Assumption Greek Orthodox Church INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1 THE ARK-Η ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ Monthly Bulletin of the Assumption of Our Most Holy Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Manchester, NH Μηνιαίο Δελτίο της Ελληνικής Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου Manchester, NH May/Μάιος 2012 Volume 7, Issue 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Monthly Calendar (Greek) 2 Ministries List 3 Parish News 4 Tri-Ortho News 4 Spiritual Readings 7 Stewardship 9 Philoptochos News 10 Youth News 11 Monthly Calendar (English) 15 Due Date for June Bulletin: Monday, May 18th Assumption Greek Orthodox Church The Resurrection Service - April 15th, Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH Phone: Fax: info@assumptionnh.org Join us on Facebook Palm Sunday - April 8th, 2012

2 P a g e 2 ΜΑΙΟΣ 2012 Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο Συνάντηση καθηγητών και συμβούλων Νεολαίας - 7:00μμ Συνάντηση για το GREEKFEST-7:00μμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 3-7 μμ Ελληνικός Χορός 4:15μμ - 5:45μμ GOYA CAR WASH Δείτε Youth News Κυριακή του Παραλύτου Ορθ: 9:00πμ Θ. Λειτ: 10:00πμ Κατηχητικό - 9:45πμ Συνάντηση Συμβουλίου Φιλοπτώχου 7:00μμ Συνάντηση Trio- Ortho - 1:00μμ Συνάντηση Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου 7:00μμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 3-7 μμ Ελληνικός Χορός 4:15μμ - 5:45μμ Κυριακή της Σαμαρίτειδος Ορθ: 9:00πμ Θ. Λειτ: 10:00πμ Κατηχητικό - 9:45πμ Ημέρα της Μητέρας! Κυριακή του Τυφλού Ορθ: 9:00πμ Θ. Λειτ: 10:00πμ Κατηχητικό - 9:45πμ Κυριακή των Πατέρων της 1ης Οικουμενικής Συνόδου Ορθ: 9:00πμ Θ. Λειτ: 10:00πμ Κατηχητικό - 9:45πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 3-7 μμ Ελληνικός Χορός 4:15μμ - 5:45μμ Ανοιξιάτικος Χορός 7:00μμ-12:30πμ (Δείτε Parish News) Κωνσταντίνου και Ελένης Ορθ: 8:30πμ Θ. Λειτ: 9:150πμ Ανάληψις Ορθ: 8:30πμ Θ. Λειτ: 9:150πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 3-7 μμ Ελληνικός Χορός 4:15μμ - 5:45μμ Memorial Day Τρισάγιο στο νεκροταφείο Pine Grove 9:30πμ Ελληνικό Σχολείο 3-7 μμ Ελληνικός Χορός 4:15μμ - 5:45μμ

3 P a g e 3 President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Rev. Fr. Athanasios Nenes (603) TNenes@AssumptionNH.org Parish Council 2012 Costas Georgopoulos Dimitris Meimetis Mike Rokas Ted Rokas Coordinator: YOUTH MINISTRIES Stephanie Piet GOYA Advisors: Liz Folopoulos Assistant: Ranya Karatzoulidis JOY Advisors: Carol Georgopoulos Julie Karagianis Stephanie Piet James Folopoulos Dean Kacos Nicholas Karagianis Tasos Karatzoulidis Peter Lazos Charles Mardanes Vasilios Palaskas Louie Pliakos Mommy & Me: Nicole Condodemetraky PARISH SCHOOLS Philoptochos Board ( ) Director: Sunday School Ranya Karatzoulidis President: Nancy Mardanes 1st Vice President: Areti Galanis Recording Secretary: Andrea Moutsioulis Corresponding Secretary: Martha Galanis Treasurer: Esther Kereakoglow Assistant Treasurer: Lucie Skouteris Iris Belinsky Mariana Gasis Phyllis Brown Evangelia Gregorious Maria Chronas Artemis Lazos Anastasia Galanis Georgia Palaskas Georgia Gancarz Director: Teacher: Greek School George Kitsis Sophia Asymianaki Newsletter Staff Tasos Karatzoulidis Editors: Fr. Athanasios Nenes Sophia Annas Costa Georgopoulos Ellen Healy Janet Malin Nancy Mardanes Stephanie Piet Secretary: Custodian: Chanter: Staff Janet Malin Paul Tsolakidis Vasilios Rokas ADDRESS CHANGES Please notify the Church Office if you are moving so we may update our database. Thank You. Office Hours for Fr. Athanasios Nenes: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Any other time or day with appointment

