M a y / Ju n e

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1 Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church Inside this issue: Spiritual Message 1 Stewardship 3 Abbott Tryphon 5 Pascha Photos 6 News/Events 7 Youth Ministry 11 Service Schedule 13 Monthly Calendar 14 Petra News A ministry and monthly publication of Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church. Supported by the stewards of the parish. Petra News M a y / Ju n e The Gift of the Holy Spirit: God Has a Plan for You I indeed baptize you with water, but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. St Luke 3:16 St. John the Baptist is pointing to Christ as the coming Messiah. The prophecy of St. John describes the baptismal gift of Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, which we will celebrate on Sunday, May 27, Christ poured out the Spirit upon His followers. Pentecost was one of the major feasts of the Jews (a harvest festival celebrated 50 days after Passover). It was a feast of joy and thanksgiving for God s protection and His rich provisions. The first fruits of the wheat harvest and loaves baked from the new wheat crop were offered to the Lord. The Jewish people thanked God for His great acts of deliverance and His gift of the Promised Land. It was on this festival of Pentecost (50 days after the Resurrection) that God gave humanity the gift of the Spirit, the pledge of a new Promised Land, which is God s Kingdom. The reading on Pentecost Sunday, Book of Acts 2:1-11, shares the phenomenon of tongues, as of fire, fulfills the prophecy of St. John the Baptist. The disciples would become apostles on Pentecost Sunday, and praise God in many languages for all the people who had come to Jerusalem. The Apostles and the early Christians prepared for the coming of the Holy Spirit. How can we, the parish family of Sts. Peter & Paul, prepare for the outpouring of the Spirit? What is God s plan for our parish? Pentecost celebrates the Lord s bestowal of the Spirit upon His church. Pentecost is also a feast of the Holy Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Trinity is One God in Three Persons, existing eternally and working together for the salvation of the world. Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Spirit to the world. What is the Holy Spirit? The word Spirit, (Greek Pneuma) in the Bible literally means wind and signifies the breath of God creating and renewing all things. In the New Testament the Spirit is called by many titles such as Spirit, Holy Spirit, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of Holiness, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Life, Spirit of Adoption, and Paraclete, which means comforter, or advocate. All these names signify the power of God at work in the crea-

2 P a g e 2 The Gift of the Holy Spirit: God Has a Plan for You The Holy Spirit is the divine power working in the life of the Church. What is the Church? The church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The life of the Church, its sacraments, ministries, and fruits of salvation are energized by the power of the Spirit. tion, redemption and salvation of the world. The Holy Spirit is the gift of the new age dawning in Christ. A sign that Christ was the Messiah was His anointment by the fullness of the Spirit. Pentecost is the anointing of the Church by the outpouring of the Spirit, inaugurating the ages of renewal and universal mission. The Holy Spirit is the divine power working in the life of the Church. What is the Church? The church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The life of the Church, its sacraments, ministries, and fruits of salvation are energized by the power of the Spirit. St. Symeon the New Theologian, who lived in the 11th century, was a zealous herald of new birth by the grace of the Holy Spirit. According to St. Symeon, each Christian receives the Spirit like a divine fire at baptism but often covers up this inner spiritual treasure with the darkness of many sins by the time he or she is an adult. A Christian must turn to Christ for a new seal of the Spirit through repentance, forgiveness and faithful observance of God s commandments. A Christian can again experience the new life of the Apostles. A Christian can experience in the proper way, being born from above, (John 3:16), being granted the Holy Spirit anew and being baptized a second time by the Spirit as a Child of God. St. Paul reminds us in his epistle to the Galatians (5:22-26), the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and what we must do, who belong to Christ, to the old and sinful human nature. On Pentecost Sunday, we receive God s plan. One of the most solemn acts of worship during the whole liturgical year, is the Service of Kneeling, which we will celebrate at the end of the Divine on Pentecost Sunday. We prayerfully kneel before God recognizing our sinfulness. On bended knees, we pray for God s forgiveness. The prayers of the Kneeling service ask for God s visitation, protection and renewal through fresh outpourings of the Spirit. God had a plan when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to earth. His plan was our salvation from sin and death. Our Risen Lord had a plan when He chose His Disciples, empowered them with the Holy Spirit, and sent them to all nations to proclaim God s Gospel and make new disciples. The faithful of Sts. Peter Paul have received God s plan to be good and faithful evangelists, and not only preserve the Orthodox Christian Faith, but grew the Faith. When you come to Church on Pentecost Sunday (May 27), keep in mind God s vision for you. Come to church on Pentecost Sunday with an open heart to God s plan for His Church to commit our lives to Him through unceasing prayer, godly piety, and a Christian example, and to become faithful disciples of His Church. This is not easy. Christians will struggle, but we are never alone. St. Paul called the Christians in his letters saints. You are called to become a saint. The word saint, (Greek aghios ) means that we are set apart for God s work, and have received God s plan to rise above our earthy material existence and be transformed. Open your hearts to God this Pentecost, and allow the Holy Spirt to change your life, doing the will of God, proclaiming the Good News of Salvation. Father Jordan P a g e 2

3 Stewardship Report Stewardship Number of % of Gift Level Stewards Stewards 0- $ % $501- $1, % $1,001 - $1, % $1,501 - $3, % $3,001 - $5, % $5,001 - $7, % $7,501 - $20, % Total % $500 $501- $1,000 $1,001 - $1, $1,501 - $3, $3,001 - $5,000 0 $5,001 - $7,500 4 $7,501 - $20, Total number of Stewards Total number of Stewards Total Stewardship Pledges $211, Total Stewardship Goal for $287, Total Stewardship Pledges $173,527 How are we doing? - As of April 22, We have 106 stewards who - That pays the Church's operating - Would you consider paying for a 6. Total Remaining to 2018 $114, Average Gift 2017 (Full $1, Average Gift 2018 = $1, Median Gift 2017 (Full $1, Median Gift 2018 = $700 Remaini ng to Goal $114,04 1 Pledged $173,52 7 P a g e 3

4 List of Stewards Anastas, Christie & Emil Andrusko, Gaynel Artemis, A.M. Artemis, Chris & Nancy Artemis, Harry Artemis, Steve & Marybeth Ashmun, Joanne Azar, Jim & Devyn Azar, Tony & Rimona Barbu, Ileana & McDonald, Thomas Brown, Fr. Jordan & Pres. Marika Brown, Kiki Callas, Steve & Joanne Catechi, Debbie Cheronis, Dion & Alekie Christopher, Chris & Georgia Conis, Pete & Lynda Dageenakis, Anthony & Linda Dageenakis, John & Elayne DeGeorge, Tony & Rola Devecka, Denise & Michael Dinsmore, David Dotson, Presbytera Kedrann Doukas, Antonios & Toni Doukas, George Dzilvelis, John & Sharon Dzilvelis, Steven & Ashley Egeberg, Angela & David Elias, Eric & Keity Gall, Dana Garcia, Mary Garrity, Jane Geerdes, Bruce & Andreatta Gehmeyr, Michael & Bakalis, Olympia Georgis, Maria Georgis, Steve and Yoana Gerakos, Lee & Erica Ghazzawi, Laila Glasener, Gary & Robin Glavinas, Elias & Georgia Gregory, Brian Haratsaris, Philip & Jennifer Huskey, Oliver & Melanie Jacky, Tom & Tamsin Kallan, Nick & Danielle Kapatayes, Gaby & Odeta Kapatayes, Nuha Karis, Sandy & Nick Kelly, John & Mary Kolias, Aristotle & Theodora Kolovos, Michael & Youli Korban, Jesse Krol, Effie & Rick Kurtz, Kevin & Susan Lymberopoulos, Mary Melonakis, Mathew Melonakis, Terry & Nena Merrill, John & Toula Mills, Mary & Mark Nader, Jacques & Amanda Nolte, Melina Pagratis, Chris Pagratis, Kostas & Erinn Pagratis, Maria Panas, Jim & Frannie Pappageorge, George Pappas, David Pappas, George & Charleen Pappas, Nick Pappas, Nick & Joanna Johnson Pappas, William Patas, George & Mary Philoptochos Society Piper, Ted & Sophia Powers, Jim & Julie Psychogiou, Dimitra & Elmiger, Christian Saliba, George Sammoury, Tony & Christiane Sampson, Earl Sarris, Juli Serougi, Eissa & Samira Serougi, Sam & Adma Skodras, Nick Skodras, Voula Soderberg, Liz & Kurt Soulakis, Manuel & Candice Stamus, Peter & Cynthia Swiszcz, Paul & Marose-Swiszcz, Jan Tatusko, Kirk & Lisa Theodosis, Anthoula Tinsley, Dean & Dena Torrence, Pam Troicky, Alex & Lis Tsiouvaras, George & Nicole Tsiouvaras, Nick & Christine Vlachos, Dean & Janice Vlachos, Virginia Voris, Angelos Wall, Aaron & Viktoria Welker, Julie & David Yakyma, Alex Zarifa, Sonia Zaronias, Dimitrios & Diangy Zissimos, Jim & Sheila Zwierzynski, Zoe P a g e 4

