Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA September Sundays 2-3,

Transcription

1 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Volume Issue September, 2017 T C +R INSIDE THIS ISSUE: September Sundays 2-3, Acolyte Schedule Epistle Readers Through the Bible A Z Registry / Announcements Church, Club & Community News Hi-Lites Ecclesiastical New Year September 1 Elevation of the Life-giving Cross September 14 Charlottesville page 4 Infrastructure page 5 Stewardship page 12 Centurion Campaign page Youth Ministry 10 Summer Education Series 11 PC Minutes Calendar 15 F F G T O B U The First of September will usher in a New Ecclesiastical Year for all of us. The ushering of this New Ecclesiastical Year should yield the same kind of excitement as we see and feel on December 31st as the clock ticks closer to midnight. In the Book of Proverbs of the Old Testament we see an excellent example of opportunity. In Proverbs 6:9 we hear the following, Yet he prepares all his food in the summer and makes his provisions abundant in the winter. This verse of Holy Scripture should be seen as the mission statement of not only our Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen but every Parish that professes in teaching and preaching the word of God. As our ministries will go into second gear in September, we should not think that everything shuts down during the summer and the vacating of summer attending Church means that we are existing on our abundance from September to June. The harvest of our Church ministries is an emblem of opportunity for all of us. Each one of us has an abundance of talent that should not be wasted, nor should we expect others to do what needs and should to be done by a strong and dedicated Community effort. Oswald Chambers wrote in his book My Utmost For His Highest that the life of our Lord is to become our vital, simple life and the way He worked and lived among people while here on earth must be the way He works and lives in you. Do we realize that our Lord s work can be done by our hands? Each one of us could assist our fellow human beings, but do we waste these opportunities? Our Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen has grown to what it is because of the founders of our Parish who saw a need for a Church in Newport News, came together, and built the first Church Downtown. Without them, we would not exist today. What will be said about us, the present generation? Have we built on the foundation laid by these men and women or are we comfortable and do not see the need to go to the next level of supporting the ministries of the Parish? If we are not willing to progress, then we must change the climate of our souls and become more fruitful. Let us take the graces that God has given us and show our love to Him and dedicate Ecclesiastical Year to be the year of spiritual growth. P G F C 50 On behalf of the Festival Steering Committee I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all the volunteers of our th Anniversary Spring Greek Festival! The weather couldn t have been better, the food and service outstanding and above all the hospitality and sharing of our culture was impeccable. It is the unified effort and commitment of many that contributed to the success of this festival. The months of preparation, setting up, working during the four days of the festival, and cleaning up afterwards required many hands. We feel blessed to be part of a community that understands that and gave of their time, talent, and treasure. We would be remiss if we didn t acknowledge the original pioneers of the first Newport News Greek Festival in 1967 in our downtown church. Co-chairs Renee Brown and Ted Savvas along with then Parish Council president John Samos had a vision for finding a way to celebrate our heritage and great cuisine. We are grateful to them. It is our hope that we will be blessed in all of our future efforts to preserve this beautiful tradition. Thank you again for your volunteerism and commitment to your church community. A detail financial report will be presented at the fall General Assembly. With my sincere gratitude, Chris S. Zambas, Chairman, Spring Festival Editors Note: Many thanks to Chris Zambas for his steadfast leadership giving of his time, talent and treasure to make our Festival a success. For more than two decades Chris and Jack Georgalas served as chairman guiding the growth of the festival in support of the ministries of our church. Thank you Jack and Chris for your vision and tireless efforts.

2 The Cross+Roads Page 2 Glory Be To God Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Phone (757) Fax (757) Addresses: priest@ office@ parishcouncil@ youthdirector@ webmaster@ admin@ schgochurch.va.goarch.org Office Hours Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Priest Father George Chioros Work Home Mobile frgchioros@aol.com Parish Council Barry Hendricks, President Greg Bicouvaris, V.P. Zena Mageras, Treasurer Nick Matthews, Assistant Treasurer Robert Demson, Secretary Elias Doulgerakis Konstantinos Fotiadis Stavroula Gailey Tom Grepiotis Peter Johns Howard Mandeville Chanters Tim Sofis Harry Fotiou John Williams Ben Franks Church Secretary Sylvia Marcin Archdiocese on the web S S Apolytikion for Saints Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone Having seen the image of Thy Cross in Heaven, and like Paul, having received the call not from men, Thine apostle among kings entrusted the commonwealth to Thy hand, O Lord. Keep us always in peace, by the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Friend of man. Τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου τὸν τύπον ἐν οὐρανῷ θεασάμενος, καὶ ὡς ὁ Παῦλος τὴν κλήσιν οὐκ ἐξ ἀνθρώπων δεξάμενος, ὁ ἐν βασιλεύσιν, Ἀπόστολός σου Κύριε, Βασιλεύουσαν πόλιν τὴ χειρί σου παρέθετο ἣν περίσωζε διὰ παντὸς ἐν εἰρήνῃ, πρεσβείαις τῆς Θεοτόκου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Philoptochos Stavroula Gailey, President Religious Education Viola Nicholls Allen, Director Greek School Paula Tofalli, Aphrodite Christopoulos Youth Ministry Stephanie Peri and Kent Paumier, Advisors Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director SEPTEMBER 3 EPISTLE READING 1 st Corinthians 16:13-24 GOSPEL READING Matthew 21:33-42 The Lord said this parable, "There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'" SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 13th Sunday of Matthew Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedea Holy Father Theoctistus and his fellow struggler Euthymius the Great Polydorus the Martyr of New Ephesus Translation of the relics of St. Nectarius the Wonderworker, Bishop of Pentopolis ACOLYTES SEPTEMBER 3 AND 24 Team A Jorgie Polyzos Yianni Tsimplekis James St. Martin Dean Peri SEPTEMBER 10 Team B Ethan Detweiler Cris Campbell Soterios Tofalli Kyprianos Tofalli SEPTEMBER 17 Team C Hayden Hendricks Georgios Haramis Christos Konstantinou Christopher Myers Christopher Micha EPISTLE READERS Please contact Barry Hendricks if you are interested in reading the Epistle during the Sunday Divine Liturgy. bhendricks@cox.net Sep 3: James Woodbury Sep 10: (GOYA) Christina Myers Sep 17: Trish Demson Sep 24: Sylvia Marcin P M O Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Fofi Gouletas, President Kent Paumier, Advisor Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Helen George, President Order of AHEPA Nick Matthews, President Daughters of Penelope Joanna Vallas, President Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Marika Anthony, President Hellenic Youth Dancers Bobby Garofalis, Director

