of st. demetrios greek orthodox church february 22909 ... · infants thru age 2 including clothes,...
TRANSCRIPT
The Epistleof St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Fr. Anthony Coniaris writes in his book
Orthodoxy: A Creed for Today:
ΑΓΑΠΗ
February14th
GODPARENTS’ SUNDAY All our Sunday School students & their godparents are invited to attend Divine Liturgy and partake of
Holy Communion together.
Following Liturgy, come to the Cultural Hall and enjoy a Pancake Breakfast with your godchild.
$10/ plate includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, coffee & juice. Tickets will be sold at the door. Proceeds to benefit our Camp Nazareth Fund
Afterwards, take home a treat for your loved ones.Daughters of Penelope will be selling Valentines
Cookies, decorated with Greek phrases of love & affection. Proceeds to benefit the scholarship fund.
Philoptochos & Sunday School will kick off the annual “Baby Shower” for Zoe House,
Cleveland’s Orthodox home for women in crisis pregnancies. They will be collecting items for
infants thru age 2 including clothes, diapers/wipes, bottles, toys, or monetary donations during
coffee hour on Sundays, Feb 14 & 21.
Pastoral Thoughts by Fr. Jim Doukas
FEBRUARY 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 2016
“Baptism demands a personal response on the part of
the baptized child when it reaches the age of reason. The
child must accept what God did for him or her in
Baptism. For Baptism is not a divine pass that will get us
into heaven automatically. Dr. Nikos Nissiotis has said,
“A baptized Christian- especially in the Churches in
which infant Baptism is practiced – needs to make a
personal decision regarding the Christian faith which has
been passively inherited from his Christian environment.”
Without this personal decision, baptism becomes only a
“form” that can make us think we’re Christian when
we’re actually not. Before we can visit certain Far Eastern
countries, we must be inoculated for cholera. The first
shot makes us sick for a day or two. We actually get a
mild case of cholera to keep us from getting the real
thing.
There are countless professing Christians today who
have had just enough religion (i.e. one baptismal
certificate) to inoculate them against a genuine
relationship with Christ. Baptism must be followed by a
personal awareness or awakening to the many gifts of
God’s love bestowed upon us through this great
sacrament.
Through Baptism, Christ cleanses us of sin. He calls
us His own sons and daughters. He makes us heirs of all
His riches. He makes us members of His family. As
members of God’s family we are all related to each other
and responsible for each other. Yet Baptism is more even
than all this. Through Baptism, we are attached to
Christ. We become members of His body. Each baptized
Christian becomes an extension of Christ. We become
other Christs in the world. We become His eyes, His
hands, His tongue, His feet. Christ has chosen to work in
the world through us- the members of His body. It is our
special responsibility as baptized Christians to let Christ
be present wherever we ourselves are stationed in the
world as baptized Christians.”
Please join our whole St. Demetrios family on
Godparent/Godchild Sunday, Feb. 14th. This is a
wonderful opportunity for all of us to renew our
baptismal promises and commitment to Jesus Christ,
our godchildren, and to participate in the Divine
Liturgy and receive Holy Communion together.
The Epistle is the official publication of the
Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios
Phone: (440) 331-2246
Fax: (440) 331-8407
www.saintdemetriosrr.org
Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m.
Publication Deadlines: Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday
Monthly Epistle – The 15th of the preceding month
Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257
Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou, Assistant Priest……..412-758-1068
Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr [email protected]
Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected]
John Stamatiades, Church Accountant…440-331-2246, ext. 4
Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected]
For a seasonal prayer, call the church and choose extension 7
PARISH COUNCIL
James Diamond, President…..……………….…440-725-9636
Byron T. Spooner, Vice President….......……….440-724-1923
Steve Alex, Treasurer……………………………440-823-9595
Randy Carpenter, Financial Secretary…..………440-878-0036
Eugenia Burpulis, Secretary…...………………...440-356-1746
Andreas Koustis…...…………………………….216-513-8905
Nikolaos Petousis ………………………....…….440-570-7889
Anthony Trakas……...…………………………..440-385-7741
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS’ CONTACTS
Acolyte Coordinator…………..…Tom Hlepas…216-269-3265
AHEPA…………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079
Bible Study:……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003
Bookstore……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547
Choir Director/Cantor…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230
Youth Choir…….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068
Daughters of Penelope …..………Elisa Demis…440-665-1348
Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131
Board of Education Maria Mougianis…440-835-2888
GOYA Advisors Athena Diamantis………………216-469-8607
Dan Packis……………………..440-937-9531
Sophia Tjotjos…...……….…….440-331-4000
President Matthew Szekely……………….440-835-5712
Hellenic Dancers
Aeraki Beginners Group…….. Maria Coutris…412-915-7838
Kymata Jr. Group ….……...Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807
Kyklonas ……………….Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131
Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray)……Maria Statheros…216-226-1680
Library Committee:…………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581
Philoptochos……………………[email protected]
President ………Stephanie Zavatchen….440-385-7448
Sunshine Committee….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959
Sunday School….…………... [email protected]
Principal Maggie Steffas…….440-871-6362
Assistant Principal Cindy Genin……440-610-7686
Spiritual Life Committee...Angie Giallourakis…440-871-2681
Trust Fund ................John Stamatis, Chairman…440-937-6258
Yassou Club…...…………....Mary Pappadakes…440-799-4821
IOCC www.iocc.org Pascalis Papouras : [email protected]
OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship of BWU, CWRU, CSU,
JCU, Tri-C)……… Mira Damljanovic: [email protected]
OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) www.ocmc.org
POYAF (Pan-Orthodox Young Adult Fellowship)
……Maria Koulioufas: 440-525-1187
ORTHODOX ORGANIZATIONS
St. Herman’s House of Hospitality FOCUS Cleveland
www.sainthermans.com
St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach
www.stpanteleimon.com
Zoe for Life! www.zoeforlifeonline.org
For local Orthodox events: www.orthodoxcleveland.us
Current Month Actual
Current Month Budget YTD Actual YTD Budget
Income
Pledges Totals: 50,207.75 47,094.17 348,829.17 419,380.00
Offerings Totals: 6,495.04 6,066.67 64,267.51 72,750.00
Education Offerings Totals: 0.00 0.00 21,721.00 22,730.00
Other Church Donations Totals: 3,250.00 730.83 23,142.85 8,770.00
Fund Raiser Revenue Totals: 990.00 200.00 477,489.72 364,900.00
Rental Revenue Totals: 6,149.52 6,391.67 67,503.48 76,700.00
Other Revenue Totals: 5,034.92 181.67 29,650.88 27,500.00
Income Totals: 72,127.23 60,665.01 1,032,604.61 992,730.00
Expense
Gross Wages Totals: 14,982.16 15,812.22 174,576.55 177,540.00
Pastor Benefits Totals: 12,087.98 14,605.01 173,746.30 175,260.00
Other Payroll Expenses Totals: 1,550.06 4,883.34 61,230.28 58,600.00
Assistant Pastor Benefits Totals:
10,602.57 0.00 39,172.22 0.00
Education Expenses Totals: 0.00 0.00 1,633.81 3,600.00
Fund Raiser Expenses Totals: 66.15 0.00 202,257.59 191,000.00
Parish Organizations Totals: 814.01 41.67 5,855.95 5,600.00
Mission and Outreach Totals: 600.00 208.33 1,850.00 5,050.00
Arch/Diocean Expenses Totals: 7,361.26 7,297.50 89,057.32 91,680.00
Church Expenses Totals: 1,347.55 2,255.00 14,901.52 16,860.00
Office Expense Totals: (901.23) 2,020.83 24,800.24 36,940.00
Main Complex Exp Totals: 29,308.88 15,937.18 291,804.97 180,870.00
Expense Totals: 77,819.39 63,061.08 1,080,886.75 943,000.00
Income - Expense: (5,692.16) (2,396.07) (48,282.14) 49730
3
Speaking of Stewardship…Speaking of Stewardship…Speaking of Stewardship…Speaking of Stewardship…Last month, Fr. Jim swore-in our
2016Parish Council. We welcome
back those continuing a term, and
we congratulate the 2016 officers:
James Diamond, President
Byron T. Spooner, Vice President
Steve Alex, Treasurer
Randy Carpenter, Financial
Secretary
Eugenia Burpulis, Secretary
Statement of Activity* (December 2015**)
From the President’s PenTo The Parishioners of St. Demetrios:
I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected President
of the Parish Council of St. Demetrios. As my active participation as a
council member moves into my fourth year, I feel that with the support
of the parish council, all organizations and you, the parishioners,
together, we will continue to meet the daily and future challenges.
Our beloved parish was founded in 1959 with our first location on
Wooster Road. As our community flourished in numbers, we gathered the necessary
resources to build in 1973 our most revered church at our current location on Center
Ridge Road.
Forty-three years have passed and our beloved church, cultural hall and activity center
are still the talk of the west side. Our annual Greek festival is one of the high points of
summer in Rocky River. Without the commitment from our volunteers we could not
possibly make this event successful. Each and every year we somehow find ways to
improve efficiencies that result in our patrons’ comfort and pleasure. It’s hard to imagine
forty thousand people support the four days of our festival. They just keep coming back
for the great food and hospitality.
As we move forward, our efforts will be focused on two major concerns: Increase in
church membership/stewardship and the care of our beloved church.
To each and every one, thank you for your time and generosity to make the Greek
Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios what it is today and beyond. If you have any
concerns, questions, ideas, you can call me at 440-725-9636 or email me at
[email protected] - James R. Diamond, Parish Council President
*Please note this new report format includes major categories for both expenses and revenues of the Church. **Going forward, the report will be presented with a one month delay to reflect actual amounts from month’s start to finish.
We also welcome our
newest board member
Andreas Koustis, who
is a life-long member
of St. Demetrios
Church. He attended
our Sunday School, was a member of
GOYA, and studied Greek with Mrs.
Vassos. After graduating from St.
Ignatius High School, he earned an
accounting degree from the
University of South Florida and an
International Business degree from
CSU. He now works at Morgan
Stanley and lives in Berea with his
wife Elizabeth and their daughters
Ava, Isabella, and Arianna.
Even with our new and returning
board members, there are still 4
vacant seats on Parish Council. We
ask those Orthodox Christians, over
18 years of age, who are members in
Good Standing of St. Demetrios to
prayerfully consider donating their
time and talent to the very important
ministry of the Parish Council.
