The Epistle

January 2015 Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Pastor

1205 San Antonio Creek Road / Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 683-4492 / fax (805) 964-2774

Email: office@saintbarbara.net / http://www.saintbarbara.net

Excerpts on Faith, Holy Communion & Repentance From Journey to the Kingdom: An insider’s Look at the Liturgy

and Beliefs of the Eastern Orthodox Church by Father Vassilios Papavassiliou

On Faith:

“You simply cannot prove that Jesus rose from the dead in the same way that can prove He suffered and

died under Pontius Pilate. In fact, believing that Jesus Christ is not just a man, but the Son of God Who rose

from the dead, is so essential to being a Christian that trying to turn it into a simple matter of fact undermines

the life-changing power of its significance. At the end of St. John’s Gospel, we read, “These things are written

that you may believe …” (John 20:31), not, “These things are written to prove …”

The Resurrection is so vital to Orthodoxy that it is the most important and splendid celebration of the

church year. The Orthodox Church is, in fact, often described as the Church of the Resurrection, as it is so

central to what we do and believe.”

On Holy Communion:

“Now Christ is physically present with us. The Lord comes to us time and again in the form of bread and wine,

that He may be one with us. The bread and wine of course look, taste, and feel no different from ordinary bread

and wine, but they are also the Lord’s Body and Blood. Just as Christ is both divine and human, so is the

Eucharist both body and yet bread, blood and yet wine. The Lord offers us His flesh in this way that we may be

able to receive Him.

I am the bread of life, (John 6:35), says the Lord. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has

eternal life … For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink” (John 6:54-55). God offers us His flesh

and blood in love.”

On Holy Communion:

“We should not see Communion as a mechanical or magical thing – as though we receive forgiveness of sins

just by the process of eating and drinking the Lord’s Body and Blood. The whole point of the Liturgy is not just

to sing songs but to prepare us for the Sacrament of Communion, to soften our hearts that we may receive the

grace and mercy of God, “that we may pursue a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all things that are

pleasing to you,” as we say in the prayer before the reading of the Gospel.”

On Repentance:

“Many of the saints lived very sinful lives until conversion. Some were guilty of murder, adultery, prostitution,

idol-worship, and all manner of terrible sins. But we should not think that the saints were perfect after

conversion either. Someone once asked, “What do monks do in monasteries all day?” The reply: “We fall and

get up, fall and get up again.” That is repentance. That is how we become saints. This has been beautifully

expressed by the American author Phyllis McGinley: “The wonderful thing about saints is that they were

human. They lost their tempers, got hungry, scolded God, were egotistical or testy or impatient in their turns,

made mistakes and regretted them. Still they went on doggedly blundering towards heaven” (Phyllis McGinley,

Saint-Watching [New York: Viking, 1969], 5-6).

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church The mission of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is to safeguard the 2,000 year old Traditions handed

down by Christ and His disciples, by encouraging members to participate actively in the Sacramental life of the

Church, and by furthering our knowledge of the Faith through education. In order to realize our role as

stewards of God’s vineyard and to grow spiritually as individuals and as a Parish, we will share our Faith with

those who seek the knowledge of God, welcome and embrace all who join us in worship and fellowship, and

reach out to those in need. Fulfilling our mission will draw us closer to God and His Kingdom, and allow us to

experience the love of God (Agape) in our Parish and community.

Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest

SAINT BARBARA PARISH COUNCIL TAYLOR CANFIELD

ALEX CHUCHAS

ANGELIQUE CHUCHAS

JOHN P. DEMOURKAS

ERNEST KOLENDRIANOS

JACKSON KWIATKOWSKI

RANDY LANGEL

MARY PAPADOR MENDOZA

GEORGE PAPADOR

BILL PERTSULAKES

PAUL TZIOUVARAS

MARINA VOGEL

PARISH MINISTRIES CHANTERS ALEX TRIGONIS & RANDY LANGEL

CHOIR DIRECTOR ANDRIANA KOLENDRIANOS

GREEK FESTIVAL PAUL TZIOUVARAS

GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER TBD

ST. BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM MARY MAMALAKIS

MISSIONS ALEX HAIMANIS

ORTHODOX SOCIAL NETWORK (OSN) VALERIE KATSIKIS

PARISH BOOKSTORE JACKSON & MARGO KWIATKOWSKI

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT GEORGIA GASTOUNIOTIS

V.I.P. COORDINATOR SOFIJA NEDIC

YOUTH MINISTRIES ACOLYTES JACKSON KWIATKOWSKI

DANCE GROUP DIRECTOR FATHER SIMON THOMAS

YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR SOPHIA KENRICK

SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR ANGELA CANFIELD

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ANNA CROSSMAN

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AHEPA PRESIDENT JIM ARGER

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT CAROL ARGER

OFFICE PERSONNEL VALERIE KATSIKIS

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY * 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA * METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO

President’s Report

2015

Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to our Orthodox family of Saint Barbara from your Parish Council!

May the New Year bring increased spiritual development, increased membership and commitment to our many

ambitious ministries and increased joy and love associated with serving the Lord.

The Parish elected four members in December to the Parish Council to serve three year terms beginning January

2015, and include Taylor Canfield, Alex Chuchas, Bill Pertsulakes, and Marina Vogel. Congratulations to the

newly elected who will be contributing their time and talents to St. Barbara. Likewise, our two retiring Council

Members, Ruth Angelos and Bessie Condos, deserve our sincere appreciation and thanks for their years of

devoted service. Ruth, our 2014 Council Secretary, co-chaired our Stewardship program which culminated in

2014 with the highest financial commitment ever! Bessie, our 2014 Council Vice President, chaired the Church

Interiors Committee and the bi-annual beautification of our church Sanctuary along with being the Council

Liaison to the Scholarship Committee. Both served with distinction. Thank you!!

We begin the New Year with optimism and a clear sense of purpose. Our challenges include:

1. Enhanced spiritual development that has begun with the implementation of the focus areas which the

parish expressed in the Spiritual Development Survey in 2014.

2. Encouraging participation in our Youth Ministries as detailed in the Youth Manual, and is available on

our website and in the Church Office. This ministry can only succeed with encouragement by the

parents.

3. Encourage new memberships and renew old memberships to actively and meaningfully engage in the

Stewardship Program to allow us to responsibly meet our financial obligations in a timely manner.

4. Assure the enhancement of our 42nd

Annual Greek Festival at Oak Park with the infusion of new booth

managers replacing some of the old guard who are retiring after many years of dedicated service.

5. A St. Barbara Capital Campaign will soon be launched early this year to address pressing infrastructural

needs. Your generous participation will be requested.

6. Parish participation in the Metropolis of San Francisco Strategic Plan. Information and details regarding

this visionary effort will be forthcoming throughout the year.

7. Open communication between the Council and parishioners is paramount. Please continue to give your

Council members your constructive input.

In closing, I thank our St. Barbara community for making 2014 a successful and meaningful year of

accomplishments. With your continued assistance I am confident that 2015 will be even more productive!

In His Service,

Ernest Kolendrianos, President, 2014 Parish Council

Vasilopita Sunday, January 4, 2015 Our parish will celebrate the cutting of the Vasilopita on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Please join us as we

commemorate Saint Basil the Great, and all those who celebrate their Name Day on this great Feast of the

Church. Vasilopita is a traditional New Year’s Day bread or cake, which contains a hidden coin. Receiving

this coin is said to give good luck to the receiver. This bread is associated with Saint Basil’s Feast Day on

January 1st. It is a reminder of the good works of philanthropy done by Saint Basil in his lifetime. To all the

Vasili’s & Vasiliki’s: Chronia Polla!

Saint Barbara Prayer List Please contact the Church Office to add/remove someone from the list.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Archbishop Demetrios of America

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

Metropolitan Jeronymos of Mwanza

Father Simon & Presvytera Stephanie and children

Parishioners of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

Parishioners of Saint Barbara’s in Kazinga, Tanzania

Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo

Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo

Angelique Chuchas (health)

Michael Domagala (health)

Bill & Helen Gekis (health)

Sorel (Sophia) Kolendrianos (Rett Syndrome)

Jim Peters (health)

Jheri E. Redding (Lyme disease)

Michael (health)

Liturgical Calendar Sunday, January 4

th

Sunday before Epiphany

Orthros – 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Monday, January 5th

Eve of Epiphany

Royal Hours – 8:00 am

Vesperal Divine Liturgy – 9:30 am

Small Blessing of the Waters – 10:30 am

Tuesday, January 6th

Feast of Epiphany

Orthros – 8:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am

Blessing of the Waters – 10:00 am

Wednesday, January 7th

Feast of Saint John the Baptist

Orthros – 8:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am

Friday, January 9th

Youth Vespers – 6:00 pm

Sunday, January 11th

Sunday after Theophany

Orthros – 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Saturday, January 17th

Feast of Saint Anthony

Orthros – 8:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am

Sunday, January 18th

12th

Sunday of Saint Luke

Orthros – 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Sunday, January 25th

15th

Sunday of Saint Luke

Orthros – 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Friday, January 30th

Feast of the Three Hierarchs

Orthros – 8:00 am

Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am

Happy Name Day! 1

st Saint Basil – Bill Chachakos, Bessie Condos, William Gekis, Valerie Katsikis, Terry Keramaris,

Bill Pertsulakes, Bill Poulis, Bill Sugleris, Bill Tragos

6th

Thepohany – Theo Theofanous

7th

Saint John – John Anderson, John Carroll, John L. Demourkas, John P. Demourkas, Joanna Hroundas,

John Kingsbury, John McKinney, Yianni Tsitsilianos, John Zahoudanis

17th

Saint Anthony the Great − Anthony Kallas

18th

Saint Athanasios − Thanasi Batalas, Tom Demourkas, Tom Kapernekas, Art Markos, Tommy Pertsulakes,

Tom Poulos, Glenn Ritsema

25th

Saint Gregory the Theologian − Greg Pantages

As we are determining all the Names Days of our parishioners, due to the many variations of names and

baptismal names, please bear with us and inform the office if your name is omitted or listed on the wrong day to

be added to future lists.

NEWS & NOTES

Churching…

Ian Argyropoulos, December 21st, son of Jason & Adriana Argyropoulos

Weddings…

Stephanie Miller & Aaron Jones, December 13th

Funerals…

George Greanias, on December 1st

Memorial… Metropolitan Anthony (10 years), December 21

st

In Memory of…

George Greanias, by Ellen Fenger

Volunteers for January

Epistle Readers: 4 Greek: Alex Trigonis English: Jackson Kwiatkowski

11 Greek: Terry Keramaris English: Theophilos Lasswell

18 Greek: Angelique Chuchas English: Ruth Angelos

25 Greek: Voula Aldrich English: Randy Langel

Acolytes: Connor Blake, Cainan Iorio, Dean Richardson, Dimitri Richardson

Ushers:

4 Bessie Condos, Art Markos

11 Paul Tziouvaras, Brian Iorio

18 William Poulis, Alex Haimanis

25 Paul Tziouvaras, George Papazacharioudakis

Prosphoro Bakers: 4 Bessie Condos

11 Anna Petronakis

18 Angelique Chuchas

25 Connie Pappas Hillman

Altar Flowers: 4 Available

11 Available

18 Available

25 Available

Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 4 Vasilopita/

Dr. Robert Forinash

11 Host Needed

18 Host Needed

25 Host Needed

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blessing of Homes for Theophany 2015

NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________

CITY: ____________________________________ TELEPHONE: ____________________________

WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? ___________________________

(Please try to schedule times during the day)

(Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)

Saint Gregory the Theologian January 25

th

Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, a great Father and

teacher of the Church, was born into a Christian family of eminent lineage in the

year 329, at Arianzos (not far from the city of Cappadocian Nazianzos). Both his

father, a bishop of Nazianzus also named Gregory, and his mother, Nonna, are also

saints of the Church.

When the child learned to read, his mother presented him with the Holy Scripture.

St Gregory received a complete and extensive education: after working at home

with his uncle St Amphilochius, an experienced teacher of rhetoric, he then studied

in the schools of Nazianzos, Caesarea in Cappadocia, and Alexandria. Then the saint decided to go to Athens to

complete his education.

On the way from Alexandria to Greece, a terrible storm raged for many days. St Gregory, who was just a

catechumen at that time, feared that he would perish in the sea before being cleansed in the waters of Baptism.

St Gregory lay in the ship’s stern for twenty days, beseeching the merciful God for salvation. He vowed to

dedicate himself to God, and was saved when he invoked the name of the Lord.

St Gregory spent six years in Athens studying rhetoric, poetry, geometry, and astronomy. His teachers were the

renowned pagan rhetoricians Gymorias and Proeresias. St Basil, the future Archbishop of Caesarea, also

studied in Athens with St Gregory. They were such close friends that they seemed to be one soul in two bodies.

Julian, the future emperor (361-363) and apostate from the Christian Faith, was studying philosophy in Athens

at the same time.

In 358 St Gregory quietly left Athens and returned to his parents at Nazianzus. At thirty-three years of age, he

received Baptism from his father. Against his will, St Gregory was ordained to the holy priesthood by his

father. However, when the elder Gregory wished to make him a bishop, he fled to join his friend Basil in

Pontus. St Basil had organized a monastery in Pontus and had written to Gregory inviting him to come.

St Gregory remained with St Basil for several years. When his brother St Caesarius died, he returned home to

help his father administer his diocese. The local church was also in turmoil because of the Arian heresy. St

Gregory had the difficult task of reconciling the bishop with his flock, who condemned their pastor for signing

an ambiguous interpretation of the dogmas of the faith.

