Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606 Volume 14, Issue #5 June, July, August 2013 T HE CROSS+ROADS INSIDE THIS ISSUE: June, July & August Sundays Through the Bible A Z Registry/ Announcements 2-3 3 4 Clubs & Community 4-5 Youth Corner 6-7 Recently @ Sts. Constantine & Helen PC Minutes Holy Week Thanks 7-8 10 Calendar 11 Hi-Lites Holy Pentecost June 23 Greek Festival May 30 - June 2 AHEPA Golf Classic June 12 Vacation Bible Study June 24-28 Holy Transfiguration August 6 Dormition of the Theotokis August 15 F ROM FATHER GEORGE T HE ROCK OF THE CHURCH The Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th. In the person of Saint Peter we see the first of the Disciples giving an expression of faith in the Lord when he Peter said Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). We know from the pages of Holy Scripture that Peter had a strong love for the Lord as well as a deep faith in the Lord. We can only feel the pain that Peter must have felt when after denying the Lord three times and hearing the rooster crow how much shame must have been flowing throughout his body. What we should all remember is that Peter repented for this sin and would become a great preacher of the Gospel. In the person of Peter we can see how we too must come to the realization of our sins and seek repentance. After being privileged to witness the resurrection of Christ, Peter assisted in forming the new Christian community in Jerusalem as well as establishing the first Church in the ancient City of Antioch, and becoming its first Bishop. Peter was sentenced to death by Nero, to be crucified, a manner of death emulating Jesus death on the Cross. The foundation of the Church was laid down for us in the work of the Apostles, such as Saint Peter. What was begun in 33 a.d. cannot be just admired from afar, but rather be cultivated to the next level. As the Apostles gave of their lives we too must give of our time, treasure, and talents in order that Our Church can successfully fulfill its mission in glorifying God. H OLY PENTECOST JUNE 23 The Feast of Holy Pentecost is celebrated each year on the fiftieth day after the Great and Holy Feast of Pascha (Easter) and ten days after the Feast of the Ascension of Christ. The Feast is always celebrated on a Sunday. The Feast commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, a feast of the Jewish tradition. It also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Feast is also seen as the culmination of the revelation of the Holy Trinity. The story of Pentecost is found in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. In Chapter two we are told that the Apostles of our Lord were gathered together in one place. Suddenly, a sound came from heaven like a rushing wind, filling the entire house where they were sitting. Then, tongues of fire appeared, and one sat upon each one of Apostles. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as directed by the Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). Church Summer Hours begin June 2, Orthros 8:15 AM, 9:30 AM
The Cross+Roads Page 2 J UNE, JULY, AUGUST SUNDAYS Glory Be To God Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606 www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org Phone (757) 596-6151 Fax (757) 596-2967 Email Addresses: priest@ office@ parishcouncil@ youthdirector@ webmaster@ admin@ schgochurch.va.goarch.org yourparishcouncil@hotmail.com Office Hours Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Priest Father George Chioros Work 596-6152 Home 597-7786 Mobile 288-4487 Email frgchioros@aol.com Parish Council John Dermanis, President Bobby Vidakis, Vice Pres. Michael Chalkias, Treasurer Frank Peri, Assoc. Treas. Kent Paumier, Secretary Elias Doulgerakis Bobby Garofalis Roger Headrick Jason Holbrook Butch Kyprianides Zena Mageras Chanter John Siokis, Harry Fotiou Youth Director Christina Thames Office Secretary Tasia Savrides Archdiocese on the web www.goarch.org Apolytikion of the Church He beheld the image of Your Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace. JUNE 2, 2013 Acts of the Apostles 11:19-30 John 4:5-42 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Nicephorus the Confessor, Patriarch of Constantinople Erasmos of Ochrid & his Companion Martyrs Demetrios the New Martyr of Philadelphia Constantine the New Martyr of the Hagarenes JUNE 9, 2013 Acts of the Apostles 16:16-34 John 9:1-38 Sunday of the Blind Man Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria 3 Virgin-martyrs of Chios P ARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS Philoptochos Athena Savvas, President Religious Education Aleksandra Garofalis, Administrative Director Frances Tsimplekis, Artistic Director Greek School Matina Mimikos, Paula Tofalli, Maria Pentakos Youth Ministry Christina Thames, Director Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Sydney Galoozis, President 5 Nuns beheaded in Persia: Thecla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary, & Enmatha Righteous Father Columba of Iona Righteous Father Cyril of Belozersk JUNE 16 Acts of the Apostles 20:16-18, 28-36 John 17:1-13 Fathers of the 1st Council - Tychon the WonderworkeR 40 Martyrs of Rome Mark the Just of Apollonia JUNE 23 Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11 John 7:37-52; 8:12 Holy Pentecost Agrippina the Martyr of Rome Holy Martyrs Aristocleus the Priest, Demetrius the Deacon and Athanasius the Reader Holy New Martrys Archpriest of Crete Gerasimus, Knossos Neophyte, Xepponessos Ioachim, Lampe Hierotheus, Seteia Zacharius, Kisamos Melchisadek, Piopoleos Kallinicus and Those Martyred with Them (1821-1822) Mark, Bishop of Ephesus JUNE 30 St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 4:9-16 Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38; 19:27-30 The Sunday of All Saints Synaxis of the Twelve Holy Apostles: Peter, Andrew, James & John the sons of Zebedee, Phillip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Jude the brother of James, Simon & Matthias Michael the New Martyr of Athens Kent Paumier, Advisor Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Chris Fotiou, President Order of AHEPA Newport News Butch Kypriandes, President Daughters of Penelope Tasia Savrides, President Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Helen Vaughn, President Hellenic Youth Dancers Bobby Garofalis, Director (Continued on page 3)
The Cross+Roads Page 3 JULY 7 St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 Matthew 4:18-23 2nd Sunday of Matthew Kyriake the Great Martyr Thomas the Righteous of Malea Akakios of Sinai JULY 14 EPISTLE MEETING St. Paul's Letter to Titus 3:8-15 Matthew 5:14-19 Sunday of the Holy Fathers Aquila the Apostle among the 70 Our Holy Father Joseph the Confessor, Archbishop of Thessalonica Nicodemus the Righteous of Mount Athos Justus the Martyr JULY 21 St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 6:18-23 Matthew 8:5-13 4th Sunday of Matthew Symeon the Fool for Christ Parthenios, Bishop of Arta Ezekiel the Prophet JULY 28 St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 10:1-10 Matthew 8:28-34; 9:1 5th Sunday of Matthew Prochoros, Nicanor, Timon, & Parmenas the Apostles of the 70 Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou Our Righteous Father Paul of Xeropotamos AUGUST 4 St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:6-14 Matthew 9:1-8 6th Sunday of Matthew Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus AUGUST 11 St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 15:1-7 Matthew 9:27-35 7th Sunday of Matthew Euplus the Holy Martyr & Archdeacon of Cantania Our Holy Father Niphonus, Patriarch of Constantinople Commemoration of St. Spyridon's Miracle in Corfu against the Turkish invasion of 1716 Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - August 11 AUGUST 18 St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 1:10-17 Matthew 14:14-22 8th Sunday of Matthew Floros & Lauros the Monkmartyrs of Illyria John & George, Patriarchs of Constantinople Relics of Arsenios the Righteous of Paros Afterfeast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary AUGUST 25 St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 3:9-17 Matthew 14:22-34 9th Sunday of Matthew Return of the Body of Bartholomew the Glorious Apostle Titus the Apostle of the 70 Bishop Gortyne of Crete, Disciple of the Holy Apostle Paul John the Cappadocian & Epiphanius, Patriarchs of Constantinople Holy Father John of Carpathia ACOLYTES June 2, 23; July 14; August 4, 25 Team A - Dean Chioros, Kostas Polyzos, Jorgie Polyzos, Christian Detweiler, Joseph Dennie, Yianni Tsimplekis, James St. Martin, Cris Campbell, Giorgios Petrakos June 9, 30; July 21; August 11 Team B - Brandon Pingley, Dominic Peri, Dean Peri, Hayden Hendricks, Michael Christou, Eyuel Theodros, Anthony Capobianco, Matthew Swanenburg, Johnny Gray June 16; July 7, 28; August 18 Team C - Dimitrios Konstantinou, Christos Konstantinou, Collin Patrinely, Ian Sadler, Georgios Haramis, Ethan Detweiler, Christopher Myers, Soterios Tofalli T HROUGH THE BIBLE A Z Set the Lord continually before you Psalm 16:8 Set up banners in the name of the Lord Psalm 20:5 Set your mind on the things above Colossians 3:2 Shake off the dust from your feet if they do not want to hear you Mark 6:11 Shake the snake off your hand and into the fire and suffer no harm Acts 28:5 Shall give account of every word you speak Matthew 12:36 Shall return to dust Psalm 104:29 Shall see heaven open and angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man John 1:51 Shall see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory Luke 21:27 Share all good things from the one who teaches you the Word Galatians 6:6 Sheep in the fold - Micah 2:12 Sheep in the midst of wolves Matthew 10:16
The Cross+Roads Page 4 C HURCH REGISTRY / ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS Best wishes and our sincere congratulations to Valerie Bicouvaris-Stamatakos and her husband, John, on the birth of their daughter, April 24 in Baltimore, Maryland. Na sas zisi!!!!! RECENTLY ILL AND NEEDING OUR PRAYERS Our prayers and best wishes for complete recovery are with Sonja Eaton and Mary Koutris who have been ill and/or hospitalized recently. PERASTIKA SAS!! DEATHS Our sincere condolences to Nicholas, Nicole and Athena Beskenis whose grandmother died recently. Our sincere condolences to the family of Mary Pitsilides and Ellie Costulis on the death of their niece, Catherine Nicholas, who died May 3 and whose funeral was held in Norfolk. Our sincere condolences to the family of Paula Kokolis whose mother died in Williamsburg on April 25 and whose funeral was held in Baltimore, Maryland. May their memory be eternal!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS We extend our sincere congratulations to all our young graduates from both High School and College, as well as to those still in College and/or doing graduate work who received scholarships during our Community's Awards Ceremony, Sunday, May 19. C LUB AND COMMUNITY NEWS Philoptochos officers take oath of office on Sunday, May 19 PHILOPTOCHOS: We warmly congratulate our fellow Philoptochos member, Tessie Baker, who once again was elected to the Metropolis Philoptochos Board of Directors. Tessie, we are proud of you Mr. and Mrs. Butch Kypriandes proudly announces the graduation of their daughter, Karri Elizabeth, from the College of William and Mary with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Sociology with a Minor in Classical Studies. Also, Karri was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army in the Medical Services Branch. She is scheduled to attend Officer Basic in October 2013. Karri would like to thank the Church Community, AHEPA and Philoptochos for their scholarships. Best wishes everyone ke se anotera!!!!!!!! THANK YOU The Choir would like to thank everyone who helped organize and participate in the Yard Sale to benefit the Choir's Special Needs Fund. They would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the Fund. Your generosity and kindness are so appreciated. ACT of KINDNESS (AOK) TEAM Members of our Philoptochos Chapter and several of their friends have formed the AOK Team of Sts. Constantine and Helen. Our team will begin to serve chemotherapy patients at Virginia Oncology, Port Warwick in June. We welcome additional members to our team. Please call Ellie Costulis for information. She can be reached at 833-8181. SAVE THE DATE Please Save the Date for a Farewell Luncheon in honor of our Youth Director Christina Thames Sunday, June 30, 2013, following the. Join our Church Family as we wish her well in her future endeavors! and are honored to have a member of our Chapter on the Metropolis Philoptochos Board. The Naational Philoptochos Board of Directors is next, Tessie. Again, our congratulations and the best of luck to you and the Metropolis Philoptochos Board of Directors. We also sincerely congratulate all the young scholars who received the Philoptochos scholarships during our Community's Awards Ceremony, May 19. We are proud of you and wish you better and bigger things in the years to come. We further congratulate the newly-elected board of our Chapter. The Executive Board members are: President: Athena Savvas, 1st Vice President: Joanna Vallas, 2nd Vice President: Helen George, Rec. Secretary: Hope Zambas, Corr. Secretary: Anastasia Savrides, Treasurer: Sharon Otero, Asst. Treasurer: Zena Magerars, Advisor: Past President: Dottie An- (Continued on page 5) ATTENDANCE April 28 394 May 5 390 May 12 170 May 19 197 May 26 125 May Ave 2013 221 May Ave 2012 179 YTD 13 Ave 210 YTD 12 Ave 200 Koliva If you would like to purchase Koliva for memorials, you may contact: Helen George 722-0610 Anastasia Savrides 595-1581 Athena Savvas 599-8455 Cross+Roads The approximate cost each month for the Cross+Roads is $375 for printing and $45 for mailing. Should you wish to help sponsor the publishing of the Cross+Roads, please contact the Church office. Thank you for the following donations: Philoptochos $300 CHURCH EMAIL LIST Subscribe to the church email list for monthly links to the Cross+Roads and important church announcements at: www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org DEADLINE Please email information no later than the 20th day of the month to Nick Vlattas nvlattas@hewv.com
The Cross+Roads Page 5 C LUB AND COMMUNITY NEWS (Continued from page 4) dre Members of the Board of Directors are: Marika Anthony, Tessie Dakis, Patricia Demson, Angela Gionnis, Elaine Jansen, Zoe Ann Lumpkin, Kathleen Matthews, Pauline Schlim, Voula Vretakis' Our warm congratulations also go to Mrs. Anna Mageras, whose fellow Philoptochos members selected her as Philoptochos Lady of 2013. An honor well deserved, Annoula Our Chapter will close the current term with a brunch/ lunch at Angelo's Steak and Pancake House, 755 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News on Sunday, June 9 following Church services. If you plan to attend, please call Dottie Andre, 868-7898 or Voula Vretakis, 596-3223 by Friday, June 7. Thank you for your consideration and prompt ressponse. To our hard-working and very active members, a big, big thank you for their donations of food items at the reception following the Vesper Services, Monday, May 20. It was a wonderful reception and it was because you made it so with your presence and your contributions. Again, many, many thanks. Of the many monetary contributions that Philoptochos has made to various charities and other organizations, we wish also to mention that $300.00 was given for the printing and publishing of the Cross+Roads. Philoptochos is wishing a happy and healthy summer to everyone. Please, come back in the Fall ready to continue helping Philoptochos with its charitable works. KALO KALOKERI!!!!!! DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The Daughters extend their congratulations and their warmest wishes for continued success to the young scholars who received the DOP scholarships during our Community's Awards Ceremony, May 19. The 82nd annual Capital District 3 Convention will take place in Annapolis, MD June 27-30. Our own Kathy Matthews is currently servicing as the District #3 governor for the Daughters and would like to see as many members as possible from the Charis Eleni Chapter attend this convention. The final meeting of our Chapter for the current term will be held Thursday, June 28 in the AHEPA Family Home starting with dinner at 6:45pm. The Daughters wish everyone a Happy and Fun Summer. See you all in Annapolis at the District Convention. HELLENIC WOMAN S PENELOPE SOCIETY The Installation Banquet of the Hellenic Woman s Penelope Society will be held on Thursday, June 8th at 6:30 pm at Steve and John s Restaurant on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News (Helen Siokis restaurant). The telephone committee will soon be contacting all members with information concerning the dinner menu. The newly-elected officers for 2013-2014 are: Helen Vaughn, president; Alaina Walker, vicepresident; Joanie Michalos, recording secretary; Sharon Otero, corresponding secretary; Maggie Thompson, treasurer; Tessie Dakis, assistant treasurer; Marika Anthony, parliamentarian; Zena Mageras, immediate past president. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful year. A very meaningful and important program is being planned for this meeting. Please make every effort to attend. We welcome our newest member, Stavroula Valentin, into our family. Stavroula will be our guest at the banquet and will be formally inducted into our society. We are so very happy to have her among us. The pavers are currently being engraved by the stone company, and will soon be placed in the fountain pavilion of the Biblical Garden. Recently, we received from the chair manufacturer in Michigan a sample chair of the one the committee selected. All those who have seen it were very impressed. A second sample chair with a modified frame will be arriving in a week for the committee to compare the two frames and make the final determination. One hundred banquet chairs will first be ordered, with another 100 following our fall and early March fundraisers. Our goal is to purchase a total of 400 chairs to be used for weddings and formal banquets at the community center. The 2013 Revised Edition of our cookbook, Culinary Gifts from the Greeks, is currently in production and will be arriving in time for the Spring Festival. It contains numerous new recipes as well as some low fat low cholesterol favorite traditional Greek recipes. Please stop by the cookbook booth during the Festival to check us out. We offer our condolences to Sharon Otero and her family on the death of her mother-in-law and the grandmother of her children, Mrs. Helen Beskenis. We also offer our sympathy to Ellie Costulis on the death of her niece, Catherine Nicholas. May their memories be eternal. To those HWPS members and other parishioners who will be traveling abroad this summer, we wish you Bon Voyage and Kali Epanotho. Happy Summer to all!!! REFRESHMENTS We thank all those parishioners who served as hosts for the coffee following the Divine Liturgy each Sunday, The hosts for the next three months are: June 2: Greek Festival - no hosts June 9: M/M Paul Summa, M/M Peter Sun, M/M Angelo Theodorogiannis June l6: M/M Mark Thompson, M/M Chris Tofalli, M/M Sotos Tofalli June 23: Ms. Stavroula Valentin, Ms. Joanna Vallas, M./M Greg Vassilakos June 30: M/M T. Vaughn, M/M A. Velissarios, M/M Constantine Velissarios July 7: M/M Bobby Vidakis, M/M Nicholas Vlattas, M/M Nicholas Vretakis July 14: Ms. Evelyn Vretos, Ms. Kathy Vretos, Mr. Nicholas Vrettos, Mrs. Katherine Yeapanis July 21: M/M John Warhol III, M/M John Warhol, Jr. M/M James Woodbury July 28: Mr. Dennis Zaharopoulos, M/M Gus Zaharopoulos, Dr./M Chris Zambas August 4: Mrs. Helen Aaron, M/M George Anas, Ms. Mary Anas, M/M Mike Anastasiou August 11: M/M Nick Andre, M/M Tony Anthony, M/M Tony Bills, Mrs. Aliki Asime August 18: M/M Andy Baker, M/M Barney Barnes, Ms. Marina Becouvarakis August 25: M/M Dean Beler, Mr. Greg Bicouvaris, M/ M Leroy Bossetti, M/M James Botelis
The Cross+Roads Page 6 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL BEHOLD THE LIGHT! Celebrating the Feasts of Christ Monday, June 24 - Friday, June 28, 2013 9:00am-12:30pm REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: Forms are in the Narthex or on the Church facebook page. REGISTER BY June 16th for a discount; ALL REGISTRATIONS are due by June 21st!!! For ages 3yrs old and pottytrained through rising 6th graders; other youth (and adults) are encouraged to volunteer! Snack & Lunch included each day. Questions? Want to volunteer or donate food items? Contact Hazel (877-0848 or hazolen@gmail.com) *THANK YOU!* To those who supported the Hellenic Youth Dancers Nisiotiko Glendi and Holy Friday Luminaries. * To those who helped put on the 2013 Virginia District St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. * To everyone who contributed to and helped prepare the Godparents Sunday collage * To ALL the adults who have assisted and volunteered with our 2012-2013 youth programs this year, whether it be with OCF, Youth Choir, Acolytes, Hellenic Youth Dancers, GOYA, the Religious Education program, the Oratorical Festival program, JOY/HOPE, young adult activities, Vacation Bible School, or other special events. WE COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU AND YOUR DEDICATED GIFTS OF TIME, TALENT, and often too, TREASURE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2013 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES! Alyson Antinopoulos College of Charleston (SC), Dean Chioros Old Dominion University, Helen Costulis Old Dominion University, Angela Dennie University of Virginia, Sydney Galoozis East Stroudsburg University [volleyball], Dimitrios Konstantinou Hellenic College, Alex Maurakis Virginia Commonwealth University, Giorgios Petrakos Thomas Nelson, Steven Polyson Old Dominion University, JeanneD Arc Sanbar Hofstra University, Athena Summa University of Pittsburgh [swimming], Aliki Vidakis George Mason University, MaryElizabeth Warhol Auburn University [swimming] We are so proud of you and wish you all the best. May God watch over you as you begin this new chapter of your life! CAMP GOOD SHEPHERD is our Metropolis of New Jersey summer camp program that takes place in July in NJ. Session 1 is for ages 8-12 yrs (JOY) and Sessions 2&3 are for ages 13-18 yrs. (GOYA). http://nj.goarch.org/youthyal/goodshepherd.htm There will be a combined Hampton Roads group going for Session 2 (GOYA ) from July 21-27; transportation for this week will be provided at a shared cost. I+I YOUTH CORNER I+I ~WITH ANTICIPATION AND APPRECIATION~ Christ is Risen! It seems to me that, through the efforts of many people who lovingly gave of themselves, we had an especially beautiful Holy Week this year. Having had the enormous blessing the past few years to attend almost all the services, it might sound strange for me to admit that my favorite moment during Holy Week is not during a service at all. Rather, my favorite moment is in the late afternoon of Great and Holy Friday, when the Church is quiet and the lights are off for the first time all day. The scene already has been set for the Friday evening service. The ladies have spent hours in a flurry of activity decorating the Kouvouklion and packaging the red eggs, Christ s Body has been removed from the Cross during the Vespers of Unnailing, and the Church has been adorned for His funeral procession. It is during this quiet time of anticipation before families begin arriving for the Lamentations service that I love to tiptoe into the Church and see the beautiful spring afternoon light streaming through the stained glass. The light reflects off the now-empty Cross and its surrounding wreaths and it envelops the Kouvouklion, with the vibrant Epitafio and Gospel Book placed carefully inside of it. It makes for quite the somber scene as I contemplate the fact that we are about to have Christ s funeral that evening... and yet, my heart cannot help but leap for joy at the sight of the beauty before me, as I ponder the depth of the mystery of how all this came to be. The Savior of the World lies in His tomb and we are coming to lament Him, but my heart will not allow me to forget that I know the end of the story He will rise victorious and shatter the bonds of sin and the chains of death, and because of this, I myself have the opportunity to one day live eternally with Him. Truly, what great hope and anticipation hang in the afternoon air of that empty Church! It reminds me that we spend much of our lives in anticipation always waiting for the next thing that will propel our lives in a different direction. Now that I have discerned the next step in my life s journey pursuing a graduate degree I look back over the past five years and understand how blessed I have been to serve our community through ministering to our young people. I am grateful for the love and support that you have provided me and I find myself unable to adequately express my appreciation for those people who have made my job easier those who faithfully volunteer time to our youth ministry programs year after year. Without you, none of my work would have been possible. I can also tell you that as much as I may pray that I have served our community s young people, they have served me and ministered to me tenfold. We are all called to be ministers of Christ s love to one another, regardless of our title or position, and this is something they have taught me well. Perhaps the most important thing I have learned, however, is that God always provides. He works through our weakness and our doubt and our insecurity and He allows us to be strengthened by our relationships with each other. Truly, relationships are the foundation of ministry, and this is why ministry is a work that is never completed. There will always be more people to whom we must reach out, more souls to introduce to Christ, more growth that we can all do as children of God. We are all working out our own path to salvation, and I have been blessed to have had the chance to walk with you and your families on this journey more intimately these past few years. As I anticipate the start of something new in my own life, I ask for your prayers, and you remain in mine. Yes, change can be difficult, but I take comfort in knowing that as brothers and sisters in Christ, together we anticipate the ultimate opportunity for change that day when, because of His Resurrection and love for mankind, we may trade this fallen world for eternal life with Him. - Christina Thames
The Cross+Roads Page 7 2013 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival APPLYING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT By Dimitrios Konstantinou (12th Grade) Senior Topic: Discuss the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian in light of today s culture. In today s modern society, people are always trying to find happiness in their lives. They seek miracles that will change their fortunes around and make them feel happiness in ways they have never felt before. Many of us reach the point where we claim that we will do anything and everything in order to feel good again. However, is this true? Many of us will do the most irrational things in order to feel happy and less stressed. Alas, because we are only human, we are many times blind to the one thing that can bring us real happiness in life, that one thing being our relationship with the Holy Trinity. In order for us to truly understand what that means, we must look to the lives of the saints to understand what a true relationship with God is, and to understand that through prayer our relationship with Him will only become stronger. One of many great examples to learn from is St. Ephraim the Syrian. St. Ephraim was born in Mesopotamia, and was a disciple of St. James, Bishop of Nisibis. St. Ephraim was known as the Harp of the Holy Spirit for his plethora of works that praised the Lord and set forth the true teachings of Christ. He had been going against many others, including poets who were writing stories and hymns that taught the complete opposite of the Lord s teachings. He kept spreading the word of God throughout his entire life and continuously until he peacefully died in the year 373. St. Ephraim s most famous work was honestly one of his simplest. Known as the Lenten Prayer, this prayer covers all boundaries of our problems in life in a few sentences. How can we apply the saint s historic prayer to help our generation in today s culture? We must not only say the prayer but try to truly understand the meaning of the prayer. The prayer is stating that we must look ourselves in the eyes, because the problem is with us. We bring this upon ourselves by looking to blame anything and anyone for our problems, rather than think that the problem is with us. When we recite this prayer, we can become closer to God, and through this we can understand that our problems can be resolved by us remembering that anything is possible through Christ. Until my junior year of high school, I had always dealt with a weight problem my whole life. I had always worked hard to try and lose weight, only to lose faith in my slow progress and give up each and every time I tried. Eventually I reached a point where I would literally go and eat as much unhealthy food as possible because I was so depressed from being overweight. I remember one day sitting in church and Father was teaching us how our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit and we must treat them in that fashion. So, starting on at that point, I realized that the only way I would accomplish my goal to become fit would be to pray to God to not allow myself to quit even when I wanted to the most. Throughout my grueling workouts, I would say St. Ephraim s prayer to stay focused on my task at hand and not lose sight of what I was trying to achieve. The line But grant me your servant the spirit of moderation, humility, patience, and love had the most meaning to me because it would remind me to stay focused and keep fighting on. Low and behold, since the day I began exercising and reciting this prayer before my workout, I have lost 37.5 pounds since last November. I owe it all to God for giving me the strength to fight on when my body wanted to me to quit. By reciting the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, we are reminded of the flaws that we have, and understand what we can do to solve our problems. We should strive to have faith in God s ability to help us through prayer, just as the martyred saints of our church had faith in Christ because they truly understood that the Lord had always been with them. We must learn from the great saints like St. Ephraim so that we may learn how to better our lives both emotionally and spiritually. YOUTH AWARDS SUNDAY May 19, 2013
The Cross+Roads Page 8 S UNDAY, MAY 19 @ SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN Greek School students were recognized for their accomplishments by Father George and Greek School Teachers Paula Tofalli and Matina Mimikos as the 2012-2013 school year came to a close. Jeanne D arc Sanbar, pictured with Father George and Greek School Teacher Paula Tofalli, passed the examinations for Modern Greek Language which is given in New York. Students who pass the Comprehensive Examinations in Modern Greek Language are awarded three credit hours in foreign language studies and qualify for a Regents diploma and advanced designation. Father George, Parish Council President John Dermanis and the parish said farewell to choir director Renee Root as she departs Newport News to return to Nebraska with husband Scott. H OLY WEEK AND PASCHA IN PICTURES The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese encouraged parishes to submit up to five pictures and a description detailing how their 2013 Holy Week journey was unique for inclusion on the goarch.org website. Our parish of Sts. Constantine & Helen was the featured parish of the day on May 23rd with the following submission: Our parish of Sts. Constantine & Helen in Newport News, VA seeks ways to engage our youth in the events of Holy Week. Our Acolytes are all asked to serve at least twice during the special services of Holy Week, and they enjoy choosing where they will serve. On Lazarus Saturday, we have an annual tradition of celebrating a Teaching Liturgy. Father George Chioros moves the items needed for the Liturgy out onto the solea so everyone can see better, and he stops at certain points during the service to explain what is happening. Following, our parishioners of all ages are encouraged to participate in the preparation of the palm crosses. On Holy Wednesday evening for the Sacrament of Holy Unction, our GOYA members read the seven Epistles. On Holy Friday, our young ladies in first through sixth grades serve as the Myrophores, the Myrrhbearing Women. Also on this evening, our youth dance group coordinates the setting up of luminaries, so during the Procession with the Epitafio, parishioners may commemorate loved ones who have already fallen asleep in the Lord. At the Agape Vespers service on Sunday afternoon, we regularly have young people reading some of the various languages of the Gospel. It is truly a blessing to see our young people at Sts. Constantine & Helen grow through the years as they embrace the different roles offered to them during Holy Week. Christina Thames Director of Youth Ministries Pictures courtesy of Paula Detweiler http://lent.goarch.org/resources/ pictures.asp
The Cross+Roads Page 9 AHEPA FAMILY DAY AWARDS LUNCHEON MAY 19 Butch Kypriandes, Greg Bicouvaris and John Christou are pictured with Mary Bicouvaris Memorial Award recipient Chris Zambas Butch Kypriandes and John Chritou are pictured with AHEPAN of the Year award recipient Nick Matthews Dottie Andre is pictured with Philoptochos Lady of the Year award recipient Anna Mageras AHEPA Scholarship recipients pictured with John Christou and Butch Kypriandes: Hannah Hendricks, Dean Chioros, Angela Dennie, Alyson Antinopoulos, Steven Polyson, Steve and George Michos (not pictured). DOP Scholarship recipients pictured with Zoe Marcopoulos and Tasia Savrides: Vicky Mignogna-Smith, Aliki Vidakis, Athena Beskinis, Manoli Vidakis. Philoptochos and Platon Gailey Memorial Scholarship recipients pictured with Stavroula Gailey and Dottie Andre: Vicky Mignogna-Smith, Athena Maurakis, Angela Dennie, Alyson Antinopooulos, Elena Dennie (not pictured). HWPS Scholarship recipient pictured with Helen Vaughn: Angela Dennie. Tessie Dakis is pictured with Aliki Vidakis. 3rd ANNUAL AHEPA GOLF TOURNAMENT ALL PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT Woodrow Wilson Chapter No. 241 Scholarships FRIDAY, June 14, 2013 KILN CREEK GOLF CLUB AND RESORT 1:00 PM SHOTGUN START $100 PER GOLFER Includes Awards Dinner Following the Tournament TOURNAMENT DETAILS 4 Man Captain s Choice, Each Team Handicapped Individual Players and Teams of less than 3 will be paired Cash Awards Given at Awards Banquet 1st Place - $300, 2nd Place - $200, 3rd Place -$100 Awards for Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Hole-in-One!!! HOLE SPONSORSHIPS $150.00 - Individual / $300.00 - Entire Tee or Green ENTRY DEADLINE: June 7, 2013 Entry Forms available in Narthex or Contact: BUTCH KYPRIANDES (757) 874-0411 OR EMAIL at polyga604@gmail.com
The Cross+Roads Page 10 P ARISH COUNCIL MINUTES = MAY 15, 2013 The meeting convened at 7:05 PM by John Dermanis with the opening prayer by Father George. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script. Present: Father George Chioros, John Dermanis, Kent Paumier, Bobby Vidakis, Bobby Garofalis, Elias Doulgerakis, Frank Peri, Zena Mageras & Rodger Headrick Absent: Jason Holbrook, Butch Kypriandes Minutes: Vidakis motion to approve 18 Mar 13 meeting minutes; Seconded by Mageras, Passed unanimously Correspondence: Donation Request from FOCUS North America, N.J. Chakos Executive Director, Dated April 2013 for their programs. Letter of Thanks from Orcutt Baptist Church, Chris Fowler, Senior Pastor, Dated 25 Mar 13, for volunteers with the Port Project. (We will need a new coordinator for the Port Project Elizabeth Puckett is resigning from the position.) Treasurer s Report: By Mike Chalkias Revenue is down approximately 21K less than last year at this time. This partially attributed to the New Years Dance being held at Norfolk this year & 5K less from parishioners. Expenses to date are less than last year & may not need to transfer money into the operating account. Next year to help with the cash flow problem; we need to push back the Fairshare payments until after the festival. Committee Reports Youth: By Christina Thames attached with minutes House: Dermanis met with Tessie Dakis on utilities reimbursement and hall rentals. Also we are looking to update the house rules. Maintenance / Building / Security / Audio: Steve has finished the class rooms and replaced the smoke detector batteries. Festival: Our Festival is Thursday May 30 thru Sunday June 2, 2013. We need the entire community to help with this event. H OLY WEEK THANK YOU Steering Committee Meeting 17 Apr 13 at 6:30 PM Priest s Report: By Father George 21 Apr 13 Godparents Sunday 19 May 13 Awards Sunday in the Church followed by the AHEPA Scholarship Luncheon and scholarship awards. 20 May 13 Vespers for Sts. Constantine & Helen followed by a reception hosted by the Ph 21 May 13 Sts. Constantine & Helen Feast Day. Orthros 9:00 AM, Liturgy 10:00 AM Lenten Schedule Father went over the week s services and requirements. Father Ted will be helping on Palm Sunday, Holy Wednesday and Easter. 12-14 May 13 - Metropolis Clergy Laity. The cost is $275.00 per delegate. Father is looking for volunteers to attend this event with him. Unfinished Business: Outdoor refrigerator and freezer - Equipment installation is complete. Vidakis is waiting on electrical estimates. Library Restoration Tucker from Advanced Restoration can handle most of the books in house with a hepa vacuum. We would still need to send some of the books for restoration. HWPS Chair Donation Reviewed the chair samples. HWPS is looking to donate 100 chairs now and another 100 in November. Personnel Choir Director Replacement, the committee is starting to look for Renee s replacement 8 May 13 Renee Root s Going-away dinner at 6:30 PM New Business: Anastasi Meal Nick Matthews will be preparing Mageiritsa & Avgolemono soup for Easter morning. Hall Renovation Roger Headrick we need to set up a committee and get started on a renovation plan. Adjournment: Father closed with a prayer. Next meeting Tuesday 21 May 13 at 7:00 PM Respectively Submitted, Kent Paumier The entire parish of Saints Constantine and Helen wishes to extend its gratitude and appreciation to the many people whose help and assistance made the services of Great and Holy Lent and Holy Week beautiful: Father Theodore Panchak for assisting during the services of Holy Week. John Dermanis and the members of the Parish Council for ushering during the services. Ted Fotiou for his being here throughout Holy Week and assisting during the services as well as changing all the light bulbs that were needed. The Chanters and Choir who sang the services. The Altar Boys under the direction of Barry Hendricks and Greg Saur. Anastasia Savrides for donating the Palms and all those who helped to prepare them on Lazarus Saturday. Steve Stephan and Ted Fotiou for preparing the breakfast on Lazarus Saturday. John Dermanis for donating the items for the Holy Unction service. The High School Seniors of GOYA for reading the Epistles during the Holy Unction service. Dr. Michael Kokorelis and Family, Dr. Chris and Hope Zambas, Jack and Mary Georgalas, Angelo and Nia Theodorogiannis for donating the wreaths for Holy Thursday. Father George and Flora Chioros for donating the sheets that were used to wrap the Body of the Lord. Antonia Lolos for donating the flowers that adorned the Kouvouklion and Church and to Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell for the flower arrangements for the Icons of Christ and the Theotokos. All the Ladies who decorated the Kouvouklion under the direction of Agnes Samos and Helen Nicholls and the young men of our Community who carried the Kouvouklion during the procession. The Myrofores under the direction of Lea Holbrook, Amy Swanenburg, and Christina Thames. The ladies, under the direction of Anastasia Savrides, who dyed, prepared, and packaged the Easter eggs. Nick Matthews, the Parish Council Members, and the Philoptochos who prepared the Anastasi meal. The readers of the Gospel for Agape Vespers: Viola Nicholls- English, John Siokis-Latin, Helen George-French, Elaine Jansen- Spanish, Natalya Accardi- Russian, Aleksandra Garofalis- Serbian, Alessandro Accardi- Italian, Deema Fann-Arabic, Eugenia Gray-Bulgarian. The Daughters of Penelope for sponsoring the Easter Egg hunt. John and Agnes Samos for donating a case of wine for Church services. Anna and Zena Mageras, Anastasia Savrides, Kent and Georgene Paumier, and Charita Stavrou for donating the flowers for the icon of the Virgin Mary used in the Salutation services. Alvin and Alexa Garrison for donating the daffodils for the Third Sunday of Lent. The Becouvarakis and Nicholls families for donating the flowers for the Icon of Saints Constantine and Helen for the Parish Feastday.
The Cross+Roads Page 11 June 2013 Su M JUNE 1 Saturday Festival 2 Sunday Sunday of the SamaritanWoman Festival 9 Sunday Sunday of the Blind Man 10 Monday 6:30pm VBS Volunteers Meeting 13 Thursday Holy Ascension 16 Sunday Fathers of the 1 st Ecumenical Council Fathers Day 17 Monday Parish Council 7:00pm 22 Saturday Saturday of Souls Tu W Th Fri Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 Sunday Holy Pentecost 24 Monday Nativity of John the Baptist VBS 9:00am 12:30pm 25 Tuesday VBS 9:00am 12:30pm 26 Wednesday VBS 9:00am 12:30pm 27 Thursday VBS 9:00am 12:30pm 28 Friday VBS 9:00am 12:30pm 29 Saturday Holy Apostles Peter and Paul 30 Sunday All Saints July 2013 Su M JULY 4 Thursday Independence Day-- Office closed 7 Sunday 2nd Sunday of Matthew 14 Sunday Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros 8:15 20 Saturday Prophet Elias 21 Sunday 4 th Sunday of Matthew Trisagion: Apollon Orphanidys (5 yrs) 28 Sunday 5 th Sunday of Matthew Memorial: Sophia Romano (1 yr) Tu W Th Fri Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 August 2013 Su M Tu W Th Fri Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUGUST 1 Thursday Dormition Fast Begins 2 Friday 4 Sunday 6 th Sunday of Matthew 6 Tuesday Holy Transfiguration 7 Wednesday 8 Thursday 9 Friday 11 Sunday 7 th Sunday of Matthew 12 Monday 13 Tuesday 15 Thursday Dormition of the Theotokos 17 Saturday Wedding 18 Sunday 8 th Sunday of Matthew 19 Monday Parish Council 7:00pm 25 Sunday 9 th Sunday of Matthew 29 Thursday Beheading of John the Baptist
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606 Return Address Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 50 Newport News Virginia C OME WORSHIP THE GLORY OF GOD Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Matins 10:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Religious Education (Sep-May) 11:30 a.m. Christian Fellowship (Hellenic Center) www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org Phone (757) 596-6151 Fax (757) 596-2967 Mission Statement The mission of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia is to keep, practice, and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith. The work and ministry of our Parish will include proclaiming the Gospel, sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments, and enhancing their spiritual life. We will fulfill the great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by inviting others into the Church through Baptism and/or Chrismation, educating them in the Orthodox Faith through the establishment of programs, schools and philanthropic activities, and implementing Christian ministries. Church Summer Hours begin June 2, Orthros 8:15 AM, 9:30 AM