September Volume 10, Issue 9

Transcription

1 September 2015 Volume 10, Issue 9

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 900 6th Street Sioux City, Iowa Church Office Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Telephone: Office Fax: Parish Council President: John Vlahoulis Worship Hours: Sundays: Weekdays: Esperinos: Thursdays: Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy to follow Orthros For Major Feasts 6:00 p.m. Paraklisis Service 6:00 p.m. 1st of Every Month: Agiasmos Service 8:30 a.m. unless there is a service, in which case it will take place 30 minutes prior to Orthros Sunday School: (During School Year) Following Holy Communion Greek Dance: (During School Year) TBD Wednesdays from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Bible Study: Thursdays from 8:30 9:30 a.m. Blessed Darkness (Adult Education): Thursdays 7:00 8:00 p.m. St. Basil s Students (Adult Education): Tuesdays from 6:30 7:30 p.m. SOHO Faith Group (Adult Education): Tuesdays from 12:30 2:00 p.m. September 2015 Page 2

3 Table of Contents Registry Page 4 Father s Message Page 5-6 President s Message Page 7 Stewardship Page 8 Philoptochos Page 9 Ministries Page 9-10 Services Page Puzzles Page 15 Posters Page Pictures Page Church & Metropolis News Page 22 Calendar Page 23 Church Staff Parish Priest/ Editor: Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias Parish Council President: John Vlahoulis Office Director Mary Sharp Philoptochos President: Dr. Fotene Karantinos Book Store: Kiki Karras & Dr. Fotene Karantinos Sunday School Director: Shanda Antonopoulos Greek Dance Director: Leah Baryo Youth Directors: Dean & Amy Karras Stewardship: Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Orthodoxy on Tap Shanda Antonopoulos Patriarchs: Afrodity Segos We Knead You: Janet Antonopoulos Coffee Hour Page 24 Mission of the Parish: To build our Church Family through bountiful religious services, educational classes, fellowship opportunities and outreach. The pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will feature prominently in the ministries of the Parish. Vision for the Parish: A Dynamic Church, equally strong at home as at the Parish, fortified by Ministries that bring the faithful closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Holy Mother, and all the Saints. ABRAHAM S PANTRY: Please donate! Foods from Abraham s Pantry are distributed to the local Food Pantries to feed the poor. Check the expiration Date!!! Abraham served the best he had. If we would not eat it, why should we expect someone else to risk getting sick? September 2015 Page 3

4 Registry and Vital Statistics Baptisms: On Saturday, September 5th at 4:00 p.m. We will celebrate the Baptism of Sophia Yoko Tobias Daughter of Captain George & Valentina Tobias Chrismations: Godparents: Kevin and Anastasia Morrison All are invited to attend Weddings: Funerals On Sunday, August 16th We celebrated the Engagement of Angela Konidas to Nicholas Stabile On August 25th, the servant of God Richard Sharp fell asleep in the Lord. He was interred at Memorial Park by Pastor Del Olivier, Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias & Rev. Fr. Lucas Rice. May his memory be eternal! Να ζή σετε! Να εί στε ευτυχίσμε νοί! ζωή σε σας We Welcome the following new families to the Parish! Now is the time to reach out to your loved ones who have fallen away for whatever reason and bring them back to Church. Now is the time to share your faith with others! Together we must grow. Together we must build the Body of Christ. Invite someone to a service, to a Bible Study, to a Church Event. We have one of the friendliest communities in the Archdiocese. Let us go out so that they will know we are Christians by our Love. September 2015 Page 4

5 Father Dimitri s Message My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, During the Annual Church Picnic (which historically has yielded the largest attendance), the Parish took a vote on two issues. The first was the request of families to move the Divine Liturgy up a half hour from 10:00 am to 9:30 am. The reasoning suggested was so that younger families would not feel so pinched to be able to get their kids to afternoon activities. By an almost 2/3rd majority, the parishioners voted to amend the time. Therefore, starting September 13th, we will begin a half hour earlier at 9:30 am. The second issue was the question on when to hold Christmas Liturgy. Again, by about 2/3rd majority, the parish decided to hold Christmas Liturgy on December 24th at 7:00 pm so that the families of Inter-Christian marriages would be able to spend Christmas day with their families. Historically, across the country, parishes holding Christmas Liturgy in the morning experience dramatically less attendance than those who attend the evening service. When is the correct time to hold that service? Canonically, the service should take place at Midnight in similar fashion to Pascha, therefore either time would be a variation from the ecclesiastical norm, and both times would be seen as a pastoral kindness to the families. With that understanding, we asked the parishioners to decide. As we begin the New Church Year, you will notice, that in addition to the Fall Ministries kicking off, that some subtle changes will be taking place as well. With the permission of Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago we will be combining some of our weekday Liturgies with St. Thomas Antiochian Church. It is our hope to make the Liturgical experience more meaningful by having more people attend the services. You will also find in your pews, a more complete version of the Communion Prayers that you hear me recite each week. While the priest reads these prayers, those who are prepared for Holy Communion should read these prayers as well quietly to himself/herself. You will also notice the language shift from 50/50 Greek/English to 35/65 respectively. To accommodate this change, the Liturgical Language will become static instead of dynamic. The same elements will be Greek and English each week. Please follow along in your Liturgy Books and participate in the Liturgy, understanding how important it is for the Greek and the English to have its place within our worship. This fall, I will be teaching in my Blessed Darkness Class the Catechism that I use for teaching converts about Orthodoxy. I am titling the Classes: Rediscover Orthodoxy. Many of our faithful grew up in the Faith, but may not have any idea why we do what we do, or have any real idea what we believe about God, social issues, faith, prayer, and our place in the world. I often congratulate my catechumens by saying, You now know more than 90% of the cradle Orthodox. This shouldn t be. We live in the Why Generation. Our children want to know why things are and saying, that s how they have always been, will not satisfy their hunger for knowledge. The target audience of my class is not the year-olds (my current students), though they are welcome and learn readily. My target audience is the year-olds, specifically those with young children. My most often heard complaint is, I wish I had known this when I was younger, then perhaps my children/grandchildren might not have left the church... Many wish to blame the Church, language, or the priest for the massive exodus from the Churches across the Archdiocese, but the blame does not lay there, it is found in the daily lives of the Christians. If someone goes to the gym, does one rep of a dumb bell, in no way will that person get healthy. That person, if he truly wishes to get healthy, has to change his diet, his behavioral patterns, and go to the gym for a full workout multiple times a week. We need that full spiritual workout and so do our children. The home needs must become the little church. It has to become a place of prayer, of fasting, of hope, of faith. If we limit September 2015 Page 5

6 our Christian existence to a brief hour a week, we kid ourselves, and our children SEE IT! When we place the Church last in priority, our children see it, internalize it, and then, they dismiss the Church and her teachings. They become, as Archbishop Demetrios of America calls them, Spiritual Homeless. Joshua 24: 14"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15"If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 16The people answered and said, "Far be it from us that we should forsake the LORD to serve other gods; The gods our children now have are pop music icons, professional athletes. They can recite entire lyrics. They can rattle off the roster of their favorite team from the last twenty years. They know all of the stats of the college draft for the NFL, but do they know the saints? Do they know how to pray? Do they know that Jesus Christ loves them? Do they fear the Judgment? Do they know how to prepare for the Sacraments? Do they know the Commandments? Do they know the story of Jesus Christ and the Gospel? My greatest heartache will be seeing the sad, questioning faces of parents as the children abandon the Church, the Ark of Salvation. It is found, not just at 900 6th Street, but also in your home. Come to the Big Church and make sure your Little Church serves as a reflection. If I physically cannot make it to Church on Sunday because of work, I must make certain that my children know I would be there if I could. I must stress its importance and show them I am not a hypocrite by asking them for the andideron (blessed bread) and praying with them the night before to prepare them for communion. As parents, God-parents, grandparents, we have a responsibility to these our children and their spiritual upbringing. I urge you, ARM YOURSELVES with knowledge, FORTIFY YOURSELVES with Prayer, DISCIPLINE YOURSELVES with fasting, FREE YOURSELVES with almsgiving, and make sure your children see you do these things. I encourage you to participate in these classes. If your schedule does not allow, please listen to them online from our website. Read the provided material that will also be available. Your Church is here for you and will provide all you need. Just ask! I remain your servant in Christ, Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Please visit our website! Listen to classes, sermons, reflections online We would be delighted if you and a guest could join us for a poolside afternoon of Wild About Philoptochos Sunday, September 13th 1:00 p.m Hiawatha Trail Lunch will be provided! *September Outreach Project: Our four-legged friends! Please bring an item to be donated to our local animal shelter! RSVP Dr. Fotene Karantinos September 2015 Page 6

7 Greetings Holy Trinity Family, Happy New Year Holy Trinity Family! President s Message It is my pleasure to wish each of you, the Stewards of Holy Trinity, a Happy New Year! You see, when September arrives the new Ecclesiastical Year arrives with it. With its arrival comes many opportunities for everyone. Fr. Dimitri has many ministries that are available to each of us. There is more to being a Steward of Holy Trinity than attending Divine Liturgy and Fellowship Hour on Sundays. It is not just about Treasure and how much we give. It is also about Time. It is about being involved, knowing our faith and participating in what our church has to offer. Some of the Ministries available for us include: Adult Education, Health Body/Healthy Soul & We Knead You. These groups join an additional list that includes Sunday School, Greek School, Greek Dance, Chanters, Choir, JOY, & GOYA. Our newest Ministries include Orthodoxy on Tap and The Holy Trinity Cheering Corner. If you are wondering what some of these Ministries are about, make sure to check out the Ministry Handbook. You can find a complete listing of ALL the Ministries available there. As you will see there is something available for all of us. Don t be afraid to get involved! If you should have an interest in any of these programs, be sure to sign up! Get involved! It is that simple! The new Ecclesiastical Year also provides us an opportunity to get back in the swing of things. Just like the new school year where our young people are given the chance to learn more and grow, the Church offers us the chance to learn and grow. To get back in the swing of things. The Mother Church gives us all the chance to look at ourselves and our own growth. From year to year we have the opportunity to see how each of us has grown spiritually. How has OUR faith, as individuals, become stronger? This is an excellent question for each of us. As you all know, our annual Church Picnic was held on Aug. 16 th at Stone State Park. A beautiful Orthros and Divine Liturgy was offered by Fr. Dimitri. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this event and to those who attended. Also, thank you to all who brought desserts for everyone to enjoy. A vote was taken at the picnic in which one of the questions asked was Shall we begin the Orthros at 8:30 with Divine Liturgy starting at 9:30? There was a majority of people that said yes to this question. Therefore, beginning in September, Fr. Dimitri will begin services a half hour earlier. Our hearts are heavy at Holy Trinity upon the passing of Richard Dick Sharp, husband of Mary Sharp. Richard was a wonderful man with whom I had conversations with while making beans on many Saturday mornings before many Grecian Dinners. I will certainly miss him. Our condolences to Mary and the rest of Richard s family. May his memory be eternal. As YOUR Parish Council President, I make myself available to you should you have any concerns. You may contact me at If I do not answer, please leave a message. I WILL return your call. I look forward to seeing each of YOU in Church! John Vlahoulis 2015, Parish Council President September 2015 Page 7

8 Stewardship Time-Talent-Treasure The stewardship of our parish is not about calculations, portions or percentages. It should not be reduced to a number of hours of service or how much money is offered. It is important for us not to reduce our responsibilities as members of the Body of Christ to just Paying the Bills. Orthodox Stewardship is a mindset. It is a way of life for our church to prosper in other areas besides fiscally. In true stewardship, we do not give to the Church for specific purposes. We are giving back to God with joy in thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. God will never be outdone in generosity. "Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly, nor under compulsion, for God loves the man that gives cheerfully." (II Corinthians 9:7) If you have not yet signed up for a church ministry now is the time. There is something out there for every one of us. The vision for the parish is to have a dynamic church that is equally strong at home as at the parish, fortified by Ministries that bring the faithful closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Chris, His Holy Mother, and all the Saints. To have a dynamic church we all need to get involved. The church is only as strong as the parish. Stewardship Chair Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Holy Trinity 2015 Stewards Fr. Dimitri & Presbytera Mary Tobias Dr. & Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Periklis Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Antonopoulos Presbytera Vasiliki Balomenos Mr. & Mrs. John Baryo Ms. Leah Baryo Mr. Tom Baryo Mr. & Mrs. Sid Baumert Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. John Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Greg Boucher Mr. & Mrs. Pete Bovis Mr. & Mrs. John Chioros Mr. & Mrs. George Demetroulis Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Demetroulis Mrs. Georgia Diavastes Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Eliades- Kennelly Mr. & Mrs. Vassilaki Emanuel Mr. Nick Fondoulakis Mrs. Cula Fondoulakis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fountoulakis Mr. Vaios Gennatos Mr. & Mrs. James Giasafakis Mr. & Mrs. Craig Golden Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Holevas Mr. & Mrs. Rick Jones Dr. Fotene Karantinos Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kasotakis Mrs. Stella Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kazos Mr. & Mrs. Orfeas Ketchelos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ketchelos Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mrs. Bessie Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. George Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. Tim Konidas Mrs. Anna Kounas Mr. & Mrs. John Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kouris Mr. John Lazaris Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Listamann Mr. & Mrs. Paul Madsen Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Margeas Mrs. Daisy Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Margeas Mr. Bill Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Tim Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Mike Michelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Ted Mihelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mr. & Mrs. George Paradise Mr. & Mrs. Michael Paradise Mr. & Mrs. George Poulos Mrs. Antonia Prewitt Mrs. Maria Rigas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Schultz Mrs. Nancy Selleris Mrs. Afrodity Segos Mrs. Mavra Sengos Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sharp Mr. & Mrs. Spero Siganos Mrs. Anna Theros Dr. & Mrs. Richard Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiobanos Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis Mr. John Vlahoulis Mr. Spero Vlahoulis Mr. Spyro Yianopoulos September 2015 Page 8

9 Philoptochos News As we enter the Ecclesiastical year in September, Philoptochos also begins their year. To mark the start of what I know will be a fun year of fellowship, compassion, and giving; I would like to invite all members and those who may be interested in, to attend our opening meeting Wild About Philoptochos. The first meeting will take place on Sunday September 13th, at the home of Mrs. Virginia Margeas (1415 Hiawatha Trail), following the coffee hour. Come for a pool side cookout and learn about the many philanthropic endeavors of the organization both local and national. Please see attached invitation below. All ladies who are parishioners at Holy Trinity can become members.(and even men can hold membership!) With each individual s membership several organizations are supported throughout the year including national projects beyond our doors. In September, two ministries are supported: 1. Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund: this fund provides tuition assistance to worthy men and women students and seminarians. A second tray will be passed on Sunday September 13th to benefit this cause. 2. Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyters benevolent fund: this fund was created in 1988 for those who face financial challenges In Metropolis news, September is also the month of the the Philoptochos Annual Luncheon. This event is the Metropolis main fundraiser. The luncheon will take place September 19th in Des Plaines, Il. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, and Metropolis of Chicago Philanthropic endeavors. If anyone is interested in attending this even please contact me by September 5th. With Sisterly Agape, Dr. Fotene Karantinos, Philoptochos President Sunday School News Sunday School Report Summer flew by! I am excited to begin our new Sunday School Year. This year, we will be using a new curriculum. By new, I mean we are ordering student books from the Greek Orthodox curriculum. Andrea Kjos will be the teacher for the K-2 students. I will teach the 3-5 graders. Mary Baryo will teach 6th and above. We would love to have a list of substitutes we could rely on if we are unable to teach. The teacher manuals and student books are very easy to follow. You don t have to be a teacher to deliver these lessons. Please contact me if this is something you would be willing to help out with shantonopoulos@gmail.com. Sunday School will begin on September 13th. If you haven t completed the registration form for your child/children, please be sure to do this before then. They are located in the fellowship hall on a table with the other ministries. As of now, only 9 students are registered. Please get these forms completed as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly. Thanks so much! Shanda Antonopoulos September 2015 Page 9

10 Youth Corner On August 5th, following the Vespers of the Transfiguration, the children enjoyed a Pool Party in Sergeant Bluffs. The GOYAns then held a fireside chat at the Karras House. On August 23rd we held the annual Blessing of the Students! Good strength for the upcoming school year! Youth Ministries are kicking off again! The First Youth and Family night for JOY (K-5th) will be Wednesday, September 9th, at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity. GOYA will be Wednesday, September 16th, at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Congratulations to Shanda Antonopoulos for organizing an incredible evening! We look forward to finding out where we shall go next as this was a lot of fun! - Fr. Dimitri Orthodoxy on Tap brings together individuals interested in sharing open dialogue and discussion about issues, challenges, and hot topics in our world and church today. Most importantly, Orthodoxy on Tap is a gathering of friends who come to share in the cup of growth and togetherness... Thirsty? Contact Shanda Antonopoulos if interested! Our first Orthodoxy on Tap was a huge success! On Saturday, August 22nd, over 20 Holy Trinity members met for food, craft brews, and fellowship. We even had some friends from St. Thomas join us. Please look for this event in October. I would love to meet every other month. It was a great time! Thanks to all who made the night so enjoyable. If you have any ideas of where we could meet for October, please me: shantonopoulos@gmail.com -Shanda September 2015 Page 10

11 Divine Liturgy for the Indiction September 1 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. For the maintenance of their armed forces, the Roman emperors decreed that their subjects in every district should be taxed every year. This same decree was reissued every fifteen years, since the Roman soldiers were obliged to serve for fifteen years. At the end of each fifteen-year period, an assessment was made of what economic changes had taken place, and a new tax was decreed, which was to be paid over the span of the fifteen years. This imperial decree, which was issued before the season of winter, was named Indictio, that is, Definiton, or Order. This name was adopted by the emperors in Constantinople also. At other times, the latter also used the term Epinemisis, that is, Distribution (Dianome). It is commonly held that Saint Constantine the Great introduced the Indiction decrees in A.D. 312, after he beheld the sign of the Cross in heaven and vanquished Maxentius and was proclaimed Emperor in the West. Some, however (and this seems more likely), ascribe the institution of the Indiction to Augustus Caesar, three years before the birth of Christ. Those who hold this view offer as proof the papal bull issued in A.D. 781 which is dated thus: Anno IV, Indictionis LIII - that is, the fourth year of the fifty-third Indiction. From this, we can deduce the aforementioned year (3 B.C.) by multiplying the fifty-two complete Indictions by the number of years in each (15), and adding the three years of the fifty-third Indiction. There are three types of Indictions: 1) That which was introduced in the West, and which is called Imperial, or Caesarean, or Constantinian, and which begins on the 24th of September; 2) The so-called Papal Indiction, which begins on the 1st of January; and 3) The Constantinopolitan, which was adopted by the Patriarchs of that city after the fall of the Eastern Empire in This Indiction is indicated in their own hand on the decrees they issue, without the numeration of the fifteen years. This Indiction begins on the 1st of September and is observed with special ceremony in the Church. Since the completion of each year takes place, as it were, with the harvest and gathering of the crops into storehouses, and we begin anew from henceforth the sowing of seed in the earth for the production of future crops, September is considered the beginning of the New Year. The Church also keeps festival this day, beseeching God for fair weather, seasonable rains, and an abundance of the fruits of the earth. The Holy Scriptures (Lev. 23:24-5 and Num. 29:1-2) also testify that the people of Israel celebrated the feast of the Blowing of the Trumpets on this day, offering hymns of thanksgiving. In addition to all the aforesaid, on this feast we also commemorate our Saviour's entry into the synagogue in Nazareth, where He was given the book of the Prophet Esaias to read, and He opened it and found the place where it is written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, for which cause He hath anointed Me..." (Luke 4:16-30). It should be noted that to the present day, the Church has always celebrated the beginning of the New Year on September 1. This was the custom in Constantinople until its fall in 1453 and in Russia until the reign of Peter I. September 1 is still festively celebrated as the New Year at the Patriarchate of Constantinople; among the Jews also the New Year, although reckoned according to a moveable calendar, usually falls in September. The service of the Menaion for January 1 is for our Lord's Circumcision and for the memorial of Saint Basil the Great, without any mention of its being the beginning of a new year. Apolytikion in the Second Tone Creator of the universe, setting times and seasons by Your sole authority, bless the cycle of the year of Your grace, O Lord, guarding our rulers and Your nation in peace, at the intercession of the Theotokos, and save us. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone You who created all things in Your infinite wisdom, and set the times by Your own authority, grant Your Christian people victories. Blessing our comings and goings throughout this year, guide our works according to Your divine will. September 2015 Page 11

12 Divine Liturgy for St. Mammas September 2 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. Saint Mammas was from Gangra of Paphlagonia. He was born in prison, where his parents were suffering for Christ's sake and ended their lives. He was named Mammas because, after he had long remained without speaking, he addressed his foster mother Ammia as "mamma." He contested for Christ about the year 275. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Thy Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for Thee received the prize of the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since he possessed Thy strength, he cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful. Kontakion in the Third Tone With the staff bestowed on thee by God, O holy Great Martyr, shepherd us thy people now in green and lifegiving pastures; swiftly crush with godly power unseen and wild beasts underneath the feet of them that praise thee with longing; for in dangers we all have thee, O Mammas, as our fervent protector and help. Esperenos & Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of the Theotokos September 7 Esperenos begins 6:00 p.m. September 8 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Your birth, O Theotokos, brought joy to the whole world, for from you dawned the sun of righteousness, Christ our God. Freeing us from the curse, He gave us His blessings. Abolishing death, He granted us eternal life. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life." Divine Liturgy for The Elevation of the Holy Cross September 14 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was September 2015 Page 12

13 already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place. Rest from labour. A Fast is observed today, whatever day of the week it may be. Apolytikion in the First Tone Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone Lifted up on the Cross by Your free will, Christ God, grant mercies to the new commonwealth that bears Your name. Gladden our faithful rulers by Your power, giving them victories over their adversaries. May Your alliance be for them a weapon for peace, an invincible standard. Divine Liturgy for St. Sophia and her Three Daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love September 17 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. These Saints were from Italy and contested for the Faith about the year 126, during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. Faith was twelve years old, Hope, ten, and Love, nine; each was tormented and then beheaded, from the eldest to the youngest. Their mother Sophia mourned at their grave for three days, where she also fell asleep in peace; because of her courageous endurance in the face of her daughters' sufferings, she is also counted a martyr. The name Sophia means "wisdom" in Greek; as for her daughters' names, Faith, Hope, and Love (Charity), they are Pistis, Elpis, and Agape in Greek, and Vera, Nadezhda, and Lyubov in Russian. Apolytikion of Martyrs Sophia, Pistis, Elpis & Agape in the Fourth Tone O Lord Jesus, unto Thee Thy lamb doth cry with a great voice: O my Bridegroom, Thee I love; and seeking Thee, I now contest, and with Thy baptism am crucified and buried. I suffer for Thy sake, that I may reign with Thee; for Thy sake I die, that I may live in Thee: accept me offered out of longing to Thee as a spotless sacrifice. Lord, save our souls through her intercessions, since Thou art great in mercy. Kontakion of Martyrs Sophia, Pistis, Elpis & Agape in the First Tone Since Faith and Hope and Love were in truth sacred branches of ven'rable Sophia, the namesake of wisdom by grace they have shown all men that Greek wisdom is foolishness, and in contest they proved to be prizewinning victors; wherefore, they received a crown that never shall perish from Christ God, the Lord of all. Divine Liturgy for The Falling Asleep of the Holy Evangelist St. John September 26 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. This Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed Him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour's Mother, September 2015 Page 13

14 as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other Evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10). Apolytikion in the Second Tone Beloved Apostle of Christ our God, hasten to deliver a people without defense. He who permitted you to recline upon His bosom, accepts you on bended knee before Him. Beseech Him, O Theologian, to dispel the persistent cloud of nations, asking for us peace and great mercy. Kontakion in the Second Tone Who can tell thy mighty works, O virgin Saint? For thou pourest forth miracles, and art a source of healings, and thou dost intercede for our souls, as the Theologian and the friend of Christ. Come Support our Kids! Sporting Events, Recitals, Plays, Etc. Let your children see how much they mean to their Church family as we support them! Please give your child s schedule to Elisa Davenport to put on the Church Calendar. Please contact Elisa for more info at mommadport@gmail.com or September 2015 Page 14

15 For the Young and Young at Heart Across 2. The sweet smelling plant found by the Cross: 4. The pagan goddess to which a temple had been raised over Golgotha to defile the place of Jesus Christ's death: 5. The Saint who found the Holy Cross St. : 6. What Jesus Died upon for our Salvation: 7. The City outside of which Jesus Christ was crucified: Down 1. The Patriarch of Jerusalem that elevated the Holy Cross in the year 325: 3. What the people shouted when the Cross was lifted: Answers can be found in the reading H U G X I T F V S J O F M I L T S H S M K T N Q I K I C E A F A V Q U F X O U W A W N I R M X R X D I C P L W U Y L I L Z P P E P O U B T U D N T L M Y D Y R E W M R L E S U O Z A R J T Y R B P C A U Y L Q X A T G W M U I M C H D J E R C Q C T I L R O R H N G C R A Q E R B O A S Z F E S R N B U A M E M A V M L P S M O S M I Q A Y K A O M M A P P R U E S P L L B E U I B A U E F Y F M G I A P N O R Z P M G N F G V K F R B D S M A G O H K W E W S M Y A X W N L E O M F Y U A S J R I M U Z H R V X P F C B K D T I M I V E E E N D I F S A K H S P M G E X R B E K T X R S N I O C D L O G R E N S K H Z H L O I H O N O K A A U X I Y T S E C N E L C R U C I F I X I O N P A U P L R B 1. ARCHBISHOP MACARIUS 2. BASIL 3. CRUCIFIXION 4. GOLD COINS 5. HOLY CROSS 6. JERUSALEM 7. LORD HAVE MERCY 8. SAINT HELEN 9. SEPTEMBER FOURTEENTH D C S A H O R C K U U W A J C Y Z E A Z S U O L K Z I Z H X Z C C I S H I K S M H X D W J C T W A J M J W Y N E V F M F September 2015 Page 15

16 2016 Fall Ministries September 8 October 16 Tuesdays 12:00 pm Soho Faith Group 6:30 pm St. Basil s Students (at St. Thomas) Wednesdays 9:30 am Men s Discussion Group Time TBD Greek School Time TBD Greek Dance? (Day TBD) 6:30 pm Small Vespers (at St. Thomas) Thursdays 8:30 am Bible Study 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Lessons 6:00 pm Paraklisis (at Holy Trinity) Time TBD Greek Dance? (Day TBD) 7:00 pm Blessed Darkness (at Holy Trinity) Sundays 11:30 am Choir Practice September 2015 Page 16

17 7th 18th September 2015 Page 17

18 Date to be Determined Looking for Donors We need 10 donor Families $60 per Bush for Landscaping the Church Property What?! Again?! The Bushes, as you have seen, died along the Jennings Street side of the Property. Why did this happen? Salt, lack of water, harsh temperatures. Despite being billed as hardy, they could not keep up. So why try again? These Burning Bushes are well known to be survivors. Our own Dr. Fotene Karantinos Practice Summit Dental Health uses them and they have similar salt and parking lot issues. These bushes have survived there for years despite lacking water, being abused by salt and the same weather conditions that killed our trees. This solution should work. Therefore, we are asking for 10 families to help us. September 2015 Page 18

19 Metropolitan Iakovos Name Day Banquet Tuesday, October 27, 2015 At Chateau Ritz Banquet Hall in Niles, IL Cocktail Hour: 6:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. $50 per person Please contact Fr. Dimitri if you are interested in coming. Let us represent our Community at this Annual Event of Metropolis Fellowship We are planning on driving in a caravan Sunday, October 25th Or early Monday, October 26th September 2015 Page 19

20 August 16 Annual Church Picnic At Stone Park September 2015 Page 20

21 August 23 The Third and Final Ask the Fathers took place at St. Thomas August 23 The Annual Blessing of the Students September 2015 Page 21

22 Liturgies for the Month. Please note that this is a tentative list and subject to change. Please check Weekly Bulletins for places and times of Services. Esperinos September 7th Nativity of the Theotokos at Holy Trinity September 13 th Elevation of the Holy Cross at St. Thomas Liturgies September 1 st The Indiction at Holy Trinity September 2 nd St. Mamas at Holy Trinity September 8 th Nativity of the Theotokos at Holy Trinity September 14 th Elevation of the Holy Cross at Holy Trinity September 17th St. Sophia and Her Three Daughters at Holy Trinity September 20 th St. Eustathios and his Companions at Holy Trinity September 23 rd Conception of the Forerunner at Holy Trinity September 24 th St. Thekla the Protomatyr at St. Thomas September 26 th St. John the Evangelist at St. Thomas September 5 September 6 September 9 September 13 September 13 September 27 Parish News Baptism of Sophia Yoko Tobias (all invited) Fall Ministries Kick Off Youth & Family Night First Day of Sunday School Philoptochos Party at Virginia Margeas House General Assembly Metropolis News October 27 Metropolitan Iakovos Nameday Banquet September 2015 Page 22

23 Holy Trinity GOC September 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 7 Labor Day 6:00 pm Esperinos of the Nativity of the Thetokos 1 8:00 am Agiasmos Service 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of the Indicition 10:00 am Divine Liturgy of the Indiction 8 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of the Nativity of the Theotokos 12:00 pm Soho Faith Group 6:30 pm St. Basil's Students 2 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of St. Mamas 10:00 am Divine Liturgy of St. Mamas 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 6:00 pm Youth & Family NIGHT 9 9:30 am Men's Group 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 6:00 pm GOYA 3 4 Visitations 2:00 pm Office Hours 6:00 pm Baptismal Seminar - 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class By appointment 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service Visitations 12 2:00 pm Office Hours 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 7:00 pm Blessed Darkness 5 4:00 pm Baptismal of Sophia Tobias :30 am Sunday Orthros 8:30 am Orthros followed by 12:00 pm Soho Faith Group followed by Divine Divine Liturgy of the 6:30 pm St. Basil's Students Liturgy Elevation of the Holy 11:30 am Choir Practice Cross 6:00 pm Esperinos of the 7:00 pm Parish Council Elevation of the Holy Meeting Cross 20 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 27 General Assembly 8:30 am Sunday Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice :00 pm Soho Faith Group 6:30 pm St. Basil's Students :00 pm Soho Faith Group 6:30 pm St. Basil's Students 16 9:30 am Men's Group 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 23 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of the Conception of the Forerunner 9:30 am Men's Group 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul 30 4:30 pm Healthy Body Healthy Soul Visitations 19 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of St. Sophia 2:00 pm Office Hours 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 7:00 pm Blessed Darkness Visitations 26 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of the Protomartyr Thekla 2:00 pm Office Hours 5:00 pm Byzantine Music Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 7:00 pm Blessed Darkness 8:30 am Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy of St. John the Evangelist September 2015 Page 23

24 Prosforo to be offered by the following Families on the following Prosforo List September Dr. & Dr. Kosta 6 Antonopoulos Dr. Fotene Karantinos Mr. & Mrs. Casey Glanzer Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Fr. Dimitri & Presbytera September 13 Mary Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. Craig Golden Mr. & Mrs. Christopher September 20 Margeas September 27 Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Eliades-Kennelly Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Eric Smith Mr. & Mrs. Frank October 4 Giganti October 11 Mr. & Mrs. John Baryo Mr. & Mrs. Mike October 18 Michelakakis October 25 Mr. & Mrs. Pete Bovis Mr. & Mrs. Greg Boucher Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Demetroulis Mr. & Mrs. Periklis Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Konidas Mr. & Mrs. George Poulos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kouris Mr. & Mrs. John Kounas Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. John Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Listamann Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Madsen We need Coffee Hour Sponsors! Does a loved one have a name day, birthday, anniversary, memorial coming up? Why not honor that loved one by sponsoring the Coffee Hour in his/her/their honor? Check the Coffee Hour Section of the Website to see open days. Sun September 6 Sun September 13 Sun September 20 Sun September 27 Coffee Hour: John Lazaris In memory of Gus Kounas his stepfather Coffee Hour: Coffee Hour: Coffee Hour: September 2015 Page 24