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Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 East Wyomissing Boulevard Reading, PA 19611

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT

ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Reading, PA

Permit No. 101

About the Icon on the Front Cover….

Apostle Simon the Zealot

Saint Simon was from Cana in Galilee, and was known to the Lord and His Mother. Tradition says that he was the bridegroom at the wedding where the Savior performed His first miracle. After witnessing the miracle of the water which had been turned into wine, he became a zealous follower of Christ. For this reason, he is known as Saint Simon the Zealot.

Saint Simon was one of the twelve Apostles, and received the Holy Spirit with the others on Pentecost. He traveled to many places from Britain to the Black Sea, proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. After winning many pagans to the Lord, Saint Simon suffered martyrdom by crucifixion.

Saint Demetrius of Rostov says that this Saint Simon is to be distinguished from the Apostle Simon Peter, and from the Lord’s relative Simon (Mt.13:55), who was the second Bishop of Jerusalem.

Saint Simon is also commemorated on June 30 with the other Apostles.

The deadline for the May ECHO is May19, 2017

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The

Community

Echo

Η

ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΗ

ΗΧΩ

May

2017

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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.

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).

Church Information:

Phone Number 610-374-7511 FAX Number 610-374-5890 www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Office Hours:

9:00 to 4:00

Monday—Friday

Parish Council:

President: Artie Fecera 610-670-3434 E-Mail: afecera@aol.com

Vice President: Chuck Mowbray 610-777-0128

Athan Dialectos, Harry Dialectos, Connie Fecera, Angel Helm, Nicholas Karetas, Anthony Koumaras, Kim Shunk, Gust Kraras, Strat Marmarou, Mike Mavreles, Frank T. Petrakis, Gus Kotsakis, Tony Phyrillas, Chris Kraras, Chris Dikos

Church Staff:

Fr. Thomas Pappalas Home Phone 610-779-7356 E-mail address: frtompappalas@gmail.com

Dino Koutroubas, Pastoral Assistant 267-575-1335 E-Mail address: kkoutroubas@hchc.edu

Deacon James Elliker Home Phone 610-926-9609 Barbara Daigle, Secretary, Office Phone 610-374-7511

E-Mail address: office@stsconstantinehelen.org

Parish Organizations

Philoptochos President, Sharon Whitman………whitmanmrspm@comcast.com……….... Sunday School, Marisa Hunsicker…………..…………………………………………………. Adult Choir Director, Ann Kraras……………………………………………………………….. Chanters, Gust Kraras, Dino Koutroubas, Evangelos Moutafis Liturgical Music Teachers: Presvytera Anne Pappalas, Mary Dialectos, Maria Damore GOYA Advisor, Margaret Phyrillas….....……………………………………………………..... Greek Dance Troupe, Esther Ganas-Miranda, aristea1@aol.com ………………………... Greek School Teacher, Dino Koutroubas…………………………….. ...………………….... Altar Care, Alan Kachel. Chris Carley, Jim Rohm………………….……………. …………. Children’s Library, Denise Porcaro…………………………………………………………….. Vacation Bible School, Marisa Hunsicker…………………………………………………….. Church Bookstore, Chris Dialectos….610-373-7702….. and Dawn Medaglia……………. Epistle Readers, Karl Krohn…………………………………………………………………..... Office Volunteers, Kally English………………………………………………………………... (Des Denne, B. Futrick, J. Giovanis, G. Karahalias, F. Ioannidi, S. Ioannidi, E. Ioannidi, P. Orphanos, V. Tsakeris, E. Young, R. Saraceni, P. Zampelli, L. Goodhart, J. Comins, M. Pettis, M. Sianis, K. Savadelis, V. Petrakis) Knitting Ministry, Fran Ioannidi …………………………………………………………………. Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Karen Chaknos…………. Order of AHEPA, George Giovanis……………………………………………………………. Kitchen Crew, Steve Lecatsas………………………………………………………………….. Meals on Wheels, Susan Seibert ………………………………………………………………. JOY Advisor, Dino Koutroubas ..……………………………………………………………..… Hope Advisor, Amy Elliker…..……………………………………………………………….… Fellowship Hour Coordinator, Vangie McGowan……………………………………………... Koleva Coordinator, Mary Pettis…………………………………………………………………

717-314-1641 610-376-2927 610-376-2184 610-207-5553 610-468-1620 267-575-1335 610-929-8545 610-751-1838 610-376-2927 610-376-3661 610-779-5223 610-372-5695 610-223-3898 610-777-7384 610-775-9602 610-777-0201 610-678-5907 267-575-1335 610-913-1223 610-779-1402 610-678-2712

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May 2017

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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5:00-6:00 Young Greek 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek 7:00 Philoptochos Board —Library

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4

Feast Day of 5

St. Irene, the Great Martyr

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

6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek

6 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Eastern District Soccer Tournament– Lancaster

Sunday of 7 The Paralytic

8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy St. Xenia Day 1:00 p.m. Baptism 1:30 Philoptochos Dinner Blue Mountain Restaurant

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9 5:00-6:00 Young Greek 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek 7:00 p.m. Parish Council

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12 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek

13 11:00 a.m. Blessing of the Animals 2:30 p.m. Wedding

Sunday of the 14 Samaritan Woman

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

15 6:30 p.m. Opportunity House

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5:00-6:00 Young Greek 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek

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19 5:30-7:00 Beg/Int Greek

6:00 p.m. Rehearsal

Eve of the Feast 20 of Sts. Constantine &

Helen

3:00 p.m. Wedding 5:00 p.m. Vespers

Sunday of 21 The Blind Man

Feast Day of St. Constantine & Helen

8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy AHEPA Sunday—Brunch GOYA Meeting 12:00 Baptism

6:00 p.m. JOY Movie Night

22 6:00 AHEPA Scholarship Banquet

23 5:00-6:00 Young Greek 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek

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Feast of the 25 Holy Ascension of

Our Lord 8:30 Orthros 9:30 Divine Liturgy

26 5:30 Rehearsal

6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek

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2:00 p.m. Baptism

Fathers of the First 28 Ecumenical Council

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

Memorial Day 29 9:00 Memorial Services Forest Hills Cemetery 11:00 Memorial Services Charles Evans Cemetery (A special tribute to our departed veterans)

30 5:00-6:00 Young Greek 6:00-7:30 Beg/Int Greek 6:00 p.m. Food Pantry

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The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can be accessed via our Church Website.

Go to: www.stsconstantinehelen.org For Bulletins:

click ―About Us‖ (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins‖

For ECHO: Click ―ECHO‖ (located on right side of black bar)

Search the list for the Bulletin/ECHO you want

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Memorial Donations April 24, 2017

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 George Karahalias, Despina Karahalias & George Kefalas Ted Karahalias, Georgia Kefalas

In Memory of Stratton Koumaras Barbara Futrick

In Memory of Frank Kopteros Eva Koutalelis

In Memory of Dimitri Koutalelis Eva Koutalelis

In Memory of Strat & Helen Koumaras Anthony & Tracy Koumaras, Mike & Anna Koumaras

In Memory of Esther Kovras William & Maria Tomeo & Family

In Memory of Katherine Yatron-Kubacki Strat & Jo Anne Marmarou, John & Despina Frangakis, Jim & Zoe Kubacki, Joanne Dialectos

In Memory of Anna Miller & William J. Miller Leon & Rosemarie Miller

In Memory of Effie Parenti Mike & Anna Koumaras

In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Stephanie, Ed & Mercena Breen

In Memory of Paul P. Yatron William & Lorraine Yatron

In Memory of Nicholas Yatron & Katherine Kubacki The Richard Miller Family, Marilyn Holden

In Memory of Christos Sr. & Christos, Jr. Vardaxis Vasilia Vardaxis, Rallia Vardaxis

In Memory of Maria Paraskeva, George Carnation, John, Pauline & Esther Eva Koutalelis

In Memory of Michael & Joseph Zdunowski, James, Mary & Peter Zaffary, Rallia & Peter Zaffary, Stella & Nicholas Marmarou, James Touloumes, Yuff Fisher, Ernest Orphanos Stella Zdunowski, Roeder Family, Artines Family, Sjoblom Family

The AHEPA Gust C. Kraras Chapter No. 61 Cordially Invites You To Our

Annual AHEPA Scholarship Banquet!

Date: Monday, May 22, 2017

Place: Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel Ballroom 1741 Paper Mill Road, Wyomissing, PA 19610

Time: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Fellowship with Appetizers & Cash Bar 7:00 p.m. Dinner Served

Menu: Stuffed Chicken with Granny Smith Apple & Smoked Veloute Sauce, Served with Round Scalloped Potato Stacks, Grilled Asparagus, Greek Salad Tossed with White Balsamic Dressing, rolls/butter, Vanilla Bean Flan with Fresh Fruit Garnish, Coffee, Decaf, Hot Tea

Cost: $40 per person (includes appetizers, full course dinner, all non-alcoholic beverages, tax/gratuity and fabulous entertainment)

Enjoy an evening of fellowship honoring our 2017

AHEPA Scholarship Winners! Entertainment featuring the

Wilson High School Select Choir.

RSVP: By Friday, May 5th Please contact George Giovanis immediately with your reservations at 610-775-9602 or

georgejgiovanis@comcast.net Checks payable to AHEPA #61 can be sent to

George Giovanis, 104 Leisure Court, Wyomissing, PA 19610.

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Verses

For the Finding of the Honorable Cross Helen has given us the grace,

To see the wood that saved us from corruption.

For the Finding of the Honorable Nails The Nails can be seen in the crown of the Emperor, Stored in the statue, and in the bridle of sovereignty

On March 6th the Holy Church commemorates the finding of the Honorable Cross and Nails by Saint Helen, mother of the first Christian emperor of Rome, Constantine the Great.

In 326 Saint Helen traveled to Jerusalem, and after much expense and labor she discovered Golgotha, the location where our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified, with the help of a Jew named Judas. Coming to the location, an excavation took place, and three crosses were discovered, namely that of Christ and the two thieves. Not knowing which of the three was the True Cross of the Lord, Saint Helen ordered that a dead man who was being carried to his burial be placed on them. As soon as the dead man was placed on the Cross of the Lord, he rose from the dead. After discovering the Holy Sepulcher nearby, she informed her son Constantine of the great discoveries, and he immediately ordered the erection of the Temple of the Resurrection.

Commemoration of the Finding of the Honorable Cross and Nails By

Saint Helen

As for the relic of the Honorable Cross, Constantine the Great left half behind in Jerusalem, where a large portion of it can be found till this day, while the other half along with the Nails were brought to Constantinople. Euthymios Zygabenos says that the True Cross of the Lord was distinguished by the inscription of Pilate over one of the crosses that said Christ was King of the Jews. Also, some say that a woman was near death and immediately healed when she touched the True Cross, while others say fragrant basil grew over the location of the True Cross of Christ. The two crosses of the thieves were brought to Constantinople and placed in a porphyry pillar in the forum, with other relics. The Honorable Nails, upon their discovery, were shiny and bright when they were discovered, while the nails of the thieves were black and rusted. These nails were brought by Helen to Constantinople, as a gift to her son. One was placed in the bridle of his horse, to fulfill the prophecy of Zachariah 14:20, ―On that day Holy to the Lord Almighty will be inscribed on the bridle of the horses.‖ The second was placed in his battle helmet. The third, according to Ambrose, was thrown by Helen into the Adriatic Sea in order to calm a storm, though Dositheos of Jerusalem does not believe this story. Socrates says that the Cross and Nails were placed in the pillar of the statue of Constantine in Constantinople, to protect the city. Some say there were only three nails, while others say there were four, with two nails used for each foot rather than one nail for both feet.

The cave of the Finding of the Honorable Cross, which contains a statue of Saint Helen holding the Cross, and the spot where the Cross was discovered, located in the temple of the Resurrection in Jerusalem.

Finding of the Honorable Cross & Nails (Feast Day—March 6)

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Sir Charles Warren was born in 1840 in Bangor, Wales and was an archaeologist, an officer in the British Royal Engineers, and later General of the British army which participated in battles in Africa and Asia. In 1867 he went to Jerusalem as a member of the Palestine Exploration Fund and conducted a series of excavations that lasted until 1870. Amongst his findings is a network of galleries located under the Dome of the Rock, as well as an underground water supply system that was later named after him (Warren Shaft). He also com-pleted a detailed topographical map of the old city of Jerusalem.

A portion of the results of his excava-tions was published in his work titled Underground Jerusalem that was published in 1876 in London. In a chapter of this work titled ―Holy Fire,‖ Warren speaks of all he knows of the miracle of Holy Saturday which was of particular interest to him. In the first paragraph of this chapter he poses a crucial question: ―What is that fire?‖ and immediately responds to his question: ―What is that fire which on Easter-eve lights up the lamps in the Holy Sepulchre?...That a miracle attends the ceremony, there cannot be a doubt.‖ The British archaeologist was an eyewitness to the ceremony all four years he stayed in Jerusalem and according to his assessment there is not a doubt in his mind that it was a miracle. The first ceremony in which he participated was Holy Saturday of 1867. On the following Holy Saturday, through the intermediation of distinguished French scholar Charles Clermont-Ganneau, Warren secured a spot on one of the raised balconies of the Latins, from where he had an unobstructed view of the Holy Sepulchre. Situated at this salient and advantageous spot, he states the following:

―I had seen the miracle of the Holy Fire on a former occasion, but now I was to have a more complete view, through the influence of M. Ganneau, who had procured me a place in the Latin Gallery, to the north, and overlooking the Holy Sepulchre.‖

And he continues, describing the moment when the Holy Fire appears:

―At last there is a feeling that the fire is at hand, masses of tow are thrust for-ward, a flash at the opening is seen, the tow is lighted...In a mo-ment, as though by magic, the fire extends itself in all directions.‖ Warren, although he is a member of the Anglican Church, does not hesitate to acknowledge the

miracle’s authenticity... Rapturous from what he experienced, Warren is the fourth eyewitness to describe the descent of the Holy Fire as a flash that descends from above. As he states, the flash appeared at the opening of the dome, which at the time still had a small opening toward the sky. Furthermore, he speaks of a torch that lights simultaneously with the appearance of the flash and immediately afterwards he describes a miraculous dissemination of the Holy Fire inside the church. He is not referring to the usual dissemination of the flame from candle to candle that needs quite a bit of time, but he describes a supernatural dissemination that was performed by the Holy Fire itself which, ―in a moment, as though by magic,‖ flooded the entire Church of the Resurrection, extending in all directions at once. The British archaeologist’s description is particularly revealing and in line with the testimonies of the previous centuries. Aside, however, from his personal account, in the same chapter of the book are two more very important testimonies: that of Cypriot Bishop Meletios and that of Patriarch Kyrillos II, who led the ceremony the first two years in which Warren participated—the years 1867 and 1867 respectively.

British Archaeologist Charles Warren and the Holy Light

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June 4, 2017

Immediately after Divine Liturgy

1 P.M. to 4 P.M.

Lemonato Chicken with Potatoes

Greek String Beans, Salad & Roll

$10 adults - $5 children up to 10 years

Hamburgers & Hot Dogs available

DJ Leo will be playing Greek & American Music

From 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.

FOR CHILDREN:

Moon Bounce & Balloon Clown

All donations are welcomed

See Connie Fecera, John & Fran Ioannidi, or Des Yianoulis

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Philoptochos by: Sharon Whitman & Cindy Petrakis

Christos Anesti! Christ Has Risen!

Spring is here and we have news to

share with you!

IMPORTANT DATES…. Sunday, May 7th—”St. Xenia Sunday”,

artoclasia and fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos

Sunday, May 7th—End of year luncheon/election

Monday, May 15th—Serving dinner at Opportunity House. Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384.

Shut-in Visitations

This month we highlight Aspacia Simotas and her volunteers, who delivered koulourakia and plants during their Paschal visits to our shut-ins. Since we receive grateful thank you notes from their family members, we know these visits and offerings are greatly appreciated by our church family members because it brightens their spirits! Heartfelt thanks to these ladies for their kindness and stewardship.

Special thanks to the following group of devoted Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week.

Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy.

Laura Delp, Maro Kotsakis, Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs.

Penny Ballas, who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs. She devotes hours of her time at home cutting the netting and ribbon. Thanks to her ―assembly line‖ of ladies who helped wrap over 600 eggs.

Final Bake Sale Results

We had a very successful spring bake sale, which we can now report since the final numbers are in. This year we did not sell the leftover pastry after church on the day after the sale. We saved it to sell at intermission that day during the Messiah concert. This was a first for us and very success-ful. We sold $500 worth of pastry and at our April Board meeting we voted to donate these sales to the National Philoptochos Aid to Greece and Cy-prus Fund. We did sell pastry on Palm Sunday and sold over $300 worth of pastry. We saved pastry for St. Xenia Day on May 7th and the re-maining pastry we served to Opportunity House residents as a treat on April 17th. We are very pleased with the results and again thank those of you who pre-ordered or purchased pastry. Your generosity will fund our philanthropic efforts.

Knitting Ministry

Sincere thanks to Fran Ioannidi, who chairs our knitting ministry, and her committee members for making handmade gifts for Lifeline and Berks Heim. Fran delivered the following items: Berks Heim—5 lap robes and 3 shawls Lifeline—assorted baby crib items, 7 caps, and 14 baby blankets

End-of-Year Luncheon

Important update!

For those ladies who indicated in their reply that they need a ride and to the drivers who volun-teered to drive, please be outside at the back parking lot doors of the church at 12:20 pm. We will be leaving promptly at 12:30 pm! Any ques-tions concerning transport contact Cindy Petrakis, 610-779-0511 or cpetrakis@comcast.net. We hope you have made your paid reservation. Any questions about the dinner contact Joan Giovanis, 610-779-0511. We have planned a lovely after-noon! Remember the board elections will take

place at this luncheon.

Philoptochos Charity (giving) $200 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St. Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandow’s continuing

Guatemalan mission $500 to Aid to Greece and Cyprus $350 to Church’s Food Pantry

Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week activities Shut-in visitations Delivered handmade items to Berks Heim

and Lifeline

Special thanks...To Frank Petrakis for preparing

the meal we served at Opportunity House in April.

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Friday., 5th Feast Day of St. Irene, the Great Martyr

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

Sun., 7th Sunday of the Paralytic

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Acolytes: Group 4 (Archangels): V. Phyrillas, A. Futrick, M. Faust, A. Futrick, Jr., G. Koumaras, T. Siegel, K. Schlageter, T. Hunsicker, A. Karetas, J. Wagner, C. Hunsicker, C. Kraras Sun., 14th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman & Mother’s Day Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a. m. Acolytes: Group 1 (Thrones): G. Caloiero, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker, S. Maoury, M. Maoury, L. Elliker, D. Stroumbakis Sat., 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts. Constantine & Helen Vespers Service at 5:00 p.m. Sun. 21st Sunday of the Blind Man & Feast Day of Sts. Constantine & Helen

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): C. Siozos, N. Lecatsas, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, P. Phyrillas, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, H. Robitzer, Y Patestas, D. Scantzos, A. Scantzos, E. Ross, N. Simotas, M. Patestas

Thurs. 25th Feast of the Holy Ascension of Our Lord Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.

Sun. 28th Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council

Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): A. Midouhas, E. Polyak , N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A. Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran, N. Radwanski, N Rohm, N. Kiritsis, E. Kiritsis

Mon., 29

th Memorial Day

Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the entrance, and at Charles Evans Cemetery beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. (Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries.)

Religious Calendar for May

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Community News

Born:

A baby girl to Michael & Christina Sofranko on March 8.

~ Our congratulations and best wishes ~

Baptized:

Ramin Movahed, son of Abbas and Roya Movahed, on April 23 with Bryant Shunk as

sponsor.

Eleni Kriebel, daughter of Cory and Maria Kriebel on April 23 with Evangelia Shunk &

Ramin Movahed as sponsors.

Annabella Derylo, daughter of Marcin Derylo and Paraskevi Baltatzidis on April 29 with

Theodora Kantrowitz as sponsor.

~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~

Crismated:

John Belisonzi was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on Saturday, April 22nd, with Gust

Kraras as sponsor.

~ The Seal of the Gift of the Holy Spirit ~

Married:

Timothy Gromis to Nicole Becker on April 22. They will reside in Philadelphia.

~ Lord Crown Them With Glory & Honor ~

May Birthdays

Rhea Antonellos Panayiotes Asimakopoulos Crisanne Bansner Gregg Brandt Michael Brandt Anna Caloiero Alexis Campbell William Chaknos Christian Chupak Michael DeSantis Jordan Dialectos Megan Dialectos Bernard Donahue, Jr. George Doukas Isaac Elliker Stephen Elliker, Jr. Ava Futrick Jackson Futrick Alexis Ganas Zoe Hansen Grason Helm Tommy Hunsicker Elizabeth Ioannidi Stephanie Ioannidi Kathryn Ioannidis George Kanakis Alexander Kitixis Viktor Koci Dionisios Kotsakis Maria Kotsakis Janice Krallis Angelique Krone Stephanie Labe Christopher Lawrence Tyler Lountzis Andrew Lountzis Bobby Marcantonis

Michael Mavreles Jr. Alexander Midouhas Matthew Moyer Alex Papademetriou Alexandra Papoutsis Efstratia Pauley Victoria Petrakis Maria Phyrillas Joshua Pollet Natalie Pollet Timothy Profit Harriet Raisides Debra Reber Samantha Rechieru Antje Scantzos Zoe Simotas Zachary Simotas Maria Sneij Michael Sofranko George Stamus Jacob Steiner Fotini Stratus Alinda Sweigart Thanna Sweigart Jamie Sweigart Anthony Sweigart Blake Thompson Charlotte Tilley Matthew Tilley Zander Trampos Katherine Ulrich Katherine Wadsworth David Waligurski Jr. Nicholas Waligurski Despina Yianoulis Joyce Zervanos

A Happy Wedding Anniversary to:

Tim & Shannon Dietrich 5/10/2015 Nicolaie & Ana Sasaran 5/12/1973 Mauro & Angel Cammarano 5/14/1972 Terry & Barbara Kutz 5/15/1988 Constantine & Aspasia Kotsakis 5/20/1990 Matthew & Helen Midouhas 5/21/1994 Michael & Christina Sofranko 5/24/2015 Andreas & Kathryn Ioannidis 5/24/1970 Stephen & Amy Elliker 5/25/2003 Panagiotis & Justina Ioannidis 5/30/2010 Fr. Tom & Presv. Anne Pappalas 5/31/1981

Remember in Prayer

Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities, the home-bound, and those convalescing: Ruth Anthony, Chris Carley, Anna Carley, Katherine Fisher, Ross Fournaris, Mary Harris, Pauline Heckman, Cleo Kostomeris, Joseph Lasky, Marie Lecatsas, Joanne Marmarou, Helen Nicholas, Stella Ninfo, Sandy Odagis, Kalliope Pappas, William Sianis, Angeliki Skyllas, Sebastian Ulrich & Catherine Zaharis.

And those hospitalized in the month of April:

Constantine Stevens, Michael Koumaras, Deborah Lambros, Nicole Kambakis, Mary Harris, James Georgeadis, Maria Care, Gus Kraras

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From Our Parish Council

Artie Fecera, President

Our April 11th Meeting was cancelled because of Holy Week. Our Council Members take Holy Week as a week to reflect on our Orthodox Religion. We start our week on Palm Sunday and end on Easter Sunday with the Agape Service.

Our Council members who work during Holy Week are Angel Helm, Strat Marmarou, Athan Dialectos, Tony Phyrillas, Christ Kraras, Chris Dikos, Gus Kotsakis, Anthony Koumaras, Harry Dialectos, Nick Karetas, Mike Mavreles, Frank T. Petrakis, Kim Shunk, Chuck Mowbray, Connie Fecera, Artie Fecera and the one member who spends the most time during Holy Week, Gus Kraras. All 17 members help in different ways.

This year Holy Week Services were well attended starting with Saturday of Lazarus, Palm Sunday, our evening services on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Our Wednesday service, Holy Unction, had over 200 in attendance. Thursday evening Procession of the Cross and Friday Evening service were well attended. Easter Service late Saturday evening was well attended also. Hopefully, we can keep our attendance somewhat like Holy Week year round. It is nice seeing our Church full.

Hope all had a Blessed Easter!

From the Easter Cannon

Parishioners are asked to help select

Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you

think best fills the following criteria: participation

in the total life of the Parish, particularly its

religious life. Other considerations may include

such items as volunteer work both within the

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. Please fill out the form below and

return it to the church by May 31. We are looking

forward to many nominations. Please take the

time to nominate your ―favorite‖ father for this

recognition.

Father of the Year

Nomination Form

Please return to the church office

by May 31st

I wish to nominate _____________________

for this year’s Father of the Year recognition for the

following reasons:

(please use criteria listed above)

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

Nominated by:

_____________________________________

Day of Resurrection! Be aglow, all peoples. The Lord’s Passover! From death to life, from earth to heaven, Christ our God has brought us, singing triumphantly. Our senses purified, we shall see Christ radiant with light, the unapproachable light, of the resurrection. His clarion greeting we shall hear, singing victoriously. Heavens, as you should, rejoice! Earth, exalt! All creation, seen and unseen, celebrate! For Christ has risen, our eternal joy!

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Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers

Sunday School

Marisa Hunsicker– Director

Χριστός Aνέστη! Christos Anesti!

Christ is Risen!!

We were all truly inspired during Holy Week as we observed our Sunday School children together with their parents worshipping Christ our Savior. ―For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.‖ John 3:16 This month we are spotlighting the Pre-Kindergarten class. Our staff of awesome teachers this year are Heather Moliatu, Amy Elliker, Theano Limberiou, Crina Sasaran; and our amazing aides, Kristina Antonellos and Fran Thompson. We are always very excited to teach your Pre-K children about our Orthodox Faith. This year we have a small class, but the children are very energetic and eager to learn each week. We start each class with practicing the sign of the cross and the Lord’s Prayer. Each week is a different lesson teaching about Jesus and how he loves all of us and how to be kind to others. Also ways to show our family and friends that we love them. We also make a craft to go along with each lesson. We stress that Church is God’s house and how to behave in Church by not running, jumping, yelling, etc., including listening to Father Tom and the choir during our time participating in the Liturgy. During the month of April we talked about all the events leading up to Holy Week and celebrating Easter. We will finish up this year talking about ways to help our moms and dads; relating to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We thank you for continuing to bring your children to our Sunday School Class! Our annual Egg Hunt was enjoyable as always under the direction of Crina Sasaran! Thank you to Crina and everyone who assisted her!! Student Volunteers: The following students volunteered during the month of April. Angeliki Miranda was our wonderful Epistle Reader. Peyton Kraras and Toni Dikos were the pleasant Greeters. Peyton Kraras, Angeliki Miranda and Zoe Thompson passed the baskets.

Father Tom plans to hold a

Second Annual

“Blessing of the Animals

Service”

Saturday, May 13th

at 11 a.m.

The 15 minute service will take place

in the parking lot

on the side of the church.

Parishioners are asked to park

in the back of the church.

A special thank you to our Sunday School students that participated in this year’s Oratorical Festival in our church. Gino Caloiero, Patrick Phyrillas, and Dante Porcaro did an outstanding job!

Last day of Sunday School

June 4th Graduation program will be held at this time.

Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! Alithos Anesti! Truly

He Is Risen!

7

2017—Great Lent and Easter Donations

Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent:

Wreath (Holy Thursday): Athena Zeppos, Maria Saravanos & family in memory of my husband Anastasios, my son Demostenis, my parents Evangelos and Marigo, and Demosthenes and Magdalene, and brother Eleftherios.

Wreath (Easter): John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents

Wreath (Annunciation Icon): Maria Daniels & Family in loving memory of my parents & Michael.

Salutation Wreath: Philip & Calipso Kollintza in memory of Aggeliki, Feleskoura, Constantine, Panagiotis

Candles for Salutations: Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond, Irene, Effie, Spero & Nick

Greek Palms (Vaia): Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of my husband.

Candles for Palm Sunday: Emmanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas

Rose Water for Epitaphios: Michael & Kathy Moyer for the health & welfare of our children and grandchildren.

Incense for Holy Week: Constantina Marmarou in memory of Michael Marmarou; Maria Kotsakis in memory of my parents

Wreath for Nymphios: Maria Daniels in memory of my parents and my beloved husband

Altar Candles for Holy Week: Dee Dee & Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo & Effie Kyrmas

Potted Palms for Holy Week: Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Dimitri.

Potted Palms for Holy Week: Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Dimitri.

Candles for Holy Thursday: Eva Koutalelis in memory of Pareskeva, Maria, George & Carnation, John & Pauline, Esther; Dimitri & Petroula Mitsiopoulos in memory of loved ones; Fr. Demetrius & Presv. Despina Nokoloudakis in memory of Mary Blazakis O’Donnel; Peter, Alex & George Zeppos in memory of our parents, Demosthenes & Magdalena; Evangeline McGowan in memory of Robert McGowan; Anthousa Scaros I memory of my husband, Emmanuel; Phillip & Calipso Kollintza in memory of Aggeliki, Feleskoura, Constantine, Panagiotis

Altar Candles for Holy Friday : Constantina Marmarou & Family in memory of Michael Marmarou, Therapon Paraskis & departed family members

Candles for Cross: John & Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr. & Mrs. George N. Pappas & Anne Landis Garrett

Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar: Pat Zampelli, Debbie & Jayce Reber & Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas; George, Peter & Alex Zeppos in memory of our parents, Demosthenes & Magdalena

Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha: Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents, my sister & my husband.

A Special Thank You To:

The Kraras Family for their donation of flowers and plants for Holy Week and Pascha.

Easter Offering

Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha. The total amount received was $6,445

Anthony, Ruth Antonellos, Theodore & Franzeska Ballas, Penelope Bansner, Scott & Crisanne Breen, Edward & Stephanie Burkman, Darryl & Anna Campbell, David & Vlacia Dalaveris, Helen Daniels, Maria Dastra, Lula Delp, John & Laura Denne, Despina Dialectos, Harry & Christine Dialectos, Joanne Cornilia Dikos Donahue, Bernard & Patricia Edwards, Philip & Michele Fecera, Artie & Connie Elliker, James & Rula Firilias, Michael & Kula Frangakis, John & Despina Garrett, John & Michele Georgeadis, Jim & Christine Geras, Ann Griffith, Theodora Grimes, Robert & Despina Hatzistavrakis, Stratos & Irene Holden, Marilyn Johns, Constance Kachel, Alan

Karahalias, Dennis Karahalias, Maria Karanikas, Helen Karetas, Harry & Sonya Karetas, Nicholas & Alice Katsigiannis, Olga Kefalas, Georgia Klein, Kenneth & Dee Dee Kolevas, Catherine & Emmanuel Kollintzas, Phillip & Calipso Kotsakis, Dionisios & Maria Koumaras, Michael & Anna Kousaros, Mary Koutalelis, Evriiklia Koutroubas, Konstantinos & Evangelia Krallis, Demetrio & Janice Lawrence, Shane & Stasia Marmarou, Connie Marmarou, Steve & Nancy Marmarou, Strat & Joanne Maroulis, Peter & Cornelia Mavreles, Patricia McGowan, Evangeline Melnyk, Ralli Miller, Leon & Rosemarie Miller, Richard & Frances Mitsiopoulos, Dimitri & Petroula Morris, Stella Mowbray, Charles Moyer, Michael & Kathy

Ott, Robert & Elaine Palles, Agatha Pappalas, Fr. Tom & Presv. Anne Papoutsis, Maria Paraskis, Evelpis Pendos, Anestis & Mihaela Platanos, Asimikas & Despina Platanos, Nick & Kathryn Porcaro, Nicholas & Marianthe Protheroe, William & Kaliope Raisides, Harriet Robitzer, Donald & Marian Saraceni, Rosemary Sasaran, Calin & Crina Sasaran, Nicolaie & Ana Shoumilsky, Elaine Sianis, Mary Sotos, Antigone Sterganos, Gus Sterganos, James & Chris Theodossiou, Linda Tilley, Philip & Vasso Torrence, David & Gail Tsakeris, Catherine Yatron, George & Shirleen Zampelli, Patricia Zeppos, Athena Zeppos, George D. & Diane Zervanos, Evan & Sandra Zogas, Gust

8

For Your convenience,

The Church Calendar

can also be accessed

via our Church Website.

Go to: www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Click on ―Calendar‖ (located on the black bar).

It will open to the current month.

158 pledges were received to date totaling $134, 756

The average pledge per family is $852.89

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 from the Oakbrook Housing development.

On March 25th, our parish provided food for 99 needy families, which included 248 children and 75 senior citizens. The total number of people served was 547.

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,

2) Contributing to the Food pantry Fund to help cover expenses.

Thanks 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.

Food Pantry

Volunteers

May 30

Mr. & Mrs. Carl Hoffman Mrs. Marilyn Holden Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hunsicker Mr. & Mrs. John Ioannidi Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Ioannidis Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Ioannidis Mr. & Mrs. George Ivanov Ms. Constance Johns Mr. Michael Johns Mr. Alan Kochel

Fellowship Hosts

Stewardship 2017 Steve Lecatsas, Chairman

Thank you to the following additional parishioners who have submitted their 2017 pledge cards:

Derylo, Marcin Marmarou, Rallia Raisides, Harriet Shaeffer, Christine Zahariadis, Dimitrios

Parishioners who have not yet submitted their 2017 pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience.

May 7 Mr. & Mrs. Adrien Rechieru Mr. & Mrs. Silviu Rechieru Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy Reeser Mr. & Mrs. Donald Robitzer Mr. & Mrs. Walter Ruchlewicz

May 14 Mr. & Mrs. Victor Talotta Mr. & Mrs. John Rohm Mr. & Mrs. Jim Rohm Mrs. Rosemary Saraceni

May 21 Mrs. Diane Kratsas-Skyllas Mr. & Mrs. Grant Skyllas Mr. & Mrs. Abed Sneij Mrs. Antigone Sotos Mr. & Mrs. George Stamus

May 28 Mr. & Mrs. Felix Stancu Mr. & Mrs. Galen Stephenson Mr. Gus Sterganos Mr. & Mrs. James Sterganos Mr. & Mrs. Christ Sterious

Koutroubas, Dino & Evangelia Protheroe, William & Popi Sianis, Harry Sr. & Mary Torrence, David & Gail Zervanos, Stephen & Luisa

9

GOYA/JOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar, forms and other information.

Go to- https://sites.google.com/site/stsconstantinehelenreadinggoya

4 Greek School

Graduation

27

Food Pantry

6 Eastern District Soccer

Tournament– Lancaster

21 JOY Pizza & Movie Night

―Finding Nemo‖

21 GOYA Meeting

After Divine Liturgy

30

Food Pantry

GOYA Eastern District Soccer Tournament

May 6 9:00-2:00 p.m.

Hosted by Annunciation Church Lanco Field House, 1901 Miller Road, East Petersburg, PA 17520.

Please RSVP to Dino by as soon as possible.

JOY Pizza &

Save the Date!

August 14-18

Graduation

June 4th

Following Divine Liturgy

Movie Night ―Finding Nemo‖

Sunday, May 21 6:00 p.m.

There will be a short reflection in the church to follow

(This event is open to JOY kids and younger).

Please RSVP to Dino by Friday, May 19th

Greek School

2nd-4th Grade: June 18-24

5th-7th Grade: June 25-July 1

8th-9th Grade: July 2-8

10th-11th Grade: July 9-15

To register:

www.pittsburgh.goarch.org

(Follow the link to register)

Cost: $500

(you can apply

for financial aid)

Cost: $10 Per GOYAn