August Volume 10, Issue 8

Transcription

1 August 2015 Volume 10, Issue 8

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 900 6th Street Sioux City, Iowa Church Office Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Telephone: Office Fax: Parish Council President: John Vlahoulis Worship Hours: Sundays: Weekdays: Esperinos: Thursdays: Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. For Major Feasts 6:00 p.m. Paraklisis Service 6:00 p.m. 1st of Every Month: Agiasmos Service 8:30 a.m. unless there is a service, in which case it will take place 30 minutes prior to Orthros Sunday School: (During School Year) Following Holy Communion Greek Dance: (During School Year) Wednesdays from 5:00 6:00 p.m. Bible Study: will resume in September Thursdays from 8:30 9:30 a.m. Olive Garden Faith Group (Adult Education): will resume in September Tuesdays from 12:30 2:00 p.m. Cyber Ministry Book Club (Adult Education): will resume in September orthodoxysiouxcity.boards.net Blessed Darkness (Adult Education): will resume in September Tuesdays from 6:30 8:00 p.m. St. Basil s Students (Adult Education): will resume in September Thursdays from 6:30 7:30 p.m. August 2015 Page 2

3 Table of Contents Registry Page 4 Father s Message Page 5-7 President s Message Page 8-9 Outreach Project Page 9-10 Stewardship Page 11 Philoptochos Page 12 Ministries Page 13 Services Page Posters Page Pictures Page Church & Metropolis News Page 22 Calendar Page 23 Church Staff Parish Priest/ Editor: Rev. Fr. Dimitri Tobias Parish Council President: John Vlahoulis Office Director Mary Sharp Philoptochos President: Dr. Fotene Karantinos Book Store: Kiki Karras & Dr. Fotene Karantinos Sunday School Director: Shanda Antonopoulos Greek Dance Director: Leah Baryo Youth Directors: Dean & Amy Karras Stewardship: Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Orthodoxy on Tap Shanda Antonopoulos Patriarchs: Afrodity Segos We Knead You: Janet Antonopoulos Coffee Hour Page 24 ABRAHAM S PANTRY: Please donate! Foods from Abraham s Pantry are distributed to the local Food Pantries to feed the poor. Check the expiration Date!!! Abraham served the best he had. If we would not eat it, why should we expect someone else to risk getting sick? August 2015 Page 3

4 Registry and Vital Statistics Baptisms: On Sunday, July 5th We celebrated the Baptisms of the Ketchelos Family Kassiani (Casandra) Godparent: Demetra Margellos Achilles (Bradley Jr.) Godparent: Dr. Fotene Karantinos Arianna Godparent : Afrodity Segos Amalia (Emma) Godparent: Vickie Bovis Emmanuella (Ella) Godparent: Mary Baryo Chrismations: Weddings: Funerals On Sunday, July 19th We celebrated the Engagement of Leah Baryo to Beau Brockway Να ζή σετε! Να εί στε ευτυχίσμε νοί! On July 5th we commemorated the 1 year Memorial for Michael Davenport On August 23rd we will commemorate the 6th Month Memorial for Rev. Fr. Constantine Balomenos ζωή σε σας We Welcome the following new families to the Parish! Now is the time to reach out to your loved ones who have fallen away for whatever reason and bring them back to Church. Now is the time to share your faith with others! Together we must grow. Together we must build the Body of Christ. Invite someone to a service, to a Bible Study, to a Church Event. We have one of the friendliest communities in the Archdiocese. Let us go out so that they will know we are Christians by our Love. August 2015 Page 4

5 Father Dimitri s Message My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I cannot believe that two whole years have passed since I came to Sioux City. Time flies! When I came to my beloved Parish of Holy Trinity I set out a mission and a vision for our Church: Mission of the Parish: To build through bountiful religious services, educational classes, fellowship opportunities and outreach. The pillars of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will feature prominently in the ministries of the Parish. Vision for the Parish: A Dynamic Church, equally strong at home as at the Parish, fortified by Ministries that bring the faithful closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Holy Mother, and all the Saints. I am pleased that many of these tenants have come to partial fruition in this short time. We have many ministries. We have a rich and dynamic Liturgical Calendar that introduces the faithful to the Bounty of the Church. We have seen such gains that I can hardly believe. This is not due to me. Many people have worked hard to get us to this juncture. There are many other people who have worked very hard and deserve recognition, but suffice to say I cannot name everyone or the Koinonia would run thirty pages just from me acknowledging everyone. But to list some of the gains we have managed: We have two years in the fiscal black after eight in the red. We have a Parish Council manned by half of its members under the age of 40. We have a level of tandem with St. Thomas Antiochian Church not enjoyed to this extent in twenty years. We have had representation at most Metropolis Events and even sent delegates to the National Clergy Laity Conference for the first time perhaps in our Church s history. One would think I would be happy with their accomplishments of our Parish. I am not. I cannot be happy until I see total fruition of the Mission and Vision for Holy Trinity. I want to see every member of our flock involved in one of our many ministries. Please understand, the reason I want this is not for more feathers in our cap, but for ownership of our Parish. Let me tell you a story. Perhaps you have heard it. A family moved to a new church and the dad noticed the church had a basketball team. His young son wanted to play on the team, and so the dad asked the coach how much it cost to enroll his child. The Coach said to the dad, It won t cost you a thing, but I would like you to help me as an Assistant Coach. The dad agreed and the two showed up the next Wednesday night for practice. The coach ordered the dad to take the practice balls out of the equipment closet. What the dad found appalled him. The balls were lopsided, their treads worn low. These balls had to be almost a decade old. Suspecting, he must have found the wrong bin of balls, the dad called out and asked the coach, Coach, where are the balls your team uses? You can t miss them! They re in the bin, just inside the door. You cannot be serious, coach. Stop messing around and let s get practice started. Get those balls out here. The dad reluctantly brought out the ratty balls and the kids practiced. They didn t notice the balls were bad. The coach surely knew, so why had he not purchased new balls? August 2015 Page 5

