The Voice Volume : 18 Number : 3 Month : March 2018

Transcription

1 The Voice Volume : 18 Number : 3 Month : March 2018 The Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Only by Prayer and Fasting Fourth Sunday of Lent St. John Climacus By St. Theophylact, Archbishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria Mark 9: And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld Him, were greatly amazed, and running to Him, saluted Him. And He asked the scribes, "What question ye with them?" And one of the multitude answered and said, "Master, I have brought unto Thee my son, who hath a dumb spirit; and wheresoever it taketh hold of him, it teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and wasteth away: and I spake to Thy disciples that they should cast it out; and they could not." When He came to His disciples, that is, to the nine that had not gone up onto the mountain with Him, He saw that they were being questioned by the Pharisees. For the Pharisees had seized the opportunity of Jesus' absence to attempt to turn the disciples away from the Lord. The multitude, however, suddenly caught sight of Him, and greeted Him. They had been longing to see Him, and now they caught sight of Him and greeted Him as if He had just returned from a long journey. Some say that even His appearance had become more beautiful from the light of the Transfiguration which drew the multitude towards Him to greet Him. A man in the crowd spoke in answer to the Lords question. This man was weak in faith, as even the Lord attests when He says, "O faithless generation," and again, "all things are possible to him that believeth." The man himself attests to his unbelief when he says, "Help Thou mine unbelief." His complaints against the disciples clearly shows his unbelief. For he ought not to have accused them in front of everyone, but privately He answereth him, and saith, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him unto Me." And they brought him unto Him: and when He saw him, straightway the spirit tore him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And He asked his father, "How long is it ago since this came unto him?" And he said, "Since a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us." Jesus said unto him, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, "Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him." And the spirit cried, and tore him much, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. The man who approached the Lord accused the disciples of not having the power to heal. But the Lord turns the blame onto him, all but saying, "It is your unbelief which is the cause of your son not being healed." The Lord does not address only this man, but He directs this saying to all, reproaching all the Jews for their unbelief. For it is likely that many of the bystanders Continued on Page 2

2 were also scandalized by the disciples inability to heal. The Lord shows that He welcomes death, when He says, "How long shall I be with you?" meaning, it is a torment to Me to live with you and your unbelief. But though He reproaches them, He grants the healing as well. He does not desire to heal the son as a show of His power, but rather He proceeds with great humility. See how He does not attribute the healing to His own power, but to the mans faith, when He says, "All things are possible to him that believeth." As soon as He saw a crowd beginning to gather around, He rebuked the spirit, not wanting to heal in front of the multitude as though for show. When He rebuked the spirit and said, "Come out of him, and enter no more into him," this suggests that because of the mans unbelief, the demon would have again entered into him if it had not been prevented by the Lords command. The Lord permits the spirit to rend the son, so that all might recognize the attack of the demon, and understand that it would have killed the man if it had not been held in check by the hand of God. A man is thrown by a demon "into the fire" of anger and desire, and "into water", meaning, into the pounding surf of worldly cares. This demon is both "mute and deaf". It is deaf, not wanting to hear the words of God; and it is mute, not able to teach others what ought to be taught. But if Jesus, Who is the Word of the Gospel, should take him by the hand, that is, strengthen his power to act, then that man will be freed from the demon. See how God first helps us, and then we ourselves are required to work. For the Evangelist says that Jesus "lifted him up" this is the divine help, and "he arose" this is the effort of the man himself to do good And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could not we cast it out?" And He said unto them, "This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." The disciples were afraid they had lost the grace which the Lord had given them, and this was why they had not been able to cast out the demon. See that out of respect they approached the Lord privately. "This kind" what kind? The kind which may make their abode in lunatics, or, in general, the whole race of demons, does not come out except through prayer and fasting. Both the one suffering, and the one about to heal, must fast. Both are necessary. Good sense dictates that the one suffering must fast. He must not only fast, but also pray; and he must not only pray, but also fast, for true prayer is rendered when it is yoked to fasting. When the one who prays is not weighed down by the effects of food, his prayer is not burdened and ascends easily And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and He would not that any man should know it. For He taught His disciples, and said unto them, "The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him; and after He is killed, He shall rise the third day." Whenever the Lord spoke of His passion on the cross, He would precede and follow His words with miracles, so that no one could think that He would suffer because He was powerless. And when He spoke sad words, such as, "they shall kill Him," He would add words of joy, "He shall rise the third day," teaching us that gladness always follows after grief, and that we should not anguish needlessly in our sorrows, but should hope for better things. Panegyri Dancing The 2018 Panegyri will be here before you know and we will be starting our dance rehearsals Thursday, April 12 at 7:00pm. To sign up for reminders as well as general information to or opa2018@mail.remind.com. You can also visit our Facebook page (Cincinnati Panegyri Dancer). Once you sign up for reminders you will receive instructions on how to register. All dancers will be required to register and have a waiver on file by April 26th. Sign up instructions will be sent via remind texts or through our Facebook page. Additionally, we have an urgent need for a dance instructor for our 7th and 8th grade children. If you have been wanting to share your Greek dancing talent with our eager and high energy kids, please reach out to me at kzagorianos@hotmail.com 2 Page

3 Inside this Issue: Only by Prayer and Fasting... 1 Panegyri Dancing... 2 Prepare for Great Lent and Pascha... 3 Transitions... 3 President s Message Scholarship Application... 4 Pastoral Post-Its... 5 Palm Crosses... 5 Greek Independence Day Dinner/ Dance... Parish Ministries & Organizations... 7 Holy Week & Pascha... 8 Youth Ministries... 9 Parish Lenten Retreat Stewardship Message & List Parish Announcements Prepare for Great Lent and Pascha As we continue our journey through Great Lent to Holy Week and Pascha, we prepare to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (April 8 th ). An important part of Great Lent is the need for flowers and other items at the many services conducted in Church. The following list includes items and flowers still needed for the Divine Services of Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha. Please consider sponsoring any of the items and contact Eugene Nicholas, Parish Administrator, at or office@htsnchurch.org. Thank you for your generosity! Flowers for the Salutations (Xairetismoi). $75 each. 3/16 Garland of flowers for the Icon of the Annunciation. $175 for 3/25 Garland of Flowers for the Icon of Palm Sunday. $175 for 4/1 Garland of flowers for the Icon of the Bridegroom. $200 each 4/1, 4/3 Items needed for Holy Unction. $100 for 4/4 Floral arrangements for the Icon Screen (2 vases still needed). $100 each for 4/8 Floral arrangements for the Altar Table (2 vases). $150 each for 4-8 Annual Blood Drive Parish Calendar Church Information Agape Luncheon Transitions 40 Day Blessings: Brianna Bernius and daughter February 17, 2018 Becky Stamatakos and daughter February 18, 2018 Baptisms: Neophyte: Daniel Jackson Father: Daniel Hackman Mother: Kelly (Schuler) Hackman Sponsor: Jennifer Berling February 10, 2018 Neophyte: Quinn Alexander Father: William Zowtiak Mother: Chrisanthy (Menkhaus) Zowtiak Sponsor: Elizabeth Weckenbrock February 11, 2018 Funeral: Nikita Poneris, age 87, January 31, 2018 Catherine Tina Petropoulos, age 82, February 20, Page

4 Parish Council President's Message by Nektarios Papasavvas Sisters and Brothers, We are already well into the year with practically 2 months behind us. What have we done? Well, quite a bit actually So, a big round of applause for our Ladies Philoptochos Society for hosting a very successful Vasilopita auction, and for our Agios Demetrios Society for celebrating family values and holiday spirit with their annual Vasilopita luncheon. A huge THANK YOU to Fr. Mark and the St. Sophia s Mothers Club for reminding us of our sacred duties, responsibilities and faithful commitment as Godparents and Godchildren, with a short, but fulfilling service in the Church, followed with a lovely family lunch in the big hall. Mr. Nick and the Mothers Club have started a book club where they plan to meet one evening a month to discuss teachings and key takeaways from selected books. Their first book was titled Parenting Toward the Kingdom by Philip Mamalakis. What a great way for building relationships, socialize and gain some insights. Kudos to Mr. Nick for leading and injecting new energy in our HOPE/JOY Ministries, where they focus on spiritual formation and teachings to kids from Pre-K to 5th grade. I know my kids love it! Did our GOYA group have fun on Super Bowl Sunday or what? I bet they did! Can t wait to hear about it! As you can see everybody has been busy, so if you have not done so, I strongly encourage you to find an activity and get involved. Talking about involvement, the Leadership Forum is on the 20th of February. During this session, Fr. Mark, members of our Parish, the Strategic Committee and the Parish Council will be selecting the leaders amongst us to drive our Strategy forward and help sculpt our future. This Forum is now open to anybody that has something to offer and give back to the community and to anybody that has the desire to be a part of and influence our future. Our journey through the year now continues with the Great Lent starting already(!) on the 19th of February, leading us to the Holy Week and Pascha on the 8 th of April. This is the perfect time to pause and reflect. How can we make ourselves worthy of receiving the Resurrected Christ? What are those selfless acts and good deeds that we have done for each other and our community; to at least try to follow the example of our Jesus Christ who was crucified for us? Well? If we have not done so, it is never too late; let s start now and get ourselves ready to kneel with devotion and repose our veneration to our Resurrected Christ with clean hearts, stronger spirits, love for each other, our Parish, our Church, and our families. God Bless and Thank you for all you do! Nektarios 2018 Scholarship Application Each year, our Parish offers scholarship opportunities to Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church s graduating high school seniors and students continuing studies in higher education. Printed Scholarship Applications are available in the Narthex or Church Office. Fill-in PDF forms are available to download at Please read the application form thoroughly before completing. The deadline for scholarship applications is Sunday, April 1, Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered. The application form, along with all required documents and information, must be returned to the Church Office. If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at or office@htsnchurch.org. 4 Page