5 On the Necessity of Christian Friendships In this age where secularism is on the rise, and materialism has become a major distraction from spiritual pursuits, Christian friendship has never been more important. The pursuit of personal fulfillment, entertainment, worldly pleasure, and the acquisition of material goods, has become the dominant theme of our age. Families that once placed the life of the Church as the center of their week, have drifted away from God. Having made idols of worldly pleasures and pursuits, their family life has become focused on transitory goals, leaving them in a state of spiritual bankruptcy. Parents who once brought their children to the temple, having lost their own way, watch those children stray far from faith. Centered on worldly pursuits, we ve allowed our spiritual life to be displaced by things that are transitory in nature, no longer thinking on the things of God. Our spiritual illness has infected our youth like a virus, leaving them with little to sustain them, when times get tough. The economic, political, and social instability of our age demands that we be spiritually fit, yet we give our youth virtually nothing that will help them through the hardships ahead. The terrible storms that have destroyed whole town in the Midwest, appear to be just the beginning of what many scientists see as our future, yet we continue on a path that remains focused on material gain, and personal fulfillment. Hardly the elements that can sustain the human heart during disasters, or terrible personal loss. The life of a Christian has never been easy, but in an age that is proving to be hostile towards the things of God, Christian friendship is all the more important. We need each other. We need encouragement that Christian friendship can give us, as we face a world that has rejected Christ. The unity we have when we receive the Body and Blood of the Savior, during each and every celebration of the Divine, gives us strength to withstand whatever may be coming. When all else has failed, and our culture, economy, and material world has fallen into ruin, only faith will have the power to sustain us. It is only our faith, supported and strengthened by our fellowship in Christ, that will have the lasting power to keep us from falling into despair, as our world enters into a darkness that will seem unconquerable. Hiding from the reality of a world that has lost it s way, will in no wise make the future brighter. Lifting each other up, as we share our faith in the Christ Who came to make all things new, is the only hope we have. Let us not waste this life God has given us, but let us move forward in faith, together, knowing that ultimately, the gates of hell will not prevail against those who love God. With love in Christ, Abbot Tryphon, All Merciful Savior Monastery, Vashon Island P a g e 5

6 Photos from Pascha 2018 Petra News Page 6

7 Philoptochos P a g e 7

8 News & Events Wednesday Morning Bible Study The Wednesday Morning Bible Study will meet in during the month of May. Class begins at 10 am and lasts for one hour. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please join us as we strive to apply prayer and scripture to our spiritual life, working to grow closer to God. The Bible Study will focus on the readings of the Resurrection, Pentecost and Ascension. This is a great opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the Great Feasts of our Lord, and how it applies to our every day life. Meeting times: May 2, 16, 23 & 30 June 6 *Bible Study will resume in August* Adult Education: Orthodox Christian Faith Classes Are you interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Church? Do you have a desire to become an Orthodox Christian? Beginning in September, 2018, Father Jordan will be leading a 10 part series on the Orthodox Church. The Classes will be offered at 7 pm, Wednesday evenings, September through December. Here are a few of the topics that will be offered: Prayer and Fasting, The Holy Trinity, Divine : Presence of Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, Sacraments: The Hands of Jesus. If you are interested in the Orthodox Church, and have a desire to grow in the faith, please contact Father Jordan at frjordanbrown@gmail.com or Summer Church Cleaning Day Saturday, June 23, 10 am - 1 pm We need your help! Please mark your calendar, and come help take care of your church. One hour makes a huge difference. Our young people will out of school. Our goal is to prepare the church for the upcoming Feast Day. We need workers for the inside and outside. Please sign up with Presbytera Kedrann. Thank you Dome Dedication Service The Parish of Sts Peter Paul has reached a huge milestone with the completion of the dome and cross. On Sunday, June 10, we will go outside for a special blessing of the dome and cross. Sts. Peter Paul Feast Day Celebration We will celebrate our Parish Feast Day on Friday, June 29. The Divine will begin at 9:30 am (Orthros 8:30 am). There will be parish Feast Day Fish Lunch immediately following services. P a g e 8

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10 News & Events 15 th Annual Boulder Greek Festival September 7-9, 2018 Planning is underway for our 15 th annual festival. If you would like to be involved in the planning, please contact Nicole Tsiouvaras, or Nick Karis, We are looking for people to head up the following areas: Advertising: coordinate radio & print ads, update festival website and facebook page, etc Communications: write newsletter articles, bulletin inserts, etc Electrical Set-Up: ensure adequate, balanced power to meet festival needs Set-Up: oversee set up of tents, tables, chairs, etc during the week of the festival Pastries: oversee baking of pastries, set up and operation of pastry booth Cleaning Crew (during festival): oversee cleaning of seating area, grounds, trash & recycling containers, porta-potties Café (coffee): oversee the set-up and operation of the coffee booth Parking: see Nicole Kids Activities: see Nick Karis Ticket Counting (post-festival): collect tickets from all booths during the festival, count them P a g e 1 0

11 News Youth & Events Sunday School Update Spring is here and our Sunday school year is almost over! Our last day of class will be May 6. On May 13 we will celebrate our students and showcase some of their projects. We will also be honoring our seniors and their graduation. I hope all our students and their parents can be there! Please also mark your calendars for our end-of-year pool party on June 3. Thank you to all of our teachers for your hard work. And thank you to parents and parishioners for your support. Sunday School End of the Year Pool Party - June 3 All Sunday school children and parents are invited for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. The pool party and BBQ will take place after Sunday services. Bring summer clothes, bathing suit / towel, appetite & smile! Location: Home of Dena & Dean Tinsley Chilton Place, Broomfield Parish Family Hike - June 9 th 8:30 am Our first parish family hike of the summer will take place on Saturday, June 9. The hike is for everyone! We will meet at 8:30 am, at the Dunkin Donuts (28th Street). We will be hiking the Sanitas / Dakota Ridge Trail. Bring comfortable walking shoes and water. Parish Family Retreat - July Hot Sulphur Springs, Prophet Elias Chapel Father Jordan will be leading a trip to Hot Sulphur Springs for the Feast of the Prophet Elias. We will be leaving early Thursday morning, and travel first to Grand Lake (lunch, hiking, shopping in the town of Grand Lake). There will be services celebrated at the chapel of the Prophet Elias, July 20. Please contact Father Jordan with any questions and hotel information. Parish Family Hike August 4 th, 8:30 am Everyone is welcome! The family hikes are for everyone! We will be meeting at Moe s Broadway Bagel ( th Street), at 8:30 am. We will carpool to the Sanitas Trail (4th & Mapleton). Bring water and comfortable walking shoes. IOCC Pan - Orthodox 5k Run / Walk & Picnic - Saturday, August 25, 8 am St Catherine Greek Orthodox Church, Greenwood Village Sunday School & Youth Workers Retreat - Saturday, August 25, 2 pm - 5 pm One of the most important and vital church ministries is ministering to our youth. On Saturday, August 25, Sts Peter Paul will host an afternoon retreat with the focus of ministering to the youth. We invite all Sunday school teachers and youth workers to participate in this retreat. If you have a calling to serve the youth, please visit with our Sunday school Director, Bruce Geerdes or Father Jordan. There will be a special retreat master. Details TBA. Sunday School Kick-off Party - Sunday, August 26, 12:30 pm On Sunday, August 26, the children of Sts. Peter Paul will visit with their Sunday School teachers. This will be a wonderful opportunity for children, especially our new students, to meet their teachers. We will kick-off this special Sunday with a BBQ and pool party at the home of Fr Jordan & Presbytera Marika (7793 Essex Place, Boulder (720) ). P a g e 1 1

