TRANSaGRAM. Decorating the Church for Christmas CREATING MEMORIES. IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2. ANNOUNCEMENTS page 3

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1 December 2014 Monthly / Issue No. 10 TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor Decorating the Church for Christmas CREATING MEMORIES By Fr. Thomas Chininis Saturday, December 6 was a busy day. The morning started with Liturgy celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas. Following services the decorating crew put it in high gear. The GOYAns organized and assembled the Christmas Tree in the entryway of the Church. They trimmed the tree and in the process learned the basics of electrical circuitry as they figured out the Christmas lights. Some of the GOYAns also helped Marc Gulezian decorate the church and the stairways. Marc annually volunteers to decorate the Church and does a beautiful job. This year the task was a bit easier with the help of the GOYAns. Key to their help was not the manual labor of moving boxes from here to there, but sharing in the joy of adorning God s House and learning what is involved so that one day they can assume the Members of GOYA decorated the parish Christmas Tree in the lobby of the Church and helped to decorate the Church proper. responsibility. We thank all who helped on Saturday and welcome more to join in next year. After they finished the tree and the work in the church was coming to an end, the GOYAns gathered for pizza and conversation. After all, what s a GOYA gathering without food? Conversation ranged from favorite Christmas movies to the protests in Ferguson, MO and other parts of the country. IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2 Gifts of the Magi: Remembering what they mean for us today. ANNOUNCEMENTS page 3 Parish Council Oath of Office, Planning for House Blessings, and Stewardship PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 4 Parish Council President greetings, Treasurer s Report; Parish Council Report; & Stewardship Numbers EVENTS & OUTREACH page 7 The Nativity Lenten Camp, Steward Appreciation Photos, Veteran Day, and More PARISH GROUPS page 9 Philoptochos, Sunday School, Choir, Adult Discussion Group CHURCH INFORMATION page 12 How to contact the church and who to contact; Parish Council member names and contact information; and more. CALENDARS pages Regular and special services calendar; Sacraments; Church Calendar of Events; and more. PAGE 1

2 DECEMBER 2014 FROM FR. TOM Gifts of the Magi OUR STEWARDSHIP REFLECTS THEIR GIFTS by Fr. Thomas Chininis A year ago, just before Christmas, we began a conversation about gifts. The gifts we spoke about were the gifts of the Magi gold, frankincense and myrrh. We talked about these gifts not only from the perspective of the Magi, but what was revealed to the Church through these gifts and how they impact our lives. Now that the year is coming to a close, though it is difficult to believe, it would be good to reflect one more time on these gifts. Gold is the gift of kings, a sign of wealth and authority. The wise king uses this authority wisely and with great benevolence. By the Magi offering this gift we discover that this Christ child is the loving, wise, and benevolent King. In our lives today, in our society today, we need leadership that brings us truth and hope. Though we are are not guided by a heavenly star as were the Magi, we are led by the Eternal Light, who is our King, born in a cave and laid in a manger. Day in and day out we search for this King. We look to learn from his words and his example as he cares for us as our compassionate King. Hearing these words we find our hearts yearning to partake in His ministry today. The Magi in presenting the gift of frankincense, a sweet-smelling, gummy substance harvested from the sap of a tree, to the Christ child reveal to us the role of Christ as the High Priest foretelling of Christ s sacrifice for humankind by offering himself upon the Cross. From the gift of frankincense we learn of the importance of offering and sacrifice. Our worship moves us to know in a personal manner the One, High Priest, who offers and is offered, offering us the gift of His sacrifice. Certainly, in return, we can make a simple sacrifice by offering of our time, talents, and treasures. As we reflect on what our offerings are comparing them to those of Christ, we see how they pale. The gift of the Magi of myrrh foretells the significance of Jesus death. The message he brings to us is from the greatest prophet. What greater gift can we receive than this gift of love offered to us by the Son of the Father as He offers His life for our salvation? The third gift offered by the Magi is myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter and pungent substance derived from the sap of the dindin tree. The substance was often used as a perfume by the wealthy and as we read in Scripture as an anointing oil. Myrrh was used to anoint kings, priests, and prophets. The gift of myrrh by the Magi reveals to us Jesus role as Prophet, the Anointed One (the precise meaning of Messiah or Christ). Jesus role of Prophet is found: when he came to do the will of the Father, let it be done according to your will (Lk 22); when he reveals the Father, no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, (Matt. 11:27), and when he speaks the things of the Father, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me. (John 8:28). Myrrh was also used in preparing a body for burial. For this reason, this gift of the Magi has come to foretell the significance of Christ s death that would soon become known in His resurrection. Every one who is baptized and chrismated into the Church is called to Christ s ministry. This ministry is fulfilled in our sacrifice and offering, it is our stewardship. By offering to Christ and His church our time, talents and treasures we impact the lives of the whole community. As we celebrate the feast of the Nativity this year we need to travel with the Magi to find the infant child. They presented gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child as King, Priest, and Prophet. As we reflect over the past year we need to appreciate the blessings we have received from God and make an offering from our lives of our time, talents, and treasures. To this the Father will say to us, well done good and faithful servant. PAGE 2

