T HE CROSS+ROADS T HE FEAST OF THE DORMITION F ROM FATHER GEORGE T IME FOR PRAYER

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1 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Volume 12, Issue #6 August 2011 T HE CROSS+ROADS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: August Sundays 2-5 Through the Bible A-Z 5 Registry / Announcements 6 Clubs & Community 7 Youth Corner 8-9 Stewardship Ministry Treasurer s Report 12 Feast of the Transfiguration Parish Council Minutes F ROM FATHER GEORGE T IME FOR PRAYER With the arrival of August one might humbly ask the following question, Where has 2011 gone? it seems like only recently we were ringing in the New Year and now we see the Fall just around the corner. August brings with it excellent opportunities for all of us to enhance our prayer lives. The Services to the Theotokos will begin on Monday, August 1st. The services are not only chanted during the first two weeks of August, but also in times of sickness, temptation or discouragement with the prayers of this service calling upon God for guidance, strength, and healing for affliction. The Orthodox faith does not exclude the direct intervention of God into the extreme circumstances of our daily earthly affairs. As Christians we should be reminded of the power of God in performing miracles. Just as we are all blessed to have family and friends that we can turn to in times of distress, the Church calls upon the Theotokos and the Holy Saints of the Church to ask for intercessory prayers to the Lord. The paraclesis Services will be chanted at 6 p.m. in the Chapel of Saint Stylianos. I encourage you to not only attend these services but also to send in the names of the living for commemoration during these services. As a family may we come together and pray for the well being of not only our Parishioners but for all of our neighbors and friends for prayer has no boundaries. T HE FEAST OF THE DORMITION August Calendar 15 Hi-Lites Feast of the Transifguration August 6 Feast of the Dormition August 15 Call for Acolytes page 7 What is PORT page 7

2 The Cross+Roads Page 2 A UGUST SUNDAYS 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 yourparishcouncil@hotmail.com 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 John Dermanis, President Theo Galoozis, Vice Pres. Michael Chalkias, Treasurer Bobby Vidakis, Assoc. Treas. Kent Paumier, Secretary John Christou Bobby Garofalis Jason Holbrook John Malliarakis Peter Sun Anastasia Theodorogiannis Chanter John Siokis Choir Director Renee Root Youth Director Christina Thames Office Secretary Tasia Savrides Archdiocese on the web Apolytikion of the Church He beheld the image of Your Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace. AUGUST 7 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17 BRETHREN, I appeal to you by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brethren. What I mean is that each one of you says, "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispos and Gaius; lest any one should say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized any one else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to P ARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Tessie Baker, President Religious Education Monica Hicks, Director Greek School Paula Tofali, Matina Mimikos, Teachers Youth Ministry Christina Thames, Director Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Allie Galoozis, President Kent Paumier, Advisor preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. GOSPEL READING Matthew 14: th Sunday of Matthew At that time, Jesus saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a lonely place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish." And he said, "Bring them here to me." Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 8th Sunday of Matthew Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Dometios the Martyr of Persia & 2 Disciples This Martyr, who lived during the reign of Saint Constantine the Great, was a Persian by race and an idolater by religion. He was catechized by a certain Christian named Abarus. He went to Nisibis, a city of Mesopotamia, where he was baptized and donned the monastic habit in a certain monastery. He afterwards ascended a mountain and there endured in extreme ascetical struggles, working miracles for those that came to him, and converting many unbelievers. Julian the Apostate learned of these things as he was marching against the Persians in 363, and at his command the Saint and his two disciples were stoned to death, as they were chanting the Sixth Hour. Copyright Holy Trans- (Continued on page 3) Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Zoe Marcopoulos, President Order of AHEPA Newport News Gary Nichols, President Williamsburg Mario Kokolis, President Daughters of Penelope Zoe Lumpkin, President Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Zena Mageras, President Hellenic Youth Dancers Anastasia Theodorogiannis & Bobby Garofalis Co-Directors

3 The Cross+Roads Page 3 figuration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Our Holy Father Nicanorus the Wonderworker St. Theodosius the New Sozon of Nicomedea The Holy Ten Thousand Ascetics of Thebes Narcissus the Hieromartyr of Jerusalem APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Grave Tone By Your Cross, O Christ our God, You destroyed death. You opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the lament of the Myrrh-bearing women, and You commanded the Apostles to proclaim You are risen, granting the world Your great mercy. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Κατέλυσας τώ Σταυρώ σου τόν θάνατον, ηνέωξας τώ Ληστή τόν Παράδεισον, τών Μυροφόρων τόν θρήνον μετέβαλες, καί τοίς σοίς Αποστόλοις κηρύττειν επέταξας, ότι ανέστης Χριστέ ο Θεός, παρέχων τώ κόσμω τό μέγα έλεος. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ You were transfigured on the Mount, Christ God revealing Your glory to Your disciples, insofar as they could comprehend. Illuminate us sinners also with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos. Giver of light, glory to You. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Μετεμορθώθης εν τώ όρει Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοίς Μαθηταίς σου τήν δόξαν σου, καθώς ήδυναντο, Λάμψον καί ημίν τοίς αμαρτωλοίς, τό φώς σου τό αϊδιον, πρεσβείαις τής Θεοτόκου, φωτοδότα δόξα σοι. Kontakion You were transfigured upon the mount, O Christ our God, and Your disciples, in so far as they could bear, beheld Your glory. Thus, when they see You crucified, they may understand Your voluntary passion, and proclaim to the world that You are truly the effulgence of the Father. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS And another thing too we learn, the self-restraint of the disciples which they practised in necessary things, and how little they accounted of food. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 49 on Matthew 14, 4th Century AUGUST 14 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17 BRETHREN, we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder. I laid a foundation, and another man is building upon it. Let each man take care how he builds upon it. For no other foundation can any one lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any one builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw - each man's work will become manifest; for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work which any man has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are. GOSPEL READING Matthew 14: th Sunday of Matthew At that time, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they entered the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 9th Sunday of Matthew Forefeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary Micah the Prophet This Prophet (whose name means "who is like God?"), was a Morasthite from the land of Judah. He prophesied more than fifty years in the days of Joatham, Ahaz, and Hezekias, Kings of Judah. These kings reigned in the eighth century before Christ. From this it is clear that this Michaias is not the one who was the son of Iembla (or Imlah-III Kings 22:8), who censured Ahab and was murdered by Ahab's son Joram, as the Synaxaristes says; for this Joram reigned the ninth century before Christ. Yet Michaias was still prophesying, as mentioned above, in the days of Hezekias, who was a contemporary of Hosea and Esaias, and of Hoshea, the last King of the ten tribes of Israel, when that kingdom was destroyed by Salmanasar (Shalmaneser), King of the Assyrians (IV Kings 17: 1-16; 18: 1). This Michaias is sixth in rank among the minor Prophets. His book of prophecy is divided into seven chapters; he prophesied that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Michaias 5: 2). In the reign of Saint Theodosius the Great, the holy relics of the Prophets Michaias and Abbacum were found through a divine revelation to Zebennus, Bishop of Eleutheropolis (Sozomen, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 29). Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Holy Hieromartyr Marcellus, Bishop of Apameia Holy New Martyr Symeon of Trapezoundos (1653) APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal of the Fourth Tone O Merciful One, You came from on high, and condescended to Your three day burial to save us from suffering. You are our Life and our Resurrection. Glory to You. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Εξ ύψους κατήλθες ο εύσπλαγχνος, ταφήν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ίνα ημάς ελευθερώσης τών παθών, Η ζωή καί η Ανάστασις ημών, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary In faith, O ye people, leap for joy while clapping your hands; and gather in gladness on this day with longing and shout in radiant jubilance. For the Theotokos cometh nigh to departing from the earth unto the heights; and we glorify her with glory as the Mother of God in our unceasing hymns - Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, (Continued on page 4)

