T HE CROSS+ROADS F ROM FATHER GEORGE E TERNAL BE HIS MEMORY F ATHER PETER MAKRIS

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1 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Volume 11, Issue #2 March 2010 T HE CROSS+ROADS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: March Sundays 2-6 The Universe is Our Parish Through the Bible A Z 7 Our Lenten Journey 8-9 Registry / Announcements 7 10 Clubs & Community Yourth Corner 12 SCH 13 PC Minutes March Calendar 19 Hi-Lites Sunday of The Holy Cross March 7 Father Peter, Forty Day Memorial March 14 Annunciation of The Theotokos March 25 Palm Sunday March 28 F ROM FATHER GEORGE E TERNAL BE HIS MEMORY The Rev. Protopresbyter Peter H Makris fell asleep in the Lord on January 31.Father Peter was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and followed in the footsteps of his two uncles, the late Fathers Charles and Homer Goumenis who all attended the Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Massachusetts. Father Peter served the Church after his graduation from Holy Cross in 1957, serving the Parishes of Great Falls, Montana, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and our own Saints Constantine and Helen of Newport News. During Father Peter's ministry here in Newport News the Church and Hellenic Center were planned and constructed. These two buildings have served as the resources for our Parish being able to proclaim Orthodoxy here on the Peninsula. The pride of Father Peter's life was his family, his children, Bobby, Christine, Anastasia, and the late Gregory and I saw how much light his three grandchildren brought to their " papou" when they would be in his presence. The 40 day Memorial service for Father Peter will be chanted on Sunday March 14th. I hope that the faithful of our Parish will be in attendance that day as we pray for the soul of Father Peter. MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL F ATHER PETER MAKRIS YORKTOWN - The Rev. Peter H. Makris, retired priest of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, fell asleep in the year of the Lord, on Jan. 31, 2010, at the age of 76. He was a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a dedicated cleric and a 40 year resident of the Peninsula. Father Makris, born in Lowell, Mass., the son of Harry G. Makris and Anastasia Goumenis Makris. He graduated from high school in 1951, as a National Honor Society member and was accepted to the Holy Cross Theological Seminary in Brookline, Mass. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts Theology degree. He carried on his family tradition of the priesthood. He was the nephew to the late Fr. Charles Goumenis of Norfolk, Va., and late Fr. Homer Goumenis of Atlanta, Ga., who were his mentors; and cousin, Fr. Frank Marangos, who is currently the Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral of New York. (Continued on page 7)

2 The Cross+Roads Page 2 Glory Be To God Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA Phone (757) Fax (757) Addresses: priest@ office@ parishcouncil@ youthdirector@ webmaster@ admin@ schgochurch.va.goarch.org 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 Priest Emeritus Father Peter Makris Parish Council David Gray, President Greg Bicouvaris, Vice Pres. Kent Paumier, Secretary Theo Galoozis, Treasurer John Christou, Asst. Treas. Elias Doulgerakis Bobby Garofalis Jason Holbrook Zena Mageras John Malliarakis Pete Sun Chanter John Siokis Anastasis Zambas Choir Director Renee Root Youth Director Christina Thames Office Secretary Tasia Savrides Archdiocese on the web M ARCH SUNDAYS 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. MARCH 7 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6 BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal P ARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Tessie Baker, President Religious Education Monica Hicks, Director Greek School Kathy Dermanis, Stavroula Gailey, Co-Directors Youth Ministry Christina Thames, Director Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Hannah Hendricks, President Kent Paumier, Advisor gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek." GOSPEL READING Mark 8:34-38; 9:1 Sunday of the Holy Cross The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday of the Holy Cross With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been (Continued on page 3) Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Zoe Marcopoulos, President Order of AHEPA Newport News Nick Matthews, President Williamsburg Mario Kokolis, President Daughters of Penelope Zoe Lumpkin, President Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Marika Anthony, President Hellenic Youth Dancers Anastasia Theodorogiannis & Bobby Garofalis Co-Directors

3 The Cross+Roads Page 3 worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery The 7 Hieromartyrs of Cherson St. Ephraim came from Amidene and was a count when Justinus the Thracian was reigning in 518. He came to Antioch to rebuild it because it had been destroyed by earthquakes for a second time. By royal command he was consecrated bishop by the people of Antioch in 527 as Meletios writes and as it had happened in times of old with Ambrosios of Mediolana (Milan) and Nectarios of Constantinople. Ephraim was a great enemy of the Monophysites. So, he wrote strongly against them, as Photios says. He heard that there was a stylite monk in Hierapolis who was a follower of Severus the monophysite. So, he was moved by holy zeal, went to him and started teaching him the orthodox faith. But he was not at all convinced by his words. He only said: "Let us both get into the fire and whosoever is not harmed by the flame is orthodox and victorious." He said these words in order to scare the Patriarch away. But Ephraim said: "Bring here wood and fire and I shall get into it resting all my courage on omnipotent God. So, you, too, descend from your pillar." But he did not want to come down. Then, the Patriarch took his overcoat off, prayed and threw both himself and his overcoat onto the fire. Miraculously the fire was immediately put out and he and his overcoat remained unharmed and unburnt. When the stylite saw this miracle, he came down from his pillar and anathematized Severus' heresy. Thus, he was united with the catholic Church. These things are told by Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Because Antioch had been ruined by earthquakes for a second time, as we have said above, the fear of earthquake made every Christian write on his homedoor these words: "May Christ stand with us." So, because of this Antioch was called Theoupolis (God's city) as Nicephoros relates in book xvii of his history. Emperor Justinus weeped a lot over the destruction of Antioch. St. Ephraim ministered his flock well and in a way pleasing to God for eighteen years according to Meletios and then departed to the Lord. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Lavrentios of Megara, the Righteous Paul the Simple APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal of the Second Tone O Christ, the angelic powers appeared at Your tomb, the guards were as dead, and Mary stood by the sepulcher, seeking Your sacred body. You destroyed Hades yet remained untouched by it. You encountered the Virgin and through her, bestowed Life. Glory to You who has risen from the dead! -Translation by Narthex Press Αγγελικαί Δυνάμεις επί τό μνήμά σου, καί οι φυλάσσοντες απενεκρώθησαν, καλί ίστατο οι Μαρία εν τώ τάφω, ζητούσα τό άχραντόν σου σώμα. Εσκύλευσας τόν Άδην, μή πειρασθείς υπ' αυτού, υπήντησας τη Παρθένω, δωρούμενος τήν ζωήν, ο αναστάς εκ των νεκρών, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apolytikion for Sunday of the Holy Cross Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross. -Translation by Narthex Press Σώσον Κύριε τόν λαόν σου καί ευλόγησον τήν κληρονομίαν σου, νίκας τοίς Βασιλεύσι κατά βαρβάρων δωρούμενος καί τό σόν φυλάττων διά τού Σταυρού σου πολίτευμα. Kontakion To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" - Translation by Narthex Press WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS And see how He also makes His discourse unexceptionable: not saying at all, "whether you will, or no, you must suffer this," but how? "If any man will come after me." - St. John Chrysostom, Homily 55 on Matthew 16, 1. B#54, p th Century MARCH 14 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20 BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. GOSPEL READING Mark 9:17-31 Sunday of St. John Climacus At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I (Continued on page 4)