3 The Cross+Roads Page 3 REFRESHMENTS Wet thank all those parishioners who served as hosts for the months of June, July and August. The hosts for September are: Sept. 3: M/M Christ Canavos, M/M Dean Canavos, M/M Sam Canavos Sept. 10: M/M Anastasios Georgalas, Dr. Vinisse Georgalas, Mr. Richard Morton, Ms. Helen George Sept. 17: M/M Bill Georgas, M/M Tom Georgas, M/M Jessse Hanline Sept. 24: New Member Welcome Sunday - Special Reception WISDOM OF THE FATHERS Many things does He intimate by this parable, God's providence, which had been exercised towards them from the first; their murderous disposition from the beginning; that nothing had been omitted of whatever pertained to a heedful care of them;...st. John Chrysostom, Homily 68 on Matthew 21, 4th Century HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode Having learned the joyful proclamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mercy to the world. Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Anthimus in the Fourth Mode As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Anthimus. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved. Apolytikion for Righteous Theoctistus and Euthymius in the Plagal Fourth Mode With the streams of thy tears, thou didst cultivate the barrenness of the desert; and by thy sighings from the depths,thou didst bear fruit a hundredfold in labours; and thou becamest a luminary, shining with miracles upon the world, O Theoktistos our righteous Father. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode 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." SEPTEMBER 10 EPISTLE READING Galatians 6:11-18 GOSPEL READING John 3:13-17 SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday before Holy Cross Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos Poulcheria the Empress WISDOM OF THE FATHERS For not in heaven only is He, but everywhere, and He fills all things; but yet He speaks according to the infirmity of His hearer, desiring to lead him up little by little... For after having spoken of the very great benefaction that had come to man by Baptism, He proceeds to mention another benefaction, which was the cause of this, and not inferior to it; namely, that by the Cross...St. John Chrysostom, Homily 27 on John 3, 4th Century HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode Let us worship the Word, O ye faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is cobeginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glorious rising, He also willed to resurrect the dead. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity of the Theotokos in the Fourth Mode Thy Nativity, O Theotokos, hath procliamed joy to the whole world; for from thee hath dawned the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, annulling the curse and bestowing the blessing, abolishing death and granting us life everlasting. SEPTEMBER 17 EPISTLE READING Galatians 2:16-20 GOSPEL READING Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday after Holy Cross Sophia & her three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love Afterfeast of the Holy Cross Herakleides & Myron, Bishops of Crete Afterfeast of the Holy Cross WISDOM OF THE FATHERS And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me." St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p.339., 4th Century HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Second Mode Angelic powers were above Thy tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Holy Cross in the First Mode Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth. Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode 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. SEPTEMBER 24 EPISTLE READING 2nd Timothy 3:10-15 GOSPEL READING Luke 5:1-11 SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Thecla the Protomartyr & Equal to the Apostles The Commemoration of the Miracle of the Theotokos Myrtidiotissis in Kythyra Silouan of Athos Stephen the Martyr The Most Holy Theotokos of Palianis WISDOM OF THE FATHERS Because such is the obedience which Christ seeks of us, as that we delay not even a moment of time, though something absolutely most needful should vehemently press on us. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Grave Mode Thou didst abolish death by Thy Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world. Apolytikion for Theotokos Myrtidiotissis in the Fourth Mode O come, all you people, and let us in faith clap our hands * and sing sacred songs to her who is the Mother of God, * and longingly cry aloud: * "Rejoice, O protection of all those who entreat you; * rejoice, the salvation of those who honor you with longing; * rejoice, O Lady who restored * the paralyzed man to health.". Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.

4 The Cross+Roads Page 4 C T B A Z Your frame known by the Lord Psalm 103:14 Your frame not hidden from the Lord Psalm 139:15 Your heart s desires are granted by the Lord Psalm 20:4 Your heart s motives will be brought to light by the Lord 1 Cor. 4:5 Your help is in the Name of the Lord who made heaven and earth Psalm 124:8 Your husband is your Maker Isaiah 54:5 Your keeper is the Lord Psalm 121:5 Your light is the Lord, whom shall you fear? Psalm 27:1 Your Lord is above all gods Psalm 135:5 Your offspring will have His Spirit poured upon them - Isaiah 44:3 Your path and lying down are scrutinized by the Lord Psalm 139:3 Your peace is Jesus Christ Ephesians 2:14

5 The Cross+Roads Page 5 S F : I M C As I begin to transition out of parish leadership and move in a new direction in service to the church, I d like to share some thoughts in the next few issues of the Cross+Roads on some challenges I see facing our community in the future and offer some recommendations as we move forward. It is not my intention to sound the doom and gloom alarm, but I feel it is my obligation to share these thoughts and open the dialogue before we move too far without action and ultimately reach a point that we can t recover from. I didn t come to these conclusions by happenstance they have evolved from my experiences and observations after serving in parish leadership and various ministries / committees in our community for the past 16 years (as well has other Orthodox communities I ve been associated with prior to our arrival in 2000). I ve also read with interest the findings of several recent faith related studies as well as various success stories related to church strategic planning efforts. One of the more informative and eye opening is the recently released study from the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA titled Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in US Orthodox Parishes (just Google the study title in quotes to see the full report). We are not alone, the challenges facing our community aren t isolated to 60 Traverse Road, but how we chose to address these challenges is what will set us apart. In this month s Cross+Roads, I d like to spend a few minutes discussing an issue facing our community today, and one that we will continue to face for the foreseeable future that is the maintenance and repairs associated with our aging infrastructure. Our facilities are close to 35 years old and are showing signs of wear and tear. It is my belief that over the next several years, the cost associated with addressing these maintenance and repair issues, coupled with life-cycle replacements and updates of equipment and support areas, will become a yoke around our necks that will weigh us down financially to the point it will make implementing ministries or future plans outside of these areas almost impossible to get off the ground. Over the past two and a half years, the items below have been brought to Parish Council s attention in some form or another. I m sure there are more, and this does not include various day-today maintenance and routine upkeep issues.: On-going projects: Water drainage remediation project. This project started almost a year ago after we sustained water damage during Tropical Storm Julia and Hurricane Matthew. The main findings after those storms was that part of the church was built almost two feet below ground level (the area right in front of the solea), there is virtually no foundation waterproofing, and we had poor drainage and grading in all areas around the church building and admin wing. Year after year, and storm after storm has continued to exacerbate this problem. This project is already under way and should be complete in mid- to late -September. Sunday School / Greek School classrooms. This project includes installation of new windows, painting, removal of old carpet, repair of broken doors and jams, etc. Elias Douglerakis has taken on much of heavy lifting and already competed some of the difficult tasks, but more work needs to be done to make the area more inviting. This includes organizing the classrooms and eliminating old and outdated equipment and materials. Lingering issues and/or immerging challenges: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in the church. The HVAC units have essentially reached the end of their useful life and are basically on life support. Every service call requires significant expense and replacement of those units is imminent. Condition of the church organ. Recently we ve had some issues with the organ operating properly and have scheduled an inspection for serviceability. Humidity in the library and choir room. The water drainage remediation project will take care of some of this, but we must keep an eye on moisture in these areas. We removed some of the large shrubs around the library walls that were blocking sunlight and are working to improve ventilation and air circulation in the choir and library rooms. Wireless microphones in church have been checked and need to be replaced. Roof on church and office buildings in researching damages from the storms in 2016 we found water pooling on the roof in the vicinity of the office and Chapel. Periodic maintenance of downspouts should take care of this, but it does need to be watched. Church lighting a recommendation has been made to transition to recessed LED. Sounds easy, but each lighting unit would need to be replaced with an LED unit. Ask yourself this question, is our main parking lot inviting to our guests? The handicap curb stops and signs are a mess and we might want to consider a new Sealcoat surface. It has been recommended to the Festival Committee that the outdoor tent area requires significant lifecycle updates and changes to the infrastructure, this includes rewiring, electrical upgrades, and drainage. The tables in the church hall are showing significant wear and require a phased lifecycle replacement. Various kitchen appliances are nearing the end of their useful life and will require replacement. The outdoor picnic tables are old, splintering, and needs repair or replacement. Not only brick and mortar material items, we need to start preparing for the retirement of parishioners who have been offering their time and talents in electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance work for decades. Again, this is not an allinclusive list and I m sure I missed something important. But it is a start point to open discussion and dialogue. The stark reality in all of this is none these items will get better on their own. We, first as a Parish Council, and then the community, must collectively recognize these issues are a real concern, develop a strategy to identify and prioritize these issues, and then implement an action plan to move these items from a problem or concern, to a solution. This will be multiyear project that will require dedicated and engaged leadership that will focus the efforts of multiple project managers to prioritize and cost out the various projects, implement a new structured fund raising campaign, and lead a unified and dedicated effort that involves the entire community. I see the maintenance and infrastructure repairs as only one line of effort in an overall strategic plan that if implemented, will outline a fruitful path for our community into next generation and include other lines of effort such as Worship, Fellowship, Spiritual Growth and Education, and Service and Outreach. One way to think of the challenges ahead of us is to imagine the situation in terms of visiting the doctor for your annual exam. The doctor tells you that you just aren t as young as you once were and things are starting to break down you re carrying around a few extra pounds, your blood pressure is too high, and your lab results didn t look too good. Your doctor advises that you must make some lifestyle changes in order to improve your overall health and hopefully live a long, healthy life. You have two choices to make You can listen to the doctor, recognize there is a problem, then take the steps necessary to improve your overall health; OR you can ignore the advice of the doctor and do nothing and continue with those poor lifestyle habits. What do you think might be the outcome of either choice? Friends, it is my belief that we are that that point now, we have a diagnosis that will require some lifestyle changes. What choice do we want to make? By Barry Hendricks Parish Council President

6 The Cross+Roads Page 6 C R / A 40-DAY BLESSING: The infant son of Michael and Melissa Chalkias received his 40-Day blessing in our Church, June 18. May the blessings of our Church be with the newly-churched infant, his parents, grandparents and his entire family. BAPTISMS: The infant daughter of Constantinos and Ellen Velissarios was baptized in our Church, June 17 and given the name Kaliope Daniela by her godfather, Antonios Roditis. Our best wishes to the newly-baptized infant and our sincere congratulations to her parents, godparent, grandparents and her entire family. The infant son of George and Andrea Lawton was baptized in our Church, June 17 and given the name Nicholas Eugene by his godmother, Vasilia Roditis. Our best wishes to the newly-baptized infant, his parents, godmother, grandparents and his entire family. NA SAS ZISOUN!!!!!!!! CHRISMATION: On Sunday, July 23, Mr. Douglas Graham was chrismated, becoming a member of our Orthodox Faith. Ms. Christine Fulomore served as the sponsor. Our sincere congratulations to Mr. Graham, whom we warmly welcome into our faith. May the blessings of out Church always be with him and his entire family. ILL AND NEEDING OUR PRAYERS: We pray for the well-being and wish a speedy recovery to our friends and fellow parishioners who have been ill and/or hospitalized recently: Konstantinos Fotiadis, Georgia Salih, Agnes Samos, Panayiota Tofalli, Helen Bernhard PERASTIKA SAS!!!!!!! DEATHS: Our sincere condolences to the family of Joan Hill who died June 9 and whose funeral service was held in our Church, June 13. Our sincere condolences to the family of Johon Paul, who died July 25 and whose funeral service was held July 31 in Saint Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL!!!!! NEW MEMBER WELCOME SUNDAY: New Member Welcome Sunday will be September 24. We hope all parishioners will join us at a special reception following the Divine Liturgy and greet the newest members of our Church Family. If you, or someone you know is new to Saints Constantine and Helen this year and has not yet been formally welcomed, please contact the Church Office so that we may include them in the program. CONGRATULATIONS SAM KHOSHABA: Two years ago in an interview with Sam Khoshaba about his accomplishments in the 2015 Senior Games, Sam told us that he would be going to Nationals for the next senior Games. He was right. We would like to congratulate Sam on placing 4th in the Men's 800 meter run at the National Senior Games in Birmingham, Alabama. Sam ran the 800 meters in 3:29. Sam has accomplished 18 gold medals in the state from tennis and running events He has been a Virginia Sate Champion for 4 years. Now, Sam is predicting that he will win the gold medal two years from now! We cannot wait for that prediction to come true, just like his previous predictions! Way to go Sam and keep kicking! FALL PARISH ASSEMBLY: Save the Date: Fall Parish Assembly will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 12:45 p.m. in the Hellenic Center. Lunch will be provided by the Hellenic Youth Dancers prior to the meeting. Our GOYANs will be available for baby-sitting services during the meeting for those parishioners attending the meeting. CALL FOR ALTAR BOYS: Our community continues to be richly blessed with a dedicated core group of young men who have been called to serve as Altar Boys. We are seeking reliable and faithful young men, between the ages of 8 and 18, to join our faithful team of acolytes and serve their Church as Altar Boys. Service as an Altar Boy in the liturgical celebrations of the Church remains one of prominence and distinction. It is considered the foundation and development of a young man s stewardship to the Church; a service that is offered to God as a regular offering of talent and ability, and is an experience that every young man will cherish for the rest of his life. Service as an Altar Boy will not only give a young man the knowledge of his Faith, but it will open a door for a lifetime of service to his church and community. If you have a son, grandson, or Godson who is interested in serving, please contact Barry Hendricks at brhendricks@cox.net or ATTENDANCE June 4 64 June June June July 2 87 July 9 99 July July July August August August August Sum 2017 Ave 104 Sum 2016 Ave 104 YTD 2017 Ave 137 YTD 2016 Ave 139 Koliva If you would like to purchase Koliva for memorials, you may contact: Helen George Anastasia Savrides Athena Savvas Cross+Roads CHURCH LIST Subscribe to the church list for monthly links to the Cross+Roads and important church announcements at: DEADLINE Please information no later than the 20th day of the month to Nick Vlattas nvlattas@hewv.com

7 The Cross+Roads Page 7 C, C C N PHILOPTOCHOS Ladies, a warm welcome back, following a summer of hopefully fun, sun and leisure. Those among us who traveled abroad this summer, glad to have you back with us. Our September meeting will be Monday, September 11, starting with refreshments at 6:30 pm. Remember, this is a covered dish meeting. We look forward to sampling a variety of delicious dishes that our talented cooks will undoubtedly prepare. As you know our AOK project continued through the summer months and will continue as long as we have dedicated members who are always ready to serve this worthy cause. We would like more members of our Society as well as member from our Saints Constantine and Helen Community to join us. If you would like to become part of this worthy endeavor, please call Ellie Costulis, (cell ) and volunteer your services. To all who have participated in this project in one way or another, sincere thanks both from us and from the patients we serve. Our obligations to the National for the month of September are: A contribution to the Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund (Exaltation of the Holy Cross) which provides tuition scholarships to worthy students. Also, a contribution to Retired Clergy and Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund (RCA) which provides financial support to retired clergy and widowed presvyteres. ORDER OF AHEPA Community Awards Luncheon The Ahepa Family, the Woodrow Wilson Chapter #241 of the Order of Ahepa and the Charis Eleni Chapter #337 of the Daughters of Penelope, once gain sponsored the Community Awards Luncheon on May 21, Our church affiliated organizations were also welcomed and participated in the presentation of scholarships and special awards. The Ahepa scholarships were awarded to the following deserving students: Giovanna Peri --- Dr. Platon Gailey Scholarship Joseph G. Dennie --- Bill Kaoudis Scholarship Fofi Gouletas --- Steve Siokis Scholarship Dominic Peri --- Andronicos G. Kantsios Chapter President, Nick J. Matthews, presented the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Tom Georges, the Certificate of Merit for his outstanding leadership regarding the successful AGORA-Greek Market. Brother Georges has served the chapter for 48 years. An AHEPA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Brother John Samos for his 55 years of dedicated service to the chapter, to the district as well as to national that included the offices of Chapter President, District Governor and Supreme Governor. The Ahepan of the Year award for 2017 was presented to Brother George T. Anas, a 45-year member and a Past District Governor, for his service to the chapter as Corresponding Secretary, Scholarship Committee Chairman and member of the Board of Governors. Last but not least, Brother John Dermanis, a 17-year member, was awarded the Mary Bicouvaris Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding service to the AHEPA and to the Hellenic Community of Newport News. Congratulations brothers! Annual Community Picnic Being the beginning of the church s ecclesiastical year, our chapter gladly extends an invitation to the entire Hellenic Community to our Annual Community Picnic to be held on Sunday, September 10, 2017 following the Divine Liturgy. Come join us, enjoy both delicious food and great fellowship! Casino Night We are looking forward to seeing our fellow parishioners at Casino Night, jointly sponsored by our chapter along with the Daughters of Penelope chapter. Tickets are going fast, if you don t already have yours, get them before it s too late! This great event is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Hellenic Center. The newly elected officers for 2017/2018 are as follows: President Nick J. Matthews Vice-President Tike Panags Recording Secretary Frank Peri Corresponding Secretary George T. Anas Treasurer John Dermanis Assistant Treasurer John Samos Board of Governors: Tom Georges, Chairman; George T. Anas, John Christou, Roger Headrick, John Samos, Peter Kilopoulos and Tom Grepiotis Agora Greek Market Delicious food items including feta, kasseri, kalamata olives, dolmades, tarama, fillo, grape leaves, Greek coffee, etc., can be found in our AGORA Greek Market in the AHEPA FAMILY CENTER on Sundays following the Divine Liturgy. Come and see for yourself! At the District Convention in Charlotte NC, Brother George Anas was awarded District AHE- PAN of the YEAR. DAUTHERS OF PENELOPE We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of our sister Johon Paul. May her memory be eternal!!! We wish to extend a warm welcome to our good friends who have recently joined our sisterhood. They are: Anna Ringas Copobianco, Diem Ringas, Christine St. Martin and Maggie Thompson. We are glad to have you, ladies. The Daughters are cosponsoring with AHEPA Casino Night, September 30. Outback is catering a prime rib dinner, and the ticket includes 2 drinks. The price for this event is $50.00 a ticket. Remember, the proceeds of this event will be used for our scholarships, so, please make every effort to attend and urge your friends to do so, as well. Members of the DOP also keep in mind that we will once again have our Fashion Show Luncheon, on November 11. Further details will be provided as we approach the November date. At the Districk #3 Convention held in Charlotte, NC, this past June, the following sisters were elected to the District Lodge: Distr. Gov: Renee Monzingo; Distr. Lt. Gov: Lynn Francis; Distr. Sec: Sondra Sealine; Distr. Treasurer: Loretta Kirk; Distr. Marshall: Elisvet Vlahopoulou; Distr. Advisor: Kathy Matrakas, PDG We wish much luck, and a productive and enjoyable term to the newly elected District Officers. The next District #3 Convention will be June 8-10, 2018 in Frederick, MD. Our September meeting will be Thursday, September 21, starting with dinner at 6:30 pm in the AHEPA Family Home. (Continued on page 8)

8 The Cross+Roads Page 8 C, C C N HELLENIC WOMAN S PENELOPE SOCIETY Information for the September 2017 Issue of Cross+Roads The Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society (HWPS) decided, at its June meeting, to change its monthly meeting dates to Sundays after church. Hence, the September meeting will be held on Sunday, September 17th at the Hellenic Center. Marika Anthony will be the hostess. We congratulate our new board consisting of the following officers: Co-Presidents: Aleksandra Garofalis and Helen Vaughn; Vice President: Stephanie Kailos; Recording Secretary: Maria Vidakis; Corresponding Secretary: Joanie Michalos; Treasurer: Ifigenia Ikonomou; Assistant Treasurer: Tessie Dakis; Parliamentarian and Immediate Past President: Marika Anthony. We are looking forward to a productive and exciting year. A complete calendar of events for the coming year will be mailed to all members prior to the September meeting. It was designed with the hope of being both challenging and fulfilling in meeting our responsibilities to our church and our community. As we all know, the month of September was designated by His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew II as the month of reminding ourselves of our moral responsibility of protecting God s creation, the environment. As His Holiness wrote in his encyclical which was sent to all Orthodox churches around the world, THE WORLD IS NOT OURS FOR US TO USE AS WE PLEASE. IT (THE ENVIRONMENT) IS A GIFT OF GOD S LOVE TO US. WE MUST RETURN THAT LOVE BY PROTECTING IT WITH WHATEVER RESPONSIBILITIES IT MAY EN- TAIL. Following the Church service on Sunday, September 17 th we will go to the Biblical Garden for a very short ceremony for the protection of the environment and a very short tour of the Garden. We wish everyone a Happy and Spiritual Ecclesiastical New Year. GIVING HEART We are excited to introduce the Giving Heart Program which will provide a way for members of our church family to donate items and services that are needed for our Sanctuary, Choir, Nursery, Sunday School and JOY/HOPE. We will have displays in the Church Narthex and in the Hellenic Center (during coffee hour) with the needed items and services. If you would like to donate any of these, please contact our coordinators, Hope Zambas (czambas@aol.com ) or Dianne Sun (dsungreek@hotmail.com - 757/ ). They will help you make the necessary arrangements. Donations will be acknowledged in the Cross+Roads unless you request to remain anonymous. NEW MEMBER WELCOME SUNDAY September 24, 2017 Please join us as we welcome the newest members of our Church family. They will be introduced at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. A special coffee hour will be held in their honor so that we can greet each of them. Sponsored by the Sts. Constantine & Helen Welcoming Committee

9 The Cross+Roads Page 9 AHEPA C A L M 21

10 The Cross+Roads Page 10 Y M SUNDAY SCHOOL Dear Parents of our Sunday School Children, Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6 In the Gospels, Christ commands us to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength (Mark 12:30). In today s world we are careful to ensure that children eat well and get exercise. We also send them to school to sharpen their minds. Increasingly we are careful to safeguard their emotional well being and in all this we please God. Yet the Gospels give us four areas in which we must love our God: and heart, mind, and body are only three. The fourth, the soul, is falling by the wayside more and more in today s world, at a time when we should be nurturing it more than ever. We encourage you to enroll in the upcoming Sunday School year which begins Sunday September 10th. The training given in Sunday School can help train the soul just as a jog can train the body or a book the mind. Sunday School will be held every week immediately following the reception of Holy Communion. It is our prayer that the ministry offered here will help train our children in the way in which they ought to go so that they will never depart from the life-giving Way of Jesus Christ. Yours in Christ, Ben Franks YOUTH ACTIVITIES Vacation Bible School was held from June The kids learned about the triumphant feasts of Christ's Church. From July 2-8 Camp Good Shepherd Virginia met in Gloucester County. Our parish brought 5 campers. In addition to all types of camp activities like rock climbing and canoeing we also had the chance to learn about the Parables of Christ. Upcoming activities include a Sunday School Teacher's forum for the state of VA which will be hosted here on Saturday September 9th from 9:30am- 1:00pm. Lunch is provided. We encourage anyone interested in religious education, and especially Sunday School Teachers, to attend. There is no cost. There is a GOYA fellowship day on Saturday September 16th. This is a one day event which we are hosting for the youth of the area. We invite all youth to come enjoy pickup basketball and cornhole tournaments as well as other fun games. The cost is $25 a person and includes lunch and dinner. Sunday School begins September 10th. There are registration forms in the narthex and the church office. Finally, there will be weekly youth meetings starting in October. These meetings are open to all youth and will include fun, fellowship, and a short lesson. We will most likely meet on Wednesdays around 6:30. Greek school begins Tuesday September 12 at 5:00 pm. There will be the Blessing of Water at 5:30 pm. Greek School Registration Form Student s Name Age Parents Address Phone Number of Years in Greek School Grade in American School _

11 The Cross+Roads Page 11 S E S : A J T F Please join us for the last four sessions of our Education Series.. A JOURNEY TO FULLNESS Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Hellenic Center) 60 Traverse Road, Newport News, VA Every Wednesday evening in September Refreshments at 7:00 pm followed by Presentation/Q&A September 27: Series Finale (We will discuss the next steps that we can take on our journeys and how the rhythm of the liturgical life of the Church can shape our lives.) Come and learn about the richness of Orthodoxy! For more information, contact Faye Evans at faevans4@hotmail.com Or Dianne Sun at dsungreek@hotmail.com September 6: Salvation as Participation (The Eucharist has been described as the medicine of immortality and the antidote against death. What does this mean?) September 13: Orthodox Worship (The Words Divine Liturgy actually mean the work of the people. We will find out how our work of worship helps us to adore God and be in His presence.) September 20: A Beautiful Rhythm (We will learn how our Christian calendar helps us to be in communion with God. Our A Journey to Fullness education series has been a tremendous success! Over 60 of our parishioners and guests have attended the weekly sessions with an average of 26 people each evening. The series has been coordinated by Barry Hendricks, Faye Evans and Dianne Sun. Ben Franks, Tim Sofis and Barry Hendricks have shared moderator responsibilities. Thank you to our coordinators and moderators and to all of our parishioners who donated refreshments. Thanks, too, to Pete and Dianne Sun for donating a 40 flat screen TV for use in the series and future educational events. We will be continuing some form of adult religious education once the current series is completed on September 27. Details will be announced once they are confirmed. Name: Address: Centurion Campaign Commitment City: State: Zip: I / We wish to make a commitment to the Centurion Campaign in the amount of: $1,200 $1,000 Other $ Please return to the Church Office or place in the collection tray during Liturgy. CAMPAIGN GOAL $126,500 by 12/1/2017: 1) Pay off our remaining financial obligations on the Sacalis Hall renovation; 2) Establish an emergency capital expense reserve; and 3) 10% of funds raised for parish donation to the Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church and Shrine.

12 The Cross+Roads Page 12 S ( A 20, 2017) THE STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PARISHIONERS LISTED BELOW FOR MAKING AN ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE: EDMON ABRAHAM EDWARD & ANAHEAT ABRAHAM MARC & VICKI AILSTOCK GEORGE & JACKIE ANAS MARY ANAS NICK & DOTTIE ANDRE ANDY & TESSIE BAKER BARNEY & GEORGIA BARNES MARINA BECOUVARAKIS DEAN & MARY ANN BELER CLAUDE & ANCA BENE HELEN BERNHARD GREG BICOUVARIS LEROY & JOANNA BOSSETTI RENEE BROWN ANDREW & MARIA CALL CHARLES & BETH CAMPBELL JOHN & PHOEBE CAMPBELL SAM & KIKI CANAVOS FR. GEORGE & PRES. FLORA CHIOROS APHRODITE CHRISTOPOULOS ELLIE COSTULIS JOHN & KAY COSTULIS JOHN & TESSIE DAKIS JOHN & HANAN DAOUD BOB & TRISH DEMSON FR. NICK DESPOTIDES STEFANIA DIMOFTE ELIAS & ZOE DOULGERAKIS TERRY & DEBORAH DRIVAS FAYE EVANS KONSTANTIN & MARINA FOTIADIS HARRY & ZOE FOTIOU TED & JO ELLEN FOTIOU JOHN & BARBARA FRANCE STAVROULA GAILEY MARIA GALANOS ALVIN & ALEXA GARRISON ARTHUR GEMENIS BILL & CHRISTINE GEORGES TOM & OURANIA GEORGES ANGELA GIONIS ATHANASIOS & DANIELLE GOLAS THEO & MARIA GOULETAS MAXINE GREPIOTIS TOM & LIBBY GREPIOTIS ANATOL GRYNEWYTSCH JESSE & LIA HANLINE ROGER & DINA HEADRICK BARRY & RUTH HENDRICKS JOSEPH & DORA HENESEY JOAN HILL GEORGE & ATHINA IKONOMOU PENELOPE IRWIN CHRIS & ELAINE JANSEN PETER JOHNS ANGIE KARATSIKIS JOHN & REBECCA KARATSIKIS MICHAEL & NIA KOKORELIS MARIA KOMIANOS JOHN & SHERRI KONSTANTINOU JAMES KOUMBAS ANGELA KRITIKOS NIKOLAOS KRITIKOS POLYDEFKIS & GEORGIA KYPRIANDES CHRIS & EVA KYRUS GEORGE & ANDREA LAWTON MARCELLA LOLOS ANNA MAGERAS ZENA MAGERAS JOHN & DEBBIE MALLIARAKIS JULIA MALLIARAKIS HOWARD MANDEVILLE STEVE & PAT MANOS SYLVIA MARCIN ZORAN MARTINOVIC NICK & KATHY MATTHEWS GEORGE MARKOS MICKEY MARKOS JIMMY & ARGIE MAURAKIS LOULA MAURAKIS NICHOLE MCCARTHY ROBERT & PAULETTE MCCARTHY BILL & JOANNA MCDEARMON KEITH & HELEN MICHA ALEX & JOANNIE MICHALOS JOHN & MARY MICHOS STEVE MICHOS AL & CHRISTINE MIGNOGNA MARIA MITCHUM RANETTA MITCHUM GARY & HELEN NICHOLLS SHARON OTERO THOMAS & JUDY PANTELIDES ELIZABETH PAPAS PETE & RHONDA PAPPAS ARTHUR PARROUS BRIAN & JENNIFER PATRINELY KATHERINE PATRINELY KENT & GEORGENE PAUMIER JOHN PAWLUK NIK & MARIA PERGJOKA SAM PHILLOS CLEO PILEGGI MARY PITSILIDES ANTHONY & SUZETTE POLYZOS GEORGE & JENNY POLYZOS KONSTANTINOS & SEVASTI POLY- ZOS PETRA RADULOVIC ANDREW & ANTONIA REEVES BILL & MARIA RINGAS GREGORY SAUR JOE & JANE SAUR TASIA SAVRIDES DOUG SMITH KURT & VICKY SMITH TIMOTHY & ANNA SOFIS CHRISTINE ST. MARTIN CHARITA STAVROU ATHANASIOS & ANASTASIA STRATIGAKOS PETE & DIANNE SUN ANASTASIA THEODOROGIANNIS ANGELO & NIA THEODOROGIANNIS NICHOLAS & MARGARET THEO- DOSAKIS JOHN & JOANNE THOMAS MARK & MARGARET THOMPSON CHRIS & PAULA TOFALLI SOTOS & PANAYIOTA TOFALLI MIKE & FRANCES TSIMPLEKIS JOANNA VALLAS GREGORY & CHRISTINE VASS- ILAKOS DINO & ELLEN VELISSARIOS BOBBY & MARIA VIDAKIS NICK & BARBARA VLATTAS JOHN & BETTY WARHOL JR. JOHN WILLIAMS JAMES WOODBURY KATHERINE YEAPANIS CHRIS & HOPE ZAMBAS GEORGE ZAMBOS ERNEST & ANGELA ZICHAL THE STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY COMMITTEE ALSO THANKS THE FOLLOWING PARISHION- ERS WHO HAVE MADE CON- TRIBUTIONS THIS YEAR BUT HAVEN T COMPLETED A STEW- ARDSHIP COMMITMENT FORM: ALBERTO & NATALYA ACCARDI DEMETRIOS & MELINDA ALIMO- NOS JESSE & VIOLA ALLEN CONNIE ANASTASIOU TONY & MARIKA ANTHONY ALIKE ASIME ISAAK & ELENI AVRAMIDIS IRAKLIS & HELEN BAXAVANIS JOHN & TINA BISHOP MIKE & MELISSA CHALKIAS LYLE & DEMETRIA CHARBONNEAU JOHN CHRISTOU IRENE CHRISTOU TOM & OLGA COGHILL JOE & HELEN DENNIE JOHN DERMANIS KATHY DERMANIS KURT & PAULA DETWEILER DARRELL & DEEMA FANN JACK & MARY GEORGALAS CHRIS GEORGE HELEN GEORGE DOUGLAS & MARY GRAHAM JIMMY & FLOSSIE KALIGOS MARIA KAOUDIS SAM KHOSHABA BRIAN & CYNTHIA KILLOUGH JOHN & HELEN KOENIG JAMES LUCKRING BOB & ZOE ANN LUMPKIN NIKI MAGERAS ZOE MARCOPOULOS ATHENA MARKOS TED MAROULIS & MARIA STEFANIS JAMES & TERRI MEAGHER RICHARD & JETTE MIKITA CHRIS MOVROYDIS TIKE PANAGS VOULA PANAGS DAVID & MARCY PEARSON JAMES & BECKY PIETRONUTO RANDY & KAREN PINGLEY MEL & FRANCES POLIZOS JOHN & AGNES SAMOS SAMIR & KATERINA SANBAR ATHENA SAVVAS PAULINE SCHLIM PAUL & MARIA SUMMA CHRIS & AMY SWANENBURG SOFOS TAKIS FESSEHAIE TEKLE CHRISTOS TOWNS STAVROULA VALENTIN TIMOTHY & HELEN VAUGHN DAVID VAUGHN NICK & VOULA VRETAKIS EVELYN VRETOS NICK VRETTOS

13 The Cross+Roads Page 13 P C M M 15 J 25, 2017 MAY 15, 2017 I: Call to Order & Opening Prayer: The meeting convened at 1833 with an opening prayer by Father George. The following items were discussed: Present: Father George Chioros, Barry Hendricks, Joanna Vallas, Zena Mageras, Howard Mandeville, Tom Grepiotis, Greg Bicouvaris, Dr. Stavroula Gailey, Nick Matthews, Peter Johns, Elias Doulgerakis Absent: Robert Demson Guest: Ben Franks, John Dermanis, Barbara France Religious Education Topic: No Topic Discussed II: Minutes: Zena Mageras made motion to approve the meeting minutes of the April 2017 meeting; seconded by Nick Matthews, passed unanimously. III: Correspondence: Letter from the Southeastern Correctional Ministry dated 24 April 2017 inviting us to become a church partner in their ministry and recruit volunteers to serve in the jails and to make a contribution of $10 a week to support the ministry. Letter from Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology dated 3 April 2017 thanking us for our gift of $282. (Donation came from a collection made on 19 March, Sunday of the Holy Cross) Letter from the National Philoptochos Society 2017 Children s Medical Fund Luncheon dated April Letter informs our community that the Metropolis of New Jersey is serving as a host for the bi-annual Children s Medical Fund Luncheon on November 11, 2017 in Garfield, New Jersey. Letter requests donations / sponsorships, ticket purchases, and an ad book donation. Letter passed to Stavroula Gailey for a recommendation from Missions Ministry at the next meeting. Advertising flyer from Orkistra Mikra, a family band in Greenville, NC, specializing in Greek music. Letter from His Eminence Maximos, Metropolitan of Selyvria and Exarch of Europe, dated February 22, 2017, thanking our community for the donation made in 2016 towards the construction of a new headquarters for the Metropolis of Selyvria. IV: Treasurer s Report: Zena Mageras presented the Balance Sheet and Budget/ Actuals (attached) Zena reviewed that the line item for EVB Payroll (-$1,557.46) we are actually not in negatives Zena explained that we are currently on budget V. Visitor s Comments: John Dermanis Danny Daniel Scholarship As per the instructions left in the estate of Danny Daniel, a $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded annually to a high school senior meeting specified requirements. Committee reviewed 3 very strong applicants. The individual receiving the scholarship will be Fofi Gouletas. VI: Committee Reports: Youth Ministry Ben Franks: Successful GOYA meeting last month. Topic of discussion was a lesson on Sts. Constantine and Helen, Patron Saints of our Church. On Sts. Constantine and Helen name day, the GOYANs will pass a collection for an icon of Sts. Constantine and Helen for St. Basil s Orthodox Church in Hampton. The Newport News GOYA Fellowship Weekend is scheduled for September 16-17th. Norfolk and Richmond will be attending. Vacation Bible School Vi Allen is working very hard in preparation. Registration has begun. We are In need of more volunteers. VBS dates: June 26th June 30th Vi requested from Parish Council to sponsor meal on Tuesday. The Parish Council agreed. Camp Good Shepherd Virginia registration is open. Ben has requested that we sponsor the youth participating from our parish. Tom motioned that we sponsor 5 youths from our community. Greg Bicouvaris seconded. Motion passed. Potential Events to consider Ben and Thomas Manuel have discussed religious events for the summer with the Norfolk Community Altar Boy Retreat for altar boy training, looking at early-fall Missions Ministry Stavroula Gailey No Report House Committee Barbara France We had event that was cancelled, but cancellation fee was paid. We have been hosting scholastic testing throughout the week-days. We are working to secure a long-term deal. We hosted a wedding which was a big success Peninsula caged bird society has requested to and will now become a recurring rental After festival, we do not have many outside events coming up. Festival Committee Volunteers needed on May 24th to cut and marinate chicken. Maintenance Committee Elias wants to handle the windows in the Sunday School room. We need to get them out of the salad room before the Festival. There is an issue with the scissor lift. Need someone from the manufacturer to check the wiring. This is needed to complete the Sunday School window job, as well as prep for rentals in the hall. Centurion Campaign Barry Hendricks: New Article in Crossroads that lays out rational to continue donations $90,705 70K of that is restricted Leaves us with $11,705 for emergency or capital improvements. Stewardship Ministry Nick Matthews: Through today, we have collected $66,403 in stewardship (signed pledges) and $5, of continuous pledges Total amount $71, We are up to 125 signed pledges. That is up 8 from last month. Program going on called Journey to Fullness starting June 14th and is an adult education seminar. Other Committees No other reports Community Calendar - Greg is getting with Barbara this month. VII: Priest s Report Father George Holy Week Everything went well. The Daily Press did a nice story on our church for Holy Week and we were on the front page. Saints Constantine and Helen feast day is this weekend (May 20-21). Reception following vespers. Great Vespers and Artoklasia will be on May 20 beginning at 6:30 PM. Reception following is sponsored by the Philoptochos. On May 21, Sts Constantine & Helen Orthos will be at 8:45 AM and Devine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. Scholarship Luncheon sponsored by the AHEPA will follow. Award Ceremony for Sunday school, Greek School, and Alter Boys this last Sunday. Father thanked all the teachers and parents involved Philoptochos had their elections. Very proud of our Philoptochos chapter in their missions work. Metropolis Clergy-Laity will be discussed later in the meeting. We received letters from the Metropolitan ratifying Tim Sofis as chanter and Joanna Vallas as replacement for Gus Fotiadis Summer Hours will begin the first Sunday in June and runs through first Sunday in September (Labor Day weekend). Upcoming Events AHEPA Picnic Sunday after Labor Day Father said a few words about John Dakis recognizing him and offered a nice tribute VIII: Unfinished Business: Received another proposal from VA Foundation Solutions. Howard is meeting with one of the contractors on May 25th. Howard s friend who he has (Continued on page 14)

14 The Cross+Roads Page 14 P C M ( ) (Continued from page 13) worked with is going to give us a second opinion on all of the proposals we receive. This project will not begin until after the festival. There were questions to Howard asking if the full scope of work has been evaluated and if we will be getting quotes for the full scope of the work. Updates on Hall HVAC and freezer: Barry talked to Bobby Vidakis They are waiting on the delivery of the units. Units have been ordered. They will be installed after the festival. Freezer unit: They have a concrete company that will remove the concrete from freezer and replace with new concrete. As of now, with estimates received, all funds donated will be put towards the HVAC and freezer with no funds leftover. Work on the website has stalled. Barry spoke to Brian Killough and discussed the possibility of him returning to the role of webmaster and working with Peter. No new update on Bulletin Builder. By next meeting it will be completed. Peter to talk to Sylvia about assisting in this initiative. Security Camera for kitchen scheduled for installation this week. Insurance Claim: Nothing new to report. Will work with Howard to come up with game plan for this. Organ Howard is in the process of getting a meeting to have someone come out and scope out the organ. VIII: New Business: Summary of the Clergy-Laity Conference in New Jersey Four delegates represented our community: Father George, Barry Hendricks, Nick Mathews, and Bob Demson Trish Demson and Kathy Matthews represented our parish from Philoptochos Two of the major themes were religious education and making Orthodox Christian living a priority in your life. Direct call from His Eminence for parents to set the example. This year there was more discussion on religious education Both youth and adult. - Make things happen now - Every parish should have an adult education program teaching the foundations of our faith. - Look for ways to continue the Liturgy at home. - The Metropolitan reviews all parish s budgets take a look at our budget lines for youth ministries and religious education. Does it reflect a commitment to those ministries? Newport News was commended for having our financial reports turned in before the deadline. VBS lunch donation (discussed above) Adult Education begins the evening of June 14th. Greg recommended that we do a group parish council outing at the Norfolk Tides game Greg recommended that in the phone book, there are too many landlines and questioned is there a need for landlines and not mobile numbers. Barry presented the Spring Festival Proforma received from the Festival Steering Committee and asked that the Parish Council review and approve the recommended projections. Unanimous concurrence and support. IX: Adjournment: Fr. George offered the closing prayer at Next PC meeting is June 19, 2017 at 6:30. X: Certification: Respectfully Submitted Peter J. Johns, Secretary JUNE 25, 2017 I: Call to Order & Opening Prayer: The meeting convened at 18:45 with an opening prayer by Father George. The following items were discussed: Present: Father George Chioros, Peter Johns, Barry Hendricks, Bob Demson, Zena Mageras, Howard Mandeville, Tom Grepiotis, Greg Bicouvaris, Dr. Stavroula Gailey, Nick Matthews, Joanna Vallas Absent: Elias Doulgerakis Guest: Ben Franks II: Minutes: Nick Matthews made motion to approve the meeting minutes of the May 2017 meeting; seconded by Tom Grepiotis, passed unanimously. III: Correspondence: Letter dated May 20, 2017 from Natalya Peretyatko, Director of the Russian School of Hampton Roads, thanking our community for our generosity in allowing the Russian School of Hampton Roads to use the classrooms in the Hellenic Center for their weekly classes and activities. Their new academic year will start September 9th and we were asked to join them that day to welcome them to our community. They also made a donation to the church. Certificate of Appreciation presented to our community and thanking us for our participation in the PORT Winter Shelter program for the season. IV: Treasurer s Report: Zena Mageras presented the Balance Sheet and Budget/ Actuals (attached) V: Visitor s Comments: No comments VI: Committee Reports: Youth Ministry Ben Franks: Vacation Bible School started June 26th with 26 kids in attendance; for every 7 kids / 1 counselor Camp Good Shepherd-Virginia registration to date - 65kids (5 from Sts C&H) GOYA participation is down. Plan is to focus GOYA meetings with informal fellowship meetings instead of basketball. Missions Ministry Stavroula Gailey Recommendation made to support the National Philoptochos Children Medical Fund. Barry made motion to make $1,000 donation to Children s Medical Fund, Tom seconded; passed unanimously House Committee Stavroula Gailey on behalf of Barbara France: No rentals since our May meeting, other than the breakfasts, and that attendance is lower due to summer season. Bible Breakfast may take August off as they have in the past. Next potential rental is August 26 for a quinceañera. There is also potential rentals from the Bird Society for Nov 18, 2017 and April 21, Newport News Public Schools has confirmed testing will take place May 7-May 18., Coordinator was appreciative that we were able to accommodate. Bobby Vidakis confirmed that the A/C will be installed the week of August 7, He also confirmed the new Freezer is on order and will update installation date when he knows the delivery date. Festival Committee Chris Zambas reported during the festival wrap up meeting that the estimated gross revenue from the spring festival will be over $400,000 and we normally expect an estimated 50% in gross margins Fall Festival Oct 19-21, 2017 Maintenance Committee Windows for classrooms have not been installed; waiting for dates Scissor lift not repaired; need electrical review by manufacturer representative before install; waiting for dates Nick to check Church air conditioner is on life-support ; Father to call for inspection and service - Tommy Gardner Greek Flag replaced Centurion Campaign Barry Hendricks: Still receiving a few donations Status: $90,910 in account; $79,100 restricted; $11,810 available for renovation/ emergency repairs Stewardship Ministry Nick Matthews: Met on June 7 and next meeting July 17. Journey to Fullness adult education seminar started June 14, good participation thus far June stewardship signed cards with $138, pledged and total $86, paid; other offerings $9, (Continued on page 15)

15 The Cross+Roads = $95, Other Committees No other reports Community Calendar Review (items not covered in other reports) - Sept 10th first day of Sunday School Oct 15th Fall General Assembly (tentative) Nov 5th Parish Council Elections Dec 13th 20th, host parish for PORT Dec 31st host New Year s Eve Party VII: Priest s Report Father George Camp Good Shepherd will be July 2-8. Father George, Ben Franks and five young people from our community will attend. A big thank you for all the Festival help and support. Journey to Fullness adult religion education sessions will continue on Wednesday evenings at 7PM. Philoptochos Board of Directors were given the Oath of Office on May 21. Special tray passed on June 25th for earthquake victims in Greece collected $310. Nick made motion to round up to $500 and seconded by Tom; approved. Our church will host a Hampton Roads Religious Educator s Seminar for those in our area called to serve in the Religious Education ministry on Saturday, Sept 9th. We will also serve lunch. Our church will host the area GOYA Fellowship Weekend on September Sept 23th is the Father Sav Missions Walk hosted by the Norfolk and Virginia Beach communities. Sept 30th is AHEPA Casino Night Oct 31- Nov 3 National Clergy Retreat; Leesburg, VA; Father George has registered and there is no airfare involved. VIII: Unfinished Business: Weekly e-bulletin built with Bulletin Builder is ready for deployment. Peter is finalizing this month Barry spoke to Brian Killough and he will continue as webmaster, however, we should look for ways to improve our overall web and social media presence. Peter reported that a security camera has been installed in the kitchen. He will look for possibilities for cameras in the church office and outside doors. Insurance Claim with Nationwide for roof; Peter called adjusters and we do not have coverage for the claim. Howard provided an update on the water remediation project around the church and office buildings. He received three bids and one withdrew. We are working with the two remaining RCI,Inc and Virginia Foundation Specialists for final review. The review committee has all documents for review, comments and recommended actions. Approval and notice to proceed is estimated in 3-4 weeks. Parish Council will hold a special meeting if needed to review and commence contract award. HVAC and Freezer proposal reviewed previously in House report Howard is working on an inspection for our church organ in August VIII: New Business: Festival Steering Committed forwarded a recommendation to make a $10,000 donation to Youth Challenge and a $2,000 donation to St Basil s Orthodox Church in Hampton for their work during the spring festival. Motion made by Howard and seconded by Zena that these donations be made from the church operating account vice festival account; passed unanimously. IX: Adjournment: Fr. George offered the closing prayer at Next PC meeting is August 15, 2017 at 6:30. X: Certification: Respectfully Submitted Robert V Demson, Secretary 1 Friday Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 3 Sunday 13 th Sunday of Matthew 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 4 Monday LABOR DAY Office Closed 6 Wednesday 5:45 pm Paraclesis 7:00 pm Journey Into Fullness 7:15 pm Choir 7 Thursday 6:30pm HWPS 8 Friday Nativity of the Theotokos 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 10 Sunday Sunday before Holy Cross 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy Goya Oath of office 1 Year Memorial for Michael Anastasiou 16 Year Trisagion for those who lost their lives on 9/11 Sunday School begins Ahepa Picnic following Divine Liturgy 11 Monday 6:30 pm Philoptochos - Pot Luck, Cover Dish 12 Tuesday 1 st day of Greek School 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Greek School 13 Wednesday 5:45 pm Paraclesis 6:00 pm GOYA 7:00 pm Journey Into Fullness 7:15 pm Choir Page 15 September 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Thursday Exaltation of the Holy Cross STRICT FAST 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 16 Saturday 9:00 am Goya Fellowship Day 17 Sunday Sunday after Holy Cross 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 18 Monday 6:30 pm Parish Council Meeting 19 Tuesday 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Greek School 20 Wednesday 5:45 pm Paraclesis 7:00 pm Journey Into Fullness 7:15 pm Choir 21 Thursday 6:45 pm AHEPA/DOP Meeting 23 Sunday 1:00 pm Baptism 24 Sunday 1 st Sunday of Luke 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy New Member Welcome Sunday 26 Tuesday Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian 9:00 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Greek School 27 Wednesday 5:45 pm Paraclesis 7:00 pm Journey Into Fullness 7:15 pm Choir 30 Saturday AHEPA Casino Night

16 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Return Address Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 50 Newport News Virginia C W G G Sunday Services 8:45 a.m. Matins 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 11:30 a.m. Religious Education (Sep-May) 12:00 a.m. Christian Fellowship (Hellenic Center) Phone (757) Fax (757) Mission Statement The mission of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia is to keep, practice, and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith. The work and ministry of our Parish will include proclaiming the Gospel, sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments, and enhancing their spiritual life. We will fulfill the great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by inviting others into the Church through Baptism and/or Chrismation, educating them in the Orthodox Faith through the establishment of programs, schools and philanthropic activities, and implementing Christian ministries.