ST. BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcription

1 ST. BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS 18 NOVEMBER 2012 SAINT BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH WORSHIP HOURS Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church The Very Reverend Archimandrite Father D. Stavroforos Mamaies Cell Phone Number: The Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple, Vatopedi Monastery, Mt. Athos, Orthodox Icons (919) We are a Greek (Eastern) Orthodox parish, part of the oldest Christian tradition, dating to 33 A.D., the Day of Pentecost. We trace our roots back to the Apostles and their teachings. We hold fast to the moral, theological and liturgical traditions of the Early Christian Church. Father Stavroforos Office Hours Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. We are pleased that you have chosen to experience the worship of Early Christianity in a modern setting NC Highway 751 Durham, NC 27713

2 TODAY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2012 THE NINTH SUNDAY OF LUKE Sandy Survivors are still in the cold and in the dark And they are exhausted, discouraged and emotionally drained. The Parable of the Rich Fool IOCC SUNDAY A DAY OF SHARING! November 18, 2012 Today is IOCC Sunday. A special offering will be collected for Hurricane Sandy victims. Please give generously. PARISH GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Parish General Assembly is today immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Please plan to attend and participate in the discussion of the very important status of our community and the nominations of good standing parishioners for the opening positions of the Parish Council, Election and Auditing Committees. Below is the proposed agenda for the meeting. Any agenda updates or sequencing will be communicated to you at the meeting. Proposed Agenda Call to Order Determine a Quorum Opening prayer / Scripture reading Reading of the last General Assembly minutes President s remarks Financial status year to date 2012 Preliminary 2013 budget Nominations for 2012 Election Committee Nominations for 2012 Auditing Committee Nominations for Parish Council 2013 Stewardship and Building Fund Father Stavroforos' remarks Other Items / Questions and answers Closing Prayer More than a week after Superstorm Sandy hit, survivors desperately need our help to begin the slow process of rebuilding their lives after enduring devastating loss. People from Manhattan to Maryland received the brunt of the storm's wrath, leaving many homeless, and without the barest of necessities. The words "I lost everything" can be heard over and over again. One in five Americans was impacted by the damaging force of Sandy it could have happened to you. You can help people affected by disasters like Superstorm Sandy by making a financial gift to support IOCC's US Emergency Response Fund. Our life-saving work depends on the support of people like you. The power of your donation is far reaching helping save lives, alleviate suffering and sharing God's love. Please help our neighbors in need, both near and far today! There are so many families struggling in the cold and dark. Show how much you care by making a gift now! Your brother in Christ, Constantine M. Triantafilou Executive Director and CEO International Orthodox Christian Charities

3 THIS WEEK HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Thursday, November 22, 2012 ST. KATHERINE THE GREAT MARTYR NAME DAY CELEBRATION Saturday & Sunday, November 24 & 25, 2012 The Rev. Fr. George P. Vlahos and the St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Burlington, North Carolina, have invited our St. Barbara parish to join them in the Commemoration of the Name Day of their Patron Saint, St. Katherine the Great Martyr. Saturday, November 24, 2012 Vespers Service with Artoklasia, 6:00 p.m. Fellowship will follow the service Sunday, November 25, 2012 Feast of St. Katherine the Great Martyr Orthros, 9:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Artoklasia, 10:30 a.m. Luncheon after Divine Liturgy The Rev. Fr. George P. Vlahos St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church 2150 West Front Street, Burlington, NC HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS' THANKSGIVING MESSAGE Thanksgiving 2012 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18 My beloved ones, this Thanksgiving, I am in Jerusalem and Bethlehem with a group of pilgrims, where we give thanks to God and pray for all of you, that He will grant His mercy to all of us and bring peace to our world. In this spirit, and with grateful joy, I join you as you gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is a wonderful opportunity to take time from our busy lives to be grateful, to offer thanks to Almighty God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Especially in the Holy Land, we pray for the people of this place, that they turn to God for the solutions to the strife and misunderstandings. My beloved ones, Thanksgiving is a profoundly Christian holiday because it reminds us that God is the true source of all our blessings. Indeed, we have so much to be grateful for, that we should be particularly fervent in thanking God. It is God who gives us the most important gift of all, the gift of life, as we live our lives in gratitude for all His bountiful blessings. Especially at Thanksgiving, while we enjoy all the blessings that we have received, we should not forget those who are in need, the sick, those who are in pain or suffering from mental illness, the lonely, the bereaved and the homeless. As we celebrate our gratitude to God this year, let us strive to recognize Christ in each other and especially those who are in need. Let us love and serve one another as we would love and serve the Lord Himself, and let His spirit illuminated all that we do. As we give thanks to God, I pray that His goodness fill our lives with abundant love and grace. On this Day of Thanksgiving, may you be surrounded by the love and joy of friends and family, and let us prepare ourselves to receive the greatest gift, the Birth of Love, our Incarnate Lord. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with God s blessings, I remain Paternally yours, +ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta

4 NEXT WEEK NEXT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2012 THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF LUKE The Rich Young Ruler BISHOP-ELECT GREGORY OF NYSSA TO BE ORDAINED TO THE EPISCOPACY Tuesday, November 27, 2012 JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The Very Rev. Archimandrite Gregory (Tatsis) was elected Diocesan Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA, with the title of Bishop of Nyssa, by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on August 30, His Grace Bishop-Elect Gregory traveled to the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the end of October for the official ceremonies of announcement and acceptance, known as Mikro and Mega Minima. He will be ordained to the Episcopacy by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America on November 27, 2012, at Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Concelebrating with the Archbishop will be hierarchs from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. Following the Ordination to the Episcopacy, His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America will enthrone the new Bishop as the fourth Ruling Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA. The Diocesan Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is located at 300 Garfield Street in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Read the Press Release issued upon his election St. Andrew, St. Andrew Cathedral, Patras, Greece, the site of his martyrdom ST. ANDREW, THE FIRST CALLED VESPERAL LITURGY Thursday, November 29, :00 p.m. v POINSETTIAS TO DECORATE ST. BARBARA ORDER FORM Deadline for Orders Next Sunday, November 25, 2012 Name: Phone #: Please Print Names - In Memory of (M) or - For the Health of (H): $15.00 each # Ordered x $15.00 Amount Owed Please return forms to Vicky Stephens. Make check payable to: Philoptochos Society

5 PLAN TO ATTEND THE COMEDY EVENT OF THE YEAR BASILE & IN CONCERT Saturday, December 1, 2012 "The Basile Comedy Show promises to truly be a highlight-of-the-year event!! Basile is genuinely funny, and he's particularly looking forward to performing in the Triangle area. If a parishioner of St. Barbara is not able to attend the show, the Basile Concert committee kindly requests that in lieu of attending, that a $25 sponsorship be given to help defray expenses and optimize our fundraising goal. Those contributing will be listed in the program distributed that evening under the heading "Event Sponsors". Any questions, contact Helen PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Poinsettias for the Christmas holiday season are on sale. Please get your order form at the bookstore. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, November 25 Sunday, December 2 - Please plan to stay after Liturgy and decorate for the Christmas season. Monday, December 3 - Philoptochos will host the coffee hour following the Great Vespers for the Feast of Saint Barbara Saturday, December 8 - Christmas Charity Dinner hosted by Maria Frangakis, 4:00 PM at the home of Crist and Maria. Sunday, December 16 - Philoptochos will host the coffee hour for Sunday School students and Santa Clause will visit us! Please look for the Salvation Army Giving Tree during the month of November and sponsor a child for Christmas. The Greek Orthodox Ladies' Philoptochos Society is the right arm of the church. The Society's main mission is philanthropy and community outreach. All Orthodox women 18 years of age or older who are members of the parish are invited to join our Philoptochos Chapter. Evelyn Zehia, St. Barbara Philoptochos Chapter President

