St. John Greek Orthodox Church Sterling Heights, Michigan

St. John Greek Orthodox Church Sterling Heights, Michigan Phone: 586-977-6080/Emergency 586-530-2747 Web site: www.stjohngoc.net/ Email: parish@stjohngoc.net Parish Priest: Father Nicholas Kyritses February 11 ~ Judgment Sunday (Meatfare) Love and remember your church in your will! Epistle Reading: I Corinthians 8:8-13 9:1-2 page133 Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46 page 133 Today at St. John Memorials: Ekaterini Cavis 40 days / George Polyzois 1 year Konstantinos Kostopoulos 4 years Senior Forum with Eva Konstantakos, our Metropolis Youth Director Makaronatha Tonight at 5:00pm Opportunities for the Week Monday, February 12 Basketball Practice for kids of all ages 6:30pm at Joe Dumars Reverse Raffle Meeting 7:00pm Tuesday, February 13 Greek School 4:30 pm / Adult Greek School 6:30pm Council Meeting 7:00pm Wednesday February 14 Supplication Service (paraklisis) 6:30pm Lecture by Christos Strubakos 7:00pm Thursday, February 15 Greek School 4:30 pm / Adult Greek School 6:30pm Saturday, February 17 Saturday of Soul Divine Liturgy 9:30am Names of your deceased to be commemorated Prosfora (Bread), Nama (Sweet Wine), Colyva, and Olive Oil Wedding Christopher O Brien & Christina Zotos Baptism Vasilios George Boulos son of George & Dimitra Boulos

Meatfare Sunday The second Sunday before Lent is called Meat Fare Sunday. It receives its name from the fact that during the ancient days of the Church the tradition was not to eat meat from Monday following this Sunday until Easter Sunday. On Meat Fare Sunday we commemorate the glorious event and anticipated day of the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of the world (Matthew 25:31-46). Psychosabbaton (Saturday of the Dead) A great man once said, It is not death that I fear, but rather the hour of death. How true is this indeed? Death is not to be feared by the Orthodox Christian. Our blessed Lord and Savior have told us that whosoever believeth in me shall not die but shall have everlasting life. Death for the Orthodox Christian is leaving this temporary life on earth and entering into life everlasting in the Kingdom of God. The Church on earth is called the Church Militant because it is constantly waging a militant struggle against the forces of evil that have plagued mankind down through the corridors of time. The Church in heaven is called the Church Triumphant because it consists of Saints who have triumphed over evil during their lifetime and are now enjoying forthcoming fruits of blessed immortality. These two aspects of the Church are united by prayer. Our prayers are offered for those who have departed as a sign of our love and respect for them. Just as we pray that God will protect us and our loved ones on earth, we also pray for those who have passed away and are now awaiting the final judgment day. The Nicene Creed tells us that Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead. Memorial Services for the dead may be offered at any time. However, the Church has designated certain days of the year for special prayer services for the dead, such as the three Saturdays before Meat Fare Week, Cheese Fare Week and the first Sunday of Lent. The Church honors all of the Saints on these days and also those who have died. Why have the Church Fathers designated Saturday for the Memorial Services? Saturday is actually the Jewish Sabbath and the word itself means termination or the end. Everything ends at the time of judgment day are emphasized during Services. Everything ends at the time of judgment; therefore the Church Fathers have designated Saturday for special services for the dead. It was also on Saturday after the Crucifixion of Christ that He descended into Hades and preached to the dead. The Epistle and the Gospel readings during the three Saturday Memorial Services are the same as those read during the regular funeral services of the Orthodox Church (1 st Thessalonians 4:12-16 and St. John 5:24-30).

The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats In this parable Jesus Christ speaks of final judgment using a parable to show the things to come. This Gospel is read on the Sunday eight days before the beginning of the Great Lent. As Orthodox Christians we prepare ourselves to celebrate the great victory over the death in the resurrection of Christ. So we intensify our efforts to follow His way. The Gospel reading and the liturgical texts of this Sunday remind us that at the end will come a judgment. On the basis of our deed, and above all, of our ministering to those in need, we will be judged worthy to "inherit the kingdom". (Read the story about the "sheep and goats" from Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 25: 31-46). Just two days before the betrayal that will lead to His crucifixion, Jesus Christ foretells His second coming. He characterizes these final days of His early life as glorification. At His second coming, He will not enter the world in humility and meekness, but in His glory, for all to see. In this He will accompanied by the holy angels. "He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead", we say in the Creed. Concerning the parabolic section of the passage, St. John Chrysostom says: "Everyone shall be gathered together, all the nations, the whole race of men. Now they are not separated, but all mingled together. Then He shall separate them as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. So He shall call the one group sheep, the other goats according to their fruitfulness. In Matthew 25 verses 35-36 Jesus Christ mentions the good works people do and are acceptable to God. For neglecting these good works and for lacking the faith and compassion those on the Lord's left hand are rejected and condemned. Note how one judgment differs from the other. The Lord addresses the righteous as "you blessed of my Father", the unrighteous He addresses as "you cursed", but not "you cursed of my Father". We understand from this that God is the source of blessing and never of condemnation. The condemned condemn themselves, having chosen through their deeds to serve the devil. Consequently they must share what was prepared for the devil and his angels, not what was prepared for any human being. In this story we see that Jesus Christ identified Himself with people in need, because of His own love, care, and compassion for the hungry, the sick, the prisoner, etc. and He expects His followers to do the same. So He comes to us in the most unexpected ways, even in the person of those whom we through our pride and self-righteousness reject or despise. In a homily of St. John Chrysostom we find an interpretation of this parable. He recalls people's failure to recognize Christ and to serve Him, and he says that He came to save us and we became His enemies and rejected Him. We left Him hungry, cold, naked, sick and homeless, and he asks; "Are these things worthy of defense?"

Every Sunday 9:00am Orthros ~ 10:00am Divine Liturgy February 24 Hope, Joy and Little Angels at Emagine Macomb March 10 Goya Lenten Retreat at Saints Constantine and Helen in Westland March 18 Godparents Sunday April 20 St. John Reverse Raffle and Dinner at St. John Hall Winter 2018 Orthodox Lecture Series by Christos Strubakos The goal of this series is to gather at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday evenings throughout the period of the Triodion, and following a service, to have a talk followed by a discussion on various aspects of our faith. The schedule and topics are listed below. All are welcome to attend and to participate with questions and insights. We look forward to seeing everybody. Wednesday, January 31: The Triodion: How time is made holy in the Church Wednesday, February 7: Death and Dying in the Orthodox Tradition Wednesday, February 14: Orthodox Worship The daily cycle of prayers and services and what they mean Wednesday, February 21: The Orthodox Spiritual Life Wednesday, February 28: The Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion Wednesday, March 7: How we live our faith not just on Sundays Wednesday, March 14: The Bible in Orthodoxy Wednesday, March 21: Holy Tradition in Orthodoxy Wednesday, March 28: Participating in Holy Week PLEASE TAKE YOUR 2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES. If you do not see your name on an envelope box but would like to have offering envelopes, please contact he church office 586-977-6080.

Join us for the Annual ST. JOHN PHILOPTOCHOS M A C A R O N A T H A Sunday, February 11, 2018 St. John Community Center Parkway, Sterling Heights, MI 11455 Metropolitan Please Reserve & Purchase Tickets by February 5, 2018 Adults: $25 Students(under 18): $15 Children Under 5: Free Doors Open at 5:00 p.m. - Dinner at 6:00 p.m. DJ S-Chilly & Dio Reservations: Church Office-586-977-6080, Debbie Patsarikas 586-484-7631, debbiepatsy@hotmail.com, or parish@stjohngoc.net MACARONATHA Please list seating preference (table of 8 maximum)

St. John Greek Orthodox Church Macaronatha Donation List 6 cases Chicken $75.00 each Total $750.00 Meatballs $50.00 each Total $200.00 George & Kathy Demetriou George & Kathy Demetriou George & Kathy Demetriou George & Kathy Demetriou Vegetables $50.00 each Total $200.00 Feta Cheese $25.00 each Total $150.00 Friend of Christ Vasilakis Family Vegetable Oil & Spices $50.00 each Total $150.00 Nick Prantzalos & Family Bread Rolls w/butter ($200.00) $50.00 each Total $200.00 Evangelia Masouras Pasta Sauce $50.00 each Total $200.00 Tomatoes (3cases) $25.00 each Total 75.00 Pasta $20.00 each Total $200.00 Matthew Vasilakis Iceberg and Spring Mix Lettuce $35.00 each Total $350.00 Greek Dressing $25.00 each Total 100.00 George & Ellene Balalas George Balalas George & Ellene Balalas George & Ellene Balalas George & Ellene Balalas Pop $75.00 each Total $300.00 Linens $50.00 each Total $300.00 Sam Qandah DJ $100.00 each Total $600.00 Wait Staff/Cleaning $100.00 each Total $1000.00 Zoi Seremetis Family

ST. JOHN HALL RENOVATION PROJECT Fellow parishioners, As you may have noticed we are nearing the completion of the construction of our renovated hall. We are so thankful to the tireless efforts of our renovation committee shepherded by Larry Stavrou, Evans Caruso and Gus Kondoleon. A special thank you to all the many volunteers who gave of their time and talent in the demolition and cleaning of the hall during this process (the list of volunteers is too large to document here but you all know who you are and you are appreciated!) We want to thank all of those who have given their time, talent and treasure to date and encourage all of those who have not had the opportunity to give, to please prayerfully consider making an offering today. To date we have received pledges and contributions from the following members of our church: Mr. & Mrs. Nikos & Mika Backos - Donor Mrs. Sophia Borgaonkar - Donor Mr. John Geottes Donor Mr. & Mrs Adoni Kalatzis and Family - Donor Mr. Matthew Vasilakis - Donor Mrs. Vekos Gloria - Donor Mr. & Mrs. John Hanjiantoniou - Donor Mr. & Dr. Michael & Joyce (Patouhas) Aho- Donor Jeffrey Morgan - Donor Perring Family - Donor Miss Elena Vasilakis Donor Mr. & Mrs. Joann and Timothy Welch - Donor Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aitas and Family Friend Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Baros and Family-Friend Mrs. Diana Chantis Friend Mr. Nino Corsetti Friend Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Giacona - Friend Mr. & Dr. John & Zoy Gilbert Friend Mr. Nick Kasotakis Family Friend Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Manousakakis-Friend Mr. & Mrs. John & Becky Patouhas - Friend J. Gargasoulas & K. Patsarikas Families - Friend Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Theodorou Friend Mr. Gerry Floros Friend Mr & Mrs Aristides & Koula Andreopoulos- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Bill Andreopoulos - Patron Mr. & Mrs. George Balalas and Family- Patron Mr. Constantine Cavis- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Lilian and Gus Demas Patron Mr. & Mrs. George & Kathy Demetriou Patron Dr. & Mrs. Demetri Demetriou & Family- PatronMr. & Mrs. John Papakonstantinou - Patron Dr. & Mrs. Nick Papakonstantinou - Patron Mr. & Mrs. George Collins and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Menas (Ted) Georgeson - Patron Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kourtesis and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Michael Karamichas - Patron Mr. & Mrs. John Kyritses and Family Patron Rev. Father Nicholas Kyritses Patron Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Marselis - Patron Miss Anne Simopoulos - Patron Mr. & Mrs. Phil Tangalos and Family Patron Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Tsitsis- Patron Mr. & Mrs. John Polyzois and Family- Patron Mr. & Mrs. Nick Prantzalos and Family - Patron Dr. & Mrs. Andy Kotsis and Family Patron Mrs. Harriet Shafkalis - Patron St. John Senior Citizen s Patron Mr. & Mrs. Daniel & Paulette Szajna & Family - Patron Mr. & Dr. Alex & Maria Aretakis Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Linda Boosalis Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Bill Caruso and Family-Supporter Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos C. Marselis -Supporter Mr. & Mrs. John Tangalos and Family - Supporter The Souris Family Visionary Dr. & Mrs. Ted Tangalos and Family Visionary Dr. & Mrs. Steve Kotsonis and Family Visionary St. John Ladies Philoptochos Visionary St. John Youth - Visionary Please select an offering level below and remember that this offering is sincerely requested to be in addition to your current annual Stewardship Offering. Sincerely, St. John s Parish Council Donate today towards the renovation of our Church Hall! Name: phone: Sponsorship Levels $ Donor Up to $500 $ Friend $500 $999 $ Patron $1,000 $2,499 $ Supporter $2,500 $4,999 $ Contributor $5,000 $9,999 $ Benefactor $10,000 $14,999 $ Visionary $15,000 plus WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE ABOVE GROUPS AND PARISHIONERS ABOUT $ 134,000.00 WE STILL NEED $66,000.00 ALL OUR PARISHIONERS MUST PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUND RAISING

M onday November 20 Please remember to register for the season on-line at the Sports-Signup program, which is now available through our website: www.detroit-oyaa.org

Saturday, March 10, 2018 11:30am - 7:00pm All GOYAns are invited to attend this annual Lenten gathering of faith and fellowship. This event is FREE thanks to the generosity of the Friends of the Metropolis and the Sts. Constantine and Helen parish. Workshops will also be available for adults in attendance. Lenten meals will be provided. All participants (youth & chaperones) must register online by February 24, 2018. www.detroit.goarch.org/migoya

ST. JOHN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Let s Go to the Movies!!! HOPE, JOY and Little Angels Please join us for a fun afternoon at Emagine Theatre. We will have the entire theatre to ourselves So bring all your little ones with you! Saturday February 24, 2018 Time: 1:30 PM Place: Emagine Macomb Movie: Peter Rabbit Cost Per Person: $10.00 ** COST INCLUDES MOVIE, POPCORN AND BEVERAGE** ** Please try to RSVP on Signup Genius through Facebook: Hope and Joy, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Chapter ** Or Contact Irene Kourtesis: 586.764.7603 Dimetra Mansoor: 586.201.1027

SAINT JOHN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH STERLING HEIGHTS MI 2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD What is Stewardship? Stewardship is the management of the gifts bestowed upon us by God. These gifts are time, talent and treasure. It is through these gifts that bring us closer together as a Church and as a community. What is a Steward? A steward is a member of our St. John community that volunteers their time, talent and treasure. How can I volunteer my time and talent? Our St. John community offers many ministries. We encourage everyone to join and participate in a ministry. How much treasure should I give? This is a personal decision. Every year we should look at our finances and determine how much we should give back to God. These funds are used for the daily operation of the church and for funding our ministries. The economic reality is that our church requires $1,260 per day ($460,000 annually) to operate and we are currently a parish of almost 300 Stewards. To meet our current budget each year we need to average at least $1,560 per Steward annually or $30 per week. 2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD Name: Spouse Name: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Orthodox Christian: Y or N Date of birth: Date of birth: Email: Email: Home Phone: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Cell Phone: Address: Address: City, State, Zip: City, State, Zip: Child 1: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 2: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 3: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 4: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: Child 5: Orthodox Christian: Y or N Cell: DOB: IN GRATITUDE FOR GOD S BLESSINGS, I/WE COMMIT TO CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH THE FOLLOWING AMOUNT: $30/week($1,560 yearly) $25/week($1,300 yearly) $20/week(1,040 yearly) /week or /month or /year Credit Card (Visa/Master Card): exp: code: Name: Signature: Date: Visit http://www.stjohngoc.net/stewardship1.html to register as a Steward or turn this form into our church office. 2017 Stewards who submitted email addresses will receive a link to a Stewardship Update Form which can be completed online for 2018.

Saturday of Souls- February 10 th, 17 th and 24 th DIVINE LITURGY AND MEMORIAL SERVICE AT 9:30AM Soul Saturdays are a series of Saturdays set aside in the liturgical calendar of Eastern and Greek Orthodox Churches for the remembrance of those who have died. These days occur on designated Saturdays before and during the seasons of LENT and EASTER: the first two are observed on the two Saturdays before Lent begins, the third Saturday of Souls coincides with the first Saturday of Lent, and the forth Soul Saturday takes place on the Saturday before PENTECOST, the close of the Easter season. Saturday holds special significance in the religious calendar as the day on which the crucified Jesus lay dead in the tomb before his resurrection. On each Soul Saturday a special service is held where prayers are offered in memory of those who have died and a list of the names of the dead is recited. Participants attending the services prepare kollyva, a dish made of sweetened, boiled wheat kernels, raisins, almonds, and pomegranate seeds that is traditionally associated with funerals and memorial services in Greece and Eastern Europe. In addition to attending religious services, participants often visit the graves of departed family members on Soul Saturdays, to clean and decorate the burial sites. See you all in Church to pray for our beloved ones who have left this temporal world. NAMES TO BE COMMEMORATED

St. John Greek Orthodox Church presents REVERSE RAFFLE NIGHT GRAND PRIZE - $3,000 WITH $1,300 ADDITIONAL CASH PRIZES PLUS GREAT GIVEAWAYS!! ONLY 250 TICKETS SOLD! FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018 $150. per ticket includes chance to win and dinner Additional person $50. for dinner $100. per ticket for non attendees 6:30 PM GOURMET DINNER AND OPEN BAR, 7:30 PM RAFFLE FOR RESERVATIONS ONLINE, PLEASE GO TO WWW.STJOHN.NET CONTACT KATHY DEMETRIOU AT 586-246-9415 OR SEND IN FORM BELOW: NAME: ADDRESS: telephone #: Amt. of check enclosed $ i will not be attending the event, but wish to purchase a ticket** credit card # EXP. DATE: mastercard visa amex **Please make checks payable to St. John greek orthodox church **NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN St. John Greek Orthodox Church - 11455 Metropolitan Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312