Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 the word Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Andover, MA March 2017 Dear friends, We are now in the Lenten renewal time in our Orthodox Church. It is a time (40 days before Holy Week and Easter) in which we are reminded of Jesus Christ lest we have forgotten about Him in our busy, hectic lives during the year. BIBLE STUDIES THIS MONTH Pursuing our spiritual life Women s Faith & Fellowship March 7: 9 am Morning Meditations March 8: 10 am Lenten Bible Study March 22: 7:15 pm IMPORTANT DATES March 12- New Familes Welcome March 19 - Godparents Sunday March 31 - Lenten Family Night April 2 - Lenten Luncheon Plan to attend and enjoy a wonderful meal and the fellowship of our church family. March 12 Get news of additional events and announcements via email. Go to the church web site www.andoverorthodox.org and sign up to be on our LISTSERV Great Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and focus on our spiritual awareness of Christ and our commitment to Him. Through the prayers, hymns and atmosphere of the Church, we will be reminded of the depth of love that Jesus has for all of us. And during Holy Week, or as some writers call it, Passion Week, through the church services we will re-live the Passion of Christ, and everything that Jesus endured for us. During these beautiful days, through applying a little extra spiritual discipline in our lives (more prayer, Bible reading, Church attendance, fasting, repentance, charity to others), we will begin to see a beautiful renewal and transformation in our lives! We will begin to have a passion-- a love and intimacy with Jesus that perhaps we never experienced before. And that passion will lead to a greater yearning to know Him, to confess our own sins, and to love and forgive others, becoming the person God created us to be. Prayer to Jesus: Thank You Lord Jesus for all You have done for me and for all people. Please come into my life. Forgive all my sins Lord, wash them all away. Thank You for loving me and saving me. Fill me with joy and happiness and peace. Make me whole. For I believe that You are truly the Savior of the world. Amen. Fr. Christopher Orthodoxy Unplugged! Sermon series during the Sundays of Lent Special parish 100th anniversary edition Engaging messages on the basics of Orthodox Faith and Spirituality meant to inspire, influence and transform Bring family members and friends * reach out to neighbors Invite them to attend Liturgy at 10am, and hear message at 11:20am. STARTING SUNDAY, MARCH 5! 1
Fr. Christopher Makiej, Parish Priest Dn. Sal Fazio Dn. Gary Kent Parish Deacons Buzz Stapczynski, President John Terzakis, Vice President Jim Panagas, Secretary Carol DiPietro, Treasurer Chris Alexandrou Dylan Archambault Voula Danas Sam Diamantis Bess Gorman John Karafilidis Nicholas Miminos David Murphy Peter Souhleris Anthony Warren George Xifaras Church Office Karen Davies Office Assistants Dorothy Mastromonico & Ann Paris Philoptochos Olga Pithis, President Chanter Telly Papanikolaou Choir Pres. Katerina Makiej, Director Organist David Harvey Altar Boy Co-Captains Kyros Vergados & Nicholas Makiej Sunday School Patty Trant, Director Greek School Voula Nikitas Christian Lending Library Patti George, Director GOYA Advisor Connie Vergados GOYA President Kyros Vergados JOY Advisor Patty Trant YouthChoir/Women sfellowship Pres. Katerina Makiej Book Store Manager Elaine Demetroulakos Internet Ministry Christopher Primes AHEPA Steven Pithis Daughters of Penelope Nancy Pantazopoulos College Fellowship Telly Papanikolaou Young Professionals Ministry Nicholas Miminos Facilities George Perakis Archons Arthur C. Anton James Lolos Telly Papanikolaou The Word Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor Dear Parishioners, The month of February was certainly exciting with the build up to the 51st Super Bowl, then the game itself and the parade thru a snowy downtown Boston! In a country and culture longing for heroes, we have a team of heroes in the Patriots, both coaches and players. At the conclusion of the game after James White s touchdown was confirmed, I saw a number of Patriot s bend their knee in what I imagine was their prayer to thank God for granting them the strength and endurance to win. What a beautiful example for all of us. In the midst of a well-deserved victory, they took a moment to acknowledge the Almighty. We had our pre-lenten celebration on Saturday, February 10th at the Apokreatiko Family Glendi where we honored the past Goya Presidents as part of our 100th Anniversary year. It was an evening filled with warm fellowship, great food and wonderful music for dancing. And dance we did, to both Greek and American music! A big thank you to the Dance Committee for organizing such a special night; Voula Danas, Eleni Xifaras, Connie Vergados and all their helpers. We