August 2018 The Vine S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h, 5 7 B r o w n S t r e e t, W e s t o n, M A 0 2 4 9 3 Fr. Nick s Message Jesus said, I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. (John 15:5) Transfiguration On the day of our Lord s Transfiguration, whose feast day is celebrated on August 6 th, Jesus took with him three disciples, Peter, John and James (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 9:2-8; Lk 9:28-36). They are at the high mountain, which is often a place of revelation in the Bible, and at this mountain Jesus is transfigured. St. Matthew tells us, He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. St. Luke narrates that the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white as the light. St. Luke narrates that the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. St. Mark says, His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. The story, in short, teaches us about what the Church has affirmed for centuries: the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the God-man, truly God and truly human. Contents Liturgical Schedule...2 Dormition of the Theotokos...3 Youth...4-5 Photos...6-7 Calendar...8 Philoptochos & Stewardship...9 News & Events...10-11 Announcements...12 The story of Jesus Transfiguration is the story of who Jesus is as God s Son. It is a confirmation of God s presence in Jesus, but it is also a confirmation of God s promise to be with us. It is a testimony to our ability to be transfigured by God s presence. It points to what is possible for us. Transfiguration is not an out-of-body experience; it exists in and through the body and the measure of our transfiguration is how we relate to others and to our selves. According to St. Maximos the Confessor, if we are less angry, less hateful, less fearful- then we are transfigured. Professor Aristotle Papanikolaou writes. The event of the Transfiguration reveals to us that in Christ both the human and divine exist and perfectly work as one. Further, it not only confirms that Christ is God s Son in His full glory but is an example to encourage us to unite that which was made in God s full image and likeness within us to become manifest in all we do and say. Then the Transfiguration event will not be relegated to past history but will become a living, dynamic and transformative power that brings the Presence of the Lord Jesus into our everyday lives and from there into the world. As St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, that a true Transfiguration then will reveal to us what is acceptable and (the) perfect will of God. May that knowledge of knowing God s will be our guide, our hope and assurance of His Presence in all we do. In Love in the Lord, Fr. Nick
Liturgical Schedule Schedule of Church Services Sunday Services Orthos, 8:30; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 August 5-10th Sunday of Matthew August 12-11th Sunday of Matthew August 19-12th Sunday of Matthew August 26-13th Sunday of Matthew Midweek Services August 1- Paraklesis, 6 pm August 3- Paraklesis 6 pm August 6- Orthros & Divine Liturgy for the Transfiguration, 9 am August 8- Paraklesis 6 pm August 10- Paraklesis 6 pm August 13- Paraklesis 6 pm August 15- Orthros & Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos, 9 am August 29- Orthros & Divine Liturgy for the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, 9 am Understanding the Paraklesis Service The Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos a supplicatory service chanted in Orthodox churches to honor the Theotokos and ask for her intercessions on behalf of the living. In fact, the faithful are invited to submit the names of loved ones in need of prayer, to be read during the services. Within its sublime poetry, the love and compassion between the Theotokos and Christ is invoked, as is the great mystery of the Incarnation. The service may be chanted during times of sorrow or spiritual need and also during the first 15 days of August, the Dormition Fast. It was composed in the 9th century but its content remains highly relevant. Throughout the Dormition period, we hope you will join us as often as possible for these unique services. They will offer you, and yours, great spiritual sustenance. A listing form is available here and will also be found in the Narthex. Lists need only be submitted once to be read at each service. the paraklesis service The Vine: August 2018 p. 2
