would like a visit, please (Continued on page 14)

14 PAGE 14 (Continued from page 13) contact Father Demetri during normal business hours to set up a time. Tuesday Morning Group The Tuesday Morning Ladies Group would like to invite other ladies of the parish to come join them on Tuesdays from about 9:30 a.m. until noon. It s a great place to meet, socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee, bring your ideas for crafts or whatever and enjoy new or old friendships on Tuesday mornings. Newsletter Deadline Transfiguration organizations are asked to submit entries for this newsletter as early in the month as possible and no later than the 15th. If at all possible, please submit your material by to Editor Nick Pappas at npappas05@comcast.net. Entries also can be faxed to the church office at or dropped off in the office during normal business hours. It is important that all church organizations be represented in the Trans-a Gram, so please make an effort to participate. God, be merciful (Continued from page 8) cause of his humility. He leaves the temple forgiven, and he shows that he remains open to the will of God. In contrast, the Pharisee leaves the temple unjustified, still in need of forgiveness. Because of his pride and lack of repentance, he will be humbled before God, the One who knows the condition of each person s soul and who will offer the gift of salvation to those who come to Him in true repentance. The week that follows the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee is designated by the Church as a non-fasting week. All foods are allowed on everyday of the week, including Wednesday and Friday. This dispensation from fasting is offered as a way of indicating that Great Lent and a more intense fasting period is approaching. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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