KΗΠΟΣ KΥΡΙΟΥ GARDEN OF THE LORD A Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Asheville, NC. October 2016 Greetings all Autumn is upon us What a glorious time, Especially in the mountains of western North Carolina The lush green trees turn beautiful colors as the leaves prepare to fall to the earth, only to grow again after the cold of winter passes and spring comes upon us again. Within these cycles of nature I see an image of the Resurrection of Christ, and of the cycles of our own spiritual lives. St. Theofylact tells us; What happens in nature is a weak reflection of the mighty work of the creator. The beauty of Autumn consoles us as we move to the starkness of winter, yet it also points to the glory of creation renewed. Our Lord teaches us; Truly truly I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it should die it bears much fruit. (John 12:24) This the Lord said because He was preparing His disciples for the harsh reality that He was going to His glorious Passion of the Cross. However, the Lord also tells us that if we want to be with Him in heaven, we too must deny ourselves, take up our own crosses and follow Him. (Matthew 16:24) In 1999 I visited Mt. Athos, and there in the Skete of the Prophet Elias, the elder told us a beautiful saying: Ἀν πεθάνεις πρὶν πεθάνεις, δὲν θὰ πεθάνεις ὄταν πεθάνεις. That is to say, If you die before you die, you will not die when you die. There are three types of death spoken about here; one is physical, one is spiritual, and the third is simply a matter of self denial. If you die before you die simply means that if you deny your sinful nature and do not allow your sins and passions to rule your life before your physical death, you will not die when you die. That is to say, you will not die a spiritual death at the time of your physical death, but you will have abundant life in heaven. I do not shudder at the coming of winter, but I enjoy it in its proper season, while I also enjoy the autumn before it and the spring that follows. In the same way, I do not Ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ ὁ κόκκος τοῦ σίτου πεσὼν εἰς τὴν γῆν ἀποθάνῃ, αὐτὸς μόνος μένει ἐὰν δὲ ἀποθάνῃ, πολὺν καρπὸν φέρει. (Ιω. 12:24, John 12:24) 1 Continued on page 2
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 227 Cumberland Avenue Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 253-3754 Facsimile (828) 253-1277 Tony and Helen Morris Hellenic Cultural Center: (828) 254-7424 www.holytrinityasheville.com Church Email: holytrinitywnc@bellsouth.net Fr. Michael Diavatis - Parish Priest (828) 785-6589 (Cellular Phone) FrMichaelD@newrome.org 2016 Parish Council Richard Bass (2016/17) President Pete Stathopoulos (2015/16) Vice President Julie Delich (2016/17) Secretary Bess Crider 2016/17) Assistant Secretary Tommy I. Arakas (2016/17) Treasurer Dean Nakos (2015/16) Assistant Treasurer Jimmy Koutsioumbis 2015/16 Jason Ledford 2015/16 Emily Rantzos 2016/17 Steve Wallingford 2015/16 If you are not on our mailing-list and would like to be please contact the Church Office. Any submission for the Garden of the Lord should be presented to the office by the 15th of each month. Orthodox Observer If you do not currently receive the Archdiocesan Newspaper, The Orthodox Observer, and would like to, please contact the Church Office. There is no cost for this service. Continued from page 1 abhor the times the Church teaches us to fast and exercise greater self denial, and this means the time that precedes the fast and the time that follows. For when we allow ourselves to follow the teachings of Christ, we find that, like the grain of wheat that falls to the earth and dies, we do indeed produce much fruit. Ἀν πεθάνεις πρὶν πεθάνεις, δὲν θὰ πεθάνεις ὄταν πεθάνεις. Happy Autumn Enjoy the harvest Fr. Michael Diavatis 2
Prosforon October 2 Eleni Kaltsounis October 9 Maria Zourzoukis October 16 Andrea Zourzoukis October 23 - Mary Pappas October 30 - Bess Crider Prosforon November 6 Linda Apostolopoulos November 13 Golfo Katsigianis November 20 Varvara Moutos November 27 - Katina Zoumbos Parish Council Pangari Duty October 2 Pete Stathopoulos & Dean Nakos October 9 Tommy Arakas & Julie Delich October 16 Richard Bass & Jimmy Koutsioumbis October 23 - Steve Wallingford & Bess Crider October 30 -Pete Stathopoulos & Jason Ledford November 6 Tommy Arakas & Dean Nakos November 13 Pete Stathopoulos & Jimmy Koutsioumbis November 20 Bess Crider & Julie Delich November 27 - Jimmy Koutsioumbis & Dean Nakos Coffee Hour and Luncheons October 2 Hall Rented October 9 Ismini Dermas 1 Year Memorial October 16 October 23 - Angelo Pappas 1 year Memorial. October 30 - Stewardship Sunday November 6 Parish Assembly November 13 November 20 November 27-3