5 Pastoral Post - Its Our Parish has received an invitation to the Great Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation, being held on Saturday, March 24th, at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton. The Great Vespers will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by a reception. The address for the church is: 500 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH We should make every effort to join in prayer and worship God with our fellow Orthodox Christians! POT-LUCK LENTEN LESSONS: TOWARD THE RESURRECTION On Wednesdays during Great and Holy Lent, Mr. Nick will offer a series of thematic lessons on our movement, in Lent, toward Pascha. These presentations will take place following the Pre-sanctified Liturgies. We invite everyone to participate. Please bring a Lenten dish to pass. We will prepare Palm Crosses on Saturday, March 31 st following the on the Saturday of Lazarus (9:30 am) Our ENTIRE PARISH FAMILY is invited to help - especially our HOPE, JOY, GOYA, YOUNG ADULTS, and OCF Ministry participants. Mark your calendars so that your family may participate in this beautiful tradition! 5 Page

6 GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY DINNER DANCE SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018 Holy Trinity St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio Live Greek Music by George Karras featuring the Kakias Brothers Mezethakia 6:00 PM Dinner 7:00 PM Dancing 8:30 PM Admission: Adults..$40 Students...$15 Dance Only..$15 Children under 5 free *Prepaid Dinner Reservations Required Sponsored By AHEPA & Daughters of Penelope Call for Reservations Nick L. Sarakatsannis (859) Page

7 Parish Ministries and Organizations OVER FIFTY CLUB Ann Jonson We had a nice time at the last luncheon at Parker s Blue Ash Tavern. We had 24 and a nice choice of three entrees. I mentioned that I am looking for someone to take over as President for The Over Fifty Club. Also, I put it in my article in The Voice last month. I have not had a response as yet. If someone does not take over, there will not be an Over 50 s Club. This is a gathering for the ladies and gentlemen who enjoy meeting with their friends once a month. I will stay through May if we don t find anyone, and then I will retire. Please consider doing this. Our next luncheon will be at a restaurant on March 17! PHILOPTOCHOS Carrie Petrou Great Lent has begun - and as we partake in the Holy Fast and reflect on Jesus journey on Earth, we also need to nourish our Spirit. With that in mind: we have asked two Greek Orthodox nuns from The Sisters of Holy Transfiguration Monastery from Ellwood City, PA to visit us for our Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 10 th. Mother Magdalena and Mother Paula will arrive for our Akathist Hymn Service Friday evening. After the vespers service, we will welcome the Sisters to our Parish with some refreshments. Don t miss out on hearing what the Sisters have to share. If you haven t registered to attend, there s still time. We know this will be a special Retreat not to be missed. To attend, please contact any Philoptochos member and arrangements can be made for you to be a part of this very special day. The cost is $12 per person for Saturday s Retreat. Friendly Reminder: We will be collecting for our Crayons to Computer Collection on March 4 th and March 11 th. AHEPA Nick L. Sarakatsannis The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. This is why we celebrate Greek Independence Day by sponsoring such a wonderful event. Please join us on March 24th at 6:00 pm for Dinner and Dancing. We have live Greek music by George Karras featuring the Kakias Brothers, excellent hors d oeuvres, main courses, and an open bar. The Daughters of Penelope co-sponsor this event and make such wonderful desserts. Please join us this year and remember we are now requiring pre-paid reservations. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Vera Manolakas Daughters of Penelope has once again contracted with a local baker to bake tsourekia, the traditional Greek Easter bread. We will be taking orders after Sunday liturgies. Please look for our table beginning with March 4. You may also contact our chairman, Cindy Nicholas, at (513) As in the past, pickup will be on Palm Sunday, April 1. Our next meeting will be on March 6 at the church. We will be conducting an initiation. If you would like more information on the Daughters, contact Patti Neuendorf. SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL Peggy Kehayes The Religious Education Team would like to thank Juliana Patselas, a UC student and 3 rd grade Sunday Church School teacher for her wonderful presentation on February 11 th about her experiences while serving on an Orthodox mission trip to Albania. This trip was sponsored through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). For more information about OCMC and mission trip opportunities check out their web site: A note to parishioners of all ages, if you are currently serving or have served on an Orthodox Christian Mission Trip and would like to share your experiences with the Sunday Church School program, we would love to hear about it! Please us at htsnscs@gmail.com. The RET is pleased to announce that on Sunday March 4 th is the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. This is an Annual Parish Festival that will be held in Church following the. This is an opportunity for you to listen and learn what our youth in grades 4-12 have learned about their faith by speaking on faith topics. Please be sure to come and support our Sunday Church School students who have been working on their speeches for several weeks/ months. After the festival there will be a reception in the small hall. Lastly, if anyone is interested in helping with the Sunday Church School program, us at htsnscs@gmail.com. 7 Page

