THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS

Inside this Issue

St. Nektarios the

Wonderworker tribute

on the 100th anniversary

of his repose

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Focus on our

Community 2

Farewell to Carol Jelush 3

Parish Council Oath of

Office 3

Fire Update 3

Vasilopita Cutting and

Prosfora Ministry 4

Zoe Ministry 5

New Ministry Highlights 6

Financial Matters 7

Youth Ministries 8-11

Saints of Our Faith 12

I n today’s gospel reading the Lord relates to something about light. He tells us that the light of our virtue must shine in front of the people with whom we live and associate. It is the duty and sacred obligation of each one of us to become a spiritual light so that other

people will be guided near Christ. More simply, as all of us light the light (the oil candle in the room,) we are trying to light it in such a place so that it will illuminate all the room, the same way for us when we become a spiritual light, with our works, our faith and the other people around us. The Lord gave us this commandment because He is LIGHT. He is the light of the world. For this reason we must become light, also for the ones around us to be illumined and to glorify the name of God. We wonder, can we become light? Oh brother, leave me alone! What can I do? What can I offer to the world since I am illiterate? I am an unknown. I am not able to say anything or to suggest something to my fellow man. Someone may say, “My brothers, those who think this way are wrong.” No one, but no one, is so small and so weak so that he cannot emit even small rays of spiritual light. The light which the Lord asks of us to shine is our good works. Therefore who can say and contend that he cannot show good works? All of us have relations and connections with our fellow men. This dealing and this relation, when it is done with sincerity is a good work. When we have confidence one for another, this is a good work. When difficulties and troubles afflict us during our life, and we do not lose our faith and our trust in God, this is a good work, work which shines. We get sick, we remain invalid and we are tried terribly in life, but we are not vexed. We do not lose our faith in God. All these are good works which shine. We help our fellow man who is in need, this is a good work. They wrong us, they slander us and we pray for them. This is a good work. All these and many, many more are good works which shine, which every

man of every social class or education can do. Our family life can show many instances of good works, works which reflect spiritual light, such as the mutual love of the parents among themselves, the love and respect towards the grandfather and grandmother. The love and the good education of the children; the correct and the proper remark, and the punishment of the naughty children by the parents when the children

misbehave, etc., etc. All these and many more are good works which reflect spiritual light. But our social life can give us many chances of doing good works such as the one having a vocation, and in his vocation to be honest and sincere, joyful and smiling. Also the employee to be honest and hard-working and the employer not to wrong his employees. We must understand my brothers, that every word of ours, our every behavior must be like a bright ray of light which shows to the other people around us how they, also, must behave. Our life must be an example of Christian behavior. Are not all of these works which shine? Are not all of these works full of spiritual light? Let us think a little more seriously and we will realize that there were people who illuminated us with spiritual light. All of them taught us with words, with their example and even with their silence. Why can’t we do the same? Yes, we can and we are obligated to do it and as we said,

even with our silence, we emit light. Our mute example and our Christian behavior without noise and without screams, bring great results. Does the sun when it rises in the morning and spreads light into the world make any noise? The works which do not spread spiritual light and do not emit light are evil works; works that are done in the dark, that are done in secret, with the sin. With evil works we do not illumine anyone. As when we do not live according to the will of God; when in discussion refuse to defend the will of God and to express our Orthodox perceptions and religious convictions; when we do not defend the one who is accused unjustly; when we are indifferent for the spiritual progress of our children, or of other people; when we do not care to give the good example and so many others . . . all these are dark works, works of the devil and not of God.

From today all of us can put in action the words of God and thus all of us will shine as light with our life around us in general. At some time a worker asked his colleague, “With what are you occupied doing during your free time, my friend?” and he answered, “I translate the gospel!” The other man looked at him with perplexity and said, “Do you know so many things?” “No,” his colleague answered, “you did not understand me, my friend; that which I am trying to do is to translate the teaching of the Gospel to my everyday life. I am trying to make the words of the Gospel my actions!” Therefore the thing that all of us must do is to be taught to take as an example that worker about whom we heard a little earlier, to make the words of the Gospel our works, luminous works, which will emit light and will be teaching. It is not difficult. We can do it if we only want to do it. Why don’t we make a good beginning today? What do you say? We can do

SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS - MATTHEW 5:14-19

“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.”