had our annual CPR and Defib training on Sunday, February 11th where five parishioners were certified. In the event of an emergency, the Church has a defibrillator in a cabinet on a wall in the Narthex. Great Lent begins on Monday, February 27th. Every week in Lent we have the opportunity to attend Church and participate in the Pre-Sanctified Liturgies on Wednesday evenings and the Salutations to the Theotokos on Friday evenings. Both of these services provide us with the time to worship in a special and prayerful way during these 40 days leading up to Easter. Our popular Lenten Luncheon will be held after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 2nd. Please plan to attend and bring the whole family to enjoy a delicious fish dinner. Great Lent is a gift of time; time to reflect, pray, read the Bible and come to Church. May God bless you and your family during this holy season, Buzz Stapczynski Parish Council President Philoptochos Dear Church Family, Philoptochos enjoyed a social gathering with a short meeting at President, Olga Pithis, home on February 2nd. Twenty-two ladies-members and not yet members-came and everyone had a wonderful time. The hit food item was Paula Goodwin s Almond Joy cookies which were absolutely delicious! Our next meeting will be on March 16, 2017 at 7:00 pm at the Church conference room. All ladies are welcome. If you do not know anyone yet, this is a great chance to meet new friends. With sisterly love, Georgiana (Gina) LaFortune Secretary Lenten FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT!! Friday, March 31 beginning at 5pm. More details coming soon! 2
The Bookstore Dear Fellow Parishioners, The Word - March 2017 2017 LENTEN & HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Well, it looks like Father Winter didn t forget us all together. New England finally received enough of the white stuff to qualify as winter. I personally love it! I know I m in the minority; however, it s such an opportune time to relax with the family and do whatever you can t seem to get time to do when running around doing errands and daily chores. We can now pick up that book we have been meaning to read, or get to that long-intended mending (if anyone still mends), or play board games with the children and maybe make cookies together without feeling that we have to get in the car to get somewhere. April 8 April 9 April 10 Saturday of Lazarus Orthros Divine Liturgy Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy Bridegroom Service Holy Monday Bridegroom Service 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM (Please be aware that this is being written in the middle of a snow storm. Being in New England, it might be sunny and almost spring-like when receiving this WORD the first of March.) We would like to point out several new books we have in the Bookstore for all ages. As we ready ourselves and family for the Great Lent, come in and see what the Bookstore offers for our edification on this most sacred and important time. >> Beginner s Bible; The Very First Easter tells children about the events of Easter ages 2-5. April 11 April 12 April 13 Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Service Hymn of Kassiane Holy Wednesday Sacrament of Holy Unction Sacrament of Holy Unction Holy Thursday Vesperal Divine Liturgy Holy Passion Service The 12 Gospels 7:00 PM 3:30 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:00 PM The Easter Angels is an angelic adventure that gives your children fresh insight into the Easter story ages 4-7. >> The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel. Mr. Strobel is an award-winning legal journalist who can persuade even the most hard-boiled skeptics to reconsider Jesus death and resurrection. >> Final Words from the Cross by Adam Hamilton exploring Jesus final words as seen and heard through the eyes of those who stood by the cross. >> Looking forward to Spring and a Great Lenten Period see you in the Bookstore. April 14 April 15 April 16 Holy Friday Royal Hours 9:00 AM Apokathelosis (Vespers) 3:00 PM The Lamentations- Epitaphio 7:00 PM Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy of St Basil Service of Resurrection ANASTASIS Easter Sunday Agape Service 9:00 AM 11:00 PM 11:45 PM 1:00 AM Elaine Demetroulakos Dotty Vlamis ANNUNCIATION VESPER SERVICE Friday, March 24 at 6:30pm. Annunciation Church Newburyport, MA Fr. Christopher will be the guest speaker (NOTE: there will be no services in Andover that evening) All interested are invited to attend this special service in Newburyport. Please use the memo line to indicate where to direct your donation! Stewardship 2015,Stewardship 2016, Mortgage Elimination, Sunday School, etc.. The Word Volume 19, Issue 3 Published monthly except August and January by Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 71 Chandler Road Andover, MA 01810 Phone 978-470-0919 vfax 978-470-0239 Periodicals postage paid at Andover, MA. Permit No. 022-997. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Sts. Constantine & Helen Church. Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor. exbigelow@aol.com 3
