Download Report

The Word - February 2015
Faith
comes
by
hearing
and
hearing
by the
Word of
God.
Romans 10:17
the word
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Andover, MA
BIBLE STUDIES THIS MONTH
“Pursuing our spiritual life”
“CAN I TALK TO YOU ABOUT
SOMETHING?”
A Lenten Message
Women’s Faith & Fellowship
February 6: 9 am
Morning Meditations
February 11: 10 am
Bread for Life
February 25:: 7 pm
IMPORTANT DATES
February 8 - Scout Sunday
February 14 - Saturday of Souls
March 8 - Godparents’ Sunday
March 13 - Lenten Family Friday
Night
March 15- New Familes’ Welcome
March 22 - Lenten Luncheon
SAVE THE DATE
Daughters of Penelope
Wreath Demonstration
March 5
(see info on page 5)
February 2015
In one of his stand-up routines, comedian Kevin Nealon joked about the many interesting
phrases people use in conversations. He says one of his most un-favorite is when someone
comes up to you and says, “Can I talk to you about something?” He comments that what
follows that question is usually not pleasant or enjoyable. Usually it’s a complaint,
criticism, petty problem, or sometimes a big problem. Nealon says he absolutely cringes
every time someone uses that phrase, and he actually tries to dodge it or just run away. The
fact is, he says, that when someone says to you, “can I talk to you about something,” there’s
usually nothing good that comes out of that!
Well, Great Lent is the time when the Church asks that very same question to all of us.
However, something good always comes out from it. During Lent, God asks us, “can I talk
to you about something?” Can I talk to you about prayer; can I talk to you about fasting;
can I talk to about your spiritual life? You see, these are questions many people usually try
to avoid, yet they are all brought front and center during Lent for our benefit and spiritual
renewal. And that’s always a good thing!
The time of Great Lent is the wisdom of the Church seeking to bring us back to ourselves;
to bring us closer to Christ and our faith. Saint Dorotheos wrote about the spiritual life and
used the image of spokes on a wheel. The center is God, we are the spokes. The closer we
approach the center of the wheel, the closer we get to God and the closer we get to the other
spokes, which represent other people. The further we move away from the center, the
further we are away from God and we are more separated from others as well.
Yes, the Church truly does want to “talk to us about something” in order to bring us closer
to God and closer to others. God says: “Can I talk to you about something: I know you’re
busy, I know you have a lot going on; I know the children have activities; I know you have
your career. But, we need to talk - and it’s all good. Let’s talk about your life, your faith,
your priorities; where are you going; what you believe in. Let’s get back on track to what
really matters; I will help you, just trust in Me.”
During Lent, the Church says to all of us, “can I talk to you about something.” Let us say, yes!
Fr. Christopher
Get news of additional events and
announcements via email. Go to
the church web site
www.andoverorthodox.org
and sign up to be on our
LISTSERV
1
The Word - February 2015
Parish Council Notes
Fr. Christopher Makiej,
Parish Priest
Dn. Sal Fazio
Dn. Gary Kent
Parish Deacons
Buzz Stapczynski, President
John Terzakis, Vice President
Jim Panagas, Secretary
Robert Trant, Treasurer
Chris Alexandrou
Dylan Archambault
Sam Diamantis
Jean Koulouris
Nicholas Miminos
David Murphy
Valerie Murphy
Tom Pantely
Peter Souhleris
Anthony Warren
George Xifaras
Church Office
Karen Davies
Office Assistant
Anita Stratigakis
Philoptochos
Sandra Spanos Johnson, President
Chanter
Telly Papanikolaou
Choir
Pres. Katerina Makiej, Director
Organist
David Harvey
Altar Boy Captain
Basil Vergados
Sunday School
Dorothy Hatzikonstantis, Director
Greek School
Voula Nikitas
Christian Lending Library
Patti George, Director
GOYA Advisors
Connie Vergados
GOYA President
Basil Vergados
JOY Advisor
Patty Trant
YouthChoir/Women’sFellowship
Pres. Katerina Makiej
Book Store Manager
Elaine Demetroulakos
Internet Ministry
Christopher Primes
AHEPA
Steven Pithis
Daughters of Penelope
Nancy Pantazopoulos
College Fellowship
Telly Papanikolaou
Young Professionals Ministry
Nicholas Miminos
Facilities
George Perakis
Archons
Arthur C. Anton
James Lolos
Telly Papanikolaou
The Word
Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor
Dear Parishioners,
Happy New Year to you and your family. As we began the new year, the Council was sworn
in on Vasilopeta Sunday and there are three new Church Council members joining us this
year: Tom Pantely, Dr. Sam Diamantis and George Xifaras. When you see them at coffee
hour, please welcome them to your Council. December was a full month with lots going on
and January is no different. Thank you for your participation and support of the many
charities to which our Church contributes during the Christmas season. Christmas time can be
difficult for families in need and it is an act of charity and love to assist those less fortunate.
The Mortgage Reduction Project is off to a wonderful start. Your pledges are appreciated and
if you haven't pledged yet, please consider making one. Our goal is to be debt free by 2017,
the 100th Anniversary of our Church. Just think how nice it would be to have no $6,730
monthly mortgage payment any more!
The exciting atrium dome project is well underway. The fabricator sent the pieces of the
dome and the cross to the Church in the late fall. We are waiting for a stretch of good weather
so the contractor can install it. Once installed, we will see this beautiful architectural feature
topped with the cross of Christ above the doors to the atrium. It will serve as a witness to all
that we are an Orthodox Christian community.
Lent begins in February, but not until we have our Family Glendi on Saturday, February 7th from
6:30 to 11 pm in the Community Center. Please plan to attend, and bring your dancing shoes.
Peace, health and happiness for 2015,
Buzz Stapczynski
Parish Council President
2015 Parish Council
From left to right: George Xifaras, Chris Alexandrou, Sam Diamantis, Valerie
Murphy, Jim Panagas (Secretary), Anthony Warren, John Terzakis (Vice
President), Peter Souhleris, Dylan Archambault, Robert Trant (Treasurer),
David Murphy , Jean Koulouris, and Buzz Stapczynski (President).
Not pictured: Nicholas Miminos and Tom Pantely
2
The Word - February 2015
Sunday School
Philoptochos
Sunday School Updates:
We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New
Year! We have been blessed to have your children in church
learning about the birth of baby Jesus! The Christmas Pageant
was a wonderful success and the children all did an amazing job!
As has become our tradition, Philoptochos will be celebrating
Special thank you to our Pageant Director Sefany Stellakis and
“Go Red Sunday” on February 8th to raise awareness of heart
disease in women. Please remember to wear red in support of this all the teachers, parents and students who helped make it a
success!
worthy cause.
Thank you to all who donated to our annual Christmas flower
drive. A special thanks to Elaina Berry and her assistants who
decorated the church so beautifully for the holiday season.
Sunday School Calendar Ahead:
February 15 – No Sunday school. Winter break
February 23 – Clean Monday
Stewardship is now due for members. New members are always
welcome at our meetings. You don’t need to attend a meeting to
be an active member. You just have to be willing to help when
you can. Please feel free to contact any member for more
information.
Saint Anthony:
Saint Anthony, the father of monks, was born in Egypt in 251 of
pious parents who departed this life while he was yet young. On
hearing the words of the Gospel: “If thou wilt be perfect, go and
sell what thou hast, and give to the poor” (Matt. 19:21), he
immediately put it into action. Distributing to the poor all he had, and
fleeing from all the turmoil of the world, he departed to the
desert. The manifold temptations he endured continually for the
span of twenty years are incredible. The report of his deeds of
virtue drew such a multitude to follow him that the desert was
transformed into a city, while he became, so to speak, the
governor, lawgiver, and master trainer of all the citizens of this
newly-formed city. The cities of the world also enjoyed the fruit
of his virtue. When the
Christians were being
persecuted and put to death
under Maximinus in 312, he
hastened to their aid and
consolation. When the Church
was troubled by the Arians, he
went with zeal to Alexandria
in 335 and struggled against
them in behalf of Orthodoxy.
During this time, by the grace
of his words, he also turned
many unbelievers to Christ.
There is no regular meeting in February. The next scheduled
meeting is on March 19th at seven o’clock.
With Sisterly Love,
Sandra Spanos Johnson
Parish Events - Mark Your
Calendars!
February 7 - GLENDI MARDI GRAS DANCE!
February 23 – GREAT LENT BEGINS
March 8 - GODPARENTS / GODCHILDREN SUNDAY
March 13 - LENTEN FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT
March 15 – NEW FAMILIES SUNDAY
March 29 – GREEK SCHOOL INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION
April 12 – PASCHA / EASTER
April 26 – GREEK PARADE, Boston
May 9 - COUPLES NIGHT OUT
May 30 – GREEK SCHOOL GRADUATION
June 7 – SENIORS RECOGNITION SUNDAY
June 14 – SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUTION – PARISH
COOKOUT
August 3 - 5 - VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL
September 12 – 13 GREEK FESTIVAL
Happy New Year!
Mrs. Hatzikonstantis
The Word
Volume 17, Issue 2
Ted and Rhonda Primes for generously
donating the Epiphany water bottles.
Published monthly except August and January by
Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church,
71 Chandler Road Andover, MA 01810
Phone 978-470-0919 vFax 978-470-0239
Arthur and Diane Demoulas for donating the
Communion wine.
Periodicals postage paid at Andover, MA.
Permit No. 022-997. POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Sts. Constantine & Helen Church.
Elaina Berry and Philoptochos for decorating
the church for Christmas.
Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor. exbigelow@aol.com
3
The Word - February 2015
GOYA
The Bookstore
Hello Goyans! I hope everybody had a great Christmas, A
Happy New Year, a wonderful Feast Day of the Epiphany, and
Happy Feast Day of the Presentation of the Theotokos in the
temple!
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
As we prepare to enter into one of our most holy of seasons,
Great Lent, we would like to call your attention to the many
Bibles we have added to our bookstore focusing on the youth of
our parish.
This past month was full of festivities and thriving with our
"Attitude of Gratitude." The Christmas Goya meeting was hosted
by the Vergados family and so much fun! We had our annual
Yankee swap and a true Christmas Feast provided by each
Goyan, as it was a pot luck dinner. However, this year our
Goyans provided much more than just food. Inspired by our
"attitude gratitude," the Goyans filled our boxes with toys for the
Toys for Tots charity drive. Likewise, it was very heartwarming
to see how many Goyans eagerly donated jackets and clothes for
the Coat Drive. The delivery trunks to Anton's were filled every
week, and everybody finished the holiday season with a
wonderful Christian attitude.
For the very young: ages 3-6:
“My ABC of God Loves Me”
“My Little Bible”
“My Very Own Bible”
“A Child’s First Bible”
For the Beginner Reader:
“My Favorite Bible”
“The Adventure Bible for Young Reader”
“Read with Me Bible”
For the More Advanced Reader (7-12)
“Early Reader’s Bible, The Bible Just for Me”
“The Jesus Storybook Bible”
“The Adventure Bible”
“The Golden Children’s Bible”
Those wishing to be a part of Goya can join us for our meetings,
which take place the third Sunday of every month. Youth
Sunday is the first Sunday of the month, where Goyans are
welcome to approach the choir pews and sing as part of our
esteemed Youth Choir. Those wishing to work as ushers or read
the epistle can sign up by contacting one of the Goya officers or
advisors.
For Teens:
“Teen Study Bible”
“Student’s Life Application Bible”
“Study Bible for Teens”
In Christ,
Basil Vergados
Goya President
If you don’t already own the “Orthodox Study Bible”, it is a
good time to do so. It is the definitive Bible to instruct and
enlighten in the way of the Lord and His teachings for the Greek
Orthodox Christian.
We look forward to seeing you; and as always, will be happy to
try to accommodate you and your family.
The Bookstore Staff,
Elaine Demetroulakos
Metropolis of Boston Family and GOYA 2015 Winter Camps
GOYA WINTER CAMP
Dates: Februray 13- 16, 2015
Ages: 12 - 18
Program Overview: A four (4) day long retreat and winter camping program for teens. The weekend will include an offsite ski trip
to the local mountain Pat's Peak. Don't Ski? Don't worry... We willl have Karaoke, snow tubing and of course the ever popular
Winter Camp Dance.
Suggested Donation: $195.00 per camper.
FAMILY WINTER CAMP
accompianed by an adult**
Dates: February 27 - March 1, 2015 Ages: ALL AGES **Campers under 18 must be
Program Overview: A weekend long retreat and winter camping program for families. Participants will stay as a familial unit in our
Retreat House and participate in sessions, discussions and FUN! The weekend will be a balanced mix of family time and
opportunities to learn and grow from the presenters and keynotes who are leading the weekend.
Suggested Donation: $229.00 for the first three campers, $50.00 for each additional camper
Questions? mbcamp@tds.net
For more info, go to www.boston.goarch.org
4
The Word - February 2015
Daughters of Penelope
Happy New Year!
The spring months will be busy for the Daughters of Penelope as we prepare for our traditional fundraisers. The first event is “An
Evening with Michael”. Postponed from the fall, Michael will usher us into spring and treat us to his fanciful demonstrations
creating beautiful spring wreaths on March 5th at the Lawrence Elks Lodge (on Andover Street in Lawrence, just over the Andover
line). We welcome and encourage all to attend! Admission is $20 including refreshments. Some lucky guests will walk away with
these gorgeous creations as well as other terrific prizes that will be raffled. “An Evening with Michael” has become a traditional
favorite as Michael entertains us with his creativity and wit as only Michael can! The fun begins at 6:30; tickets will be sold during
fellowship hours following Liturgy, or you may contact Nancy Pantazopoulos at 617-694-1359 or Nancy Patsios at 978-494-2311.
Of course, our annual Bid-n-Buy will be held later in the spring on May 7th. More information for this will be available in later
editions of the Word. We invite all our fellow parishioners, family and friends to attend these Daughters of Penelope events as
proceeds support the scholarship funds awarded to high school graduates of our parish each year.
As of this writing, the Daughters are also looking forward to a Valentine’s Day brunch. We will certainly spread the word as plans
are finalized and invite our sisters of the parish to join us.
With Sisterly Love,
Nancy Pantazopoulos
Sponsored by the Daughters of Penelope
Pallas Chapter #330
(just over the Andover line)
Join us for spring wreath demonstrations, fellowship and fun!
Admission is $20 and includes refreshments
Contact
Nancy Pantazopoulos-617-694-1359 or Nancy Patsios_978-494-2311
Proceeds support high school graduate scholarships for the youth of
Sts. Constantine & Helen, Andover, MA
5
The Word - February 2015
JOY and Junior GOYA
Happy and Healthy New Year everyone! JOY and Middlers ended
2014 with our ZooLights Outing at the Stone Zoo on Saturday,
December 13th. It was a great evening of fellowship. Thank you
to all that came out and made this outing fun!
JOY and Middlers kicked off the New Year with our church meeting on Sunday, January 11th. It was a wonderful way to start
2015. Deacon Sal and Deacon Gary conducted a great bible study
on some of the children’s favorite bible verses. Did you know Adam and Eve had 3 sons; Cain, Abel, and Seth. We also talked
about Noah’s Ark and Peter walking on the water. We ended the
session with a fun game. Everyone was asked to walk on a narrow
line that leads to Christ. In order to make it across they could not
step off the line. Those that paid attention to their feet and not focused on Jesus never made it across. I am pleased to say, everyone made it across. We learned a powerful lesson that day; to
make Jesus not the secular world the focus of our lives.
With a brand new year we have decided to change the Middlers
name to Junior GOYA. The Junior GOYA meetings will still take
place at the church after Sunday school but will not be conducted
on the same day as the GOYA meetings. A Sunday will be dedicated only to the Junior GOYA. This way Deacon Sal and Deacon
Gary can focused on the specific needs of our Middle school age
children (children in the 5th and 6th grades). Our first official Junior GOYA meeting will be held on Sunday, February 8th.
Junior GOYA Church Meeting – Sunday, February
8th from 12:00 – 1:15 pm following Sunday school in
the large, lower-level room of the church.
·
Tubing Outing – Sunday, February 15th at New England Sports Park in Amesbury, MA at 5:00 pm for an
evening of night tubing and pizza in the lodge.
·
Junior GOYA Chunky’s Outing – Sunday, March
15th at Chunky’s Cinema in Haverhill, MA. Please
join us for dinner and a movie. More details to follow.
·
Easter Food Drive – Sunday, March 15th through
April 5th we will be collecting non-perishable food
items for the Lazarus House. All donations can be placed
in the Church Food Box located in the Atrium. All food
items should be boxed, canned or bagged. Please, no
glass. Thank you for your generosity!
·
Saturday of Lazarus Retreat – Saturday, April 4th at
the Church. More details to follow.
·
Junior GOYA Church Meeting – Sunday, April 26th
from 12:00 – 1:15 pm following Sunday school in the
large lower-level room of the church.
In Christ,
Patty Trant
Parents and siblings are more than welcomed to participate. If parents do not want to tube, you are more than
welcome to relax in the lodge. There is a viewing area in
the lodge overlooking the tubing lanes where you can
watch your kids tubing, and take pictures.
The cost is $20 per person. This includes 3 hours of tubing and pizza.
If you are not tubing, there is no cost for this event. Pizza
dinner will be provided.
Please RSVP to pattytrant@earthlink.net by February
10th with the total number of people attending and the
number of people tubing.
·
JOY Church Meeting – Sunday, March 8th from
12:00 – 1:15 pm following Sunday school in the lower,
large level room of the church.
All children in grades 1 - 4 are welcome to attend all the JOY
meetings and events. All children in the 5th and 6th grades are
welcome to attend Junior GOYA meetings and events. If your child
would like to attend, please feel free to come to the next outing.
The next JOY and Junior GOYA meetings/events planned are:
·
·
Scout Sunday – Sunday, February 8th. All children
that are members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are
invited to wear their uniforms to church. The scouts participating in the awards program will be receiving their
religious medals.
6
The Word - February 2015
Greek School Celebrates
Traditional Holiday Festivities
The Greek school students and teachers had a marvelous time celebrating the holidays! At our annual Christmas party, we enjoyed
singing, dining, and celebrating this joyous time of year. Several students and classes had poems and readings prepared to entertain
the parents and other students. Then we sang many traditional κάλαντα that we had been practicing, including everyone’s favorite,
“Ο Έλατο” (“O Christmas Tree”).
We then enjoyed dinner and treats supplied by parents and teachers. Special thanks to Kathy Papadopoulos who donated the
fabulous pizza, and everyone who helped with the festive event!
Then in January we celebrated New Year’s with a traditional Vasilopita party. The students learned the story of St. Basil and the
origin of this wonderful tradition. Teachers baked their own special βασιλόπιτες, each different but all delicious. And of course we
waited to see who would get the coin in each of them! Καλή Χρονιά!
Diana Koster
Greek School singing Kalanda at the Christmas party.
Vasilopita party
7
The Word - February 2015
8
The Word - February 2015
February 2015
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Sunday
Monday
1
2
Orthros 9:00
Liturgy 10:00
8
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
3
4
5
Greek School
4:30 pm
9
Orthros 9:00
Liturgy 10:00
10
11
Greek School
4:30 pm
Morning
Meditations
10:00-11:30 am
12
Friday
Saturday
6
7
Womens’ Faith
& Fellowship
9:00-10:30 am
Apokreatiko
Glendi
Family Dance
6:30 pm
Grand Hall
13
14
Scout’s Sunday
1st Saturday of
Souls
Go Red!
Valentine’s Day
JR. GOYA Mtg
12:00 noon.
15
16
17
18
Orthros 9:00
Liturgy 10:00
President’s Day
Parish Council
Mtg. 7:15 pm
Parish Bible
Study 7:00 pm
“Bread for Life”
Meatfare Sunday
19
20
21
2nd Saturday of
Souls
No Greek School
JOY Outing 5:00
pm
Goya Mtg. 6 pm
No School
No Greek school. February Vacation
22
23
24
25
Orthros 9:00
Liturgy 10:00
Clean Monday
Greek School
4:30 pm
Pre-Sanctified
Liturgy 6:00 pm
Lent Begins
Cheesefare
Sunday
Men’s Ministry
Dinner 7:00 pm
9
26
27
28
1st Salutations to
the Mother of
God 7:00 pm
3rd Saturday of
Souls
Baptism 12:00
noon
(Robinson)
The Word - February 2015
Periodical
10