Glad Tidings How God Came to Me, by Marjorie Corbman

Transcription

1 St. Paul, MN June/July 2007 Volume 13, Issue 6 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Glad Tidings How God Came to Me, by Marjorie Corbman Editor s note: Marjorie Corbman was baptized at age 15 into the Orthodox Faith on Pascha The following is an excerpt from her book A Tiny Step Away From the Deepest Faith: A Teenager s Search for Meaning, 2005, and is reprinted with permission from Paraclete Press. Autumn in New Jersey is mindboggling. It's as if the goldencherry leaves fall into the sunset and everything is haloed by silence and smoke and some distant humming. It's hard even to walk to class during the day you don't want to go inside and if it weren't for the biting cold I probably would just stay out. It's so beautiful it makes me ache, and that's all I can think about as my friend and I walk from the student center beyond the grass and the trees and the rich blue sky to go see our math tests. We are talking about faith, though the word doesn't come up. I don't remember what sparked the conversation that day, but we were talking about our lives, about our unhappiness, about our despairs and failures. And we started talking about faith. We talked about the fact that humans are not rational creatures. We're expected to be rational, and maybe all the philosophies pushed on us indoctrinate us into thinking we are, but even as teenagers we have discovered that reason can only go so far. I talked of my paranoia that my friends didn't care for me, for example rationally, I know that they do, but I can't apply that to my life, it is not real for me. I talked about my friends with eating disorders, who rationally know that they are not fat, that what they are doing hurts them and doesn't make their problems go away and yet they don't know it, inside; it's not real but only dry, stale facts that exist on some other level. I started talking about my ideas on philosophy and history, and to my surprise my friend didn't look bored she nodded vigorously yes, yes it's not about what we know with our reason, she agreed. I am a person of faith, I realize, and this makes me somewhat uncomfortable, because that label has come to mean so many things. When I was younger I would have equated it with a person who was not in touch with reality, a person who relied on feelings instead of the truth. And yet for me faith is the undercurrent of everything in my life. Every breath confirms my trust sometimes strong, sometimes wavering in a Truth that endures, in something beyond myself. Every step I take, from the student center to the math building, is aided by the help of my belief in God. It started happening too long ago for me to really appreciate its novelty, but I find that everything I do is permeated with the words of the Nicene Creed: "I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord, Jesus Christ...." It's this sudden realization of the fullness of faith in my life that shocks me, because I remember too well the emptiness, the pointless grabbing in everyday life for something, for someone, always for some dream or person or idea that I had latched onto without knowing why. I realize that all my sadnesses now are just bittersweet, because underneath their skin is a firm conviction I never before would have considered. I talked to my friend on the phone a few days later: We, you and I, I said, are passionate creatures, we throw ourselves into things, and that comes with being lost, with emptiness, because we won't settle for anything but perfection.... She knows what I mean, and I wonder how many people I know would say the same thing. I expected her to not know what I was talking about I tend to do that with people. I like to think I am unique, but when I express my feelings or beliefs I find that everyone understands what I am saying and reacts to the same things as true or meaningful. If there is any common thread, it is emptiness, it is a sense of meaninglessness, but also a deep-seated need for something more, a stretch for the beyond from millions of broken people. To some extent I know that this is nothing new. I think of Nikolai Stavrogin in Fyodor Dostoevsky's Demons, and his meeting with the retired Bishop Tikhon in a chapter that never made the final cut for the book. The tortured anti-hero interrogates the old man, seeking out condemnation or solace. He asks Tikhon about Christ's words to the Laodiceans in the Revelation of John: "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. Continued on page 2. Special articles: Technology and Orthodoxy pg. 6; LYRA Choral Group pg. 7

2 Glad Tidings Page 2 How God Came to Me, continued from p. 1 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked "'" Nikolai protests; why should God favor the cold over the lukewarm? Bishop Tikhon explains the one in the most darkness stands much closer to light than the one who doesn't care either way.... The issue of faith and unbelief, of indifference and suffering and hope and despair goes back much farther than my own generation. However, I believe my generation epitomizes it. It is easy to condemn us for our lack of faith in anything, in our depression and suicide rate and self-destruction and out-ofcontrol behavior, but it is all of this that in fact gives me the most hope for us. We have ceased to believe in anything else the utopian dreams of our parents hold no water for us, and bland ideology and trust in rationality do not keep us interested. We are iconoclasts, throwing down everything that those before us set up to guide us. We don't believe in simple answers. We don't believe that if we can prove a fact in a Petri dish it makes any real difference. We want something more, anything more, something that doesn't have to be anatomized, something that can be experienced. We believe in personal encounters. We believe in the human touch. We don't believe in cheap happiness, in settling for second best, in mediocre joys. It's all or nothing and if we are now stuck with nothing, it's just because we're waiting for the All. I don't know many lukewarm people. Most of my friends who have any religious convictions at all, like me, spent years violently searching out faith. I chased it from eighth grade to eleventh before getting hold of it, and most I know took longer than that. If we truly were a "godless" nation we wouldn't be devouring whatever we could see or read in order to find God. I cannot count the amount of times people I previously assumed to be non -religious or even anti-religious have come up and talked to me about their beliefs, or about what they wanted to believe. I never initiate the conversations, but I talk about God regularly at school, and I am taken seriously. There is a tangible thirst for faith that over a hundred years of secular humanistic bias and education has failed to erase in the hearts of youth. I have often heard adults accuse us of being cynical, sarcastic, bitter far too much for children, anyway. But I would be more disturbed if we weren't. It is good that we should reject the intellectual and cultural wasteland around us; it is good that we should question it and consider it unfulfilling. It is good that we should seek higher things, for our dwelling is in the heavens. Nikolai Stavrogin hanged himself, though he was perfectly sane. My friend and I sit in the math building, and that memory comes into my mind without my understanding why. The more I talk to her, the more I realize the hypocrisy of my babbling on for ten minutes about how words and ideas and reason will never be enough to express the search for the deeper truth, which can only be expressed in love. I wish I could just go up to her and hug her human touch is the greatest thing in the world but my social inhibitions stop me; my fears about people and friends leave me leaning against a desk, quoting my favorite philosophers. St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesian Church that faith was not something we can muster up ourselves, but the purely gracious gift of God. I feel frustrated, because I know that none can come to Christ until the Father draws him, and I can't convince anyone to be happy; I can't convince anyone that their joy "shall be made full." I can't do anything with words or ideas, even with my beliefs. I try to remember that Jesus always spoke about love not in its wishywashy ideal but in its head-on, dangerous, painful, and personal reality. I try to remember that He spoke of that and not of convincing others to believe in anything. I believe and I now love those words that we are ready for perfect joy. I believe that perfection exists, and Truth, in which there is no shadow of darkness, but only the blinding Light of the Transfiguration. For a long time I didn't see that, didn't experience it, but still I kept searching for it, kept reaching out for it, in so many gods and finite people. And yet I knew that they weren't enough and that rejection brought me to God. It is only necessary to refuse to put your trust in anything but the Truth, and one day or another everything will be made perfect. I believe that, truly... but even as I think that I have to silence myself. It is not about ideas but about pure, unshakable faith.... My friend and I walk back in the autumn rosiness, looking at the sky. And I believe that she, and I, and all of us, are meant for something better. And I stop talking, and simply believe.

3 St. Paul, MN Page 3 Parish Announcements Roselawn Cemetery Lots Greek Orthodox Section This notice is to inform and remind all Parishioners about lots availability at the Roselawn Cemetery which have been purchased by our Church. There are monument and flat lots available for purchase. The price of the lots are sold at a significantly discounted price. The discounted price for this year (2007) is: Monument Lot (2 graves) $2,930.00; Flat Lot (2 graves) $1,600.00; Flat Lot (1 grave) $ If you are interested and prepared to purchase a lot, please contact Dimitri Dokos, , or the Church secretary at Coming Up In August 1-15 FAST OF THEOTOKOS 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD 6-10 VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 15 DORMITION OF THEOTOKOS GREEK FESTIVAL 29 BEHEADING OF FORERUNNER Loaves and Fishes News Every other month, on the second Monday, we need cooks, set-up people, clean-up crew and servers. Future opportunities to serve in 2007 are June 11, August 13, October 8 and December 10. We served 137 people in April! Contact Dimitri Dokos or Naomi Tsantir Graduation Sunday Sunday School graduation is set for Sunday, June 3rd. We will also recognize our high school and college graduates that day with a gift. Greece: Secrets of the Past Examine the splendor of some of humanity's most extraordinary architectural and cultural achievements. Greece:, Secrets of the Past, opening June 27 in the Science Museum of Minnesota Omnitheater, takes you through the renowned ruins to uncover the revealing roots of modern human thought and creativity. Go to smm.org or call for further information. Trinity Children s Foundation The Missions and Benevolence Committee is supporting the Foundation s Trinity Youth Services program (Colton, CA) as a service project for This organization provides sanctuary and opportunity to abused, neglected and abandoned children who are often removed from their homes with their belongings in trash bags. Please join the Committee in purchasing school supplies, markers, back packs and travel bags starting June 25. Drop them off in the marked containers provided in the social hall. Items will be collected at the end of July by the Committee and shipped to the Foundation. Contact Diane Anastos for further information. dcanastos@earthlink.net Vote for the New 7 Wonders of the World You can go to index.php if you are interested in voting. The deadline for participation is July 16. The Hagia Sophia and the Acropolis of Athens are among the candidates Greek Festival Start spreading the word about this year's Greek Festival! Lots of volunteers are needed to make this event happen. See the sign up sheet included as an insert in this issue of Glad Tidings. Thank you for helping out! Treasurer's Financial Report March Income March Expenses Monthly Balance YTD* Income YTD* Expenses YTD* Balance $13, $17, ($4,128.04) $37, $51, ($13,139.09) Stewardship Report March Pledge March Pledge Income Goal Balance YTD* Pledge Income Year Pledge Goal Balance* $12, $15, ($3,413.94) $33, $46, ($12,821.88) *All year-to-date figures are as of March 31, 2007.

