January 2013

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church! ! !! ! !! !

608 SOUTH COLLEGE ROAD • WILMINGTON, NC 28403 • (910) 392-4444 • FAX (910) 392-4905

WWW.STNICHOLASWILMINGTON.ORG

The Feast of TheophanyJanuary 6

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church January 2013

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Fr. Nicolaos Spirakis Interim Priest

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.Church Website: www.stnicholaswilmington.org

Office Phone: 910-392-4444 Office Fax: 910-392-4905Fr. Nicolaos Spirakis for pastoral emergencies (910) 617-0787

Office Email: office@stnicholaswilmington.org

2012 PARISH COUNCILOfficers Members Emanuel Miliotis (President) Nick Lazaridis Maria StasiosEvangelos Fragos (Vice President) Peter Malahias Alexandros TheodoropoulosTina Bostic (Secretary) Debbie Rallis Irene Sotiriou VogiatzisBarbara Reynolds (Treasurer) Nick Saffo

CHURCH STAFFDaphne M. Snow, Parish Office Administrator

PARISH MINISTRY TEAM

Philoptochos...Mary Beth Miliotis, Chapter President

Religious Education...Richard Reynolds, Ministry Chair Adult Education...Richard Reynolds Youth Catechism...Courtney Malahias, Director Bookstore/Library...Mary Ann Wall Oratorical Festival...Courtney Malahias

Hellenic Culture...Kitsa Wiersteiner, Ministry Chair Hellenic School...Alexandros Theodoropoulos Romiosini Dance Group...Zaharoula Katsikis Zoyra Dance Group...Kitsa Wiersteiner Choral...Dr. Michael Rallis Special Activities...Kitsa Wiersteiner

Youth Diakonia...Koula Katsikis, Ministry Chair GOYA...Dr. David Snow, Irene Sotiriou Vogiatzis, Mary Beth Miliotis, Tina Bostic, Advisors HOPE/JOY...Peter & Kim Saffo Liturgical Life...Dr. Michael Rallis, Ministry Chair Liturgical Music...Dr. Michael Rallis Acolytes (Altar Boys)...Doug Brown

Communications...Parish Office Administrator Webmaster...Alexandros Theodoropoulos Communication & Publications...Daphne Snow Technology...Alexandros Theodoropoulos Media/Community...Alexandros Theodoropoulos and Debbie Rallis Parish Life...*Volunteer Needed* Parish Life Night…Mary Anne Vavalette Men’s Group...Peter Saffo Forever Young...Stella Vallianos LOVE...Stella McTaggart

Outreach & Evangelism...James Stasios, Ministry Chair OCF...Alexandros Theodoropoulos Hospitality...Ed & Kathleen Mayorga Community Service...Sia Mayorga Gibbs Parish Care...Debbie Rallis

Stewardship... Debbie Rallis

From the Chancellor’s DeskGiving Until It Hurts

Don`t give until it hurts. Give until it helps. The story is told of a very wealthy man who had never been known for his generosity to the church.

The church was involved in a big financial program and they resolved to pay him a visit. When the committee met with the man one afternoon, they said that in view of his considerable resources they were sure that he would like to make a substantial contribution to this program.

"I see," he said, "so you have it all figured out have you? In the course of your investigation did you discover that I have a widowed mother who has no other means of support but me?"

No, they responded, they did not know that.

"Did you know that I have a sister who was left by a drunken husband with five children and no means to provide for them?"

No, they said, we did not know that either.

"Well, sir, did you know also that I have a brother who is crippled due to an automobile accident and can never work another day to support his wife and family?"

Embarrassingly, they responded, no sir, we did not know that either.

"Well," he thundered triumphantly, "I’ve never given any of them a cent so why should I give anything to you?"

Like that man, perhaps we are not aware of whether the gifts of our time, talents, and treasures hurt or help. It is interesting to me that people who truly support our Lord's Holy Church never speak of it as hurting. It is the grudging giver who is the one who always registers the complaint: ‘At that church all they talk about is money.’ My hope is that any parishioner(s) who may have the notion of "giving until it hurts" will let go of that notion, and affirm instead that we all "get to give until it helps."

Faithfully,

Very Rev. Fr. George TsahakisChancellor

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From Emanuel Miliotis,Parish Council President

HAPPY NEW YEAR & XRONIA POLLA !!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday with their family and friends. It is hard to believe that 2013 is here and we are getting ready to launch into a brand new year.

As we begin this year, obviously our number one priority is to work with the Metropolis to get a full time priest in our community. While they have had discussions with a few candidates, there isn’t anything firm to report. We are in communication with the Metropolis every few weeks so they understand our urgency. In the meantime we acknowledge Fr. Nick’s service in our community and thank him for how involved he has been.

Now more than ever, in this transition period, your church needs you the most. I am so proud of the ministry teams, volunteers and parish council who diligently continue to keep moving forward with all the programs and activities we offer. As such, I would like to ask, now that we are past the holidays, to remember St. Nicholas with your stewardship pledge. I appreciate your prayerful consideration and submission of your cards so we can secure our plans for 2013.

In Christ’s serviceEmanuel Miliotis

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Save the Date - February 2013 February 3 - Super Bowl Sunday

February 9 - Hellenic School Valentine’s Day Dance

February 16 - UNCW Intercultural Festival

February 24 - Triodion Begins

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Outreach & EvangelismJim Stasios

“Christ is Born; Glorify Him!”

We extend best wishes to all Parishioners for a happy, health and blessed new year. Xronia Polla... “Many Years”!

The month of December started with a very successful 2nd Annual STOP HUNGER NOW (SHN) meal-packaging event in our Parish’s Hellenic Center. On Saturday, December 1st, over 100 volunteers from our St. Nicholas Parish, the St. Basil the Great Orthodox Parish, St. Nicholas GOYA, AHEPA-Cape Fear Chapter #408, UNCW’s OCF students and teammates from DaVita Healthcare Partners came together and package over 34,000 meals! Our initial goal was 25,000 meals with a fund-raising objective of $6,250. We were blessed again this year with generous donors and with a $2,000 Grant Award from the KT Community Foundation (DaVita Healthcare Partners). We raised a total of $8,131.75 and exceed our goals. “Thank you” to all who contributed and volunteered at this years’ SHN event! Because of your efforts, 34,000 meals will be distributed to hungry people in developing countries.

Our SHN event was hosted as part of our Parish’s St. Nicholas Feast Day observance. We had Vesper Services on Wednesday evening, December 5th followed by a Lenten meal in the Hellenic Center, and we celebrated our Parish’s Feast Day with Orthos and Divine Liturgy Services on Thursday morning, December 6th. Thank you to those who were able to attend and support this most important Feast Day - the name day of our beloved St. Nicholas Church.

As we begin the 2013 New Year, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast Day of St. Basil the Great on January 1st; Holy Theophany (Epiphany) on January 6th and the Feast Day of John the Forerunner on January 7th. We extend best wishes to all Parishioners who celebrate their Name Days during this time period in early January.

Outreach & Evangelism, continued

Our Parish will observe the annual cutting of the Vasilopita on Sunday, January 13th, following Divine Liturgy. Please consult other articles in this newsletter for additional information on “Vasilopita Sunday”...the St. Nicholas Ladies Philoptochos Society’s annual fundraiser for their philanthropic efforts during the year. Please attend and give generously to this deserving organization within our Parish.

Let’s resolve to attend church regularly in the new year; to reach-out to those who have fallen away from the church, to visit the sick and shut-ins...those in nursing homes and hospitals... and to be an example for others to follow. With your support , we can continue to grow in our outreach ministry efforts. Again, thank you for your support and encouragement this past year.

“Happy New Year!”

“Everything we do is an opportunity for outreach and evangelism!”

LOVEStella McTaggart

Our next LOVE event will be breakfast and free play for the kids. Please join us Friday, January 18, 2013 starting at 9 am at the Chick-Fil-A at Mayfaire. We have reserved the back room for our event which means we need a 10 person head count. Please RSVP to Stella McTaggart for this event. December’s event really let the children get their wiggles out by playing in our very own Church Nursery. From crawling, running, and imaginative play everyone seemed to enjoy some time to just let loose in a comfortable environment. If you are interested in finding out more information about LOVE, please contact Stella McTaggart.

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PhiloptochosMary Beth Miliotis

This last month has been a busy time for the Ladies Philoptochos Society. We held our annual bake sale November 17-18. It was another successful one and we thank you for your support. The proceeds helped us to provide food for the Thanksgiving holiday to 25 families in addition to providing for other philanthropic needs. We also held our Christmas brunch this year on December 8th at the lovely home of Tia Saffo. It was well attended and was an enjoyable time for some holiday fellowship. A special thank you to Tia for opening her home and arranging a warm and festive gathering. Preparation has begun for our annual Vasilopita cutting and auction which is scheduled for January 13th. If you are interested in donating a Vasilopita please contact either Kitsa Wiersteiner (790-3178) or Thalia Kefalas (791-6898). We pray that you have a blessed Christmas season and enter in to a New Year that is filled with the grace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

RomiosiniIrene Sotiriou

This month we wish our Romiosini Dancers the best of luck at the Hellenic Dance Festival in Winston Salem, NC on January 18-21. They have been practicing hard for many months now. We especially would like to thank our costume designer, Nota Dukas, for the beautiful Macedonian costumes that have been hand sewn for our 24 dancers. Words cannot express our gratitude. And a big thank you to our dance instructor, Zaharoula Katsikis, for the endless hours she squeezes in behind the scenes to teach our teens Greek dances and for them to have a great pride in representing our St. Nicholas Community to the entire southeast. This year our youth will be performing dances from Thraki and Macedonia. We wish everyone a safe trip. God bless you all.

Hellenic SchoolAlexandros Theodoropoulos

On Friday, December 14th, our Hellenic School concluded this semester and the 2012 year with its Christmas social meeting. During this meeting, which was well attended by our Hellenic School families and friends, we had the opportunity to practice fellowship and exchange ideas about our Hellenic School ministry for the spring semester as well as the upcoming years. We would like to express our gratitude to Chris’s Restaurant, which is also one of our consistent supporters, for donating the delicious food we enjoyed as well as our Hellenic School families who contributed the salad, desserts, drinks and paper plates during our event! We would further like to thank all of you that came to our social as well as all of you also that have been supporting our Hellenic School ministry in general during all this time! We are looking forward to an even more successful spring semester and New Year!

Best wishes for a spiritually uplifting Christmas season and a blessed New Year!

ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ!ΕΥΤΥΧΙΣΜΕΝΟΣ Ο ΚΑΙΝΟΥΡΓΙΟΣ ΧΡΟΝΟΣ!ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΜΕ ΥΓΕΙΑ, ΣΟΦΙΑ & ΦΩΤΙΣΗ!

BEST WISHES FOR MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD HEALTH,

WISDOM & ENLIGHTENMENT!

HOPE/JOYPeter & Kim Saffo

Please plan to attend our fun activity planned for January. We will meet at the Fort Fisher Aquarium at 1 PM on Sunday, January 20, 2013.

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Catechism CornerCourtney Malahias

Happy New Year!

I don't know about you but I am so happy to ring in a new year! This will be the year to slow down and focus on what really matters in life. My Sunday goal of doing nothing but worship and breathe has been very challenging, especially during this holiday season - definitely a work in progress - but I am making an effort and it feels good when I am successful at it.

Last week was very stressful and I felt like "how am I going to get it all done?' I felt like little elves were at work in my life in all areas especially here at church! Our Christmas program went very well and I am so proud of our children! They were amazing and were so easy to work with! I owe a huge thank you to Kim and Peter Saffo, Daphne for rounding in the troops, Kim Dandulakis, Rhonda Ponos, Alexia Porzio and Alexandros Theodoropoulos for his technical support. A HUGE thank you to Helen Flowers to whom without, we would not have eaten!! And last but not least, my wonderful husband for staying in the kitchen and making sure all was cooked and cleaned up! Oratorical Festival is around the corner, so talk to your children, look at the topics and try to encourage them to participate! I appreciate your children and all of you! Remember.............…

KEEP CALMAND PRAY ON

Congratulations

Congratulations to Dr. John Poulos of Fayetteville (son of Pat & Mike Poulos) on receiving the Archangel Michael Award for his parish. Αξιος! (Nov. 10)

Sympathies and Memorials

A two year memorial service was chanted on December 2 for Olga Karafas, aunt of Antoni, Kosta and Stamatis Karafas. May her memory be eternal!

A two year memorial service was chanted on December 23 for George Adamidis, brother of Kitsa Wiersteiner. May his memory be eternal!

A three year memorial service was chanted on December 23 for Kyriakoula Poulos Fragos, mother of Argiro Moe, Sophia Tracy and Evangelos Fragos. May her memory be eternal!

A Trisagion was offered on December 2 for His Grace Bishop John of Amorion who fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 1. May his memory be eternal!

We extend our deepest sympathy to Anastasios Vogiatzis on the falling asleep of his wife, Eleni Vogiatzis, on December 16. Mrs. Vogiatzis was the mother of Ioannis and Vasilios Vogiaztis, we extend our sympathy to them and their families. May her memory be eternal!

With the saints, give rest to the souls of Yourservants, where there is no pain, sorrow, or suffering,

but life eternal.

Thank YouA special thank you to the family that donated the turkeys for the Thanksgiving Food Baskets. God Bless!

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church January 2013

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Liturgical LifeDr. Michael Rallis

THE COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY ICON AXION ESTIN, [DOSTOJNO JEST - IT IS TRULY MEET TO BLESS YOU]AND THE MIRACLE THAT OCCURRED BEFORE IT DURING THE REIGN OF PATRIARCH NICHOLAS CHRYSOVERGES (983-996 A.D.)

The miracle consists of this: One night a monk was reading the Canon to the Holy Birth-Giver of God and was singing "More honorable than the Cherubim" in his cell in the monastery of the Pantocrator in Mt. Athos, now called "Axion Estin" after the icon. His elder had gone to Karyes. Suddenly a man appeared in church and began to sing: "Truly it is Meet." That hymn so far was unknown in the church. The monk upon hearing this hymn, became excited not only because of its contents but also because of the beautiful heavenly singing. "Among us, we sing it in this manner," said the elder to the monk. The monk wanted to have this hymn written down and brought a tablet on which the stranger wrote down this hymn with his finger as though upon wax. Suddenly he vanished. That stranger was the Archangel Gabriel. This tablet was taken to Constantinople and the hymn remains even today in the Church.

HYMN OF PRAISEA MONK AT PRAYER

A monk at night, alone in church

With a fervent prayer, dispels darkness from his soul,

All at once, a monk arrived, about him, nothing unusual,

And, as an experienced cantor, began to chant.

Then, the first monk began: "More Honorable"

Glorifying the Mother of God, Mother "More Glorious".

To him, the miraculous guest spoke about this hymn of praise:

"Among us," said he: "this hymn we sing differently,

As you began, we do not begin,

Rather with "Truly it is Meet," venerable father!"

And the entire hymn: "Truly it is Meet" he uttered,

And the monk tried, not a word to omit.

Now I breathe easier, O my virtuous brother

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Of your hymn, allow me to copy it!

But pencil he has not and not even paper has he,

The church a place for prayer is and not for writing!

Then the guest at midnight traced the church with a cross

And on the stone with his finger he began to write.

As on soft wax, on the stone he wrote,

At this man, the monk was amazed.

Of the unusual guest, the monk inquired: "Who are you?"

For you, may it be enough that my name is Gabriel.

At once he disappeared. The monk with horror

Recognized the Archangel in the monastic habit.

That which he wrote, no one erased

With heavenly fragrance, the church was filled.

REFLECTIONA true friend prays to God for his friend. A true friend is concerned about the salvation of the soul of his friend. To dissuade a friend from false paths and to direct him on the path of truth, that is precious friendship. The saints of God are the best friends of mankind. Two youths, Barnabas and Paul, were friends while together they were attending the school of Gamaliel. When Barnabas became a Christian, he persistently and tearfully prayed to God that He would also enlighten the mind and turn the heart of Paul in order that he becomes a Christian. Barnabas often spoke to Paul about Christ the Lord but Paul ridiculed him and considered him as one led astray. However, the Good Lord did not leave the prayers of Barnabas without fruit. The Good Lord appeared to Paul and turned him from the path of falsehood to the path of truth. The converted Paul then fell before the feet of his friend and cried out: "O Barnabas, teacher of truth, I am now convinced that everything which you spoke to me about Christ is the truth!" Barnabas wept with joy and embraced his friend. Barnabas, the friend saved the soul of his friend by his fervent prayer. If Barnabas has succeeded to place Paul as the emperor of Rome, he would have done less for him than what he succeeded in doing with prayer to bring him to the truth.

CONTEMPLATIONTo contemplate the miraculous healing of the blind-dumb man: "Then was brought to Him one possessed with a devil, blind and dumb: and He healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw" (St. Matthew 12:22):

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church January 2013

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VASILOPITA SUNDAYSPONSORED BY LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY

Join us for the tradition of

Vasilopita Sunday to be held on Sunday, January 13 immediately following the Divine Liturgy.

Featuring delicious Vasilopites baked by the members of St. Nicholas

A wonderful way to begin the New Year!

Vasilopita is the traditional New Year’s Day bread associated with St. Basil. Each year our Greek

Orthodox parishes raise money through donations for St. Basil’s Academy, the Greek Orthodox

Archdiocese’s home for children in need. Here at St. Nicholas, we celebrate the cutting of the Vasilopita

with our annual Vasilopita auction. The money raised will be distributed by our Ladies Philoptochos

organization to St. Basil’s Academy and other charities.

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LOVELOVELOVE

Bring  your  Preschool  and  under  aged  child  to  our  next  LOVE

(Living  Orthodoxy  Very  Early)  event  at  the  Chick-Fil-A  at  Mayfaire.

We  would  LOVE to  see  you!

Friday,  January  18,  2013 9  am

Please  RSVP  to  Stella  McTaggart  at  stellamctaggart@ec.rr.com (We  need  a  headcount  of  10  to  keep  our  room  private.)

**Even  if  you  cannot  join  us  for  this  month’s  event,  please  contact  the  Church  so  we  can  add  you  to  our  mailing  list.    We  want  to  make  sure  all  families  with  preschool  and  younger  children  (or  expecting)  are  part  of  this  group  so  we  can  come  up  with  unique  and  age  appropriate  events  that  work  for  you.  **

6891  Swan  Mill  Rd Wilmington,  NC  28405  

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Mark Your Calendars!

Speakers

Workshops

Fellowship

More!

April 12th thru 14th, 2013

1 St. Basil, New Year’s Day, Office Closed

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6:00 PM Parish Life Night6:30 PM Adult Study7:00 PM GOYA Discussion

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5:00 PM Hellenic School

58:00 AM Men’s Group11:00 AM Romiosini Practice

6 Family Worship Sunday 8:30 AM Orthros10:00 AM Divine Liturgy12:30 Romiosini Practice

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7:00PM Festival Meeting

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7:00 PM Parish Council Meeting

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6:00 PM Parish Life Night6:30 PM Adult Study7:00 PM GOYA Discussion

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5:00 PM Hellenic School

128:00 AM Men’s Group

11:00 AM Romiosini Practice

13 8:30 AM Orthros10:00 AM Divine Liturgy12:30 PM Vasilopita Sunday2:00 PM Romiosini Practice

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Romiosini Practice TBA

15Newsletter Articles Due

Romiosini Practice TBA

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Romiosini Practice TBA6:00 PM Parish Life Night6:30 PM Adult Study

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Romiosini Practice TBA

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5:00 PM Hellenic School

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8:00 AM Men’s Group

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8:30 AM Orthros10:00 AM Divine Liturgy1:00 PM JOY/HOPE Activity

21 Martin Luther King Holiday, Office closed

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6:00 PM Parish Life Night6:30 PM Adult Study7:00 PM GOYA Discussion

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5:00 PM Hellenic School

268:00 AM Men’s Group

278:30 AM Orthros10:00 AM Divine Liturgy

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6:00 PM ECM/COM Meeting7:00 PM Festival Meeting

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6:00 PM Parish Life Night6:30 PM Adult Study7:00 PM GOYA Discussion

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Parish Calendar January 2013SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY SATURDAYFRIDAY

Hellenic Dance Festival, Winston-Salem

Hellenic Dance Festival

ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

608 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED