THE FLAME. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Monthly Newsletter. Volume 3, Issue 5 May 2013

Transcription

1 THE FLAME Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Monthly Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 5 May 2013 CHRIST IS RISEN! Truly, He Is Risen! O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigns! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave! -from the Pascha Homily of St. John Chrysostom In the Orthodox Church the feast of Christ's resurrection is commonly referred to as Pascha (PAS-ka), the Greek term for Passover. Just as the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites in Egypt, all humanity is delivered from death through Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus' rising from the dead is the point of reference for all Eastern Orthodox thought and life. For example, we enter the Church through baptism, which is our participation in the Lord's death and resurrection. Furthermore, every Sunday is dedicated to the resurrection of Christ so that we never lose sight of the centrality of Christ's victory over death. Yet, in the Feast of Feasts, which follows the period of fasting and spiritual preparation of Great Lent, the Orthodox faithful celebrate the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha, the lifegiving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This feast of feasts, the most significant day in the life of the Church, celebrates the defeat of death for neither death itself nor the power of the grave could hold our Savior captive. And, so we sing, "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" In this victory that came through the Cross, Christ broke the bondage of sin and through faith offers us restoration, transformation, and eternal life. Commemoration of the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha Holy Week comes to an end at sunset of Great and Holy Saturday, as the Church prepares to celebrate her most ancient and preeminent festival, Pascha the feast of feasts. The time of preparation will give way to a time of fulfillment. The glorious and resplendent light emanating from the empty Tomb will dispel the darkness. Christ, risen from the dead, cracks the fortress of death and takes "captivity captive." (Psalm 67:19) All the limitations of our createdness are torn asunder. Death is swallowed up in victory, and life is liberated. "For as by a man came death, by a 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana First Greek Orthodox Church in North and South America

2 Continued from previous page man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Corinthians 15:21-22) Pascha is the dawn of the new and unending day. The Resurrection constitutes the most radical and decisive deliverance of humankind. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the fundamental truth and absolute fact of the Christian faith. It is the central experience and essential kerygma (the apostolic proclamation of salvation through Jesus Christ) of the Church. It confirms the authenticity of Christ's remarkable earthly life and vindicates the truth of His teaching. It seals all His redemptive work: His life, the model of a holy life; His compelling and unique teaching; His extraordinary works; and His awesome, life-creating death. Christ's Resurrection is the guarantee of our salvation. Together with His Ascension it brings to perfection God's union with us for all eternity. The Resurrection made possible the miracle of the Church, which in every age and generation proclaims and affirms "God's plan for the universe, the ultimate divinization of man and the created order." The profound experience of and the unshakable belief in the risen Lord enabled the Apostles to evangelize the world and empowered the Church to overcome paganism. The Resurrection discloses the indestructible power and inscrutable wisdom of God. It disposes of the illusory myths and belief systems by which people, bereft of divine knowledge, strain to affirm the meaning and purpose of their existence. Christ, risen and glorified, releases humanity from the delusions of idolatry. In Him grave-bound humanity discovers and is filled with incomparable hope. The Resurrection bestows illumination, energizes souls, brings forgiveness, transfigures lives, creates saints, and gives joy. The Resurrection has not yet abolished the reality of death. But, it has revealed its powerlessness. (Hebrews 2:14-15) We continue to die as a result of the Fall. Our bodies decay and fall away. "God allows death to exist but turns it against corruption and its cause, sin, and sets a boundary both to corruption and sin." Thus, physical death does not destroy our life of communion with God. Rather, we move from death to life from this fallen world to God's reign. Commemoration of the Pascha Icon One of the most symbolic of the festal icons of the Orthodox Church is that of the Holy Resurrection. In the center of this radiant Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana Fax holytrinitycathedral.org Liturgical Services Sundays Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Weekdays (when scheduled) 9:00 am Cathedral Clergy Very Reverend Father Maximos Pafilis FrMaximos@holytrinitycathedral.org Chanters: Petros Demarinis, Demetrios Pappas Choir Director: Alex Tiliakos 2013 PARISH COUNCIL President: Nick Moustoukas, MD 1 st Vice President: Mike Kleamenakis, OD 2 nd Vice President: Constandinos Vennis Treasurer: Christ Kanellakis Secretary: Vladimir Ammons Members: Evangelia Bilalis, Panagiotis Patselikos, Steven E. Psarellis, Eleftherios Toras, Socrates Toras, and Elias Tsatalios EDUCATION Greek School Sundays 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm Director: Chrisanthy Kalivitis Sunday School Following Holy Communion Director: Maria Michailakis ORGANIZATIONS Acolytes and Readers Coordinator: Vladimir Ammons AHEPA President: Spiro Latsis Daughters of Penelope President: Adrienne Dabbs Owen GOYA President: Sophia Marathonitis Coordinating Advisors: Maria Stokes, Argeta Labatut, Despina Patselikos, Lenna Korominas Hellenic Dancers Coordinator: Vivi Demarinis Holy Trinity Soccer Director: Katerina Tsatsoulis Sutton HOPE/JOY (age 11 and under) Coordinating Advisor: Tony Pembo Advisors: Angeliki Frezoulis, Sina Lawrence, Donna Venturatos Philoptochos President: Connie Tiliakos PTA President: Vicki Mantikos McCallef St. Markella of Chios President: Maria Anastasiou Young Adults Coordinator: Tony Pembo Support: Secretary, Vickie Catsulis Maintenance: Darrell Blunt

