Promise. The. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Similar documents
JANUARY THEOPHANY SERVICES 42, :30 AM

God's. Protection. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Promise. Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! The. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

The time for selfawareness BLESSED LENT! Have a. Καλη Σαρακοστη. Wait for the promise of the Father 1 FEBRUARY. Lenten Liturgical Schedule

Promise. The. Consider the cross that lays across your back as precious and valuable as the golden one that hangs about your neck

The mystery of the Resurrection

123 Gilkeson Road Fr. Dan Korba. (412) Weekly Bulletin Sunday, February 5, 2017

Sunday Worship Services

Youth Ministry Team. Bulletin

Promise. The. New Year s Time keeps ticking. Wait for the promise of the Father ORTHODOX MISSION TO SIERRA LEONE

Promise. 50 th. On June 30, the Holy Church. The. The Holy Twelve Apostles. June 30. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Promise. 50 th. The. St. Athanasios the Great JANUARY 18 Athanasios was born in Alexandria. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Epistle Reading: Ephesians: 4:7-13 Page 127 Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-17 Page 128 Today at St. John

Promise BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS. of Holy Trinity. in the historic 50th Anniversary Celebration are thanked for their presence.

Promise. St. Justin Popovich

CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY MINUTES February 25 26, 2013 Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center Dunlap, CA

Saint John the Baptist

Promise. The entire liturgical cycle. The. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

THE PROMISE. My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,

Epistle Reading: II Timothy 3:10-15 Page 129 Gospel Reading: Luke 18:10-14 Page 129. Today at St. John 9:00am Orthros ~ 10:00am Divine Liturgy

The Trophybearer CROSSING THE THRESHOLD

Upcoming Services. Today s Divine Services. 6:00 PM (Saturday) Great Vespers 9:30 AM (Sunday) Divine Liturgy. Today s Liturgy Readings

C o m m u n i t y B u l l e t i n

THE BRIDGE Η ΓΕΦΥΡΑ. February-March Rejoice, bridge that truly leads us from death to life! Akathist Hymn

Today at St. John 9:00am Orthros ~ 10:00am Divine Liturgy. Opportunities for the Week Monday, February 25

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Sunday Services: Orthros 8:15am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Ministry Newsletter

Annunciation Columbus GOYA

Nick Andreadis. Member, Parish Council Centerport, NY

C o m m u n i t y B u l l e t i n

123 Gilkeson Road Fr. Dan Korba. (412) Weekly Bulletin Sunday, February 12, 2017

S A I N T KATHERINE CHRONICLE

Registration & Tuition Information

Grade OCEC GOA GENERAL SUMMARY, NOTES

Grade OCEC GOA GENERAL SUMMARY, NOTES

Saint Mary and Saint Helen Collaborative

Saint Nectarios. Weekly Bulletin March 6, Greek Orthodox Church 133 S. Roselle Road, Palatine, IL Tel.: (847)

ADULT CATECHUMENATE (RCIA) A faith formation program with various stages of adult Christian initiation. Call the parish office for information.

50 th. Anytime a child is born, this. From the Cradle to the Grave. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Sunday, March 12, Κυριακἠ, Μαρτίου 12, 2017

Sunday, March 19 th, 2017 Sunday of the Holy Cross

BY FATHER PETER DELVIZIS

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL REGIONAL SEMINARY OFFICE OF THE RECTOR

CALLING ALL GREEK FEST PHOTOGRAPHS!!

Community Priest: Rev. Fr. Spyridon Vandoros Phone: Council President: Chris Perentes Phone:

Stewardship Speech October 21, 2012

ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA 2016 CHURCH PLANTING GRANT REQUIREMENTS

Saint John Vianney Parish 2013 Annual Report

Saint Demetrios Outreach Ministries: A Year in Review

PRESENTATION OF CHRIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

The Strength of the Cross in our Lenten Journey ~ A Message from Fr. Robert

THE MONTHLY BULLETIN OF PANAGIA PANTOVASILISSA HOLY MOTHER QUEEN OF ALL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Brothers and sisters, I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of

Archdiocese and Metropolis of Boston Ministries and Finance Reports

2017 Annual Vasilopita Luncheon

ST. CHARLES. The dress. The flowers. The menu. There are usually a million things to accomplish between BORROMEO CATHOLIC CHURCH PREPARING FOR FOREVER

The Coptic Orthodox church of Alexandria, Diocese of Sydney and Its Affiliated Regions. Research about: Fasting. Australia, Sunday 10 March 2013

The Hellenic Echo. Volume 25 March 2016 No. 6

Why was Jesus Baptized? Two things have always confused me 1.) Jesus was without sin 2.) He was Jewish!

