The Northern Beacon Parish Newsletter December 2017/January 2018 VOLUME 100

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia St John the Baptist, Parish of Cairns The Northern Beacon Parish Newsletter December 2017/January 2018 VOLUME 100 Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou Church: (07) 4058 1116 Fax: (07) 4055 2311 Mobile: 0415 936 609 Email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au Parish President: Theo Bacalakis Mobile: 0488 083 266 Philoptohos Society of St John the Baptist Parish Cairns Ph: (07) 4058 1116 St Johns Community Care Chairperson: Theo Bacalakis (450-462 Kamerunga Road, Kamerunga) PO Box 44R Redlynch QLD 4870 Ph: (07) 4039 9700 Fax: (07) 4039 9777 Email: sjccl@sjccl.org.au Chief Financial Officer: Sonya Leonardi Aged Care Services Manager: Effie Bacalakis Disability Services Manager: Werner Baumeister Gordonvale Office: (07) 4056 5292 Innisfail Office: (07) 4061 2819 Mareeba Office: (07) 4092 6912 Torres Strait Office: (07) 4090 3666 Townsville: (07) 4725 3777 Brisbane: (07) 3865 7611 Coen: (07) 4051 4200 Home Assist Secure Ph: 4039 9780 Outside Cairns: 1300 301 882 Redlynch Day Care Centre Director: Tammie Jennings Email: director@redlynchdaycarecentre.com.au www.greekorthodoxparishcairns.org Coming Events & Gatherings Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia FELLOWSHIP Recommences Saturday 24th February 2018 Greek Language School/ Adult Language Classes/Dance School Recommences February 26th 2018 Please enrol your children. Enquires contact Father Menelaos Hatzoglou 0415 936 609 Russian Language School Every Thursday 4:30 pm Parish Hall. Contact Nadia Pinder Email: nadiya70@hotmail.com English Divine Liturgies Monday 4th December 2017 To commemorate the Great Martyr s Barbara & Seraphim 6:30pm Dinner following Divine Liturgy Jimmy s Burgers Vegan Burgers available. Thursday 18th January 2018 To Commemorate St Athanasios 6:30 pm Dinner Following Divine Liturgy Fasta Pasta Sunday 7th January 2018 Throwing of The Cross at Trinity Beach following the Divine Liturgy. BBQ Luncheon. All welcome. Carols By Candle Light Saturday December 2nd from 6pm Light snacks and Drinks available on the Night Sunday 3rd December Greek & Russian Language School Graduation and Performances Following the Divine Liturgy Parish Hall Sunday School Recommences Sunday 4th February 2018 Parish Hall 9-9:50am For further information contact Father Menelaos on 0415936609 Kali Parea Seniors Group Every Wednesday at 10am St John s Parish Hall Call Stella 0438 791 387 Transport Available Christmas Day Matins & Divine Liturgy Commences 5:30 am New Years Day Matins & Divine Liturgy Commence 8:00 am Followed by the cutting of the Vasilopita Who ever requires the Parish Priest, Father Menelaos to attend the cemetery for blessings. Please contact Father Menelaos on 0415 936 609. A Courtesy Bus is available for Sunday Services To book please call Fr Menelaos on 0415 936 609 HOSPITAL & HOME VISITS BY PRIEST As we all know, at some point in our life there comes a time when we find someone we love, or ourselves in hospital for a variety of reasons. Whoever requires the Parish Priest to visit their loved ones in Hospital or at home they contact Father Menelaos on 0415 936 609

