KΗΠΟΣ KΥΡΙΟΥ GARDEN OF THE LORD

Transcription

1 KΗΠΟΣ KΥΡΙΟΥ GARDEN OF THE LORD A Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Asheville, NC. December 2017 What shall we offer Thee, O Christ, Who for our sakes hast appeared on the earth as a man? Every creature which Thou hast made offers Thee thanks. The angels offer Thee a song; The heavens, their star; The wise men, their gifts; The shepherds, their wonder; The earth, its cave; The wilderness; the manger; And we offer Thee a virgin mother. O Pre-eternal God, have mercy on us! Χαίρεται! Greetings to all! I greet all of you in the Spirit of this most beautiful and eloquent Christmas hymn. When I stop to consider these words, I am always in awe and amazement of this most incredible mystery. The One Who Is, Who created all things visible and in visible, out of His great love for us identifies Himself with us completely and in every way, except for sin. This in-and-of-itself is an unfathomable mystery! Not only does God become Man, but He comes with great humility, as a lowly servant, suffering for us, teaching us, guiding us, and by His Divine Spirit, waking us from our spiritual slumber and showing us a glimpse of the incomparably glorious Kingdom of the Heavens. So we ask ourselves, What shall we offer Thee, O Christ? Within the context of this hymn we means all of us. We see here that the angels, the heavens, the wise men, the shepherds, the earth and even the wilderness have their gifts prepared for the Christ. And we, humanity, all of us, offer to God a holy virgin to become the abode of Him whom the heavens cannot contain, and it is from her, the most holy Theotokos, that God receives His flesh. Words cannot express the grandeur of this reality. Even, however, in the shadow of this grand scenario, there remains a smaller, yet not insignificant, consideration. We, in terms of humanity, have done our part. But what about the we in the more personal sense? What can I offer to the Almighty God? The answer is simple, not necessarily easy. It is my Love. I say not necessarily easy because our inclination, whether we are aware of it or not, is to be self serving. Love serves the other without consideration for the self. Love of God is based upon the building of a relationship with Him. A healthy relationship requires time and effort. It requires that we give and receive. This is exactly what the Orthodox Church guides us to do; to give of ourselves, and to receive grace. If we are honest with ourselves, we will see that each and every one of us can give more of ourselves to God, from the most dedicated Christian to the most aloof. Our generation is full of excuses why we procrastinate and place other priorities before God. Many times we say to ourselves, God understands. Continued on Pg. 4 1

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 227 Cumberland Avenue Asheville, North Carolina Phone: (828) Facsimile (828) Tony and Helen Morris Hellenic Cultural Center: (828) Church Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM Fr. Michael Diavatis - Parish Priest FrMichaelD@newrome.org Fr. Michael s Office Hours If you need to see Fr. Michael during the week, he is available Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM, and other times by appointment. It is advised to call ahead incase of emergencies and other visitations Parish Council Richard Bass (2016/17) President Dean Nakos (2017/18) Vice President Julie Delich (2016/17) Secretary I. Tommy Arakas (2016/17) Treasurer Bess Crider (2016/17) Assistant Secretary Jimmy Koutsioumbis (2017/18) Assistant Treasurer Nick Baxevanis (2017/18) Bruce Fleming (2016/17) Steve Katsadouros (2017/18) Stamos Peterson (2017/18) Emily Rantzos (2016/17) If you are not on our mailing-list and would like to be please contact the Church Office. Any submission for the Garden of the Lord should be presented to the office by the 15th of each month. Orthodox Observer If you do not currently receive the Archdiocesan Newspaper, The Orthodox Observer, and would like to, please contact the Church Office. There is no cost for this service. 2

3 Prosforon Dec. 3 Theodora Poulos Dec. 10 Golfo Katsigianis Dec. 17 Katina Zoumbos Dec Eleni Sakkas Dec Bess Crider Prosforon Jan. 7 Eleni Kaltsunis Jan. 14 Popie Zourzoukis Jan. 21 Andrea Zourzoukis Jan Varvara Moutos Parish Council Pangari Duty December 3 Richard Bass & Julie Delich December 10 Jimmy Koutsioumbis & Richard Bass December 17 Dean Nakos & Bruce Fleming December 24 - Sokratis Katsadouros & Nick Baxevanis December 25 -Bess Crider & Bruce Fleming December 31 - Stom Peterson & Julie Delich January 7 Richard Bass & Dean Nakos January 14 January 21 January 28 - Coffee Hour and Luncheons December 3 1-year Memorial & Luncheon for Charlie & Dena Zogzas December 10 Youth Christmas Program December Day Memorial & Luncheon for Constantinos Siatis December 24 - Nick & Kim Kalogeras December Day Memorial & Luncheon for Constantinos Koutsioumbis January 7 1-year Memorial & Luncheon for Georgia Xenakis January 14 January 21 Nick & Kim Kalogeras January 28-3

4 Continued from Pg. 1 Therein lies a very dangerous confession, God understands. Of course God understands all too well. Do we understand what we do or do not do, and why? If someone said I have a million dollars for you, just come and get it, would we not go immediately? If another were to say I have the cure of your incurable illness, and it is free, just come to receive treatment, would we not drop everything? How about the offer from God, Who has for us the gift of eternal life? Is this not worth more than money and physical health? If the answer is yes, then the question remains; What can I offer to Thee, O Christ? The answer, then, is myself, with all of my heart, my soul, my strength and my mind (Luke 10:27). Wishing you every blessing during this season of the Nativity and into the New Year; Yours truly in Christ Jesus, Fr. Michael Diavatis The Three Magi offer to Christ their gifts of Gold (for a King), Frankincense (for a God) and Myrrh (for His entombment). 4

5 Holy Trinity, Asheville, NC November 2017 This year, consider joining in our Church Family tradition. Our Fourth Annual Holy Trinity Christmas Card The Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card is where the Faithful make a donation and have their names listed on one beautiful card that is then mailed out to all of the Parishioners & Friends of the Parish. The funds raised from the card go to help the Community ministries and pastoral needs. A minimum donation of $20 is requested to have your family name(s) placed on the card. Please consider making your tax-deductible donation greater than the minimum donation for the benefit of our Holy Church. Please have your Community Christmas Card form completed and returned to the Church office by Monday, December 4, 2017 to be included. Thank you for your generous response, everyone! HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 2017 CHRISTMAS CARD NAME: (Please print your name as you want it to appear in the card) ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: ( ) MY DONATION: $20 $30 $40 $50 $ OTHER Please submit your form and offering to the Office by Monday, Dec. 4th. 5

6 December Schedule Sunday, December 3. Monday, December 4. St. Barbara & St. John of Damascus Services in Greenville, SC Wednesday, December 6. St. Nicholas Sunday, December 10. Tuesday, December 12. St. Spyridon Sunday, December 17. Wednesday, December 20. The Service of Holy Unction. Friday, December 22. St. Anastasia Service of the Great Hours for Christmas. Sunday, December 24. The Eve of the Birth of Christ. The Birth of Christ. Sunday, December 31. 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 8:45 AM 5:00 PM 9:00 AM 8:45 AM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM 8:45 AM Ἠμερολόγιον Δεκεμβρίου Κυριακή, 3 Δεκεμβρίου. Δευτέρα, 4 Δεκεμβρίου. Ἁγ. Βαρβάρας καὶ Ἁγ. Ἰωάννου Δαμασκινοῦ. Τετάρτη, 6 Δεκεμβρίου. Ἁγίου Νικολάου.. Κυριακή, 10 Δεκεμβρίου. Τρίτη, 12 Δεκεμβρίου. Ἁγίου Σπυρίδωνος Κυριακή, 17 Δεκεμβρίου. Τετάρτη, 20 Δεκεμβρίου. Ἀκολουθία Εὐχελαίου. Παρασκευή, 22 Δεκεμβρίου. Ἁγίας Ἀναστασίας. Ἡ Ἀκολουθία τῶν Μεγάλων Ὡρῶν. Κυριακή, 24 Δεκεμβρίου. Παραμονή Χριστουγέννων Ἡ Γέννησις τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Κυριακή, 31 Δεκεμβρίου. 6

7 Monday, January 1. January Schedule Friday, January 5. Strict Fast Day. Vesperal Divine Liturgy with the Blessing of the Waters. Saturday, January 6. Theophany. Great Blessing of the Waters. Sunday, January 7. St. John the Forerunner. Sunday, January 14. Wednesday, January 17. St. Anthony the Great. Thursday, January 18. St. Athanasios the Great. Sunday, January 21. Sunday, January 28. The Publican and the Pharisee. Tuesday, January 30. The Three Hierarchs. 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 8:45 AM 8:45 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:45 AM 8:40 AM 9:00 AM Ἠμερολόγιον Ἰανουαρίου Δευτέρα, 1 Ἰανουαρίου. Παρασκευή, 5 Ἰανουαρίου. Νηστεία. Μέγας Ἐσπερινός με Θεία Λειτουργία καὶ Ἁγιασμός. Σάββατον, 6 Ἰανουαρίου. Ἁγία Θεοφάνεια. Μέγας Ἁγιασμός. Κυριακή, 7 Ἰανουαρίου.. Ἁγίου Ἱωάννου τοῦ Προδρόμου. Κυριακή, 14 Ἰανουαρίου. Τετάρτη, 17 Ἰανουαρίου. Ἁγίου Ἀντονίου τοῦ Μεγάλου. Πέμπτη, 18 Ἰανουαρίου. Ἁγίου Ἀθανασίου τοῦ Μεγάλου. Κυριακή, 21 Ἰανουαρίου. Κυριακή, 28 Ἰανουαρίου. Τελώνου καἰ Φαρισσαίου. Δευτέρα, 30 Ἰανουαρίου. Τῶν Ἁγίων Ἱεραρχῶν. 7

8 Parish Council President s Message - Richard Bass CHRISTMAS A time when we experience the warmest feelings of the year. A time when treasured songs of this glorious time depicting our Christ s birth are played over the music stations creating happy feelings you know them songs like Silent Night, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World. Christmas is a time of year when families and friends will travel even great distances to enjoy traditional meals and speak of days gone by, when life was sweet and seemed trouble free. Memories are shared of old family traditions, favorite foods, and funny stories. It is also a time when people just seem to want to be nicer, more generous, even to strangers. Where Christmas Eve people attend Church services and afterward at home is filled with a lot of excitement, with children anticipating Christmas morning surprises. Christmas day seems more serene. We awake and notice the streets are barren, almost no cars, and no activity stillness takes over. We reflect how blessed we are and how wonderful this world would be if people of all faiths could come together and experience the joys of Christmas and good will every day in all communities. I pray that the warmth you share this Christmas time, you continue to share always as we enjoy the Blessings presented to us by the birth of our Lord Jesus. Christmas is a few weeks away, but Christmas could be everyday, IF we really wanted it to be. December 10th will be a full day for everyone at Holy Trinity. Parish Elections Philoptochos Vasilopita Auction Sunday School & Greek School Christmas Program & Bake Sale 8

9 BOOK STORE & GIFT SHOP NEWS Stop in and do your Christmas shopping. We have new books, icons, jewelry and many other items. We also have some grocery and gift items on sale! If at any time the Book Store is closed, our helpful committee are ready to open to serve you or take special orders: George Lamprinakos Andrea Zourzoukis Hope Xenakis Dean Maria Kallis Vicky Papakonstantinou Tina Papakonstantinou Paula Apostolopoulos ELIADA HOME GIFT LISTS COMPLETE This marks the third year that Holy Trinity has participated in the Eliada Home Sponsor a Child for the Holidays. As i n p r e v i o u s y e a r s, p a r i s h i o n e r P e r r y Stamatiades has chaired this effort to fill a child s Wish List for Christmas. With the help of many of our generous parishioners our parish sponsored 20 gift lists. Each Wish List amount was for $150 and a l l l i s t s w e re q u i c k l y requested and filled by Holy Trinity Santas. Many thanks to Perry and his helpers for brightening Christmas and making happy memories for these children; and building this beautiful Christmas tradition in our parish. Epharisto everyone! It s that time of year again Father Michael requests your changes for the 2017 Church Directory by December 11, 2017 otherwise your info will be reprinted as is. Thanks! 9

10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Hurry to be included! December 2017 More News & Info AHEPA CHRISTMAS GREETINGS On behalf of AHEPA Land of the Sky Chapter 28 I would like to wish my fellow Brothers, their families, and all parishioners Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Dean Nakos, President PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD DEADLINE IS MONDAY, DEC. 4, 2017 The Holy Trinity Community Christmas Card is where the Faithful make a donation and have their names listed on one beautiful card that is then mailed out to all of the Parishioners & Friends of the Parish. The funds raised from the card go to help the Community ministries and pastoral needs. Forms are at the Pangari desk or in the Church Office. Please have your form completed and returned to the Church Office by Monday, December 4, 2017 to be included. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE FOUNDER S DAY CELEBRATION IN BREVARD Daughters of Penelope celebrated their Founder s Day on Thursday, November 9th by bussing to Brevard to enjoy lunch at the Blue Ridge Bakery, owned by parishioners John & Katina Hansen. Many thanks to Dawn Stucker for being our bus driver and to Julie Delich for reading the Teacup Story for us. Katina baked a beautiful birthday cake for our Birthday member Andrea Zourzoukis, along with others celebrating recent birthdays: Maria Zourzoukis, Popie Zourzoukis, Golfo Katsigianis & Maria Keranis Below is a photo of those who attended. Many thanks to the Hansens for a delicious lunch and welcoming us with open arms! 10

11 Philoptochos MANNA FOOD DRIVE Philoptochos would like to thank all the Parishioners who helped with the MANNA Food Drive. 300 lbs of food which included 8 turkeys and 10 hams were delivered on to MANNA on Tuesday, November 21, The turkeys and hams were purchased with the $265 cash donations that were collected. Your donations were truly appreciated. Thank you for your support in this worthy cause. VASILOPITA SILENT AUCTION DECEMBER 10TH Philoptochos will host their annual fundraiser for Saint Basil s Academy in New York State. Our ladies will bake decorated Vasilopitas to auction and you can support a good cause AND take home a delicious treat for your table! It all takes place during the coffee hour at the Hellenic Center. JOIN US AT OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY DECEMBER 10TH This year we are having our party and annual gift collection at the Copper River Grill, located at 1302 Hendersonville Road. Please RSVP to Athena Poulos by December 2, 2017 at (828) or at azpoulos@hotmail.com. Please remember to bring unwrapped toys for the Children First gift table. HOMELESS SHELTER COLLECTION THRU SUNDAY DECEMBER 17TH We are collecting scarves, gloves, hats and socks. All items must be brand new. Place items in the box located in the Narthex of the Church to be delivered on December 18th. JANUARY 7TH - PLEASE JOIN THE CUTTING OF THE VASILOPITA Our community will hold a cutting of our Vasilopita on Sunday January 7th. Who will get the coin this year? Our General Membership meeting for January will be held in the small coffee room immediately following. On behalf of all of our Philoptochos Members, I would like to wish each of you a Blessed Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year 2017! Athena Poulos, President 11

12 Memorials for December and January at Holy Trinity I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12 Dec. 3 Dec. 17 Dec. 31 Jan. 7 One Year Memorial & Makaria Luncheon for Charles & Dena Zogzas 40 Day Memorial Makaria Luncheon for Constantinos Siatis 40 Day Memorial for Constantinos Koutsioumbis, father of PC Member Jimmy Koutsioumbis Three Year Memorial Coffee Hour for Georgia Xenakis Thank You Notes Dear Father Michael and Holy Trinity Family, We wish to extend our sincere Thank You to each of you for your love, support, prayers and outpouring of kindness during the recent loss of beloved Husband, Father and Papou. To those who brought food to us at home and to the church after the Trisagion Service our heartfelt Thank You. To all the members of the community who set up the hall and assisted Mr. Chris Zourzoukis to prepare and serve the Makaria meal after the funeral, from the bottom of our hearts we Thank You. Your outpouring of love is a testimony to the man who loved his faith, always placing God first in his life. The family of Chris Panagiotopoulos would like to thank everyone in the community who helped prepare the hall, prepared food and joined us on Sunday, October 22, 2017 for his 3 year memorial kafe. God bless you all! Maria Panagiotopoulos & Family ζωή σε σας The Siatis Family 12

13 Fellowship and Fun! A Recent Bowling Night for The Goyans! We had fun! 13

14 You re Invited to the Sunday School & Greek School Program Celebrating the Birth of Christ Sunday December 10 Bake Sale to raise funds for a Pilgrimage to the Panagia Prousiotissa Monastery in Troy, NC Check our Share Site for all the latest news and information regarding the Holy Trinity Youth Education Programs. HTGOC Youth Ministry Asheville on Shutterfly 14

15 What s New on the Internet? Here s some suggestions for Orthodox websites Read how Nashville s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is, at last, being adorned with exquisite iconography. Iconographer Themis Petrou works on icons. Beautiful photos & article. Must read! Lots to check out on the brand new website for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Beautiful photography and very improved user interface. Lots of great links to religious articles and videos!! Also, check out the interactive Light a Candle Virtual Chapel App feature. Multi-Media videos, studies & pod casting options are increasing in popularity. What s an Iconogram? They re ecards of beautiful icon images you can to friends for name days and special saint s days. Games for Children are a new addition. ebooks are available: My Orthodox Prayer Book, Speaking to God and Ways of the Lord both by Archbishop Demetrios. It s a wonderful way to improve your daily prayer life Looking for an Orthodox Gift? Orthodox Marketplace may have what you want! Our Metropolis of Atlanta has a redesigned website, also! It s so improved and user friendly now. Check this out for all the latest info on the Diakonia Center, and many other important facets of our Metropolis. Philoptochos does a wonderful job of presenting and updating their accomplishments. 15

16 Holy Trinity, Asheville, NC November 2017 Please phone your reservation to Athena Poulos or her at 16

17 THE WORD BECAME FLESH A Sermon by St. John of Kronstadt on the Nativity of Christ The Word became flesh; that is, the Son of God, co-eternal with God the Father and with the Holy Spirit, became human having become incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary. O, wondrous, awesome and salvific mystery! The One Who had no beginning took on a beginning according to humanity; the One without flesh assumed flesh. God became man without ceasing to be God. The Unapproachable One became approachable to all, in the aspect of an humble servant. Why, and for what reason, was there such condescension [shown] on the part of the Creator toward His transgressing creatures toward humanity which, through an act of its own will had fallen away from God, its Creator? It was by reason of a supreme, inexpressible mercy toward His creation on the part of the Master, Who could not bear to see the entire race of mankind which, He, in creating, had endowed with wondrous gifts enslaved by the devil and thus destined for eternal suffering and torment. And the Word became flesh!...in order to make us earthly beings into heavenly ones, in order to make sinners into saints; in order to raise us up from corruption into incorruption, from earth to heaven; from enslavement to sin and the devil into the glorious freedom of children of God; from death into immortality, in order to make us sons of God and to seat us together with Him upon the Throne as His royal children. O, boundless compassion of God! O, inexpressible wisdom of God! O, great wonder, astounding not only the human mind, but the angelic [mind] as well! Let us glorify God! With the coming of the Son of God in the flesh upon the earth, with His offering Himself up as a sacrifice for the sinful human race, there is given to those who believe the blessing of the Heavenly Father, replacing that curse which had been uttered by God in the beginning; they are adopted and receive the promise of an eternal inheritance of life. To a humanity orphaned by reason of sin, the Heavenly Father returns anew through the mystery of re-birth, that is, through baptism and repentance. People are freed of the tormenting, death-bearing authority of the devil, of the afflictions of sin and of various passions. Human nature is deified for the sake of the boundless compassion of the Son of God; and its sins are purified; the defiled are sanctified. The ailing are healed. Upon those in dishonour are boundless honour and glory bestowed. Those in darkness are enlightened by the Divine light of grace and reason. The human mind is given the rational power of God we have the mind of Christ (Cor. 2, 16), says the Holy apostle Paul. To the human heart, the heart of Christ is given. The perishable is made immortal. Those naked and wounded by sin and by passions are adorned in Divine glory. Those who hunger and thirst are sated and assuaged by the nourishing and soul-strengthening Word of God and by the most pure Body and Divine Blood of Christ. The inconsolable are consoled. Those ravaged by the devil have been and continue to be delivered. What, then, O, brethren, is required of us in order that we might avail ourselves of all the grace brought unto us from on high by the coming to earth of the Son of God? What is necessary, first of all, is faith in the Son of God, in the Gospel as the salvation-bestowing heavenly teaching; a true repentance of sins and the correction of life and of heart; communion in prayer and in the mysteries [sacraments]; the knowledge and fulfillment of Christ s commandments. Also necessary are the virtues: Christian humility, alms-giving, continence, purity and chastity, simplicity and goodness of heart. Let us, then, O brothers and sisters, bring these virtues as a gift to the One Who was born for the sake of our salvation let us bring them in place of the gold, frankincense and myrrh which the Magi brought Him, as to One Who is King, God, and Man, come to die for us. This, from us, shall be the most-pleasing form of sacrifice to God and to the Infant Jesus Christ. Amen. 17

18 Holy Trinity Stewardship Update 150 Pledges $123,374 Pledged Average Pledge of $823 Median Pledge $500* Darryl & Mary Addington Spiro & Sue Aliferis Assef & Hiyam Alnasraween Nick & Maria Anagnostopoulos Nicole Anagnostopoulos Philip & Elizabeth Anagnostopoulos Andrew Apostolopoulos Linda Apostolopoulos Pete & Paula Apostolopoulos Catherine Arakas Sideris & Sue Arakas Eula Balomenos Gus & Ismini Barlas John & Vasso Barlas Peter & Georgia Barlas Richard & Mickie Bass Alexander & Ashleigh Baxevanis George & Jennifer Baxevanis John & Elizabeth Baxevanis Nick & Laura Baxevanis Bernard & Milagro Blanco Stelios & Stavroula Bousios Travis & Eirene Burnette Mary Chakales Pete & Patty Chakales Nick & Maria Collias Steve & Helen Constantinou Mary Vlahos Craven Steven & Bess Crider John and Gerri Critikos Hope Xenakis & Raymond R. Dean John & Julie Delich Kathryn Demos Gus Dermas John Dermas Yotty Dermas Fr. Michael & Pres. Nikol Diavatis Harry Diavatis John Diavatis Angelo & Catherine Dotsikas Constantina Dotsikas Demetrios & Stamatia Dotsikas Kostas & Amy Marie Dotsikas Spyros Doumakis Andrea Dray Randy & Angie Edwards Irene Evangelatos John & Catherine Faherty 18 Evangelos & Holly Fallias Diane Ferikes Bruce & Traci Fleming Arthur Fotos Peter Gilman Tim & Anastasia Grammatikas Mackey P. Griffis Bob & Anastasia Haines John & Katina Hansen Antonios & Stavroula Iliou George Iliou Crisler & Ginny Johnson Mary Johnson Starry Jones Andrew & June Kallianos Evanthia Kalogerakis Marika Kalogerakis Stelios Kalogerakis Niko & Kim Kalogeras George & Eleni Kaltsunis Jimmy & Erenie Katsadouros Sokratis & Dora Katsadouros Andy & Golfo Katsigiannis Jim & Carmen Kelling Scott & Katina Kenyon Maria Keranis Kiki Koufaliotis Fotios & Stamatina Koutris Margaret Koutris Jimmy & Jenny Koutsioumbis George & Ida Kroi Gust & Vasiliki Kyres George Lamprinakos Mike & Amalia Lawrence Jason & Despina Ledford Patrick & Rita Lewis Christos & Vivian Loukas Karen McGovern Chris & Varvara Moutos Jim & Angeliki Moutos Dean Nakos Bessie Nickolopoulos Nick Nickolopoulos Haralambos & Nastila Nikolla Vasil & Etlena Nune Gabriel & Catherine Ortiz Maria Panagiotopoulos Chris & Vicky Papakonstantinou

19 Helen Papanastasiou Evangelia Papaspyrou Arthur & Laurie Pappas Evan Pappas Mary Pappas Gunther & Trixana Penner Chris & Mari Peterson Johnny Peterson Stom & Katherine Peterson Gus Poulos John & Susan Poulos Mary Poulos Milton & Athena Poulos Theodora Poulos Andrew & Valentina Prytyskach Kostas & Emily Rantzos Nikolaos & Meni Rantzos Paul & Steffie Rantzos Angelo & Eleni Sakkas Kosta & Virginia Sakkas Ourania Sellas Nicholas Sellas Constantinos & Evelyn Siatis Stamatia Sigman Walter & Evangelia Sosa Jim & Virginia Soufleris Gus & Melissa Stamatiades John & Effie Stamatiades Perry & Fay Stamatiades Pete Stathopoulos Demetri & Maria Stephenson Jeff & Dawn Stucker Maria Treskas Athanasios & Fotini Triantafillou Thanos & Vickie Tsakalos George & Tammy Tsiros Nick & Anastacia Tsiros Tommy & Michelle Tsiros Jimmy & Sophia Tziavelis Benedict Urquhart Seth Urquhart Bill & Connie Vlahoulis Valentina Weaver Anna Xenakis Jim & Maria Yianopolous Bill Zaferis Steve & Frosene Zeis Christos & Katina Zoumbos Christos & Adamantia Zourzoukis Constantinos Zourzoukis Dimitrios Zourzoukis Evangelia Zourzoukis George Zourzoukis Gus & Popie Zourzoukis Mary Zourzoukis Friends of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for 2017 Mike & Rita Georgoulias Dr. & Mrs. S.G. Koutroulias Tom & Virginia Moutos Konstantinos & Aphrodite Pistiolis John & Susan Zourzoukis * The Median is the middle of a sorted list of numbers. In this case, there are 150 pledges ranging from $50 to $9,000. The middle pledge (#75) is $

20 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 227 Cumberland Avenue PO Box 8369 Asheville, NC Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Asheville, NC #135 The December Edition of the Garden of the Lord is Sponsored by Mike and Rita Georgoulias For the Good Health of the Asheville and Winston-Salem Communities. 20