The MESSENGER. Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church. Volume II, Issue 9 September, 2017 ECLIPSE

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1 Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church The MESSENGER Volume II, Issue 9 September, 2017 ECLIPSE Millions of people from around the United States stopped what they were doing on August 21 to observe a rare event a full eclipse of the Sun by the moon. Here in western Massachusetts, we observed about a sixty-five percent eclipse. I observed people using paper plates with a hole as viewing devices, as well as yours truly looking at the reflection off the blank screen of his cell phone (which provided a great view!). Interesting fact: the moon is four hundred times smaller than the Sun is, and is four hundred times closer to the Earth than is the Sun. So much of the amazing views we saw with the eclipse are drawn from this fact about relative size and distance.in this incredible beauty, we observed an object four hundred times smaller than the Sun able, because of its location, size, and distance relative to us, to appear to fully block out the sunlight. And, after a few minutes, the event had passed. It is now a memory, not a permanent reality of life on Earth. The events surrounding the solar eclipse of 2017 are fascinating to relate to our spiritual lives, especially as we allow ideas, perceptions, experiences that are much smaller than the majesty of God to make it seem to us that God is absent. 1

2 T h e n i n e t e e n t h c e n t u r y C h r i s t i a n commentator CH Spurgeon wrote, To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust Him in the dark that is faith. Eclipses of the Son in our lives are not the reason for us to fear the dark; they are the opportunity we need to proclaim that God is great. That no matter how hard the spiritual rocks floating past our lives try, they will pass. The eclipse will be gone. This is true on a personal level, which is the most important level, as our interactions with others either highlight the image of God in other people or obscure it. We, too, can be the cause of someone s spiritual eclipse, which we often overlook. Pride. Self-justification. Judgment. What is true for the personal also extends to the communal and social. Communities and societies have their own preferences for how things should be. Yet too often, the injustices we see in others are an excuse for us to not look within, where there are plenty of injustices in our own heart. Again, even when we wish to right a social wrong, the Gospel calls us back to ourselves. It is not the case that we should refrain from correcting a social wrong because we ourselves are sinners, but in so correcting a wrong, we realize even more that we speak as sinners, and that only God can heal. The Lord says, Judge not, lest you be judged. For the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor s eye but you do not notice the log in your own eye? (Matthew ). Is the speck we see in the Other really our own log blocking the Son? Is a piece of spiritual rock getting in the way of us seeing ourselves, and our neighbor, more clearly? Live for the Other, so that the Light of Christ may shine within. Then, the words of Isaiah, which the saints received with gladness, will ring true for you as well as the spiritual eclipse is vanquished from within: 2 In days to come the mountain of the LORD s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. 3 Many peoples shall come and say, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 4 He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. God bless! + Fr. Panteleimon Parish Priest 5 O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD! 2

3 The Messenger is a publication of the Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church of East Longmeadow, MA located at 400 Prospect Street East Longmeadow, MA For mailing use PO Box 381. To contact the Church Office: ; (fax) and stlukego@aol.com. To contact the Pastor call or at frpklostri@gmail.com. All rights reserved. Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church 400 Prospect Street East Longmeadow, MA (413) (413) (fax) Fr. Panteleimon Klostri - Proistamenos frpklostri@gmail.com Church Office saintlukego@gmail.com Pastor- Fr. Panteleimon Klostri 2017 Parish Council President - Nick Vamvilis Vice President - Judy Lelas-George Treasurer - Joe Dasco Secretary - Christos Nikolis Corresponding Secretary - Dorsey Cokkinias Assaad Hallak Bea Syner Bill Sakel Harry Georgiades Bill Giokas George Katsoulis Philoptochos President - Maria Londo Vice President - Melissa Kaitis Treasurer - Vaceleci Zaharis Secretary - Rosanne Desautels Corresponding Secretary - Evangelia Tsikrikis Past President/Advisor - Dorsey Cokkinias Ministries Chanters -Elias Zovas and Aristidis Zaharis Choir Director - Toni Rizas Organist- Eun Jin Lee Endowment Fund Chair - John Piponidis GOYA Advisor - Kathy Kalaitzidis JOY Advisor - Sarah Kirchner O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with our Merciful God, that He may grant our souls remission of sins Apolytikion of Saint Luke Memorials - Maria Laware Messenger - Editor - Maria Londo Stewardship Chairs - Joe and Meghan Dasco Sunday School Director - Priscilla Johnson Assistant Director - Leia Georgeopolus Outreach Committee - Harry Georgiades Facilities Committee - Jim Danalis Administrative Assistant - Helen Adamo 3

