The cure for apathy is comprehension. ~John Dos Passos The Prospect Before Us

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1 The Word And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth John 1:14 Christianity: A Life of Conviction July/August 2013 The North Bay area is commonly envied for its mild weather, and the ocean waters of Hawaii are sought after because they feel like a comfortable bath. Few seek out a July in Phoenix or a swim in the Artic Ocean! It seems that the middle-of-the-road, lukewarm experiences of life often appeal to us and place us in a position of ease commonly understood as well-being. Yet as Christians we are called to a radically different experience! I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:15,16 Hot or Cold! Yes or No! In or Out! Not questions, but rather statements. God expressed in clear terms that He wants us to be convicted in our Christian lifestyle so convicted, that He would rather that we not embark upon the journey unless we are hot, in, and full of yes! It would be better to an individual or a community to step away from the Christian life rather than embark upon it with a foundation of despondency. Without the courage of conviction, we are assured expulsion from the Body, as articulated in the Book of Revelation, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:16). The most assured path away from God is apathy. Apathy not hate is the opposite of love. It is this apathy that leads first to the death of the psyche, and in its extreme form to the death of the body. ~Jane G. Goldberg Psychoanalyst The Evangelist John articulates that God is love (1 John 4:8). Therefore, Dr. Goldberg s articulation of apathy can be understood by Christians as the opposite of God, or godliness. Christians are called to lead a godly life a life built on a trust and experience in love. To truly love is to truly live absent of apathy. This lifestyle is natural for God s creation (you and me), but we confuse our natural state with the accumulation of sin most often brought on through shades of lethargy. Christian understanding would go one step beyond Dr. Goldberg s statement and affirm that apathy not only leads to the death of the psyche and body but apathy provokes and demands the decomposition of the soul. The cure for apathy is comprehension. ~John Dos Passos The Prospect Before Us Why? When we can articulate, feel and trust the answer to the question why, we may become convicted. In our Christian pilgrimage of faith, we must ever remind ourselves of the answer to the question, Why am I a Christian? Understanding salvation truly empowers our pilgrimage toward it through active commitment, and the departure from apathy. Now you are the Body of Christ and individually members of It. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:27 Having recently celebrated the Lord s Resurrection, Ascension and the Feast of Pentecost, as individuals let us turn up the heat of our Christian lifestyle. Our individual commitments will embolden the Body of Christ found at Nativity in a continued departure from apathy, and confession of the love and experience of Jesus Christ. Let us love one another, so that with one mind we may confess. ~The of Saint John Chrysostom Fr. Luke Stepping Up! Stepping Up is the common slang reference to offering commitment. The Nativity community has brilliant examples of stewards who have stepped up over the last 40+ years. I would like to thank our Sunday School Director, teachers, Philoptochos ladies and the other volunteers who stepped up, in last month s beautiful Sunday School Celebration BBQ! What a beautiful way to honor the lovely campus that God has blessed us with to create an opportunity for our parish family to gather in fellowship! As I shared with the community at that event, we are blessed with this campus and have an ongoing opportunity to respond to that blessing. Let s initiate the experience of a monthly meal following a Sunday Divine Liturgy, sponsored by a different parish entity each month. What a wonderful way to honor God s grace and get to know our fellow parishioners as family, friends, and peers! In order for this to come to fruition, you need to step up! Who has Stepped Up? Thank you to the following parish entities who have already made commitments: August: Polirinia Pan-Cretan Association September: Parish Council Will you be next? Please contact the church office to step up today!

