THE WONDERWORKER November / December 2017 Christ is Born! Glorify Him! We are quickly approaching the Nativity season where we prepare to celebrate the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Nativity season requires both spiritual and material preparation. For our spiritual preparation, we should attend the Divine Services offered by the Church, especially on Christmas Eve (a Sunday morning service this year) and Christmas morning. We should also take time at our homes to read the Nativity accounts in the Holy Scriptures, both the Gospel According to St. Matthew (1:18 2:23) and the Gospel According to St. Luke (2:1 40). While we will hear these Gospel readings during the Divine Services, we should also read them to ourselves privately and aloud with our families, especially with our children. By carefully and prayerfully reading these Gospel accounts in the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will help to prepare ourselves spiritually for this great feast. There is also material preparation. Our challenge as Orthodox Christians is to be sure that our material preparation flows from and follows our spiritual preparation. The Nativity Season is not simply a time to give gifts; instead, it is a time to be giving of ourselves. It is a time to reconcile with our families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. It is a time for us to seek out new ways of helping those in need. It is a time for us to refocus our words, deeds, and thoughts toward the One who is born in Bethlehem. It is a time for us to proclaim with our very being that Christ is born and to glorify Him. As we prepare for this joyful celebration, having carefully and prayerfully read the Nativity accounts, we will loudly proclaim on Christmas morning that unto us is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11). May our Lord guide and bless us all during this Nativity season. With love in Christ, Rev. Fr. Jarrod Russell Fr. Jarrod s Message ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 15 FRANCIS ST. PO BOX 264 JAMESTOWN, NY 14702 (716) 483-0022 FAX: (716)483-0474 WWW.STNICHOLAS JAMESTOWN.ORG PARISH PRIEST Rev. Fr. Jarrod Russell Cell: (501) 554-1874 frjarrod@gmail.com Sunday Services 10:00 am Divine Liturgy 11:30 am Sunday School Fellowship Hour Following Divine Liturgy For dates and times of weekday services, please refer to the calendar in this edition or on the church website. LIVE YOUR ORTHODOX FAITH Clergy-Laity Assembly: l to r: Tim Anderson, Fr. Jarrod Russell, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, Ethel Enserro, Chris and Jim Cheronis.
CLERGY-LAITY ASSEMBLY 2017 BUFFALO, NEW YORK l to r: James Cheronis, Delegate; Christine Cheronis, Philoptochos Delegate, Fr. Jarrod Russell, Parish Priest, Timothy Anderson, Parish Council President, Angie Turner, Delegate. Jim Cheronis, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, Fr. Jarrod Russell
2017 Clergy-Laity Honorees LtoR: Timothy Anderson, President; Violet Kianos, Honoree; James Cheronis, Honoree; Fr. Jarrod Russell, Parish Priest Honorees are selected by the Parish Council and the award is given by the Metropolis. Congratulations Violet and Jim! Violet Kianos has been an active member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Jamestown, NY and its Philoptochos Society for over 70 years. She was married to James Kianos and raised two sons, Robert and James in the church. Violet has been active in fellowship gatherings including cooking and baking for the annual Yassou Festival, church Bazaars and Rummage Sales. As a member of Philoptochos, she has been active as the Treasurer since 1998 even at the age of 92. Jim Cheronis has been a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Jamestown, NY. Jim has always had a love of music and has been a chanter for 22 years, and recently has assumed the role of Choir Director. He also became a member of the Parish Council where he served for 15 years; 12 of those years he served faithfully as Parish Council president. He completed the Diaconate program at Holy Cross in 2015, and has taught adult education classes at St. Nicholas to share what he learned with other parishioners. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Persian Gulf War and is currently retired from Northwest Savings Bank after 25 years. Jim lives with his wife, Christine in Warren, PA and has two children Alexandra and Christian.
September 19th, at the Lutheran Home, residents and friends: L to R: Athena Dimitri, Bessie Michos, Kathy Theofilactidis, Alexandra Michos, Ken and Helen Bruner, Mary Beers. Photo taken by Dina Hurdle. LASER TAG Fun had by all, young and old. Fr. Jarrod also spoke with the children about the Orthodox response to Halloween. Many thanks to Alexis Singleton for coordinating this event and to Kathy and George Theofilactidis for sponsoring both the Laser Tag and pizza! UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS November 15: Greek Dance Workshop at the Church December 2: Bowling at Frewsburg Lanes
ST. NICHOLAS ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC
Dear Fellow Parishioners, COUNCIL CORNER By Tim Anderson, Parish Council President 10/30/17 Thank you to everyone who has continued to support the needs of our church. We ve had a busy fall as a Parish community and it s been great to see how many different ways our parishioners have been involved. As one of the delegates to this year s Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly, I had a wonderful experience in listening to many of our Metropolis clergymen speak on a variety of topics surrounding how Orthodoxy can be incorporated in our everyday lives. All of the workshops, Orthros services, and meetings have given me things to reflect on and bring back to our community. We have also convened at a Post-Yassou Festival meeting to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our yearly Festival, and what we could do to improve. The Festival is always a success in its ability to bring our local and church community together, but we re always looking for ways to improve its success. As always, the Council looks forward to serving the needs of our church with the guidance of our Lord! With love in Christ, Tim Anderson, Council President. TEACHING DIVINE LITURGY Teaching Divine Liturgy on October 8. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the solea with the Priest facing the people. This allowed the people to see fully what occurs in the altar. Additionally, the Divine Liturgy was paused on several occasions allowing the congregation to hear a description of what was occurring on the altar.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Ladies Erene Society Submitted by: Christine Cheronis, President The Ladies Erene Society began its 2017-2018 year with a very busy fundraising and community outreach schedule. The ladies met in September to begin planning for their first annual Taste of St. Nicholas fundraiser to support their efforts for community outreach. The event highlighted the various nationalities that make up the St. Nicholas Church family. Foods from Albania, Greece, Armenia, Italy, Russia, Ireland, Ukraine, Poland and the United States were made by families from our own St. Nicholas work family. Our parishioners and the community were invited to join in a tasting event to bring about awareness of the Orthodox faith and those who are Orthodox. The event was very successful and plans are already underway for next year s Taste of St. Nicholas. A BIG THANKS to everyone who helped prepare food, set-up, decorations, and clean up! Even though this was a fundraiser for the Ladies Erene Society, the entire St. Nicholas family participated in this event to make it a wonderful evening for everyone! Not letting any dust settle under our feet, the Ladies moved straight to the remaining Fall/Winter fundraisers. Each year the ladies serve a luncheon during the General Assembly meeting at St. Nicholas. Thanks to all those ladies for their help in the kitchen with this event! The ladies will also be hosting a Fall/Winter Fashion Show on Friday, November 10 th at 7pm. Kim Tatoian and Rachael Anderson have been coordinating this event with Tiffany Theofilactidis. Thank you ladies for coordinating this exciting event. Thank you Tiffany for planning and developing this fashion show which will showcase the LuLaroe clothing line. We are also planning and baking for the Annual Erene Society Christmas Luncheon and Bazaar will be held on Saturday, December 2 nd from 11am 3pm. Baked goods are appreciated from all members and parishioners. This traditional event will close out the fundraising season for the Erene Society. In addition to our fundraising efforts to support our community outreach projects, many ladies continue to offer their time and efforts to help in the kitchen baking for our St. Erene s Kitchen program which offers meals and goodies to those of our parish who are homebound or unable to attend Church. Father Jarrod has been working with the Ladies Erene Society to take meals and gifts from the Erene Society to these individuals of our Parish. In addition to our monthly donations to local organizations and National Philoptochos that meet the mission of the Erene Society, the funds raised by the Erene Society help in paying for the costs of these meals and gifts for our parishioners. With the Nativity season soon to be upon us, all the Ladies Erene Society members wish you and your families a blessed season of love and happiness. For more information on the St. Nicholas Ladies Erene Society and its mission, activities and committees, please contact Christine Cheronis at: ccheronis@gmail.com or call (814) 723-7824. L to R: Christine Cheronis, Helen Vulgaris, and Joanne Christ, making the delicious kourambeithes for the Bazaar.
The ERENE Society (Philoptochos) St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Welcomes You to the 50th Annual Christmas Bazaar, Bake sale & Luncheon Saturday, December 2nd, 2017 At the Church Mt. Vernon Pl. & Francis St. 11:00 AM 2:00 PM Delicious Balkan Food Luncheon is only $10.00 and will be served starting at 11:30 AM until 2:00PM Come and Experience Our Famous Hospitality
TASTE OF SAINT NICHOLAS Sponsored by the Ladies Erene Society October 28th, 2017
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES The complete Sunday School schedule thru May 2018 was in the previous newsletter and is available for your review on the bulletin board in the hall. If you have questions, please call Sabrina, Chris, or Christine. Parents and Grandparents, please make every effort to bring the children to church and Sunday School. Sunday School continues every Sunday in November and December with the following exceptions: November 26 and December 24 & 31.
A Note from the Choir November 2017 The St. Nicholas Choir has a goal of learning to sing the Divine Liturgy in 4-part harmony, as illustrated in the Divine Liturgy Hymnal Choral Arrangement Green Books. We have just learned the Doxology, and it sounds so good! Parishioners will notice a fullness and richness in the music as we master our respective parts. Folks will also notice changes in the melodies, as we transition from what we ve always sung, to singing according to the Hymnal. I am very proud of our choir members, who are putting in their own time and efforts outside of regular choir practice to enhance the Choir Ministry in service to God. Respectfully submitted by, Jim Cheronis, Choir Director
MEMORIALS August 25 thru October 31, 2017 We gratefully acknowledge these donations received by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, the **Ladies Erene Society** and the *St. Nicholas Scholarship Fund* in loving memory of: Catherine Petro Charlie and Valerie Heggarty ** Elizabeth & Mark Frederick Mr. & Mrs. John Galati ** Bob & Michelle Kianos ** Ladies Erene Society Linda & Daniel Burns Carol Kianos Constantine J. Rigas ** Violet Kianos Betty Pappas Nicholas Kozas George Tsitso Fay Kozas Evelyn Tsitso Katie Marie Cooney * the Enserro family Most Assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24 MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE ETERNAL HOLIDAY SERVICES Vesperal Divine Liturgy for Thanksgiving: Wednesday, November 22 at 6:30 pm Divine Liturgy for Christmas Eve: Sunday Morning, December 24 at 10:00 am Divine Liturgy for Christmas: Monday Morning, December 25 at 9:30 am
Stewardship Report: October 2017 Total Amount Pledged: $77,898 Pledges Received as of 10/31/2017: $70,917 Number of Families Pledged as of 10/31/2017: 91 Anderson, Greg & Christina Anderson, Jason & family Anderson, Tim & Rachel & family Bechakas, John & Toula Bechakas, Michael & Heather & family Bechakas, Terry & Soultana Benchley, Andrew & Sonja Bertrand, John & Victoria Bruner, Kenneth & Helen Cheronis, James & Christine & family Christ, James, W. Sr. & Children Christ, Terry & Joanne Constantine, Athena Cottillion, Ted Coustenis, Ted Coustenis, Virginia Crandall, Chad, Brittany & James Cretekos, Kathryn Cretekos, Stephanie Cummings, Bryan & Victoria & family Cummings, William & Katrina & Family Decker, Jim & Kathy Deppas, John Deppas, Lou, Melissa & family Dimas, Dorothy Dimas, Thomaidha Dimitri, Adam, Kelly & family Dimitri, Athena Dimitri, John & Julie & Alex Dimitri, Michael & Jo Ann Duro, Christian Duro, Teresa Elia, Mark & Vanessa & family Enserro, Ethel Fanaritis, Magdaline Frederick, Elizabeth & Mark Gedz, Basil Getska, Thomas Gianas, Sophia Greico, Eleanor & Donato Hennas, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hill, Louise Joanethis, Dennis Juvelis, Nicholas & Martha Kianos, Violet Kieva, Katherine Lampropolos, Stephanie Louis, Terry Lundmark, Jason Matjoulis, John Sr. McCandless, Nicolette Michos, Alexandra Michos, Crist & Robin Michos, Elizabeth Mignoli, Constance Mihal, Paul & Marguerite Morrison, Heath & Kathleen Myers, David & Mary & John Focianos Newburg, Jerry & Elizabeth & family Pannes, Nicholas Panteli, Pantelis & Linda, & family Pappas, Elizabeth Piaschyk, Damian, Sabrina & family Psychos, Constance Rafael, Presv. Claire Rafael, Timothy & family Raptis, Jim & Demetra Rigas, Rheba & Gust Rigas, John Rigas, Michael Ross, Anna & family Russell, Fr. Jarrod Searls, Loretta Silo, John & Barbara Singleton, Todd, Alexis & family Snell, William, Afroula & family Spanos, George, Mary Ann & family Spiridon, Dean & Linda Stanton, Dean, Maria & family Tatoian, Kimberly Theofilactidis, Dimtrios, Tiffany & family Theofilactidis, George & Kathy Theofilactidis, Lazaros & Courtney & family Tsitso, Louis Tsitso, Nicholas Tsitso, Spiro & family Turner, Bill, Angie & family Verleni, Nicholas & Helen Voulgaris, Tony & Helen Zorich, Ron, Voula & family Please contact the Church Office regarding any possible errors or omissions. Thanks to all those who continue to support our cherished St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church through your financial gifts!
Prosoforon Making Calendar NOVEMBER Nov. 5: Tiffany Nov. 11: Christine Nov. 19: Angie Nov. 26: Tiffany DECEMBER Dec 3: Sabrina Dec 10: Louise Hill Dec 17: Madison Christ Dec 24: Joanne Christ Dec 31: Maria Stanton JANUARY 2018 Jan. 7: Joanne Jan. 14: Maria Jan. 21: Christine Jan. 28: Angie BREADMAKERS Please make 2 loaves of bread for each Sunday. If you are unable to make the bread on the date you are scheduled, please contact Joanne Christ, at (716)488-0437. SIX DAY PRAYER CANDLES located on the solea of the alter are available for you and your loved ones at $5.00 each. If you are unable to come to church to light your own candle, call the church for assistance. SUNDAY BULLETIN Angie Turner is coordinating the Sunday Bulletin with Fr. Jarrod. If you have events, special meetings, memorials, or information that you would like to have announced, please contact Angie Turner, (814) 730-3375, or angturn@hotmail.com Parish Priest: President: Vice President: Treasurer: Secretary: Council Members: Chanter: Choir Director: PARISH COUNCIL 2017 Father Jarrod Russell Timothy Anderson Todd Singleton Damian Piaschyk Angie Turner Christine Cheronis Joanne Christ Basil Gedz Stephanie Lampropolos Ron Zorich James Cheronis James Cheronis Adult Acolytes: Chris Christodoulou, Christian Duro, Louis Tsitso Acolytes: Theonas Singleton, James Christ, Jr., Nicholas Brown, Benjamin Brown Coordinator: SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM Sabrina Piaschyk Chris Cheronis Christine Tsitso PHILOPTOCHOS ERENE SOCIETY President: Vice President: Treasurer: Recording Secretary: Corres. Secretary: Treasurer: Bookkeeper Assistant: Caretakers: Memorials: Olean Area: Bookstore: Newsletter: Christine Cheronis Helen Voulgaris Christina Anderson Kim Tatoian Joanne Christ PARISH LIASONS Damian Piaschyk Alexis Singleton Spiro Tsitso Todd Singleton, Basil Getz Ethel Enserro Betty Pappas Rachael Anderson & Stephanie Lampropolos Fr. Jarrod Russell Angie Turner Elizabeth Frederick
THE WONDERWORKER St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church PO Box 264 Jamestown, NY 14702 Address Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #336 Label SAVE THE DATES! November 10th: Fashion Show, 7-9:30 pm, Fellowship Hall Ladies Erene Society and sponsored by Tiffany Theofilactidis and LuLaRoe Collection, Kim Tation, & Rachael Deppas $10 adults, Light refreshments will be served. November 15th: Greek Dance Workshop and Orthodox Life session 4:30-6:30pm Beginners; 6:30-8pm Advanced; Fellowship and Dinner from 6 6:30pm December 2nd: Christmas Bazaar, Ladies Erene Society, 11 2 pm December 2nd: Bowling at Frewsburg Lanes and Orthodox Life session 2:30-5 pm Bowling and Subs BOOK STORE / GIFT SHOP We have several new items available for you. Check us out for the special events to remember your family members, God children, and Grandchildren. We can also place special orders if you would like an icon or book that we do not have. The new, revised edition of YASSOU FAVORITES & MORE is also available. It can be shipped directly to your home or gift recipient for a small mailing fee. Contact Rachael Anderson, Stephanie Lampropolos, or Liz Frederick, for any questions or special requests. Thank you everyone for your ongoing support. November / December 2017