8 Holy Week and Pascha Saturday, March 31, The Saturday of Lazarus - On this day, the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we celebrate the fourthday raising from the dead of Lazarus, the righteous friend of the Lord. 8:30 am Matins and. Sunday, April 1, Palm Sunday - On this day, Palm Sunday, we celebrate the bright and glorious Feast of the Entrance of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. 8:30 am Matins. 9:30 am and Blessing of the Palms. The Bridegroom Service. Monday, April 2, Holy and Great Monday - On this day we commemorate the blessed Joseph the All-comely and the withering of the fig tree by the Lord. The Bridegroom Service. Tuesday, April 3, Holy and Great Tuesday - On this day we commemorate the parable of the ten virgins, because the Lord related this parable to His disciples as He was going toward Jerusalem to His holy Passion. The Bridegroom Service. Wednesday, April 4, Holy and Great Wednesday - On this day the divine Fathers ordained a commemoration to be kept of the woman who was a harlot and anointed the Lord with precious ointment, inasmuch as this took place a short time before the saving Passion. 3:00 pm Holy Unction. (An abbreviated Service for children and the elderly). Holy Unction (The complete Service will be sung). Thursday, April 5, Holy and Great Thursday - On this day, according to the order which our holy Fathers inherited from the Holy Apostles and the Holy Gospels, we celebrate four events: the washing of the feet of the Disciples; the Last Supper which is the institution of the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist; the Lord s Agony in the Garden; and His Betrayal. 6:00 am Vesperal. The Holy Passion (The Reading of the Twelve Gospels). Friday, April 6, Holy and Great Friday - On this day we celebrate the dread, holy and saving Passion of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ: the spitting, the blows with the hand, the buffetings, the mockery, the reviling, the wearing of the purple robe, the reed, the sponge, the vinegar, the nailing, the lance, and above all, the Crucifixion and Death which He condescended to endure willingly for our sake and also the confession unto salvation of the good Thief. 8:30 am The Royal Hours. 3:00 pm The Descent from the Cross. The Lamentations. Saturday, April 7, Holy and Great Saturday - On this day we celebrate the burial of the divine Body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His descent into Hades, through which mankind was recalled from corruption to be lifted up again to eternal life. 8:30 am Vesperal (The First Proclamation of the Resurrection). 11:00 pm The Vigil. Sunday, April 8, Holy and Great Pascha - On this day we celebrate the Life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, which is called Pascha, which translated from the Hebrew means Passover. 12:00 am The Resurrection; Matins, and of Pascha. 12:00 pm Agape Vespers (Great Vespers of Pascha). 1:00 pm Agape Luncheon 8 Page

9 Youth Ministries Youth Update Καλή Τεσσαρακοστή! Good strength to all of our families, youth, and young adults as we make our way through Lent toward Pascha. We have had a great month of activities leading up to Lent, and we have a handful of opportunities during Lent for growth. HOPE & JOY has a fantastic new team of volunteers who are helping us to grow this program. Thank you to the St. Sophia Mothers Club for their support. Last month, we talked about goodness and how goodness and kindness are both fruits of the spirit, but they re also different from one another. Our parents got a handout with a take-home activity to work on with their children. This month, for our Lenten HOPE & JOY activity on Thursday, March 1, we will be talking about self-control. GOYA has had a number of activities, but most notably we had our Super Bowl Party at the church, and our GOYAns went up to Dayton to compete in the annual basketball tournament there. Congratulations to all three of our teams for their hard work preparing. I can t say enough how proud I am of the way our teams conducted themselves and the young adults they have all become. This month, we will have our annual GOYA Lenten Retreat on March 3 rd, and we will have our GOYA fellowship activity on Sunday, March 18 th where we will open up nominations for our GOYA Officers. Our Young Adults have put together a committee that will be working on putting together a comprehensive program to offer going forward. Thanks to Peggy Kehayes for her work organizing this committee. Keep an eye out for more information soon! This Lent our UC/Xavier OCF students are reading Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives together and discussing it at meetings twice-per-month. Please Mr. Nick if you need information about this. Finally, all of our youth & young adults are strongly encouraged to take note of the schedule of services for Great Lent and Holy Week and to try and make as many of the services as possible. These services really go a long way in connecting us with God. Stay connected: Of course, the best way to keep in touch these days with all of our programs is to make sure you re getting our digital communications. Our website: htsnchurch.org Fr. Mark: frmark@htsnchurch.org Mr. Nick: assistant@htsnchurch.org Eugene: office@htsnchurch.org Get on our HOPE & JOY and GOYA lists by ing Mr. Nick. 9 Page