2 July/August Services & Readings Date/Time July 1 July 7 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Galatians 3:23-4:5 July 14 July 21 July 26 July 27 July 28 The Holy Fathers 4 th Sunday of Matthew St. Paraskevi of Rome St. Panteleimon 5 th Sunday of Matthew Titus 3:8-15 Romans 6:18-23 Galatians 3:23-4:5 II Timothy 2:1-10 Romans 10:1-10 July 29 Kallinikos Romans 16:17-24 July 30 Silas & Silvanos of the 70 Acts 15:35-41 July 31 Forefeast of the Precious I Corinth. 2:9-3:8 Cross Aug 1 Aug 2 Aug 4 Aug 6 Aug 11 Aug 15 Aug 18 Aug 25 Service Sts. Cosmas & Damien Procession of the Precious Cross Relics of Stephen 6 th Sunday of Matthew Transfiguration 7 th Sunday of Matthew Dormition of the Theotokos 8 th Sunday of Matthew 9 th Sunday of Matthew Epistle Corinth. 12:27-13:8 Hebrews 11:33-12:2 July/August Acolyte Schedule Gospel Matthew 10:1, 5--8 Matthew 4:18-23 Matthew 5:14-19 Matthew 8:5-13 Mark 5:24-34 Luke 21:12-19 Matthew 8:28-9:1 Matthew 13:10-23, 43 Matthew 13:24-30 Matthew 13:31-36 Matthew 10:16-22 Acts 6:18-7:5, Mark 12:1-12 Romans 12:6-14 Matthew 9:1-8 II Peter 1:10-19 Matthew 13:54-58 Romans 15:1-7 Matthew 9:27-35 Philippians 2:5-11 Luke 10:38-42; 11: I Corinthians 10:1-17 Matthew 14:14-22 I Corinthians 3:9-17 Matthew 14:22-34 All acolytes are asked to serve in July and August. July/August Candle Duty Schedule July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 11 August 18 August 25 Alex Slenkin, George Sotiras and Tony Kosmas Chris Siefkas, Nick Livanos and Spiro Stratigos Bruce Corcoran, Pete Gikkas and George Kokalis Peter Eliades, George Georgeson and Scott Walters Alex Slenkin, George Sotiras and Tony Kosmas Chris Siefkas, Nick Livanos and Spiro Stratigos Bruce Corcoran, Pete Gikkas and George Kokalis Peter Eliades, George Georgeson and Scott Walters In this Issue: The Word Monthly Newsletter published by Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Drive Novato, CA Phone: (415) Fax: (415) ncchurch@pacbell. net Fr. Luke Palumbis, Pastor frluke@nativityofchrist.org July/August 2013 Message from Father...1 Services & Readings...2 Acolyte and Candle Duty Schedules...2 Keep Them in Your Prayers...3 Parish Activities & Ministries...3, Stewardship...4, 5 July Calendar...6 August Calendar...7 Festival Article...8 Summer Church Camp...9 Picnic Flyer...10 IOCC Dinner...11 Sacraments & Rites

3 Parish Activities & Ministries Philoptochos Philoptochos Board Irene Meehan, President Susan Stockton, Vice President Nancy Slenkin, Corres. Secretary Dina Camamis, Recording Secretary Debbie Kokalis, Treasurer Floretta Burrows, Member Anna Diamantopoulos, Member Carol Economy, Member Effie Fourakis, Member Rose Hunter, Member Gigi Medan, Member Stassie Sideris, Member Kay Simon, Member Cathy Selmi, Member Stacey Weeks, Member Message from Past President, Debbie Kokalis I just want to thank my Board Members and all Philoptochos members for your help and support these past two years. Whether you helped organize an activity, brought food items, helped set up or clean up, no matter what your participation was, I couldn t have done it without you. This experience gave me a better understanding of how hard all the Board members work to keep the ministry of Philoptochos running smoothly. The help and guidance you extended to me will never be forgotten, and I look forward to all the new and exciting ideas and activities our new Board will present for the next two years. I would also like to say a special thank you to our outgoing Board members Diane Kavantjas, Karen Keller and Erene Sotiras. To the family of Markos and Zambela: your love and generosity is an example for the entire community and greatly appreciated by those who receive your gift. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18 Congratulations to this year s recipients of the Philoptochos/Perivolaris scholarships: Nick Daifotis, Jenny Walters and Andrew Weeks. This year we had six applicants and the decision was extremely difficult since all applicants had excellent application packets. Our best wishes to all the graduates and continuing students in their careers and studies. Pennies & Prayers Keep bringing in your Pennies and Prayers canisters! There will be a basket in the Narthex for your convenience. Every little penny counts in helping support the missions of our own Metropolis. Thank you for your support. Philoptochos Dinner Out On June 4, Philoptochos had a beautiful dinner out at Muscio s Restaurant in Novato. We had the patio to ourselves and had a wonderful time catching up and just plain relaxing. It was nice to see so many of our members in attendance. Summer Activities We are in the process of organizing a couple of summer activities so we can all keep in touch. If you have an idea, please contact Debbie Kokalis, Right now we think there will be at least be one dinner and movie night in July. Any movie suggestions? A flyer will be ed when we determine the movie and date. July/August Birthdays The following members have birthdays coming up in July and A u g u s t : Nancy Slenkin (7/7), Kiki Taft (7/7), Sophia Stathis (7/12), Irene Meehan (7/14), Stella Soter (7/16), Phoebe Boosalis (7/18), Katherine Pantazes (7/18), Ephimia Morphew (7/19), Kathy Marshall (7/24), Pres. Kay Efstathiu (7/26), Olympia Katelanis (7/27), Tina Gavallos (7/30), Spiro Stratigos (7/30), John Stockton (8/1), Kay Simon (8/6), Paraskeve Karavolos (8/21) and Angero Kozas (8/23).. Happy Birthday to all of you!! And many, many more. Dates to Remember TBD Dinner and movie night TBD September Board Meeting 9/15 Gyro Luncheon Scholarship Recipients On June 2, we all gathered on the back patio after Liturgy for an old fashioned hamburger and hot dog picnic to honor the Philoptochos Scholarship recipients and also to present the Sunday School awards. The picnic was a joint effort of Sunday School and Philoptochos, led by our Sunday School coordinator, Kathy Marshall. Both ministries worked together as a church family to present the children with their awards of achievement. We are excited to announce that Philoptochos been blessed by the family of Markos and Zambela Perivolaris with a third scholarship again this year, and have been informed that this scholarship will be available every year from now on. This is such a blessing for our college students. 3 KEEP THEM IN YOUR PRAYERS Please use this list to pray for members of our parish who are sick or in need of God s care. Fr. James Adams Mary Camamis Elaine Cunningham Fr. Constantine Efstathiu Alexandra Edrich Fr. Haralambos Fox James Kolyvas From time to time, we may remove names that have been on the list for awhile. If you feel a name should remain on the list, or if you would like a new name placed on the list, please contact the church office.

