TRANSaGRAM. Philoptochos Literacy Project GOYANS PITCHING IN! IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2

Transcription

1 June/July/August 2016 Monthly / Issue No. 6 TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor Philoptochos Literacy Project GOYANS PITCHING IN! by Amanda Apostolou James and Eddie Hastings, sons of Angela and Jeff Hastings, sophomores at Groton Dunstable Regional High School, organized a collection of children s books from students at their high school to donate to the Philoptochos Literacy Project. A big thank you to both of them and all the parishioners who contributed books for this project, whether it was donating used books or buying and donating new books at the table set up during fellowship hour. Literacy Day took place on Friday, June 10 at the C.W. Morey Elementary School in Lowell. Children K-4 had the opportunity to choose five newto-them books to take home in their special book bag. IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2 Living in Light and Life PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 3 President s Report, Treasurer s Report, Stewardship Report, and Parish Council Report EVENTS & OUTREACH page 5 Graduate Sunday, Golf Outing, Ministry Award Recipients PARISH GROUPS page 10 Philoptochos, Choir, Youth Ministry, and Sunday School CHURCH INFORMATION page 20 How to contact the church and who to contact, Parish Council member names and contact information CALENDAR pages Regular and special services, sacraments, and church events COVER PHOTO BY: ANGELA HASTINGS See pages for highlights from the PAGE 1

2 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 FROM FATHER TOM Living in Light and Life LIVING IN THE BRIGHT HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION By Fr. Thomas Chininis During the month of June this year the Church celebrates the feasts of Ascension of our Lord and Pentecost. The celebration of both of these feasts is dependent upon the feast of all feasts, Pascha. As we continue to greet one another with the joyous proclamation, Christ is Risen we do so with eyes and hearts filled with the never waning light of Christ. This is the light guiding our footsteps as we navigate through life in this world. Each one of us faces challenges to our physical and spiritual health. We are constantly bombarded by the darkness of the Evil One. We are annually reminded of two things at Pascha. First, that with Christ, the Light and Life of the world, our lives always have hope. This is what our faith provides us. As St. John tells us in his Universal Epistle, God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 Jn 1:5) No matter how dimly lit our life may seem; no matter how far we seem from the light; no matter how alone we may feel or how much we may despair, Christ, the light of the world, is with us. He offered Himself for us upon the cross and took upon himself all that could lead us to this despair. This is not because He died, but because He destroyed the eternal darkness of the tomb by His Resurrection. This leads us to the second point. There is a change in our perspective of life. Before the resurrection we viewed this world from life to death. Following His resurrection we find in the empty tomb a new perspective. In the Gospel of John, in the passage traditionally read at funeral services, we are told that our view of life is now different, we have passed from death to life. (Jn 5:24) This is reiterated in the Paschal hymns, especially the most well known hymn, Christ is Risen. The hymn ends with the words, He has granted life to those in the tombs ingraining in our being our new perspective on our existence, death to life. Also, the first Katavasia of Pascha clearly emphasizes the same point, For Christ, our God, has passed us, who sing the triumphal hymn from death to life and from earth to heaven. In fact, the word Pascha itself identifies this passing from death to life. Pascha means Passover. Easter, then, is the new Passover. The Old Testament event of Passover identifies how God saved the Jews as the spirit of death passes over the believers. In the new Passover, Pascha, death is not just passed over, but destroyed, bringing life through the Resurrection. Death to life. We now live in the bright hope of the Resurrection. In faith we no longer fear death, but look at it as a transition from one life to another. With our hearts still filled with this great joy and hope, and our eyes still fixed on the brightness of the Paschal Light, we witness and share in Christ s promise. And I will ask the Father to send to you the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. (Jn 14:26) For this to take place Christ must return to His Heavenly Father and so He ascends to heaven in a cloud. (Acts 1:9) He had already given us a great gift in His Body and Blood, the Eucharist, with a promise that we would be one with Him. To ensure that we continue to live in Him, our Heavenly Father establishes a community with the grace and authority to take this message to the whole world. With tongues of fire on Pentecost, the disciples, Christ s followers and students, become the apostles, those sent out to proclaim the message of God s saving grace, ~ His light and Life ~ that will carry each one of us, with all of our imperfections to His eternal kingdom. We no longer live from life to death but death to life. PAGE 2

3 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS President s Report by Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President Lowell Collegiate Charter School (LCCS) Scheduled Departure Well it's hard to believe 3 years have passed since the LCCS began. It feels like yesterday, yet it was three years ago that we spent July and August coordinating with construction crews and city and state inspectors for the opening of the Charter School. It came right down to the wire, Labor Day weekend, but we finalized the permits for the school s opening. Well now this July and August is like dejavu, since we ll be spending the summer once again coordinating the removal of the modulars and restoring the interior of the Church to its previous condition. Transfiguration church has played a huge and vital role in the education of over 300 inner city kids living right in the acre. As these young kids grow and become adults I hope they will look back fondly on the Transfiguration and their memories with us. May God Bless the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church PLEASE NOTE: Fr. Tom will be out of the office, attending the Clergy-Laity Congress July 4-8. Please contact the parish office in case of emergency. Treasurer s Report by Dean Proyous, Parish Council Treasurer ACCOUNT SUMMARY (AS OF MAY 31, 2016) Account Balance Altar Fund $2, Special Events Checking $46, General Checking $35, Kitchen & Hall Fund $243, Money Market Savings $200, Building Maintenance $7, Endowment Fund $8, Rental Account (restricted) $64, Youth Ministr y $6, Outreach Center $14, Account Totals: $630, If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. PAGE 3

4 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Stewardship Report THOSE THAT SEEK THE LORD SHALL NEVER BE IN WANT OF ANY GOOD THING by Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter Recently we received in the mail our stewardship offering statement. As always, please feel free to call the church office with any questions or concerns. We thank those stewards who have, in whatever way they have chosen, made a commitment to the needs of the church, whether it be through annual giving, monthly giving, weekly giving, or perhaps through an online giving program such as ParishPay. As summer approaches, and we enjoy the lazy, hazy days we sometimes neglect the fact that the church continues even though the Sunday School year comes to an end and the choir takes a hiatus. The bills continue to come, Vacation Church Camp plans are underway, the needy are still in need. Although we thank those who have made their commitment, many have not. This would be a great time to complete the enclosed stewardship information and forward it back to the church in the enclosed envelope. Please remember to think weekly as you pondered your pledge to the church. Of course, we are always very appreciative of an addition to an existing pledge. Our Stewardship of time, talent and treasure provides the foundation for the growth of our Parish Ministries. We need YOU! 2016 Stewardship May as of 5/31/16 Participating stewards 230 Total pledged $100,331 Received to date $73,505 Budgeted stewardship goal $185,000 Overall budgeted goal $285,000 Parish Council Report NOTES FROM THE MAY AND JUNE MEETINGS by Amanda Apostolou, Parish Council Secretary The council met on May 15 and June 12. Below are a few items that were discussed: May 15 meeting: The Kitchen and Hall Committee has chosen an architect to draft a plan to present to the parish. The parish council approved the use of estimated $1,500 to be used out of the Kitchen and Hall account to cover the architect fee of $70/hr. The Lafayette Club has committed 5 violations since the beginning of their lease, most recently replacing the Outreach Center sign with their own. Our lawyer, Phillip Eliopolous, sent a letter giving them 20 days to remedy or they will be in breach of their lease, and we will take further action. June 12 meeting: The Lafayette Club has addressed only 1 of the 5 violations that we asked them to fix. The council has decided to give them one additional week to comply. If they fail to do so, Phillip Eliopolous will send them a letter notifying that further action will be taken. On June 25, the school will begin stripping down the modular classrooms. National Grid will cut power beginning June 27. Christian will be onsite during the summer to oversee the transition and meet with city inspectors. The school s interior belongings will likely be here through the end of August. PAGE 4

5 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 TRANSFIGURATION 5TH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING SEPT 10 Trull Brook Golf Course, Tewksbury R A F F L E Tee Sponsor - $125 Hole Sponsor - $200 Raffle tickets - $10 each Laptop iphone 6s Smart TV The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church is once again holding its annual golf outing on Saturday, September 10, with the first tee time at 9:20 am. In addition to golf and dinner, we have three raffle items lined up for you, and hope you'll consider sponsoring a tee or hole to make this fundraiser a success. Golfer - $125 (Registration and sponsorship payment due August 20) Dinner guest only - $30 F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TAC T : Costas Tsioulis at costasusa@hotmail.com or PAGE 5

6 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 CHURCH EVENTS AND OUTREACH Graduate Sunday - High School Graduates By Patricia Mahoney PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS SOPHIA EXARHOPULOS DAUGHTER OF EFTHEMIA & SIMON EXARHOPULOS GRADUATED FROM LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL WILL ATTEND UMASS LOWELL SELECTED MAJOR: PSYCHOLOGY HONORS/ACTIVITIES: NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, STUDENT COUNCIL TREASURER, HOUSE OF HOPE VOLUNTEER, LOWELL TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER VOLUNTEER PARISH INVOLVEMENT: SUNDAY SCHOOL, GOYA SCHOLARSHIP: CRYSTAL LAGANAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP The Trans)iguration Philoptochos presented scholarships to five well deserving high school students from the Class of 2016 on Sunday, June 12 after Divine Liturgy. These scholarships were made possible through the generosity of members of our parish family. Sincerest thanks were extended to all of the donor families without whose support scholarships like this would not have been possible. Each recipient was awarded a scholarship of $500. In addition, each scholarship recipient received an additional $100 from the Dr. Christos Daoulas Endowment. This is the fourth year in succession the Daoulas Endowment has so generously remembered our high school seniors. In the spirit of thanks, we extend our gratitude and appreciation to the following members of the Scholarship Committee: Fr. Tom, Philoptochos President Ellen Dobi, Past President Soula Spaziani, Georgia Dristiliaris, Jill Laganas, Melanie Pappas, Olivia Sintros,and Yiota Simoglou. Each year they have demonstrated their love and caring for the future of the youth of the parish. All the graduates were congratulated on a job well done and wished the best of luck as they begin the next exciting chapter of their lives. OLIVIA ALEXANDRA GULEZIAN DAUGHTER OF SANDRA & MARC GULEZIAN GRADUATED FROM TYNGSBORO HIGH SCHOOL WILL ATTEND WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE SELECTED MAJOR: MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE HONORS/ACTIVITIES: NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY, SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY, CLASS VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT OF THE MONTH, OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS, ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 9-12, COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON FOR STUDENT SENATE, ROBOTICS CLUB, SINGING LESSONS, SENIOR SIDEKICK PARISH INVOLVEMENT: SUNDAY SCHOOL, GOYA, CHOIR, VACATION CHURCH CAMP COUNSELOR SCHOLARSHIP: PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIP PAGE 6

7 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS OLIVIA J. KORAVOS DAUGHTER OF BETH & CHARLIE KORAVOS GRADUATED FROM BISHOP GUERTIN HIGH SCHOOL WILL ATTEND FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY SELECTED MAJOR: ENGLISH/COMMUNICATIONS HONORS/ACTIVITIES: EDITOR SCHOOL NEWSPAPER, SCHOOL CHOIR, OUTREACH MINISTRY PROGRAMS PARISH INVOLVEMENT: SUNDAY SCHOOL, VACATION CHURCH CAMP, METROPOLIS OF BOSTON CAMP SCHOLARSHIP: SPERO C. TOURNAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 GRADUATES! ANDREW GEORGE METILINOS SON OF NICHOLAS & THE LATE SANDRA METILINOS GRADUATED FROM GREATER LOWELL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL WILL ATTEND MIDDLESEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE SELECTED MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE HONORS/ACTIVITIES: HONOR ROLL, CROSS COUNTRY, SWIM TEAM, KARATE, ROBOTICS CLUB PARISH INVOLVEMENT: SUNDAY SCHOOL, ALTAR SERVER, GRECIAN FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER, LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SCHOLARSHIP: DR. CHRISTOS DAOULAS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP NICHOLAS GEORGE REGAN SON OF DANA ELIOPOULOS REGAN GRADUATED FROM WESTFORD ACADEMY WILL ATTEND SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY SELECTED MAJOR: BUSINESS FINANCE HONORS/ACTIVITIES: PELL HONORS PROGRAM AT SALVE REGINA, VARSITY WRESTLING, VARSITY FOOTBALL, VARSITY GOLF, INTERNSHIP IN CHINA, TAUGHT ENGLISH TO CHINESE STUDENTS, INITIATED GOLF SHIRT DRIVE PARISH INVOLVEMENT: SUNDAY SCHOOL, ALTAR SERVER SCHOLARSHIP: CAVOURES FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP PAGE 7

8 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 CHURCH EVENTS AND OUTREACH (CONTINUED) Graduate Sunday - College and Advanced Degrees PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS MARINA APOSTOLOU GRADUATED FROM MERRIMACK COLLEGE DEGREE: MASTER OF EDUCATION HONORS: GRADUATED WITH A 4.0 GPA FUTURE PLANS: WILL FULFILL HER STUDENT TEACHING REQUIREMENT AT CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN CHELMSFORD BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER CHRISTOPHER CHININIS GRADUATED FROM TUFTS UNIVERSITY DEGREE: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ECONOMICS FUTURE PLANS: WILL INTERN THIS SUMMER WHILE SEEKING A FULL-TIME MARKETING POSITION. DN. JOHN VAPORIS GRADUATED FROM UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND DEGREE: MASTER OF LIBRARY SCIENCE HONORS: SUMMA CUM LAUDE Not pictured SONIA DOULAMIS GRADUATED FROM VIRGINIA TECH DEGREE: MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH HONORS: SUMMA CUM LAUDE FUTURE PLANS: HAS ACCEPTED A SUMMER POSITION WITH THE VIRGINIA TECH SPORTS NUTRITION DEPARTMENT, WHERE SHE HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO WORK WITH THE VIRGINIA TECH FOOTBALL TEAM AMELIA BAYARD KARAYIANIS GRADUATED FROM BECKER COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HONORS: MAGNA CUM LAUDE FUTURE PLANS: WILL WORK AT BECKER IN SEPTEMBER, PLANS TO APPLY TO THE PEACE CORPS IN THE NEAR FUTURE BORIS STANCHEV GRADUATED FROM UMASS AMHERST HONORS COLLEGE DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS HONORS: MULTIDISCIPLINARY HONORS FUTURE PLANS: PLANS TO ATTEND GRADUATE SCHOOL DESPENA ZOUZAS GRADUATED FROM FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY DEGREE: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION HONORS: CUM LAUDE, KAPPA DELTA PI HONOR SOCIETY FUTURE PLANS: WILL PURSUE A MASTER S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PAGE 8

9 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Metropolis Ministry Award 2016 by Olivia Sintros It is with great pleasure that we honor George and Jill Laganas as this year s recipients of the Metropolis of Boston Ministry Award. They have been lifelong faithful members of our Transfiguration Church in Lowell, MA. Jill was chrismated into Orthodoxy in 1975, the same year that they were married. They have two sons, Scott and Billy and a daughter, Crystal, who went home to the Lord in George and Jill are regularly seen on Sunday with their grandchildren Joseph, Amber, Shyanne and Crystal. George has served the church in many capacities, including more than ten years on the Parish Council, as well as a member of the Building Committee which led to the dedication of our Family Life Center in A fervent Grecian Festival volunteer for years, George has served several times as general chairman, food chairman, and raffle chairman. He is best known for his tireless fundraising efforts. No one can say no to George selling raffle tickets. Jill has been a quiet, dedicated volunteer in many aspects of church life. She has taught Sunday School for thirty three years. Jill is the queen of arts and crafts. She has coordinated the arts and crafts session for Vacation Church Camp since it began twenty two years ago, as well as projects during Advent Camp, Lenten Camp and our Holy Friday Retreat. As a member of Philoptochos for thirty years, Jill has served in a variety of roles and is always ready to lend a hand. George and Jill are also active supporters of Hellenic American Academy in Lowell. We thank George and Jill for their love and service to our parish. PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS PAGE 9

10 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 PARISH GROUPS Philoptochos Society Report by Ellen Dobi, Philoptochos Society President Philoptochos is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church, and we would love every woman in our parish to be a member of our chapter. Membership: Thank you to the 128 members who have sent in their 2016 stewardship. Please contact Daphne Easton at daphneeaston1@yahoo.com or if your address or changes. OUTREACH AND FUNDRAISERS Nursing Home/Shut-In Visitations: Thank you to Christine Faneros for organizing visits to shut-ins and nursing home residents during the Lenten season. If you are able to visit a nursing home or a shut-in, please contact Christine at House of Hope: Thank you to Diane Fokas for coordinating the schedule of volunteers. Due to work constraints she will not be able to continue coordinating. If you would like to volunteer for this position or have questions about it, please contact me at ekdobi@verizon.net. Mother s Day & Father s Day: Many thanks to Connie, Freda, and Clara Gkolias for arranging and distributing carnations in celebration of our Mothers and Fathers. Family Literacy Program: Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and friends, we provided many books and book bags to the children of the Morey Elementary School. This year marked the 9th anniversary of our literacy program; almost 14,000 books have been distributed to local children over these eight years. Special thanks go out to our Literacy coordinators, Karen Mitropoulis and Olivia Sintros. You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book. ~ Dr. Seuss Spring Calendar Raffle: Thank you to all who participated in our Spring Calendar Raffle fundraiser. The winners are as follows: $25 Winners: George Eliopoulos, Cindy Purdis, Susan Pappas, Kathy Pappas, Betty Balamotis, Marina Balkas, Melissa Troy, Kristina Ploof, Pat Mahoney, Peter Dulchinos, Arthur Faneros, Beverly Patsourakos, Joyce Limberopoulos, Elaine Lazouras, Arthur Kostoulakos, Andrew Coravos, Lexi Liakes, Christopher Kareores, Steven Goulas, Tom Letsou, Mary Nicholaides $50 Winners: Demi Flanagan, Marina Balkas, Melissa Troy, George Eliopoulos, Andrew Coravos, Mel and Agnes Yankopoulos, Nicholas Mastas, Arthur Faneros $100 Mother s Day Winner: Demi Flanagan You may see the same name as multiple winners. That is the fun of our raffle; each winning ticket goes right back into the drawing, so one person can win multiple times! UPCOMING OUTREACH AND EVENTS Scholarship/Graduate Sunday: Scholarships to qualifying high school students planning on attending college next year were awarded on Sunday, June 12th after Divine Liturgy. Students who completed college, graduate or advanced degree work were also recognized for their achievement. Thank you to our Scholarship Chair, Pat Mahoney, Program Design, Melanie Pappas, and Scholarship Committee: Ellen Dobi, Soula Spaziani, Georgia Dristiliaris, Yiota Simoglou and Olivia Sintros. Many thanks to the families who have supported and contributed to scholarships in memory of loved ones. May Meeting: Our May 5th Mother s Day meeting was our last general meeting for the Ecclesiastical year. We voted to round up the proceeds from our koulourakia and soup sales to $2000 for the Philoxenia House, one of our Metropolis commitments. In addition, we voted to send $1100 in support of camper scholarships to the St. Methodios Faith & Retreat Center. continued on next page PHOTO BY AARON MITCHELL Philoptochos Cinco de Mayo Meeting (center) Georgia Genna, Susan Mitchell, and Hariklia Zouzas PAGE 10

11 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Over 40 women and guests joined us for our meeting celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Special thanks to our enthusiastic chairlady and warm hostesses, Susan Mitchell, Hariklia Zouzas and Georgia Dukakis Genna, for coordinating a very fun and festive evening. Many thanks to our members and guests for your continual support, encouragement and participation in Philoptochos endeavors. Name Day: Please remember the Church s Name Day on August 6. We will need help with a reception after the evening vespers on the 5th and with the luncheon on the 6th. Moments Around Church PHOTO BY SUSAN MITCHELL Leah and Christopher Mitchell at the Philoptochos Cinco de Mayo meeting. PHOTO BY GEORGIA GENNA Agnes Yankopoulos, Christine Stamas, and Eva Dukakis enjoying themselves at the Cinco de Mayo Philoptochos meeting. PHOTO BY AMANDA APOSTOLOU PHOTO BY OLIVIA SINTROS Costas Tsioulis and Nick Kouloungis cooking and selling gyros at the Acre Fair on June 11th. Madelyn Siotis dressed in her beautiful baptismal gown, with proud father Steve and yiayia Magda. (above and left) The weekly Bible Study class meets for lunch before the summer break. The fun resumes in September. PAGE 11

12 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Philoptochos Literacy Day Project 2016 by Olivia Sintros With much appreciation and thank you, thank you, thank you.. The students at the Charles W. Morey Elementary School in the Highlands section of Lowell were this year s enormously appreciative recipients of book bags and books to support the school s summer reading initiative. Through the generosity of parishioners and friends, Philoptochos was able to present the students with bright orange book bags (their school color) adorned with the design of a tiger (their school mascot). At the Morey school all students grades K-4 were given the opportunity to choose five books. Words cannot express the excitement on the children s faces as they choose their favorites. We PHOTO BY ELLEN DOBI gratefully thank the continued generosity of our parishioners and friends who have enabled us to donate books bags and books to the children of Lowell since To date we have distributed approximately 14,000 books and have supported the summer reading initiative in eight elementary schools including our own Lowell Collegiate Charter School. A special thanks to Philoptochos members Ellen Dobi, Soula Spaziani, Karen Mitropoulis, Jill Laganas and Pat Mahoney who were present to witness firsthand the appreciation felt at the Morey from students and staff alike. Coincidently, and randomly, one little Cambodian boy said to Pat, I know how to say eight in Greek. He indeed did and when asked how he knew, he said his teacher Mrs. Mahoney taught him. How funny. PHOTOS BY PAT MAHONEY Cassey Floor, 1st grade teacher at Morey Elementary School and Transfiguration parishioner with 1st graders showing off the beautiful artwork they made to say thanks for their books. Thank you for helping us grow as readers! Sincerely, The first grade students of the C.W. Morey School PAGE 12

13 Philoptochos Literacy Day Project 2016 (continued) JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 PHOTOS BY PAT MAHONEY Once again, it is through your generosity as parishioners and friends that these new and gently used books are collected throughout the year. The children at the Peter W. Reilly School will be the recipient, so keep those books coming. Please contact Olivia Sintros at or Karen Mitropoulis at if interested in donating books or assisting in some way.! PAGE 13

14 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 On behalf of the church, thank you to those who donated during the Paschal season. SALUTATIONS Marina Balkas - In loving memory of George Balkas, husband, father and grandfather Dyanne Metropolis Spike and Olivia Sintros Ladies Philoptochos Society HOLY WEEK DONATIONS Palms & Bay Leaves Tsoumas Family Palm Sunday Icon Wreath for Holy Cross Flowers at base of Holy Cross Candles on Holy Cross Resurrection Candle Icon of Resurrection Incense Icon of Myrrh Bearing Women Nymphios Icon Lavaron of Resurrection Lily Arrangement for Altar Arrangement for Anastasi Arrangement for Anastasi Andrew & Thelma Coravos Connie Gkolias in memory of John, Irene & Mark Gkolias. Evan Coravos Christos, Christo & Effie Mavraides In memory of our daughter, Crystal Laganas. With love, George & Jill In memory of Thomas & Anastasia Roufos Ernest & Ellen Dobi Christos, Christo & Effie Mavraides John & Elaine Piazas in memory of Johnny Piazas Regina & Arthur Dabilis George and Ava Skrekas - In memory of Deborah Skrekas Regina and Arthur Dabilis In memory of my husband Costas G. Letsou Leaves & Petals Evan Coravas Palm Trees Arthur Kostoulakos Paschal Reception John & Elaine Thibault EASTER LILIES Andrew & Geraldine Andricopoulos - In memory of Andrew "Perry" Andricopoulos Helene Antonakis - In memory of Caliope & Pantelis Antonakis Elizabeth Balamotis - In loving memory of departed family members Andrea Belley & Andronike Rigs Thelma Coravos - In memory of Panagiota Zunes Edward & Patricia Costa - In memory of Stella Anganes & Christos Anganes Jennie Coumas - In memory of Louis Coumas Demetra Courtois & Cynthia Dalli PAGE 14

15 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Frances Demetri Ellen Dobi - For the health of the Koutsis & Dobi families EASTER LILIES (continued) George Economou - In loving memory of Steve and Christine Economou Christine Eliopoulos - For the health of Eliopoulos sister s and brother's families George Eliopoulos - In memory of all Eliopoulos deceased family members Phillip & Antoinette Eliopoulos - In memory of Michael P. Eliopoulos Angelike Flanagan - In memory of Marigo & Stergios Tsatsios Wallace & Demi Flanagan - In memory of aunts Eugenia Marcus and Eleni Kalivas Connie, Freda, Clara, & Helen Gkolias - In memory of John & Irene Gkolias Marc & Sandra Gulezian Louis & Suzanne Heliotis Pamela Kalavetinos - In memory of Mary Kalavetinos Demetrios Karamanolis & Maria Tournas - In memory of Polita Sakelakas Jean & Christopher Kareores - In memory of Louis Kareores & Linda Ellen Gravel Ken & Pamela Kopsiaftis - In memory of Catherine Garas George & Irene Koufogazos - In memory of Sandra (Koufogazos) Metilines George & Jill Laganas William & Joyce Limberopoulos - In memory of Nicholas Limberopoulos, Hermine Limberopoulos, Nick W. Limberopoulos, and for the health of Mary Koravos. In memory of Socrates, Lucy & Mary, and for the health of Josephine & Luke Robert & Elaine Masse - In loving memory of Tina Sarantos Gary & Sandra Mastas Mary Nicholaides Nick & Christine Nicholaou - In memory of the loved ones that are deceased and for the health of the Nicholaou family Frances Pappas - In memory of Leonidas Pappas Melanie Pappas - For the health of Mary Nicholaides & Joan Pappas Mary Ploof - In memory of Roger Ploof and the health of the Ploof Family Andronike Rigs - For the health of Andronike Rigs Angie Rigs Vlad Santau - For the health of Vlad & Stefan Santau Steve Siotas Christine & Harry Stamas - In memory of our parents James & Ann Stamas - In memory of Stephen J. Stamas Janet Trearchis - In memory of Leo Trearchis Constantine & Elizabeth Tsioulis - In memory of Elizabeth Tsioulis Charles and Maria Tournas - In memory of Sophia Karamanolis & Spero & Stella Tournas Niki Wilson - In memory of James Wilson Menelaos & Agnes Yankopoulos - In memory of Paskale & Lambriny Yankopoulos, Peter & Frances Proyous, Presbytera, Fr. Steven & Ann Yankopoulos, and Thalia Milionis PAGE 15

16 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 PARISH GROUPS (CONTINUED) From the Loft By Chuck Karayianis Interim Choir Director Greetings and good wishes for a healthy summer. The Transfiguration Choir began its summer break on June 19 with the service of Pentecost and the service of kneeling. We thank Fr. Tom, Deacon John and the chanters for leading us through our Paschal journey and look forward to a new liturgical year. The Transfiguration Choir is one of the most talented and versatile groups many of us have ever been involved with. The melodic sopranos blend their voices with the harmonic altos and the tenors and baritones keep pace with all. The many parishioners who sing along with the choir each Sunday blend their voices for all to sing the praises of God with joy. Thank you all for contributing to our musical ministry. See you in church. PHOTO BY: CHUCK KARAYIANIS Choir Members: (from left) Irene Koulianos, George Tsoukalas, Varvara Stanchev, Kathy Tsoukalas, Toula Sparages Sunday School News by Connie Gkolias, Sunday School Director Dates to remember: July ~ VCC September 11 ~ Sunday school begins There s an old saying time flies, well it surely does. It seems like we just started our Sunday school year and it s already time to graduate. Congratulations to all our graduates and our girls and boys for completing another year of religious studies. Thank you to the following people for their support of the Sunday school program: Fr. Tom and Deacon John for their help and guidance throughout the Sunday school year. All the parents who bring their children to church to learn the Greek Orthodox faith. Thank you to all the teachers and assistants for their dedication to our Sunday school children. A very special thank you to Hariklia Zouzas for all her help and dedication. This was her last year with the Sunday school program. She will be missed by all. Please remember to come to church on Sundays with your family through the summer. Sunday school will resume Sunday, September 11, with our annual back-to-sunday school cookout. Have a safe and happy summer break! GOYA Update PHOTO BY CASSANDRA GARIBALDI GOYAns gathered May 15 during fellowship hour to say goodbye to Alex Orphanos, GOYA Director and Youth Worker. He graduated from Hellenic College Holy Cross and is looking forward to the next step in his life and career. We thank Alex for all his efforts with the youth of our church. He will be missed. (From left): Alex Merrill, Andrew Spanos, Helena Spanos, Savannah Rios, Ariana Rios, Kasandra Rios, Tallia Merrill (back row from left) advisor Melanie Pappas, Alex Orphanos, and advisor Trevor Bullock PAGE 16

