THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL. Monthly Newsletter. Volume 4, Issues 9 and 10 September-October 2014

Transcription

1 THE FLAME HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL Monthly Newsletter Volume 4, Issues 9 and 10 September-October 2014 TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY THE ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS By Father George Wilson Orthodox faithful celebrate one of the most revered feasts of the Church just fourteen days after the new Ecclesiastical Year begins on September 1. The feast is described as follows: In the year 325 A.D. after the persecutions against the Christians had just ended, Christians were free to express their religious feelings and to adorn their places of worship with symbols of the faith such as the cross. Empress Helen, a devout Christian and mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, went to Jerusalem to undertake a mission of retrieving the cross upon which Christ had been crucified. After a futile search, the Empress was attracted by the scent of a plant called vasilikos (basil) in the area where Jesus had been put to death. She ordered excavation, and three crosses were unearthed. To determine the cross upon which Christ had died, a paralyzed person was placed on all three. And, when he was placed on the True Cross, he recovered miraculously and walked. The event was celebrated on September 14. Patriarch Makarios, who also witnessed the miracle at the historic site, raised the cross and blessed the people with it as they responded Lord have mercy. The Gospel lesson on this feast day is taken from the crucifixion account from the Gospel according to John. It is reminiscent of the heart wrenching narrative that Christian faithful experience during Holy Week as the Passion of our Lord and Savior is played out before the very eyes of our hearts. It is repeated on the celebration of the finding of the True Cross upon which Christ was crucified. The Orthodox Church considers this feast one of the major fasting days in her liturgical calendar, and its followers must ask why. As we relive the sentencing and the execution of that verdict, Christ was crucified. Crucifixion is an (over) 1200 ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America

2 2 agonizing death by which the victim slowly undergoes asphyxiation. As the body tires one loses the stamina to hold oneself up on the footrest of the cross. The body s weight eventually succumbs to gravity, causing the diaphragm to fail. The day is filled with tragedy and triumph. The tragedy is that an innocent man was falsely accused, tried, sentenced, and put to death. Even worse this man was the Messiah, the One Who had come to save the People of Israel. The triumph comes from knowing the Scripture. Christ lived His life according to the will of God the Father, which was to have the life of His Son snuffed out upon the cross. The death on the cross was for a purpose; it was not for naught! As His Grace Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydou, of blessed memory says, Death upon the Cross has been a symbol for Salvation from the very beginning of the Church. The path to the Cross was the cup that Christ begged God the Father not to have to drink in his prayer at Gethsemane. In Matthew 26:39 He fell on His face and continued to pray to God the Father saying, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. But, it was obedience even unto death that Christ sought the Father s will to make it so in His earthly life as a reminder to us what we, as followers of the Messiah, as Christians, it is the reminder that we are also to seek God s will in our life. The next phrase puts the agony into context as Christ says, nevertheless, not as I will but as You will. Christ was seeking the will of God in His life, and so should we. The will of God took Christ to the Cross, and perhaps it will for us as well. Are we ready? Are we really ready for the cross we must bear? Christianity is not a comfortable life, is it? In Luke 9:23 Christ says, if anyone desires to follow after me, let him deny himself; and take up His cross and follow me. A leader can be judged to be a great leader, if he is willing to do what he asks of his underlings. Christ is the great leader because He is posing that we follow His lead. He sought the will of the Father and followed after it. He was picked up on the Cross and was crucified. If we desire salvation, it is only through Christ. If we have a personal relationship with Him, by the Grace of God we shall be with Him into eternity. If we do not know Christ, the Cross is folly as Saint Paul puts it. Triumph and Tragedy On one hand we look to the cross and Triumph as we praise, honor, and venerate it for the possibility of Salvation came through it. Tragedy because the heinous end of the life of the most righteous man that ever lived also came through it. The joy of this festal day is seen in the majesty of the hymnology. The pain of the day is seen in the fasting we are called to endure because of the great injustice of the death of Christ on the cross. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana Fax holytrinitycathedral.org Liturgical Services Sundays Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am Clergy Reverend Father George Wilson priest@holytrinitycathedral.org Chanters: Petros Demarinis, Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos 2014 PARISH COUNCIL President: Steven E. Psarellis 1 st Vice President: W. Paul Andersson 2 nd Vice President: Constandinos Vennis Treasurer: Socrates Toras Secretary: Vladimir Ammons Members: Petros Christakis, Konstantinos Frezoulis, Manoli Ioannidis, Panagiotis Patselikos, Elias Tsatalios, and Ginny Zissis The Flame: Editor, Victoria Catsulis EDUCATION Greek School: Instructor, Fay Kalergi Hymnology: Instructor, Viki Moustoukas Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Patrick Latour ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons AHEPA: President, Socrates Toras Daughters of Penelope President: Barbara Stavis Wolf Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Chairman: Steven E. Psarellis GOYA Coordinators: Maria Michailakis and Maria Patselikos President: Jonathan Labatut Advisors: Maria Stokes, Argeta Labatut, Despina Patselikos, Lenna Korominas Hellenic Dancers: Coordinator, Vivi Demarinis Assistant, Manoli Ioannidis Assistant, Maria Patselikos Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Angeliki Frezoulis HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinator: Vicki Mantikos McCallef Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos Philoptochos: President:, Connie Tiliakos PTA: President, Dimitra Chouliaris Real Estate Committee Chairperson: John Salles-Tsatsoulis St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou Support: Secretary, Victoria Catsulis Maintenance: Dimitri Vatakis

3 HOLY TRINITY ARCHIVES COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER - SE PTEMBER Thank you very much for all your varied gifts: Adrienne Dabbs Owen in memory of Edward Dabbs Pete Kourentzis and Family in memory of Edward Dabbs, Jr. May their memories be eternal. Thank you, Toula Capetanos, for your continued financial support of our work. Thank you, Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis, for sponsoring the conservation of our St. John the Baptist icon. To honor the 90 th birthday of Fotina Pavlou, donations from Mary and Chris Kontos, as well as Adrienne and Greg Owen and Stella Dabbs, will support the Archives work. Vange and Bill Malachias for donating a festival poster, which we can sell to fundraise. Thank you, Billie Andersson, for the extensive collection of photographs and documents that George S. Venturatos saved of the building of the Cathedral in The photos will be on display in the 150 th Anniversary Exhibition. GREEKS ON THE BAYOU HISTORIC BUS TOUR The bus tour during the AHEPA Family Supreme Convention on July 21 was a huge success! The Archives Committee created an opportunity for AHEPAN guests to learn the history of our Holy Trinity Community as we toured historic New Orleans sites. We raised $1,600! RIGHT BOARDING THE BUS AT HOLY TRINITY. LEFT THE SPANISH SOLDIER IS CHRISTOPHER ACHEE, WHO REEN- ACTED FELLOW SOLDIER OF MICHEL DRAGON, THE FIRST DOCUMENTED GREEK IN NEW ORLEANS IN The 150 th Anniversary Celebration Committee is sponsoring another GREEKS ON THE BAYOU Bus Tour on Saturday, October 11. Join us on the bus in the Holy Trinity parking lot at 9:00 am and enjoy three hours touring New Orleans historic sites that are part of our 150-years history! Registration form is enclosed. There is only one bus and one tour! Call Maggie Maag at or Barbara Wolf at TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EXHIBITION will be open twice during the celebration weekend: Saturday, October 11, :00 pm to 5:30 pm before Great Vespers in the Cathedral Sunday, October 12, 2014 following the Celebration Luncheon This exhibition will highlight recent documents received from Greece that were written in In addition, recent wood analyses of our wooden icons, wooden iconostasis pediment, and the 1880 kouvouklion will be shared. This important exhibition will inform the entire American Orthodox community about the beginning of Greek Orthodoxy in the new world, here at Holy Trinity. HISTORIC CHALICE FOR HIERARCHICAL LITURGY ON OCTOBER 12 RIGHT FATHER VASILIOS BOUTERAKOS AND CHRIS KONTOS, 1953 Father George Wilson will utilize a holy chalice donated by King George and Queen Olga of Greece for Holy Eucharist on Sunday, October 12. 3