4 NEWS FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL Welcome Back from The Parish Council, September is a month with a new beginning with the start of the New Ecclesiastical year on September 1 st. On this day we thank God for his blessing of the past church year, and ask for Him to bless us in the new year. September 8 th marks the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Please join us for service on this day. I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer. On September 10 th, we will have a welcome back event. Let s have everyone attend for a family day filled with prayer and fun filled activities. The Taste of Greece is approaching quickly. Please sign up for as many workshops and shifts that you can. With Faith and Love in Christ, Nick Vamvilis Parish Council President PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS Welcome back! I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. We would like to take this time to give a special thank you to everyone who helped us in our backpack drive this summer. We collected 7 backpacks and these were distributed to 5 districts throughout our community. Philoptochos sponsored Loaves and Fishes in July. A picnic style was provided with hot dogs, rolls, beans, chips, and watermelon. Thank you Bill Sakel for delivering the food. Just as a reminder, we will be passing a basket on Sunday, September 17 for Holy Cross. Please be as generous as you can. It will be greatly appreciated, Keep your eyes out for our upcoming General Assembly... a notice and details to follow. We are also starting to plan new and upcoming events. If you have any ideas or an event that you would like to see, please feel free to let any of the board members know. See you all in September! Maria Londo Philoptochos President 4

5 Stewardship Message Dear Fellow Parishioners: Welcome Back to our 2017 Ecclesiastical Year! This is when the year-long cycle of feast, fasts and holidays begin again for Orthodox Christians. It is also a perfect time of year to be reminded of what our Christian Stewardship is all about. We are all created in the likeness of God and we were created to be stewards of God s work and of His word. We are called to live a life of stewardship, at home, in our communities, at work and school, and at our place of worship. Here at St. Luke s we have many opportunities to be good stewards. Our annual fundraiser is fast approaching and there are many ways to get involved. Our liturgies offer ways to participate as readers, ushers, chantors, choir members, alter servers and even as witnesses to God s divine word. Later in the Fall our Stewardship Committee will announce the new theme for the 2018 Stewardship Campaign. We will have our annual lamp-lighting ceremony on November 19 during the Harvest Dinner. We always look forward to full parish participation. Thank you and Welcome Back! God Bless, Joe and Meghan Dasco Co-Chairs Stewardship Committee 5

6 GOYA NEWS We hope everyone is enjoying the end of the summer! GOYA has been on its summer hiatus, but we have fundraisers and service projects to plan in the month ahead. Our first meeting for the school year will be on September 17th. We thank all who continue to support GOYA. Philippos Dimitroglou GOYA President SUNDAY SCHOOL Welcome back Sunday School staff and students. Another summer is coming to an end and once again it has flown by. Classes will begin on Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 a.m. Only new students need to register that day with their teacher. To all parents, I ask that each one of you help to make this program a success by bringing your children every Sunday. May we all help in teaching our St. Luke children to start their week with the Lord. Bring them to Church, after all, they do need you to drive them. God Bless, Priscilla Johnson, Director Leia Georgeopolus, Asst. Director 6

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8 The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America Response to Racist Violence in Charlottesville, VA The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America stands with all people of good will in condemning the hateful violence and lamenting the loss of life that resulted from the shameful efforts to promote racial bigotry and white supremacist ideology in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Orthodox Church emphatically declares that it does not promote, protect or sanction participation in such reprehensible acts of hatred, racism, and discrimination, and proclaims that such beliefs and behaviors have no place in any community based in respect for the law and faith in a loving God. The essence of the Christian Gospel and the spirit of the Orthodox Tradition are entirely and self-evidently incompatible with ideologies that declare the superiority of any race over another. Our God shows no partiality or favoritism (Deuteronomy 10:17, Romans 2:11). Our Lord Jesus Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility that had separated God from humans and humans from each other (Ephesians 2:14). In Christ Jesus, the Church proclaims, there can be neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, but all are one (Galatians 3:28). Furthermore, we call on one another to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to expose them (Ephesians 5:11). And what is darkness if not hatred? The one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness (1 John 2:11)! Furthermore, in 1872, Hierarchs from around the world assembled in Constantinople and denounced all forms of xenophobia and chauvinism (phyletism). They agreed that the promotion of racial or national supremacy and ethnic bias or dissension in the Church of Christ is to be censured as contrary to the sacred teachings of the Christian Gospel and the holy canons of the Church. It is formally condemned as heresy, the strongest category of false teaching. Finally, such actions as we have witnessed in recent days, by self-proclaimed white supremacists, neo-nazis, and various racists and fascists, betray the core human values of love and solidarity. In this, we pray wholeheartedly for the families of those who lost their lives or suffered in these tragic events. In like manner, we cannot condone any form of revenge or retaliation by any group or individual. Therefore, we fervently appeal to every person of good will, and especially the leaders of our great nation, to consider and adopt ways of reconciling differences in order to rise above any and all discrimination in our history, our present, and our future. 8

9 The Endowment Fund The Endowment Committee recently received the following donations: ~In Memory of Harriet Babacas~ John and Susan Metzidakis ~In Memory of Theresa Crescione~ John and Georgette Piponidis ~In Loving Memory of Michael and Georgia Kafantaris~ Deeply missed by Kiki, Alisa, Mark, Michelle and Tony ~In Memory of Charles Rizas~ John and Georgette Piponidis The Endowment Committee extends its gratitude to all who support the Fund, which supports our Parish Ministries. The Endowment Fund Committee sponsored several of our youth to attend the Metropolis Camp this summer. We would like to share with fellow parishioners letters that we received from Camp participants. We thought that you would enjoy reading what they had to say as much as we did. As of the end of July 2017, the balance in our fund was $1,497, Thank you and God Bless you, David Arthur Kathleen Kalaitzidis John Piponidis, Chair Charles Bonatakis, Jr Susan Metzidakis Jordan Chatis, Emeritus Dear Endownment Fund Committee and the Parish Council, Thank you for givng me a scholarship to go to the Metropolis of Boston Camp in New Hampshire for a week. I had so much fun at the Olympiacos Soccer Camp and I learned alot of new skills and tricks to use in a real game. I learned alot about the culture of the Greeks. It was an amazing week. Something that I could never have imagined would happen to me. Meeting new people was a big part of the camp. You probably never have seen these people before on the first day of camp, but by the end of the week, you gained trust and friendship. These people I can now call my friends. The instructors of the soccer camp were also very helpful especially when I was struggling and needed it the most. It was a great week of fun activities and meeting new friends and I hope to be able to go again next year. Thank you for giving me a fun week. Sincerely, Timothy Londo 9

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13 Once Upon a Time An idea came to fruition and a church was built The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke. Along with this process came many expenses land, building supplies and labor, building fees, liturgical items, furnishings etc. A building fund was formed to help with these costs; however, additional financial help was needed. Enter the idea of a Greek Festival In the late 1970 s, the parishioners of St. Luke worked together to hold a 3 day Grecian Festival on the grounds of the Wilbraham Monson Academy. The proceeds of these festivals helped the parish to begin construction of the church that now stands at 400 Prospect Street in East Longmeadow. Eventually, as all things do, these festivals came to an end. Fast forward to 2002 The church, as it stood 26 years after its inception, began to need renovations and repairs, the cost of which could not be covered by the parishioners annual giving alone. The idea to have a Taste of Greece was born. The event was labeled a Taste rather than a festival due to the size of our property and the necessity to hold the event within the confines of our Fellowship Hall. It became a blend of the formers festival of the 70 s and the annual Christmas bazaars that followed. Experience the present 15 years later... The Taste of Greece is still an annual event; the hallmark of which is a look into the heritage, culture, and traditions of the Greek culture. The main focus continues to be the freshly prepared food and pastries, the quality and consistency of which have made their mark and continue to draw people back year after year. Other attractions added to the event are Greek music, dancing, Greek dancers, and Agora. The Taste continues to provide the church with the additional financial support needed to cover expenses. Moral of the story. Upon the inception of the event, one of the goals of the committee was to foster unity, participation, and camaraderie among parishioners. It was and still is a team building type of event that reaches its goal only through the combined efforts of many. And that it still does!!! So if you want to be part of this story Join in and help us with this once a year event. Sign-up sheets will be posted in the Fellowship Hall by September 1 st. If you need any additional info, you can call me!! Look forward to working with you all Judy Type to enter text Agora News In this year s Agora at the Taste of Greece, we will again be selling gently used Greek items and showing classic Greek Heritage items also. i.e. copper, brass, ceramics and linens. If items are for show only please label for return. No icons please. 13

14 The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke Open 12 months a year Open 365 days a year Open 8,760 hours a year Always available to us The Taste of Greece Open 3 days a year Open 30 hours a year The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke Has received financial boosts as high as $50, a year to help provide a sanctuary to fill our needs whatever they may be and whenever we may need them Our aim this year is to get more parishioners involved in this great weekend event! If you have worked in the past, we look forward to seeing you again. If you have not had the opportunity to work, we invite you to join us. Success in an undertaking of this size cannot be achieved by the efforts of a few, but can be achieved by the strength and combined efforts of many. If each of us could help out for 1, 2, or 3 days (out of those 365) and work a few of those of those 8,760 hours a year, the Taste would be a true success! A small price to pay for so much in return So be on the look-out for the Taste sign-up sheets. When you see them, take the opportunity to sign up for the shift(s) and day(s) that you can help out. In advance, I thank you for donating your time and talent. Call if you have any questions.judy ( ) 14

15 Welcome Back Sunday On Sunday, September 10 th, the church s Ecclesiastical year begins. On this day, we welcome back our choir as well as our Sunday school teachers and students. It is a day that usually brings a lot of hugs, smiles, and hellos for those who have missed each other throughout the summer due to vacations and other commitments. As in the past, we would like to make this Sunday special by offering our parishioners a welcome back cook-out. So please join us for hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixins! Bouncehouse and Zoo Animal Demonstration. Fun for Everyone! Sunday, September 10 th is also National Grandparents Day so kids invite your grandparents to join you for church and grandparents invite your grandchildren to come and join you. We look forward to seeing everyone!! 15

16 S t L u k e C o m m u n i t y N e w s We are starting a new section to the Messenger to add awareness to wonderful accomplishments happening for our church family and interesting things in the world. Note: saintukego@gmail.com if you have anything of interest St Lukes will be starting a collection to be sent for Hurricane Harvey Relief- stay tuned for more information+ collection on 9/10/17 Congrats to our own Krystianna Strange! The churches in Houston are safe, and let us know that IOCC has arrived. They are appreciative of the prayers and we are discussing with them them ways we may be a b l e t o h e l p o n a m o re personal level. 16

17 COFFEE HOUR The coffee hour sign-up sheet for the upcoming Ecclesiastical year is located in the Pappas Fellowship Hall. This is an opportunity for you as an individual, along with your family or group of friends, or as one of our St. Luke Ministries to provide some Sunday morning goodies for your fellow parishioners! Dates available over the next few months are: September 3, 17, 24 October 8, 29 November 5, 12, 26 Drinking from The Saucer I ve never made a fortune and it s probably too late now. But I don t worry about that much, I m happy anyhow. And as I go along life s way, I m reaping better than I sowed. I m drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed. I don t have a lot of riches, and sometimes the going s tough. But I ve got loved ones around me, and that makes me rich enough. I thank God for his blessings, and the mercies He s bestowed. I m drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin. But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again. So God, help me not to gripe about the tough rows that I ve hoed. I m drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed. If God gives me strength and courage, when the way grows steep and rough. I ll not ask for other blessings, I m already blessed enough. And may I never be too busy, to help others bear their loads. Then I ll keep drinking from my saucer, Cause my cup has overflowed. Submitted to be shared by Doris Hernault 17

18 We d d i n g s Katerina Groussis and Gregory Laware were married on July 22,2017 at the Panagia Thalassini Church on the Island of Andros The St Luke Church Family wishes them a lifetime of joy. MEMORIALS In memory of George Christakos Father of Peter and Deborah, Grandfather of Nicolas and Alessandra In memory of Yvonne Pappas Andrew and Sue Lemnios In memory of Harriet Babacas David Arthur Vicki and Lou LaRoche Karen Louis Tom and Maria Laware In memory of Charles Rizas Sandy Millas In memory of Helen Rookey George and Kathleen Poulopoulos 18

19 Attention Ministry leaders regarding Bulk Mailing We have reactivated our non-profit permit number. This means we can send out 250 letters for $32 instead of $122. Therefore, if you need a mailing sent out please notify Helen Adamo in the Church office with the following information: 1. How many envelopes are needed (envelopes may need to be ordered) 2. How many sheets are being mailed, note: all envelopes must contain the same amount of sheets of paper 3. Date mailing needs to be received (Mailing time span may be between 2 10 days) Thank you Sometimes one wonders if our efforts really make a difference, make an impact in someone s life. I am here to affirm that our backpack project did and does make a difference in a child s life. As I was shopping for supplies, I was at the register paying for my purchases. I was purchasing a case of crayons, numerous single subject notebooks and erasers. The cashier inquired if I was a teacher. I responded no. She asked why I was purchasing so much if I was not a teacher. I explained our project of filling and donating backpacks to area schools in need. She then to my surprise said Thank you. I wondered why she was thanking me. She stated, I was one of those children who didn t have supplies to go back to school. I was a recipient of a backpack full of supplies. Thank you, it meant so much to me. This brought tears to my eyes and joy knowing we made a difference. It is a reminder that our actions CAN touch a life and DO make a difference. Philoptochos would like to thank all who donated, helped and supported our Back Pack School Supply Drive. We increased our collection of backpacks and supplies by over 30% from last year. This year we contributed 70 backpacks to five local school districts, which included Enfield, Springfield, West Springfield, East Longmeadow and Holyoke. Each backpack was filled with single subject notebooks, two pocket folders, ruler, pencils, pens, erasers, glue sticks, h i g h l i g h t e r, a b o x o f crayons and more. Thank you for your support and making a difference. Submitted by Rosanne Desautels Philoptochos Secretary 19

20 Important Dates September 1st- Ecclesiastical New Year September 8th- Nativity of the Theotokos (and Father Panteleimon s 10th Ordination Anniversary (8:30/9:30am Liturgy) September 10th -Welcome Back Sunday September 14th Elevation of the Cross (8:30/9:30am Liturgy) September 26th - St John the Evangelist (8:30/9:30am Liturgy) Bible Study 6:30PM/ 11:00AM (unless otherwise stipulated) Council Meetings 2 nd Monday of the 7:00 PM (unless otherwise stipulated) Dance Practice August/September/October Monday 6:00 8:00 Loaves and Fishes Pick up on the 3 rd Friday of the month Knitting 1 st and 3 rd Wednesday of the (unless otherwise stipulated) Romeos and Juliette s 4 th Thursday of the month (unless otherwise stipulated) Choir 6:30 PM (September 10 th June10 th ) (unless otherwise stipulated) GOYA 3 rd Sunday of the month following Liturgy (unless otherwise stipulated) JOY 3rd Friday of the month 6pm-7:30 unless otherwise announced Endowment Meeting 2 nd 40 to 4 Club/Hope -seeking a volunteer coordinator and meetings TBA No Sunday School Oct. 15 th, Dec. 24 th, Dec. 31 st, Feb. 19 th, Apr. 1 st, 8 th & 15 th, May 27 th *Pre Sanctified Liturgies Wednesday February 21 st, 28 th & March 7 th, 14 th, 21 st, 28 th at 6:30 pm *Salutations Friday February 23 rd & March 2 nd, 9 th & 16 th at 6:30 pm *Saturday of the Souls Saturday February 10 th, 17 th & 24 th at 8:30/9:30 am Compline Monday February 19 th, 26 th & March 5 th, 19 th, 26 th at 6:30 pm *Hall not available for rent February 23, 2018 April 6,

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23 Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church 400 Prospect Street, P.O. Box 381 East Longmeadow, MA NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD MA PERMIT NO P