3 event is Christ pulling Adam and Eve up from their tombs. The gates of the Realm of Death are broken and thrown down. Death, personified in human form is defeated, and bound hands and feet at the bottom of the scene. We recall the joyous words of St. Paul: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55) In the background stands the host of the departed, so numerous they cannot be depicted. Among them in the front of the multitude are some of the righteous dead, though now invigorated by the Resurrection. King David and his son Solomon are seen on the left wearing crowns. Near the center is Saint John the Baptist. On the other side is Abel, the son of Adam and the first man to ever die. He wears a shepherd s robe and has a cane. Many icons of this subject depict large crowds with a few other recognizable prophets. Celebration of Pascha Before midnight on Saturday evening, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings, "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning light, and glorify Christ, who arose from the dead," and all the people join him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds the Pascha candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as Savior. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church, where he reads the Gospel, which refers to the Angel s statement, "He is risen; He is not here." (Mark 16:1-8) Then, comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing repeatedly, "Christ has risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life upon those in the tombs." From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous paschal atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection, which follow, are of superb meaning and expression. The people confess, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead." By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellow man is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of Saint Chrysostom is read, which calls upon the people to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death for the death of the Savior has set us free... O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? Christ is risen and Thou art overthrown. To Him be glory and power from all ages to all ages." Significance of Agape Sunday On Pascha Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is risen from the dead." The people greet one another joyously saying, "Christ is Risen," the Pascha salutation which is answered, "Truly, He is risen." They sing "the dark shadows of the Law have passed away by the coming of grace," and standing in exaltation they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?" The Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The fruit of faith in the Resurrection of the Lord is love in His Name; therefore, this day is called "Agape Sunday" (love feast), a day dedicated to Christian principles, especially to forgiveness and charity. At this time Christians seek to end misunderstanding and arguments among those whom they may be at odds. Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of Christ saying, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:14) The Church also states in its Creed, "The Third day He rose again." From Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

