Saint Philip Church

500 West Hollis St. Nashua, NH 03062

P: 603.889.4000 www.stphilipnh.org

DEC 2017 -

JAN 2018

Table of Contents

Do you remember “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? This has been a favorite of mine since I was a little boy; to this day, I feel like I’m not properly experiencing Christmas unless I’ve watched this 30 minute cartoon. Since Brandy and I had children, this ex-perience has involved the whole family being piled together on the couch to watch. Maybe our children will pile their own little ones on their laps to watch someday—no rush on this item, though. Yes, no rush.

It’s interesting about this special: like virtually all the Peanuts comics and cartoons, there’s a steady stream of gentle social commentary and a hefty dose of irony present. In fact, these realities still draw a certain dose of criticism from different interest groups each year (regarding the name-calling and bullying among the characters); but I’ve always understood these currents within the narrative and dialogue not to validate bad behavior but to have a very different purpose: to help us all see ourselves, from the young-est to the oldest.

Case in point within the mostly beloved Christmas special, is the scene where Sally, Charlie Brown’s little golden-haired sister, asks her big brother for help writing a letter to Santa. As Sally’s letter quickly devolves into a callous demand for cash (she asserts she’s been “extra good this year”), Charlie Brown, who is already disturbed at the “commercialization” of the holiday, throws her clipboard and letter aside, leaving her stunned, truly unaware of what he is so upset about. She innocently proclaims, “All I want is my fair share. All I want is what’s coming to me.”

In the end, it’s up to Charlie and Lucy’s thoughtful friend Linus to crystalize “what Christmas is all about”—rightfully so, he uses the Christ-Child’s narrative from Luke, Chapter 2. Rightfully so, we can utilize this salvific reality to remind ourselves about the difference between needs and wants … and about what true gift-giving means.

How many times in our lives have you and I caught ourselves playing the role of Sally? That is, how often do we focus on what we want, rather than what we need—and how often do we adopt her sense of entitlement, this idea that we have something material coming our way, because we are so darn “extra good”? She’s a little girl in a cartoon; we’re real people. This is very serious for you and me.

Within our Faith, needs are perceived as vital items like God’s love for us and our —Cont. on Pg. 2

Fr. Alex’s Message: All I Want

@StPhilipNH

facebook.com/ StPhilipNashua

Liturgical Schedule 2

Stewardship 3

Youth 4, 5

Photos 6

Calendar 7

Community/

Outreach 8

Education/

News 9

Sponsors 10, 11

instagram.com/stphilipnashu-

anh

Come and See 2

love and commitment toward our neighbor. These are things toward our salvation, things that speak to our humanity and relationship with God. Being good is not a means to an end (like getting things in return) but simply a natural response to God’s love and “goodness” towards us.

In the end, “All I want” pales before the true spiritual needs of our exist-ence and the innate satisfaction of a relationship with God and neighbor.

And yes, the true gift of our lives, God’s gift to the World, is our Christ, and all gifts must be seen in this light to be seen clearly. If we consider Linus’ scriptural exhortation again, the gifts of the Magi were gifts of the heart, symbols of relational love—and they refer to the realities of the Savior: the gold, suggestive of His majesty; frankincense, indicative of His priesthood; and myrrh, pointing toward His ultimate sacrifice.

Thus true gift giving is reflective of the Magi’s spiritual gifts, reflective, especially, of God’s gifts of love, compassion, sacrifice and salvation. Perhaps we can approach a place where “All we want” is our Lord.

And how does this all come to life in our lives? I don’t have a full answer, but I know a good start are things like discerning between the vital needs and lesser wants of our lives, discovering true thankfulness for the gift of our Christ and, especially this Christmas season, offering the gifts we give from the heart as symbols of our love, not as ends in themselves.

With love in our Incarnate Lord,

Fr. Alex

“For they said, is was a shame to quarrel upon Christmas Day. And so it was! God love it, so it was!”

—Charles Dickens

"It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.”

—W. T. Ellis

To arrange a visit for a loved one, or yourself, as we approach Christmas and Theophany, please contact Fr. Alex anytime. During this heart-warming season, it is especially important to bring the Church to those who can’t come.

Christmas Wisdom

Sundays Orthros, 9 am Divine Liturgy, 10 am Dec. 3: 14th Sunday of Luke 10: 10th Sunday of Luke 17: 11th Sunday of Luke 24: Sunday before the Nativity 31: Sunday before Theophany

Jan. 7: John the Baptist 14: Leave-taking of Theophany 21: 15th Sunday of Luke 28: Publican & Pharisee

Weekday Services Dec. 24: Eve of the Nativity. Vesperal Liturgy, 6 pm (Reception) 25: The Nativity. Orthros, 9 am; Liturgy, 10 am Jan. 5: Eve of Theophany. Blessing of the Waters, 6 pm 6: Theophany. Orthros, 9 am; Liturgy & Blessing of the Waters, 10 am

All I Want (continued)

Pastoral Visits this Holiday Season

Our parishioners—of all ages—are al-ways invited to read the Epistle during Sunday Divine Liturgy. Contact Fr. Alex to reserve your special date.

Dec. 3: Chris Lark 10: Marisa Donati 17: Phil George 24: Dean Liakos 31: Parish Chanters Jan. 7: Margo Liakos 14: Lori Pitsas 21: Doug Philipon 28: Maryanne Squeglia

Voices of Faith

Parish Council Pledge

We look forward to the prayerful con-firmation of our 2018 council, upon confirmation of our parish elections by the Metropolis.

The “Pledge” date will soon be an-nounced to our parish family.

Schedule

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Come and See 3

Have you had a chance to visit the “Giving” pages of our website lately? If you haven’t heard the good news, we broke new ground several years ago and implemented a secure and simple way to give to our Church online. We pray that this innovative tool will help our parish strivings bear fruit. The respective giving pages are as follows:

Stewardship www.stphilipnh.org/stewardship/

Every Member Capital Campaign www.stphilipnh.org/stewardship/every_member.php

General Donations (Christmas, festival, etc.) www.stphilipnh.org/donate/

On behalf of the Stewardship Commit-tee, I want to thank Fr. Alex and the Parish Council for the honor of receiv-ing the Saint Philip Appreciation Day Award this year. We are hopeful that our message of the importance of be-ing committed Stewards of Saint Philip is being heard and well-received.

Belonging to our Church is so much more than simply being a member in name only; your active participation as a Steward—faithfully worshipping with us and offering of your time, talent and treasure—is what makes us great.

You recently received our 2018 Cam-paign mailing. If you have not complet-ed your Commitment Card in the past, please consider doing so this year and offering it at the Stewardship Sunday Event on Dec. 3. The card helps us go beyond financial planning by including family members, contact info, interests for volunteer-ing and optional gift giving approaches. Thank you for all you do for our church. Let’s make 2018 another great year. Also, if you have not fulfilled the financial aspect of your 2017 commit-ment yet—please do so at your earliest convenience.

Finally, don’t forget to bring a meatless potluck dish for Dec.

3. Please confirm your offering: duglas1004@gmail.com. St. Philip

Greek Orthodox Church

Stewardship in 2018 —Doug Philipon

500 West Hollis St.

Nashua, NH 03062

P (603)889.4000; F (603)889.3763

Rev. Fr. Alex Chetsas: fralex@stphilipnh.org

Office Staff

Cheryl Petren & Sophie Theoharis:

office@stphilipnh.org

Office Hours: M - F, 10 am - 3 pm

Help Us Reach You Are you receiving weekly emails and other elec-tronic communications from St. Philip? If not, we may not have an updated email for you and/or your family. Please help us stay close to you by contacting the office with your email. Thanks!

Online Giving: “Faithful—Direct” —Stewardship, Christmas Giving & More

STEWARDSHIP

500 West Hollis St.

Nashua, NH 03062

Phone: 603.889.4000; Web: stphilipnh.org

Rev. Fr. Alex Chetsas: fralex@stphilipnh.org

Office Staff:

Cheryl Petren

office@stphilipnh.org

500 West Hollis St.

Nashua, NH 03062

Phone: 603.889.4000; office@stphilipnh.org

Rev. Fr. Alex Chetsas: fralex@stphilipnh.org

Office Staff

Cheryl Petren, Office Manager

Maryanne Squeglia, Financial Administrator

Every Member Campaign —Jorge Panteli

Our Church has regained its beautiful stature with the application of the gold materials on the dome and two towers. The contractor also

repaired the structure and roofing below the dome to ensure that water no longer affects the dome. We now turn our attention to the interior of the Church, which is in need of refreshing. The focus of this project will be the replacement of the carpet around the pews and up the stairs to the choir loft, as well as the application of a beautiful tile throughout the sanctuary and solea—and down the middle aisle through the Narthex. Stay tuned as we develop a plan for this beautification over the next few months. I thank you in advance for your prayerful support of this next phase of Every Member.

Contact me to learn more: jpanteli@comcast.net.

500 West Hollis St.

Nashua, NH 03062

Phone: 603.889.4000; office@stphilipnh.org

Rev. Fr. Alex Chetsas: fralex@stphilipnh.org

Office Staff

Cheryl Petren, Office Manager

Maryanne Squeglia, Financial Administrator

Office Hours: M - F, 10 am - 3 pm

Sacraments at Saint Philip When planning Baptisms and Weddings, please make sure to check in with Fr. Alex before setting dates. The liturgical calendar of the Church and the spiritual nature of our Sacraments make this communication very important. Thanks!

Come and See 4

Sunday School —Bette Gioffre

Hello Sunday School Families:

We have entered the Nativity season, and the children en-joyed a meaningful group lesson with Mrs. Pitsas on Nov. 26.

The children are looking forward to the Family Day Gingerbread

Event on Dec. 3, when we’ll not only make our gingerbread houses but also Christmas ornaments for the residents of AHEPA Manor. We’ll deliver them and visit with the residents on Sunday, Dec. 10. Parents, if you would like donate cookies for us to share with the residents, contact Tippy John-ston: tippyj27@comcast.net.

CALENDAR NOTES

December 24: Family Worship/No Class January 31: Family Worship/No Class

January 7: All Classes in Church/Theophany Event

Have a Blessed Nativity & New Year!

Hello GOYA! Thanks to the group’s efforts, the Thanksgiving Basket shop-ping was a success on November 12. Thank you to those who helped out putting the baskets together and providing support to the activity!

We have planned a Christmas party, which will be hosted by the Alton

Family on December 1, from 6:30 – 9 pm. We are plan-ning on decorating Christmas-themed cookies as a fun ac-tivity. All of the GOYAns and their parents are welcome to join us for the fun gathering! Thank you to the Alton family for hosting us! Please offer a dessert if possible.

On December 3, the Family Day Gingerbread House Event will be taking place! This will give all the Sunday School students and us the opportunity to experience the importance of Christmas and also have some fun creating ornaments and gingerbread houses.

On January 7, Sunday School will be held in the Church, where we will get to experience the parish Va-silopita with the rest of the congregation. Our monthly GOYA meeting will be held after that. We hope all the GOYAns are able to join us for worship and the meeting.

To learn more about GOYA, contact Advisor Marisa Donati: marisapdonati@gmail.com. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our GOYA families!

Orthodoxy on Tap

Fr. Alex is requesting that a ses-sion of this unique Metropolis young adult ministry be offered in our area in the new year. Details TBA soon.

Interested in attending? Contact Fr. Alex.

YOUTH

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…”

GOYA —Elaine Danas, Secretary

Hellenic Dance Troupe

Hellenic Dance Troupe is availa-ble to girls and boys 10 years old to 18 years old. Our 2018 pro-gram will begin with a parent/dancer meeting on Sunday, Jan. 7—join us in the class-rooms area, right after Divine Liturgy. Throughout the year, we will celebrate Hellenic culture by learning and performing folk dances from several regions throughout Greece. When possible we will perform at public and private events, with the culminating perfor-mance being the Food Fest. A calendar of practice dates will be distributed to all dancers on the 7th, and we are looking forward to another great year together!

For further details, contact Maria Donati: 603.801.1948.

Look What We Accomplished! Thanks to our youth for helping with the Thanksgiving

Basket Drive. Here’s a picture from the drop-off to local

veterans. Your efforts made a difference!

Come and See 5

Many of our younger families may not have heard of the Saint John Chrysostom Ora-torical Festival, which is a program of our Archdiocese carried out each year within every Metropolis. It offers 7 - 12th graders an engaging opportunity to learn more about their faith and share Orthodoxy by delivering thoughtful homilies to their young colleagues and entire parish fami-lies! Scholarship prizes range from $2,500 - $30,000. The 2018 list of topics is now available, and we can start preparing for our parish’s March festival.

To join our parish team and learn about the topics, contact Fr. Alex by Jan. 19.

Born in 292 in Sebastia, St. Mod-estos was raised as a pagan in the imperial court, following the mur-der and martyrdom of his Christian parents. As a teenager, though, a spiritual awakening occurred. He learned of his parents’ faith and martyrdom—and that he had actu-ally been baptized a Christian be-fore their execution. A Christian goldsmith began to mentor him, but the man’s jealous sons sold him into slavery in Egypt. After converting his master’s family and ultimately gaining his freedom, he

made a pilgrimage to Mt. Sinai and was ordained a priest at a local monastery. He quickly became known for his devotion and loving nature. After years of service to the Church, he was selected Patri-arch of Jerusalem. It was during these latter years that his long-time appreciation for all of God’s creation intensified and blossomed. He had a particular affection for animals, seeing them as sublime, mys-terious gifts from God. Often he would bless livestock, praying for their health and productivity and giving thanks for all Creation.

Getting Practical: In the spring, our parish will hold our annual Saint Modestos Pet Blessing Event (we’ve done this in the fall last few years), and it will be a wonderful opportunity to focus on the glory of God’s creation and do something special for our furry (and feathery and scaly) friends!

Each summer, a growing number of our children are discovering the wonder of the Metropolis camping

ministry. They return with a renewed spiritual life and a desire to put what they’ve learned into practice in our parish. But the experience doesn’t end in August. Winter Camp keeps the flame alive during the colder months. In 2018, GOYA Winter Camp (ages 12 - 18) will run from Feb. 16 - 19; registra-tion is now open, and space is limited.

Register today, and engage this spiritually meaningful and fun opportunity for your child: metropolisofbostoncamp.org.

JOY Bowling, Jan. 28 Leda Lanes, Here We Come!

Let’s start the new year with a fun bowl-ing outing to Leda Lanes (340 Amherst St., Nashua) on the 28th, after Sunday School. All our JOY children (grades 3 - 6), and their families, are invited to join us. A pizza lunch will be offered before we leave Saint Philip, so we’re not bowling on empty stomachs!

Contact Brandy Chetsas by Jan. 24 to confirm your family’s attendance and the number in your party so plans can be made: abchetsas@hotmail.com.

Saintly Lives: Saint Modestos (Dec. 16)

Oratorical Festival 2018 Join Our Parish Team

GOYA Winter Camp at MBC —Feb. 16 - 19

“...but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in faith and in purity.” —Timothy 4:12

YOUTH

Boys and girls 14 - 18 are welcome to

join us for basketball at Saint Philip—Sunday nights, 6:30 - 8 pm. Let’s build this program!

Contact T.C. Liakos to join: 603.320.3399; tcliakos@comcast.net.

Basketball Time!

Come and See 6

Holiday Outreach

Fall 2017 Retrospective: His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios’ Visit

Prayerful Pumpkin Carving

St. Modestos Pet Blessing

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednes- Thursday Friday Saturday

7 Come and See

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

December 2017 & January 2018 Limited Overview

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20 21 19 18 17

16 15

27 28 26 25 24

23 22

3 2

30 29

4 6

7

Women’s Prayer Group & Bible Study, 6:30 pm (Potluck & Movie)

11th Sunday of Luke Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - Sunday School - Wish List Gifts Due

Sunday before Nativity Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - Sunday School Family Worship Vesperal Liturgy, 6 pm (Reception)

Sunday before Theophany Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - Sunday School Family Worship

Saint John the Baptist Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - Sunday School Theophany Event - Agape Pledge - Vasilopita - GOYA Mtg - Dance Troupe

Theophany Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am

(Blessing of the Waters to follow)

Health/Wellness Ministry, 10 am

No Greek School Classes or Choir Rehearsal

Health/Wellness Ministry, 10 am Greek School, 4 & 6 pm

Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm

The Nativity of the Lord Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am

Eve of Theophany Blessing of the Waters, 6 pm

Agape Nashua Soup Kitchen Service, 4 pm

Agape Nashua Soup Kitchen Service, 4 pm

Women’s Prayer Group & Bible Study, 6:30 pm

8

Compassionate Friends, 6:30 pm

Parish Council, 6:30 pm

Sponsoring Fellowship Hour

Sponsoring is a beautiful way to remember a loved one or mark a family anniversary. Contact the Church Office to sponsor on a coming Sunday. Thanks to our November sponsors:

5: Pan-Orthodox Charities Ministry (IOCC Sunday)\ 12 & 26: Agape (on the 12th, in honor of our parish feast day) 19: Pervanas Family (in memory of Margarita Pervanas)

10th Sunday of Luke Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - S. School Outing - Parish Elections - Senior Fruit Bundles - Wish List Sign Up

Stewardship, 6:30 pm

Health/Wellness Ministry, 10 am

Greek School, 4 & 6 pm

Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm

DEC 3 4 5

13

6 7 8

10 11 12

9

9 14th Sunday of Luke Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am - Sunday School - Stew. Sunday Event - Family “Day” Event - Wish List Sign Up

Parish Council, 6:30 pm

Health/Wellness Ministry, 9:30 am Greek School, 4 & 6 pm

Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm

Health/Wellness Ministry, 10 am Greek School, 4 & 6 pm

Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 pm

Agape Christmas Party, 1 pm (Nashua Country Club)

Stewardship, 6:30 pm

31

Orthodox Life w/Dr. Jim Skedros, 7 pm

JAN 1 5

Come and See 8

Stay Connected

MINISTRIES/PROGRAMS

ADULT/GENERAL Chanting Theodore Persakis 978.256.4351

Choir George Karakantas 603.889.6484

Every Member Doug Philipon 603.893.3922

Food Festival Jamie Pappas 603.883.8770

Health/Wellness Katherine Richo 603.689.5044

Orthodox Life Frank Edelblut 603.661.7730

Parish Council Jorge Panteli 603.809.6301

Outreach Committee Stephanie Norris 603.882.8022

Stewardship Ministry Joe Pappo 603.860.4827

Welcome Committee Greg Danas 978.833.7255

Women’s Prayer/Bible Paula Kouletsis 617.548.6061

YOUTH

Altar Service Daniel Gioffre 617.429.9132

Family Night Brandy Chetsas 508.653.0561

GOYA Marisa Donati 603.672.1914

Greek School George Kitsis 603.669.9041

Hellenic Dance Troupe Maria Donati 603.672.1914

JOY Brandy Chetsas 508.653.0561

PC Mentoring Program Fr. Alex Chetsas 603.889.4000

Sunday School Heather Cloutier 603.889.5501

RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

Agape Ladies’ Society Dorothy Pitarys 603.465.3763

AHEPA Nick Kallan 603.424.3925

Elpis Ladies’ Society Maria Donati 603.672.1914

Pan-Macedonians Charles Paskaley 603.889.1368

On Nov. 12 our GOYAns cheerfully shopped for the Thanksgiving Basket Drive, remembering the needs of others. We are proud of them all for acting on their faith.

The Outreach Committee offers warm thanks for all the support of our Thanksgiving Basket Drive in Novem-

ber—we produced 30 full Thanksgiving dinners for local families and veterans in need. Now, we hope you will respond with equal generosity and thoughtfulness to the Christmas Wish List Project, which is well underway! Sign up to help lo-cal families by purchasing Christmas presents. Signing up is easy—just see

Stephanie Norris in the hall on Sundays or contact her during the week: norrisx2@yahoo.com. Sign up closes on Dec. 10.

Outreach Snapshot —GOYA In Action

"O my child, child of sweetness, How is it that I hold You, Almighty? And how that I feed You, Who gives bread to all men? How is it that I swaddle You, Who with the clouds encompass the whole earth”

Among the moving ser-vices for the Nativity of the Lord, the hymn above (drawn from the Orthros of the Nativity)stands out as one of the season’s most emotionally powerful

elements. It is written from the perspective of the The-otokos, as she contemplates the mystery of the divine birth. It reveals her amazement, her sense of humility.

Amid the many errands, parties and distractions of the season, may we take the time to rediscover our

own amazement and humility—and worship Him!

COMMUNITY/Outreach

Holiday Outreach

A Christmas Hymn Reminding Us of the Reason for the Season

Reflections on OCMC—Time Well Spent with Lou Zagami

On Nov 5, we celebrated International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) Sunday at Saint Philip, which our Pan-Orthodox Charities Ministry hopes to lead us in each year in November. We had the pleasure of a visit from Lou Zagami of IOCC and his wife, Elaine. Lou is Development Director of IOCC and regularly travels and speaks extensively for the organization.

After offering some thoughts in Church after Liturgy, Lou and Elaine joined us in the hall for a Fellow-ship Hour in recognition of IOCC. Lou gave a detailed presentation highlighting IOCC’s success in helping others lead better lives after tragedies, natural disasters and economic hardships. We are so

grateful to Lou and Elaine for their time and will keep Lou’s efforts in our prayers.

Besides clean up buckets, our parish has donated close to $800 to IOCC this fall. Thank you to all!

Stay Connected

MINISTRIES/PROGRAMS

ADULT/GENERAL Chanting Theodore Persakis 978.256.4351

Choir George Karakantas 603.889.6484

Every Member Doug Philipon 603.893.3922

Food Festival Jamie Pappas 603.883.8770

Health/Wellness Katherine Richo 603.689.5044

OCMC Maryanne Squeglia 978.866.4150

Orthodox Life Frank Edelblut 603.661.7730

Outreach Committee Stephanie Norris 603.882.8022

Parish Council Malcolm Paradise 603.860.0239

Stewardship Joe Pappo 603.860.4827

Welcome Committee Greg Danas 978.833.7255 Women’s Prayer Group Maryanne Squeglia 978.866.4150

YOUTH

Youth Director Elena Barker 603.321.2931

Altar Service Daniel Gioffre 617.429.9132

GOYA Marisa Donati 603.801.9026

Greek School George Kitsis 603.669.9041

Hellenic Dance Troupe Maria Donati 603.801.1948

JOY/Family Night Brandy Chetsas 508.653.0561

Sunday School Heather Cloutier 603.889.5501

GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS

Agape Ladies’ Society Panayota Mikedis 603.943.7503

AHEPA Nick Kallan 603.424.3925

Elpis Ladies’ Society Maria Donati 603.801.1948

Pan-Macedonian Society Charles Paskaley 603.889.1368

Stay Connected

MINISTRIES/PROGRAMS

ADULT/GENERAL Chanting Theodore Persakis 978.256.4351

Choir Fr. Alex Chetsas 603.889.4000

Every Member Jorge Panteli 603.809.6301

Food Festival Jamie Pappas 603.883.8770

Health/Wellness Katherine Richo 603.689.5044

Library Fr. Alex 603.889.4000

Orthodox Life Fr. Alex 603.889.4000

Outreach Committee Stephanie Norris 603.882.8022

Pan-Orthodox Charities Maryanne Squeglia 603.866.4150

Parish Council Malcolm Paradise 603.860.0239

Stewardship Doug Philipon 603.893.3922

Welcome Committee Greg Danas 978.833.7255 Women’s Prayer Group Maryanne Squeglia 978.866.4150

YOUTH

Altar Service Daniel Gioffre 617.429.9132

GOYA Marisa Donati 603.801.9026

Greek School George Kitsis 603.669.9041

Hellenic Dance Troupe Maria Donati 603.801.1948

JOY & Family Night Brandy Chetsas 508.653.0561

Sunday School Bette Gioffre 508.380.2913

GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS

Agape Ladies’ Society Panayota Mikedis 603.943.7503

AHEPA Nick Kallan 603.424.3925

Elpis Ladies’ Society Maria Donati 603.801.1948

Pan-Macedonian Society Charles Paskaley 603.889.1368

Come and See 9

Merry Christmas to everyone—and a Happy New Year!

There will be no monthly meeting in December or January. But please keep these important events in mind...

Our Christmas Party at Nashua Country Club is Dec. 9! See the en-closed flyer for all the details.

We will host the Vasilopita Celebra-tion on Jan. 7. Please offer a bread for this joyous celebration (details be-low). Our officers will also take their pledge on this day.

Agape Favorites makes a great Christmas gift! Pick up a few copies for stocking stuffers or as hostess gifts. See an Agape member for your copy.

Agape News

Our series with Dr. Jim Skedros con-tinues on the 7th. “ Our Weekly Sacri-fice of Faith” is all about dedicating the days of the week to faithful, inspirational topics, and it is a wonderful comple-ment to our 2017 - 18 parish-wide “Sacrifice” theme.

We’ll meet at 7 pm—refreshments will be served! All parishioners and friends welcome.

Join us for our coming gatherings, 6:30 pm at Saint Philip:

Dec. 14: Christmas Party (Potluck Din-ner & Viewing of It’s a Wonderful life Dec. 28: “Psalm of Praise”

Contact Paula K. to learn more about our offer-ings: boston1020@jetmail7.com.

EDUCATION/NEWS

Women’s Prayer Group & Bible Study

Agape will once again sponsor our parish Vasilopita Celebra-

tion. On the 7th, at the close of Liturgy, Fr. Alex will lead us in blessing the breads, and then several of our parish leaders will be invited to come forth and receive a piece on behalf of their ministry or program committee members—and those they serve. This is always an uplifting event. Don’t miss it!

Contact Sia Juris if you would like to offer a Vasilopita on this special day for our parish: 603.888.4681.

Vasilopita Celebration —Jan. 7

On the 10th during Fellowship Hour, members of AHEPA will be distributing fruit bundles to all our senior citizens, as a token of apprecia-tion for the wisdom, love and caring our beloved seniors offer us all at Saint Phil-ip—they are truly a treasure!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our parish family and all our members. We look forward to the 10th. Join us!

AHEPA Fruit Baskets —Sunday, Dec. 10

Hypothermia can occur even at temperatures above 40 degrees F, and a frostbite victim is often unaware because the flesh is numb. So, don your hat, put on your mittens (warmer than gloves), cover your face and wear water-resistant outer clothing/boots. Limit your time outdoors. Prolonged exposure to the cold, especially when you are wet, puts you at risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Enjoy the beauty of God's winter wonderland safely—and have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!

This resource offers Ortho-dox Christian program-ming, featuring stories of faith, interviews, and more: www.myocn.net.

Unlike the popular children's film Frozen, none of us would like to be so immortalized this coming win-ter. Given the unpredictability of a typical New England winter, it's wise to be prepared against the real possi-bilities of hypothermia and frostbite, conditions that creep up on you unexpectedly and can take any one of us dangerously off-guard.

Health & Wellness Ministry: To Your Health!

Orthodox Life Continues: Dec. 7

Come and See 10

Stellos Family

Investment Properties of

Nashua, New Hampshire

Proud Stewards of

St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church

We thank our sponsors for their support!

Come and See 11

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Just contact the Church Office for details!

Memorials Katherine Papapanayiotou

(40 days), Panayiotis Limperis (8 yrs) & Panayiota

Gounaropoulos (8 yrs) Oct. 29

Rev. Father Athanasios Rizos (14 yrs), Presvytera Panagiota

Rizos (5 yrs) & Polyxene Stylianos (10 yrs)

Zannis Raissis, 2 yrs Nov. 19

Wisdom of Saint Basil

“The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the one who

needs it….”

Baptisms

Olivia Michele Pappas

Oct. 21

Constantine Gabriel Arfanakis

Oct. 29

Altar Flowers

Vicky Batzoyianis & Family Oct. 26 (Festal for Saint Demetrios)

Pan-Orthodox Charities Ministry Nov. 5 (IOCC Sunday)

Lilian Papdopoulos Nov. 12 (George Papadopoulos)

Pervanas Family Nov. 19 (Margarita Pervanas)

Dikos Family Nov. 26 (Festal for Saint Katherine &

Katherine Kiratsos)

Saint Basil the Great, Jan. 1