4 The Cross+Roads Page 4 M ARCH SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN (Continued from page 3) believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday of St. John Climacus The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Benedict the Righteous of Nursia This Saint, whose name means "blessed," was born in 480 in Nursia, a small town about seventy miles northeast of Rome. He struggled in asceticism from his youth in deserted regions, where his example drew many who desired to emulate him. Hence, he ascended Mount Cassino in Campania and built a monastery there. The Rule that he gave his monks, which was inspired by the writings of Saint John Cassian, Saint Basil the Great, and other Fathers, became a pattern for monasticism in the West; because of this, he is often called the first teacher of monks in the West. He reposed in 547. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Icon Courtesy of St. Isaac Skete Euschemon the Confessor, Bishop of Lampasakos 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. -Translation by Narthex Press 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 Sunday of St. John Climacus With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls. -Translation by Narthex Press Kontakion To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" - Translation by Narthex Press WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting?... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous;... St. John Chrysostom, Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356. 4th Century MARCH 21 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 9:11-14 BRETHREN, when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God. GOSPEL READING Mark 10:32-45 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt At that time, Jesus taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "Behold, we (Continued on page 5)

5 The Cross+Roads Page 5 (Continued from page 4) are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant of James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery James the Confessor This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth in the Monastery of Studium, where he became a disciple of Saint Theodore the Studite. Later he became bishop and suffered many afflictions and torments at the hands of the Iconoclasts. Saint Theodore composed a homily in honour of this Saint James (PG 99, ). Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Thomas I, Patriarch of Constantinople 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. - Translation by Narthex Press Εξ ύψους κατήλθες ο εύσπλαγχνος, ταφήν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ίνα ημάς ελευθερώσης τών παθών, Η ζωή καί η Ανάστασις ημών, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apolytikion for Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt The image of God, was faithfully preserved in you, O Mother. For you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By Your actions you taught us to look beyond the flesh for it passes, rather to be concerned about the soul which is immortal. Wherefore, O Holy Mary, your soul rejoices with the angels. -Translation by Narthex Press Kontakion O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee. - Translation by Holy Transfiguration Monastery WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS But let no man be troubled at the apostles being in such an imperfect state. For not yet was the cross accomplished, not yet the grace of the Spirit given. But if thou wouldest learn their virtue, notice them after these things, and thou wilt see them superior to every passion. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 65 on Matthew 20, 2,3,4,6. B#54, pp ,403. 4th Century MARCH 28 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians 4:4-9 BRETHREN, rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you. GOSPEL READING John 12:1-18 Palm Sunday Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazaros was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazaros was one of those at table with him. Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the (Continued on page 6)

6 The Cross+Roads Page 6 M ARCH SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN (Continued from page 5) day of my burial. The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazaros, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazaros also to death, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" And Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it; as it is written, "Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!" His disciples did not understand this at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that this had been written of him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazaros out of the tomb and raised him from the dead bore witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Palm Sunday On Sunday, five days before the Passover of the Law, the Lord came from Bethany to Jerusalem. Sending two of His disciples to bring Him a foal of an ass, He sat thereon and entered into the city. When the multitude there heard that Jesus was coming, they straightway took up the branches of palm trees in their hands, and went forth to meet Him. Others spread their garments on the ground, and yet others cut branches from the trees and strewed them in the way that Jesus was to pass; and all of them together, especially the children, went before and after Him, crying out: "Hosanna: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord, the King of Israel" (John 12:13). This is the radiant and glorious festival of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem that we celebrate today.the branches of the palm trees symbolize Christ's victory over the devil and death. The word Hosanna means "Save, I pray," or "Save, now." The foal of an ass, and Jesus' sitting thereon, and the fact that this animal was untamed and considered unclean according to the Law, signified the former uncleanness and wildness of the nations, and their subjection thereafter to the holy Law of the Gospel. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Icon Courtesy of Athanasios Clark to icon image is: onlinechapel.goarch.org/ images/clark/palmsunday.jpg Hilarion the New Saint Hilarion took up the monastic life from his youth and lived in seclusion. Later, as Abbot of the Monastery of Pelecete in Asia Minor (believed to be in Bithynia, not far from Triglia), he suffered much from the Iconoclasts, and reposed in the year 754. Reading Courtesy of Holy Transfiguration Monastery Herodion the Apostle of the 70 Stephen the Wonderworker APOLYTIKION AND KONTAKION HYMNS Apolytikion for Palm Sunday O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. " - Translation by Narthex Press Apolytikion for Palm Sunday O Christ, Our God, we have been Buried with You through Baptism, and by Your Resurrection made worthy of Life immortal. Praising You, we cry out, "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." - Translation by Narthex Press Kontakion In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam." - Translation by Narthex Press WISDOM FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS But observe the wisdom of the Evangelist, how he is not ashamed to parade their former ignorance. That it was written they knew, that it was written of Him they knew not. For it would have offended them if He being a King were about to suffer such things, and be so betrayed. St. John Chrysostom, Homily 66 on John 12, 2. B#58, p th Century

7 The Cross+Roads Page 7 F ATHER PETER MAKRIS (Continued from page 1) Upon completion of his theological training, he accepted a lay position at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia, S.C. There he served as a Greek language instructor, secretary, and cantor. After his petition to his Eminence Archbishop Iakovos, he was ordained a priest in 1960 and was soon assigned to his first parish in Great Falls, Mont. After three rewarding years of ministry in Montana, he was transferred to All Saints Church in Canonsburg, Pa., and served six fulfilling years. In 1969, Father Makris arrived at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News. During his tenure, he was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his church community. One of which was the building and relocation of the Saints Constantine and Helen Church and the building of the Sacalis Community Center. One only needs to look inside and marvel at the beautiful byzantine architecture of the Greek Orthodox Church to truly appreciate why he was so proud. Father Makris took immense pleasure in church events. His participation in the many celebrations of weddings and baptisms, as well as church and Greek community festivities, were always a source of remembrance to many and a calling he always cherished. He celebrated many of the church's milestones, including the 50th anniversary and more recently the 60th anniversary of the church's founding. As a longtime Peninsula resident, he enjoyed and participated in his community. He served as the director of International Seamen's Friendship House, president of the Virginia Council of Orthodox Churches, member of the Newport News Association for the Study of Childhood Cancer, and member of the Downtown League of Churches. Even after his retirement he continued to serve as an interim priest at the Nativity of Theotokos Church in Fredricksburg,Va., as well as the Saint Elpis Church in Hopewell, Va. Father Makris was always active in his community. He could be seen playing gin rummy with his friends at the AHEPA hall, having lunch at his son's restaurant, where many knew him, or keeping up with his Boston Red Sox baseball team. He took great pleasure being papou to his grandchildren. He touched the lives of many people carrying out the duties as priest, father, relative, and friend. He will be missed deeply by many. He was preceded in death by his loving son, Gregory Peter Makris, who passed away Jan. 23, He is survived by his son, Harry George Makris of Newport News, Va.; daughters, Christine Makris Fulmore and husband, Carl Fulmore of Stafford, Va.; Anastasia Makris Krisik and husband, Jay Krisik of Williamsburg, Va.; and three grandchildren, Nathan Fulmore, Kaitlyn Fulmore and Nolan Krisik. Visitation and Trisagion service offered by local clergy was held on February 2 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The funeral service, also at the church, took place on Wednesday, February 3, preceded by the Orthros and the Divine Liturgy. Burial was at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Gregory Makris Scholarship Fund, c/o H.W.P.S/ Hellenic Woman's Penelope Society, 60 Traverse Rd., Newport News, VA Arrangements were under the care of Riverside-Altmeyer Funeral Home. View and post condolences on the online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks. Published in Daily Press February 2, 2010 T HROUGH THE BIBLE A Z Meditate in the Lord s Temple Psalm 27:5 Meditate on the Lord in the night watches Psalm 63:6 Meditate on the Lord s law day and night Psalm 1:2 Meditate on the Lord s precepts and regard His ways Psalm 119:15 Meditate on the Lord s wonders Psalm 119:17 Meditation of your heart acceptable in the Lord s sight Psalm 19:14 Meek are blessed for they shall inherit the kingdom of God Matthew 5:5 Merciful are blessed for they shall obtain mercy Matthew 5:7 Merciful as your Father is merciful Luke 6:36 Mercy and peace and love multiplied to you Jude 2 Mere breath Psalm 94:11,144:4 Mighty in the Scriptures Acts 18:24 Mighty man of valour - Judges 6:12 Mighty men treading down the enemy - Zecharia 10:5 T HE UNIVERSE IS OUR PARISH St. John Chrysostom preached, There are two kinds of bishops. One bishop is a pastor who says, My parish is my universe. While the other bishop says, The universe is my parish. One of the most common, yet subtle, dangers I may even say heresies that has plagued the people of God from the time of ancient Israel until today, is the illness of parochialism in its individual and communal forms. My parish is my universe is what so many faithful still believe today. Instead of a worldview where God the Creator is at the center, a view where all creation points to God and gives Him glory, slowly the ego whether the individual ego: I, me, my, mine; or the communal ego: my people, my parish, my language, my culture gradually takes over and this self-centered (Continued on page 16)

8 The Cross+Roads Page 8 O UR LENTEN JOURNEY D EPARTMENT OF OUTREACH & EVANGELISM Preparing for the Passion & Resurrection of Our Lord Great Lent is a time for selfexamination and selfdenial a time for taking control of our lives and our bodies. The purpose of the fast is to give us a greater awareness of our dependence on God. It is a time to improve ourselves and our relationship with God. Lent is a time for greater works of mercy and charity for those less fortunate than us. It is a time for visitation of the sick and assistance to the poor, and generally a more joyful relationship with those who are close to us our family and friends. Most of all, Lent is a time of joy and a new beginning. We cleanse ourselves mind, body and soul through the physical and spiritual fast, keeping a Christian attitude in all that we do. All this is done to prepare us for the Great Feast of Pascha the Resurrection of Christ. This brochure has been compiled to assist you on your Lenten Journey, guiding you in fasting, prayer, repentance & confession, Bible reading and in receiving Holy Communion. May God bless you and guide you, and may you reach your Paschal destination with the joy of renewed faith in Christ. Repentance and Confession Repentance has its roots in the apostles. In the Book of Acts the Apostle Peter says, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:37-38) When we fall away from God, we have removed ourselves from His communion with Him and with other Christians. We have excommunicated ourselves. To re-enter communion with God is the on-going activity of all Christians. We fall away daily in some way or another. No one is exempt. Often, when children play in competitive games, one will call out that s a do over! Haven t we all wished for that chance to undo the past and start over? Repentance offers us this new beginning. We are telling God that we have changed our mind about our past direction and want to be back in communion with him. The Greek work for repentance, metanoia, implies a very deep change in the way we see ourselves, our world, and our relationship to God. To change our mind in repentance is the starting point in our Lenten journey. We leave behind regret as we move toward hope. Repentance is not a single action but an attitude, a frame of mind. Think back over your life of things which you regret having said or done hurtful, inconsiderate, selfish, deceitful. Think also of those things which you have done which may not have directly affected others, but which you know to be wrong according to the teachings of the Church. Bring them to mind as if they were occurring right now. Think of how it would have been if you had acted differently. Take this regret and turn it into repentance. Acknowledge that you have offended another person or the Church, and in doing so you have offended God. If we are to be forgiven by God, He requires of us that we also forgive one another. For many of us, this is the most difficult aspect of repentance and confession. Yet we say it each time we pray the Lord s prayer, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Just as God s love for us is personal, so must ours be for Him. As the Christian grows from child to adult, his or her personal response to God becomes crucial. This personal response is the act of confession. Guidelines for Fasting The fast for the forty days of Lent is indicated below, though many are not able to hold to the strict fast. We offer the following guidelines to be considered prayerfully with the guidance of your spiritual father and in consideration of any medical condition or dietary requirements. STRICT FAST No Meat, Fish, Milk, Dairy Products, Oil, or Oil Products PALM SUNDAY Fish, Oil & Wine permitted MARCH 25 FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION Fish, Oil & Wine permitted Shellfish are permitted throughout Great Lent Resource Note: The Orthodox Daily Planner and Resource Guide published by the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries offers daily guidance in fasting, scripture readings, feast days and more. St. John Chrysostom on Fasting Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism. For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? May He who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us. Jesus Instructions on Fasting "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. - Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6:16-18.

9 The Cross+Roads Page 9 Prayer Have no anxiety about anything, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. St. Paul s letter to the Philippians One key to a more fulfilling life is prayer. For Orthodox Christians, the aim of prayer is to enter into conversation with God. Prayer is sometimes referred to as dialogue with God. Often it is a waiting on God in silence. In the church it is defined as the lifting of the mind and heart to God, and also as walking in the presence of God. We turn our mind and thoughts toward Him. We mentally gaze at Him and speak with Him in reverence, fear, and hope. At times we speak to Him with words and at other times we stand in reverent silence, saying nothing, but being aware of His presence. In this dialogue with God we praise Him and thank Him. We ask Him for what we need. Our mind and our heart are opened to Him. Prayer is not only repeating words, it is trust in God that he hears and directs us in His Way involving spiritual growth and development. The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian Read each week-day during Great Lent Lord and Master of my life, take away from me the will to be lazy and to be sad; the desire to get ahead of other people and to boast and brag. Give me instead, a pure and humble spirit, the will to be patient with other people and to love them. Let me realize my own mistakes and keep me from judging the things other people do. For You are blessed now and for evermore. Amen. Prayer to the Holy Spirit Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the treasury of blessings and Giver of life: come and abide in us. Cleanse us from all impurity, and save our souls, O Gracious Lord. Holy Communion The Sacrament of Holy Communion the Eucharist which literally means "Thanksgiving," is the Mystery whereby the bread and wine of offering are changed, actually, not symbolically, into the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is at the very center of the Church's life, and from it flows the prayer of believers in a sacrifice of entreaty for the peace of the world, for all those who ask for help, and for all men and women '"The Eucharist unites us in the most intimate fashion with the Lord; it nourishes our soul and body, and aids our strengthening, increase, and growth in spiritual life. According to the promise of the Gospel, He that eats this bread will live forever. (The Gospel of John 6:58) The cup which holds the wine that becomes the blood of Christ is the chalice, the cup of salvation. When we kneel during the liturgy, we pray with the priest that God the Holy Spirit may change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. This means that when we receive Holy Communion, Jesus comes to live in us. How do we prepare to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus? We pray. We should have love in our hearts for all people. We should ask forgiveness from God and from our parents, brothers, and sisters, and from anyone we may have hurt. When we come before the priest for Communion, we make the sign of the cross, tell the priest our baptismal name, hold the Communion cloth under our chin, and open our mouth wide. After receiving, we wipe our lips with the Communion cloth, make the sign of the cross, and hand the Communion cloth to the person next to us. Once we have received Communion, we must remember that we have become one with Christ and with all those who received Communion with us. Christ now lives in all of us. We are all living icons of Jesus. It is by loving one another that we love Jesus. After receiving Communion our bodies become holy chalices. God lives in us. Jesus wants to use our hands, which have now become His hands, to help those in need. When we receive Communion, we become members of Christ's Body, the Church. This means that Jesus has no eyes but our eyes, no feet but our feet to do His work in the world today. What kind, thoughtful act will you do for Jesus today? From Let s Take a Walk Through Our Orthodox Church by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris / Light & Life Publishing How to Read the Bible In private study, when a Christian profitably reads the Bible, receiving inspiration and strength from it, family members, friends, relatives and even acquaintances will inevitably notice the difference. Any person who comes into contact with such a Christian cannot but notice the growing peace, love and inner assurance - the spirit of Christ - in that Christian, and will frequently ask (if not ask, certainly think) what gives that person such strength and radiance. God will provide many opportunities to the growing Christian for sharing with others his or her experience with the Bible. What better witness for the truth of the Christian faith than a solid Christian life nourished by Holy Scripture and radiating true Christian love at home, at Church and at work? The Christian's own life becomes a kind of gospel, a living Bible, in which other people observe, read and experience the truths of God in action. From Bread for Life, by Father Theodore Stylianopoulos, Department of Religious Education Suggestions for family Bible reading: Set aside a regular time for daily reading preferably in the evening at the supper table when the whole family is together. When the children are young, mom or dad can do the reading. When the children grow older, they may share in the reading. Reading to children is one of life's greatest joys. Children treasure it. Don't read too much or too fast. One chapter a day is sufficient. Let what you read sink in slowly. If the children are young, read from a Bible story book-one that has pictures which you can show the children. Start with the biographies of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). Read with the faith and the expectation that God will really and truly speak to you through what you read. Don't worry about the passages you do not understand. Concentrate on what you do understand. The more you read, the more you will understand. One passage explains another. Each day memorize at least one verse that grips you. Say it out loud as a family three or four times. Encourage your children to fall asleep with this verse on their lips. Get a modern translation. The Revised Standard translation or the one by J. B. Phillips or the translation in paperback "Good News for Modern Man." As you read, try to have an icon of Jesus before you if you are reading the Gospels; one of St. Paul if you are reading his epistles, etc. This will help you realize who it is who is speaking to you. From Making God Real in the Orthodox Home by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris / Light & Life Publishing

10 The Cross+Roads Page 10 C HURCH REGISTRY / ANNOUNCEMENTS RECENTLY ILL: We wish a speedy recovery to Tasia Savrides who has had minor surgery recently. Kali anarrosi, Tessie!!!!! DEATHS: Our sincere condolences to the family of the Rev. Protopresbyter Peter H. Makris who passed away on January 31,2010, and whose funeral service was held in our Church on February 3. Our sincere condolences to the family of Domna Theo Vallas, who passed away on February 7 and whose funeral service was held on February 13 at Holy Trinity-St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Church in Jackson, MS. Our sincere condolences to the family of Stanley Pappas who passed away on February 13 and whose funeral service was held in our Church on February 19. May their memory be eternal!!!!!!!!! ANNOUNCEMENTS: Theodore and Anna Takis were two of seven individuals chosen to be inducted into the Christopher Newport University Athletic Hall of Fame. A formal induction ceremony was held on Sunday, February 14, 2010 followed by a reception held in honor of all the inductees. A permanent display exists in the Great Hall of the Freeman Center. Congratulations to the children of Theodore and Anna Takis; Sofos K. Takis, Tessie and Andy Baker, Flossie and Jimmy Kaligos, Betty and Bill Haney for this great honor bestowed upon their parents. Theodore and Anna join an illustrious group of CNU athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters in the Hall of Fame. HOMELESS SHELTER PROJECT Our church will be feeding the homeless on March 7. We will be at the church on Northside Riverside Baptist Church on Selden Road in Newport News near CNU. Please contact either Zena Mageras at / / amageras@cox.net or Barney Barnes at / gemamy@cox.net. There are three shifts, evening, overnight and morning. We really need help with overnight and morning shifts. RADIO SHOW: Father George Chioros & Parish Council Vice President Greg Bicouvaris recently did a 30 minute radio show on our church and culture on FM & 1490 AM radio. The broadcast is archived on our church and festival websites. It was the 5th annual radio show these two did together. You can hear it on and on the church website at ACOLYTE SCHEDULE: March 7 Dean Chioros, Dimitrios Konstantinou, Georgios Haramis, George Petrakos, Brandon Pingley, Ethan Detweiler March 14 Manoli Vidakis, Peter Pappas, Collin Patrinely, Ian Sadler, Dominic Peri, Hayden Hendricks, Michael Christou March 21 Jamie Zeris, Chris Zeris, George Michos, Kostas Polyzos, Jorgie Polyzos, Christian Detweiler, John David Costulis March 28 Dean Chioros, Dimitrios Konstantinou, Georgios Haramis, George Petrakos, Brandon Pingley, Ethan Detweiler A NNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS MARCH 25 Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you." Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!" ATTENDANCE January 31 0 February 7 97 February February Feb 10 Ave 181 Feb 09 Ave 233 YTD 10 Ave 160 YTD 09 Ave 233 REFRESHMENTS We thank all those parishioners who served as hosts for the month of February. The hosts for the month of March are: March 7: M/M K. Micha, M/M Alex Michalos, Dr./ Mrs. John A. Michos March 14: M/M Al Mignogna, M/M Richard Mikita, Mrs. Matina Mimikos, Ms. Maria Mitchum March 21: M/M Gary Nicholls, Mrs. Meropi Nikitas, Mrs. Jeanette Orlino, Mrs. Katie Orphanydis March 28: Ms. Sharon Otero, Mrs. Priscilla Outland, Mr. Jimmy Pahno, M/M John Palantzas, M/M Lakis Paparis NEWSLETTER DEADLINE Please information no later than the 20th day of the month to Nick Vlattas nvlattas@hewv.com

