November 2017 St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church 313 Dividend Drive, Suite 210 Peachtree City, Georgia 30269 Phone: (770) 347-PRAY (7729) Website: www.saintchristopherhoc.org Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis, Pastor Tammy Soulakos, President, Parish Council A New Blessing at the Diakonia Retreat Center Our children are full of questions Why does the wind blow? Where do clouds come from? What makes a rainbow? As parents, we are challenged to help them understand and learn. Often, we wish we had more religious resources to offer to our families. Toward that aim, His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta inaugurated the Department of Family Life Ministry, headed by Paula Marchman. Its aim is to inspire individuals and families in our communities to live Orthodoxy in the home. It serves our faithful through a daily updated website, dynamic seminars and retreats, as well as creative and engaging materials. On October 12 th, our Metropolis Family Life Ministry, as well as future-planned educational ministries, was given a tremendous resource planned by Metropolitan Alexios: the new Conference Center on the lower level of Panagia Chapel. It will serve as the learning center at the Diakonia Retreat Center (DRC) and offer workshops and conferences developed for our clergy and their parishes to use. Our youth at St. Stephen s Camp will begin using it next summer as well as our marriage enrichment and family workshops for both adult and youth. Its opening is an answer to our prayers to expand the educational programs we are able to offer at the DRC. Page 1
Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George: A New Blessing at the Diakonia Retreat Center The new Conference Center includes a unique chapel dedicated to six honored saints named St. Gregory on either side of the central icon of the Holy Spirit Whose guidance every gathering will seek before, during, and after learning sessions. There is comfortable and ample meeting space decorated to complement the chapel. The Conference Center will house the Metropolis library and teaching resources to support our education, youth, and cultural ministries. Groups can be served light meals prepared in the Center s small kitchen. The space will accommodate large and small gatherings and be accessible to every parish in our Holy Metropolis. To bless this new Conference Center, Metropolitan Alexios asked for the assistance of Bishop Gregory of Nyssa and the more than 80 Metropolis Clergy participating in their annual fall retreat. Inviting the entire Metropolis of Atlanta, the clergy were joined by hundreds of supportive parishioners on Thursday, October 12 th for the first Orthros and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy before the Agiasmos and Opening of the Doors (Thyranoixia) Service for the new Conference Center. On behalf of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios, I invite you to come visit this new Metropolis resource with your parish family and encourage them to support and utilize the gifts we have received and now share with you to build up God s Holy Vineyard. As parents, we are both blessed and obligated to give more to our families we can do so by supporting Family Life Ministry and our new Conference Center at the DRC. We thank our many donors who contributed to build it as they spoke this week at its opening, each donor in his or her unique and inspiring way witnessed the joy of their giving and their prayers that our Metropolis family will use it for the Glory of God! Thanks be to God for this new blessing, and all who have and will support it. Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Pastor, St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church Page 2
NEW THIS MONTH!!!. ALL PARISH MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER BY THE E-MAIL ADDRESS THEY HAVE PROVIDED TO THE CHURCH. HOWEVER, FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE E-MAIL, PAPER COPIES WILL STILL BE PROVIDED. PLEASE CONTACT NEWSLETTER EDITOR SUSAN KLETO, (678) 877-9115 TO REQUEST A PAPER COPY. Schedule for Sunday Greet and Close Teams November Date 11/05 11/12 11/19 11/26 Volunteers Cynthia Cromartie Faye Georgeo Georgia Lungaro No services in PTC; we will be at the Annunciation Cathedral Paulette Malloy George Psihountas Claudia Sliwinski Pat Zenais Bassett Steve Theodorakis Julie & Victor Torres A big Thank You to all our volunteers who help keep our Church clean and tidy! We welcome and thank our newest Team members: Faye Georgeo, Paulette Malloy, Matina Cummings, Pat Zenais Bassett, and Julie and Victor Torres, for volunteering to serve our Parish on this committee. We still need volunteers for the Greet and Close teams. However, 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. We greatly appreciate everyone's help! Please call or e-mail Claudia Sliwinski (678) 633-9916, claudia.sliwinski@yahoo.com or Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663, Tammy@peachcity.com. Page 3
November Prosfora Baking Schedule The following families are scheduled to prepare Prosfora this month: Sunday, Nov. 5 (due Fri., Nov. 3 by 4:00 pm) Helen Psihountas/Julie Skouteris Sunday, Nov. 19 (due Fri., Nov. 17 by 4:00 pm) Pat MacDougall/Stella Christodoulopoulos Tuesday, Nov. 21 (due Mon., Nov.20 by 4:00 pm) Evangelos & Emilia Moraitis/Milena Taylor Sunday, Nov. 26 (due Fri., Nov. 24 by 4:00 pm) Effie Sakkas/Susan Kleto Thursday, Nov. 29 (due Wed., Nov. 28 by 4:00 pm) Georgia Lungaro/Claudia Sliwinski 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. Comforting Hugs for Christmas Complementing the other charitable works we engage in during the Advent Season at St. Christopher, Fr. George will bless our next offering of Prayer Shawls on December 17 th. These shawls will become Christmas presents for the women at the shelters of The Community Welcome House and Promise Place who are struggling to pull their lives together and escape a domestic violence situation. Prayer shawls can be either triangular or rectangular but need to be long enough to wrap securely around the body. Rectangular shawls should be 24-30 wide and 68-72 long with fringe or some other decorative finish at each end. Triangular shawls should be 60-72 across the longest side, 24-30 to the point with fringe along the two short sides or some other decorative finish all around. Yarn color choice is also important as we are trying to uplift the spirits of the recipients of the shawls. Representatives from Promise Place and The Community Welcome House will be with us for the blessing and to receive their shawls. Please make sure your shawls are completed with no loose ends and the sew-in label attacted. Please contact Susan Kleto at (770) 253-8469 or sbkleto@gmail.com to either become a participant in this ministry, to receive yarn, to receive sew-in labels, to receive a Prayer Guide, or if you have any questions or suggestions. Page 4
Hands of Love: November For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you to do this word which says, You shall surely open your hands to your brother, to your poor and needy in your land. (Deut. 15:11) All Sundays in November: Ecumenical Patriarchate Charities Hands of Love, a ministry of our Philoptochos Society will be accepting monetary donations to support the charities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, Turkey is the seat of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, primus inter pares or first among equals with the other leaders of the various Orthodox Churches. His All Holiness is the direct administrative superior of dioceses and archdioceses serving believers in modern day Turkey, South and North America, West Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as Mount Athos. He is widely known and respected for his efforts promoting religious freedom and human rights. His initiatives to advance religious tolerance among the world's faithful, together with his work toward international peace and the protection of the environment, have earned him the respect and admiration of many religious and civil leaders. For more information about the Ecumenical Patriarchate please visit: https:// www.patriarchate.org Yours in Christ, Anna Andreeva Naydenova, Hands of Love Coordinator And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and the two fish He divided among them all. So they all ate and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. Now those who had eaten the loaves were about five thousand men Mark 6:41-44 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 5
Philoptochos News: The Feast of the Holy Unmercenaries Sts. Cosmas and Damian: On November 1 st, our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, brothers and remarkable physicians of 4 th century Asia Minor. As Saints of our Church, their lives also serve as reminders that all of us are called to place the needs of others as our primary interests, so that we might be instruments of the grace of God. Sts. Cosmas and Damian are the Patron Saints of the National Philoptochos Society. Sell Sell Sell Remember to let your family and friends know about our Fall Pastry/Appetizer Sale that we have each fall. The order pick-up dates are Friday, November 17 th from 3:00 pm 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 18 th from 9:00 am 12:00 pm. Remember this is our biggest fundraiser. We need to do well so we can meet our Metropolis and National Commitments, but most of all, so we can locally help those in need. Remember, order forms are available in the newsletter (page 7), on the table in the church narthex, and on our church website, www.saintchristopherhoc.org. Philoptochos Fall Pastry/Appetizer Sale 411 : Baklava, Kourambiedes, Melomakarona, and Koulourakia - Nov. 4 th, 9 am. Tsoureki Bread by Faye Georgeo will be made on Nov. 11 th, 9 am. Last day for orders is Friday, Nov. 10 th. Order Pick-Up: Friday, Nov. 17 th, 3-7 pm and Saturday, Nov. 18 th, 9 am -12 pm. Please come help bake, help prepare the dessert boxes, and/or assist on order pick-up days. PHILOPTOCHOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION NOTICE ELECTION NOTICE TO ALL ELIGIBLE MEMBERS DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2017 TIME: 12:00 PM PLACE: ST. CHRISTOPHER HELLENIC ORTHODOX CHURCH This is to notify you that Elections for the New Chapter Board of Directors will be held at the date, time and place mentioned above. To vote in this election, you must be a member in good standing in accordance with the Bylaws of Philoptochos as follows: Eligibility to Vote: Full members who have fulfilled financial commitment to the chapter for the current year are eligible to vote. New members may vote if enrolled at least three (3) months prior to the election meeting. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting. All eligible voting members should have recently received a sample ballot by mail. Faithfully, Julie Skouteris Corresponding Secretary Page 6
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2017 Stewardship Statistics (As of (As September of 30, 2017) We currently have a deficit of ($4,296.23) in our Operating Account Our Parish Council has reviewed the budget for the remainder of the year and has estimated our expenses through year end to be approximately $133,600. In 2017 we have 41 Pledging families/individuals that made pledges in the amount of $94,085.00. From the Pledged families we have received $74,668.99 through September 30, 2017. Additionally we have 24 families/individuals that have not pledged but have given $8,079.00 in Stewardship through September 30, 2017. Collectively from the two groups we have received the $82,747.99 for YTD total Operating Income. We pray that everyone will be able to complete or exceed their pledge in order to meet our needs. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver! If you have not made an offering for 2017, we gratefully look forward to receiving your gift. To make an online offering, visit our website: www.stchristopherhoc.org and simply click on the green giving button on the home page. Or contact Stewardship chair, Julie Skouteris at gsjs401mg@gmail.com. Your stewardship committee thanks you for your generous support! Page 8
Parish Council News PHASE ONE MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING WITH TEMPORARY SANCTUARY APPROVED TO BE BUILT FIRST!! At our General Assembly on Sunday, October 8 th, a quorum of 41 parishioners overwhelmingly voted to approve the Multipurpose Building with a Temporary Sanctuary as Phase 1 for our new church home. Out of the 41 eligible voters, 40 votes were cast: 39 voting yes and 1 voting no. We thank everyone who took the time to attend, hear what was said, and to vote. This is an incredible time in the history of our parish! Parish General Assembly meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 19, 2017 Following Divine Liturgy, please join us and be updated on the progress of our parish. Below are excerpts from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Uniform Parish Regulations that define a parishioner in good standing. For more information you may visit the website at: http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/documents/ pdf/2007-regulations-amended.pdf. Article 18: Section 1, paragraph 2: A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties as described in this Section 1. At a minimum, a parishioner in good standing must: be eighteen years of age or over; be current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish, abide by all the regulations herein stated and the Parish Bylaws; and cooperate in every way towards the welfare and well-being of the Parish. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.) Section 5: A parishioner in good standing has the right to attend, participate and vote at Parish Assemblies, as well as to vote in Parish Council elections. Each such parishioner may also be nominated for election to the Parish Council or to represent the Parish at a Local Assembly or the Congress. Faithfully, Julie Skouteris Parish Council V. President Page 9
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 George Psihountas, Treasurer (770) 298-4496 Stephen Sarantis, Assistant Treasurer (770) 719-1133 Dina Tagalos Kearns, Secretary (470) 277-2126 Stephen Butler (770) 461-1800 Cynthia Cromartie (770) 487-7384 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 (770) 252-7805 Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF): Helen Psihountas (770) 298-4493 Peachtree City GreekFest 2017: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Julie Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Dina Tagalos Kearns (470) 277-2126 Personnel: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Philoptochos: Gail Ericsson (770) 251-3728 Prosfora/Kolyva/Artoklasia: Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Publicity Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (770) 487-7384 Real Estate Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (770) 487-7384 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 10
Community Calendar November 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am Fr. George will offer Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, 2480 Clairmont Rd, NE, Atlanta 2 6:30 pm Choir Practice 3 4 9:00 am Prep and Baking of Kourambiedes/ Koulourakia/ Melomakarona/Baklava for Fall Pastry/Appetizer Sale Daylight Savings Time Ends, set clocks BACK at bedtime 5 5 rd Sunday of St. Luke 2:00 am Daylight Savings Time Ends, set clocks BACK at bedtime 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:45 am Religious Ed. Classes 11:45 am Parish Council Meeting 6 7 8 9 6:30 pm Choir Practice 10 Orders for Fall Pastry/ Appetizer Sale Due TODAY 11 9:00 am Prep and Baking of Tsoureki Bread for Fall Pastry/Appetizer Sale 7:00 pm Archangel Michael Feast and Honors Banquet at Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta 12 8 th Sunday of St. Luke No Services in PTC Archangel Michael Feast and Honors Weekend at Annunciation Cathedral, Atlanta 8:00 am Orthros 9:30 am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 13 14 9:00 am Fr. George will offer Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, 2480 Clairmont Rd, NE, Atlanta 15 First Day of Nativity Fast 16 6:30 pm Choir Practice 17 3:00-7:00 pm Fall Pastry/ Appetizer Sale Pick-up at Church 18 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Fall Pastry/Appetizer Sale Pick-up at Church 19 9 th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am General Parish Assembly No Religious Ed. Classes 12:00 pm Philoptochos Elections/General Meeting 20 9:00 am Fr. George will offer Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, 2480 Clairmont Rd, NE, Atlanta 21 Feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple 5:00 pm Great Vespers 5:45 pm Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Community Dinner (fasting foods only) 22 23 Thanksgiving Day Let us give thanks to God for all his Blessings!! 24 25 St. Catherine the Great Martyr of Alexandria Fr. George will offer Services at Archangel Michael Chapel, 2480 Clairmont Rd, NE, Atlanta 8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 26 13 th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy/ Sacrament of Baptism 10:30 am Community Brunch No Religious Ed. Classes, Holiday Weekend 27 28 9:00 am Fr. George will offer Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, 2480 Clairmont Rd, NE, Atlanta 29 Eve of Feast of Apostle Andrew, the First-Called 9:00 am Fr. George will offer Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Chapel, In PTC: 5:00 pm Great Vespers 5:45 pm Divine Liturgy 7:00 pm Community Dinner (fasting foods only) 30 Feast of Apostle Andrew, the First-Called (celebrated on the Eve of Feast, 11/29) 6:30 pm Choir Practice Page 11