MARCH / ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 20 H e ARK...
Transcript of MARCH / ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 20 H e ARK...
1
MONTHLY BULLETIN OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ
Assumption
Greek Orthodox Church
111 Island Pond Road
Manchester NH 03109
Phone: (603) 623-2045
Fax: (603) 232-6347
www.AssumptionNH.org
Facebook:
ASSUMPTIONgocNH
Links and Resources
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
of America
www.goarch.org
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
of Boston
www.boston.goarch.org
Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople
www.patriarchate.org
ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ
ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ
Thee
H MARCH / ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ 2018
20
VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3
March 25th - Annunciation of Virgin Mary (Evangelismos)
2
Parish Priest
March is the month of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. At the same time, the entire month of March is
part of Great Lent. This is no coincidence. Our Church Fathers intentionally placed the Feast of Annunciation
4 days after the Spring Equinox and Easter on the first Sunday after the first full moon of Spring. This is
because both Annunciation and Easter are related to the rebirth of nature. Rebirth, not necessarily only of the
nature around us, but more importantly, rebirth of our own nature. Yet, this rebirth inside of us does not
happen without effort. It requires imitating Christ in fasting for 40 days. It requires giving to charity the
money we save by eating less. It requires praying more often by attending the Lenten services we have
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:00 PM during March. It requires confessing our sins, not “directly” to
God, but to a priest, as our Lord urges us to do in John 20:23 and Matthew 16:19, and James does in 5:16!
On the day of Annunciation, the Virgin Mary agrees to give flesh to the Word of God in the person of the
historical Christ Jesus. On the day of Easter, Jesus Christ becomes the first man who escapes from the snare of
death - He becomes the first-born of Hades! But, was Jesus the first one resurrected according to the Holy
Bible? He was not! There are six resurrections recorded in Scripture prior to that of Jesus’ – not counting the
Holy Men resurrected in Jerusalem at the time He gave up His Spirit on Holy Friday. What is different with
His Holy Resurrection though, is that all previous resurrections were temporary. That is, those resurrected
received their old bodies and that meant they had to die again later. Jesus, however, did not and will not
taste death again. His body at the Resurrection is not the same body he had while He was teaching. His Holy
Body remains physical but yet exalted. This means it is forever liberated from death. “Death no longer has
dominion over Him” (Rom. 6:9). Something He promised will happen to our own bodies at the General
Resurrection.
With the Annunciation, our Panagia, the Most Holy Mother of God, becomes a bridge connecting heaven
and earth. She is helping God descent on earth, so all men can ascent to heaven. On Easter, the Son of God,
who became Son of Man, breaks the bondage of man to eternal death. After Easter, death is temporary. After
Easter, death is only a sleep - a sleep which will be interrupted by the Archangel’s voice and the trumpet of
God announcing the Lord’s glorious return.
Annunciation and Easter! Two gateways to eternal life with a spring aroma. Two invitations to change our
own nature. Two opportunities to use the time of Great Lent for bodily and spiritual transformation through
fasting, almsgiving, prayer and repentance. Two occasions to attend more church services, to receive Holy
Communion more often and to confess our sins. Blessed remaining of Great Lent to all!
Parish News
During the past few months, our Board completed three major and expensive projects. Lately, it replaced
the roof and the heating system of our School Building. Prior to that, the lighting of our entire parking lot
was upgraded with low-energy, yet much brighter fixtures. Kudos to our 2017 president, Jim Folopoulos
and the 2017 Board for a job well done for our church! The challenge our 2018 Board will be taking right
after Easter is perhaps bigger that the last three put together. This next project will require pulling the talent
and resources of not only our Board, but also of our entire parish. We will be announcing it soon.
Our next Board meeting will be on March 12th at 7:00 PM.
Philoptochos News
The Philoptochos Society will be very busy in the coming weeks. We are collecting money for flowers for
Great Lent and Easter and taking orders for Easter breads (tsourekia). We will also hold a Bake Sale on
Saturday, March 31st (See enclosed flyers for details).
On Sunday, March 25th we will be baking tsourekia and on Monday, March 26
th we will be bagging the
tsourekia and baking Peta and Baklava for the upcoming Bake Sale. If you can help, please contact Lucie
Skouteris or Andrea Moutsioulis for details.
3
If you wish to donate a baked good for our upcoming Bake Sale, please contact Lucie Skouteris. Proceeds of
this Bake Sale will go towards the purchase of a new Loukoumathes machine. Your help will be greatly
appreciated.
If you haven’t paid your 2018 dues yet, please do. Remember that we are always looking for new members to
join Philoptochos. Dues are only $25.00, so please consider joining our organization and supporting our
charitable efforts.
If you would like to donate money for the flowers for Great Lent and Easter, please complete the form below
and either give your donation to any Philoptochos Board member, or mail it in the enclosed envelope.
We sincerely appreciate your support. God bless you.
Lucie Skouteris, President
Please cut here and include the bottom portion with your donation in the enclosed envelope.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLOWER DONATION
NAME: _______________________________________ AMOUNT: ___________________
New Horizons Soup Kitchen
The New Horizons Soup Kitchen visit is Sunday, March 25th, 4-6 PM this month. We are looking for new
volunteers to join our group. This is such a rewarding experience; please join us for less than two hours of
fellowship with the group from the Assumption Church. If you have any questions, please call the church
office. Thank you!
Choir
We are about to hire our new organist and choir director. Also, we are looking for volunteers to join our
talented choir. All ages are welcome! Don’t be shy if you don’t have experience. All that is required is your
passion and love for our church! During the summer the choir is not singing or practicing.
Youth Ministry News
GREEK SCHOOL & YOUTH MINISTRY MARCH 25th CELEBRATION
On Thursday, March 29th, our Greek School students will be reciting poems, Greek dancing and singing songs
in celebration of Greek Independence Day - "Tou Evangelismou.” Please join us for this joyous program and
show your pride in all our children and in our heritage. Doors will open at 5:00 PM. The program will start at
5:30 PM in the Assumption Church Hall. Immediately following the presentations, we will have pizza and
refreshments. Everyone is welcome!
REHEARSAL for the Greek Independence Day Celebration will be held on Thursday, March 22nd
from 4:00 -
6:00 PM in the Assumption Church hall. All Greek School classes together will participate in the rehearsal
during that time.
G.O.Y.A. FRAPPE’ FUNDRAISER - On Thursday, March 29th, our GOYAns will hold a Frappe` fundraiser.
Delicious traditional Greek frappes` will be sold during the Greek School Greek Independence Day
Celebration which will take place in the Assumption Church hall. We appreciate your participation and
support of our Youth Ministries.
4
DECORATED EASTER CANDLES Our Youth ministry will be selling decorated Easter candles from March 25th
through Easter Sunday. The cost will be $15 per candle and they will be available in the narthex. All proceeds
will benefit our Youth Ministries. Your support will be greatly appreciated!
IMPORTANT MARCH YOUTH MINISTRY EVENT DATES TO REMEMBER :
Thursday, March 1st – NO Greek School Classes. Greek School classes resume Thurs. March 8
th.
Sunday, March 4th – Family Sunday: Families are encouraging to attend church to celebrate the Divine Liturgy
together. Sunday School classes resume Sunday, March 11th.
Thursday, March 22nd
– 4:00-6:00 PM - Greek School for all classes will be held in the Church Hall to rehearse
for the March 25th Greek Independence Day Celebration.
Sunday, March 25th – The Annunciation (Tou Evagelismou). Please see liturgical schedule enclosed. Our Youth
Ministry children will offer flowers and a few special presentations in church in observance of March 25th.
Thursday, March 29th – 5:00-7:00 PM - The Greek School will present its March 25
th Greek Independence Day
Celebration in the Assumption Church Hall. Coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks will be offered during the
presentation followed by pizza & refreshments immediately after. Everyone is welcome!
Saturday, March 31st – Lazarus Saturday: The Divine Liturgy followed by a Community Pancake Breakfast.
Children will be baking LAZARAKIA in the church hall. After that, we will all fold crosses with palm leaves.
Everyone is welcome!
Palm Sunday, April 1st – Sunday School students should proceed directly to the school building at 10:15 AM.