10 Establishing Godly Priorities in Changing Times Come join us for a spiritually uplifting Lenten Retreat, facilitated by the Sisters of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration, from Ellwood City, PA Sponsored by the Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society Cincinnati, Ohio Saturday, March 10, :00 am-4:00 pm Lunch provided Adults: $12.00 College students and younger: $10.00 Net proceeds will be donated to the Monastery Morning session: Establishing Godly Priorities in Changing Times Our world is constantly changing and our lives are ever-changing. This requires Christians to adapt in order to keep our priorities and lives centered on God. This Lenten retreat will address some concerns and changes that we have all encountered and also provide some practical guidelines on how we can change our hearts and minds in order to establish Godly priorities in a changing world. Afternoon session: History of the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration & Life of Mother Alexandra (Princess Ileana) Retreat Location: Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Rd Cincinnati, Ohio Page

11 Stewardship Message By Evonne Marinakis The St. Sophia's Mothers Club Ministry s purpose is to provide fellowship and support to mothers of all ages of the Holy Trinity - St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. We also use the many talents and gifts given to us by God for the benefit of our entire Parish family. This is, in part, how we offer our stewardship. As good stewards of the church, we work to create, enhance, and strengthen our community s mothers, children, and families. Our activities include hosting events such as the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny visit, the Halloween Party, and Santa Brunch. We have started to become involved in the JOY and HOPE ministries. The group meets to build relationships among the mothers of our Parish. This year, we have a study group for the ministry s participants, led by Fr. Mark. Our initial study explores Orthodox parenting using the text Parenting Toward the Kingdom by Dr. Philip Mamalakis. We are a self-funded group which means that we do not rely on any church funds. It is merely through the time and talent of our members that we are able to provide our events for the benefit of the community. Our fundraisers, the fall bake sale, frappe sales, etc. support our work and events within the community. We appreciate the support we receive and always look for ways to give back! Don t forget our big April event is the Easter Egg Hunt where we partner with Philoptochos to provide an egg hunt for the children of our church and a visit with the Easter Bunny. We hope to see you then! If you would like to learn more about St. Sophia Mother's Club Ministry and how you can participate, us at htsnmothersclub@gmail.com. You can also find us on Facebook as HTSNMothersClub Stewardship List Through Aamodt, Peter & Karen Adinamis, George & Robyn Alexandrou, Eirene Anastasiou, Demetra Andreadis, Paul Andreadis, Sophie S. Andrews, Evan & Terry Apostolides, Vasso A. Arvanetes, Gregory & Sandra Assaley, Lewis & Patricia Bates, Justin Batsakis, Chris & Lydia Beish, Andrew Beish, Karen Belitsos, George P. & Peter Q. Wolfe Bender, Christina E. Bender, Robert & Kathy Berling, Ben & Jennifer Bertok, Christina Betas, Christina Bikas, Michael & Anna Bilionis, Angela Borcoman, Tate & Nicole Boumis, Peter & Kimberly Brown, Bryan & Nickie Brown, Mary Brown, William Burton, Matthew D. & Kathy Caddell, Chris & Eleni Calamari, Andrea & Mitchell White Caneris, Adonis & Ana Maria Caneris, Anthony & Antoinette Caneris, Dr. Onassis A. Caneris, Thomas & Joanna Cardullias, Dr. Peter & Elaine Carumpalos, Constantine Chachoff, Nada Chantilas, James & Dr. Lydia Christopoulos, Vassiliki Chryssovergis, Chris & Cara Cimarosti, Helen Claffie, Sean & Angela Colak, Tony & Joan Colyer, Jeff & Laura Colyer, Keith & Diane Condorodis, Anestis J. & Janeen D. Cook, Barbara Cook, Karen 11 Page

