Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Father Michael Constantinides, Economos PARISH COUNCIL Officers George Vranas, President

Anthony Kavouris, Vice President Melanie Chionis, Secretary Kathy Toscas, Corresponding Secretary Nicholas C. Lamnatos, Treasurer Dino Anagnostopoulos, Assistant Treasurer Dr. Chris H. Sarlas, Assistant Treasurer Members Peter Angelos Peter Coules, Jr. James A. Gikas Steven V. Loulousis Joe Marchione George Papadopoulos James A. Patsavas Dr. Peter A. Patsavas Dorothy Pavlick John Savas Margo J. Toscas Tara Young Vranas

The Orthodox Word

V O L U M E 2 I S S U E 9 O C T O B E R , 2 0 1 2

Pastoral Message
My Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Lord, I was watching a television show on the Discovery Channel that talked about the beginning of life on this planet. Towards the end of the program, after they went over the scientific aspects, the conclusion was made that since the chances of life occurring are so small, there must have been some force unknown guiding the whole process. I was amazed in that they almost gave God credit for the miracle of life. While I was watching the show, it occurred to me that we too believe that God guides His creation down a certain road. God is not an absentee landlord, but rather he plays an active role in the development of his creatures. He is not afraid to show his power when it will benefit us. One such example is found in Christs raising the boy in Nain. My brothers and sisters in the Lord let us take a few moments to see what miracles are and how they play a role in our lives. What are miracles? Miracles are signs of Gods power over nature and corruption. Nature by breaking the bonds of biology and allowing faith and love to govern. Corruption by wiping away all the results of sin which include disease, and death. How do they happen? Miracles happen when God acts; when God overrules laws of nature in order to show His love to man. What is love? Love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, selfless and above all else unconditional. God is life-giving and creating because first He is a lover. One might say that love is indeed life. In fact, since God himself is love, man, who is made in His image and likeness must love also. God is life-giving because he is love How often do miracles happen? They happen whenever God wants. Miracles can only happen when faith is present. They are not for the transformation of the unbeliever but for the strengthening of the faithful Are miracles gone today? Can we see miracles today? The answer is yes. God continues to work. God works through the Virgin Mary, the Saints and especially us. How do they affect us in this scientific age? They confirm our faith by making us think about God. They bring us closer to Him because by not being normal events they defy our understanding. They shows us the results of pious life. The mother, who was faithful had lost her husband during a period of time that a woman could not make a living without one. And now she lost her son. She had no one to support her. So God acted, rewarded her faith and raised her son; not for the sons sake but for hers. God rewarded her faith! So, we can see that miracles are to be found anywhere God decides to act, which is everywhere. They show us Gods power over the natural order, since He created it. They also show Gods love by overlooking the corruption that we have caused ourselves due to sin. They confirm the faith of the faithful, even if these faithful are not a visible part of the community, by uniting us to Him and by showing us the weakness and incompleteness of our nature. Yet they point to what is to come, our reward for being pious. They also condemn those that claim to believe but do not show the fruits of faith, that is love. We must always look to what is to come, since that is our goal, in order to fully understand the ultimate miracle, that is, theosis, our becoming God-like. Let us go out into the world and be miraculous. Let us live as though God does indeed exists and acts in our lives. Let us not empty the cross of its power by denying God the vehicle to perform miracles, that is our faith. Amen In His Service,

Staff Paula Pappas, Parish Secretary Basiliki Danos, Neokorissa Tom Kakos, Chanter Elias Anast, Chanter Rosie DeSanto, Choir Director Georgia Sarlas, Philoptochos President Margo Toscas, Sunday School Director Paula Giaouris George, Homer PTO President Dorothy Pavlick, GOYA Coordinator Paula George, HOPE/JOY Advisor Dino Anagnostopoulos, Athletic Director Dianne Kontos S.O.N Bookstore Manager
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 10301 S. Kolmar Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Phone: 708-636-5460 Fax: 708-636-3883 Church E-mail: saintnicholasil@gmail.com Father Michaels E-mail frmike99@aol.com Website: www.stnicholasil.org Office Hours: 10:00 a.m.4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Father Michael Constantinides, Economos

October 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Fast Day 6:30 p.m. Parish Council Meeting 4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 7:00 p.m. Orthodox Study Forum 7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 7 3rd Sunday of Luke 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday School classes following Holy Communion +Sacrament 8 Columbus Day Office Closed 9 8:00 a.m. The Sacrament of Holy Unction at the Church of the Holy Cross in Justice Following the Sacrament there will be a Senior luncheon 10 Fast Day 4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 7:00 p.m. Orthodox Study Forum 11 Fast Day 12 13 3 4 Fast Day 5 6

4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 6:30 p.m. Open Gym 15 Bazaar Preparation 16 Bazaar Preparation 17 Fast Day Bazaar Preparation

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice 18 Feast Day of the Apostle and Evangelist Luke Bazaar Preparation 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy 19 Fast Day Bazaar Preparation 20 Philoptochos Bazaar

14 Sunday of the Holy Fathers God Parent Sunday 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday School classes following Holy Communion Sunday School God Parent Breakfast

4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 6:30 p.m. HOPE/JOY

4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 7:00 p.m. Orthodox Study Forum

21 6th Sunday of Luke 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday School classes following Holy Communion Philoptochos Bazaar Hot Dog Lunch coupons for Sunday School children

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4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 7:00 p.m. Great Vespers at the Church of Saint Iakovos in Valparaiso, IN

23 Feast Day of Saint Iakovos Name Day of Metropolitan Iakovos 8:30 a.m. Orthros and Divine Liturgy at the Annunciation Cathedral in Chicago 6:00 p.m. Metropolitans Name Day Dinner at the Empress Banquets in Addison, IL

24 Fast Day

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4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes 6:30 p.m. Adult Greek School Classes 7:00 p.m. Orthodox Study Forum

7:00 p.m. Great Vespers at the Churches of Saint Demetrios: Chicago, Elmhurst and Hammond IN

26 Feast Day of Saint Demetrios Fast Day Name Day of Archbishop Demetrios Name Day of Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos 8:30 a.m. Orthros followed by the Divine Liturgy

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28 7th Sunday of Luke 8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday School classes following Holy Communion OXI Day Celebration Open House & PTO Sponsored Coffee Hour Lunch GOYA Meeting following the Divine Liturgy

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30 Fast Day

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No Greek School Classes No Orthodox Study Forum

4:30 p.m. Greek School Classes

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Epistle Readers for October October 7 3rd Sunday of Luke Pamela Patsavas October 14 Sunday of the Holy Fathers Angela Biesiada October 21 6th Sunday of Luke Mary Beth Otte October 28 7th Sunday of Luke Tina Savas

Stewardship Corner
"And the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre ... And bowed himself to the earth, and said, 'My Lord, if I have found favor in Your sight, do not pass by Your servant'." (Genesis 18:1-3) In this passage we are presented with an icon of the Holy Trinity. Known as t h e " Ho s p i t al i t y o f Abraham" we see the stewardship offered by Abraham and Sarah to the three angels. We are familiar with the story of Abraham and Sarah as recorded in Genesis 18:1-3. It is in this passage that we are given the example of hospitality, a kind and Can we do more? Again generous manner in we answer - Yes! The which we behave. faithful of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Christian Orthod ox America have been Stewardship calls us to blessed with an abundance be kind and generous in of God's blessings. When our ministry. Reflecting we accept the opportunity upon the accomplish- to be kind and generous, ments of our Holy we put our faith into Archdiocese of America action. As Abraham and these past 90 years we Sarah received the three realize that - Yes, we are angels and ministered to kind and generous! The them, we also give accomplishments of our ourselves so that our parishes, the ministry of children and household the Philoptochos, locally may "keep the way of the and nationally, and the Lord by doing righteousgenerous work of ness and justice..." Leadership 100 attests to (Genesis 18:19). this affirmation.

STEWARDSHIP AUGUST 31, 2012 Number of Stewardship Pledges: Total Number of Stewardship Pledges in 2011: Total Amount Pledged: Total Dollar Amount Received: Average Pledge Amount: Number of Leadership 100 Stewards: (Contribute $100 or more per month) Number of Supporting Stewards: (Contribute more than $600 annually) Number of Contributing Stewards: (Contribute less than $600 annually) 269 298 $153,024.00 $107,916.16 $568.88 22 84 163

PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR PLEDGE CARD FOR 2012 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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Save the Dates Tuesday, October 9 Senior Christian Fellowship at Holy Cross Church Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21 Annual Bazaar Baking for Dinner Dance Check the Bulletin for dates and times

Focus on Philoptochos
Help Us Help Others
The leaves are changing colors and the breeze is cooler. Fall has arrived. Our first meeting of the fall season took place on Saturday, September 15th, and was very informative. The ladies who attended were able to enjoy the jewelry designs of Sophia Arzoumanidis Forero. She showed a video entitled Lucky Girls, about an Orthodox girls orphanage near Calcutta, India. This benevolent lady donates 85% of the purchase price of 2 specially designed necklaces directly to the orphanage for the benefit of the girls living there. Everyone in attendance enjoyed mezedes, mimosa, lunch and dessert. We sincerely welcome all the ladies of our parish to join in these philanthropic events which give back much to those who give to others. We are very pleased to announce three new members to our Philoptochos chapter. They are Presbytera Mary Greanias, Bess Karabis, and Xanthe (Sandy) Thomas. Please consider adding your name to this list. On Tuesday, September 18th, the Philoptochos of Sts. Constantine & Helen hosted their Seniors Christian Fellowship Luncheon. All that attended enjoyed good food and much fellowship. Coming up on Tuesday, October 9th, the luncheon will be hosted by Holy Cross Philoptochos. If you are a senior and wish to attend, please reserve your space by calling Georgia Sarlas (708-4487020), or the St. Nicholas Church office. On Saturday, September 22nd, many of our ladies and our Fr. Michael attended the Metropolis of Chicago P h i l o p t o ch o s an n u al luncheon. This is the main fundraiser for the Metropolis Philoptochos, and is always a lovely event. The food at Rosewood Banquets is always excellent and the surroundings are beautiful. Join us next year for a most enjoyable afternoon! Now comes are main fundraiser. Our annual Bazaar is scheduled for October 20th & 21st. The gym is fully rented to crafters and our ladies are very busy baking, sewing, making sauces and candy. If you can contribute, please contact either Sharon Sinadinos, Anna Paramboukas, or Georgia Sarlas. We invite the entire parish to enjoy lunch, view the crafters, and take our homemade goodies home to enjoy later. Our Sunday School students will receive a free hot dog with their coupon on that Sunday. Looking ahead, Philoptochos will be providing the dessert pastry for our parish Dinner Dance on Saturday, November 3rd. Make your reservations as soon as possible. Also, help us prepare those desserts. Check the weekly bulletin for work time and dates. More hands working makes the time fly and the company is great. It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing away of our member, Bess Zerlentes. May God rest her soul among the just and grant her family peace and comfort. Georgia Sarlas, President

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Sunday School
Its beautiful Autumn, and Sunday School is in full swing!

Sunday, October 14 Godparent/ Godchild Sunday and Back-to-School Breakfast

Were looking forward to hosting our breakfast. We encourage students to invite their godparents, family and friends for this festive, family gathering. As usual, there will be a variety of breakfast fare, a raffle for the students and lots of fun and fellowship! Please make sure to make reservations by calling the church office, or by stopping the reservation table outside of the community center. We hope to see all of our parish family share this great event and support our Sunday School.

donation to our local food pantry. Beginning October 28th and continuing to November 25th, students are asked to bring cans and dry food products. On November 25th students will carry bags of food into church and place them on the solea around the icon of St. Nicholas. The food pantry is in need and so appreciative of our donations for those less fortunate, and our families are always so generous!

the gospel reading.

Can You Help Us?

Its NEVER too late to register for SCS! Our goal is to get every single family to register their children for SCS. Its not just because we have great, dedicated teachers and lessons. Its because we have seen how our students light up when going to SCS. They somehow gain something that makes them feel good. Its the love of God that they can carry through their busy week, and keeps them positive until the next week! Its the lifetime foundation of God and our Orthodox Christian faith that we are trying to build. So, we ask for your help in bringing family and friends to register for SCS!

COME TO BREAKFAST Sunday, October 14 Make your Reservation today! Sunday, October 28 to November 25 Bring your non-perishable food items for Bags of Food, Bags of Love Food Drive DONT MISS Sunday, November 18 Father Michaels Teaching Liturgy 9:00 a.m. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR CHILDREN

Sunday, November 18 Fr. Michaels Divine Liturgy Lesson

How well do we understand whats happening during the Divine Liturgy? Well find out on the 18th, as Fr. Michael pauses to explain his actions as he performs the Divine Liturgy. This is a valuable lesson for our children, and a rare opportunity for our parishioners. Students and parishioners should be in church at 9:00 a.m. The lesson will replace the SCS lesson that Fr. Michael normally gives after

Sunday, October 28
Bags of Food, Bags of Love Food Collection One of our philanthropic projects is to collect non-perishable food products for

Happy Autumn to everyone! God Bless You!

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HOMER GREEK SCHOOL

We are off to a wonderful start to our Greek School program. On our first day the students and teachers were in church for an Agiasmo service. We have had a change in staff this year and had to say goodbye to our Principal, Mr. Andreas Kalasountas. After working with our children for so many years, he will certainly be missed. Mr. Kalasountas taught our fourth through sixth grade levels. For our parishioners who attended our programs during coffee hour, it was always great to hear his beautiful guitar accompaniment to the childrens singing. In turn, we now welcome Mrs. Stavroula Wainwright as the new teacher for our upper grades. She has many years of experience as a Greek school teacher and a very warm personality. The children are looking forward to working with her and improving their Greek language skills as they progress through our program. Please join us at our OXI Day Celebration Open House and PTO Sponsored Coffee Hour on October 28. Please take this opportunity to stop in and meet our teachers and see our classrooms. You can still register your child or grandchild for Greek School at anytime. We meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm. The Greek School teachers are willing to work with all families with scheduling conflicts. We also have an adult Greek Class that runs on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm. Please contact the church office for a registration form or any questions.

GREEK FOR ADULTS at SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH Speak Greek with family and friends. Improve your Greek conversation. The Greek language can be used in your everyday life. Ages 12 and up are welcome! For more information contact the Church Office at 708-636-5460 or ppappas. saintnicholasil@ gmail.com

HOPE/JOY News
Thank you to all who attended the meeting in September. We talked about the Cross with Fr. Michael. We also enjoyed some fellowship in the gym, did a craft and enjoyed a meal together. We are working on getting a schedule out for our upcoming events. We will email it out when completed. We are open to ideas and suggestions. Talk to your kids and get some ideas on what they would like to do and get back to us. It can be things they want to learn about within the church or fun outings for us to go on. We will be trying to have some of our events after Liturgy on Sundays to make it easier for all to attend. Don't forget to check out our shadow box for pictures and upcoming events. Join us for our next meeting on Monday October 15, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for fun and fellowship. Hope to see you all there! Please email your ideas or questions to: presmariazoe@aol.com or paula.giaouris.geo @sbcglobal.net

GOYA News
In September the GOYAns went to the Hellenic Museum for a tour and had lunch at The Greek Islands. We were very fortunate to have a guide who has a masters degree in Greek History, so we were very lucky to learn more about ancient Greece. For our October 28th meeting we will meet in the Bouris library. On November 10th we will be visiting St. John Chrysostoms Monastery in Wisconsin for the day. I hope we will have a good turnout for that trip. We are very blessed to have such a beautiful Monastery so close to home. Hope to see you at the October meeting. Any questions, please e-mail Dorothy Pavlick at mezpav@att.net

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Community News
CHOIR NEWS
On Sunday October 7,

Stewardship Gifting
the box that tells us whether you wish to be a part of the directory. Also note the box for those wishing to have the Word and other information sent to them electronically. If you are unsure whether you have checked the boxes please telephone the Church office. SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS On Sunday November 18, 2012 we will be having a Teaching Divine Liturgy. Father Michael will explain the various parts of the Divine Liturgy. GOYA News All young people of GOYA age are encouraged to attend our October 28th meeting following the Divine Liturgy Orthodox Study Forum Come and join us as we look into the inner meaning of the Scriptural texts and see how they apply with the teachings of the Fathers, the Tradition of the Church and with our lives today. Join us also as we examine the traditions of the Church and compare them with what our parents taught us. We meet every Wednesday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. so bring your Bibles, your questions and your friends as we begin our Orthodox Study Forum.

2012, we recognize those women and men who have heard and responded to the Lords invitation to be church musicians: that is, parish chanters and choir singers. As church musicians, these people represent the laity in the liturgical dialogue of our worship services. In glory to God, the Holy Trinity, they commit themselves to learning the hymns of our Orthodox faith, understanding the sequence of our liturgical worship, and actively offering their prayers in song to enhance the beauty of our worship. We ask each of them, and our congregation as well, to be mindful of the special ministry they fulfill in singing the hymns of our faith and leading us to worship. Our Choir is holding practice to learn the hymns of the Church in English for our upcoming Teaching Liturgy on November 18, 2012. Anyone who has the gift of song should join our choir on October 4th and 11th. G.O.A.L BASKETBALL Its time to gather the team and play the game. We need young people for our High School and Junior Boys Teams. If you have boys ages 9 through 18 years old, who are interested in

playing, please call the church office (708-6365460) or our Athletic Director, Dino Anagnostopoulos at 708-4234505. Applications are available in the church office, but please call if you are interested. SENIOR MINISTRY On Tuesday October 9th the South Side senior ministry which is composed of Senior Citizens from the Parishes of Saint Nicholas, Saint Spyridon, Saints Constantine and Helen, Holy Cross and Assumption, will be meeting at Holy Cross in Justice. Following worship which begins at 9:30 a.m., there follows a Luncheon. All Seniors are invited! Call the Church office for details. ALTAR BOY NEWS Calling all young men of the Parish between the ages of 7 and 17. You are all invited and encouraged to serve as Altar Boys in the Holy Altar. It is both an honor and a blessing to serve the Lord in such a special way. DIRECTORY Please note that we are composing a Parish Directory in an effort to broaden the lines of communication between our stewards. Listed in this directory will be your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. If you have not filled out a pledge card please do so and check

Thank you to all the parishioners who brought Basiliko for the Celebration of the Holy Cross. May He who was crucified on it bless you all! Thank you to the anonymous donor who donated the new lanterns for our Altar Boys. May the light of the Angels enlighten your life. Thank you to John Zerlentes, who donated two graves to the Church Thank you to the Argiropoulos, Georgiou and Kopanitsanos families who donated incense for the Holy Altar. May your prayers rise like incense before Him! Thank you to an anonymous donor who donated the clock in the Community center!

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Papagalos Papagalos
Happy 1st Birthday to my new Godson, Lou Anthony Kamberos. As your Godmother, I promise to always treasure you as the special blessing that you are. Love, Nouna Kathy Roupas **** Thank you so much to my family, Bob, Sue and Adam Smith (and our wonderful dog, Corey) for supporting me so much as I begin graduate school. I love and miss you very much. Thank you too to the parish of St. Nicholas and the Philoptochos for being there for me as I grew up and for helping me achieve my dreams. Love, Alexis **** Congratulations to our grandson Perry George Savas on his marriage to Erin Taylor Sipsis. Na zisoune. Yiayia and Papou Savas **** Happy Birthday to our Koumbares' children Johanna Sarlas Abend and Christopher Sarlas (who also shares his birthday with me). Tina and Pat Savas **** Happy anniversary to my wife of 57 years, Tina Savas, and a happy birthday on the same day Oct.23 and further may she live long enough to fulfill her wish to live longer than her father. With much love, Pat **** Happy 17th birthday on October 25 to Adam Smith. God has blessed you! We are proud of you, Adam. Dad, Mom, Alexis and Corey **** Wishing a blessed Nameday to our grandson, Luke Repking, and son-in-law Rick (Dimitri) Repking. Love, Yiayia & Pappou, Anna & Nick Paramboukas **** Congratulations to my darling grandson, Lou Anthony Kamberos on becoming an Orthodox Christian. To his lovely Nouna, Kathy Roupas, Na ton Herese. Happy First Birthday Lou, October 21st. Love and kisses, Mom, Dad, big brother Gus and Yia Yia Elaine **** Happy Birthday and all of God's Blessings to our son, H. Christopher Sarlas on the 23rd, and our daughter, Johanna Abend on the 24th of October. With all our love, Mom & Dad Sarlas **** Happy Birthday to our Koumbares, Nancy Savas on the 7th, and Tina Savas on the 23rd. Also, Happy Anniversary to Pat & Tina Savas on the 23rd. Best wishes and much love, Chris & Georgia Sarlas **** Happy October Birthdays to Johanna Abend, Sylvia Buonaiuto, Nikole Galanes, Evmorfia Gatsinas, Paula Pappas, Addie Patsavas, Catherine Poulos, Tina Savas, Fran Shizas, Alison Sinadinos, Eve Stathakopoulos, Elaine Stefanu, and Mary Stefanu. The St. Nicholas Philoptochos **** Happy Birthday to a special sister and cousin (who is like a sister to us), Diane Bolos. We love you! Your sister, Carol Patsavas and your cousins, Diane Kontos and Kathy Roupas

Papagalos chats should be short and signed. No anonymous chats will be published. Submit by first week of the month There are three ways to submit your Papagalos chats: Email Kathy Roupas at chicagokathy@ msn.com (please put Papagalos in the subject line) Give a handwritten copy to Kathy at church Feed your chat to Papagalos in his Birdhouse in the Bookstore

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Answers to Last Months Test Your Faith

About the Church Across 3. The large embroidered cloth depicting Christ laid out in the grave. 9. Three-times holy. 10. There are _______ Ecumenical Councils. 11. Orthodox mystical tradition. Down 1. The robes and other clerical garb. 2. A scented oil that is blessed every year on Holy Thursday. 4. The divider, decorated with icons, between the sanctuary and nave in an Orthodox temple.. 5. The bookstand on the ambo for supporting the Gospel. 6. The guidelines and rules governing worship and practice. 7. The regulations of the church. 8. For burning incense Liturgical Books Pentecostarion Menaia Prophetologion Archieratikon Euchologion Hieratikon Evangelion Irmologion Octoechos Apostolos Triodion Psalter Typikon

SAVE THE DATE! Fall Parish Assembly November 11, 2012 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy! Please note: To participate in the Fall Parish Assembly, Stewards must have paid 66% of their current annual pledge prior to the Parish Assembly meeting.

Parish Registry
Baptism The servant of God, Elias, son of Stephan and Christine Kamberos was Baptized into the Orthodox Faith on September 30, 2012 and the sponsor was Kathy Roupas. Funeral The servant of God, Bessie Zerlentes fell asleep in the Lord and was buried on August 20, 2012. Memorials Bessie Zerlentes 40 Days Peter Coules, Sr. 1 Year George Konrad 1 Year Brett OKeefe 2 Years James Coules 3 years William Konrad 3 Years

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Stewards 2012 as of September 15

Father Michael and Presbytera Maria Constantinides Mr. and Mrs. Michael Alexander Mrs. Joan Allenopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Constantine Anagnostopoulos Ms. Georgia P. Angelopoulos Mrs. Katherine Angelos Mr. and Mrs. James Antonopoulos Mr. and Mrs. John B. Argiropoulos Mr. and Mrs. Dean Ashford Mrs. Bess Askounis Mr. and Mrs. Peter Athanis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baffes Mr. and Mrs. William Baffes Ms. Elaine Ballas Ms. Stella Ballas Mr. and Mrs. Leo M. Bamidis Mrs. Martha Bardouniotis Mrs. Maria Baseleon Mr. and Mrs. John Beris Mrs. Zaphiro Berryman * Mr. Nick Bertsos Mrs. Elaine M. Besbekos Mr. and Mrs. John M. Biesiada Mr. and Mrs. Hercules Bolos and Michelle Bolos Mrs. Catherine Boudos * Mr. and Mrs. Dan T. Bourbulas Mr. and Mrs. David Braden Mr. Michael P. Braden Ms. Mary Bratsos Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Buhelos Mrs. Penelope Buhelos Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Burnette Mr. and Mrs. Ted Cachampis Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Catedral Mrs. Christine Chambers * Mr. and Mrs. Peter L. Chiagouris Mrs. Constance Chionis Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas Chionis Mr. and Mrs. Chris Christakers Ms. Georgia P. Christakes Mrs. Popie Christakes Mrs. Anna Christakos Ms. Georgia Christophorou Mrs. Angeline Christou Mr. and Mrs. Michael Chronos Mrs. Peteroula Chronos Mr. and Mrs. Brian Coderre Mr. and Mrs. Harry Coules Mr. and Mrs. Peter Coules, Jr. Mrs. Sandra Coules Mr. and Mrs. James Czajkoski Mr. and Mrs. George Dakuras Mr. Peter G. Dakuras Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas DAndrea Mrs. Bertha Dangles Mrs. Suzanne Dangles Mrs. Bessie Danos Mr. James L. Davlantis Mr. and Mrs. Gus Demetracopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Paul G. Demos Mr. and Mrs. Donn DeSanto Mr. Brian and Mrs. Effie (Petropulos) Deuter Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dimas Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dimizas Mr. and Mrs. Charles DiNnlfo Mr. Joseph C. Dinolfo Dr. Mary Dochios Kamberos Mr. Argirios Dodas * Ms. Pauline J. Douglas Mrs. Mary Dravillas Miss Elaine Dritsas Mr. and Mrs. Gust Eonomou Mr. Vasilios Ekonomou Mr. and Mrs. Chris P. Ellis Mr. John C. Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Amon T. Ferry Mrs. Constance Fiffles Mr. and Mrs. Evan Fiffles Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fiffles Dr. and Mrs. Michael Flisak Mrs. Constance Forsyth * Mrs. Mary D. Fotopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Stamatis Galanes Ms. Tanya Galanes Drs. Nickolas and Peggy Garbis Mrs. Georgia Gardeakos Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Gartelmann, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Demetrios Gatsinos Mr. and Mrs. Paul George Mr. and Mrs. George Georgelos Mr. and Mrs. Constantine Gertos Mr. and Mrs. George Gertos Ms. Maria Gertos Mrs. Christine Gialamas Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos V. Giannakakis Mrs. Vasiliki Giannakopoulos Mr. and Mrs. John Giaouris Ms. Peggy Mishos Gibbons Mr. and Mrs. Alex Gikas Mr. and Mrs. James Gikas Mrs. Priscilla Gogis Mr. and Mrs. George M. Gordon Mrs. Penelope Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Gunderson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hanley Mr. and Mrs. Noel Hastalis Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Hernandez Mr. and Mrs. Jay Hoots Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hristakos Mr. and Mrs. Theodosios Iliopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Simon Isberg Mr. Nicholas W. Janakos Mrs. Betsy Jeanes Mr. and Mrs. John Jovanes Mr. and Mrs. George H. Kallas Mr. James Kalogeropoulos Mrs. Evagelia Kalogiannis Mrs. Elaine B. Kamberos Mr. and Mrs. Stephan Kamberos Mrs. Lambrini Kaporis Mrs. Joan Kapsimalis * Mrs. Bessie Karabis Ms. Mina Karagas Mrs. Koula Karampelas

We are deeply grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ for our faithful and committed Stewards.

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Stewards 2012 (Continued)

Mrs. Elaine Karkazis Mr. and Mrs. Nick Karnavas Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Karopulos Mr. and Mrs. William Karopulos Mr. and Mrs. Savvas Karountzos Mr. George Kass Ms. Kristen Kass Ms. Nickoleta Kastros Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Kavouris Mr. and Mrs. Chris Kemperas Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kioussis Mr. John L. Kladis Mr. and Mrs. Alex Klementzos Mrs. Toula Kleros Mr. and Mrs. George Klioris Ms. Roseann Klioris Ms. Pamela Kokenis Mr. and Mrs. Antony J. Kontos Ms. Tina Kontos Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kopanis Ms. Fay Kopanitsanos Mrs. Sophia Kopanitsanos Mrs. Kathy Kopitas Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Kosiviras Mrs. Julia Koutavas Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Koutsis Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kubiak Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas L. Lack Mrs. Niki Lambros Mr. Nicholas C. Lamnatos Mrs. Carolyn Leach Mrs. Connie Loutris Mr. Paul Loutris Mr. and Mrs. Louis C. Malevitis Mr. Angelo Malfas Mr. and Mrs. George Malfas Mrs. Tasia Manasses Ms. Elaine J. Maniatis Mr. Nicholas J. Maniatis Mr. Andrew Mantelos Mr. Joseph and Dr. Christina Marchione Mr. George J. Marlas Mrs. Ourania Matos * Ms. Tess McDermott Ms. Kelly McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Richard McGuire Mr. and Mrs. Gerald McKee Mr. and Mrs. Peter Mehas Mrs. Dorothy J. Miller Mrs. Frances K. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Alan Molesky Ms. Maria Monzures Mr. and Mrs. Richard Munson Ms. Eleni Nicolaou Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Nusko Mr. and Mrs. James G. Orphan Mr. and Mrs. James Otte Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Owens Mrs. Dina Panagakis Mrs. Katheryn Panagakis Mr. and Mrs. George Panagiotaros Mr. Peter Panagiotaros Mr. and Mrs. George Panou Ms. Katherine Pantazes Mr. & Mrs. George Papadopulos Mrs. Maria Papadopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Dimitrios Papapetrou Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Bill G. Pappas Mrs. Mary Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaos Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Paramboukas Mrs. Aspasia Patras Mrs. Atalanta Patsavas Mr. and Mrs. James A. Patsavas Dr. and Mrs. Peter A. Patsavas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Pavlick Mrs. Joanne Philopulos (Steve*) Mr. David W. Piper Mrs. Anastasia Platipodis Mr. Robert Pospishil Mrs. Catherine Poulos Mrs. Francine X. Poulos Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Pudliner Mrs. Christine Rackos Mr. and Mrs. Richard Repking Mrs. Evagelia Rogiokos Mr. George J. Rogiokos Mr. and Mrs. James Rogiokos Ms. Kathy Roupas Mrs. Katina Roupas Dr. and Mrs. Chris H. Sarlas Mr. John P. Savas Mr. and Mrs. Perry G. Savas Drs. Keith and Anne Schaible Mrs. Frances Shizas Mrs. Sharon Sinadinos Mr. and Mrs. Ted Skaltsas Mr. and Mrs. Frank Skiadopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Marc Skopec Mr. and Mrs. Tony Skordas Ms. Alexis Smith Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith. Mr. Demetrios Sotirakos Dr. Antoinette (Sperelakis) and Mr. Kenneth Caniglia Mrs. Bertha Stamas Ms. Cathy Stathakis * Mrs. Demetra Stathopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Nikolaoas Stathopoulos Mr. Chris P. Stefanos, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Chris P. Stefanos, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Stefanos Mr. and Mrs. John P. Stefanos Mr. and Mrs. Paul C. Stefanos Mr. and Mrs. William Stefanu Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Steffan Mr. and Mrs. Scott Steiner Mr. and Mrs. Constantine Stoes Mr. Demetrios Stoes Mr. Athanasios Stoes Mr. and Mrs. Tony Tablis Mr. Angelo J. Toscas Mrs. Anna Toscas Hon. and Mrs. John Z. Toscas Ms. Kathy Toscas Ms. Margo J. Toscas Mr. Mychal John Toscas Mr. Zeno J. Toscas Mr. and Mrs. John Treantafeles Mr. and Mrs. Chris P. Tsakiris Mrs. Dena Tsakiri * Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Tsakonas Mrs. Georgia Tsarouhis* Ms. Anna Tsoukatos Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Tsoukatos Mr. and Mrs. Spiros Tzivas Ms. Demetra Vafiadis Mr. and Mrs. Harry Vafiadis Mr. George D. Vamvakas Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Vardalos Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Verdi Mrs. Bessie Vergados Mrs. Catherine D. Vlachos Mr. and Mrs. George Vranas Mrs. Kulla Vranas Mrs. Helen Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Winkler Mr. John Zerlentes (Bessie*) Mrs. Minerva Zerlentes Mr. and Mrs. Mark Zuganelis * Fallen asleep in the Lord

He who gives alms in imitation of God does not discriminate between the wicked and the virtuous, the just and the unjust, when providing for men's bodily needs. St. Maximos the Confessor (First CenturyOn Love No. 24)

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Saint Dionysius the Areopagite (October 3)

Saint Dionysius lived originally in the city of Athens. He was raised there and received a classical Greek education. He then went to Egypt, where he studied astronomy at the city of Heliopolis. It was in Heliopolis, along with his friend Apollophonos where he witnessed the solar eclipse that occurred at the moment of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ by Crucifixion. "Either the Creator of all the world now suffers, or this visible world is coming to an end," Dionysius said. Upon his return to Athens from Egypt, he was chosen to be a member of the Areopagus Council (Athenian high court). When the holy Apostle Paul preached at the place on the Hill of Ares (Acts 17:16-34), Dionysius accepted his salvific proclamation and became a Christian. For three years Saint Dion ysius remained a companion of the holy Apostle Paul in preaching the Word of God. Later on, the Apostle Paul selected him as bishop of the city of Athens. And in the year 57 Saint
ORTHODOX WORD

Dionysius was present at the repose of the Most Holy Theotokos. During the lifetime of the Mother of God, Saint Dionysius had journeyed from Athens to Jerusalem to meet Her. He wrote to his teacher the Apostle Paul: "I witness by God, that besides the very God Himself, there is nothing else filled with such divine power and grace. No one can fully comprehend what I saw. I confess before God: when I was with John, who shone among the Apostles like the sun in the sky, when I was brought before the countenance of the Most Holy Virgin, I experienced an inexpressible sensation. Before me gleamed a sort of divine radiance which transfixed my spirit. I perceived the fragrance of indescribable aromas and was filled with such delight that my very body became faint, and my spirit could hardly endure these signs and marks of eternal majesty and heavenly power. The grace from her overwhelmed my heart and shook my very spirit. If I did not

have in mind your instruction, I should have mistaken Her for the very God. It is impossible to stand before greater blessedness than this which I beheld." After the death of the Apostle Paul, Saint Dionysius wanted to continue with his work, and therefore went off preaching in the West, accompanied by the Presbyter Rusticus and Deacon Eleutherius. They converted many to Christ at Rome, and then in Germany, and then in Spain. In Gaul, during a persecution against Christians by the pagan authorities, all three confessors were arrested and thrown into prison. By night Saint Dionysius celebrated the Divine Liturgy with angels of the Lord. In the morning the martyrs were beheaded. According to an old tradition, Saint Dionysius took up his head, proceeded with it to the church and fell down dead there. A pious woman named Catulla buried the relics of the saint.

Since you had been instructed in uprightness thoroughly and was vigilant in all things, you were clothed with a good conscience as befitting one holy. You did draw from the Chosen Vessel ineffable mysteries; and having kept the Faith, you did finish a like course, O Hieromartyr Dionysios. Intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
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Saint Luke the Evangelist (October 18)

The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. As one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the others to preach the Kingdom of Heaven during the Savior's earthly life (Luke 10:1-3). After the Resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to Saints Luke and Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. Luke accompanied Saint Paul on his second missionary journey, and from that time they were inseparable. When Paul's coworkers had forsaken him, only Luke remained to assist him in his ministry (2 Tim. 4:10-11). After the martyric death of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul, Saint Luke left Rome to preach in Achaia, Libya, Egypt and the Thebaid. He ended his life by suffering martyrdom in the city of Thebes. Tradition credits Saint Luke with painting the first icons of the Mother of God. "Let the grace of Him Who was born of Me and My mercy be with these Icons," said the All-Pure Virgin after seeing the icons. Saint Luke also painted icons of the First-Ranked Apostles Peter and Paul. Saint Luke's Gospel was written in the years 62-63 at Rome, under the guidance of the Apostle Paul. In the preliminary verses (1:1-3), Saint Luke precisely sets forth the purpose of his work. He proposes to record, in chronological order, everything known by Christians about Jesus Christ and His teachings. By doing this, he provided a firmer historical basis for Christian teaching (1:4). He carefully investigated the facts, and made generous use of the oral tradition of the Church and of what the AllPure Virgin Mary Herself had told him (2:19, 51). In Saint Luke's Gospel, the message of the salvation made possible by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the preaching of the Gospel, are of primary importance. Saint Luke also wrote the Acts of the Holy Apostles at Rome around 62-63 A.D. The Book of Acts, which is a continuation of the four Gospels, speaks about the works and the fruits of the holy Apostles after the Ascension of the Savior. At the center of the narrative is the Council of the holy Apostles at Jerusalem in the year 51, a Church event of great significance, which resulted in the separation of Christianity from Judaism and its independent dissemination into the world (Acts 15:6-29). The theological focus of the Book of Acts is the coming of the Holy Spirit, Who will guide the Church "into all truth" John 16:13) until the Second Coming of Christ. The holy relics of Saint Luke were taken from Constantinople and brought to Padua, Italy at some point in history. Perhaps this was during the infamous Crusade of 1204. In 1992, Metropolitan Hieronymus (Jerome) of Thebes requested the Roman Catholic bishop in Thebes to obtain a portion of Saint Luke's relics for the saint's empty sepulchre in the Orthodox cathedral in Thebes. The Roman Catholic bishop Antonio Mattiazzo of Padua, noting that Orthodox pilgrims came to Padua to venerate the relics while many Catholics did not even know that the relics were there, appointed a committee to investigate the relics in Padua, and the skull of Saint Luke in the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Vico in Prague. The skeleton was determined to be that of an elderly man of strong build. In 2001, a tooth found in the coffin was judged to be consistent with the DNA of Syrians living near the area of Antioch dating from 72-416 A.D. The skull in Prague perfectly fit the neck bone of the skelton. The tooth found in the coffin in Padua was also found to fit the jawbone of the skull. Bishop Mattiazzo sent a rib from the relics to Metropolitan Hieronymus to be venerated in Saint Luke's original tomb in the Orthodox cathedral at Thebes.

O holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with our merciful God, to grant to our souls remission of faults. Apolytikion of Saint Luke the Evangelist

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The Holy Great Martyr Artemius (October 20)

Holy Great Martyr Artemius of Antioch was a prominent military leader during the reigns of the emperor Constantine the Great (May 21), and his son and successor Constantius (337361). Artemius received many awards for distinguished service and courage. He was appointed viceroy of Egypt. In this official position he did much for the spreading and strengthening Christianity in Egypt. During this time, Saint Artemius arrived in Antioch and publicly denounced Julian for his impiety. The enraged Julian subjected the saint to terrible tortures and threw the Great Martyr Artemius into prison. While Artemius was praying, Christ, surrounded by angels, appeared to him and said, "Take courage, Artemius! I am with you and will preserve you from every hurt which is inflicted upon you, and I already have prepared your crown of glory. Since you have confessed Me before the people on earth, so shall I confess you before My Heavenly Father. Therefore, take courage and rejoice, you shall be with Me in My Kingdom." Hearing this, Artemius rejoiced and offered up glory and thanksgiving to Him. Finally the Great Martyr Artemius was beheaded. His relics were buried by Christians. After the death of Saint Artemius, his prophecy about Julian the Apostate's impending death came true. Julian left Antioch for a war with the Persians. Near the Persian city of Ctesiphon, Julian came upon an elderly Persian, who agreed to betray his countrymen and guide Julian's army. The old man deceived Julian and led his army into the Karmanite wilderness, where there was neither food nor water. Tired from hunger and thirst, Julian's army battled against fresh Persian forces. Divine retribution caught up with Julian the Apostate. During the battle he was mortally wounded by an unseen hand and an unseen weapon. Julian groaned deeply said, "You have conquered, Galilean!" After the death of the apostate emperor, the relics of the Great Martyr Artemius were transferred with honor from Antioch to Constantinople. Saint Artemius is invoked by those suffering from hernias.

Your Martyr, O Lord, in his courageous contest for You received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from You, our immortal God. For since he possessed Your strength, he cast out the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by his prayers, save our souls, since You are merciful. Apolytikion of Saint Artemius the Great Martyr

Saint Artemius was sent by the emperor Constantius to bring the relics of the holy Apostle Andrew from Patras, and the relics of the holy Apostle Luke from Thebes of Boeotia, to Constantinople. The holy relics were placed in the Church of the Holy Apostles beneath the table of oblation. The emperor rewarded him by making him ruler of On the following day, Egypt. Julian demanded that Saint Artemius honor the pagan The emperor Constantius gods. Meeting with steadwas succeeded on the fast refusal, the emperor throne by Julian the Apos- resorted to further tortures. tate (361-363). Julian in his The saint endured all withdesire to restore paganism out a single moan. The was extremely antagonistic saint told Julian that he towards Christians, sending would be justly recomhundreds to their death. At pensed for his persecution Antioch he ordered the tor- of Christians. Julian beture of two bishops unwill- came furious and resorted ing to forsake the Christian to even more savage torFaith. tures, but they did not break the will of the saint.

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October, 2012

Test Your Faith...

Popular New Testament Verses 1 Across 1. But Lots wife looked back, and she became a pillar of _____. 3. _______ goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 6. A land flowing with milk and ______. 9. Do not throw your _____ before swine. 10. The Lord is my ______, I shall not want. Down 1. To every thing there is a _____, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 4. They will beat their ______ into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. 5. Am I my brothers ______? 7. Your ______ is a lamp unto my feet. 8. For ______ you are and unto ______shall you return CHURCH ROLES II: Archimandrite Archdeacon Chancellor Catechumen Archbishop Presbyter Acolyte Exarch