TRANSaGRAM. Giving Thanks REMEMBERING OUR LIVING GOD. IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2. CHURCH EVENTS page 3. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 5

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1 November 2013 Monthly / Issue No. 11 TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor Giving Thanks REMEMBERING OUR LIVING GOD by Fr. Tom Chininis Really, when you think about it, how many different ways can one define Thanksgiving? Simply it is the fourth Thursday of November when we are called as a nation to pause and give thanks for the blessings we have received. We can call it a national holiday. We can label it a day of family. We can focus on providing a traditional meal. We can simply look at it as a day off from work. Today as a nation we try to make it into a civic holiday. This effort is somewhat disingenuous. At the very core of this day is a deeply embedded Christian ethos that cannot be filtered out. The early pilgrim who had traveled from their homelands in search of religious freedom, gathered as a community to celebrate the bounties of the harvest that they attributed to the goodness of God. If this is how the holiday was created then how can we possibly define it in any other way? At the core of the pilgrims effort to thank God was the realization that the harvest provided them with life. They had already faced an impossible winter, and so many of their community had succumbed to the perils of their new environment and lack of provisions. For them, God is life. St. Paul tells us not only that God is life, but also that He is a living God. God is not an inanimate object, an historical figure, or philosophical concept. He is a dynamic, personal, loving God who understands and relates to His creation. St. Paul tells us that the living God dwells in each one of us and that this relationship, as father and his children, provides and sustains us. BRETHREN, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people...and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2Cor 6:16-18) IN THIS ISSUE PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2 Fr. Tom reflects Thanksgiving impact on our lives. CHURCH EVENTS page 3 Family Fun Night; Announcements and Reminders; GOYA activities, and more. PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 5 Parish Council President Christian Zouzas offers thought on honoring the veterans of our parish; Olivia Sintros updates Stewardship,Treasurer s Report; and Parish Council Report. PARISH GROUPS page 7 Philoptochos; Sunday School; Choir; Youth Activities; and more. CHURCH INFORMATION page 11 How to contact the church, and who to contact; Parish Council member names and contact information; and more. CALENDARS & SACRAMENTS page 12 Regular and special services calendar; Sacraments; Church Calendar of Events; and more. (continued on page 2) PAGE 1

2 NOVEMBER 2013 (continued #om page 1) For us today, this is especially important for us to remember. It is far too easy for us to think of our religion, faith, or worship, as something that we should do. In reality, thinking this way makes God into something, not someone; something is an object and someone is a living being. This is contrary to what St. Paul teaches and to who God is. While there are many examples, we will look at three that point to God as a living God from the New Testament. The first example is fundamental, the Incarnation; the Son of God is born of a virgin and takes on human nature. The Christ is both God and man. He is born as we are born. He lives as we live. The God-man is a living being; living God and living man. God the Father sent His Son so that we can personally know Him. The perceived chasm between God and man is eliminated. The second example is of Jesus, who meets the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:1-26). Jesus answered and said to her, If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. (Jn 4:10) The gift that God gives is not just water, but living water. This living water provides for us eternal life. Only a living God can provide living water for eternal life. The last example leads us to Christ s death, burial, and resurrection. Only something that is living can die; an inanimate object or a thought cannot. Through Christ s death, His life is confirmed. Without His death there could be no resurrection. The resurrection confirms for us that eternal life comes from a living God. For us as a nation, and especially for us as Orthodox Christians, our celebration of Thanksgiving is a celebration of our relationship with a living God; a God who knows us, a God who provides life for us, a God who brings us to eternal life.this is the essence of the pilgrims celebration. They came together to thank God who they knew, who provided for them, and offered to them the opportunity for salvation. This year as we gather together to celebrate this feast with family and friends let us with one voice give thanks to our living God for all of the blessings in our lives. More importantly, let us remember to give thanks to our living God each and everyday. This commitment to give thanks will help us deepen our relationship with our living and loving God who provides us with all good things. Field Trip: Museum of Science Transfiguration parishioners recently took a field trip to the Museum of Science to tour the Dead Sea Scroll exhibit. It was an enlightening and educational experience for everyone. Virginia Kimball offers insight on the exhibit to fellow parishioners Dyanne Mitropoulis listens to details about the exhibit Olivia Sintros and Ellen Dobi share thoughts on what they have seen. PAGE 2

3 NOVEMBER 2013 CHURCH EVENTS Family Fun Night CELEBRATING THE HARVEST AND FELLOWSHIP by Amanda Apostolou, Family Night Coordinator Thank you, first, to Father Tom and Greg Floor for starting our event with a group discussion and spiritual reflection. It was such a blessing to begin our night of fellowship focusing on our creator and each other s personal experiences with Him. Secondly, thank you to all who came out to assist in setup and breakdown and to the GOYA that came out to help with the different booths at the event. Stephanie paints a fun design on Hope s hand. Face painting was well received at the Family Fun Night. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst. (Matthew 18:20) Finally, thanks to everyone for coming out and making all of this worthwhile! The kids, and a few kids at heart, loved prancing about in their costumes playing all the games. When they weren t getting their faces painted by Stephanie Gulezian, they were having a blast in the bouncy house or competing to finish their donut first. The evening was a beautiful time of fellowship and fun and could not have been a better way to celebrate the fall season together. More fun is just around the corner! Gingerbread Night is December 13th. Look for the flyer and sign up near the end of November. Father and son enjoy a laugh during the Family Fun Night. Could it be Dad s new hairstyle? Bouncy House...always a hit. Perhaps the most played game during Family Fun night. Choose Community Choose Enterprise Bank The Enterprise Bank team helps create successful businesses, jobs, opportunities, wealth, and vibrant prosperous communities. Choose-Community.com Member FDIC Acton Andover Billerica Chelmsford Derry, NH Dracut Fitchburg Hudson, NH (Coming Soon) Leominster Lowell Methuen Tewksbury Salem, NH Westford Enjoying pizza during the Family Fun Night Harvest Festival on October 11. PAGE 3

4 NOVEMBER 2013 GOYA ACTIVITIES Who said washing cars can t be fun! Photos courtesy Katerina Kalabokis At end of September GOYAns had a great time washing cars for parishioners following services. It was a beautiful day and a whole lot of fun. Mid October the Transfiguration GOYA met the GOYA from St. Catherine of Braintree at Scream Fest at Canobie Lake. They had a marvelous time with old friends and making new ones. GOYA meets the first and third Sundays of the month. New participants are always welcome. A Night at Screeeeam Fest Not so Scary Mama s Italian Restaurant 1140 Lakeview Avenue! Tel: (978) Dracut, MA 01826! Fax: (978) PAGE 4 BLUE ANGUS CAFÉ 34 Broadway Road (Route 113) Dracut, MA Proprietors Steve Chicklis! Steve Graham! Andy Graham Randy Davis

5 NOVEMBER 2013 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS President s Message HONORING OUR VETERANS by Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President The Transfiguration Church Veteran Ministry was officially started in January One may wonder about the purpose of it and why was it started. In the book of Genesis we read about the creation of humankind through the story of Adam and Eve. God created man and woman; individuals who have free will with the choice to follow God or not. Not following God led to evil and man creating such things as slavery and dictatorships. To combat such things, some individuals answer a sense of duty, instilled within them by God, to protect humanity from such evils. The desire for freedom is woven in the fabric of humanity through our free will and is the same reason we are free to worship. For these individuals who hear this calling, we offer our heartfelt gratitude. For those who heard this calling and sacrificed their lives, what words can one offer to a parent who has lost a son or daughter in order to keep us free? What words of gratitude will comfort them for their child s sacrifice? Our parish will recognize the veterans of our community following Sunday services on November 10th. Please watch for the special display recognizing our veterans. Join us on November 10th to honor and recognize our Veterans. Thank you, and God bless the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church. Treasurer s Report by George Bertos, Parish Council Treasurer If you have any questions, or are interested in helping, please contact me at treasurer@transchurch.org. ACCOUNT SUMMARY (AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2013) Account Balance Altar Fund $ Special Events Checking $68, General Checking $45, Building Maintenance $2, Money Market Savings $34, Kitchen Hall Fund $ Account Totals: $154, Charter School Special Account $108, Grand Total: $263, JAMES MONOXELOS NORTHEAST VISIT OUR E MAIL: jmonoxelos@neref.com PHONE: x15 FAX: SHAWSHEEN ST., TEWKSBURY, MA GOYA ANNUAL PIE SALE Place your order during Coffee Fellowship Deadline November 17 PAGE 5

6 NOVEMBER 2013 Stewardship Report CARING FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHERS by Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter As the Stewardship Ministry Team works toward the goal of providing a successful Orthodox Christian Stewardship Program, we thank our 331 stewards who have completed or who are working toward completing their 2013 financial commitment to the church. If you are one of the 2013 stewards who have misplaced your commitment card or just neglected making a 2013 commitment to date, it is never too late. Won t you please place your church to the top of your priority list this month and submit your 2013 stewardship donation before we enter If you have completed or on your way to completing your 2013 donation perhaps you might begin thinking about your stewardship to the church in Stewardship 2014 will begin in mid-november with a Stewards Appreciation Luncheon on November 17th. Our new 2014 Stewardship Campaign recalls the words of St. John Chrysostom: The rich man is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what he gives away remains his forever. In making a decision, we should keep in mind that the expenses of our Parish and the Church increase every year. In order to continue to grow our ministries and meet our expenses, each of us should strive to increase his /her offering annually. As in the past, we may remit our offering in the manner that suits us, but, it s been proven that small regular contributions are easier to manage. It is suggested that we ponder our contribution on a weekly basis. On the first day of every week (Sunday), each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income (I Corinthians 16:20). In an effort to provide another means of supporting the church, the parish has enrolled in ParishPay, an electronic giving option. Please see ParishPay Q/A flyer enclosed in this Trans a gram. Thank you in advance for your consideration, as we are all responsible for the care of Christ s Church STEWARDSHIP DATA As of October 18, 2013 Participating stewards 331 Total pledged $130,580 Received to date $117,872 Budgeted goal $165,000 Please note: We are $34,000 below our budgeted goal of $165,000. Parish Council Update by Stephen Nicholaides, Parish Council Secretary The monthly Parish Council meeting was held on October 1. The following key items were presented and discussed. The electrical transformer was upgraded to accommodate the needs of the School at their expense, but will remain property of the parish. The School has completed construction of the modular classrooms and is now using them along with the Family Life Center classrooms. The treasurer s report was presented along with the proposed 2014 budget that will be presented at the Parish Assembly on November 3. Fr. Tom informed the Council that chair lifts to the choir loft and installation have been donated. The Council agreed to accept the donations at no cost to the parish. The Board of Elections has been contacted, but two vacancies need to be filled by the Council. Several names were presented and they will be asked to participate. An updated layout of the memorial envelopes was presented. New envelopes incorporating some suggestions will be printed. The Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon will be held on November 17. Discussion on the responsibilities for the Luncheon and program were held. Fr. Tom suggested and the Council agreed that we include the burning of the mortgage at the luncheon. PAGE 6

7 NOVEMBER 2013 PARISH GROUPS Sunday School by Connie Gkolias, Sunday School Director As we enter the month of November, the month in which we as a nation are encouraged to give thanks, let us take the time to reflect on all we have and give thanks to the Lord for His many blessings. To date, we have formally enrolled 60 children in our Sunday School program. Additionally, there are a handful that participate in Sunday School, but have not formally registered. We are thankful that so many of our children are participating in Sunday School. We encourage those who have not yet registered or started participating to come and join us. We miss you and we don t want you to miss out on all the exciting lessons we have planned each week for you. We extend a special thanks to everyone who contributed to another successful brunch that was held on Sunday, October 20th following services. Whether you cooked, set up, cleaned up, donated food or a raffle gift, or just came and made a generous free will offering to support our Sunday School, we thank you. We could not have done it without you. DATES TO REMEMBER December 1: ' No Sunday school (Thanksgiving weekend) December 22:' Annual Sunday School Christmas Pageant Join us for coffee hour and a special birthday cake Choir News by Lou Stamas, Choir Director Because I don t do this often enough, and because we celebrated National Church Music Sunday last month, I want to thank all of our choir members, including our organist, Marc Gulezian, for their outstanding service and dedication. Some of our choir members arrive at church long before the Divine Liturgy begins and stay until the very end, every Sunday from September through mid-june! Throughout the morning they are in their places focused on the music, paying attention throughout the whole liturgy! Finally, they make a commitment to attend our two rehearsals per month (the first and third Wednesdays of each month) with a handful making all the rehearsals.! Established in 1930 Christmas is approaching quickly and more and more we are practicing special hymns in the weeks before Christmas and Theophany. Some folks may think that we just suddenly remember these special hymns as they come up throughout the church year. I wish I had that kind of memory! These hymns, not just for Christmas and Theophany, but for a! the major feasts of our church, need to be re-learned and practiced in rehearsals year after year. The choir members are thri!ed to have added a couple of younger people recently. They are doing a great job. We would love to have more parishioners join us. We need and welcome people who are willing to make the commitment to this important ministry of our parish. We need YOU! M. R. Laurin & Son Funeral Home Funeral Directors Louis M. Fazio, III M. Richard Laurin Scott Laurin Pre Need Counseling Handicap Accessible Ample Parking 295 Pawtucket Street, Lowell, Massachusetts PAGE 7

8 Philoptochos Society Report by Soula Spaziani, Philoptochos Society President NOVEMBER 2013 Wow! Our Fall has been rocking with productive fundraisers, great meetings, and fun, fellowship activities! Thanks to all of you who are juggling very full plates and sharing your time and talents with Philoptochos. Every contribution, every gesture, small or large is very needed and highly appreciated. Collectively we can do great things together. September Meeting: On September 26, members met for our annual Potluck Supper meeting. Grateful thanks to Clara, Connie, and Freda Gkolias for coordinating the evening with festive decorations, delicious dishes, and numerous raffle prizes. During the business part of the meeting, members voted to donate $550 to two of our National Philoptochos commitments; the Retired Clergy Benevolent Fund and to the Emergency Fund. We also voted to send $250 to the Manolis Family Foundation Helping Hands Fund. Donations are still coming in for the HC/HC Scholarship Fund through the No Bake Sale. We thank all parishioners for their generosity. OUTREACH & FUNDRAISERS Aid to Greece: Per National Philoptochos appeal, every chapter! in the United States promoted a collection of funds for disbursement in aid to Greece. Thanks to our generous parishioners, we were able to send $400 from our chapter to aid in this effort. Fall Calendar Raffle: Ellen Dobi and Nancy Lane will be drawing the names of the lucky winners this month. Remember you can win more than once in the month with the largest prize on Thanksgiving Day. Best of luck to all and thank you for supporting our philanthropic ministries. Christmas Card: Corrine Dubay will be chairing this beautiful and festive Transfiguration tradition. To be included in this year s card please complete the form. The deadline for submitting your name is November 15th. Don t miss an opportunity to send holiday greetings to all your friends and relatives here at church. All proceeds from this fundraiser will help us meet our philanthropic goals. Visiting Angels: With the holiday season approaching, let us remember those who are in nursing homes or shut in. Please contact Christine Faneros at or the church office to offer your time to visit. These visits will brighten your day and will be so appreciated. Homeless Veterans Project: The Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos has initiated a program to provide support to homeless veterans. The project is called Operation Housewarming and involves assembling housewarming baskets to those veterans transitioning to independent living. Please contact our coordinator Daphne Easton at daphneeaston1@yahoo.com or to help. House of Hope: We continue to serve dinners to mothers and children on the fourth Thursday of each month. Please contact our coordinator, Iris Malliaros at iris_malliaros@uml.edu to offer your time. Literacy Program: We will be collecting books throughout the year and kindly ask for donations of new or gently used books to support and promote literacy in a local elementary school. Collection bins are located in the upper and lower lobbies of the church. (continued on page 9) PAGE 8

9 NOVEMBER 2013 (continued #om page 8) Adopt a Family: Philoptochos is coordinating with Community Teamwork of Lowell to help brighten the Christmas season for deserving Lowell area families. Many thanks to our coordinator, Ann Bertos, who will be looking for volunteers during coffee hour this month to help provide gifts. Monetary donations are also gratefully accepted. **Please note that any of our outreach programs are a great way for teens to fulfill community service hours / obligations. See any one of us for more details or to find out how you can get involved. COMING ATTRACTIONS Next General Meeting & Shopping Event: Our next general meeting is on Saturday morning, November 2nd at 10:00 AM. This is our last general meeting in Following the meeting, from 11 AM to 1 PM, there will be a collection of vendors in the church hall. Many thanks to our chairlady, Elizabeth De Latorre, for coordinating this effort. Come get a jump on your Christmas shopping, learn about Philoptochos activities for the coming year, and share some coffee and treats. Annual Benefit Tea: Plans are underway for our 60th Anniversary Benefit Tea, The Diamond Jubilee Tea on December 8th, 2013 at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA. Our chairladies, Pat Mahoney and Olivia Sintros, and their committee are planning an extra special event to commemorate 60 years of love and philanthropy. Please join us for this very special and momentous occasion. Place the enclosed flyer on your refrigerator, mark your calendars, and bring your family and friends to our tea! Photos courtesy Soula Spaziani The Annual Benefit Tea Committee gathers to make plans for the 60th Anniversary Tea to be held December 8th. May Their Memory Be Eternal: On Sunday, November 3rd on the Feast Day of the patron saints of Philoptochos, Sts Cosmas and Damian, members are encouraged to seat together during the memorial service offered for our deceased members. Thank you to our board member Magda Siotas for preparing the tray of koliva. Philoptochos ladies will also be holding a basket for a collection to benefit the Patriarchate, one of our National commitments. Transfiguration parishioners recently gathered and competed in Team Trivia Night hosted by the Andover Ladies Philoptochos Society. We came in 4th out of 25 teams! A Final Word: On behalf of the Transfiguration Philoptochos, we wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Transfiguration Ladies Philoptochos Society BANQUET CHAIR DONATIONS by Angela Hastings and Nancy Lane A special thank you to Transfiguration family members and friends for your banquet chair donations. Please see Nancy Lane or Angela Hastings if you would also like to make a donation or you may fill out a banquet chair donation form and mail with payment to the church office. Banquet chairs are $50 each. Please make checks payable to Transfiguration Ladies Philoptochos Society. Thank you. NAME Elaine Lazouras, in memory of Hope Voulgaris Catherine Koufogazos, in memory of Sandra Metilinos PAGE 9

10 NOVEMBER 2013 Announcements and Reminders from Father Tom Chininis Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon and Mortgage Burning Sunday, November 17 Following Services All are welcome Join us as we celebrate the generosity of the faithful of the Parish and honor our stewards. REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONES Every month on the first Sunday, we offer a Trisagion to remember our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Even if you have submitted names in the past, please send them in again. Beginning January 2014 only the newly submitted names will be used. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Tom. CHARITABLE OUTREACH The number of people requesting assistance from our parish is increasing. We welcome any financial donations you are able to make to Transfiguration Charitable Altar Fund. Or if you wish, you can donate Market Basket Gift Cards in any amount. You can leave your donation in the basket in the Narthex designated for Charitable Outreach, or see Fr. Tom. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Fr. Tom directly. LITURGICAL DONATIONS From time to time items are needed for use in the Church such as service books, altar cloths, chalice covers, and communion cloths. Below are a couple items for which we are seeking donors. If you are interested in making a donation toward an item please let Fr. Tom know. Chalice Covers $500 (2 sets needed) Menaia in English (set of monthly books for chanting) $100 for each month. Total cost $1200 for the complete set. TRANSFIGURATION PRAYER LIST The Transfiguration prayer list is being refreshed. Please submit the names of anyone you would like left on the list. New names are also welcomed. There is a box in the Narthex labeled Prayer Requests. Place names in the box, give to George Tsoukalas, or them to georgeandjoni@comcast.net. Please submit first name, and either last name or last initial and the category for which prayers are requested i.e. health, recovery from illness, comfort, life change issues, etc. Be as specific or general as you want. Please let George know when/if you would like the name removed from the list. Please include your address to receive the prayer list. HOSPITAL NOTIFICATIONS Please take the time to contact the church office when a family member has been admitted to the hospital. This will enable Fr. Tom to make a pastoral visit. Support Project Helping Hands The Manolis Family Foundation looks to celebrate the 20th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive by distributing 2000 Thanksgiving baskets. 3 Ways You Can Help Make a financial donation Any amount is welcome. A $50 donation provides a complete Thanksgiving Basket Send your check to: Project Helping Hands, 1067 Lakeview Ave., Dracut, MA Donate Non-Perishable Food items Bring them to the church and we will take them to Project Helping Hands Volunteer For more information call PAGE 10

11 NOVEMBER 2013 CHURCH INFORMATION Contact Information CHURCH Secretary: Jeanne Brady Address: 25 Father John Sarantos Way, Lowell, MA Telephone: Fax: Church e mail: info@transchurch.org Web site: Office Hours: Secretary: Mon. Fri., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Priest: Tuesday Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment Parish Council Members CLERGY Rev. Father Thomas Chininis Telephone: E mail: FrTom@transchurch.org Rev. Deacon John Vaporis Home: Cell: vaporis659@yahoo.com FACEBOOK GOYA ON FACEBOOK TRANS A GRAM Acting Editor: Fr. Tom Chininis Telephone: E mail: frtom@transchurch.org BOOKSTORE Joan Tsoukalas Virginia Kimball WEBSITE Webmaster: Melanie Pappas Telephone: E mail: webmaster@transchurch.org PRESIDENT Christian Zouzas Home: Cell: zouzas@aol.com VICE PRESIDENT Olivia Sintros Home: Cell: osintros@comcast.net TREASURER George Bertos Home: Cell: ljsclean@comcast.net ASSISTANT TREASURER Niclis Kouloungis Home: Cell: koulclan@comcast.net 2 ND ASSISTANT TREASURER Dean Proyous Home: Cell: Goldengreek1@comcast.net SECRETARY Stephen Nicholaides Home: Cell: corfu@comcast.net William (Bill) Arvanites Home: Cell: arvanites.willy@gmail.com Cesar de la Torre Home: Cell: cesar.delatorre@gmail.com James Demetri Home: Cell: jdemetri56@hotmail.com Gregory Floor Home: Cell: gregoryfloor@mac.com Jim Piazas Home: Cell: jpiazas@comcast.net Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry Smile with confidence! Evan Coravos General and Aesthetic Dentistry 75 Arcand Drive Lowell, MA Office Hours: Days, Evenings, and Saturdays Dracut Funeral Home Proudly serving the Greek Community in Dracut and Greater Lowell for 25 years! AUTO - HOME - BUSINESS CHRISTOPOULOS CMI MULDOON INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Providing excellent service for over 40 years 8 CHELMSFORD ST. CHELMSFORD, MA TOM CHRISTOPOULOS TEL: CELL: FAX: tom@muldooninsurance.com TOP DONUT 700 Aiken St. Lowell, MA Tel. (978) Lakeview Avenue Dracut, MA Robin Ley Store Hours Open 7 days a week 5 a.m. 9 p.m. PAGE 11

12 NOVEMBER 2013 SERVICES, SACRAMENTS, AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS Services SUNDAY SERVICES: Orthros: 8:30 a.m.... Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m. Did you know that the Trans a Gram is available online on the church s website, before your printed copy arrives in the mail? Visit to view and download previous issues of the Trans a Gram, as well as the most recent issue. Happy reading! Sacraments SPECIAL SERVICES (NOVEMBER) November 8 (Friday)...Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. (Feast of the Archangels) November 13 (Wednesday)...Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. (Feast of St. John Chrysostom) Novmeber 21 (Thursday)...Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. (Entrance of Theotokos into the Temple) November 25 (Monday)...Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m. (Feast of St. Catherine) WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGE BLESSINGS None BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS None Calendar of Events SUNDAY SCHOOL November 3, 10, 17 & 24 (Sunday): Classes. BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION November 6, 20 (Wednesdays): Bible Study, 10:00 11:00 a.m. All are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekly study. CHOIR November 6 (Wednesdays): Rehearsals 11 a.m. November 20 (Wednesdays): Rehearsals 7 p.m. November 20 (Wednesday): Council of Churches Meeting, 7:00 p.m. FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES November 3 & 17 (Sundays): GOYA Gathering following services. November 23 (Saturday): GOYA Pie baking 2 p.m. FUNERALS September 27: Helen (Chopelas) Tevepaugh October 3: Stephen J. Kostoulakos October 25: Georgia Basdanes May their memory be eternal. OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIES November 5 (Tuesday): Parish Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. November 5, 12, 19, 26(Tuesdays): Ladies Group Meeting, 9:30 a.m. November 3 (Sunday): Monthly Trisagion OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTS November 16 (Saturday): Sunday School Teacher DOXA Conference at Cranston, RI. November 17 (Sunday): Stewardship Appreciation Lunch following services. November 28 (Thursday): THANKSGIVING DAY VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC) November 16 (Saturday): Advent Camp 9 a.m. 2 p.m. James F. O Donnell & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS since 1884 Serving members of the Lowell and Greek community for over 120 years 276 Pawtucket Street Lowell, Massachusetts (978) John W. Crane! James F. O Donnell, Jr. PAGE 12