4 P a g e 4 PARISH ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS Greekfest Meeting The third Greekfest Meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 2nd, at 7:00pm at the church hall. Everyone is welcomed to attend the meeting and help with the preparations for Greekfest Job Opportunity for a Piano Player. We are looking for a piano player to lead our Choir each week. The applicant does not have to have experience with Byzantine music, although it would be preferred. For more information, please contact the church office at Mother's Day Celebration - May 12th Sunday, May 12th is Mother's Day and, as we do every year, the Parish Council will host the coffee hour to honor one of the most important persons in our lives. We welcome everybody to join us! Assumption Spring Dance to be held on May 19th Save the Date Our Annual Spring Dance will be held on Saturday, May 19th at our Church Hall. We would like to invite everyone to join us for an evening filled with good fun, food, fellowship and lots of dancing! For more information, please see the flyer on page 8. VAN AND JOANNA CHRISTY SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Christy Scholarship is for students of Greek origin or descent who have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. If anyone is interested please contact the church office at # to receive an application. The applications must be returned to RBS Citizens Bank by May 31, TRI-ORTHO APRIL MEETING Our May meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 9 th at the Assumption Church Hall at 1:00 p.m. A light lunch will be provided for our members and a social hour to follow. SACRAMENTS BAPTISM April 22nd - Elli Harickleia, daughter of Chrysoula and Thomas Katsiantonis MEMORIAL May his memory be eternal. April 29th - 40 Day Memorial for Epokratis Hartofelis May 20th - Lucas Costas, son of Kelly and Michael Burnett