Dormition of the Theotokos Kimisis of the Theotokos On August, 15th, we commemorate the Kimisis, Dormition, of the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary. Much of the Church s Holy Tradition is given in the book called the Horologion. In this book, we read about the falling asleep of the Theotokos. As time drew near for the Lord to call His earthly Mother, He send an angel to announce this to her three days beforehand. The Virgin Mary then went to the Mountain of Olives to pray This was a prayer of rejoicing, the joy to return to the Savior. Ever since the Resurrection, death p. 3 St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church 57 Brown St. Weston, MA 02493 (781) 237-5561 (781) 237-8612 (fax) www.stdemetriosweston.org Fr. Nicholas Krommydas Proistamenos frnick@stdemetriosweston.org Fr. Vincent Minucci Presbyter frvincent@stdemetriosweston.org Office ADMINISTRATOR Marianne Kent office@stdemetriosweston.org ST. DEMETRIOS CONNECTIONS 781-237-5561 www.stdemetriosweston.org Fr. Nicholas Krommydas, Presbyter Fr. Vincent Minucci, Presbyter Marianne Kent, Office Administrator Nicholas Korderas, Sexton Thomas Gatzunis, Parish Council President Nikki Stounaras, Philoptochos President Bookstore, Carol Loridas Choir, Genie Leussis, Chris Tzellas, Athena Kalyvas Faith and Works Ministries St. Demetrios Inner-City Outreach, Peter Mitsakos St. Nicholas Angel Tree, Nancy Agris Savage Daniel s Table, Jill Kovatsis YOCAMA, Jill Kovatsis Peace Ministry, Peter Panagopoulos Hospitality/Fellowship Hour, St. Demetrios Philoptochos Library, Cindi Dabrowski Orthodox Life Series, James Skedros Philoptochos Care Ministries Hellenic Nursing Home, Pam Brody Prayer-Shawl, Elaine Ward Quiltathon, Debbie Morakis Visitations, Valerie Wiegel Prosfora Ministry, Christina Booth Senior Guild, Artemis Martakis Stewardship, Tom Camp YOUTH Altar Service, Chris Kourlos Basketball, Jack Markis Church School, Stavroula Gurguliatos Church School Music Director, Jane Kourtis GOYA, Fr. Vincent Minucci and Jill Kovatsis Greek Folk Dancing, Margaret Talmers Greek Language School, Avra Parpos HOPE, Diana Katsikaris& Mina Johnson JOY, Fr. Vincent Minucci Young Professionals, Samuel Johnson IOCC, Andrea Katsenes had a new meaning and attitude. Death no longer meant the end and despair; now it was a new beginning, a hope, and a new life. Death was now, in Christian terms sleep, which Christ would wake us up from and live forever with Him in heaven. The event of the Dormition is very important in our Church life and it is preceded by a two week fast period. During this time, we conduct the service of the Paraklesis (Supplication of the Theotokos). O Holy Theotokos Intercede For Us. Please print the baptismal names of those you wish remembered on the form to the left and return it to the Church. The Vine: August 2018
youth Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young... Greek language & cultural School Let s join together as the new year begins We ll share and be kind as we work and play, and our friendships will grow with each passing day. What a wonderful feeling, the first day of school is just around the corner! Father Nick, Father Vincent, and the staff of the St. Demetrios Greek Language & Cultural School are excited to welcome you back to school and to an academic year full of exciting and enriching lessons and activities. Please mark your calendar with these important dates: Sunday, 9/9 Registration, following Liturgy in the Church Hall Tuesday, 9/11 Registration, Agiasmos Service, Open House, and Social, 4 6 pm In addition, registration will be help the remaining Sundays in September following Liturgy. All are welcome. Please note, we welcome 4-year-old children to participate in the Pre-Kindergarten program. For additional information about our Greek School program, please call the Church Office at 781-237-5561 or Avra Parpos at 508-875-2103. CHURCH SCHOOL We look forward to the upcoming Church School year. Classes begin on Sunday, September 9th at 9:30 a.m. with the start of the Divine Liturgy. A productive Church School program must incorporate the Divine Liturgy and so we pray and ask that all our students make every effort to arrive by the start of the Liturgy. During the Ministry Fair, there will be an opportunity to register any new student(s) and/or update parent/student contact information. Please stop by so we can meet. There will be a calendar of events and information to take home. We would like to thank our teachers for their devotion and commitment to our youth and to the parents for their continued support. We look forward to a wonderful academic year together. End of year GOYA BBQ June 23rd The Vine: August 2018 p. 4
...but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12) youth YOCAMA Service Trip to Montana A group from St. Demetrios joined others from churches in Peabody, MA, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois to create a 26 person work group to the Blackfleet Reservation in Montana. They rebuilt a playground, built a picnic table and a new fence, created brand new walkways and retaining walls. THANK YOU to all that made this memoriable trip possible. p. 5 The Vine: August 2018
photos Church School Graduation The Church, through the temple and Divine service, acts upon the entire man, educates him wholly; acts upon his sight, hearing, smelling, feeling, taste, imagination, mind, and will, by the splendor of the icons and of the whole temple, by the ringing of bells, by the singing of the choir, by the fragrance of the incense, the kissing of the Gospel, of the cross and the holy icons, by the prosphoras, the singing, and sweet sound of the readings of the Scriptures. + St. John of Kronstadt The Vine: August 2018 p. 6
Photos St. Demetrios Young Adults at Ionian Village Next Visiting Clergy Habitat for Humanity p. 7 The Vine: August 2018
Calendar August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Dormition Fast Starts Paraklesis, 6 pm Paraklesis, 6 pm 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 10th Sunday of Matthew Transfiguration Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9 am Paraklesis, 6 pm Parish Council Meeting, 7 pm Paraklesis, 6 pm 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11th Sunday of Matthew Paraklesis, 6 pm Dormition of the Theotokos Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9 am Hellenic Nursing Home, 2 pm 19 12th Sunday of Matthew 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 13th Sunday of Matthew 27 28 29 Beheading of St. John the Baptist Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 9 am 30 31 The Vine: August 2018 p. 8
stewardship & philoptochos STEWARDSHIP On Christian Stewardship By Fr. Nick and the Stewardship Committee Life is a gift. God gives us the ability to create and to be resourceful. God wants us to live life to its fullest. At the same time, God wants us to be appreciative of the gift of life, and He expects our appreciation to manifest itself in good stewardship. By good stewardship, we mean the wise and meaningful use of all that we have, whether it is our time, talents, or treasure. Jesus instructed his followers not to worry about material things, as God will provide for our needs: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). As we think about our gifts and Christ s teachings, we can ask ourselves these questions: Do I give God the leftovers, or do I give God the first fruits? Do I give what I think I can afford, or do I give in faith, depending upon God to supply? Do I give what is acceptable and customary, or do I give in love and gratitude for all that God has allowed me to harvest? Christian stewardship advocates teaching how to respond to a grace which is so complete that, What no man ever saw or heard, what no man ever thought could happen, is the very thing God prepared for those who love Him (I Corinthians 2:9). We are asked to give to our Church, not because of what we expect to receive, but because of what we already have received. Giving always requires personal sacrifice. Let us work together to achieve our goals of spreading the good news of our Orthodox faith, caring for His physical home and, more importantly, fulfilling His spiritual command to save souls and lead others to Him. Reserve your tables of 8 now before tickets are sold out! p. 9 The Vine: August 2018
news & events Events & Announcements Senior Guild The Service of Supplication: Paraklesis Dear Senior Guild Members, The Senior Guild Welcomes you back from a warm and relaxing summer. The first meeting of the Senior Guild is on September 14th (The Exaltation of the Holy Cross) followed by our luncheon. During the luncheon we will discuss the Big Event in December. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a very High Holy Day. Please come to the Liturgy and to the Senior Guild Luncheon. The Senior Guild hopes to see you there! Sincerely yours, Artemis Martakis (Coordinator of The Senior Guild) THE Fr. Manikas LIBRARY Book of the month: The Virgin Mary by Dennis Michelis Why do Orthodox Christians throughout the world venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary so highly? This book provides the answer. Based on Holy Scripture and the Church Fathers this narrative covers every aspect of the life of this unique maiden whose genuine piety and holiness deemed her worthy to conceive, bear, and be the mother of Christ God in the flesh. We invite you to come and visit the parish library. The library is opened every Sunday after Liturgy. However, you are welcomed to visit the library when the Church office is opened. As outlined in the Library Policies and Procedures please fill out both cards and leave the orange card in the metal box. Date is the month and year when you borrow the book. This will help us to keep track of our books. The Service of Supplication, which is also known as Paraklesis, is one offered especially at times of sickness, temptation or discouragement. The various prayers ask the Lord for guidance, personal strength and healing. Many of the hymns and prayers are directed toward Mary, the Theotokos, and they ask for her assistance. Orthodoxy affirms that each of us, which Mary, the Saints and the faithful departed, is united in a bond of faith and love in Christ. Therefore, just as in this life, we can turn to each other for prayer, the Church believes that we can also turn to Mary, the human being closests to God, and ask her to pray to God for us. There are two forms of the Service of Supplication: The Greater and the Lesser. It is the Lesser Service of Supplication, which is more brief than the Greater and is most frequently offered during the first fourteen days of August, which precedes the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, celebrated on August 15th. WE ARE CALLED TO BE TRANSFIGURED As a faithful Christian, what is your goal in the earthly life? It is to become like God. Theologians call this theosis or deification. It is through the grace of God that believers grow to become like Him. During a major event in His life, Jesus was transfigured before three of His apostles, His face became as bright as the sun, and His clothes as white as snow. In this transformation, Jesus appeared in the glory and radiance of His divinity. Christ let His divine nature shine forth through His humanity, just as we are instructed to do. continued on page 11... The Vine: August 2018 p. 10
