February 2017 1

Newsletter of All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

February 2017

Love as an Action Verb, Not a Feeling Noun

Everyone is familiar with St. Paul’s famous, 1 Corintihians 13:4-12.

Are we familiar though with St. Paul’s true meaning behind these

bible verses?

Fr. Ted Bobosh writes, “Like faith, love is a word people fill with

all kinds of significance. For many, love is an emotion rather than

an action. For Paul, however, love is a verb, an action. This be-

comes especially clear in the Greek text of 1 Corinthians 13. Where

the English translations have a series of adjectives ascribed to love

(‘love is patient, love is kind,’, etc.), the Greek text that Paul actual-

ly wrote has a string of verbs associated with love. The closest we

can get in English is to translate them as ‘love acts patiently, love

does kindness,’ etc. Like faith, then, for Paul love is an action-

word, a covenantal term that describes the fundamental relation-

ship that should exist among God’s people and from God’s people

toward others. If faith is the essential ‘vertical’ relationship in the

covenant, love is its corollary ‘horizontal’ relationship. Faith ex-

presses itself in love (Gal. 5:6).”

As we prepare to enter into this Lenten season, we should remember these words for St. Paul, and practice

these as a verb and not just an emotion. You cannot become the loving person you desire to be apart from a

loving and vibrant relationship with God. This love relationship must be cultivated first and foremost.

Second, you must love those nearest to you. This means that if you are married, you focus on your spouse. If

you have children, you prioritize your children. If you are serving in a ministry, you love those children,

teens, or adults. You strive to love your neighbors and coworkers. Once you have accomplished this, you will

be able to better love the world around you. God has called us to love people. Jesus said that all people will

know we are His disciples by the love that we have for one another.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love”. -1 Corinthians 13:13

https://frted.wordpress.com/tag/1-corinthians-13/ , https://bible.org/seriespage/28-love-knows-no-limits-1-corinthians-131-13

2 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

PARISH INFORMATION

Address:

9012 “Q” Street , Omaha, NE 68127

Office Hours: Monday—Friday: 10am—3pm

Phone: 402-934-3688

Website: www.allholyspirit.com

Email: Church: AHSoffice@allholyspirit.com

Fr. Alexander Lukashonok: FrAlexander@allholyspirit.com

Services:

Each Sunday

Morning Prayers 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to

every creature.” -Mark 16:15

St. Paul was born in Tarsus (now Turkey) in 3 AD, a descendent of the

Jewish tribe of Benjamin. At his circumcision, he was given the name,

Saul, after the Hebrew King. Saul’s father was a Pharisee, yet the

family maintained Roman citizenship. This proved to be beneficial to

St. Paul throughout his life. Roman citizens could not be imprisoned

without a trial and could not be scourged or crucified.

Saul studied Jewish Law and in preparation to be a Rabbi. Saul ex-

celled in his study of Jewish Law and his is passion for the Law led

him to persecute the followers of the emerging Christian Church.

Saul believed the Church to be a Jewish sect untrue to the Law, and

therefore should be destroyed. Saul was a supportive witness to the

stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Saul was believed to be

a member of the Great Sanhedrin and an active leader in Christian

persecution. While traveling from Jerusalem to Damascus on a mission of Christian persecution, a bright light

shown down upon Saul and he heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4)

“Who is speaking, sir?” Saul asked, and the voice replied, “I am Jesus Christ, the one you are persecuting! Now

get up and go into the city and await my further instructions.” The incident blinded Saul for three days (Acts

9:5). Saul followed Christ’s instructions and from that point on (referred to as his conversion), he spread the

Gospel, the Word of Jesus Christ through the Mediterranean region. Following his conversion, Saul took the

name of Sergius Paulus, or Paul.

Paul made three major missionary journeys through the Mediterranean region and is credited with establishing

the Church in Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroae and Athens. It was believed that Paul was beheaded in Rome

around 67 AD. Ironically, in the same city which became the Western capital of Christianity.

St. Paul Apostle to the Gentiles

February 2017 3

Parish News Thank you

Thank you to the following people who provided the

following for the month of January:

Prosphora — Joanne Sgourakis, Aphrodite Petrihos,

Stephanie Wilger, Debbie Birge and Hellen Elfering

Altar Flowers — Laki & Joanne Sgourakis, Steph &

Pete Wilger, Deb McDonnell, John & Debbie Birge, Joe

& Kiki Papke

Food for fellowship hour — Laki & Joanne Sgourakis,

Thornton Family, Jim & Deb McDonnell,Helen Petrow

and Joe & Kiki Papke

Social Hour Servers—Mike & Nikki Moravec, Mike

McDonnell, Philoptochos and Elias & Demetra

Eliopoulos

Memory Eternal

A 30 Year Memorial was held for Albert (Alexios) Sleder on Sunday, January 8. Albert was the father of Cindy Lambert.

Thank you….

To Despina Foster for donating the flowers for the Holy Theophany Icon.

Congratulations!! To Our 2017

Parish Council Members

Chris Hoegemeyer - President Peter Wilger - Vice President

Mike Kriha - Treasurer Dora Bitsos - Secretary

Andy Karavas, David Rakes, George Rakes and Brian Zachariae

Thank you, John Birge

On behalf of the Parish Council and Community at all Holy Spirit, we would like to thank John for his six years of service on the Parish Council, and serving as President of the Parish Council all six years. In his time

on the Council, John has kept both the Council and Parish focused on the task at

hand. From working to help us find a new priest to re-zoning and selling our property.

Thank you, John!

Thank you, to all my friends at AHS for all

the beautiful cards, prayers and get well

wishes during my illness. It’s been a slow

process healing, but with God’s help and

all your prayers and good wishes it will

come soon. Mary Dounias Find Your Path at All Holy Spirit

Find Your Path at All Holy Spirit is a

publication that will be sent out at various

times through out the year to keep you in-

formed of services and activities at All Holy

Spirit. You should have received a hard or

electronic copy in January. Additional copies

are available at the ‘Hot Spot’!!

4 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

Parish News

Fried Chicken Survey

The Numbers: 601 emails sent out, 90 responses….87 in support of the Papa E’s

Fried Chicken event on February 24!!

Several of those responses asked if AJEPA would consider a Combo Platter menu

item. This will be discussed at the next Executive Meeting.

All Holy Spirit 2017 Fish Frys

Friday, February 24

through Friday April 7

Fish Fry's will start on February 24, 4:30pm—8:00pm, featuring: Papa E's Southern Fried Chicken, along with a limited Lenten Menu of Walleye,

Salmon, Fish & Chips, Fish Tacos and Fried Shrimp. The dates for Lenten Fish Fry's are March 3, March 10, March 17, March 24, March

31 and April 7, 4:30pm—8:00pm. The menu will include the items above (less the chicken), plus Bang-Bang Shrimp and Fish Plaki.

The All Holy Spirit Fish Fry's are one of the Best in Omaha. For our Fish Fry's to continue to grow and be a success, AHEPA needs your help in the following areas:

The Greatest Need: Set-up of tables and chairs—3:00pm and Break down of tables and chairs—8:00pm. Contact Mike Moravec, mike.moravec@kiewit.com or 402-502-2384, to sign up!

Clearing and cleaning tables, removing trash from dining room and kitchen and general support throughout the evening, 4:30pm—8:00pm. Contact George Poullos, gpx@cox.net or 402-679-4915, to sign up!

AHEPA

At the January AHEPA meeting, the question about our organization doing some volunteer work within the

Omaha Metro Area was discussed. Options suggested were volunteering Open-Door Mission and the Rain-

bow House. AHEPA will be working with these organizations to assist at their greatest time of need.

If the Papa E’s Southern Fried Chicken is a hit, AHEPA may consider having Papa E Fried Chicken Nights

monthly as a Fund Raiser.

AHEPA is considering holding a scotch tasting event at the Safari Cigars & Lounge (in Eagle Run).

Next meeting, Saturday, February 11, 9:00am at the Church.

February 2017 5

Parish News

Philoptochos

2017 Vasilopita Auction

Going once...going twice...SOLD! The 2017 Philoptochos Vasilopita Auction was a huge success this year! The fellowship

hall was filled with joy and laughter as Father Alexander cut and served the first slices of

the “Sweet Bread of Basil”. This was followed by the auctioning off of 17 loaves of this

traditional New Years bread.

A special thanks to: Effie Bitsos, Joan Rakes (3 breads), Stephanie Wilger, Aphrodite Petrihos (2 breads), Deb

McDonnell, Hellen Elfering, Annie Kosel, Dora Bitsos, Brian Zachariae (2 breads), Karen Chader, Voula

Kotrotsios (2 breads) and Angie Brown for baking this special bread.

