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THE LIGHT FEBRUARY 2013 Volume 3 Issue 23
The Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church 12326 Spotswood Furnace Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-548-2665 www.nativity.va.goarch.org Office Email - nativityofthetheotokos@verizon.net
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JOHN
I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES By Fr. Anastasios Gounaris
In John 15:1-8, our Lord is quoted as saying:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while eve-
ry branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the
word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must re-
main in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you
remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in
me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and
burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
Growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, I often saw my father pruning the weaker branches from his be-
loved grapevines in the back yard. He did so patiently, methodically, constantly - so that the stronger branches
that showed promise could flourish. I was thoroughly convinced that there wasn't a branch, leaf or even tendril
that he didn't know intimately. He plucked off individual Japanese beetles and parasites that would suck the life
from the vines and applied copper sulphate powder to ward off mildew and fungal infections. He poured himself
- mind, body and soul - into the task. He loved those vines.
What did he get in return for all of this work? The vines produced. Boy, did they produce! The size and quan-
tity of grapes from that arbor consistently provoked the envy of his Greek and Portuguese friends. As he brought
in baskets of grapes, you would have thought that he was as proud of them as he was of us, his sons. Actually, in
a way, I think he was.
When I first read these words of Jesus, I instantly understood their meaning. I had seen it demonstrated all my
life, before my very eyes. Over the years I had seen how my father would fret and worry - and how the vines
would decline precipitously - if we were on vacation or were otherwise away for more than a few days. My father
and the vines had a partnership, a symbiotic relationship. They had to remain with each other in order for the re-
lationship to produce fruit.
Every summer we enjoyed that fruit, we were nourished by it - not to mention the preserves and μουσταλευριά
that was produced and distributed widely. That relationship benefited my father's family, his neighbors, his
friends. It made our late summers incalculably sweeter.
And it was all because the vines "remained" with him and, most importantly, that he remained with them. He
stood by them - winter, spring, summer and fall - and never failed them.
As we start the new year we must ask ourselves: Will we invite God the Father to be the gardener of our
lives? Will we remain with - stick with - Jesus Christ so that we can be strong and productive and thus bear fruit
for Him and His Church and His People?
Or will we remain separated - apart - from Christ and prove useless to Christ and His Church, only to be pruned
away from the Vine and be thrown into the eternal fire?
Thoughout Church history, the Heavenly Gardener has seen to it that the strong and productive Christian stew-
ards have been nurtured - and that the lazy and foolish and non-productive have been stripped away.
See Father, page 7
P a g e 2 T h e L i g h t
Father John C. Katsoulis, Parish Priest 540-645-1427 fr.john_katsoulis@verizon.net FATHER’S OFFICE HOURS—TUESDAY—FRIDAY 9 A.M.—3 P.M. OTHER HOURS BY APPOINTMENT
CHURCH EMAIL: nativityofthetheotokos@verizon.net WEBSITE: www.nativity.va.goarch.org FACEBOOK: NTGOC Friends
PARISH COUNCIL PHILOPTOCHOS AHEPA Chris Rigopoulos, President Maria Yiasemides, President Wayne Skinner, President Dr. Bill Kaltsounis, Vice President Dr. Paul Fallon, Secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL GOYA Jim Malamas, Treasurer Yvonne Rigopoulos, Director Christine Fulmore, Advisor Maxine Calamos, Assistant Treasurer Anthony Hatzis FUND RAISING COMMITTEE DANCE Dennis Makrinos Judy Marrs, Chair Danny Kartoudi, Judy Marrs Niki Theodore Carl Fulmore STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE BUILDING/MAINTENANCE CHOIR Michael Euripides, Chair Harry Yiasemides, Chair Mary Moody
SACRAMENTS IN JANUARY
MEMORIALS Eleni, beloved mother of Maria Yiasemides
Andrew and Anna, beloved parents of Mary Moody
Jere Miller, beloved husband of Dawn Miller
Photios, beloved brother of John Koufoudakis
WEDDINGS Yianni Kakavoyannis and Katherine Traubert
PASTORAL GUIDELINES
WEDDING Marriages are not performed on fast days, during fasting seasons, or on the feasts of the church,
specifically September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross), December 13-25 (Nativity), January 5 & 6
(Theophany), Great Lent and Holy Week, Pascha (Easter), Pentecost, August 1-15 (Dormition Fast and
Feast), and August 29 ( Beheading of St. John the Baptist) Exceptions can only be made with the permission
of the respective hierarch.
BAPTISM A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism or Christmation must be an Orthodox
Christian in good standing and a supporting member of an Orthodox parish. A person may not serve as a god-
parent if the Church has not blessed his or her marriage, or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted
an ecclesiastical divorce, or for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church.
Baptisms may not be performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25-January
6), during Holy Week, or any of the Great feast days of the Lord.
FUNERAL Funeral services are permitted on any day of the year, except for Sundays, and Holy Friday, un-
less permission is granted by the Archbishop or Metropolitan. MEMORIAL Memorial services may not be chanted from the Saturday of Lazurus through the Sunday of
Thomas, or any Feast days of the Lord or the Theotokos.
THE LIGHT PAGE 3
ALL ORGANIZATIONS: Please make sure you consult the Master Calendar, in the church office, and
contact Father, before scheduling any meetings or events. Thank you!
PARENTS: Please monitor your children during coffee hour. No one is to be in the offices or
classrooms without an adult present. Thank you.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
10 A.M.
Liturgy
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
9 A.M. Orthos
10 A.M.
Liturgy
Athenian
Practice
Philoptochos
Mtg.
5 P.M.
Adult
Greek School
9 A.M.
Liturgy
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
9 A.M. Orthos
10 A.M.
Liturgy
Athenian
Practice
GOYA Mtg.
Father out of
office—
clergy retreat
Father out of
office
5 P.M.
Adult
Greek School
Father out of
office
7 P.M.
Festival Mtg.
10 A.M.
Ironwood
Auction
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
9 A.M. Orthos
10 A.M.
Liturgy
Athenian Chili
Luncheon
5 P.M.
Adult
Greek School
24 25 26 27 28 9 A.M. Orthos
10 A.M.
Liturgy
Philoptochos
Membership
Tea
Athenian
Practice
5 P.M.
Adult
Greek School
FEBRUARY 2013
P a g e 4 T h e L i g h t
CHURCH BOOK STORE The bookstore will be taking orders for Holy Week
Books during the month of February and March. Special
orders for Icons and gifts can be taken any time . The
bookstore will be open immediately Following Divine
Liturgy each Sunday. Liturgical calendars may be
picked-up in the bookstore!
COFFEE HOUR If you would like to host a coffee hour, or schedule a
memorial, please contact Father at 540-548-2665 or
fr.john_katsoulis@verizon.net.
PROSFERO MINISTRY This new ministry is a chance for people to learn to
make the prosfero and provide it for the church. Don’t
bake? No problem! We will teach you. Please contact
Presbytera Stacy for further information and class sign-
up.
Summer 2013 Programs Summer Travel Camp (Session 1) :
June 23 - July 12, 2013
Byzantine Venutre (Session 2) :
July 20 - August 8, 2013 *Both Sessions are open to campers who have
completed grades 8 through 12
Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey
Pilgrimages Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus and Crete:
May 30 – June 9, 2013 *Spiritual Odyssey is open to young adults
ages 19-28
Crossroads 2013 program dates June 22—July 1
And July 8—July 18
For more info and to apply go to www.hchc.edu/studentlife/vocation/
crossroad
ATHENIAN DANSE TROUPE Practices will resume in February and be held on Sun-
days after coffee hour. If your child would like to par-
ticipate, please come to the first practice on Sunday,
February 3.
HOUSE BLESSINGS It’s that time of year again! If you would like to have
your house blessed during the epiphany season, please
contact Fr. John to make an appointment. Remember,
Great Lent begins March 18, and we’d like to have the
blessings done by then.
NEW CONTACT EMAIL
If you would like to receive your 2012 stewardship
statement electronically, please send an email stating so
to pctreasure@verizon.net. This should be used for any
church business regarding stewardship, etc.
Operation Round Up An easy way to show you care Operation Round Up® lets Rappahannock Electric
Cooperative members volunteer to have their elec-
tric bills rounded up to the next highest whole dol-
lar, with the extra change dedicated to our church.
For example, a bill amount of $123.48 would be
rounded up by 52 cents for a total due of $124. The
additional 52 cents would be your Operation Round
Up donation for that month. Though a donation of
less than a dollar may not sound like much, this
"small change" given on a regular basis can amount
to big support for our local communities and is an
easy way to show you care. The purpose of Opera-
tion Round Up is to support individuals, school
programs, philanthropic groups, non-profit or-
ganizations, rescue squads, fire departments and
other deserving causes within REC's service area.
