Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John The Theologian

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Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Theologian
March 10th, 2014
Volume 15: No. 1
ΛΟΓΟ΢ ΚΑΣΗΧΗΣΗΡΙΟ΢
ΕΠΙ ΣΗ ΕΝΑΡΞΕΙ
ΣΗ΢
ΑΓΙΑ΢
ΚΑΙ
ΣΕ΢΢ΑΡΑΚΟ΢ΣΗ΢
ΜΕΓΑΛΗ΢
+ Β ΑΡ Θ Ο ΛΟ Μ Α Ι Ο ΢
ΕΛΕΩ ΘΕΟΤ
ΑΡΧΙΕΠΙ΢ΚΟΠΟ΢
ΚΩΝ΢ΣΑΝΣΙΝΟΤΠΟΛΕΩ΢
- ΝΕΑ΢
ΡΩΜΗ΢
ΚΑΙ ΟΙΚΟΤΜΕΝΙΚΟ΢ ΠΑΣΡΙΑΡΧΗ΢
ΠΑΝΣΙ
ΣΩ
ΠΛΗΡΩΜΑΣΙ
ΣΗ΢
ΕΚΚΛΗ΢ΙΑ΢,
ΧΑΡΙ΢ ΕΙΗ ΚΑΙ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ
ΠΑΡΑ ΣΟΤ ΢ΩΣΗΡΟ΢ ΚΑΙ ΚΤΡΙΟΤ
ΗΜΩΝ ΙΗ΢ΟΤ ΧΡΙ΢ΣΟΤ,
ΠΑΡ᾿ HΜΩΝ ΔΕ ΕΤΧΗ, ΕΤΛΟΓΙΑ ΚΑΙ
΢ΤΓΧΩΡΗ΢Ι΢
***
«Ἰδού νῦν καιρός εὐπρόσδεκτος, ἰδού νῦν
ἡμέρα σωτηρίας»·
(Β' Κορ. 6, 2-3)
Ἀγαπητοί ἐν Χριστῷ ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα
ἐν Κυρίῳ,
Ἡ Ὀρθόδοξος Ἐκκλησία μας, μᾶς
συνιστᾷ αὐτήν τήν
περίοδον νά
στρέψωμεν τό ἐνδιαφέρον μας πρός τήν
ἀληθινήν μετάνοιαν, «τό χωνευτήριον
τῆς ἁμαρτίας»,
κατά τόν
Ἱερόν
Χρυσόστομον. Ἡ μετάνοια εἶναι τό
πρῶτον θέμα τοῦ κηρύγματος τοῦ
Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καί ἡ
πεμπτουσία
τῆς
χριστιανικῆς
διδασκαλίας.
Εἶναι τό καθημερινόν
προσκλητήριον τῆς Ἐκκλησίας πρός
ὅλους μας.
Παρά ταῦτα, πολλοί τῶν χριστιανῶν δέν
ἔχομεν
βιώσει
πραγματικῶς
τήν
μετάνοιαν. Ἐνίοτε δέ θεωροῦμεν αὐτήν
ὡς μή ἀφ ορῶσαν εἰς ἕκαστον ἐξ ἡμῶν,
διότι δέν ἐρχόμεθα εἰς ἑαυτούς, δέν
συνερχόμεθα καί δέν συναισθανόμεθα
ὅτι ἔχομεν ὑποπέσει εἰς ποιάν τινα
ἁμαρτίαν. Ἀλλ᾿ ὡς διδάσκει ὁ ἔμπειρος
τῆς πνευματικῆς ζωῆς Ἀββᾶς Ἰσαάκ ὁ
΢ῦρος καί δογματίζουν ἐμπειρικῶς οἱ
πλεῖστοι τῶν Πατέρων τῆς Ἐκκλησίας
μας, «ἡ μετάνοια εἶναι ἀπαραίτητος καί
εἰς τούς τελείους». Καί τοῦτο διότι
μετάνοια δέν εἶναι μόνον ἡ μεταμέλεια
διά
τάς
ἁμαρτίας
μας
καί
ἡ
συνακόλουθος
ἀπόφασις
νά
μή
ἐπαναλάβωμεν αὐτάς ἀλλά καί ἡ
ἀλλαγή τῶν ἀντιλήψεών μας πρός τό
ἀγαθώτερον, ὥστε νά ἐπέρχεται μία
διαρκής βελτίωσις τῶν ἀντιλήψεών μας
περί τοῦ Θεοῦ καί τοῦ κόσμου, αὔξησις
τῆς ἀγάπης καί τῆς ταπεινώσεως, τῆς
καθάρσεως καί τῆς εἰρήνης.
Ὑπ᾿ αὐτήν τήν ἔννοιαν ἡ μετάνοια εἶναι
πορεία ἀτελεύτητος πρός τήν τελειότητα
τοῦ Θεοῦ, πρός τήν ὁποίαν ὀφείλομεν νά
τείνωμεν καί νά κινούμεθα συνεχῶς.
Ἐπειδή δέ ἡ τελειότης τοῦ Θεοῦ εἶναι
ἄπειρος, ἡ πορεία μας πρός τό καθ᾿
ὁμοίωσιν αὐτῆς εἶναι ἐπίσης ἄπειρος καί
ἀτελεύτητος. Πάντοτε ὑπάρχει ἐπίπεδον
τελειότητος ἀνώτερον ἐκείνου εἰς τό
ὁποῖον εὑρισκόμεθα ἑκάστοτε καί διά
τοῦτο πάντοτε πρέπει νά ἐπιζητοῦμεν
τήν πρόοδόν μας τήν πνευματικήν καί
τήν μεταμόρφωσίν μας, ὡς προτρέπει
καί ὁ μέχρι τρίτου οὐρανοῦ ἀναβάς καί
θεασάμενος
μυστήρια
ἄρρητα
Ἀπόστολος Παῦλος, γράφων: «Ἡμεῖς δέ
πάντες ἀνακεκαλυμμένῳ προσώπῳ τήν
δόξαν Κυρίου κατοπτριζόμενοι τήν
αὐτήν εἰκόνα μεταμορφούμεθα ἀπό
δόξης εἰς δόξαν, καθάπερ ἀπό Κυρίου
Πνεύματος». (Β' Κορ. 3, 18).
Ὅσον καθαίρεται ὁ ἐσωτερικός μας
κόσμος, ὅσον περισσότερον καθαρίζεται
ὁ πνευματικός ὀφθαλμός μας, τόσον
καθαρώτερον βλέπομεν τόν ἑαυτόν μας
καί τά πάντα καί αὐτή ἡ ἀλλαγή, αὐτή ἡ
βελτίωσις τῆς θεάσεως τῶν πραγμάτων
τοῦ κόσμου καί τῆς πνευματικῆς
καταστάσεως τοῦ ἑαυτοῦ μας, συνιστᾷ
μετάνοιαν, μίαν δηλονότι νεωτέραν καί
βελτιωμένην κατάστασιν τοῦ πνεύματός
μας, ἐκείνης εἰς τήν ὁποίαν εὑρισκόμεθα
μέχρι τοῦδε. Ὑπ᾿ αὐτήν τήν ἔννοιαν, ἡ
μετάνοια εἶναι ἡ βασική προϋπόθεσις
τῆς πνευματικῆς προόδου καί τῆς
ἐπιτεύξεως τοῦ καθ᾿ ὁμοίωσιν πρός τόν
Θεόν τῆς ὑπάρξεώς μας.
Ἡ μετάνοια, βεβαίως, διά νά εἶναι
πραγματική, πρέπει νά συνοδεύεται καί
ἀπό ἀναλόγους καρπούς, ἰδίᾳ δέ ἀπό τήν
συγχώρησιν τῶν συνανθρώπων μας καί
τήν πρός αὐτούς ἀγαθοεργίαν. Ἡ ἐξ
ἀγάπης πρός τόν συνάνθρωπον κίνησις
τῆς καρδίας μας πρός τήν ἀποδοχήν
αὐτοῦ καί τήν κατά τό ἐφικτόν κάλυψιν
τῶν ἀναγκῶν του, ἀποτελεῖ βασικόν
στοιχεῖον τῆς εἰλικρινοῦς μετανοίας. Ἡ
ὁδός, ἄλλωστε, τῆς μετανοίας εἶναι
ἁμαρτημάτων
κατάγνωσις
καί
ἐξομολόγησις αὐτῶν, τό μή μνησικακεῖν,
εὐχή ζέουσα καί ἀκριβής, ἐλεημοσύνη,
ταπείνωσις, ἀγάπη πρός πάντας, νίκη
τοῦ καλοῦ ἐπί τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀποφυγή
κενοδοξίας καί ματαίας ἐπάρσεως,
μαραινομένης αὐστοστιγμεί.
Σήν ἐντός τῆς ἀνθρωπίνης ψυχῆς πάλην
τῆς
μετανοίας
ἀποκαλύπτει
«τοῦ
τελώνου
καί
τοῦ
φαρισαίου
τό
διάφορον....» καί καλεῖ ἡμᾶς πάντας νά
«μισήσωμεν τοῦ μέν τήν ὑπερήφανον
φωνήν, τοῦ δέ νά ζηλώσωμεν τήν
εὐκατάνυκτον εὐχήν», προσευχόμενοι
ἐκτενῶς μετά δακρύων «ὁ Θεός ἱλάσθητι
ἡμῖν τοῖς ἁμαρτωλοῖς καί ἐλέησον
ἡμᾶς».
Ἡ ἀρχομένη περίοδος τῆς Ἁγίας καί
Μεγάλης Σεσσαρακοστῆς προσφέρεται,
ἐν
μέσῳ
τῆς
ἐκτεταμένης
ἐπί
παγκοσμίου
ἐπιπέδου
οἰκονομικῆς
κρίσεως, διά τήν ἐκδήλωσιν τῆς ὑλικῆς
καί πνευματικῆς βοηθείας μας πρός τόν
συνάνθρωπον.
Οὕτως
ἐνεργοῦντες
φιλανθρώπως
καί
ἐκδηλώνοντες
ἐμπράκτως τήν μεταστροφήν μας, ἀπό
τήν
μέχρι
τοῦδε
ἀτομικιστικήν
ἀντιμετώπισιν φαρισαϊκῶς τῆς ζωῆς
πρός
μίαν
συλλογικήν
καί
ἀλτρουϊστικήν τελωνικήν ἀντιμετώπισιν
αὐτῆς, θά ἔχωμεν πραγματοποιήσει
μεγάλην καί ὠφελιμωτάτην μετάνοιαν
καί
ἀλλαγήν
τοῦ
τρόπου
τῆς
ἀτομοκεντρικῆς ἀντιλήψεως καί θά
ἔχωμεν βιώσει τήν μετάνοιαν ὡς πρός
μίαν κεφαλαιώδη καί ἐσφαλμένην
στάσιν ζωῆς διά τῆς μεταβάσεως ἀπό
τήν ἀμαρτίαν τοῦ ἐγωκεντρισμοῦ καί τῆς
κενοδοξίας
εἰς
τήν
ἀρετήν
τῆς
φιλαλληλίας, «ζηλοῦντες τοῦ τελώνου
καλῶς τήν ἠλεημένην ταπείνωσιν καί
γνώμην».
Ἀπό τοῦ Πατριαρχικοῦ Θρόνου Ἰωάννου
τοῦ Χρυσοστόμου, τοῦ κήρυκος καί
ἐμπειρικοῦ διδασκάλου τῆς μετανοίας,
εἰσερχόμενοι εἰς τήν σωτηριώδη ταύτην
περίοδον τῆς καθάρσεως καρδίας καί
πνεύματος, ἵνα ὑποδεχθῶμεν τό Πάθος,
τόν ΢ταυρόν, τήν Σαφήν καί τήν
Ἀνάστασιν τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, οὐχί
συμβόλοις καί λόγοις μόνον, ἀλλά
ἐμπράκτως καί βιωματικῶς, μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ
διαχρονικῶς
προτρεπόμεθα
καί
παρακαλοῦμεν καί ἱκετεύομεν καί ἡμεῖς
ὁ ἐν τοῖς διαδόχοις αὐτοῦ ἐλάχιστος: «τῆς
μετανοίας ἐστί, τό καινούς γενομένους,
εἶτα
παλαιωθέντας
ὑπό
τῶν
ἁμαρτημάτων,
ἀπαλλάξαι
τῆς
παλαιότητος
καί
καινούς
ἐργάσασθαι...ἐκεῖ γάρ τό ὅλον ἡ Χάρις
ἦν».
Ἰδού, λοιπόν, ἀδελφοί καί τέκνα,
ἠνέωκται
ἐνώπιον
ἡμῶν
καιρός
εὐπρόσδεκτος «τοῦ λυπεῖσθαι» καί
στάδιον ἀνανήψεως καί ἀσκήσεως ἵνα,
«πρίν ἤ διαλυθῆναι τό θέατρον
φροντίσωμεν τῆς ἡμῶν σωτηρίας», ἐν
ἀληθεῖ
καί
βιωματικῇ
καρδιακῇ
μετανοίᾳ
ἐφ᾿
οἷς
«ἡμάρτομεν,
ἠνομήσαμεν,
ἠδικήσαμεν...οὐδέ
συνετηρήσαμεν,
οὐδέ
ἐποιήσαμεν,
καθώς ἐνετείλατο» ἡμῖν ὁ Κύριος, ἵνα
«φείσηται ἡμῶν ὁ πανταχοῦ παρών καί
τά πάντα πληρῶν» Χριστός ὁ Θεός, κατά
τό μέγα Αὐτοῦ καί ἀνεξιχνίαστον Ἔλεος,
Οὗ ἡ σωτήριος Χάρις εἴη μετά πάντων.
Ἁγία καί Μεγάλη Σεσσαρακοστή ,βιδ´
(2014)
+ Ὁ Κωνσταντινουπόλεως
διάπυρος πρός Θεόν εὐχέτης πάντων
ὑμῶν
Patriarchal Catechetical Homily on the
occasion of the beginning of Great
Lent.
+BARTH OLOMEW
By God‟s Mercy Archbishop of
Constantinople-New Rom e and Ecumenical
Patriarch To the Plenitude of the Church:
Grace and Peace from our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ And Prayers, Blessings and
Forgiveness from us
“Behold, now is the favorable time,
now is the time of salvation.” (2 Cor. 6.2)
Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Our Orthodox Church recommends that,
during this period of Great Lent, we focus
our attention toward sincere repentance,
“the melting pot of sin,” according to St.
John Chrysostom. Repentance is the first
topic of our Lord Jesus Christ‟s preaching
and the very essence of the Christian
teaching. It is the Church‟s daily invitation to
us all.
Despite this, many of us have not truly
experienced repentance. We sometimes feel
that it does not concern us personally
because we have not “come to ourselves” in
order to com prehend and contemplate how
we may have committed any sin. However,
as we are taught by the wise teacher of the
spiritual life, Abba Isaac the Syrian, and as
most of the Church Fathers proclaim
through
experience,
“repentance
is
necessary even for the perfect.” This is
because repentance does not m erely signify
remorse for our sins and the consequent
decision no longer to repeat them , but it also
implies a change of our attitudes toward
what is better so that we acquire constant
improvement before God and the world, as
well as continuous increase in love and
humility, purification and peace.
In this sense, repentance is an unending
journey toward divine perfection, to which
we must at all times aim and move. Indeed,
since God‟s perfection is boundless, our
way toward its likeness must also be
boundless and endless. There is always a
level of perfection beyond what we have
achieved, and so we must constantly seek
spiritual progress and transform ation, as
urged by St. Paul, who ascended to the third
heaven and beheld the ineffable mysteries:
even as we fervently pray with tears “that
God may take pity on us sinners and have
mercy on us.”
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding
the glory of the Lord, are being changed into
his likeness from one degree of glory to
The period of Great Lent that is upon us is
an opportunity, in the midst of a widespread
and global financial crisis, to demonstrate
another; for this comes from the Lord who is
the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3.18)
The more our internal world is cleansed, the
our m aterial and spiritual assistance toward
other people. When we act charitably and
manifest our repentance in practice –
more our spiritual eye is purified, the more
clearly we see ourselves and everything
around us. Moreover, this change – namely,
moving from an individualistic and pharisaic
way of life to a collective and altruistic way
of life, like the publican – then we shall
the improvement in our vision of the reality
of this world and the spiritual condition of
ourselves – is precisely what repentance is
realize the great benefit of repentance and
conversion,
while
also
experiencing
repentance as a vital transition from the sin
all about. Repentance is a renewed and
improved state of spirit, of the condition
where we presently find ourselves.
of self-centeredness and vainglory to the
virtue of love, “aspiring to the humility and
attitude of the publican, who deserved God‟s
Accordingly, then, repentance is the
fundamental presupposition of spiritual
progress and of acquiring likeness toward
mercy.”
From the Patriarchal Throne of St. John
Chrysostom, who both preached and
God.
In order, of course, for repentance to be
genuine, it must also be accompanied by
practiced such repentance, as we enter this
salvific period of purification of heart and
soul in order to welcome the Passion,
the appropriate fruits, especially forgiveness
of and charity toward others. The basic
criterion of sincere repentance is that our
Cross, Burial and Resurrection of our Lord,
not just in rituals and words but also in
practice and experience, we too as his
heart is moved toward acceptance of our
fellow human beings and response to their
needs as much as we can. After all, the way
unworthy successor urge, entreat and
beseech you: “Acquire repentance by
becom ing new people, by renouncing the
of repentance is recognition and confession
of our sins, no longer holding grudges
against others, praying with warmth and
old nature of sinfulness and acquiring
newness of life . . . For that is where the
fullness of divine grace lies.”
integrity, as well as mercifulness, humility,
love toward all people, victory of good over
evil, avoiding vainglory and arrogance,
Behold, then, beloved brothers and sisters,
a favorable time “of mourning” opens up
before us, an arena of vigilance and
which immediately withers away everything.
This struggle within our soul is revealed in
“the difference between the publican and the
discipline, so that “before the theater of this
life passes, we may care for our salvation”
with sincere and tangible repentance for all
Pharisee . . .,” which is an invitation to
“despise the proud voice of the latter, while
envying the contrite prayer of the former,”
“our sins, wrongdoings, and injustices . . .
without adhering to or doing what we have
been commanded” by the Lord, so that
Christ our God, “who is present everywhere
and fills all things, may care for us” in His
great and inscrutable mercy.
May His saving grace be with you all.
Holy
and
Great
+
Bartholome w
of
Lent
2014
Constantinople
Fervent supplicant for all before God
GREEK
ORTHODOX
METROPOLIS
OF
NEW
JERSEY ΙΕΡΑ ΜΗΣΡΟΠΟΛΙ΢
ΝΕΑ΢ ΙΕΡ΢ΕΗ΢
Sunday of Orthodoxy 2014
The Very Reverend and Reverend
Clergy
Honorable Archons of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, Esteemed Members of
the Metropolitan Council, Esteemed
Members of the Parish Councils,
Philoptochos Societies, Faculty and
Students of the Catechetical and
Greek Afternoon Schools, Directors
and
Participants
of
all
Youth
Organizations,
and
all
devout
Orthodox Christians of the Greek
Orthodox Communities of our Holy
Metropolis of New Jersey
My Beloved,
This past Monday, March 3rd, we
entered another Ecclesiastical period
known to each of us and all within
our Holy Orthodox Church as the Holy
and Great Lent, a sacred period of
preparation for our Lord’s Passion,
Crucifixion upon the Cross, and His
glorious Resurrection from death.
Likewise, we embarked on a special
spiritual journey which will be filled
with contemplation and prayer and
fasting which I pray will lead us to
repentance and our reunification with
Him. However, our noetic preparation
to
receive
our
crucified
and
resurrected Lord into our hearts and
souls, into our very lives, must be
accompanied by our physical actions
and deeds In a few moments this
opportunity will come before us as an
offering tray will be passed in all
Parishes of our Metropolis. Your
contributions
will
benefit
the
philanthropic ministry of the Church
through the Philoptochos of the Greek
Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.
On this sacred day, the first Sunday
of Great Lent, the Sunday of
Orthodoxy, let us also proclaim our
victory
over
self-centeredness,
egocentricity, pride and greed. May
we my beloved also restore our self
image in the eyes of God Who came
into the world to abolish all that is
NOT GOOD, injustice, prejudice,
hatred, racism, physical and spiritual
hunger and pain, etc.
Please give from your heart, not only
now but always, and be assured that
your reward will be multiplied with
His blessings and love in heaven
above and as St. John Chrysostom
reminds us, “God protects and loves
the charitable and philanthropic
person.” Furthermore, the Patron
Saint of our Holy Metropolis also has
this to say concerning our charitable
acts, “Almsgiving above all else
requires money, but even this shines
with a brighter luster when the alms
are given from our poverty. The
widow who paid in the two mites was
poorer than any human, but she
outdid them all.”
Thanking all of you for your most
generous and caring gifts of love, and
praying that your spiritual journey in
celebration of His Resurrection will be
blessed by our Father in Heaven, I
remain,
With Paternal Love and Blessings,
†EVANGE LO S
Metropolitan of New Jersey
To be read from the pulpit on
Sunday, March 9th, 2014
Checks should be made payable to
the GOMNJ Philoptochos Society
2nd Sunday of Lent 2014
The Reverend Clergy and the
Greek Orthodox Faithful of the
Holy Metropolis of New Jersey
My Beloved in the Lord,
It is truly with increasing concern and
sadness for the loss of lives and
destruction
of
families
that
I
communicate with you on this Second
Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, which I
hereby ask all Orthodox Faithful of our
Holy Metropolis to pause as we bring
awareness
to
Gun
Violence
Prevention, and thus stand in solidarity
with other faith denominations in
condemning gun violence in the United
State and throughout the world.
Indeed, all of us as Orthodox Christians
share in the unspeakable pain and grief
of the families who have lost loved ones,
especially children, to the senseless
death as a result of a shooting. We thus
“weep with those who weep,”
(Romans 12:15) and pray that our
lawmakers will enact tougher laws that
require more stringent background
checks on would-be gun owners, ban
high-capacity assault weapons, and
pursue gun traffickers to the fullest
extent of the law. Now more than ever is
the time to promote peaceful solutions to
quarrels amongst brothers, neighbors,
groups, and nations as we recall our
Lord’s words to Peter, “put your sword
in its place, for all who take up the
sword will perish by the sword.”
(Matthew 26:52)
It is even more painful to witness gun
violence of children against children.
Weeks do not go by until we are
informed of yet another death due to
gang violence, drug deals, psychopaths
shooting in the local mall and domestic
violence turned deadly because of the
abundant availability of guns in the
home. Let us make every collective effort
to prevent gun violence at its earliest
stage, by teaching our children, and for
that matter our fellow adults, that
instead of arming themselves with
weapons of death and mass destruction,
they should “take up the whole armor
of
God…gird
their
waist
with
truth…put on the breastplate of
righteousness…shod their feet with
the preparation of the gospel of
peace…take the shield of faith…take
the helmet of salvation, and the
sword of the Spirit, which is the
word of God.” (Ephesians 6:13-17)
As your Metropolitan and spiritual leader,
I exhort all of you to pray fervently for
the repose of the many souls and for the
health and well being of the survivors.
May we also pray that those who would
seek to take the life of another,
especially through gun violence, be
reminded that our Lord’s Commandment
of “You shall not kill,” (Exodus 20:13)
was indeed a directive, not a mere
suggestion.
Praying that our loving Lord will receive
in the bosom of Abraham the countless
victims of gun violence and will comfort
their families with His abundant mercy
and compassion, I remain
With Paternal Love and Blessings,
†EVANGE LO S
Metropolitan of New Jersey
Father Panagiotis Message:
Dear Brothers and sisters:
Great Lent, in our Orthodox
Christian tradition, is often
referred to as a spiritual
journey. A movement from
where we are to where we
want to be. It is a time to
descend from our mind - filled
with worries and distractions to the stillness of our heart
where we can more clearly
hear God's voice and direction
for our life. During this period
we participate with God's grace
in a more intentional way in
order to be closer to His
likeness.
As we begin our Great Season
of Lent, I invite you to follow
the profound spiritual path for
the elevation of the soul,
purification of the mind and
rejuvenation of the heart with
the participation in the Lenten
services, the increase of daily
prayer, almsgiving and fast. We
will
achieve
the
spiritual
elevation
by
controlling
ourselves from the worldly
desires and focusing on the
Cross of our Lord, the symbol
of God’s love, Christ’s sacrifice
to deliver mankind from the sin
of the world and the weapon
that devil was defeated for
ever.
The Cross, teaching us about a
loving Son of God – the Christ,
who came to serve mankind and
sow a new life for him and gave
the opportunity whoever wants
to follow Him “let him deny
himself, and take up his cross, and
follow me. (Matt.16:24)
The way to Golgotha was a
painful struggle for Him, but He
did it for our salvation. Our
Lenten path is not easy but in
the end we will be able with
God’s Grace to deliver ourselves
from our vices and with a
renewed
inwardness
will
celebrate His Resurrection and
our freedom from death. Let us
continue our good fight with our
Lenten journey and become the
disciples
of
a
God
who
conquered death for ever.
THE TOP 10 LENTEN TIPS
1. Regardless of how you fast,
fast every single day. This type
of fasting helps wear down the
passions and build spiritual
endurance.
2. Know exactly what the
fasting regulations are and try
to approximate them as best
you can. Each Lent, try to be
more strict yet humble.
3. Particular concerns about
fasting? Age, health issues,
never fasted before, mixedmarriages? Speak with your
priest.
4. Be sure to recite the Lenten
prayer of Saint Ephraim. If you
cannot make prostrations just
make bows or cross yourself.
5. On weekends, we do not
make prostrations and our
fasting is slightly relaxed since
Saturday and Sunday are holy
days.
6. The Lenten services and
tones are offered only during
the week – strive to participate
as much as possible in these
services and the spirit of lent
will rub off on you.
7. Sports and outdoor activities
are not contrary to the Lenten
spirit.
8. Strive to avoid going to
movies, parties, and other
entertainments. This we do so
we can have more time to
devote to spiritual things.
9.
Confession
and
Holy
Communion are central
to
securing the benefits of Lent.
Without fail, we should receive
the Sacraments during the
period of Great Lent.
10. Be mindful of what we look
at and how much time we spend
on TV and computer. Some give
up TV for all of Lent. Others
strictly limit their time and
watch only educational and
news programs. Surfing on the
web? Hit the theological sites.
THE LENTEN PRAYER
OF SAINT EPHRAIM
O Lord and Master of my life,
take from me the spirit of
sloth, faint-heartedness, lust
of power and idle talk.
(Prostration)
But grant rather the spirit of
chastity, humility, patience,
and love to Thy servant.
(Prostration)
Yea, O Lord and King, grant
me
to
see
my
own
transgressions, and not to
judge
my
brother;
for
blessed art Thou unto the
ages
of
ages.
Amen.
(Prostration)
O God, cleanse me a sinner.
(12x’s, with as many bows, and
then again the whole prayer
from the beginning to end, and
after that one great prostration)
Notes: 1) If one cannot make
prostrations, then make bows,
or the sign of the Cross. 2) This
prayer is not done on Saturdays
and Sundays.
THE SACRAMENT OF
CONFESSION
Αγαπητοί αδελφοί:
Η περίοδος του Σριωδίου έχει αρχίσει και η
Ορθόδοξη
Εκκλησία
μας διαμέσου
της
Μεγάλης Σεσσαρακοστής ανοίγει τον δρόμο
προετοιμασίας για την εορτή του Πάσχα. Η
εορτή
του
Πάσχα
είναι
η
εορτή
της
Ανάστασης του Χριστού, που άλλαξε την
υπόσταση του ανθρώπου στην ιστορία του
κόσμου.
Σο δώρο της αθανασίας, αιωνιότητας, νέας
ζωής δια του Χριστού, είναι το δώρο που ο
καθένας μας έλαβε. Είναι δώρο που αλλάζει
ριζικά τη στάση μας απέναντι σε όλα τα
στοιχεία αυτού του κόσμου, ακόμη και τον
θάνατο. Μας δίνει την δυνατότητα να
διαβεβαιώνουμε με χαρά, ό,τι ο θάνατος δεν
υπάρχει πιά ! Όμως, ο θάνατος είναι ακόμα
Is one of reconciliation with
God, bringing about not only a
clearing of the conscience
through the remission of sins,
but also a healing of the soul
through our recommitment to
Christ. This Sacrament should
therefore be received by all
Orthodox Christians during each
of
the
fasting
seasons,
especially Great Lent. For those
who wish to receive Holy
Communion, the Sacrament of
Confession is indispensable and
absolutely
necessary
to
maintaining our spiritual health
and well being. Fr. Panagiotis is
available to hear confessions
following any service or at any
other time by appointment.
Have a blessed Lent
εδώ αναμφίβολα, συνεχίζουμε να τον
αντιμετωπίζουμε και κάποια μέρα θα έρθει
και θα μας πάρει. Αλλά είναι ολόκληρη η
πίστη μας ότι με τον θάνατό Σου ο Χριστός
άλλαξε την ίδια τη φύση του θανάτου, την
έκανε μια μετάβαση – ένα “πέρασμα”, ένα
“Πάσχα”- πρός την βασιλεία του Θεού και
μεταμόρφωσε τη μεγαλύτερη τραγωδία στον
απόλυτο θρίαμβο.
Η Μεγάλη Σεσσαρακοστή αποτελεί μια
προετοιμασία για την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα,
διότι η Εκκλησία θα ανακαλέσει στη μνήμη
μας τον πόνο, τη ΢ταύρωση και τον Θάνατο
του Ιησού Χριστού πάνω στον ΢ταυρό. Η
προβολή του ΢ταυρού στη μέση της
΢αρακοστής μας υπενθυμίζει το σκοπό της
βαθύτερης
και
εντατικότερης
εκκλησιαστικής ζωής αυτή την περίοδο. Έτσι
αξίζει να σκεφτούμε το ρόλο του σταυρού
αυτού
του
μεγαλυτέρου
χριστιανικών συμβολών.
όλων
των
Η πρώτη σημασία του ΢ταυρού συνεπώς,
είναι η κρίση του κακού η μάλλον της
ψευδοκαλοσύνης αυτού του κόσμου, μέσα
10 ΢ημαντικές ΢υμβουλές για
την Μεγάλη Σεσσαρακοστή.
στον οποίο πανηγυρίζει αιωνία το κακό, και
1) Οποιαδήποτε νηστεία
η οποία προωθεί τον τρομακτικό
και
να
εξασκείς,
συνέχισε μέχρι το τέλος.
θρίαμβο του κακού πάνω στην γη.
΢κοπός
της
νηστείας
Η δεύτερη σημασία του σταυρού είναι ο
είναι η καταπολέμησις
συσχετισμός του δικού μας σταυρού με τον
΢ταυρό του Χριστού για τον οποίο ο Κύριος
των παθών, εγκράτεια
και
η
πνευματική
είπε,
“ει
τις
θέλει
οπίσω
μου
έρχεσθαι,...αράτω τον σταυρόν αυτού καθ'
ημέραν και ακολουθείτω μοι”(Λουκ. 9, 23).
Αυτό σημαίνει πως η επιλογή που είχε κάνει
ο καθένας εκείνη τη νύχτα – ο Πιλάτος, οι
στρατιώτες, οι αρχηγοί, το πλήθος κι ο
καθένας μέσα στο πλήθος – είναι μια
επιλογή που τίθεται συνεχώς και σε
καθημερινή βάση μπροστά μας.
Σο να σηκώσεις λοιπόν το σταυρό σου
καθημερινά, δεν είναι απλώς το να αντέχεις
ανύψωση.
2) Γνωρίζοντας τους κανόνες τις νηστείας
προσπάθησε
να
τους
εφαρμόσεις
όσο
καλύτερα
μπορείς.
Κάθε
Μεγάλη
Σεσσαρακοστή προσπάθησε να κάνεις ποιο
αυστηρή νηστεία με ταπείνωση.
3) Εάν υπάρχουν συγκεκριμένες ερωτήσεις
περί
νηστείας όπως πχ.
περί ηλικίας,
αρρώστιας, πρώτη φορά, τότε μπορείτε να
ρωτήσετε τον ιερέα σας (π. Παναγιώτη).
τα φορτία και τις μέριμνες της ζωής, αλλά
πάνω απ' όλα το να ζείς αρμονικά με τη
4) Η προσευχή του Αγίου Εφραίμ του ΢ύρου
είναι η κατάλληλη για την περίοδο αυτή. Η
συνείδηση σου, το να ζείς μέσα στο φώς της
προσευχή αυτή συνοδεύεται με μετάνοιες, η
κρίσεως της συνειδήσεως.
επίκλιση της κεφαλής, η δια του σημείου του
Η σημασία και ο συμβολισμός του ΢ταυρού
΢ταυρού.
είναι ίσως παραγκωνισμένη η ξεχασμένη
5) Σα ΢άββατα και τις Κυριακές και μεγάλες
στις μέρες μας, αλλά για εμάς τους
Ορθοδόξους είναι το σύμβολο του θριάμβου
εορτές η νηστεία είναι διαφορετική και δεν
γίνονται μετάνοιες.
κατά του κακού και του σκότους, ο δε
δρόμος του ΢ταυρού είναι επιλογή μας που
6) Προσπάθησε να συμμετέχεις σε όσες
οδηγεί στον Αναστάντα Χριστό. Ο Κυρίος
είπε, “εις κρίμα εγώ εις τον κόσμον τούτον
περισσότερες ακολουθίες μπορείς κατά το
ήλθον”(‘Ιωαν. 9,39).
7) Αθλητισμός, εκδρομές και παρόμοιες
΢' αυτή την κρίση, μπροστά στο δικαστήριο
εκδηλώσεις δεν απαγορεύονται.
της σταυρωμένης αγάπης, της αλήθειας και
8) Προσπάθησε να αποφεύγεις συμμετοχή
της καλοσύνης δικάζεται ο καθένας μας.
στον κινηματογράφο, πάρτυς, η κάθε είδους
διασκέδαση που σε αποπροσανατολίζει από
διάστημα της Μεγάλης Σεσσαρακοστής.
την
πνευματική
πορεία
της
Μ.
Σεσσαρακοστής.
9) Η Εξομολόγησης και η τακτική Θεία
Κοινωνία είναι τα ποιο σημαντικά μυστήρια
εις τα οποία κάθε Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανός θα
πρέπει να συμμετέχει συστηματικά κατά το
διάστημα της Μ. Σεσσαρακοστής.
ανανεώνοντας την επικοινωνία μας με τον
Χριστό.
Είναι
επομένως
απαραίτητο
ιδιαιτέρως
κατά
το
διάστημα
της
Μ.
Σεσσαρακοστής η συμμετοχή μας σε αυτό
εφόσον επιθυμούμε να κοινωνήσουνε
τακτικά. Είναι το ιατρείο της ψυχής και ο
αναβαπτισμός
του
ανθρώπου
για
την
συνέχιση της χριστιανικής ζωής. Ο π.
10) Ιδιαίτερη προσοχή στα θεάματα,
συζητήσεις και την χρησιμοποίηση του
Παναγιώτης είναι διαθέσιμος μετά από τις
ακολουθίες η με ραντεβού που μπορεί να
ιντερνέτ. Προσπάθησε όλες οι πράξεις σου
γίνει διαμέσου του γραφείου της Εκκλησίας.
να είναι πλαισιωμένες μέσα στο τόνο και
(2015675072).
χρώμα της Μ. Σεσσαρακοστής.
ΚΑΛΗ ΢ΑΡΑΚΟ΢ΣΗ
ΠΡΟ΢ΕΤΦΗ ΣΟΤ ΑΓΙΟΤ
ΕΥΡΑΙΜ τού ΢ΤΡΟΤ
Κύριε καὶ
Δέσποτα τῆς
ζωῆς μου, πνεῦμα ἀργίας,
περιεργίας, φιλαρχίας, καὶ
ἀργολογίας μή μοι δῷς.
Πνεῦμα δὲ σωφροσύνης,
ταπεινοφροσύνης,
ὑπομονῆς, καὶ ἀγάπης
χάρισαί μοι τῷ ΢ῷ δούλῳ.
Ναί, Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, δώρησαί μοι τοῦ ὁρᾶν
τὰ ἐμὰ πταίσματα, καὶ μὴ κατακρίνειν
τὸν ἀδελφόν μου· ῞Οτι εὐλογητὸς εἶ εἰς
τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. ᾿Αμήν.
ΗΙΕΡΑ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗ΢Η΢
Σο
Μυστήριο
της
Ιεράς
Εξομολογήσεως είναι
αυτό
το
οποίο
αποκαθιστά
την
κοινωνία μας με το
Θεό
καθαρίζει
όλες
τις
Πατέρα,
αμαρτίες
που
συσσωρεύονται στην ψυχή μας και
επαναφέρει εις την χριστιανική μας πορεία
Come march in or watch the Annual
Greek Independence Day Parade on
Sunday, March 30 th.
Book your Bus reservation, $15 for
adults, Children Free, by calling the
Church office at 201-567-5072 or
email Hilarispb@aol.com with the
info of who and how many.
President’s Message:
A Thoughtful Gift From Beyond
Our Cathedral, like many institutions and
individuals, has struggled in these difficult
economic times, largely due to a decrease
in stewardship contributions. While we
have managed to keep our financial affairs
in order through the hard work of many
volunteers, it has not been without some
considerable difficulty.
Against that
backdrop, you can imagine our profound
joy and gratitude when we received a
generous bequest from the estate of
Magdalene Stephenson. Ms. Stephenson,
a former parishioner who was a relative of
Father George Stephenson the first priest
in the Paterson church (before it moved to
Paramus) bequeathed 5% of her estate to
the Cathedral. The generosity of this
bequest was overshadowed only by its
timing. As we proceed with our Lenten
Journey we are called upon to intensify our
Prayer, keep the Fast and increase our
almsgiving in order to prepare for the
Resurrection
of
our
Lord.
Ms.
Stephenson‟s
bequest
provides
an
example of a simple way all of us can
accomplish this. By simply designating a
small percentage of her estate, she was
able to help the Church she loved, and
inspire all of us to consider doing the same
thing. May God Bless the memory of Ms.
Stephenson and keep her memory eternal.
Philoptochos News:
St. Philothea Chapter of the
National Philoptochos Society would like to
thank everyone for supporting all our
projects and fundraising events.
The Christmas Party which was held
in December was a huge success due to
the large turnout of people who came
despite the cold and snow.
We began the New Year with our
Annual Vasilopita Luncheon in January. It
was a success but attendance was not as
high as last year. If you were unable to
attend and would still like to make a
donation, please make your check payable
to St. Philothea Philoptochos and earmark
it “Vasilopita luncheon”.
I thank all who participated in the
Christmas card sale. Our bake sale was
another success; most of the pastries were
sold before Christmas.
Unfortunately we had to cancel our
first General meeting for the year 2014 due
to the weather.
If you did not receive a ROBO call
informing you of the cancelation, please
notify
me,
Barbara
Kostakis
@
201.569.2544. The keynote speaker will
be rescheduled at later time.
Please, if you have not been
receiving emails from our chapter, please
notify Maria Kamilaris or Sophia Kinnis. It
is important that you include your email
address and phone numbers on the
membership card.
January began our Membership
Drive and I hope that we can increase our
membership again this year. Please send
in your completed form to the Cathedral‟s
Office.
I ask that you include your
telephone numbers and email addresses.
This will help us in keeping YOU informed.
Membership is open to every woman over
the age of 18 and I encourage you join our
chapter. We are an army of 150 women
but we still need new members. Our
Chapter Stewardship is $30 minimum. Per
Capita needs to be paid to National and NJ
Metropolis, so we do not keep the entire
amount in our treasury.
Sunday, February 9th was GO RED
SUNDAY. Join in the mission to increase
awareness and help prevent heart disease
in
women
today!
The
National
Philoptochos
Society
promotes
the
American Heart Association‟s Go Red for
Women campaign. We passed out Red
carnations and asked that everyone wear
something RED on that day.
On February 18th Vesper services
were held honoring our Patron Saint, St.
Philothea and on February 19 th we
celebrated our Patron Saint with a Divine
Liturgy. I thank the co-chairs of this event;
Maria Meidanis and Theodora Manolis for
all their help and beautiful receptions
This is a very important year for the
NJ Metropolis and the NJ Metropolis
Philoptochos Society.
Our Metropolis along with Greek
Archdiocese of America and the National
Philoptochos Board is hosting the Biennial
Clergy/Laity
Conference
and
the
Philoptochos Convention in Philadelphia,
July 6-10th. This is the time when nearly
500 chapters throughout the nation
convene and deliberate on issues that will
make a difference in the lives of many.
The theme of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America 42nd Biennial
Clergy/Laity congress will be The Orthodox
Christian Family: A dwelling of Christ and a
Witness of His Gospel.
We are going to honor the men and
women who served or serve in the Armed
forces.
The Brave Ones, Past and
Present. A tribute to Those Who Safeguard
Our Freedom. Please read the attached
letter from the 2014 National Philoptochos
Biennial Convention Co-chairs. Please
notify me if you are sending in any photos.
The Main fundraising Event for our
Chapter is the Fashion Show. It is on May
8th at Seasons. Please plan to attend.
Dates to Remember:
-Saturday, March 1 – Official Opening and
Ribbon Cutting of the Philoptochos Center
of Philanthropy as the home for all
Chapters and members nationwide. The
new address is 126 East 37th Street, New
York, New York 10016.
-Monday, March 3rd – Compline Service –
we are hosting the Lenten dinner
-March 27th – (Thursday) General Meeting
7:30 pm
-Sunday, March 30th – Greek parade;
Philoptochos will be on the float
We look forward to a very busy year and
seeing new faces.
Barbara Kostakis, President
THE FINANCES OF THE CATHEDRAL IN
2014 AND YOUR COMMITMENT
Dear Fellow Stewards:
The Cathedral of St. John the
Theologian is a community of over
700 Orthodox families. The annual
operating costs of the Cathedral are
approximately $1,000,000.
The
simple math is expenses divided by
number of Stewards; in other words,
the fair share of each Steward
towards the operating cost of the
Cathedral is approximatel $1,400 per
Steward. We must all recognize,
however, that some of our Stewards
are unemployed, suffering from
illness or simply do not have the
ability to contribute $1,400 in 2014.
As such, it is incumbent on those
who can give more, to give more.
Please do the right thing and
contribute your fair share.
This is important. Please take a few
minutes to review your Stewardship
Commitment. If you have not already
done so please provide your
Stewardship Pledge for 2014. If you
can, please increase your 2014
commitment.
Your pledge and
commitment ensures the success of
the programs undertaken for the
spiritual needs of the over 700
Orthodox families in our community.
Remember that your Stewardship
provides the foundation for our
Parish Ministries and our efforts in
meeting the challenge of spreading
Christ‟s Word and our Orthodox
Faith.
A final word about the timing of your
Stewardship contribution. Many of
our Stewards pay their Stewardship
at the end of the year, but the
Cathedral must pay its creditors as
the bills come due, which can cause
a cash flow problem. Therefore, if
you are able to do so, please
consider
paying
your
entire
Stewardship
pledge by Easter. If
this is not possible, then consider a
more regular schedule of payments.
Stewardship can now be paid using
a credit cardthat the church office
can set it up so that your credit card
is automatically charged every
month. For example, if you pledged
$2,400 for the year, your credit card
would automatically be charged
$200/month. In this way, the
Cathedral will have a more
consistent cash flow and you earn
points on your credit card while
fulfilling your pledge.
If you have any questions about
Stewardship, please call the church
office, Fr. Panagiotis or any Parish
Council member. Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Phil J. Philliou,
Stewardship Chairman
VOLUNTEERISM:
Giving of your time from the heart is
one of the most fulfilling and rewarding
efforts a Christian can do. The energy
expended is mighty, and the reward might
be only a simple thank you, but the way
you feel inside afterwards is the true
reward.
What can you do to get involved and
become a Volunteer? First, put away the
excuse, “I am too busy”. There is always
time to help in some way, and the rewards
will more than make up for the time spent.
At the Cathedral, The Philoptochos,
PTO/Mother‟s Club, Kali Parea or AHEPA
will provide many opportunities for
stewards to help in small or larger ways. All
of these groups help the Church, the
children or do outside philanthropy.
Helping as a parent or friend directly
with the GOYA, JOY, HOPE, Boy Scouts,
Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts is always
needed. Your skills or energy can be
channeled into assisting these groups to
have successful programs. The quality of
these programs is as good as the leaders
and volunteers who run them. The more
help the better.
Events held always need help. The
Festival is one big opportunity, Even before
the actual Festival, many days and nights
are spent preparing foods and cutting
souvlaki meat. Our different luncheons
and dinners are always in need of extra
kitchen and setup help.
Sometimes you have to be patient
as a Volunteer. It may take time to find the
right fit for you as to wear your services
might work the best. So, don‟t despair if
your first try doesn‟t work out. Draw your
energy from above and go at it again.
KALI PAREA:





Here we are, a New Year and like,
many of us, it is time to reflect on the
happenings of the past season and the
anticipation of what we hopefully can see
happening the balance of the year. We
have experienced:
Informationational lectures by an
audiologist and a home anti-clutter expert
who offered the group insight to the
potential problems a senior will encounter
at one time or another. We all agreed that
the info was on point.
A bus tour to the NY State Finger
Lakes in the fall was highlighted by great
weather, eclectic scenery, good food,
interesting wine tasting and Kali Parea.
Our annual Christmas Lunch at
Madelaines‟ Petit Paris was attended by
over a hundred guests. The menu satisfied
the most critical attendee. Music and
dancing followed.
In between snow storms, a group
traveled by bus to Newark‟s famous
Basilica to attend a program of Christmas
music and carols. The day was followed
by dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant.
The program capped a memorable season.
Looking ahead we anticipate a full
schedule of activities:
Movie afternoon in February
Bingo at a general meeting
Ten Tenors at West Point theater
South Pacific Presentation at Westchester
(lunch & theater)
Lecturer to be announced
But, the organization is not only fun and
games. We are involved in community
service. On a purely voluntary basis a
number of members are involved in the
mechanical process of doing the mass
mailings. Others dedicate themselves in
cleaning and organizing the stockrooms so
that the community effectively knows what
is where and how much is available. Some,
who are handy, do small minor repairs in
the church and fellowship facilities.
Possibly most importantly the members
actively
participate
in
the
annual
Community Festival, the community‟s
major fund raising project.
We invite all to come and join Kali
Parea. You will make lasting friendships
while effectively adding to the knowledge
that you are not alone.
Scholarships Available:
All for High School Seniors going to a
college: Call the church office for further
information.
1) St. Johns’ Scholarships:
August 15 Deadline, Academics/Need
2)Petikas Scholarship The Capt.
Constantine & Mrs. Mary Petikas
Scholarship Awards will be announced this
year on May 18th, 2014 in Church. A total
of 6 recipients will be selected with the
award being $2,000 to each. Applicants
need to apply through the Church Office for
details.
3)GOYA: April 25th Deadline, for GOYA
Members, based on GOYA and Parish
Participation, Academics and School and
Community involvement.
4)Eastern Orthodox Committee
Scouting: (both have same requirements)
5)Tony Triant Memorial Scholarship
April 30th Deadline: Eagle or Gold Award
Boy or Girl Scouts having earned the Alpha
Omega. Available on EOCS.org Website or
from Peter Hilaris.
6) AHEPA: April 30th deadline. Open to
Children of Members active for 3 years in
the Bergen Knights AHEPA chapter.
HOPE:
The St. John's HOPE members
loved welcoming in the New Year! The
New Jersey Children's Museum was the
location of our January 17, 2014 meeting.
The children loved the interactive, handson exhibits, including a real fire truck, a
real helicopter, cool fossil/dinosaur cave,
play ballet studio, and the kids' medieval
castle. What a joy it was to see their
smiling faces!
At our annual Valentine's Day
Celebration. On February 7th the Children
discussed "The Parable of the Good
Samaritan".
Our lessons'
objectives focused on "lines lifted" from the
parable, “„Love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with
all your strength and with all your mind";
and, „Love your neighbor as yourself." The
children made chocolate lollipops and
sugar free candy. The meeting ended by
making Valentine's Day cards for the
residents of St. Michael's in Yonkers, New
York.
Upcoming E vents
March 8 - Van Saun Park Zoo
March 21 - Making Koliva
March 24 - Host Lenten Lecture Series
March 30 - Greek Independence Day
Parade
April 6 - Spring Plant Sale
April 18- Participate in Good Friday Service
as Angels surrounding Epitapheo
April 20 - Attend Agapi Service with our
Families
May 3 - Family Picnic at Alpine Boat Basin
May 16- Last Meeting - Making thank you
cards for Father Panagiotis
Anna Makrinos-Callahan
CHOIR:
Greetings! St.John‟s Choir Under
the leadership of our Choir Director,
George Manos, is preparing for the Lenten
season. During Lent we sing on the first
and fifth Fridays for the Heretismi services
and will have our second concert before
the start of Holy week. Last year we sang
the Holy Tuesday hymns, and our Psalti,
Costa, sang beautiful Byzantine hymns
with Father Panayiotis. During Holy Week
we sing on Holy Tuesday, Good Friday and
the Anastasi services every year. Being in
the choir is a very rewarding way to give
back to our Church. Music is a delight to
most people, but when singing hymns to
our Lord, there are times we are all
amazed at the sounds that we produce
together. It is truly uplifting and we are so
privileged to share this love with all our
fellow parishioners.
Our choir was formed at the time
our Church was built over 40 years ago by
a core of ladies with musical talent –
soprano Yvonne Dallas, altos Heide
Kazanas and Stacy Papas, and tenor, Pota
Zourdos. These individuals gave and are
still giving so much of themselves to the
choir over all the years since then. Ours is
a four-part harmony choir. Today we have
approximately 15 sopranos, 6 altos, 3
tenors and 2 basses. The music that we
sing is in the Western style but with
Byzantine tones. We have different
versions of the major hymns of our liturgy
which gives us all variety, and we have a
complete set of special hymns for various
holidays
during
the
year.
The
arrangements are by many talented
hymnographers, including our own Director
who is also a Psalti.
The choir has sung on other occasions
besides Sunday liturgies. We have
participated in each of the Christmas
Concerts since the Cultural Committee
started organizing them. We have
performed Greek songs in special
performances. We have sung at St.
Michael‟s Home for the Aged. We have
been fortunate to have members of St.
Anthony‟s Orthodox Church in Bergenfield
join us for some of these performances.
We learned a completely new set of
liturgical music a few years ago and love to
sing that music on certain Sundays.
Whenever our Church has asked us to do
anything special, we have had special
rehearsals to prepare and have tried our
best to accomplish those goals. We are
truly a family within the Church.
As committed as we are, we find ourselves
at a crossroads and really need new
people to join our ranks. Many of us are
much older now, and medical issues and
life-changing events have made it difficult
for some of us to continue with the same
ability or availability as before. Some of us
cannot sing every week due to work or
other personal schedule conflicts. Younger
members are in college and will hopefully
return, but until then are sorely missed. If
you have any musical talent at all, or can
just carry a tune, we welcome you to join
our choir. Sunday School students are
particularly welcome, as they can sing with
us until after communion when they go to
Sunday School. Hopefully they will
continue to sing as adults in whatever
parish they belong to. We also would
especially like to welcome male members,
to enrich our tenor and bass sections. St.
John‟s would not be the same without its
choir, and we want to preserve this musical
tradition for the generations to come.
Please feel free to speak to any of our
members for any questions you may have
or for further information.
Eva Millas Russo
ss
Metropolis of New Jersey
The Metropolitan Greek Orthodox Cathedral
of
Saint John the Theologian
Reverend Father Panagiotis Lekkas
St. John the Theologian th Annual GOLF CLASSIC
MAY 5, 2014
KNICKERBOCKER COUNTRY CLUB
TENAFLY, NJ
We invite you and/or your company to become a sponsor at our 8th Annual Golf Classic, 11:00 a.m. Shotgun
Start Tee off. Registration will begin at 9:00 am followed by breakfast. Dinner and open bar after golf round. In
appreciation for your sponsorship, you and/or your company will be featured in promotional brochures, including
invitations, news releases of the event and correspondence to registered golf participants. All contributors will be
listed in the event program and Sponsorship board. Our brochure featuring all sponsors of the event has a printing
deadline of April 30th, 2014. Please respond promptly to ensure your name is placed on the brochure and
invitations. Proceeds to benefit the Metropolitan Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Theologian
SPONSORSHIP CATEGORIES
A. Individual Golfer (Non-Sponsor Player)………..$250.00
Includes: Green Fees, Golf Cart, Breakfast, Dinner with Open Bar, entry in the “hole-in-one” contest (Hole
#18, Par 3, 165 yds.) for 2012 Luxury vehicle, player giveaway package. Each foursome will be assigned a
caddy
B. Hole Sponsorship………………………………………. $350.00
Your name and/or company name is displayed on a flag designating you as the sponsor of that hole. There
is a limit of 18 holes. Please respond promptly for availability.
C. Signage Sponsorship…………………………………..$175.00 each or 2 signs for $325.00
Your name and/or company name is displayed on a sign at the tee box.
D. Platinum Sponsor………………………………….…….$900.00
Entitles you to a round of golf (Package A), a hole sponsorship (Package B) and two tee box signs
sponsorship (Package C)
E. Gold Sponsor……………………………………………..$400.00
Entitles you to a round of golf (Package A), and one signage sponsorship (Package C)
F. Driving Range Sponsorship.………………………… …$600.00
Have your name and/or company name displayed on a banner sign at the driving range.
G. Beverage Cart Sponsor………………………………….$300.00
Have your name and/or company name displayed on the refreshments cart.
H. Breakfast Sponsor…………………………………………$1,250.00
Have your name displayed as a prominent sponsor of the Hot Breakfast reception.
I. Dinner Sponsor…………………………………………….$2,500.00
Have your name and/or company name displayed at every table as the prominent sponsor of the Dinner
Reception.
For more information please contact one of the following:
Charles Pialtos
Michael Galianos
Andreas Zigouras
Andrew Papataros
Chris Koliopoulos
Phil Philliou
George Petikas
Matt Nicholas
(914) 469-4862
(201) 218-2585
(201) 819-7011
(917) 685-9950
(201) 315-0633
(201) 921-9535
(917) 679-0113
(631) 813-9098
charlesp703@aol.com
michael.galianos@verizon.net
andreaszigouras@gmail.com
APAPATAROS@gmail.com
chrisk07042@gmail.com
philip@philliou.com
GeorgePetikas@gmail.com
matthew.nicholas@firstdata.com
Full payment must be received by April 22, 2014.
LIMITED TO 30 FOURSOMES
Please make checks payable to: St. John the Theologian.
Send Payments To: St. John the Theologian
c/o GOLF OUTING
353 East Clinton Ave.
Tenafly, NJ 07670
EVENT REGISTRATION FORM
---------------------------------
NAME______________________________________COMPANY__________________________________________
ADDRESS__________________________________CITY________________________ST_____ZIP____________
TELEPHONE (
) ______________________________
) ________________________________
MOBILE (
EMAIL________________________________________________________________________
I would also like to be a sponsor for ______________________________Amount$__________________
CAPTAIN:
1.
PLAYER’S INFORMATION
Name ___________________________________________
Address____________________________City_______________St____Zip_______
Phone(
2.
Name ___________________________________________
Address____________________________City_______________St____Zip_______
)_____________________Cell (
)____________________
Email ___________________________________
Name ___________________________________________
Address____________________________City_______________St____Zip_______
Phone(
4.
)____________________
Email ___________________________________
Phone(
3.
)_____________________Cell (
)_____________________Cell (
)____________________
Email ___________________________________
Name ___________________________________________
Address____________________________City_______________St____Zip_______
Phone(
)_____________________Cell (
)____________________
Email ___________________________________
GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE AMERICA
OF
GREEK ORTHODOX LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY, Inc.
February 18, 2014
Dear Metropolis Presidents, Chapter Presidents and Convention Delegates:
From God every family in heaven and on earth is named.
(Ephesians 3:15)
Delegates of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, from our Parishes throughout America, will
joyously convene in Philadelphia this coming July to participate in the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial
Convention.
The theme of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 42nd Biennial Clergy/Laity Congress will be The
Orthodox Christian Family: A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel.
This significant theme will be woven into the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Program through
our expression of love for the family unit, love of our Faith, love for one another, love for our country, as well as the
love we have for the men and women who serve in the Military in order to allow us to love freely each aspect of our
lives.
As we offer a tribute to ‘The Brave Ones, Past and Present, A Tribute to Those Who Safeguard Our Freedom’ we
ask you, Philoptochos leaders throughout the country, to participate in a simple way to help us give thanks to those
family members who have served as Veterans, as well as those who currently serve in the Armed Forces.
Please work with your Chapter members, of all generations, to gather photos of family members who are or were a
part of America’s Armed Forces. As part of the Philoptochos Program, and throughout the convention, it is our plan to
show a ‘pictorial history’ that will tell the story of their bravery, as we honor their sacrifice.
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PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Send photos of family members who served (Veterans) or are serving (men and women) in the United
States Armed Forces.
Photos sent through email are preferred, although ‘good quality’ hard copy photos can be mailed and will
be accepted, but these WILL NOT be returned.
Close up ‘face’ photos are preferred but others can be used as long as the person is identifiable.
Appropriate Sizes: 8 x 10, 5 x 7, 4 x 6
Please identify the year and location the photo was taken and the name of the person/people in the photo.
We must have your photos by May 1, 2014.
All photos should be emailed to mdstefanidakis@gmail.com .
Alternatively, mail to Martha Stefanidakis at 7619 Wycomb Lane, Houston, Texas, 77070.
Please help us pay tribute to ‘The Brave Ones’ by including their photo in this wonderful display that will express
our love for them and honor their sacrifice. See you in Philadelphia in July!
With love in Christ,
Anne Michals
Martha Stefanidakis
Evellyn Tsiadis
2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Co-Chairs
th
126 EAST 37 STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016 • TEL: (212) 977-7770 • FAX: (212) 977-7784
Web: www.philoptochos.org • E-mail: philosny@aol.com
2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention
Philadelphia, PA – July 6-9, 2014
SPONSORSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
Grand Benefactor ($10,000 and up)
Benefactor ($5,000 to $9,999)
Patron ($1,000 to $4,999)
Sponsor ($500 to $999)
Donor ($300 to $499)
Friend ($1 to $299)
Please type or print:
Name___________________________________________________________________
Church__________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address__________________________________________________________
Phone: Home____________________________ Work____________________________
Email address____________________________________________________________
Amount of Sponsorship____________________________________________________
Make checks payable to “National Philoptochos” and mail to:
National Philoptochos Office – National Convention
126 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016
To submit your sponsorship contribution online, please click here.
Thank you for your support and commitment!
FOR INCLUSION IN THE SPONSORSHIP BROCHURE, PLEASE SUBMIT BY:
May 15, 2014
March 6, 2014 Dear Philoptochos Stewards and Friends, The National Philoptochos Society is looking forward to the 2014 Biennial Convention which will be held on July 6-­‐9, 2014 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference will include prominent speakers, educational workshops and opportunities for the delegates to exchange ideas. Please be aware that the cost of offering this wonderful program is not covered solely by the registration fees. Your support will help defray the significant cost of the programs and will allow the Philoptochos to provide many special and exciting events. We invite you to become a sponsor of the Convention. We appeal to your generosity so that National Philoptochos provides this opportunity to its members without being a financial burden on the organization. Please join your fellow sisters in making this a truly successful and noteworthy event. Please return the completed sponsorship form and your donation by May 15, 2014 to National Philoptochos Society, Attn: Convention Sponsorship Committee, 126 East 37th St., New York, NY 10016. With Sisterly Love in Christ, Anne Michals Martha Stefanidakis Evellyn Tsiadis 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Co-­‐Chairs Sponsorship Co-­‐Chairs Stella Pantelides Kassandra Romas Ourania Soumas 
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