December 2018 St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church Phone: (770) 347-PRAY (7729) 313 Dividend Drive, Suite 210 Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 Website: www.saintchristopherhoc.org Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis, Pastor Tammy Soulakos, President, Parish Council Hey Brother, Hey Sister...Can You Spare a Dime? As we prepare for Christmas, I challenge us to offer ourselves as gifts to others every day. Buying gifts for family and friends is fun and traditional, but this year, let s think outside of the box and give our time, talents, and treasures not as extra gifts but as essential and life-saving gifts that lead us and others to discover the same joy of giving selflessly and sacrificially that our Incarnate Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ did at the end of His earthly life. Ask yourself, What can I give as a gift that another has not asked of me? How can I find that perfect gift that reflects God s unconditional love and mercy? That is easy stop waiting any longer and forgive everyone on your naughty list! Reach out to them in a spirit of reconciliation and seek their help in moving forward united in God s Body. In so giving, you receive an automatic gift from God His forgiveness of you! You become renewed with His Spirit. It fills you with His peace and joy that only comes from reflecting His love and mercy to others. This season, don t neglect to shop for yourself! No, that is not selfish; seeking God s forgiveness for your shortcomings is a gift of freedom. Through repentance and confession, you can renew your spirit and soul and let go of thoughts and behaviors that limit and imprison your potential as His sons and daughters, adopted by God through grace. He freely offers Himself to us, but we must choose to accept His gift, and in turn share it with others. The saints teach us when we do so, we experience inner peace, and in turn, the salvation of those around us is assured. So far, your bank account has not been drained at all, but if you pursue this approach to Christmas shopping, you will deplete the pent-up ill will, anger, Page 1
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George: Hey Brother, Hey Sister...Can You Spare a Dime? and thoughts of isolation and depression that go together with building walls between you and those you love and treasure as family and friends. Perhaps as you shop for others, you will discover there are many of your friends and family members that you are close to, but who have never received the gift of your deep, inner, tender spirit of love and respect that you feel for them. What possible gifts could you give them? Everyone enjoys the presence of your time a surprise visit or telephone call setting up a personal face-to-face encounter with no agenda other than to spend time reinforcing another s value to you and your concern for them. Stepping in to lend a helping hand to a shut-in is priceless. Helping our elderly to go for a walk or take them for needed errands is essential to their existence. Sending a surprise greetings card with a gift card or surprise gift as a random act of love will never be forgotten. In spending quality time, your listening ear reinforces to those in need you care, and they matter. You bring the presents of God with your presence, demonstrating clearly that For where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there among them. (Matt. 18:20) Perhaps by now you have come to understand the shopping spree I want you to pursue in these days leading up to the Nativity of our Savior. Just as He freely offered Himself as our life-saving gift that will last for eternity, the surprise gifts I have suggested can lead us and others to Him. And for the most part, by sharing your creative talents and your precious but limited time, you will expend very little in terms of the usual holiday green (money). In closing, consider me as a beggar for other beggars who are either too afraid or don t know how to approach you and ask for what amounts to a proverbial dime a small bit of your time, your talents, your treasures as noted above. While we may not consider them beggars, those deprived of your love and respect live as such through their feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. They are starving for your acknowledgment. They are outside your life, freezing cold from your being too busy to bring them into your warm heart and daily living. They often are ashamed and feel unworthy or helpless to live any other way. My Lord, it s nearly Christmas and there they are, ringing their bells and standing in the cold begging you to hear their pleas for help. They desperately need your love, mercy, and forgiveness. We know our Lord, Christ Jesus offers these for free, but unless you help them with your loose change that you wouldn t miss that is, taking a few moments of your time to offer your talents, they don t see how they can make ends meet again this year. Remember Jacob Marley s words in A Christmas Carol: mankind is our business! And if those among us continue starving for our love and forgiveness this year, what have they Page 2