Sunday, October 2. Sunday, October 9. October Schedule Sunday, October 16. The Seventh Ecumenical Council Sunday, October 23. Tuesday, October 25. Great Vespers. Wednesday, October 26. St. Dimitrios Sunday, October 30. 6:00 PM 9:00 AM Ημερολόγιον Ὀκτωβρίου Κυριακή, 2 Ὀκτωβρίου. Κυριακή, 9 Ὀκτωβρίου. Κυριακή, 16 Ὀκτωβρίου. Ἁγίων Πατέρων Ζ Οἰκουμενικῆς Συνόδου. Κυριακή, 23 Ὀκτωβρίου. Τρίτη, 25 Ὀκτωβρίου. Μέγας Ἐσπερινός. Τετάρτη, 26 Ὀκτωβρίου. Ἁγίου Μεγαλομάρτυρος Δημητρίου. Κυριακή, 30 Ὀκτωβρίου. 4
November Schedule Sunday, November 6. Tuesday, November 8. Archangels Michael and Gabriel Sunday, November 13. St. John Chrysostom Sunday, November 20. Monday, November 21. Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Friday, November 25. St. Katherine the Great-martyr Sunday, November 27. Wednesday, November 30. St. Andrew. 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM Ημερολόγιον Νοεμβρίου Κυριακή, 6 Νοεμβρίου. Θεία Λειτουργία Τρίτη, 8 Νοεμβρίου. Ἁγίων Ἀρχαγγέλων Μιχαήλ καὶ Γαβριήλ Κυριακή, 13 Νοεμβρίου. Ἁγίου Ἰωάννου Τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου Κυριακή, 20 Νοεμβρίου. Δευτέρα, 21 Νοεμβρίου. Ἐν τῷ Ναῷ Εἴσοδος τῆς Θεοτόκου Παρασκευή, 25 Νοεμβρίου. Ἁγίας Αἰκατερίνης Μεγαλομάρτυρος. Κυριακή, 27 Νοεμβρίου. Τετάρτη, 30 Νοεμβρίου. Ἁγίου Ἀνδρέου. 5
Youth Ministry October 2016 Youth Ministry Lower Level Classroom Remodel Thank you to the following families who have donated to the project and were not listed in last month s newsletter. Gus & Popi Zourzoukis Pete & Paula Apostolopoulos Maria Kalis-Buchanan & Family In Memory of My Beloved Parents Russel & Helen Kalis Greek Festival Dancers Due to the responsibilities of implementing a new Sunday School Program and completing classroom upgrades, our youth practiced for only a week and a half. Not to mention, there were three original dance groups combined into one. Congratulations Kids You did a great job Thank you, parents and students, for your commitment and hard work. Supervision & Church Property All families should feel comfortable to use all our facilities, but everyone needs to be mindful of adequate supervision and respecting church property. Parents, we need your assistance Please speak to your children, all ages, of how to properly dispose of trash and leaving the classrooms in a neat & orderly fashion. We are hopeful that with guidance from the parents, this will be a non-issue in the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sunday School Bibles and Binders have been given to many students as a one-time gift. These items serve as the student s Orthodox Religious Education Materials and will stay with them every year. They do not get a new set. If these materials are lost, parents are responsible for getting a new set for their child. The replacement price for the binder only is $50. Bibles are a separate price. Parents, if you choose to remain in the lower level while Sunday School is in session, we ask that you not stay in the classroom and remain in the hallway, away from the classrooms. Sunday School is once a week for a very short time and teachers want to make sure they have student s undivided attention. Youth Ministry Fall Outing Who: Allowed Youth Invited Where: Eliada s Annual Corn Maze When: Sunday, October 16th at 2:00 Cost: A group rate of $7.00 per person applies to us. This is not funded by HTGOC Youth Ministry. Everyone is responsible for their own tickets. Instructions: All HTGOC participants need to meet in the lobby of Eliada s Corn Maze and everyone can pay their own admission ticket at that time. Your ticket for the 2016 Eliada s Corn Maze includes access to ALL mazes and established attractions Attractions: Corn Maze, Giant Jumping Pillow, Cow Train, Hayride, Corn Cannons, Giant Tube Slides and Spider Web Climber This is WNC s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefitting the children at Eliada Visit the Shutterfly Share Site for directions. 6
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM ORTHODOX WONDER WALL Our Youth is Asking: October 2016 PURPOSE Children ask so many questions, thirsty for knowledge and full of wondering. Often though, we don t get a chance to answer their questions. The idea behind a wonder wall is to have a place where children can catch their wonders. They can jot down their questions and post them on the wall. This method promotes an Inquiry Based Approach to Learning. Students are not limited to learn only what the teachers present. Overtime, this will inspire enthusiasm, creativity and interest in our Greek Orthodox Christian faith. The Wonder Wall is a new activity for our youth. We have just begun phasing it in and will be presenting the questions to Father Michael every month for the most accurate answers. Stay Tuned 1. How can we praise God to our best will? We learn to praise God by making small steps. You already started when you were a little toddler, when mom and dad taught you to make the sign of the Cross and to kiss icons. Then you learned prayers, like the Trisagion and the Our Father. We should not stop at this though. We should always continue to learn prayers and hymns, learn what they mean, and live a God pleasing life. Then when we praise God, we can praise Him with all our heart and with a pure heart. 2. How were so many people made from one person? We have to work within the laws of nature, but God can work above and beyond nature. God created Adam, and then He took one of his ribs and made Eve. From these two the race of man came forth. 3. When are you going to paint the dome? Somewhere around the base of the dome we are finding water coming through. When we can find the leak and fix it we can start to raise the money needed to paint the icon of Christ in the dome. 4. What does Father Michael do before service? On Sundays, or any days when we have Divine Liturgy, the priest says a little prayer service called kairós. This word means time, and it is a time for the priest to pray to God and ask for the grace and strength to celebrate the 5. How many times do I have to pray? It s good to pray when we wake up and before going to sleep at night. This should be the minimum. In the morning it can be hard to do many prayers, but remember, even making the sign of the Cross is a prayer. However, St. Paul tells us in his epistle to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:17) to pray unceasingly. We can do this by saying the Jesus Prayer; Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. 6. What is the Choir there sometimes, and sometimes they are not? Not every person can be at Church every Sunday, so some times we have the choir and some times the chanters. 7
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT S MESSAGE RICHARD BASS Positive what a great word to start off this month s message. Why the word positive? Answer - the Festival What a positive and fantastic three days we had. Weather was excellent, crowds were large and a wonderful exciting event we gave Asheville. Although we were short handed of labor force, we all worked hard and had a pleasant time as well. Working the Festival is not only a time to commit your labor of love, but it is a time for fellowship. Those of us who worked got to spend time along side of existing friends and many new members of our community. I personally met and worked with these new Parishioners who come to Church every Sunday and yet I did not know them. This was very rewarding for me. Kind of sad when we are such a small church, and yet most of us do not know the new members who have been part of us the last few years. Representing the Parish Council and our full Church body, I want to thank all those people who worked. Just keep this in mind -without you there would be no Festival, Bless You All By the way, we kept hearing over and over of the attendees that of all the Greek Festivals they have gone to, ours always has the best food I know of no other Greek church in our 77 Church Diocese who works harder than our Church. With our Festival, our Luncheons, and previous Belle Chere years, and all our many years past of renting the Hall and us doing the catering 30-40 times a year, no Church of our size can top that. Folks, that is/ was a lot of work. You are the best Richard Bass 8