St Gregory convinced his father of the pernicious nature of Arianism, and strengthened him in Orthodoxy. St

Basil the Great made St Gregory bishop of the city of Sasima, a small town between Caesarea and Tyana.

However, St Gregory remained at Nazianzos in order to assist his dying father, and he guided the flock of this

city for a while after the death of his father in 374.

Upon the death of Patriarch Valentus of Constantinople in the year 378, a council of bishops invited St Gregory

to help the Church of Constantinople, which at this time was ravaged by heretics. Obtaining the consent of St

Basil the Great, St Gregory came to Constantinople to combat heresy. In the year 379 he began to serve and

preach in a small church of the Resurrection. Like David fighting the Philistines with a sling, St Gregory

battled against impossible odds to defeat false doctrine.

Heretics were in the majority in the capital, Arians, Macedonians, and Appolinarians. The more he preached,

the more did the number of heretics decrease, and the number of the Orthodox increased. On the night of

Pascha (April 21, 379) when St Gregory was baptizing catechumens, a mob of armed heretics burst into the

church and cast stones at the Orthodox, killing one bishop and wounding St Gregory. But the fortitude and

mildness of the saint were his armor, and his words converted many to the Orthodox Church.

St Gregory’s literary works (orations, letters, poems) show him as a worthy preacher of the truth of Christ. He

had a literary gift, and the saint sought to offer his talent to God the Word. He wrote Panegyrics on Saints,

Festal Orations, two invectives against Julian the Apostate, and various orations on other topics. In all, forty-

five of St Gregory’s orations have been preserved. The letters of the saint compare favorably with his best

theological works. All of them are clear, yet concise. In his poems as in all things, St Gregory focused on

Christ.

The fame of the Orthodox preacher spread through East and West. But the saint lived in the capital as though

he still lived in the wilderness: “his food was food of the wilderness; his clothing was whatever necessary. He

made visitations without pretense, and though in proximity of the court, he sought nothing from the court.”

The saint received a shock when he was ill. One whom he considered as his friend, the philosopher Maximus,

was consecrated at Constantinople in St Gregory’s place. Struck by the ingratitude of Maximus, the saint

decided to resign the cathedra, but his faithful flock restrained him from it. The people threw the usurper out of

the city. On November 24, 380 the holy emperor Theodosius arrived in the capital and, in enforcing his decree

against the heretics, the main church was returned to the Orthodox, with St Gregory making a solemn entrance.

An attempt on the life of St Gregory was planned, but instead the assassin appeared before the saint with tears

of repentance.

At the Second Ecumenical Council in 381, St Gregory was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople. After the

death of Patriarch Meletius of Antioch, St Gregory presided at the Council. Hoping to reconcile the West with

the East, he offered to recognize Paulinus as Patriarch of Antioch.

Those who had acted against St Gregory on behalf of Maximus, particularly Egyptian and Macedonian bishops,

arrived late for the Council. They did not want to acknowledge the saint as Patriarch of Constantinople, since

he was elected in their absence. St Gregory decided to resign his office for the sake of peace in the Church.

After telling the emperor of his desire to quit the capital, St Gregory appeared again at the Council to deliver a

farewell address (Or. 42) asking to be allowed to depart in peace.

Upon his return to his native region, St Gregory turned his attention to the incursion of Appolinarian heretics

into the flock of Nazianzus, and he established the pious Eulalius there as bishop, while he himself withdrew

into the solitude of Arianzos so dear to his heart. Zealous for the truth of Christ, the saint continued to affirm

Orthodoxy through his letters and poems, while remaining in the wilderness. He died on January 25, 389, and

is honored with the title “Theologian,” also given to the holy Apostle and Evangelist John.

In his works St Gregory, like that other Theologian St John, directs everything toward the Pre-eternal Word. St

Gregory was buried at Nazianzus. In the year 950, his holy relics were transferred to Constantinople into the

church of the Holy Apostles. Later on, a portion of his relics was transferred to Rome.

Great Blessing of the Water And Diving for the Cross at Goleta Beach

On Sunday, January 11, 2015, we will join the St. Athanasius parish for the Great Blessing of the Water (and

diving for the cross) at Goleta Beach at 1:00 pm. Following Coffee Fellowship in the Orthodox Center, we

can carpool to Goleta Beach. All are invited to participate in this traditional event!

Studies in the Faith: Worship & Sacrifice

Have you ever wondered how the Divine Liturgy came to be? How did St. John Chrysostom know what to

include, or did he leave anything out? How about Holy Communion? Why is it important? How do I prepare?

And why is there so much emphasis on sin? Wasn’t Christ’s message about love? This class provides you with

an opportunity to find answers to these questions.

This class is intended for those who would like to learn more about Christianity, for those who wish to become

Orthodox, and for those who are already Orthodox but would like to broaden and deepen their faith. Please join

us at the:

Saint Barbara Orthodox Center with Rev. Father Simon Thomas

Tuesday, January 6th

at 6:30 p.m. – Sacrifice in the Old & New Testament

Tuesday, February 3rd

6:30 p.m. – An Explanation of the Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, March 3rd

at 6:30 p.m. – Holy Communion: Meaning, Preparation, & Frequency

Tuesday, April 7th

at 6:30 p.m. – Holy Tuesday/No Class

Tuesday, May 5th

at 6:30 p.m. – Confession: Sin and Repentance

Tuesday, June 2nd

at 6:30 p.m. – Conclusion

Bible Study: The Book of Revelation (Apocalypse)

No book of the Bible has captured the imagination more than the book of

Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse. The imagery and symbolism of

the last book of the Bible has made common knowledge many words used in

today’s time: Armageddon, Antichrist, Babylon, the Beast, the Dragon, 666,

and the New Jerusalem. We also hear that the prophecies of this book are

coming true today, and that we can expect anytime the Rapture and the End

of Days.

But what if our understanding of this is all wrong? What if pop culture and

Hollywood have created an understanding of the Book of Revelation that has

nothing to do with the vision Saint John had on the island of Patmos? What

does the Book of Revelation actually say?

Saint John, the writer of the Gospel of the same name, was imprisoned on the

island of Patmos for his Christian beliefs. He received a revelation one Sunday, and was commanded to “write

in a book what you see” (Revelation 1:10). This vision is what we will study on the 3rd

Tuesday of every

month. The early Church understood the important message found in the words of the book of Revelation.

Unfortunately, due shady theology from previous centuries, and attempts at entertainment in modern times, that

message has been lost. Join us, as we rediscover the Book of Revelation!

Philoptochos Chapter #4019

The Philoptochos Board and all the Members wish everyone a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR with love,

happiness and good health!

Let us keep in our hearts the Christmas spirit throughout this year by offering service to others by lifting those

who are struggling, those who are forgotten and those who have less. We must always be true to the

Philoptochos mission. What does Philoptochos mean? “FRIEND OF THE POOR”

We have now 27,000 members nationwide and for the two year period of January 2012 through December

2013, National Philoptochos distributed an unprecedented $3.102 Million in philanthropic aid, and just to

mention a few of our ministries, such as, Social Services to members of the Greek Orthodox community,

Hurricane Sandy Relief and Emergency Fund, Support for Veterans, Aid to Greece and Cyprus, Elimination of

Human Trafficking, Literacy Awareness, Autism Assistance, Children’s Medical Fund, all our local ministries

and much more.

The Domestic Violence Solution (DVS) backpack project was very successful this past month and the children

were thrilled to receive so much. We filled 20 backpacks with loads of school supplies for the children in the

shelters. But this project did not stop with just the backpacks, we also collected $610.00 for Christmas Gifts

that we purchased individually for the children! Wow, great job! Thank you to Presvytera Stephanie for

chairing this project! Thank you also to all the Saint Barbara Families who participated in our DVS

Holiday Backpack Drive!

St. Barbara’s Feast Day celebration was very successful and our Metropolitan Gerasimos was very happy and

enthused with our preparations. Thank you to Bessie Condos for chairing this event and for everyone who

assisted either by cooking, set-up or clean-up. We also received a note from our Metropolis Philoptochos

President, Jeannie Ranglas, to congratulate us as she heard many good things about us from our Metropolitan

Gerasimos.

Thank you to Tina Winford for stepping up and organizing the Coffee Hour that Philoptochos hosted December

21st. Thank you to all the members who assisted Tina.

Every year Philoptochos does a collection for St. Basil’s Academy in January. The collection will take place

January 11, 2015. Please give generously.

Philoptochos is selling the 2015 Calendars again this year made by the Sisters from St. Anthony’s Monastery in

Arizona. The asking price is only $15.00 and there is a limited number to be sold. Please pick up one or a few

as they do make a great gift to a special relative or friend. They are available in the Orthodox Center or ask any

Philoptochos member.

Our meetings are held bimonthly. The next general meeting will be held January 11, 2015 after Liturgy in the

Orthodox Education Center.

Be a part of Philoptochos this year. There are many people in this world that need assistance. Let us stay

together and help those in need. If you are interested in becoming a member of Philoptochos, please send me an

email at ginagaston1@gmail.com or contact any Philoptochos member

Respectfully,

Georgia Gastouniotis

Philoptochos President

Parish Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Sunday School The Christmas Program this year was on Sunday,

December 14th

. The children sang numerous

traditional Christmas Carols to the delight of all in

attendance. Thank you to Sophia Kenrick and

Angelique Chuchas for your leadership, and to all

the parents who brought their children to rehearsals.

Also, thank you to all the children who sang so

beautifully!

If you have any questions, contact Director, Angela

Canfield 805-448-1727 or angmilo@hotmail.com

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival March 15, 2015 Saint Barbara Oratorical Festival!

Contact Presvytera Stephanie, Festival Chairman, if

you have any questions! Students may pick only

one category- speech, poetry or essay.

All participants must register no later than March

8th, 2015 and submit final form essays and poems

along with speech draft texts to Presvytera

Stephanie. This is a firm deadline!

For topics, tips, and official rules updated for 2015

you may visit:

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/reli

gioused/sjcof

Youth Choir A huge congratulations to all the children for a

beautiful, heartwarming, and exuberant Christmas

Program! I am so proud of all of you for your hard

work and dedication in learning the music and

giving back to your Church and community for

Christmas. Thank you also to the parents and

Sunday School teachers for their never-ending help

and support. It is truly a team effort.

Youth choir practice will resume practicing during

the second half of Sunday school class every other

week. We will continue learning the hymns of the

Divine Liturgy. Practices this month are January

11th

and 25th

. Happy New Year!

Toumba & Zoi Dancers Dance practices will resume in late January. Have a

Happy New Year!

VIP Seniors

The V.I.P. Seniors will hold their first meeting of

the year 2015, on January 8th

at 12:00 noon at

Cody’s Café. Please be sure to attend this early

planning session. Your participation is important to

the V.I.P. Seniors having a successful year.

OSN Gathering The Orthodox Social Network is for young adults

who gather together for fellowship and support

regarding their relationships, occupations, and

children. All are welcome - singles, couples, or just

friends!

Please mark your calendar to join us for a potluck

dinner and game night in the Redding Center,

Saturday, February 21st, at 6:30 pm.

Missions Update

“Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to

one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to

Me!” (Matthew 25:40)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!

Great news! We found an engineer from Colorado,

a good Christian man, who volunteered to go to

Tanzania at his own expense for over a month to

start drilling more wells. He’s leaving for Tanzania

the middle of January.

We need your help. We have to raise enough

money for two wells. Each well costs between

$6000 and $8000, and will provide clean drinking

water for hundreds of people. Any amount we raise

will be matched up to $17,000.

Please be the miracle for our brothers and sisters in

Tanzania. Make a donation large or small to

continue the project, and eliminate 85% of the

diseases that result from dirty water. 100% of your

donation will go directly to support our water

project in Tanzania. Thank you in advance for your

support.

May God bless you with His love and good health,

Alex Haimanis

Community Organizations

Santa Barbara Sister Cities - Patras

Patras was chosen to be a Sister City of Santa Barbara for a variety of reasons including similarities in

geographical location, culture, tourism, and higher education. The local planning group is working to make the

Sister Cities relationship between Santa Barbara and Patras a firm, long-term relationship, built on direct

contact and people-to-people programs that range from cultural, athletic, student, professional, industrial and

commercial exchanges of all types. This is an opportunity to enrich our lives as well as those of our Sister City.

So the next time you are flying out of Santa Barbara Airport, you may see the flags of Santa Barbara’s Sister

Cities flying proudly outside of the airport and once you enter the terminal, you will see a large map that shows

the locations of the different cities/countries.

Want to learn more and get involved in developing the local Sister City Relationship, please visit our website

(sbpatras.org) and speak with any of the local officers (Bessie Condos, Georgia Gastouniotis, Debbie Merlo,

George Papazacharioudakis).

Order of AHEPA, Santa Barbara Chapter 243 www.ahepa20.org/chapters E-mail ahepa243@gmail.com

The mission of the AHEPA family, Santa Barbara Chapter 243, is to promote Hellenism, Education,

Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family, and Individual Excellence. The goal of AHEPA Chapter 243 is to

expand and strengthen its educational efforts and the lifelong learning of mind and body, the classic Hellenic

definition of PAIDEA.

Our members are also active in developing a fund raiser to contribute to research for finding a cure for Rett

Syndrome.

We have our meetings on the third Monday of the month, usually at Harry’s Plaza Café in the Ranchero room

starting at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in joining AHEPA, or attending a meeting to learn more about our

organization please contact AHEPA President Jim Arger at 310-903-2688.

Daughters of Penelope, Santa Barbara Chapter Delos 103

www.daughtersofpenelope.org; www.dopdistrict20.org

The objective of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its

members; to encourage Hellenic study; to cultivate citizenship and patriotism for the USA, Canada, Greece,

Cyprus and all countries in which Chapters exist; and to promote and preserve the dissemination of Hellenic

culture and ideals as a contribution to the global civilization.

Meetings are the third Monday of each month and our next meeting is scheduled for January 19th

at 6:15 in the

Orthodox Center.

For more information about the Daughters of Penelope you can visit the national website at

www.daughtersofpenelope.org, as well as our district website at www.dopdistrict20.org.

If you are interested in becoming a Daughter, please call Helen McGillivray at 965-6727.

SAVE THE DATE

Our St. Barbara Parish Family is invited to the

2015 organizational planning meeting for the 42nd

GREEK FESTIVAL AT OAK PARK

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 6:30 p.m.

in the Orthodox Center

Festival success depends on "you", our volunteers,

each year.

Please attend this important meeting to offer your time, talents and

ideas to continue the tradition of

Santa Barbara's "Best Ethnic Festival"

Thank you,

Your 2015 Parish Council and

Paul Tziouvaras, 2015 Festival Chairman

*Festival Dates: Saturday, August 1st &Sunday, August 2nd

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT

ORPHANS OF INDIA, GUATEMALA, and ALBANIA

39th ANNUAL MISSION AWARENESS LUNCHEON

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015

AFTER LITURGY - IN THE ORTHODOX CENTER

Please join us for a delicious luncheon following the Liturgy on Sunday, February 22nd.

This year’s annual Mission Awareness Luncheon is free. But in order to continue the goals and work of our

missionaries and to support the Orthodox orphanages in India, Guatemala, and Albania; we are hoping and

praying that those attending will be able to make a generous donation.

Remember $50.00 will help provide milk for 50-60 children and the $100.00 will help feed 100-120 children.

Any size donation is greatly appreciated.

One day Mother Theresa was asked how she deals with the pervasive nature of poverty and oppression. She

replied simply “One person at a time, one child at a time.”

Checks should be made payable to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church (please put Mission Awareness in the

memo).

We hope you will be able to attend our 39th

annual mission luncheon and support the orphanages of India,

Guatemala, and Albania. If you cannot attend, please consider sending a donation anyway. Thank you for

supporting these efforts.

In His Service,

Alex Haimanis, Chairman

YES, I want to help support the orphanages of India/Guatemala/Albania

with the following tax deductible donation

Name _____________________________________________________________

Number attending: ____________

Donation amount: $____________

Regretfully, I cannot attend the luncheon. However, I do want to do

my share to help the orphanages of India/Guatemala/Albania. $____________

Please make checks payable to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

2014 Stewardship

This December marks the last month of the 2014 stewardship year where we remind you to remember the gifts

the Magi brought the infant Jesus. As we travel through Advent and Christmas, let us remember those gifts as

we consider our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure for the end of the year and into 2015.

As of December 31st 2014 2014 Goal 2013 2012

Stewards 127 125 126 144

Amount Pledged $143,225 $140,000 $134,587 $134,050

Amount Received $147,495 $140,000 $134,193 $134,661

2014 Final List of Stewards

Aldrich, Voula

Alexander, Pam

Alexander, Sophie

Anderson, John & Catherine

*Angelos, Dr. James & Ruth

Anthes, George & Stacie

Anthimiades, Dorothy

Anton, Alice

Arger, Jim & Carol

Argyropoulos, Demetri

Argyropoulos, Symeon & Antoinette

Ballas, Gus

Barth, Charles & Pam

Baskous, Jeanette

Benbow, Peter & Olya

*Berrett, Sam & Julie

Bingham, Alexis

*Blake, Tom & Krista

*Canfield, Taylor & Angela

Carlton, Karen & Gary

Carralejo, Kristin

Carroll, John & Lexy

Casserly, Terry & Eugenia

Chachakos, Bill

Chachakos, Jim

*Chuchas, Alex & Angelique

Cocores, Ted & Christine

Compogiannis, Chris

Condodina, Alice

*Condos, Bessie

Daphne, Laurel

*Day, Derrick & Darcy

Demourkas, John P. & Dana

Demourkas, Katina

Domagala, Terilee & Michal

Dovas, George & Pat

Edmonds, Brian & Paula

Fakinos, George & Barbara

Fell, Ryan & Stacey

Fenger, Ellen

Fictum, Jeff & Mary

Frangos, Constantinos

Frangos, Mary

Fryer, Laurel

Galanoplis, Beatrice “Peg”

Gastouniotis, Dean & Georgia

Gekis, William & Helen

Geoghiou, Diana

*Goumas, Helen

*Haimanis, Alex

Hanges, Andrew & Georgia

Hillman, Catherine

*Hillman, Chris & Connie

Holland, Andrea

Hroundas, George

*Hunt, Barbara

Iorio, Brian & Alexandra

Jordan, James &Tatiana

Kallas, Agnes & Anthony

*Kapernekas, Tom & Sasha

Katsikis, Valerie

Katsiouleris, Bob & Vivi

*Kenrick, Sophia

Keramaris, Terry

Khoury, Cherif

*Kingsbury, John & Katerina

Kolendrianos, Chris & Megan

*Kolendrianos, Ernest & Andriana

*Kwiatkowski, Jackson & Margo

Lamb, Glory

Landry, Frank & Kalliroi

*Langel, Randy & Patti Stathis

Laspitis-Balboa, Stella

Lasswell, Theophilos & Dorothea

Laury, Helen Compogiannis

Magoulias, Yianni

Mamalakis, George & Mary

Martin, Nick

*Martin, Ted

Matiosian, Mace & Phyllis

McGillivray, Helen

Mendoza, Richard & Mary Papador

*Moreno, Paul & Lindsey

*Nedic, Sofija

Nicolaou, Soteris & Jaime

*Pahos, Mike & Vivian

Pantages, Chrysanthe

Pantages, Greg & Rea Goumas

Papademetriou, Adelphi Seraphima

Papador, George & Tracy

Papador, Georgia

Papalexis, Jim & Lee

Papazacharioudakis, George

Pappas, Carolyn

*Penoff, Dana

Pertsulakes, Bill

*Petronakis, Sam & Anna

Phillips, Emanuel

Pollalis, Gikas & Stella

Poulakos, Jennifer

*Poulis, William

Poulos, Steve

Poulos, Tom & Isabel

Ramirez, Michael & Alexandra

Rishwain, Jeff & Connie

*Ritsema, Glenn

Roen, Curtis & Georgina

Scarvelis, George & Alexandra

Smith, Catherine McDavid

Solomon, Karen

Spanos, Andrea & Luigi Ottieri

*Stathis, Silas & Helen

Stathopoulos, Peter

Stockmal, Steve & Mariella

Swider, Bob & Christy

Theofanous, Theo & Danae

*Thomas, Fr. Simon & Pres. Stephanie

Towle, James & Rose Marie

Trigonis, Alex & Alexandra

*Tullis, Bud & Barbara

Tziouvaras, Paul & Vivi

Velliotes, Louie

Vogel, Marina

*Walther, Marianne

Weeks, Michael & Jean Costopoulos

Winford, Gerald & Stamatina

Zettas, Paul & Jennie

*Denotes at least 2% Stewardship

JANUARY 2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Happy New

Year!!!

Office Closed

2

Office Closed

3

4 Sunday before

Epiphany

Orthros, 9 am

Divine Liturgy, 10 am

Sunday School

Parish Council Oath of

Office

Vasilopita

5 Forefeast of

Epiphany

Royal Hours, 8 am

Divine Liturgy,

9:30 am

Blessing of the

Waters, 10:30 am

6 Epiphany

Orthros, 8 am

Diving Liturgy,

9 am

Blessing of the

Waters, 10 am

Philoptochos

Board meeting

Studies in the

Faith, 6:30 pm

7 Feast of

Saint John

Orthros, 8 am

Liturgy, 9 am

8

VIP Lunch at

Cody’s Café &

Meeting, 12 noon

9

Youth Vespers

and Bowling,

6 pm

10

11 Sunday after

Epiphany

Orthros, 9 am

Divine Liturgy, 10 am

Sunday School

Youth Choir

Philoptochos Meeting

Blessing of the Waters,

1:00 pm at Goleta Beach

12

Parish Council

Meeting, 7 pm

13

14

15

Festival Meeting,

6:30 pm

16

17 Feast of

Saint Anthony

Orthros, 8 am

Liturgy, 9 am

18 12th

Sunday of

St. Luke

Orthros, 9 am

Divine Liturgy, 10 am

Sunday School

Philoptochos Meeting

19 MLK Day

Office Closed

AHEPA/DOP

Meetings, 6 pm

20

Bible Study,

6:30 pm

21

22

23

24

25 15th

Sunday of

Saint Luke

Orthros, 9 am

Divine Liturgy, 10 am

Sunday School

Youth Choir

26

27

28

29 30 Feast of the

Three Hierarchs

Orthros, 8 am

Liturgy, 9 am

31