6 After the kids left, the dad cornered the coach and asked him. The simple reply was that they could not afford new equipment. With all of the other budgetary concerns of the parish, new basketballs were simply not a priority. The next week, the coach came to practice early and found all of the balls had been thrown out and replaced with new ones. He knew who had purchased them and so he asked the dad why he did it. I am not going to have my boy or his team play with terrible balls! My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, do you notice that never once did the coach ask for anything, neither money nor the balls. He only asked the dad to be involved. The man was invested in the Team and so he wanted to purchase the new balls. In the same way, I want us all to be invested in Holy Trinity. I want you to feel, I belong to this ministry. It is mine and I enjoy it. When that happens, it won t feel arduous to give stewardship of time, talents, or treasure. If we prioritize our Church and our Salvation then our family life will change as well. Praying at home will come naturally. Fasting will be embraced for its benefits. And Almsgiving will be done because we will see Christ in every person. To this end, we will have a Ministry Fair on August 30th. I am sure you will find something you like, and if you don t then you can suggest one for us to try. We want our Church to be your home and your home to be your little Church. This transformation won t happen overnight, or even in a week as in the story of the Basketball Team, but it can happen. I ask you to join me. We have come so far as a Parish, but we have so much farther to go. I will not be happy. I will not be satisfied until each and every parishioner of Holy Trinity replaces the saints on our walls. We have a long way to go, but it is a beautiful journey and I am so happy I get to walk it with you as we try to grow closer to one another and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I remain your servant in Christ, Fr. Dimitri Tobias, Proistamenos Please visit our website! Listen to classes, sermons, reflections online August 2015 Page 6

7 Sunday, August 30th following Coffee Hour Education Sunday School Greek School (Pending enrollment) Greek Dance We Knead You Adult Education: Ask Father Adult Education: Bible Study Adult Education: Blessed Darkness Adult Education: St. basil S StudentS Adult Education: Soho faith group adult education: Men S Group Church Acolytes Choir Chanters Pangari Greeters/Ushers Flower Ministry Bookstore Office volunteer Fellowship Athletics Holy Trinity Cheering Corner Joy Junior Orthodox Youth GOYA-Greek Orthodox Youth of America CAMP Ministries Orthodoxy on Tap Healthy body/healthy soul Patriarchs Outreach Philoptochos Outreach Committee Leadership Parish council August 2015 Page 7