11 The Cross+Roads Page 11 C LUB AND COMMUNITY NEWS PHILOPTOCHOS The Philoptochos thanks all its good friends and fellow parishioners who attended our Membership Tea, on Sunday, February 14. We welcome all our new members, and again appeal to those ladies who have not as yet joined us to do so. Remember, Philoptochos is the right hand of the Church Metropolitan Evangelos has appealed to all the Metropolis of New Jersey parishes to conduct, under the leadership of Philoptochos, a CLOTHING DRIVE (clothing, shoes, boots, linen/ blankets and other items) to benefit the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. Accordingly, we ask all our parishioners to help us collect as many items as we can by contributing all that they can contribute. Please, be sure that all items donated are clean and in wearable condition. You may drop off your donations in the Office of the Community Center. We thank you for your compassion and generosity! For the month of March, our charitable commitments are to The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) and to the Hellenic College/Holy Cross School of Theology The then Archbishop Athenagoras established Holy Cross Theological School on June 1937 in Pomfret, CT. The Archbishop directed a special appeal to the Philoptochos to devote themselves to the School, where your sons will be educated as priests and teachers and urged the ladies to prove once again your strong faith. In ensuing years, the Philoptochos was and 73 years later continues to be actively involved in offering financial support to Holy Cross, both in its scholarship program and in its operational expenses. Our Philoptochos chapter continues to collect Farm Fresh receipts in an effort to assist local schools to purchase needed supplies that their budget don t cover. Kathy Dermanis will be glad to accept your Farm Fresh receipts. Kathy is also in the process of putting together HEALTH KITS to be sent and used by the victims of the Haiti Earthquake. Philoptochos will be baking Easter Tsourekia on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 17,18 & 19. Please, remember to place your order no later than March 8. Place your order by calling Dottie Andre, or Helen George, Cost per Tsoureki - $7.00. Philoptochos is having a Garage Sale on Saturday, April 10 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm in the Community Center with all proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity. Do your spring cleaning early and give us your unwanted items to help us achieve our goal. Contact Fossie Kaligos, chairperson at for delivery arrangements, And, again, our many, many thanks. The March meeting of the Philoptochos will be held Monday, March 1 in the AHEPA Hall, at 6:30 pm. Our president, Mrs. Tessie Baker, will be hosting this meeting. Looking forward to seeing you all there!!! AHEPA Woodrow Wilson Chapter #241 Once again it is time to reward our students with the AHEPA Family Scholarships. The District and Local Scholarship applications can be picked up at the AFC, Monday Fridays from 10:00 AM 1:00 PM or see our Chairman, George Anas after Church. Please note the following deadlines; District Scholarships April 1, 2010 and the Local Scholarships April 30, Very important the parent of the applicant has to be in good standing in order for your child to apply. Good standing means you must have paid your 2009 dues. This applies to both the District and Local applications. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE In the January meeting, our chapter voted to contribute $ to the drive for the relief of the Haiti Earthquake victims. We are hard at work formulating plans for the International Children s Festival to be held on Saturday, April 17 in the Mill Point Park in Hampton. We invite all those of our parishioners who can do so, to stop by with their young children and enjoy a day of fun as well as appreciate the various displays that show the cultural diversity of the Virginia Peninsula Cities. The District #3 Convention of our AHEPA Family will be held in Fayetteville, NC, May The Fayetteville AHEPA Family is working hard to put together a convention that is both informative and entertaining. Applications for scholarships from our local AHEPA/DOP chapters may be picked up at the AHEPA HALL, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Applications must be completed and returned, postmarked no later than April 30, The March meeting of the AHEPA/DOP will be held on Thursday, March 25, with dinner starting at 6:45pm to be followed by the business meeting at 7:30pm. HELLENIC WOMAN S PENELOPE SOCIETY The monthly meeting of the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society (HWPS) will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the AHEPA HALL. Mrs. Athena Ikonomou will be the hostess. The 11 th Annual Dinner Theater, which was held on February 27 th, was once again a huge success. The support from the greater community has been overwhelming. We extend our appreciation to all of our patrons who have supported us through the years to make the dinner theater the great success that it has been every year. Much credit also belongs to the dedicated group of members who always answer the call to action and help to present to the community what our patrons call, the most delightful, elegant, and outstanding dinner theater in the area. Our spring bake sale will be held on Saturday, March 27 th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Hellenic Community Center. All interested in including delicious, locally made baklava, finikia, koulourakia, and kourabiedes are encouraged to call their orders in early, for we are going to bake limited quantities of each pastry. Please call Marika Anthony at for your orders. All the proceeds from the bake sale will benefit The Gregory Makris Scholarship Fund. On February 17 th, the family of Mrs. Efthemia Rouvalis and members of the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society gathered at Morningside of Newport News and celebrated Mrs. Rouvalis 101st birthday. As always, Mrs. Rouvalis looked radiant and happy to be surrounded by her loving and devoted family and friends. Mrs. Rouvalis is the only surviving charter member of HWPS. We love you, Mrs. Rouvalis, and wish you continued good health and many happy returns of the day. We extend our sincere appreciation to all those who so generously contributed to the Gregory Makris Scholarship Fund in memory of our beloved Father Peter Makris. May his memory be eternal. Acknowledgements of donations have been mailed out to donors and will continue to be mailed out as more donations come in daily. The family is being notified on a regular basis as well. In April and May the HWPS Book Group will review Samuel Althaus s book, Where Is God, and Rosemary Trible s newly published book, From Fear to Freedom, respectively. More details will be forthcoming. We extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the families of Mrs. Domna Theo Vallas, Mr. Stanley Papas, Mrs. Mary Loizou, and Mr. Louis Loizou who passed away recently. May their memories be eternal.

