ISSUE

Paraklesis Service to the Holy Theotokos

A Paraklesis (Greek: ) or Supplicatory Canon in the Orthodox Christian Church and, is a service of supplication for the welfare of the living. It is addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos whose intercessions are sought through the chanting of the supplicatory canon together with psalms, hymns, and litanies. The most popular Paraklesis is that in which the supplicatory canon and other hymns are addressed to the Holy Theotokos (the Mother of God). There are two forms of this service: the Small Paraklesis (composed by Theosterictus the Monk in the 9th century), and the Great Paraklesis (composed by Emperor Theodore I Ducas Lascaris in the 13th century). During the majority of the year, only the Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos is chanted. However, during the Dormition Fast (August 114, inclusive), the Typikon prescribes that the Small and Great Paraklesis be chanted on alternate evenings. It is customary to pray for the living during these services; for their health and the salvation of their souls. Please bring your list of names (again, living only) to Father and he will commemorate them at every Paraklesis Service, i.e. there is no need to bring a list to every service. The Paraklesis will be chanted at Holy Anargyroi on the following evenings, beginning at 6:00pm:

19
JULY/AUG 2012

Monthly Newsletter for the Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Box & Spoon

2012 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Tim Kelly President Aaron Biedermann V.P. Andru Peters Secretary Dan JerghiuTreasurer Diana Orbelo Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle Halina Woroncow STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Halina Woroncow Ari Kolas Mark Smith Diana Orbelo ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Aaron Biedermann Mark Smith John Maragos PHILOXENIA HOUSE Chamaidi Belanger Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Steve Kereakos Treasurer Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Forrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries

Transfiguration of Christ Monday, August 6th

Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:30am
You were transfigured on the Mount, Christ God revealing Your glory to Your disciples, insofar as they could comprehend. Illuminate us sinners also with Your everlasting light, through the intercessions of the Theotokos. Giver of light , glory to You.

Wed.-Fri. Aug. 1st-3rd; Tues.-Fri. Aug. 7th-Aug. 10th; and Mon. Aug. 13th
A Vigil Service will be celebrated Tues. Aug. 14th for the Feast of the Dormition

For every good gift comes down from You, the Father of Lights, and unto You we ascribe thanksgiving
As was enthusiastically announced on Sunday July 1st, a momentous and growth stimulating gift was just secured by our Building Committee for our beloved parish. Mr. Jim Chafoulias has graciously given us the means to realize a long awaited and desperately needed addition to our parish campus: a new community center! We are indebted to his generosity and benevolence towards Holy Anargyroi! After I received the news and the initial shock cleared the words quoted above from the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy immediately came to mind. The prayer, most likely written by St John Chrysostom himself, contains a quote from the Epistle of St. James and reminds us of one of lifes important caveats: all blessings, all gifts, all graces, all benefactions we receive and benefit from have their ultimate origin in GOD. I encourage us to stop for a moment and consider the implications of this truth repeatedly revealed to us through Scripture and the Liturgy. Every every good gift we do, say, think, offer, receive, witness, etc. has its beginning and end in God the Father. There are at least two corollaries to this realization: every time we participate in any way with that which is good we participate in the life of God...it automatically renders the experience divine. Secondly, although it is completely legitimate and good mannered to offer personal thanks to those who offer good gifts we must be mindful that the ultimate thanks belongs to God, and God alone. It is in this spirit of thanksgiving that I assure all of you that the Building Committee, together with the Parish Council, is dedicated to a diligent, transparent, and comprehensive approach to realize the imminent building project. I would like to reiterate the fact these are restricted funds, i.e. Mr. Chafoulias has donated $1,000,000.00 towards the construction of a new community center. HOWEVER, there is one stipulation that must occur before one shovel hits the dirt: the current mortgage on the new church building must be paid in full. For months now we have heard urgent appeals from the President of the Parish Council, Mr. Tim Kelly, encouraging all of us to participate in the Burn the Mortgage Drive to definitively eliminate the churchs debt. Many have heard his plea and have taken action. To date we have 20 pledges for a total amount of $67,000. I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have stepped up to the plate (yet again!) and have supported our parish. Yet, nearly 80% of our parish family have not made their commitment to this end. To those of us who have not yet, for whatever reason, made a sacrificial offering please allow me to dangle the proverbial carrot in front you. We cannot begin construction on the new hall until the church has retired the current mortgage. I believe the recent gift has served a two-fold purpose providing us with a necessary facility expansion and simultaneously affording us the proper motivation to become debt free.

Box N Spoon Issue 19 JULY/AUG 12

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

holyanargyroi@gmail.com

Martha Voytovich Market place

Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Larissa Ostfeld Children Area

Greek Orthodox Church 703 West Center Street Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 282-1529 phone (507) 282-1253 fax http://www.holyanargyroi.org

Holy Anargyroi/Sts. Kosmas & Damianos

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Rochester, MN Permit No. 278

+Fr. Mark

As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar

July & August 2012
Sunday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Monday Tuesday Fr Mark away from July 8th-July 28th Fr. Tom Alatzakis visiting priest from MSP July 15th July 18th Parish Council Meeting 7pm July 19th St. Philothei Project 6pm Fr. Tom Alatzakis visiting priest from MSP July 22nd July 24th Greek Fest Meeting 6pm Aug. 1st DORMITION FAST BEGINS THRU AUG. 15TH Aug. 1st Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 2nd Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 3rd Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 6th Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord 8:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy Aug. 7th Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 8th Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 9th Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 10th Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 13th Paraklesis Service 6pm Aug. 14th VIGIL SERVICE for Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos Great Vespers, Artoklasia, Paraklesis, Orthros, Divine Liturgy all celebrated consecutively Beginning at 6pm NO SERVICES (Vigil previous evening) Aug. 15th Aug. 15th Parish Council Meeting 7pm Aug. 16th St. Philothei Project 6pm Aug. 22nd Festival Baking 9:30am Aug. 23rd Festival Baking 9:30am 24th-26th ROCHESTER GREEK FEST Aug. 27th-28th GOYA trip to Wisconsin Dells Aug. 29th Beheading of St. John the Baptist 8:30am Orthros/Divine Liturgy

The Greek Festival is fast approaching! This is a major fundraiser for our operating budget. We need everybodys help to be successful! Mark your calendars and make sure you will be available the last weekend in August. Help the Ladies of Philoptochos bake our famous pastries. Many people come every year just to enjoy our baklava. See the schedule below Saturday, June 2 Monday, June 25 Saturday, July 7 Wednesday, July 11 Saturday, July 28 Wednesday, August 22 Thursday, August 23 Friday, August 24 9:30 9:30 10:00 9:30 10:00 9:30 9:30 Baklava Cookies Galaktobouriko (Prepare) Cookies Cookies Dipping Diples and Melomakarona Karidopita and Kopenhi

Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Wednesday Thursday Fri.-Sun. Mon.-Tues. Wednesday

9:30 Final preparing and setup

Donate items, baskets or money for the Silent Auction. Contact Loredana Jerghiuta (loredanaj@yahoo.com, 507-271-5928). Do not forget that the Auction is 100% profit - there are no bills to pay in the end. Your gift will have the maximum impact Volunteer. Help is needed throughout the Festival weekend: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning setup and food preparation Friday morning finish setup and start cooking Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday cook, serve and dance! Sunday night cleanup If you have not been contacted and would like to help talk to Dan Jerghiuta (festival@holyanargyroi.org, 507-271-7688) Sell tickets. Display posters at your workplace or business. Tickets and posters will be printed and available to pick up the first week of June. Mention the Festival dates in your business advertising. Help us gain visibility using the space and time you already paid for! Talk to your friends about the Festival. Remind them the dates. Point them to the Festival web page (greekFestRochester.com) or Facebook page

Quotes On Prayer
St Seraphim of Sarov

from the Fathers

When mind and heart are united in prayer and the soul is wholly concentrated in a single desire for God, then the heart grows warm and the light of Christ begins to shine and fills the inward man with peace and joy. We should thank the Lord for everything and give ourselves up to His will; we should also offer Him all our thoughts and words, and strive to make everything serve only His good pleasure.

St John Chrysostom
Prayer is a great weapon, a rich treasure, a wealth that is never exhausted, an undisturbed refuge, a cause of tranquility, the root of a multitude of blessings and their source.

St Symeon of Thessaloniki
Prayer is a conversation directly with God, being always with God, having one's soul united with Him and one's mind inseparable. A person becomes one with the angels and unites with them in perpetual praise and longing for God.

As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

Philoxenia House News

Hospitality. It's making strangers into guests. It is as ancient as civilization and as contemporary as a lonely heart. It is a gift, a responsibility, and a joy. It is simply the second commandment -Love your neighbor as yourself. So, let PHILOXENIA be your battle cry, and get out there to show the world you care! (Cynthia Clampit, The Intelligent Christian). Summer is here and Mayo patients and Philoxenia guests have began to arrive. We are trying to accommodate everyone at the St. Iakovos House until the White Philoxenia House renovation is complete. With God's help we hope to have everything ready by the end of July so that the apartments are prepared for the late summer and fall requests for accommodations. In May we had a mother and daughter staying for about 3 weeks. They came all the way from Kodiak Island in Alaska. The mother, Lisa, is a native, an Alaskan Aleut, but she was born into Russian Orthodox faith. There are many Russian churches and most people, even her husband who is from Scandinavia heritage are Russian Orthodox. Their stories about Alaska and especially Kodiak Island and their heritage was so enthralling. Lisa who is an educator, and her husband who is a biologist, have started a winery using mostly native berries and flowers. They have won many awards and their wines are sought not only in Alaska but all over the USA Both Lisa and Lauren her daughter, were so delighted to find a place such as the Philoxenia House that kept thanking us for the opportunity to accommodate them. They also loved our church and people, our Sunday services and Fr. Mark. Currently two other families are occupying the downstairs and upstairs St. Iakovos House. Both are from Greece. Elli and her son Tryfon have been here before. Yannis, Sofia and Alexandra their sick daughter, are here for the first time. Alexandra is 15 years old. Manolia Vangelatos, you all remember her, referred them to the Mayo Clinic and to the Philoxenia House. They do not speak English, so I think they would appreciate a few friendly words from anyone who speaks a little Greek. O first-enthroned of the Apostles. Teachers of the Universe: Entreat the Master of all to grant peace to the world. And great mercy to our souls. Troparion to SS Peter and Paul

Philoptochos Society
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our first Philoptochos meeting of the new year (Sept 2012-May 2013) will be on Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 6pm in the Church library. This is a very important meeting to attend because we will be voting on our fundraisers for the upcoming year. The fundraisers determine the success of our chapter. Please make every effort to attend. The past year 2011-2012 was very productive for our chapter as we doubled our membership and income with wonderful fundraisers, great teamwork and dedicated members. It is my hope and prayer that we keep building on this good foundation and shared vision of working together for God to help others in need. I was honored to represent Holy Anargyroi at the Philoptochos National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona July 1-5. It was wonderful to network with other Philoptochos members and to also put a face on Holy Anargyroi especially within the Chicago Diocese. Our chapter received recognition for its 100% National Ministry Commitments for the years 2011 and 2012. We are also highlighted in the Chicago Dioceses newsletter, Philoptochos Perspective, which can be viewed online at www.chicago.goarch.org and clicking on Ministries and then Philoptochos. If you would like a paper copy; Id be more than happy to give you one. In recent months; I have found myself in the position of meeting many Priests and parishioners from other parishes. Although I have met some amazing Priests and parishioners and heard good stories about their parishes; I have still come away with a deeper appreciation for our own! When talking to others about our parish; I share this sentiment: I belong to a wonderful parish, Holy Anargyroi, in Rochester, MN. In my opinion, Holy Anargyroi is a mission based parish because of our close location to the Mayo Clinic and the hundreds of people who come through our doors from around the world in great need and often without their dearest support systems. It is us, the Priest and parishioners at Holy Anargyroi that become their friends, their adopted families, and their support system as we welcome our visitors in need with open hearts and arms. We invite them in worship and into our homes to share meals and fellowship together. We include them in our personal gatherings and welcome them into our circle of family and friends. We also provide to Orthodox patients of the Mayo Clinic in need, our Philoxenia Houses, for them to stay free of charge. All of us at Holy Anargyroi know how to reach out, welcome and love others because we have been doing this ministry together for a long time. It is the presence of the people in need in our parish that have positively changed us and challenged us to create this parish of Gods welcoming love. It is the people with limitations, with disabilities, with challenges that we have to thank for making our lives spiritually richer and opening the doors for us to become closer to God by doing His work. May we continue to uplift and inspire each other as we run the spiritual race together. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also the interest of others. -Saint Paul in Philippians 2:4 With Love in Christ, Calli Kelly Philoptochos President

Stewardship
We currently have 75 pledges, and we would like to thank all those who returned their stewardship packets. If you havent already done so, we ask that you prayerfully consider what you can offer back to God in support of His parish. Additional stewardship packets are located by the Church entrance in the Narthex.

2012 Current List of Pledging Members

Dr. Matthew Abdel Andrew Barbes Gust & Jackie Barbes Joel & Chamaidi Belanger Lexie & Aaron Biedermann Costa & Maria Boosalis Mike & Kris Brekke Maria Economou-Frank Gus & Kathy Chafos Peter & Angie Chafos Rebeca Chery Fr. Anthony Coniaris Ionel & Lucia Dumitrascu Joe & Cindy Forrer Dimitar & Ralitza Gavrilov George and Michelle Gounaikis Helen Grechis Trevor & Laura Hamlen Natasha Henderson Bradley & Erline Holman Gordy & Connie Jelatis-Hoke Donald & Elaine Jenkins Dan & Loredana Jerghiuta Carolyn Jukich Ben and Amalyssa Johnson Yanni Kaloumenos Tom & Sandy Kapellas Phyllis Kapenis Michael & Mondo Katselis Tim & Calli Kelly George Kereakos Steve Kereakos Michelle Kinsley Hermann & Erin Klarr Ari & Penny Kolas Sam Kolas Nick and Anne Kolas Tony & Nereida Lecakis Constantine Lecakis Kula Magaritsidis Jan - June 2011 Actual $104,579.45 $120,369.93 ($15,790.48) John & Denise Mangouras Dr. Nick & Connie Maragos John Maragos Tia Maragos George and Linda Margellos Petre & Mihala Marin Fr. Mark & Pres. Michelle Muoz George & Cathy Murak Dr. Diana Orbelo Soula Pampori Maria Pasalis Andi Pathoulas Andru Peters Jacob & Maria Peterson Dr. Doug & Anne Pflaum Marilyn Phelps Catherine Psimos Dr. Nick & Effie Psimos Nicholas Psimos George & Alicia Psomas 2012 vs 2011 Difference ($8,665.38) ($1,102.41) ($7,562.97) Jim & Vicki Psomas Angie Rustad Tina Sageotis John & Jennifer Sakellarou Mogib & Seham Salama John Schur Mark Smith Fr. Bob and Nikki Stephanopoulos George & Maria Thomas Roy and Olga Truelson Martha Voytovich Ray Ostfeld & Dr. Halina Woroncrow George & Marion Zahhos

Mission Coin Boxes

Thank you to all the children and parishioners who donated to the OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) Mission Coin Boxes. We raised 425 dollars this year! With each year; we send more money and it is greatly appreciated. I had the blessing of hand delivering our check from Holy Anargyroi to OCMC along with missionary Nathan Hoppe at the Clergy Laity Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. On behalf of the staff and missionaries of OCMC; thank you so much! Calli

Jan - June 2012 Actual Total Income Total Expenses Net Income $95,914.07 $119,267.52 ($23,353.45)

Jan - June 2012 Budget $102,460.00 $120,303.54 ($17,843.54)

Actual vs. Budget Difference ($6,545.93) ($1,036.02) ($5,509.91)

As mother of life, you departed to the source of life, delivering our souls from death by your intercessions.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

In birth, you preserved your virginity; in death, you did not abandon the world, O Theotokos.

Dormition of the Holy Theotokos, Aug 15th

Youth Team Report

Happy Summer! Our Church School students, teachers, and families enjoyed a wonderful end-of-year picnic at Oxbow Park. The weather was perfect just enough sun and heat to be able to dry off quickly after some good-natured water balloon strikes all around J. We played football and lawn games and visited the zoo. The food was plentiful, and the company couldnt be beat!

Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends, Our Silent Auction is a major fundraiser for our church, with proceeds going directly to church operating budget. In order to make our Festival a success this year, we need your help by making a donation. Any donation to the silent auction would be greatly appreciated. Here are a few ideas: items you have picked up in your travels, tickets to athletic events - if you have games you know you will miss, please consider donating those tickets, gift certificates, items for theme baskets are always a popular item and are a fun and creative way to contribute to the auction. Please consider the following ideas: beauty baskets, sports baskets, hobby baskets, baby baskets, back to school, bookworm baskets, gardener baskets, gourmet baskets, coffee baskets - and anything else that you can think of! Be creative! Monetary Donations are also being accepted from donors who desire to adopt an auction item. In addition, you can also donate your item in Memory of or in Honor of a loved one. Their name will be displayed with the item as well, therefore allowing you to honor or memorialize your loved one in a special way. Any items you can donate they are greatly appreciated. The Silent Auction committee will be in charge with arranging, grouping the items or creating beautiful baskets. Your generosity will be recognized in our church bulletin. In addition to helping at our Festival this summer, GOYA is planning another trip to Wisconsin Dells at the end of August. Be sure to save August 27-28 in your calendars and join us! Your Youth Team is meeting to determine the most efficient class structure for next year and to identify additional teachers for our Church School ranks. If we havent approached you and you have an interest in teaching our children - and, thereby, deepening your own understanding of our faith - please speak to Father Mark or catch Loredana, Mike, or Halina after Liturgy. We wish you a relaxing, enjoyable summer. Dont forget to keep Sunday Liturgy on your itinerary!

If you would like to make a monetary donation please fill out the form below. Donor Name _______________________________________________________________ Home Phone __________________________________Cell Phone____________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________ (Circle one) In Honor of or In Memory of: _____________________________________ Donation Amount ______________

Item ______________________________

Write check payable to: Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church. Mail to: Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church 703 West Center Street, Rochester, MN, 55902 Please feel free to contact me with any questions. With Sincere Appreciation, Loredana Jerghiuta, Chair Silent Auction Committee 507-271-5928 loredanaj@yahoo.com

Youth Team Coordinators, Loredana Jerghiuta, Halina Woroncow and Mike Brekke