HOLY WEEK: April 1st – April 8
th (Please see Holy Week insert)
• April 1st – Palm Sunday evening - Brightgroom (Nymphios) Service and candlelight procession.
• April 2nd
– Great and Holy Monday - Brightgroom (Nymphios) Service.
• April 3rd – Great and Holy Tuesday - Chant of Kassiani.
• April 4th – Great and Holy Wednesday – Two Holy Unction Services, one is short, catering to children
• April 5th – Great and Holy Thursday ~ Afternoon – Greek School & Youth Lenten Workshop, 4:00 - 6:00
PM in Church Hall. Dying red eggs! ~ Evening – Gospels of the Crucifixion of Christ. Procession of Holy
Cross.
• April 6th – Great and Holy Friday - This day qualifies as an excused absence from all schools. Notices will be
provided for the children to submit to their schools.
~ Morning: Service of Great and Royal Hours. Decoration of Epitaphios (Holy Sepulcher)
~ Afternoon: Apokathelosis Service (Unnailing of the Lord) with children participating
~ Evening – Epitaphios Procession & Lamentations (Funeral & Burial of Christ - Myrrh Bearers)
• April 7th – Great and Holy Saturday - All families are encouraged to attend this short Divine Liturgy. Children
should bring pots and paddles to make joyous noise at a certain time of the Service (They should be there by
9:45 AM. Please see next month’s bulletin for more details).
• April 8th – Easter Sunday - Agape Vespers.
• Sunday, April 22nd
, 1:00 PM – Greek Independence Day Parade and other festivities in Boston.
• Monday, April 23rd to Friday, April 27
th – School Vacation Week.
• Thursday, April 26th – NO Greek School or Greek Dance.
• Sunday, April 29th – Family Sunday – No Sunday School.
7
Fish Dinner
Sponsored by
The Assumption
Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday, April 1st, 2018
12:00 noon
Assumption church hall
ADULTS: $15.00
CHILDREN: $7.00
Tickets can be purchased through:
Parish CounciL members, Philoptochos members or
the church office @ 623-2045
During the Fish Dinner, we will also have the
“LAMB RAFFLE”
10
GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER
Our evening Greek School is actively seeking a language teacher. The hours are 3:00 – 7:00 PM every
Thursday from September to June. If you are interested, please call our office at 603-623-2045 and/or email
us at [email protected]
QUALIFICATIONS
• Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing Greek
• Some type of teaching experience
• Experienced in using techniques for encouraging classroom interaction
• Ability to handle children with knowledge at different levels within same classroom
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
1. Active in the liturgical life of the parish
2. Happy to spend time with youth and be their role model
3. Dependable, flexible, punctual, conscientious, honest, trustworthy and self-motivated
4. Cooperative and team player, willing to share knowledge and assistance, as well as be open to
learning and applying new skills/knowledge
5. Cool under pressure and able to handle multiple tasks
6. Able to communicate effectively and diplomatically
7. Problem solver and decision maker
11
Sacraments & Services
When planning a baptism or wedding, please check church availability BEFORE booking your
reception hall. Thank you!
Baptism
March 10th – Marcos, son of
Irene and Michael Kinson
Planning Memorials
When planning for a memorial, please contact the church office at 603-623-2045.
There is a particular altar wine and incense we use. Please call for details!
-623-2045. There is a certain kind of altar wine and certain incense we use. Please call for
details!
PLANNED GIVING is a gesture that comes from the heart!
Leave a legacy! As you plan your financial future, please remember your Parish. There are several types of
planned donations to consider. Here are a few of them to consider. In all cases, please consult your financial
advisor for more information.
Charitable Bequests: Once you secure the well-being of your family, you may choose to include in your will a
significant donation to your church.
Gifts of Life Insurance: Using a life insurance policy makes it possible to make a major gift while protecting the
inheritance of one’s heir(s).
Gifts of Listed Securities: The gift of publicly listed securities, bonds, mutual fund units or other similar securities
is one of the most fiscally advantageous ways to make a substantial donation to a charitable organization
because the donor will avoid paying tax on capital gains. The gift of shares or other securities will give rise to a
tax credit. It is more advantageous to transfer the securities directly rather than to donate the proceeds collected
from selling the securities. This type of donation is advisable to those who wish to make a substantial donation
without encroaching on their liquid assets, or to those who own shares or other securities which have
significantly increased in value since their acquisition.