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13 Schedule of Services Paraclesis Service Wednesday, May 2, 6 pm St. Isidoros Monday, May 14 8 am Orthros 9 am Divine Pentecost Sunday Sunday, May 27 Leave-Taking Pascha & Ascension Wednesday, May 16 Orthros 5 pm Divine 6 pm Sts. Constantine & Helen Monday, May 21 Orthros 8:15 am Divine 9:30 am Kneeling (immediately following the Divine ) Week of May 27 - June 3 Fast Free Paraclesis Service Wednesday, May 30, 6 pm The Apostles Fast begins (June 4-29) Monday, June 4 Paraclesis Service Wednesday, June 6, 6 pm Orthros 5 pm Divine 6 pm Feast Day Sts. Peter Paul Friday, June 29 Paraclesis Service Wednesday, May 23, 6 pm Saturday of the Souls Saturday, May 26 Orthros 7 am Divine 8 am Orthros 8:30 am Divine 9:30 am Luncheon 11 am P a g e 1 3

14 May 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Shaded Days = Fasting Days Visit oarch.org for specific fasting criteria 1 7p Men s Fellowship Dinner 2 10a Bible Study 6p Paraclesis p Readers 6 8:15a Orthros p Readers 13 Mothers Day 8:15a Orthros Sunday School Showcase Mothers Luncheon 20 8:15a Orthros 11:30a General Assembly 27 Pentecost 8:15a Orthros 11a Kneeling 14 St. Isidoros 9a Divine 6:30p Parish Council Meeting 21 Sts. Constantine & Helen 6p Divine 28 Memorial Day Leave-taking Of Pascha 10a Bible Study 6p Divine for the Ascension a Bible Study 6p Paraclesis a Bible Study 6p Paraclesis 17 Ascension p Readers Saturday of Souls 8a Divine & Memorial Service 5p Great 31

15 June 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Shaded Days = Fasting Days Visit oarch.org for specific fasting criteria 1 6:30p Philoptochos Social Event 2 5p Great 3 8:15a Orthros 12:30p Sunday School Pool Party 4 Apostles Fast Begins a Bible Study 6p Paraclesis a Family Hike 5p Great 10 8:15a Orthros 11a Dome Cross Dedication 11 6:30p Parish Council Meeting p Readers Vespesrs 17 Father s Day 8:15a Orthros a Parish Clean-Up Day 5p Reader s 24 8:15a Orthros Sts. Peter & Paul 8:30a Orthros 11a Feastday Lunch 30 5p Readers

16 Sts. Peter & Paul Orthodox Church The mission of Sts. Peter and Paul is to be a beacon of Orthodox Christian spirituality in the greater Boulder area. Our diverse church family encompasses many converts to the Faith, as well as Greek, Arab, Romanian, Serbian, and Russian Orthodox members. We strive together to live our Orthodox Christian Faith by having a devoted prayer life, through fasting and almsgiving, and by participating regularly in the services and Sacraments of the Holy Orthodox Church. We welcome everyone to visit our parish to experience the ancient forms of worship that existed in the early centuries of the Christian Church - which we continue to practice unchanged today. Please take a moment to look through our website to learn more about our parish and our Faith, and if you have any questions, feel free to call Fr. Jordan at Sts. Peter & Paul Greek Orthodox Church 5640 Jay Rd. Boulder, CO 80301