MATTHEW 5:16 by the late father tommy vlahos (reprint)

Volume 24, Issue 1

January 2020

“Let us think a little more seriously and we will realize

that there were people who illuminated us with

spiritual light. All of them taught us with words, with their example and even in

their silence. “

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In our prayers

John & Helene Antone Pat Baker Terry Balou Perry Beleu Christina Bonderer

Helen Bondurant Grant Braswell John Bugg Kathryn Colangelo Pam Copsis Bessie Demas

Sofia, Elenie & Evniki Dimou Johanna Dresser Theona Gallis John Holevas

Robin & Benny Hunt Elestheria Koutroumani Mary Longshore Catherine Manthos

Jack McCullough Melton family Tish Merrill Christina Nixon Jimmy Rogers Rogers family

Glen Smithers Cheryl & Brian Sutherland Paul Tuttle

FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY

Helene Carras Buddy Craft Jordan James Dunn Krassimire Ivanov Nicholas Kachulis

Michael Constantine Mentavlos Zack Millsaps Matthew Millsaps Amanda Moril

Danielle Zervakos Nickolopoulos Anton Savin

Congratulations and best wishes

To Richard Theodore Weber on his Chrismation

To Maria and Chris Mortis on the 40 day blessing of Sophia’s brother, George Constantine

To Katya Homyakova and Troy Moore on their marriage

To Kaitlyn and Nicholas Davros on the baptism of their son, Kinsley Scott

To Nikki and Christopher Ottomanelli on the baptism of their daughter, Valentina Karen

To Amanda & Jimmy Demopoulos on the birth & 40 day blessing of their daughter, Penelope Anne

To Dani and Daniel Dellinger on the baptism of their daughter, Georgia Katherine

To Charlotte & Tommy Nickolopoulos on the birth of their granddaughter, Isabella, daughter of Elissa

& George Nickolopoulos in Raleigh

To Penelope Hefner for being honored as a Rising Star by Super Lawyer Magazine for 2020

With Sympathy on the passing

of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ

To the Demopoulos & Nicolopoulos families on the passing of Mary Cleopatra “Cleo” Demopoulos

To the Diakowsky family on the passing of Morris John Diakowsky

To the Vlahos family on the passing of Father Tommy Vlahos

To the Hatjioannou family on the passing of Dee’s brother, Nick Apostolopoulos in Asheville

To the Frangopoulos and Giglios families on the passing of Denise’s mother, Vasileki Lichas

Frangopoulos in Briarwood NYand Tom’s father William Giglio in Bronx NY

In Appreciation

Thanks to Diane Gilbert and Copycat for printing the Church Bulletin and Newsletter.

kclewell@stnektarios.org

Focus on our community

Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support

O f the many holy days celebrating the life of St. Nektarios of Aegina the Wonderworker, January 15th holds much importance—especially in the earthly life of our patron saint.

On January 15, 1847, Anastasios Kephalas (St. Nektarios) received the Holy Sacrament of Baptism at the age of around three months old.

On the same date in the year 1877, at the age of 30, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and given the name Nektarios. Nearly twelve years later in 1889, Archimandrite Nektarios Kephalas was ordained a bishop and elected as the Metropolitan of the great Metropolis of Pentapolis.

Finally, on January 15, 1998 the Patriarch of Alexandria restored St. Nektarios to the Alexandrian Church, recognizing him as a saint, after he had been previously expelled during his life.

May we remember these glorious events in the life of our Father and patron saint every year and ask for his fervent intercessions on our behalf.

O, Saint of God, intercede for us!

T he St. Nektarios Community would like to wish Carol Jelush a happy and blessed retirement! Carol is a retired Business Analyst who started working at St. Nektarios in 2002 as a volunteer and as an employee in 2003. She also assists in catechism on Sundays. She is one of the longest members of our staff and was always a welcoming face in the office, especially for the children who loved receiving her special stickers and hugs. She always had a bright smile for them and a special way of making them feel welcome. Her kindness comforted them when they were afraid.

Her last day as an employee was mid-November. Because of Carol’s humility she asked that we not be extravagant in our appreciation and recognition of her years of service. Carol, we love and wish you all God’s best.

Your St. Nektarios Family and Friends

Farewell to Carol Jelush

Saint Nektarios

the wonder-worker

Commemorating

the 100th year of

his repose

By Father Nektarios Karantonis

January Milestones in His Life

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SANCTUARY FIRE UPDATE A s many of you know, there was a fire in the upstairs sanctuary HVAC mechanical room housing Unit #4 on November 6, 2019. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the one HVAC unit. There was no damage to the mechanical room. The sprinklers in the room put out the fire, but caused water damage in the sanctuary workroom, located directly beneath the mechanical room and behind the women’s chant stand. Water spread from the workroom onto the solea and nave.

Initial response: The Fire Department & Fire Marshall responded. Per the Fire Marshall’s order, Duke Energy turned off all power to the property. This order was due to the main electrical panels location in the workroom and they were filled with water. Our electrician inspected the electrical panels, began the drying out process and worked to restore power per city and county codes. Our insurance investigators were contacted and stepped into action. That same day a disaster service company was hired to deal with the initial water removal and soot clean-up. The soot clean-up included all surfaces (under 10 ft. in height), carpets and chairs. Staff and volunteers removed supplies and paper items from the building to air out. Our priority was preparing the sanctuary for our Feast Day vespers and services occurring that weekend. Temporary lights were brought in and we asked everyone to come dressed warmly, in that we had no heat.

For the first month after the fire: We maintained a manual fire watch and security over the property. We had to rely on generator-powered heat sources and air purifiers in the sanctuary. All the HVAC units remained off subject to investigation. Access to the upper level of the sanctuary was restricted. Full power was restored to the Spiritual Life Center within a few days. Eventually, partial power was restored to the sanctuary, excluding all HVAC units and the elevator.

Dec. 12: Forensic electrical and engineering investigators from three different companies were on-site to assess the cause of the fire. That investigation could not identify the cause except to say that it was a result of a heating event. Some parts were removed from the system and sent

to a lab for further evaluation. We regained access to the upper level. After this, the duct cleaning throughout the sanctuary took place and the remaining HVAC units were restored to operation. As of the end of December, the first set of insurance claims were processed and paid.

Next steps: The workroom behind the women’s chant stand will be repaired soon. We are waiting for two quotes to submit to our insurance company to replace HVAC Unit #4. Final clean-up for the horizontal surfaces in the dome is to be determined.

The work is almost complete. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers throughout this process.

Parish Council Oath of Office

W e welcomed the members of our Parish Council to the Solea on Sunday, January 12th for the annual Oath of Office. Placing their hand on the Holy Gospel, members recited:

I do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, discipline, worship, and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Charter and Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfil faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God.

Following the service, they held their first meeting of the year to elect officers who are listed on this page. Please keep them in your daily prayers as they lead and serve our community to fulfill its Mission and Vision.

2020 Parish Council President - Charlie Hubbard,

Vice President - Christina Bonderer

Treasurer - Despina Gallis

Asst. Treasurer - Aka Vashakidze

Secretary - Teddy Poulos

Asst. Secretary - George Bacogeorge

Members: Teresa Jacob, Peter Keretsis,

Nadia Khoury Francis, and John Paul Tsahakis

Photo by Irina Hubbard

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THE PROSFORA MINISTRY

Pictured here are the ladies hard at work preparing and baking Profora for the week. We use about 14 loaves of bread each week for Sunday’s Divine Liturgy and even more if we have weekday liturgies. Thank you to all of the ladies. If you would like to be part of this ministry please contact Christie Asimos at mcasimos@earthlink.net.

New Year’s Day Vasilopita Blessing

O ur New Year’s Day tradition at St. Nektarios includes the blessing and cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year’s Day Bread) following Divine Liturgy on New Year’s Day. Various members of our ministry departments participate in this annual event. Pictured above are those who came forward to receive their ministry piece, eagerly looking for the “lucky coin” and blessing.

Our Philoptochos ladies bake bread following the tradition from the 4th century when a band of pirates stole gold, etc. from the townspeople and St. Basil retrieved the items from the pirates. There was a dispute as to who owned what piece of property. In order to resolve the dispute, St. Basil commissioned women to bake bread in which the gold coins, jewelry, etc. were placed into the dough before baking. The legend says that as each person was given a slice of bread and his or her own items were received back in the piece of bread. This is considered a miracle to this day.

Niki Kleto, our Philoptochos President, assisted Fr. Nektarios in handing out the slices to each ministry department representative. St. Basil received the coin. There was a second loaf sliced for the children who eagerly awaited Fr. Steve’s invitation to come forward. Nicholas Kellen and Theona Gallis received those coins. Kim Braswell took the photos.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the Vasilopita Cutting, the Hospitality Ministry hosted a New Year’s Day brunch in the Spiritual Life Center. Thank you to everyone

who participated on this special day.

Front Row L to R: Jim Chomakos, Caitie Polivka, Helen Giles, Isabella Tristano, Nadia Francis, John Peroulas, Kholoud Alyateem,

Deidre Lepkowski, Christina Bonderer, Kathryn Mason, Maryann Zitsos, Evelyn Klund, Gerry Clonaris, Fr. Steve Dalber

Middle row L to R: Tim Shelton, Silva Awaimrin, Marilyn Sowyak, Christina Hanegraaf, Vasiliki Lainis, Vicky Wixon, Sofia Nicolopoulos,

Dennis Kokenes, Niki Kleto

Back Row L to R: Leo Maganares, Fr. Nektarios Karantonis, Fr. Paul Tsahakis, Sam Kleto, Costa Vrettos

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E ach year for the feast day of St. Stylianos, Patron saint of children, and before Christmas, we

have a special memorial service to

remember families who have suffered

infant loss through miscarriages,

stillbirth and/or neo-natal loss (recent

or years ago). An angel ornament

symbolizing the child’s guardian angel

is placed on our Christmas Tree in

their memory. It is a wonderful time of

year to remember these special babies

and honor their patron saint,

St. Stylianos, whose feast day is

celebrated on November 26th.

The Friday before the Zoe Memorial

Service I was feeling a little down

thinking of all the babies that have

been lost. I too have experienced this

heartbreak. I brought out the tray of

angel ornaments, each with a different

name written on it and I prayed for

comfort for each family. My loss was

many years ago but the pain never fully

heals. At that time our daughter,

Brianna was only 5 years old. We were

trying to decide whether or not to

name the baby when a friend called

from Texas to say, “I feel like God

prompted me to call you and tell you

that you need to name this baby.” We

were awe-struck by the timing of the

call. We felt impressed to name the

baby, Elisha Joseph (not knowing the

meaning of the name). Ten years

passed by and we had two more

children and someone was asking the

meanings of their names. I told them

and then I look up the meaning of

Elisha Joseph and was struck by awe

again. I said, “God, why did this

happen?” When I looked at the

meaning of the names, Joseph means

“that God may add” and Elisha

means “the double portion” so the

baby’s name means….that God may

add the double portion, which He did

because I had two more children,

Arianna and Summer.

I was thinking about all of that on this

day as I placed the trays of angel

ornaments on

the table in the

sanctuary.

Suddenly

bright beams

of light burst

through the

windows near

the top of the

dome. It was

so sudden and so incredible that it

took my breath away. I believe God

heard my prayer that day and I was

able to capture a picture of the light

bursting through the windows to the

top of the dome and then shining

down on our “angels”.

♦♦♦♦♦

If you or someone you know has lost a

child, please contact Kim Braswell at

kclewell@stnektarios.org to add their

name to an ornament to be placed on

Christmas tree in the fellowship hall in

December.

♦♦♦♦♦

Life & family ministry ~ Zoe Memorial SerViCe

Article by Kim Sheree’ Braswell reprinted from December 2017 Issue

The photo on the left is from this year’s Zoe Memorial Service on November 24th.

November 26th marks the feast day of St. Stylianos, Patron Saint of Children.

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W e started a new dance ministry in the fall taught by Stavroula Koutsoupias and John Couchell. This is a fun way to exercise, meet new people for fellowship and to learn a variety of dances including Greek dance, ballroom and swing. The ministry meets on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. Please check your missals for updates.

John and Stavroula also recently started a Motorcycle Ministry that meets for a relaxing ride of sight-seeing and service. After riding they stop for lunch for a time of fellowship together.

Above: Members of the Dance Ministry Team

Below: Motorcycle Ministry outings

NEW Ministry Highlights

St. Phoebe Ministry

Y ou’ve probably seen our young ladies helping on Sunday mornings as ushers, with candles and passing the offering basket. These girls are members of a new ministry called

“St. Phoebe Ministry” started by Christina Bonderer and Pam Copsis.

Below are photos of the highlights from 2019. Blessing of the ministry ~ 9-1-19

Above counter clockwise: Passing the offering basket, baking Prosfora, ushering, St.

Nektarios feast day procession, St. Phoebe Ministry retreat, serving at the candles and a

special Christmas party in

their honor.

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DIRECTORY

Church Office: 704-708-4669

Church Fax: 704-846-6094

Email: office@stnektarios.org

Website: www.stnektarios.org

5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte, NC 28270

Father Steve Dalber, Protopresbyter

Home: 704-708-4638

Cell Phone: 704-451-6524

Email: frdalber@stnektarios.org

Father Nektarios Karantonis, Presbyter

Cell Phone: 980-829-5215

Email: frkarantonis@stnektarios.org

Father Paul Tsahakis, Presbyter

Deacon Stephanos Potter

2019 Parish Council

President: Charlie Hubbard

Vice President: Christina Bonderer

Treasurer: Despina Gallis

Assist. Treasurer: Aka Vashakidze

Secretary: Teddy Poulos

Assist. Secretary: George Bacogeorge

Members: Teresa Jacob, Peter Keretsis,

Nadia Francis, and John Paul Tsahakis

Parish Administrator

Evelyn Klund

Administration Staff

Silva Awaimrin, Kim Braswell,

Niki Kleto, and Sofia Nicolopoulos

Director of Youth Ministries

Helen Giles

Property Manager

Tim Shelton

Music Ministry Coordinator

Fr. Paul Tsahakis

Music Directors

Jeff Clewell, Dina Marinakos-Oara

Ministry Associate

Daniel Houlis

Philoptochos Board President: Niki Kleto

Vice President: Charlotte Nickolopoulos

Recording Secretary: Sharon Koutroumpis

Corresponding Secretary: (Vacant)

Treasurer: Madalina Lowen

Ass’t. Treasurer: Evelyn Klund

Members: Michaelina Antahades, Helen

Bakos, Irina Hubbard, Thalia Fergione (Advisor)

Email: philoptochos@stnektarios.org

SUNDAYS AT

SAINT NEKTARIOS

Worship

Matins 8:15 a.m. and Divine Liturgy:

9:15 a.m.

Youth Catechism:

Following Divine Liturgy

Fellowship Coffee:

Following the Divine Liturgy

Prosfora

Please contact the church office or Christie

Asimos at 704-756-1512 if you would like to

provide or sponsor Prosfora.

Coffee Hour Please contact the church office if you would

like to host or co-host a Coffee Hour on

Sunday. Your Stewardship pays for the

coffee hour refreshments provided by the

Hospitality Ministry Team.

Flowers You may donate flowers in honor of a family

member’s feast day, in memory

of a loved one or friend, on the occasion

of a holiday, or simply as a gift to the

community of St. Nektarios. To donate

flower arrangements to be placed at the

Iconostasis, St. Nektarios Shrine or in the

Narthex for Sunday Services, please contact

the church office to reserve a Sunday.

Sacramental Wine & Pure Olive Oil

You may make a financial gift to help defray

the cost of the sacramental wine that is used

for Holy Communion. Please note on the

memo line of your check or on the envelope

“Communion Wine”. You may also donate a

bottle or can of pure olive oil which is then

blessed at the Shrine of St. Nektarios and is

offered in the anointing kits. Please feel free

to bring this with you to any of our services

and give to an usher on duty. For additional

information contact the church office.

UPCOMING DEADLINE

Newsletter & Bulletin Due Dates:

Information Due: February 11, 2020

Published: February 18, 2020

OUR MISSION:

St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to the

continuation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry

of salvation through the proclamation and teaching of the

Gospel;

through Baptism in the name of the

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

and through loving service to God and to mankind.

OUR VISION:

The community will provide a loving, caring and welcoming

environment where all belong and grow in the faith

through worship, service, witness, and fellowship.

Righteous Euthymius

the Great

January 20

T his Saint, who was from Melitene in Armenia, was the son of pious parents named Paul and Dionysia. He

was born about 377. Since his mother had been barren, he was

named Euthymius-which means "good cheer" or "joy"-for this is

what his parents experienced at his birth. He studied under

Eutroius, the Bishop of Melitene, by whom he was ordained and

entrusted with the care of the monasteries of Melitene. Then,

after he had come to Palestine about the year 406, he became

the leader of a multitude of monks. Through him, a great tribe of

Arabs was turned to piety, when he healed the ailing son of their

leader Aspebetos. Aspebetos was baptized with all his people;

he took the Christian name of Peter, and was later consecrated

Bishop for his tribe, being called "Bishop of the Tents." Saint

Euthymius also fought against the Nestorians, Eutychians, and

Manichaeans. When Eudocia, the widow of Saint Theodosius

the Younger, had made her dwelling in Palestine, and had fallen

into the heresy of the Monophysites which was championed in

Palestine by a certain Theodosius, she sent envoys to Saint

Symeon the Stylite in

Syria (see Sept. 1), asking him his opinion of Eutyches and the

Council of Chalcedon which had condemned him; Saint

Symeon, praising the holiness and Orthodoxy of Saint

Euthymius near whom she dwelt, sent her to him to be delivered

from her error (the holy Empress Eudocia is commemorated

Aug. 13). He became the divine oracle of the Church, or rather,

"the vessel of divine utterance," as a certain historian writes. He

was the instructor and elder of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified.

Having lived for ninety-six years, he reposed in 473, on January

20.

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