8 Greetings Holy Trinity Family, President s Message Summer seems to be passing by very quickly at Holy Trinity! It seems like just a few days ago the young people were getting out of school for the year. Time flies when we are enjoying ourselves! Whether you are at your favorite vacation spot, spending time with loved ones near or far, or just chilling out here in Sioux City, I pray everyone is safe & well. In July, the annual Saturday in the Park music festival celebrated its 25 th Anniversary. Once again, Holy Trinity made it presence known with our Best Gyro you can get Gyro Booth. A BIG THANK YOU to Dean Karras and The Dean Team for making the Gyro Booth a successful event. Dean and The Dean Team have undertaken this project for many years with great success. We are very grateful to them for all their efforts these past 20+ years. Also in July, it was announced and celebrated that our Parish Family will be growing! Congratulations are in order for some of our young ladies within our Parish Family. Ms. Leah Baryo, daughter of John and Mary Baryo, is now engaged to Mr. Beau Brockway. A beautiful engagement celebration was held at Holy Trinity. A winter wedding for this year is planned. Best wishes for a beautiful future, Leah & Beau! Ms. Angela Konidas, daughter of Tim and Julie Konidas, is now engaged to Mr. Nick Stabile. Plans are in the works for their engagement celebration with upcoming nuptials taking place next year. Best wishes for a beautiful future, Angela & Nick! Once again, Congratulations & Na Zesee to both couples. Again, this is another example of how Holy Trinity MUST be willing and able to meet the needs of mixed marriage couples who have embraced and who will be embracing the Orthodox religion. They have come to realize the truth and beauty of the Orthodox Church! Many of our young couples have young children and others will be having children in the future. They are and will be OUR FUTURE! We, the stewards of Holy Trinity, must be willing to help meet the needs of the FUTURE of our beloved Holy Trinity. We MUST BE WILLING to look ahead, into the FUTURE, in order to guarantee a place of worship for our future generations. This year, like any other year, many services will be made available to the Stewards of Holy Trinity during this very important first 15 days of August. Fr. Dimitri will offer the Paraklesis service daily, except Aug. 5 th & Aug. 6 th, leading up to The Lamentations of the Theotokos on the evening of Aug. 14 th. On Aug. 5 th, Vespers for the Transfiguration will be held and on Aug. 6 th The Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration will be held. All these services lead us up to the important Feastday of The Dormition of The Theotokos, the falling asleep of Most Holy Mother of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please make every effort to attend as many of these important services as possible during this important time in our church. I would like to remind everyone of our annual Church Picnic that is fast approaching. The picnic will take place on Sunday, August 16 th at Stone Lodge located within beautiful Stone Park. Stone Park is located at 5001 Talbot Road in Sioux City. Again this year, Fr. Dimitri will offer the Orthros and Divine Liturgy beginning at 9am. This is another great opportunity for all to enjoy prayer and fellowship together, as a Family, at the beautiful Stone Park Lodge. It also provides an opportunity for our young school age children (and Adults, too) to partake in one last hurrah as a Spiritual Family prior to the beginning of the busy school year. So bring your footballs, Frisbees, baseballs and other outdoor fun gear for this outdoor event. Please be sure to mark your calendars for this important Family event Watch upcoming Church Bulletins for more info. As we look ahead into late August, Fr. Dimitri will be getting our Church Ministries up and ready to begin. Once again, there will be plenty of opportunities available for EVERYONE to get INVOLVED! From Youth Ministries to Orthodoxy On Tap, I feel confident that each and everyone one of us will be able to find one or two ministries that fit our lifestyles. Please watch your Weekly Church Bulletins for more August 2015 Page 8

9 info! As YOUR Parish Council President, I make myself available to you should you have any concerns. You may contact me at If I do not answer, please leave a message. I WILL return your call. I look forward to seeing each of YOU in Church! John Vlahoulis 2015, Parish Council President COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT Luke 3:10-11 "What should we do then?" the crowd asked. John answered, "Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." For the needy of Sioux City, Holy Trinity is asking for each family to put together at least 3 full supply kits as listed below from the Sioux City Schools. Please deliver your kits in brown grocery bags with the Grade Level marked to the Church no later than August 9 th. These will be delivered to the Sioux City Institutions that deliver these kits to needy families. Transitional Kindergarten 1 package of wooden #2 pencils 1 set of colored pencils 3 boxes of crayons (8 count) 2 bottles of white glue 3 folders 3 spiral notebooks 2 boxes washable markers 1 package dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 tray of 8 watercolors 1 paint shirt 1 resting mat 1 box of Kleenex* 1 box of sandwich-size baggies* Kindergarten 1 package wooden #2 pencils 1 large pencil eraser 4 boxes of crayons (24 count) 2 bottles of white glue 2 folders 2 spiral notebooks 1 box of washable markers Sioux City Community Schools TK-5 School Supply List 1 package of dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 small pencil box 1 large towel (to be used as a mat) 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 box quart-size storage bags (girls)* 1 box gallon-size storage bags (boys)* Grade 1 2 packages of wooden #2 pencils 1 large pencil eraser 3 boxes of crayons (24 count) 2 bottles of white glue 3 folders 3 notebooks 1 box of washable markers 1 package dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 small pencil box 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 box quart-size storage bags (girls)* 1 box gallon-size storage bags (boys)* August 2015 Page 9

10 Outreach continued Grade 2 2 packages of wooden #2 pencils 1 large pencil eraser 3 boxes crayons (24 count) 2 bottles of white glue *optional supply items 3 folders 3 spiral notebooks 1 box of washable markers 1 package of dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 school box 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 box quart-size storage bags (girls)* 1 box gallon-size storage bags (boys)* Grade 2 Grade 3 2 packages of wooden #2 pencils 1 set of colored pencils 1 red checking pen or pencil 1 large pencil eraser 2 boxes of crayons (24 count) 2 bottles of white glue 5 folders 5 spiral notebooks 1 package of loose leaf paper (wide-lined) 1 box of washable markers 1 package of dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 school box 1 ruler 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 package of 3x3 post-its (girls)* 1 package of 3x5 index cards (boys)* 1 box quart-size storage bags (girls)* 1 box gallon-size storage bags (boys)* Grade 4 2 packages of wooden #2 pencils 1 set of colored pencils 1 red checking pen or pencil 1 large pencil eraser 2 boxes of crayons (24 count) 2 bottles of white glue 6 folders 6 spiral notebooks 2 packages of loose leaf paper (wide-lined) 1 box of washable markers 1 package of dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 pencil box or bag 1 ruler 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 box quart-size storage bags (girls)* 1 box gallon-size storage bags (boys)* 1 package of 3x3 post-its (girls)* 1 package of 3x5 index cards (boys)* Grade 5 2 packages of #2 pencils 1 set of colored pencils 1 red checking pen or pencil 1 large pencil eraser 2 boxes of crayons (24 count) 1 pen (blue or black ink) 2 bottles of white glue 6 pocket folders with prongs 6 spiral notebooks 2 packages of loose leaf paper (wide-lined) 1 box of washable markers 1 package of dry erase markers 1 pair of scissors, blunt tip 1 highlighter 1 ruler 2 boxes of Kleenex* 1 package of 3x3 post-its (girls)* 1 package 3x5 index cards (boys)* August 2015 Page 10

11 Stewardship Time-Talent-Treasure Orthodox Stewardship is all about becoming caretakers of all that God has bestowed upon us. If you take the time to think about all God has given us, our health, our family, our intelligence, our talents and all our opportunities in life. God has granted each of us with special and unique gifts. Through Holy Scripture, he has taught us that what he has given us is a loan. He lends everything to us, and reminds us that one day, He will ask us to give a detailed accounting of what we have done with the gifts he has bequeathed unto us. How have we used our time, talents and treasures? Have we used them in a self-centered way or God-glorifying way? Have we learned the blessedness of generously giving to others of all we have? Everything we have is temporary as we do not know how long it will be bestowed upon us. The fundamental question is: How will we use all that we have for the glory of God? Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly, nor under compulsion, for God loves the man that gives cheerfully." (Corinthians 9:7) As our summer vacation is ending and the school year begins it is important to embrace the gifts that God has given all of us and utilize them in our everyday lives. If you haven t yet, it is time to become active in the many ministries of our church that suit all of our talents. It has been my goal and the Church s goal to get each and every one of you active within one of the ministries at Holy Trinity. Here is a reminder of some of the ministries that Holy Trinity has to offer: Youth Ministries Greek School Greek Dance Outreach & Philanthropy Pangari Ushers Philoptochos Altar Boys Choir Byzantine Music Cheering Corner Orthodoxy on Tap Healthy Body/ Healthy Soul Stewardship Chair Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Holy Trinity 2015 Stewards Fr. Dimitri & Presbytera Mary Tobias Dr. & Dr. Kosta Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Periklis Antonopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tony Antonopoulos Presbytera Vasiliki Balomenos Mr. & Mrs. John Baryo Ms. Leah Baryo Mr. Tom Baryo Mr. & Mrs. Sid Baumert Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. John Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Greg Boucher Mr. & Mrs. Pete Bovis Mr. & Mrs. John Chioros Mr. & Mrs. George Demetroulis Mr. & Mrs. Kosta Demetroulis Mrs. Georgia Diavastes Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Eliades- Kennelly Mr. & Mrs. Vassilaki Emanuel Mr. Nick Fondoulakis Mrs. Cula Fondoulakis Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fountoulakis Mr. Vaios Gennatos Mr. & Mrs. James Giasafakis Mr. & Mrs. Craig Golden Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Holevas Mr. & Mrs. Rick Jones Dr. Fotene Karantinos Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mr. & Mrs. Nick Kasotakis Mrs. Stella Kasotakis Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kazos Mr. & Mrs. Orfeas Ketchelos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ketchelos Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mrs. Bessie Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. George Klimiades Mr. & Mrs. Tim Konidas Mrs. Anna Kounas Mr. & Mrs. John Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Kouris Mr. John Lazaris Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Listamann Mr. & Mrs. Paul Madsen Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Margeas Mrs. Daisy Margeas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Margeas Mr. Bill Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Tim Margellos Mr. & Mrs. Mike Michelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Ted Mihelakakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mr. & Mrs. George Paradise Mr. & Mrs. Michael Paradise Mr. & Mrs. George Poulos Mrs. Antonia Prewitt Mrs. Maria Rigas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Schultz Mrs. Nancy Selleris Mrs. Afrodity Segos Mrs. Mavra Sengos Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sharp Mr. & Mrs. Spero Siganos Mrs. Anna Theros Dr. & Mrs. Richard Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsiobanos Mrs. Joan Vlahoulis Mr. John Vlahoulis Mr. Spero Vlahoulis Mr. Spyro Yianopoulos August 2015 Page 11

12 Philoptochos News Kalo Mena! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. These last months have been eventful for Philoptochos. Both May and June were busy as the ladies prepared the many pastries for our successful Grecian dinner and Festival bake sales. In May, we also held our elections from which a nine member board was voted on, and in June the board elected its officers. Your 2015/2016 board is as follows: Fotene Karantinos (President), Presbytera Mary Tobias (Vice-President), Mary Baryo (Treasurer), Mary Sharp (Secretary), Janet Antonopoulos, Vicki Bovis, Kiki Karras, Virginia Margeas, and Joan Vlahoulis. With profound gratitude and humility, I accept the opportunity to serve as your new Philoptochos, (Myrofores Society) President. I would also like to express deep appreciation to past President Mary Baryo and her predecessors for their exemplary work and inspiration in keeping our Holy Trinity Chapter alive and strong for over 85 years! As I prepared for this article, I just wanted to spend some time highlighting the Philoptochos organization. Philoptochos is a organization established nationally in 1931 by late Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was Archbishop of North and South America at the time. However, many cities organized local chapters as early as the 1890 s with the first wave of immigrants seeking to help other immigrants. That being said today Philoptochos is one of the oldest women s organizations in the country, and is the Orthodox Church s Philanthropic arm with the many ministries it supports Philoptochos fulfills the mission to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities, and the victims of disasters through its National and Metropolis boards, and its 26,000 members and more than 400 chapters. Some recent national outreach projects include: 1. Assist families who suffered the Hurricane Sandy disaster 2. Presented Homeward Bound Baskets to Philadelphia s Veterans 3. Funded aid to Greece and Cyprus 4. Supported Girls Education and Mentoring Service (GEMS) 5.Partnered with Loukoumi Foundation on Literacy Awareness and Make a Difference Day 6.Provided funding to aid flood victims in Serbia. Holy Trinity s society is consistently recognized by our Chicago Metropolis as one that fulfills all its National Commitments while still serving the local community. In keeping with the past, my goal will be to continue to foster our outreach opportunities, and even create some new ones in our own Sioux City. And looking into the future, I would like to encourage all ladies who may have never attended a Philoptochos event or have not been active for many years to become involved this year and offer their voice. With Sisterly Agape, Dr. Fotene Karantinos, Philoptochos President August 2015 Page 12

13 Youth Corner On Wednesday, August 5th the youth will meet at Churchat 5:00 p.m. for the Vespers of the Transfiguration. Following they will go to a pool party at Sergeant Bluff Pool 6:00-7:30 p.m.(910 Topaz Dr., Sergeant Bluff, IA 51054), followed by Pizza in the Park next door to the Pool. That evening at 8:00 p.m., the GOYA will meet at Dean & Amy Karras House for a bonfire discussion with Fr. Dimitri. Youth Ministries will kick off again in September! August 16 th Annual Church Picnic & Liturgy Liturgy will be held at Stone State Park Lodge 9:00 Orthros 10:00 Divine Liturgy Come join us for our annual family gathering. Enjoy good food, good company and the beautiful environment of the forest. New Ministry Join our young parishioners for a monthly evening of good fellowship at a bar, tavern, restaurant, or wherever the group would like. Orthodoxy on Tap brings together individuals interested in sharing open dialogue and discussion about issues, challenges, and hot topics in our world and church today. Most importantly, Orthodoxy on Tap is a gathering of friends who come to share in the cup of growth and togetherness... Thirsty? Contact Shanda Antonopoulos if interested! First Meeting: Saturday, August 22nd at 7:00 p.m. At The Diving Elk th St, Sioux City, IA August 2015 Page 13

14 Esperinos & Divine Liturgy for the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ August 5 at 6:00 p.m. and August 6 at 9:00 a.m. Our Lord had spoken to His disciples many times not only concerning His Passion, Cross, and Death, but also concerning the coming persecutions and afflictions that they themselves would endure. Since all these evils were near at hand, but the enjoyment of good things which they hoped to receive in their stead was yet to come, our Savior desired to give them full assurance, evidently and openly, concerning that glory which is prepared for those who endure to the end. Therefore, fulfilling that which He had promised shortly before, that "there be some standing here which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in His Kingdom" (Matt. 16:28), He took His three foremost disciples and ascended Mount Tabor, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became white as the light. Suddenly, together with this dread and marvelous effulgence of light, there appeared those pinnacles of the Prophets, Moses and Elias, who spoke with the Lord Jesus concerning His saving Passion which was about to take place. Standing before Him as reverent servants, they showed that He is the Lord of both the living and the dead, for Moses came forth from Hades, having died many centuries before, and Elias, as it were from heaven, whither he had been taken up while yet alive. After a little while a radiant cloud overshadowed them and out of the cloud they heard that same voice which had been heard at the Jordan at the Baptism of Christ, testifying to the Divinity of Jesus and saying: "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased; hear ye Him" (Matt. 17: 5). Such are the marvels, truly worthy of God, celebrated in this present feast, which is an image and prefiguring of the future state of the righteous, whose splendor the Lord spoke of, saying: "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun" (Matt. 13:43). It is because of this that the Kontakion of this Feast is said daily (when there is not a great feast) in the Service of the Typica in perpetual commemoration of the glory that will be the lot of the Saints. According to tradition, the Lord's Transfiguration came to pass forty days before His Crucifixion; this is why the Transfiguration is celebrated forty days before the Exaltation of the Cross. Apolytikion in the Grave Tone 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. August 2015 Page 14

15 Esperinos & Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos August 14 at 6:00 p.m. and August 15 at 9:00 a.m. Concerning the Dormition of the Theotokos, this is what the Church has received from ancient times from the tradition of the Fathers. When the time drew nigh that our Savior was well-pleased to take His Mother to Himself, He declared unto her through an Angel that three days hence, He would translate her from this temporal life to eternity and bliss. On hearing this, she went up with haste to the Mount of Olives, where she prayed continuously. Giving thanks to God, she returned to her house and prepared whatever was necessary for her burial. While these things were taking place, clouds caught up the Apostles from the ends of the earth, where each one happened to be preaching, and brought them at once to the house of the Mother of God, who informed them of the cause of their sudden gathering. As a mother, she consoled them in their affliction as was meet, and then raised her hands to Heaven and prayed for the peace of the world. She blessed the Apostles, and, reclining upon her bed with seemliness, gave up her all-holy spirit into the hands of her Son and God. With reverence and many lights, and chanting burial hymns, the Apostles took up that Godreceiving body and brought it to the sepulchre, while the Angels from Heaven chanted with them, and sent forth her who is higher than the Cherubim. But one Jew, moved by malice, audaciously stretched forth his hand upon the bed and immediately received from divine judgment the wages of his audacity. Those daring hands were severed by an invisible blow. But when he repented and asked forgiveness, his hands were restored. When they had reached the place called Gethsemane, they buried there with honor the all-immaculate body of the Theotokos, which was the source of Life. But on the third day after the burial, when they were eating together, and raised up the artos (bread) in Jesus' Name, as was their custom, the Theotokos appeared in the air, saying "Rejoice" to them. From this they learned concerning the bodily translation of the Theotokos into the Heavens. These things has the Church received from the traditions of the Fathers, who have composed many hymns out of reverence, to the glory of the Mother of our God (see Oct. 3 and 4). Apolytikion in the First Tone 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. August 2015 Page 15

16 Divine Liturgy for the St. Phanourios August 27 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. Little is known of the holy Martyr Phanourios, except that which is depicted concerning his martyrdom on his holy icon, which was discovered in the year 1500 among the ruins of an ancient church on Rhodes, when the Moslems ruled there. Thus he is called "the Newly Revealed." The faithful pray to Saint Phanurius especially to help them recover things that have been lost, and because he has answered their prayers so often, the custom has arisen of baking a Phanouropita ("Phanourios-Cake") as a thanks-offering. Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone A heavenly song of praise is brightly sung on the earth; * the hosts of the Angels keep an earthly festival now in splendor and radiant joy; * from on high, they praise with hymns the suff'rings and struggles; * and below, the Church doth laud the heavenly glory * thou foundest by thy contests and pains, O glorious Phanourios. Kontakion in the Third Tone From a vile captivity, thou didst deliver the Lord's priests, and, O godly-minded one, didst break their bonds by divine might; thou didst bravely shame the tyrants' audacious madness, giving joy unto the Angels, O thou Great Martyr. O Phanurius most glorious, we all revere thee as a true warrior of God. Easy St. Phanourios Bread Fasting (with oil) Preheat oven to cup sugar 2. 1 cup oil 3. 2 cups orange juice 4. 3/4 cup raisins 5. 3/4 cup chopped walnuts 6. 1 tsp. baking soda 7. 4 cups flour Mix oil and sugar, and beat until it's a creamy yellow. This may take a long time. Put the baking soda IN the orange juice, and stir until dissolved. [NB: this can be spectacularly dramatic if you use a two cup measuring cup with two cups of o.j. in it. (Please don't ask how I found out.) It might be easier to hold a two cup measuring cup OVER the bowl full of oil and sugar and pour in *one* cup of o.j., mix in 1/2 tsp. baking soda, watch the fireworks, pour it into the bowl, and again mix *one* cup of o.j. with 1/2 tsp. baking soda, stir and pour again. If you don't dissolve the baking soda completely, you get lumps of it in the cake. So, stir well.] Add the flour, then the raisins and nuts. Pour the batter into an ungreased 9"x13" pan and bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 minutes (or until a clean toothpick dipped in the cake emerges clean.) I use a bundt pan instead of one 9" x 13", and my kids prefer this with chocolate chips in the place of the raisins and nuts. It doesn't really need a frosting, but if you wanted to drizzle a stiff glaze made out of, say, powdered sugar and lemon juice and a little water over it, that would be okay, too. If you wanted to put spices in the batter, I'd go with a tiny amount (1/4 tsp. or less) of ground cloves. Modified from a recipe in Greek Traditions and Customs in America, by Marilyn Rouvelas Fancy St. Phanourios Bread (Phanouropita) Not even close to fasting! This recipe originally came from a cookbook for a Greek parish in Chicago, but I've tampered with it, mostly by editorializing. Doubles well; the recipe given is for one loaf pan worth, but Doubled it makes a bundt pan's worth. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a large, heavy bottomed saucepan, combine: 1. 1 cup orange juice 2. 1/2 cup brandy 3. 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter 4. 1/2 teaspoon salt 5. 2 cups golden raisins 6. 3/4 cup sugar 7. 1/2 cup honey 8. 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon 9. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for exactly ten minutes -- any longer, and you'll have a good caramelized smelling door stop instead of a cake. Set pot in cold water to cool mixture completely. Sift into cooled syrup: 1. 2 cups all-purpose flour 2. 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder 3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Beat vigorously for eight to ten minutes (Takes muscles! We use a wooden spoon for this) or until batter is smooth and bubbly. Stir in: 2 Tablespoons grated orange peel Turn into well greased 7" fluted pan or 8" loaf pan. Sprinkle with 1/2 sesame seeds (optional; skip if you like). Bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup brandy and cool cake in pan. Bring to church to have blessed, and then share with parishioners or the poor. Smells amazingly wonderful while cooking. August 2015 Page 16

17 Divine Liturgy for the Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John August 29 Orthros begins at 9:00 a.m. The divine Baptist, the Prophet born of a Prophet, the seal of all the Prophets and beginning of the Apostles, the mediator between the Old and New Covenants, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, the God-sent Messenger of the incarnate Messiah, the forerunner of Christ's coming into the world (Esaias 40: 3; Mal. 3: 1); who by many miracles was both conceived and born; who was filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb; who came forth like another Elias the Zealot, whose life in the wilderness and divine zeal for God's Law he imitated: this divine Prophet, after he had preached the baptism of repentance according to God's command; had taught men of low rank and high how they must order their lives; had admonished those whom he baptized and had filled them with the fear of God, teaching them that no one is able to escape the wrath to come if he do not works worthy of repentance; had, through such preaching, prepared their hearts to receive the evangelical teachings of the Savior; and finally, after he had pointed out to the people the very Savior, and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, Which taketh away the sin of the world" (Luke 3:2-18; John 1: 29-36), after all this, John sealed with his own blood the truth of his words and was made a sacred victim for the divine Law at the hands of a transgressor. This was Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Galilee, the son of Herod the Great. This man had a lawful wife, the daughter of Arethas (or Aretas), the King of Arabia (that is, Arabia Petraea, which had the famous Nabatean stone city of Petra as its capital. This is the Aretas mentioned by Saint Paul in II Cor. 11:32). Without any cause, and against every commandment of the Law, he put her away and took to himself Herodias, the wife of his deceased brother Philip, to whom Herodias had borne a daughter, Salome. He would not desist from this unlawful union even when John, the preacher of repentance, the bold and austere accuser of the lawless, censured him and told him, "It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife" (Mark 6: 18). Thus Herod, besides his other unholy acts, added yet this, that he apprehended John and shut him in prison; and perhaps he would have killed him straightway, had he not feared the people, who had extreme reverence for John. Certainly, in the beginning, he himself had great reverence for this just and holy man. But finally, being pierced with the sting of a mad lust for the woman Herodias, he laid his defiled hands on the teacher of purity on the very day he was celebrating his birthday. When Salome, Herodias' daughter, had danced in order to please him and those who were supping with him, he promised her -- with an oath more foolish than any foolishness -- that he would give her anything she asked, even unto the half of his kingdom. And she, consulting with her mother, straightway asked for the head of John the Baptist in a charger. Hence this transgressor of the Law, preferring his lawless oath above the precepts of the Law, fulfilled this godless promise and filled his loathsome banquet with the blood of the Prophet. So it was that that all-venerable head, revered by the Angels, was given as a prize for an abominable dance, and became the plaything of the dissolute daughter of a debauched mother. As for the body of the divine Baptist, it was taken up by his disciples and placed in a tomb (Mark 6: 21-29). Concerning the finding of his holy head, see February 24 and May 25. Apolytikion in the Second Tone The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy. Kontakion in the Plagal of the First Tone The glorious beheading of the Forerunner was a certain divine dispensation, that the coming of the Saviour might also be preached to those in Hades. Let Herodias lament, then, that she demanded a wicked murder; for she loved not the Law of God, nor eternal life, but one false and fleeting. August 2015 Page 17

18 On Sunday, August 23rd We will commemorate the 6th Month Memorial for Rev. Fr. Constantine Balomenos Come Support our Kids! Sporting Events, Recitals, Plays, Etc. Let your children see how much they mean to their Church family as we support them! Please give your child s schedule to Elisa Davenport to put on the Church Calendar. Please contact Elisa for more info at mommadport@gmail.com or Thank you to the family of Maggie Bovis for the $1,500 donation made in her memory for the outside storage area. August 2015 Page 18

19 Ask the St. Thomas Orthodox Church Sunday, August 23rd Akathis to the Mother of God: 6:00 p.m. Dinner and Questions with the Fathers: 7:00 p.m. Come and bring your questions to ask Fr. Lucas and Fr. Dimitri in an open environment. Why do we fast? Why are Liturgies set up the way they are? Why is Church on Sundays? Why were the disciples chosen? What is the Patriachate? What are the icons? Blessing of the Students Sunday, August 23rd After Liturgy the Students and Teachers will be blessed. Each Child will be given an Icon to place in his or her backpack. Lamentations Service to the Theotokos & Great Vespers August 14th 6:00 p.m. At Holy Trinity August 2015 Page 19

20 2015 Saturday in the Park July 4th July 25th Liturgy of the Dormition of St. Anna August 2015 Page 20

21 July 19 Engagement Party for Leah Baryo & Beau Brockway July 26th The Second Ask the Fathers took place at Holy Trinity. Thank you to Joan Vlahoulis and her crew for making such a delicious meal for the occasion. August 2015 Page 21

22 Parish News August 5 August 6 August 14 August 16 August 22 August 23 August 30 September 6 September 13 Youth Pool Party GOYA Campfire Holy Transfiguration Liturgy will take place in Sioux Falls. All are asked to attend Lamentations to the Theotokos Church Picnic at Stone State Park Orthodoxy on TAP at the Diving Elk Blessing of the Students and Teachers Ask the Fathers Held at St. Thomas Holy Trinity Ministries Fair Fall Ministries Kick Off First Day of Sunday School October 27 Metropolis News Metropolitan Iakovos Nameday Banquet August 2015 Page 22

23 Holy Trinity GOC August 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Theotokos Fast 8:30 am Agiasmos Service 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 2 We Knead You 3 Theotokos Fast 4 Theotokos Fast Philoptochos Monthly Meeting 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service Theotokos Fast 7:00 pm Parish Council Meeting 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 5 Theotokos Fast 5:00 pm Youth Pool 5:00 pm Esperenos of the Transfiguration 6 Theotokos Fast 7 Visitations 8 Theotokos Fast Divine Liturgy of the Transfiguration In Sioux Falls 6:00 pm Baptismal Seminar - Theotokos Fast 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 5:00 pm Byzantine Musc Class By appointment 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 9 Theotokos Fast 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 10 Theotokos Fast 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 11 Theotokos Fast 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 12 Theotokos Fast 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 13 Theotokos Fast 14 Visitations 15 2:00 pm Office Hours Theotokos Fast 9:00 am Assumption Orthros 5:00 pm Byzantine Musc Class 6:00 pm Lamentations of the 10:00 am Assumption Divine 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service Theotokos & Esperinos Liturgy 16 Parish Family Picnic 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice Visitations 22 2:00 pm Office Hours 5:00 pm Byzantine Musc Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 23 Blessing of the Students and Teachers 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice 7:00 pm Ask the Fathers 30 9:00 am Sunday Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Choir Practice Ministries Fair Visitations 29 9:00 am St. Phanurios Orthros 10:00 am St. Phanurios Divine Liturgy 2:00 pm Office Hours 5:00 pm Byzantine Musc Class 6:00 pm Paraklisis Service 31 9:00 am Beheading of the Forerunner Orthros 10:00 am Beheading of the Forerunner Divine Liturgy August 2015 Page 23

24 Prosforo to be offered by the following Families on the following August 2, 2015 August 9, 2015 August 16, 2015 August 23, 2015 August 30, 2015 Tsiobanos, Costa & Michelakakis, Mike & Bostinelos, John & Schultz Hanner Wendi Teresa Martha Eliades, Emmanuel & Margeas, Christopher & Vlahoulis, George Golden, Mandalin Tsehahe Jennifer Niki Mehess, Jim & Linda Paradise Bostinelos, Dimitri & Michelle Karantinos Giganti Glanzer Margellos, Tim & Demetra Fountoulakis, Diane Sengos Margeas, Steve & Margeas, Christopher & Selliris Mehess, Lila Madsen Virginia Niki Prosforo List Margellos, Tim & Demetra September Dr. & Dr. Kosta 6 Antonopoulos Dr. Fotene Karantinos Mr. & Mrs. Casey Glanzer Mr. & Mrs. Chris Kounas Fr. Dimitri & Presbytera September 13 Mary Tobias Mr. & Mrs. Alex Karras Mr. & Mrs. Costa Tsiobanos Mr. & Mrs. Craig Golden Mr. & Mrs. Christopher September 20 Margeas September 27 Mr. & Mrs. Dean Karras Mr. & Mrs. Dave Kjos Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Bikakis Mr. & Mrs. Dale Milbrodt Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Eliades-Kennelly Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Bostinelos Mr. & Mrs. Eric Smith We need Coffee Hour Sponsors! Does a loved one have a name day, birthday, anniversary, memorial coming up? Why not honor that loved one by sponsoring the Coffee Hour in his/her/their honor? Check the Coffee Hour Section of the Website to see open days. Sun August 2 Sun August 9 Sun August 16 Sun August 23 Sun August 30 Coffee Hour: Coffee Hour: Stone Park Liturgy Coffee Hour: The Balomenos Family in Memory of Rev. Fr. Constantine (6 months) Coffee Hour: August 2015 Page 24