Philoptochos Holy Trinity Chapter New Member Sunday Please join us at our next general membership meeting on Sunday, October 16th in the small conference room of the MHCC following The Ladies Philoptochos Society is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Church and monies we raise go to assist those in need wherever it exists. Our Chapter donates on the local level as well. Our major fundraiser- the Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon, which has been in existence for over 50 years - will be held on Sunday April 9, 2017. This year the date for Western & Eastern Palm Sunday is the same day. We welcome ladies in our Church family who would like to join in our philanthropic efforts. Membership dues are only $30 each year and can be paid to Sue Arakas, Treasurer. The Philoptochos Officers & Board 2015-2017: President Athena Poulos V. President Dora Katsadouros Secretary Julie Delich Ass t. Secretary Hope Xenakis Treasurer Sue Arakas Ass t. Treas. Paula Apostolopoulos Board Members: Mary Chakales Helen Kaltsunis Barbara Moutos REMINDER FOR NOVEMBER 6 VETERAN'S RECOGNITION DAY We are sponsoring the coffee hour on this day. All Members are asked to bring an item for coffee hour. Thank You Mark Your Calendars General Membership Meeting Schedule for 2016-2017 All Meetings are currently scheduled to follow Divine Liturgy and will be held in the small conference hall of the MHCC. Sunday, October 16, 2016 Sunday, November 13, 2016 Sunday, December 11, 2016- Christmas Party (details to be announced) Sunday, January 8, 2017 Sunday February 12, 2017 Sunday, March 12, 2017 Sunday,April 30, 2017 Monday, June 5, 2017 (Name Day Event) 9
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11 Let s Recognize our Vets It s not too late to participate
The base from which we serve as the Voice of Christ in a Changing World is the parish. A strong parish provides opportunities for sharing the Good News of Christ, for welcoming those that are searching for a spiritual home, and a base from which we are sent out into the world. The parish also provides a place for worship, community and education in the faith. To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. This requires the vision and inspiration to see the parish, not as it is, but as it could be. We are called to offer ourselves and our treasure to make our local church all that is can be. SAVE THIS DATE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 October is Stewardship Month at Holy Trinity Now is the time to re-evaluate your commitment to your Church, and prayerfully decide how to become better stewards of your time, talent and treasure to make our Church not only survive, but THRIVE. This month you will receive a Call to Stewardship for 2017 in the mail. Please take the time to read and respond to this important message. We need active involvement from parishioners in order to make our family function. That means deciding to become involved as a teacher or gardner; a baker or student; a writer or volunteer in any one of many different areas. We need YOU and a thriving, functioning family begins by looking in the mirror and each of us answering the call to become a good steward of your Church. A light lunch will be served and all are welcome. Sunday, October 30 there will be a ceremony in the Church during the collection to receive your new stewardship pledge for 2017. Please come and worship, and participate in this symbolic act of pledging as a family to support your Church. Please help the Parish Council plan for the coming year by handling your commitment in a timely way. Many thanks for all you do to support the Church throughout the year 12
STEWARDSHIP Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." - Corinthians 15:58 Stewards of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for 2016 Last updated 9/27/2016 Darryl & Mary Addington Assef & Hiyam Alnasraween Philip & Elizabeth Anagnostopoulos Andrew Apostolopoulos Linda Apostolopoulos Pete & Paula Apostolopoulos Catherine Arakas Sideris & Sue Arakas Eula Balomenos Gus & Ismini Barlas Dean & Toni Barlas John & Vasso Barlas Peter & Georgia Barlas Alexander & Ashleigh Baxevanis Nick & Laura Baxevanis Richard & Mickie Bass Bernard & Milagro Blanco Stelios & Stavroula Boussios Maria Kalis Buchanan Mary Chakales Pete & Patty Chakales Isabelle Cledaras Nick & Maria Collias Steve, Eleni & Bill Constantinou Steven & Bess Crider John & Gerri Critikos John & Julie Delich Kathryn Demos Gus Dermas Yotty Dermas Harry Diavatis Fr. Michael & Pres. Nikol Diavatis Angelo & Irene Dotsikas Andrea Dray Catherine Dreessen Angie & Randy Edwards Irene Evangelatos John & Catherine Faherty Irene Gailey Peter Gilman Tim & Natasa Grammatikos Mackey Griffis Bob & Anastasia Haines John & Katina Hansen Antonios & Stavroula Iliou George Iliou Crisler & Ginny Johnson Mary Johnson Starry & Alan Jones Andrew & June Kallianos Marika Kalogerakis Arnold & Eva Kalogerakis Stelios Kalogerakis George & Eleni Kaltsunis Jimmy & Irene Katsadouros Steve & Dora Katsadouros Andrew & Golfo Katsigianis Jimmy & Maria Katsigianis Scott & Katina Kenyon Maria Keranis Kiki Koufaliotis Margaret Koutris Jimmy & Jenny Koutsioumbis George & Ida Kroi Gust & Vassiliki Kyres George Lamprinakos Mike & Emily Lawrence Jason &Despina Ledford Patrick & Rita Lewis Christos & Vivian Loukas Dennis & Elenie Loux Michelle Malsbury Lamar & Kathleen Marshall James & Karen McGovern Chris & Varvara Moutos Jim & Angeliki Moutos Daniel & Michele Mulloy Dean Nakos Bessie Nickolopoulos Vasil & Etlena Nune Maria Panagiotopoulos Chris & Vicky Papakonstantinou Helen Papanastasiou Arthur & Laurie Pappas Evan Pappas Mary Pappas Sara Pappas Gunther & Trixanna Penner Chris & Mari Peterson Johnny Peterson Nick & Sue Peterson Gus Poulos John & Susan Poulos Milton & Athena Poulos Theodora Poulos Mary Poulos Val & Andrew Prytyskach George Rallis Kostas & Emily Rantzos Paul & Steffie Rantzos Angelo & Eleni Sakkas Kosta & Virginia Sakkas Constantinos & Evelyn Siatis Stamatia Sigman Jim & Virginia Soufleris Gus & Melissa Stamatiades John & Effie Stamatiades Perry & Fay Stamatiades Peter Stathopoulos Demitri & Maria Stephenson Maria Treskas Athanasios & Vassiliki Tsakalos Jimmy & Sophia Tziavelis George & Tammy Tsiros Nick & Anastasia Tsiros Tommy & Michelle Tsiros Benton Urquhart continued to next page 13
STEWARDSHIP continued from previous page Bill & Connie Vlahoulis Pavlos Wallingford Chris & Andrea Wilhelm Anna Xenakis Dr. Hope Xenakis & Ray Dean Georgia Xenakis Bill Zaferis Steve & Frosene Zeis Charles & Dena Zogzas Christos & Katina Zoumbos Christos & Adamantia Zourzoukis Constantine G. Zourzoukis Dimitrios G. Zourzoukis George Zourzoukis Gus & Popie Zourzoukis Julia Zourzoukis Mary Zourzoukis Total pledges: 136 Friends of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for 2016 Kevin & Donna Ayesh Mike & Rita Georgoulias Dr. & Mrs. S.G. Koutroulias Irene McCartin Tom & Virginia Moutos Archie & Roula Rousos Ted & Drucie Papafil Fr. George & Pres. Betsy Vlahos Total Friends: 8 Total amount pledged: $117,319 Amount Received: $ 91,804 Average pledge: $ 863 What could we do as a Church Family with 100% participation? If each person did their part to volunteer time, talent and treasure? Are you willing to find out? Please Remember Your Church in Your Will 14
October Announcements From the FESTIVAL Committee AT HOLY TRINITY THE ENTIRE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME, TALENTS AND TREASURE TO MAKE OUR 30TH ASHEVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL A GREAT SUCCESS. WE HAVE RECEIVED SUCH COMPLIMENTS FROM OUR GUESTS IT TAKES A VILLAGE, AND OUR VILLAGE HOSTED A WONDERFUL EVENT. PUT YOUR FEET UP, RELAX AND RECUPERATE. IT IS WELL DESERVED EPHARISTO Roof Repair UPDATE Most everyone is wondering how the repair of our roof is going. The short answer is that until the repair c o m p a n y f r o m Charlotte can pinpoint the exact source of the leaking they cannot schedule roofing people to tear off roof panels to fix it. This is an annoying frustration to all involved, since there needs to be rain in order to locate the exact places leaking. While our Church roof is under repair, we must recognize that the scaffolding in place for these repairs cannot be removed without incurring additional expense to our Church. We realize that there are occasions where parishioners would like to have this scaffolding removed and of course, the ceiling openings repaired as well in order to accommodate a funeral, wedding, or baptism. We respectfully beg your indulgence while this repair is ongoing in order to not incur these additional expenses of removal and reinstallation. Please confer with Fr. Michael about scheduling and alternate locations to hold these sacraments while the repairs are in progress. Many thanks for your patience and understanding on this delicate matter. -The Parish Council 15
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 227 Cumberland Avenue PO Box 8369 Asheville, NC 28814 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Asheville, NC #135 Sponsor an Edition of the Garden of the Lord Newsletter December is open Call the Church office. 16