MESSENGER THE. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

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1 THE MESSENGER Newsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church December 2016 For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 Becoming Truly Human What does this mean? Becoming Truly Human is a different kind of discussion group. The Becoming Truly Human group focuses on lay participation and leadership. It is not up to the parish priest to get it started or keep it going. Often the liturgical, pastoral, and administrative responsibilities of a normal parish can be overwhelming for the priest, leaving little time for much else. The Becoming Truly Human Program is designed to be lay driven under the authority of the parish priest as spiritual father. This program is systematic and yet flexible. It is based on an open, non-threatening, and truly loving philosophy. This is the strength of the program. The goal is not to increase parishioner numbers but to change lives. We, as Orthodox Christians, should have a desire to share with others the kingdom of God. One of the sayings attributed to St. John Chrysostom is, "I do not believe in the salvation of anyone who does not try to save others." This program is one effective way of doing this. This evangelism program offers a loving vehicle for our people and others to take time they generally do not take, to ask themselves the fundamental questions of life, and gently offers them some guidance. On Sunday, December 4th members of the Parish Council, the Evangelism Committee and the Welcoming Committee will spend the day learning about what all this entails, and eventually be working with our entire parish to become, Truly Human! For more information on the Becoming Truly Human program, visit the website, Do You Feel Like a None? This is the first four minutes of the new documentary, Becoming Truly Human. Follow Basil as he navigates our modern cultural landscape, engaging with a group of spiritual "nones" in honest and open discussion on religion and spirituality, while recounting his own journey as a "none" in search of spiritual wholeness. none: (nun) pronoun, a person who is unaffiliated with any spiritual practice, faith, or religion. December

2 Adult Education The Meaning of Christmas Make Ready O Bethlehem, Orthodox Hymns of Christmas In the Orthodox Christian Faith, Christmas plays an important role in the life of the Church. This feast does not just proclaim the coming of Christ, but for believers, it gives the Church the chance to contemplate the inexplicable: the Divine becoming human, the Transcendent One entering time, the Immortal putting on flesh. This recording presents Orthodox hymnography form the liturgical year that foreshadows and prepares the Church for the incarnation of Christ. Hymnography for Christmas does not first appear on the feast itself (December 25), but in many ways, on Annunciation (March 25) when the Church proclaims in the festal troparion, Today is the beginning of our salvation. Then, beginning with the feast of St. Andrew (November 30), the feast of St. Nicholas (December 6), and the prefestal days before Christmas, the services in the Church are sprinkled with hymns set to special melodies which point towards Christ s coming. -Deacon Gregory Ealy, Music Director, St. Mary s Orthodox Cathedral Choir, Minneapolis, Minnesota Bobby Maddex interviews Dn. Gregory Ealy, the music director at St. Mary s Orthodox Cathedral in Minneapolis, Minnesota, about the CD by the cathedral choir titled, Make Ready, O Bethlehem: Orthodox Hymns for Christmas. Dn. Gregory also talks about an upcoming benefit concert for St. Vladimir's Seminary, on the Ancient Faith Website, St. Mary s Orthodox Cathedral, Christmas CD, Make Ready, O Bethlehem, will be the topic of the Adult Education Class, the Meaning of Christmas, Wednesday, December is 14 Looking for that Perfect Christmas Gift? Make Ready, O Bethlehem CD is available for purchase from the St. Herman of $18. Limited number of copies! Purchase yours today!! The first complete biography on His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, titled Bartholomew: Apostle and Visionary, authored by Fr. John Chryssavgis and published by Thomas Nelson Publishing has just been released. The book (ISBN# ) is available at Amazon and further information can be obtained by contacting Allen Media Strategies Chris Centore at or chris@allenmediastrategies.com Office Hours: Monday Friday: 10am 5pm Phone: PARISH INFOMATION Address: 9012 Q Street, Omaha, NE Website: Church: AHSoffice@allholyspirit.com Fr. Alexander Lukashonok: FrAlexander@allholyspirit.com Services: Each Sunday Morning Prayers 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am 2 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

3 Parish News Thank you Thank you to the following people who provided the following for the month of November: Prosphora Debbie Birge, Helen Elfering, Joanne Sgourakis and Marta Hain Altar Flowers Laki and Joanne Sgourakis, John and Debbie Birge, Adam and Sandy Karavas, Ted and Helen Lazanas Food for Fellowship Hour Nick Bitzes, Adam and Sandy Karavas, Helen Elfering, Laki and Joan Sgourakis Social Hour Hosts Elias and Demetra Eliopoulos, Philoptochos, Brian & Sheila Zachariae, Mike and Nikki Moravec All Holy Spirit would like to bid farewell and Good Luck to the Busch Family as they take on new adventures in Michigan! Congratulations to Leah, who has accepted a position with Ford Motor Company! Although you will be closer to your families in Michigan, don t forget your family here at All Holy Spirit!! We look forward to hearing how things are going and of course many visits. We pray for your safe travels as you get settled! Community Christmas Card If you would like your family included in the Community Christmas Card, please fill out the enclosed form. Forms will be available in the Narthex, or contact the church office! Cost to include your family is $25. Deadline is Sunday, December 19 Poinsettia Plants If you would like to donate a poinsettia in memory of a loved one or for your family, please fill out the enclosed form. Forms will be available in the Narthex, or contact the church office. Cost is $12. Deadline is Sunday, December 19 Commissioning Icons Select a saint. Generally your feast day or a baptism name. Discuss with the iconographer as he can help you choose or identify a Saint for the day chosen. Select a size, if you want gold used? Just the halo or the whole background? (It affects the price) To begin the process after you have selected your saint, 50% is asked for up front. Everything is negotiable. 5x7 $150 Icon Pricing List Single Figure 2 or more Figures 9X12 $300 $400 Festal 12x16 $450 $600 $800 16x20 $600 $800 $1,100 No Gold Subtract $25 All Gold Background add $25 $50 Contact Tom Denich direct or by , icxcpainter@hotmail.com December

4 Parish News Congratulations!..to Christopher and Emily Krampe on the baptism of their daughter, Ana Vjera on November 5!! Congratulations also to Godmother, Leah Busch!!..to Father Alexander and Presbytera Oksana on the baptism of their daughter, Ekaterina Aleksandrovna, Katia, on November 25!! Congratulations also to Godparents, Inna Novikova and Peter Wilger!!..to Abbie Chader on the baptism of her daughter, Aubrianna Skye Anna Chader, Anna, on November 26, in Denver!! Congratulations also to Baba, Karen Chader and Godparents, Katrina Bakke and Tommy Chader!! Νασου ζησει!! - May they live long!! 4 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

5 Parish News Outreach FOODBANK FOR THE HEARTLAND MOBILE PANTRY We had an even larger committed turnout for this Food Bank! About 20 parishioners, six of which were first time volunteers. The event wrapped at 2pm, and a good amount representing All Holy Spirit were still at it to the very end!! Inreach Many thanks to our parishioners supporting our monthly Outreach Events. As we are approaching the end of 2016, our Holiday project would be Supporting our Veterans who have sacrificed and endangered their lives defending our country. Please stay tuned for specific details and needs and how we are going to share some of our talent and treasures to spread some Christmas cheer to Veterans that need it. Outreach Committee Chair, Dora Bitsos The In Reach Committee was formed to help our parishioners in their time of need. This could be for many different circumstances. If you know of someone who could use a helping hand, please contact Maria Knowles at or Father Alexander. December

