THE ORTHODOX POST. President s Message. The Orthodox Post Page 3 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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1 Page 3 THE ORTHODOX POST June Volume XI, Issue 6 St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church, Midland Parkway, Jamaica Estates, New York, NY Web site: fr.nathan@stnicholasalbanian.org Tel: (718) Pastor s Message by Fr. Nathan Preston Many years ago, I heard the prayer/poem below while I was visiting a monastery in Illinois. I was struck by the beauty of these words yet also their challenge, their demand to be taken seriously and struggled with. The author, St. Nikolai, is one of our modern holy fathers. He lived and knew life in Europe, the trials of war and instability of Church and nation, but ministered and ended life here in our own country. He taught at our seminaries, trained our priests, sheltered and guided our Orthodox people. I have wanted for a long time to share this particular work of his pen, but it is a little bit long to print onto a card and distribute. Please read it at least a couple times. Perhaps, learn to pray with some of these words and find peace in them. Fr. Nathan Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Enemies have driven me into Your embrace more than friends have. Friends have bound me to earth, enemies have loosed me from earth and have demolished all my aspirations in the world. President s Message by Jim Liolin June is a turning month. We turn from the winter and spring activities plan our summer fun. So too the living Church turns from what was done to what needs to be done. The Church is turning from the season of Pascha back into the regular year. Much of the focus of these last couple months has been on Holy Week and Easter; now we turn to be normal again and have the freedom to move to the organization of particular projects. Turning from what was done: With Father s leadership, pamphlets were prepared on Marriage, Baptism, Memorials, they outline our obligations to those services and Church. The Natural Church Growth committee helped initiate a social / religious discussion group which has been well accepted. Two Adult Study groups met one in early May and was well received. Another is being organized for the summer in NJ. The Sunday School is being guided by a steering committee and with several new tiny tots they re dealing with a little growing pains. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Enemies have made me a stranger in worldly realms and an extraneous inhabitant of the world. Just as a hunted animal finds safer shelter than an un-hunted animal, so have I, persecuted by enemies, found the safest sanctuary, having ensconced myself beneath Your tabernacle, where neither friends nor enemies can slay my soul. Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. They, rather than I, have confessed my sins before the world. They have flagellated me, whenever I have hesitated to flagellate myself. Turning to what needs to be done: We would like a representative to the All American Council of the OCA this July in Atlanta, Ga. (if you want to go speak to Father). Delegates are needed for our Diocese Assembly in September in Worcester, MA. The Worcester Church is also celebrating 100 years that same weekend. Please see me or Father Nathan if you are interested in going. Preliminary discussion by the Council will take place for a project of Beautification of the Church Temple looking toward our 75 th anniversary. The Council is updating the policy on the purchase of cemetery plots at Mt. Tomori. More will need to be done. But now lets enjoy the turn to summer. Pastor s Message & President s Message 1 Daughters Corner, Kendi Shqip 2 St. Nicholas Fathers Day Picnic 3 Community News 4 Ladies Coffee List & Article Continuations 5 June Feast Days 6 Merchant Ads 7-9 Major Events & Ushers Sunday Schedule 10 Continued on Page 5 Don t forget God this summer.he doesn t forget you.

2 Page 2 KENDI SHQIP (The Albanian Corner) by A. Llupa Qershor, 2015 Këtë muaj po japim një pjesë nga libri Adhurimi, vëllimi II nga Thomas Hopko mbi Rushajet.Në Dhjatën e Re të Mesias, ngjarja e Pashkës merr kuptimin e kremtimit të vdekjes dhe ngjalljes së Krishtit, eksodi i njerzve prej kësaj bote mëkatare në Mbretërinë e Perëndisë. Por, gjithashtu, festa e Rushajave (Pesëdhjetorja Pentakostja) është përmbushur dhe rinuar me ardhjen e ligjit të ri, zbritjes së Shpirtit të Shenjtë mbi nxënësit e Krishtit. Kur erdhi dita e Rushajeve, ata ishin të gjithë bashkë, në një mendje të vetme, në të njëjtin vend. Dhe befas nga qielli erdhi një ushtimë, si ajo e një erë që fryn furishëm dhe e mbushi gjithë shtëpinë ku ata po rrinin. Dhe u dukën mbi ata gjuhë si prej zjarri, të cilat ndaheshin dhe qëndronin mbi secilin prej tyre. Dhe u mbushën të gjithë me Shpirtin e Shenjtë Shpirti i Shenjtë, të cilin Krishti u kishte premtuar nxënësve të tij, erdhi ditën e Rushajeve. Apostujt morën fuqi prej së larti dhe filluan të predikonin dhe filluan të jepnin dëshmi për Jezusin si Krishtin e ngjallur, Mbretin dhe Zotin. Traditcionalisht, ky moment është quajtur Ditëlindja e Kishes. Në shërbesat liturgjike të festës së Rushajeve, ardhja e Shpirtit të Shenjtë kremtohet bashkë me zbulesën e plotë të Trinisë Hyjnore: Atit, Birit dhe Shpirtit të Shenjtë. Plotësia e Hyjnisë u shfaq në ardhjen e Shpirtit tek njerzit dhe himnet e Kishës e kremtojnë këtë shfaqje si veprën finale të vetzbulesës dhe vetadhurimit të Perëndisë në botën e krijuar prej Tij. Për këtë arsye, e djela e Rushajeve në Traditën Orthodokse është quajtur gjithashtu Dita e Shën Trinisë. Shpesh në këtë ditë, ikona e Shen Continued on Page 5 DAUGHTERS CORNER By Linda Foundos Our Daughters luncheon on May 3 rd was delightful! Everyone enjoyed a delicious feast at the Greek Family Kitchen & had a great time. We look forward to next time. Some great suggestions were made for future activities! Please come and share your ideas with us for activities or fundraising. Welcome back to all of our snow birds that have returned from Florida, escaping the brutal winter! We re glad you re back. You were missed. Our sincere congratulations to all of our graduates!! Our youth is our future and a precious part of our community. We re so proud of them and are thrilled to hear of all their wonderful accomplishments. We wish all of the fathers a very Happy Fathers Day!!! You are very much loved and appreciated. You deserve to be celebrated! Have a wonderful summer wherever your plans find you! Enjoy it, and make some special memories! Don t forget to keep God in your plans. During the course of the Apostles Fast, this year from June 8 to 28, brief prayer services will be offered each Friday night. At seven in the evening on the 12 th, 19 th, and 26 th, we will chant the Akathist to the Holy Spirit, a series of joyful prayers lasting about half an hour. In this season of moderate fasting, we are asked to remember those first missionaries of our Christian faith, the students and friends of Christ Himself. Through their work and their bravery, they spread the Gospel throughout all the world taking courage and comfort from the Holy Spirit. So we will be reminded also to live with such boldness, confident that God provides for us, that God stands beside and watches over us, and that we, however unworthy we may feel, are called to be instruments of His work. Apostles Fast

3 Page 3 St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church Sunday, June 21st Fathers Day Manorhaven Beach Park Port Washington, NY 11:00 a.m. til dark Games for all Ages!!! Volleyball Basketball Handball Softball Tennis Soccer Donation: $5 per person or $15 per family Directions from NYC : Long Island Expressway to Searingtown Road, Exit #36. (becomes Port Washington Blvd, 101 N) Drive 2.4 miles to Main Street (Post Office on corner) and turn left. Drive 1mile to Shore Rd and turn right. Drive 0.8 miles and turn left on Manorhaven Blvd. Drive 0.8 miles to Manorhaven Park and turn left. *** Special Note: Liturgy will be held at St. Nicholas Church at 9:30 a.m. Fun Fellowship Food Please clean-up your area before you leave the Park