4 The Cross+Roads Page 4 A UGUST SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN (Continued from page 3) MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Λαοί προσκιρτήσατε, χείρας κροτούντες πιστώς, καί πόθω αθροίσθητε, σήμερον χαίροντες, καί φαιδρώς αλαλάζοντες, πάντες εν ευφροσυνη, τού Θεού γάρ η Μήτηρ, μέλλει τών επιγείων, πρός τά άνω απαίρειν, ενδόξως ήν εν ύμνοις αεί, ως Θεοτόκον δοξάζομεν. Kontakion In the Immaterial Spirit, the whole world hath been mystically adorned upon the glorious memory; and it doth cry to thee joyously: Rejoice, O Virgin, thou boast of the Christian race. - Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS So absolutely nothing does it avail to be near Christ, if not being near Him by faith... Signifying therefore that not the assault of the wind, but his want of faith had wrought his overthrow, He said, "Wherefore did you doubt, O you of little faith?" St. John Chrysostom, Homily 50 on Matthew 14, 4th Century AUGUST 21 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16 BRETHREN, God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are ill-clad and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become, and are now, as the refuse of the world, the off-scouring of all things. I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. GOSPEL READING Matthew 17: th Sunday of Matthew At that time, a man came up to Him and kneeling before Him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move hence to yonder place,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting." As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 10th Sunday of Matthew Icon Courtesy of St. Isaac Skete Thaddeus the Apostle of the 70 The Apostle Thaddaeus was from Edessa, a Jew by race. When he came to Jerusalem, he became a disciple of Christ, and after His Ascension he returned to Edessa. There he catechized and baptized Abgar (see Aug. 16). Having preached in Mesopotamia, he ended his life in martyrdom. Though some call him one of the Twelve, whom Matthew calls "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus" (Matt. 10:3), Eusebius says that he is one of the Seventy: "After [Christ's] Resurrection from the dead, and His ascent into Heaven, Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles, inspired by God, sent Thaddaeus, one of the seventy disciples of Christ, to Edessa as a preacher and evangelist of Christ's teaching" (Eccl. Hist. 1: 13). Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Bassa the Martyr of Edessa & her sons Theogonius, Agapius & Pistus The Martyrs were from Edessa of Macedonia. Bassa was the wife of a certain Valerian, a priest of the idols, to whom she bore three sons and raised them in piety. She was betrayed with her sons to the proconsul by her own husband; each of her sons was tormented before her and beheaded. For refusing to worship the idols, she was imprisoned, cast into water and then fire, was stoned, and remaining unharmed, was brought to the temple to worship the idols. Laying hold upon the idol of Zeus, she overturned it and broke it to pieces. After being preserved through further torments, she was beheaded, about the year 290, in the reign of Maximian. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion First Tone Savior, Your tomb was sealed with a stone. Soldiers kept watch over Your sacred body. Yet, You rose on the third day giving life to the world. Wherefore the powers of heaven cried out, "O Giver of Life, glory to Your Resurrection O Christ; glory to Your Kingdom, glory to Your dispensation who alone are the Loving One." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Τού λίθου σφραγισθέντος υπό τών Ιουδαίων, καί στρατιωτών φυλασσόντων τό άχραντόν σου σώμα, ανέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τώ κόσμω τήν ζωήν. Διά τούτο αι Δυνάμεις τών ουρανών, εβόων σοι Ζωοδότα. Δόξα τή Αναστάσει σου, Χριστέ, δόξα τή βασιλεία σου, δόξα τή οικονομία σου, μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Εν τή Γεννήσει τήν παρθενίαν εφύλαξας, έν τή Κοιμήσει τόν κόσμον ού κατέλιπες Θεοτόκε, Μετέστης πρός τήν ζωήν, μήτηρ υπάρχουσα τής ζωής, καί ταίς πρεσβείαις ταίς σαίς λυτρουμένη, εκ θανάτου τάς ψυχάς ημών. Kontakion Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved (Continued on page 5)

