The

Community

Echo

Monthly Newsletter of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, PA

April 2014

Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

Our Vision: We are called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be united and to strive for Theosis (oneness with God). Our vision at Sts. Constantine and Helen is to see every parishioner recognize and acknowledge his or her calling; and being motivated by love for Christ and faithfulness, live the Orthodox Christian life.

And Our Parish Mission Statement: We affirm that the ultimate and exclusive goal of every Orthodox Christian is Theosis. The mission of our parish is to reach out in love to all faithful members, as well as to the unchurched Orthodox in our community, and to everyone interested in Orthodoxy. We do this to help facilitate spiritual growth while intently focusing on the four pillars of Orthodox Christianity: Leitourgia (worship), Martyria (witness), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia (service).

How to Contact the Church Church’s Telephone Number ................................................................................................ 610-374-7511 Church’s FAX Number .......................................................................................................... 610-374-5890 Church’s E-mail Address ........................................................................... office@stsconstantinehelen.org Church’s Web Site ............................................................................... http://www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Church Office Hours ............................................................. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

Website……………………………………………………………………………www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Church Staff and Volunteers Fr. Thomas Pappalas Home Telephone ............................................................................... 610-779-7356 Fr. Tom’s E-mail address ............................................................................... frtompappalas@gmail.com Jordan Zanetis, jm.zanetis@gmail.com ................................................................................ 615-668-4054 Fr. Spyridon Papademetriou Home Telephone ................................................................. ...610-373-1952 Deacon James Elliker Home Telephone…………………………………………….................610-926-9609 Parish Council President Artie Fecera’s Home Telephone…. ........................................... ..610-670-3434 E-mail address ............................................................................................................... afecera@aol.com Vice-President Chuck Mowbray ............................................................................................ 610-777-0128 Philoptochos President, Des Denne……………………………..………………………………610-678-8006 E-mail address ..................................................................................................... desdenne@comcast.net Sunday School, Tula Donahue ............................................................................................. 610-670-9141 Adult Choir Director, Ann Kraras ........................................................................................... 610-376-2184 Junior Choir, Maria Damore .................................................................................................. 610-370-0635 GOYA Co-Advisors, Margaret Phyrillas (610-370-0195) and Sharon Lountzis…………..... 610-779-0479 Greek School Teacher, Sophia Tzinis .................................................................................. 610-823-3120 Greek Dance Troupe, Esther Ganas-Miranda, aristea1@aol.com ………………………......610-468-1620 Greek School, Esther Ganas-Miranda, aristea1@aol.com ...….…………………………......610-468-1620 Altar Care, Alan Kachel. Chris Carley, Jim Rohm………………….……………. ……………610-929-8545 Children’s Library, Denise Porcaro ....................................................................................... 610-926-2130 Vacation Bible School, Amy Elliker ....................................................................................... 610-913-1223 Church Bookstore, Chris Dialectos (610-373-7702) and Dawn Medaglia ........................... 610-376-3661 Epistle Readers, Karl Krohn .................................................................................................. 610-779-5223 Office Volunteers, Fran Ioannidi ........................................................................................... 610-678-0269 (K. English, B. Futrick, J. Giovanis, L. Goodhart, S. Ioannidi, E. Ioannidi, G. Karahalias, P. Orphanos, M. Pettis, J. Tsakeris, V. Tsakeris, P. Zampelli and E. Young) Knitting Ministry, Fran Ioannidi .............................................................................................. 610-678-0269 Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Kallie English .................... 610-372-5695 Order of AHEPA, George Giovanis ....................................................................................... 610-775-9602 Habitat for Humanity, Milton Capiotis.................................................................................... 610-670-5842 Kitchen Crew, Steve Lecatsas .............................................................................................. 610-777-0201 Meals on Wheels, Susan Seibert .......................................................................................... 610-678-5907 JOY Advisors, Sophia Westover and Marianthi Caloiero ..................................................... 610-406-5189 OPA Advisor, Amy Elliker…..………………………………………………………………….….610-913-1223 Fellowship Hour Coordinator, Vangie McGowan .................................................................. 610-779-1402 Koleva Coordinator, Mary Pettis………………………………………………………………….610-678-2712

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Christ Three-Part Recipe for

Lent (Matthew 6:14-21)

By: Father Anthony Coniaris

In the Gospel lesson in the Orthodox lectionary prescribed for the Sunday before Great Lent (Chees-fare Sunday), the Lord Jesus offers us a three-part recipe for Lent: forgiveness, fasting, and

laying up treasures in heaven. Part III: Treasures

in Heaven

After forgiveness and fasting the third part of Christ’s recipe for Lent is expressed in His words: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for your selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal: for where your treasure is, there will your

heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

The question God puts before us in this Gospel lesson is: What treasures have you laid up for yourselves in heaven? What security will you have when you face the final hour? What will you be able to claim as yours when you appear before the throne of God? Granted, God means that we should live our life upon this earth to its fullest, but he also intends that we should live it as a preparation for what is to come. The question we must ask ourselves is: Are we laying up treasures in this life only? Or are we using this life to lay up eternal treasures – treasures that shall be ours for all eternity? All our treasurers on earth – said Jesus – will last only as long as this life. They are “rust collectors.” They will all end up in the junkyard. Service But in Jesus we find treasures that never lose their value. The first and foremost treasure is the treasure of love. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all that I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned but have not love, I gain nothing. Now remain faith, hope, and love these three; but the greatest of

these is love.” (I Cor. 13:1-3; 13) To be rich in love is to be rich indeed. There is the treasure of forgiveness that we spoke about above. The strongest walls which separate nations and people are not built by iron or steel, but are created by fear, hatred, and prejudice. The only way to break down these walls is through the practice of forgiveness. There is the treasure of knowing Jesus personally as our Lord and Savior. Lent is the time to strengthen our relationship with the most important person in the universe: the Lord Jesus. Through extra prayer, daily reading of His word in the Holy Bible, by frequent participation in Holy Communion, and by faithfully attending the extra liturgical services of Great Lent, we can deepen our relationship with Christ and establish Him firmly on the throne of our heart. Our lives are too cluttered with unessential and negative activities that prohibit us from laying up heavenly treasures. Lent is a time to weed out and cancel some of these unnecessary activities and create time for God and the accumulation of heavenly treasures. There are the treasures of prayer and doing God’s will. Jesus says, “He who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

(Matthew 12:50) True nobility said St. John Chrysostom consists in doing the will of God. And in the treasurer of prayer we have the awesome privilege of speaking and communing with our loving Lord at any hour of the day or night. What a treasure to constantly have the ear of God in prayer! And finally, there is the treasure of service to others in the name of Christ. St. Gregory of Nazianzus, while preaching on the Last Judgment scene in

Matthew 25, proclaimed: “I am fearful of that ‘left hand side’ and of ‘the goats’ … because they have not ministered to Christ through those in need … Let us take care of Christ then, while there is still time: let us visit Christ in his sickness, let us give to Christ to eat, let us clothe Christ in his nakedness, let us do honor to Christ, and not only at table as some do, not just with precious ointment, like Mary, nor just with a tomb, like Joseph of Arimathea … but let us give him his honor in his needy ones, in those who lie on the ground here before us this day.”

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A recently canonized martyr, St. Maria Skobtsova, a Russian Orthodox émigré nun who lived in France came to this conclusion about the same

passage in Matthew 25:

“The way to God lies through love of people. At the Last Judgment I shall not be asked whether I was successful in my ascetic exercises, nor how many bows and prostrations I made. Instead I shall be asked, did I feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and the prisoners. That is all I shall be asked. About every poor, hungry, and imprisoned person the Savior says “I”; ‘I was hungry, and thirsty, I was sick and in prison.’ To think that he puts an equal sign between himself and anyone in need … I always knew it, but now it has somehow penetrated to my sinews. It fills me with awe.” These, then, are the treasures that really count in God’s eyes, treasures that are not “rust collectors” but that will last forever: the treasure of love, forgiveness, knowing Jesus personally, prayer, doing God’s will, and service to our fellow human being through the fast of love. A ruler once threatened that he would take everything away from St. John Chrysostom. The great saint replied, “My treasure is in heaven and you can never take that away from me.” This Great lent why not try Christ’s three-part recipe: forgiveness, fasting, and laying up treasures in heaven. You will find it to be the perfect recipe if you are looking not only for a resurrected Christ, but also a resurrected you this Pascha!

The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim

Lord and master of my life, Take away from me the will to be lazy and to be sad, The desire to get ahead of other people and to boast and brag. Give me instead, a pure and humble spirit, The will to be patient with others and to love them. Grant, Lord that I may realize my own mistakes, and keep me from judging the things other people do. For you are blessed, now and forever. - Amen

Mother of the Year The procedure for the selection of the Mother of the Year recognition is as follows: A committee composed of the Parish Priest, Council President, Philoptochos President and a past recipient will select three individuals who are equally worthy of the award. The final selection will then be made by lottery. In addition to the committee selecting its own nominations, we are also seeking nominations from our Parishioners. If there is someone you wish to nominate, please fill out the form below and return it to the church office by April 30. The major criterion for receiving this award is participation in the total life of our Parish, particularly its religious life. Other considerations may include such items as volunteer work both within Parish and in the community, children’s activity in the life of the church, participation in Church organizations, and other evidence of devotion to our Church. We are looking forward to many nominations. Please take the time to nominate your “favorite” mother for this recognition.

Mother of the Year Nomination Form

(Please return to the Church Office by April 30, 2014)

I wish to nominate ________________________for

this year’s Mother of the Year recognition for the

following reasons: (please use criteria listed above) _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Nominated by: ____________________________

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Religious Calendar for April

Wed., 2

nd Presanctified Liturgy at Sts. Constantine and Helen at 6:00 p.m. (parishioners and Clergy

from St. Matthew’s and St. Herman’s will join us in worship). Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker

Fr. Tom will be available for the Sacrament of Holy Confession from 4:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m. (Please call the Church Office to schedule a time).

Friday, 4th Akathist Hymn at 6:00 p.m.

Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker

Sunday, 6th Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.

Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): A. Mathews, S. Dikos, E. Hargrave, D. Kyvelos, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, H. Robitzer, D. Scantzos, A. Scantzos, E. Ross, N. Simotas

Saturday, 12th Lazarus Saturday and Grandparent/Grandchild Day

All grandparents and their grandchildren are encouraged to receive Holy Communion together. Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

All Acolytes

Sunday, 13th Palm Sunday

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.

Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): Andrew Lountzis, P. Breit, D. Damore, A. Lountzis, A. Midouhas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A. Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran

Service of the Bridegroom at 7:00 p.m. Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): Andrew Lountzis, P. Breit, D. Damore, A. Lountzis, A. Midouhas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A. Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran

Monday, 14th Holy Monday

Service of the Bridegroom at 7:00 p.m. Group 4 (Archangels): A. Phyrillas, N. Waligurski, J. Koumaras, J. Phyrillas, V. Phyrillas, A. Futrick, A. Futrick, Jr., G. Koumaras, Y. Patestas, T. Siegel, T. Hunsicker, A. Karetas, J. Wagner

Tuesday, 15th Holy Tuesday

Service of the Bridegroom and Hymn of Kassiani at 7:00 p.m. Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker

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Wed., 16th Holy Wednesday

Holy Unction (for Sunday School at 4:00 p.m.) All Acolytes (except for the following group during evening Unction service.)

Holy Unction at 7:00 p.m. Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): A. Mathews, S. Dikos, E. Hargrave, D. Kyvelos, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, H. Robitzer, D. Scantzos, A. Scantzos, E. Ross, N. Simotas

Thurs., 17th

Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy of St. Basil from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Services of Our Lord’s Passion at 7:00 p.m. All Acolytes

Friday, 18th

Holy Friday Great Hours at 9:00 a.m. (All GOYANS who are excused from school on Good Friday are expected to attend the service of Great Hours beginning at 9:00 a.m.). All Acolytes

Fr. Tom will be available for the Sacrament of Holy Confession from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

(Please call the Church Office to schedule a time.)

Service of Our Lord’s Removal from Cross at 4:00 p.m. All Acolytes

Service of Lamentation at 7:00 p.m. All Acolytes

Saturday, 19th Holy Saturday

Divine Liturgy of St. Basil from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): Andrew Lountzis, P. Breit, D. Damore, A. Lountzis, A. Midouhas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A. Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran

Orthros of the Resurrection at 11 p.m. All Acolytes

Sunday, 20thGreat and Holy Pascha

Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes: Please arrive no later than 11:30 p.m.

Divine Liturgy at 12:30 a.m. (All parishioners are asked to plan to remain in Church until the conclusion of the Divine

Liturgy on this holy and glorious day.)

Service of Agape (Love) at 11:00 a.m. All Acolytes (Easter Egg Hunt for children following service.)

Wed., 23rd Renewal Wednesday and Feast of St. George the Great Martyr

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday 27th

Sunday of Thomas Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker

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Fellowship Hosts

April 6 Mr. & Mrs. Athan Dialectos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Dialectos Mrs. Joanne Dialectos Mr. Jordan Dialectos Mr. & Mrs. Mark Dialectos

April 13 Palm Sunday Lenten Fish Dinner by GOYA. Please join us.

April 20 Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Dietrich Mr. & Mrs. Christos Dikos Mrs. Cornelia Dikos Mr. & Mrs. Jason Donovan Mr. & Mrs. George Doukas

April 27 Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Eberhart Dn. James & Dr. Roula Elliker Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Elliker Miss Kalliope English Mrs. Denise Epler

Matthew 25

“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 in prison and you came to me…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.”

Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need, mostly families from the Oakbrook Housing Development. On February 25 our parish provided food for 132 needy families, which included 344 children and 73 senior citizens. The total number of people served was 666. The Pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month. Parishioners can help by 1) volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up, and 2) contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to help cover expenses. Thank you to all the donors, and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition. Parishioners can contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office.

Community News

Parish Family Life

Our Sympathy:

To the families of Shirley Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 13, Fr. George Giannaris of Wilmington, Delaware who passed into eternal life on March 16, and Rose Kaisoglus who passed into eternal life on March 21.

~ Eternal be their memory ~

Remember in Prayer

Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities, the home-bound, and those convalescing: Ruth Anthony, Helen Arones, Catherine Daniels, George Dracoules, Georgia Earhart, Caroline Exas, Stella Exas, Katherine Fisher, Frances George, Mary Harris, Helen Hatzas, Dorothy Kreisher, Marie Lecatsas, Mary Marmarou, Helen Nicholas, Maria Papoutsis, Helen Psaros, William Thomas, Sebastian Ulrich, Margaret Wesner and Molly Yatron.

And those hospitalized during the month of March:

Katherine Fisher, Ignatios Hatzistavrakis, Marika Krallis, Marie Patestas, Lambros Sotos and Trevor Vaughn.

Holy Confession

Father Tom will be available for Holy Confessions on the following days:

Wednesday, April 2, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Holy Friday, April 18, 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

(Please call the Church Office to schedule a time).

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From Our Parish Council Artie Fecera, President

Our last Parish Council Meeting was held Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Members present: President, Artie Fecera, Vice President, Chuck Mowbray, Secretary, Tony Phyrillas, Treasurer, Mike Mavreles, Financial Secretary Nick Karetas, Harry Dialectos, Anthony Koumaras, Connie Fecera, Kim Shunk, Frank T. Petrakis, Stratton Marmarou, Athan Dialectos, Gus Kotsakis, and Gus Kraras Members absent: Father Tom was out of town attending a Clergy Retreat at Antiochian Village. Gust Kraras updated the Council on the work of the Centennial Committee. About 50 Family Histories have been collected so far. Photos of Church groups are being taken on designated Sundays. Parish Council will be recognized on March 30

th,

and we encourage current Council Members to make sure all past Council Members are in attendance on that Sunday – March 30

th. Our

Grand Banquet on Sunday, May 18th will be held at

the Crowne Plaza with tickets at $75 per person ($50 for under 18 yrs.). The cost of the tickets will barely cover our costs for the evening. All of the meals served on Sundays recognizing various groups have been paid for by individuals. Capital Campaign: Angel Helm reported that 400 letters were mailed out to parishioners who have not yet pledged for the Campaign. So far 12 families have responded pledging $9,950.00. Financial Secretary, Nick Karetas said that total pledges so far total $414,000. Angel is confident our $500,000.00 goal will be reached by May 18

th,

our 100th Year Anniversary Celebration.

Stratton Marmarou said there have been three recent break-ins of Churches in the Reading area and Mount Penn. They have stolen money and did damage inside the Churches. Please make sure when you leave our Church that you set the alarm when leaving. On a sad note, our Church Secretary Donna Leshko has resigned after 5½ years at Sts. Constantine and Helen. We will miss Donna and wish her well on her future endeavors. We thank her for her service over the past years. Remember to see Harry Dialectos for your food coupons at Fellowship. It helps our Church financially and is at no cost to our parishioners.

Stewardship Steve Lecatsas, Chairman

Thank you to all the following additional Parishioners who have submitted their 2014 pledge cards. The total pledges received to date are 150 totaling $123,201.00, and the average pledge per family is $821.34. Parishioners who have not yet submitted their pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience. Asimakopoulos, Aristides and Angeliki Cicero, Vanessa (Medaglia) Denne, Despina I. Dikos, Christos and Valerie Fisher, Nicholas S. and Jan Fisher, Nicole Hemrich, Vaso Krallis, Jim and Janice Medaglia, Larry and Dawn Nicholas, Helen Panos, Bill and Anna Sianis, Mary Stevens, James Zeppos, George and Diane Zeppos, Peter and Maria

Donors for the following Lenten and Easter

items are still needed. Please call the church

office at 374-7511:

Acathist Wreath $125 ea. Wreath for Nymphios $100 Candles for Salutations (3 sets of 2) $35 ea. Altar Candles for Holy Week (2) $50 ea. Altar Candles for Holy Friday and Holy Saturday (1) $35 ea. Candles for Palm Sunday (2) $50 ea. Candles for Holy Thursday (13) $25 ea. Candles for Cross (2 sets of 3) $50 ea. Resurrection Candle/Holy Saturday $75 Lilies for altar (4 plants) $50 ea. Other Lilies & other flowers $25 ea. (smaller - 30) Holy Unction Supplies $300

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A~BIDING IN GOD’S LOVE AND SECURING OUR FUTURE

We are continuing the countdown toward our Campaign Goal, which will conclude in May of this year. That is just two months away and we need all of our parish members to help reach our goal. In the month of March through March 20

th, we received new pledges totaling $29,400.00. We are now at

$433,390.00. Please call the Church or send in your pledge card to help us reach our goal. If our entire parish participates, WE CAN BE SUCCESSFUL!!

New Pledges:

Stewards ($1 - $2,499) Ballas, Penelope

Breen, Edward and Stephanie and Mercena and Jarier Canales Dalaveris, Helen Daniels, Maria

Garrett, Dr. John and Mrs. Michele Kachel, Alan

Karahalias, Dennis Koursaros, Mary Kovras, Esther

Marmarou, Steve and Nancy Midouhas, Matthew and Helen

Pettis, Mary Shoumlisky, Elaine

Sneij, Abed and Reem Zeppos, George and Eleny Zeppos, Peter and Maria

Esteemed Patrons ($5,000 - 14,999) Dalaveris, Louis

Mara, Bernie and Susan

Total pledges received as of March 20, 2014 are $397,990.00.

ST. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN Greek Orthodox Church

READING, PA

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Sunday School

Tula Donahue, Director As we approach the most holy day – the day of our Lord’s Resurrection, we want to remind parents to

make the commitment to Sunday School, not only does Sunday School educate our children about Orthodoxy, it also offers them an opportunity to bond with their fellow Orthodox peers. This does take dedication, and sometimes sacrifice, by the parents.

The best inheritance you can leave your sons, the richest dowries you can prepare for your

daughters, is a truly Christian upbringing." – Bishop Irenaeus

Oratorical Festival - is scheduled for Sunday, May 4

th at 2 PM for grades 7

th through 12

th grades.

Parents please plan to have your child participate. Any questions, contact Andrew Maoury at amaoury@boyertownasd.org.

Children’s Library - We are happy to report that the children are using the library every week. We thank Denise Porcaro will is leading the Children’s Library! If you are interested in helping Denise, please email her at dporcaro01@comcast.net

Student Volunteers: The following students volunteered during the month of March. Gino Caloiero was wonderful as Epistle Reader. Chrisovalantis Siozos was our pleasant greeter. Anthony Futrick, JoAnna Helm, Andrew Lountzis, and Soci Phyrillas were our basket passers.

This month we are spotlighting the Nursery

Class. We have been blessed with many younger children. This class is for infants through 2½ years old. A place where parents can feel comfortable with an active child. There have been quite a few newborns and babies added to our group. Most of the newborns are able to stay upstairs with their parents, but we get to enjoy them for the occasional diaper change or feeding when they come downstairs to use the room. Parents are welcome to come and go as needed during the morning. If you are interested in helping in this class please contact Jen Perezous at jen.perezous@gmail.com .

Sunday School has a Twitter account

ReadingSundaySchool - @reading_ss Please follow us; there is a wealth of information on

this social network from our Metropolis and Archdiocese!

Word of the Month!

Resurrection

Ανασταση - A-ná-sta-sē

The reunion of the soul and body after death which will revitalize and transform the physical body into a

spiritual body. Jesus is the first fruits of perfect Resurrection. Because He conquered death by his

Resurrection, all will rise again.

Perfect Attendance - We want to recognize the following students who had perfect attendance (no absences) during the months of January and February: Alex Sasaran - Beginnings Maria Wagner - Prekindergarten Christopher Sasaran - 2

nd Grade

Jackson Wagner - 2nd

grade AJ Tilley - 2

nd grade

Courtney Futrick - 3rd grade

Carly Futrick- 4th grade

Amanda Tilley - 4th grade

Patrick Phyrillas - 8th Grade

Chrisovalantis Siozos - 9th Grade

Alex Lountzis - 10th Grade

James Phyrillas - 10th Grade

Andrew Lountzis - 12th Grade

Dates to Note! April 13

th - Palm Sunday

April 20th

- Easter/Pascha - Easter Egg Hunt

May 4th - Oratorical Festival

May 4th

- Sunday School Centennial Celebration

Honoring the teachers, aides and students We want to include all teachers and students, past and present. If you and/or a relative were a Sunday School teacher or aide or attended Sunday School in our Parish or at St. Matthews, please email Tula Donahue at tuladonahue@hotmail.com or call 610-670-9141 with the names by April 10

th. A

momentous picture will be taken!

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Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Sunday

(Immediately following

Agape Service)

(Children from nursery age to

Grade 4 are invited to attend.

Come share in the fun, win prizes

and . . .

MEET THE EASTER BUNNY

Sponsored by: The Sunday School

Department

A bag for the eggs

will be provided.

GREEK SCHOOL NEWS

TA NEA Submitted by Esther Ganas-Miranda

Spring is always a busy time for Greek school with preparations for our Greek Independence Day program and this year was no different. The students put in a lot of hard work to learn their poems while continuing to move forward in their lessons. On Sunday, March 23

rd we presented our

annual program to the delight of all the parishioners who joined us, especially every proud parent, γιαγιά and παππού! Our Lenten lunch was graciously provided by the Perezous family again this year and we couldn’t be more grateful! Many thanks also to our wonderful KEFI dancers who added their special flair to our commemoration of this very meaningful γιορτή. We must always honor those

who fought to choose their destiny. Ζητω Η 25η

Μαρτίου.

Our celebration continued on Monday, March 24th

when twelve of our Greek school students and KEFI members, proudly decked out in their costumes, were invited to City Hall for Reading’s annual Proclamation in honor of Greek Independence Day. Tying in our community’s Centennial celebration, Mr. Gust Kraras joined us to speak of the impact Greek immigrants have had here in Berks county. Our thanks to Stratton Marmarou who arranges for this distinction to be bestowed on our community each year and to Aristidis Asimakopoulos who donated a large Greek flag to the Greek school for our use on such occasions.

On February 16th, our community celebrated the

role Greek school has played as one of the first groups to be established when Sts. Constantine and Helen laid it’s cornerstone in Reading. Thank you to all who provided information on past Greek school students and educators. Please continue to send me names that can be added to our existing list of over 250 students for inclusion in the album that will memorialize this grand event. A heartfelt ευχαριστώ to Alex & Fillipia Zeppos who financially sponsored our organization and George & Eleni Zeppos for the fantastic luncheon they donated. We’re richly blessed for all the support!

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Philoptochos Submitted by: Des Denne & Cindy Petrakis

ANNUAL SPRING BAKE SALE… Our 2014 Spring Bake Sale is just around the corner! As always, we have an abundance of our delicious bread, pastries, and Loukoumades, as well as an assortment of lovely spring flower baskets just in time for Easter. And this year, for the first time, we are introducing homemade chocolate candy created by “The Candy Lady”. Come early to pick up your pre-orders and stay to finish your one-stop shopping just in time for Easter!

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS CRUCIAL

FUNDRAISER THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR

OUR PHILOPTOCHOS CHAPTER TO FULFILL

ITS CHARITABLE OUTREACH ALL YEAR LONG!

MARCH PROGRAM WRAP-UP…

On Monday, March 10th, our members felt “Fit and

Fabulous” following an energetic workout led by Lori Benner of the Body Zone. As the participants can attest, we had no reason to feel guilty enjoying our refreshments following this exhilarating and fun

routine! Many thanks to Joan Giovanis and Kathy

Rohm for organizing this program, and to our volunteers who set up, cleaned up, and donated desserts. Good job, everyone!

PHILANTHROPY HOUSE UPDATE

On Saturday, March 1st, the Greek Orthodox

Ladies Philoptochos Society celebrated the official

opening (“thyranixia”) of the Center of

Philanthropy in New York City. The Philoptochos National Board, members of the clergy, dignitaries, and special invited guests gathered to attend a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios at the Archdiocesan Cathedral. Following a reception hosted by the Cathedral Philoptochos, we proceeded to the ribbon cutting and “Open House” tour of the new Center of Philanthropy, which is located in a beautiful brownstone building on East 37

th Street. Thanks to the loving support of more

than 450 Philoptochos chapters nationwide and many other generous donors, our beloved organization now has---for the first time---its own building to call home.

God has truly blessed us!

MEMBERSHIP & STEWARDSHIP… Our St. Xenia chapter continues to grow! We have six new members so far this year and hope to add more. If you are not yet a member, please join us at any time by contacting Des Denne at 610-678-8006 or Paula Berstler at 610-921-9496. Become a member of this “Army of Women” that reaches out to help all those in need!

Ladies, it’s not too late to make your 2014

Philoptochos stewardship donations. Please don’t

neglect this important commitment. Send your

contribution to Paula Berstler as soon as

possible so that your name can be included in

the 2014 membership rolls.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

Saturday, April 5th

– SPRING BAKE SALE!! (See enclosed flyer for details.)

Monday, April 21st – Serving dinner at

Opportunity House Shelter. This ministry

needs your help! Please contact Kally English at 610-372-5695 to volunteer or to make a donation.

Monday, June 2nd

– Our end-of-year event will be a covered-dish “picnic” at the home of Ann

Kraras. Stay tuned for more details in the

mail and in next month’s Echo!

[Ladies, please note: There are no general

meetings in April and May.]

PHILOPTOCHOS GIVES…

The following contributions were made in the

month of March:

$100 to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Support A Priest Program

$250 to Hellenic College/Holy Cross Lenten Event

$100 to the Nuns of St. Elias

$500 to American Red Cross Annual Campaign

$100 to Wounded Warrior Project (in gratitude to Lori Benner)

The St. Xenia Philoptochos Society wishes

one and all a Blessed and Joyous Pascha!

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AHEPA William Penn Chapter No. 61

Reading, PA

Calendar of Events

Business meeting; Sunday, April 27; in the Church hall; 7:00 p.m. The meeting will include the initiation of new members into our AHEPA Chapter.

AHEPA Scholarship Application Reminder Our local AHEPA Chapter #61 in Reading will be sponsoring a scholarship program this year. Our parish youth who will be graduating from high school in 2014 and continuing their education at an accredited institution of higher learning are eligible. Contact Ahepan Athan Dialectos for a scholarship application and related information at 610-762-0477 or readingmaaco@epix.net if interested in

applying for this scholarship. The completed

application and requested documentation are

due on or before April 27, 2014.

In addition to our local AHEPA Chapter scholarship program, The AHEPA Power District No. 4 Scholarship Fund is also available to our parishioners. Applicants for scholarships will be selected from high school graduates who are about to enter an accredited institution of higher learning, or from students already attending such institutions. An applicant must have either a parent or grandparent that is a member of Power District #4 of AHEPA. If interested in the district level scholarship program, simply forward an e-mail request to the AHEPA Chapter #61 President, Dr. George J. Giovanis, at georgejgiovanis@comcast.net to secure a copy of the scholarship application. Include your mailing address and telephone number with your request. Review carefully the rules governing awarding the AHEPA district level scholarship which is different from our local AHEPA Chapter scholarship

program. It is the applicant’s responsibility to

return the AHEPA District No. 4 application

postmarked no later than April 17, 2014.

Holy Tuesday by Peter Bouteneff

Come, O faithful, let us work zealously for the Master, for he distributes wealth to his servants. Let each of us, according to his or her ability increase the talent of grace: let one be adorned in wisdom through good works; let another celebrate a service in splendor. The one distributes his wealth

to the poor; the other communicates the word to those untaught. Thus we shall increase what has been entrusted to us, and as faithful stewards of grace, we shall be accounted worthy of the Master’s joy. Make us worthy of this, Christ our God, in your love for mankind.

As more and more people attend and thoughtfully follow the services of Holy Week, many are struck by the incomparably rich hymnography, often sung in unique and evocative melodies. Many of us have favorite hymns, which we greet as friends when they come along each year. There are the landmark hymns of the Bridegroom services, repeated for several nights running. There are, of course, the unforgettable moments of Holy Thursday: “Of Thy Mystical Supper!” The Twelve Gospels! Friday: the Burial Shroud! The Lamentations! Then Saturday and the victorious Prokeimenon! These are like lanterns, lighting our way forward in an otherwise dark terrain.

One of my own favorites is a humbler little hymn (blink and you’ve missed it for the year) sung with the Aposticha at Matins and Vespers on Holy Tuesday. [The hymn’s text is printed at the beginning of this article in italics] Why do we sing such a hymn during Holy Week? Let’s spend a minute examining its liturgical context before looking at it more closely.

By the time we sing this hymn, we have entered squarely into the journey to Christ’s life-giving Passion. We have traveled six weeks of Great Lent. We have celebrated the victorious entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem (a bitter victory: Jesus knowingly enters the city where he is to be betrayed and slain). We have heard him preaching with increased intensity against civil and religious hypocrisy and injustice. But as we follow Jesus’s journey, we also direct attention at ourselves. As we Orthodox always do in our penitential hymnography (for example, in the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete), we apply all that hypocrisy, all the examples of pride, lust, murderous intent, to our own lives as we live them. It is not a pretty picture. So we ask God’ forgiveness and beg him to help us to become better human being.

During Holy Week, this sort of penitence is brought to a high level of intensity, a dosage that we cannot sustain for long. But here we are pushed to our limits, because Our Lord himself, the King of Glory, who made the heavens and the earth, is on his way to being betrayed, abandoned, and slaughtered.

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Matters do not get any more serious than that. We have to make sure we are paying full attention. That is why, at the Bridegroom services, usually celebrated on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings of Holy Week, we pray for several things surrounding the theme of bringing ourselves into realization of who we are and what is happening:

We ask God to “illumine the vesture of our souls,” to purify us; to give us appropriate clothing in order to celebrate properly the Feast of Feasts.

We remind our own selves to be wakeful and watchful, rouse ourselves out of our slumber, to penetrate the usual half–awake state our minds and hearts.

We contemplate scriptural images as lessons or as inspiration. The common theme to all these services is that of the Bridegroom (Christ) who comes in the middle of the night and finds some who are prepared, others for whom it is now too late. But on different evenings we sing about the withered fig tree, the betrayal of Judas, and–as a positive image–the repentant harlot who wipes Jesus’s feet with her tears and hair. It is within this broader context, then, that we come to that Holy Tuesday hymn, in which we urge each other to do the particular work that God has given us to do. Let’s look through it to see what it is saying, and why people may be attracted to it.

We goad each other to work zealously. Don’t almost do something, or just think about doing it, or do it in a half–baked way. Do it, and do it well for the sake of God. Notice that God gives the wedding garment. God gives the talent. Without this initial gift, we have nothing, we are nothing. But once we realize that God has filled our otherwise empty vessels, it is very much

up to us to take up that gift and to act on it. When God distributes his gifts, he is not using a cookie cutter to form identical little shapes. He is not drawing a uniform pattern for us to imitate like robots. We are different from each other; we do not strive to conform to a single, even if sometimes the image of a virtuous person in the Church’s Tradition seems frustratingly uniform. In iconography and spiritual literature (depending on where we’re looking) we might find a preponderance of monks, bishops, and virgins. But if we look closer, we find a message applicable to school teachers, social workers,

bankers, moms, dads, writers, sanitation workers–people from all walks of life and different talents. When it begins enumerating tasks, our hymn

encourages us to “do good works”–whatever station of life, whatever our vocation. Then it identifies specific vocations–but let us take note how these are both particular and universal in character.

One “Celebrates a service in splendor.” (When I was sacristan during my student days at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, I watched as Fr. Paul Lazor, the consummate liturgical celebrant, made a large and meaningful sign of the cross over himself during that line.) Although this verse does carry a particular, clerical meaning, doesn’t it also pertain to our corporate celebration of the liturgy? All of us celebrate the liturgy in splendor when we participate meaningfully in it. Going still further, can this not also pertain to any way in which we–whether lay or ordained–as “priests” offer the world to God, making our whole life a creative service of splendor? In the Divine Liturgy we pray for “those who

remember the poor.” Is helping the poor, then, something that someone else always does? No. Although we recognize realistically that not everyone is called to make his or her whole life a service to the poor, none of us is off the hook in the basic, universal, Christ–imitating vocation of ministry to the poor, solidarity with the outcast, speaking out against injustice. While teaching the Word applies in a particular way to

teachers and catechists, don’t we all impart

knowledge and wisdom–both explicitly and implicitly Christian truth–in our various vocations (not least those of us who are parents or godparents)? Wherever we are, whatever we do, whatever our

station in life our task is to build upon what we

have been given. First, of course, we have to identify the gift, and that is not always simple. But by understanding the gift and recalling that it indeed comes from God himself, we can build on it. The gospels tell us that wasting our talents is one of the things that seriously displeases God. But we pray that, if we recognize and work with our gifts, we will be “deemed worthy of the Master’s joy,” a joy that is beyond anything that we can imagine.

Peter Bouteneff is Assistant Professor of Dogmatic Theology at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where he also teaches courses in patristics and spirituality.

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Memorial Donations

March 27, 2014

The parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen is extremely grateful to all the people who generously donate money in memory of their loved ones.

In Memory of Mrs. Jan Elliker (mother of Deacon Jim

Elliker) Dr. George and Mrs. Joan Giovanis, Despina M. Green, Christ and Ann Kraras, Gust Kraras, Mary Pettis

In Memory of Fotine, Gust, Amelia, John, Stella,

Christ, and Caliopi and Kim Sianis Stella Morris and family

In Memory of Father George Giannaris Marian Cheri, Michael and Constantina Marmarou, Dimitrios and Petroula Mitsiopoulos, Evelpis Paraskis

In Memory of Rose Kaisoglus John and Despina Frangakis, Aris and Maria Kouvaros

In Memory of Georgios J. Katsafanas Vaso Hemrich, Carl E. and Cynthia A. Marks, Gus and Shirley Stevens

In Memory of Panayiota Karagorgiou (sister of

Lambros Sotos) Peter and Maria Zeppos

In Memory of George Katsafanas Angeliki Ganas

In Memory of Georgios Kefalas and Despina

Karahalias Georgia Kefalas, Ted Karahalias and George Karahalias

In Memory of Panayiota Karagorgiou Anastasios and Athena Zeppos

In Memory of Konstantinos and Panagiota Kombakis Constance Johns

In Memory of Katherine Lountzis Scott and Crisanne Bansner, Michael and Alexandra

Cavaliere, Raymond Deraymond, Joanne Dialectos, Cornilia Dikos, Michael and Amy Dorward, Malcolm and Janet Gross, Gross McGinley, LLP, Effie Doukas, John and Despina Frangakis, Lula Goodhart, Constance Johns, Erick and Sherol Kane, Margaret A. Kane, Maria Karahalias, David F. and Penelope Keim, Nicholas and Elefteria Kompotiatis, Eva Koutalelis, Christ and Ann Kraras, The Staff at Lehigh Valley Family Practice-Dr. and Mrs. Eric Kane, Leon and Rosemarie Miller, Emmanuel and Anastasia Perezous, Mary Pettis, James and Nancy Polis, Katherine Savadelis, Howard S. and Jill E. Stevens, Louise Tassone, Elaine Wynosky

In Memory of Nick Morris, James Marousi,

Antonio and Evrithiki Stavrou Stella Morris and family

In Memory of George A. Pappas Scott and Crisanne Bansner, Mrs. Helen Dalaveris, Lula Dastra, Despina Denne, Joanne Dialectos, Bernie and Tula Donahue, Mr. and Mrs. Demetrios Flamporis, Angeliki Ganas, Lula Carnoles Goodhart, Terry and Sofia Grassley and Family, Vaso Hemrich, Marilyn Holden, Maria Karahalias, Christ and Ann Kraras, Michael and Constantina Marmarou, Leon and Rosemarie Miller, Joseph and Esther Miranda, Mr. and Mrs. Evangelos Moutafis, The Nicholas and Ott Family, Maria Papoutsis, Emmanuel and Anastasia Perezous, Evelpis Paraskis, Frank T. Petrakis, Mary Pettis, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shaeffer, Costas and Sophia Tzinis, George and Shirleen Yatron, Alex and Filippia Zeppos, George and Diane Zeppos, Evan and Sandra Zervanos

In Memory of George A. Pappas and Nikki Pownall Dionisios and Maria Kotsakis

In Memory of Helen Psaros Fotios and Angela Amidia, Despina Denne, Joanne Dialectos, Bernie and Tula Donahue, James and Argyro Elliker, John and Despina Frangakis, Lula Carnoles Goodhart, John and Fran Ioannidi, Maria Karahalias, Nicholas D. and Alice Karetas, Nicholas and Elefteria Kompotiatis, Mary Kontaxes, Marie Koutsouros, Christ and Ann Kraras, Amelia Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shaeffer, Kim and Elaine Shunk, Costas and Sophia Tzinis, George and Shirleen Yatron, Alex and Filippia Zeppos, Evan and Sandra Zervanos

In Memory of Nicholaou Psaroulis (father of Sophia

Tzinis) John and Despina Frangakis

In Memory of Fotine, Gust, Amelia, John, Stella,

Christ, and Caliopi and Kim Sianis Stella Morris and family

In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena, Stephanie and Ed, Catherine Zaharis

In memory of Shirley Thomas Mrs. Milton S. Gasparis and family, Dr. Michael and Mrs. Patricia Gordon, Brian and Joanne Koch, Michael and Constantina Marmarou, Lori (Pingitore) Matz, Frank T. Petrakis, Dr. Carlos and Mrs. Maria Silva, Bill and Esther Thomas, George and Shirleen Yatron

In Memory of Harry C. Zaharis, Louis S. and

Marianthe Sofianos and Peter and Mary Zaharis Catherine Zaharis

In Memory of Harry Zaharis and Stratton Stefanowicz

and Michael Chupak Daniel and Demetria Chupak, Joshua Chupak, Christian, Jen, and Ethan Chupak

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1 5:30pm Greek School

2 6:00pm Presanctified Liturgy Acolytes (Thrones)

4:00-6:00pm Confessions

5:30pm Greek School

3 9:00am Bake Galactoboureko 6:00pm Pre-Order filling

4 1:00pm Flower/Basket

Assembly

6:00pm Akathist Hymn Acolytes (Thrones)

5

9:00am Bake/Plant Sale (Church Hall)

GOYA Spring Retreat at Camp Nazareth

6 Sunday of

St. Mary of Egypt 88:30am Orthros 99:45am Sunday School

99:45am Divine Liturgy

GOYA 100th Celebration Lunch (following Divine Liturgy) in the Church Hall

7 5:30pm Greek School

8 5:30pm Greek School

7:00pm Philoptochos Board Meeting (Church Hall)

7 7:00pm Parish Council Mtg (Library)

9 5:30pm Greek School

10

11

12 Saturday of Lazarus and Grandparent/Grandchild

(All Acolytes) 8:30am Orthros

9:30am Divine Liturgy

13 Palm Sunday

88:30am Orthros 99:45am Sunday School 99:45am Divine Liturgy

PPalm Sunday Fish Dinner (following Divine Liturgy)

7:00pm Service of The Bridegroom - Acolytes

(Seraphim)

14 Holy Monday

7:00pm Service of The Bridegroom – Acolytes

(Archangels)

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Holy Tuesday 7:00pm Service of The Bridegroom and Hymn of the Kassiani - Acolytes

(Thrones)

16 Holy Wednesday

4:00pm Holy Unction (Sunday School) All Acolytes except (Powers)

7:00pm Holy Unction

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Holy Thursday 6:30–8:30am Divine Liturgy of St. Basil

7:00pm Service of Our Lord’s Passion (All Acolytes)

18 Holy Friday

9:00pam Great Hours (All Acolytes)

11:00 -1:00 p.m. Confessions

4:00pm Service- Removal from Cross (All Acolytes)

7:00pm Service of Lamentation (All Acolytes)

19 Holy Saturday

8 8:30am–Divine Liturgy of of St. Basil (Seraphim)

11:00pm Orthros of the Resurrection (All Acolytes)

20 Great and Holy Pascha

112:00pm – Resurrection ((All Acolytes)

112:30am Divine Liturgy (All ((Acolytes)

111:00am Service of Agape (((All Acolytes)

Easter Egg Hunt (following Agape Services)

21 5:00pm Cooking for Opportunity House

5:30pm Greek School

22 5:30pm Greek School

23 Renewal Wednesday –

Feast of St. George the Great Martyr

8:30am - Orthros

9:30am Divine Liturgy

5:30pm Greek School

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25

9:00 a.m. departure GOYA → 26

Boston, MA Pilgrimage →

27 Sunday of St. Thomas –

Godparent/Godchild Sunday

88:30am Orthros 99:45am Sunday School 99:45am Divine Liturgy

77:00pm AHEPA Business Mtg. (Church Hall)

→ GOYA returns from Pilgrimage Trip

28 5:30pm Greek School

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29 5:30pm Greek School

6:00pm Food Pantry

30

5:30pm Greek School

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April 2014

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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About the Icon on the front cover…. The Holy Apostle James, the son of Zebedee, was the brother of St John the Theologian, and one of the Twelve Apostles. He and his brother, St John, were called to be Apostles by

our Lord Jesus Christ, Who called them the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). It was this James, with John and Peter, who witnessed the Raising of the Daughter of Jairus, the Lord’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, and His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. St James, after the Descent of the Holy Spirit, preached in Spain and in other lands, and then he returned to Jerusalem. He openly and boldly preached Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world, and he denounced the Pharisees and the Scribes with the words of Holy Scripture, reproaching them for their malice of heart and unbelief. The Jews could not prevail against St James, and so they hired the sorcerer Hermogenes to dispute with the apostle and refute his arguments that Christ was the promised Messiah Who had come into the world. The sorcerer sent to the apostle his pupil Philip, who was converted to belief in Christ. Then Germogenes himself became persuaded of the power of God, he burned his books of magic, accepted holy Baptism and became a true follower of Christ. The Jews persuaded Herod

Agrippa (40-44) to arrest the Apostle James and sentence him to death (Acts 12:1-2). Eusebius provides

some of the details of the saint’s execution (CHURCH HISTORY II, 9). St James calmly heard the death sentence and continued to bear witness to Christ. One of the false witnesses, whose name was Josiah, was struck by the courage of St James. He came to believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. When they led the apostle forth to execution, Josiah fell at his feet, repenting of his sin and asking forgiveness. The apostle embraced him, gave him a kiss and said, “Peace and forgiveness to you.” Then Josiah confessed his faith in Christ before everyone, and he was beheaded with St James in the year 44 at Jerusalem. St James was the first of the Apostles to die as a martyr.

The deadline for the May Echo issue is April 19, 2014

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