4 Page 4 New York Jewish Community Honors the Albanian Besa of World War II On May 8, Fr. Nathan Preston was a guest at the Friday evening Shabbat service at B nai Jeshurun, one of Manhattan s most storied synagogues. Albanian religious leaders and delegates of the Albanian diplomatic corps were honored by the assembled congregation as they recalled that great besa, which had been upheld during the Second World War and its preservation of thousands of Jewish lives by this trust. Rabbi Rolando Matalon urged the faithful of his community to make this story of oppression, bravery, and faith known more widely throughout the world. At the close of prayer, His Excellency, President of the Albanian Republic Bujar Nishani, addressed the congregation. He noted the trials of faith shared by the Jewish and Albanian peoples, trials of suspicion and persecution, yet trials surmounted by devotion and fraternal compassion and care. The president was then presented with the gift of a mezuzah, the prayer scroll that blesses the entrance of the homes of the faithful. This gift was made to the Albanian people by an heir of the besa, whose grandmother and thirteen relatives had been preserved from hatred and destruction by the refuge of that nation. Community News by Linda Foundos To Our Graduates: Bravo to you all! Your families are very proud of you, as are we. We wish you all the best as you move on through the phases of life; each one preparing you for the next; each one fulfilling & rewarding. Congratulations! Kimberly Oswald from the University of Maryland, Honors College with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. She has been hired by Vidaris, an engineering consulting firm in Manhattan.. Melissa Heiser from St. John s University earning a B.A. in Psychology. She is employed at Plaza College as a Welcome Center Representative.. Congratulations to Vasil Baltadori on his graduation from Stony Brook with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. His parents Juliana and Stefan, his aunt Irma and uncle Ardian, his cousins Iris and Angela are all so proud of his accomplishment and wish him the very best of luck on his future endeavors. Daniel Oswald from Fusion Academy High School. He will continue his education at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, majoring in Adventure Education. Amanda Kallinikos from Smithtown High School West. She will be attending the University of Hartford in Connecticut in September. Thea Pavllo from Queens Metropolitan High School. She will be attending Queens College this fall. Cleo Filis from Kellenberg Memorial High School. She will be attending Fordham University in New York, majoring in Business. James Feimer from Wheatley High School. He will be attending Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA, majoring in Special Education. James is the grandson of Betty & the late George Kelapire. A sweet bundle in pink was delivered to Aimalia & Subdeacon Ignatius Green. Big brother Efhrem is delighted with his new sister, Theophano. Ignatius is a student at St. Vladimir s Seminary. We have been very fortunate to have him & his family with our St. Nicholas community this past year. We wish them all a very long, happy & healthy life. May God bless her entire family. On April 19th, Thomas Rehova, son of Albert & Hankeleida Rehova, was baptized. May God bless little Thomas, his parents and Godfather, George Vangjel.. On April 19th, Dion Nune, son of Keti Qipo and Erald Nune was baptized. May God bless little Dion, his parents and Godfather, Gjergji Qipo. Phil, Jana, Andrew & Nicholas Foundos traveled to the Dominican Republic for a week in February for a winter break. They look forward to returning! But more recently they spent a week in Naples, Florida relaxing, spending time with family & more fun in the sun!!! Congratulations to Matt Foundos as he begins his career as a real estate appraiser for Goodman Marks Associates. We wish him much success! Debbie and John Leff-Kelapire will celebrate a renewal of their wedding vows in a private ceremony in Florida on Debbie's 50th birthday on June 7, The couple originally wed in 2012 also in a private ceremony. Congratulations and best wishes go to Debbie and John's son/stepson Alexander for graduating Cypress Bay High School on May 31, Alex will be attending the University of Florida and is set to major in chemical engineering. John Leff-Kelapire is the son of Betty & the late George Kelapire. Our sincere sympathy to the family of Violet Rupp, nee Peter who fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, April 23rd. Though her health had kept her from attending services regularly for some time, she remained proud to be a member of St. Nicholas. Violet was the sister of Arthur and Lenora Peter. May her memory be eternal.