Spring 2018 General Assembly Meeting Minutes February 11, 2018

Issue No.25, March 2, Sunday, March 2, Romans 13:11-14:4 St. Matthew 6:14-21

the word As we raise and exalt the symbol of the Cross on September 14 at the beginning of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center

St. John the Forerunner Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church. Strategic Plan

Promise. 50 th CHOOSE LIFE: The work of the Holy and Great. The hymns of this Feast of the Dormition. The

Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, Holmdel, NJ GOYA Membership Application Please Print All Information

~ July 2016 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 PTO Summer Social: The Minion Movie: Dusk Jenkinson s Beach, Pt. Pleasant

Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church Greensboro, NC. Youth Ministry Overview

C o m m u n i t y B u l l e t i n

SAINT NECTARIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF PALATINE, IL

Sunday, March 12 th, 2017 Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

Stewardship 101a. Growing Stewardship Ministry In Your Congregation

JOY/JR. GOYA MEETING SCHEDULE 2015 / 2016

Advent and Christmas Activities

2014 Stewardship Campaign

2016/17 ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP REPORT Pray for Me Servant Leadership Initiative

Pg. 7 Monthly Calendar Pg. 8 Fall Festival

Holy Week 2015 April 5 th : Palm Sunday 9:00 AM Orthros 10:30 AM Liturgy/ Blessing of the Palms.

St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church

PENTECOST SUNDAY May 24, 2015

The Church Herald Stony Brook Community Church (United Methodist), Stony Brook, New York

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR AUGUST 12, 2018

Outreach Page 21 Philoptochos Page 22 Outreach Page 22. Leadership

Schedule of Services and Events: Rev. Fr. Nicholas Mihaly Rectory: (440) Cell: (203)

2012 Annual Report of Time, Talent, and Treasure An Attitude of Gratitude

The Light is published monthly by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church P.O. Box 1491 Tulsa, OK 74101

St. Paul Parish Smithville. Encountering CHRIST. Diocese of Austin. So we, though many, are one body in Christ. ~ Rom 12:5

How Are Our Hearts? St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church MARCH 2012

St. Basil Antiochian Orthodox Church 3916 Hudson Street Metairie, LA 70006

St. Michael the Archangel Serbian Orthodox Parish Newsletter February 2014

THANK YOU to KARIZMA BAND for live entertainment at our Saturday evening dinner/dance!

The Northern Beacon Parish Newsletter FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 VOLUME 107

ST. SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 3655 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92103

Assessment on the Discipleship Strategy May 9, 2018 Saint Andrew Catholic Church and School

Sts. Peter & Paul Boulder

The Cathedral Community

Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

THE CATHOLIC PARISH OF IVANHOE

Sunday, February 5, 2017-Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee. Upcoming Events

Summer Revised Fall 2012 & 2013 (Revisions in italics)

Transcription:

Promise The February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 htgoc@westfieldnj.com 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org 2016 will be a remarkable year, as Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Westfield, NJ celebrates its fiftieth year The Bible knows nothing of a hierarchy of labor. No work is degrading. If it ought to be done, then it is good work. The building of a church and the maintenance of faith is work that is not just good; it is exceedingly good. And thus, for over fifty years the priests, the presvyteres, the parishioners, and the friends of Holy Trinity have come together to build-up an exceptional parish. It is exceptional because we toil after the work that must be done in order to bring God s word into this world. Each of us has worked to create and support an idea, an image, an expression of goodness as defined by our holy faith. The process of building a faith community, therefore, has made us stronger by encountering and overcoming various struggles and at the same time has made us better people by offering a fellowship of believers and by providing a pathway to salvation in our Lord. Therefore, each of us on October 2, 2016 will come together to celebrate our service to Christ and His Church. We will celebrate the good works that have been done throughout the fifty years of our parish s existence, always being mindful that this sacred work is not finished. It must continue into the future in order to maintain the characteristics of exceptionalism for which Holy Trinity is noted. No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor is the reward for what is given. On this note and on the Fiftieth Anniversary of Holy Trinity, we will honor the exceedingly good works of every person associated with Holy Trinity. Throughout the course of five decades, many people have stepped forward putting their faith into action. They have contributed and have sacrificially given in order to raise up a temple dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. For a brief moment in time this October, we will sit back to look at the collective steadfast works that have created a foundation that offers us overwhelming joy and fortitude. Simply stated, we will honor that which has been given and that for which we have labored. Inspiration comes to us from divine scripture. For me, Ecclesiastes Chapter Six speaks about Stewardship and the resulting fruits that come from our labors over these past number of years, Behold, I have seen good: It is a fine thing for a man to experience goodness in all his labor in which he toils all the days of his life that God has given him; for it is his portion. Each of you has labored for the Lord, you have worked in His vineyard, you have written and spoken well of the Lord Jesus Christ; hence you are loyal sons and daughters of the Church. Let us come together and enjoy the fruits of our labor, for this is our portion, the portion for which we have worked. Wait for the promise of the Father 1

Dates in the Life of Our Church February-March 2016 2 FEBRUARY 2 Presentation of our Lord 8:30 AM Orthros 4:00 PM Greek School 4 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 7 8:15 AM Orthros 8 St. Theodore the General 8:30 AM Orthros 9 4:00 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting 7:30 PM Parish Council 10 St. Haralambos 11 10:00 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 14 8:15 AM Orthros 16 11:00 AM Trinity Circle 7:30 PM GOYA State Meeting 18 7:30 PM Choir 20 6:30 PM Apokriatiko Glendi 21 Publican and Pharisee 8:15 AM Orthros 12:00 PM Trinity Circle Bake Sale 23 4:00 PM Greek School 25 10:00 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 27 10:30 AM Baptism 28 8:15 AM Orthros 11:45 AM Communion Breakfast MARCH 1 4:00 PM Greek School 3 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 5 1st Saturday of Souls 6 Meatfare Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy 8:15 AM Orthros 8 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Parish Council 10 10:00 AM TOTS 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 12 2nd Saturday of Souls 8:00 AM Sights & Sounds 13 Cheesefare Daylight Savings Begins 8:15 AM Orthros 14 Great Lent Begins 5:00 PM Compline 15 11:00 AM Trinity Circle 4:00 PM Greek School 5:00 PM Vespers 7:30 PM GOYA State Meeting 16 7:00 PM Presanctified Liturgy 8:30 PM Theosis 17 4:00 PM Greek School 7:30 PM Choir 18 7:00 PM Salutations to the Theotokos 19 3rd Saturday of Souls 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Sacraments & Rites September December 2015 FUNERALS 9/14/15 +Panagiotis Andriopoulos 10/7/15 +Martha Riginos 10/30/15 +Nick Hantzios 12/4/15 +Artemis Katsenos 12/19/15 +Helen (Moutis) Tsairis 12/31/15 +Alice Economou 1/4/15 +Myrofora Polyviou CHURCHINGS 10/18/15 Katerina Teresa, daughter of Keather and Brad Gallagher 12/2/15 Demetrios and Evangelia (Scarlett), twins of Naushad Isaak and Michele Abrahim BAPTISMS 10/10/15 Georgia Anthony, daughter of Jennifer and Anthony Burrows, Godparent is Tonia Anniannis 11/21/15 Alexa Elena, daughter of Jennifer and Chad Wolf, Godparent is Tanya De Boer 1/9/16 Lillian Olympia Sittmann, daughter of Thomas and Stefanie Sittmann, Godparent is Presvytera Victoria SATURDAY OF THE SOULS ΨΥΧΟΣΑΒΒΑΤΟΝ March 5, 12, 19 The Saturday of the Souls are those days that the Holy Church has specifically prescribed to pray for those who have taken their repose in the Lord. Memorial Services will not be scheduled on the Sundays immediately following a Ψυχοσαββατον. This helps maintain the purpose of the Saturday of Souls Liturgies. For the Repose of the Servants of God: Υπερ Αναπαυσεως των Δουλων του Θεου: WEDDINGS 9/26/15 Marika Paras and Daniel B. Ochs 10/13/15 Andrea M. Verenes and Daniel J. Pulito 10/21/15 Aylin B. Gezgin and James P. Pefanis 12/21/15 Maria Halkias and Eleftherios G. Sakellaris 12/28/15 Alyssa M. Gentile and Paul T. Salvesen NEW MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH Stephanie John 29 Murphy Circle Florham Park, NJ 07932 Thomas and Stefanie Sittmann 21 Elk Ridge Ln. Southern Pines, NC 28387-5173 Zarif Karwandyar 11 Avenue at Port Imperial, Apt. 718 West New York, NJ 07093 Dejan and Michelle Milentijevic 38 Tree Top Dr. Springfield, NJ 07081 Constantina Pantazopoulos 209 Southern Blvd. Chatham, NJ 07928 Mike and Anna Spanomanolis 116 Winslow Pl. Garwood, NJ 07027 Nikolaos and Marisa Varvatsoulis 209 Southern Blvd. Chatham, NJ 07928 Marisa Wilhelm 311 Casino Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016 Eleftherios and Maria Sakellaris 40 Monterey Dr. Morganville, NJ 07751-1074 Please enter the full baptismal names of your deceased loved ones. (For example: "Nicholas" instead of "Nick" or "Nicko") PLEASE RETURN FORM TO FR. PETER. The Promise ^ February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 3

Authentic Faith BY FATHER PETER The eighteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke speaks to us about two people going to the Temple of God to pray. One is a Pharisee who is a religious leader. The other, a loathed tax-collector, was known as a Publican. (Luke 18:10-14) St. Luke contrasts the attitudes of each by how they approach prayer. The message we learn from this Biblical lesson is the necessity of authentic faith. The position of the Pharisee and his outward religiosity keeps him in the forefront of Temple society. This particular man had a strong religious affiliation with the nobles and would meticulously adhere to the teachings of the Torah. Yet, his desire to know God is absent altogether. Seeing the higher calling to be obsessively following man-made rules, he gladly boasts of his accomplishments; God, I thank You that I am not like other men extortionist, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess. Luke 18:11-12. These accomplishments are all good and well, but the Pharisee misses the most essential component love for God. His boasts and rants of personal goodness sweep God away, leaving his heart empty. The other person in this Gospel narrative approaches the Lord full of compunction. The Publican enters the Temple understanding that his spirit is broken and in need of God s healing. In his time of sorrow, he quietly enters the Temple with bowed head looking inwardly at all that has gone remiss in his life. His words are few but are expressive of the simple message of a sinner s repentant heart; God, be merciful to me a sinner. By demonstrating humility, the Publican is showered with divine grace and comes to meet God through the washing of his heart. The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee reminds us that authenticity comes from the heart. In the pre-lenten preparations, we are called to connect our minds with our hearts. In other words, we are to identify with our own broken nature and in the spirit of humility ask God to wash it anew. The state of all humans indicates that we are incomplete, damaged, fallen, sinful, and in need of rehabilitation. The Lord is the remedy of this. Authentic faith is not found in those who boast but rather, it is found in those, who like the Publican, humbly recognize their inadequacies and call upon the Lord s help. Hiding behind empty words and meaningless actions, depletes faith. Therefore, the Church sets before us the humility of the Publican so as to provide a moment for us to meet God in an authentic way. In so doing, she asks us to be more mindful of our relationship with God and the purpose of our affiliation with this sacred temple. The Publican s example of humility and authentic faith inspires us to commit ourselves and one another into a deeper and more genuine fellowship with God. Day after day, we are to make Christ the center of our life so that the broken spirit of humanity may be restored within us as it was in the tax collector. Let us cry out in similar fashion: God, be merciful to me a sinner! and have mercy upon us. 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

Saint SYMEON February 3 During the reign of the Egyptian Emperor Ptolemy Philadelphus, Symeon was chosen as one of the prominent Seventy scholars to whom was entrusted the task of translating the Bible from the Hebrew language into the Greek language [The Septuagint]. Symeon was performing his task conscientiously but when he was translating the book of the Prophet Isaiah and came upon the prophecy: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and will give birth to a son" (Isaiah Sayings of the Fathers Malice will never drive out malice. But if someone does an evil act to you, you should do good to him in return, so that by your good work you may destroy his malice. 7:14), he became confused and took a knife to remove the word "virgin" and to replace it with the words, "young woman," and as such to translate it into Greek. At that moment, however, an angel of God appeared to Symeon and restrained him from his intention, explaining to him that the prophecy is true and the words correct. The messenger of God also said that Symeon would be convinced of it personally for, according to the Will of God, he will not die until he sees the Messiah born of the Virgin. The righteous Symeon rejoiced to hear such a voice from heaven, left the prophecy unchanged and thanked God Who is making him worthy to live and to see the Promised One. When the young Child Jesus was presented in the Temple in Jerusalem by the Virgin Mary (February 2), the Spirit of God appeared to Symeon who was very old and as white as a swan. Symeon quickly entered the Temple and there recognized both the Virgin and the young Child by the light that shone around their heads as a aureole. The joyful Symeon took Christ into his hands and prayed to God to release him from this life: "Now, Master, You may let Your servant go in peace, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation" (St. Luke 2: 29-30). St. Symeon died shortly after holding Jesus, knowing that He was his salvation. This righteous Elder Symeon is considered to be the Protector of young children. Symeon s Pr ayer St. Symeon met Jesus! So can we! Faith is not only something we inherit from our family, more importantly it comes from a personal meeting or encounter with Jesus. We can meet Him in prayer each day. We meet Him in the Bible. We meet Him at every Liturgy. We meet Him in the face of every needy person. Symeon held Jesus in his arms. We can picture Jesus holding children in His arms, but here is something totally different: Symeon holds Jesus in his arms! Are we not invited to do the same? Don t we hold Jesus in our mind when we read His precious words in the Gospel and when we pray to Him? Don t we hold Him in our hearts when we receive His precious Body and Blood in Holy Communion? When this happens, we too can say with Symeon, Lord, now I ve seen everything! Now I can live and die contented! For I have seen the Saviour! A Desert Father What is life? What is life? Some, like the existentialists say it is a plague. Jesus says, I Am the Light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of life. John 8:12 Those who deny God say life is nausea. Jesus says, I Am the Bread of life; he who come to Me shall never hunger; and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 Life is dread, the pessimists proclaim. Jesus says, I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. But, you ask, how can you say there is meaning in life when there is so much evil and suffering? So much distress and anguish? To answer these questions, we must look at the Cross again. It was willed by wicked men, but God wove it into the salvation of the world. The greatest good came from the greatest evil. So too, the thorns of life can become our crowns of glory if we surrender everything to Christ. With them that love Him, God cooperates in all things for good, says St. Paul. And he goes on: For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Cor. 4:17 The Promise ^ February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 5

Philoptochos Report Philoptochos Stewardship BY ELLEN MANOS-ATHENSON, MEMBERSHIP CO-CHAIR The Philoptochos membership drive for 2016 began in January with its kickoff at the annual Vasilopita and Philoptochos Stewardship Sunday Luncheon on January 31. Our History: The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, established in 1931, is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered over 84 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. Today Philoptochos has 26,000 members and more than 400 active chapters nationwide. OUR MISSION: To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of Religious Education Update BY IRIS LOVE AND CHRIS ECONOMIDES Congratulations to our K-5 students on another successful Christmas Program which took place on December 13! It's always fun to hear the children sing and to welcome a visit from Santa as we begin to anticipate the joy of the season and the Birth of Christ. We would like to thank each of the following for their role in making this program possible: Sue Pangis and family, Andrea Cerini and family, Anna Decavalles, George Youlios, Julia Love, Ariana Tarhanidis, Steve Ladas, the teaching staff, the families who donated items, and lastly, Santa and his helpers. We would also like to thank Despina Apostolou for coordinating the Christmas Eve pageant for the Parish! The performance by the students was outstanding!! And finally to Maria Kanaras for organizing the Angel & Mitten Tree which allows our parishioners to continue the outpouring of love and giving year after year!! Looking ahead into 2016, we have several important events coming up: Sunday February 28 will be the Godparent/Godchild Communion Breakfast. We ask that all Godparents and Godchildren attend with their families to worship, receive Holy Communion and join together the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; To promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. HOLY TRINITY PHILOPTOCHOS: We are so proud that the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity executes on the mission through all the work that our chapter does, often serving as a model to others. This only happens through the commitment of our capable, generous and dedicated community of women who put their faith in action. Averaging over 200 members a year, we are able to meet our commitments, support many worthy organizations, provide educational scholarships, support our church community, meet our National and Metropolis commitments and respond to individuals/families that are in great need who turn to the church for support. This can only be done through the funds we are able to raise at our various events and membership offerings. We count on your generosity. We have incorporated many new avenues of communications to reach members and extended communities by utilizing email, Facebook and a presence on the Holy Trinity web site. CALL TO ACTION: We urge all women over 18 years old to join us. We must continue to build the strength and membership of our chapter, to infuse new ideas, to embrace new generations of women to carry on this sacred mission. Together with faith in the Lord, and a willingness from within each of us to offer our time, talent and treasures to lessen the pain, loss and suffering of others and support our church community. We can make a difference! for Breakfast. Look for registration information in the Sunday Bulletin. March 20 is the Sunday of Orthodoxy, when our K-6th grade students will process around the church with their icons (many of the icons have been constructed during class-time). Sunday, April 3 for the Oratorical Festival right after Fellowship Hour. Come listen to our middle and high school students speak on a variety of topics related to their faith and/ or current events. Friday, April 30, 2016 for the Holy Friday retreat for children in Grades 1-6. 6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

The Parish Council held its first meeting in 2016 that reflected on four topics in addition to our normal agenda. The four topics included changes with the Parish Council Board members, election of Executive Officers, review of our top ten 2015 achievements, and looking forward to the top ten 2016 activities. First, the Parish Council is grateful for the long standing service of retiring Parish Council members, Ted Demetriou and Robert LoAlbo, and look forward to their continued support as stewards. In the same spirit, the Parish Council welcomes three newly elected board members, Christopher Daifotis, George Koutsaftes, and Stephen Ladas. Please consider getting acquainted with our newest members during Sunday Fellowship Hour so they may get to know how to best serve your needs. Second, congratulations to the Parish Council members who were elected officers: Anthony Bosco, Vice President; Ted Exharhatos, Treasurer; James C. Fountas, Assistant Treasurer; and Panayiota Mavrides Sales, Secretary. Third, I would like to share with you a highlight of the good works completed by the Parish Council during 2015. Our strategy is to strengthen our stewardship foundation, achieve our ministry operations, vest in our ministries and enable pathways to extraordinary stewardship. Our top ten achievements include: 1. Successfully re-created the experience of each of our 11 ministries with a 42% participation rate 2. Launched a Fellowship committee to be led by stewards Parish Council What is our most cherished behavior Gratitude! BY PETER TARHANIDIS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT 3. Launched a new Young Adult Ministry being led by stewards 4. Formed an Endowment Fund and gained approval of our amended bylaws 5. Adjusted Greek School tuition reducing budget exposure 6. Identified our top ranked projects ($1.2M) to set a near future capital fund 7. Facilitated Philoptochos and GOA to coordinate outreach and charitable donations efforts 8. Led successful Festivals and Golf Outings 9. Expanded the Boards charitable giving to include local, metropolis, archdiocese and distant ministries 10. Both the Parish and Philoptochos met the St. Nicholas Shrine commitment Godparent/Godchild Sunday with Communion Breakfast Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church February 28, 2016 Sponsored by Holy Trinity Religious Education Godchildren are encouraged to invite their Godparents to receive Communion with them and to attend the Breakfast. Orthros 8:15 AM; Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Breakfast in the Bouras Center after Sunday School classes Reservations during Fellowship Hour on February 7th, 14th and 21st $12.00 for adults $6.00 for children under 12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NAME: Number of adults: Number of children (12 & under): Total: $ Cash / Check # Please volunteer to help by calling the chairperson, Andrea Cerini, (908) 889-5961 or emailing at Andreacerini3@hotmail.com. I would like to pause for a moment for all of us to consider: How did we as a Parish accomplish so much? By expressing gratitude to God for one s blessings allows one to focus on the true nature of what really matters! The Parish Council must be transparent in its operations it strives to maintain a culture of respect, peace, love, and unity in the Parish. Yet, we accomplish this through our most cherished behavior - gratitude. This sense guides the Parish Council to focus and achieve the things that matter all the more real. Fourth, If you are wondering what the top ten 2016 activities here, well here they are! 1. Host adult retreat during Great Lent 2. Raise Parishioner participation rate from 42% to 50% of stewards 3. Move Annual Stewardship Pledge from 60% - 80% of the funded budget 4. Launch Planned Giving 5. Launch Endowment Investment Fund 6. Deliver the 50th Anniversary Ministry events, Journal Ad book, Luncheon and Gala 7. Assess our Insurance Policy to reduce liabilities and risks 8. Develop new Parish Council Board members 9. Seed a capital building improvement fund 10. Ident i f y one mission that fosters religious freedom The Parish Council is grateful to serve this Parish and be surrounded by extraordinary men and women within the church. Thank you all for your service to the church and wishing you a Happy Valentine s Day! The Promise ^ February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 7

Scenes from Christmastime 8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

GOYA BY CHRISTOPHER BOUTSIKARIS, GOYA PRESIDENT As 2015 came to a close, Holy Trinity GOYA finished with several activities that our members participated in. Approximately 35 Goyans gathered together on December 18th during our outreach activity of Christmas caroling to some of our local parishioners and traveling to several local nursing homes The Westfield Senior Center and The Chelsea in Scotch Plains - to spread some Christmas cheer and send our best wishes for a happy and healthy 2016. It was a wonderful experience to see the smiles on each resident s face as we sang for them. It was especially nice to hear the residents join our singing as well. After caroling, the Goyans headed back to Holy Trinity where we ate pizza, made ice cream sundaes, and played Survivor team-building activities. The night culminated with our Lock-In and everyone had a great time. Thank you to our advisors as well as Mrs. Anthe Angelides who chaperoned this event. A wonderful time was had by all who attended and we look forward to continuing this combined event again next year. On December 27th, our GOYA hosted its annual Alumni Games. Everyone who attended had a terrific time competing in volleyball and basketball games. The alumni won volleyball and our Goyans won basketball. Our Goyans also traveled with members of the Union Goya to Tenafly on December 28th for the annual Christmas Dance. All who attended had a great time at the dance with other Goyans from across New Jersey. January marked the beginning of a new year and it could not have started out with more excitement! Our athletic season came to a thrilling close with the playoffs held on January 10th in Toms River, and January 11th in Asbury Park. Our girls volleyball team successfully advanced to the third place game and faced a very tough opponent, Piscataway. Our girls worked hard and were successful in capturing third place! Awesome job! Our senior boys basketball team was also successful advancing to the championship game. They also faced a tough battle against Holmdel. With much hard work, determination, and pure grit, our boys were victorious once again capturing first place in an electrifying game that was decided in overtime! Well done boys! Congratulations to both our teams! Our Goyans from both teams would not have been so successful without the dedication of our valuable coaches. Thank you to Mrs. Ellen Conti, Mr. Zenon Christodoulou, and Mr. Greg Panagos for their support and dedication coaching our volleyball team. Thank you also to Mr. Peter Boutsikaris and Mr. John Apostolos for your guidance, support, and hard work with our senior basketball team. Our achievements this past weekend would not have been possible without each of you. Thank you! The junior basketball team did a wonderful job at the January 30 playoffs. Coaches, Mr. Jimmy Angelides and Mr. Leon Carayannopoulos are thanked! UPCOMING GOYA EVENTS FEB Valentine s Dance in Holmdel, New Jersey MAR 12 12 SIGHTS & SOUNDS FESTIVAL We are beginning to prepare for this annual event where our Goyans compete in literature, singing, dancing, and art. Please be sure to sign up on line as we go for first place once again! For additional information on the Goya Youth Program at Holy Trinity please email: YHTGOYA@aol.com for more information or stop by the Goya table during fellowship hour after church. The Promise ^ February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 9

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 5FINGERS FITTING5KEYS PIANO INSTRUCTOR & WEDDING ORGANIST PHYLLIS A. VERENES 9 SAND HILL ROAD, MORRISTOWN, NJ 07960 TEL: 973.538.2236 CELL: 973.214.9222 10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey

The Promise ^ February 2016 ^ Volume 40, Issue 1 11

Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654 Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ 07090-1109 Phone 908-233-8533 Fax 908-233-0623 E-mail htgoc@westfieldnj.com Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis E-mail FrPeter@htgocnj.org Office Manager Admin. Assistant Worship Caretaker Lead Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Diana R. Waltsak E. Joy Daniledes Ocione Nunes Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes John Katsingris Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Greek School Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore Cultural Peter Tarhanidis Penny Pefanis Chris Economides Rita Fitanidis Chris Boutsikaris Iris Love Joanne Paras & Jenny Stellakis Sandy Mouratoglou Barbara Manos Schedule of Services The Promise: Volume 40, Issue 1 Greek School PTO Trinity Circle Jenny Stellakis Hellen Kiriakatis Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month 12