12 The rich man is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. St. John Chrysostom The Parishioners listed here have made a commitment and/or contribution towards 2018 Stewardship. If you have not made your Stewardship Pledge for 2018, we encourage you to do so today. Pledge Cards are available through the Church Office or can be obtained by contacting any member of the Parish Council or the Clergy. Crawford, Jonathan & Sharon Demetrion, Jim J. & Carole Denas, George & Eugenia Denas, Haralambos & Athoniseea Diaz, Chris & Stephanie Economacos, Tom & Jennifer Edgington, Paul & Mary Lou Elias, Nick Emroll, Fr. Mark & Presvytera Ginny Eyrich, Ekaterina Fawcett, Tracy & Jessica Fekkos, Haralambos & Loella Ann Fillios, Alexandra Fillios, Elias & Mary Fillios, Nicholas & Amy Fillios, Philip & Sherry Firman, Nancy & Jerry Francis, Dean & Kathy Francis, Matthew Frangowlakis, Thomas Frankenstein, George & Christine Freeman, Maria Furkas, Lisa Gaier, Dean Gaier, Jeff & Chris Anne Galanes, George Gaskins, Mark & Kristin Gelis, Anna Gelis, James & Kathy Georges, Pete & Anna Georgeton, John C. & Ann Georgeton, Peter T. & Nancy Georgiou, Dean Georgiton, Nick & Kristy Georgostathis, Gus & Connie Georgostathis, Gus & Eleni Georgoulakis, Athanasios & Sofia Glaser, Brian & Stella Greene, David Gregory, Matula Gregory, Thomas & Pamela Hackman, Daniel & Kelly Hadzivrettas, George M. & Soultana Haralamos, George & Eleni Haralamos, Mike G. & Akrivi Harner, Ryan & Melissa Hayden, Jason & Rebecca Hill, Charles Himonidis, Chris & Ruth Hodges, Nick & Millie Hodson, Thomas Hollister, Carl & Cynthia Iatrides, Steve & Christina Kutsubu Johnson, John & Antigone Jonson, Alexander & Ann Jonson, Chris C. & Loy Jonson, George N. & Sophia Jonson, Luke & Lauren Jones, James A. & Jo Ann Kahle, John & Nickie Kalemanis, George & Nikki Kambelos, Dr. Peter J. Kambelos, John P. & Erato Kanaris, Christos Kanaris, Kostantinos & Katy Kanelopoulos, Bill Kappas, James P. Karakatsani, Marianthi Karampas, George & Diane Karas, Adrian Karas, Bill J. & Lynn Karas, Ted & Dixie Karras, Giorgio & Erene Katsaounis, Nick & Fay Kehayes, Peggy Kehayes, William & Melissa Kellaris, Dr. James & Janice Kelley, Michael & Pauline Kevin, Patrick & Diane Kladakis, John & Teddi Kladakis, William Kontopos, Pete & Katerina Kontopos, Vagelis & Amanda Koros, Kostas & Dina Korvessis, Anthony & Georgia Lydia Kostopoulos, Dina Kostopoulos, Nikolaos & Dana Kougios, Michael & Alice Kranias, Stratos & Amanda Kunkemoeller, Thomas & Janice Kyrios, Irini Kyrios, Tassos & Maria Lambrinides, Ted & Kim Lambrinides, Thomas J. & Mary Ann Landers, Lauren Lazares, Gus J. Lazares, John K. & Patricia LesChander, Scott & Alexandra Leslie, Wayne & Peggy Levenderis, Bill & Jill Liston, Robert & Eleni Loukoumidis, George & Stacey Love, Beryl Lustig, Elaine & Lowell Lysko, Bob & Stacy Makris, Thomas & Ellen Makrozahopoulos, Dimitrios & Joanna Maleas, Pete C. & Pearl Manolakas, Alexander & Vera Masella, Ron & Christine Mavridoglou, Konstantinos Mavridoglou, Michael & Laura Mavridoglou, Nicholas & Jessica McNulty, Robin & Melanie Megois, Lee S. & Stephanie Merianos, Andy & Lesley Merianos, Ted Meyer, Andrew & Maria Mirkos, Marilyn Mirkos, Steve & Edyta Misali, A. J. "Ike" Misali, John P. & Deborah Misali, Mary Jean Mohler, David & Angel Morgan, Paul & Mary Morris, John Mortensen, Danny & Cheryl Moyer, Gabe & Maria Muennich, Sam & Melissa Murray-Nikias, Stella P. Naser, Jacoub & Dina Neuendorf, David & Patricia Neuendorf, Matthew Nicholas, Eugene & Cindy Nicholas, Nick & Helen Nicholas, Zachary & Nikolia Nichols, Ron & Philanthy Nitsis, Dimitrius & Leisa O'Neill, Brian & Stephanie Orphanos, Peter & Angela Pagdadis, Sotiris & Stephanie Palassis, Nick & Maria Pandilidis, Peter & Elsie Pantel, Nicholas J. Papaioannou, Thomas & Mary Paparodis, Bess Papas, James & Demetra Papasavvas, Nektarios & Sally Papathanas, Allison Papathanas, Harry & Joyce Pappas, Steven & Jolene Parsenios, Lewis G. Parthenakis, Dr. Nicholas & Angie Pascal, James Pavlakis, George & Suzanne Perdikakis, Gus G. & Jo Ann 12 Page