4 The Divine Liturgy: Part XVII Prayer of Thanksgiving A continuing series on the Divine Liturgy by Father Christos Mars, who serves Annunciation Cathedral in Atlanta, Georgia Following the receiving of Holy Communion the Priest makes the exclamation, O God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. This exclamation is the conclusion of the distribution of the sacrament. Since we have been called to receive Holy Communion and have prepared to do so (See Part XVI), we are now in a position for God to save us. (As you know salvation is a continuous process by which an Orthodox Christian is always working towards salvation. We are not saved once and then always saved as many Protestants believe, but rather we are always working towards salvation. I was saved yesterday, I am being saved today, I shall be saved tomorrow.) At the conclusion of the exclamation the chanters or choir chant the following hymn, We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity for the Trinity has saved us. This hymn speaks directly about the action of what has taken place and the importance of the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is important to note here that on major feast days i.e. Christmas, Epiphany, Transfiguration, and others the Apolytikion, or Dismissal hymn of the feast, is chanted in place of the above hymn. This is again to remind the faithful person of the reason why the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. During the chanting of the hymn, the Priest places all the remaining items that were used to bring the elements to the Holy Altar i.e. Asterisk, Kalimata (Covers), Aer, spoon, etc. on top of the Diskos (See Part I). If there is a Deacon present, the Priest or Hierarch will give the Diskos with all the items on it to the Deacon so that he may return them to the Prothesis table. The chalice is kept and returned by the Priest as he is responsible for it. It is important to note that when a Hierarch is present he still gives the chalice to the Priest to return it to the Prothesis table. Once all of the items are ready, the Priest or Hierarch faces the Altar, makes the sign of the cross over the Antimension (see Part IX), and says, Blessed is our God. The Priest turns towards the people showing the chalice (and if there is no Deacon present the Priest will hold the Paten as well) and says, Always now and forever and unto the ages of ages. And, the people respond with Amen. This petition is very important as it is the promise that Christ left His disciples as He ascended into heaven and that He will once again return. The promise of salvation will come again. As He tells us at the end of the Gospel of St. Matthew, we might have the opportunity to once again come and receive the promise of Christ to be one with Him in the form of Holy Communion. The petition is also linked with St. Paul s Letter to the Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Following the Amen by the people there is a hymn that is chanted, which in most Orthodox churches is skipped. This is a very beautiful hymn that speaks to us and introduces us to the section of the Divine Liturgy known as the Prayer of Thanksgiving. The hymn says, Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, Lord, that we may sing of Your glory. You have made us worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness that all the daylong we may meditate upon Your righteousness.

5 Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. It was a hymn that was introduced to the Divine Liturgy in 624 by the Patriarch Sergius I as there was a practical need to cover up the pause in the service that occurred as the Deacons and the Priests returned the items and the Holy Communion to the Skevofilakion (see Articles I and X). This hymn also is a great bridge that will lead us to the conclusion of the service. The petitions that follow are our opportunity to thank Christ for having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, and the prayer that the priest reads confirms this even more. The petitions read as follows: Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord. The correct response here, despite what the book says, is Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. After this comes the next petition, Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. The people respond with Lord, have mercy. The next petition, Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, day, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God. To which the people respond with To You, O Lord. Then comes the Prayer of Thanksgiving itself. This prayer, along with the petitions that come before it, summarizes for us our feelings about having received Holy Communion. The prayer and petitions also presume that all the worshippers have received Holy Communion, as in the Ancient Church there would be no one who would be attending the Divine Liturgy and not receive Holy Communion. The prayer reads, We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that on this day You have made us worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Direct our ways in the right path, establish us firmly in Your fear, guard our lives, and make our endeavors safe through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your saints. Following the prayer is the exclamation of the Priest, For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. To which the people respond with Amen. During these petitions and prayer the priest very carefully folds the Antimension (see Part IX) so that it can once again be used for the next Divine Liturgy. At the recitation of the exclamation the Priest makes the sign of the cross over the folded Antimension as a seal that the service has been completed. With this concludes the section on the Prayer of Thanksgiving. In Part XVIII we shall look at the Dismissal prayers and the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, shedding light on the most important Sacrament of our Orthodox Church.

6 HOLY TRINITY ARCHIVES COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER MAY 2013 We are grateful to the following donors for their memorial gifts. May their memories be eternal. Elaine Nugent Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Noris Balabanian, for your memorial gifts, which will pay for the conservation of the Holy Trinity mid-late 19 th century hand-made metal processional fan. We are grateful to the following for their donations to support the conservation of Holy Trinity artifacts: Theodore Vakrinos, Esq. Toula Capetanos OUR 19 TH CENTURY BOOKS Early descriptions cite the presence of a school and library circa 1880 at Holy Trinity Church. Our Historic Collection includes approximately 200 historical, theological, linguistic, academic, and liturgical volumes with the earliest (that we have identified) being a French spelling book printed in 1808 in Philadelphia. The Slavic books have always mystified us because of the difficulty dating and translating the text. Pictured is William Brumfield, PhD, Professor of 19th-Century Russian Literature and History, Tulane University, with a monk of the Raifa Monastery in Kazan, Russia. On Saturday, April 6, Professor Brumfield generously donated his time to review 20 Russian publications in our collection. We learned that two of the volumes were actually Serbian and Bulgarian. According to Professor Brumfield, the books were disseminated in those countries after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire to encourage an Orthodox Christian presence and to solidify an orientation towards Russia. It is possible the books were brought to Holy Trinity to assist the Slavic congregants of our first church. We are extremely fortunate to have the assistance of such a renowned scholar and are grateful to Professor Brumfield for his help. For Professor Brumfield s articles and splendid photos of Russian Orthodox churches go to Diana Sophia Maag organizes the Slavic publications for easier inspection by Dr. Brumfield. Bulgarian Dogmatic Theology for Clergy written for the Catholic Eastern Orthodox Church. Archimandrite Misael, our priest in the late 1880, was a native of Bulgaria. MICHALOPOULOS ART PRINT RAFFLE The Archives Committee still has raffle tickets for sale. A winner will be announced at the Sunday celebration of the Holy Trinity early in June. Tickets $5 for two or $3 for one can be purchased from the Archives Committee members Fred Ammons, Karen and Terry Clark, Fay Kalergi, Maggie Maag, Helen Malachias, Father Maximos, Nick Moustoukas, Elaine Nugent, Connie Tiliakos, Dina Vatranis, Cathy Vial, Virginia Pepis, Ginny Zissis or call Maggie at Tickets are also available in the Cathedral office. You can make a memorial gift to honor your beloved family member. We can assist you to select an icon, artifact, or book that will honor their personality, talent, or preferences.

7 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Prior to the start of our April 21 meeting, Daughters of Penelope members joined the community to wish Father Maximos Pafilis a blessed and happy birthday at the PTA-sponsored Lenten surprise party held in his honor. Xronia Polla, Father! Afterward we held an informative meeting, electing delegates to District and National Conventions later this summer and donating to the Delta District 16 Scholarship Fund, as well as to the Metropolis of Atlanta Continuing Aid to Greece Program. The Chapter elected Corresponding Secretary and Philoptochos President Connie Tiliakos as our Daughter of the Year candidate and Past Chapter President Denise Ammons as our Penelope of the Year candidate. Axies, ladies! We wish you success at the District Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in June! Plans were also finalized for our Palm Sunday Luncheon, and photos will be available in the next edition of The Flame. Left to Right Nestor Chapter s Daughter of the Year Connie Tiliakos and Penelope of the Year Denise Ammons are honored following our meeting with hostesses Helen Malachias and Sandy Bouzon. Happy Birthday, Father Maximos! PTA members sponsored a Lenten Reception on Sunday, April 21, 2013, in honor of Father Maximos birthday. The celebration came complete with a buffet of Lenten foods including a vegan cake. Father received a special birthday card from the children of HTC Youth Soccer, Sunday School, and Greek School that featured their handprints and signatures.

8 RECENT DONATIONS ADORN CATHEDRAL SANCTUARY Father Maximos Pafilis wishes to inform the Cathedral Family that three new acquisitions adorn the sanctuary of Holy Trinity. A complete set of altar vestments (left) were anonymously given by a faithful family of the parish. The gold textiles are accented with burgundy embroidery and trims. Also, a pair of silver candlesticks (single unit pictured in center) was gifted by supporters of the Cathedral Henry Teles and Paula and Joel Picker in honor of their friends Billie and Paul Andersson. And, a new sanctification cross (right) ordered from Mount Athos was donated by Cornelia and John Koniditsiotis in memory of Sophie and Harry Yavis. All of the items, which arrived in time for the paschal celebrations, are beautiful, generous, and deeply appreciated offerings. PARISH REGISTRY Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort, and Support BAPTISMS April 13, 2013 Zotikos Iko Rodin Hansel Son of Tonya (Cross) and Andrew Hansel Godparents George Hansel and Helen Hansel May 6, 2013 Emma Gabriella Lupu Daughter of Luminita (Tetic) and Viorel Lupu Godfather Ovidiu Pricope BIRTHS March 22, 2013 Athena Levidis Daughter of Ermioni (Patselikos) and Theodosis Levidis April 28, 2013 Katherine Vasiliki Moustoukas Daughter of Diana (Apostal) and Johnny Moustoukas 40-DAY BLESSING April 27, 2013 Athena Levidis Daughter of Ermioni (Patselikos) and Theodosis Levidis FUNERALS April 12, 2013 Phofo Psilos May 7, 2013 Daniel Nuttle 40-DAYS MEMORIALS April 7, 2013 Constantinos Sklepas April 27, 2013 Dimitrios Spetsiotis May 19, 2013 Phofo Psilos TRISAGIA April 7, DAYS Reverend Father Vasilios Mantikos April 18, YEARS Aikaterini Kalergi May their memories be eternal.

