ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ Μ ΗΝΙ ΑΙΟ ΔΕΛ ΤΙΟ ΤΗ Σ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔ ΟΞΗ Σ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗ Σ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟ ΚΟ Υ

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1 SEPTEMBER / ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2017 VOLUME 12, The H ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ M ONTHL Y BULLE TIN OF THE ASS UM PTION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS GREEK ORTHODOX CH U RCH Μ ΗΝΙ ΑΙΟ ΔΕΛ ΤΙΟ ΤΗ Σ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔ ΟΞΗ Σ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗ Σ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟ ΚΟ Υ Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 111 Island Pond Road Manchester NH Phone: (603) Fax: (603) info@assumptionnh.org Facebook: ASSUMPTIONgocNH Links and Resources Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Boston Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople 1 The Elevation of the Holy Cross September 14 th Η ΥΨΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ 14 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

2 Reverend Father Gregory Trakas Office Hours Tuesday & Thursday 1-4 PM or by appointment Parish Council 2017 President... James Folopoulos Vice President... Nick Karagianis Treasurer... Peter Xintaras Secretary... Arthur Bakolas Costa Georgopoulos Harold Guidicelli Stathis Kapellakis Kathy Papakostas Penny Papastathis Kerrie Poplin Helen Rainey Anthony Tsekrekas Philoptochos Board 2017 President...Lucie Skouteris Vice President...Maria Chronas Treasurer.. Helen Rainey Recording Secretary..Michelle Kapos Corresponding Secretary..Andrea Moutsioulis Natl. & Local Boards Liaison...Mariana Gasis Advisor... Nancy Mardanes Members: Martha Galanis, Artemis Lazos & Evangelia Gregorious Staff Secretary...Janet Malin Chanter.Vasilios Rokas Choir Director.To Be Hired YOUTH MINISTRIES Directors GOYA... Stavroula Bakolas JOY... Julie Karagianis Mommy & Me Ranya Karatzoulidis PARISH SCHOOLS Sunday School Directors Theohare Kapellakis & Ranya Karatzoulidis Teachers. Nicole Condodemetraky Rita Gallos Ranya Karatzoulidis Joni Stamoulis Greek School Director George Kitsis Teacher.Alexandra Bruttaniti Advisor.Connie Stamoulis Fr. Gregory Trakas Sophia Annas James Folopoulos Ellen Healy Nick Karagianis Newsletter Editors Janet Malin Nancy Mardanes Kathy Papakostas Helen Rainey Address Changes Please notify the Church office if you are moving so that we may update our database. Thank you! Pastoral Home Visitation If a loved one is in the hospital, a nursing home, or house-bound for any reason, please contact Fr. Gregory Trakas at the Church office to arrange a visit. The Ark is published monthly by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH

3 Parish Priest A great thank you to our Greekfest committee and its chairman Costa Georgopoulos, our Parish Council members and president Jim Folopoulos, our Ladies of Philoptochos and president Lucie Scouteris, our Youth Group and their leaders, our sponsors, our donors, our volunteers and all of you, our parishioners, who came and supported our church and helped make Greekfest 2017 a huge success! September is the beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year! The last big feast of the old Ecclesiastical Year was the Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The first big feast of the new Ecclesiastical Year is the Birth of the Virgin Mary! It is very appropriate to begin and end each year with the Mother of God, the Theotokos. Her miraculous birth from two aged and barren parents, Joachim and Anna, shows the power of God, who can raise up descendants of Abraham from stones (Matthew 3:9). With her birth, we are beginning to see the unfolding of the secret Plan of our Salvation, which was part of God s Divine Economy. September is also the month of the Holy Cross! September 14th, the feast of the Holy Cross, is one of four strictest fasting days of the year, when we prepare body and soul to venerate the biggest symbol of our faith! It is through the Cross Resurrection was made possible! It is through the Cross, salvation came to mankind (Galatians 5:11). It is often with a Cross that we must follow our Lord (Matthew 16:24). Finally, September is the beginning of the school year. Our young ones cheerfully return to their classes, reminding us of our own school years. The youth is the future of our Church! It is up to us to teach them well and by our example. Parents should be leading the prayer at home, at the beginning and end of each day and each meal. Parents should be talking and reading to their kids about the Lord. Parents should be cheerfully leading the way to church and its ministries on Sunday mornings. Parents should be showing love and kindness to all people, creatures and the environment, because our children are watching us. Spiritual parents and grandparents raise (in most cases) spiritual kids and grandkids. Finally, there is one thing we should imitate our children instead of the other way around. We should try to become pure like them, because to those belongs the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 19:14). Both the Birth of Panagia on September 8 th, and the feast of the Holy Cross on September 14 th are on weekdays. If your schedule permits, please honor these great feasts of our Orthodox faith by participating to the Divine Liturgy on both days. Parish News I hope everybody has had a blessed summer and is looking forward to joining us for the new Ecclesiastical Year starting September 1st. Winter hours and coffee fellowship will begin on Sunday, September 17 th, with Orthros starting at 8:45 AM and Divine Liturgy starting at 10 AM. As our 2017 Greekfest has just finished, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped making it a tremendous success! First and foremost, I would like to thank our Greekfest Chairman, Costas Georgopoulos, who flawlessly organized and managed all activities before, during and after the festival. In addition, the following groups should also be acknowledged for their countless hours of assistance: the Ladies of the Philoptochos Society, our Youth Ministries, our cooks in the kitchen and on the grills, our runners who speedily delivered the food to all food stations, our set up and breakdown crews, our Ad Book committee, our tour guides and finally Fr. Gregory along with all the members of Parish Council. PRINTING CORRECTION: We sincerely apologize to the Garos family for the inadvertent omission of their 2017 Greekfest family message in our Adbook. Please allow us to correct this in next year s issue. Finally, this month s Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 11 th, at 7:00 PM. 3

4 I am very grateful to be working with such a wonderful group! Thank you all for your support! - Jim Folopoulos, Parish Council President Philoptochos News I look forward to the beginning of another successful year for the Philoptochos Society and welcome the newly elected Board. I hope and pray that we will all work together cheerfully for the good of our church and the needy that we serve. Please consider joining our organization and attending our monthly meetings. We welcome your ideas and participation. President Lucie Skouteris Treasurer Helen Rainey Recording Secretary Michelle Kapos Advisor Nancy Mardanes Philoptochos Board Vice President Maria Chronas Corresponding Secretary Andrea Moutsioulis Natl. & Local Board Liaison Mariana Gasis Martha Galanis, Evangelia Gregorious, Artemis Lazos Reminder: If you are growing fresh basil, please bring it to church for September 14 th, the Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross. Coffee hours are beginning again on Sunday, September 17 th. Please contact the church office to reserve a date if you wish to sponsor a regular coffee hour, or a memorial coffee hour. Philoptochos Board members will help you with the set-up and clean-up. We also need your help with the coffee hours Philoptochos sponsors, especially for the cleanup. If we all lend a hand, the burden will not fall on just a few. My sincere thanks to all who donated money for the flowers at the August services which were held in honor of our Panagia. I am also grateful for all those who helped with the preparations for Greekfest and those who worked at the event. I hope to see everyone at our annual Autumn Bazaar, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 28 th and 29 th. Please let us know if you can help by either volunteering your time, or making pastries, or donating a gift for the penny sale. The next Philoptochos Board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 6 th, at 6:30 PM. Lucie Skouteris, President New Horizons Soup Kitchen The New Horizons Soup Kitchen visit this month is on Sunday, September 24 th, 4:00 6:00 PM. We are always looking for volunteers to join our group. This is such a rewarding experience! Please join us for less than two hours of fellowship with the group from the Assumption Church. If you have any questions, please call the church office. Thank you! Choir We are looking for an organist and choir director. If anyone is interested in learning the organ, we will pay for their lessons. Please contact the church office. Starting September 17 th, we will be looking again for volunteers to join our talented choir. All ages are welcome! Do not be shy if you do not have experience. All that is required is your passion and love for our church! During the summer, the choir is not singing or practicing. 4

5 Youth Ministry News Those interested in joining our Youth Team, please contact Fr. Gregory, Stavroula Bakolas or a youth team member. Sunday school teachers and assistants are greatly needed. Also, we are looking for additional advisors for all our ministries. Help in planting the seeds of the future of our Church and help it grow! The Youth Ministry team will sponsor the coffee hour on the 3 rd Sunday of each month. Our first coffee hour will be on October 15 th. All youth families are welcome to bring in a morning snack to share with the community. More information will follow. Sunday School Sunday school registration for all students will take place on Sunday, September 17 th during coffee hour in the church hall. At that time, children can also register for all other Youth Ministries. Registration forms will also be available on Thursday, September 14 th from 4:00 6:00 PM during Greek.School registration. Please visit the Youth Ministries registration table. Sunday School classes will begin on Sunday, September 24 th. All students and parents are asked to meet the teachers in the school building at 10:00 AM. The same day, there will be Agiasmos (Blessing of the Water) for our Sunday School in church. All classes will attend church as a group with their teachers. Finally, we welcome Ranya Karatzoulides in her new role as the Co-Director of our Sunday School. We are certain her valuable Youth Ministry experience will be an asset to our school and our children. Greek School Registration and Open House for Greek school will be on Thursday, September 14 th from 4:00 6:00 PM. Classes will begin on Thursday, September 21 st at 3:30 PM, and the Blessing (Agiasmos) for the new school year for all classes will be in the school building at 5:00 PM. GRADES LESSON DANCE (starts Thursday, October 11 th ) Beginners 1 and 2 3:30-5:00 PM 5:00-5:30 PM.BLESSING (AGIASMOS)for all classes: 5:00 PM.. Intermediate 1 and 2 5:00-6:30 PM 4:30-5:00 PM Advanced 1 and 2 6:30-7:30 PM 6:00-6:30 PM We are looking forward to seeing you all in September, Mr. Kitsis and Ms. Alexandra GOYA - Joy - Mommy & Me - Altar Boys Registration for GOYA, JOY, MOMMY & ME and Altar Boy Ministries will take place on Sunday, September 17 th during coffee hour in the church hall. At that time, children can also register for Greek School and Sunday School. Registration forms will also be available on Thursday, September 14 th from 4:00 6:00 PM during Greek School registration. Please visit the Youth Ministries registration table. Finally, an additional registration opportunity for all Youth Ministries will be on Sunday, September 24 th, during coffee hour in the church hall. 5

6 ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, MANCHESTER NH YOUTH MINISTRIES PARTICIPATION & MEDICAL RELESE FORM Please initial below which ministries your child will be participating in Sunday School/Religious Education (ages Pre-K thru 8) Greek School Program (Additional registration form needed if your child is registering for Greek School) Mommy & Me (ages infant thru 4) J.O.Y. Junior Orthodox Youth (ages 5 thru 11) G.O.Y.A. Greek Orthodox Youth of America (ages 12 thru 18) ALTAR BOY (boys ages 7 and older) Child s Full Name Nickname (if preferred) Date of Birth Age Parent/Guardian Name: Relationship Mailing Address City, State, Zip Code Home Phone Parent Cell Emergency # Facebook Tweeter I give my child permission to participate in the any/all of the above listed Assumption Youth Ministry Programs and associated Event/Field Trips. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Manchester, NH, and its constituent representative organizations from any and all liability for personal injuries and/or property damage or loss to my child that may arise in any way from participating in these programs/activities. This includes, but is not limited to transportation to or from any activities including liability that results from alleged negligence of the church and its representatives. Furthermore, I agree to allow my child to be treated for emergency medical conditions that should result from any injuries received, providing such treatment is advised by a medical physician. I accept full responsibility for any and all cost which may be related to such treatment. PLEASE LIST ALL CURRENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS / ALLERGIES: Child s Physician Phone I (parent/guardian ) am currently a member in Good Standing of the Greek Orthodox Parish in NH Parent/Guardian Signature Date 6

7 Sacraments & Services When planning a baptism or wedding, please check church availability BEFORE booking your reception hall. Thank you! Baptism September 10th - Giovanni Thomas, son of Stephanie Kotromanos & Miguel DeJesus Weddings September 10 th - Matthew Kitsis & Kelly Giaguinto September 22 nd - Chelsea Piet & Kristian Garces Memorials September 3rd - 5 years Georgios Kitsis September 10th - 1 year - Iris Belinsky September 17th - 1 year Kelly Locke Planning Memorials When planning for a memorial, please contact the church office at There is a particular altar wine and incense we use. Please call for details! Donations & Offerings Greekfest Donation Peter & James Camberis $ Spring Dance - $1, Donations in Memory of The Dimitriadis Family Anastasia Galanis Efrosini & Giorgios Meimetis Glykeria Tsoubanos It is with great appreciation we have received three considerable donations made to our parish, which we would like to recognize. The benefactors are Doris Springer (Alex Demos sister), Phyllis Brown and Anastasia Galanis. Their thoughtfulness, generosity and caring, demonstrates their desire that our parish prospers and grows for generations to come. May their memory be eternal. 7

8 July Stewardship 2017 Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Boutwell Peter Camberis Dr. Jennie & Michael DiBartolomeo Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer Mr. & Mrs.Stathis Kapellakis Esther Kereakoglow Mr. & Mrs. Leon Lampes Eugenia Lefebvre Chelsea Piet & Kristian Garces Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Poplin Helen Rainey Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Skouteris Patricia Tingos Mr. & Mrs. Vaios Tzimas Please submit your 2017 Stewardship Pledge Stewardship is our God-given OBLIGATION and the PRIMARY source of income for our church! Seek first God s Kingdom and His Righteousness and all other things shall be added to you. (Matt 6:33) And some seeds fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold. (Luke 8:8) Give to Cesar what is Cesar s and to God what is God s. (Mark 12:17) Reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful giver. (St. Paul 2 nd Corinthians 9:6-8) Rich is not the one who has much, but the one who gives much. For what one gives away, he keeps for all eternity. (St. John Chrysostom) Thank you for your love to the House of the Lord and Panagia! 8

9 Assumption Church Youth Ministry invites you to join us for apple picking SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 TH at 2:30pm Mack s Apples 230 Mammoth Road Londonderry, NH We will meet at Mack s Apples main building, and follow each other to the orchard Make sure to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes. Any questions please contact: Nicole Condodemetraky at snicolepappas229@gmail.com We Hope to see you there!! BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING If you would like to advertise your business card in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Church Office. A business card format, about 2 ½ x 1 ½ will run for a period of 12 months for one set fee of $ a year. This will help us defray the ever-increasing costs of printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes and at the same time you will be advertising your business to our parishioners, and through word of mouth, to their friends. This is a great opportunity for all! 9

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12 Road NH NON-PROFIT O G. US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, PERMIT NO ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH LADIES OF AUXILARY / PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ANNUAL AUTUMN BAZAAR OCTOBER 28 & 29, 2017 SATURDAY 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM SUNDAY 11:30 AM TO 3:00 PM GREEK FOOD & PASTRIES RAFFLES & PENNY SALE 111 ISLAND POND ROAD MANCHESTER, NH 12