3 DECEMBER 2014 ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015 Parish Council to Receive Oath of Office CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW LEADERSHIP Members of the 2015 Parish Council will receive their Oath of Office on Sunday, January 4 following Liturgy. The six newly elected individuals will join the six remaining Council members to form the 2015 Council. At the conclusion of the services they newly formed Council will convene to elect officers for the 2015 term. We offer our congratulations to them and thank them for their leadership and commitment to the Transfiguration parish family. In the coming days, the Council welcomes individuals to assist on standing ministry teams and to volunteer to serve on new ministry teams and committees as they are formed. The New Year Marked in Households SCHEDULE YOUR HOUSE BLESSING Hard to believe, but the new year is upon us. Early in January on the feast of Epiphany we bless the waters (Agiasmos Service) and sanctify our homes. This tradition is long standing and Father Tom welcomes the opportunity to visit with you and bless your home in the new year. You can place your name on the House Blessing list by speaking with him or by contacting the Church office. More information will be available in the next issue of the Trans-a-Gram. Stewardship Ministry Team Announcements FROM GOD, EVERY FAMILY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH IS NAMED The Transfiguration Stewardship ministry team encourages all within the community to participate in the life of the parish family. How can I participate? Join us for worship. Volunteer to help with one or more of the ministries in our parish. Complete the form that will be distributed in January, call the parish office, or talk with Fr. Tom. Join us for worship. Complete your 2014 Stewardship commitment. Join us for worship. Return the 2015 Stewardship commitment card and begin your offerings for the new year. Remember, you can make periodic offerings (quarterly, monthly, or weekly). We encourage you to sign up and use Parish Pay for electronic giving, or use your financial institution s bill pay for regular offerings. If you need assistance setting up a Parish Pay account please speak with Fr. Tom. Did we mention we would love for you to PAGE 3

4 DECEMBER 2014 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS President s Message CHRISTMAS GREETINGS by Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President On behalf of the Parish Council I'd like to extend our heartfelt best wishes to you and your family for a holy and blessed Christmas and healthy New Year. Thank you and God bless the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Parish Council Report NOTES FROM THE NOVEMBER MEETINGS by Cesar de la Torre, Parish Council Secretary Parish Council Meeting The Parish Council met on November 4 for its regular monthly meeting. The following items were discussed and acted upon: In preparation for the Parish Assembly on November 9 the Council spent the majority of the meeting discussing the agenda items for the Assembly. The main item discussed was the 2015 Operating Budget. The Council reviewed the financial statements for the current year and developed projections for the coming year. Following a great deal of discussion, a budget totaling $301,000 was agreed upon to be presented to the Parish Assembly. (After making all the changes to the budget as determined in the meeting for the Assembly, the total budget ended up being $295,190). Parish Assembly Having established a quorum at the November 9th Parish Assembly, the following items were presented and acted upon: Father Tom presented his report to the Assembly that focused on ministry opportunities and stewardship. He also made a report on the 2014 Clergy Laity Congress that was held in Philadelphia in July available to all interested. PAGE 4 Christian Zouzas offered the Parish Council report. He stated that he and Fr. Tom had spoken about establishing a strategic planning committee in the near future. He also expressed his desire to focus on the financial well being of the parish. John Dristilaris offered the Stewardship Ministry report. In keeping with the hope of past generations securing the future of the parish, we need to do so as well. An aspect of this is providing for the financial needs of the parish. To help with this goal all the stewards need to do two things: increase their commitment and look to make their offerings on a monthly basis. The presentation of the financial reports and the approval of the 2015 Operating Budget was next on the agenda. The financial report was received and the Budget approved following discussion. Fred Block presented the Election Committee report and offered the nominations for Parish Council; Amanda Apostolou, Melanie Pappas, James Piazas, Olivia Sintros, John Thibault and Costa Tsioulis. Nominations were also made for the 2015 Audit Committee. At the conclusion of the Assembly an announcement was made that we will hold a Grecian Festival this year on June 26 and 27.

5 Treasurer s Report by James Piazas, Parish Council Treasurer ACCOUNT SUMMARY (AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2014) DECEMBER 2014 Account Balance Altar Fund $5, Special Events Checking $53, General Checking $10, Kitchen & Hall Fund $39, Money Market Savings $37, Building Maintenance $ Endowment Fund $8, Rental Account (restricted) $40, Youth Ministr y $ Account Totals: $ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Stewardship Report FINISHING THE YEAR AND BEGINNING ANEW by Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter Once again, a heartfelt thank you and prayers for all of God s blessings to those who have successfully completed their 2014 pledge, as well as to those who give weekly and will fulfill their pledge by December 28th. If you simply forgot or have put off making your stewardship offering, please put the Church at the top of your list during this season of giving. It is never too late to offer a gift to your parish to do God s work. The 2015 Stewardship Ministry theme is From God every family in heaven and on earth is named (Ephesians 3:15). As Orthodox Christians, we are stewards of our Church family, as well as our immediate family. As you prepare to make a commitment to 2015 Stewardship, won t you please seriously consider weekly giving calculations as you complete your commitment card? If you put aside $20 per week, the church will receive $1, a year, a weekly commitment of $10.00 per week will yield $ per year, and so on. If we are faithful to the calling to be the stewards of our families, perhaps our Lord will say to us, as he did to the faithful steward, Well done good and faithful servant (Mt 25:23). As we have previously reported, in an effort to make your stewardship offering convenient and timely the parish has secured the services of ParishPay, an electronic giving option. If interested you may register by going to the website by calling , or by speaking with Father Tom. Thank you in advance for your consideration, as we are all responsible for the care of Christ s Church. 11/21/2014 Participating stewards 330 Total pledged (69% of Goal) $127,323 Received to date (75% of Goal) $138, Budgeted stewardship goal $185,000 Overall 2014 goal $285,500 Our Thanks: The parish extends its love and appreciation to Cesar de la Torre, Greg Floor, and Dean Proyous as their term on the Parish Council comes to an end. They have served with great leadership, vision, and faith and we welcome their contributions in other aspects of parish life. PAGE 5

6 DECEMBER Christmas Flowers Order your Poinsettias Make this Christmas Season extra special Reserve a Poinsettia to be placed in the Church in memory of or for the health of a loved one. The donation is $20.00 per plant payable to: Transfiguration Church Please detach and return this form to: Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church 25 Father John Sarantos Way Lowell, MA Your Name: Your Telephone #: In Memory of: For the Health of: Number of plants: Amount enclosed: $ PAGE 6

7 CHURCH EVENTS & OUTREACH DECEMBER 2014 November Nativity Lenten Camp FLYING WITH ANGELS PHOTOS BY ARTHUR SPARAGES (above) Toula leads the campers as they learn Christmas Carols about angels. How many can you think of? Over fifty young people from the parish and the greater Lowell area came together for the 2014 Nativity Lenten (Advent) Camp. Following Liturgy celebrating the feast of the Archangels the campers and staff began the program, which consisted of Orthodox Life sessions, music, and arts and crafts. The Orthodox Life sessions were led by three seminarians, Alex Orphanos (Transfiguration Youth Worker), Sotiri Michalatos (serving the parish for field work), and Andrew Otto (Asst. director of MBC). During the sessions the campers learned about angels, where we see them in the church, and how we can serve like the angels. In music, under the leadership of Toula Sparages, the campers began working on Christmas carols for the Christmas Pageant and sang many of their favorite camp songs. In arts and crafts the campers created their own Christmas Angel ornaments. Guided by Amanda Apostolou and Mia Vaporis, they made their creation with a wing and a prayer. We look forward to gathering for the Lenten Camp on February 21. (above) Amanda and Mia show the campers how to make the wings for their angels. (below) Always campers favorites, the lunch staff poses after clean up. What s not to smile about when the day is done Making the sign of the cross while singing one of the campers favorite songs. PAGE 7

8 DECEMBER 2014 Steward Appreciation Luncheon SHARING IN FELLOWSHIP AND THANKSGIVING PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS Whether working in the kitchen, going through the buffet line or sitting and enjoying fellowship and a wonderful meal, the community thanks all who have offered their time, talents, and treasures this year. Veteran s Day Celebration HONORING THE LIVING AND REMEMBERING THE FALLEN PHOTOS BY MELANIE PAPPAS Fr. Tom and Deacon John lead the congregation in offering a Trisagion Service honoring the memory of fallen veterans. Veterans of the Transfiguration family are honored for their military service during liturgy and coffee fellowship with a light luncheon. PAGE 8

9 DECEMBER 2014 PARISH GROUPS Philoptochos Society Report by Soula Spaziani, Philoptochos Society President Philoptochos has been very busy preparing for the holiday season. Our outreach ministries and fundraising activities provide support to our church, local community, the metropolis and even the nation. We express our heartfelt thanks to our members and parishioners who support our efforts to provide a brighter holiday to those in need. November Meeting: We held our general membership meeting on Nov 8th. Father Stephen Lawrence visited with us and talked a bit about his mission trip to Kenya this past summer. Discussion at the meeting centered around the multitude of projects in place to help those in need during the holiday season. Through the support and generosity of our parishioners we were able to honor our National commitments to the Ecumenical Patriarchate ministries, the National Sisterhood of Presbyteres Benevolent Fund, UNICEF and the General Medical Fund and our Metropolis commitment to the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center with donations totaling $1700 collectively. Three women, under the direction of Betty Balamotis, have been busy knitting scarfs that will be donated to the House of Hope. Marianne (center) Director from House of Hope, came to collect scarfs made by Betty Balamotis, her friend Georgia Vangos, and Mary Nicholaides for the residents. Outreach and Fundraisers: Fall Calendar Raffle: Congratulations to our winners, drawn on Nov. 9th & 19th. Thank you to Ellen Dobi and Nancy Lane for coordinating this effort and thank you to parishioners and friends for participating. $25 winners Arthur Faneros (4 times), Demetrios Manelas, Georgia Genna, Joyce Limberopoulos, Marina Balkas, Sue Chiungos, Avra Skrekas, Father Leonard Faris, Pat Mahoney, Eva Dukakis, Pat Kalergis, Ellen Dobi, Rebecca Leh, Arthur Kostoulakos, Elaine Lazouras, Georgia Dristiliaris. $50 winners Freda Gkolias (twice), Arthur Faneros, Sandra Gulezian, Roger Ploof, Charles Mitsakos, Dennis and Diane Casavant, Pam Sintros, Toula Sparages, Tina Dzedulonis. $100 Thanksgiving winner Lee Blanchet. 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 Christmas Card: Watch your mail for a beautiful card with our church families Christmas greetings. Thank you to all who participated and to our coordinator, Corrine Dubay. Many thanks to the Tuesday Morning Ladies who handled the mailing for us and cheerfully help us with so many projects. We are grateful for their generous and lively support. Visiting Angels: With the holiday season approaching, let us remember those who are in nursing homes or shut in. Please contact Christine Faneros at or the church office to offer your time to make visits. These visits will certainly brighten the holiday season for our shutins. The Council of Churches will be Continued next page PAGE 9