9 FROM THE MONTESSORI CORNER Each weekly chapel begins with the following prayer in which the petitions are said all together: In peace let us pray to the Lord Lord have mercy, Κύριε ελέησον We pray for our Mommies and Daddies, our teachers and our friends, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy, Κύριε ελέησον That we would use gentle hands and kind words, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy, Κύριε ελέησον For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory. To the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and Always and to the Ages of Ages. Amen. Cathedral Montessori School celebrated Greek Independence Day on March 25. Evgenia Bakamitsou wore the traditional Greek Amalia costume, and the students were shown the Evzon attire that the light infantry and mountain units of the Greek Army wore. They were told about Greek Independence Day, a national holiday that is celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in Just as Americans celebrate the independence from the British rule in 1776, so the Greeks celebrate freedom from the Turkish rulers. In celebration of Greek Independence Day, towns and villages throughout Greece hold a school flag parade during which school children march in traditional Greek costumes and carry Greek flags. Evgenia wore the costume for the class, and all carried the Greek flags. Dr. Antonios Marmarinos, the Counselor for Education from the Embassy of Greece, is pictured with two of the school s board members, Costa Vennis and Georgios Bakamitsos, on his recent visit to the Cathedral Montessori School. LOCAL STUDENT ADVANCES IN ORATORICAL COMPETITION On Saturday, April 13, 2013, Andrew Burin and Nicholas Stokes represented Holy Trinity Cathedral of New Orleans at the Western Conference Oratorical Festival held in Pensacola, Florida. Andrew competed in the Senior Division and received an Honorable Mention. Nicholas participated in the Junior Division competition, securing a spot as a Finalist, and now will be advancing to the Metropolis of Atlanta Oratorical Festival held May in Tarpon Springs, Florida. This event is being hosted by St. Nicholas Cathedral. Congratulations to both! We are proud of you! Kai eis anotera!

10 HOLY TRINITY PTA SPRING ACTIVITY RECAP PTA President Vicki McCallef prepared a Lenten luncheon, served on April 14, 2013, to commemorate Volunteer Appreciation Day and to honor of past and present volunteers. Above is a picture of a few volunteers, who were given an Appreciation Certificate for their hard work and dedication. SISTER ACT LEFT: Earth Day Celebration Chairperson Angela Gervais exuberantly introduced children, who visited her table, to earth saving tips. The youngsters were awarded prizes and received seeds to take home and plant. RIGHT: Vicki McCallef distributed the remaining soups that were sold to supporters of the annual Lenten Soup Fundraiser. PTA raised over $800 and attributed the success of this project to those who donated, cooked, and purchased the items. LEFT: Katerina Tsatsoulis Sutton and Suzanne Stratikis chaired the annual March 25 th PTA Luncheon, which preceded a beautiful program presented by the Greek School children. This dynamic duo also chaired Family Day in April. Please note that the next Family Day gathering will be Sunday, June 30. Make plans to attend and share an afternoon of food and fellowship. For information on this activity, contact Vicki McCallef. KIDS CAFÉ PTA extends its sincerest thanks to all individuals and families that sponsored Kids Café this year. The children enjoyed finding a weekly variety of snacks and drinks provided after Sunday School and before Greek School.