6 COMING SOON PHILOPTOCHOS CHRISTMAS ANGELS FOR CHILDREN Deadline: Sunday, December 2, 2012 The Annual Philoptochos Christmas Angels for Children are available for all Parishioners in the Church Book Store. Please take an Angel and provide a child with a Christmas gift. The Angels have the children's sizes listed with their age. There is also a Dream Gift section. This is exactly what it says, a dream for that particular child. You DO NOT HAVE to purchase the dream gift, it is OPTIONAL. If you do purchase a DREAM GIFT, the Philoptochos will reimburse you 60% of the purchase price up to $ You must provide a copy of your receipt to either Joan Marinos or Catherine Constantinou. PLEASE DELIVER YOUR GIFT UNWRAPPED. THE GIFTS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE CHURCH ON SUNDAY DE- CEMBER 2, PLEASE TIE YOUR ANGEL TO THE UN- WRAPPED GIFT BAG. The gifts will be delivered later that week. If you have questions, please contact Catherine Constantinou, , catherine.constantinou@yahoo.com. Thank You for Generosity for these children. THE NATIVITY FAST Through Thursday, December 24, 2012 St. Barbara, St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Orange, CT. ST. BARBARA THE GREAT MARTYR NAME DAY CELEBRATION GREAT VESPERS Monday, December 3, :00 p.m. Philoptochos will host the Coffee Hour following Great Vespers. St. Nicholas, Serbian fresco MATINS & DIVINE LITURGY Tuesday, December 4, :00 a.m. St. Barbara, the Protector of Miners, Romanian FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS, BISHOP OF MYRA MATINS & DIVINE LITURGY AHEPA NEWS Thursday, December 6, :00 a.m. Members of our local AHEPA chapter wish to express our sincerest THANK YOU to the parishioners and community of our St. Barbara Church Parish for attending the AHEPA sponsored dinner - dance last Saturday, November 10, and thereby supporting our outreach and scholarship programs. In addition, we are grateful to all who attended the Coffee Hour after Church last Sunday, November 11, and thus joined us in observing VETERANS DAY and saying "thank you" to all veterans and active duty personnel of our Armed Forces.

7 HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN ALEXIOS MESSAGE ON HURRICANE SANDY Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior Isaiah 43:1-3 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I greet you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying that our journey through the Nativity season will be a time of peace and blessings for our Metropolis of Atlanta family. It seems almost incredible that the Northeast, especially New Jersey and New York have been devastated by a massive hurricane, second in destruction only to Hurricane Katrina, which hit New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. At the time, we were appalled by the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, which was the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Even in the midst of destruction, we saw God s Providence, and signs of hope. Who can forget the generous and swift response of our brothers and sisters in Christ? His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios has designated Sunday November 11, 2012 as a day of prayer and offering on behalf of the victims of Hurricane Sandy. All parishes are asked to designate a special collection for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund. These funds should be sent to the Archdiocese. Relief efforts will be coordinated through the National Philoptochos, the Metropolis of New Jersey, the Direct Archdiocesan District and other local, state and national efforts that provide direct assistance to those in need. I know that we were shocked and grieved by the catastrophe of Hurricane Sandy, yet now we have the opportunity to respond to those who helped us before. I know that I can count on you, the Clergy and Faithful of our Holy Metropolis of Atlanta and your generous and faithful response to those in need. Our brothers and sisters in the Northeast need our assistance and support, whether financial, material, emotional, or spiritual. The problems and difficulties of our suffering brothers and sisters are almost overwhelming, and we must pray that Almighty God will give us the wisdom, strength and resources to help them. As we look forward to the beginning of Advent and our preparations for the Holy Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, let us resolve to Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13) I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to open our hearts to receive His grace and love, and to guide us and enlighten us as we seek to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. +ALEXIOS Metropolitan of Atlanta ST. BARBARA STEWARDS 2012 As of November 11, 2012, the 113 parish families listed below have completed and turned in a Pledge Card for Alec & Frances Alexiades Angelica Anastos Alexander & Laurel Arapoglou William & Donna Athas Nicholas & Eugenia Balafas Rita Balaban Lance & Maria (Marinos) Barton Rev. Fr. James & Anne Berends Barbara Bonfiglio Nick Bourbous Stan J. Bukowski Andrew & Connie Bush Spyridoula Capetanos George & Sophie Carr Gordan & Sophia Caudle Andrew & Cheryl Christakos Art Christakos Lia Christakos George & Ellen Christon George & Erie Cocolas Catherine Constantinou John Constantinou Lou Constantinou Marie Council Betty Dorton Frances Eliadis John Eliadis Laurice Ferris Christ & Maria Frangakis Stephan Frangakis Nick Galifianakis Socratis & Aliki Gerondelis Jim & Evy Glekas Christopher Goodwin Leonard & Elaine Goodwin James Grinias Ezana Hailu & Hirut Hailemeskel Craig & Alexandra Henriquez Pamela Goodwin Hoke Danny & Isabel Kalmanides Rali Makros Kalfas Antonios & Claire Karamalegos Tom & Zoe Kash Wendy & Chris Katsiagianis Burt & Glenna Keener Jim & Christi Kleoudis Gus & Karen Kolias Dr. & Mrs. Christopher Kontos Kenneth & Karen Korach Helen Koutouzakis Lee & Pauline Kuyper Tom & Liz Leech Helen V. Leontis Elizabeth Livanos George Livanos Sophie Livas Paul & Melanie Lockett Mr. & Mrs. John C. Manuel Alex Mariakakis Johnny & Catherine Mariakakis Pete & Joan Marinos Tyler McElligott Victoria McGovern John & Mary Jon McWhirter Matthew& Tina Megaro Martha Melts Curtis & Alexis Mitchell Aurel Motioc Florin & Livia Motioc Stella Mousmoules Alina & Liviu Nicoara Joanne Nikides Hope & Larry Odzak Cindy Paliouras James & Helen C. Paliouras Nicholas Paliouras John & Dena Paliouras Peter & Evelyn Panos Yuri Panov & Elena Eliseeva Costas & Kristina Pantermakis Ioannis Papanikas Kleanthis & Angelika Papanikas Sam & Patricia Papnikas Matina Papazoglou Michael & Dena Papazoglou Ted and Theky Pappas George Pashales Joseph & Pauline Podgurski Budd & Viki Radovich Stephanie & Christopher Rook Charles and Helen Roupas Al & Christine Safarikas Ross Sauve Brannon & Melissa Glyptis Simpson Alexandra Allison Soule Mr. & Mrs. Matt Stavrakakis Eleni Christakos & Rick Steadman Vicky & Epiphany Stephens Bill & Joanne Sunas Ernest & Marian Sunas Donna Trohanis Mary Trohanis Lou & Marilyn Tsipis Thelma & Lewis Voultos James & Frances Vurnakes Demetra Vlachos & Alexa Waters Michael D. Waters Jacques & Christine Watters Catherine & Preston Wilson Tracy Nikki Wilson Robert & Robbie Wippich Eleftherios & Kathryn Xixis Tony & Evelyn Zehia Christina Zehia Total Dollars Pledged $206,771.00

