A Foundation of FaithDAY OF CELEBRATION FOR OUR COMMUNITYby Evanthea Vlahakis, Trans-a-Gram Staff Writer

“Axios! He is worthy!”As the newly–ordained Deacon John Vaporis was being vested by Metropolitan Methodios on Sunday, September 22, the customary proclamation echoed throughout the church. What a proud moment for the Transfiguration parish family!“I knew that I wanted to serve the Church but didn’t really feel that being a priest was what I was called to do,” explains Deacon John, who has assisted in the altar and in other ministries of the Transfiguration Church for the past few years. “I have always gravitated towards the traditional diaconate duties of ministering to the poor, women and children, orphans, and the elderly.” So when he heard about the

TRANSaGRAMOctober 2013 Monthly / Issue No. 10

IN THIS ISSUE

PASTORAL REFLECTIONS page 2

Fr. Tom reflects on pending changes and the opportunities at hand.

CHURCH EVENTS page 4

Golf Outing; Welcome back Lunch; Announcements and Reminders; and more.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS page 6

Parish Council President Christian Zouzas reflects on welcoming the Charter School and the beginning of the year; Olivia Sintros updates Stewardship,Treasurer’s Report; and Grecian Festival Report.

PARISH GROUPS page 10

Philoptochos; Sunday School; Choir ; Youth Activities; and more.

CHURCH INFORMATION page 15

How to contact the church, and who to contact; Parish Council member names and contact information; and more.

CALENDARS & SACRAMENTS page 16

Regular and special services calendar; Sacraments; Church Calendar of Events; and more.

PAGE 1

TRANSFIGURATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Fr. Tom Chininis, Pastor

Deacon John Vaporis offers his first set of petitions following his ordination on Sunday, September 22.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKO TZETZIS

(continued on page 3)

Change Creates OpportunityREFLECTIONS ON THE COMING YEARby Fr. Tom Chininis

Last month in the Trans–a–Gram I wrote about the concept of change creating opportunity. In general, what prompted my article was the welcoming of the Lowell Collegiate Charter School to our facilities. The arrival of the School has caused us to rethink many of the normal things that we do in our parish. The dust is nearly settled as the modular classrooms are now complete and the students have moved into their permanent classrooms. As a community, we can now settle in and adapt to the new situation. I have no doubt that this change has created great opportunity for us.The School is not the only change that our community faces. Another example that I would like to bring to our attention reflects a change directly within our parish. On Sunday, September 22, John Vaporis was ordained to the diaconate. In past years as a community we have experienced several ordinations. For the most part, the men who were ordained to the diaconate did not serve our parish. They may have been students at Holy Cross or remained a deacon only briefly as they prepared to serve the Church as a priest. This ordination is different.Deacon John plans to remain a deacon and to serve the Church. Though many of us know him as John, it is proper to refer to him as Deacon John or Father John. A deacon serves a very specific role within the life of the Church. His primary liturgical responsibility is to assist the presbyter (priest) within the Liturgy and specifically with the distribution of Holy Communion. Deacon John, with the Metropolitan’s blessings, will provide assistance within the Transfiguration community. From time to time he may need to assist the Metropolis in other ways, but for the most part he will provide ministry in our parish.This is a change within our community that will provide valuable assistance. In general, services will go a bit quicker and the distribution of Holy Communion will, in theory, take half the time. This change will help us, as a community; experience a fuller expression of the faith through worship and provide us the opportunity to grow in faith.

The diaconate is a wonderful ministry within the Church, one that in recent history has diminished in use. In the very early days of the Church, the apostles needed assistance with caring for the poor and hungry. To best accomplish this, they decided that several men should be selected to minister to the needs of the faithful, and with this the diaconate was instituted. Today, understanding history of the diaconate, there is a movement to educate young men to participate within this ministry. Deacon John is the most recent individual to hear the call to serve the Church as a deacon and we look forward to the opportunities his service presents to our community.

