Promise The 50 th HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1966 - ANNIVERSARY - 2016 June-July 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 5 holytrinity@htgocnj.org 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org The Holy Twelve Apostles June 30 The Lord said unto His disciples: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:15, 19-20 BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS On June 30, the Holy Church recognizes the accomplishment of the Holy Twelve Apostles of Christ. By the term twelve, we mean the Twelve Disciples. Scripture contains four lists of their names in the New Testament: Matthew 10:12, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, and Acts of the Apostles 1:13. It is believed that Christ selected only twelve symbolizing the number of the twelve sons of Jacob, who later became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. After the great day of Holy Pentecost, Christ's twelve disciples became the leaders of the new Israel. The number twelve was considered so important that very shortly after the falling of Judas Iscariot the remaining eleven voted in a new Apostle by the name Matthias. There are three from among the twelve (Peter, James, and John) who constituted the inner circle around Christ and were selected to witness extraordinary events in the life of Christ, such as His Transfiguration and His agonizing prayer at Gethsemane. It should be noted that besides the Twelve, Christ selected another seventy men from among the multitudes that followed Him. Their main mission was to precede Christ in visiting towns and make the necessary preparations for His visits. The basic qualification of the Twelve Apostles by which the Church distinguished them from among other preachers of the Gospel was the fact that He called them to follow Him. The status of apostolicity demanded that one should have been an eyewitness to the Lord's sayings and deeds and a follower of Him throughout His earthly sojourn so that his witness and evidence about the Lord would be supported on his own personal experience. According to the Acts of the Apostles 4:20, it was only the Apostles who were entitled to remark that, "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard". When the Apostles voted in Matthias to take the place of Judas, they ejected one who had the qualification of being an eyewitness and follower of the Lord but denied His lordship. Continued on page 2 Wait for the promise of the Father 1
Dates in the Life of Our Church JUNE 2017 12 Apostles Fast Begins 13 4:00 PM Greek School Graduation 7:00 PM Philoptochos Board Meeting/Dinner 7:30 PM Parish Council 15 7:30 PM Choir 18 Father s Day 8:15 AM Orthros 21 Trinity Circle Down the Shore 24 Nativity of St. John the Baptist 8:30 AM Orthros 25 8:15 AM Orthros 29 Sts. Peter and Paul 8:15 AM Orthros 30 Synaxis of the Holy Apostles 8:15 AM Orthros JULY 2017 2 8:15 AM Orthros 2:00 PM Wedding 4 Independence Day Office Closed 9 8:15 AM Orthros 16 8:15 AM Orthros 20 St. Elias (Elijah) the Prophet 8:30 AM Orthros 23 8:15 AM Orthros 30 8:15 AM Orthros The Holy Twelve Apostles Continued from page 1 The Apostles were called by Christ to continue His work of redeeming men from sin by faith in the true God and by thus establishing the kingdom of God on earth. Christ Himself shortly before His Ascension commanded them to go St. Peter (June 29) was crucified upside down. St. Andrew (November 30) was crucified in the form of an X. St. James, the son of Zebedee (April 30) was beheaded. St. John the Theologian (September 26 & May 8) died in a miraculous manner after being exiled. St. Philip (November 14) was crucified. St. Bartholomew (June 11 & August 25) was crucified, scrapped and beheaded. St. Thomas (October 6) was pierced with five spears. St. Matthew the Evangelist (November 16) was burned alive. St. James, the son of Alphaeus (October 9) was crucified. St. Thaddeus or Jude, the Brother of James (June 19) was crucified. St. Simon the Zealot (May 10) was crucified. St. Matthias (August 9) was stoned and then was beheaded after death. St. Paul (June 29) was beheaded. Although not one of the twelve, St. Paul is added sharing with St. Peter the title: Chief Amongst the Apostles. and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them "in the name of the Father; and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" and teaching them to observe all that He had commanded; and He promised to be with them always. Let us also mention how each one of these most holy and most beneficial men in the history of the world ended their earthly life: Orthodox religious thought lays the utmost emphasis on the image of God in the human person.... Because she or he is an icon of God, each member of the human race, even the most sinful, is infinitely precious in God's sight. This respect for every human being is visibly expressed in Orthodox worship, when the priest cenes not only the icons but the members of the congregation, saluting the image of God in each person. -Kallistos Ware 2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
HOMILY: About the power and the efficacy of good works "For such is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men" - 1 Peter 2:15 Brethren, it is difficult to argue with an atheist; it is difficult to talk with an unreasonable man; it is difficult to convince an embittered man. It is difficult to convince the atheist, the unreasonable man, and the embittered man with words. You will convince them easier by deeds. "They may through observing you by reason of your good works glorify God" - 1 Peter 2:12. Do good deeds to those who wish to argue with you and you will win the argument. One deed of compassion will bring the unreasonable man to his senses and will pacify the embittered man quicker than many hours of conversation. If atheism, unreasonableness, and bitterness stem from ignorance, that ignorance is as a fury, which can quickly be restrained by good works. If you argue with an atheist in his own rabid manner, you strengthen the fury of atheism. If you converse with the unreasonable by derision, the darkness of unreasonableness is increased. If you think you will overcome the embittered man with anger, you will stir up a greater fire of bitterness. A meek and good deed is like water over a fire. Always remember the Holy Apostles and their successful methods of behavior with men. If an atheist provokes you, the man does not provoke you but the devil provokes you: man by nature is religious. If the unreasonable man scolds you, the man does not scold you but the devil scolds you: man by nature is reasonable. If the embittered one persecutes you, then it is not the man who persecutes you but the devil who persecutes you: for man by nature is good. The devil provokes you to lengthy arguments and unfruitful conversations and flees from good deeds. Do good work in the Name of Christ and the devil will flee and only then will you have dealings with men, with true men; religious, reasonable and good men. Therefore whatever you do, do in the Name of the Lord. O All-good Lord, help us to do good and by good to conquer in Your Name. Amen. A Family that prays together stays together! Prayer is the essential unifying act of a family. Family prayer is to place trust in God. When both the father and mother are united together, as the image of the Trinity, then the entire family will enjoy the fruits of their belief. A PRAYER BEFORE A MEAL Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. O Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to in our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the glory of Your name. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Christ our God, bless the food and the drink of Your servants, for You are holy always, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. AND AFTER THE MEAL We thank You, Christ our God, for You have satisfied us with Your earthly gifts. Do not deprive us of Your heavenly kingdom, but as You, O Saviour, came among Your disciples and gave them peace, come amongst us also and save us. Amen. A PRAYER FOR A MARRIED COUPLE O Merciful God, we beseech You ever to remind us that the married state is holy, and that we must keep it so; grant us Your grace, that we may continue in faithfulness and love; increase in us the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, so that no quarrel or strife may come between us; grant us Your blessings, that we may stand before our brethren and in Your sight as an ideal family; and finally, by Your mercy, account us worthy of everlasting life: For You are our sanctification, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. The Promise ^ June / July 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 5 3
Metropolis of New Jersey Honors Holy Trinity Parishioners Parishioners from Holy Trinity were honored at the annual Clergy/Laity of the Metropolis of New Jersey. His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos with Archbishop Demetrios personally bestowed this honor upon the following members: Chris Economides, Steward of the Community; Peter (Panagioti) Tarhanidis, Parish Council; Marina LoAlbo, Philoptochos; Lexi Kiriakatis, PTO President; George Koniaris, GOYA; Constance Baboukis, Choir Member; Katherine Verenes, senior parish member. We salute these individuals for being extraordinary people helping to promote the goodwill of Holy Trinity and its ministries. 4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
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Sacraments &Rites December 9, 2016 May 21, 2017 FUNERALS 2/8/17 +Gregory Psomas 2/17/17 +Dorothy Gianakis 2/17/17 +Christos J. Kiriakatis 2/21/17 +Ephthemia (Effie) Pappas 2/22/17 +Panagiota (Detza) Cacicedo 3/13/17 +Nikolas Agathis 3/24/17 +Tessie Mouyios 3/24/17 +Kalliroe Savorgiannakis 3/27/17 +John Thomas Gianis Sr. 3/30/17 +Elaine Midas 4/4/17 +Effie Vlahakes 4/10/17 +Dimitrios Kallinosis BAPTISMS 12/18/16 Vasileios, son of Evangelia and Nikolaos Papargyris, Godparent is Maria Eleni Papargyri 1/21/17 Genevieve Catherine, daughter of Christine and Joshua Cierski, Godparent is Doug Mesthos 3/26/17 Matthias Andreas, son of Sofia and Andrew Paisis, Godparents are Stephanie and Nicholas John 4/23/17 Ryan Joseph, son of Stacey and Jude Faella, Godparent is Jillian O Sullivan 5/6/17 Ioanna Tsolaki, Godparent Maria Litos CHRISTMATIONS 5/21/17 Nicholas Calefati, Sponsor is John Svolos Thomas Miehe, Sponsor is Ronald Peter Cerini Christopher Gathercole, Sponsors are Leonidas and Joanne Kallerges 5/6/17 Melina Joanne, daughter of Ariana and Michael Chiaravalloti, Godparents are Eleni and Frederick Stoddard 5/21/17 Joseph Douglas, son of Andra and Kevin Fontana, Godparent is Athena Varos 5/21/17 Tyler Joseph, son of Christina and Brandon Young, Godparent is Lauren Michelli 5/27/17 Elizabeth Sofia, daughter of Steven and Maria Wachtel, Godparent is Alex Kalliaras CHURCHINGS 4/23/17 Margarita, daughter of Dina and Loukas Kasekas 5/28/17 James David, son of Andrea and Jon Quintanilla 5/28/17 Nastassia, daughter of John and Theresa Dimitrakis, Godparents are Nicole Boscia and George Dimitrakis 5/28/17 Nicholas, son of John and Theresa Dimitrakis, Godparents are Stephanie Koliniatis and Rich Dimitrakis 5/28/17 Michael Kosta, son of Stelios and Maria Koniarelis, Godparents are Demetri and Maria Koniarelis 6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
Sacraments &Rites...continued NEW MEMBERS Razvan and Ionna Cojocaru 162 Redwood Ave. Edison, NJ 08817 James and Maria Heston 519 Lawrence Ave. Westfield, NJ 07090 Thomas Kalamaridis 555 E Hazelwood Ave Apt 237 Rahway, NJ 07065-5428 Michael and Cathy Mantinaos 12 Chilton Rd Chester, NJ 07930-3109 Anthony and Patricia Kavallieros 212 Newark Ave. Lavallette, NJ 08735 Parish Council President's Report BY A.J. KARANIKOLAS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Dependence on God Trust in Him! "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1 Peter and Matina Speronza 442 W. Grove St. Westfield, NJ 07090 Stavroula Vecer 749 Jackson Rd. 08886 Stewartsville, NJ Victor and Floarea Ciobanu 16 Winslow Rd. Edison, NJ 08827 Stelios and Maria Koniarelis 1540 Copper Rd. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 Jesus had complete trust in God throughout His entire earthly ministry. So too should we in all aspects of our parish life at Holy Trinity - by leading in a way that demonstrates our dependence on God by putting Christ first. At the recent Metropolis of New Jersey Clergy Laity Assembly, His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos gave a wonderful Archpastoral Exhortation and noted that the Youth should be the first ministry to support. This led much of the discussions to revolve around the Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and how they flourish when they are dependent on God. It was noted that the youth are not only the future of the church but a present reality. In addition, it was en-couraged that the youth become more engaged by having a greater participation in the services and in all aspects of church life. It was also suggested to have more faith-based youth activities. We are blessed at Holy Trinity to have so many wonderful Christ-centered Youth ministry leaders, teachers, and advisors who are already committed to this mission! As a community let s continue to show our love of and trust in Christ by increasing our support for all youth-based ministries and look to proactively assist. On June 11th, Y2AM will be hosting Career Day which is a great opportunity for us to engage those embarking on their next phase of life. The Parish Council would like to congratulate all of our youth and young adults as they graduate from college, high school, and all grades. May God continue to bless each and every one of them and we pray that they will continue to depend on God and put their trust in Him. There s no time like the present! The Promise ^ June / July 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 5 7
MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER of THE YEAR Mother & Grandmother of the Year in the altar with priests On May 14 Mother s Day, Fr. Peter and the Ladies Philoptochos presented the Mothers and Grandmother of the Year Award. We always wish all mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and godmothers a blessed, happy and enjoyable day. This year Julie Exarhakos and Maryanne Savorgiannakis where proclaimed Mothers of the Year, and Bess Birrel was proclaimed Grandmother of the Year. Mother of Year Maryanne Savorgiannakis Grandmother of the Year Bess Birrell Mother of the Year Julie Exarhakos 8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
GOYA Update BY GEORGE KONIARIS, GOYA PRESIDENT We have a lot of news to share with the parishioners of Holy Trinity this past month. First, our Holy Trinity Hellenic Dancers represented our church at the Earth Day International Folkdance Festival in New York City on April 22nd. Our dancers showcased our Greek culture through dances native to Greece. A wonderful evening was had by all who attended. Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Katsingris and Mrs. Ronnie Fillipatos, our directors, for organizing this fun-filled event. Our Goyans have a number of important events to finish off the Goya year. First, at our last Goya meeting, our divers were selected for the annual Diving for the Cross celebration this upcoming September. The Goyans that were chosen to represent Westfield are Danny McCaffery, Julia Love, Andrew Economides and Ariana Tarhanidis. Congratulations! We wish you the best of luck in September! Secondly, the youth also selected its representative for the Mr. and Miss GOYA Pageant. Congratulations to Cipi Christodoulou and Andrew Economides, Miss and Mr. Westfield. We are all looking forward to this annual event in October. We wish you all the best! Congratulations! On May 8th, the Metropolis Banquet was held at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey, where many individuals from our Parish were honored for his or her service through the many organizations that serve our church in various capacities. I was blessed to represent our Goya at this annual event. The next big event for our youth is the annual GOYA Indoor Olympics held in Perth Amboy on May 13th. Best of luck to all of our participants who will compete in backgammon, checkers, chess, badminton, and table tennis, just to name a few. We wish you all the best. Our Goyans are also preparing for the last and most important event of the year, the Outdoor Olympics held at Monmouth University. This event will be held during Memorial Day weekend. Goyans from all over the central and northern parts of New Jersey will compete against each other in track and field events, volleyball, and swimming. We wish our GOYANs and their coaches, Mr. Peter Boutsikaris and Mrs. Ellen Conti the best of luck! The Promise ^ June / July 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 5 9
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 5FINGERS FITTING5KEYS PIANO INSTRUCTOR & WEDDING ORGANIST PHYLLIS A. VERENES 9 SAND HILL ROAD, MORRISTOWN, NJ 07960 TEL: 973.538.2236 CELL: 973.214.9222 10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey
Ioanna Tsolaki, DDS, DMD, MS Board Certified Periodontist Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 135 Somerset Street, Suite A New Brunswick, NJ 08901 p. 732-235-5050 f. 732-220-0045 it120@sdm.rutgers.edu rutgersdentists.org Permit #: 6526 The Promise ^ June / July 2017 ^ Volume 41, Issue 5 11
Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654 Metropolis of New Jersey Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Westfield, NJ 07090-1109 Phone 908-233-8533 Fax 908-233-0623 E-mail htgoc@westfieldnj.com Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis E-mail FrPeter@htgocnj.org Office Manager Admin. Assistant Worship Caretaker Lead Psaltis Choir Director Organist Head Acolyte Diana R. Waltsak E. Joy Daniledes Ocione Nunes Pascalis Kuvalakis Kathryn Athanasoulas Phyllis Verenes Nicholas John Parish Council Philoptochos Religious Education Greek School Greek School PTO Youth (GOYA) JOY / HOPE TOTS Bookstore A.J. Karanikolas Penny Pefanis Chris Economides Anna Mikros Alexis Kiriakatis George Koniaris Iris Love Joanne Paras Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Barbara Manos Schedule of Services Sundays Weekdays Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM The Promise: Volume 41, Issue 5 10 issues published annually. No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10 th of the preceding month Trinity Circle Fellowship Hellen Kiriakatis Lauren Karanikolas 12