5 Page 5 Dear Ladies, June 07 Christina Liolin / Alexandra Liolin 14 Fjona Fundo / Suzana Fundo 21 Picnic 28 Rehova Family July 05 Linda Foundos / Elizabeth Liolin 12 Tina Peters / Rosalie Zacharias 19 Open 26 Nasi Pavllo / Marcella Guma Here is the schedule for coffee for the next 2 months. If your name is listed, please be sure to put it on your calendar. If you need to change the date, please advise Christina Liolin or Adelina Llupa. It is very important to remember that on the day you are scheduled for coffee, please arrive at church by 10 a.m. so that preparations can be made. What to bring: 1. Cake for people 2. Cookies for the children 3. 1 gallon of milk KENDI SHQIP Continued from Page 2 Trinisë vendoset në qendër të kishës. Gjithashtu, në këtë ditë, përdoret edhe ikona e Rushajave, e cila tregon gjuhët e zjarrit mbi Shën Marinë dhe Dymbëdhjetë Apostujt, prototipi origjinal i Kishës, të cilët janë ulur në unitet, duke rrethuar nje imazh simbolik të kozmozit, botës. Në Rushajet, ne kemi përmbushjen finale të misionit të Jezu Krishtit dhe fillimin e periudhës mesianike të Mbretërisë së Perëndisë, e cila është e pranishme mistikërisht në këtë botë në Kishën e Mesias. Për këtë arsye, dita e pesëdhjetë është fillimi i epokës që është tej kufijve të kësaj botë. Pesëdhjeta, është numri i përmbushjes së përjetshme dhe qiellore, në traditën e devotshmërisë mistike Judeo-Kristiane: shtatë herë shtatë plus një. Pra festa e Rushajave nuk është thjesht kremtimi e një ngjarje që ndodhi shumë shekuj më parë. Ajo ështe kremtimi i cfarë duhet të ndodhë me ne në Kishë sot. Ne të gjithë kemi vdekur e jemi ngjallur në Mbretin-Mesia dhe të gjithë e kemi marrë Shpirtin e tij të Tërëshenjtë. Ne jemi tempujt e Shpirtit të Shenjtë. Shpirti i Perëndisë banon ndër ne. Ne, nëpërmjet anëtarësisë në Kishë, kemi marrë vulën e dhuratës së Shpirtit të Shenjtë në misterin e Mirosjes. Rushajet kanë ndodhur tek ne PASTOR S MESSAGE Continued from Page 1 They have tormented me, whenever I have tried to flee torments. They have scolded me, whenever I have flattered myself. They have spat upon me, whenever I have filled myself with arrogance. Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Whenever I have made myself wise, they have called me foolish. Whenever I have made myself mighty, they have mocked me as though I were a dwarf. Whenever I have wanted to lead people, they have shoved me into the background. Whenever I have rushed to enrich myself, they have prevented me with an iron hand. Whenever I thought that I would sleep peacefully, they have wakened me from sleep. Whenever I have tried to build a home for a long and tranquil life, they have demolished it and driven me out. Truly, enemies have cut me loose from the world and have stretched out my hands to the hem of Your garment. Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Bless them and multiply them; multiply them and make them even more bitterly against me so that my fleeing to You may have no return; so that all hope in men may be scattered like cobwebs; so that absolute serenity may begin to reign in my soul; so that my heart may become the grave of my two evils twins: arrogance and anger; so that I might amass all my treasure in heaven; ah, so that I may for once be freed from self-deception, which has entangled me in the dreadful web of illusory life. Enemies have taught me to know what hardly anyone knows that a person has no enemies in the world except himself. One hates his enemies only when he fails to realize that they are not enemies, but cruel friends. It is truly difficult for me to say who has done me more good and who has done me more evil in the world: friends or enemies. Therefore bless, O Lord, both my friends and my enemies. A slave curses enemies, for he does not understand. But a son blesses them, for he understands. For a son knows that his enemies cannot touch his life. Therefore he freely steps among them and prays to God for them. Bless my enemies, O Lord. Even I bless them and do not curse them. Translation taken from:

6 Page 6 SYNAXIS OF ALL SAINTS Commemorated on June 7 th (Reading and Icon courtesy of OCA Website) The Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to All Saints, both those who are known to us, and those who are known only to God. There have been saints at all times, and they have come from every corner of the earth. They were Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics, and Righteous, yet all were perfected by the same Holy Spirit. The Descent of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to rise above our fallen state and to attain sainthood, thereby fulfilling God s directive to be holy, for I am holy. Therefore, it is fitting to commemorate All Saints on the first Sunday after Pentecost. This feast may have originated at an early date, perhaps as a celebration of all martyrs, then it was broadened to include all men and women who had borne witness to Christ by their virtuous lives, even if they did not shed their blood for Him. St Peter of Damascus, in his Fourth Stage of Contemplation, mentions five categories of saints: Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, and Monastic Saints. St Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain adds the Righteous to St Peter s five categories. The list of St Nicodemus is found in his book THE FOURTEEN EPISTLES OF ST PAUL The hymnology for the feast of All Saints also lists six categories: Rejoice, assembly of the Apostles, Prophets of the Lord, loyal choirs of the Martyrs, divine Hierarchs, Monastic Fathers, and the Righteous... Some of the saints are described as Confessors, a category which does not appear in the above lists. Since they are similar in spirit to the martyrs, they are regarded as belonging to the category of Martyrs. They were not put to death as the Martyrs were, but they boldly confessed Christ and came close to being executed for their faith. St Maximus the Confessor is such a saint. The order of these six types of saints seems to be based on their importance to the Church. The Apostles are listed first, because they were the first to spread the Gospel throughout the world. The Martyrs come next because of their example of courage in professing their faith before the enemies and persecutors of the Church, which encouraged other Christians to remain faithful to Christ even unto death. Although they come first chronologically, the Prophets are listed after the Apostles and Martyrs. This is because the Old Testament Prophets saw only the shadows of things to come, whereas the Apostles and Martyrs experienced them firsthand. The New Testament also takes precedence over the Old Testament. The holy Hierarchs comprise the fourth category. They are the leaders of their flocks, teaching them by their word and their example. The Monastic Saints are those who withdrew from this world to live in monasteries, or in seclusion. They did not do this out of hatred for the world, but in order to devote themselves to unceasing prayer, and to do battle against the power of the demons. Although some people erroneously believe that monks and nuns are useless and unproductive, St John Climacus had a high regard for them: Angels are a light for monks, and the monastic life is a light for all men. The last category, the Righteous, are those who attained holiness of life while living in the world. Examples include Abraham and his wife Sarah, Job, Sts Joachim and Anna, St Joseph the Betrothed, St Juliana of Lazarevo, and others. MAJOR FEAST DAYS IN JUNE Mary and Martha, Apostle Bartholomew Apostle Barnabas Apostle Jude, Nativity of St. Saints Peter The 12 Apostles Sisters of Lazarus Brother of Our Lord John the Baptist and Paul June 04 June 11 June 11 June 19 June 24 June 29 June 30

7 Page 7 Ads from Merchants Who Support the Church Please look at the Ads and support these Merchants by buying goods and services from them, whenever possible. Tell the Merchant that you are from St, Nicholas Church and saw their Ad in the Church s Monthly Newsletter!!! For New Ads Please Contact - Tomi Beno at (917) SABITA J. BALL00, EA Income Tax Services Jamaica Avenue Tel: Richmond Hill, NY Fax: sabitaballoo@aol.com

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10 Page 10 Major Church Activities and Events Vespers every Saturday at 5:00 p.m. June 06, 13, 20 and 27 Akathist every Friday at 7:00 p.m. June 12, 19 and 26 (not June 05) Sun, June 07: Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.; All Saints Apostles Fast Sun, June 14: Liturgy, 10:00 a.m. Sun, Jun 21: Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.; Father s Day Annual Parish Picnic 11:00 a.m. until Dark Sun, June 28: Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.; Vespers, 5:00 p.m.; Sts Peter and Paul Mon, June 29: Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.; Sts. Peter And Paul June 07: June 14: June 21: June 28: July 05: Ushers Schedule for Sunday Services Lista e sherbimit te dielave ne kishe Andrea KUTALI / John JANCE Robert KORRA / Lou FOUNDOS Roland LLUPA / Edi SERA Ilia LUKA / Bill PETERS Stefan BALTADORI / Izzy TSAMBLAKOS We re on the Web! Visit us at: St. Nicholas Albanian Orthodox Church Midland Parkway Jamaica Estates, New York Customer Name Street Address City, State Zip Code