8 ST. BARBARA OFFICE HOURS St. Barbara office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday Office Volunteer - Evelyn Panos Tuesday Office Volunteer - Liz Leech Wednesday Office Volunteer - Karen Korach Thursday Office Volunteer - Alexia Reinhardt Friday Office Volunteer - Helen Paliouras Father Stavroforos is available by appointment: Please Father Stavroforos at fatherstavroforos2012@gmail.com to schedule your appointment. PARISH NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Please have all parish news and announcements to Glenna Keener by Thursday morning for publication in the next Sunday s bulletins glennakeener@nc.rr.com ST. BARBARA MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT OCTOBER 2012 Treasurer s Report Income Expenses +/ Budget (12 Months) $425, $425, $ 0.00 October Actual $ 32, $ 32, $ YTD Actual (10 months) $292, $361, $69, THE PRESIDENT S CORNER Parish Council Meeting Highlights Wednesday, November 7, 2012 A Comedy night with Basile is December 1 at the Holy Trinity Social Hall in Raleigh. Tickets are now on sale. Please contact a Parish Council member or Helen Paliouras to purchase tickets. Time is running out. We need everyone s support to make this event a success. The October Taste of Greece has yielded $11,545 net to date. We still expect more invoices to be paid. Thanks to everyone for his or her hard work during this event. Cell Tower negotiations with Sprint are ongoing to secure an increased monthly rental fee to compensate our church for the additional land needed for a retainment basin. The City of Durham is progressing with final approvals. Approved motion All Non-stewardship gifts/donations must be processed through the Parish Council to ensure suitability for Church usage according to the currently existing guidelines. Approved motion The offer made by the Safarikas family for the design and installation of a new website was accepted, subject to all stipulations that the Parish Council and the Presiding Priest have the administrative responsibility of appointing, overseeing all appropriate personnel needed, and approving the content displayed on the new website. We extend our gratitude to the Safarikas family for the kind offer of their time, effort, talent and treasure for our community. The next Parish General Assembly is scheduled for Sunday, November 18, Alec Alexiades, Parish Council President Icon above: Good & Faithful Servant, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Wilmington, NC Stewardship YTD YTD Budget Pledged Collected $269, $206, $178,716.00