PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS. The 2014 Parish Council were administered their Oath of Office from Fr.

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1 February 2014 Monthly / Issue No. 2 TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 2014 Parish Council Receives Oath NEW YEAR WITH NEW OPPORTUNITIES by Fr. Tom Chininis On Sunday, January 5, the entering Parish Council received their Oath of Office following the Divine Liturgy. The Oath was administered by Fr. Tom Chininis before the faithful of the Transfiguration community. New members of this year s Parish Council are George Dristiliaris, John Dristilaris, and Chuck Karayianis. Taking leave from the Council are George Bertos and Stephen Nicolaides who both served with distinction as officers of the previous Parish Council. Following the Oath of Office, the Council retired to elect officers for the year. As a community we offer our congratulations to Christian Zouzas (President), Olivia Sintros (Vice President), James Piazas (Treasurer), and Cesar de la Torre (Secretary). This year the Council continues to focus on the development of ministries in the parish both to assist the faithful and to reach out to the local community helping those in need. PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS The 2014 Parish Council were administered their Oath of Office from Fr. Tom (front l to r): Charles Karayianis, George Dristiliaris, Christian Zouzas, James Piazas, Dean Proyous, Olivia Sintros, William Arvanites, Greg Floor (rear l to r) Cesar de la Torre, Nic Kouloungis,John Dristilaris, Fr. Tom,James Demetri. 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 Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2 Fr. Tom reflects on the coming of Great Lent CHURCH EVENTS page 3 New Parish Council sworn in (page 1); Vasilopita gold coin event and family dinner; VCC news; and more. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 5 Parish Council President, Christian Zouzas, shares the focus of this year s Council; Treasurer s Report; Parish Council Report; Stewardship; Middlesex Shelter Meals, and more. PARISH GROUPS page 12 Philoptochos, Sunday School, Choir, Youth Activities and more. CHURCH INFORMATION page 14 How to contact the church, and who to contact; Parish Council member names and contact information; and more. CHURCH CALENDARS pages 16 Regular and special services calendar; Sacraments; Church Calendar of Events; and more. PAGE 1

2 FROM FR. TOM The Glowing Embers of Faith FINDING OURSELVES IN WORSHIP by Fr. Tom Chininis Winter seems to have hit us hard this year. The weather has at times been bone chilling as the polar vortexes flow down from the artic. Then, in the middle of January, we are blessed with spring like temperatures, a seemingly cruel joke. Now we are back to normal with the temperatures dropping, the wind picking up, and snow in the forecast. To help beat the cold in our home we have used our fireplace frequently. The extra warmth and steady glow of the fire are a real blessing on a cold night. As the fire burns, hot embers fall from the fire radiating welcomed heat. One by one they pile on each other. A single ember glows orange-red; two embers together glow even brighter, and as more pile on they burst into flames forming lively tongues of fire. These fire casts wonderful heat, but slowly the embers burn out. The tongues of fire are only temporary. As I gaze into the fire I am reminded of a more permanent warmth for humanity. Tongues of fire appeared above the disciples on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The warmth of the Holy Spirit remained with them and still remains with the Church today. Our own personal Pentecost takes place during the sacrament of Chrismation when each of us is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gift produces within us the burning ember of faith that remains with us throughout our lifetime. For some the ember burns brightly, and for others, the ember is small and covered with ash hardly distinguishable, but burning nonetheless. Our personal challenge is to see how we can warm our lives through our faith. This requires that we remove the ash that covers our lives. We must examine our lives and work to eliminate those things that keep us from feeling the warmth of faith; anxiety, hatred, lust, greed, self-centeredness to name only a few. The Church Fathers have called these the passions of life; the aspects of our lives that prevent us from developing and maintaining a healthy relationship with God. While we must do the work, the Church provides us with opportunities for growth through the sacraments and the liturgical life of the Church. One such liturgical opportunity begins in February as we begin the use of the Triodion in preparation for Great Lent that begins in March. This period of the year provides us the framework to seek spiritual growth and thus reveal the ember of faith guided by the Holy Spirit that burns within. Key to this period is the hymnology, the scriptural readings, and the worship. Each of these elements provides us with personal moments of growth, but only if we open our hearts and avail ourselves through prayer, fasting, and gifts of charity. This gift produces within us the burning ember of faith that remains with us throughout our lifetime. I have been speaking with the Sunday School children on Sundays about the importance of reading the Bible. The key point I have tried to make is that we do not have to begin reading scripture for hours at a time, but only for a few minutes. Once we develop the habit and realize the benefit it provides we will naturally increase the time that we read and study. The more we learn in and about the Bible, the more we will come to understand the relationship between scripture and hymnology and worship. All three of these convey to us in different ways the manner in which man relates to God and ultimately how God saves his creation. As we grow and mature we come to appreciate the journey this relationship this takes us on. Lest we think that this spiritual journey must be made alone, we must again remember the fire. The greatest amount of heat is produced when the embers of a fire are grouped together. When each one of us brings our ember of faith, together we build a fire within our parish that cannot be extinguished; a fire that enlightens and warms all who draw near with the light of Christ and the warmth of the Holy Spirit. PAGE 2