A HUGAE thank you the following people who successfully bid on these

beautiful breads: George Rakes, Helen Petrow (2 breads), Paul Bitsos,

John Sgourakis, Niko Boulos/Debbie Birge, Pete Treantos, Peter Wilger

(2 breads), Maria Knowles, Sandi Kriha, Chris Bakke, Jeff Johan-

nesmeyer, Tammy Johnson, Helen Lazanas, and Anastasia Jones the

winners of our Vasilopita Auction.

A big THANK YOU to Gust Rakes, our auctioneer.

And our special thank you to Helen Petrow for all her help organizing

the event again this year, and to everyone else who patriated to make

this celebration a success!

All Holy Spirit Go Red for Women

Sunday, February 12

Why Go Red? Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. Fortunately, we have the power to change

that because 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action. On Sunday, February 12, All Holy Spirit Philoptochos Society will be supporting Go Red For Women. ALL MEMBERS of our community are encouraged to wear red to church on this day. Philoptochos donate all monies collected from the ‘donut contributions’ to the Ameri-can Red Cross Heart Association.

All Holy Spirit is planning another Social Event! Watch email and bulletins

for this next event, to be held sometime in February!! All women are invited to

this event, you do not need to be a member of Philoptochos to attend!!

6 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

Parish News

Youth Take-Over

Sunday

Children’s Choir

Sunday, February 5 and

Sunday, March 5 Please have children at church

by 9:00!

But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. "Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’ Matthew 21:15-16

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will take place Sunday, February 26,

following Liturgy. Please visit the website for topics and other information.

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof

Sunday School

Please join us on Sunday, February 12 for a the Sunday School Presentation

Black History in America

Following Divine Liturgy

Learning about how the Holy Spirit Helps Us to

Love Others

Choir Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. -Colossians 3:16

Choir Practice:

Monday, February 6 & Monday, February 20, 7:00pm at the church. These practices are extremely important as we will be rehearsing music for Lent through Pascha, and learning hymns in languages besides Greek and English!! Interested in joining Choir? We would love to have you!! Come to one of the practices, join us on Sunday Morning or contact Pete Wilger!!

February 2017 7

Parish News

Alexandra Bakke

Chris & Carole Bakke

Nicholas Bakke

William Bakke

John & Elaine Berger

Zach & Kelli Berger

John & Debbie Birge

Effie Bitsos

Paul & Dora Bitsos

Nick Bitzes

Michael Bouzis

Angie Brown

Joe & Litsa Carter

Abbie Chader

Karen Chader

Joel & Esther Cloeter

Kyle and Melissa Darling

Tom & Brenda Denich

John & Hillary Detisch

Mary Dounias

David & Hellen Elfering

Katie Elfering

Sarah Elfering

Elias & Demetra Eliopoulos

Despina Foster

Lauren Foster

Jordan Fox

Clark & Annie Gorder

Chris & Vika Hoegemeyer

Trey & Tammy Honke

Steve & Mariana Hurst

Jeff Johannesmeyer

Tammy Johnson

Knox & Anastasia Jones

Adam & Sandy Karavas

Andy & Debbie Karavas

Tesfaye Kinde &Vordabos Gerbrehiwet

Bob & Maria Knowles

Mike & Sandi Kriha

Katherine Krug

Bill & Cindy Lambert

Robert & Maria Laws

Ted & Helen Lazanas

Jim & Deb McDonnell

Michael McDonnell

Jon & Liz Mehuron

Mary Mitchell

Mike & Nikki Moravec

Anthony & June Mourgis

Spiro & Mary Moustakes

Ashley Olson

Linda Olson

James Panourakis

Joe & Kiki Papke

John & Laura Pavalis

Nick & Aphrodite Petrihos

Anna Petrow

Helen Petrow

Nick & Shelly Petrow

Nicole Petrow

Sophia Petrow

Theodora Petrow

George & Jody Poullos

George Poulos

George Pserros

David & Lisa Rakes

George & Angie Rakes

Gust & Joan Rakes

Ray & Kelsey Richards

Chris & Nadine Saklar

John & Michelle Sgourakis

Laki & Joanne Sgourakis

Anna Smith

Julie Smith

Scott & Rena Thornton

Sam & Betty Tsichlis

Evan Vasiliades

John & Ann Vasiliades

Andy Vassios

Fr. Elias & Pres. Rose Warren

Alyssa Wilger

Pete & Stephanie Wilger

You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." John 20:21

Stewardship

It’s not too late!! Turn your Stewardship

Card in Today! Additional cards are

available at the ‘Hot Spot’ or in the

Church Office.

Thank you to our 2017 Stewards!

8 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

Parish News

SATURDAY, February 11, 2017

We will be assisting

Messiah Lutheran Church

With their Mobile Food Pantry

Harrison Street Baptist Church

8015 Harrison St

Time Range: 7am-2pm, (all or some)

Please visit the “Hot Spot” table in the

Fellowship Hall to sign up!!

Contact: Sandi Kriha

Cell: 402-440-4794

What does it mean to be "truly human"? Can a living person somehow be less than "truly human"? Starting on Wednesday night, February 8, our parish will have the second opportunity to view, and then discuss such questions through the lens of a new Orthodox film entitled, "Becoming Truly Human." The January showing is complete and went very well! This course is part of what the evangelism committee is offering in order to make All Holy Spirit a more effective evangelistic community. As the movie unfolds, we will watch a discussion between a group of what are termed "nones" - that is, people who when asked about their religious affiliation check the box labeled "none of the above.” In the last decade the number of nones in our country has risen dramatically. As you will see, many of the nones consider themselves spiritual and many have been in religious communi-ties earlier in their lives. Our discussions after watching the movie segments will mainly focus on answering the question of

“how do we become a parish that is more effectively able to communicate the gospel with people (including the nones) in our society?” In other words, what are people who are not currently in a church, or are dissatisfied with their present church home, really longing for in life? And, perhaps along the way, we will also be asking ourselves if we have certain kinds of needs that we are hoping that All Holy Spirit can help us with in our Orthodox lives. We don’t expect everyone to become “evangelists” in our parish, but we all can play a role in creating an environment that is successfully bringing new people into a relationship with the Holy Trinity through the Orthodox faith. Please consider spending these few hours with your fellow parishioners exploring and thinking about how our parish can become a more welcoming and loving group of Christians! The February Becoming Truly Human class will run three consecutive Wednesday nights (the 8th,15th, and 22nd). Class times will begin at 6:30 with some sandwiches, veggies, and conversation, and conclude with discussion of the movie by 8PM. You will be able to sign up for the class after Liturgy on January 29 and February 5, via replying to an email invitation, or simply by calling the parish office. We look forward to spending these winter nights in warm conversation with all of you!

Outreach

Evangelism

February 2017 9

Parish News

Mardi Gras Celebrations Please Join Us as we Celebrate Saturday of Souls and Mardi Gras!!

Saturday, February 18, 10:00am

Saturday of Souls, Divine Liturgy in Russian

Followed by Maslenitsa (Russian Mardi Gras)

Saturday, February 25, 10:00am

Saturday of Souls, Divine Liturgy in Greek

Followed by Apokries*** (Greek Mardi Gras)

Saturday, March 4, 10:00am

Saturday of Souls, Divine Liturgy in English

Followed by Mardi Gras***

Please! RSVP if you plan to attend! Church Office, 402-934-3688 or

ahsoffice@allholyspirit.com or Deb McDonnell, 402-689-7938 (text or call)

***We need your help! If you would like to volunteer to bring food and

beverages to Apokries or Mardi Gras (no meat ) please contact Deb McDonnell if

you would like to provide food for either of these events!!

10 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

Parish News

It's time for house blessings! Its time to connect "your world" to the Church. Your house needs to become a House-Church, a place not only where you take care of your daily needs, but also the place where you work out salva-tion. Remember the story of Zacchaeus? The Lord, said, "Today, salvation has come to your home."

Invite the Church to your home

A QUIET AND HOLY ENVIRONMENT: Turn off the television and radio before the priest arrives. Assemble all the family and friends in the home around the icon corner, or at an icon prepared for the occasion.

PREPARE THE TABLE: For the house blessing, the Fr. Alexander will require the following:

- a table covered with a white cloth - an icon with a candle in front of it - a censer, with incense and charcoal - matches - a small, clean bowl that will not be used for any future purpose (i.e. just for holy water) - a sprig of basil or cedar When Fr. Alexander arrives to bless your home.: Have the entire family together. Take him to the Icon Corner (the place of daily prayer) and have a small bowl with water, and the names of the living and the names of the departed. then, lead him with a candle (or icon) throughout the home as he blesses it. This is a great opportunity to have a pastoral visit, and talk as a family with your priest. Slips for scheduling a House Blessing are on the “Hot Spot Table” in the Fellowship Hall. Please fill out the form marking your availability, and Father Alexander will contact you to make an appointment. FATHER WILL DO HOUSE BLESSINGS THROUGH THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent.

The dominant theme of this Sunday since 843 has been

that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic

controversy, which had raged on and off since 726, was

finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were

restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday

has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy.”

Sunday of Orthodoxy Services and the Procession of the

icons by our Sunday School Children will be held:

Sunday, March 5

6:30pm

St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church

5050 Harrison Street

February 2017 11

On January 16, the American people, and those who believe in liberty and justice all across the world, again commemorated the life, legacy, and values of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the legendary leader of the civil rights movement.

One of the religious leaders who courageously supported Dr. King’s cause was Archbishop Iakovos, born Demetrios Coucouzis. Iakovos was not only a spiritual leader of Greek Orthodox Christians, but also a dedicated human rights activist and a staunch defender of religious freedom.

According to the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, he initiated a mas-sive campaign to assist Greek Cypriot refugees following the invasion of Cyprus by Turkish armed forces in 1974. He also opposed the war in Vietnam, and supported a peaceful resolu-tion to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Arabs. He once said:

Ecumenism is the hope for international understanding, for humanitarian allegiance, for true peace based on justice and dignity, and for God's continued presence and involvement in modern history.

Wrote journalist Anastasios Papapostolou:

Iakovos was a champion of civil and human rights who showed his support for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not only with his words, but also with his actions. He was one of the first powerful people to embrace the ideas of Dr. King and march hand-in-hand with him in 1965 in Selma, Alabama.

"He had received threats if he would dare to walk with Dr. King, but he never thought twice of his decision," says a close aide and friend of the archbishop. This historic moment for America was captured on the cover of LIFE Magazine on March 26, 1965. (The entire magazine can be read here.)

Iakovos was born in Turkey in 1911. At age 15, he enrolled in the Theological School of Halki in Istanbul. He graduated with high honors and was ordained a deacon in 1934, taking the ecclesiastical name Iakovos. From 1959 to 1996, he served as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Archbishop Iakovos of America declared the reason for his support of Rev. King in 1965:

Unlike most of you, I was not born in the United States to live and enjoy democracy. I came to the United States from Turkey where I was a third category citizen. So when Martin Luther King Jr. had his walk to the courthouse of Selma, Alabama, I decided to join him because I said this is my time to take revenge against all those who oppress people.

Upon my return, some called me a traitor; some others said I should be ashamed of what I have done. Some said that I am not an American; some said that I am not a Christian. I know that civil rights and human rights continue to be the most thorny social issue in our nation. But I will stand for both rights -- civil and human -- for as long as I live. I feel it is the Christian duty and the duty of a man who was born as a slave.

Under Turkish rule, Archbishop Iakovos felt like a “third category citizen,” and even a “slave” in his native land. Today, the historic school he graduated from in Turkey is not allowed to train new clergy. By wrecking Hellenism and Greeks in Anatolia, Turkey has torn down a magnificent civilization and culture to which the world owes so much. And humanity has become devoid of the much needed wisdom and spiritual guidance of exemplary leaders such as Archbishop Iakovos. The entire Life magazine from March 26, 1965 can be read here: https://books.google.com/books?id=U0AEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PP1&dq=the+hermitage+life+magazine+march+26+1965&hl=en&ei=K7M0Ta7-E8St8AbajbHYCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDMQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false https://pjmedia.com/blog/archbishop-iakovos-the-greek-orthodox-leader-who-marched-with-mlk/

Archbishop Iakovos: The Greek Orthodox Leader Who Marched With Martin Luther King, Jr.

12 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

The Orthodox St. Valentine The ancient martyrology of the Church of Rome marks February 14th as the remembrance of "the martyr Valentine, presbyter of Rome". (Valentinus means "vigorous" in Latin). Unfortunately the historical data for the Saint is incomplete

The Martyrdom of the Saint in Rome Saint Valentine lived in Rome in the third century and was a priest who helped the martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II the Goth. The great virtue and catechetical activities of the Saint had be-come known. For this he was arrested and brought before the imperial court. "Why, Valentine, do you want to be a friend of our enemies and reject our friendship?" asked the Emperor. The Saint replied: "My lord, if you knew the gift of God, you would be happy together with your empire and would reject the worship of idols and worship the true God and His Son Jesus Christ." One of the judges stopped the Saint and asked him what he thought about Jupiter and Mercury, and Valentine boldly replied: "They are mis-erable, and spent their lives in corruption and crime!" The judge furiously shouted: "He blasphemes against the gods and against the empire!"

The Emperor, however, continued his questions with curiosity, and found a welcome opportunity to finally learn what was the faith of Christians. Valentine then found the courage to urge him to repent for the blood of the Christians that was shed. "Believe in Jesus Christ, be baptized and you will be saved, and from this time forward the glory of your empire will be ensured as well as the triumph of your armory." Claudius became convinced, and said to those who were present: "What a beautiful teaching this man preaches." But the Mayor of Rome, dissatisfied, began to shout: "See how this Christian misled our Prince." Then Claudius brought the Saint to another judge. He was called Asterios, and he had a little girl who was blind for two years. Listening about Jesus Christ, that He is the Light of the World, he asked Val-entine if he could give that light to his child. St. Valentine put his hand on her eyes and prayed: "Lord Jesus Christ, true Light, illuminate this blind child." Oh the great miracle! The child could see! So the judge with all his family confessed Christ. Having fasted for three days, he destroyed the idols that were in the house and finally received Holy Baptism. When the Emperor heard about all these events, he initially thought not to punish them, thinking that in the eyes of the citizens he will look weak, which forced him to betray his sense of justice. Therefore St. Valentine along with other Christians, after they were tortured, were beheaded on 14 February in the year 268 (or 269).

February 2017 13

The Orthodox St. Valentine Continued….

Saint Valentine: Patron of Lovers Apart from the scant historical data we have for Valentine's life, there is accompanied various legends, such as from those who say he is the patron saint of lovers. The Saint had a reputation as a peacemaker, and one day while cultivating some roses from his garden, he heard a couple quarrel very vigorously. This shocked the Saint, who then cut a rose and approached the couple asking them to hear him. Even though they were dispirited, they obeyed the Saint and afterwards were offered a rose that blessed them. Immediately the love returned between them, and later they re-turned and asked the Saint to bless their marriage. Another tradition says that one of the charges against Valentine was that he did not adhere to the command of the emperor which stated that men who had not fulfilled their military obligations were not allowed to marry; meanwhile the Saint had blessed the marriage of young Christian soldiers with their beloveds. Besides all this, the likely choice of him as the "saint of lovers" is to be associated with the pagan fes-tival of Lupercalia, a fertility festival, celebrated by the Romans on February 15. Others connect the celebration of this feast with the mating season of birds during this period. Certainly, however, the Saint has nothing to do with the commercialism (marketing) of flowers, gifts and secular centers which trivialize Eros, this great gift of God.

Saint Valentine and Orthodoxy Many, however, raise the objection that St. Valentine is not mentioned anywhere in the calendar of the Orthodox Church. Indeed on 14 February in the calendar of the Church there are commemo-rated Saints Auxentios, Maron and the martyrs Nicholas and Damian. The explanation is simple: in ancient times hagiographic directories, biographies and martyrologies were written to be primarily used locally in their own character, and the fame and reputation of a saint locally does not mean that it extended also throughout the Church. So there may be saints honored widely in one region and completely unknown in another, as for example St. Demetrios, who is famous throughout the Eastern Church, yet in the West is not honored at all, and is almost unknown, but this does not

mean that he is not a saint. Another example of the modem Church: St. Chrysostomos of Smyrna (t 1922) who in Greece is known, yet in Russia is completely unknown, but this does not mean that he is not a saint.

Honor Martyrs - Imitate Martyrs We honor our saints and St. Valentine when we imitate their cour-age to proclaim their faith in Christ the Savior, which they did even at the cost of their lives. We honor them when we beseech them to appeal to God to have mercy on us and forgive our many sins. We honor them when they are our models of the life in Christ. We do not honor the saints when we measure their 'worth' by worldly amusements and festivities even in the best circum-stances ... To honor the Martyrs is to imitate the Martyrs!

14 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

Usher & Special Liturgy Schedules

Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy Schedule

Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy

Celebrated in Russian

Saturday, February 18, 10:00am

Followed by Maslenitsa Celebration

February 2/5 Brian & Sheila Zachariae, Elias & Demetra

Eliopoulos

2/12 George & Angie Rakes, Mike Bouzis, Joe Carter

2/19 Paul & Dora Bitsos, Bill & Sandy Lambert

2/26 Chris Hoegemeyer, George Poullos, Paul

Bitsos, Mike McDonnell

If you are unable to usher on your assigned Sunday please find a replacement within your group or contact the Church Office.

February 3/5 Andy Karavas, Mike & Niki Moravec,

John & Elaine Berger

3/12 Mike & Sandi Kriha, Brian & Sheila Zachariae

3/19 John Sgourakis, Mike Bouzis, Chris & Carole Bakke

3/26 George Rakes, Bill & Cindy Lambert,

Tammy Johnson

Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy

Celebrated in Greek

With Guest Chanter,

Dr. Nicholas Stergiou

Saturday, February 25, 10:00am

Followed by Apokries Celebration

Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy

Celebrated in English

Saturday, March 4, 10:00am

Followed by Mardi Gras Celebration

Saturday of Souls

Saturdays of Souls are days set aside for

commemoration of the dead within the

liturgical year of the Eastern Orthodox

Church. Saturday is a traditional day for

prayer for the dead, because Christ lay

dead in the Tomb on Saturday.

Saturdays of Souls Divine Liturgy Services

for this Pre Lenten season have special

hymns added to commemorate the

departed, including a Memorial Service

with Koliva.

When attending these services, bring with

you a list of departed loved ones, and if

possible, a bowl of Koliva to be offered in

their memory.

Dr. Nicholas Stergiou, born in Thessaloniki, Greece on October 17, 1965, is the founding Chair of the

Department of Biomechanics at University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he is also the Distinguished

Community Research Chair and Professor. He is also the Director for the Center for Research in Human

Movement Variability and Dean of the Division of Biomechanics and Research Development at UNO. Dr.

Stergiou is also a Professor at the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Stergiou has always had a sincere love for reading and continues that today. When not working, he

can often be found with a book. He especially loves reading history, theology, and English Classics. He is

also an excellent signer of songs that have been popularized by Sinatra, Martin, Como, and Elvis,

performing many times in front of audiences.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Stergiou to All Holy Spirit as a guest chanter at Divine Liturgy, Saturday of Souls on Saturday,

February 25.

February 2017 15

February 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

6:00 Vespers and the Blessing of the Candles

9:30 Divine Liturgy Presentation of the Lord

5:30 Vespers

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

7:00 Choir 6:00 Sunday School Meeting 7:00 Outreach Meeting

6:30 Becoming Truly Human

5:30 Vespers

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy Sunday School Black American History Presentation

6:30 Parish Council

6:30 Becoming Truly Human

10:00 Divine Liturgy followed by Maslenitsa Saturday of Souls

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy

7:00 Choir 6:30 Becoming Truly Human

4:30 Fish Fry

10:00 Divine Liturgy followed by Apokries Saturday of Souls

26 27 28 March 1 March 2 March 3 March 4

8:45 Matins 9:30 Divine Liturgy Sunday School Oratorical Festival

7:00 Canon of St. Andrew of Crete Great Lent Begins

7:00 Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

6:00 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

7:00 Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

4:30 Fish Fry 7:00 Salutations of the Theotokos

10:00 Divine Liturgy followed by Mardi Gras Saturday of Souls

16 All Holy Spirit Greek Orthodox Church

All Holy Spirit Greek

Orthodox Church 9012 “Q” Street Omaha, NE 68127-3549 (402) 934-3688 office www.allholyspirit.com

NON-PROFIT

organization

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 1830

Omaha, NE

What’s Inside

Love as an Action Verb, Not a Feeling Noun …………………………….…………… 1

Saint Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles …………………..………………….……………. 2

Parish News ……………………………………………………………..…………….. 3-10

Archbishop Iakovos: The Greek Orthodox Leader Who Marched with MLK …………. 11

The Orthodox St. Valentine ………………………………….………….…………..…. 12

Usher and Special Liturgy Schedule ………………………………………………..….. 14

February Calendar ……………………………………………………………………. 15