4 Parish Activities & Ministries Gyros Booth Marin County Fair Volunteers are still needed for the Gyros Booth at the Marin County Fair! The Fair runs Wednesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 7 this year. Please go to SignUp Genius online or contact Kimon Daifotis [ or kimdaifotis@yahoo.com] or Effie Fourakis [ or effiejf@me.com] to volunteer or if you have any questions. Religious Education The End of the Year Picnic, held on June 2, was put together through the combined efforts of Philoptochos (recognition of graduates) and the Religious Education Program (recognition of students and staff). Rather than have two separate events, we combined resources, which made for an Greek Festival enjoyable day for all. Working together and serving together provided multiple hands in fellowship. We wish to extend a very special thank you to all of the Philoptochos members and Sunday School teachers for the delicious food items, contributions and collaboration of service. It was a wonderful afternoon on the deck of our own Nativity grounds visiting with each other, celebrating our youth and our teachers, and honoring our graduates. As we plan for launching our Religious Education Program, mark your calendars for the first day of classes: Sunday, September 15! Registration materials for will be mailed the last week of August. The packet will include a registration form to be mailed back in the envelope provided. Register Early! Please contact the church office, , if you have any questions. Additional Graduate The name of an additional Graduate has been brought to our attention. We offer her our sincere congratulations and best wishes and, above all, our prayers for a life and future pleasing to God in every way. Georgia Hontalas MS - Medican Product Development Management UC Santa Cruz A sincere thank you to all who helped in creating yet another successful Greek Festival. All of your contributions of time, talents and treasures were truly appreciated. We look forward to your continued support next year. Sincerely, Mike Madias and Ed Keller 2013 Stewardship Campaign 2013 Stewardship Update June 24, 2013 Number of Commitment Cards Received 246 Total Amount Committed $173,864 Budgeted Goal $205,000 Thank You We thank those listed on this page, as well as the others previously listed, for their response to the 2013 Stewardship Campaign. Stewardship Commitments Received between 5/25/13 and 6/23/13 Kuvelis, Dean & Denise 4 O Theotokos, in giving birth you remained a virgin; in falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You have passed to life being the Mother of Life. Through your intercessions, save our souls from death. Dismissal Hymn of the Dormition

5 Schools Rule and so does Greek Food! July 3-7 You are invited to volunteer at our Parish Gyros Booth at the Marin County Fair at the Marin Food Court, near the Ben & Jerry s Solar Stage Each year our parish par.cipates in the Marin County Fair, serving Gyros, Greek salad and Greek yogurt Our presence at the Fair offers us several opportuni3es: ~ We share our Hellenic heritage with the larger community through our cuisine ~ ~ We extend our Orthodox Chris7an values through our philoxenia (hospitality) ~ by our food prepara1on and customer service (always with a smile and a good word!) ~ This is a joint fundraiser for the Minoan Dancers and the parish; both benefit financially ~ 100 spots need to be filled Early shi? is 10 am - 5 pm Evening shi? is 4:30-11 pm The fair runs from Wednesday July 3 rd through Sunday July 7 th Scheduling will begin the week a1er the Marin Greek Fes7val (using SignUp Genius online or you can contact one of the chairpeople listed here). Volunteers are encouraged from all "walks" of the parish: dancers, students, parents, Parish Council, Philoptochos, GOYA, altar boys, choir, students who need service hours for school... we're hoping everyone will help out! Call your friends and get a crew together, it's a lot of fun, you get free admission to the fair and a delicious meal! Each shi1 needs AT LEAST 10 workers: 1 shi1 coordinator (s/he gets the parking pass to park right behind the booth!) 2 gyros cuters/pita grillers 1 gyros runner 4 workers (assemble gyros, salad, yogurt) 1 person to serve drinks 1 person at the cash register For more informa.on and to sign up: Kimon Daifo.s cell kimdaifotis@yahoo.com Effie Fourakis cell effiejf@me.com Gyros a fundraiser for the Minoan Dancers and the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church

6 2013 Stewardship Campaign ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP by Father Harry Pappas Unfortunately, when most of us hear or read the word Stewardship, we instinctively think of it spelled as $tewardship, a code word for giving money to church. It may be politely asked for. It may be clothed in pious language. It may be linked to giving of time and talents. But, in the end, stewardship still means, for most of us: I must give some of my money so that we can operate the church. However, we may have not yet learned to spell this key word as S+ewardship. The Bible from beginning to end identifies what we now call stewardship as a way of life centered on God. And for Christians, this means discipleship centered on Jesus Christ as Crucified and Risen Lord. The cross thus dramatically signifies both our identity as disciples of Christ and our calling to a life of sacrificial giving directed toward God, others, and all creation. Many people know how to raise money. There are professional experts who work full time. There are more opinions and ideas than parishes know what to do with. And, in fact, raising funds has become a favorite American pastime for public and private schools, political parties, charitable organizations, and legions of athletic and recreational activities. Who needs another fund-raising campaign when we are already inundated with them! But while there are legions of experts, opinions, and efforts, how many of us are genuinely committed to Christ and the Church and have learned a sound teaching about stewardship based upon Holy Scripture? In the Old Testament, our Hebrew ancestors based their very existence upon what God had first done for them: through the promises given to the patriarch Abraham, the sacred covenant at Sinai given through Moses, and messianic kingship through David. Since God was their Creator, Savior, and King, ancient Israel worshiped Him regularly and on special feast days. They considered the very land upon which they lived as a precious gift from God, and not the result of their own hard work or of their pious virtue. This meant that all products of their livelihood ultimately belonged to God. The biblical tithe (10%) meant that the first and best portion of these material assets were to be returned to God for support of the sanctuary or temple, the ordained ministers, and various human needs (including charity). The rest (90%) was not to be used as each person decided, but rather according to the will of God through each person s family, home, and vocation. Further, as emphasized by the prophets like Amos and Isaiah, the people of God were to seek justice and righteousness in all their relationships through business, commerce, legal courts, government, and society. In particular, ancient Israel was to protect, support, and advocate for the poor, oppressed, and weakest members of society. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ affirmed this Old Testament stewardship as a way of life based upon God s gracious salvation and His natural gifts through creation. He clearly approved of worship, of tithing, of seeking justice and righteousness in all human relationships, and of service especially to the poor, oppressed, and needy. However, Jesus went way beyond these in offering Himself as the perfect steward of God s gracious gifts by His voluntary suffering and death on a cross. In this event, He exemplified that true sacrifice for the sake of others has absolutely no limits. The one who truly loves God and passionately seeks the truth is called to die to self, take up the cross of unjust suffering, and be prepared to live and even die for others, especially those who are hardened in sin and blinded by ingratitude. In the Church, everyone is called to be a disciple of Christ. This involves conversion an inward turning of mind and heart toward Christ and a conscious and deliberate commitment to follow the Lord, no matter what the cost. And true Christian stewardship springs very naturally from such faith and obedience, since it recognizes God as the origin of life, the giver of salvation, and the source of all blessings, visible and invisible. The deeper the conversion and commitment to Christ, the deeper the thanksgiving for these spiritual and material gifts that we have received, and the greater the readiness to use them to show our love for God and those around us. Jesus Christ sets the true standard of Christian stewardship by which we can measure ourselves. Our stewardship of the good news of salvation should be shown in the following ways: Creation joyful appreciation for the wonder and beauty of nature; protection and preservation of the environment; bringing the gifts of creation to the Church for blessing (altar bread, wine, fruits, oil, incense, etc.); development of the material world through holy work (physical labor, professions, arts and sciences); respect for and protection of the sanctity of human life from conception to death. Vocation fulfillment of our God-given calling in life as married or single people, adult or child, working or retired, clergy or laity, to extend the love and truth of God in Christ to those around us. Church becoming active participants in working out our salvation as members of the Orthodox Church through the Christian nurture of children, regular worship and fellowship; spiritual formation through on-going education; service to one another and to the poor, sick, and needy; cooperating to make our parish a vibrant source of faith and work; and supporting Metropolitan, Archdiocesan, and international ministries that link us to the worldwide Church. In a culture that frequently encourages us to focus on ourselves, Jesus Christ challenges us to re-orient our priorities according to the Kingdom of God breaking into this world. The antidote to greed and selfishness, even when it is masked by religious piety, is genuine repentance and conversion toward Christian stewardship as a new way of living. And what joy there is now for those who turn toward God, learning and living as stewards of the manifold grace that has been offered to us through Christ in the Church! Fr. Harry Pappas serves as Pastor of Archangels Greek Orthodox Church in Stamford, CT. 5

7 NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Sunday of All Saints Sts.Cosmas & Damien Bible Study 10:00 a.m. 4 5 Marin County Fair - Gyro Booth July JULY nd Sunday of Matthew 8 9 Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Akathist Hymn to the Nativity of Christ 5:30 pm Orthodoxy 101 6:00 pm Sunday of the Holy Fathers 15 Akathist Hymn to the Parish Council Meeting Nativity of Christ 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Orthodoxy 101 6:00 pm Fr. Luke - Family Vacation July th Sunday of Matthew St. Markella Chian Society Picnic Following Liturgy Fr. Luke - Family Vacation July St. Paraskevi of Rome 27 St. Panteleimon 28 5 th Sunday of Matthew Nativity of Christ Vacation Church Camp 10:00 am - 2:00 pm July 29 - August 2 Aug. 1 2 Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Begins V 6:00 pm followed by Community Dinner and Youth Program 3 6

8 NATIVITY OF CHRIST C H U R C H C A L E N D A R AUGUST SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY July th Sunday of Matthew 6 h Sunday of Matthew Nativity of Christ Vacation Church Camp 10:00 am - 2:00 pm July 29 - August 2 Transfiguration of Christ Fast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Begins 2 9 6:00 pm followed by Community Dinner and Youth Program th Sunday of Matthew 8 th Sunday of Matthew Parish Picnic sponsored by the Pan-Cretans following Liturgy 6:00 pm 6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting 7:30 pm 6:00 pm Great Vespers 6:00 pm The Dormition of the Most Holy Theookos 6:00 pm 24 Fr. Luke - Vacation August th Sunday of Matthew Fr. Luke - Vacation August