Charitable Annuities: A charitable gift annuity consists of a donation of money or other assets to a charitable
organization in exchange for guaranteed earnings for life or for a determined period of time.
RECOGNITION
It is with much love and appreciation we have received four considerable bequests
made to our parish which we feel should be recognized. The benefactors are:
DORIS SPRINGER (Alex Demos’ sister), PHYLLIS BROWN, ANASTASIA GALANIS and KELLY LOCKE.
Their thoughtfulness is a tribute to their caring and desire for our parish
to prosper and grow for generations to come.
May their memories be eternal!
Funerals
February 17 - Nancy Predaris
Memorial Services
March 4th - Efthimios Stamoulis - 1 year
March 11th - Stephanos & Ismini Michalapoulos
March 18th - Artemios Dongas
12
January Stewardship
Paraskevas Arfanakis
Frank Athanasiou
Barbara Brown
James Camberis
Peter Camberis
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer
Theodore Faramakis
Venice Farmakis
Dimitra Gakopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Georgopoulos
Evangelia Gregorious
Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Kapellakis
Sophia Koustas
Georgia Kyriazis
Pauline Pappas
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Poplin
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tsekrekas
Jean Vlangas
Eleni Younis
Pledges Received in January for 2017
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karagianis
“Seek first God’s Kingdom and His
Righteousness and all other things shall be
added to you.” (Matt 6:33)
“And some seeds fell into good soil and
grew and yielded a hundredfold.”
(Luke 8:8)
“Give to Cesar what is Cesar’s and to God
what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17)
Reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful
giver.”
(St. Paul – 2nd
Corinthians 9:6-8)
“Rich is not the one who has much, but the
one who gives much. For what one gives
away, he keeps for all eternity.”
(St. John Chrysostom)
Please submit your
2018 Stewardship
Stewardship is our God-given
OBLIGATION and the PRIMARY
source of income for our church!
Christmas Donations
Voula Annas
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Matteo
Donations
Dick Anagnost (winning from raffle)
Venice Farmakis
The Tingos Family in loving memory
Donations in Memory of
Demetra Bartlett
Phyllis Brown
Lorraine Camberis
Pauline Pappas
Effie Janis Tsarouhas
Fuel Fund
Dimitrios Bakolas
Peter Camberis
Paraskevi Grigorakakis
Mr. & Mrs.Ilias Kalampalikis
Arthur Kamberis
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Lampes
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Matteo
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Nakos
Lucie Skouteris
Mr. & Mrs. John Stergiou
Thank you for your love to the House of the Lord and Panagia!
13
Anastasia Ahern
Sophia Annas
Voula Annas
Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Apostolos
Penny Arfanakis
Mary Argeropoulos
Frank Athanasiou
Virginia Athanasiou
Louise August
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bakolas
Dimitrios Bakolas
Amerisa Baryiames
George Blatsis
Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Boutwell
Mr. & Mrs. William Bruttaniti
Raymond Buckley
Angelo Camberis
Diana Camberis
James Camberis
Peter Camberis
Mr. & Mrs. Christos Chalogias
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Chronas
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Comrie
Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Condodemetraky
Nicholas Costakis
Mr. & Mrs. John Costes
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Cote
Fotios Dellas
Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Demos
Mr. Michael & Dr Jennie DiBartolomeo
Spyridoula Dongas
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer
Mr. & Mrs. David Dzenis
Daphne Emanuel
Theodore Farmakis
Tiffany Farmakis
Mr. & Mrs. James Folopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Folopoulos
Evangeline Fusscas
Nicholas Gabardina
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Gakis
Despina Gakopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Galanis
Martha Galanis
Dr. & Mrs. Vasilios Galanis
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Gallos
Mr. & Mrs. Soterios Gallos
Georgia Gancarz
Mr. & Mrs. Kristian Garces
MEMBERS IN GOOD
STANDING 2018
Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Garoufalis
Mr. & Mrs. George Gasis
John Gatsas
Philip George
Mrs. Christos Georgopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Georgopoulos
Tena Giavroutas
Michael Goudouros
Evangelia Gregorious
Michael Gregorious
Paraskevi Grigorakakis
Joanna Grimanis
Mr. & Mrs. Harry Guidicelli
Christina Hand
Louise Hart
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Hasevlat
Nicholas Hatzibiros
Xanthippi Hatzibiros
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Healy
Jonathan Horton
Sotirios Iliopoulos
Nicole Kalantzis
Mr. & Mrs. Aristidis Kalampalikis
Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Kalampalikis
Lazaros Kalampalikis
Mr. & Mrs. George Kalantzis
Lindsay Kalatzis
Nicole Kalatzis
Arthur Kamberis
Demetrios Kamberis
George Kamberis
Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Kapellakis
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Kapos
Mr. & Mrs. John Karagianis
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karagianis
Mr. & Mrs. John Karakostas
Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Karatzoulidis
Esther Kereakoglow
Sandra Kereakoglow
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kinson
Mr. & Mrs. George Kitsis
Mr. & Mrs. John Kitsis
Matthew Kitsis
Michael Kitsis
Theodore Kitsis
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Kolbensen
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Koromilas
Maria Kostakis
Pantelis Kotromanos
Stephanie Kotromanos
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Kourtis
Mrs. Epokratis Koutsavlis
Mrs. Demetrios Krideras
Thomas Krideras
Georgia Kyriazis
Mr. & Mrs. John Kyriazis
Mr. & Mrs. David Labore
Mr. & Mrs. Pierre LaBrie
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Lampes
Gregory Laughlin
Matthew Laughlin
Jane Lawson
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Lazos
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lazos
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Lazos
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Lekkas
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Leuchs
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Liolios
Heidi Liolios
Mr. & Mrs. Scott MacDonald
Eleftheria Makris
Mr. & Mrs. John Manelas
Mr. & Mrs. John Mantzoufas
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Mardanes
Elizabeth Marmarou
Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Matteo
Brenda McMillan
Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrois Meimetis
Aspa Michalopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Brendan Mulcahy
Theodora Nakos
Adamandia Nardi
Stavros Ouellette
Georgia Palaskas
Mr. & Mrs. Efthymios Papakostas
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Papanicolau
Likourgos Papastathis
Panagiota Papastathis
Mr. & Mrs. James Papavlo
Mr. & Mrs. William Pappas
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Pashos
Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Pervanas
Mrs. Elias Peters
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Peters
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Piet
Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Pliakos
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Pliakos
Maria Pliakos
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Poplin
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Predaris
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Psiras
14
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING
If you would like to advertise your business card in our
monthly bulletin, please contact the Church Office.
A business card format, about 2 ½” x 1 ½” will run for a
period of 12 months for one set fee of $150.00 a year.
This will help us defray the ever-increasing costs of
printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes and at
the same time you will be advertising your business to our
parishioners, and through word of mouth, to their friends.
This is a great opportunity for all!
Helen Rainey
Konstantinos Raptis
Mihail Rokas
Theodoros Rokas
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Rokas
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sakelarios
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schultz
Mr. & Mrs. William Semos
Lucie Skouteris
Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Skouteris
Mr. & Mrs. Elias Soulios
Mr. & Mrs. Chris Spirou
Mr. & Mrs. Alki Stamoulis
Mr. & Mrs. John Stergiou
Mr. & Mrs. John Stergioulis
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Stroumbos
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Swanson
Demetrios Tentas
Nicholas Tentas
Artemis Tingas
Patricia Tingos
Basilki Tsihlis
Mr. & Mrs. Costas Tonas
Fr. Gregory Trakas
Mr. & Mrs. Athanasios Tsatsopoulos
Michael Tsecaris
Mrs. Thomas Tsecaris
Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tsekrekas
John Tsiamis
Mr. & Mrs. Vaios Tzimas
Georgia Tzimopoulos
Mary Tzimopoulos
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Vailas
Dr. James Vailas
Nicholas Vailas
Jean Vlangas
Betty Xintaras
Mr. & Mrs. John Xintaras
Nicholas Xintaras
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Xintaras
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Xintaras
Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Yogas
Eleni Younis
Mr. &Mrs. Charles Zoulias
Saturday of Souls Sunday of Orthodoxy