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Assumption
Greek Orthodox Church
111 Island Pond Road
Manchester NH 03109
Phone: (603) 623-2045
Fax: (603) 232-6347
www.AssumptionNH.org
Facebook:
ASSUMPTIONgocNH
Links and Resources
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
of America
www.goarch.org
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese
of Boston
www.boston.goarch.org
Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople
www.patriarchate.org
MONTHLY BULLETIN OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙ ΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕ ΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ
ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ Thee
H SEPTEMBER / ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΣ 2017
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VOLUME 12,
The Elevation of the Holy Cross – September 14th
Η ΥΨΩΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ – 14 ΣΕΠΤΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ
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The Ark is published monthly by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH 03109
Reverend Father Gregory Trakas Office Hours
Tuesday & Thursday 1 - 4 PM
or by appointment
Parish Council 2017
President…………........ James Folopoulos
Vice President…………... Nick Karagianis
Treasurer…………………... Peter Xintaras
Secretary…....................... Arthur Bakolas
Costa Georgopoulos Penny Papastathis
Harold Guidicelli Kerrie Poplin
Stathis Kapellakis Helen Rainey
Kathy Papakostas Anthony Tsekrekas
Philoptochos Board 2017
President……………................Lucie Skouteris
Vice President…………...........Maria Chronas
Treasurer…………………….. …Helen Rainey
Recording Secretary…………..Michelle Kapos
Corresponding Secretary..Andrea Moutsioulis
Natl. & Local Boards Liaison....Mariana Gasis
Advisor………………......... Nancy Mardanes
Members: Martha Galanis, Artemis Lazos &
Evangelia Gregorious
Staff
Secretary……………….…..Janet Malin
Chanter…………………….Vasilios Rokas
Choir Director …………….To Be Hired
YOUTH MINISTRIES
Directors
GOYA ............... Stavroula Bakolas
JOY ................... Julie Karagianis
Mommy & Me …Ranya Karatzoulidis
PARISH SCHOOLS
Sunday School
Directors
Theohare Kapellakis & Ranya Karatzoulidis
Teachers………. Nicole Condodemetraky
Rita Gallos
Ranya Karatzoulidis
Joni Stamoulis
Greek School
Director ……………George Kitsis
Teacher …………….Alexandra Bruttaniti
Advisor …………….Connie Stamoulis
Newsletter Editors
Fr. Gregory Trakas Janet Malin
Sophia Annas Nancy Mardanes
James Folopoulos Kathy Papakostas
Ellen Healy Helen Rainey
Nick Karagianis
Address Changes
Please notify the Church office if
you are moving so that we may
update our database.
Thank you!
Pastoral Home Visitation
If a loved one is in the hospital,
a nursing home, or house-bound for
any reason, please contact
Fr. Gregory Trakas at the Church
office to arrange a visit.
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Parish Priest
A great “thank you” to our Greekfest committee and its chairman Costa Georgopoulos, our Parish
Council members and president Jim Folopoulos, our Ladies of Philoptochos and president Lucie
Scouteris, our Youth Group and their leaders, our sponsors, our donors, our volunteers and all of you,
our parishioners, who came and supported our church and helped make Greekfest 2017 a huge success!
September is the beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year! The last big feast of the old Ecclesiastical Year was
the Dormition and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The first big feast of the new Ecclesiastical Year is the
Birth of the Virgin Mary! It is very appropriate to begin and end each year with the Mother of God, the
Theotokos. Her miraculous birth from two aged and barren parents, Joachim and Anna, shows the power
of God, who “can raise up descendants of Abraham from stones” (Matthew 3:9). With her birth, we are
beginning to see the unfolding of the secret Plan of our Salvation, which was part of God’s Divine Economy.
September is also the month of the Holy Cross! September 14th, the feast of the Holy Cross, is one of
four strictest fasting days of the year, when we prepare body and soul to venerate the biggest symbol of
our faith! It is through the Cross Resurrection was made possible! It is “through the Cross, salvation came
to mankind” (Galatians 5:11). It is often with a Cross that we must follow our Lord (Matthew 16:24).
Finally, September is the beginning of the school year. Our young ones cheerfully return to their classes,
reminding us of our own school years. The youth is the future of our Church! It is up to us to teach them
well and by our example. Parents should be leading the prayer at home, at the beginning and end of each
day and each meal. Parents should be talking and reading to their kids about the Lord. Parents should be
cheerfully leading the way to church and its ministries on Sunday mornings. Parents should be showing
love and kindness to all people, creatures and the environment, because our children are watching us.
Spiritual parents and grandparents raise (in most cases) spiritual kids and grandkids. Finally, there is one
thing we should imitate our children instead of the other way around. We should try to become pure like
them, because “to those belongs the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 19:14).
Both the Birth of Panagia on September 8th, and the feast of the Holy Cross on September 14
th are on
weekdays. If your schedule permits, please honor these great feasts of our Orthodox faith by
participating to the Divine Liturgy on both days.
Parish News
I hope everybody has had a blessed summer and is looking forward to joining us for the new Ecclesiastical
Year starting September 1st. Winter hours and coffee fellowship will begin on Sunday, September 17th,
with Orthros starting at 8:45 AM and Divine Liturgy starting at 10 AM.
As our 2017 Greekfest has just finished, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who helped
making it a tremendous success! First and foremost, I would like to thank our Greekfest Chairman, Costas
Georgopoulos, who flawlessly organized and managed all activities before, during and after the festival.
In addition, the following groups should also be acknowledged for their countless hours of assistance: the
Ladies of the Philoptochos Society, our Youth Ministries, our cooks in the kitchen and on the grills, our
runners who speedily delivered the food to all food stations, our set up and breakdown crews, our Ad
Book committee, our tour guides and finally Fr. Gregory along with all the members of Parish Council.
PRINTING CORRECTION: We sincerely apologize to the Garos family for the inadvertent omission of
their 2017 Greekfest family message in our Adbook. Please allow us to correct this in next year’s issue.
Finally, this month’s Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday, September 11th, at 7:00 PM.
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I am very grateful to be working with such a wonderful group!
Thank you all for your support! - Jim Folopoulos, Parish Council President
Philoptochos News
I look forward to the beginning of another successful year for the Philoptochos Society and welcome the
newly elected 2017- 2018 Board. I hope and pray that we will all work together cheerfully for the good of
our church and the needy that we serve. Please consider joining our organization and attending our monthly
meetings. We welcome your ideas and participation.
Philoptochos Board 2017 - 2018
President – Lucie Skouteris Vice President – Maria Chronas
Treasurer – Helen Rainey Corresponding Secretary – Andrea Moutsioulis
Recording Secretary –Michelle Kapos Natl. & Local Board Liaison – Mariana Gasis
Advisor – Nancy Mardanes Martha Galanis, Evangelia Gregorious, Artemis Lazos
Reminder: If you are growing fresh basil, please bring it to church for September 14th, the Feast of the
Elevation of the Holy Cross.
Coffee hours are beginning again on Sunday, September 17th. Please contact the church office to reserve a
date if you wish to sponsor a regular coffee hour, or a memorial coffee hour. Philoptochos Board members
will help you with the set-up and clean-up. We also need your help with the coffee hours Philoptochos
sponsors, especially for the cleanup. If we all lend a hand, the burden will not fall on just a few.
My sincere thanks to all who donated money for the flowers at the August services which were held in
honor of our Panagia. I am also grateful for all those who helped with the preparations for Greekfest and
those who worked at the event. I hope to see everyone at our annual Autumn Bazaar, which will be held
Saturday and Sunday, October 28th and 29
th. Please let us know if you can help by either volunteering your
time, or making pastries, or donating a gift for the penny sale.
The next Philoptochos Board meeting will be held Wednesday, September 6th, at 6:30 PM.
Lucie Skouteris, President
New Horizons Soup Kitchen
The New Horizons Soup Kitchen visit this month is on Sunday, September 24th, 4:00 – 6:00 PM. We are
always looking for volunteers to join our group. This is such a rewarding experience! Please join us for less
than two hours of fellowship with the group from the Assumption Church. If you have any questions,
please call the church office. Thank you!
Choir
We are looking for an organist and choir director. If anyone is interested in learning the organ, we will
pay for their lessons. Please contact the church office.
Starting September 17th, we will be looking again for volunteers to join our talented choir. All ages are
welcome! Do not be shy if you do not have experience. All that is required is your passion and love for
our church! During the summer, the choir is not singing or practicing.
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Youth Ministry News
Those interested in joining our Youth Team, please contact Fr. Gregory, Stavroula Bakolas or a youth team
member. Sunday school teachers and assistants are greatly needed. Also, we are looking for additional
advisors for all our ministries. Help in planting the seeds of the future of our Church and help it grow!
The Youth Ministry team will sponsor the coffee hour on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Our first coffee
hour will be on October 15th. All youth families are welcome to bring in a morning snack to share with
the community. More information will follow.
Sunday School
Sunday school registration for all students will take place on Sunday, September 17th during coffee hour in
the church hall. At that time, children can also register for all other Youth Ministries. Registration forms will
also be available on Thursday, September 14th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM during Greek.School registration.
Please visit the Youth Ministries registration table.
Sunday School classes will begin on Sunday, September 24th. All students and parents are asked to meet the
teachers in the school building at 10:00 AM.
The same day, there will be Agiasmos (Blessing of the Water) for our Sunday School in church. All classes
will attend church as a group with their teachers.
Finally, we welcome Ranya Karatzoulides in her new role as the Co-Director of our Sunday School. We
are certain her valuable Youth Ministry experience will be an asset to our school and our children.
Greek School Registration and Open House for Greek school will be on Thursday, September 14
th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM.
Classes will begin on Thursday, September 21st at 3:30 PM, and the Blessing (Agiasmos) for the new school
year for all classes will be in the school building at 5:00 PM.
GRADES LESSON DANCE (starts Thursday, October 11th)
Beginners 1 and 2 3:30 - 5:00 PM 5:00 - 5:30 PM
………………….BLESSING (AGIASMOS)for all classes: 5:00 PM………………..
Intermediate 1 and 2 5:00 - 6:30 PM 4:30 - 5:00 PM
Advanced 1 and 2 6:30 - 7:30 PM 6:00 - 6:30 PM
We are looking forward to seeing you all in September, Mr. Kitsis and Ms. Alexandra
GOYA - Joy - Mommy & Me - Altar Boys Registration for GOYA, JOY, MOMMY & ME and Altar Boy Ministries will take place on Sunday,
September 17th during coffee hour in the church hall. At that time, children can also register for Greek
School and Sunday School. Registration forms will also be available on Thursday, September 14th from
4:00 – 6:00 PM during Greek School registration. Please visit the Youth Ministries registration table.
Finally, an additional registration opportunity for all Youth Ministries will be on Sunday, September 24th,
during coffee hour in the church hall.
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ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, MANCHESTER NH
2017-2018
YOUTH MINISTRIES PARTICIPATION & MEDICAL RELESE FORM
Please initial below which ministries your child will be participating in
Sunday School/Religious Education (ages Pre-K thru 8) _____
Greek School Program _____
(Additional registration form needed if your child is registering for Greek School)
Mommy & Me (ages infant thru 4) _____
J.O.Y. Junior Orthodox Youth (ages 5 thru 11) _____
G.O.Y.A. Greek Orthodox Youth of America (ages 12 thru 18) _____
ALTAR BOY (boys ages 7 and older) _____
Child’s Full Name __________________________________________________________
Nickname (if preferred)_______________________ Date of Birth __________Age____
Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________ Relationship _________________
Mailing Address _________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code ______________________________________
Home Phone______________ Parent Cell ______________ Emergency # _______________
Facebook _______________ Tweeter _______________ Email ________________________
I give my child _____________________ permission to participate in the any/all of the above listed Assumption Youth Ministry Programs and associated Event/Field Trips.
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Manchester, NH, and its constituent representative organizations from any and all liability for personal injuries and/or property damage or loss to my child that may arise in any way from participating in these programs/activities. This includes, but is not limited to transportation to or from any activities including liability that results from alleged negligence of the church and its representatives.
Furthermore, I agree to allow my child ________________________ to be treated for emergency medical conditions that should result from any injuries received, providing such treatment is advised by a medical physician. I accept full responsibility for any and all cost which may be related to such treatment.
PLEASE LIST ALL CURRENT MEDICAL CONDITIONS / ALLERGIES:
Child’s Physician ___________________________________Phone _________________
I (parent/guardian ) _________________am currently a member in Good Standing of the
______________________________________Greek Orthodox Parish in _______________NH
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________________Date _________
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Sacraments & Services
When planning a baptism or wedding, please check church availability BEFORE booking
your reception hall. Thank you!
Planning Memorials
When planning for a memorial, please contact the church office at 603-623-2045.
There is a particular altar wine and incense we use. Please call for details!
-623-2045. There is a certain kind of altar wine and certain incense we use. Please call for
details!
Donations & Offerings
Greekfest Donation
Peter & James Camberis $250.00
Spring Dance - $1,215.00
Donations in Memory of
The Dimitriadis Family
Anastasia Galanis
Efrosini & Giorgios Meimetis
Glykeria Tsoubanos
It is with great appreciation we have received three considerable donations made
to our parish, which we would like to recognize. The benefactors are Doris
Springer (Alex Demos’ sister), Phyllis Brown and Anastasia Galanis. Their
thoughtfulness, generosity and caring, demonstrates their desire that our parish
prospers and grows for generations to come. May their memory be eternal.
Memorials
September 3rd - 5 years Georgios Kitsis
September 10th - 1 year - Iris Belinsky
September 17th - 1 year – Kelly Locke
Baptism
September 10th - Giovanni Thomas, son of
Stephanie Kotromanos & Miguel DeJesus
Weddings
September 10th - Matthew Kitsis & Kelly Giaguinto
September 22nd
- Chelsea Piet & Kristian Garces
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July Stewardship 2017
Mr. & Mrs. Tyler Boutwell
Peter Camberis
Dr. Jennie & Michael DiBartolomeo
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer
Mr. & Mrs.Stathis Kapellakis
Esther Kereakoglow
Mr. & Mrs. Leon Lampes
Eugenia Lefebvre
Chelsea Piet & Kristian Garces
Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Poplin
Helen Rainey
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Skouteris
Patricia Tingos
Mr. & Mrs. Vaios Tzimas
Thank you for your love to the House of the Lord and Panagia!
“Seek first God’s Kingdom and His
Righteousness and all other things shall be
added to you.” (Matt 6:33)
“And some seeds fell into good soil and
grew and yielded a hundredfold.” (Luke
8:8)
“Give to Cesar what is Cesar’s and to God
what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17)
Reap bountifully. God loves a cheerful
giver.”
(St. Paul – 2nd
Corinthians 9:6-8)
“Rich is not the one who has much, but
the one who gives much. For what one
gives away, he keeps for all eternity.”
(St. John Chrysostom)
Please submit your
2017 Stewardship Pledge
Stewardship is our God-given
OBLIGATION and the PRIMARY
source of income for our church!
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BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING
If you would like to advertise your business card in our
monthly bulletin, please contact the Church Office.
A business card format, about 2 ½” x 1 ½” will run for a
period of 12 months for one set fee of $150.00 a year.
This will help us defray the ever-increasing costs of
printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes and at
the same time you will be advertising your business to our
parishioners, and through word of mouth, to their friends.
This is a great opportunity for all!
Assumption Church Youth Ministry invites you to join us for apple picking
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH at 2:30pm
Mack’s Apples
230 Mammoth Road
Londonderry, NH 03053
We will meet at Mack’s Apples’ main building, and follow each other to the orchard
Make sure to dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes.
Any questions please contact:
Nicole Condodemetraky at [email protected]
We Hope to see you there!!
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Greekfest 2017
12
Road
NH
NON-PROFIT O G. US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER, PERMIT NO. 6249
ASSUMPTION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
LADIES OF AUXILARY / PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY
ANNUAL AUTUMN BAZAAR
OCTOBER 28 & 29, 2017
SATURDAY 10:00 AM TO 7:00 PM
SUNDAY 11:30 AM TO 3:00 PM
GREEK FOOD & PASTRIES
RAFFLES & PENNY SALE 111 ISLAND POND ROAD
MANCHESTER, NH