13 Perdikakis, Lynn Peters, Claire Petkos, Joannis & Christina Petrillo, Brandon Phillips, Joshua & Katherine Pohlmann, Elliot & Nicoletta Poneris, Constantinos & Tara Ponticos, George D. Prasinos, Jim & Nicki Priest, Daniel & Christina Psihountas, Christina Psihountas, Mary Quill, Kevin & Mary Riber, Sam & Filio Riemann, Christopher & Blanca Riggs, Adam & Athena Rodish, Pete & Sue Rogozinski, Athena & Wayne Romanos, Michael & Carla Rombes, Tom & Angie Rombis, Petros & Sofia Rose, Marvin & Chrysoula Saba, Youhana Sakellariou, Maria B. Sampson, Tony & Mary Ann Sansalone, Anthony & Angeleke Sansone, Craig & Susanna Sarakatsannis, George & Marie Sarakatsannis, Nicholas J. & Vicki Sarakatsannis, Nicholas L. & Carla Sarakatsannis, Panny Sarlis, Nikolaos & Vaseleke Sarros, Harry J. Sarros, John H. Savas, Dionysia & Martin Wilz Schlimm, Joshua & Katina Schmitz, Thomas & Cathy Schoemaker, Nicole & Mukhammed Masharipov Schooley, Barbara Schuler, Bill & Julie Schultz, James & Sarah Schutter, Michael & Lynne Semertzides, Manos & Elizabeth Seremetis, Stratin & Marjory Sias, Georgios N. & Kathy Sideris, Danny & Amy Sideris, Mina Sideris, Nick & Jane Siegel, August C. Simos, Mary Singleton, Steven & Sandra Snider, Luke & Dacia Snyder, Milan & Elaine Spanorigas, Nicholas & Becky Stacey, Christine Stamatakos, Anthony Stamatakos, Dino & Diamanto Stamatakos, Gus & Vivi Stamatakos, Tom & Becky Stanifer, Randy & Eleni Stathis, Angelos & Aspasia Stathis, Lee & Evie Stefanopoulos, Andrew & Carol Stenger, Lauren & Doug Stephan, Charles M. Stephan, Melinda Stephan, Michael Stergiopoulos, Janis Stergiopulos, Anna Strain, Richard & Katherine Strike, Louis Stringas, Emanuel Suhar, Sylvia Takacs, Daniel & Evie Thomakos, Artemis Thomakos-Cantrell, Katerina Thomakos, Stan & Michelle Trennepohl, Mike & Tina Trester, Ron & Maria Triantafilou, Alex & Jennifer Triantafilou, Peter J. & Miranda Tsacalis, William & Marie Tsolometes, Anastasia Turner, Kent & Carolyn Tzetzis, Mr. Nick & Ivey Valcarcel, John & JoAnne Varnell, Charles & Krista Vasiliou, Demetrios & Gloria Vidas, Angelis & Evridiki Vidas, Cynthia Vidas, Ethel Vidas, Olga Vidas, Ted & Zoe Vidas, Victoria Vlahakis, Tom & Carol Vlahopoulos, Helen Walls, Jason & Chryssoula Watson, Akrivi & Doug Weckenbrock, Michael & Elizabeth Weis, Daniel & Anastasia Weisenborn, Cary & Maria Williams, Jay Wilson, Wallace & Michelle Zaferes, Eleni Zaferes, Katherine (Tina) Zaferes, Patricia J. Zaferes, Patricia P. Zaffer, John Zaharopoulos, Dimitra Zigoris, Mark & Irene Zowtiak, William & Chrisanthy Parish Announcements Welcome home and congratulations to Beryl Love. Beryl and his son, William, have moved back to Cincinnati. Beryl has been named executive editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer and regional editor for the USA TODAY Network s Ohio region. We are glad to have him back and wish him well with his new position. Annual Blood Drive Saturday of Lazarus - Σάββατο του Λαζάρου March 31, 2018 (The day before Palm Sunday) - 8:30am-1:30pm Donors, it is time to prepare now for our Saturday of Lazarus blood drive. We are in need of new donors to boost this outreach to our local community. Consider calling a friend or relative to join you in our drive. Many medications are allowed to be taken and still donate blood. We can accept 3 donors every 15 minutes. Donating blood takes about 1 hour. Appointments are encouraged. Walk-ins are allowed around the appointments. Snacks and drinks will be offered to you before and after giving blood. Let s make it a family day with and palm cross making. If you have questions about the last 12 months travel or medications, call Hoxworth Blood Center (513) For an appointment call James Raptis (513) or Hoxworth. Minimum age is 16 with parental approval. No maximum age. Minimum weight 110lbs. 13 Page

14 March 2018 For the most updated Calendar, visit Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 6:30 pm JOY/HOPE Activity 2 2 nd Salutations to the Theotokos 3 9:00 am GOYA Lenten Retreat nd Sunday of Lent St. Gregory Palamas 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Oratorical Festival Great Compline DOP Mtg. 6:00 pm Presanctified Pot - Luck Lenten Lessons Choir Rehearsal 3 rd Salutations to the Theotokos 9:00 am Parish Lenten Retreat rd Sunday of Lent Veneration of the Holy Cross 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Philoptochos Mtg. Great Compline 6:30 pm AHEPA Mtg. 6:00 pm Presanctified Pot - Luck Lenten Lessons Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Parish Council Dinner & Mtg. 4 th Salutations to the Theotokos 12:00 pm Over Fifty Lunch th Sunday of Lent St. John Climacus 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Great Compline 6:00 pm Presanctified Pot - Luck Lenten Lessons The Akathist Hymn 6:00 p.m. Greek Independence Dinner-Dance Choir Rehearsal th Sunday of Lent St. Mary of Egypt Feast of the Annunciation 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Greek School Greek Independence Day Program Great Compline St. Sophia Mothers Club Study Group 6:00 pm Presanctified Pot - Luck Lenten Lessons Choir Rehearsal Saturday of Lazarus 8:30 am Matins and 8:30 am Annual Blood Drive For an always up-to-date calendar, visit holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/calendar Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/htsnchurch

15 Clergy Presiding Priest: Rev. Father Mark Emroll Staff Pastoral Assistant: Mr. Nick Tzetzis Parish Administrator: Eugene Nicholas Building Maintenance Technician: Craig Sansone Officers Nektarios Papasavvas, President Andy Stefanopoulos, Vice-President Jessica Mavridoglou, Treasurer Kim Lambrinides, Asst. Treasurer Dimitrios Makrozahopoulos, Secretary Bill Kanelopoulos, Asst. Secretary Parish Ministries and Organizations Philoptochos Society: Carrie Petrou, President Parish Choir: Janice Kellaris, Director Cantors: James Raptis, Philanthy Nichols Altar Boys: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis Sunday Church School: Religious Education Team, Peter Aamodt, Chairman Greek School: Alexandros Laftsidis, Director GOYA, HOPE and JOY : Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis, Youth Ministry Teams College Students, OCF: Presvytera Ginny Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis St. Sophia Mothers Club: Sally Papasavvas, President AHEPA: Nicholas L. Sarakatsannis, President Daughters of Penelope: Patricia Neuendorf, President Over 50s Club: Ann Jonson, President Adult Religious Education: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis Outreach/Samaritan Fund: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis, Eugene Nicholas The Good Shepherd Food Pantry: Stephanie Diaz, Maria Freeman, Mary Morgan, Elaine Snyder, Matina Trivett Agios Demetrios Society: Jim Grammas, Maria Panagis Panegyri: Eugene Nicholas, Peter Zaferes, Leadership Team Parish Bookstore: Christina Polychroniou Karen Aamodt Eli Cassis Members William Buzzy Gaz Gus Koutsogiannis Ron Nichols Sylvia Rombis Jacinta Jay Williams Our Mission THE VOICE is the official monthly newsletter of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our Parish was founded in 1907 and serves Orthodox Christians throughout the tri-state area. Our mission is to reach out to all members of the Community by providing relevant information on the religious, spiritual and cultural life of the Parish; news on the accomplishments of Parish members and organizations, and editorial points of view. The next deadline for submitting news to the "Voice" is March 4, 2018 Submissions can be dropped off or mailed to the Church Office or ed to office@htsnchurch.org Our Church website can be found at THANK YOU Office Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Worship Schedule: Matins, 8:15 am;, 9:30 am Other Services as scheduled. 15 Page

16 Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH Tel: (513) Fax: (513) NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Agape Luncheon April 8, 2018 Fr. Mark, Mr. Nick, President Nektarios Papasavvas and the members of the Parish Council invite you to attend our annual Community Agape Luncheon, celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Date & Time: Pascha Sunday at one o clock in the afternoon, following the Agape Service. Meal catered by Montgomery Inn: Lamb or chicken, roasted red potatoes, green beans, salad and dessert. Soft drinks, coffee, wine & beer will be provided. Children s meal available: Chicken fingers, mac n cheese and apple sauce. Activities: Live music by The Pandini Brothers. Games and prizes for children and the young at heart. Bring your Easter baskets to be blessed by the Priest. Cost: Adults (13 and over) $25, Children (3-12 yrs) $10.00, Children (2 and under) Free Reservations are required, call the Parish Office at or reserve online at by MONDAY, APRIL 2, PAYMENT FOR ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY FRIDAY, APRIL 6 th.