Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church SPIRIT

Transcription

1 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church THE -Fall SPIRIT Cub Hill Road, Baltimore, Maryland Phone: Fax: Fall 2014 Father s Corner: Thou Shalt Never Take Life for Granted It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks autumn will be upon us. This means it is back to school again, the football season is here again, another fall schedule begins ~ and cooler weather will be here again. If you and I aren t careful, it will be business as usual again! I have discovered that is doesn t take long for the new to get old, or for something as fresh as fall to grow stale, unless one s perspective is renewed on a consistent basis. September is the perfect month for us to view the ordinary with a new and vigorous perspective. The Church provides us with that impetus by the fact that September is the beginning of the new ecclesiastical year. Just the thought of new conjures up feelings of new possibilities and a rekindled faith, the source of life for us all. Let me pause to reflect on the summer season just past. Summer affords me the opportunity to ponder thoughts tied to family and friendships. These recent months have been difficult for several in our community. Illness, death, and failures have jolted the faith of many. I realize how easy it is to take many things for granted. The ordinary experiences of our daily lives begin to lose their joy and significance. Consider some of the following ideas: Our Church has great music, healthy adult fellowship, solid preaching and doctrine and a vibrant GOYA program. There is growth and vision and joy and deep commitment. We have secure, though not perfect, families, strong ties and sweet relationships. During hard times we pull together. When one family member has a need, the others rally around. The love of Christ and the fellowship of His name bring an intangible spirit and unity to this parish. You discover this when you visit other parishes or discuss community life with friends in other locations. We speak about our health only when we are threatened with the loss of it. Except for a rare headache or a mild upset stomach, we breeze along experiencing little discomfort. We deal with our children s day-to-day problems and before we realize it they re grown and have left the nest. We then become nostalgic and sensitive and find ourselves speaking of the good old days as if there are no good days to come. The easiest thing that we do is take things for granted. Each time we enter Church, do our hearts palpitate with excitement because of the impending meeting with God, or do we take our treasured act of worship for granted? I have tired to force myself to believe that every Divine Liturgy, every sacrament, every service of the Church that I prepare myself for is my very first, and possibly my very last, and put that kind of effort into each and every one. Found in the Book of Lamentations is an inspiration to us all ~ that we may accept each day as a gift of joy and opportunity for service to God. Through the Lord s mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23) Imagine, God delivers to us fresh blessings to remove the staleness of life and strengthens us so that we may not take life s gifts for granted. As September ushers in our new ecclesiastical year, let us remember that life is precious and fragile. We need to make a strong commitment to embrace every one of its moments. Thank God, our Saviour, who never takes us for granted, but instead graciously and benevolently supplies all our needs.

2 Page 2 The Spirit Stewardship Message At one part of the Divine Liturgy Father Lou approaches the big Icon of Christ on his left and reverently proclaims, LET US GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD. Do you say a soft amen and maybe even a few special thanks for some of the blessings He has bestowed on you? Here at Saint Demetrios we all should shout a large AMEN ; we have much for which to be grateful. Our Number One and most important blessing is our Greek Orthodox Faith. This church was founded for one and only one mission: for the Glory of God and the perpetuation of our Faith. This we do through our worshipful services, our church school and all the other ministries serving our faithful, young and old. Adult Orthodox Studies anyone? The Way? Our Greek Orthodox heritage plays a vital role in our lives. Next on our list of thanks is the support provided by you who offer your commitment each year at our Annual Stewardship Drive. We are talking about money here, because this is what it takes to pay for the material and practical needs like heat, air conditioning, and building and grounds maintenance ~ to name a few ~ which enable our worship and our ministries to continue. Stewards like you who make and fulfill your annual pledge are keeping the church doors open. BUT, are we all really doing what we can? Aren t there some of us who are able to give more? We have some Stewards who are comfortable with an annual pledge of $365 or less, which is only a dollar a day. We pay hundreds of dollars to see a football game, over $10 for a movie, not to mention our cable bill! Considering all this, does not our house of worship, our Church, deserve more? This is a question that only you can answer in all honesty. It is between you and our Lord. Granted, some Stewards are truly on a fixed budget and limited income, and this message is not for those few. It is for those of us who can truly find it in our hearts, and budgets, to offer more, a true fair share for our Church. The Bible states, not asks, that we give 10% of our income to God. We give to many charities ~ Red Cross, Missions ~ but how close to the 10% figure is our Saint Demetrios Church in our charitable giving? Ask, and you will find that many Protestants are taught to fulfill the mandate of the Tithe ~ and many do. How many of us give even 2%? Please accept this in the spirit of love for our Lord and His church, and our prayers for the continued growth of our Saint Demetrios Church and community. In His Name, The Saint Demetrios Stewardship Committee: Father Lou, Margo Lambros, Mark Alberding, Ritsa Economakis, Kitsa Padousis, Katherine Strakes, Mary Triandafilou and Sophia Vendelis Welcome Sunday In conjunction with Stewardship Sunday, the 16 th annual Saint Demetrios Welcome Sunday will be celebrated on October 26 th. On that day, families and individuals who have become new members of our Parish since last September will be recognized in Church after the Liturgy, and at a luncheon in the Hermes Rafailides Center. We look forward to honoring these new members as they continue their spiritual journey with Saint Demetrios. Any questions about the event may be directed to Welcome Committee Chair, Lou Triandafilou at or at ltrianda28@gmail.com

3 The Spirit Page 3 Church School Through a study of Ecclesiastes 3:1-11, students can identify time periods of life and how they can navigate through them. With the end of summer, vacations and fun-filled activities, the arriving autumn season brings forth many new activities with many different adventures. Along with start of the cooler season, numerous scholastic and professional athletic activities commence gaining the attention of both young and old. Participating in sports might be wonderful for certain children s mental, emotional and physical health as involvement can build self esteem ~ or perhaps even earn them a scholarship for college. Either as an attendee or participant, sons and daughters have always been involved in some sort of sports/physical activity that begins during the autumn season, such as football, soccer or basketball, etc. Much to the regret of many kids, a new secular school year also begins, requiring studying and homework assignments. After the excitement of the first few days of school fades away, adjusting to the new schedule can be hard on both parents and their offspring. Even if adults don t have children, having to leave for work earlier to beat the school zone traffic can have an adverse effect on them. So, this brings us to the inconvenience of having to wake up early on Sunday too ~ the only day of rest ~ having to awaken children and hurriedly get them ready, and ourselves, deal with slow weekend drivers on the road and get to Church by 9:50AM for Divine Liturgy and/or Church School. However, what must be realized is that while the aforementioned temporary lasting sporting events may seemingly be of importance to attend or partake in, what remains MOST important is everlasting salvation and how to attain it. This is what is written in Acts 4:20: For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. All it takes to tell someone about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is to communicate with the person what we have personally witnessed and experienced, or heard in our relationship with Him, and its significance. Thus, it is up to each and every one of us to share these with children in the Church School classrooms, as well as in our homes! Our Church School volunteer staff is devoted to teaching God-centered values, which makes an ideal environment for nurturing relationships that could stand the test of time. Church School is perhaps the safest place for a child to find a friend. Within our own Saint Demetrios community, many children of years past met their best friends at Church School, which have ultimately endured with life-long associations. It also cultivates active participation in Orthodox Christian traditions as the Holy Gospel is taught in creative, interactive age-appropriate ways so that children develop a deeper understanding for the Word of God, have fun at the same time and apply lessons learned to their daily lives. For nearly an hour every week, you and your entire family can get to enjoy a lifetime of spiritual benefits. Statistics reveal fact that families who attend Services regularly, bring their children to Church School and support the Parish s stewardship efforts, don t have to worry about their children ~ as they will grow up to be compassionate, God-centered adults. Church School classes begin promptly each Sunday at 9:50AM. JUST BRING THEM AND TRUST US TO DO THE REST! George Zaverdinos Church School Director

4 Page 4 The Spirit Greek Festival 2504 Cub Hill Road Parkville, MD Enjoy Our Indoor/Outdoor Courtyard Festival Rain or Shine Greek Food & Pastry Greek Dancing Church Tours Live Entertainment Specialty Shopping Thursday, September 25 th ~ 5pm to 11pm Friday, September 26 th ~ 12pm to 12am Saturday, September 27 th ~ 12pm to 12am Sunday, September 28 th ~ 12pm to 8pm On-site Free Parking For more information

5 The Spirit Page 5 Suburban Players The Suburban Players 40 th Production Philoptochos St. Demetrios Philoptochos Cookbook ~ 4 th Edition Yiayia s secret recipes revealed! Everyone s favorite ogre is back and our very own Suburban Players have him. Based on the DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek, the Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure bringing all of the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage, and proving there s more to the story then meets the ears. Once upon a time, there was a little ogre name Shrek. Thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a lifechanging journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess named Fiona who resists her rescue. Throw in a short tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen fairy tale misfits, and you ve got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there s one on hand... and his name is Shrek. Shrek presents a treasure trove of creative opportunities including costumes, sets, puppets and even a fire-breathing dragon!! Fun for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. Shrek, the Musical will be directed by John Desmone and produced by Demetrios & Rena Makres. Dates are February 13 th, 14 th, 15 th, 20 th, 21 st & 22 nd, Tickets will go on sale in November. Don t miss this 40 th production, which will be our biggest ever!! Our new cookbook, Kali Orexi, Book IV, is soon to be published. It features detailed recipes in easy to read steps that will help you create authentic Greek dishes ~ just like yiayia. With over 100 recipes, you ll find traditional family favorites like pastitsio, roasted lamb and potatoes, souvlakis, and Greek chicken soup. Plus new, nontraditional palate pleasing favorites shared by community members and friends. Gift certificates are available now by contacting Dottie Ganer at Books will be available in December for a cost of $ Baklava 5k Run/Walk Spirit News If you have any news that you would like to share with our community or if you would like to submit an article, please your article to: Deadline is October 31 st, 2014!

6 Page 6 The Spirit The Orthodox Christian Way It is again time for the Saint Demetrios community s adult education program, The Orthodox Christian Way. The fall series begins Tuesday, October 7 th. The sessions will consist of in-person presentations by Father Ernest Arambiges, Mr. Gus Koukides, and Mother Magdalena, from the Orthodox Monastery of the Transfiguration in Ellwood City, PA. We promise that these speakers will enkindle in you an ever increasing closeness to God, through our beloved Orthodox Faith. The schedule for this series is: October 7 th ~ Gus Koukides: Embracing the Orthodox Faith Gus Koukides is an active member of the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA. Born and raised in Baltimore, he was a member of the Saint Nicholas Church, growing up in the community, attending Sunday School, GOYA, and Greek School. He has been married for 14 years to Stella Koukides, and they have two young children. Gus will talk about how his life changed forever after he visited the Saint Necktarios Monastery in Roscoe, New York, where he experienced a spiritual reawakening that only he can describe. October 14 th ~ Father Ernest Arambiges: My Spiritual Journey Come and be blessed to learn the path that Father Ernie has taken during his lifetime of Orthodoxy. October 21 st ~ Mother Magdalena: The Importance of Liking Myself ~ the Door to the Peace that Passes Understanding Mother Magdalena, a noted retreat speaker, entered the Orthodox Church in 1988 and the monastic life in She has a BA in Urban Human Services and has worked at various social service jobs, including services for teens and homeless families. Themes of worthiness and forgiveness will be presented, as Mother Magdalena opens the door to the life that Jesus offers to His followers. October 27 th ~ Father Ernie: Impact of Scripture in a Walk of Faith To conclude the fall series, Father Ernie brings his special understanding of the Bible to show us how important Scripture is to us as we walk with the Lord in Orthodoxy. We will begin with a light supper at 6:15 pm, followed promptly at 7:00 by a live presentation. You are encouraged to bring your children as CHILDCARE will be provided at ALL sessions, and we promise to wrap things up by 8:30 pm. Cost is $20 for all four sessions. Please stop by the registration table after the Divine Liturgy or call the church office to register at ext Words for Thought Money becomes a sacrament when it is offered to God. It becomes a visible expression of our commitment, faith and love for Jesus. Once given to God, our gifts are consecrated by the Holy Spirit, who translates them into works of mercy that bring glory to God. Greek School SAINT DEMETRIOS GREEK SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM First Day of Classes Monday, October 6 th & Wednesday, October 8 th Registration Forms Available on the Narthex Table or by calling the Church Office ext. 202 Mondays Grade 2 ~ 4:30-7:30 pm Grade 4 ~ 5:30-6:30 pm Grade 6 ~ 6:30-7:30 pm CLASS SCHEDULE Kindergarten Mondays from 4:30-5:30 pm Wednesdays Grade 1 ~ 4:30-7:30 pm Grade 3 ~ 5:30-6:30 pm Grade 5 ~ 6:30-7:30 pm

7 The Spirit Page 7 Saint Demetrios Pre-School.

8 Page 8 GOYA Hermes Rafailides Center The Spirit Our GOYA program is off to a fantastic start again this year. We have a great group of kids and a wonderful group of dedicated advisors and coaches led by Father Lou and our Presvytera Alice, who despite their busy schedules, are very involved with our GOYA Program. Look for our hard working GOYAns volunteering at the soda booths at our Saint Demetrios Greek Festival again this year. Our GOYAns are looking forward to doing our part again this year by serving at our Church Play as well!! GOYA will be visiting the Ronald McDonald House and attending the Kennedy Krieger Children s Christmas party. They will also be coordinating a pick up at our Church for the Toys for Tots Program. Last year we collected and donated over 300 toys!! The Youth of our Saint Demetrios Community ages are welcome to join. GOYA Registration Packets can be found in the office. Upcoming Events: GOYA Halloween Dance October 31st For All GOYAns. Non GOYAns ages are welcomed as guests of GOYAns Fall Fest Basket Bingo November Saturday 15th. Longaberger Baskets, Vera Bradley Bags and Manly Man Prizes Palikaria The term palikaria here at Saint Demetrios means a group of young men (those over 39 ~ or even those over 65!) who love their Church and their Lord. They are men who contribute talent to our community as carpenters, electricians, gardeners, plumbers, decorators, designers, musicians, security officers, bricklayers, painters, cooks ~ the list is endless! No job seems too difficult for them ~ the impossible just takes a little longer to complete! The best part of the organization is that there are no advance meetings, or sub-committees, just a desire to build, repair or do whatever it is that the church needs to have done at a particular moment in time. The palikaria are always looking for new members. If you have any of the above talents and would like to join, please contact Pete Sorvalis at or Gus Stamatopoulos at

9 The Spirit Page 9 Sacraments BABY BLESSINGS Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Smith presented their son, for the traditional 40-day blessing, on July 20, Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kazakos presented their son, for the traditional 40-day blessing, on August 31, BAPTISMS Gabriella Maria, daughter of John & Maria Kaufman was baptized on July 5, Godparents are Patrick & Kathryn Drosinos and Jessica Kaufman. Michael Troy, son of Timothy & Jill Drosinos was baptized on July 5, Godparents are John & Karen Drosinos and Matthew & Angelina Parks Persephone Mary Tsakalas, daughter of Anna Tsakalas was baptized on July 26, Godparent is Christina Tsakalas. Marco Emmanuel, son of Matthew & Denise Marino was baptized on August 2, Godparents are Stylianos & Erin Kaminaris. Nikolas S., son of Piro & Valbona Qirjako was baptized on September 7, Godparent is Apostolis Hatzimaggos. ETERNAL MEMORY & CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF: Michael Adam Edith C. Makres Konstantinos D. Manolis Anastasios Rallis MEMORIAL DONATIONS In Memory of Anthony Sitaras Dr. Sophia Balis In Memory of Dr. Evangelos Kotselas Mr. & Mrs. John Zapas In Memory of Andrew Kalathas Dr. Sophia Balis In Memory of Diamandou Georgopoulos Dr. & Mrs. John Andreadakis In Memory of Helen Vendelis Mr. & Mrs. Van Strakes Mrs. Leslie Sarantinos John & Terry Botsis Demetrios & Afroditi Botsis Mr. & Mrs. Perry Lericos Mr. Gus Beleos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Economakis In Memory of Louis J. Foudos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Strakes Mr. & Mrs. George Stavros In Memory of Evangeline Zapas Dr. & Mrs. Van Lomis Dr. & Mrs. Paul Apostolo In Memory of Frank Clautice Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kootsikas In Memory of Michael Kallaur Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Kosmos In Memory of Konstantinos Manolis Mr. & Mrs. Zacharias Mavrodontic Mr. & Mrs. Socrates Koutsoutis Mrs. Angela Koutsoutis Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mihok Mr. & Mrs. Jack Kinsley, Jr. In Memory of Anastasios Andy Rallis Mrs. Helen Conits Mrs. Diamanto Serevetas Mr. & Mrs. Pete Conits Mr. Spiro Conits Mr. & Mrs. John Sakellarakos Mrs. Antonia Courtalis Mr. & Mrs. Pete Sorvalis Mrs. Georgia Kerasiotis Mrs. Georgia Eliopoulos Dr. Sophia Balis Mr. & Mrs. John Roussos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fellner Mrs. Maria Diamond & Family Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Holder Mrs. Anastasia Petropoulou Mrs. Voula Stamas Mr. & Mrs. Chris Theodoropoulos Mr. Sarandos Kalabritianos Mrs. Dimitra Psihopedas Mr. & Mrs. George Nichols In Memory of Michael Adam Mr. George Ververides In Memory of Liberty Tsakalos Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Makres In Memory of Edith C. Makres Mr. & Mrs. Lee Caprinolo Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Makres Mr. & Mrs. Pete Sorvalis

10 Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Divine Liturgy ~ Saint Luke Friday, October 17 th at 10:00 am Rev. Louis J. Noplos Protopresbyter 2504 Cub Hill Road Baltimore, MD Phone: Fax: saintdemetrios@comcast.net We re on the Web! Visit us at: Great Vespers ~ Saint Demetrios Saturday, October 25 th at 6:00 pm Stewardship Sunday & Welcome Sunday Sunday, October 26 th GOYA Dance Friday, October 31 st Philoptochos Sunday November 2 nd Divine Liturgy ~ St. John Chrysostom Thursday, November 13 th at 10:00 am Divine Liturgy ~ Saint Catherine November 25 th at 10:00 am Divine Liturgy ~ Thanksgiving November 27 th at 10:00 am Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 2504 Cub Hill Road Baltimore, Maryland