9 Nativity of Christ Greek Festival Glory be to God, another annual festival has been offered by the Nativity family extending the opportunity to share our campus and experience family, friends and visitors once again in this unique fashion. In the weeks following the festival we reflect upon the experience in the effort to improve it for next year commonly viewing marketing, physical set up, etc, etc. I wish to offer another lens of perception through which we may reflect upon our Festival Experience, in the effort to always stay oriented, focused, and motivated toward offering the very best experience that we may. The following lens (article) was written by a brother priest serving a parish in Florida A GREEK FESTIVAL THAT HONORS GOD The Greek Festival has become a staple of the Greek Orthodox Church s experience in America. At times it has come to represent the very best and at other times the very worst of our church tradition. What do I mean by that? Depending on how it is done, it can be a great, shining example of the Church, the Body of Christ, in action. Then again, it could be a terrible example of a church, an ethnic social club completely disconnected from any relationship to Jesus Christ. So what determines whether a Greek Festival honors or dishonors God? THE DATE The first thing that determines whether it honors or dishonors God is when you schedule it. If you schedule your biggest party of the year during a time when Orthodox Christians are supposed to be fasting, that dishonors God. We have been fortunate these past few years in that we have been able to schedule it during Meatfare Weekend (spiritually, the Orthodox equivalent of Mardi Gras March 8, 9 & 10, 2013 this year). WHAT WE ARE SELLING? Our parish has always done its best to offer traditional Greek food, well-prepared and well-presented. We prepare most of it ourselves and take care to order a high quality product when we are unable to make it ourselves. We have a well-stocked Religious Store with icons, spiritual books, censers, icons, prayer ropes, etc. For the most part, we are not selling things that are contrary to our faith (pornography, pagan symbols, sinful literature, etc.). The one notable exception has been the Mati -- the evil eye -- a little glass or plastic blue and black (and sometimes white) amulet whose origins and use are pagan, superstitious and those of witchcraft not only not Christian but anti-christian. In every possible way, we should be seeking to sell people on Christ. MUSIC Obviously in church we are playing great examples of Orthodox Byzantine music. Much of our traditional Greek folk music is also inspired by our Christian faith. Most of it is probably neutral. Some of it is contrary to our faith tradition (i.e., Maria me ta Kitrina, which glorifies adultery). We should use a little discernment when we select music to play, being conscious of honoring God and not dishonoring Him. ATMOSPHERE Philoxenia (literally, love of the stranger, meaning hospitality) and Philotimo (love of honesty and honor) should be what people hear, see and feel when they come to our Greek Festival. Most of us have been raised with an exaggerated appreciation for Greek culture and Greece (clearly portrayed with teasing warm humor in the movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Recently Greece has become an embarrassment due to its culture of corruption. That is not what we were raised to be. That s not what we should allow people to see and experience when they come to our Greek Festival. When people come to our Greek Festival they should experience the modern Greek word, Kefi, (meaning joyful, party spirit), along with philoxenia, philotimo, politeness and graciousness served with a wide, warm heartfelt smile. They should see us all working together, seeking to honor and to glorify God. Generally in Greek culture beer, wine & drink are enjoyed with good food and good company. The Greek saying, Pan Metron Ariston, meaning, In moderation is perfection, applies here. Let s all enjoy, and encourage others to enjoy, in a responsible manner. FUNDRAISER OR COMMUNITY EVENT? Is the Greek Festival primarily a fundraiser or a public relations/community outreach event? Ideally it is both. In most parishes, this is the single biggest fundraiser - a huge and critical part of the annual budget. We all know that we ought not rely on a weather dependent event for such a significant portion of our budget. (I also hope that most of us have come to the realization that our Church s Operating Budget should come from Stewardship giving, not fundraising.) Last year, our parish was almost able to meet our operating budget without tapping any of our Greek Festival proceeds (only $8,000 in 2012). Maybe in 2013 we ll actually meet this goal and not use any Festival funds for our operating expenses. We have sought to set aside all the net proceeds of our Festival for Capital Projects (building expenses). We also need to give a portion back to charitable needs in our community and our Metropolis. This would truly honor God. One of the best ways to feel and become a part of our spiritual family here at St. Katherine is to volunteer and work at our Greek Festival. There s a great deal of work that has to happen in preparation, thousands of men-womenand-children hours needed during the Festival, and additional hours of work needed to clean up and put things away after the Greek Festival. We need every one of you to offer your best and most generous offering of time and talent stewardship for our Greek Festival. We need you to sign up now! The biggest overhead expense of late has been to hire workers to staff our Festival (primarily for cleaning and parking). If we could rely on our own people to volunteer, we could have a higher percentage of our (gross) profit be realized (net) instead of eaten up by overhead. A CELEBRATION OF OUR FAITH AS WELL AS OUR CULTURE We have always offered Church Tours. Recently we have increased our portable icon collection and added short descriptions of those icons. Our faith readily lends itself to being self-explanatory in this way. Orthodox Icons are Theology in Color and Windows into Heaven. During Great Lent we will be offering our Holy Humorous Holy-Land History (4H) series on Wednesday & Friday nights. Flyers will be available to the general public in the Narthex during our Continued on Page 9 8

10 Nativity of Christ Greek Festival Continued from Page 8 Festival. Though our guests may be impressed with the icons in our church, my hope and desire is that they be more impressed with the living icons staffing our Greek Festival. Please do your best to present the best living icon of Christ that you can. Invite both family and friends not only to come to our Greek Festival but to join you in working at our Greek Festival, to join you in honoring and serving God. Your stewardship of time and talent is as valuable and necessary, if not more so, than your stewardship of treasure. I look forward to worshipping, eating, drinking, singing and dancing with you all. May we all come together to build up God s Kingdom here in Melbourne, in Brevard County and across the Space Coast. Faithfully, Fr. Demetri Tsigas God is Love. We are created in God s Image. We were created to love. Imperfect people in a fallen world serving a Perfect and Holy God. Nativity summer church camp Our Panagia! As we approach and enter into the sacred Dormition fast, the Nativity youth and friends will learn about and experience the relationship that we have with the All-Holy One, the Virgin Mary. Church Camp will take place July 29 August 2: Monday Thursday 11:00 2pm, and on Friday following the Paraklesis Service at 6pm, a dinner will be offered. Following dinner, the children will perform a program that they will have developed throughout the week. We look forward to a beautiful week with your children and grandchildren, and we look forward to the fellowship that the Nativity Community will experience on that Friday! Please fill out the registration form, and return it with the $25/child fee to the church office by July 14th. May our Panagia intercede for us! NATIVITY SUMMER CHURCH CAMP REGISTRATION Child s Name Age Shirt Size Child s Name Age Shirt Size Child s Name Age Shirt Size Parent Information: Name(s) Address Phone # Emergency Contact Phone # Please return to the church office by July 14th 9

11 NATIVITY OF CHRIST SUMMER CHURCH CAMP Our Panagia Save the Dates Who is the All-Holy One, and how is she our mother? Our Nativity Youth will explore the experience of the All-Holy, Ever-Virgin Mary, as we prepare for & enter into the Dormition Fast. Monday - Thursday 11am-2pm, Friday 6pm July 29 - August 2 Registration will be available soon + Pre-K - Grade School

12 Please join us... Community Picnic to Celebrate Tis Panagias Sunday August 18 th Following the Apolytikion (First Tone) In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos. As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions. Kontakion (Second Tone) Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life. Sponsored by the Pan Cretan Chapter of Marin and Sonoma Counties POLIRINIA 10

13 Sacraments and Rites Memorials June 2 -- Ted Madias, George Perivolaris, Marcos & Zambela Perivolaris June 9 -- Estes Steve Smyrni June Lula Kamages May their memory be eternal. Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Blessing of Vineyards August 6, is the feast day of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. Within our tradition, grapes are offered and blessed at the end of the - connected to this blessing is the experience of blessing vineyards! Vintners would seek the blessing of the Church for their crops, and in return would offer back the best of their vineyard when appropriately prepared as wine to be offered as Holy Communion. In the spirit of this tradition, if you have a local vineyard that you would like blessed, please contact the church office so that arrangements may be made following the Transfiguration feast day. The Dormition of the Theotokos August 15, is the feast day of the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary. Our Panagia, the Mother of God and recognized as the greatest of all the saints, has and will continue to help us through her intercessions to her Son and our Lord. The Church has prescribed a 14-day preparation period before her great feast day. Beginning August 1, each weekday we will celebrate the Paraklesis Service, alternating mornings and evenings so that all the faithful may have an opportunity to attend. In the context of the Paraklesis Service, individuals may be prayed for by name please submit to the church office a list of typed, or clearly printed names, so that these individuals may be prayed for in the context of the service. Nativity of Christ Parish to Host IOCC 2013 Northern California Event Our parish is honored to be hosting the 2013 Northern California Event for the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities). IOCC is the humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America. IOCC works in cooperation with the Orthodox Church and on behalf of Orthodox Christians. In carrying out its mission, IOCC applies the highest professional standards and renders itself fully accountable to the public and its donors. IOCC, in the spirit of Christ s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond. Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has provided $438 million in humanitarian relief, sustainable development and self-help programs to people in need. All assistance is provided solely on the basis of need, and benefits orphans, refugees and displaced persons, the elderly, school children, families and people with disabilities. IOCC programs have helped people in 50 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Since the need for help is great, IOCC continually works to expand its programs to other areas. Plans are underway to make this an exciting fundraiser for the IOCC. The event that was hosted by our parish in 2008 raised over $40,000. The core committee has been meeting to establish the format of this event and will be contacting members of our parish to assist when the format has been finalized. We are waiting confirmation of the date of the event which will be either the second or third weekend of November. 11

14 Transfiguration of Christ August 6 You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, showing to Your disciples Your glory as each one could endure. Shine forth on us, who are sinners all, Your light everlasting. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to you. Apolotykion