17 JULY JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 TRANSFIGURATION VACATION CHURCH CAMP Together, We Can Move Mountains Explore and learn with your friends how the Orthodox Christian Church helps us grow in faith and in love through song, arts and crafts, activities, discussion, and worship. VCC is a weeklong program for children Pre-K through 8th grade that meets daily from 9 am to 2 pm. For registration information contact Olivia Sintros (osintros@comcast.net) or the church office: (info@transchurch.org) JAMES MONOXELOS Mama s Italian Restaurant 1140 Lakeview Avenue Tel: (978) Dracut, MA Fax: (978) When you re hungry, come to Mama s! NORTHEAST VISIT OUR E MAIL: jmonoxelos@neref.com PHONE: x15 FAX: SHAWSHEEN ST., TEWKSBURY, MA PAGE 17

18 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 ALL PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS Pre-K and Kindergarten Teachers: Ms. Marina Apostolou and Ms. Freda Gkolias 1st and 2nd Grades Teachers: Mrs. Georgia Genna, Mrs. Jill Laganas, Mrs. Thea Tully (not pictured), Mr. Michael Tully, and Mrs. Elaine Piazas (not pictured) Sunday School GRADUATION 3rd and 4th Grades Teachers: Mrs. Sharon Spanos and Mrs. Olivia Sintros (not pictured) 5th Grade Teacher: Mrs. Amanda Apostolou 6th Grade Teachers: Mrs. Mary Piper and Mrs. Cindy Rios (not pictured) PAGE 18

19 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 ALL PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS 7th Grade Teacher: Mr. Derek Piper (not pictured) 8th Grade Teacher: Mr. Spike Sintros (not pictured) 9th Grade Teacher: Mrs. Christine Faneros 10th, 11th, and 12th Grades Teacher: Mrs. Katherine Doulamis! Established in 1930 M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home Funeral Directors Louis M. Fazio, III M. Richard Laurin Scott Laurin Pre Need Counseling Handicap Accessible Ample Parking 295 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, Massachusetts PAGE 19

20 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 CHURCH INFORMATION CHURCH Secretary: Dawn Olden Address: 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Office Hours: Secretary: Mon. Fri., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Tuesday Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment WEBSITE FACEBOOK CLERGY Rev. Father Thomas Chininis Telephone: FrTom@transchurch.org Rev. Deacon John Vaporis Telephone: DeaconJohn@transchurch.org PHILOPTOCHOS Ellen Dobi Telephone: ekdobi@verizon.net CHOIR Chuck Karayianis Telephone: cwkabk@gmail.com SUNDAY SCHOOL Connie Gkolias connie@garston.com Hariklia Zouzas hmzouzas@comcast.net BOOKSTORE Joan Tsoukalas joantsoukalas@gmail.com Virginia Kimball virginiakimball@comcast.net WEBSITE Melanie Pappas Telephone: melanie.pappas@gmail.com TRANS A GRAM Amanda Apostolou Telephone: su_lou22@me.com 2016 Parish Council Members PRESIDENT Christian Zouzas Home: Cell: zouzas@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT Costa Tsioulis Cell: costasusa@hotmail.com TREASURER Dean Proyous Home: Cell: goldengreek1@comcast.net SECRETARY Amanda Apostolou Cell: su_lou22@me.com ASSISTANT TREASURER Nick Kouloungis Home: koulclan@comcast.net William (Bill) Arvanites Home: Cell: arvanites.willy@gmail.com James Demetri Home: Cell: jdemetri56@hotmail.com Konstantinos (Kon) Kalabokis Home: kkalabokis@gmail.com Melanie Pappas Cell: melanie.pappas@gmail.com Jim Piazas Home: Cell: jpiazas@comcast.net Olivia Sintros Home: Cell: osintros@comcast.net John Thibault Cell: johncthibault@comcast.net Is Your Information Correct? To update your name, salutation, phone number, address, or , please call Dawn in the office, she is happy to help.thank you! Enterprise Bank is proud to support the organizations that strengthen our communities. Member FDIC 22 Convenient branch locations, including: LOWELL 222 Merrimack Street EnterpriseBanking.com PAGE 20

21 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 FROM THE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY We all love coffee hour and want to keep it going as long as possible. The average cost to to make this happen is $70 per week. Please keep this in mind when planning for your Sunday routine. If you or someone you know would like to host a coffee hour or become coffee hour coordinators, please Spike and Olivia Sintros at osintros@comcast.net. Jun 28, Jul 26 & Aug 23! Robin Ley TOP DONUT 700 Aiken St. Lowell, MA Tel. (978) Store Hours Open 7 days a week 5 a.m. 9 p.m. CHRISTOPOULOS CMI MULDOON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Providing excellent service for over 40 years 8 CHELMSFORD ST. CHELMSFORD, MA TOM CHRISTOPOULOS TEL: CELL: FAX: tom@muldooninsurance.com PAGE 21

22 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Lowell, MA July 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Monthly Trisagion Independence Tuesday Day Morning Ladies Center 10am LTLC dinner Office closed 9:30 am Archdiocese Clergy Laity Congress at Nashville, TN Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Parish Council Mtg 12:15pm Tuesday Morning Ladies 9:30 am Center 10am Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Tuesday Morning Ladies Center 10am 9:30 am Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Tuesday Morning Ladies Center 10am 9:30 am Vacation Church Camp Dracut Funeral Home Proudly serving the Greek Community in Dracut and Greater Lowell for 25 years James F. O Donnell & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS since 1884 Serving members of the Lowell and Greek community for over 120 years 2159 Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA Mark P. Gacek (978) Owner/Director John W. Crane 276 Pawtucket Street Lowell, Massachusetts (978) James F. O Donnell, PAGE 22

23 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Lowell, MA August 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Monthly Trisagion Paraclesis 6:30p Tuesday Morning Ladies 9:30 am Center 10am Paraclesis 6:30p Great Vespers 7pm Reception following Feast of Transfiguration Orthros 8:30a Liturgy 9:30a Reception following Paraclesis 6:30p Tuesday Morning Ladies 9:30 am Center 10am Paraclesis 6:30p Paraclesis 6:30p LTLC dinner Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Parish Council Mtg 12:15pm Great Vespers Dracut Feast of Dormition Orthros 9 am Liturgy 10 Dracut Tuesday Morning Ladies 9:30 am Center 10am Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Tuesday Morning Ladies Center 10am 9:30 am Orthros 8:30am Liturgy 9:30am Tuesday Morning Ladies Center 10am 9:30 am Evan Coravos General and Aesthetic Dentistry Realtor Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry 75 Arcand Drive Lowell, MA Smile with confidence! Office Hours: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays Soula.Spaziani@NEmoves.com PAGE 23

24 JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2016 SERVICES, SACRAMENTS, AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS Services SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Monthly Trisagion Jul 10, and Aug 7 following Liturgy Sacraments WEDDING & MARRIAGE BLESSINGS No Weddings this month BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS June 11 Madelyn, daughter of Steve and Angela Siotis Sponsor - Alice Vacirca June 11 Joshua, son of Jason and Rebecca Miller Sponsor Catherine Purville and Jonathan Purville SPECIAL SERVICES June Kneeling Vespers following Sunday Liturgy June Orthros 9:00 am and Liturgy 10:00 am at Holy Trinity (Monday of the Holy Spirit) June Liturgy 9:30 am Feast of the Holy Apostles August 1, 3, 8, 10, Paraclesis 6:30 pm August 5... Great Vespers 7:00 pm Feast of the Transfiguration August 6... Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Feast of the Transfiguration August Great Vespers 7:00 pm Annunciation in Dracut August Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Feast of the Dormition Annunciation in Dracut FUNERALS: MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL May 22 Sophia Karabatsos May 26 Avery Vainas May 29 Sophia Quinn Calendar of Events VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC) July 25-29: VCC CHOIR Rehearsals Rehearsals as announced BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Will resume in September SUNDAY SCHOOL Will resume September 11 OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 & August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Ladies Group Meeting 9:30 a.m. June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27 & August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Outreach Center 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. July 3-8: Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville, TN OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTS July 9 & August 13: LTLC (Shelter) Dinner June 28, July 26, August 23: Community Kitchen at Outreach Center 11:30 am Stewardship Giving Online Weekly, Monthly, or One-Time Go to ParishPay.com to enroll or call the Parish Office PAGE 24