INSIDE THIS ISSUE Fr. Nick s Net

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1 News & Events INSIDE THIS ISSUE Fr. Nick s Net Parish News & Events From the Inter-NET Around the World Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 5 Pg. 6 HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH STEUBENVILLE, OHIO JUNE, 2016 VOLUME VIII ISSUE 6 ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE: June Calendar Father s Day Name Sheet Saturday of the Souls Name Sheet THE MISSION OF THE HOLY TRINITY PARISH IS TO SEEK AND ACHIEVE ONENESS WITH GOD IN HIS REVEALED SON, JESUS CHRIST THROUGH DAILY SACRAMENTAL AND SACRIFICIAL LIVING. WE WILL STRIVE FOR THE PEACEFUL AND LOVING UNITY WITH OUR NEIGHBORS IN CHRIST WHICH MAKES US HIS DISCIPLES. 1 The Net July /August 2015

2 Fr. Nick s Net The Net is the Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church PARISH INFORMATION PARISH PRIEST: FR. NICHOLAS M. HALKIAS PHONE: (740) HOME: (724) FRNICK@HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: CYNTHIA RICHARDS OFFICE@HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG PARISH ADDRESS: 300 SOUTH FOURTH STREET P.O. BOX 788 STEUBENVILLE, OH PHONE: (740) FAX: (740) OFFICE@HOLYTRINITYSTB.ORG WEB: Holy Trinity Church is a parish of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh (pittsburgh.goarch.org) and Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America ( under the Spiritual Jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople ( PARISH MINISTRIES Tony Mougianis Nick Riley Pete Caleodis Rikki Kamarados Don Kronstein Joanne McCraley Marianne Balakos George Berris John Josai PARISH COUNCIL President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Steve Pahides Connie Shea Tina Van Dijk Philoptochos... Rikki Kamarados Religious Education... Stewardship... GOYA... Rikki Kamarados JOY... Maria Matzorkis HOPE... Maria Matzorkis Choir... Pete Caleodis Library / Bookstore... Louise Kronstein Senior Citizens... Barbara Lee Maragos Chian Society... John A. Kamarados Pan-Icarian Brotherhood... Stacey Kotsanis AHEPA... Tommy Kotsanis 2 The Net May 2016 June 2016 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη! Ἀληθὼς Ἀνέστη! It is finally here! The month that we have all been waiting for!!! This is the month where we really dig down deep and really get to show what our parish is all about! What a month for us! I know many of you think that I am talking about our parish s festival. In any other year, that would indeed be the case. For us at Holy Trinity, our festival is so vital to our parish and to the community of Steubenville in general; and it takes so many of our wonderful and dedicated people to pull it off. But that is not what I am talking about. I am talking about the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church that is happening in Crete on Pentecost this year (June 19). So what? It s just another meeting of bishops isn t it? Well not really. It is the first meeting of its kind in over 1200 years! So the world has not seen a council like this in over a millennium. That is pretty landmark by itself. If you also consider that the last time we had an ecumenical council was in 787 AD and that council was presided over by under 10 autocephalous Churches, then this council is indeed unique. There will be 14 autocephalous churches represented at this council. So in many ways, the world has NEVER seen a council like this! But what does this have to do with me? Why should I care about this council? They won t be discussing anything important to me. It is just bishop stuff. Those are all thoughts and comments that I have heard on the buildup of this council. But I would submit to you that if you consider the work of the Holy Spirit, especially in the previous ecumenical councils, any council of this magnitude can have a major effect on the church-- both in the parish and throughout the world! If you look at page 5 of this edition of The Net, you will see how much effort and work has been put into the preparation of this Great and Holy Council. Around 55 years of praying and meeting has led to this council. Documents have been prepared, agendas have been finalized, attendance has been solidified, and procedures have been agreed upon (Roberts Rules of order don t apply here!). Oh yeah, 14 autocephalous churches are bringing another difficulty to this council language barriers. The documents that are being prepared, have to be translated (properly, I might add) into Greek, Russian, French and eventually English. (English was a later and necessary addition -- and it shows how our country and our church has grown in America in the last 55 years). What s on the agenda that could possibly affect us? Fasting regulations will be discussed. That s right. Our bishops will be discussing fasting. That is something that we are supposed to do twice a week. Who knows in the Spirit what will be decided? The church in Diaspora will be discussed. That s us. We, among others (like Australia), are immigrant established churches. No single jurisdiction comprises our land, which is not correct according our canons. We have parishes under Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Russia, etc. - sometimes in the same city. We should be under one patriarchate, not multiple as we are. But which Patriarchate should we be under? Alternatively, we could have one established unity by ourselves in this country (varied ethnic parishes with one bishop). That will definitely be discussed. And whether final decisions are made for us or not, we will see major options considered. That will DEFINITELY have an effect on us. We must begin our prayer for our bishops and this Great and Holy Council. That is the only way to ensure our presence will be carried to this council through the Holy Spirit. May God bless us and our hierarchs during this incredibly exciting time for the Orthodox church! Christ is Risen!!! Truly He is Risen!!!