A board of directors reviews applications for sup-
port and decides how donations are made. The
board is made up of seven REC members, who vol-
unteer their time. If you choose to participate,
your electric bill will automatically be rounded up
to the next whole dollar amount. We will also track
your tax-deductible donations and provide an annu-
al statement of your charitable contributions.
THE LIGHT PAGE 5
STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD HONOR ROLL Shown below is a list of families & individuals who are participating in The Nativity of the Theotokos Stewardship Program as of December 25, 2012. We would like to thank all of these families and individu-als for responding to the needs of our parish. This is our final list for 2012. Next month we hope to have the 2013 list. Don’t forget to turn-in your updated card to Jim Malamas or Maxine Calamos. Fr. John & Pres. Stacy Katsoulis Ladies Philoptochos Society Kyriacos & Yiannoulla Adamou Robert & Irene Akers Mikelian & Ornela Bizhyti Stephanie Blais Mary Booth Nancy Breckenridge Kevin & Chrysoula Brickey Maxine Calamos Michael & Angelina Campbell Richard & Maria Centers Maria Christoforatos Kostas & Sophia Constantine Leonard Cowherd Daniel & Andrea Dumicini Paul & Hannah Fallon Helen Frazier Carl & Christine Fulmore Angela Georges Julia Getsos Jimmy & Katherine Giannopoulos Steve Giannopoulos Theofilos Giannopoulos Pauline Gorton Linda Govenides Thomas Harris Anthony & Kai Hatzis Bill & Stella Kaltsounis Phillip & Monica Hicks George & Georgia Kapataidakis Voula Kapataidakis Kosta & Chryse Kartoudi George Kartoudi George & Christy Katsourakis Michael & Katherine Klezaras Demetrios & Robin Kydonieus John Kyranos Adam & Anthoula Makrinos
James & Koula Malamas John & Maria Manolis Gino & Marika Marchico Judy Marrs Daniel & Cynthia Miller David & Mary Moody Phil & Jane Moore Robert & Barbara Morrison Peter & Liz Moutsatson Elena O’Donoghue Christos Papanastasiou George Papantoniou Aslanis Pappas Stamo Poulos Georgia Pournaras Mitchel & Georgia Raftelis Christopher & Yvonne Rigopoulos Steve Salagaras Halina Schreckinger Demetrios Serakos Wayne & Liz Skinner James & Christina Smith Alin & Andreea Son Katherine Soulis Michael & Maria Stafford Mary Stram Carrie K. Swann Stefan & Niki Theodore Georgia Liakakis Tidler Vasili & Helen Troupos Denzil & Evangelia Willis Bill & Sandy Winkler Joseph & Maria Winslow John & Ellen Xydias Chris & Darlene Yiasemides Eleni Yiasemides Harry & Maria Yiasemides Vicki Yiasemides Paul & Martha Ziegenfuss
“So let each one give as he purposes
in his heart, not grudgingly or of
necessity; for God loves a cheerful
giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
“Stewardship is
our active commit-
ment to use ALL
our time, talent
and treasure for
the benefit of hu-
mankind in grateful
acknowledgement
of Christ’s redeem-
ing love.”
2013 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topics
Junior Division (Grades 7–9)
1. Considering the Lord’s words to His disciples, “If an-
yone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant
of all” (Mark 9:35), discuss the relationship between ser-
vice and leadership.
2. Discuss the importance of participating in the life of
the Church in light of Jesus’s teaching in John 15:5: “I
am the vine, you are the branches.”
3. In the Resurrection Service, the priest proclaims,
“Come receive the light.” Discuss the place of light in
the Orthodox Tradition.
4. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuf-
fering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-
control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Discuss how we can, with
the help of the Holy Spirit, produce this fruit in our lives.
5. In Psalm 103/104, God’s care for the natural world is
praised. Select elements from the psalm and discuss how
they may help us “grow” in our Faith.
Senior Division (Grades 10–12)
1. The Prophet Micah says, “He has shown you, O man,
what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but
to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with
your God?” (Micah 6:8). Discuss how this passage has
inspired many Christians to acts of service.
2. In 313 AD, St. Constantine the Great proclaimed the
Edict of Milan, which allowed Christians to practice
their faith freely. What did religious freedom mean then,
and what does it mean for people of faith today in coun-
tries where violent religious persecution occurs?
3. Discuss the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian in
light of today’s culture.
The Prayer of St. Ephraim
Lord and Master of my life, cast away from me
the spirit of
Laziness, idle curiosity, love of power and vain
talk.
But grant me, Your servant, the spirit of modera-
tion, humility, patience and love.
Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own
faults and not to judge my brothers and sisters.
For You are blessed forever. Amen.
4. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works and glorify your Father in heav-
en” (Matthew 5:16). Social websites, apps, and so on are
constantly present in our lives, making it easy for us to
share bits and pieces of our lives with many people. How
do you “let your light so shine” using these widely avail-
able social and other media?
5. “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give
me understanding, that I may learn Your command-
ments.” (Psalm 118/119, verse 73). Discuss how this
passage can guide us in a time when we constantly seek
to alter the way we look, act, and live.
PAGE 6 THE LIGHT
THE ATHENIAN DANSE TROUPE CHILI LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17
MENU BOWL OF CHILI
CRACKERS DESSERT
TEA OR LEMONADE $7 OR DONATION
EAT-IN OR CARRY OUT
TO HELP SUPPORT THE PURCHASE
OF NEW COSTUMES
ALL ORGANIZATIONS: Please make
sure you consult the Master Calendar,
in the church office, and contact
Father, before scheduling any
meetings or events.
Thank you!
PAGE 7 THE LIGHT
From Father, page 1
Do we think that we will receive our "due reward" just because of an accident of birth - because our parents hap-
pened to baptize us and raise us in the Faith? It didn't work for those original children of Abraham who weren't
faithful. No, our Heavenly Father is looking for active and productive "branches" that are connected to the True
Vine, Jesus Christ. And if we are not productive, then He will graft on new branches - converts - to continue the
work of spreading the Good News of His Resurrection throughout the globe.
In Luke 3:8-9 John the Forerunner tells those who came to him:
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’
For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the
trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Whether or not we produce fruit using the time, talents and resources that God has given us is up to us. However, if
we squander our divine inheritance the consequences are clear - we will be pruned and cut off from His Grace and
He will "raise up" other children to do the work of His Church upon this earth.
Mull over these words well and, after considering them in your heart, consider making this year the occasion for
cleaving ever more closely to Christ, so that we can produce fruits worthy of Him - and His Holy Name.
Our theme for Stewardship 2013 is Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit from chapter 15 of the
Gospel of John. At the Last Supper, as we read in Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John, Jesus instructed His disci-
ples, "I Am the Vine; you are the branches." He was telling us that the purpose of our abiding in Him is that we
may bear fruit for God in the world. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit..." Just as the vine
bears fruit only through its branches, so Jesus has chosen to work in the world through us. We are the members
of His Body. We are the branches through which the True Vine must bear fruit. We bear fruit when we serve
and support God and His Church.
Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibil-
ity before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a
Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As
Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to
cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.
An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the
Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to
become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to
carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commit-
ment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her
Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdio-
cese, Metropolises, and institutions.
Effective stewardship ministry is not a single event or project. Rather, it
is going out to our people wherever they are in their walk with Christ,
listening to their concerns, helping them to realize their importance as branches of the True Vine and encourag-
ing them to offer their gifts in His service. We use various resources to support our efforts, but unless we meet
with our people personally, sincerely listen to their ideas and concerns, and share a vision for the future of the
parish, our efforts will not each their full potential.
PAGE 8 THE LIGHT
Age......14......Grade.........8 School................Ni River Middle
Sports you play.............wrestling, soccer. I play drums in band, also.
Other extracurricular activities............skateboarding, Wyldlife Youth Group
Do in spare time..........Wyldlife, skateboard, spend time with friends, took guitar lessons.
Why did you begin to wrestle? To try something new, get in better shape, and I
thought it would be fun, too.
What do you like about it? The challenge and being part of the team.
Do you plan to continue in high school? Yes
What was your record this season? I was undefeated.
What was your record in the county tournament? I won 1st Place in my weight class.
THE FRC OF THE NTGOC IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH
IRONWOOD ESTATE SALES AND AUCTIONS
Ironwood, based in Spotsylvania, is an estate auction business providing the highest quality service.
They are licensed, bonded, and insured, offering a personal approach to clients. Beginning February 16,
Ironwood will be hosting an auction once a month in our social hall. The FRC will be running the con-
cession stand, with all proceeds to benefit the church. These sales are open to the public, so please come
out and support our newest partnership!
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