Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 15 Francis Street PO Box 264 Jamestown, N.Y Website: Live Your Orthodox Faith May/June 2015

2 PENTECOST SUNDAY May 31st by Father George S. Zervos Although the Holy Spirit has always existed, He appeared to humanity on Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He appeared above the heads of the Twelve Apostles in the form of fiery tongues. This act fulfilled the words of Jesus, when He told them, I must leave in order to send you the Spirit of Truth. He ll guide you in all Truth. (John 16:8-13) Thus, on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit appeared to fulfill the words of the Son of God. from this moment many have called this momentous day, the Birthday of the Church. The Apostles were filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit to such a degree that Saint Peter, speaking to 3000 Jews, admonished them with the truth that they had caused the crucifixion of the Messiah, the Savior of the world. but if they now believed and repented from their sins and were Baptized in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, they would be saved. His inspirational words so moved them that all 3000 became followers. Saint Basil instructs us of the importance of Pentecost Sunday. He says, the entire season of Pentecost is likewise a reminder of the Resurrection we expect in the age to come. This season is an image of eternity since it begins and ends like a circle. During this time the ordinances of the Church instruct us to pray, standing, and by this reminder our minds are made to focus on the future instead of the present. On May 3lst, may we be grateful to God and His Holy Spirit for walking with us through our life. For if we pay close attention to our Church s history and the sanctification she bestows on us, we will experience security and joyousness. AMEN. BAPTISMS On February lst, 2015, J.C. DeJesus was Baptized. His Godfather is Elias Tsitsos. His Baptismal name is Dimitrios On February lst, 2015, Lisa DeJesus was Baptized. Her Godmother is Kathleen Morrison. Her Baptismal name is Lukia. God grant the New Christians a long and happy life along with their wonderful Godparents. Na Zisonai!

3 May 2015 Birthstone: Emerald Flower: Lily of the Valley Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday April 2015 June :00 am 9:15 am Mid-Pentecost :00 am Mother s Day :00 am 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Holy Pentecost (& Kneeling Service) Blessing of the Graves 9:00 A.M Lakeview Cemetery 11:15 am Sunset Cemetery Memorial Day 9:15 am Ascension Thursday, Ascending of Our Lord to the Heavens 9:15 am Saturday of the Souls

4 June 2015 Birthstone: Pearl Flower: Rose Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :00 amall Saints Apostles Fast begins :00 am Flag Day :00 am First Day of Summer Father s Day 10:00 am :15 am Twelve Holy Apostles May July

5 Thank You All six Vigil Lights have been purchased and are set to be put up. Thank you all donors. To be named in next Newsletter. On Agape Sunday, one of the highlights is the reading of the Gospel in different languages: We thank the following parishioners for their readings of four passages: (Father George starts with Greek) English: Kelly Dimitri; French: Alexis Singleton; German: Timothy Anderson; Latin: Gregory Anderson Dear Parishioners, CHOIR: This year, our Choir surpassed itself in singing the Hymns for Palm Sunday liturgy, Holy Friday Lamentations and Easter Night Pascha! With only a few rehearsals, they did a tremendous job. Thank you one and all. Our choir members are: James Cheronis, Joanne Christ, Madison Christ, Kathleen Morrison, Kathy Nieva, Liz and Jerry Newburg,Basil Gedz, Kathy Theo, Angie Turner, Dean Stanton and Ashley Stanton. Dora Turner was able to join us a few times also. Throughout Lent several of the choir members came to do readings and Pre-Sanctified Liturgies. We also thank Nick Manno of St. Elias for singing and reading with us on several occasions, including all of the Pre- Sanctified night and day Liturgies. He is always welcome with his wife, Linda. They joined us for the Salutations to the Virgin Mary as well. Kai tou hronou!!! READERS: We thank the following readers for their endeavors during Holy Week and all of Lent: Dr. Mary Ann Spanos, Joanne Christ, James Cheronis, Kathy Kieva, Kathleen Morrison, Mary Beers, Helen Voulgaris, Stephanie Lampropoulos, Teresa Duro, Nick Manno, and Presvytera Anne. ALTAR BOYS: Thank you to all the Altar Boys, headed by Nick Verleni: Elias Tsitso, Christian Duro, Dimitri DeJesus, Alex Dimitri. DONATIONS: Thank you every one who gave monetary donations toward the Easter necessities. Thank you also for the donations of the Red Easter eggs. We had more than enough this year. Fr. George VOLUNTEERS We need volunteers to take on the following tasks, not every week taking turns perhaps so no one gets burned out : Every Sunday we need 5-10 minutes of your time for: l. Put on the coffee by 9:45 a.m., using our brand new coffee pot, purchased by Nick Verleni. No filters are needed. 2. Pick up the Sunday bulletins which are left on the pews. It would be helpful if each parishioner replaced the liturgy books back in the holders. 3. Choir books and sheets need to be put away in their proper places at the conclusion of the. 4. Tend to flowers in the Church. Water them, cut off dead leaves or throw them out if they are no longer fresh. 5. Although the Janitor cleans the floors every week, it is up to us to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the Church edifice. 6. Polishing of the Holy Utensils or other items necessary for Church services see Nick Verleni. 7. Straightening up in the Fellowship Hall after coffee hour or luncheons. Thank you for your consideration.

