Saint George Community

Transcription

1 Saint George Community Community Relations Committee 7/11/2017 First Edition From Father Tom My Dear Parishioners, Our Lord is very clear in His directive to us to care for one another. When asked which is the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, and your mind...and the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself". (Mtt. 22:37-39) The early Apostolic Church cared for the less fortunate; we, the Greek Orthodox Christians, are that same Church as found in the New Testament. Therefore, the responsibility to help those in need continues to be on us. Since the early 1900's, our Saint George Greek Orthodox parish in Greenville has always been helping the less fortunate. From our parish's Ladies Philoptochos Society, to the private and anonymous gifts from donors in the parish, philanthropic work has been a foundation stone of our ministry. Because much of the charitable works of our parish has not been greatly publicized in the past, and because our parish has experienced much growth recently and new members are seeking ways to become involved, we are offering this publication to inform those interested. The list of the different parish charitable organizations is still not complete in this publication. A few chairpersons were not able to submit articles for publication before the deadline date. In the next future printing, we should have all groups listed. We are hoping to publish this newsletter twice per year to keep our parish informed about what is going on. In addition, it will also remind those of us who wish to be involved in the vital and significant charity ministries where we can go and whom we can contact to get involved. God has been very gracious to us here at Saint George. By our generous responses to His call to help our neighbor in need, we are expressing our gratitude to Him for our blessings. With love in Christ, Father Tom

2 Father Zach Thornbury, Second-Priest & Youth Director Father Zach works closely with the heads of the various youth groups within the church to coordinate activities and serve as their central contact. He provides spiritual education and encouragement to the youth of our parish and helps them see the connection between our faith, church life and their everyday life. The St. George Youth Department groups are as following: Altar Servers; Sunday School; Greek School; Dance Troupes; Mom and Me; Holy Orthodox Primary Education (HOPE); Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY); Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA); and the Maids of Athena Deacon Charles Joiner Deacon Charles, as he is affectionately known, is the Deacon of Saint George Cathedral. Deacon Charles assists Father Tom in the liturgical services; conducts adult catechism classes for those who desire Holy Baptism or Holy Chrismation as well as for current members who would like to expand their knowledge of the Orthodox faith; leads a weekly evening Bible study; conducts special lecture series on topics of relevance to parish members; visits shut-ins and offers communion to those who are unable to attend church services; publishes a bi-weekly blog online on various spiritual topics; prepares the Sunday bulletin and bulletins for weekly services; prepares a bi-weekly bulletin with all parish events and liturgical calendar information; maintains an Orthodox library and icon display; serves as Deacon to the Paracletos Monastery; provides guidance and training, along with our Youth Director, for altar servers; as well as various other assignments, as directed by Father Tom and Metropolitan Alexios. Father Deacon Haralambos (Charles) Joiner 1234 Shadow Way, Greenville, South Carolina Cjoiner@Mac.com

3 PHILOPTOCHOS LADIES SOCIETY, ST. BARBARA S CHAPTER Saint George s Philoptochos Society (friend to the poor) was established in 1942 by the National Philoptochos Organization. It is a charitable organization of ladies who donate support to those in need within our church and local community, as well as various national and international projects. Annual projects include the AGAPE (love) Project, a collection of warm wear for the needy; visitation of member shut-ins; coffee hour treats for funerals and memorials; covered dish for three families during lent; preparation of food for the Greek Festival. Various fund raisers (including the highly anticipated Bake Sale of delicious home made Greek foods) are held throughout the year with proceeds going to: the Autism Fund; Children s Medical Fund: Cancer Center of the Greenville Hospital System; Saint Francis Cancer Center; Meals on Wheels; Safe Harbor Women s Shelter; Orthodox Christian Fellowship; Retired Clergy and Widowed Presbyteras Benevolent Fund; Saint Photios Shrine; United Nations Children s Emergency Fund; International Orthodox Charities; and many others. Frances Pappas, President (864) frossoula12@aol.com

4 Saint George Knitting Crafters Affiliated with the Philoptochos Society, the Saint George Knitting Crafters meets on the second Tuesday of each month from September until May at 10 am in the small hall. This group is open to knitting and crocheting enthusiasts with all handiwork donated to the needy. Join us and use your creative talents to help others! Contact persons: Mary Koutroulias phone: , Maria Como - phone Choir The Saint George Choir, consisting of male and female SATB voices, performs the Greek Orthodox Liturgical music each Sunday throughout the year and rehearses on Wednesdays at 7:00 as needed. The members do not have to be Greek speaking; music is printed in Greek with corresponding English phonetics. Understanding music notation is preferred, though not required, as new pieces are rehearsed at choir practice. Choir members need to be in the choir loft shortly before 10:00 each Sunday wearing assigned choir robes. In addition to regular Sundays, the choir sings during Holy Week and also performs two short concerts during the Greek Festival. Also, participation in an annual SFGOCM choir conference hosted in various cities in the southeast is encouraged. New members are welcomed to join. Contact persons: Fanya Paouris, director fanya.paouris@gmail.com Mary Koutroulias, organist maryk729@gmail.com Alms Box in the Narthex There is an Alms Box in the Narthex at Saint George for collection of donations from generous parishioners and visitors. All donation proceeds are distributed to charity or to the needy at the discretion of Father Tom and the parish council. St. George hosts an annual Alms Luncheon. Contact: Bill Stathakis bill29621@lycos.com business

5 GOYA Saint George s GOYA is currently comprised of 40 teens, grades The mission of GOYA is to provide the opportunity for the community teenagers to grow in fellowship and faith. This active and fun youth group participates in various annual events including: Welcome Back Sunday School Luncheon; Halloween Carnival; Pascha Luminary Sales; December Babysitting Service; Christmas Party; Face Painting for Sunday School and the Festival; Care packages for college students and active duty military; Food Drives; and collections for the homeless or area food shelters. The annual highlight for the GOYA is the Winter Youth Rally, held each December in Atlanta. This fun-filled weekend shared with other GOYA members of the Diocese features a basketball tournament; volleyball tournament; oratorical contest; Bible Trivia Contest; Dance Parties and a Banquet. Contact: Robin Braumas robin.braumas@gmail.com GREEK SCHOOL Instruction in the Modern Greek language is held three afternoons a week at Saint George, between 4:10 and 6 p.m. Classes begin in September and end in May. Currently, there are 50 students enrolled. Students become proficient in the Greek language; principles and traditions for the Greek Orthodox Faith; Greek geography; Greek history; Greek folk dances, songs and folklore; and Greek manners and character. The Greek School children visit community members and sing traditional Christmas Carols as well as hold delightful annual programs and luncheons on OXI Day (October 28), Greek Independence Day (March 25) and at year s end. Contact person: Gia Tomaras Dance Troupe Troupe Adelphia (which means brother/sisterhood), is Saint George s awardwinning dance program for students in K3-12 grades. Currently, there are 100 students enrolled. Participants practice from September until May, developing skill and knowledge of Greek dance and culture. Middle school and high school aged dancers travel within the Diocese and participate in the Hellenic Dance Festival (HDF) annually. They also promote fellowship among the St. George youth by hosting the Godparent Luncheon, Santa Luncheon and various other events each year. Troupe Adelphia dancers showcase their impressive skills live each May at the Greek Festival! Contact: Amy Demas abdemas@bellsouth.net

6 Youth Basketball Saint George participates in a church basketball league for youth and adults. We have an average of about 100 enthusiastic youth participating on teams at five different levels (K-12). St. George also fields one or more men and women s teams annually. One of our men s teams is the reigning AHEPA basketball tournament champion for the last five years! Coaching for the youth is provided by volunteer parish members. Church basketball provides our youth with a great opportunity to interact and grow with their peers in the community, focusing not only on advancing basketball skill, but more importantly, faith, fellowship and sportsmanship Contact: Kevin E. Taylor D kevin.taylor@aecom.com Sunday School Saint George strongly encourages regular attendance and participation in both the Divine Liturgy and Sunday School. Sunday School classes are held each Sunday after communion, from September until May. Classes are 45 minutes long (11:30-12:15) for grades K3-12. Currently, there are 185 students enrolled. The curriculum uses sources from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is based on the instruction of Orthodox worship; scripture and Holy Tradition; iconography; hymnology; and stewardship. In the third and twelfth grades, students are gifted with a special Bible. Annual events include: Blessing of the Waters Service (Aghiasmo); potluck dinner following Vespers and Holy Unction service in commemoration of our Sunday School patron, Saint Nektarios; Christmas pageant; Vasilopita cutting; Godparent Sunday; participation in special Lenten services and alms giving; Saturday of Lazarus Pancake Breakfast; making of the Palm Sunday crosses; Epitaphios decoration; senior coffee; Graduation ceremony; and the highly anticipated Summer Water Park Celebration (students with perfect attendance are admitted for free!). Contact: Hope Tzouvelekas Schmalzl hopetz@joynercommercial.com Vacation Church School Saint George s Vacation Church School is a week long program during the summer for students from rising K-3 through 12. Students come together for a fun and spiritual week of learning and bonding together in Christ. Led by high school students and Sunday School teachers, students engage in daily crafts and lessons, as well as morning worship with Father Tom and music instruction. This year VCS will be held July 31-August 4, from 9am- 12-pm. Contact: Athanasia Nancy Parcels nancy61083@hotmail.com Phone number Genesis Bookstore Genesis Bookstore is a volunteer-run, non-profit store whose mission is both to serve the worship needs of

7 local parishioners and to be an information and outreach source for visitors. The Bookstore offers parishioners recorded liturgical music, Bibles, liturgical and spiritual literature, worship supplies (such as Icons, incense, candles and prayer bracelets), and Sacramental supplies (such as Baptismal candles, stefana, stefana cases and neck crosses). There is a selection of books and pamphlets to welcome and assist visitors, catechumens, new members and those seeking to learn more about Orthodoxy. The Bookstore also provides the Sunday School department with many needed materials. Most importantly, it serves as a quiet meeting place where many parishioners and visitors gather after the Liturgy. With incense and Liturgical music in the background, individuals can congregate in an intimate atmosphere, discuss theology and inquire about Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is often very foreign to visitors and it is difficult to explain the intricacies of our Liturgy during the service, but visitors are welcome to come and ask questions at the Bookstore. Genesis Bookstore proceeds support the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Funds for Children. Bookstore open on Sundays after the Liturgy until 1:30pm. Point-persons: David & Cathy Bowden Outreach Ministries Saint George parishioners are encouraged to volunteer at the Frazee Center. The Frazee Center is a privately funded preschool, after school and summer program, serving under resourced children in Greenville free of charge. The Frazee Center also offers a Montessori Academy for children ages 2 through 5. Currently, the Frazee Center serves 150 students and provides a free dinner for them daily. It is also home of Mentor Upstate, promoting the development of mentor programs in upstate schools. Contact: Beach Foster AHEPA AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATION PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION, Chapter 242 Saint George s AHEPA Chapter was started in It is a part of a thriving men s national organization which aims to assist in Hellenism; education; philanthropy; civic responsibility; and family and individual excellency. Projects include: building of the AHEPA Housing Complex with HUD (for the elderly); hosting the District Convention; establishing the AHEPA Charitable Foundation for Scholarship; providing funding for the AHEPA Family Center at Saint George (gymnasium); and continual pledging to the Capital Campaign of Saint George. Chris Kapatanakos, Pres kap_22222@charter.net Daughters of Penelope, Lyra Chapter 241 Saint George s Daughters of Penelope is a women s organization of 40 active members which meet every third Thursday of the month to promote: Hellenism; family and individual excellence; education; philanthropy; and civic responsibility. Members strive to exemplify the traits of kindness, tolerance, truth, goodness, beauty, selfimprovement, purity, loyalty and patience. The DOP supports various charities such as the Frazee Center; Safe Harbor Women s Shelter; Shriner s Hospital; Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure; Saint Basil s Academy; and the Penelope House-Domestic Violence Center. The ladies also visit ill and shut-in members. Georgia Ann Koutsoukas (864) or Cecilia Trakas Wrice (864)

8 Maids of Athena The Maids of Athena is a national sorority of girls aged 14 through 18. It is a branch of AHEPA. The mission of The Maids of Athena is to promote Hellenism and philanthropy in young women. The members of the Saint George chapter engage in two or three philanthropic activities as well as two social events each year. Officers: President - Victoria Trakas Vice President - Kaytina Taylor Secretary - Paula Pieper Treasurer - Iliana Troubetaris EVRYTANIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA VELOUCHI CHAPTER #9 SAINT GEORGE KEFALOVRISO The Evrytanian Association of America was founded in Charlotte, NC in Familiarly called the Velouchi, after the highest mountain in the Evrytanian region of Greece, this small group has grown to 18 chapters in the United States and consists of over 1200 members. Saint George s Kefalovriso Chapter of 100 members recently hosted the 2016 Evrytanian National Convention. International philanthropic projects include: funding for construction of the Karpenisi Hospital and Home for the Aged; the support and stocking of two Food Banks in Evrytania; annual scholarships to Evrytanian students in Greece and America; financial assistance to families in need; traveling doctors medical care teams dispatched to remote villages in Evrytania; Children with Special Needs project (provides monthly financial assistance to the families of handicapped children); and financial support of the Hellenic Rescue Team of Evrytania. Contact: Jimmy Chulkas DAUGHTERS OF EVRYTANIA The Daughters of Evrytania is the Ladies Auxiliary of the Evrytanian Association of America. The group was formed to help in matters of importance to the women of Evrytania, with a focus on providing financial assistance to elderly widows and women in need. This active group provides financial assistance to families in crisis, both in America and Greece. At Saint George, both the Velouchi and Daughters of Evrytania chapters are very active and sponsor the following: the annual Vasilopita Luncheon; annual Greek Independence Day and OXI Day Luncheons; and various other community events. Contact: Aliki Mantekas < Velcouchi members in the kitchen for the Monastery Building Fund luncheon, 22 Jan 2005

9 Photo: Ladies preparing pastries for Festival > The Anderson Greek Festival The 2017 Festival will take place September 15th, 16th & 17th at the Civic Center of Anderson THE ANNUAL GREEK FESTIVAL ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL May 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2018 Join us for a fun-filled weekend of authentic Greek food and culture! Tour the Cathedral, peruse the Agora marketplace, eat (a lot!) and enjoy live entertainment as you learn to dance with our Greek dancers! Best of all, there s an encore. No one should have to wait another year for authentic gyro and baklava. By popular demand, the Greeks throw another great party every Fall! Mark your calendars and join the fun! Contact: Jamie Tzouvelekas & Billy Harakas Photo: Anderson Greek Festival > Mission: "a coming together of the community for the purpose of stewardship" The festival of The Shepherd s Guild is a greater community effort with volunteers from Seneca, Greenville and Spartanburg. Proceeds from the Festival have benefitted building projects at the Monastery and donations were made to the local Special Olympics, a female Greek Orthodox monastery in Jerusalem, Meals on Wheels and the Festival sent care boxes to soldiers deployed overseas. Contact person: Bill Stathakis, bill29621@lycos.com festival.org

10 Parish Council President: Jamie Tzouvelekas George Marianos Jim Navarro Vice President: Nick Demos Hope Tzouvelekas Schmalzl Gus Stathos Secretary: Bill Stathakis Lynda Leventis-Wells Dan Johnson Treasurer: Shane Taylor Stathe Koutroulias Rusty Foxhall Asst. Treasurer: Alex Kiriakides Jimmy Georgiades Community Relations Committee The Saint George Community Relations Committee aims to increase involvement within the parish community, to promote activities and to enhance and advance the spirit of community among parishioners. This leaflet is one of our endeavors. Please feel free to contact us or any of the contact parishioners listed above with any questions or concerns you may have. Contact: Bill Stathakis, or Stathe Koutroulias

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12 Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral 406 North Academy Street Greenville, SC NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #506 Anderson, SC