Volume 22 Issue 9 www.stjohngoc.net November 2015 The Golden Mouthed Have you ever heard a speaker that you could listen to all day long? That was the type of orator that was St. John Chrysostom (meaning Golden Mouth). He captivated his audience with both the content and delivery of his messages. It was said that the parishioners at Agia Sophia would sway to and fro like the ocean surrounding the pulpit from which the Golden Mouth would preach. St. John was born in the year 349 after Christ. He was well educated and was pressured to be ordained. He resisted and fled and became hermit. When he returned, he was ordained a deacon for 5 years and priest for 12 until and he became Patriarch of Constantinople from 398 to 404. He made an incredible impact to the Church during that time, as well as before and after. He is the author of the Divine Liturgy which we celebrate most Sundays. He is considered one of the Three Holy Hierarchs with St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory the Theologian. St. John was the real deal. He didn t mince words and spoke of things exactly how they should be. He knew his audience well and continuously made those who listened to him speak uncomfortable in the best of ways; stretching them to allow for spiritual growth for which they craved. Advocated for the poor and challenged the masses. He was even banished from Constantinople for his fearlessness in denouncing high offices of wrong doings. He reposed in the Lord in the year 407. We celebrate his feast on November 13th.
Dear Friends is an in-print outreach effort to the Orthodox Christian community of St. John as well as the community at large. This monthly publication aims to inform, edify, and serve as a witness to its readers of the Truth of Jesus Chirst as confirmed in the Holy Gospel. Dear Friends is a ministry of: St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church 11455 Metropolitan Parkway Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Clergy: Fr. Nicholas Kyritses, Proistamenos Pastoral Assistant: Nick Lionas Chanter: Christos Strubakos Office Staff: Carol Pacey Church Maintenance: Manoli Papastamatis Parish Council: Dr. Ted Tangalos, President Philoptochos: Mary Tangalos, President Seniors: Nick Prantzalos, President Philoptochos Mission Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, who was serving as Archbishop of North and South America, established the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. as the duly accredited women s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in November 1931. Philoptochos Mission Statement: To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisioned, the widowed, the disabled, the victims of disasters. To undertake the burial of the impovershed persons and to offer assistatnce to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fundraising efforts. To promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purpose of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America through instructional programs, presentation, lectures, seminars, and other educational resources. To preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages, and customs. To promote the participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. Choir: John Tangalos & Dr. Andy Kotsis Bible Study: Helene & Jim Lionas REAL: Paula Terenzi Sunday School: Dr. Maria Aretakis, Mary Singos & Tara Kosmides Greek School: Elli Patouhas Altar Boys: George Collins & Nick Stavropoulos GOYA: Ellene Balalas, Angela Kotsonis, Dr. Steve Kotsonis & Angie Stathakios Evana Caruso, President HOPE & JOY: Irene Kourtesis, Dimetra Mansoor, Julia Thomas & Donna Kostolakis Little Angels: Sofia Papastamatis & Popi Stavrou Our Aims and Puposes: Philanthropy Propagation of Faith Education and Training Did you know? Philoptochos is the second largest woman s philanthropic organization in the country. Are you a woman interested in philanthropic activities? Join Philoptochos today!
2015 2017 PHILOPTOCHOS OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kyritses Mary Tangalos, President Georgia Assaf, Vice President Athena Aitas, 2nd Vice President Theodora Kelfa-Bremer, Recording Secretary Jan Lazaris, Corresponding Secretary Georgia Mansell, Treasurer Dina Stavropoulos, Advisor Penny Chatzis Diane Gargasoulas Voula Katsis Charoulla Kyprianides Kim LaForest Maria Lembesis Betty Michalos Christina Mitsopoulos Eleni Saites Helen Zervas PHILOPTOCHOS MEETINGS General meetings are typically held on the 2nd Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted.) from September through May beginning with fellowship at 7 and the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Please consult the Sunday Bulletin for any changes/updates to meeting dates or time. MEETING DATES September 14, 2015 October 12, 2015 November 9, 2015 December 7, 2015 Christmas Gathering January 11, 2016 February 8, 2016 March 14, 2016 April 11, 2016 2015 2016 SAVE THE DATES Sun., September 27: Philoptochos Sunday Sun., November 1: Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Feastday Sun., November 22: Feather Party Mon., December 7: Christmas Gathering Sun., December 13: Christmas Bake Sale Weds., January 6: St. John Vespers Thurs., January 7: Feast day of St. John Divine Liturgy Sun., January 10: Vasilopita Cutting Ceremony Sat., January 23: St. John Annual Dinner Dance Sat., February 27 Forgotten Harvest Sun., March 6: Macaronatha Mon., March 14: Great Lent Begins Kathari Deftera Holy Friday, April 29: Decorating of the Epitaphios/Lunch 3
Tear at the perforated edge. Dear Parishioner and Benefactor of St. John Parish, Our community will be preparing a Parish Christmas card for the 27th year. We are certain that all of you will want to take part in this most appropriate Christmas idea. Instead of mailing costly cards to everyone separately, a special community card will be mailed. A donation of $15.00 will be used for Christ s work and you will be spared the task of addressing, not to mention the increasing cost for the cards and postage. Please join the many families of our Parish in expressing Christmas greetings and cheer to all the members and friends of St. John by signing up to this our twenty-sixth annual Christmas Card. Complete the form below and mail or bring it to the Church office by NOVEMBER 29, 2015 List your name (s) EXACTLY as you want it printed on the card. Please make checks payable to: St. John Philoptochos Society marked For Christmas Card - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME CLEARLY Name(s) Phone number Donation Amount $
Tear out at the perforated edge. JOIN US FOR THE 7 TH ANNUAL November 13-15, 2015 Holiday Hoops Dinner/Dance at our Church Hall Saturday, November 14, 2015 Doors Open at 6:30pm ~ Dinner Served at 7:00pm Limited Seats, First Come, First Serve All GOYANS are Invited $25.00 For Reservations Call ~ 586-977-6080 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Holiday Hoops Dinner/Dance November 14, 2015 Names for table of 8 1. 5. 2. 6. 3. 7. 4. 8. 6
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Our Church Family Be sure to follow St. John on instagram. @stjohngoc Follow St. John on Twitter @stjohngoc HOPE, JOY, Little Angels have fun at Westview Orchard in September and enjoy Holy Trinity Monastery in October Philoptochos begins its new year! Choir members and Chanters honored on Choir Sunday. 8
To hang this page on fridge, tear at the perforated edge. Meetings ADULT GREEK SCHOOL Call the church office if interested BIBLE STUDY Every Thursday GOYA Bible Study 6:30pm Adult Bible Study 7:15pm G.O.Y.A. Sunday, November 1 Meeting after Divine Liturgy ALTAR BOYS Every Sunday HOPE, JOY and L ITTLE ANGELS Saturday, November 21 Thanksgiving craft at church GREEK SCHOOL Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:30pm PARISH COUNCIL 2nd Tuesday of every month Meeting, uesday, November 10 at 7:00pm Birth Adoni and Maria Kalatzis Daughter Baptisms Saturday, November 7 Harper, daughter of Philip and Hilary Ayan Grace, daughter of Sean and Jennifer Flynn Engagement Carlos DeLeon And Vasiliki Giannopoulos Weddings Sunday, November 1 Joel Chavez And Erica Szajna Saturday, November 28 Jonathan Potocki and Liana Kopodistrias ORTHODOXY 101 Once a month Saturday, November 7 3-5:00pm PHILOPTOCHOS 2nd Monday of every month Meeting Monday, November 92 at 7:30pm REAL Friday, November 20 Movie Series Planes, Trains and Automobiles 7:07pm Sunday, November 22 Brunch after Church at Leo s on Big Beaver SENIOR CITIZENS Thursday, November 5 Meeting at Royalty House 12:30pm SUNDAY SCHOOL Every Sunday Congratulations John and Maria Dimitriadis Spyros and Katina Patouhas Our Prayers and Condolences Jim and Jan Lazaris and family on the death of Jan s twin sister Joy in Florida May her memory be eternal Here at St. John Vespers every Saturday evening at 6:00pm (unless otherwise announced) and chanting class after. Only 5 more Sundays to get your name on the St. John Christmas Card or to order your Poinsettia or Christmas Wreath 9