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia St John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Parish of Cairns Christmas Raffle Drawn 17th December 17 Myer Voucher prizes to be won 1st prize $150, 2nd $100, 3rd $50 $100 Dinner Voucher El Greko s $2 per ticket Please don t forget to write your name and phone number Enquiries phone 4058 1116 PO BOX 44R, Redlynch 4870 An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA HOUSE BLESSING CONSENT FORM JANUARY 2018 NAME ADDRESS SUBURB Contact Numbers Home Business Mobile Email Signature Date. Please Note: If you are away during this period complete and send the Consent Form and contact Father Menelaos on your return to arrange a suitable time. THANK YOU Cairns: 2018 An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS INVITES YOU: Sunday 3rd December 2017 LUNCHEON Following the Divine Liturgy Children's Christmas Party & Greek & Russian Language School Presentations Santa Claus will Be Coming To Give Gifts To All The Children Cost: $10.00 All Welcome *Children Free An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Dear Parishioners, GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA HOUSE BLESSING - JANUARY 2018 As we know, the Orthodox faith celebrates the Epiphany on 6 January when the Blessing of the Water Service is officiated. On this day the Priest, in prayer, asks the Holy Spirit to Bless our lives with this Holy Water. This special Holy Water also provides an opportunity for all parishioners to invite the Holy Spirit to come into their homes, in order that the new year brings peace, love, health and prosperity, as the priest performs the House Blessing Service in their house. House Blessings will commence from Friday 5 JANUARY, following the Church Service. Parishioners who would like the House Blessing Service to be performed in 2018 please complete the Consent Form provided and return before 1st January to: Fr. M Hatzoglou House Blessing Request PO Box 44R, Redlynch Qld 4870 Or contact Father Menelaos on 4058 1116 or 0415 936 609. Yours in Christ Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Rev. Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou Parish Priest An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS Sunday 7th January 2018 (After the Divine Liturgy) HOLY EPIPHANY THROWING OF THE CROSS Blessing of the Waters Service AT TRINITY BEACH (STINGER NET) BBQ & SALAD $10.00 ALL WELCOME ALSO FOR SALE: *COLD DRINKS *RAFFLE TICKETS ENJOY A TRADITIONAL ORTHODOX FAMILY DAY!!!! *DIVING FOR THE CROSS IS OPEN TO ALL ORTHODOX MARRIED OR SINGLE MALES* An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

Letters From Father Menelaos.. Dear Beloved Parishioners, It is that time of year again where we are all going to celebrate Christmas once again and I wanted to give an insight on the meaning of Christmas and its significance. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who became God-man through human flesh. Christ took on human flesh so He could be amongst His creation to educate and steer His creation to enable humanity to obtain salvation. Christ came to fulfil the Law and not to destroy the Law. Mary, a Virgin, was living in Galilee of Nazareth and was engaged to be married to Joseph. An angel of the Lord Gabrielle visited her and proclaimed to her that she would conceive a Son by the Holy Spirit. Mary would carry and give birth to this child and she will name Him Jesus. At first Mary was troubled by the Angel s words. Being a Virgin, Mary questioned the Angel, "How will this be?" The Angel explained that the child would be God's own Son and therefore, "Nothing is impossible with God." Mary being humble, believed the words of the Angel of the Lord and rejoiced in God. Whilst Mary was still engaged to Joseph, she miraculously became pregnant as promised by the Holy Spirit. When Mary told Joseph, she was pregnant, Joseph had felt disgraced because this child was not of his own. The people of that region wanted to stone Mary to death because they did not believe her that she was to give birth to the Messiah, especially that she was only young in age. Joseph a righteous man, treated Mary with kindness; he did not want to see Mary put to shame, Joseph took responsibility of Mary as the Angel of the Lord instructed Joseph in a dream. When Joseph woke up from his dream, Joseph willingly obeyed God and took Mary home to be his wife, in spite of the public humiliation he would face. Perhaps this noble quality is one of the reasons why God chose him to be the Messiah's earthly father. Joseph too must have wondered in awe as he remembered the words found in Isaiah 7:14, " Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The Virgin with child and will give birth to a Son, and will call him Immanuel." Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas in a manner directly opposed to the way in which it is kept by the world. Whilst Western countries are involved in weeks of partying and eating, Orthodox Christians are deep in fasting for 40 days. Most Orthodox Christians refrain from celebrating or participating in Christmas parties before the Feast because they are trying to ready themselves for the Major Feast that lies ahead and have a feel on what it must have been like for the righteous ones of the Old Testament, who waited for so many generations for the coming of the Messiah. The Christmas Lenten period is of early origin and was universally known at the time of the Great Church Councils. As Orthodox Christians, we should not break the Lenten fasting period until we receive Holy Communion on Christmas Day, although the feast actually begins with Divine Liturgy after the appearance of the first star on Christmas Day. On Christmas Day, we also celebrate the memory of the Three Magi. In the Lord s Richest Blessings +Fr Menelaos.