11 HTC Parishioner to Serve on Missionary Team in Albania Below is an appeal for prayers from lifelong Holy Trinity Cathedral parishioner Faith Kyame, who will serve God and the Orthodox Church this summer as she joins the 2013 Albania Youth Orthodox Mission Team. Dear Friends, God has blessed me with a wonderful opportunity! In June I will be serving as a member of the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) 2013 Albania Youth Orthodox Mission Team. My team will help administer a summer camp at the Children s Home of Hope, a foster care environment for children. It is located on the grounds of the Shen Vlash Monastery and Resurrection of Christ Theological Academy in Durres, Albania. After more than fifty years of being outlawed in Albania, Christianity is enjoying a rebirth. The country is currently over 60% Muslim and 20% Orthodox. Our team s goal is to help build up the Church there by assisting with a youth ministry program that will impact youth now and for generations to come. While offering summer camp activities, team members will provide a witness of the Holy Orthodox Faith and Christian love, encouraging youth in their Christian walk. As I begin this journey, I humbly ask for your prayers. Please pray for the needs of the Albanian people, as well as those in other countries where the Church needs to grow. Also, pray for and learn about all the Orthodox missionaries and teams, who serve in these countries. You can learn more about the Albania team and all Orthodox missions at the OCMC website: As I continue learning what is expected of a mission team member, I know it is a blessing of which I am not truly worthy and more than I am capable of doing myself. However, with your prayers, I know God will make it happen. In Christ, Faith Kyame MARCH 25 th SNAPSHOTS Photos by Donna Venturatos

12 S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T GREEK FESTIVAL NEW ORLEANS IS HERE! The 40 th Annual Greek Festival New Orleans will open on Friday, May 24, at 5:00 pm. Volunteers are still needed for a variety of tasks required to complete this huge undertaking. Do not hesitate to contact Stacy at to assist with the preparations, as well as the weekend of the Festival. Also, below are the ongoing WORKSHOP SCHEDULES for the week of the Festival. PASTRY Monday, May 20 through Wednesday, May 22 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm; lunch is provided DOLMADES Roll dolmades on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm AND PASTRY BOXES Fold boxes on Tuesday, May 21 from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm PRE-PACKAGE PASTRY Fill pastry boxes on Wednesday, May 22 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm In advance the Festival Committee, and particularly General Chairperson Ginny Zissis, thanks you for your cooperation and hard work, which make the Festival a huge success! 2013 MICHALOPOULOS POSTERS The 2013 Greek Festival poster was created by James Michalopoulos, who will be on the Cathedral grounds to sign the first 25 posters. These are $100 each, and unsigned ones are $40 each. Contact Poster Chairperson Elaine Nugent at to reserve your print. LIVE BROADCAST ON THE CATHEDRAL GROUNDS! The WWLTV Eyewitness Morning News team will broadcast live from the Cathedral grounds on Friday, May 24. Set your alarm clocks to catch early morning coverage of the 40 th Annual Greek Festival. INFORMATION CORRECTION Unfortunately, the telephone number listed for Toula Hatzioannidis in the April issue of The Flame was incorrect. We apologize for the inconvenience. To contact Toula for professional alterations, please call She is an expert seamstress/tailor with many years experience. Her work is reasonably priced, and fits are guaranteed.

13 2013 HOLY TRINITY CATHEDRAL STEWARDS Thank you to everyone who has returned his/her 2013 Stewardship Commitment Card. As of May 15, the Cathedral office has received stewardship commitments of $89,240 from 221 of the roughly 270 families in our community. Of this amount $60, was paid with the average pledge being $ per family/individual. If you have not done so yet, please consider your 2013 financial stewardship commitment. We continue to collect the 2013 forms. For your convenience additional copies are available in the Cathedral Narthex or the office. Thank you for your support. Ammons, Denise and Fred Anastasiou, Maria and Kosta Andersson, Billie and W. Paul Andres, Christine P. Andrews, Bethlehem K. Andrews, Christy and Gregory Angelico, Jean 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, Missy and Jac Bell, Victoria and Jon Benoit, Katherine and Chris Beraki, Yergalem H. Bilalis, Evangelia and Petros Bilalis, Markella Bilalis, Mathoula Bilalis, Michael Bouzon, Nicholas Bouzon, Sandy and Spiron Bozinis, Ena and Theodoros Bratsas, Dorothy Cabali, Juanita Caridas, Pauline Catinis, Ana and George Catsulis, Victoria Chancy, Dena and James Charalampidis, Panagiota and Dimitrios Christakis, Joann S. Christakis, Maria T. Christakis, Nektarios Christidis, Georgia and Stylianos Chronis, Diane and NIcholas Cotsoradis, Brille and Stephen Craver, Mariellen and Marshall Dabbs, Stella Demarinis, Eleftheria and Petros DiGiorgio, Catherine DiGiorgio, Olga Dimitry, Victoria Dongieux, Pam and Glenn Doussa, Sandra Dytyuk, Ivan Fotiades, Joan Fotiades, Julie Fouquet Callie Funti, Deborah Ann and Vasili Fyssas, Despina and George Gambos, Fortunate and Andrew Gattuso, Ioana and Roy Gemisis, Georgios Georges, Anita Georges, Constantine Gervais, Angela and Derrick Giannopulos, Mary Gioganis, Lazarus Grass, Kalliope and Matthew Halkias, Athanasios S. Halkias, Feroniki Hansel, Stephen A. Hansel, Tonya and Andrew Howard, Jr., Homer Howard, Stela Howard, Stephan Ioannidis, Eleftherios Ioannidis, Emmanuel Jeanfreau, Tricia and Troy Johnson, Helen Maskas and Ben Kambouris, Ermione and Antonios Kanellakis, Christ and Sophia Pappas Kardoulias, Despina and Nicholas Kardoulias, Rhonda and Emanuel Karmoukos, Stephanie and John Katsaros, Afroditi and Elias Kiriazis, Stavros Kleamenakis, Argie and Nick Kleamenakis, Evangelia Kleamenakis, John W. Kleamenakis, Jr., Michael Kleamenakis, Jr., Nicholas A. Kleamenakis, Stephen A. Kleamenakis, Sue and Michael Klein, Maria and Gary Kloumassis, Niki Koga, Vaughan and Sebastian Koniditsiotis, Cornelia and John Konos, Marcella and Pete Kontaxis, Athena Kontos, Mary and Chris Kontoudis, Despina Kouloubis, Mary and John Kringas, Angie Kringas, Connie Ktistakis, Maria Regina Kyame, Faith Kyriakides, Maria and Aris Kyriakos, Kali M. Labatut, Argeta and Lawrence Labatut, Michael LaCour, Alexandra Lambousy, Katherine and Peter G. Latour, Patrick Levendis, Eleni Levendis, John D. Levendis, Nicki M. Levidis, Ermioni and Theodosis Leyva, Helen Lorio, Kathryn and Philip Lupu, Luminita and Viorel Maag, Diana Sophia Maag, Maggie and Richard MacInnes, Deborah Madonia, Arlene and Jason Mailhes, Konstantina K. Makridakis, Nick M. Malachias, Helen and Charles Manoussaridis, Stavros Mantikos, Rania Mantikos, Vasili and Miranda Webb Mantis, Rosy and Thomas McCallef, Vicki and Anthony Miaoulis, Anita and Chris Michailakis, Pam and Gus Michailakis, Petroula and Pete Moustacas, Maria and Constantinos Moustaka, Dimitra Moustoukas, Despina Moustoukas, Viki and Nick Munch, Andrea and Joseph Naquin, Georgia and Lee Neofotistos, Alexandre Nicoladis, Kristen and Michael F. Nicoladis, Maria Nicoladis, Peggy and Frank Nicopoulos, Sue and Constandinos Nugent, Elaine Owen, Adrienne and Greg Padasis, Stavros Padasis, Triantafillia and Nikolaos Pantiushenko, Inna Papadopoulos, Denise and Dennis Papadopoulos, Laura and Kyriakos Papazis, Irene Pappas, Christina and Nicholas Pappas, Despina K. Patselikos, Despina and Panagiotis Patselikos, Maria Pavlou, Fotine Payavla, Callie Pelias, Magda Pelias, Marilyn Pembo, Angela Pembo, Dayna and Tony Peters, Todd J. Peterson, Diana M. and Brian Petikas, Mary and Dimitrios Petratos, Angelina and Demetrios Ponder, Helene and Casey Popa, Maria and Vasile Pricope, Aliona and Ovidiu Psarellis, Michael Psarellis, Steve E. Psillias, Andrew Psilos, Gail and Tony Putnam, Andrea and John Ramirez, Anna and Jesus Ramirez, Maria and Ramon Razza, Anna B. Ricciardi, Chrysanthy Rico, Anastasia and Roger Salles-Tsatsoulis, Kathy and John Salman, Samira Anne Skoufalos, Ofeliamanda and Dimos Sotiropoulos, Christine and Evangelos Spetsiotis, Demetrios N. Spetsiotis, Nicholas, D. Spinu, Cristina and Leonard Stokes, Maria and Brian Strain, Martha and James R. Stratikis, Suzanne and George Stratis, Argyro A. Stratis, Nicholas Stratis, Stavros Sutton, Katerina and Ashley Tadros, Katherine and Daniel Theodoron, Sophie Thornton, Maria Tiliakos, Connie and Alex Toras, Eleni and Nikolas Toras, Emily and Eleftherios Toras, Laura and Socrates Tsaoussidis, Haris Tsatalios, Jeanette and Elie Tsatalios, Peter Tsatsoulis, Angela and John Tsimboukis, Suzanne and Efthimios Tzavellas, Fotini and George Tzerefos, Panagiotis L. Vatakis, Evagelia and Dimitris Vatranis, Constantina and Demetrios Vennis, Koula and Constandinos Venturatos, Carol and Steve Venturatos, Donna and Gregory Venturatos, Evelyn and James S. Venturatos, Stephanie Voulgarakis, Claudia and Vassilios Williams, Despina and George Wisdom, Maria and Andrew Wolf, Barbara Stavis Wolf, William Yiannopoulos, A. N. Zannis, Marie Zarganas, Glikeria and Alexandros Zetzmann, III, Robert E. Zetzmann, Kaler Zetzmann, Kathy and Robert Zouboukos, Carol and Nick