6 Erene Society Submitted by Athena Constantine, President Christ Has Risen Truly He Has Risen We hope you all had a Joyous and Happy Easter. Thank you to the Church Council and all who donated and worked at the delicious Lenten lunches and suppers. Our last meeting was held in the Church Hall on April 9th after the Church liturgy. Father George led us in prayer. Donations were made to the following charities: St. Basils Academy, Easter Seals, March of Dimes, and to the American Heart Association. Plans were made for our annual picnic to be held on July 13 at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Pavilion. Members are to bring a dish to pass and the main course will be provided. Happy Birthday was sung to Magda Fanaritis and Wendy Kum who have April birthdays. Our Church Yassou Festival will be held on June 19th and 20th. Please help in any way you can, baking or in the booths We will not have a Spring rummage sale. A Fall sale will be planned. May birthdays are for Presvytera Anne Zervos and Catherine Petro. The May meeting is on Wednesday, May 6th. Wendy Kum will bring refreshments. Please remember in your prayers members and friends who are ill and in nursing homes. The Erene society bough chocolate crosses for all the children in church, presented by Father George afteragape Service on Sunday the 12th Dear Fellow Parishioners, Council Corner By Jim Cheronis, Council President 05/01/15 The winter weather has finally abated, and we are looking towards spring and summer. The Council is concentrating on supporting the work that is necessary for us to welcome up to 3,000 or more guests during the Yassou Festival. This is our major fundraiser for the parish, and we would not be able to survive financially without this Father s Day Weekend event. John Silo has again volunteered to take on the responsibility of Chairperson. But he will be the first to say that the Festival would not be a reality if it weren t for the many volunteers who dedicate their time, talents and treasure to make it a success. In this newsletter edition, you will see a listing of the folks who are in charge of the different areas of responsibility. Please consider reaching out and offering your assistance! Remember, this activity is not only necessary for the financial well-being of our Parish, but it is also a great opportunity for us to be visible witnesses of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Let us all remember that we as individuals will be representing our beloved St. Nicholas Parish and the Orthodox Church in all that we say and do. Let us be welcoming hosts who are warm and hospitable to all who come to visit. May we be blessed with good weather, plenty of volunteers and thousands of guests at this year s Yassou Festival. With love in Christ, Jim Cheronis Council President

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8 Souvlaki Stand Your choice of tender pork or chicken seasoned and grilled to perfection! Gyro Strips of lamb with tomatoes, onions, Tzatziki sauce in a pita Pocket Sandwich Pork or Chicken in a pita with lettuce, tomato, feta, dressing Bottled Greek Beer Bottled Water Hot Dog Stand 50 year old recipe! Hot Dog Plain Hot Dog Texas Hot Dog Texas sauce (George Cheronis Recipe) on hot dogs Non Alcoholic Drink Canned Soft Drinks, Lemonade, Ice Tea or Water Combination Line Dinner consisting of: meatballs, pork or chicken, rice, green beans, and Greek salad. A la cart also available. Lamb Shank Dinner Braised lamb, rice, green beans, greek salad, pita bread Souvlaki Dinner Marinated pork or chicken, rice, green beans, greek salad, pita bread Keftedes Dinner Greek meatballs, rice, green beans, greek salad, and pita bread Pastitsio Dinner Pasta, ground beef, grated cheese, covered with cream sauce Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) Layers of buttered phyllo, spinach, cheese and egg filling Tiropita (Cheese Pie) Layers of buttered phyllo, cheese and egg filling Fasolakia Green Beans seasoned with tomato-herb sauce Rice Pilaf Delicious cooked rice Large or small Greek Salad with feta cheese, olives and pita bread Non Alcoholic Drink Coffee, Canned Soft Drink, Lemonade, Ice Tea, or Water Baklava Sundae Bakery Homemade Greek dessert to be enjoyed here or to go. Baklava Buttered phyllo, with nuts and spices drenched in syrup Kourambiedes Butter cookie, powdered sugar Sweet Bread Loaf made with butter and eggs Rizogalo Greek-style rice pudding Revani Farina cake topped with walnuts and honey syrup Melomacarona Nutty cookie dipped in syrup Loukoudmades Bottled Greek Beer Baklava Buttered phyllo, with nuts and spices drenched in syrup Rizogalo Greek-style rice pudding Revani Farina cake topped with walnuts and honey syrup Bar