4 Glad Tidings Page 4 Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Mondays 10:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30PM-4:30PM Tue. Thurs. 8:00AM-12:30PM, 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) FatherRick@usa.com Fiona Eustathiades, Administrative Assistant (651) Anthony Selliris, Youth Minister (715) tselliris@tpna.com. Eric Chadwick, Parish Council President (507) chadwick@ptslaw.com Reva Adkins, Philoptochos President (651) rradkins@comcast.net Andrea Faches, Sunday School Director (507) afaches@msn.com Barbara Bauman, Choir Director (651) Anna Christoforides, Greek School Director (651) Registry Festal Icons Needed Births Lilah Agapi to Niki & Justin Dalaska Memorials Argyroula Sylvia Kiprose (6 months) Niki Rogers-Boosalis (40 days) Please donate a Festal Icon (11" x 14") in memory of a loved one. The cost is $50.00 per icon. The icons are displayed in the church nave and are put out for veneration on the Feast Day of the Saint or event they represent. To donate an icon, fill out a form (found on the bulletin board by the kitchen) and return it to the office. St. Anastasia the Martyr Oct 12 St. Christina the Martyr Jul 24 St. Cosmas of Aitoleia Aug 24 Sts. Cyril & Methodios May 11 St. Ephraim the Syrian Mar 7 The Feast Day of Sts. Peter & Paul Thursday, June 28 Check upcoming bulletins for service and activity details~ Diane Anastos, Glad Tidings Editor

5 St. Paul, MN Page 5 YOUTH NEWS SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATION June 3, 2007 The Sunday School invites you to the social hour celebration immediately following the graduation in the Social Hall. The teachers will be available to answer questions about this year s program. We will also be recruiting teachers for next year s program. If you have an interest in offering your talents to teach and touch the hearts of our youth, please contact Andrea Faches at (507) SUNDAY SCHOOL Mark your calendars. The first day of Sunday School will be on Sunday, September 9th. Please register your student early online at HOPE The children enjoyed time with each other and took great pride planting flowers to beautify their Church. VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL Aug 6th -- Aug 10th, runs from 9 am to 12 pm. This year s theme is: Heroines of Orthodoxy. Children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade in the Fall of 2007 are eligible. Please use registration form included as an insert and mail to the church. ST. MARY S SUMMER CAMP June June 23, 2007 Big Sandy Camp McGregor, MN Have fun at camp. YOUTH CHOIR We will begin half hour practices on June 10th and will meet every Sunday through the summer immediately following church. The children will meet in the choir loft. Please watch for opportunities to support our Youth Choir in the way of gowns and supplies. Your support in this ministry is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Bauman or Andrea Faches. June 10th June 24th July 8th July 22nd POST CAMP PARTY June 24, :00 p.m :00 p.m. St. George Greek Orthodox Church. HOPE Preschoolers Contact Georgia Bruer at gpanopo1@fairview.org JOY Contact Stacy Katsiyiannis at stacykats@aol.com GREEK SCHOOL GOYA Contact Jane Andrews at Janedono@usfamily.net Greek School will be held for a half hour following Youth Choir.

6 Glad Tidings Page 6 Mary: The Untrodden Portal Of God, by George S. Gabriel. This is a treatise of a grand theme. Dr. Gabriel joins together powerful theological contemplation and meticulous writing in this well-researched study of a primary mystery of ancient Christian faith:the unspeakable mystery of Mary who, offering herself as the ground where the Creator descended to meet His creation, mothered God in human flesh The Christian Life of the Early Church, by Barbara Pappas. This book provides answers and food for thought for many questions from the simple concerns of daily life to the intrical mysteries of God - in the timeless voice of the Church though the ages. Keeping Faith, by Frank Schaeffer and Cpl. John Schaeffer (USMC). This a father-son story about Love and the United State Marine Corps. This book is written in alternating voices by eighteen old John and his father. It takes us through inviting experiences of father and son and through their growth and separate reevaluations of what it means to serve. Faith of Our Sons, A Father's Wartime Diary, by Frank Schaeffer Faith of Our Sons is Frank Schaeffer's moving and timely account of what it is like to send your child to war, and the powerful emotions attendant on the experience (from panic to pride to rage and back again.) Technology leads to Orthodox Conversion In the fall of 2006 I was surfing the web and accidentally (i.e. providentially) stumbled across the MEOCCA catechism website. The page that I landed on was the class schedule with all the instructor's credentials. After looking over the topics for the twelve weeks I was intrigued, but afraid that if I signed up for the courses that I would be tagged as a potential convert suspect. And at the time, of course, I had no intentions of converting to the Orthodox church! I then faced two options: I could either surf away to another website, or I could be bold and see what the "Registration" link had to say. Well, I decided to be bold, and click the registration link, and much to delight I found the question that gave me options for explaining my intent for taking the classes. I'm of course talking about the "What best describes why you are attending the class?" question. As you're aware, the first option is the ALL IMPORTANT one: "Just interested in learning more about the Orthodox Christian Faith." After reading that option, I had a sense of relief that I could simply attend without any strings attached or being worried that some tough priest was going to force me into joining the Orthodox church! Anyway, God works in mysterious ways, and now my wife and I find ourselves following Jesus Christ under the umbrella of Orthodoxy. A journey that began with a website that offered Orthodox catechism classes free of charge (and a free book too!), and no strings attached. Thanks for heading up the MEOCCA as God uses such classes to bring some people closer to the Kingdom of God. Christ has risen! Jason Schock

7 St. Paul, MN Page 7 Russian Vocal Ensemble- LYRA Sings at St. George After a short intermission, the group (below) changed gears and entertained the audience with Russian folk songs, complete with props. Thanks to everyone that helped to make this event a success! The choral community of LYRA includes 25 people. Above, five of the members, Irina Zykova, Anna Makarenko, Miroslav Alexeev, Jury Gerasimov and Sergey Tupitsyn visited St. George on May 14 and performed various sacred chants of the Russian Orthodox Church. Metropolis & Archdiocesan News Bishop Savas to lead National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Florence, Ravenna, and Constantinople The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries is pleased to announce the National Young Adult Pilgrimage to Florence, Ravenna, and Constantinople, November 2-10, His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas, will once again lead the pilgrimage to sites of great historical importance and spiritual significance for all Orthodox Christians. The highlight of this experience will be an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar in the historic city of Constantinople. Summer Institute on Youth Ministry The Departments of Religious Education and Youth and Young Adult Ministries are collaborating and partnering with the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute for Summer Institute 2007, June 6-9 in Berkeley, California. The focus of the Summer Institute is Youth Ministry and will feature hands-on, experiential lectures and workshops presented by a variety of Orthodox and Ecumenical scholars and practitioners. For more information: or Father Mark Arey appointed as Director of Inter-Orthodox & Interfaith Relations Archbishop Demetrios of America, following the retirement of His Grace Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, has appointed the Rev. Fr. Mark Arey to succeed him as the Director of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Fr. Arey leaves his current position as the Priest of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Nashville, TN, where he has served since Fr. Arey has served the Archdiocese in various capacities: Director of Communications, as interim Director of Leadership 100, pastor of the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Frederick, MD; Holy Trinity in Nashville, TN and St. Barbara in New Haven CT.

8 ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID St. Paul, MN Permit No. 177 Phone: Fax: Web Site: Weekday Worship Schedule Friday, June 29 9:00AM Liturgy Sts. Peter and Paul Saturday, June 30 9:30AM Feast Day Liturgy in Duluth, MN Holy Apostles Saturday, June 30 9:30AM Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI Tuesday, July 17 9:00AM Liturgy - St. Marina Thursday, July 19 9:00AM Liturgy St. Macrina Wednesday, July 25 9:00AM Liturgy Dormition of St. Anna Thursday, July 26 6:00PM Liturgy St. Paraskeve REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES Holy Confession: By Appointment Vespers: Saturday 5 pm (September May) Orthros: Sunday 8:30 am Divine Liturgy: Sunday 9:45 am Sunday School: (September through May) starts after administration of Holy Communion Saturday, July 28 9:30AM Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI

9 June 2007 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 + FAST DAY 2 10:00am Spring Cleaning at Church 3 + ALL SAINTS + 1ST SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY 12:00pm Sunday School Graduation 4 5 6:30pm Philoptochos 7:30pm Welcome & Outreach 6 6:30pm Missions and Benevolence FAST OF THE APOSTLES + 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM ND SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY 11+ ST. BARTHOLOMEW- Patriarch's Nameday 5:00pm Loaves and Fishes 6:30pm Youth Ministry Meeting 12 7:00pm Bible Study at Fr. Rick s Home :00pm Parish Council Meeting + FAST OF THE APOSTLES :00pm Radio Program 980 AM 17+ 3RD SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY Father s Day :00pm Glad Tidings Meeting 21 5:00pm Spiritual Life Committee Meeting + FAST OF THE APOSTLES + SUMMER CHURCH CAMP :00pm Radio Program 980 AM 24+ NATIVITY OF FORERUNNER + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY 6:00pm Post Camp Party :00pm Stewardship Committee STS. PETER AND PAUL + 9:00am Liturgy + FAST OF THE APOSTLES HOLY APOSTLES + 9:30am Feast Day 12 Holy Apostles GOC in Duluth, MN + 9:30am Liturgy in Eau Claire, WI St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651)

10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 + 5TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY July FAST DAY INDEPENDENCE DAY-OFFICE CLOSED FAST DAY 7 + ST. KYRIAKI 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM 8 + 6TH SUN. OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY FAST DAY FAST DAY 14 6:30pm Youth Ministry Meeting 7:00pm Bible Study at Fr. Rick s Home 6:30pm Missions and Benevolence 7:00pm Parish Council 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM 15 + SUNDAY OF HOLY FATHERS + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY ST. MARINA + 9:00am Liturgy 18 + FAST DAY 19 + ST. MACRINA + 9:00am Liturgy 20 + FAST DAY + PROPHET ELIAS/ELIJAH 21 7:00pm Glad Tidings Meeting 5:00pm Spiritual Life Committee 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + ST. MARY MAGDALEN + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY ST. CHRISTINA 25+ FAST DAY + DORMITION OF ST. ANNA + 9:00am Liturgy 26 + ST. PARASKEVE 27 + FAST DAY + ST. PANTELIEMON :30am LITURGY in Eau Claire, WI 7:00pm Stewardship Committee + 6:00pm Liturgy 5:00pm Radio Program 980 AM 29+ 9TH SUNDAY OF MATTHEW + 8:30am ORTHROS + 9:45am LITURGY St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews - - Phone: (651)

11 St George Greek Orthodox Church (Starting Date: Sept. 9, 2007) Registration Form For Online Registration: Parent Information Name(s): Address: Phone: Student Information Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: Name/DOB/Grade in Fall: I would like to volunteer my time & talents to the Sunday School: Teacher Substitute Teacher Special Lecture Service Projects Assistant Teacher Craft Projects Iconography Hymnology Administration

12 St. George Greek Orthodox Church VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2007 August 6 th 10 th 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Children ages Preschool through 6 th grade are invited to participate! The week will include worship, music, lessons, arts & crafts, service projects, recreation and fun! Parents, other adults and teens we encourage and welcome your participation as well! Volunteers are needed in a variety of capacities, so please consider joining us! This is a great week to share Orthodoxy with church friends and non-orthodox friends! Please complete the registration below and return to the church office. If you have any questions, please contact: Andrea Faches: (507) (afaches@msn.com) Stacy Katsiyiannis: (952) (stacykats@aol.com) Jean Pliakas: (651) (jwpliakas@aol.com) REGISTRATION Student Information (grade in Fall 07) Name, DOB & Grade: Name, DOB & Grade: Name, DOB & Grade: Name, DOB & Grade: Parent Information Name(s), phone & Days Available Areas of Interest Monday, 8/6 Teacher Service Projects Tuesday, 8/7 Class Assistant Snacks Wednesday, 8/8 Music Fridays Lunch/Party Thursday, 8/9 Recreation Art