5 The Cross+Roads Page 5 (Continued from page 4) WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS Yet if his unbelief was the cause... why does He blame the disciples? Signifying, that even without persons to bring the sick in faith, they might in many instances work a cure. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 57 on Matthew 17, 4th Century AUGUST 28 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 9:2-12 BRETHREN, you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain." Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. GOSPEL READING Matthew 18: th Sunday of Matthew The Lord said this parable: "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailors, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to everyone of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 11th Sunday of Matthew Moses the Black of Scete Saint Moses, who is also called Moses the Black, was a slave, but because of his evil life, his master cast him out, and he became a ruthless thief, dissolute in all his ways. Later, however, coming to repentance, he converted, and took up the monastic life under Saint Isidore of Scete. He gave himself over to prayer and the mortification of the carnal mind with such diligence that he later became a priest of exemplary virtue. He was revered by all for his lofty ascetical life and for his great humility. Once the Fathers in Scete asked Moses to come to an assembly to judge the fault of a certain brother, but he refused. When they insisted, he took a basket which had a hole in it, filled it with sand, and carried it on his shoulders. When the Fathers saw him coming they asked him what the basket might mean. He answered, "My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and I am come this day to judge failings which are not mine." When a barbarian tribe was coming to Scete, Moses, conscious that he himself had slain other men when he was a thief, awaited them and was willingly slain by them with six other monks, at the end of the fourth century. He was a contemporary of Saint Arsenius the Great (see May 8). Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved. Diomedes & Laurence the Martyrs 33 Martyrs of Nicomedea APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Second Tone When You descended to death, O Immortal Life, then, the light of Your divinity destroyed Hades. When You raised the dead from the depths of darkness, all the heavenly powers cried out, "Glory to You our Christ, the Giver of Life." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved Kontakion 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." - Copyright Narthex Press, used by permission. All rights reserved WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS Wherefore then did He not do this, nor forgive the debt before the account? Desiring to teach him, from how many obligations He is delivering him, that in this way at least he might become more mild towards his fellow servant... He gave more than he asked, remission and forgiveness of the entire debt. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 61 on Matthew 18, 4th Century T HROUGH THE BIBLE A Z Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day Psalm 96:2 Proclaim the Word of Life because you have heard & seen & touched it 1 John 1:1,2 Promise of the Father upon you Luke 24:49 Promised peace if you have a tender heart to the Lord - 2 Chronicles 34:27,28 Prophesies speak to men for edification, exhortation & consolation 1 Cor. 14:3 Prophesy according to your faith if that is one of your gifts Romans 12:6 Prophet is not without honor, but in his own country and among his own kin and house Mark 6:4 Prophet to the nations Jeremiah 1:5 Prosperous whatever you do Psalm 1:3 Protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 1 Peter 1:5 Protected from all evil by the Lord Psalm 121:7

6 The Cross+Roads Page 6 C HURCH REGISTRY / ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS Our congratulations to: Lydia Doulgerakis on the birth of her son on May 23rd in Newport News, Virginia. Proud maternal grandparents Elias & Zoe Doulgerakis. Elizabeth & James Dallis on the birth of their daughter on June 20th in Williamsburg, Virginia. Na sas zisoun!!!! 40 DAY BLESSING The infant son of Peter and Christina Kokolis received his 40-day blessing in our Church on Sunday, June 26th. BAPTISMS The son of Frances & Avraam Tsimplekis was Baptized in our Church on May 28th and given the name Chrysovalandis Athanasios by his Godmothers, Christina Thames, Monica Hicks & Elizabeth Puckett. The son of Jennifer & Bobby Lappas was Baptized in our Church on May 30th and given the name James Bobby by his godparents Don Sanford & Elaine Garber. The son of Hazel & Olen Bruce was Baptized in our Church on June 11th and given the of Aurelio Trevor (Leonidas) by his Godparents Hannah Hendricks & Brandon Pingley. The son of Christina & Lyndon Gilchrist was Baptized in our Church on June 18th and was given the name Lyndon Frank (Iraklis) by his godparents Nick & Aphrodite Sarantakos. The daughter of Alena & Paul Manning was Baptized in our Church on June 20th and was given the name Elisabeta Nika by her godmother Svetlana Brandi. We wish our best to the newlybaptized infants, their parents, grandparents, godparents & their entire families. Na sas zisoun!!!!!! WEDDING The wedding of Gregory & Zoe Lumpkin was Blessed in our Church on June 25th with George Markos serving as Koumbaro. Congratulations!!!! RECENTLY ILL We wish a speedy recovery to our friends and fellow parishioners who have been sick or hospitalized recently: George Marcopoulos, Libby Grepiotes, Elias Doulgerakis, Jeanette Orlino, Lori Andre (Daughter-in-law) of Nick & Dottie Andre and Mike Anastasiou. Kali sas anarrosi!!!!!! DEATHS Our sincere condolences to the family of Van Polyson who died on May 26th. His funeral was held in our Church on June 1st. May His Memory Be Eternal Our sincere condolences to the family of Gregory Becouvarakis who died on July 18th. His funeral was held in our Church on July 21st. May His Memory Be Eternal THANK YOU We wish to thank our parishioners who donated money & flowers for the Salutations Services and Holy Week Services this past April. May God Bless You!!! Mike Anastasiou would like to thank all parishioners for their cards, visits, phone calls and prayers during his recent illness. CHURCH LIST To subscribe to the church electronic mailing list to receive monthly links to the Cross+Roads and other important church news announcements, please go to the parish website and sign up on the opening page: We will not share your address with any other outside groups and mailings will be limited to important information. ATTENDANCE May June 5 80 June June June July 3 96 July July July Jun 11 Ave 112 Jun 10 Ave 120 July 11 Ave 116 July 10 Ave 127 YTD 11 Ave 190 YTD Please see Acolyte Schedule & Refreshment Schedule on Page 9 NEWSLETTER 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 LUB AND COMMUNITY NEWS ACOLYTES NEEDED YOUNG MEN TO SERVE AS ALTAR BOYS Our community continues to be richly blessed with a dedicated group of young men who have been called to serve as Altar Boys. We are always looking for 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 which every young man will cherish for the rest of his life. If you have a son, grandson, or God Son who is interested in serving, please contact Barry Hendricks at brhendricks@cox.net or MISSIONS MINISTRY Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Missions luncheon and presentation by Georgia Bendo on May 22 a success. Due to the generosity of our parishioners, $1873 was collected on site in support of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center s work in Albania. Additional contributions were sent directly to OCMC by our parishioners. Trough the sponsorship of our parish, Georgia was able to visit and make presentations to other parishes including Asheville, NC, St. Nektarios in Charlotte, NC, Marietta, GA, and 3 parishes in Boston, MA,. Please continue to pray for Georgia, her family and the work of OCMC in Albania and other parts of the world. PORT/LINK Emergency Homeless Winter Shelter Program: WHAT IS IT??? Maybe you ve seen the call for volunteers in The Cross+Roads and Sunday bulletins over the years? Many of you have graciously given of your time to support this program. And maybe some of you are curious as to what they do and how you can help! LINK started the PORT (People Offering Resources Together) Winter Shelter Program during the winter of 1993/1994. It provides shelter to homeless men, women and children. As well as many other valuable services, such as: medical/ dental evaluations, job placement/job referrals, information on affordable housing and case management. PORT services are funded by grants from the City of Newport News, Department of Housing and Community Development and interfaith groups. From October through April, local churches come together and open their doors to the homeless. They provide breakfast, dinner and shelter to a population that might otherwise be sleeping on the street and not be able to afford a meal. Each host church is assigned an entire week in which they provide service to the homeless. Many other churches help by taking a day from the host church. That s what our church does! Saints Constantine and Helen has been given the weeks of January 18-25th at Tabernacle Baptist Church and February 29- March 7th at Noland Memorial UMC. We will be assigned ONE day each of those weeks! We will be responsible for providing breakfast, dinner and volunteers. The specific days to serve will be announced in September. Typically, volunteers are needed between the hours of 6pm-7am. A night at the shelter generally looks like this: clients arrive and register between 6pm-8pm, personal belongings are stored, dinner is served, a little time to relax, bedding is issued, clients sleep, breakfast is served around 5am-6am, personal belongings are returned, bedding is stored and clients exit the church for the day. There is also a police officer present at all times. How can you help? Save the dates on your calendar! Consider taking a day off work to volunteer! Volunteers are greatly needed during the overnight/early morning shifts. Consider how blessed we are that we don t personally need this service, but what a blessing it is for those that do. Maybe you can register clients, assist with client s belongings, cook or serve meals, or keep watch during the night? Any time you can give is sincerely appreciated! If you have any questions, please contact the Missions Committee. We look forward to making this program successful again! Through your commitment to volunteer, it will be! EPISTLE READERS NEEDED We are always looking for parishioners to join in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by volunteering to read the Epistle in either Greek or English. Reading the Epistle is a simple way to get involved in the spiritual life of the Church, and at the same time help promote your own spiritual growth. If interested, please contact Father George or Barry Hendricks for details. CHURCH SOFTBALL Just pitching the idea in case anyone would be interested! Newport News Parks & Recreation will be accepting registrations for the Adult Co-Ed Church League shortly. We would need: a maximum of 25 players on the roster, 5 females and 5 males to play in each game, and one phenomenal coach! You must be 18 years or older and bring your own glove! There will be a nominal fee of $25 per player to cover the cost of registration and required team t-shirt. We are looking for people who want to represent Saints Constantine and Helen, spend time with their church family, and have fun! You don t have to be Babe Ruth to join! If you are interested, please contact Elizabeth Puckett at nurs4lyfe@yahoo.com by August 15, Thanks

8 The Cross+Roads Page 8 I+I YOUTH CORNER I+I TEEN SERVICE TRIP TO D.C. August Say YES! and come along with the G.O.Y.A. as they head back to Washington, D.C. to participate in another YES ( Youth Equipped to Serve ) trip. The purpose of the trip is the same as the one that the group participated in back in May 2010 to serve the homeless of the city and to learn more about poverty in that area. Along the way, they will have a fabulous time engaging in fellowship with other Orthodox young people. To go on this trip, you must be at least 12 years old and entering 7th grade in the fall of For more information or to register for the trip, check out org/front-page/yes-washington-dc-august Register soon, because the trip can only accommodate 30 people total, and young people from other places will be registering, too! We will be leaving Newport News in the late morning of Friday, August 19th and returning the afternoon of Sunday, August 21st. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. - 1 Corinthians 1:9 Vacation Bible School 2011 was truly a BEACH BLAST! Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers, especially our VBS Director Hazel Bruce, and to all those who donated the various items we needed. We were richly blessed with tremendous community support which enabled us to put on a lovely program for over 40 children. CARWASH FUNDRAISER: To help off-set the per-person cost of this trip, the G.O.Y.A. is sponsoring a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, August 13th from 12pm-3pm at the AIRPORT BP gas station on Jefferson Avenue (in front of the Bally Fitness.) Come out and support our young people on this Saturday! THANK YOU!!! GOYA KICK-OFF MEETING: GOYA will hold its annual kickoff gathering at the Vidakis family home on Sunday, August 28th in the afternoon. Hope to see all GOYAns and their families there! This will be a covered dish event, so please let us know what your family can bring. FIRST OCF MEETING: The first OCF Meeting for the year will be on Monday, August 29th at 7pm in James Blair Hall on the campus of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. OCF is the Orthodox Church s outreach ministry to college students and all young people of college age are invited. ACOLYTES: Our acolytes will be gathering on Saturday, August 27th at 10am at the church, when they will have the opportunity to engage in some team-building exercises and learn more about our place of worship. We will finish the day with a picnic lunch on our church grounds. This is also a covered-dish event and all acolytes and their families are encouraged to participate. Thank you to our Sunday School and Greek School children whose combined efforts yielded $170 for our Orthodox Christian Mission Center s annual coin box program. Sunday School and Greek School will resume in September, but in the meantime, we enjoy seeing everyone on Sundays in Church as we all come together to worship our amazing Creator and King! Isn t it fitting that the new ecclesiastical year in our Orthodox Church begins on September 1st, right around the time when the kids are going back to school? Our church has special services to celebrate this beginning. Join us on Wednesday, August 31st for the Vespers of the Indiction & the Protection of the Environment (7pm with a reception to follow) and on Thursday, September 1st at 10am for the Divine Liturgy to begin the new ecclesiastical year. There s no better way to start a new endeavor than to re-focus on your faith.

9 The Cross+Roads Page 9 G IVING SOMETHING SPECIAL TO THE CLASS OF 2011 Keeping our students in mind as they head off to college we offer ideas about keeping Orthodox Christian graduates connected to the Church! HOW DO WE KEEP THEM CONNECTED? OTHER CREATIVE THINGS TO SHARE! One of the most important gifts you can give is the gift of staying connected to the church. Here are some great suggestions to share with graduates to help keep them connected to what s going on in the Church. 1) Make sure they are signed up to receive the parish bulletin or other communications! Even though high school and college graduates tend to move away from their home parish, it is easy to keep them connected. Make sure that the parish office has their college address and address. Churches have a variety of ways they communicate to the faithful (mailings, s, webcasts, and even Facebook). Most churches will be more than happy to add graduates to their communication lists to keep them in touch! And don t forget when your graduate moves, make sure to update their information! 2) Tell them about OCN (Orthodox Christian Network) The Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) is an Orthodox Christian internet radio station. OCN provides 24/7 quality Orthodox Christian programming. Anyone can tune in to hear traditional Orthodox Christian music, as well contemporary Orthodox Christian artists. In addition, OCN offers many different podcasts and discussions about various topics. There is even an OCN APP for the iphone! Visit their website for more information: 3) Make sure they are connected to an OCF Chapter near their school/work! As we said before, OCF is the official campus ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. OCF offers college students an Orthodox Christian community of peers who gather for worship services throughout the year, social events, Bible studies, service projects, and much more. In fact, OCF also offers Real Break a servicebased trip which is an alternative to the typical college spring break. In addition, OCF sponsors the annual College Conference in 3-4 different areas of the U.S. which gathers hundreds of college students every year! With over 300 chapters throughout the U.S., it is very possible that there is an OCF chapter on or near the campus of your recent graduate. Visit their website for more information: 4) Get them connected to a Young Adult Ministries (YAL) group near their school/work! Founded on the four circles of ministry (Worship, Witness, Service, and Fellowship), Young Adult Ministries are typically parish-based groups of young adults. For new college students or recent college graduates who move to a new city for their first job, a parish Young Adult Ministry group is crucial to helping them stay connected! So it is important for parishes to offer this ministry, small or large. In addition to parish programs, the National Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries sponsors inter-orthodox retreats and trips for young adults to gather. Official Greek Orthodox National Young Adult Ministries Facebook Page ref=home#!/ GOAyoungadultministry Greek Orthodox Archdiocese - National Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Greek Orthodox Archdiocese - National Young Adult Ministries Website Suggested gifts for the Class of 2011 from the last Cross+Roads: 1) Orthodox Study Bible 2) An Icon 3) An Orthodox Prayer Book Prayer is one of the most basic, yet essential, aspects of an Orthodox Christian s life. 4) An OCF Connect Kit OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship) is the official campus ministry of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. Visit for more information. 5) The Orthodox Way by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware Metropolitan Kallistos Ware, world-renowned Orthodox Christian scholar and author, offers the reader a beautiful understanding of what it means to following the Orthodox Christian way of life. With love in Christ, The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America ACOLYTE SCHEDULE August 21 Team A - Dean Chioros, Kostas Polyzos, Jorgie Polyzos, Christian Detweiler, George Dallis, Joseph Dennie, Yianni Tsimplekis August 7 & 28 Team B - Manoli Vidakis, Collin Patrinely, Dominic Peri, Ian Sadler, Hayden Hendricks, Michael Christou, Nicholaos Sarantakos August 14 Team C - Dimitrios Konstantinou, Christos Konstantinou, Georgios Haramis, George Petrakos, Brandon Pingley, Ethan Detweiler, Anastasios Dallis, Yianni Prassas REFRESHMENTS We thank all those parishioners who served as hosts for the month of July. The hosts for August are: August 7: M/M Alex Michalos, M/M Keith Micha, Dr. & Mrs. John Michos August 14: M/M Al Mignogna, M/M Richard Mikita, Mrs. Matina Mimikos August 21: Ms. Maria Mitchum, Ms. RaNetta Mitchum & Ms. Sonja Eaton August 28: M/M Gary Nicholls, Mrs. Jeanette Orlino, Mrs. Katie Orphanidys

10 The Cross+Roads Page 10 S TEWARDSHIP HOW MUCH DO I OWE? A couple of years ago, there was an article in the Orthodox Observer where the author, Father James Kordaris, describes a scene where a parishioner pokes their head into the counting room one a Sunday after Liturgy and asks the treasurer as he is preparing the deposit a simple question, Excuse me, how much do I owe? Many times during my service as treasurer on the Parish Council and close association with our stewardship program, I ve had parishioners ask me the exact same question, excuse me Barry, how much do I owe? In years past, I would have simply suggested they check with the church office or I would have looked it up the information myself in the parish membership database. But, as I ve grown in my own faith and gained a more in depth understanding of stewardship, if I were to be asked the same question today, I d most likely give a different response, and it might not be the answer many would like to hear, because it wouldn t be an answer about dollars and cents, but an answer about love and thanksgiving. If I were asked the same question today, I d probably respond with something like, I m not the best person to answer that, you are. Tell me, what are you thankful for in your life? And after reflecting on that question, how much do you think you owe? How much do I owe? What a terrific question to ask when you are seeking inspiration for your own stewardship commitment. As you reflect on how to best answer that question, it s important to first accept and affirm that everything you are and everything you have comes to you as a gift from God. Then, as a sign of love and thanks, you make your stewardship commitment as a way of thanking God for all His blessings cheerfully returning to Him a portion of your time, talent, and treasure that He has allotted to you. So, later this year, as reflect on the blessings you have received and consider your own stewardship commitment for the next year, ask yourself this simple question, How much do I owe? by Barry Hendricks S TEWARDSHIP MINISTRY REPORT B ARRY HENDRICKS 190 Thank You s (that s 11 more than the previous issue)! The Parish Council and Stewardship Ministry Team thank the 190 parishioners and parishioner families listed below for submitting their annual Stewardship pledge for 2011 (as of July 16, 2011). In addition to the pledges received, we have also received stewardship contributions totaling $15,244 from 53 parishioners, but, for whatever reason, no stewardship commitment form. We respectfully and prayerfully request that all participants in the life of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church submit their sacrificial gift commitments at their earliest convenience. Summary of pledges received as of July 16, 2011: Pledged Amount Range Number of Pledges Total Pledged Amount Average Pledge Percentage $10,000 and above 1 $10,000 $10, % $6,000 $5,000 4 $21,000 $5, % $3,500 $2, $33,180 $2, % $1,600 $1, $42,490 $1, % $900 $ $11,750 $ % $525 $ $11,525 $ % $400 8 $3,200 $ % $350 $ $4,350 $ % $260 $ $7,635 $ % $175 & below 38 $3,950 $ % TOTALS 190 $149,080 $ % Summary of contributions received but with no stewardship commitment form (as of July 16, 2011): Contribu on Amount Range Number of Contribu ons Contribu on Total Average Contribu on $10 $2, $15,244 $288