5 P a g e 5 The Resurrection Service - April 15, 2012 Holy Friday - The decoration of the Epitaphion

6 Palm Sunday - April 8, 2012 P a g e 6

7 P a g e 7 SPIRITUAL READINGS The Samaritan Woman: St. Photini The New Testament describes the familiar account of the woman at the well (John 4:5-42), who was a Samaritan. Up to that point she had led a sinful life, one which resulted in a rebuke from Jesus Christ. However, she responded to Christ s stern admonition with genuine repentance, was forgiven her sinful ways, and became a convert to the Christian Faith taking the name Photini at Baptism, which literally means the enlightened one. A significant figure in the Johannine community, the Samaritan Woman, like many other women, contributed to the spread of Christianity. She therefore occupies a place of honor among the apostles. In Greek sermons from the fourth to the fourteenth centuries she is called apostle and evangelist. In these sermons the Samaritan Woman is often compared to the male disciples and apostles and found to surpass them. Later, Byzantine hagiographers developed the story of the Samaritan Woman, beginning where Saint John left off. At Pentecost Saint Photini received baptism, along with her five sisters, Anatole, Photo, Photis, Paraskeve, Kyriake, and her two sons, Photeinos and Joseph. She then began a missionary career, traveling far and wide, preaching the good news of the Messiah s coming, His death and resurrection. When Nero, the emperor of Rome, began to persecute Christians, Photini and her son Joseph were in Carthage, in Africa, where she was preaching the Christian gospel. After Jesus appeared to Photini in a dream, she sailed to Rome. Her son and many Christians from Africa accompanied her. Photini s arrival and activity aroused curiosity in the capital city. Everyone talked about her, Who is this woman? they asked. She came here with a crowd of followers and she preaches Christ with great boldness. Soldiers were ordered to bring her to the emperor, but Photini anticipated them. Before they could arrest her, Photini, with her son Joseph and her Christian friends, went to Nero. When the emperor saw them, he asked why they had come. Photini answered, We have come to teach you to believe in Christ. The half-mad ruler of the Roman Empire did not frighten her. She wanted to convert him! Nero asked the saints their names. Again Photini answered. By name she introduced herself, her five sisters and younger son. The emperor then demanded to know whether they had all agreed to die for the Nazarene. Photini spoke for them. Yes, for the love of Him we rejoice and in His name we ll gladly die. Hearing their defiant words, Nero ordered their hands beaten with iron rods for three hours. At the end of each hour another persecutor took up the beating. The saints, however, felt no pain. Nothing happened to their hands. Photini joyfully quoted words of a psalm by David: God is my help. No matter what anyone does to me, I shall not be afraid. Perplexed by the Christian s endurance and confidence, Nero ordered the men thrown into jail. Photini and her five sisters were brought to the golden reception hall in the imperial palace. There, the six women were seated on golden thrones, In front of them stood a large golden table covered with gold coins, jewels and dresses. Nero hoped to tempt the women by this display of wealth and luxury. Nero then ordered his daughter Domnina, with her slave girls, to go speak with the Christian women. Women, he thought, would succeed in persuading their Christian sisters to deny their God. Domnina greeted Photini graciously, mentioning the name of Christ. On hearing the princess greeting, the saint thanked God. She then embraced and kissed Domnina. The women talked. But, the outcome of the women s talk was not what Nero wished. Photini catechized Domnina and her hundred slave girls and baptized them all. She gave the name Anthousa to Nero s daughter. After her baptism, Anthousa immediately ordered all the gold and jewels on the golden table distributed to the poor of Rome. When the emperor heard that his own daughter had been converted to Christianity, he condemned Photini and all her companions to death by fire. For seven days the furnace burned, But when the door of the furnace was opened, it was seen that the fire had not harmed the saints. Next the emperor tried to destroy the saints with poison, Photini offered to be the first to drink it. O King, she said, I will drink the poison first so that you might see the power of my Christ and God. All the saints then drank the poison after her. None suffered any ill effects from it. In vain Nero subjected Photini, her sisters, sons and friends to every known torture. The saints survived unscathed to taunt and ridicule their persecutor. For three years they were held in a Roman prison. Saint Photini transformed it into a house of God. Many Romans came to the prison, were converted and baptized. Finally, the enraged tyrant had all the saints, except for Photini, beheaded. She was thrown first into a deep, dry well and then into prison again. Photini now grieved that she was alone, that she had not received the crown of martyrdom together with her five sisters, Anatole, Photo, Photis, Paraskeve and Kyriake and her two sons, Photeinos and Joseph. Night and day she prayed for release from this life. One night, God appeared to her, made the sign of the cross over her three times. The vision filled her with joy. Many days later, while she hymned and blessed God, Saint Photini gave her soul into God s hands. The Samaritan Woman conversed with Christ by the well of Jacob, near the city of Sychar. She drank of the living water and gained everlasting life and glory. The precious head of St Photini is preserved today in the Monastery of Grigoriu from the Holy Mt. Athos, Greece.

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9 P a g e 9 STEWARDSHIP REPORT THROUGH MARCH 2012 FAMILIES PLEDGED IN 2012: 91 TOTAL STEWARDSHIP RECEIVED: $19, (6.2% OF ANNUAL BUDGET) Voula Annas Diana Camberis Van Ftergiotis Crawford Nikki Florou John Gatsas Polexenia Georgopoulos Mrs. Epokratis Hartofelis George Kamberis Esther Kereakoglow George Moutsioulis Tillie Papageorge PLEDGES RECEIVED FOR MARCH STEWARDSHIP Mr. & Mrs. Mark Piet Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Pervanas Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Pliakos Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Rizos Mr. & Mrs. Costas Tonas Mr. & Mrs.Tsoubanos Todd Vanderheyden Mr. & Mrs. John Xintaras Kerrie Xintaras 2012 Stewardship goal: $85, Pledges Received for 2011 Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Kondylis Reminder!! Please do not forget to submit your 2012 Stewardship Pledge Card Stewardships are the greatest source of income for our Church. Thank you! MARCH DONATIONS Fuel Fund Georgia Gancarz - $25.00 Ellen Healy - $25.00 Virginia Zarakotas - $25.00 Other Fuel Fund Donations - $25.00 Easter Offerings Mr. & Mrs. John Xintaras - $10.00 Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Palaskas - $20.00 Nikki Florou - $ day blessing of Maggie Skouteris, daughter of Greg and Kate Skouteris.

10 P a g e 10 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS I would like to thank all who donated towards flowers used during the Easter Lenten Period and Holy Week. A big thank you to all who donated their time and talents decorating the Epitaphion, and preparing the red eggs for distribution. A reminder to all Philoptochos members: If you have not paid your 2012 dues ($25.00) they are now due. Per capita, for each member, must be sent in to National Philoptochos and the Metropolis Philoptochos. Thank you, Nancy Mardanes Coffee Hours Please contact a Philoptochos Board member or the church office if you would like to sponsor a coffee hour. If you have a special date in mind, please reserve it early. Pictures of the Philoptochos making the tsourekia (Easter Breads) on Sunday, April 1st.

11 P a g e 11 YOUTH NEWS Upcoming Events May 5th, 2012 (Saturday) - GOYA carwash at Burger King on Daniel Webster Hwy (See Flyer) May 20th, 2012 Please join the Youth Ministry in the New Horizon's Walk for Hunger...this event is for our whole parish community. Please see the posters in the church hall. We are looking forward to a great turnout...please join us...strollers welcome!! For more information, please contact Stephanie Piet at or Patty Tingos at (cell) or visit New Horizon's website at Attention all graduates: High School and College 2012 Please forward to Janet, in the church office, the names of all students who will be graduating from either High School or College this year as we would like to recognize them in June.

12 P a g e Main Street Raymond, NH (603) HALL RENTALS Our church hall is available to our parishioners and friends for rental. Please call the Church Office for more details and availability BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING Anyone with a business that would like to advertise 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 to defray the ever-increasing costs of printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes as well as advertising your business to our parishioners and through word of mouth, to their friends. This is a great opportunity for all!

13 2160 Candia Road, Manchester, NH (Across from Lakeside Lanes) We Deliver! Call ahead for pick up or delivery order zoeyspizzaonline.com P a g e 13 Warehouse Outlet 350 Gay Street John C. Mongan Industrial Park Manchester, NH (603) BUY A BRICK For $60.00 a brick, you can purchase a gold metal nameplate in memory of a loved one that has passed on or have your own name printed as a donor to the parish. Why not buy a brick in recognition of a happy event like an anniversary, baptism, or wedding?

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15 P a g e 15 MAY 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Youth Teachers and advisors meeting - 7:00pm Greekfest Meeting GOYA Car Wash Greek School 3-7 pm -7:00pm See Youth News Greek School Dance 4:15-5:45 Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros: 9:00am Div. Lit: 10:00am Sunday School - 9:45am Philopotochos Board Meeting 7:00pm Tri-Ortho Meeting - 1:00pm at the Assumption Hall Greek School 3-7 pm Greek School Dance 4:15-5:45 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Orthros: 9:00am Div. Lit: 10:00am Sunday School - 9:45am Mother's Day! Sunday of the Blind Man Orthros: 9:00am Div. Lit: 10:00am Sunday School - 9:45am New Horizons "Walk Against Hunger" (see flyer on page 11) Parish Council Meeting 7:00pm Greek School 3-7 pm Greek School Dance 4:15-5:45 Spring Dance 7:00pm-12:30am (See Parish News) Sts. Constantine & Helen Orthros: 8:30am Div. Lit: 9:15am Holy Ascension Orthros: 8:30am Div. Lit: 9:15am Greek School 3-7 pm Greek School Dance 4:15-5:45 Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council Orthros: 9:00am Div. Lit: 10:00am Sunday School - 9:45am Memorial Day Trisagion Service at Pine Grove Cemetery 9:30am Greek School 3-7 pm Greek School Dance 4:15-5:45

16 Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH NON-PROFIT P a g e ORG. 16 US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, NH PERMIT NO May 2012 Place your ad here in full color! Anyone with a business that would like to advertise in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Church Office at (603) SPECIAL PRORATED PRICE!!