12 The Cross+Roads Page 12 Hellenic Youth Dancers ~ will be selling luminaries for Great and Holy Friday. You can purchase these to remember your loved ones. Luminaries will be lining the walkway as we proceed around on Holy Friday. Be on the lookout for the tables selling luminaries after Liturgy! G.O.Y.A. ~ will once again be hosting the annual March 25th Lenten spaghetti luncheon in conjunction with the special Greek School presentation on Sunday, March 21st after the Divine Liturgy. Religious Education~ Lenten coin boxes, to raise money for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), will be distributed in classrooms in March. Please encourage your children in their efforts to give to this vital ministry of our greater Orthodox church. RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS WORKSHOP Saturday, March 13th 9am-3pm Hosted by Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral in Richmond, VA ORTHODOXY - SINCE A.D. 33 Does Church History have a place in Religious Education? Featuring keynote speaker Tom Papademetriou, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Richard Stockton College Anyone is invited to this event, not just our Religious Education staff. We will be carpooling to Richmond. Talk to Monica Hicks if you are interested in joining us for the day. Myrophores ~ All young ladies in 1st through 6th grades are invited to serve as myrophores (myrrh-bearing women) on Holy Friday evening, April 2nd. Mandatory practice will be held immediately following the Divine Liturgy I+I YOUTH CORNER I+I on Lazarus Saturday, March 27th. Young ladies will need a white dress, white shoes, white tights, and a white sweater (since it will probably be cold) for Holy Friday, but need not wear them to the practice. Our young ladies will be sprinkling rose petals as they represent the pious women who came and anointed Christ s body at His tomb. Contact Laura Warhol for more information. The entire family is invited to join us for LAZARUS SATURDAY March 27th Divine Liturgy Communion Breakfast Myrophores Practice Making of Palm Crosses INTO THE DESERT A 40 Day Lenten Challenge brought to you by the GOA s Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Great Lent. This period proves to be the most fulfilling, but the most challenging. Great Lent calls us to work even more diligently on our relationship with God. As we make our way through Lent, it would be fantastic to have daily reflections and thoughts which help keep us on track even challenge us to do MORE! Into the Desert is a daily blog, beginning on Clean Monday (February 15, 2010) which will offer reflections and discussion topics to keep you thinking and keep you on track! You can spend just a few minutes a day reading the blog. Read it before you go to work in the morning for inspiration to get through the day. Or read it before your evening prayers to get yourself prepared for the next day. You will find that the reflections and responses from others can help offer you the strength and support to keep going. This is meant to be a growing experience, so if you miss one day, or fall short on another, the important thing is to KEEP GO- ING! Just pick up where you left off and continue your Lenten journey towards Christ. -excerpted from GOA Youth Ministry FAMILY NIGHT #2 was held on Friday, February 5th. Participants learned about the seal that is used in prosforo (ICXC/ NIKA) and made the bread together. They also celebrated Johnny Gray s sixth birthday, shared dinner together, and closed with a service in the chapel. It was a lot of fun! Johnny Gray learns how to knead prosforo with a little help from Christina Thames. Geni Gray watches as Phoebe finishes her ICXC NIKA craft. Anna Paisley Gray, Samuel Hicks, Daniel Hicks, and Phoebe Gray examine the prosforo seal.

13 The Cross+Roads Page 13 R SAINTS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN Mrs. Efthemia Rouvalis celebrating her 101 st Birthday. With love and best wishes. Mrs. Rouvalis celebrating her birthday with members of the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society (Maggie Thompson, Joanie Michalos, Marika Anthony and Perri Katsantonis) Greek School celebrated the feast day of the Three Hierarchs with a program held in the Community Center on February 7 Mrs. Rouvalis surrounded by her daughter Betsy Mills, granddaughter Alexis Dabbs, and daughter Pauline Schlim.

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16 The Cross+Roads Page 16 T HE UNIVERSE IS OUR PARISH (CONTINUED) (Continued from page 7) mentality distorts an authentic Orthodox worldview. Our Triune God has a love and vision for all. In the Old Testament, we may remember how God chose a certain people as his prized possession, but we often forget why he chose them. When God called Abram in Genesis, he said, Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father s house to a land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your name great, SO THAT you will be a blessing And all the families of the earth shall find blessing in you. This central verse of the Old Covenant reveals God s overarching plan of salvation for all. Abraham was called to leave what was familiar, to leave his own, to depart from his tiny ego, and to follow God in faith, so that he would be blessed by God, and, SO THAT he and his nation would become a blessing for ALL the families of the earth! The universe is my parish! That is the mentality that God wanted us to have from the beginning, and this represents an authentic Orthodox worldview. Unfortunately, we see time and again how God s people forget, ignore, and even deny their universal calling, and choose instead to become a closed, parochial, often ethnocentric community. Jesus Christ, the supreme example in the New Testament, made abundantly clear that no boundaries could limit His unconditional love for all people. Whether it was a heretical Samaritan, a Roman centurian, a foreign Syrophonecian woman, a corrupt tax collector, or an immoral adulterous, Christ saw each and every person as a beloved child of his. He fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: Although a mother may forget her child, I can never forget you. I have carved you on the palm of my hand. The whole meaning of Orthodox Christianity has to do with looking outward, remembering the other! The Philokalia teaches, Blessed is the one who rejoices in his salvation, but even more blessed is the one who rejoices in the salvation of the other. St. John Chrysostom said a similar message, I do not believe in the salvation of anyone who does not try to save others." My parish is my universe? or The universe is my parish! Our Church Fathers represented a truly ecumenical, universal and missionary spirit that we need to practice today. Why is it that so many of our local churches and leaders too often lack a vibrant worldwide vision and outreach? Why are we, as individuals, so weak in cultivating this universal spirit in our own spiritual journeys? The answer is simple, because it is a problem that has plagued humanity since Adam and Eve. The ego. Our little ego continually limits our worldview, poisoning not only our perception of self, but corrupting our understanding of the Church and the world around us. Our spiritual journey becomes a selfcentered pursuit for individual happiness, comfort, pleasure, and selffulfillment an idea completely foreign to the theology of the Great Fathers. Even many of today s Churches reject the universal vision and become nothing more than proud, closed, social clubs. For example, how many of our communities will spend 95% of their church budget on themselves! Even if we are spending all our money on something good like catechetical work, youth ministry, and beautification of a Church, we still have to ask ourselves, what percent of the Church s money and time goes outside her own people? Surely, a Church and her pastoral team must take care of their own people! But simultaneously, the Church community must remember that she is called to be yeast within the general society where we live, she must be a light to the non- Orthodox and secular people around her in America, as well as participating in the overall witness that is needed throughout the entire world! What a terrible distortion of God s vision when a community focuses only on its own! Archbishop Anastasios of Albania says, The opposite of love is often called hatred. But its real name is egoism. This is the denial of the Triune God who is a koinonia (a communion) of love. Christian life means continual assimilation of the mystery of the cross in the fight against individual and communal selfishness. We must recover this life of asceticism and self-sacrifice. We must make every effort to flee from our self-centered wills, and enter into the mind of Christ. Through this struggle, we can overcome our destructive egos, rejecting the parochial view of the parish as the universe, and united to Christ, developing a worldview of the universe as the parish. This is the reason why my family and I left America ten years ago to serve the Church in Albania. Yet, over the years, so many people have questioned us, Why did you leave America? You should have stayed here. There are so many needs in our own country! Some even think the whole idea of mission is just downright wrong. A while ago on a six month sabbatical at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School, the President of the school told me that someone complained to him about us living on campus. This person grumbled, Don t you think it s dangerous to have Veronis living among the students, because maybe he will influence some of them to become missionaries. Unfortunately, such smallmindedness abounds in our Church. These people cannot see that the Church in Albania is connected to the Church in America. We are one Church with the mission churches in Africa, in Indonesia, in Mexico, because we all are part of the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church. We can never view it as us and them. I remember when I lived in Kenya. At times, I would travel to villages that rarely if ever saw a white person. In most places, the children would flock around this wazungoo (this white man), but in some cases, little children who never had seen a white person before would start crying because they thought I was a ghost! Anyway, one day, a friend of mine put my arm next to his and asked, Do you know what the difference is between you and me? Then he pointed to the color of my skin and then his and said, Only this color. What is in our hearts, what is in our souls, what is in our minds, is the same. We are brothers. And truly we are! When people ask us why my family and I left our homeland and our loved ones, I now answer Because we felt that we were not only fulfilling St. Paul s command to be ambassadors of Christ, but we understood that the Orthodox Church in America also needed to send ambassadors into the world, and therefore, we are your representatives! Please understand, in order to be faithful Orthodox Christians, each of us should be asking ourselves, How am I helping to fulfill God s universal vision? When we hear about someone interesting in becoming a missionary, are we saying, Why are you going to Albania, or Africa, or elsewhere? when we should be saying, Great! You can be our representative there. We will be behind you, with our prayers, with our finances, with our encouragement! Godspeed! Are we thinking, You should stay here because there are many needs in this country, instead of responding, That s great that you are going over there and will be a witness of God s love. You go there, and I ll stay in this country and offer my witness of God s love to all the people here. Together we ll make a great team! The parish is my universe? Hopefully not for many of our parishes. The universe is my parish! This is our calling, and I pray, that many of our communities will fulfill this vision! By Fr. Luke Veronis Fr. Luke Veronis is presently offering courses in Missiology at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and St. Vladimir's Seminary. He is also serving the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster, MA. He and his wife Faith have served as missionaries in Albania for more than 10 years, and in Africa for a year and a half. He is the author of "Missionaries, Monks and Martyrs: Making Disciples of All Nations." Fr. Luke graduated from Penn State University, Holy Cross Theological School and Fuller Theological Seminary's School of World Mission.