11 The Cross+Roads Page 11 P LEDGED STEWARDS OF THE CHURCH Parishioners who have submitted their annual Stewardship Commitment pledge for If you feel there is an error in the listing below, please contact the Church Office. Helen Aaron Alberto & Natalya Accardi George & Jacquelyn Anas Mary Anas Nick & Dottie Andre Tony & Marika Anthony Peter & Connie Antinopoulos Alike Asime Steve & Anthi Athas James Bailey Andrew & Tessie Baker Barney and Georgia Barnes Gregory & Marina Becouvarakis Dean & Mary Ann BeLer Helen Bernhard Greg Bicouvaris Leroy & Joanne Bossetti Renee Brown Olen and Hazel Bruce Savvas & Despo Campana John & Phoebe Campbell Charles & Beth Campbell Sam & Angelike Canavos Pete & Margaret Carter Michael & Melissa Chalkias David & Alexis Chappell Fr. George & Presv. Flora Chioros John Christou Irene Christou John & Phyllis Costulis Ellie Costulis Peter & Beverly Daikos John & Tessie Dakis Kaliope Deligan Bill Deligan Joe & Helen Dennie John Dermanis Fr. Nicholas and Presv. Moscha Despotides Kurt & Paula Detweiler Elias & Zoe Doulgerakis Terry & Deborah Drivas Sonja Eaton Faye Evans Ted & Jo Ellen Fotiou Harry & Zoe Fotiou Teddy Fotiou Chris & Vasiliki Fotiou Stavroula Gailey Theo & Alexis Galoozis Irene Garefalis Haralambos & Aleksandra Garofalis George & Colette Garofalis Alvin & Alexa Garrison Anastasius & Mary Georgalas Chris George Helen George Bill & Christine Georges Tom & Ourania Georges Angela Vallas Gionis Theo & Maria Gouletas Anatol Grynewytsch Jesse & Evangelia Hanline Katherine Haramis Roger & Dina Headrick Barry & Ruth Hendricks Phillip & Monica Hicks Joan Hill Jason and Lea Holbrook George and Athena Ikonomou Penelope Irwin Christopher and Elaine Jansen Jimmy and Flossie Kaligos Helen Kanelos William and Maria Kaoudis Johnny & Rebecca Karatsikis Angelike Karatsikis Brian and Cynthia Killough Pete and Angelike Kilopoulos Daniel Kocic Michael and Suzanne Kokorelis Lycourgos and Pam Koliopoulos John and Sheree Konstantinou James Koumbaries Angela Kritikos Polydefkis and Georgia Kypriandes Bobby & Jennifer Lappas Robert and Zoe Ann Lumpkin Anna Mageras Zena Mageras John & Debbie Malliarakis Eva Malliarakis Julia Malliarakis Nick Malliarakis George and Zoe Marcopoulos Pete and Athena Markos George Markos Mickey Markos Angelo and Victoria Markov Nick and Kathy Matthews Sylvia Matthews James and Argie Maurakis Loula Maurakis William & Joanna McDearmon Joan Meagher Dennis and Patsy Meliagros Keith & Helen Micha Alex & Joannie Michalos John & Mary Michos Al & Christine Mignogna Vicky Ann Mignogna Richard & Jette Mikita Matina Mimikos RaNetta Mitchum Maria Mitchum Mitchell & Alexandra Moore Gary and Helen Nicholls Jeanette Orlino Katherine Orphanidys Sharon Otero Priscilla Outland Joyce A. Oxley Jimmy Pahno John & Marianthe Palantzas Voula Panags Tike Panags Thomas Pantelides Paul Pantelis Mary Pantelis Elizabeth Papas Arthur Parrous Alexander Pasquier Florentia Patistas Katherine Patrinely Mary Paul Kent & Georgene Paumier John Pawluk Cleo Pileggi Mary Pitsilides Olympia Plethos Maria Poulimenos George & Rita Prassas John & Alexandra Prassas Elizabeth Puckett Petra Radulovic Bill & Georgianna Ringas Sophia Romano Scott and Renee' Root Betsy Sacalis John and Patrice Sadler John and Agnes Samos Harry and Zelma Samos Marinos and Kristen Sarantakos Anastasia Savrides Pauline Schlim Ioannis Siokis Douglas Smith Brandon & Kristen Sommerfeld James & Dina Sorokos Stephan Stephan Nick Stratas Pete and Dianne Sun Michael Sun Christina Thames Angelo and Nia Theodorogiannis Anastasia Theodorogiannis Nicholas and Margaret Theodosakis Chris Theoharis John and Joanne Thomas Mark and Ellen Thompson Sotos and Panayiota Tofalli Mike & Frances Tsimplekis George and Julie Tsirimokos Stavroula Valentin Joanna Vallas Greg and Christine Vassilakos Constantinos & Ellen Velissarios Bobby and Maria Vidakis Nicholas and Barbara Vlattas Nick and Voula Vretakis Mitch and Sandra Walker John and Betty Warhol Jr. Timothy and Alexia Warner James and Victoria Woodbury Katherine Yeapanis Aris and Anna Yortzidis Gus and Katina Zaharopoulos Dennis Zaharopoulos Chris & Hope Zambas George and Angie Zambas Vassilios and Katie Zisopoulos What Concern is it to us if Our Brethren do not Attend Church? Saint John Chrysostom was asked the same question in the late 4th Century and offered the following reply: "Now these remarks of mine are not so much directed to those who do not attend, as to you who do not bring them forward and do not rouse them from their idleness, and bring them to this table of salvation. I call to mind that on the festival days the multitudes assembled resemble the broad expanse of the sea, but now not even the smallest part of that multitude is gathered together here. Where are they now who oppress us with their presence on the feast days? It is clear that the absence of all the others is due not only to their own idleness, but also to your neglect. But what if they do not desire to come, you say. Make them desire it by your continual demand to attend, for if they see you insisting upon it they certainly will desire to come. For what profit is a lamp if it does not give light to him who sits in darkness and what profit is a Christian when he leads no one back to virtue? Do you not see doves which have been trained, how they hunt for others when they are let out? Let us also do this. For what kind of excuse shall we have, if irrational creatures are able to hunt for an animal of their own species, while we who have been honored with reason and so much wisdom, neglect this kind of pursuit? I exhort you with these words: Go each of you to the houses of your brethren, wait for them to come out, lay hold of them, and bring them here. Now reach out as never before, rouse yourselves up, and let each person enter the Church accompanied by a member of his family: let them incite and urge on another to the assembly here, the father his son, the son his father, the husbands their wives and the wives their husbands, brother his brother and friend his friend; or rather let us not summon friends only but also enemies to this common treasury of good things. If thy enemy sees you care for his welfare, he will undoubtedly relinquish his hatred."

12 The Cross+Roads Page 12 T REASURER S REPORT M ICHAEL CHALKIAS F EAST OF THE D ORMITION A. Stewardship amounts through June appear to have us on track to meet the full year goal of $175,000 B. This amount represents the net total deposits and expenses for the festival as of 6/30/11. THIS IS NOT A FINAL NET INCOME FOR THE FES- TIVAL as there are still additional expenses that will be paid out in July. C. There have been more actual events in the first half than were anticipated in the budget, as the Church continues to market the hall for rentals to the public. D. Labor cost are over due to hours worked vs those budgeted and will be closely monitored in the 2nd half. E. The parish council sent an initial appeal letter on 2/28 to have our 2011 GOA revaluated based on the financial position of the Church and a follow up letter on 6/22. We have not heard an official response yet. At this point, we have paid 4 1/2 months worth of dues based on the initial assessment of $6,000 a month as we await a formal response to our appeal. F. The lower expense in the first half is due to lower than budgeted expense relating to annual scholarships and charitable contributions year to date G. The cash prize for the 2010 Holiday Raffle of $14,000 was paid and recorded in January 2011 while the cash collected for the raffle was deposited and recognized in December The payment was not budgeted for 2011 and caused the variance in the first half of this year. H. The Church has not seen the expected reduction in supplies expense it had budgeted for with the discontinuation of Bingo. This expense will be closely monitored in the 2nd half. I. About $9,400 of utility expense relating to 2010 was paid in January/February These amount had not been budgeted for After factoring out the portion relating to 2010, the 2011 monthly utility rate is about 12% above the budgeted rate. The estimated savings from the discontinuation of Bingo have been offset by an increase in rentals and utility rates. Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. (Kontakion in the Second Tone of the Feast of the Dormition) The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotoks is one of the twelve major feast days of the Orthodox Church. Her falling asleep is commemorated every year on the 15th of August. This feast honors her life, her faith, and her dedication to the will of God. For a more detailed look into the Feast of the Dormition, visit: listen_learn_share/dormition OTHER RESOURCES AUDIO: Podcast from OCN (Orthodox Christian Network) The Spiritual Benefits of the Dormition. index.php/ / Harmony-of-Thunder/Spiritual- Benefits-of-the-Dormition.html HYMNOLOGY: Learn how to chant the hymns from the twelve great feasts of the Church, including the Dormition of the Theotokos. Visit the website or order the CD-Rom from the Department of Religious Education. chant.hchc.edu/ WORSHIP: In addition to attending Divine Liturgy, plan to attend Paraklesis Service at your Church or another local parish. Download and read the English text of the Service of the Small Paraklesis (Intercessory Prayer) to the Most Holy Theotokos. You can find the text liturgical_texts/paraklesis. You can purchase Paraklesis Service Books and CDs from Orthodox Bookstores like or

13 The Cross+Roads Page 13 T HE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION AUGUST 6 After six days Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John His brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. And Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah. He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him. When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, Rise, and have no fear. And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. - Matthew 17:1-8 On August 6th, we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration (or Metamorphosis). We offer a few resources that can be used as discussions for your families: Anthony Coniaris, in the book Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth, the following about the Feast of the Transfiguration: Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John as the glory of His divinity flashed through His body and His clothing. This glory was always with Jesus. The wonder of it was that it was repressed. Jesus did not add anything to his nature at the Transfiguration that He did not always possess. He merely revealed Who He already was. He was always divine and at the Transfiguration His divine glory was revealed. It flashed through His physical body. Jesus Christ was transfigured and it revealed that which He already possessed the glory that was within Him. When God created man, He took special care to create mankind in His image. We might feel pressure to conform and be like the crowd. But truly living a Christcentered life can free us from those pressures and help us transform into the best Christians we can be. Our own personal transfiguration will simply reveal what God bestowed upon us from the beginning. Here are some questions to ponder: Is the image I portray to others who I really am? Is the image I portray to others who God really wants me to be? In what ways can I transform to show that I am created in the image of God? What things make it difficult for me to really transform into a strong Christian? If I change in positive ways, how will that change or affect the people around me? ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ABOUT THE FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION To learn more about the Transfiguration, check out the following link: listen_learn_share/transfiguration ARTICLE: For parents to transform and live a life in Christ. node/17694 ARTICLE: The Transfiguration by Fr. Thomas Hopko index.php/ /bonus- Articles/The-Transfiguration.html ARTICLE: The Transfiguration and its significance. saints/155 AUDIO: Apolytikion for the Feast of the Transfiguration multimedia/audio/transfiguration/ AUDIO: Icons in Sound The Everlasting Light of the Transfiguration index.php/ /icons-in- Sound/Icons-in-Sound-016-The- Everlasting-Light-of-the- Transfiguration.html CAMP/RETREAT SESSIONS: The Transfiguration (for youth ages 12 and under) StudyGuides/CatechicalThemes/ Transfiguration/Transfiguration.htm SERMON: Lord it is good for us to be here (Mt 17:4). By Fr. Peter Chamberas departments/outreach/resources/ sermons/2006/ser-transfiguration SERMON: The Meeting with Christ A Sermon for the Feast of Transfiguration index.php/ /myblog/ The-Meeting-with-Christ-A-Homily-forthe-Feast-of-the-Transfiguration.html VIDEO: The Transfiguration of Christ featuring Bishop Kallistos Ware multimedia/video/ index_html#transfiguration The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

14 The Cross+Roads Page 14 P ARISH COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 23, 2011 The meeting convened at 7:05 PM by John Dermanis with the opening prayer by Father George Chioros. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script. Present: Father George Chioros, John Dermanis, Theo Galoozis, Kent Paumier, Michael Chalkias, Bobby Vidakis, John Christou, Jason Holbrook, John Malliarakis, Anastasia Theodorogiannis Absent: Bobby Garofalis & Pete Sun Minutes: Theo Galoozis motion to approve 21 Mar 11 meeting minutes; Seconded by John Christou, Passed unanimously Guests/Visitors: None Correspondence: Letter from CHKD, S.A. Calliott, Senior VP Community Relations, Dated April 2011, Request for Donation. Sent to Missions Committee. Letter from St. Basil Academy, Fr. Sitaras Executive Director, Dated 4 Apr 11, Request for Paschal Donation. Sent to Missions Committee. Letter of Thanks from the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), FR. M. Ritsi, Executive Director, dated 26 Apr 11, for our $ donation to support Missionary Georgia Gilman-Bendo and her work in Albania. Letter from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, P. Arbes, Finance Committee Chair, dated 9 May 11, Request for Fair Share Information be sent by 3 Jun 11 to the Metropolis. Action - Michael Chalkias Letter of Appreciation from Newport News City Schools, E. Banks A.P. Site Coordinator, Dated 13 May 11, for employee Steve Stephan s hall set-up and hospitality during the recent hall rental. Treasurer s Report: By Mike Chalkias attached with minutes. Discussed the 10K Youth Challenge donation coming from the Missions budget of $25K instead of the Festival Committee. Youth Challenge is a Festival cost and should be paid by the Festival Committee. Committee Reports Stewardship: By Barry Hendricks attached with minutes. As of 19 May 11, we have 179 Stewards pledging $145, Youth: By Christina Thames attached with minutes. House / Education: Building keys - need to determine who has keys. We have recently had false alarms and the alarm service company charges us $50.00 for the false alarms. Maintenance / Building / Security / Audio: By Father George Church The baptismal fountain drain is leaking, plaster is peeling beneath the windows in the Nave and the roof is leaking in the men s lavatory. Festival: It begins next week. We need all parishioners to volunteer for this fundraiser. Missions: By Nick Vlattas attached with minutes. At our May 18 meeting we recommended that $1,000 be contributed by the Parish to the Perikles Koutsombinas Memorial Fund and $200 to the PORT program to assist in paying for the purchase of a van to transport the homeless during the winter shelter program. The purchase of the van is a collaborative effort of many churches giving similar contributions. If these donations or approved, it would bring the total contributions up to $5,640 against the approved $25,000 budget. Motion by Michael Chalkias to accept donation recommendation of $ as described above; Seconded by Jason Holbrook, Passed unanimously Library: Missions Committee has volunteered their services to help with the library. Priest s Report: By Father George Church s name day was this past Saturday we had good attendance. AHEPA Convention was a success. 5 June 11 Start of summer hours Orthros at 8:15 AM, Liturgy at 9:30 AM Thank you to the Gaily & Mignogna Families for donating Altar covers. The Church sound system to be upgraded with wireless microphones. 29 Jun 11 thru 19 Jul 11 Father will be in Greece as a councilor at the Ionian Village. Father Ted Panchak will be filling in for Father on July 3 RD, 10 TH and the 17 TH. Unfinished Business: Scholarship Committee Antonia Lazanza ($ ) & Mary Biscouvaris ($ ) Scholarships candidates have been selected and they will be awarded 12 Jun 11 at the AHEPA Awards Luncheon. New Years Eve Band has been booked for the event. New Business: George Littler from AGA Insurance Company contacted the Church about adding Directors/Officers Liability Insurance (1 million dollars coverage per occurrence at $ per year) & Employment Practice Liability Insurance ($100K dollars coverage per occurrence at $ per year). Action Theo Galoozis/ Jason Holbrook to investigate and report back at next meeting. Adjournment: Father George closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:15 PM. Next meeting, 20 Jun 11 at 7:00 PM. There is no council meeting scheduled for July. Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier Secretary

15 The Cross+Roads Page 15 August 2011 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Dormition Fast Begins Transfiguration 10:00am Liturgy 7 8th Sunday of Matthew :15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 14 9th Sunday of Matthew 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 15 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Dormition of the Theotokos :30pm Missions Ministry th Sunday of Matthew 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 40-Day Memorial Gregory Becouvarakis 28 11th Sunday of Matthew 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 22 Parish Council 29 Beheading of St. John The Baptist 10:00am Liturgy pm Vespers of the Indiction / Protection of the Evironment Acolyte Workshop 10am

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 OME WORSHIP THE GLORY OF GOD Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Matins 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 11:15 a.m. Religious Education (Sep-May) 11:30 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. Church Summer Hours begin June 5, Orthros 8:15 AM, Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM