August 15 Dormition of the Mother of God

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ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495

Volume 18 - Number 8 August 2014

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis

(636) 527-7843

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas

(314)909-6999

Office: (314)361-6924 Fax: (314)361-3539

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sngoc.org

ST. NICHOLAS

MONTHLY BULLENTIN

August 15th

Dormition of the Mother of God

Mortality and eternity meet at the Dormition – mortality because the Virgin Mary (Theotokos)

did indeed fall asleep, and eternity because she was thereby reborn to eternal life.

The feast of the Dormition holds an important place as one of the twelve great feasts of the

Church and is preceded by its own fasting period, of course, but what does it mean for us?

Perhaps its meaning for us consists precisely in that meeting of mortality with eternity.

As we encounter the Dormition of the Mother of God, we confront our own mortality together

with the promise of eternal life, which begins now in a realized eschatology, so that we can

begin to live eternity now, in our mortality, and prepare for our own dormition, which can come

at any time, like a thief in the night.

-Dormition Reflection from one of the Monks

Monastery of St. John

Manton, California

“…the Christian…is a steward of everything he is and has, including his own body and

soul.”

-Fr. Paul Wesche

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St. Nicholas Servants

2014 Parish Council Dr. Andrew Galakatos, President 314-922-4457 Steve Ott, Vice-President 636-230-8066 Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer 314-481-6879 Michael Ferretti, Secretary 636-458-8577 Nicky Antoniou 314-878-7720 George Bude 314-579-9151 Yemane Habtu 636-532-4665 Marilynn Jemas 636-532-3484 Alexandra Kavourinos 314-862-2866 Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222 Dr. William Mastorakos 314-966-4117 Pete Papadopoulos 314-721-6599 Saki Salas 636-379-2109 Peter Takes 314-862-2866 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700

Audit Committee Roxana Couternais 314-752-0252 Peter Lemakis 314-965-6137 Janet Papageorge 314-878-3513 Mark Vleisides 314-576-2898

Stewardship Committee Fr. Douglas Papulis 314-361-6924 Teddy Hart, Chairperson 314-997-4826 Michael Ferretti 636-458-8577 John Koch 636-922-7732 Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222 Steve Ott 636-230-8066 Michael Pappas 636-207-7789 Michael Tsichlis 314-849-2309 Demetrios Tsikalas 314-481-6879 Chris Varvares 314-374-3674

Cemetery Committee Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 William Karides 636-281-0727 Irene Schildroth 314-845-2434

Election Committee Roxana Couteranis 314-752-0252 Lee Hartley 618-447-6548 Helen Leara 314-849-3707 Christina Lemakis 314- Tina Paradowski 314-

Library Committee Elaine Coulson 314-991-5033 Michael Kontominas 314-997-1299 Michael Tsichlis 314-842-1604

Physical Facilities Paul Efthim 314-892-9832 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Leo C. Pashos 314-351-0516

Physical Facilities Family Life Center Mike Kamburis 636-227-3649 Robert Meyer 314-645-2174 Sam Mezines 314-878-8144 Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011

Planned Giving John Koch, Chairman 636-922-7732 Voula Francis 314-822-1176 Sakis Salas 636-379-2109 Dan Tarlas 314-968-5010 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700

Scholarship Committee Barbara Corrigan 314-576-1576 Tina Fakonas 636-394-5339 Denise Karras 314-368-4205

Philoptochos Georgia Ferretti, President 636-458-8577

St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 x330

Church School Co-Director Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 Despina Hartley 618-447-6548

Handmaidens Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359

Dance Troupe –Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 GOYA –Helen Carey 636-458-5173

-Mark & Renee Vleisides 314-576-2898

JR. GOYA –Mimi Davis 636-532-4470

-Debbie Palazzola 636-458-2133

HOPE –Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS -Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2014

Please submit all articles by the 10th of month

Email: [email protected]

Thank You Jennifer English, Editor

Announcements

This month’s information

Parish Council Information

Children events that took place

Greek Festival Guest Check request

Sunday School registration form

Family Life Center usage opportunities

Calendar

The Best

Mathematical

Equation

1 Cross

+ 3 Nails ___________________________________________

4 Given

Save The Date

Annual Banquet for International Orthodox

Christian Charities (IOCC)

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 at St. Thomas the Apostle

Romanian Orthodox Church Vespers - 5:00pm Banquet - 6:00pm

Festival Workdays Festival preparation days are: Mon. Aug 11th Mon. Aug 25th Wed. Aug 13th Wed. Aug 27th Wed. Aug 20th Thu. Aug 28th Thu. Aug 21st Fri. Aug 29th Fri. Aug 22nd Please see calendar for more details

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PRESIDENT’S REPORT Andrew E Galakatos MD E-MAIL: [email protected] PHONE: (314) 922-4457

The Parish Council wishes to THANK ALL OF YOU Parishioners who TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR CHURCH and who actively participate in its services, functions, activities, needs, upkeep and support. This satisfaction and fulfillment has been most encouraging to observe. Father Doug is spearheading the development of the new weekly CHURCH FRIDAY LUNCHEONS tentatively scheduled to begin 26 September … with more detailed information to follow. If you wish to actively participate, please contact Fr Doug directly. Our annual FESTIVAL will be held from FRIDAY 29 AUGUST through MONDAY 1 SEPTEMBER. Please stop at the hallway sign-up tables on Sundays after Church Service or phone the Church Office to volunteer and to actively participate in whatever way that you can help. Also please encourage your family, children, grandchildren and friends to help as well. Finally there are times when our Parishioners get frustrated when the BJH PARKING LOT GATES are down when they should be up. We have an excellent working relationship with the BJH administrative staff in establishing the gate dates and times well in advance … but occasionally, the BJH on-duty gate operatives may not be aware of a particular gate schedule. So please be respectful when using the speaker phones and inform them that you have been attending a Church Service. On non-scheduled Church Services i.e. funerals, weddings etc, please inform your friends and family to use the BLUE CARDS available at the Candle Stand so as to not have to pay the BJH parking fee.

Το Ενοριακό Συμβούλιο επιθυμεί να ευχαριστήσει όλους

εσάς Ενορίτες οποίοι είναι υπερήφανοι για την εκκλησία

σας και οι οποίοι συμμετέχουν ενεργά στην υπηρεσίες, οι λειτουργίες, τις δραστηριότητες, τις ανάγκες, τη

συντήρηση και την υποστήριξη. Αυτή η ικανοποίηση και

την εκπλήρωση ήταν πιο ενθαρρυντικό να παρατηρήσει.

Πατέρας Doug είναι αιχμή του δόρατος για την ανάπτυξη

των νέων εβδομαδιαίων ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ Παρασκευή γεύματα

διστακτικά προγραμματιστεί να ξεκινήσει 26ης Σεπ. ... με

πιο λεπτομερείς πληροφορίες για να ακολουθήσουν. Εάν

επιθυμείτε να συμμετάσχετε ενεργά, παρακαλούμε

επικοινωνήστε άμεσα Fr Doug.

Ετήσιο Φεστιβάλ μας θα πραγματοποιηθεί από Παρασκευή 29 Αύγουστος μέσω Δευτέρα, 1 Σεπτεμβρίου.

Παρακαλώ να σταματήσει στο σήμα-up τραπέζια διάδρομο

τις Κυριακές μετά την Εκκλησία Υπηρεσία ή τηλεφωνήστε

στο Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας να γίνουν εθελοντές και να

συμμετέχουν ενεργά με όποιο τρόπο που μπορείτε να

βοηθήσετε. Επίσης, παρακαλούμε να ενθαρρύνετε την

οικογένειά σας, τα παιδιά, τα εγγόνια και τους φίλους για

να βοηθήσει επίσης.

Τέλος, υπάρχουν φορές που Ενορίτες μας παίρνουν

απογοητευμένοι όταν οι BJH GATES ΣΤΑΘΜΕΥΣΗΣ είναι κάτω, όταν θα πρέπει να είναι επάνω. Έχουμε μια

εξαιρετική σχέση συνεργασίας με το διοικητικό

προσωπικό BJH τον καθορισμό των ημερομηνιών πύλη

και ώρες εκ των προτέρων ... αλλά μερικές φορές, οι BJH

on-καθήκον πράκτορες πύλη δεν μπορεί να γνωρίζει ένα

συγκεκριμένο χρονοδιάγραμμα πύλη. Επομένως, σας

παρακαλώ να σέβεται όταν χρησιμοποιούν τα τηλέφωνα

των ηχείων και να τον ενημερώσει ότι έχετε συμμετάσχει

σε Υπηρεσία της Εκκλησίας. Σχετικά με τη μη

προγραμματισμένη Εκκλησία Υπηρεσίες δηλαδή κηδείες,

γάμους κλπ, παρακαλούμε να ενημερώσετε τους φίλους

και την οικογένειά σας για να χρησιμοποιήσουν τη διαθέσιμη BLUE CARDS στο Κερί Stand, έτσι ώστε να

μην χρειαστεί να πληρώσει τα τέλη στάθμευσης BJH.

Parish Council Update

mailto:[email protected]

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NAMING INDIVIDUALS and CHARITIES that will receive your ASSETS / MONIES / PROPERTIES once you are gone can be a simple process. Most assets can pass to your intended beneficiaries / heirs by the terms of your WILL. However OTHER ASSESTS as shown below are not controlled by the terms of your will. These assets instead require separate beneficiary forms. The beneficiaries of these assets can be easily modified or changed at any time to meet your varying needs:

IRAs and Retirement Plans

Life Insurance Policies

Insurance Annunities

This is a good time to make sure that your beneficiary names and designations are up to date, regardless of whether or not your intend to name the Church as one of your beneficiaries.

Κατονομάζοντας πρόσωπα και τα φιλανθρωπικά ιδρύματα που

θα λάβουν ΕΝΕΡΓΗΤΙΚΟ / χρημάτων / PROPERTIES σας τη

στιγμή που θα φύγει μπορεί να είναι μια απλή διαδικασία. Τα

περισσότερα περιουσιακά στοιχεία μπορούν να περάσουν σε

πραγματικούς δικαιούχους / κληρονόμους σας με τους όρους της WILL σας. Ωστόσο, ΑΛΛΑ ΠΕΡΙΟΥΣΙΑΚΑ ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙΑ, όπως

φαίνεται παρακάτω δεν ελέγχονται από τους όρους της διαθήκης

σας. Αυτά τα περιουσιακά στοιχεία, αντί να απαιτούν ξεχωριστή

δικαιούχο μορφές.

Οι δικαιούχοι αυτών των περιουσιακών στοιχείων μπορεί εύκολα

να τροποποιηθεί ή να αλλάξει ανά πάσα στιγμή να καλύψει τις

διαφορετικές ανάγκες σας:

• Ήρας και προγράμματα συνταξιοδότησης

• Τα ασφαλιστήρια συμβόλαια ζωής

• Ασφάλιση Προσόδων

Αυτή είναι μια καλή στιγμή για να βεβαιωθείτε ότι τα ονόματα

δικαιούχων και των ονομασιών σας είναι ενημερωμένα,

ανεξάρτητα από το αν ή όχι την πρόθεση να αναφέρουμε την

Εκκλησία ως έναν από τους δικαιούχους σας.

Beneficiary Designations (Planned Giving Committee)

by Sakis S Salas CFP®

A BIG “THANK YOU”

A big “THANK YOU” to all the parishioners who showed up to make 90 Mousaka and 135 Pastitsio and 2 Moustitsio for the Festival. Also, a big “THANK YOU” to the Senior and Young men that showed up for the marinating and cooking of the 2,400 Lamb Shanks.

We couldn’t do it without you!

Pete Papadopoulos Dean Millonas

Nick and Becky

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Dear Parishioners,

Below are tables indicating where we stand with respect to pledges and dollars received for Pledge Years 2013 and 2014 comparing through June of each year. The stewardship committee requests that you submit your pledge as soon as you can so that we can more effectively manage our parish finances.

We have 125 parishioner families who have made a 2014 stewardship contribution but who have not completed a

pledge card.

We have 150 parishioner families who made a pledge for pledge year 2013 but have not made a pledge or made a stewardship contribution yet for pledge year 2014.

We have 8 parishioner families who made a pledge for pledge year 2013 but did not make any stewardship contributions.

We have 33 parishioner families who contributed $24,000 less than they pledged for pledge year 2013.

The stewardship committee is preparing letters and a phone campaign to reach out to parishioners who have not pledged or made a stewardship contribution for pledge year 2014 or who is has not fulfilled their 2013 pledge.

June To Date Pledge Comparison

Pledge Year

No. Of Pledges

Amt. Pledged

Amt. Given

2013 448 $667,116 $416,007

2014 275 $523,904 $387,626

Stewardship Numbers Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer

2014 June Totals No. Of

Pledges Amount

Difference

Pledges Up 78 $35,833

Pledges Down 25 -$20,750

Pledges No Change 148 $0

New/Recovered Pledges 24 $16,565

Grand Totals 275 $31,648

CHURCH FUND

GOOD HEALTH IN HONOR OF Grace Fana Sahle

By Addie & Thedros Sahle

GOOD HEALTH IN HONOR OF Georgia Ferretti

By Michael E. Ferretti

SAFE RETURN HOME IN HONOR OF Peter & Tonya Ferretti By Michael E. Ferretti

In Honor or Celebration of Loved One Donations

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CHURCH FUND In Memory of Nicholas J. Chiapel Shanahan Family Foundation Dr. & Mrs. Theodore Kanellakes In Memory of Paul L. Gitchos Pete Politis & Family In Memory of Maria Karagiannis John Polymeropoulos In Memory of Constantine Demmas Bo & Georgia Prstojevich In Memory of Harry Londoff Bo & Georgia Prstojevich In Memory of William Speropoulos Basil & Kathy Pappas In Memory of Michael D. Kalamitsiotis Kurt & Loukia Smith Maria Stamelos Kathy & Michael Williams

In Memory of Katherine Condaxis Tom & Mersine Kallaos Mrs. Irene Kallaos Pete & Pat Kallaos Lou & Theone Politis Patricia Pappas Pete & Phyllis Tsevis Harriet & Jeff Kopolow Diamando P. Gallahar Leonard P. Gallahar Jordan & Barbara Mavromatis Mike & Alice Fandos Anne Wolf Rita Rengel Marsh & Roger Weppelman Adrienne Y. Johnson Ann, Kay & Tom Zotos George & Georgia James Virginia Calbos In Memory of Vicky Goerges Vassiliki, Christina & Rebecca Dubis Linda Dubis-Meyer Nick & Nicky Theodorou

FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of George A. Pappas The Mullen & Tuttle Families In Memory of Vicky Georges Katherine Ellis

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND In Memory of Gus Patakas Achilles & Dorothea Karakas In Memory of Catherine Konczak George A & Anne N. Souris In Memory of Katherine Condaxis Scott & Christiane Roemer Becky Liringis In Memory of Helen S. Whaley George J. Bude

SUNDAY SCHOOL FUND In Memory of Maria Karagiannis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Karakasis

BAPTISMS “All you who have been baptized in Christ”

TYLER CHRISTIAN Son of Zachary & Demetra Holt Godparent: Dr. William Shisko

ISAAC

Son of Mogo & Himeret Abraha Godparent: Asmerom Keleta

ELLIANA THEONE

Daughter of Peter & Megan Politis Godparent: Elaine Stevens

JAMES AYAD THAVORIDES

Son of David & Andrea Brodsky Godparent: Alexis Thavorides

SAM

Son of Thomas & Vicki Thavorides Godparent: Alexis Thavorides

WEDDING “Crown them with Honor & Glory”

Amanda Lavely & Paul Zaman

FUNERALS

“Where the Righteous Rest”

June 27th Katherine C. Condaxis July 2nd Helen S. Whaley July 3rd Vicky Georges July 11th Peter Tomaras

MEMORIALS

August 3rd 40 Day Katherine C. Condaxis August 24th 1 Year Constantino “Gus” Arvanitakis

Parish Life

Memorial Donations June 10th thru July 10th

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* Fast Begins ** Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE August 2014

We Read the Old Testament as Christians

The Jews have a different way of reading the Hebrew Scriptures than we Christians do. Our reading is Christological. That is, we read the Hebrew Scriptures to find Christ there. That is why we call it the Old testament, for our reading presupposes a New Testament. The Old Testament is replete with types and foreshadowing. For example, consider the Flood of Noah. A Jew will see it simply as an early cataclysm that engulfed the world. The Christian will also see it as a type of baptism, through which we are saved (see 1 Peter 3:20-21). For us, all of the Old Testament speaks prophetically of Christ and His Church, and truths of the New Testament wait beneath the surface in the pages of the law and the Prophets. In all of our Scripture reading, we expect to encounter Christ. Let me offer a few final counsels. Though we must read the Scriptures with the heart, the head is not left out, for the Lord teaches us to worship God with our mind also (Mark 12:30). That means that we must bring to our Bible reading all the resources we can in order to understand its meaning. Not only a good Bible commentary is helpful here, but Bible atlases and an appreciation of the cultures in which the Bible was set. We approach our time of Bible reading not only with such spiritual tools as humility and prayerfulness, but also with a pen and paper, and perhaps a stack of books! We must really study it, and this will involve work and time. It is no good simply dabbling. Bible reading is not a form of recreation, but the foundation of our life. The study of Scripture should be our life’s work. In our study, however, we must remember that, when all is said and done, we do not study simply for our own sake, but also for the sake others. St. John Chrysostom said that ignorance of the Scriptures is a great abyss. Many multitudes in our society are now falling into the abyss. By studying the Scripture, we hope, with the help of God, to transform our lives. Then, through the witness of our life, we may help others to avoid that abyss. This how an Orthodox Christian reads the Scripture – not as an isolated unit, but as part of the Church – a Church that is open to God and out to save the world.

-Fr. Lawrence Farley

* 1 F Heb 11:33-40;12:1-2 Mt 10:16-22

2 S Acts 6:8-15;7:1-5,47-60 Mt 12:30-37

Sun 3 1 Cor 1:10-17 Mt 14:14-22

4 M 1 Cor 11:31-34;12:1-6 Mt 18:1-11

5 T 1 Pet 1:1-8 Mt 18:18-22;19:1-2,13-15

6 W 1 Pet 1:10-19 Mt 17:1-9

7 T 1 Cor 14:6-19 Mk 9:2-9

8 F 1 Cor 14:26-40 Mt 21:12-14,17-20

9 S Acts 1:12-17,21-26 Mt 15:32-39

Sun

10 1 Cor 3:9-17 Mt 14:22-34

11 M 1 Cor 15:12-19 Mt 21:18-22

12 T 1 Cor 15:29-38 Mt 21:23-27

13 W 1 Cor 16:4-12 Mt 21:28-32

14 T 1 Cor 1:1-7 Mt21:43-46

** 15 F Phil 2:5-11 Lk10:38-42;11:27-28

16 S 1 Tim 3:13-16;4:1-5 Lk 9:51-57;10:22-24;13:22

Sun 17 1 Cor 4:9-16 Mt 17:14-23

18 M 2 Cor 2:3-15 Mt 23:13-22

19 T 2 Cor 2:14-17;3:1-3 Mt 23:23-28

20 W Acts 3:19-26 Mt 23:29-39

21 T 2 Cor 4:1-12 Mk 3:13-21

22 F 2 Cor 4:13-18 Mt 14:27-3142-51

23 S Phil 2:5-11 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28

Sun 24 1 Cor 9:2-12 Mt 18:23-35

25 M Titus 1:1-5;2:15;3:1-15 Mt 5:14-19

26 T Heb 10:32-38 Mk 1:9-15

27 W 2 Cor 6:11-16 Mk 1:23-28

28 T 2 Cor 7:1-10 Mk 1:29-35

29 F Acts 13:25-33 Mk 6:14-30

30 S 1 Cor 1:26-31;2:1-5 Mt 20:29-34

Sun 31 Heb 9:1-7 Mt 19:16-26

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The Feast of the Dormition

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this day of our commemoration of the Feast of the Dormition, our hearts are filled with hope as we reflect on the holy repose and miraculous translation of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. We have hope in Christ our Lord because the Theotokos offers us a superb witness of His power. Certainly, her calling to bear the Son of God was unique, but in all aspects of her life and death she offered a beautiful example of how the power and grace of God can transform us from death to life. This transformation from all of creation began when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the Incarnation of Christ. She was called to this service by God, a calling she freely accepted in faith, because of her purity of heart and holiness of life. On this Feast we honor her for this by singing, “She who by reason of her surpassing purity became the receiver of the everlasting God, today commits her most pure soul into the hands of her Son” (Hymn of Vespers). While her purity of soul was completed through carrying our Lord in her womb, she was already a holy person through her love of God and communion with Him. It is because of her holiness and her experience of the true life in Christ that the Theotokos is able to be an intercessor for us all. Certainly, we seek the intercessions of all the Saints, asking them to pray to God on our behalf that He may continue to show us mercy and grace. However, as we acknowledge on this day and in the Feast of the Annunciation, the Virgin Mary is prayerfully addressed as the Mother of our Lord, as one who has a very special and unique relationship with Him. For the Theotokos, this is a relationship of trust in the divine will of God. It is an eternal communion that has come through a life of holiness. It is faith in the love for God, knowing that He will accomplish all things necessary for our salvation. This is the witness of the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary on the Feast of her Dormition. As through her life, she offers in her repose a witness of the priority of living a pure and holy life. Through her miraculous translation, God reveals through her the power of divine life over death. As one who “ceaselessly intercedes on our behalf,” she shows us a complete and unyielding faith in the will and power of God. May we give glory and honor and thanksgiving to Him for the Theotokos as we commemorate her Dormition, and may we find in her true witness of faith that renews our hope, brings comfort to our struggles, and assures us of the abundant and eternal life we have in the kingdom of God.

-Archbishop Demetrios of America

On Worship At the heart of Orthodoxy is worship. We’re not a group of theologians who also worship, or social activists who also worship. We’re worshipping creatures whose whole reason for being is to make a glorious act of self-offering to God, for all eternity. And we begin doing that now. We also do works of charity in the community. We reach out pastorally, we offer Christian education, and we engage in the whole gamut of activities that ought to happen in parishes. But this activity must spring from that central reason for our being, our reconnecting with our Father who is in heaven. This is the reason He made us. This is the reason we exist. And we will discover our destiny only when we open ourselves to true worship.

-Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green

Communion is our Center Since the inception of the life of the Church, the Holy Eucharist – presided over by Christ, and subsequently the apostles, the elders, and the bishops – has been the center of the Church’s unity. This is the original consciousness of the Church, the teaching of Christ and the apostles; this is the tradition handed down to the Church by Christ and the apostles.

-Metropolitan Maximos, former Metropolitan of Pittsburgh

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I go to a Christian college and a lot of my friends discuss the “once saved, always saved” versus “salvation can be lost” controversy. What do Orthodox Christians think about this question?

To tell the truth, Orthodox Christians don’t think about this controversy at all – at least not in these terms. Discussions about “once saved, always save” are based on a particular Protestant understanding of what it means to be “saved.” Orthodox Christians conceive of salvation quite differently than most Protestants do.

For an Orthodox Christian, to be saved means nothing less than to participate fully in the divine energies of God. For most Protestants, to be saved means to have one’s sins forgiven so that one can go to heaven when he dies. This Protestant understanding of salvation is often spoken of in the present perfect tense and passive voice – “I have been saved” – because in the Protestant understanding, salvation is something God does without our participation (passive voice) that we “accept” at a particular point in time (present perfect tense). The controversy among Protestants is whether or not one’s condition as “saved” can be lost once “truly” received.

In contrast, Orthodox Christians see salvation much more as a process that involves human participation, or synergy. That is, we cooperate with God in our salvation, much as a farmer cooperates with nature (and ultimately with God) in the growing of wheat. A farmer labors to prepare the soil and sow the seed in much the same way that an Orthodox Christian labors to control his body and mind (fasting), participate in the liturgical life of the Church (prayer), and love his neighbor (almsgiving). And in the same way that nothing the farmer does earns the rain nor makes the seed he has sown germinate, the prayer, fasting, and love of neighbor of an Orthodox Christian do not earn him salvation. They do, however, align him to receive the grace (divine energy) of God that comes to him.

If you take a look at Ezekiel 11:18-19, you can see an example of this synergistic or cooperative work of salvation. In verse 18, God’s people prepare themselves by removing vile images and detestable idols, and in verse 19 God gives them new hearts of flesh. God’s people do not earn new hearts by their actions, but their actions prepare them to receive new hearts. Their actions cooperate with the grace of God.

I must admit that words and concepts fail to explain these matters clearly, for our salvation is a mystery. Nonetheless, you can see that for Orthodox Christians, salvation is much more than just forgiveness of sins and going to heaven when we die. Salvation is the eternal (not merely life-long) process of becoming more and more like our Savior. Consequently, “once saved” has no meaning in an Orthodox context.

To frame the question somewhat differently, an Orthodox Christian might ask, “Can you stop cooperating with God?” Here the answer is yes. You can deny, rebel against, betray, and reject the grace of God. Even one of the Twelve betrayed the Savior. However, we must be careful not to point fingers or go looking for “Judases” in our midst. Much of what appears to be denial, rejection, or even blasphemy is merely evidence of a deep valley a person is passing through in which he comes to terms with his own weaknesses or sheds inadequate concepts of God (and in the end, all concepts of God are inadequate). I refer you to the complaint of Job, the initial rejection of the father by the prodigal son, the denial of Peter, and the doubting of Thomas.

Salvation is not something that is merely on or off like a light switch; it is much more like the permeation of water into a sponge. Dryer, harder sponges need to soak longer (and perhaps in hotter water). The biblical exhortations not to harden our hearts (Hebrews 3:8 and many other places) are exhortations to cooperate with the grace of God. But “harden” and “soften” describe degrees, not absolute conditions. Salvation is not something that we gain in an instant and can lose just as quickly. Our salvation is a process, which we sometimes fully cooperate with and sometimes resist. May God help us always to cooperate.

-Fr. Michael Gillis

Q

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin July 2014

Fanari Camp Fun

Nineteen St. Nicholas kids made the journey to Green Lake, Wisconsin in June for Fanari Camp. It was week of fun, faith and fellowship, and a good time was had by all.

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Congratulations,

Graduates!

Our parishiones who graduated from high school were honored on June 22, 2014 at a special dinner at the Family Life Center. Pictured are (front, left to right) Julie Schaaf, Cecilia Tarlas, Kelly Galakatos, Emily Spanos, (rear, left to right) Chris English, Hiyabu Habtemichael, Michael Palazzola, Tim Vleisides, George Grayson and Mark McCord.

Congratulations to them and to all our St. Nicholas Graduates!

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Weird Animals: Where God’s Love is One-of-a-Kind Vacation Bible School

The theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School, which met July 14th to 18th, was Weird Animals: Where God’s Love is One-of-a-Kind. The kids learned that God loves us—even when we feel left out, different or scared, even when we don’t understand and even when we do wrong. They sang, did science experiments, made their own snacks and grew closer to God and each other. Many thanks to our helpers: Diana Ott, Vasilika Tsichlis, Anne Chrissos, Frieda Perkins, Peter Kontominas, Josh Jarvis, George Tsichlis, Julia Arbanas, Cassandra Mezines and Vanessa Mezines. Thanks also to the Philoptochos Society for its financial support of this ministry, and to all those who loaned props for the course of the week.

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The Family Life Center will offer Makaria’s to our parish.

Traditional Makaria Menu Appetizers Greek salad

Choice of Sautéed Grouper or Red snapper with either white wine caper sauce or a roasted red pepper coulis.

Choice of Pan roasted potatoes or blended rice Pilaf Choice of green beans with dill butter or mixed fresh

broccoli, cauliflower carrots with shallot butter. Bread/butter

1 glass of wine per person Dessert provided by family

Includes china, glassware, silverware and base linens.

3 hours service

Cost: $40 per person (50 person minimum) Plus tax and gratuity

service provided by Butler’s Pantry Caterer

The Atrium and Philoptochos Room are available for rent.

Rental Cost $500 (includes table and chair set up)

Please contact St. Nicholas Church Office (314)391-6924

Makaria Meals at Family Life Center

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The Rental Committee has completed all the work necessary to rent the FLC to non-

parishioners. This will offer us an outside source of revenue to help pay down the mortgage.

Our beautiful building is perfect for weddings, business conference, small and large parties, cocktail receptions, trivia nights and much more.

So if you have friends, neighbors, or business associates looking for a venue, please send them

our way. We will provide a tour of the facility, an information packet, and availability. For all information call the church office 314-391-6924

Rental fees for non-parishioners:

Cultural Center/Atrium (seats 500) $2500 Atrium Only (seats 125) $750

Philoptochos Room (seats 100) $500

Rental includes: Chair, table set up

Carpet in Cultural Center Sound system

Podium/Microphone Complimentary Parking

Exclusive Caterer Butler’s Pantry www.butlerspantry.com

Click Venues

We are excited and hope you are too

Mary Ann Mastorakos, chairperson Nicky Antoniou

Janet Papageorge Carol Kamburis Lauren Rowe

Check out our Event Center on the St. Nicholas web site www.sngoc.org

Select Event Center on the menu

Family Life Center Rental Services

http://www.butlerspantry.com/

http://www.sngoc.org/

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GREEK FESTIVAL GUEST CHECK REQUEST FORM

No. of Checks

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Please Print

With the understanding that I will be billed for each dinner check redeemed, please send the number of checks specified in my name to the individuals listed above.

Your Signature ____________________________________ Print your name clearly _________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________

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ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2014-2015

Parents:

Address: City: Zip:

Telephone: Email (mandatory):

Cell:

Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2014, to enter the 3 year old class. Church school follows the

age limits of St. Louis School Districts. Use the back of the form for more than 4 children.

Child: Baptismal Name:

Grade - Fall 2014: DOB:





Parents! We need your continued support to make Church school and all of its extra-curricular activities run

smoothly. Please help us by volunteering for any of the events below. This is a great way for parents to

make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hardworking and dedicated teachers!

Please circle below:

September: First Day Treats/Teacher Appreciation - Ice Cream Social

November: Meal a month food drive

December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags – Christmas Pageant

May: End of Year Picnic

Substitute/Assistant Teacher

Decorating Committee: Help decorate halls and bulletin boards and maintain decorating materials

Registration will run from April 27th – May 18th. Registration fees are $10/child until May 18th. After May

18th, late registrations will be $20/child. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church and drop them by the

Church School Office or send them in to:

St. Nicholas Church, 4967 Forest Park Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

Please register early!

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Christ is Real Today When Christ was on earth He walked and talked with His disciples. All Orthodox Christians are His modern-day disciples; however, we often fail to recognize His presence among us. In our fast-paced world perhaps sometimes we forget about Christ in our everyday lives. Though the latest technology, innovations, and media can distract us from focusing on god, we have the power to use these very resources to transform our lives and to be an example of how best to use these tools. Invite Christ into every aspect of your life, and make Him real in your daily situations. When you post comments on Facebook, do so as if He is reading over your shoulder. When you Tweet or post a photo on Instagram, do so as if He is following you. When you talk about others, do so as if He is listening. He wishes to meet and talk to you not only in church, but in all places. As a modern-day disciple, if you wish to make Christ real in your life, acknowledge His presence at all times.

Work as God The ability to work is a wonderful gift, but are some people taking it too far? In the past, people left their jobs at the office or factory, but now they come home to e-mail and phone messages. Many are so occupied that God and attendance at Church and prayer take place only “if I have time.” A professor of management at a leading university says: “I don’t know whether work is taking over family and community (and church), or whether family and community (and church) are giving up their place to work. But I know the movement is going on. Everyone’s job seems to be “who they are.” We tend to equate identity with what we do as a living. Ask a retired person and he will tell you that he has become an invisible part of society. He has no job identity. The president of the Families and Work Institute says: “How busy you are has become the red badge of courage… It’s become a status symbol,” even though people complain about it. Making a god out of work is not a new problem. In the first commandment, God said: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). That includes our jobs.

Through god’s gift of work, we can honor Him, care for our families, help people in need and attend to our religious life. Work is not to be our main source of fulfillment, that must come from God Himself. No matter what our occupation, we must keep work in perspective. God and family are more important than dedication to a job. Work is a gift – not a god. Read Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 to help gain insight.

-The Orthodox Herald

http://www.glasbergen.com/wp-content/gallery/christian-cartoons/toon451.gif

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ST. LOUIS, MO

PERMIT NO. 1029

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Philoptochos Philanthropy

FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY AUGUST

Tuna Macaroni and Cheese

Beets Plums

Whole Wheat Crackers Powdered Milk (optional)

Hand Lotion (optional)

SEPTEMBER Ravioli

Spinach Fruit Cocktail

Cornbread Mix Powdered Milk

Washing Machine Detergent (optional) Baby/Children’s shampoo

Thanks to Barbara Mavromatis and Mary Mezines, co-chairs

OCTOBER Chili with Beans

Pacjage of Macaroni Carrots

Pineapple chunks Powdered Milk (optional)

Bathroom Tissues (optional)

NOVEMBER Chicken and Dumplings

Lima Beans Cranberry Sauce Instant Pudding

Powered Milk (optional) Dishpan Detergent (optional)

Documents

August 15 Dormition of the Mother of God