10 DECEMBER 2014 Continued "om previous page celebrating a Liturgy at D Youville Manor where some of our parishioners reside, on Saturday, December 13th at 10:00 AM. Please join us. Literacy Program: We are collecting books throughout the year and kindly ask for donations of new or gently used books to support and promote literacy in a local elementary school. Collection bins are located in the upper and lower lobbies of the church. House of Hope: Slots are available in the New Year for serving dinners to mothers and children at the House of Hope on the fourth Thursday of every month. Please contact Iris Malliaros at or Iris- Malliaros@uml.edu. Adopt a Family: Philoptochos is coordinating with Community Teamwork of Lowell to help brighten the Christmas season for deserving Lowell area families. Many thanks to Joanne Kalabokis, who will be looking for volunteers during coffee hour this month to help provide gifts. The need is great, with almost 100 individuals on the list. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. A Classic Christmas Celebration: Our 61st Anniversary Benefit Tea will take place on Sunday, December 7th, 2014 at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA. Our chairlady, Sandra Gulezian, and her committee have planned an extra special event to celebrate the holiday season. Please join us and bring your family and friends to help celebrate this very special and momentous occasion. Coming Attractions in 2015: Membership Drive: In January, we will be renewing memberships and also sending invitations to all ladies of our parish to join our group. Please consider offering your time and talents in the spirit of sisterhood, camaraderie and philanthropy. May one of your New Year resolutions include joining the Transfiguration Philoptochos Vasilopita and Family Dinner: Our traditional Gold Coin celebration and Family Dinner will be held on Sunday, January 11th, We will start collecting names on Monday, December 8th. Please see Soula Spaziani to order a piece at soulaspaziani@verizon.net or (978) The donation is $20.00 per piece. This wonderful tradition will be combined with our Family Dinner. Lunch will be served immediately following Liturgy on Jan. 11th and Vasilopita pieces with the gold coin will be distributed during this time. Father Tom will cut the parish s Vasilopita upstairs at the end of liturgy. The proceeds of this event are earmarked for St. Basil s Academy, one of our national commitments. Next Meeting: Our next board meeting will be on Saturday, Jan. 10th at 10:00 AM. Our next general membership meeting will be our Heart Healthy Brunch on Saturday morning, Feb. 7th at 10:00 AM. A Final Word: On behalf of the Transfiguration Philoptochos, we wish you and your families a blessed and joyful holiday season Sunday School News by Connie Gkolias, Sunday School Director During the month of December we celebrate the feast of Christmas. As we celebrate with our family and friends, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord. The Sunday School staff sponsored the Lowell Transitional Living Center meal on Saturday, November 8. What a rewarding experience for all who participated. Thank you to Chuck Karayianis for his help and guidance and to all our helpers on that day, Hariklia Zouzas, Mike and Thea Tully, Derek and Eli Piper, David Tierney, and Clara and Connie Gkolias. Our children are busy practicing every Sunday for our Christmas pageant that will be presented to the parish on Sunday, December 21. We welcome everyone to remain after services that day. We know that you will enjoy the children s annual labor of love. Following the pageant we will go downstairs to celebrate the birth of Jesus with cake and coffee. The Sunday School staff wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. PAGE 10