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George: Hey Brother, Hey Sister...Can You Spare a Dime? to look forward to in 2019? If they survive, they can expect more of the same a world that feels like neglect and apathy while others feast on the bounty that God continually hopes we will share together. Wait what is that beautiful melody I hear? * I know it refers to the Baby Jesus, but now that the beggars among us have been lifted up, it now makes me feel the coming anniversary of Jesus birth can have the same healing power it did some 2,000 years ago What child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? [Refrain] This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary. Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading. [Refrain] So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. [Refrain] *[What Child Is This, by William C. Dix (1837-1898)] My brothers and sisters in Christ, surely we have more than a dime to spare each day leading up to the Blessed Nativity of Jesus and even afterwards. Look at the joy in the photo below of the vibrant Body of Christ last Christmas Day morning why not share this joy of our genuine selves from our jubilant hearts and not merely from our leftover time and talents. In so doing, we receive the real meaning of Christmas in our hearts. Let us greet Him Whom we know as Lord. Remember, it is Christ Himself, the crucified and risen One, the Savior of the world, Who comes to us with the gift of Himself on Christmas morning. Page 3
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George: Hey Brother, Hey Sister...Can You Spare a Dime? Let us convey to the world the Good News Christ is born, the Savior of us all! Let us glorify Him! And that, my brothers and sisters, is a reason for rejoicing! And all it takes is that proverbial dime! Let s reach in the pockets of our hearts and souls and let others know we care, God cares, and together, we overcome all obstacles, today, and to the ages of ages. Amen! Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Pastor, St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church Visit the St. Christopher s Online Parish Calendar at www.saintchristopherhoc.org/calendar.php for up-to-the-minute details about upcoming events and services! Page 4
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Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Schedule 1) Sunday, December 9 th, during Religious Education Classes 2) Saturday, December 15 th, 10:30 am, following the Divine Liturgy (includes costume selection) 3) Saturday, December 22 nd, 9:00 am Page 7
December Prosfora Baking Schedule The following families are scheduled to prepare Prosfora this month: Sunday, Dec. 2 (due Sun., Dec. 2 by 7:00 am) Dedee Panayis/Milena Taylor Wednesday, Dec. 5 (due Wed., Dec. 5 by 3:00 pm) Sunday, Dec. 9 (due Sun., Dec. 9 by 7:00 am) Saturday, Dec. 15 (due Sat., Dec. 15 by 7:00 am) Sunday, Dec. 16 (due Sun., Dec. 16 by 7:00 am) Sunday, Dec. 23 (due Sun., Dec. 23 by 7:00 am) Monday, Dec. 24 (Due Mon., Dec. 24 by 7:00 am) Tuesday, Dec. 25 (due Tues., Dec. 25 by 7:00 am) Wednesday, Dec. 26 (due Wed., Dec. 26 by 3:00 pm) Sunday, Dec. 30 (due Sun., Dec. 30 by 7:00 am) Becky Butler/Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis Pat MacDougall/Stella Christodoulopoulos Costas and Tammy Soulakos/Lydia McGee Effie Sakkas/Susan Kleto Georgia Lungaro/Claudia Sliwinski Helen Psihountas/Julie Skouteris Dedee Panayis/Milena Taylor Becky Butler/Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis Pat MacDougall/Stella Christodoulopoulos Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (due Tues., Jan. 1 by 7:00 am) Costas and Tammy Soulakos/Lydia McGee PROSFORA BAKERS: PLEASE BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Presbytera Marinda appreciates everyone s help and if needs arise, please contact her at mtsahakis@comcast.net or (770) 381-1842. Don t want to cook? Let s EAT Tired of doing the dishes? Let s EAT Been meaning to eat out with your Family? Let s EAT Have you been putting off catching up with old friends? Let s EAT Wishing you had the opportunity to meet new friends? Let s EAT Join Us at Broadway Diner, 535 S Glynn St., Ste. 1009, Fayetteville Sunday, December 30 th, 11:00 am Page 8
Schedule for Sunday Greet and Close Teams December Date 12/2 12/9 12/16 12/23 12/30 Volunteers George Psihountas Claudia Sliwinski Julie and Victor Torres Cynthia Cromartie Stephen Sarantis Claudia Sliwinski Becky Butler Stephen Butler Gail Ericsson Pat Zenais Bassett Maria Cahill Dina Tagalos-Kearns Gail Ericsson Tom Farmakis Georgia Lungaro A big Thank You to all our volunteers who help keep our Church clean and tidy! We need more volunteers! Please make a New Year s resolution to join this ministry. We all enjoy a clean church, but a few are carrying the load. If you would like to help but are unable to commit on a regular basis, please feel free to help clean up after services at your convenience. The more the merrier. Please call or e-mail Claudia Sliwinski (678) 633-9916, claudia.sliwinski@yahoo.com or Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663, tammy@soulakos.org. Christmas Blessings Our next blessing of Prayer Shawls will be on December 16 th. These shawls will be shared with the ladies being assisted by Promise Place in Fayetteville. Promise Place offers shelter and assistance to women experiencing domestic violence. Our prayers and prayer shawls provide moral and emotional support and the knowledge to these women that they are special and cared about. If you don t normally participate in the Prayer Shawl Ministry but want to assist Promise Place this Christmas season, please go to their website to see how you might help at https://promiseplace.org/donations/. Please contact Susan Kleto at (678) 877-9115 or sbkleto@gmail.com if you have any questions, need yarn for a shawl, would like to receive a Prayer Guide, or have any suggestions for improving this ministry. Page 9
Philoptochos News and Updates And he said to them, The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2) Thanks to the hard work and salesmanship of our Philoptochos members (and members to be) we had a record setting Fall Pastry Sale. We made and sold: 193 dozen Spanakopita 112 dozen Tiropita 55 dozen Baklava 32 dozen Kourambiedes 25 dozen Melomakarona 80 dozen Koulourakia 32 Sampler Boxes 38 Pastitsio Do the math we sold almost 6400 individual items! This is an amazing feat accomplished by our amazing members and friends. Our gross receipts should exceed $7600! Please join us for the following events in December and January: December 2 nd Operation Christmas Prep (see p.5) December 8 th Philoptochos Distribution of Christmas Presents & Caroling (meet at church at 9:30 am) December 9 th Angel Tree Donations due for St. John the Wonderworker Toy and Family Food Box Program (see p. 6) December 16 th Blessing of the Prayer Shawls going to Promise Place December 23 rd Community Christmas Pageant and Luncheon (see p. 7) January 6, 2019 St. Christopher s Annual Vasilopita Auction and Luncheon (see p. 11) Your Sister in Christ, Helen Psihountas Philoptochos President 3 generations making Melomakarona (Finikia) Friends in the kitchen cooking up a good time on Cookie Day. Page 10
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Giving Thanks, Joy, and Good Will! Parish Council News Now is the season we give thanks to God for all He has done for us this past year and throughout our lives. As the year comes to an end, we begin to reflect upon the many blessings bestowed upon us and it provides a great opportunity to thank God for these blessings by gifting to St. Christopher s. It is a good time to begin considering how we might give back some of our wealth or assets to Him through His Church with a special year-end gift of cash or appreciated assets such as shares of stock. You can designate such a gift to St. Christopher s or simply give a cash donation to our general operating fund. The benefits of income tax deductions, capital gains savings, and other financial benefits are significant advantages that provide an incentive to make a gift at the year s-end. A gift can also help support St. Christopher s for years to come. There are many different ways of contributing a gift. However, two of the easiest and most direct methods to gift are donations of cash and appreciated stock or other investments. With Christmas almost upon us we are truly thankful for you and your family here in our Church. You are a vital and blessed part of our community. We ask that you please complete your 2018 Stewardship commitment (pledge) before the end of the year. Your Stewardship provides the foundation for our Parish Ministries and our efforts in meeting the challenge of spreading Christ s Word and our Orthodox Faith. Kindly consider this reminder during this season of Joy and Good Will. Please take time to complete your Stewardship commitment today and enable our Church to grow her ministries and carry on her mission. May the grace of our Lord bless you and your loved ones to experience the joy of Christ s Birth through the joy of giving. If you have any questions, please contact me at gsjs401mg@gmail.com.thank you! Faithfully Julie Skouteris, Stewardship Chair Parish Financial Update The financial gifts and expenses through October are shown below. The increase in the deficit can be attributed to Stewardship gifts being lower relative to budget expenses, Q4 payments made to the Metropolis, and higher expenses (insurance for playground and candles to name two). As we prepare the proposed budget for 2019, these expenses will be factored in. Thank you for your continued support of our Operations. Please contact George Psihountas, Treasurer, or Steve Sarantis, Assistant Treasurer, if you have any questions. YTD Activity YTD Budget Total Op. Income $114,920 $114,643 Operating Expenses $122,784 $114,643 YTD Net ($7,864) Page 12
St. Christopher Building Fundraising Report Dear St. Christopher Faithful, As we approach the end of an exciting year in the history of our parish, I would like to update you on our Journey to build St. Christopher: To date we have received pledges of approximately $660,000! We continue to receive gifts from friends of St. Christopher. This is a great blessing and these gifts, including our parish family commitments, have helped us stay on track with our target dates to begin Phase 1 construction. Fundraising is dynamic and doesn't stop once we reach our goals. What other steps are we taking to raise capital? Grants - We submitted a letter to the J Bulow Campbell Foundation in October for consideration of a $250,000 grant to help our project. Many Foundations have various criteria that need to be met in order to proceed to the next step after initial consideration. Since so many groups apply for this type of money, it is very competitive and the ability to proceed beyond the initial letter requesting the Foundation's consideration of a grant is difficult. Nonetheless, we place our trust and hope in our Lord to open the right doors for us, as long as are doing our part to make it happen. We are reviewing other Foundations as well and will continue to submit requests to those Foundations that we believe are worthy of considering an investment into our cause. Golf Fundraiser - On May 13, 2019 we will hold our 1st Annual St. Christopher Golf Classic! This effort will combine fundraising for our Building Fund and Educational scholarships to students within the Fayette/Coweta and South Metro communities. Our focus will be primarily on Corporate sponsorship but will include various levels of financial participation that will be made available. Please contact me directly at 404-428-7006 if you want to help. We NEED your help! Finally, as this year comes to a close, please take this opportunity to review your financial commitment to the Building of St. Christopher. If you haven't pledged, I encourage you to do so! As important as it is to pledge, it is equally important to meet the cash flow requirements that allow us to stay on our timelines to begin construction. We are on track today and our faithful commitment to meet our pledges in the 3-year time frame will keep us moving! Faithfully, Tom Farmakis St. Christopher Building Fundraising Chairman Page 13
PARISH PRIEST: Fr. George Tsahakis, Protopresbyter (770) 381-1842 PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Fr. George Tsahakis, Protopresbyter (770) 381-1842 Tammy Soulakos, President (404) 625-4663 Julie Skouteris, Vice President (770) 253-2722 Jeanie McGee, Secretary (404) 405-5370 George Psihountas, Treasurer (770) 298-4496 Stephen Sarantis, Assistant Treasurer (770) 719-1133 Stephen Butler (770) 461-1800 Maria Cahill (770) 830-5527 Tom Farmakis (404) 428-7006 Steve Theodorakis (404) 717-5887 MINISTRY LEADERS: Altar Boys and Myrrh Bearers: Fr. George Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Building Committee Chairman: George Zavlanos (770) 253-6767 Building Fundraising Committee: Tom Farmakis (404) 428-7006 Chantors: George Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Choir: Jeanie Ellinas (770) 487-5740 Church Maintenance/Facilities: Stephen Sarantis (770) 719-1133 Church Supplies Ordering: Pat MacDougall (770) 486-0580 Education, Culture, & Youth Diakonia Committee: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Facebook: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Finance Committee: Steve Wilson (770) 597-0263 Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA): Sheryl Vasiliadis (770) 252-7881 Greet and Close Teams: Claudia Sliwinski (678) 633-9916 Hellenic Dance: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Hellenic Language: (No teacher available at this time) H.O.P.E./J.O.Y.: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Emilia Moraitis (678) 423-7951 Inventory and Assets: Steve Theodorakis (404) 717-5887 Newsletter: Susan Kleto (678) 877-9115 Outreach Committee: Jeanie McGee (404) 405-5370 Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF): Helen Psihountas (770) 298-4493 Peachtree City GreekFest 2018: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Julie Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Dina Tagalos Kearns (470) 277-2126 Helen Psihountas (770) 298-4493 Personnel: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Philoptochos: Helen Psihountas (770) 298-4493 Prosfora/Kolyva/Artoklasia: Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Publicity Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083 Real Estate Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083 Religious Education Program: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 St. Christopher Bookstore: Becky Butler (770) 461-1800 and Emilia Moraitis (678) 423-7951 St. Christopher Library: Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Stewardship Committee: Julie Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Page 14
Community Calendar December 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Fish/Wine/Oil 2 14 th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Blessing of Five Loaves & Dec. Commemorations 11:00 am Rel. Ed. Classes 12:00 pm Parish Christmas Tree & Cookie Decorating Fish/Wine/Oil 3 Fish/Wine/Oil 4 Fish/Wine/Oil 5 Eve of Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker 5:00 pm Great Vespers 5:45 pm Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Community Dinner (fasting Foods) Wine/Oil 6 Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (celebrated on the Eve of the Feast 12/5) 6:30 pm Choir Practice Fish/Wine/Oil 7 9:00 am Fr. George will offer the Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, Atlanta Strict Fast 8 9:30 am Philoptochos Distribution of Christmas Presents & Caroling Fish/Wine/Oil 9 10 th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Coffee Fellowship Reception 10:30 am Parish Council Elections 10:45 am Rel. Ed. Classes (1 st Christmas Pageant Rehearsal) 11:45 am P. C. Mtg. 1:30 pm Outreach Ministry Mtg. Fish/Wine/Oil 10 Fish/Wine/Oil 11 Fish/Wine/Oil 12 Fr. George will offer Orthros and Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, Atlanta 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Wine/Oil 13 6:30 pm Choir Practice Strict Fast 14 9:00 am Fr. George will offer the Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, Atlanta Sacrament of Confession, PTC Strict Fast 15 Feast of St. Eleutherios 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am 2 nd Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Wine/Oil 16 11 th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Prayer Shawl Blessing 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship Reception 10:45 am Rel. Ed. Classes 11:45 am Philoptochos Board Mtg. Wine/Oil 17 Wine/Oil 18 Strict Fast 19 Strict Fast 20 6:30 pm Choir Practice Wine/Oil 21 9:00 am Fr. George will offer the Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, Atlanta Strict Fast 22 9:00 am 3 rd Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (includes costume selection) Wine/Oil 23 Sunday before Nativity of Christ 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy/40 Day Memorial for George Koutsounadis 10:30 am Annual Christmas Pageant 11:30 am Community Luncheon (fasting foods) Wine/Oil 24 Eve of Nativity of Christ 8:00 am Service of Great Hours 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil Strict Fast 25 Nativity of Christ 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Feeding the Homeless at St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church, Atlanta 26 Eve of Feast of St. Stephen 5:00 pm Great Vespers 5:45 pm Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Community Dinner Fast Free 27 Feast of St. Stephen (celebrated on the Eve of Feast, 12/26) Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally 6:30 pm Choir Practice Fast Free 28 Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally Fast Free 29 Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally Fast Free 30 Sunday after Nativity of Christ 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Coffee Fellowship 11:00 am Let s Eat, Broadway Diner, Fayetteville (See p.7) Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally Fast Free 31 Fast Free January 1,2019 Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ & St. Basil the Great 8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy, followed by Blessing of New Year & Vasilopita Fast Free Page 15