14 MAY 2013 ~ MAΪΟΣ 2013 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Wine and Oil Allowed Fish Allowed Strick Fast 1 HOLY WEDNESDAY 2 HOLY THURSDAY Presanctified Liturgy 9:00 am Vesperal Divine Liturgy Tsourekia Workshop 6:00 am 6:00 am to 5:00 pm Holy Passion Service 7:00 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction 4:00 pm Washing Feet Service 7:00 pm 3 HOLY FRIDAY Royal Hours 8:00 am After service: Prepare Kouvouklion GOYA Wrap Dyed Eggs Apokathelosis 3:00 pm Lamentations 7:00 pm 4 HOLY SATURDAY Vesperal Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Holy Light Service 11:00 pm Resurrection Service, Orthros, Divine Liturgy 12:00 am 5 Fast Free GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA Agape Vespers 11:00 am HOPE/JOY Easter Egg Hunt after services Pascha Picnic after Egg Hunt 6 Fast Free Divine Liturgy 9:00 am St. George SoccerTots 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Lupu Baptism 3:00 pm 7 Fast Free Divine Liturgy 9:00 am St. Athanasius after Divine Liturgy Education, Culture, and Youth Meeting 7:00 pm 8 Fast Free 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Greek Class 7:00 pm 9 Fast Free Festival Lamb Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 10 Fast Free Orthros and Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Theotokos of the Life Giving Font Festival Lamb Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm 11 Fast Free Festival Lamb Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Vespers 6:00 pm Confessions 12 SUNDAY OF THOMAS Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Philoptochos Board Meeting 12:00 pm Mother s Day Picnic 12:30 pm 19 MYRRH BEARERS Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Psilos 40-Days Memorial Sunday School/Greek School Awards Ceremony PTA Reception 12:00 pm Hellenic Dancers 1:00 pm 26 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC Orthros 7:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:00 am GREEK FESTIVAL 11:00 am to 9:00 pm 13 Festival Diples Workshop 9:30 am to 2:30 pm SoccerTots 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm Festival Cheese Workshop 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm 20 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Festival Yogurt Cake Workshop 3:00 pm 14 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Festival Cheese Workshop 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Parish Council Meeting 7:00 pm 21 Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Constantine and Helen Dolmades Workshop 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Pastry Boxes Workshop 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm 27 Memorial Day :30 am to 2:30pm Greek Class 7:00 pm 22 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Fill Pastry Boxes Workshop 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm Greek Class 7:00 pm Mid-Pentecost Greek Class 7:00 pm 16 Festival Gyro Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Festival Gyro Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Festival Chairpersons Meeting with Nancy 7:00 pm 24 WWLTV Live Morning Broadcast on Grounds GREEK FESTIVAL 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Michalopoulos on Site to Sign 25 Posters 18 Festival Gyro Workshop 9:00 am to 3:00 pm HOPE & JOY Activity 10:00 am Audubon Zoo Vespers 6:00 pm 25 GREEK FESTIVAL 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Vespers 7:00 pm