Recent Events On Saturday 7th October, there was a dinner held for His Grace Bishop Seraphim at the Pullman International. His Grace got to meet the Youth of the Parish of St John the Baptist Cairns. The Youth got the opportunity to meet His Grace for the first time and to be able to ask His Grace questions concerning about the Orthodox faith. His Grace enjoyed the Youth s presence and the Youth really enjoyed the time with His Grace. On behalf of the Parish President, Board Members and Parish council we would like to thank His Grace and to everyone who attended such a special night. On October 8 th, Representing His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, His Grace Bishop Seraphim officiated the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy alongside Father Alexios and Father Menelaos. Following the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, there was a luncheon held for His Grace Bishop Seraphim. His Grace Bishop Seraphim welcomed all the delegates from other states for the Greek 10 th National Welfare Centres Conference. His Grace was presented a special gift on behalf of the Parish President, Board Members and of the Ladies Philoptochos. The Greek and Russian Language School Children performed poems, songs and dances for His Grace. It was humbling and a blessing to have His Grace Bishop Seraphim visit our Parish and the facilities of St John s Community Care and the Redlynch Child Care Centre and the facilities out at YLV. His Grace was very happy to visit us, the last time His Grace visited Cairns was back in 1999 and he was so amazed on the progression of Cairns and the Parish and of all the facilities of St John s. On behalf of the Parish President, Board members, Parish Council, ladies Philoptochos and the Parishioners we would like to take the Opportunity to thank His Grace Bishop Seraphim for visiting us. We would also like to thank the Ladies Philoptochos for putting a sumptuous Luncheon and to all who assisted on this special occasion and during the conference and thank you to everyone who shared this special day. On October 9 th, His Grace Bishop Seraphim conducted a Holy Water service alongside Father Menelaos and other respected Fathers to officially open the 10 th National Greek Welfare Centres Conference. The Conference was a Success. His Grace was entertained with traditional Indigenous Dances from Tjapukai. His Grace enjoyed the entertainment and the conference. On October 25th, I had the great pleasure of attending the Mareeba Art Show, where our clients in Mareeba had done a wonderful job in painting artistic pictures. The effort the clients had made was wonderful. If 1000 words could paint a picture this describes the beauty of the hard effort that was produced by the clients. At the end of the show I had presented Certificates to the first, second & third prize winners. It was such a difficult task in choosing the winners. May God Bless them all. Sunday 29th October, following the Divine Liturgy there was a Doxology Service officiated for the 28th October, OXI day. I officiated a Prayer Service for the Service Men of Greece and also to our fallen heroes back in 1940. The Parishioners and the Greek School children joined in singing the Greek National Anthem and exclaiming ZHTO ELLADA!!!. Following the Divine Liturgy, the Greek School students performed OXI Day poems and Greek Dances. Following the celebrations, the Parishioners enjoyed a Luncheon. On behalf of the Parish President, Parish Board Members and the Parishioners we would like to thank the Ladies Philoptochos and to Maria Lazarus, Stella Parimeros, Irene Tremayne and the Greek School Children for a wonderful performance and a special thank you to everybody for all their love and support.

UPCOMING EVENTS. Saturday December 2nd St. John's Christmas Carols 6 pm Sunday December 3rd Greek & Russian School Presentation day & luncheon following Divine Liturgy. Monday December 25th (Christmas Day) Matins & Divine Liturgy 5:30 am All Welcome. Monday 1st January 2018 Matins & Divine Liturgy & the Cutting of the Vasilopita 8:00 am Friday 5th January Matins & Divine Liturgy 8am Holy Water Service. (House Blessings Commence) following Divine Liturgy. No Oil Allowed. Strict Fast. All Welcome. Saturday 6th January Holy Theophany Matins & Divine Liturgy 8am (Holy Water Service). All Welcome. Sunday 7th January, following the Divine Liturgy the Throwing of the Cross (The Blessings of the Waters). Followed a BBQ & Salad Luncheon. All Welcome. Thursday 18th January, English Divine Liturgy to commemorate St. Athanasius, Dinner following Divine Liturgy. Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to wish the Parish President and his family, the Board Members, St. John's Community Care staff & volunteers, Redlynch day Care Centre staff & volunteers, Ladies Philoptochos and to all of the Parishioners a safe and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all in 2018!!! God Bless +Fr. Menelaos

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS FELLOWSHIP 2018 LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH Recommences Saturday 24th February 2018 Jesus said, Wherever two or three are gathered, there I am also. MONTHLY DINNERS FOLLOWING ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGIES. FUN OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES GROUP DISCUSSIONS BOWLING MOVIES SOCIAL GATHERINGS COME AND MEET NEW PEOPLE!!!!!!!! Drinks and light snacks provided FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT FR. MENELAOS 0415 936 609 An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS Recommences Sunday 4th February 2018 EVERY SUNDAY PARISH HALL 9-9:50am This year the Greek school students will be attending scripture classes once a month, as it is a part of the Greek school curriculum *FUN ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN *CHILDRENS BIBLE LESSONS *COLOURING ACTIVITIES & LESSONS *LEARN THE LORDS PRAYER *ARTS & CRAFTS For further information please contact Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou on 0415 936 609 BRING YOUR CHILDREN ALONG ALL WELCOME. An Activity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS FATHER MENELAOS HATZOGLOU WILL BE OFFICIATING A ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY TO COMMEMORATE GREAT MARTYR S BARBARA & SERAPHIM AT THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST REDLYNCH MONDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2017 At 6:30 pm DINNER TO FOLLOW THE DIVINE LITURGY JIMMY S BURGERS VEGAN BURGERS AVAILABLE ALL WELCOME For further information please contact Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou 0415 936 609 www.greekorthodoxparishcairns.org email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au Telephone: 07 4058 1116

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AUSTRALIA PARISH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CAIRNS FATHER MENELAOS HATZOGLOU WILL BE OFFICIATING A ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY TO COMMEMORATE ST ATHANASIOS AT THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST REDLYNCH THURSDAY 18TH JANUARY 2018 At 6:30pm DINNER TO FOLLOW THE DIVINE LITURGY FASTA PASTA ALL WELCOME. For further information please contact Fr. Menelaos Hatzoglou 0415 936 609 www.greekorthodoxparishcairns.org email: fr.menelaos@gopcairns.org.au Telephone: 07 4058 1116 Fax: 07 4055 3211

GUIDE TO FASTING Fasting is an integral and essential part of Orthodox Christian life. There are 4 major periods of fasting during the year and a number of other days in which Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy products, eggs, fish, wine and oil. Every Wednesday and Friday (with some exceptions) is a fasting day. If a feast day falls on a Wednesday or a Friday the fasting is relaxed as indicated. With the exception of Holy Saturday we never fast from wine and oil on Saturday or Sunday because the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated on these days. Please consult your spiritual father or priest to help you apply these guidelines to your own situation. Fasting begins the 15th November till December 24th for the Christmas Lenten Period. Fish is allowed up to the 11th December Fish is not allowed on Wednesday s and Friday s. Dear Parishioners, Kalimera! Where has 2017 gone? The days disappear into weeks the weeks disappear into months and now we are 42 days away from Christmas and 2017 is almost gone. St John s Community Care has such a bright future to look forward to and I feel privileged to be working alongside a great group of people that make the organisation what it is today. I have confidence that the Boards strategic direction is aligned with the Organisations operational plan to ensure that we can make the best opportunities from any challenges that we may be presented with. The Board is investing in technology to create further efficiencies and investing in people to reward those who are committed to building for the future. We are tightening the hatches for the National Disability Insurance Scheme storm that is going to hit in July 2018. We are remaining, optimistic and positive that our service delivery and informed business decisions will see the organisation being the provider and employer of choice. Some of you may already have seen, that the respite centres have a refreshing new vibrant look. Castlereagh is also having an extension added to the existing building to cater for the growing demands in services. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and that 2018 will bring you all good health and happiness Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Καλή Χρονιά From Sonya Leonardi Chief Financial Officer Hello to our fellow Parishioner friends, We have had some more wonderful centre events in the past month, including our Annual Bike-A-Thon, one of our big fundraisers for the year. This year we combined it as a Superhero Bike-A-Thon. We raised $585 and donated 15% our this to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Australia. Even though we are not -for-profit organisation, we contribute wherever we can to other worthy causes. We have had 2 exciting excursions to the Tanks Art Centre to watch live performances of two favourite children s books Going on a Bear Hunt and Diary of a Wombat. We were accompanied by many family members including Father Menelaos who came along to help out. It was a joy to watch the children s expressions of awe and wonder at the shows. As always, the bus ride there and back is nearly as exciting for our little ones! Each year Ditto the lion cub from Bravehearts comes to the centre to promote awareness and safety for the children through information, activities and songs - he was again a big hit this year. Redlynch Day Care are avid supporters of Child Safety, all of our staff are also Level 3 trained in Child Safety to promote this. As we move into Term 4 of the year, our celebrations kick up a notch. We are saddened by the impending departure of our Preschool children but also excited that we can see how ready for big school they are now. We are lucky to have been such an important influence in the first five years of their lives especially as so many of our Preschoolers have been with us since they were tiny babies. We will be holding a grand Graduation Ceremony for them in November. Kind Regards, Tammie Jennings TUNE IN TO CAIRNS FM 89.1 Greek Programs is on Saturdays between 2-4pm Get all the Greek Music and National News and loads more.

S P O N S O R S Thank you To all our Sponsors in 2017