4 BENACHI DECENDANTS TO ATTEND 150 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The recognized founder of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is Nicholas M. Benachi, a native of Chios, Greece, who in the 1860s was a businessman in New Orleans and the Consul of the Royal Government of Greece. Early attempts to establish an Orthodox church in New Orleans had failed, but in 1864 Mr. Benachi offered his home as a temporary location for worship and church services. The Holy Trinity Community began that year as its members met at various locations and then formed a committee to raise funds for the building of a church. Through the efforts of Benachi and other businessmen Demetrios Botassi, Constantine Killili, and Michael Draskovich Holy Trinity became the first Greek Orthodox church successfully formed in all of North and South America. The 150th Anniversary Committee is thrilled to announce that three (3) great grandsons of Nicholas M. Benachi and two great-great grandchildren will attend events of our 150th Anniversary Celebration. They will be formally introduced at the Premiere Night Dinner on Saturday, October 11, at the Metairie Country Club. The Waldo brothers are the children of Anna Helene Benachi, granddaughter of Nicholas M. Benachi, who married Kenneth Clayton Waldo, Sr. and lived in North Carolina. Please join the festivities at the Premiere Night event to welcome to New Orleans and to Holy Trinity the descendants of Nicholas M. Benachi and to view the premiere of the video documentary "150 Years of Holy Trinity New Orleans." NEW ONLINE OPTION MAKES PAYMENTS/CONTRIBUTIONS CONVENIENT Dear Parishioners and Friends of Holy Trinity Cathedral, 4 As Parish Council Treasurer, I am excited to announce that the community website was recently updated with a new payment option. Stewardship pledges and donations can now be made online. This is an addition to the current payment options of checks and cash. The new system is intended to make the process of pledging and donating more convenient. Once the Cathedral office receives the funds, they will be applied to the stewardship pledge balance or noted as a donation. To participate in this program, visit the Holy Trinity website and look at the top right corner. There you will find two new tabs marked donation and stewardship. Select the desired tab and complete the webpayment form that appears. You will have the option to pay with credit card or debit card. Also, you may designate a onetime payment or a payment plan, as well as select specific dates on which funds will be drafted or reflected on your credit card statement. Hopefully, you will find this feature helpful and convenient. Please visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral website and take advantage of this new online payment system. Sincerely, Socrates Toras, Parish Council Treasurer

5 2014 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS Thank you to everyone who has returned his/her 2014 Stewardship Commitment Card. As of September 28, the Cathedral office has received stewardship commitments of $130, from 272 of the roughly 308 families in our community. Of this amount $105, was paid with the average pledge being $ per family/individual. Thank you for your support. AHEPA Andrew Jackson Chapter Ammons, Denise and Vladimir Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Andersson, Billie and W. Paul Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Angelico, Robert and Kathy Conklin Angelus, Maria and George Apostolides, Marlene and Spyridon Athas, Nancy Baer, Elisabeth and Jason Bakamitsos, Marion and Georgios Baldrachi, Peggy Tsatsoulis Barnett, Melisa and Jac Barry III, Nicholas Taylor Bell, Victoria and Jon Beraki, Yergalem H. Boulahanis, Angela and John Bouton, Bella and Raymond Bouzon, Nicholas Bouzon, Sandy and Spiron Bozinis, Ena and Theodoros Brown, Snezana and Darrell Burduja, Rodica and Mihail Cabali, Juanita Caridas, Pauline Cat, Vitalie Cathedral Montessori School Catinis, Ana and George Catsulis, Peter G. Catsulis, Victoria Charalampidis, Panagiota