17 The Cross+Roads Page 17 P ARISH COUNTIL MINUTES December 16, 2009 The meeting was convened at 7:00 PM by David Gray with the opening prayer by Father George Chioros and the Bible Reading by Barry Hendricks. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script. Present: David Gray, Father George Chioros, Greg Bicouvaris, Barry Hendricks, Zena Mageras, John Christou, Elias Doulgerakis, Ted Fotiou, Theo Galoozis, Nick Matthews, Pete Sun Absent: John Dermanis Guests/Visitors: Christina Thames, Bobby Garofalis, John Malliarakis, Kent Paumier Minutes: Nick Matthews motion to approve 18 Nov 09 meeting minutes. Seconded by Greg Bicouvaris Passed unanimously Correspondence: Thank you letter from Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, FR. N.C Triantafilou, President, dated 10 Dec 09, for our $ contribution to the school s LOFOS Campaign. Treasurer s Report: By Barry Hendricks attached with meeting minutes. Stewardship YTD down by approximately 100 pledges from last year. Revenue YTD at $154K down approximately $50K from last year. Committee Reports Stewardship: Youth: By Christina Thames attached with meeting minutes. Audit: Committee will consist of John Samos, Mike Chalkias & Jim Zeris. Missions: By Michael Anastasiou attached with minutes. Mike asked on the status of the checks to Southeastern Correctional Institute and FR. Gregory MacGregor. The check for Southeastern Correctional Institute is in process of being sent and FR. MacGregor s has been sent. Planning: Hall Renovations by Peter Sun. Work has commenced. Approximately $30K of the $86,400 for the renovations has been spent. Tile has been ordered Eastern Floor Covering from Italy and will be delivered in January. Completion deadline is 19 Feb 10. Elias Doulgerakis spoke on the ongoing work and various items that will require a change order which may require additional expense. Discussed removing the four columns and heading off the larger opening in the wall between the meeting room and bar area thus making one large opening. Doulgerakis action have a licensed engineer to look at structural requirements for removing the columns, heading off the opening and report back later with the requirements and estimate. Sun stated there is a 5% contingency factor and stressed this is a fixed price contract. The contingency is to cover changes, but any costs against this item require prior approval. Doulgerakis also asked about dry walling the upstairs while they have the labor on site. No motion was made to do this work at this time. 60TH Anniversary: By Michael Anastasiou. Album will be sent for printing in January. Olan Mills will have ready in 5-6 weeks pending on corrections. Estimated delivery will be in the spring. Priest s Report: By FR. George The choir will be singing carols during Royal hours Christmas Eve. Christmas Day services will be in the chapel. We are hosting the New Years Eve dance here this year. The Patriarch will be interviewed on 60 Minutes this coming Sunday. 10 Jan 10 Oath of Office for the Parish Council. Fr. George thanked the incoming members reminding us we must work for the good of the Church. Unfinished Business: Golf Tournament - Theo Galoozis reported the tournament grossed $12K & netted $9800 for the event. It appears we get more support for this event from ST. Basils than on own community. Fall Festival 2010 David Gray reported a conflict with the dates for the Fall Festival and the Choir Conference. After a brief discussion the Fall Festival will be held Oct 10. New Business: Theo Galoozis requested a change for the Parish Council s meeting day from the third Thursday of the month to another day due to his work schedule. After discussion we agreed to change the council meeting day to the third Monday of the month. Next Parish Council meeting will be Monday 18 Jan 10 at 7:00 PM Finance & Budget Report - Committee members Chris Zambas, David Gray, Greg Bicouvaris, Barry Hendricks & Nick Vlattas. Presented by Nick Vlattas. Nick explained the budget spreadsheets & the Stewardship revenues being down by $50K this year and have dropped by $67K in the last two years. Discussed the budget, expenses/revenues and how to balance the budget. Revenue - We discussed other ways to generate revenue, but it remained the same with a possible increase by the Golf Tournament. We went through the expense side of the budget reducing & cutting items where we could. This includes possibly putting the hall to a four day work week unless an event is scheduled & reducing the hall employees to a 30 hr work week each. Nick Vlattas will update the proposed budget with changes for January s meeting. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM with the closing prayer by FR. George. Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier Special Session January 10, 2010 Present: David Gray, Greg Bicouvaris, Kent Paumier, Theo Galoozis, John Christou, Elias Doulgerakis, Bobby Garofalis, Jason Holbrook, Zena Mageras, John Malliarakis, Pete Sun Guests: Teddy Fotiou & John Dermanis The meeting on Hellenic Center Renovation was convened at 12:15 PM by David Gray. Elias Doulgerakis per the action of the Parish Council meeting, dated 16 Dec 09, presented the Engineering Report & sketches from Theodore Hansen on removing the four columns in the wall between the meeting room and bar area. This will create one large opening between the spaces and allow the ceiling to go through the two spaces at one level. The header size will be 27 I-beam supported by (2) two steel columns. Doulgerakis estimates to complete this change is $5-8K depending on what they find removing the columns and wall. Building permits are required to perform this change. Doulgerakis also ordered the steel required for this change at a cost of approximately $ Discussion: Peter Sun discussed the points of his 8 Jan 10 on this column removal. See attached. This will be a cosmetic change. Gray - this renovation will be with us for the next 25 plus years, though not part of the original plan will open up the floor plan and we should do it right. Also the steel has been ordered by Doulgerakis. Holbrook asked why the steel had been ordered, when Doulgerakis was only to obtain engineering support and estimates. This opened another discussion on completing the renovation in accordance with the signed contract. This renovation needs to be completed by 19 Feb 10. Motion by Theo Galoozis to approve a maximum of $10, for removing the columns between meeting room and bar area and installing the steel beams to head off the new opening. Seconded by Greg Bicouvaris, motion passed (Continued on page 18)

18 The Cross+Roads Page 18 P ARISH COUNTIL MINUTES (CONTINUED) (Continued from page 17) ten for with one abstained. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 1PM. Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier January 18, 2010 The meeting convened at 7:00 PM by David Gray with the opening prayer by Father George Chioros. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script. Present: David Gray, Father George Chioros, Greg Bicouvaris, Kent Paumier, Theo Galoozis, John Christou, Elias Doulgerakis, Bobby Garofalis, Jason Holbrook, Zena Mageras, John Malliarakis, Pete Sun, Guests/Visitors: John Samos, John Dermanis, Christina Thames, Nick Vlattas Minutes: Kent Paumier motion to approve 21 Dec 09 meeting minutes. Seconded by John Christou Passed unanimously Correspondence: Thank you card from Giovanna Peri for her trip to Camp Good Shepherd Letter of thanks from FR. Gregory MacGregor, dated 21 Dec for our $ donation for his medical expenses. Letter of thanks from Virginia Council of Churches, dated 23 Dec 09 for $ donation. Letter of thanks from Link of Hampton Roads, L.M, Findings, Executive Director, dated 29 Dec 09 for $20.00 donation. Letter from the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey, Fr. A.G. Nikas, Chancellor, & P. Arbes, GOMNJ Finance Committee Chair, dated 4 Jan 10, 2010 National Ministries allocation for STs. Constantine & Helen is $72, Letter from Metropolitan Evangelos, dated 7 Jan 10, asking for our support of the Lenten Luncheon honoring ST. Basil s 65TH Anniversary on 7 Mar 10 at 2:30 PM at the Pine Manor in Edison, New Jersey. Letter of thanks from the Daily Press Holiday Fund & the McCormick Foundation, D.Solomon, President & CEO & D.A. Cooke Senior V.P. respectively, dated 8 Jan 10 for our $ donation. Letter from STs. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, FR. N.G. Bacalis, dated 12 Jan 10, listing upcoming regional events. Treasurer s Report: By David Gray attached with meeting minutes. Visitor s Comments: John Samos presented the following items: New Years Eve Dance report attached with minutes & thanked everyone who helped in making it a success. In the kitchen asked the council to sand and reseal the butcher work block tables across from the ovens or the possibility of replacing the tables with stainless steel tables. Also asked about placing a lockable door between the kitchen and freezer to prevent pilfering when the kitchen is open. Paumier suggested padlocking the freezers instead of adding a door. John Dermanis asked to maintain serving on the Personnel Committee and to become part of the House Committee. Committee Reports Stewardship: By David Gray. We had a successful Stewardship Sunday receiving 105 Stewardship Cards. The Parish Council needs to part of the Stewardship Committee and personally engage people in the community to get them more active in Church Life. Holbrook suggested inviting folks to a dinner at the house. Thames open the Liturgy for people to participate i.e. reading the Epistle. Youth: By Christina Thames attached with meeting minutes. House / Education: By Stavroula Gailey. Greek School classes being reorganized/ combined Audit: John Samos will be present the committees report at the February Parish Assembly. Planning: Peter Sun reported the following on the hall renovations: Eastern Floor Covering agreed to credit $ from contract amount with Atlas due to unauthorized demolition of existing floor and prep. PC approved an additional $10,000 for beam. Total budget is now $110,000 for renovation and beam. Beam will require a building permit before any demolition/installation begins. Contract amount is $91, (includes contingency but does not include time and materials for floor demolition estimated at ~$7,000 or furniture items) First bid (Tactical Office Solutions) for bookstore cases, shelving, and trophy case was $11, Of this amount, display cases cost $ plus shipping, handling, and installation. Another source (Allen Display) provided a quote of $ (including shipping and handling) for display cases. Cases ordered from Allen Display. Shelving will be purchased from Office Depot (~$ tax) and trophy case will be deferred until all other bills are accounted for. Partitions for Men's Room were estimated to cost ~$3,800 against the initial proposal of $3,200 for labor and materials. This will also be deferred until other costs are accounted for. Known expenses against the contingency allowance are: $ for architect's plans for the beam and $ for the chandelier. Tiles will be installed in the Sacalis Hall entry way and two offices beginning 19 Jan (Later postponed until 20 Jan due to bingo). 60TH Anniversary: Album - all organizations to proof their sections photos by 15 Feb 10. Priest s Report: Haiti Tray on 17 Jan 10 collected $ Parishioners donated a new Kouvouklion and Sound System. Father will be serving a three year board term for the Peninsula Pastoral Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center. Saturday of Souls 6, 13 & 20 Feb. Nick Vlattas will receive a Humanitarian Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities on Thursday, 25 Feb 10. Congratulations Nick. 7 Feb 10 - Souper Bowl Sunday for International Orthodox Christian Charities. Goyan s will be passing a second collection basket. 10 Feb 10 - STs. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, The Hellenic Society Paideia of Virginia Spring Symposium is Athens & Jerusalem at 6:30PM. 7 Feb 10 - Father & Greg Bicouvaris will do a thirty minute radio show on Orthodoxy on stations FM / 1490 AM at 7:00 AM. Unfinished Business: 2010 Budget - Nick Vlattas presented the 2010 proposed budget with the changes made during the 18 Jan 10 council meeting. Removed the New Years Eve Dance for 2011 since we alternate the event with Norfolk. It was agreed to postpone council approval on the 2010 budget until15 Feb 10. The Personnel Committee needs to meet to finalize their budget items. Action Personnel Committee to meet prior to 15 Feb 10 to finalize budget items. New Business: Elias Doulgerakis asked about repairing the roof leaks in the Hellenic Center and Church. Paumier stated both roofs were completed in 2005 & have warranties with Commercial Roofing INC. Action - Doulgerakis to contact Commercial Roofing INC on leaky roofs. Adjournment: Father closed with a prayer at 8:45 PM. Next meeting 15 Feb 10 at 7:00 PM. Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier

19 The Cross+Roads Page 19 MARCH 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat. 1 6:00pm Compline\ 6:30pm Philoptochos 2 7:00pm Fundraiser 3 6;00pm Presanctified Liturgy 4 6:30pm HWPS 5 Oratorical Festival 7:00pm 3rd Salutations 6 7 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 8 10;30am Golden Hearts 9 7:00pm Fundraiser 10 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm Choir :00pm 4th Salutations :00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 40day Memrial Rev. P. Makris 15 6:00pm Compline 7:00 pm Parish Council 16 7:00pm Fundraiser 17 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm Choir :00pm Akathist Hymn :00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 40day Mem. Stanley Pappas 1 yr. Mem Artie Lolos 5 yr. Mem. Frank :30am Golden Hearts 6:00pm Compline 23 7:00pm Fundraiser 24 7:00pm Choir 25 9:00am Orthros 10:00am liturgy Annunciation Rental :00am Liturgy -Children s Brkfst -Palm making -Myrophores Practice 28 Palm Sunday 9:00am Orthros 10:00am liturgy 29 Holy Monday 30 Holy Tuesday 31 Holy Wednesday Philoptochos Luncheon 7:00pm 1st.Nymfios 7:00pm 2nd. Nymfios 7:00pm 3rd Nymfios 10:00am Presanctified Liturgy 7:00pm Holy Unction

20 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.