3 FEBRUARY 2014 CHURCH EVENTS Vasilopita Gold Coin Celebration and Dinner GOOD LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR by Soula Spaziani, Philoptochos President Our traditional Gold Coin celebration and Family Dinner was held on Sunday, January 12th. Thank you to Pat Mahoney for coordinating slice orders. Thank you to our prep team, Georgia Dristiliaris, Pat Mahoney, Daphne Easton, Ellen Dobi, Nancy Lane, Olivia Sintros and Jill Laganas. A special thanks goes to our wonderful and generous baker Eleni Stavrou. The proceeds of our Vasilopita event enable us to make a substantial donation to Saint Basil Academy, one of our national commitments. Eighty-nine parishioners purchased a piece of bread this year and a chance at the gold coin. The lucky winner was the Demetri Family. We wish good health and many blessings to the entire Demetri Family in Father Tom cuts this year s Vasilopeta following services. Many, many thanks to Nick and Susan Koufogazos and family for preparing the delicious chicken entrée, George Bertos and Daphne Easton for preparing green beans, and Eva and Team Dukakis for the delicious dessert. Grateful thanks to all parishioners who attended and supported our Family Dinner with proceeds earmarked for our philanthropic ministries. Recent past winners: 2013: Piazas Family 2012: Cassandra Coravos 2011: Andrew Coravos 2010: Olivia Sintros 2009: Jonathan Coravos 2008: Dr. Charles Mitsakos 2007: George Zaralidis????????The Koufogazos (and Simon Exarhopulos begin early in the morning grilling chicken for the family dinner. Waiting in anticipation of a wonderful Vasilopeta Luncheon sponsored by the Philoptochos. PHOTOS BY CATHY KOUFOGAZOS This has to be the winner... Georgia Dristiliaris helps Mary Nicholaides select her slice of Vasilopeta....No this one is the winner PAGE 3

4 VCC News LENTEN CAMP COMING by Olivia Sintros, VCC Coordinator On Saturday, March 8, the third Saturday of Souls, the Transfiguration community will host our annual Lenten Camp Day. With each Lenten Camp we help our children learn more about their faith and how Lent can help them grow as a christian. This year Lent starts on March 3. All children from grades Pre K 12 are welcome to attend and participate either as campers or as counselors. This year s theme is Medicine of Faith. Please mark your calendar and register at If you have any questions/suggestions or can offer to assist in any way, please contact Fr. Tom or Olivia Sintros (osintros@comcast.net). SAVE THE DATE Lenten Camp Day Saturday, March 8 Palms and Pancakes Saturday, April 12 (Saturday of Lazarus) Good Friday Retreat Friday, April 18 Vacation Church Camp Monday, July 29 Friday, August Lenten Church Camp Mecine of Faith March 8th Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church Lowell, Massachusetts For Children Pre-K thru 12th grade Contact the Parish Office for Registration Materials or JAMES MONOXELOS James F. O Donnell & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS since 1884 NORTHEAST VISIT OUR E MAIL: jmonoxelos@neref.com PHONE: x15 FAX: SHAWSHEEN ST., TEWKSBURY, MA Serving members of the Lowell and Greek community for over 120 years John W. Crane 276 Pawtucket Street Lowell, Massachusetts (978) James F. O Donnell, Jr. PAGE 4

5 FEBRUARY 2014 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS President s Message THE COMING YEAR by Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President The new year is underway and as a Council we are off to a busy year. Below in no particular order were some of the highlights of our last Parish Council meeting and plans for the new year. For The Veterans: With Valentines Day around the corner Amanda Apostolou is once again having the kids make Valentines Day cards for soldiers. Talk with her if you'd like more information or would like to help out. See Bill Arvanites if you would like to be part of Veterans Ministry. For Our Out Reach: As a Council we are looking for ways to further our Parish s mission throughout the city of Lowell. We committed for the remainder of this year to prepare and serve one meal a month (dinner the second Saturday of the month) at the Middlesex Street Shelter. The Council will be doing the first dinner on Feb. 8th and were looking for others in the parish, organizations, families, groups, or individuals, to volunteer to do future months. See Chuck Karayianis, who will be organizing effort, for more information or to volunteer. For The Future: There probably isn't an organization that has lasted over 100 years that doesn't have an endowment. The survival and existence of 100 year plus institutions is dependent on such endowments. This year we plan on further developing The Transfiguration Endowment. We will be providing you with information on and how you can help support this effort. For the Needs of The Church: There is a saying that there is "no free lunch". Even as a church there are bills every week to pay and our annual budget is pushing $300,000. As a Council we are always looking for ways to cut expenses. We also look for ways to give parishioners greater choices and more convenient ways to make stewardship donations. ParishPay.com is one of the ways we have found to help both the parishioners and the parish. Visit parishpay.com for more information or signing up for online giving. For the parishioners: The families of The Transfiguration Church are the main reason why the parish is still in existence. If you look throughout the City Of Lowell you will see many places where a once active church now stands vacant. The Transfiguration is blessed to have so many devoted families keeping her alive and well. God Bless The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. As always, any questions, concerns or suggestions please feel free to let us know. Additional Christmas Offerings: We thank the following parishioners for their Christmas contributions received after the January issue of the Trans a Gram went to press. Martha Sintros Edward and Patricia Costa PAGE 5

6 Treasurer s Report by James Piazas, Parish Council Treasurer From the Editor: The accounting for year ending December 31, 2013 was presented in last month s edition of the Trans a Gram. The 2014 treasurer, James Piazas, will provide a report in the next issue. Stewardship Report by Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter On the first day of every week (Sunday), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income. I Corinthians 16:20 At our Parish Assembly held on November 3, 2013, we voted to accept the proposed 2014 budget of $285,500. And since the goal of the Stewardship Ministry has always been that we as dedicated stewards should raise the funds to meet the operating budget of our parish, it stands to reason that our focus should be to meet the this goal. This past week a new, enthusiastic group of stewards joined the Stewardship Ministry Team with a desire to redouble the efforts of the ministry striving to meet the goal that our stewardship contributions to the parish will ultimately fund the operating expenses. As we pay our bills at home without asking our neighbors, the same should hold true for our parish. Ideally, money raised from such events as raffles, festivals and golf outings, etc. should be used to fund and expand such things as youth ministries, outreach to the community, as well as in reach to our parish. We as a ministry team fully understand that this is a shift in doing business, sort of speak. More information will be available in the near future as we move forward to reach this goal. At this time the Stewardship Ministry Team would like to thank the 143 stewards who have thoughtfully and sincerely completed their 2014 commitment card since Stewardship Sunday in December. If you have not yet pledged for 2014, won t you please give prayerful consideration to the commitment you will make to the church. At our Stewardship Luncheon last November, a presentation by Greg Floor and Jeff Dinopoulos suggested that we might consider increasing our pledge by 10%. For instance, if one pledged $1000 in 2013 or $20 per week, one may consider pledging 10% more which would be $1,100 in 2014 which would only be an additional $2.00 per week. Another example, if one pledged $500 in 2013, or $10 per week, a 10% increase would be an additional $1.00 per week. If we all increased our pledge by 10% we would attain our budgeted goal. Once again we thank the 358 stewards who worked so hard in 2013 to financially support the Church and we pray for the health and wellbeing of all STEWARDSHIP DATA (AS OF JANUARY 24, 2014) 01/24/2014 Participating stewards 143 Total pledged (43% of Goal) $79,158 Received to date (17% of Goal) $32,284 Budgeted stewardship goal $185,000 Overall goal $285,500 PAGE 6

7 FEBRUARY 2014 SECONDSATURDAYOFEACHMONTH TRANSFIGURATION OUTREACH MINISTRY ONTHE2 ND SATURDAYOFEACHMONTH WEARELOOKINGFORVOLUNTEERS TOCOOKAMEALINOURKITCHEN, DELIVERITANDSERVEITATTHE MIDDLESEXSTREETSHELTER *DINNERPREPARATIONAPPROXIMATELY3:30PM *DINNERISSERVEDATTHESHELTERAT5:00PM Volunteertohelpwithdinnerpreparations,transportingthefood,or servingthemeal.yourmonetarydonationtowardsthisoutreach ministryismuchappreciated.ifyouhaveanyquestionsorwouldlike tovolunteerpleasecontactchristianzouzas(978\257\3360) February8 th (ParishCouncil) June14 th October11 th March8 th (GulezianFamilyandFriends) April12 th May10 th July12 th August9 th September13 th November8 th December13 th PAGE 7

8 2013 Transfiguration Stewards We thank the following individuals and families for offering stewardship for the year Through these donations we the Transfiguration community is able to better provide for the spiritual needs of her faithful and provide beneficial and necessary ministries for the community. Abodeely, George and Marlene Allen, Katherine and Stephen (new) Amick, J. Thomas and Ellen Joan Anderson, Evanthea Andricopoulos, Andrew and Geraldine Antonakis, Helene Apostolakos, Christos and Carole Apostolas, Peter J. and Nancy Apostolou, Matthew and Amanda Arvanites, William J. Asimakopoulos, Frank and Fausta Bagas, Elizabeth Balamotis, Andrew A. Balamotis, Elizabeth Baletsa, Gregory and Debra Balkas, Marina Basdanes, Arthur Basdanes, Georgia (deceased) Belley, Andrea Bertos, George and Ann Bertos, John and Virginia Betses, David and Jean Anne Betses, Helen (deceased) Blanchet, Emilee J. and Paul Block, Fred Bogis, Cresse Bouras, Polyxene Cakounes, Peter and Sophia Cannellos, Stephan George and Jeanne Carey, Craig and Sandra Carey, Renee and Aaron Schindler Casavant, Dennis and Diane Cesar, Frances and Helio Chachus, Elizabeth Chachus, James and Julie Charko, Melanie and Daniel Chicklis, Penelope c/o Harry Stamas Chiklis, Charles and Angela Chininis, Thomas Fr. and Presb. Karen Chiungos, Sue "Anne" Colas, Helen J. c/o Pamela MacLeod Colella, Joyce and Gerald Contover, Sylvia Coravos, Andrew and Thelma Coravos, Evan Coravos, Pamela Corbin, Patti Costa, Edward and Dottie Cote, Peter and Coralie Coulouras, Ernest Fr. and Presb. Helen Coumas, Jennie Coupe, Lisa Chouprakos- and Stephen Couris, Theodore and Stella Courtois, Demetra Crawford, Jason Curran, Linda and Michael Curry, Redvers and Christina D'Amour, Kristine and Philip Dabilis, Arthur and Regina Danas, Arthur and Alice Danas, Helene Danas, James and Elaine De La Torre, Cesar and Elizabeth DeBrum, Irene and Charles Demaras, Kathy Demetri, James and Noule Denopoulos, Eva Deveres, Ernest and Patricia Dinopoulos, Karen and Gregory Dobi, Ellen and Ernest Dokos, Irene Doulamis, Constantinos and Katherine Dristilaris, John and Megan Dristiliaris, Georgia Dristiliaris, George and Tami Dristiliaris, Nicholas and Crystal Dubay, Corrine and Michael Dukakis, Stratos and Eva Dulchinos, Gregory Dulchinos, Peter Dzedulonis, Tina Easton, Daphne Economou, George Economou, Stephen and Catherine Eliacopoulos, Mary Eliopoulos, Angelique and Pin-Bo Tsui Eliopoulos, Antoinette Eliopoulos, Christine Eliopoulos, Daniel Eliopoulos, Dina and Sebastian Sepulveda Eliopoulos, Ethel Eliopoulos, George Eliopoulos, Helen Eliopoulos, Olga Eliopoulos, Peter and Nano Eliopoulos, Philip and Sarah Eliopoulos, Sylvia Exarhopulos, Simon and Efthemia Faneros, Arthur and Christine Faneros, Jason Faneros, John Finocchiaro, Alfred Finocchiaro, Dean Flanagan, Angelike Flanagan, Demi and Wallace Flood, Laurie Eliopoulos- and John Floor, Gregory and Cassandra Fokas, Michael and Diane Forsley, Anastacia Willow Manor Nursing Freitas, Alice Garas, George and Catherine Gavriil, Panagiotis and Zoe Kallas Genna, Georgia and Brian Gianes, Artemis Gickas, George and Joanne Ginieres, Peter and Mary Gkolias, Clara Gkolias, Connie Gkolias, Freda Golias, James Golias-Pavlakos, Mary and Nick Goulas, Steven Gulezian, Marc and Sandra Hastings, Angela and Jeffery Heliotis, Louis and Suzanne Henderson, Diane and Alan Heonakos, Katherine J. Howe, Shanna and Gary Reis Howe, Michael and Athanasia Huether, Katherine Hyde, Rebecca and Daniel Kacavas, James and Linda Kalabokis, George Kalavetinos, Pamela Kalergis, Pota (Pat) Kanellos, Spiros and Joanne Karabatsos, Sophia Karamanolis, Demetrios Karayianis, Amalea Karayianis, Charles (Chuck) Kareores, Jean Kimball, Virginia and Dean Kitenda, Michael and Getrude Kizza Kokas, Peter and Esther Kontoulis, Christos and Georgia Koravos, Aglaia Koravos, Constantinos and Beth Ann Kostoulakos, Arthur Kostoulakos, George Kostoulakos, Ms. Marcia Kostoulakos, Stephen and Irene Koufogazos, Catherine Koufogazos, George and Irene Koufogazos, Timothy Koukos, Angelo and Lisa Kouloungis, Niclis and Daphne Kourembis, Arthur Kowal, Maria Sarantos- Laganas, George and Jill Lampropoulos, Anastasios Lane, Nancy and David Lazouras, Elaine Lemondes, Elizabeth Letsou, Athena Letsou, Olga Letsou, Thomas and Jun H. Lee Letsou, Valerie C. Liakes, Alexis Liakes, Peter and Elaine Licciardello, Joseph Limberopoulos, William and Joyce Limperis, Michael and Angeline Litsikas, George and Kasiani Loulakis, Evelyn Lyons, Faye PAGE 8

9 2013 Transfiguration Stewards (continued) Mahoney, Patricia and John Maib, Carl Maib, Rene Makiej, Vaia and Walter Malliaros-Golec, Gail and Hank Golec Malliaros, George and Iris Manelas, Arthur and Poppy Manelas, Irene Manelas, James Manelas, John and Karen Manikas, James and Bernice Manolopoulos, Evangeline Manousos, Katherine Jeanne Manousos, Peter and Christina Martakos, Alice Martin, Jill and James Masse, Elaine Sarantos- and Robert Mastacouris, Catherine Mastas, Gary and Sandra Mavraides, Christos Mavraides, Effie McCann, Katrina and James McCarthy, Maria and Robert McDonagh, Donna and Brian Metilinos, Nicholas Metropolis, Marian Michaels, Alexander and Cynthia Miscovitch, Elaine and Rex Mitchell, Aaron and Susan Mitropoulis, Dyanne Mitropoulis, Iris Mitropoulis, Karen Mitropoulos, Richard and Mary Mitsakos, Dr. Charles L and Stella Modeski, Helene and Craig Molivas, Mary Moore, Dee Morin, Eric and Stephanie Moskovites, Mary c/o Patricia Costa Mullins, Danielle and Thomas Murphy, James and Pamela Musgrave, Amy E. Musgrave, Peter and Melanie Musgrave, Sandra Nestervich, Michael and Ellen Nestor, Charles and Kathleen Nicholaides, Mary Nicholaides, Stephen G. Nicholaou, Nicholas and Christine Nicolakakis, Vasiliki Nicolls, Valarie and Ronald Nigzus, James and Charlotte Nigzus, James and Karen Nugent, Mary Semekis and Leonard O'Brien, Kathryn and Daniel Palantzas, Vaios Papadopoulos, Christina Papageorgiou, Nicholas and Mary Pappas, Andrew and Diane Pappas, Frances Pappas, George and Kathy Pappas, Joan c/o Mary Nicholaides Pappas, Melanie Pappas, Menelaos Pappas, Nicholas and Susan Patsourakos, Beverly Patterson, George and Anne Philis, Olivia Piandes, Nick and Anne Piazas, Evangelia Piazas, James and Elaine Piper, Derek and Mary Dukakis- Ploof, Mary Dorothy Prentakis, Eleni Proyous, Dean and Maryann Purdis, Cynthia Purville, Catherine and Lloyd (Denzel) Quinn, Sophia and Thomas Regan, Dana Eliopoulos- Reynolds, Joseph and Pauline Rigs, Andronike Rigs, Angie Rios, Cynthia and Luis Rodis, Chris and Carole Russell, Richard and Katherine Sakelakos, Deborah Salpas, George and Marguerite Salpas, Louis Samiotes-Finn, Deanne Santau, Vlad Valentiu Sarantos, Theodore Selvaggio, Vito and Vasiliki Semekis, George and Donna Shanks, Glenn and Voula Simoglou, Andrew and Yiota Simoglou, Stephen Sintros, Antonia c/o Baglioni Sintros, Chris and Erin Sintros, Christopher and Marina Sintros, Martha Sintros, Peter c/o Spiros Sintros Sintros, Spiros and Olivia Sintros, Steven and Pamela Sintros, Susan Siotas, Stephen (Magda is included) Siotas, Steve (Magda's son) Skafidas, Lisa Skandalis, Photine Skrekas, George and Avra Skrekas, Georgia Soucy, Maurice and Erasmia Souza, Barbara Spandagos, Konstatino and Eleni Spanos, Constantine and Elizabeth Spanos, Donna and Dave Malek Spanos, George and Paula Spanos, John and Georgia Spanos, Nicholas and Sharon Spanos, Paul and Susan Sparages, Arthur and Toula (Pauline) Spaziani, Anastasia and Lawrence Stamas, Harry and Christine Stamas Stamas, James and Ann Stamas, Louis Stanchev, Panaiot and Varvara Stavrou, Gregory and Eleni Stevens, Frank and Vasilike Stoessel, John and Charlene Tavoularis, Anna (Mrs. Nicholas) Tavoularis, John and Ann Donnelly- Thibault, John and Elaine Zouzas- Thomas, Sophia and David Tournas, Charles and Maria Tournas, Ethel I. Tournas, Joan and Christos her dad Tournas, Nancy S. Toury, Elgy Trearchis, Janet E. Trearchis, Marie Trearchis, Mary Troy, Melissa and Robert Tsichlis, Demetrios and Vasilike Tsimakas, Christos and Kleanthi Tsioulis, Constantine and Elizabeth Tsitsipas, Demetrios and Annmarie Tsitsipas, Effemios "Tim" Tsoukalas, George and Joan Tsoumbanikas, Connie Tully, Thea Dukakis- and Michael Vacirca, Alice and Joseph Vainas, Avery Vainas, Georgia Vakalidis, Agoritsa Vakalidis, Evangelia and Evangelos Vaporis, John and Patricia Vercontaire, Steven Vergados, George and Giannoula Vlahakis, Evanthea Vlahakis, Nora S. Vozeolas, E L and Perci Walbridge, Robin and Brian Wallace, Vasilike and William Wilson, James and Niki (James-deceased) Wolfenden, Francis and Pauline Wright, Gregory J. Yankopoulos, Menelaos and Agnes Zaralidis, Ioannis and Daphne Ziagos, Diane Ziakas, Nicholas Zounes, Ann C. Zounes, William Zouzas, Christian and Hariklia Zouzas, Dacey Zouzas, Peter Zouzas, Samuel and Despena Zouzas, Tanya and Kevin Malone Zouzas, Dr. William Zymaris, Michael and Effie PAGE 9

10 DONORS WANTED FOR LENT It is our custom each year during Great Lent to decorate the Icon of the Theotokos for the Salutation Services on Friday Evenings. This year Great Lent began on Monday, March 3, The Salutation Services are held on the first five Friday s of Great Lent, that is on March 7 th, March 14 th, March 21 st, March 28 th, and April 4 th. If you wish to make a $85.00 donation to the Transfiguration Church in order to decorate the Icon of the Theotokos for one of these services, please call the Church March 7 th th March 14 st March 21 th March 28 th April 4 PAGE 10

11 Parish Council Report by Cesar de la Torre, Parish Council Secretary During the month of January, two Parish Council meetings were held. The first was a special meeting elect the 2014 Parish Council Officers and the second was the regular monthly meeting. The 2014 Officers are Christian Zouzas (President), Olivia Sintros (Vice President), Cesar de la Torre (Secretary), and James Piazas (Treasurer). At the regular monthly meeting the following items were discussed. The 2014 Parish Council must focus on not just maintaining the ministries of the parish, but on growing the ministries we have and starting new ones. There was specific discussion about the Community Kitchen. Because of the School it has become difficult to regularly hold a meal at the church. The committee will continue during the summer months. This ministry is more of one focused on our own parishioners, though the neighbors are welcome. To better offer a ministry to those in need in the community, a decision was made to provide and serve one dinner a month at the Middlesex Street Shelter for this year. The Parish Council will provide the first meal and the ministry will welcome organizations, families and groups of parishioners to volunteer for the coming months. Chuck Karayianis volunteered to coordinate this ministry. At the December meeting the Council decided to enter into negotiations with the Charter School for an additional year lease. Christian Zouzas reported on the negotiations. Part of the negotiations include the installation of sprinklers in the hall and kitchen, the reopening of the hall bathrooms, and the addition of a classroom in the hall. The final authorization for all this work will be made at the April Parish Assembly. The Council reviewed the members responsibilities during services and during the month they are responsible for. The Council discussed the opportunities to make changes and streamline some office procedures. These will be discussed further. A small group will be cleaning out the file cabinets, place items in storage, and reorganize the office. Choose Community Choose Enterprise Bank The Enterprise Bank team helps create successful businesses, jobs, opportunities, wealth, and vibrant prosperous communities. Choose-Community.com Member FDIC Acton Andover Billerica Chelmsford Derry, NH Dracut Fitchburg Hudson, NH (Coming Soon) Leominster Lowell Methuen Tewksbury Salem, NH Westford PAGE 11

12 PARISH GROUPS Help Wanted PART TIME GRAPHIC DESIGNER by Evanthea Vlahakis, Trans a Gram Writer Philoptochos Society Report by Soula Spaziani, Philoptochos Society President Many thanks to the women of the Transfiguration who have responded to the Philoptochos membership initiative for 2014 by returning their stewardship envelops. We are hoping every woman in our parish will join us in helping those less fortunate and helping our parish, while enjoying fellowship and friendship with each other. We welcome and embrace all women of our parish. Outreach: NURSING HOME & SHUT-IN VISITATIONS: Our Visiting Angels are continuing visits to nursing homes and shut-ins. Please contact Christine at (978) or the church office to offer your time to make visits. HOUSE OF HOPE: Many thanks to Iris Malliaros for coordinating dinner service to the mothers and children at the House of Hope each month. Slots are available in the New Year, on the 4th Thursday of the month. Please contact Iris at or iris.malliaros@uml.edu to help. FAMILY LITERACY PROGRAM: As we clean out our children s bookshelves after Christmas, please consider placing gently used books in our book collection bins. The goal is to collect as many books as possible for the children at a local Lowell elementary school. Coming Attractions: Go Red Sunday, Feb. 9th: In keeping with the National American Heart Association awareness initiative and supported by the National Philoptochos Society, parishioners are encouraged to wear red as a symbol of support towards an awareness of heart disease. Next Meeting: Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at 10:00 AM. We will enjoy our traditional Heart Healthy Brunch prepared by our hostesses Deanne Finn, Daphne Kouloungis and Susan Mitchell, followed by our business meeting. Special guest speaker: Dr. Dina Eliopoulos will present on the latest in plastic and cosmetic procedures. PHOTO BY MELANIE PAPPAS The Sunday School children are blessed with Holy Water following services on the Sunday, January 5, the Eve of Epiphany, by Father Tom BELATED CHRISTMAS WISHES: We received the following Christmas greeting in the Transfiguration Christmas Card after it went to print. We thank them for their donation and greetings. Mr. & Mrs. Peter Manousos of Akron, Ohio BLUE ANGUS CAFÉ 34 Broadway Road (Route 113) Dracut, MA Proprietors Steve Chicklis Andy Graham Steve Graham Randy Davis Mama s Italian Restaurant 1140 Lakeview Avenue Tel: (978) Dracut, MA Fax: (978) When you re hungry, come to Mama s PAGE 12

13 FEBRUARY 2014 Sunday School by Connie Gkolias, Sunday School Director As we enter the month of February (the mystical month of love) let us greet one another with the love of Christ. Our girls and boys have completed half of this year s Sunday school program. Very soon we will begin our Lenten journey. There are many opportunities for our children to learn about Great Lent, Holy Week and Easter. As the Sunday School staff we are looking forward to taking this journey with the students. Dates to remember: Sunday, February 2 -- Sunday school meeting after services Sunday, February 9 -- Valentines Day Bake Sale Wednesday, March Sunday School sponsoring the Lenten meal We are always looking for help with our Sunday school. Please see Connie or Harilikia on Sundays if you would like to help us out. Choir by Lou Stamas, Sunday School Director On the last two Sundays in January and the first two Sundays in February the Choir sings the same hymn near the beginning of Liturgy during the Small Entrance. That hymn is the Kontakion of the Presentation of the Lord, which is celebrated on February 2. The English translation is as follows: For our salvation You took flesh and You sanctified the Virgin's womb. You blessed the aged Simeon as You lay resting in his arms. And having come to save us a, O Christ our God, to these troubled times, bring your lasting peace. Give strong and undaunted faith to a Your people, O only lover of mankind. While we added a handful of new members to the Choir in 2013, and they are doing a GREAT job, we still need more members Due to this winter s awful weather we've had a "skeleton crew" at least a couple of times so far this church year. This makes it very difficult for the few choir members who ARE present. Having more members the possibility of having more people present increases during these times. We want ALL KINDS of folks - male or female, young or old (or middle-aged), experienced or inexperienced in singing. All you need is the desire to do it We are now rehearsing at a time that is more convenient for most people - two Sundays per month, after an abbreviated coffee/fellowship hour. Now you have one less excuse for not joining Anybody may come and observe a rehearsal with "no strings attached". Why not make 2014 the year you finally join the Choir? 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 13

14 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 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 CLERGY Rev. Father Thomas Chininis Telephone: E mail: FrTom@transchurch.org Rev. Deacon John Vaporis Home: Cell: vaporis659@yahoo.com FACEBOOK GOYA ON FACEBOOK 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 John Dristilaris Home: Cell: jdristilaris@yahoo.com George Dristiliaris Home: Cell: gndrist@yahoo.com Gregory Floor Home: Cell: gregoryfloor@mac.com 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 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 14 Smile with confidence Evan Coravos General and Aesthetic Dentistry 75 Arcand Drive Lowell, MA Office Hours: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays CHRISTOPOULOS CMI MULDOON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Providing excellent service for over 40 years 8 CHELMSFORD ST. CHELMSFORD, MA Robin Ley 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. PAGE 14

15 FEBRUARY 2014 February 2014 Sunday' Monday' GOYA Philoptochos Meeting10am BibleStudy 10am 6 12 Saturday' BibleStudy 10am 5 11 Friday' BibleStudy 10am SundaySchool BakeSale Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am 4 ParishCouncil Meeting 6:30pm Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am MonthlyTrisagion GOYA SundaySchoolstaff mtg Thursday' 3 9 Wednesday' Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Tuesday' Presentationof Christ stSaturdayof Souls Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am BibleStudy 10am Councilof Churches7pm March1 2ndSaturdayof Souls Orthros8:30am Liturgy9:30am 28 PAGE 15

16 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. Sacraments BAPTISMS January 5: Eva Marie Papadopoulos, daughter of Peter and Christina Papadopoulos. Sponsor - Stella Kostarellas and Thomas Kostarellas. We welcome Eva Marie as our newest Orthodox Christian. CHRISMATIONS None. SPECIAL SERVICES (FEBRUARY) February 22 (Saturday)...Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. (Saturday of Souls) March 1 & 8 (Saturday)... Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGE BLESSINGS None. FUNERALS We offer our prayers of condolence to the families of: January 11: Mary Demetri January 12: Antonia Sintros May their memory be eternal. (Saturday of Souls) Calendar of Events VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC) March 8: Lenten Camp Day April 12 (Saturday): Palms and Pancakes April 18 (Friday): Good Friday Retreat July 28 August 1 (Monday Friday): Vacation Church Camp CHOIR Please consult the weekly TransNotes for dates and times. BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION February 5, 12, 19(Wednesdays): Bible Study, 10:00 11:00 a.m. (No Bible Study on February 26) All are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekly study. SUNDAY SCHOOL February 2 (Sunday): Sunday School Staff Meeting February 9 (Sunday): Valentine s Day Bake Sale PHILOPTOCHOS February 8 (Saturday): Heart Healthy Brunch General Meeting, 10:30 a.m. March 7 (Thursday): Philoptochos General Meeting, 6:30 p.m. OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES February 2 (Sunday): Monthly Trisagion February 4 (Tuesday): Parish Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. February 4, 11, 18, 25 (Tuesdays): Ladies Group Meeting, 9:30 a.m. February 19 (Wednesday): Council of Churches Meeting, 7:00 p.m. FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES February 2 & 16 (Sundays): GOYA following services OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTS February 8 (Saturday): Middlesex Shelter Meal Stewardship Giving Online Weekly, Monthly, or One-Time Go to ParishPay.com to enroll or call the Parish Office PAGE 16