6 Parish News AHEPA The Next AHEPA Meeting will be held: Saturday, December 10 9:00 am At the Church If you have not done so, Please pay your 2017 Dues!! Remit to: Paul Bitsos, Seward St, Omaha, NE or Elias Eliopoulos, 1210 N, 141st Ave, Omaha, NE Just a reminder.. Philoptochos Upcoming Events: Christmas Pastry Orders Due, Wednesday, December 7 Christmas Pastry Pick-up, Sunday, December 11 January Meeting, Tuesday, January 10, 7:00pm, at the Church Vasilopita Auction, Sunday, January 15 If you have not done so, please pay your Stewardship! We request a minimum of $30 to cover our National and Metropolis commitments! THANKSGIVING BASKETS THANK YOU We collected enough money to make up 11 Thanksgiving baskets with everything for a complete Thanksgiving dinner for needy families at Mockingbird Elementary School. Baskets were delivered to the school on Tuesday, November 22. Thank you to: George & Angie Rakes, Ted & Helen Lazanas, Despina Foster, Gust & Joan Rakes, Chris & Nadine Saklar, Helen Petrow, Jeff Johannesmeyer, Andy Vassios, Bill & Joan Sgourakis, Bill & Eva Petrides, Tom & Brenda Denich, Paul & Dora Bitsos, Mike & Nikki Moravec, Clark & Annie Gorder, Mike & Sandi Kriha, Theodora Petrow, Karen Chader, Tammy Honke, Steve & Nikki Diamantis, Maria Knowles and Nancy Peterson It s not too late to order Greek Pastries for Christmas! Baklava 1 doz. $18 Baklava Pan 9X13 $47 Kourambiethes 1 doz. $15 Melomakarona 1 doz. $15 Assorted Pastries 1 doz. $18 Greek Biscota 1 doz. $10 Order your favorite Greek Delicacies now for Christmas! Great gift idea for friends, family, teachers, neighbors & employees! Call Deb McDonnell, or rakesde@gmail.com, by Wednesday, December 7, to place your order!! 6 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

7 Parish News Sunday School Sunday School Students participating in Matins on Youth Take Over Sunday in November!!! Youth Take-Over Sunday Children s Choir Sunday, December 4 Please have children at church by 9:00! Mark your Calendar.. Sunday School Christmas Program Sunday, December 18 Following Divine Liturgy!! Please Note. There will be NO Youth Take Over in January! Happy New Year! HOPE With the Busch Family relocating to Michigan, the Hope Play Date on Saturday, December, 10th, at the Busch home has been cancelled. GOYA/Youth Group December GOYA Meeting Wednesday, December 7, 7:00pm-8:00pm, in the church Office! YAL Blessing Bag Project The Omaha YAL group will be teaming up with the Open Door Mission to collect items for Blessing Bags, and need your help! Items YAL will be collecting are: Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Facecloths (Washcloths), Brushes, Combs, Tube Socks, Chocolate Bars or some type of sweet treat, Hats and Gloves, Razors and Shaving Creams, Travel size toiletries of soap and shampoo. Please bring items to church and place in the Blessing Bag Project box in the Narthex!! December

8 Parish News Choir Choir Practice Wednesday, December 7 and Wednesday, December 21, 7:00pm 8:15pm We invite all parishioners to the following Events in December Christmas Caroling Sing Along, 3:30pm, before Vespers on December 24! Come join us before Vespers begin at 4:00pm. Christmas Caroling on Wednesday, December 28. We will meet at All Holy Spirit at 1:30pm, before traveling to the Memory Unit at Lakeside and the Veterans Hospital, to entertain the residents! Please contact Peter Wilger if you are interested in any or all these opportunities! to sing!! On Saturday, December 17, join us in our pilgrimage as our parish travels to Lincoln to visit and collaborate with another small parish, St. John of Kronstadt in Lincoln. The Itinerary: 4:30pm Meet at Sinbad s Restaurant, 2630 Orchard Street, Lincoln, for an early dinner 6:30pm Attend Vespers t St. John of Kronstadt, 2800 Holdrege St, Lincoln Following vespers, St. John s congregation will be hosting us for refreshments, discussion and singing Christmas Carols! If you are interested in taking this journey, please contact Deb McDonnell, We will be arranging car-pools for those interested who do not want to drive to Lincoln. Sinbad s is a Middle Eastern Restaurant 8 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

9 Parish News Please Join us for All Holy Spirit Family Night Celebrating Saint Nicholas Saturday, December 10 4:00pm Vespers Followed by a Lenten Pot Luck Dinner Parishioners of all ages are encouraged to come and Celebrate!! We will have a special visit from Santa Claus! Please sign up for the Potluck at the Hot Spot! If you are interested in making artoklasia for Saint Nicholas, on December 10, please contact the church office, Ministries, Operation: Open Heart Several of Omaha s top medical professionals recently spent 10 days in La Paz, Mexico, working with children born with congenital heart defects. Among these was All Holy Spirit s, Elaina Knowles. The Omaha team of medical professionals, most from Children s Hospital and Medical Center and led by Dr. Jim Hammel, give days of their time, without pay, to travel to La Paz and save lives. Dr. Hammel initially started this mission working with the Los Cabos Children s Foundation. The Foundation would fly children to Sioux Falls for medical help. The cardiologist in Sioux Falls, requested Dr. Hammel operate on a young boy, Mario. After this, Hammel helped many children flown to Nebraska, usually one or two a year. Dr. Hammel realized he could help dozens more children at the same cost by taking a team to Mexico, focusing on the La Paz and Baja California Sur. Dr. Hammel s ultimate mission is to teach Mexican surgeons and nurses how to operate on these children and save lives on their own. Photo s of Elaina with the children and other nurses from Children s Hospital. Brandi Petersen, KETV7, May 17, 2016, December

10 Usher & Special Liturgy Schedules If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please find a replacement within your group or contact the Church Office. December 12/4 John Sgourakis, Mike Bouzis John & Laura Pavalis January 1/1 Dora & Paul Bitsos, Brian & Sheila Zachariae 12/11 Andy Karavas, Bill & Cindy Lambert, Christina Knowles 12/18 John & Kathy Treantos, George Poulos, Paul Bitsos 12/25 John Birge, Mike & Niki Moravec, Jim McDonnell 1/8 Chris Hoegemeyer, Mike Bouzis, Nick & Shelly Petrow 1/15 Andy Karavas, Bill & Cindy Lambert, Linda Olson 1/22 Mike & Sandi Kriha, George Poullos, Paul Bitsos 1/29 John Sgourakis, Mike & Nikki Moravec, Ashley Olson Vesperal Divine Liturgy and Divine Liturgy of the Saints Schedule Saint Nicholas the Wonder Worker Vesperal Divine Liturgy Monday, December 5 6:30pm Nativity of Jesus Christ Divine Liturgy Sunday, December 25 10:00am Saint Stephen the First Martyr Divine Liturgy Tuesday, December 27 10:30am 10 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

11 December 2016 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 8:30 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy Stewardship Sunday 8:30 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy 8:30 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy Sunday School Christmas Program 10:00 Divine Liturgy Holy Nativity :00 Vespers :30 Vesperal Divine Liturgy St. Nicholas the Wonder Worker 6:15 Akathist 7:00 Choir Practice 7:00 GOYA Meeting 9:30 Divine Liturgy 9:00 AHEPA 4:00 Vespers Artoklasia AHS Family Night Pot Luck Dinner Santa Claus :00 Sunday School Meeting 7:00 Adult Education The Meaning of Christmas Parish to Parish Pilgrimage St. John of Kronstadt, Lincoln YAL Homeless Project :30 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 Akathist 7:00 Choir Practice 10:00 Matins Royal Hours 3:30 Christmas Carols 4:00 Christmas Vigil Artoklasia :30 Matins 10:30 Divine Liturgy 12:00 Hoffman & Nasiba (Rakes) Baptisms St. Stephen the First Martyr 1:30 Christmas Caroling 4:00 Vespers December

12 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church 9012 Q Street Omaha, NE (402) office NON-PROFIT organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Omaha, NE What s Inside Becoming Truly Human 1 Adult Education. 2 Parish News Usher and Special Liturgy Schedule.. 10 November Calendar All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

13 Community Christmas Card We are preparing a Community Christmas Card to be sent to members of the Church and their friends. If you would like your family included please put your family s name the way you you want it to appear in the card on the line below and return to the church office. Cost to include your family is $25.00 Deadline is Sunday, December POINSETTIA PLANTS Poinsettia plants are being ordered to decorate the Church for Christmas. If you would like to donate a poinsettia in memory of a loved one or for your family please complete the information below and return to the church office. Cost is $12.00 In Memory of Your Name December