Greetings from the 100th Anniversary Committee! Oh, what a night! Over 200 people gathered to enjoy the Apokreatiko Glendi, honor our GOYA Presidents, and dance the night away. The Glendi quickly became a sold-out event and we are thrilled that so many people responded so quickly and so enthusiastically. Of course, any event of this kind takes a lot of planning and it would not have been possible without the labor of love offered by Voula Danas, Eleni Xifaras and Connie Vergados. They made the night sparkle and shine. It was wonderful to have so many of our GOYA Presidents in attendance so that we could recognize them for their valuable contributions to our parish over the years. Stepping into a leadership role at a young age is inspirational and they have accomplished a great many things representing Saints Constantine & Helen and supporting youth in need both locally and around the globe. Faith and fun are a combination this group knows well. This month s issue of the WORD includes an interview with a parishioner who has distinguished himself or herself in the interests of Saints Constantine and Helen Church. Humbly, I offer that I have been selected as the subject of the interview. Continued thanks are extended to Bess Liponis who creates and conducts the interviews with our parishioners as a special feature of our Anniversary Year as we re Celebrating a Century of Faith. Happy Anniversary! Nancy Patsios You know that when you see this logo, an Anniversary Event is close at hand. This year, our Lenten Luncheon which will be held on April 2, will be offered in memory of Fr. George Karahalios. So many of you may remember the number of years that Fr. George lovingly prepared this meal for the parish. So it is our pleasure to honor his memory during this very special and traditional annual occasion. Look for parish announcements with more details for this upcoming event. PAST GOYA PRESIDENTS 4
An Interview with Nancy Patsios, Chairwoman of the 100th Anniversary Committee (Third in a series of 100th Anniversary parishioner interviews conducted by Bessie Liponis.) BL: Since we both serve on the 100 th Anniversary Committee, I have come to know you and see that your many accomplishments over the course of your Saints Constantine & Helen career stand out front and center. You and your husband Jim were awarded the Metropolis (Laity) Award in 2012. We all know that the recipient(s) must be of outstanding character and be dedicated to the Church over many years. Are there one or two ministries over that time that you recall you enjoyed participating in more than others? NP: Thank you for your kind words. It is truly an honor to be serving as the Chairwoman of the 100 th Anniversary Committee. Choosing a favorite ministry is like choosing which of your children you love the best an impossible task! Whatever ministry Jim and I are involved in, it s always a team effort. The camaraderie we share with our fellow parishioners is a gift and it is our pleasure to serve. BL: For your personal career, you are a Professional Organizer. How has this skill helped you in the many Church ministries in which you have participated? NP: Well, I do like to keep information about the various events that I ve been involved in as organized as I can so that it s easily accessible the next time it s needed. It does help to have information for the festival, or a luncheon or other recurring event handy during the planning stages. That way I don t need to rely on my memory, or re-create something, and it keeps things going smoothly. BL: I always marvel as to how women juggle their careers with family, outside activities, Church and home. How do you accomplish this? NP: I may not be doing anything differently than any other woman with many responsibilities. I believe we re all doing the best that we can, especially when other people are relying on us. Setting priorities does help, and like many women, family is a top priority so the juggling takes that into account. I have the full support of my husband; we are a team working side by side on any number of things. I m truly grateful for his support and that of my children, William and Vincent. BL: Over the years you have probably found someone as your role model. Do you have one? Will you tell us more? NP: Without a doubt, my role model is my mother. Although she is no longer with us, her influence remains my strongest guide. Her faith, love of family and humility are inspirational. I only wish I could cook like her! BL: Your work as Chairwoman of the 100 th Anniversary Committee has experienced two resounding successes so far in the form of the Celebrating a Century of Faith documentary and the Apokreatiko Glendi a sell-out. Your son, Vincent, was instrumental in the success of the documentary. Can you elaborate a little as to his part in that? (Now is the chance to show your pride.) NP: It s been an absolute thrill to see so many people enjoying the Anniversary events. I m very proud of the work Vincent did as editor of the documentary. While I know you and I each had a vision for the final product, I relied on and trusted Vincent to put his skills and expertise to work (and Joe Spanos, too!), and I believe the story of our Church was captured beautifully. I may have volunteered Vincent for the job, but he was very happy to lend a hand. The documentary was very well received with many congratulatory messages. It was another great team effort. BL: Thank you, Nancy, for all you have done and continue to do. We wish you all the best in future 100 th Anniversary projects! 5
The Great and Holy Lenten Season has begun. Below is a list of items needed for the additional services that are held during this season. Should you wish to offer any of the items below In Honor of or In Memory of a loved one, please contact Karen at the Church office 978-470-0919. SALUTATION SERVICES (five Fridays): Checks made payable to SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. 2 Vases and Icon Frame $75.00; 2 Vases only: $60.00; Icon only: $50.00 Friday, March 3: Friday, March 10: Friday, March 17: Friday, March 24: Friday, March 31: SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY March 5 Narthex Icon: $50.00 THIRD SUNDAY of LENT ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS March 19 Narthex Icon: $50.00: 700 Jonquils or Daffodils $150.00: SATURDAY of LAZARUS April 8 Narthex Icon of Lazarus: $50.00: Daughters of Penelope sponsored Communion Breakfast PALM SUNDAY April 9 Palms: $500.00 Narthex Palm Sunday Icon $50.00: SUNDAY EVENING BRIDEGROOM SERVICE Sunday, April 9: Monday April 10; Tuesday, April 11: Bridegroom Icon: $50.00: HOLY WEDNESDAY (Holy Unction) April 12 Narthex Icon: $50.00: 1 Bottle Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 200 ziplock snack bags: 200 Q-tips: 200 cotton balls: HOLY THURSDAY April 13 Narthex Icon: $50.00: Crown of Thorns: $35.00: Plant at foot of Crucifix: $30.00: GREAT and HOLY FRIDAY April 14 Morning Service Nothing Needed 3:00 pm Service Philoptochos sponsors a special floral appeal for the Kouvouklion decoration! Rose Water: Narthex Icon: $50.00: HOLY SATURDAY MORNING April 15 Narthex Icon: $50.00: MIDNIGHT RESURRECTION SERVICE PASCHA Narthex Resurrection Icon: White Lilies $60.00: White Lily Resurrection Wreath: $75.00: 25 Lily Plants: Stephanos and Meni (Iraclidis) Frangias and Family 600 Red Easter Eggs: Please make an extra dozen for the Church and bring to Thursday or Friday Services. 6
Apokreatiko Family Glendi 7
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March 2017 Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm 2 3 First Salutations to the Theotokos 7:00 pm 4 3rd Saturday of Souls Orthros 9:00 am Liturgy 9:30 am 5 Orthros 9:00 Liturgy 10:00 Sunday of Orthodoxy 6 7 Women s Faith & Fellowship 9:00-10:30 Ballroom Dance 7:00-8:30 pm 8 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Morning Meditations 10 am-11:30 am 9 Daughters Meeting 7:00 pm 10 Second Salutations to the Theotokos 7 pm 11 12 Orthros 9:00 Liturgy 10:00 JOY/Jr. GOYA 12:00-1:15 pm 13 14 Greek School 4:30 pm 15 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm 16 Philoptochos Mtg. 7:00 pm 17 Third Salutations to the Theotokos 7 pm 18 Baptism 11 am (Connors) New Families Sunday Change Clocks 19 Orthros 9:00 Liturgy 10:00 Sunday of the Holy Cross God Parents/God Children GOYA mtg 6-8 pm Baptism 1:00 pm (Sheehan) 20 21 Greek School 4:30 pm Parish Council Mtg. 7:15 pm 22 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Lenten Bible Study 7:15 pm 23 24 Special Annunciation Vespers in Newburyport MA 6:30 pm 25 Annunciation Orthros 9:00 am Liturgy 9:30 am Greek School 5:00 pm 26 Orthros 9:00 Liturgy 10:00 27 28 Greek School 4:30 pm 29 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm 30 31 Lenten Family Night 5:00 pm Oratorical Festival Men s Dinner 7:00 pm 9
Immediately Following Divine Liturgy Sunday, April 2, 2017 Fish Dinner $15/person Pizza Dinner $10/person Reserve Your Tickets Early Last Year Was a Sell-Out! All Reservations This Year Must Be Paid for in Advance. Please contact the church office to make your reservation. Kindly note how many guests in your party and their dinner choices. Make sure to pick up your tickets at any coffee hour. Honoring the memory of our beloved Father George Karahalios, for his dedicated ministry to our pairsh, his love for the tradition of the Lenten Luncheon, and his special lima beans recipe. All proceeds benefit the Mortgage Elimination Fund Periodical 10