11 DECEMBER 2014 Choir News by Lou Stamas, Choir Director The members of the Transfiguration Choir wish all of our Transfiguration Family a blessed Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. Sing in the New Year and join the Choir in What a great way to start the year off on the right foot For more information, please contact me. Adult Fellowship & Discussion Group RESUMING IN JANUARY by Fr. Tom Chininis With the rush of the holiday season upon us, the Adult Fellowship and Discussion Group will not meet in December. In November the Group met at the home of Deacon John and Patty Vaporis and shared wonderful fellowship and conversation. The Group will meet again in January. and then monthly, providing us with the opportunity to discuss our faith and learn from one another. There is no preparation required. In fact, the only prerequisite is that you come with a desire to get to know one another and learn about the Orthodox Church. Watch for more information in next month s issue of the Trans-a-gram. The Trans a Gram is available online on the church s website, before your printed copy arrives in the mail. Visit to view and download previous issues of the Trans a Gram, as well as the most recent issue. Happy reading Established in Choose Community Choose Enterprise Bank The Enterprise Bank team helps create successful businesses, jobs, opportunities, wealth, and vibrant prosperous communities. Choose-Community.com M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home Funeral Directors Louis M. Fazio, III M. Richard Laurin Scott Laurin Pre Need Counseling Handicap Accessible Ample Parking Member FDIC 295 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, Massachusetts Acton Andover Billerica Chelmsford Derry, NH Dracut Fitchburg Hudson, NH (Coming Soon) Leominster Lowell Methuen Tewksbury Salem, NH Westford PAGE 11

12 DECEMBER 2014 CHURCH INFORMATION Contact Information CHURCH Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church e mail: info@transchurch.org Web site: 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 FACEBOOK Parish Council Members PRESIDENT Christian Zouzas Home: Cell: zouzas@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT Olivia Sintros Home: Cell: osintros@comcast.net TREASURER Jim Piazas Home: Cell: jpiazas@comcast.net Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Dracut Funeral Home Proudly serving the Greek Community in Dracut and Greater Lowell for 25 years 2159 Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA Mark P. Gacek (978) Owner/Director PAGE 12 Smile with confidence Office Hours: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays CLERGY Rev. Father Thomas Chininis Telephone: E mail: FrTom@transchurch.org Rev. Deacon John Vaporis Cell: DeaconJohn@transchurch.org GOYA Alex Orphanos Cell: ajorphanos@gmail.com SECRETARY Cesar de la Torre Home: Cell: cesar.delatorre@gmail.com William (Bill) Arvanites Home: Cell: arvanites.willy@gmail.com James Demetri Home: Cell: jdemetri56@hotmail.com Evan Coravos General and Aesthetic Dentistry 75 Arcand Drive Lowell, MA John Dristilaris Home: Cell: jdristilaris@yahoo.com George Dristiliaris Home: Cell: gndrist@yahoo.com Gregory Floor Home: Cell: gregoryfloor@mac.com CHRISTOPOULOS CMI MULDOON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Providing excellent service for over 40 years 8 CHELMSFORD ST. CHELMSFORD, MA Robin Ley TRANS A GRAM Acting Editor: Fr. Tom Chininis Telephone: E mail: frtom@transchurch.org BOOKSTORE Joan Tsoukalas Virginia Kimball WEBSITE Webmaster: Melanie Pappas Telephone: E mail: webmaster@transchurch.org Charles Karayianis Cell: cwkabk@gmail.com Niclis Kouloungis Home: Cell: koulclan@comcast.net Dean Proyous Home: Cell: Goldengreek1@comcast.net AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS TOM CHRISTOPOULOS TEL: CELL: FAX: tom@muldooninsurance.com TOP DONUT 700 Aiken St. Lowell, MA Tel. (978) Store Hours Open 7 days a week 5 a.m. 9 p.m.

13 Mark your Calendars for these Youth Ministry Events Lenten Camp - February 21, 2015 DECEMBER 2014 James F. O Donnell & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS since 1884 Serving members of the Lowell and Greek community for over 120 years Holy Friday Retreat - April 10, Pawtucket Street Lowell, Massachusetts Vacation Church Camp July 27- July 31, 2015 (978) John W. Crane James F. O Donnell, Jr. BLUE ANGUS CAFÉ 34 Broadway Road (Route 113) Dracut, MA Proprietors Steve Chicklis Steve Graham Andy Graham Randy Davis 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 13

14 DECEMBER 2014 TransfigurationGreekOrthodoxChurch Lowell,MA December2014 Wheredoyoufind thisiconinour church? (Answerbelow) Sunday' Monday' Tuesday' Wednesday' Thursday' Friday' Saturday' Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am ParishCouncil Mtg6:30pm BibleStudy 10am FeastofSt. Nicholas Liturgy9:30am Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am MonthlyTrisagion PhiloptochosTea 2pm Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am BibleStudy 10am FeastofSt. Spyridon Liturgy 9:30am FamilyFun Night6:30pm Liturgy@ D Youville 10am LTLCDinner Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am BibleStudy 10am GOYAChristmas Party7pm Orthros8:30am Tuesday ChristmasEve Christmas Liturgy9:30am MorningLadies Vesperal Orthros9am ChristmasPageant 9:30am Liturgy6pm Liturgy10am Community Reception Kitchen following 11:30am /1/2015 Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am HappyNew Year FeastsofSt. Basil& Circumcision ofourlord Liturgy10am ANSWER:Thisdetailofthe Nativityiconisfoundinthe chapelattheproskomiditable PAGE 14

15 DECEMBER 2014 TransfigurationGreekOrthodoxChurch Lowell,MA January2015 Sunday' Monday' Tuesday' Wednesday' Thursday' Friday' Saturday' HappyNew Year FeastsofSt. Basil& Circumcision ofourlord Liturgy10am Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am MonthlyTrisagion OathofOffice EpiphanyEve Vesperal Liturgy& Agiasmos6pm Epiphany Liturgy& Agiasmos9:30a Tuesday MorningLadies following ParishCouncil Mtg6:30pm FeastofSt.John Liturgy9:30am Festival Meeting6pm LTLCDinner Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Vasilopeta&Family Luncheon Tuesday MorningLadies 9:30am FamilyFun Night6:30pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Tuesday BibleStudy MorningLadies 10am 9:30am Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Tuesday BibleStudy Feastof3 MorningLadies 10am Hierarchs 9:30am Community Liturgy9:30a Kitchen 11:30am PAGE 15

16 DECEMBER 2014 SERVICES, SACRAMENTS, AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS Services SUNDAY SERVICES Orthros: 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Monthly Trisagion December 7 following Liturgy SPECIAL SERVICES (DECEMBER) December 6... Liturgy 9:30 am (Feast of St. Nicholas) December Liturgy 9:30 am (Feast of St. Spyridon) Sacraments WEDDING & MARRIAGE BLESSINGS None BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS Leah Schindler, daughter of Aaron and Renee (Carey) Schindler on November 2. Sponsor Danielle Mullins. SPECIAL SERVICES (DECEMBER - CONTINUED) December Liturgy 10:00 am (Liturgy at D Youville hosted by the Council of Churches) December Vesperal Liturgy 6:00 pm (Christmas Eve) December Orthros 9:30 am Liturgy 10:00 am (Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, Christmas Day) JANUARY 1, Orthros 9:30 am Liturgy 10:00 am (Feast of St. Basil & Circumcision of Our Lord, New Year s Day) FUNERALS: MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL November 4: Mary Vasilopoulos November 23: Giannoula Vergados November 24: George Gickas November 29: Eva Denopoulos November 29: Evangelia Piazas December 4: Arthur Manelas Calendar of Events VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC) February 21 (Saturday): Lenten Camp CHOIR Rehearsals as announced BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION December 3, 10, & 17 (Wednesdays): Bible Study, 10:00 11:00 a.m. All are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekly study. SUNDAY SCHOOL December 7, 14, 21, & 28: Sunday School Classes December 21: Christmas Pageant following services PHILOPTOCHOS December 7 (Sunday): Annual Charity Tea 2 pm FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES December 6 (Saturday): GOYA Meeting and Christmas Tree Decorating 10:30 am December 12 (Friday): Family Fun Night--Gingerbread Houses 6:30 pm OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES December 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 (Tuesdays): Ladies Group Meeting, 9:30 a.m. OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTS December 13 (Saturday): LTLC (Shelter) Meal December 23 (Tuesday): Community Stewardship Giving Online Weekly, Monthly, or One-Time Go to ParishPay.com to enroll or call the Parish Office PAGE 16