Our Newest Little AngelOur Newest Little AngelOur Newest Little AngelOur Newest Little Angel
John, son of Richard & Helene Speicher, was born Dec. 8, 2015.
Those that Have Put on ChristThose that Have Put on ChristThose that Have Put on ChristThose that Have Put on Christ
Constantine Prinios, son of Andrew & Lindy, was baptized on
Jan. 10, 2016. His nona is Lauren Lanzaretta.
ASLEEP IN THE LORDASLEEP IN THE LORDASLEEP IN THE LORDASLEEP IN THE LORD
4
Parish News
Su after D/L Kids Open Play In session
M 7-9 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
GOYA Boys basketball
Men’s Basketball
In session
Year round
Tu 7:30 a.m.
7-9 p.m.
Exercise with Sophia
GOYA Girls’ basketball
Year round
In session
W 7-9 p.m.
9:00 p.m.
GOYA Boys’ basketball
Men’s Basketball
In session
Year round
Th 7:30 a.m.
7-9 p.m.
Exercise with Sophia
GOYA Girls’ basketball
Year round
In session
F Open for kids’ birthdays 440-331-2246
Sa 1-3 p.m. Kids’ Basketball Skills Feb 13 & 20
Zapis Activity Center
Ethel C. Chiviles (nee Collins), mother of
Valorie Nagy (John), Polly Furey (Timothy),
Ellen Chrisman (Timothy), and Tony (Jean),
grandmother of 10, great-grandmother of 3, sister
of Mary Pappadakes, and aunt of many, passed
away Jan. 2, 2016.
She served as St. Demetrios Church’s office manager for more than
30 years and was also a lifelong, active volunteer of our parish. See
pages 10-11 for a special memorial tribute.
The Daughters of Penelope Athletic Hall of Fame Award
The national DOP looks to recognize and honor women of Hellenic
descent, of any age, that are or were prominent in a sporting field, as
either professional or amateur athletes. For the nominating application
go to: www.daughtersofpenelope.org/pdfs/athletic_hall_of_fame.pdf
Submissions due June 1, 2016
Leonard T. Jelepis, father of Thomas (Beverly)
and James (Lisa), grandfather of five and a great-
grandfather, brother of Chris Jelepis and Becky
Giakoumatios, passed away Jan. 12, 2016. He was
also a U.S. Army Air Corp veteran of WWII,
having served in the Philippines.
Greek Festival 2016Greek Festival 2016Greek Festival 2016Greek Festival 2016
Happy New Year to every one. I know what you’re
thinking: Is it that time again? and Where did the time
go?! We are going to try and have a just a few festival
meetings this year since everyone has so many things
going on in their lives.
Our first meeting will be Sun., February 21 after
church in the Board Room. We would like all Chair people
to attend, along with any other interested parishioners,
and Parish Council to review last year and input your ideas
on improving your area for this year. We are asking you all
to grab some coffee & snacks, and come to this meeting.
Our St. Demetrios Festival is the largest on the
Westside and that means we need everyone’s help to cook
and prepare food for thousands of people. Cooking starts
March 7. (See the schedule below, which will also be
posted in the church bulletin and board.)
Please make an effort to support the Festival cooking
schedule as it is a big task to produce such large quantities
of great tasting Greek food. In addition to our morning
work sessions, we also have two evening sessions so that
everyone has a chance to chip in. St . Demetrios
needs 125 people a day to run the festival, which produces
the revenue needed to take care of the church and it bills.
So please sign up in the area where you can be helpful.
Look for the Sign-up sheets in next month’s issue.
Thanks for supporting St. Demetrios Church!
-Nick Hillman
FESTIVAL COOKING March 7-8 Dolmades
March 21 Souzoukakia
April 4-5 Pastitsio
April 11-12 Moussaka
May 10*-11 Spanakopites
May 16*-17 Tiropites
May 23 Galaktoboureko
May 30 Green beans
June 1 Koulourakia
June 6-7 Lamb Shanks
June 13 Sauces
June 14 Chicken
June 15 Tourlou, Rice pudding
*Night folding
Greek Festival : June 16-19, 2016
Orthodox Enrichment Classes Orthodox Enrichment Classes Orthodox Enrichment Classes Orthodox Enrichment Classes
Led by Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou
6:30-8:00 p.m., Tuesdays , Feb. 2 & 16, and March 1st
All are welcome to join us in the Board Room and
dig deeper into our understanding of the Faith.
5
Focus on PhiloptochosFocus on PhiloptochosFocus on PhiloptochosFocus on Philoptochos
On Jan. 10th, Fr Jim cut the parish
Vasilopita. Thanks to the
ministries and organizations that
participated, Philoptochos was
able to collect $2,000 for St. Basil
Academy! St. Basil’s is the Greek
Orthodox Archdiocese’s boarding
school for children in need, located
in upstate New York. Thanks
also to the ladies who baked the
loaves of vasilopita
Congratulations to the Velvento
Society who found one of the
coins!
(l-r) Sub-deacon Serge Elias, Fr
Jim, Deacon John Pantelis, sub-
deacon Nick Statheros, Fr.
Anastasios.
6 Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14)(Matthew 9:14)(Matthew 9:14)(Matthew 9:14)
Sunday SchoolSun., Feb. 14 -Godparents Sunday (see page 1)
2016 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
Christianity is NOT an exclusive club. What convincing
words, knowledge or actions would you use to describe your
faith in Christ or the best that orthodoxy has to offer or to bring
someone to Christ? How well could you “talk” about our faith
and our Savior? This is what our annual Oratorical Festival is
all about. The future of our faith is in how we communicate
the message of salvation. Each parent, grandparent, Uncle,
Aunt, Nono or Nona is encouraged to discuss this year’s topics
with their child. Please contact me or your child’s Sunday
School teacher with any questions or comments on
strengthening our program, and to sign up your child.
-Tony Apotsos, Sunday School Teacher & Committee Chair for
the Oratorical Festival ([email protected])
Junior Division Topics (Grades 7–9)
1. In the Old Testament we read that there is “a time to keep
silence and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). What is the
value of silence and quiet in a time when we are always
“plugged in”?
2. Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves and 2 fish (Matthew
14:13–21). Discuss what this miracle teaches about our ability
to serve humanity.
3. Discuss how icons play a helpful role in the prayer life of an
Orthodox Christian.
4. Houses of worship have always been thought of as a
sanctuary of peace and serenity. Recently they have become
the vulnerable targets of violent crimes. Discuss the attitude of
Orthodox Christians toward this issue today.
5. How might Orthodox Christians contribute and support the
efforts to eliminate poverty and hunger in the world?
Senior Division Topics (Grades 10–12)
1. How does gathering as a community of Orthodox Christians
to participate in the Divine Liturgy influence your daily life?
2. In light of Genesis 1:24-27, the 6th day of creation, discuss
how all living beings are connected and its impact on our
responsibility for the planet.
3. How do you respond to people who question your belief in
God and participation in the life of the Church?
4. Discuss how “the arts” can inspire a greater connection
between God and an individual or community.
5. Human trafficking remains a tragedy even today. We know
that all human beings are created by God in His image (Genesis
1:27); therefore, how can we as Orthodox Christians help these
victims and assist in the efforts to eliminate human trafficking?
~Sun., March 13 – Local Round 1 will take place during
Sunday School in the hall.
~Sun., March 27- Presentation of winning speeches to the
congregation from the pulpit.
Dear Parishioners,
I had the blessing to attend the “2016
Pan-Orthodox Youth/Camp Worker’s
Conference” held at St. Seraphim OCA
Cathedral in Dallas, Texas from January
21st -23rd. This is an annual conference
that is put on for all Orthodox youth and
camp workers to learn from one another, to inspire one
another, and to support one another. Every year this
conference is hosted by a different Orthodox Jurisdiction and
operates under the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops
of North and Central America (the successor of
SCOBA). This was the fifth time that I have been able to
attend, and I do believe that it was the best conference that I
have been to with dynamic speakers on Parish Ministries for
GOYA-aged children and Young Adults (REAL), and a
touch of Texas Hospitality. I look forward to implementing
some of the lessons that I learned right here at St. Demetrios.
– Fr. Anastasios , Assistant Priest of St. Demetrios Church
and Co-chair of the Summer Camp Executive Committee
Youth ChoirSat., Feb. 13 – Noon- 2:00 p.m., in the chapel. We are now
preparing for Lent and Holy Week. We will have pizza first,
and then the rehearsal.
Sat., Feb. 27 – Field trip to the Singing Angels concert
(see flyer below.)
7Greek SchoolTue., Feb. 2 -Presentation of Christ to the Temple
(Υπαπαντή) :
•All the classes will have lesson on this feastday &
the Sacraments of 40-day Blessing and Baptism.
Students may bring a doll (or action figure).
•While the students are in church (5:00-6:30 p.m.)
teachers will be available for parent-teacher
conferences. Contact your child’s teacher to
schedule a meeting or teleconference.
•Teachers’ meeting to follow at 6:45 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 7 – Noon, our school will represent
Greece at an international program at the German
Language School in Olmsted Falls.
(below, left) The children
getting ready to dive for
the cross. PTO hosted the
parish’s annual Pool Party
& Cross Dive at Rocky
River pool on Jan. 3rd.
Stavros gets the Σταυρό! Many blessings to Stavros Poulopoulos (pictured
above, right with Fr. Anastasios & Fr Jim)
who retrieved the cross during the Epiphany Day
blessing. Thanks to George Catavolos for donating
the cross which was thrown into the water.
Photos: Angie Rokas; Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Hellenic DancersKymata Dancers (ages 9-12)
Sun., Feb. 7- Sign-up and informational meeting for parents
of in the Fellowship Room, at 11:45 a.m.
Rehearsals will begin that day, and continue each Sunday
(except certain holidays) through the festival on June 16-19.
Contact Angelia Szekely (440-724-3807) for more info.
(left) Before Christmas
break, Fr. Jim and Fr.
Anastasios gave each class
a lesson about Epiphany,
explaining the blessing of
the waters, in preparation
of the annual Epiphany
Pool Party.
Kyklonas Dancers (ages 13 & up)
Thu., March 3– 6:00p.m. Apokreatiko Party, followed by our
first rehearsal at 6:30 pm. in the hall.
This is a MANDATORY REHEARSAL/ REGISTRATION
for any new or incoming former Kymata dancers who wish to
perform for the festival (June 16-19.) No new dancers will be
accepted after March.
Contact Eleni (440-331-2246 x2) for more info.
COMING UP…
Thursday, March 3
«Τσικνο Πεµπτη»
Apokreatiko Party.
Students may come in
costume for this
special pre-Lenten fun
day.
Save the Date For
The 16th Annual
Greek Independence Day Parade
Saturday, March 19, 2016
In Cleveland’s Historic Tremont neighborhood
GOYAFeb. 5-7 – Basketball tournament at Holy
Trinity Canton.
Sun., Feb. 14 – Pangari duty & meeting
Feb. 26-28 –Basketball tournament in
Pittsburgh
Last month, St. Demetrios sent six teams to
the first basketball tournament of the year,
hosted by St. Paul Church of North Royalton.
Thanks to the parents who drove and hosted
sleep-overs, and our hard working coaches
and advisors.
Photos: Jordyn Prok
(above) Senior Girls team with Fr. Anastasios,
coaches Jim Souris & Nick Hillman and Fr. Jim.
They came in 3rd place at the tournament.
(right) Junior Girls’ team with coaches Lily Anitas
and Andrea Giavroutas, came in 1st place !
(below) Junior Boys’ teams with coach Paul
Poulos; coach Tom Zollos (not pictured)
(top) Fr. Anastasios, coach Steve Manos and Fr. Jim with
the St. Demetrios Senior Boys, who came in 1st Place
team at the first 2016 tournament!
(above) Coaches Steve Manos & Steve Stamatis (center)
with the Senior Boys team.
8
HERITAGE GREECE National Hellenic Society (NHS) offers a two-week cultural
and educational immersion experience for Greek American
college students, aged 18-26, as a gift to successful
candidates. Eligible candidates must be enrolled Greek
American college students, aged 18-26, with a minimum 3.0
GPA and preferably not having visited Greece.
The two-week experience is shared with a peer group of
Greek students from the American College of Greece
(ACG), Europe's oldest and largest American-styled college
located on a 65 acre state-of-art campus in Aghia Paraskevi
in Athens. Students earn language and culture class credit
and also forge lifelong friendships and memories.
Upon their return from Greece, the students are part of the
Heritage Greece Alumni Network where NHS assists them
through mentorship, internships and career advancing ways
through NHS vast network. Visit www.acg.edu to see blogs
and get application information
U.N. FELLOWSHIP The Faith-based Diplomacy &
Advocacy Initiative has established two yearlong fellowships
at the United Nations for 2016-17. All Orthodox Christian
graduate and post-graduate students are invited to apply for
this fellowship, focusing on :
1) Human Rights & Religious Freedom
2) Environment/Ecology
3) Peace, Security, & Humanitarianism
4) Equality (inter alia, Gender, Race, Economic)
5) Health Advocacy.
Fellows will have the opportunity to join and participate in
the work of NGO Committees at the United Nations; assist in
formulating oral and written Archdiocesan statements and
interventions; help plan and host events during ECOSOC
Functional Commissions; and participate in panel discussions
at future Biennial National Clergy-Laity Congresses.
To apply, please visit un.goarch.org/fellowship. The
deadline for submitting an application for the 2016-2017
fellowship is April 30, 2016.
Educational Opportunities in 2016
IONIAN VILLAGE
The international camping ministry of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese, in Peloponnese, Greece:
• Spiritual Odyssey (June 1 –12, 2016 ) Young adults (ages
of 19-24) discover Orthodox Greece in Zakynthos,
Kefalonia, Kalavrita, and Osios Loukas Monastery, and
more.
• Camping (Session One: June 19 – July 8; Session Two:
July 17 – August 5 ) for teens having completed grades 8-
12. Ionian Village campgrounds sit along the shores of the
Ionian Sea and are equipped with a private beach, a
renovated Olympic-sized pool, air-conditioned cabins, and
various athletic courts and fields. Campers actively explore
their Orthodox faith and heritage, both through the daily at-
camp program and through excursions to culturally and
religiously significant sites throughout Greece. Excursions
include Ancient Olympia, Patra, Zakynthos, Kefalonia,
Kalavrita, Aegina, and Athens.
For scholarship information, or to apply to be a Staff or
Medical Member, please visit www.ionianvillage.org.
9
NATIONAL DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPEWomen of Hellenic descent, who are undergraduate or grad
students, and who have a family member in AHEPA or
Daughters of Penelope may apply for any of the following:
• National Scholarship
• Financial Need Scholarship
http://www.daughtersofpenelope.org/pdfs/National_Scholarsh
ip_Application.pdf Submission deadline: May 1, 2016
• Zoe Cavalaris Outstanding Female Athlete Award
For students who exhibit excellence in athletics during the school
year of Aug.1, 2015-June 1, 2016. Submission: June 1, 2016.
http://www.daughtersofpenelope.org/pdfs/Zoe_Cavalaris_Applic
ation.pdf
COLLEGE YEAR IN ATHENS Learning opportunities in Greece with university-level courses
taught in English, focusing on Greece and the Mediterranean
world, through the Athens-based International Center for
Hellenic and Mediterranean Studies.
Courses for Summer Session I : May 30-June 25, 2016
• Excavating in the Aegean
• Spartans and their Worlds
• Becoming a Traveler: Writing in Greece
• Sustainability in Greek Urban and Island Communities
Courses for Summer Session II: June 27-July 23, 2016
• Anthropology of Food in Greece
• Egypt Meets the Aegean: Bronze Age Interconnections
• Global Governance of Migrations.
For fees, course descriptions, etc., go to www.cyathens.org
ARCHIMEDES SCHOLARSHIP The Next
Generation Initiative’s Scholarship is offered to
outstanding high school seniors of Hellenic
heritage intending to pursue studies in science, technology,
engineering or math (STEM) related fields at a university in
the United States. For more information, please go
to www.hellenext.org
Submission deadline: March 25, 2016.
JOAN LAMBROS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPAvailable to women of St. Demetrios Church who are pursuing a
college or graduate school education in the Sciences. Pick up
applications in the church office or email
[email protected] Submission deadline: April 22, 2016.
DR. KOMNINOS FOTINOS MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP Available to any high school senior or undergraduate student in
college or university whose family is an active member of St.
Demetrios Church. The student needs to have at least a 3.0
GPA. Preference will be given to those pursuing a premed or
health care degree. Applications available in the church office.
Submission deadline is May 4, 2016
“And we know that GOD CAUSES EVERYTHING TO WORK TOGETHER for the good “And we know that GOD CAUSES EVERYTHING TO WORK TOGETHER for the good “And we know that GOD CAUSES EVERYTHING TO WORK TOGETHER for the good “And we know that GOD CAUSES EVERYTHING TO WORK TOGETHER for the good
of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them.” of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them.” of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them.” of those who love God, and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)(Romans 8:28)(Romans 8:28)(Romans 8:28)
Finally getting to enjoy the craziest week of the year,
at the 2000 Greek Festival with then-Parish Council
President (and brother-in-law) James Pappadakes.
In the 1960s, when our parish was located at Wooster Road, the newly
assigned priest Fr. Peter Metallinos, who had no secretary at the time, asked
two Sunday School teachers, Pauline Latkovic and Ethel Chiviles, for help
with compiling educational materials. Ethel offered to type up the documents
on her own time. It was this act of volunteerism, initially shared with Pauline,
that led to Ethel eventually being hired as the parish’s full-time office
manager. Ethel and Fr Peter Metallinos (pictured left, circa the 1980s)
worked together in four decades, and she also worked with Fr Paul Patitsas
for one year before her retirement in 1999. During that time, she also served
as secretary for Philoptochos.
(below, right) Ethel, Jim Kacludis, Helen Papadorotheou and Mike
Kariotakis at Fr. Peter’s retirement dinner in 1998.
(above) The 1972 staff: Secretary Ethel Chiviles with Greek School
teachers Helen Papadorotheou, Mrs. Pandazidis, Olga Packis, (Presvytera)
Daisy Dimon, Vera Tsipouras, Evelyn Phillips, (seated) Litta Klidas,
Mary Balourdas, and Dora Varouhakis
(below) On the forefront of the office’s transition from the typewriter to
the keyboard, Ethel was also in the parish Computer Club in the 1990s.
Library Jottings: A Tribute to Ethel Chiviles
by Pauline Latkovic
In 1999, Fr. Paul Patitsas decided to
remodel the St. Demetrios Church Library
for the edification of our faithful. However,
its collection of religious and historic books,
which provide chronological records and
significant events of the Eastern Orthodox
Religion, along with other non-religious
publications had to be re-organized.
Fr. Paul established a new Library
Committee, and Ethel immediately became
an enthusiastic and active member, along
with (pictured below) Andie Titas, Elaine
Spooner, the late Donna Fisher; (seated)
Helen Katiotakis, Pauline Latkovic, Fr Paul
Patsisas, and Connie Pastis.
(above) Part of the original Tuesday morning Bible Study in the early 1990s
(before the library remodel.) (l-r) Mary Georgeson, Kay Schmitz, Vange
Richards, Artemis York, Ethel Chronis, Olga Soldathos, Nina Loejos, Ethel
Chiviles; (seated) Fr. Paul Patitsas, Fr. John Papadopoulos, Michael Loejos.
Ethel served as treasurer of the Library Committee
for many years and gave numerous hours
cataloging, re-organizing and volunteering on
Sundays to fulfill the mission of the library. She
was always generous with her time in assisting the
youngsters in the children’s section of the library.
Along with the committee, many volunteers too
numerous to mention, assisted with preparations
needed to provide a functional, welcoming setting
for the library and re-dedication ceremony took
place that year.
(right)
Ethel
overseeing
one of the
contests
that were
part of the
library’s
re-opening.
May her
memory
be eternal!
In 2009, St. Demetrios Church celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its
founding with celebrations and blessings throughout the year, including
(above) Fr. Jim blessing some of the original members of the Ladies’
Auxiliary and Women’s Guild who helped with the original fundraising
to establish our parish. (l-r) Ethel, Elaine Spooner, Connie Georgeson,
Mary Pappadakes, Dessey & Molly Corpas, and Catherine Bitounis.
(below) Ethel & family members at the 50th Anniversary Gala in 2009.
ON THE BULLETIN BOARD12
13
Winter Fun for Orthodox College StudentsFri., Feb. 12, the local OCF chapters (BWU, CSU, CWRU,
JCU, and Tri-C) invite local Orthodox college students to go
Snow Tubing at Brandywine. Contact Program coordinator
Mira Damljanovic at [email protected] for details, and to
be added to the informational email list.
Stay connected to the Church through OCF’s networking,
meetings, prayer, and social events. Also, you can join their FB
page at OCF Cleveland. Every semester, we also visit various
Orthodox churches, and volunteer for community work, in
addition to our social events.
AROUND TOWN
Ancient Greece from Stage to ScreenThis spring, you don’t need to travel to Russia to see world-
class ballet. On Sun., March 13, Cedar Lee Theater, 2163 Lee
Road, Cleveland Heights, will screen Spartacus, performed
and broadcast from the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. This is the
story of the real-life Thracian king and his wife Phrygia,
captured by the Roman Crassus and forced to fight as a
gladiator in ancient Rome. When he has to kill one of his
friends, Spartacus plots an unprecedented upheaval.
Then, on Wed., May 4, the Apollo Theatre, 19 East College
Street, Oberlin, Ohio, will broadcast a performance of
Strauss's opera Elektra. In the ancient Greek tragedy of the
House of Atreus, Elektra was the daughter of King
Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. When the queen has her
husband killed upon his return from the Trojan War, the
grieving daughter seeks to avenge her father’s murder. Three
ancient playwrights, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, all
wrote versions of her story, and there were also two operas
written about her in modern times.
Go to www.clevelandcinemas.com for ticket information.
Congratulations to our hall’s caterer, Coyne Catering, on
receiving the Wedding Wire “Couples Choice” Award!
“I would like to thank all of our wonderful brides & grooms
and their amazing families for choosing Coyne Catering for
this honor,” wrote Tricia, who was ecstatic and honored to be
selected. Coyne Catering, the official caterer of St.
Demetrios’ Metallinos Cultural Hall, also employs several of
our young parishioners. The hall has been booked for almost
every Saturday in 2016.
Coyne Catering Awarded
14
AROUND THE COUNTRY
Hundreds of Orthodox Young Adults Attend 2015 College Conference
BOLIVAR, PA- Nearly 300 Orthodox college students from the Greek,
Antiochian,/OCA, and other Orthodox churches in the U.S. came together at the
Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s (OCF) annual Eastern College Conference on Dec.
28-31, 2015. OCF sponsors conferences on both coasts: the eastern conference was
held at Antiochian Village outside Ligonier, Penn.; the western conference was in
California.
The speakers were Sister Vassa, a nun who hosts the webcast “Coffee with Sister
Vassa,” and Steven Christoforou, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Youth Protection /
Parish Ministries Coordinator and host of “Be the Bee” a webcast series for young
adults. Both webcasts can be found on YouTube. The relevant and timely topics
included marriage, purity, and the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
(above) St. Demetrios parishioners,
Pasquale Santarelli, Andrea Giavroutas,
and Theodore Poulos attended the four-
day event, along with many other
students from the Greek Orthodox
Metropolis of Pittsburgh (pictured, left)
and hundreds from other jurisdictions.
Photos: Lee Santarelli
Chicago Metropolis Kicks off Series of Musical
Immersion Seminars
WESTCHESTER, IL- Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox
Church, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and
AGES Initiatives are sponsoring the first of 12 seminars
between now and October 2018, on the theme of “The
Liturgical Year is Christ.”
The seminars are open to clergy, church singers, and lay
people who want to gain a better understanding of the
Church’s liturgical life and the music of the services.
Participants will learn the church hymns in English with
Western notation, hear speakers address the meaning and
structure of the services and learn about the origins of the
hymnology.
Series One: THE LENTEN SERVICES takes place Feb.
19-21, 2016 at Holy Apostles Church, 2501 S. Wolf Rd.,
Westchester, Illinois. The focus will be on Great Compline,
Presanctified Liturgy and the Salutations, taught by Fr.
Seraphim Dedes, the founder of AGES Initiative. The cost
is $50 and is open to the first 250 people who register.
(Registration fee waived for full-time students and Student
travel stipends are available.) Register at
[email protected] or call 708-562-2744.
The upcoming seminars taking place in 2016 are:
Series 2: Services of the Holy Apostles Fast (May 20-22)
Series 3: Dormition & Transfiguration Servides (July 29-31)
Series 4: Christmas and Epiphany Services (Oct. 21-23)
Dates subject to change.
Construction Continues at Camp Nazareth
MERCER, PA- Thanks to winter’s late start this year,
construction of several buildings at Camp Nazareth continued into
January. Camp Nazareth is the Metropolis of Pittsburgh’s long-
time camp location for summer, fall and Lenten spring retreats.
However, the complex needed updates and was shut down at the
end of the 2015 summer season. The renovated camp should be
up and running for the 2016 summer season:
•JOY Session 1: Sunday, June 19th - Saturday, June 25th
•JOY Session 2: Sunday, June 26th - Saturday, July 2nd
•GOYA Session 3: Sunday, July 3rd - Saturday, July 9th
•GOYA Session 4: Sunday, July 10th - Saturday, July 16th
Photos courtesy of
the Metropolis of
Pittsburgh
AROUND THE WORLD15
A JOURNEY OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND & CYPRUS
Urgent Request for Doctors to Serve on Medical Mission Trips OCMC is in urgent need of a physician and/or a
physician’s assistant to join Medical Mission Trips to Uganda (May 9-21) and Guatemala (April 8-17 and August 26-September
4). Medical personnel are needed to conduct medical clinics and offer health instruction. OCMC invites you to join these
opportunities to offer physical and spiritual care to people for whom medical care is virtually unattainable. For more information,
please visit www.ocmc.org, e-mail [email protected], or call 1-877 GO FORTH (ext. 141).
Our 2016 series “Prophets who Preceded Christ” continues this month with two saints who were blessed to
have actually met the infant Messiah.
Holy and Righteous Symeon
the God-receiver and the
Prophetess Anna (February 3)
"There is an ancient tradition that the holy, righteous elder
Symeon, who came from Egypt, was one of the Seventy
learned Jews chosen in the days of the Pharoah Ptolemy
Philadelphus (285-246 BC) for the task of rendering the
Hebrew Bible into Greek, and that to Symeon was assigned
the translation of the book of the Prophet Isaiah. When he
reached the famous passage where the Prophet foretells the
virgin birth of Christ, saying: “Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”
(Is. 7:14),
Symeon was so perplexed that he took a penknife to
erase the word 'virgin' in order to replace it by 'young
woman'. At that moment, an angel of God appeared and
prevented him from altering the sacred text, explaining that
what seemed impossible to him was, in fact, a prophecy of
the coming into this world of the Son of God. To confirm the
truth of this, he promised that Symeon would not see death
until he had seen and touched the Messiah born of the Virgin.
When, after many long years, Christ was brought into
the Temple at Jerusalem by the All-Holy Mother of God, the
Holy Spirit revealed to the Elder Symeon that the time of
fulfilment of the promise had come. He hurried to the
Temple and, taking the Child in his arms, he was able to say
wholeheartedly to God: “Lord, now lettest thou Thy servant
depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have
seen Thy salvation which You have prepared in the presence
of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentles, and for
glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32.) (These same
words of blessing are recited by priests today as they hold a
baby at the Orthodox Christian 40-day blessing. ) For indeed,
the Elder Symeon was the living image of the ancient Israel
of the Old Testament, which having awaited the coming of
the Messiah was ready to fade away and give place to the
light and truth of the Gospel.
The relics of the holy and righteous Symeon were
venerated at Constantinople in the church of St James, built
at the time of the Emperor Justin.
At the time of the Presentation, the prophetess Anna, the
daughter of Phanuel, was 84 years old. Since the early death
of her husband, she had spent the rest of her life in the
Temple in hope of the coming of the Saviour. She is the role
model for holy widows, virgins and monks, who have freed
themselves of worldly cares in order to dwell always in the
Temple, offering their fasting, hymns and prayers in eager
expectation of the Lord's coming. And when, like Anna and
Symeon, they have seen the indwelling Christ with the eyes
of their heart and touched Him through their spiritual senses,
they proclaim with joy and assurance to all mankind that the
Saviour is still coming into the world.
(source: Synaxarion)
Kontakion of Symeon & Anna in the First Tone Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed
the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O
Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled
times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as
only the loving One.
Above is the icon of the Feast day of Ypapanti (celebrated on
February 2) depicting (l-r) St. Joseph, Prophetess Anna, the
Panagia, Jesus, and St. Symeon. The Gospel reading for this
feast comes from Luke 2:22-40 and shows the “meeting”
between Symeon and the infant Jesus in accordance with the
Jewish practice of presenting a child to the temple.
Based on His example, we in the Orthodox church also
bring our children to Church for their 40-day blessing. Although
it is a brief service, it is powerful and a wonderful opportunity
for parents to express their thankfulness to God for giving them
their child, and thereby dedicating the child back to God.
When we present our children to the Church at 40 days, we
have an opportunity to be reminded of our own need to “meet”
with Christ and to be thankful to God for our meeting. We can
meet with the Lord when we are in prayer, when we serve our
“neighbor,” when we practice His commandments, and when
we participate in the sacraments.
16
The Catacomb Bookstore of
St. Demetrios ChurchOpen Sundays after Liturgy
& weekdays by appointment
Stop by and shop our wonderful selection of:
� Books
� Cards
� Icons
� Jewelry
� Religious items for the home Credit cards accepted
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERSTo place your ad in this section, contact the office: 440-331-2246 x2 or [email protected]
Thanks to the following who made Donations in
loving memory of… Ethel Chiviles+:
(for St. Demetrios Church) James & Mary Apotsos; Tony &
Kathryn Apotsos; Angelo & Christine Coutris; Helen
Drapos; Manuel & Linda Glynias; Helen Kariotakis; Vera
Karydes; Harry & Diane Kollias; Chris & Artemis Papouras;
Lee Saphos; Sylvia Sarantos; Stella Steffas; Gary & Crystal
Thomas; Mike & Andie Titas; Helen Tsarwhas
(for Philoptochos) Stephanie Zavatchen
Thalia Vamvakas Couloupoulos+:
(for St. Demetrios Church) Hans Wichter & Jutta Manherz
(for Philoptochos) Sylvia Evans; Kiki Hellman; Evanthia
Pallam
Catavolos Funeral Home
George P. CatavolosOwner-operator of
The Original Catavolos Funeral Home
216.496.2043
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Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios
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