PAGE 2

TRANSaGRAMOCTOBER 2013

FROM FR. TOM

Newly ordained Deacon John Vaporis looks on as Metropolitan Methodios elevates Fr. Tom Chininis to the office of Protopresbyter of the Archdiocese, honoring him for over thirty years of service.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKO TZETZIS

A Foundation of Faith(continued from page 1)

new diaconate program at Holy Cross Seminary, he enrolled in the three–year course of study.A son of the late Rev. Nomikos Vaporis, Deacon John’s foundation of faith was established early on. “I had a good idea of what it was like to be a priest, the skills needed, and the life. As a result, this has been in the forefront, or back, of my mind for the last thirty years or more,” he says. The order of the holy diaconate can be a step to the priesthood, or in the new Deacon’s case, a permanent office for full or part-time service to the Church. According to the Holy Cross website, “The Church has often been compared to a fragrant flower. During the Turkish period the flower had to close to protect itself. Recently, the flower has begun to open up, reclaiming a fuller more fragrant life. Part of that recovery is the reestablishment of the ministry of the diaconate.” (www.hchc.edu)Father Tom is more than pleased that Deacon John has been ordained. “I was blessed and extremely fulfilled to serve the Church as a Deacon for three months before being ordained to the priesthood. Deacon John is truly blessed to serve the Church and our parish as a deacon. He will add a new layer of expression to our worship and a new voice to the ministries of our parish.” The Deacon will be able to assist Father with the administering of Holy Communion, within the Liturgy and through

pastoral visitations, as well as leading the parish in the collective prayers and reading from the scriptures.Sunday’s Gospel reading from Luke chapter 5 — the calling of the first apostles (fishermen Peter, James and John) — was most fitting for the

occasion and resonated in the Metropolitan’s remarks following the conclusion of the service: “The world casts its net into the sea of materialism and comes up with nothing. It is only when someone goes deep into his soul that he can discover God. Deacon John, you have made that search and it has brought you here.”Deacon John and his wife Patty (Danas) Vaporis reside in Chelmsford with their four children: Dorothea, Nomikos Mikhail, Petra Kosmia, and Roman James. In addition to his expanded role at the Transfiguration, the Deacon is working toward certifications in library sciences and media education.

TRANSaGRAM OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NIKO TZETZIS

We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the people who attended, sponsored, donated or assisted in anyway with the

Transfiguration Golf Outing. We had an outstanding day. We can't thank you enough for your support.Thanks to your participation, we had 48 players and an additional

amount attending the dinner and raffles. We had 44 sponsors, and all raffle prizes were donated.As a result of the successful turnout, we raised over $7,500.

Transfiguration Golf OutingA FUN DAY ON THE LINKSby Costa and Elizabeth Tsioulis

TRANSaGRAM

CHURCH EVENTS

PAGE 4

OCTOBER 2013

Bill Arvanites won the 50 50 putting contest.

Second place winners: Evan Bunis, Marc Chateauneuf, Jim & Dean McCann. Jim was also the winner of “Closest to the Pin,” and Dean was the winner of “The Longest Drive.”

Chairman Costas Tsioulis, Spike Sintros and Fr. Tom Chininis.

First place winners: Jim Demetri, Dr. Kevin Malone, George Laganas, and Ed Fleming, with Chairman Costa Tsioulis.

$100 scratch ticket prize, won by Dr. Kevin Malone, was donated by Pat and Jack Mahoney.

$100 cash prize, donated by Elizabeth Tsioulis, was won by Bill Flanagan.

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Welcome Back LunchENJOYING FELLOWSHIP WITH OUR TRANSFIGURATION FAMILY

TRANSaGRAM

So much happens over the summer — we take vacations, visit family, go on outings to the mountains or the beach, plant our gardens, take on projects, and in general enjoy the outdoors. This summer, which for many was much the same, for our community this summer was especially busy as we welcomed the Lowell Collegiate Charter School to our facility. This was very apparent as we all returned back to our normal routine, welcoming our children back to Sunday School and gathering for our annual “Welcome Back Lunch”.Our classrooms and hall looked different with the school desks, chairs, and equipment crammed in everywhere, but the hall was filled with the same excitement that we have every year at this time, as we caught up with each other and enjoyed a wonderful picnic style lunch prepared by the members of the Parish Council and their dedicated group of volunteers. What was especially noticeable was that we needed to work with a little less space in the Fellowship Hall, so we sat a little closer to each other and enjoyed each other’s company all the more. A couple of our more senior parishioners commented how wonderful it was to see so many children back at

Church. They may create a bit more noise, but they also bring great energy to the room.

OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 5

Enjoying the afternoon with family and friends at the “Welcome Back Lunch.”

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During the luncheon, while we greeted our fellow parishioners, we also welcomed Alex Orphanos, a seminarian from Holy Cross who will be helping with parish ministries this academic year. We look forward to him helping with services, Sunday School and youth ministry.

PHOTOS BY CATHY KOUFOGAZOS

TRANSaGRAM

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 6

During the first week of September, not only did we have the start of Sunday School, which is always a welcoming sight, but this year the Lowell Collegiate Charter School opened its doors for the first time on the Transfiguration Church grounds. They opened without any delay on September 3, an amazing feat. The Charter School agreed to use our facilities officially starting July 1. In 60 days, they went from an idea to a fully permitted and fully licensed public charter school — a remarkable accomplishment.I worked with them throughout the entire process, and I was there at the opening bell on the first day. I witnessed the excitement in the kids’ eyes as they embarked on a new beginning. I was really there to ensure that the traffic pattern for the busses, parents and visitors ran smoothly. With a few adjustments, the school is off to a great start. Seeing the energy and excitement from the staff, faculty, parents, and students was well worth my time.

A Few Facts and Highlights1. There is a binder that sits on Jeanne’s desk in the

main office labeled “Lowell Collegiate Charter School.” It contains the official communications, signed lease, insurance certificates, statements for the new rental account (the rent is wired directly to the account the first of each month), and invoices for miscellaneous items billed to the school (i.e., utilities). This binder is available for review by anyone in the parish. You can stop by during office hours and read through this binder to learn about our guests and our arrangement with the school. Please feel free to ask me if you have any questions or concerns.

2.All students, faculty, and visitors of the school have only one point of entry into the church, which is the lobby door in the lower level. Buses enter and exit though the lower gate on Salem street, parents and visitors come down the ramp from upper parking lot and drop off and pick up at lobby door.

3. Ultimately, when the modular classrooms are complete, only 110 kindergarteners will be in the church classrooms. The 200 students in the modulars will enter the modulars directly when exiting the bus. No students will be allowed on the second floor. Students will only be permitted in the lower level in the classrooms.

4.There is no food preparation in the kitchen. All meals are prepared off premises and only warmed in our ovens. Students eat lunch in their class-rooms. The Fellowship hall will have limited use by the school, because it lacks a sprinkler system.

5. The school has a full–time janitor during the day and a cleaning staff that cleans the rooms and bathrooms from 4–8 p.m.

6.The school has replaced almost all the exit and emergency lighting throughout the entire facility — including the narthex and inside the church — at their expense, to ensure that the facility is up to code. There is a much stricter fire code for school facilities than for other facilities such as the Church.

Again, any questions you may have, please feel free to contact me or to speak with any of the other Parish Council members.Thank you, and God bless the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church.

President’s MessageSCHOOL DAYS AHEADby Christian Zouzas, Parish Council President

The Transfiguration parish welcomes The Lowell Collegiate Charter School, which opened its doors for the first day of school on September 3, 2013.

Grecian Festival Financial Reportby George BertosParish Council Treasurer

TRANSaGRAM OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 7

Income

Ad Book $7,115

Bar $4,507

Bookstore $824

Coffee Shop $207

Credit Cards $3,587

Donations $29,734

Food $25,470

Gyro/Tsatziki $4,229

Ice Cream $785

Kid’s Town $421

Loukoumades $1,954

Pastry $4,903

Raffle Sales $14,180

Vendors $100

Misc. Income $314

Total Income $98,330

Expenses

Advertising $2,443

Entertainment $3,050

Maintenance $4,210

Food & Beverage $13,794

Food Disposables $2,109

Kitchen Equipment $1,265

Kid’s Town $364

Permits $250

Misc. Expenses $21

Postage $310

Ad Book $2,760

Raffle Prizes $2,775

Financial Expenses $727

Total Expenses $34,179

Total Income $98,330

Total Expenses -$34,179

Net Festival Income $64,151

NOTES• The majority of the credit card income

can be attributed to food sales.• The donation income is as follows:

Underwriting $28,315Raffle $1,150Church tours $269

• Special thanks to all who donated toward the festival. Many parishioners donated items (food, pastry, ingredients) that are not accounted for in the financial report. Additionally, we thank all who volunteered before, during, and after the Festival. Your help and dedication is key to any success we may have had with the event.

Fall Parish Assembly

Sunday, November 3,following Services

Mark your calendar and make plans to participate.

TRANSaGRAM

!

OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 8

Treasurer’s Reportby George Bertos,Parish Council Treasurer

Parish Council Updateby Stephen Nicholaides,Parish Council Secretary

At the Parish Council meeting held on September 3, 2013 the following items were reported and discussed:• The Charter School is up and

running. Today was the first day of school for the Charter School. The modular classrooms are not ready and the school has had to use temporary classrooms upstairs and at the LaFayette club.

• The roof has been inspected and several tiles need to be replaced, which will cost $3600. The repairs were authorized by the Council.

• The date for the Parish Assembly was set for Sunday, November 3.

• The Metropolis will hold a Clergy Laity Assembly on Saturday, October 5, at the Maliotis Cultural Center, in Brookline, MA.

• The Ministry Council met and is reviewing the parish mission statement. The process to review and renew the focus of ministries in the parish will continue.

• The Treasurer’s report was reviewed, and a decision to transfer $25,000 from the

festival account to he general account was made.

• Discussion and plans were made for the Luncheon honoring John Vaporis on the day of his ordination to the deaconate and to present him with a set of Metropolis vestments on behalf of the Parish and the Philoptochos.

• At the conclusion of the meeting, John Vaporis submitted a letter of resignation from the Parish Council effective, the date of his ordination.

Account Balance

Altar Fund $576.26Special Events Checking $91,388.32General Checking $23,168.13Building Maintenance $2,770.40Money Market Savings $34,003.22

Kitchen Hall Fund $3,870.21

Account Totals: $155,776.54

Charter School Special Account $87,499.00Grand Total: $243,275.54

ACCOUNT SUMMARY (AS OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2013)If you have any questions, or are interested in helping, please contact me at treasurer@transchurch.org.

TRANSaGRAM

Last year at this time several parishioners gave of their time to listen to the presentation by Mr. Bill Marianas, member of the National Stewardship Ministry team. Mr. Marianas reminded all in attendance that Christian Stewardship is a way of life. Christian stewardship is caring for the needs of others, offering one’s self to God, and what a person does after saying “I believe….” as proof of that belief. Let us remember that stewardship is our time, talent and treasure, and it is the treasure portion focused each month in this report. As always, we are most grateful to and thank those 326 stewards who have pledged their financial support to our parish. We all love comparisons, and unfortunately this month’s numbers are less than positive. We are $18,373 less in our total pledges and $18,193 short in money received to date. The budgeted stewardship goal established at last November’s Parish Assembly is $165,000, which only contributes a portion of our yearly $285,550 operating expenses. Let’s remember that the goal of true Christian stewardship is for all of us to meet all of the operating expenses without need of outside sources — i.e., Festival, Golf Outing, etc. Although these are wonderful community events of which we are thankful, they should not be the means

for paying our bills. This month, you will be receiving your quarterly stewardship report. Please review your report carefully and reflect your total pledge. We will soon be looking toward Stewardship 2014. We as a Stewardship Ministry Team ask you to please consider what you are able to give weekly and or monthly as you contemplate your pledge decision. To conclude, if you are not one of our 329 stewards for 2013, won’t you please consider submitting your commitment card, as well as activating your participation by joining one of our ministry teams? An active member participates in the liturgical life of the church and contributes to the best of their ability their time, talent and treasure. The Transfiguration Church needs your active participation. Thank you.2013 STEWARDSHIP DATA

As of September 13, 2013As of September 13, 2013

Participating stewards 326Total pledged $129,656

Received to date $109,199

Budgeted goal $165,000

OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 9

Stewardship ReportCARING FOR THE NEEDS OF OTHERSby Olivia Sintros, Stewardship Reporter

Special thanks to all who donated basil used to adorn the Holy Cross on September 14th. We also thank the Ladies of the Philoptochos Society for preparing the tray on Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th.

Dr. Joseph McCleary, Director of The Lowell Charter School presents a $1000 donation to Soula Spaziani, President of the Transfiguration Philoptochos Society for the temporary use of their room as the school year began.

TRANSaGRAMOCTOBER 2013

PAGE 10

PARISH GROUPS

Sunday Schoolby Connie Gkolias,Sunday School Director

As autumn arrives, we welcome all our families as we begin the new academic year and all the fall activities.  September 8 was the first day of Sunday School, and we enrolled 55 students. Following classes that day, we enjoyed a wonderful cookout hosted by the parish council; more than 100 parish members and their families attended. There are still many of you out there — we miss you.Please come and join us — it is never too late to start Sunday School.We encourage our parents to please make Church and Sunday School your #1 priority on Sunday mornings. We all want the best for our kids, including the best scholastic education and the best religious education we can give them. Our dedicated teachers and assistants work very hard preparing for class and teaching our children, and we need your

help also. Please make sure to arrive for services close to 9:30 a.m., so that the children can hear the Holy Gospel reading and Fr. Tom’s children’s sermon. After Holy Communion, the children go to our classrooms for class. Though we have less than one hour, we use our time well, so that the children receive a thoughtful, informational, and enjoyable lesson.If you would like to help the Sunday School, please see Connie or Hariklia on Sundays, or call Connie at 978–851–7867.

Future Special Events for Sunday School• Annual Brunch: Sunday, October 20• Christmas Pageant: Sunday, December 22Please support our Sunday School program and our children; they are the future of our church.

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Choir Newsby Lou Stamas,Choir Director

Throughout the Archdiocese, the first Sunday of October is National Choir Sunday. We thank all the members of the choir for their dedication and commitment to the worship of our parish. Please thank them on Sunday, October 6, for singing in the choir.We welcome anyone who would like to join the choir. You don’t have to be an expert to join. Please contact

me if you have any questions, or simply come to one of our rehearsals.This month, choir rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, October 2 and 16, at 7:00 p.m.

TRANSaGRAM OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 11

Philoptochos Society Reportby Soula Spaziani,Philoptochos Society President

Philoptochos is an army of women whose collective drive, dedication and heart help those who need it most. Our chapter, here at Transfiguration Church, has always been committed to actively and lovingly assist those less fortunate. Doing so encourages our parish community to reach inward and experience Christ. With the new ecclesiastical year, we have numerous projects and events planned and welcome returning and new members to share our mission.

Ongoing OutreachVisiting Angels: Many thanks to Christine Faneros for coordinating visits to our nursing home and shut in parishioners. If you are able to volunteer some time to visit or know of anyone who would like a visit, please contact Christine Faneros at 978–265–7249, or contact the church office. The connection and companionship on both ends is invaluable. These visits will certainly brighten your day and will be so appreciated. This outreach effort also includes providing rides to shut-ins to the market/errands, doctors’ appointments or church. Please call Soula Spaziani at 978–256–1064 if you know of someone who might need some help in this area.House of Hope: One of our ongoing outreach programs is serving dinner to mothers and children at the House of Hope. Our commitment is the fourth Thursday of each month. Thank you to Iris Malliaros for continuing to coordinate this very worthwhile need. If you’re able to sign up for a time slot, please contact Iris at

Iris_Malliaros@uml.edu. This can be a valuable community service opportunity for families and teenagers or children to experience together.Literacy Program: We are celebrating our seventh year of this initiative. Parishioners and friends of the Transfiguration are asked once again to donate new or gently used children’s books. Collection bins are located in the upper and lower lobbies of the church.Adopt a Family: We will be working with Community Team Work again this year to provide Christmas gifts to deserving families in our community. Board member Ann Bertos will be coordinating this effort.Homeless Veterans Project: In conjunction with the Boston Metropolis Philoptochos and VA New England Healthcare System, we are collecting house ware supplies for veterans. Please see Soula Spaziani for list of items needed.Aid to Greece: On September 29 and October 6, we provided donation baskets at the end of Liturgy for your donations to help provide relief efforts in Greece. Collectively, all Philoptochos chapters nationwide are soliciting donations to send much needed funds to Greece.

FUNDRAISERSNo Bake Cake Sale: Many thanks to Sophia Quinn for coordinating our annual commitment to Hellenic College/Holy Cross to benefit the scholarship program. Thank you to our generous parishioners who donated to this

worthy cause via mail or basket donations. Banquet Chairs: Thank you to all who have donated thus far to our Chair Fundraiser. Please see article on page 12 for more information. Our hope is to raise enough funds throughout this year to purchase new banquet chairs to fill our downstairs hall. Please contact Angela Hastings at anafftorem@verizon.net or 978–649–8708, or contact Nancy Lane at dclane7@verizon.net or 978–256–7472 to contribute.Fall Calendar Raffle: Philoptochos is once again sponsoring the popular money raffle. Our chairladies Ellen Dobi and Nancy Lane will be mailing tickets out this month. There will be one winner for each day in November with the largest prize on Thanksgiving. Each ticket is put back into the drawing so our participants — you — could win multiple times!Christmas Card: Please watch out for the mailing in mid–October to have your name included in the Transfiguration Family Christmas Card. Many thanks to our chairlady, Corrine Dubay.Annual Benefit Tea: Please reserve Sunday, December 8, to celebrate our 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Tea at the Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, MA. Our chairladies Pat Mahoney and Olivia Sintros and Tea Committee are planning an extra special event to celebrate 60 years of our beloved Christmas Tea. Tickets go on sale this month.

(continued on page 12)

TRANSaGRAMOCTOBER 2013

PAGE 12

AcknowledgementsSt. Sophia Reception: Many thanks to the De La Torre and Tsitsipas families for hosting a lovely reception after the St. Sophia Vesper Service on September 16th. Many enjoyed the beautiful family gathering.Feast Day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross: Thank you to all who collected and donated basil used to adorn the Holy Cross for this feast day.“Pot Luck Supper” Meeting: Many, many thanks to the Gkolias sisters, Connie, Freda, and Clara for hosting a lovely and delicious pot luck supper in honor of our first meeting on September 26, “Fall

Beginnings.” Specifics of our full agenda and resolutions will appear in next month’s issue.Ordination of Dn. John Vaporis: We congratulate Dn. John Vaporis on the occasion of his ordination to the Diaconate. Axios! Thank you to all who helped prepare for the luncheon to celebrate and honor him.COMING ATTRACTIONS:Meeting & Shopping Fun: On Saturday, November 2, we will first hold our meeting at 10:00 a.m. Following the meeting, Elizabeth de la Torre has organized a wonderful group of vendors to come to the parish join us to show us their specialty items from 11:00

a.m. to 1:00 p.m. What a wonderful opportunity to get a jump on Christmas shopping!Feast Day of Saints Cosmos and Damian: On November 4, the feast day of Philoptochos’ patron saints Cosmos and Damian, Philoptochos sisters will sit together in the front pews for a memorial service honoring our deceased members. A collection basket will be offered to benefit the Patriarchate, one of our National commitments.

A special thank you to Transfiguration family members and friends for your banquet chair donations. Please see Nancy Lane or Angela Hastings if you would also like to make a donation; or, you may fill out a banquet chair donation form and mail with payment to the church office. Banquet chairs are $50 each. Please make checks payable to Transfiguration Ladies Philoptochos Society. Thank you.We would like to thank the following donors who have purchased chairs thus far:

Transfiguration Ladies Philoptochos SocietyBANQUET CHAIR DONATIONSby Angela Hastings and Nancy Lane

Philoptochos Society Report(continued from page 11)

• Martha Sintros• Sophia Quinn• Demi Flanagan• Eleni Kalivas (in memory of Eugenia

Marcus)• Dyanne Mitropoulis (in memory of

Florence & Helen Betses)• Tavoularis Scholarship• Deanne Finn (in honor of Dorothy

Samiotes)• Betty Balamotis

• Soula Spaziani (in memory of Helen Betses)

• Karen Mitropoulis (in memory of Florence and Helen Betses)

• Transfiguration Philoptochos Board• Soula Spaziani (in memory of Shirley

Maguire)• Evelyn Loulakis (in memory of Charles

Loulakis Stella Betses, Katherine Betses, Cleopatra Matlis, Mary Lellos and Penelope Betses)

• Ted and Stella Couris• Harry and Christine Stamas• Iris Mitropoulis and Sandra Musgrave

(in memory of Mary Massahos)• Karen Mitropoulis and Dyanne

Mitropoulis (in memory of Mary Massahos)

• Karen Mitropoulis (in honor of Dyanne Mitropoulis)

• Robin Walbridge (in memory of Mary Massahos)

TRANSaGRAM OCTOBER 2013

PAGE 13

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Announcements and Remindersby Fr. Tom Chininis

REMEMBERING OUR LOVED ONESEvery month on the first Sunday, we offer a Trisagion to remember our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. Even if you have submitted names in the past, please send them in again. Beginning January 2014 only the newly submitted names will be used. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Tom.NOTIFICATIONSPlease take the time to contact the church office when a family member has been admitted to the hospital. This will enable Fr. Tom to make a pastoral visit. With HIPAA regulations hospitals are reluctant to inform the local clergy of parishioners who have been admitted. So, the responsibility falls upon you. Take this as a great opportunity to share your Christian love. Better six calls about someone in the hospital or in need, than none.COLLEGE STUDENT OUTREACHIf you have a family member who is a college student living away from home, please send their email address to Fr. Tom frtom@transchurch.org The Transfiguration family would love to communicate with them while they are away at school.BIBLE STUDYBible Study meets on Wednesday mornings, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. We welcome anyone who is interested to join the Transfiguration Bible Study group. The group is always open to new participants. Participants of all levels are encouraged attend. Our hope is to increase our knowledge of our faith through Holy Scripture. If you have any questions, please contact Fr. Tom. Please consult the calendar for the Bible Study dates this month.

CHARITABLE OUTREACH The number of people stopping by the parish requesting assistance seems to be increasing. We welcome any financial donations you are able to make to “Transfiguration Charitable Altar Fund.” Your donations, large or small, greatly help those who are in need throughout the year. You can leave your donation in the basket in the Narthex designated for Charitable Outreach, or see Fr. Tom. If you have any questions, please feel free to speak with Fr. Tom directly.Remember Christ’s words, “for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was imprisoned and you came to Me … inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me.” (Mt 25:35–40)SPECIAL DONATIONS WELCOMEFrom time to time items are needed for use in the Church such as service books, altar cloths, chalice covers, and communion cloths. Below are a couple items for which we are seeking donors. If you are interested in making a donation toward an item please let Fr. Tom know. Chalice Covers: $500 (2 sets needed)Menaia: in English (set of monthly books for chanting); $100 for each month. Total cost $1,200 for the complete set.

TRANSaGRAMOCTOBER 2013

PAGE 14

Right: Metropolitan Methodios addresses the candidate just prior to his

ordination.

Left: Frs. Barbas and Lawrence escort Deacon John around the Holy Table during his ordination.

AXIOS! is proclaimed by the faithful as the newly ordained Deacon is vested by the Metropolitan.

Fr. Tom welcomes the Metropolitan and guests and offers the prayers and congratulations of the parish to Deacon John as Fr. Stephen Lawrence looks on.

PHOTOS COURTESY NIKO TZETZIS

Left: Subdeacon John stands before the icon of Christ during the Liturgy waiting ordination.

Right: Metropolitan Methodios offers the prayer

of ordination as Deacon John kneels at the Holy Table.

OCTOBER 2013TRANSaGRAM

PRESIDENTChristian ZouzasHome: 978–256–9717Cell: 978–257–3360zouzas@aol.comVICE PRESIDENTOlivia SintrosHome: 978–475–5805Cell: 978–902–6152osintros@comcast.netTREASURERGeorge BertosHome: 978–957–8253Cell: 978–423–2339ljsclean@comcast.net

ASSISTANT TREASURERNiclis KouloungisHome: 978–256–3739Cell: 978–501–0211koulclan@comcast.net2ND ASSISTANT TREASURERDean ProyousHome: 978–692–1432Cell: 508–577–4008Goldengreek1@comcast.netSECRETARYStephen NicholaidesHome: 978–454–4060Cell: 978–761–7592corfu@comcast.net

William (Bill) ArvanitesHome: 978–323–9202Cell: 978–764–8871arvanites.willy@gmail.com

Cesar de la TorreHome: 978–455–8626Cell: 781–953–6033cesar.delatorre@gmail.com

James DemetriHome: 603–635–1372Cell: 603–765–3503jdemetri56@hotmail.com

Gregory FloorHome: 978–455–3231Cell: 801–455–7155gregoryfloor@mac.com

Jim PiazasHome: 603–635–7432Cell: 603–401–5653jpiazas@comcast.net

Parish Council Members

CHURCHSecretary: Jeanne BradyAddress: 25 Father John Sarantos Way,Lowell, MA 01854Telephone: 978–458–4321Fax: 978–458–8726Church e–mail: info@transchurch.orgWeb site: www.transchurch.orgOffice Hours:Secretary: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.;Priest: Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,or by appointment

CLERGYRev. Father Thomas ChininisTelephone: 603–930–7333E–mail: FrTom@transchurch.org

Rev. Deacon John VaporisHome: 978–957–2256Cell: 978–204–7814E-mail vaporis659@yahoo.com

FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/transchurch

GOYA ON FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/transfiguration.goya

TRANS–A–GRAMActing Editor: Fr. Tom ChininisTelephone: 978–458-4321E–mail: frtom@transchurch.org

BOOKSTOREJoan TsoukalasVirginia KimballWEB SITEWebmaster: Melanie PappasTelephone: 978–337–1329E–mail: webmaster@transchurch.org

Contact Information

CHURCH INFORMATION

PAGE 15

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PAGE 15

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Email: tom@muldooninsurance.com www.muldooninsurance.com

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TRANSaGRAMOCTOBER 2013

PAGE 16

VACATION CHURCH CAMP (VCC)November 16 (Saturday): Advent Camp 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

CHOIROctober 2 & 16 (Wednesday). Rehearsals 7:00 p.m..

BIBLE STUDY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATIONOctober 2, 9, & 16 (Wednesdays): Bible Study, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.All are invited and encouraged to participate in this weekly study.

OTHER CHURCH ACTIVITIESOctober 1 (Tuesday): Parish Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m.October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (Tuesdays): Ladies’ Group Meeting, 9:30 a.m.October 6 (Sunday): Monthly TrisagionOctober 23 (Wednesday): Council of Churches Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

FAMILY AND YOUTH ACTIVITIESOctober 6 & 20 (Sundays): GOYA Gathering, following servicesOctober 11 (Friday): Family Fun Night. 6:30 p.m.

OUTREACH AND SPECIAL EVENTSOctober 8 (Tuesday): Community Kitchen, 11:30 a.m., in the Philoptochos RoomOctober 17 (Thursday): Trip to Museum of Science, to tour Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit. Depart Church at 10:00 a.m.October 20 (Sunday): Sunday School Brunch following services. All are welcome.

SUNDAY SCHOOLOctober 6, 13, 20, 27 (Sunday): ClassesOctober 15 (Tuesday) Sunday School Staff Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

SERVICES, SACRAMENTS, AND CALENDAR OF EVENTS

ServicesSUNDAY SERVICES:Orthros: ............................................ 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.

SPECIAL SERVICES (OCTOBER)October 23 (Wednesday)............. Liturgy of St. James** 9:30 a.m.

(Feast of St. Iakovos)October 26 (Saturday)...................................... Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

(Feast of St. Demetrios)**The Liturgy of St. James is prescribed for the Feast of St. Iakovos and is only celebrated on this day. While a Eucharistic Liturgy, one will notice many differences with the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom that is used on a regular basis.

Calendar of Events

ORDINATIONSJohn Vaporis to the Diaconate, Sunday, September 22. WEDDINGS AND MARRIAGE BLESSINGSGuy and Agoritsa (Vakalidis) Corey, Saturday, September 7. Sponsor Christina Curry.

BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS

NoneFUNERALSNone

Sacraments

Did you know that the Trans–a–Gram is available online on the church’s website, before your printed copy arrives in the mail?Visit www.transchurch.org/newsletter.html to view and download previous issues of the Trans–a–Gram, as well as the most recent issue. Happy reading!

Help WantedPART–TIME GRAPHIC DESIGNERby Evanthea Vlahakis, Trans–a–Gram Writer

The Trans-a-Gram staff is actively looking for volunteer graphic designers to work on the newsletter layout each month. Please contact acting editor, Fr. Tom Chininis at 978-458-4321 or frtom@transchurch.org if you can help or if you know someone who might be interested.

GOYA ANNUAL PIE SALEPlace your order during Coffee Fellowship later in October