news & events continued from page 10... The Scriptures give ample witness to this lofty goal of humankind. Jesus once said: Be you therefore perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). St. Paul writes: Don t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Apostle Peter tells the faithful that they are to be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). Let us remember, then, that we are made in the image and likeness of God, as Genesis points out. The annual observance of the Transfiguration of our Lord should spur us on towards the actualization of this supreme calling of ours. While it us true that the full deification of the believer must await the coming of the Lord, let us nevertheless set our sight on that true Light which enlightens every person that comes into the world. TURN DOWN THE VOLUME With today s modern technology, news is reported 24 hours a day- 7 days a week. Young adults don t remember a time when you couldn t turn on the TV, hit a button the phone or turn on the computer to find out what is going on at any given time of the day, in any part of the world. There are so many channels to watch on TV. With so many devices that entertain, inform and distract us, maybe sometime we simply need to unplug. That kind of solitude and time for reflection is beneficial for each of us. We need to turn it all off and rest our minds for a little while. Jesus often drew aside for a time- especially when He wanted to take time to pray. He even encouraged the disciples to step away for a brief time (Mark 6:31). Making time for silence and closing out all the outside noise allows us to draw near to God. It allows us to clear our mind and listen to what is genuinely important. A wonderful place to clear out mind is Church. Going to services helps us to take time to quiet the outside world and hear the word of God. It allows us to turn off all that distracts us and to listen carefully when God speaks to us. Follow the example and wisdom of Christ. Get away by yourselfself and rest a while. Your body, wind, and spirit will thank you for it! A SPECIAL SPIRITUAL EVENT The miraculous ad myrrh-streaming icon of the Virgin Mary (Kind Hearted- Kardiotissa) will be at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in Somerville on Friday and Saturday August 10th and 11th. special paraklesis service, talk and anointing will A take place on the evening of Friday, August 10th beginning at 6:30 and Orthros and Divine Liturgy on Saturday, August 11th beginning at 8:00 am. All faithful have been invited to worship and attend this very special event. p. 11 The Vine: August 2018
announcements Altar Flowers Altar flowers were generously donated by the following parishioners: June 3- In loving memory of Marie Cosindas. June 17- Jane Bouyoukas in loving memory of son, Nicholas. June 24- In loving memory of son Benjamin from Pam Brody. In loving memory of Bradner Littlehale Jr. from wife, Linda Littlehale. July 8- From Amalie George in loving memory of mother, Helen. July 15- In memory of Nicholas Giovannes from wife, Angeliki. July 29- In loving memory of Ian Thomas McVey. Baptisms The daughter of Robert and Erica Gibbons was baptized on Saturday, June 2nd, and named Paras. Her sonsor was Stephanie Venuto. The son of Brian and Cassandra Colburn was baptized on Saturday, June 30th, and named Panagiotis. His sponsor was Charlene Nicholson. The daughter of Gregory and Klio DiCenzo was baptized on Saturday, July 7th, and named Nikoletta. Her sponsor was Katherine Georgeopoulos. The daughter of Jon and Mary Lee Mastroianni was baptized on Saturday, July 14th, and named Anne. Her sponsor was Melissa Keaveney. Funerals Joseph E. Malandrakis, June 2 Athanasios Kalfopulos, June 11 Spiridon Zisis, July 12 Anita A. Koulopoulos, July 16 May their memory be eternal! Wedding Johnathan L. Ramsdell and Jennifer Ann Brody were united in marriage on Saturday, June 23rd. Their sponsor was Lambrini Pasha. Scott Foret and Anastasia Handlin were united in marriage on Wednesday, July 25th. Their sponsor was Jackie Dillman. Alexandros Kurkuvelos and Anastasia Kourtis were united in marriage on Sunday, July 29th. Their sponsor was Danielle Kurkuvelos. S t. D e m e t r i o s G r e e k O r t h o d o x C h u r c h 5 7 B r o w n S t r e e t W e s t o n, M A 0 2 4 9 3