13 Opa! St. George Greek Orthodox Church 11 th ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER SIGNUP SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 TH 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 TH 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Name(s): Phone Number(s) Address(es) Thursday, August 16 th Time???? Friday, August 17 th 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Please indicate what time you can volunteer.) Saturday, August 18 th 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Sunday, August 19 th 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER BY DONATING: Pastries Beer and/or Wine New Equipment to reduce the amount of rentals Food Items: Feta, Olives, Pita, Gyro, Flour, Honey, etc. Please note if you like working in a particular area in the time section when you sign up. Thank you for your time and talents. Please mail to fax Volunteer Signup form to the Church Office Summit Avenue, Saint Paul MN Fax

14 Twin Cities Radio Ministry Committee: During 2003, Twin Cities Orthodox churches began supporting the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas approved nationally-airing program Come Receive the Light. Currently, there are four local parish sponsors of $1200 per year. There are also numerous individual sponsors and friends of Twin Cities Orthodox churches who support this missionary effort. Not only do we support the Orthodox Christian Network production and nationwide administration, but we pay for local radio airtime each week to broadcast to the Twin Cities area. On Jan 21, 2007, a 24 hour online media resource called The Ark was launched. It allows sponsor parishes to develop and customize a web site for local outreach. To find out more about the Ark go online or call the office at Coming soon: the Rudder. For more information contact: Greater Twin Cities Area Orthodox Radio Ministry Program Committee Chair Dimitri Dokos ddokos2@aol.com Or visit: Revised 4/07 K K M S A M S A T U R D A Y S 5 P M O R O N - L I N W W W. R E C E I V E. O R G We thank you for your support. SHARE THE LIGHT! with the Orthodox Christian Network Radio Program: Come Receive the Light KKMS 980 AM Saturdays 5pm or on-line anytime

15 Goals of Come Receive the Light Radio Broadcast Come Receive the Light aims to: Spread the word of Christ and His redemptive message of Truth to all Strengthen the Orthodox faithful through Christ's Holy message Reach out to isolated elders, college students, those who have fallen away from the faith Share the message with the un-churched Extending the ancient invitation of Christ through: Interviews on interesting topics of current interest Orthodox news from around the world Music, scripture Website: Program archives Weekly newsletter Daily meditation Dynamis Bible Search The Ark 24 hour media Coming soon: the Rudder Contributions may be sent to: MEOCCA Radio Ministry c/o Myra Toconita, Treasurer 1391 W. Sandhurst Drive Roseville, MN How can you participate? Listen! Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. KKMS 980 AM or anytime on-line at: Parish Sponsorship $1200 per year (150 members or more) or $5 per family for parishes under 150 members Individual Sponsorship Get involved! The Radio Ministry Committee could use your help! Make checks payable to: MEOCCA Radio Ministry Name: Address: Phone: Yes, I would like to volunteer

16 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, MN Parish Council Meeting Minutes March 08, 2007 Members Present: Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Soule Paraschou, Ann Woods, Dimitri Dokos, Pendelis Eliou, Katerina Kaniamos, Georgia Bruer-Panopoulos, Diane Anastos, Stacy Katsiyiannis, Ronald Adkins, Christ Kontenakos Members Absent: Eric Chadwick, Paul Pliakas The meeting convened at 7:10 pm with Soule Paraschou presiding and an opening prayer led by Fr. Rick Stacy Katsiyiannis read Bible verses. A. Officer s Reports 1. Secretary s Report --Minutes from the Parish Council meeting on February 8, 2007, approved as corrected. 2. Treasurer s Report --Ronald Adkins presented. (attachment) --Ronald Adkins will put together a manual for counting and recording funds received W2s are being done again. --Ronald Adkins will have a meeting with the auditing committee March17. --New signatures are needed (officers plus Christ Kontenakos perhaps and also Jim Theros for the pie sale). --Christ Kontenakos will talk to Jean Pliakas regarding the $ needed to cover the Bazaar at the Festival of Nations. B. Father s Report --Attachment --Disclosure statements need to be signed by the new Parish Council members. C. Committee Reports 1. Spiritual Life --Ann Woods presented. --About 25 people were at each session of the Lenten lecture. There was $1, budgeted but we came in under that around $1, per Father Rick. --The Pan-Orthodox services went well. There were about 165 people that came. --The feast day of the Annunciation Vespers/Potluck on March Capital Improvements --Katrina Kaniamos presented. (attachment) 3. Stewardship --Pendelis Eliou presented. --We are looking good but still need a lot of people to fill out their pledge cards. A letter also went out to people who had pledged in 2006 but haven t pledged in Investments --Christ Kontenakos presented (attachment) --Investments worth $414, D. New Business 1. Parish Assembly

17 --Soule Paraschou presented. --Stacy Katsiyiannis moves to have the next Parish Assembly on April 29 th. Motion was seconded. Motion passes. 2. Liturgy Books --Father Rick presented. --It would be nice to replace the spiral bound books with hardcopy versions (approximately $1,000.00). Also request to purchase an additional books at about $5.00 per copy for a total expenditure for both items of around $1, Ann Woods moves to accept donations to replace the current liturgy books with hardbound copies and to purchase an additional books. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 3. Enditheron Bowl and Stand --Christ Kontenakos presented. --Christ Kontenakos moves to accept an Antithoron bowl and stand. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 4. Project Home --Father Rick presented. --The idea is to encourage the congregation to purchase toothbrushes and other household items and sell them at church to make money for the Project Home charity. --Diane Anastos moves to encourage congregational donations of items for Project Home during the Lenten season. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 5. Post Camp Party --Father Rick presented. --Can we host the after camp party for the church summer camp on June 24 th? --Stacy Katsiyiannis moves that we allow the use of the social hall for the after camp party. Motion seconded. Motion passes. E. Unfinished Business 1. LYRA Russian vocal group --Soule Paraschou presented. --Katerina Kaniamos will plan a meeting to discuss the LYRA event. 2. Spring Pie Sale --Christ Kontenakos presented. --The Spring pie sale will be Friday March 30 and Saturday March Lamb Dinner --Soule Paraschou presented. --Christ Kontenakos is ordering the lamb. --Father Rick suggested we have people donate to cover the cost of the dinner. --Committee formed (Jason Barbes, Ann Woods, Christ Kontenakos, Ronald Adkins and Stacy Katsiyiannis so far). 4. St. George Feast Day Celebration --Soule Paraschou presented. --Ann Woods is working with Anna Christoforides to put this together on April 22 nd. For any questions, contact Ann Woods or Anna Christoforides. 5. Roselawn Cemetery Monument --Dimitri Dokos presented. --A meeting was held to discuss the design of the monument. They are still in the process of finding a design. Meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm with a closing prayer from Fr. Rick. 2

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19 , 2007 Eric H Chadwick, President, 2007 Soule Paraschou, Secretary, 2007 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter 4

20 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul, MN Parish Council Meeting Minutes April 12, 2007 Members Present: Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Soule Paraschou, Ann Woods, Dimitri Dokos, Pendelis Eliou, Katerina Kaniamos, Diane Anastos, Stacy Katsiyiannis, Ronald Adkins, Christ Kontenakos, Eric Chadwick, Paul Pliakas Members Absent: Georgia Bruer-Panopoulos The meeting convened at 7:15 pm with an opening prayer led by Fr. Rick Paul Pliakas and Katerina Kaniamos read Bible verses. A. Officer s Reports 1. Secretary s Report --Minutes from the Parish Council meeting on March 8, 2007, approved as corrected. 2. Treasurer s Report --Ronald Adkins presented. --W2 s for 2005 and 2006 submitted. --Auditing committee is all set. --Christ Kontenakos suggested to look into having a receipt given for cash donations. B. Father s Report --Attachment --Presented and watched the promotional video for the new Metropolis of Chicago Camp and Retreat Center near Kenosha, Wisconsin. --Christ Kontenakos suggested that maybe the Parish Council could plan an event at the retreat center. --After a series of interviews, Fr. Rick and Eric Chadwick recommend Mr. Anthony Selliris for the youth minister position to start May1 so that he will have the Summer, which is a quieter time, to get accustomed to the position. --The youth director will actively be involved in the fundraisers for the youth. --The youth director will be involved in summer programs. --The youth director will be paid $1, per month (average hours worked per week 10-15). --Pendelis Eliou moves to accept Anthony Selliris as the youth director. Motion seconded. Motion passes. --New Antithoron Stand- funds were received, order was placed and hopefully it will be delivered by Sunday, April 29. C. Committee Reports 1. Cookbook --Diane Anastos presented. --Suggested that there could be a box in the bookstore were people could submit their ideas for recipes. 2. Building and Grounds --Christ Kontenakos presented. --John Poulos replaced the mortar. --Waste management was asked to move the container to the gravel instead of the parking lot. --In the next 30 days there should be some type of flooring in the library. 3. Missions and Benevolence --Diane Anastos presented. --The Missions & Benevolence Committee considered the referred idea of how and whether it should function as a clearinghouse for other committees' accepting of free-will offerings at church events. Missions & Benevolence declined to adopt this approach and referred the matter back to the Spiritual Life Committee for further consideration. 4. Capital Projects --Paul Pliakas presented. --Two weeks from tonight is the next meeting. Feedback should be solicited from parishioners as to what needs to be improved. --Ann Woods brought up the fact that there is some carpet that was burned during Holy Week. 5. Stewardship --Pendelis Eliou presented (attachment).

21 --There was no meeting in March. The next meeting is on April people who pledged in 2006 but did not pledge in 2007 received letters. They will get calls by the chairs of the Stewardship committee. --It is the hope of the committee to increase involvement in the committee. 6. Investments --Christ Kontenakos presented (attachment). D. New Business 1. Youth Bucks --Eric Chadwick presented (attachment). --Christ Kontenakos moves to approve the Youth Bucks reimbursement forms and policy as presented by Eric Chadwick. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 1. Parish Assembly --Eric Chadwick presented. --Investment Committee will present. --Treasurer will present. --Suggestion by Fr. Rick that the Stewardship Committee present as well. --Pendelis Eliou indicated that the Stewardship Committee could give a short presentation. 2. Gifts For Clergy Alumni of St. George --Fr. Rick presented. --As an expression of congratulations, thankfulness, pride and encouragement for service to Jesus Christ in the Church, Fr Rick recommended that the parish council consider an appropriate gift to be given to graduating seminarians and clergy alumni of our parish. --A committee will be formed to discuss appropriate gifts. --Committee volunteers so far are Ann Woods, Pendelis Eliou, Stacy Katsiyiannis and Father Rick. 3. Archdiocese Committee Report --Eric Chadwick presented. --The report is due Monday. --Ronald Adkins will fax the report on April 16. If they don t get the report on time we will get fined. 4. Head Usher --Eric Chadwick presented. --Ushers for April needed. --Suggestion to outsource the ushering to parishioners that are not on the Parish Council. --Fr. Rick suggested looking at the stewardship cards for people who expressed an interest in ushering. 5. Oratorical Festival --Eric Chadwick presented. --Is there a budget for sending winners to the Oratorical festival in Chicago? It would be nice if we could give a stipend to the participants who go. --Christ Kontenakos moves to give $ for Tessa Pliakas to go to the Oratorical Festival in Chicago. Motion seconded. Motion passes. 6. Spring Cleaning Day --Ann Woods presented. --Spring Cleaning day will be on June Choir Director --Eric Chadwick presented. --Barbara Bauman will step down as choir director on September 1. E. Unfinished Business 1. LYRA Russian vocal group --Katerina Kaniamos presented. --The goal is to have 200 people attend. A Lutheran church indicated they could possibly split the cost for the LYRA performers for a hotel stay. 2

22 --St. Mary s Greek Orthodox Church will contact 600 of their people via . --Pendelis Eliou has gone to a couple Orthodox churches to promote the event. --Fr. Rick suggested promoting it to the Russian Orthodox churches. --Anna Christoforides will be providing the appetizers. 2. Spring Pie Sale --Christ Kontenakos presented (attachment). --Approximately $1, was cleared. 3. Pascha Lamb Dinner --Ann Woods presented (attachment). 4. St. George Feast Day Celebration --Ann Woods presented. --Anna Christoforides will prepare the food. --Stacy Katsiyiannis offered to cover the cost of the lamb on behalf of her childrens Godfathers George Liyeos and George Katsiyiannis. --Ronald Adkins moves to take money from the budget to cover the additional cost of food for the celebration not to exceed $ Motion seconded. Motion passes. --Fr. Rick indicated he would be happy to donate the wine. 4. Staff Supervisory Report --Paul Pliakas presented. --Paul will get together with Victor to talk about the expectations for the custodial position. 6. Festival of Nations --Jean Pliakas presented. --The Festival of Nations is on May 3-6. Volunteers are needed. Thursday from 9-3 is a very busy time. --Ann Woods suggested looking into getting a rubber mat for safety. It gets very slippery in the booth. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 pm with a closing prayer from Fr. Rick. 3

23 , 2007 Eric H Chadwick, President, 2007 Soule Paraschou, Secretary, 2007 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter 4