3 News & Events WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Worship... June Our Summer schedule for Sunday Worship will begin on Sunday, June 12. Orthros will begin at 8:30 A.M. and Liturgy will begin at 9:00 A.M. There will be no Hymnology or Sunday School during Summer hours. Paraklesis Services... June Paraklesis Services are normally offered every Wednesday at 6:00 P.M., unless otherwise scheduled. JUNE These are the services for the month of June. Please check your schedules and plan to attend. Tuesday, June 7 4:00 P.M. Confession Saturday, June Saturday of the Souls 8:30 A.M. Orthros 9:30 A.M. Liturgy Monday, June Monday of the Holy Spirit 8:30 A.M. Orthros 9:30 A.M. Liturgy Thursday, June 23 11:00 A.M. Confession Friday, June Nativity of St. John the Baptist 8:30 A.M. Orthros 9:30 A.M. Liturgy HAPPY BIRTHDAY The following people will be celebrating their birthday in the month of June: June 01 June 01 June 02 June 02 June 03 June 05 June 08 June 09 June 11 June 11 June 14 June 20 June 21 June 23 June 23 Atheena van Dijk Sophia Riley Pete Caleodis Mary Anne Jacobs Peter Parikakis George Caleodis Alijah Demitras Alex Kamarados Paul Mastros Irene Mitchell Doris Locascio Constantine Caras Anastasia Crisante Chad Fuller Nicholas Zorne If your name was not listed and you had a birthday during this month, please contact the office; and we will be happy to place it on our roster for next year. ANNOUNCEMENTS One- Year Memorial... June 5 At noon there will be a One - Year Memorial for Helen Hesske and Mike Vounousakis with kolyva and lunch in the social hall. May their memory be eternal! RELIGIOUS EDUCATION GREEK SCHOOL... Resumes in Fall, 2016 Have a great summer Teacher Pam, Greek School students and parents. Looking forward to seeing you in the Fall when Greek School resumes. BIBLE STUDY... June 8, 22 The Bible Study group normally holds it meetings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 10:00 A.M. PARISH GROUPS CHOIR... TBA `Our choir will not be singing for the Divine Liturgy during the month of July; they will return again in August. PHILOPTOCHOS... Resumes in September, 2016 Enjoy your summer, Ladies of the Philoptochos Society. PARISH COUNCIL... June 7 Parish Council meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at the church unless otherwise stated. FESTIVAL NEWS KALI EPITIHIA! Hey! Have you looked at the date of this month s Net? It s the month for which we have been working so hard. It s the month we have anxiously been anticipating for quite some time. It s June; and, if it s June, it is the month of our Thirtieth Annual Grecian Food Festival! In a couple weeks, the tents will go up, the tables will be draped with our new coverings, the banners will fly, and it will be time once again. It well be time for the wonderful aromas of mouth-watering food and delectable pastries to fill the air. Get ready to dance as the Greek Company strikes up the orchestra; and cue the youthful costumed dancers. Remind your friends and neighbors, and get ready to join the fun, food, and frolic of an extraordinary experience. Check your calendar for the work days you have chosen and plan to join the Thirtieth Annual Grecian Food Festival. It is with great joy that we welcome it; and we wish one and all a good success, or as we say in Greek, kali epitihia! APRIL MONTHLY FINANCIALS April weekly income $5, April weekly expense $5, The Net May 2016

4 News & Events HAPPY NAMEDAY TO OUR PARISH & HAPPY FATHER S DAY TO ALL The story is told of a father of five children who came home with a toy. He summoned his children and asked which of them should be given the present. Who is the most obedient one here? Who never talks back to Mom and does everything that Mom says to do? He inquired. There were a few seconds of silence, and then all of the children said in one accord: You play with it Daddy! Father s Day and Pentecost are June 19! We want to wish a happy nameday to our Parish of Holy Trinity, and a very Happy Father s Day to all fathers. We love and appreciate you! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES!!! DIMITRIOS ANTHONY COLLAROS, son of Dean and Michelle Collaros, graduated from Steubenville Big Red HS in the class of He will be attending Otterbein University, a private four year liberal arts college in Westerville, OH. Dmitri will major in accounting and auditing while playing football and baseball. NIKO PETRIDES, son of James and Jen Petrides, graduated from Steubenville Big Red HS in the class of He will be attending Ohio Dominican where he will major in physical therapy and play football. STELLINA TSOURIS, daughter of Nick and Vincetta Tsouris, graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with duel specialization in accounting and information systems and a minor in economics. She graduated with Cum Laude honors. She has accepted a full-time position with L Brands as an auditor in Columbus, OH. ANTHONY PAUL ZORNE, son of Paul and Nicole Zorne and grandson of Nick and Gerri Maragos. Anthony graduated in the class of 2016 from Steubenville Big Red HS. His future plans are undecided. 4 The Net May

5 From the Inter-NET UMMARY OF THE FIRST SEVEN ECUMENICAL COUNCILS OCTOBER 22, VINCENT GABRIEL Whhodox faith over-and-against various heretical manifestations and troublemakers, while also creating and maintaining various rules or canons to govern and organize the now-globalized faith. The first Council of Nicaea (AD 325) was convened by Constantine I to primarily deal with the heresy of Arius (a priest in Alexandria who taught that the Son was inferior to the Father and created) and the organization of the Church (establishing the priority of the sees of Rome, Alexandria and Antioch, with Jerusalem still in subjection to the Metropolitan of Caesarea and Constantinople not yet officially inaugurated as the capital city). The Council maintained that Christ was one with the Father (homoousios) and composed a Creed to preserve the confession of orthodox Christianity. The Council of Constantinople (AD 381) expanded the Nicene Creed by adding a clause on the role of the Holy Spirit as a Person of the holy Trinity, who proceeds from the Father and with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified. The Council also made the bishop of Constantinople to be second in honor to that of old Rome (pushing Alexandria down to third in honor), making Constantinople New Rome (Canon III). Later, at the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus (AD 431), Cyril of Alexandria had Nestorius of Constantinople condemned as a heretic for his insistence on separating the humanity of Christ from his divinity, while also overemphasizing Christ s humanity. Unfortunately, the Alexandrians went too far with their teaching about Christ s nature and held a second council in Ephesus (AD 449), led by Dioscorus (successor to Cyril), where they taught that Christ had only one nature (physis) after the Incarnation. This too far position became known as the Monophysite heresy, and led to the Fourth Ecumenical Council in the city of Chalcedon (AD 451), being convened by the emperor Marcian. This council supported [two] nature(s) of Christ The see of Jerusalem was also freed from the jurisdiction of Caesarea by this council, instituting the Pentarchy of Orthodoxy (the five sees of the Church, each led by a Patriarch). Incidentally, the Church of Cyprus was given autonomy and independence at this council, as well. The Definition of Chalcedon was later clarified and more deeply understood through the work of the Fifth Ecumenical Council (AD 553) in Constantinople, using a more Alexandrian viewpoint to explain how the two natures of Christ unite as a single Person. This council was also called in order to condemn the heretical (Nestorian) opinions of three deceased bishops (Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoret of Cyrrhus, and Ibas of Edessa). This council, at Justinian s request, ensured no oversight remained on this issue, and also condemned the teachings of the third century presbyter Origen. The Sixth Ecumenical Council, also held in Constantinople (AD ), was convened by emperor Constantine the New primarily to condemn the Monothelite heresy. This heresy taught that - despite having two natures (as one person) - Christ only had one will. This diminished the humanity of Christ by teaching that He was a man without a will (and therefore, unlike us and incapable of redeeming humanity by the incarnation, death and