9 Treasurer s Report for 2014: Profit & Loss Report The church had a Total Income $156,494, or about $4,506 less than the budget of $161,000. Stewardship totaled $66,850, compared to a goal of $59,000. Yassou Festival income of $72,969 was about $5,531 short of goal. Net Income from the Yassou Festival was $35,682 versus a budgeted amount of $44,500. Total expenses of $155,399 were less than the budget of $161,000. We spent less in the areas of Charitable Contributions, Choir, Clergy-Laity Congress, Coffee Hour, Outreach, Maintenance & Repair, Medical Insurance, Office Supplies, Property Insurance, and Religious Supplies. We spent more in the areas of Cleaning, Miscellaneous, Printing & Postage, Substitute Clergy, Sunday School, Supplies, Utilities, and Yassou Festival. Overall, expenses were lower than income. The church received $156,494 and spent $155,399, for a net income of $1,095. Balance Sheet The parish had a total of $79,670 in liquid assets at the end of Of that amount, $50,958 was invested into a short term multi-asset income fund in order to gain a greater amount of interest. The balance of $28,712 remained in various bank accounts including an operating checking account, a money market account, a savings account and a CD. Liquid assets are down 17% when compared to 2013, do to capital improvements. The Goumas Endowment Fund has a 2014 ending balance of $243,108. The Church spent a total of $18,846 in capital improvements in 2014, which includes a new boiler and tiling the narthex. All in all, 2014 was a good year financially for St Nicholas Parish. Respectfully submitted by Damian Piaschyk, Treasurer Stewardship Report 4/15/2015 Total Amount Pledged to date: $34,192 Pledge Cards Received from: 1. Anderson, Tim & Rachel 2. Anderson, Greg & Christina 3. Bechakas, Terry & Soultana 4. Benchley, M & M Andrew 5. Bruner, Kenneth & Helen 5. Benchley, M & M Andrew 7. Cheronis, James & Christine 8, Christ, terry & Joanne 9. Constantine, Athena 10. Coustenis, Theodore & Virginia 11. Cummings, Bryan 12. Deppas, Lou & Melissa 13. Dimas, George & Dorothy 14. Dimity, Adam & Szymanowicz 15. Dimitri, Athena 16. Dimitri, John & Julie 17. Dimitri, Michael & JoAnn 18. Fanaritis, Magda 19. Feell, Theodor 20. Frederick. Elizabeth 21. Gianas, Sophia 22. Hennas, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew 23. Hill, Louise 24. Kum, David, Wendy & Family 25. Louis, Terry 26. Michos, Alexandra 27. Michos, Crist & Robin 28. Michos, Elizabeth 29. Mignoli, Connie 30. Morrison, Heath & Kathleen 31. Newburg, Jerry & Elizabeth 32. Pappas, Betty 33. Piaschyk, Damian & Sabrina 34. Psychos, Constance 35. Rigas, Gust & Rheba 36. Rigas, Michael 37. Riolo, Mary 38. Ross, Anna P. 39. Ross, Ethel 40. Searls, Loretta 41. Singleton, Todd, Alexis 42. Theofilactidis, Dimitrios & Tiffany 43. Tsitso, Nicholas 44. Turner, Bill & Angie 45. Verleni, Nick & Helen 46. Voulgaris, Anthony & Helen 47. Zorich, Ron & Voula 48. Harter, Ashley & Jude 49. Kioumourtzis, Dimitrious 50. Spanos, George & Mary Ann 51. Presvytera Claire Raphael

10 Easter

11 Sunday

12 MYROFORES GIRLS On Holy and Great Friday, our beautiful young ladies marched down the center aisle of the Church, bowed in front of the Tomb of Christ, and stepped up to the Solea to surround our precious Lord and to guard Him in His gloriously decorated Tomb or Epitafio. After an hour or so, Father George instructed them to throw their red rose petals on the Epitafio as he, the altar boys and the girls walked around it and the choir and whole congregation sang the emotional words: Erranan ton Tafon, ai Mirofores mira, lian proi elthousa. The Myrrhbearing women, sprinkled Myrrh upon Tomb, before the dawn. The girls who had the honor of serving our Church and the Lord were: Chryssie Rose Panteli, Nicole Dejesus, Sara Tsitso, Eva Turner, Lisa Dejesus, Paige Kianos and Aubrey Newburg. God bless them and keep them. Thanks also to Madison Christ for organizing the girls and keeping an eye on them. -Presvytera Anne DECORATED EPITAFIO We thank Sabrina and Damian Piaschyk for taking on the purchasing of flowers for the Epitafio, including the Lilies for after the Resurrection, this year. The Epitafio was decorated by Sabrina, Tatiana, and Sabrina s Mother, Olga. It looked gorgeous. Again thank you for such a special donation. REPASTS On Palm Sunday a wonderful luncheon was prepared by our Todd Singleton. A full house enjoyed the traditional fish, potatoes salads and fruit. Thanks to Todd and his crew. On Holy Friday evening, after the service, everyone went into the Fellowship Hall for a light supper prepared by Presvytera Anne and Father George. Thanks to them and all those who helped out. On Easter Sunday, after the Resurrection Service, all went into the Hall for a wonderful repast, prepared by Jimmy Cheronis and the Parish Council. Thank you. FINISHING WELL As Jesus exhaled His last breath He declared, It is finished. It is the moment that marked an end, a finish, but also became a new beginning, at His resurrection. Ralph Waldo Emerson offered this advice: Finish every day and be done. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt - forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on yesterdays. The God Who began a good work in you, will finish it day by day, and ultimately bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). FRIENDS 2014 A/O 12/31/2014 FINAL NAME ADDRESS Jamestown, NY St. Nicholas Church PO Box 264, Jamestown Zervos, Fr, George and Presbytera Anne 286 Shadyside, Lakewood, NY X X X Cheronis, Jim and Christine 107 Cayuga Ave., Warren, PA X X X Duro, Christin PO Box 68, Jamestown, NY X Getska, Thomas 173 Hallock St., Jamestown, NY X Giopulos, John and Shirley 14 Central Place, Wellsville, NY X Marano, Anthony and Nancy 143 E Terrace St., Lakewood, NY X Pappas, Elizabeth 961 Kingston Drive, Olean. NY X Tsitso, Spiro 407 Palmer St., Jamestown, NY X TOTAL

13 FUNERALS On March 18, Helen Douvlos, Mother of Maria Stanton, fell asleep in the Lord. Her funeral took place on March 18 at Saint Nicholas Church. On March 30, A. Magdalene King, Mother of Teresa Duro, fell asleep in the Lord. Her funeral was conducted at Lind Funeral Home on April 4, by Father John Huntyan, of St. Elias Church. On April 8, James Saines, brother of George Saines, fell asleep in the Lord. His funeral took place on April l3. His 40 day Memorial will be held on Sunday, May l7, with a Greek Luncheon to follow, hosted by George. ~ MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL ~ Memorials for May - June 2015 OR: * donations made to the Johnson Scholarship Fund In memory of George Tsitso Evdoxia Tsitso In memory of Helen Douvlos Maria and Dean Stanton Helen and Nicholas Verleni Sharon Sinnett Haines Athena Dimitri Robin and John Wagner Toula and John Bechakas * Ethel Enserro Maria and Vincent Jowdy Carolyn O'Donnell In memory of Terry Jonethis Barbara and Michael Cassell In memory of Jim Saines Georgia Arcuri Athena and George Saines Mary Ann and George Saines Betsy and Dino Saines Mary Riolo Helen and Nick Verleni * Ethel Enserro In memory of Magdalyn King Helen and Nick Verleni * Ethel Enserro

14 Sunday school news Easter bread bake sale Thank you for making our bake sale such a success!!! We made 130 loaves of sweet bread over a span of two days. This could not have been accomplished without the hard work of our volunteers. Thank you! Any extra loaves of bread were given to shut-ins, used at the meals over Holy Week, and used during coffee hour. Lazarus Saturday We had our best turn out yet for Lazarus Saturday! Twenty-five people took part in confession, and we had many children working hard making crosses and sweet bread. Great and Holy Pascha The morning service, great Vespers of Love, was a beautiful morning with many families in attendance. All children were given a chocolate cross, Resurrection book, and laminated icon. Any child that wanted to participate in the Easter egg hunt was welcome outside to gather red eggs, and try to find the golden eggs. This day could not have been such a success without the help of the volunteers who donating their time and money; the Ladies Society donated the chocolate crosses, Courtney, Tiffany, and Alexis for organizing, and implementing the Easter egg hunt.

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