and Dimitrios Chouliaris, Dimitra and Georgios Christakis, Aikaterini and Petros Christakis, Ares Christakis, Joann S. Christakis, Loukia and Michael Christakis, Maria T. Christakis, Nektarios Christakis, Olga Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Chronis, Diane and Nicholas Ciobanu, Tatiana and Ion Cockinos, Despina K Commagere, Anastacia Kanellos Dabbs, Stella Daughters of Penelope Demarinis, Eleftheria and Petros Denny, Iryna Sarafaniuk and Ryan D Amico, Biljana and Frank DiGiorgio, Catherine DiGiorgio, Olga Dongieux, Pam and Glenn Doss, Betty and John Doussa, Sandra Fafalios, Matthew Ferguson, Christina and Tyler Fotiades, Joan Fotiades, Julie Frezoulis, Angeliki and Konstantinos Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Gamvrogianis, Erin and Dimitris Gamvrogianis, Roula and Stamatis Gemisis, Georgios Georges, Alexandra Georges, Anita Georges, Constantine Georges, Dathel and John Giannopulos, Mary Griswold, Natalia and Jeffrey Haddad, Vilam Halkias, Athanasios Halkias, Feroniki Hansel, Tonya and Andrew Heath, Angela Hionakis, Nicholas & Anna Schindler Howard, Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Ioannidis, Christine and Emmanuel Ioannidis, Eleftherios Jeanfreau, Tricia and Troy Jimenez, Caroline and John Johnson, Helen and Ben Johnson, Maria Zissis Kambouris, Ermione and Antonios Kanellakis, Christ and Sophia Pappas Kardoulias, Despina and Nicholas Kardoulias, Rhonda and Emanuel Karmoukos, Antonia and Nicholas Karmoukos, Charlotte and James Karmoukos, Stephanie and John Katsaros, Afroditi and Elias Kleamenakis, Andrew Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick Kleamenakis, Evangelia Kleamenakis, Jr., Nicholas A. Kleamenakis, Sue and Michael Kloumassis, Niki Kogos, Christina Kombolias, Alexandra and Stefanos Koniditsiotis, Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis, Jeanne and Elias Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Kontos, Mary and Chris Kontoudis, Despina Kouloubis, Frank Kouloubis, Helen Kouloubis, Mary and John Kringas, Angie Ktistakis, Maria Regina Kyame, Faith Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Labatut, Argeta and Lawrence Labatut, Michael Ladies Philoptochos Society Elpis Lambousy, Katherine and Peter G. Lambron, Joan Lambron, Nicholas Latour, Patrick Latsis, Katherine and Spiro Latsis, Kathy and George Lear, Angela Fyssas and Darrin Leonard, Mary and Nicholas Levendis, Eleni Levendis, John D. Levendis, Nicki M Levidis,Ermioni and Theodosios Leyva, Helen Lorio, Kathryn and Philip Lupu, Luminita and Viorel Maag, Maggie and Richard MacInnes, Deborah Madonia, Arlene and Jason Mailhes, Tina Makridakis, Nataliya and Nick M. Malachias, Bobby Malachias, Helen and Charles Malachias, Ilya Malachias, Vange and Bill Mantikos, Rania Mantis, Rosy and Thomas McCallef, Vicki and Anthony McGee, Kris and Richard Melancon, Marianthe and Jason Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Michailakis, Bridgett and Kosta Michailakis, Kalliopi and Petros Michailakis, Pam and Gus Michailakis, Petroula and Panagiotis Michalos, Effie Moustacas, Maria and Constantinos Moustaka, Dimitra Moustoukas, Despina Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Munch, Andrea and Joseph Naquin, Georgia and Lee Nevels, Anastassia and John Max Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael Nicoladis, Maria Nicoladis, Peggy and Frank Nicopoulos, Sue and Constandinos Novikov, Natalia Kravchenko and Oleksii Nugent, Elaine Michalos Order of St. Markella of Chios Orkoulas, Marcelle Owen, Adrienne Dabbs and Greg Pantazis, Alexandros Pantazis, Nikolaos Pantazis, Poli and Angelo Pantiushenko, Inna Papadopoulos, Denise and Dennis Papazis, Irene Pappas, Christina and Nicholas Pappas, Despina K. Patselikos, Despina and Panagiotis Patselikos, Maria Pavlou, Fotine Payavla, Callie Pelias, Magda Pembo, Angela Pepis, Virginia and Nikitas Peterson, Diana Moustoukas and Brian Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Peto, Eugenia Petratos, Angelina and Demetrios Ponder, Helene and Michael Popa, Maria and Vasile Prekas, Maria Pricope, Aliona and Ovidiu Psarellis, Michael Psarellis, Steven E. Psarellis, Vasilia Psilos, Gail and Tony Psilos, George Psilos, Nicolle and Christopher Razza, Anna B. Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Rico, Anastasia and Roger Rostovshchikova, Natalya Russu, Tatiana and Mihail Salles, Peter Salles, Vaso and James Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy and John Sarantakos, Maria and Steve Savvaides, Despina and Stavros Sher, Anna Skaff, Amy and Brandon Skoufalos, Ofeliamanda and Dimos Solomon, Simion & C. Barbacaiu Sotiropoulos, Christine & Evangelos Spanolios, Maria and Emanuel Spanolios, Jeanne and Dimitrios Spetsiotis, Demetrios N. Spetsiotis, Koula Spinu, Cristina and Leonard Stavrakakis, Sandy and Vasilios M. Stokes, Maria and Brian Strain, Martha and James R. Stratikis, Suzanne and George Stratis, Argyro Stratis, Nicholas Stratis, Stavros Surucean, Gabriela and Sergiu Sutton, Katerina and Ashley Tadros Katherine and Daniel Tiliakos, Connie and Alexander Toras, Adamandios Toras, Eleni and Nikolas Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Toras, Laura and Socrates N. Torres, Maria and Michael Tsatalios, Jeanette and Elias Tsatalios, Peter Tsatsoulis, Angela and John Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Tzavellas, Fotini and George Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Unguryanu, Inna Sarafaniuk & Oleksandr Vaniykov, Stepan and Natalia Kozina Vassilas, Anastasia Vatakis, Evagelia and Dimitris Vaveris, Matthew K. Veltsos, Carla and Dimitri Vennis, Koula and Costandinos Venturatos, Carol and Steve Venturatos, Donna and Gregory J. Venturatos, Evelyn and James S. Venturatos, Stephanie Vial, Catherine Vial, Stacy Vial, Stephanie Vloutis, Frank Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Vourvoulias, Margaux and George Williams, Despina and George Wisdom, Maria and Andrew Wolf, Angelle and William Wolf, Barbara Stavis Yiannopoulos, A. N. Zannis, Marie Zarganas, Glikeria & Alexandros Zervoudis, Georgia and George Zetzmann III, Robert E. Zetzmann, Kaler Zetzmann, Kathy and Robert Zissis, Ginny Zissis, Laila and Tim Zouboukos, Carol and Nick 5

6 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE SEPTEMBER The regular membership meeting was held on Sunday, September 7, Members were reminded that photographs for the 150 th Anniversary Album would be taken on Sunday, September 14, and all Daughters were asked to be present after church services that day to be included in the photograph. Thank you to all Daughters of Penelope, who helped with the Supreme Convention held in July. The exciting events at the Convention included the Opening Ceremonies at the World War II Museum, the Creole Queen Riverboat Cruise, the Athletic Luncheon, District 16 Party, and the Grand Banquet. Thank you to everyone, who helped provide rides to church, back to the hotel, and to the airport for visitors that attended Divine Liturgy on July 20 and 27. Congratulations to SANDY BOUZON, who was selected 2014 National Penelope of the Year at the Supreme Convention. This is a great honor in recognition of her work and dedication to the Daughters of Penelope. Congratulations to Andreea Popa, who received a 2014 National Daughters of Penelope Scholarship. Best wishes for the year to the new chapter officers elected for : Barbara Stavis Wolf, President; Sandy Bouzon, Vice-President; Denise Ammons, Corresponding Secretary; Maria Stokes, Recording Secretary; Deborah MacInnes, Membership Secretary; and Mary Kontos, Treasurer. The Daughters of Penelope are very excited to support the 150 th Anniversary Celebration of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral through participation in the planned events and programs. RIGHT Sandy Bouzon receiving 2014 National Penelope of the Year pin at the Daughters of Penelope Supreme Convention in New Orleans this July. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE OCTOBER The regular membership meeting will be held on Sunday, October 19, Hostesses for the meeting are Angela Gervais, Rania Mantikos, and Vicki McCallef. Also, new member Christina Kogos will be welcomed at the meeting. The Daughters of Penelope are proud to be supporters of Holy Trinity through the 2014 annual stewardship pledge and the 150 th Anniversary Celebration events of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The organization has made many contributions to the Cathedral including the donation of the Saint Sophia stained glass window, the church organ, and the icon in the altar at the station of the Proskomide. 6 BAKE SALE Preparations are underway for the Daughters of Penelope Annual Bake Sale on Sunday, December 7, A Bake Sale Order form is enclosed. All pastries MUST BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE, and all pastry orders must be submitted by November 18. Feel free to distribute the form to friends, neighbors, and family members, who may want to order Greek pastries for the holidays. Contact Barbara Stavis Wolf at or at hellenic2004@yahoo.com with any questions.

7 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES Each year with the help of the members of our Holy Trinity community, Philoptochos provides age appropriate school supplies to students at Lafayette Academy Charter School in New Orleans. At times, the only difference between an A+ student and a failing student is having basic supplies to do homework and to participate in class. Project Chairperson Cornelia Koniditsiotis delivered all the supplies. Our appreciation is extended to everyone, who helped with this project. SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON The September Senior Citizens Luncheon was sponsored by Frank Vloutis in honor of his parents, Stavroula and Frank Vloutis. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by our cooks John Koniditsiotis, Patrick Latour, and Alex Tiliakos. The bingo games were led by Cathy Vial and Debbie Funti. The next Senior Citizens Luncheon will be Thursday, October 23, at 11:30 am in the Coffee Room. Our Philoptochos Chapter is making No Sew Fleece Blankets, which will have many uses. We are collecting the fleece material in 60" wide; 2½ yards will make a blanket 90"in length, and two yards will make a blanket 72" in length. If you want to donate fleece, please contact Connie Tiliakos. The Fanouropita tradition began in the ruins of an ancient church. A group of icons were discovered all in a state of decay except for one, which appeared as though it had been painted the previous day. This icon had the face of a saint with the name inscribed in what appeared to be fresh lettering that spelled out Fanourios. Drawn around the saint were twelve distinct frames in which Fanourios was shown enduring a cruel form of torture. This was a remarkable testimony that he died the death of a martyr. As a petition to the saint, a Fanouropita is made, the priest prays over it in the church, and afterwards it is shared with all present. For the last 15 years Philoptochos held Agape Celebrations for the projects of our Youth. In its place, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios asked the members to have a Saint Fanourios Event. Chairperson Maria Anastasiou asked several ladies to make a Fanouropita for the reception after church held on September 28. Proceeds from this event will help the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, St. Stephen s Summer Camp, the Winter Youth Rally, GOYA and YAL activities, and Acolyte retreats. Many thanks to all, who 7 Saint Fanourios baked Fanaropites. 7

8 AN OPEN INVITATION from GOYA PRESIDENT Jonathan LABATUT T O A L L P A R E N T S A N D G R A N D P A R E N T S : On behalf of Father George Wilson and the GOYA officers, I extend an open invitation to all of your children and grandchildren between the ages of 12 and 18 to attend our next meeting and consider joining GOYA Greek Orthodox Youth of America. This organization, which ministers to Orthodox Christian teenagers of all nationalities, reflects Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition, and Life. Furthermore, GOYA offers its members an opportunity to learn about Orthodoxy in daily practice and outreach to others while making the positive teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church a living presence in their lives. GOYA ministry is based on four fundamentals Worship, Fellowship, Service, and Witness. Through Worship GOYANS become active sacramental members of the church. Fellowship is a way Orthodox Christians integrate their faith with daily life, as well as emulate their relationship with the Trinity and develop their lives in Christ. At Holy Trinity Cathedral GOYA Fellowship includes Lenten retreats; Winter Youth Rallies, where we interact with over 700 other GOYANS from the Metropolis of Atlanta; church sponsored athletic programs such as basketball; and Greek dancing at the annual Greek Festival. Service to God is serving the Church and the community. And, for our GOYANS it is a way of life whether by serving the needy at Ozanam Inn or Christmas caroling to the elderly. It is our way of serving the community similar to the way adults are asked to give their time, talents, and treasures as stewards. To Witness, we strive to exemplify our faith, offering a verbal expression of Orthodoxy to those with whom we come in contact. I realize that my peers are busy with numerous obligations and activities in school, sports, and clubs and that many teens are shaped by negative and destructive influences. I ask you, as parents and grandparents, to help direct your children and grandchildren toward a positive influence and encourage them to accept this invitation to join GOYA. Our next meeting will be held on Saturday, October 4, Thank you for the opportunity to share this information with you. If there are any occasions when GOYA can assist you or our community, please contact me or any GOYA officer so that we can help. Respectfully yours Jonathan Labatut, GOYA President His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta Reverend Father Dean Gigicos and the Parish Council cordially invite you to The Consecration of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 255 Beauvoir Road - Biloxi, Mississippi Friday, November 14, 2014 Great Vespers - 5:30 p.m. Complimentary hors d oeuvres reception to follow Saturday, November 15, 2014 Orthros - 8:00 a.m. Consecration Liturgy - 9:00 a.m. Celebration Luncheon at Beauvoir - 1:00 p.m. $ Sunday, November 16, 2014 Divine Liturgy - 10:00 a.m. Complimentary lunch to follow For more information, contact George Yurchak ~ georgeyurchak@yahoo.com ~

9 ATTENTION ALL PARENTS As the Holy Trinity Cathedral Community commemorates its 150 th Anniversary, several special events are scheduled for the parish youth. The Education, Cultural, and Youth Ministries Committee, along with the 150 th Anniversary Committee, desires that every single child through high school participates in as many events as possible. Please mark the following dates on your calendars and plan to bring your children. 150th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 All ages through high school Parents, please stay with your child(ren) during the following: 4:00 pm Junior Choir Rehearsal in Cathedral Followed by Blessing from Their Eminences Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Alexios SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 ** All children in the community will chant the Communion hymn "Ainete" during the Liturgy. Upon entering the church, please escort your child(ren) to the back row pews that will be reserved. Sunday School teachers will sit with their classes. Parents with young children, please stay with your child(ren). After the Creed, the group will walk up the left aisle together and stand in front to sing. (Sunday School teachers will stay with each class while we sing.) After Communion, Sunday School children and teachers will proceed to the Coffee Room, where Maggie Maag will conduct a tour of the Archive Exhibit. Please be mindful that there will be many concurrent events during the weekend, so we need the help of all parents and Sunday School teachers to make sure the children are well supervised. Greeks on the Bayou Bus Tour OCTOBER 11, :00 AM 12:00 PM Reserve your seat on the Bus Tour of Historic New Orleans sites with a Hellenic twist! See enclosed registration form. For more information call Barbara Wolf or Maggie Maag

10 150th Anniversary Events October 10-12, 2014 Final Anniversary celebratory preparations continue. Please note that the next meeting is in the Hellenic Cultural Center on Thursday, October 2, at 7:00 pm. Enclosed please find the complete schedule of events for the Anniversary weekend. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Celebrate the 150th Anniversary with dinner and premiere of 150 Years of Holy Trinity New Orleans The history, milestones, and achievements of Holy Trinity Saturday, October 11, :00 pm Metairie Country Club 580 Woodvine Avenue Metairie Tickets $65 The program will include introduction of descendants of the Holy Trinity founders and the earliest Greeks in New Orleans, as well as recognition of past Presidents of Holy Trinity. Pre-selected Choice of Entrée Rosemary roasted pork loin or garlic sautéed shrimp over pasta Jackets required Complimentary valet parking provided Space is limited. Tables of 8 or 10 may be reserved, and seating requests will be noted. Reservations will be accepted through Monday, October 6, For further details, contact Sophia Pappas or Adrienne Dabbs Owen SUNDAY, OCTOBER th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BANQUET Immediately following Divine Liturgy on October 12, 2014, the entire Holy Trinity family is invited to greet and welcome the hierarchs, former clergy, and guests at the Celebration Banquet in the Hellenic Cultural Center. This event will culminate the year-long commemorative schedule dedicated to the legacy of Holy Trinity Cathedral. The 150 th Anniversary Committee is planning a gourmet meal and a unique program and hopes that everyone will make plans to participate in this memorable day. The donation is $40 for adults and $20 for children under 12. For additional information and to make reservations, contact Banquet Committee Chairpersons Sandy Bouzon at , Mary Kontos at , or Helen Malachias at

11 GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FAY KALERGI, DIRECTOR OF GREEK LANGUAGE PROGRAM Holy Trinity Greek School will operate as an examination center for the Greek Regents Exams in June The Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek was developed by the Archdiocese of America, and successful candidates are able to earn not only a prestigious Advanced Language Diploma but also college credits. Success in the exams equals to three (3) credits in foreign language studies and provides strong evidence of language proficiency for those seeking scholarships provided by AHEPA or Fulbright. High school students, whose families are members of the Greek Community, may take a placement test and see whether they can sit for the exams in June Otherwise, they are strongly advised to join the relevant language program, which will start in October Dates and time slots concerning the exam oriented classes will be announced soon. If you are interested in joining, please provide the Cathedral office your name and contact information. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Lifetouch Photography Sessions for New Church Directory Thursday, November 20 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm Friday, November 21 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm Saturday, November 22 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Details forthcoming Departed Presidents Memorial Service A special Memorial Service will be held Sunday, October 5, 2014, in memory of all departed Holy Trinity Parish Council presidents. The service will honor the memory of leaders, who led the way for the New Orleans Greek Orthodox Community to continue the work of the Lord. A reception will follow in the gymnasium. 11

12 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T 150 th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ALBUM The Commemorative Album Committee agreed to accept ads with payment through the 150 th Anniversary weekend. Forms are enclosed with full details; please disregard the September 15 deadline. Take advantage of this last minute opportunity to be included in this special keepsake commemorating 150 years of Holy Trinity by submitting your completed form to the Cathedral office immediately. Select a participation level and submit the information along with photographs, dedications, personal messages, artwork, tributes, or a family memorial. 150 th EVENT RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE Reservations for the October 11 Bus Tour and Premiere Night - Documentary Viewing at the Metairie Country Club, as well as the October 12 Banquet Celebration, are being accepted. However, the Premiere Night deadline is firmly set for Monday, October 6. Also, tickets for the October 10 An Evening on the Bayou are sold each Sunday after Divine Liturgy and through the Cathedral office. Please look for individual announcements throughout The Flame, which disclose further details on each event. COFFEE SPONSOR The Cathedral Family sincerely thanks Koula Spetsiotis and Family for sponsoring the Coffee Hour during the entire month of September and prays that God will bless her and her family for their thoughtfulness and generosity. GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN OCTOBER A General Assembly will be held in the Hellenic Cultural Center on Sunday, October 5, 2014, after Divine Liturgy. A Special General Assembly will follow the General Assembly. All parishioners, who are Members in Good Standing, are encouraged to attend. Anyone, who presently is not financially a Member in Good Standing, should update his/her stewardship prior to the date of the meeting. HIERARCHIAL VISITORS Holy Trinity Cathedral is honored to have His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America and His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios participate in the 150th Anniversary Celebration slated October 10-12, HYMNOLOGY The Youth Hymnology program continues this year as part of the Sunday School curriculum. Immediately following Holy Communion, all children proceed upstairs to the Common Area. The choir is practicing the Communion hymn "Ainete ton Kyrion Praise the Lord." This is chanted while the priest says inaudible prayers and prepares the Holy Communion. The Sunday School children will chant this hymn during the Divine Liturgy on October 12, 2014, for the 150th Anniversary Liturgy. Please contact Viki Moustoukas (vmoustouka@aol.com) with any questions about this program. Thank you for supporting this important ministry for our children. PHILOPTOCHOS ACTIVE MILITARY PROJECT In early 2015 Philoptochos will sponsor a project in honor of our local church community family members, who currently serve in the armed forces. If you, or someone in your family, are serving in active duty, please provide Viki Moustoukas (vmoustouka@aol.com) with the military personnel s name and address.

13 Daughters of Penelope GREEK PASTRY SALE 2014 Order Your Greek Pastries Now! Greek Pastries for Sale for the holidays! Order Deadline - Tuesday November 18! Holiday boxes of Greek pastries can be ordered as well as KOULOURIA (butter twist cookies) by the dozen. An assorted box that contains 2 pieces each of BAKLAVA (phyllo, walnut and honey pastry), FINIKIA (honey dipped spice cookie) and KOURAMBIEDES (powdered sugar cookie) can be ordered as well as small and large holiday boxes of only Baklava or only Finikia. These pastries can be enjoyed and also given as holiday gifts to family friends, neighbors, teachers, etc.. Submit orders by Tuesday, November 18, 2014 Pre Order Now and Pick-Up on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Noon at Holy Trinity Make Checks Payable to: Daughters of Penelope Submit orders to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd., New Orleans, LA Fax to , call or hellenic2004@yahoo.com Name Address Phone # Ordered ITEM Unit Price Total Assorted box (2 each baklava, finikia, kourambiedes) 6 pieces total $ 9.00 a box $ Small Box Baklava (6 pcs) $10.00 a box $ Large Box Baklava (12 pcs) $20.00 a box $ Small Box Finikia (6 pcs) $ 7.50 a box $ Large Box Finikia (12 pcs) $15.00 a box $ One Dozen Koulouria (in a clear gift bag) $ 6.00 a dozen $ ORDER TOTAL $ Date of Order Date paid Order taken by Date picked up