To hang on fridge, tear out calendar at the perforated edge. St. John Greek Orthodox Church 11455 Metro Parkway Sterling Heights, Mi 48048 OFFICE 586-977-6080 FAX 586-977-6081 EMERGENCY 586-530-2747 EMAIL stjohngoc@sbcglobal.net THANKFULNESS Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. Psalm 105:1-4 November 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Orthros 9:00a Divine Liturgy 10:00a GOYA Meeting after Church 2 3 Greek School 4:30p 4 5 Senior Citizens Mtg. and Lunch 12:30p at Royalty House Greek School 4:30p GOYA Bible Study 6:30p Adult Bible Study 7:15p 6 7 MSDC Reunion Orthodoxy 101 3-5:00p Dance 8 Orthros 9:00a Divine Liturgy 10:00a General Assembly after Church 9 Philoptochos Meeting 7:30p 10 Greek School 4:30p Council Meeting 7:00p 11 12 Greek School 4:30p GOYA Bible Study 6:30p Adult Bible Study 7:15p 13 14 Holiday Hoops 2015 15 Nativity Fast Begins Orthros 9:00a Divine Liturgy 10:00a Holiday Hoops 2015 16 Basketball Practice at 6:30p Joe Dumars Fieldhouse for Instructional, Biddy A, B and C, Girls, Junior Boys and Intermediate Boys 17 Greek School 4:30p 18 19 Greek School 4:30p GOYA Bible Study 6:30p Adult Bible Study 7:15p 20 REAL Movie Series Planes, Trains and Automobiles 7:07p 21 Entrance of the Theotokos Divine Liturgy 9:30a HOPE, JOY and Little Angels Thanksgiving craft at Church 22 Orthros 9:00a Divine Liturgy 10:00a REAL brunch after Litrugy at Leo s on Big Beaver Feather Party 5:00p 23 Basketball Practice at 6:30p Joe Dumars Fieldhouse for Instructional, Biddy A, B and C, Girls, Junior Boys and Intermediate Boys 24 Greek School 4:30p 25 St. Katherine 26 27 28 Happy Thanksgiving 29 Orthros 9:00a Divine Liturgy 10:00a Last day to put your name on the Christmas Card 30 St. Andrew Basketball Practice at 6:30p Joe Dumars Fieldhouse for Instructional, Biddy A, B and C, Girls, Junior Boys and Intermediate Boys General Assembly November 8 after Divine Liturgy 10
Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple Commemorated on November 21st, the Presentation of the Theotokos to the Temple is considered one of the twelve major feasts of the Orthodox Church. As a young girl, the Virgin Mary was taken, or presented, into the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by her parents, Joachim and Anna. Joachim and Anna were so very grateful to God that they were given a precious child at an old age that they promised to dedicate her to God. The Priest, Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, received Mary into the temple. Mary served in the temple until her betrothal to St. Joseph. From where do we get these stories of Mary? There are books and resources outside the Bible that the Church looks at for information, whether it be historical or theological. In this case, The Infancy of James (the Just, Brother of the Lord) is a key source. St. James speaks about St. Joseph being a widower with children, (this is how St. James can be the brother of the Lord). He also writes a lot about the life of the Theotokos. Sts. Cosmas and Damianos Patron Saints of Philoptochos On November 1st, our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saints Cosmas and Damianos, the Patron Saints of Philoptochos. Sts. Cosmas and Damianos were born of wealthy parents and educated in the best schools, receiving degrees in medicine. They were apostles of Christ and physicians of both the soul and body, who pledged never to accept payments of any kind for their services and were thus named Ανάργυροι (Unmercenaries). They healed thousands through the miracle of prayer and medicine, and attracted many to the Christian faith. Having completed the course of their life, they reposed in peace. Philoptochos members are called to place the needs of other as their primary interest, so that they may be instruments of the grace of God, who alone works wonders, thus following the example of Sts. Cosmas and Damianos. Philoptochos thanks the entire St. John community for all the love and support they continuously receive to make this a ministry a top priority. Philoptochos is an army of nobility and the jewel of our Church. Philoptochos must continue to do what God does by loving people. - His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America 11
ADVENT Preparation for the Celebration! Did you know that if we observed all the days the Church prescribes fasts Wednesdays, Fridays, Great Lent, Nativity Fast (Advent), Dormition Fast, and Apostles Fast we would fast more days than not? Today we talk A LOT about our diet. New York City has restricted the size of certain beverages, and money is constantly poured into campaigns to promote healthy food choices. Some of the suggestions in media are good for the body, others not so much. More recently, it has been discovered that eating less meat than we do as a society would actually be helpful to the environment. Then of course we go back and forth as to the health risks of genetically modified foods. Why has this become such a big issue recently? We are discovering that we are eating a lot of junk, and our health has taken a hit. Food has an awfully big impact on people doesn t it? Health, economics, environment, and believe it or not, moral decisions. Is this at all shocking? It shouldn t be to an Orthodox Christian. This New science that suggests we eat less meat, dairy, oils and other things for certain periods of time is exactly what the Church has been saying for millennia, yes millennia. Somehow we seem to ignore this until science says to do it. On November 15th (40 days before Christmas) the Church begins the Nativity fast as we anticipate the incarnation of God, the Word. Think about this, God became man. The One who created the universe all the stars in the sky, the planets, the trees, the oceans, you, me and all who came before us became one of us to save us. Why then would it not make sense that we prepare ourselves for the coming of God on earth? And that s what the Nativity Fast, aka Advent is, because we know the food we eat does effect our whole being. In reality, this is not a celebration period, but a preparation period, preparation for the celebration! But this fast is sooo hard with Thanksgiving and Christmas Parties! How do we fast in the midst of those? Well, because Thanksgiving is an American cultural holiday, you re given a free pass. The Church in America expects people to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends. I think it s safe to say the Church rather you eat with your family on Thanksgiving than go shopping that day. As for Christmas parties, perhaps it would be wise to plan yours soon after Christmas, remember Christmas is when Christ has come. Why stop celebrating once He s here? If you do attend a Christmas party, be gracious to your hosts and eat what you re given. All in all be careful not to over indulge. This fast might take a little bit of sacrifice, but is that so bad? It may take a counter-cultural attitude sometimes, but that is what living in the world not of the world is about. In the long run, it will be worth it and help bring you closer to Christ, which is our goal all along. We honor fasting, not by only abstaining from food but by retreating from sin. Do you fast? Prove it through your deeds. If you see a poor person, help him. If you see your enemy, reconcile. If you see your friend becoming prosperous, do not envy. What benefit is it to you when you abstain from chicken and fish but you bite and devour your brother? - St. John Chrysostom 12
20 Questions to Ask Your Children on the Way Home From Church by Nick Lionas Frequently, time in the car with our family can be very valuable. What could be a better time for discussion than when we re all strapped into seats and confined to a small box. Too often we take this time for granted or distract ourselves with electronics from the relationship building opportunities. When I was growing up, my parents would ask, How was Sunday School, Nick and I would say, Fine. Unless they pried, I wouldn t really want to talk about it. But my parents DID PRY and we had great discussions about things I didn t even realize I had learned. Here are a few helpful questions you can ask to bring out the best in your child s Sunday: 1. What was the most important thing you think you learned about in Sunday School today? 2. Was there someone that you learned about that did something heroic? 3. How can you apply what they did or copy their attitude throughout this week? 4. Who is someone in your class, other than your teacher, that you learned something from? 5. What s something that you can teach me, that I might not know already? (Because I can learn from you too). 6. Is there someone in your class that you found out something new about? 7. Did anyone do anything nice for you? 8. Did you do anything nice for anyone? 9. Is there anything you did not understand from today s lesson? 10. Is there something you want to do this week that you learned in class? 11. Did you learn any new prayers or hymns we can practice at home? 12. If you could be the teacher for a day, what would you want to teach? 13. Who do you want to make friends with, but haven t yet? 14. Was there anything you did today that was helpful? 15. What is one thing you hope to learn before the year is over? 16. Did you notice anything in Church today that you had questions about? 17. What is your favorite part of Divine Liturgy? 18. Did you see anyone in coffee hour that you get excited to see each week? 19. What do you think the Church family could use more of? 20. What is something our Church family could use less of? Remember you re not just looking for answers, but ways to foster discussion. By this your child will grow spiritually; most probably, you ll grow spiritually as well. 13
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Dear Friends St. John Greek Orthodox Church 11455 Metropolitan Parkway Sterling Heights, MI 48312 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Sterling Heights, MI Permit No. 4 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Saint Katherine the Great of Alexandria Saint Katherine was the daughter of the governor of Alexandria, Egypt, Constas (or Cestus) during the end of the third and beginning of the fourth centuries. She was an extremely beautiful, pure, and great in in wealth, lineage, and education. During a pagan celebration, Christians were being martyred by the Emperor Maximinus. St. Katherine confessed her faith and stood in their defense and dispelled the fifty scholars who wished to prove Christianity wrong. She was promised riches and wealth if she swayed, but she did not. She was crowned with the crown of martyrdom in the year 305. Her holy relics were taken by Angels to the holy mountain of Sinai, where they were discovered many years later; the famous monastery of Saint Katherine was originally dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration of the Lord and the Burning Bush, but later was dedicated to Saint Katherine. St. Katherine is commemorated on November 25th, she is the patron saint of education and students. As such she has been adopted as the patron saint of Orthodox Christian Fellowship, Inter-Orthodox Campus Ministry.