resurrection of himself, with him not being truly human, just as we are). In addition to the condemnation of Monothelitism, the council anathematized as heretics Pope Honorius I of Rome, Sergius I of Constantinople, Cyrus of Alexandria, Paul II and Peter of Constantinople, and Theodore of Pharan for their part in propagating the heresy of Monothelitism. From the seventh century onward, the spread of the new religion of Islam by the sword let to the captivity of a large portion of the Christian east, including the Patriarchates of Jerusalem, Antioch and Alexandria, with Constantinople itself being close to capture. These incursions spread to the west and into modern-day Europe, as well. One of the characteristics of Islam was its anti-incarnational rejection of icons (iconoclasm), and the Muslim Caliph Yezid decreed that all icons in Muslim-controlled lands should be eliminated. The Roman emperor Leo III promoted iconoclasm in the empire (no doubt fearing further Muslim incursions) starting in AD 726, and this heresy prevailed until the empress Irene convened the Second Council of Nicaea (Seventh Ecumenical) in AD 787. This council upheld the iconodule position, allowing the continued veneration of both icons and relics (as well as their usage in the adornment of Christian buildings, private homes and monasteries). While iconoclasm would again be promoted by emperor Leo V the Armenian (AD 815), in a probable attempt to curry favor from the Franks (and their armed forces) in the face of both Islamic and Bulgarian conquest, it would ultimately be defeated by the empress Theodora at a synod in Constantinople in the year 843 (celebrated as the Triumph of Orthodoxy ). -Excertped from 7-ecumenical-councils-a-brief-summary/ 5 The Net May 2016

6 Around the World ON THE GREAT COUNCIL OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH by Rev. Dn. John Chryssavgis - 2/3/16 Already there is much talk about the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church. Between now and June 19, 2016, when the council officially opens on the island of Crete, there will be many rumors and much spin. Some will be justified; like other patriarchal institutions, Orthodox Churches are not normally known for their transparency. However, other chatter will be less than helpful. What follow are some brief clarifications on basic questions surrounding the council. Is the Great Council an Ecumenical Council? For Orthodox Christians, there hasn t been an Ecumenical Council since 787, with the Second Council of Nicaea that resolved the problem of iconoclasm, namely the debate about whether icons can or cannot be used for liturgical and devotional purposes. If you ve been to an Orthodox Church recently, you know who won that argument! However, the Orthodox believe that it is the whole church that must convene East and West in order for a council to be considered ecumenical. In a world where Christians are so tragically divided, the Orthodox are reserved about boasting of an ecumenical council. In any case, an ecumenical council is normally recognized retrospectively. It would perhaps be more appropriate and accurate to consider the Holy and Great Council as a continuation not only of the early ecumenical councils of the first Christian millennium, but also of the later great or greater councils of the second Christian millennium. Around a dozen or so such councils have convened through the centuries following the great schism of 1054 in order to resolve issues of doctrinal, canonical or administrational character. However, there is indeed something very unique about this council even beyond ecumenical councils and previous great councils. This is the first time in the history of Christendom that a council of ancient churches that claim apostolic succession has included so many individual and independent (autocephalous, and even national) churches. The early ecumenical councils of the first millennium assembled five churches, while the later great councils often convened with even fewer churches. By contrast, the Great Council that will convene in Crete this June will assemble fourteen recognized (or canonical) Orthodox churches from all over the world. These include the ancient patriarchates of Constantinople (that calls, convenes and chairs the council), Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem; the modern patriarchates of Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria and Georgia; as well as the archdiocesan churches of Cyprus, Greece, Albania, Poland, and the Czech Lands and Slovakia. Why is the Council being held in Crete? Even before the Synaxis of Primates was over, Moscow prided itself on rejecting Constantinople s proposal of Istanbul as the venue for the Holy and Great Council at the Church of Haghia Irene, which was the site of the Second Ecumenical Council, served as an imperial church since the fourth century, and (unlike other Christian monuments in Turkey) was never converted into a mosque. The sole reason that the Orthodox Primates changed the venue of the Holy and Great Council was in order to assist Moscow to attend due to current political tensions between Russia and Turkey as well as security concerns about recent terrorist attacks in Istanbul. The change exemplifies the magnanimous flexibility and benevolent commitment of the Ecumenical Patriarch sustained by the Holy Spirit required to ensure that the council will convene in June of this year. Something is certainly stirring in the Orthodox Church. And the sound will be louder and clearer in the weeks and months ahead. The Holy and Great Council is entirely without precedent in the history of Christianity. Some are afraid of its consequences for the purity of Orthodox doctrine; it may shed light on practices in isolated communities, which have long resisted and reacted against the modern ways of the West. But others see this as a unique moment in the life and witness of an ancient church; it is an opportunity for Orthodox theology to speak a prophetic voice of hope and light in a time of anxiety and uncertainty. As Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reminded the Orthodox primates gathered in Geneva, this is the moment of Orthodoxy. In the words of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania: The great council is not a facsimile of an ecumenical council. Whether described as an ecumenical council, or more aptly labeled a great council, the occasion in Crete next June is not just a new or another council; it is an extraordinary and exceptional event. It is meant to happen. The Spirit is moving. The world is waiting. Let s see what transpires among the attending bishops. Rev. Dn. John Chryssavgis is Archdeacon and theological advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. -Excerpted from 6 The Net May

7 The NET-Minders The Parish of Holy Trinity would like to thank the following benefactors for making this Monthly Newsletter possible: In Loving Memory Of Nicholas Mougianis 7 The Net May 2016

8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church P.O. Box South Fourth Street Steubenville, OH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE P A I D STEUBENVILLE, OH PERMIT NO. 83 Submissions for THE NET are to be submitted by the 18 th of each month. About the Icon on the Cover THE FIRST SEVEN ECUMENICAL COUNCILS 325 AD - 1st Ecumenical Council of Nicaea condemns Arius and clarifies the dogma of Christ s divinity by expanding Creed s 2nd stanza. 381 AD - 1st Council of Constantinople (2nd overall) expands 3rd stanza of the Creed defining the divinity of the Holy Spirit and also condemns Apollinarius heresy that Jesus lacked a complete human soul. 431 AD - Council of Ephesus (3rd overall) defines Christ as the incarnate Word of God and proclaims Mary Theotokos ( God-bearer or Mother of God ) after deposing Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople. 451 AD - Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (4th overall) defines Christ as having both a divine and a human nature in one person. 553 AD - 2nd Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (5th overall) confirms christological & trinitarian doctrine against the Nestorians. 680 AD - 3rd Ecumenical Council of Constantinople (6th overall) affirms that Jesus had a truly human will as well as a truly divine will against the Monothelites. 787 AD - 2nd Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (7th overall) vindicates the veneration of images. -Excerpted from: