December 2018

St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church

4 Appleton Street ■ Arlington, MA 02476 ■ 781.646.0705 ■ www.saintathanasius.org ■ email: stathanasiusgoc@gmail.com

FROM FR. ANTHONY Beloved brethren in Christ,

As we approach the Nativity of our Lord in the flesh, I wish to share with you some spiritual food

regarding this holy season.

I don’t need to go into great detail regarding the deterioration of the “Christmas/holiday season,” which for the most part, no longer includes Christ. Simply look around at the typical seasonal decorations that surround us. What we tend to see more than anything are snowmen, Santa Clauses, reindeer, and other such “Christ-less” themes. As Orthodox Christians, we should strive to make Christ the major theme of the season, simply because this is His season – not something that belongs to a mythical world of snowy make-believe. One may ask, what is so wrong with all the joyful things that surround us that make Christmas so special for our children? Well, let us explore this. How do we ensure that our children understand what all the preparations and decorations are really about? Do we consider that they may be totally surprised to realize someday, that Christmas has to do with the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh for the redemption of mankind? Are we, perhaps, of the persuasion that children shouldn’t be burdened with theology, and should be allowed to have a “magical” Christmas? Have we consistently chosen not to bring them to church on Christmas Day to truly celebrate the Lord’s birth, but instead, stayed home to eat a special breakfast and open presents? Now, before we jump to conclusions that Fr. Anthony thinks there shouldn’t be anything fun about Christmas, let us clarify. Yes, the anticipation of the birth of our Lord should be a special and exciting time, which is exactly why the Church has a 40-day period of preparation. The Nativity Fast is a joyful vigil which spiritually prepares us for this extraordinary event of God becoming man. Decorating our homes, baking special sweets, playing the classic Christmas carols, watching age appropriate films regarding the Christmas story – these are all the things that make Christmas special for children. It is up to us who are parents to keep these things alive in the preparation for, and celebration of Christmas. We can still make Christmastime fun and special, while at the same keeping it Christian. Continued on Page 3

SAINT ATHANASIUS THE GREAT GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Metropolis of Boston 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476

ASKISIS OFFICIAL Publication of St. Athanasius the Great

Greek Orthodox Church Arlington, MA 02476

PARISH COUNCIL Constandinos Ioakimidis ...................................... President A. Paul Tsitsopoulos ................................ 1st Vice President Mark Ypsilantis ...................................... 2nd Vice President S. Nicholas Kriketos ............................................ Secretary Ted Speros .......................................... Associate Secretary Stefanos Bouboulis ............................................. Treasurer Nikitas Splagounias ....................... Associate Treasurer #1 Peter Stanitsas ................................. Associate Treasurer #2 Parish Council Members: ...........................................

Antonios Dakopoulos, Peter Gennis, Vassilios Karras, Vicki Konstandakis, Alexandros Kyrou, Anna Manolakis,

Charlie Pappas, Michael Terzakis, and Nicole VanKuilenburg

Great Vespers - Saturday 6:00 p.m. Regular Sunday Worship Schedule

Orthros 8:45 a.m. - Divine Liturgy: 10:00 a.m.

Presiding Priest: Fr. Anthony Evangelatos St. Athanasius the Great is a parish under the spiritual and ecclesial oversight of His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Metropolis of Boston, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, under the jurisdiction of The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington, Massachusetts strives to be the living witness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our mission as a parish is to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13), as St. Paul so exhorts. Thus it is our rich blessing to strive and bring the Light of Christ to all of God’s people, through Orthodox Christian tradition, education and philanthropy. We seek to serve the spiritual needs of our faithful parishioners through the sacramental life of the Church. By means of outreach and faith in God, we continue our growth as a living Church by inviting others into the Orthodox faith through Baptism and/or Chrismation, and educating them through the establishment of our Christian ministries, programs, schools and philanthropic activities.

PARISH MINISTRIES &

ORGANIZATIONS Altar Boys (Acolytes): ................. Fr. Anthony Evangelatos Cantors/Psaltes:……………………Dimitrios Manolakis & …………………………………….Christos Tsavalakoglou Little Halos Director:………..…………..Argyro Nikoletos

Fellowship Hour Ministry:................... Vicki Konstandakis Gardening Ministry: ............................ S. Nicholas Kriketos GOYA President: ..................................... Thanos Arvanitis HOPE & JOY Ministry:…..………….…………...…OPEN P.E.A.C.E. Ministry:……………………..Althea Ioakimidis Philoptochos President……………..………Crystal Iakovou Pine Street Inn Ministry: Michael Terzakis & Randy Fassas Stewardship Ministry:…Peter Gennis & Dimitri Manolakis Sunday School Interim Coordinator:…….George Makredes Young at Heart Seniors:…………………Combined Efforts

Metropolis of Boston website ...... www.boston.goarch.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website ...... www.goarch.org

Fr. Anthony’s Office Hours

I will generally be in the office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. I will be out of the office on Mondays. After office hours, I can be reached at (401) 662-5259

CHURCH DIRECTORY Parish Administrative Assistants

Stella Kazantzas & Kathy VanKuilenburg

NEW Parish Office Hours Monday - Thursday: 9:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Fridays: 9:00-2:00 p.m. Parish Office: (781) 646-0705

FAX: (781) 641-4700 EMAIL: stathanasiusgoc@gmail.com

Website: www.saintathanasius.org

Fr. Anthony Email: franthony@saintathanasius.org Fr. Anthony Cell: (401) 662-5259

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FROM FR. ANTHONY continued Furthermore, we can “christianize,” so to speak, so many aspects of Christmas in order to bring appropriate relevancy to them. For instance, the idea of having been good or bad during the year can pave the way for children to learn about repentance. They should be taught to strive to be good for God, not Santa Claus, because it is God who loves and forgives us, and not those fellows in the shopping malls. We could focus on purchasing decorations and tree ornaments that reflect the religious aspect of the season as much as possible. A manger scene should be a focal point of our home decorations. We could remind our children that all the beautiful Christmas lights we see remind us of Christ, the Light of the World, who is about to come to us as a human baby. We definitely could work at playing down the commercial aspect of Christmas, so that the gifts under the tree don’t take center stage in the feast. In fact, besides the focus on what we receive, how many of us are incorporating charitable giving and good works during our preparation for the Nativity of Christ? Remember, during all fast periods our Church teaches us to include intensified prayer and good works, so that our fasting is not in vain.

The bottom line is, no matter how much the retail world seeks to create its own version of the “holiday season,” we Orthodox Christians have much control in keeping Christ central in our homes during the Christmas season. With Christ as our main focus, we can make this time of year very special and meaningful for our families. A Christ-centered Christmas brings about a spiritual joy that cannot be equaled by all the things that surround us during this holy season. These things simply become a supplement to the inner joy within us.

Beloved in Christ, let us keep the spirit of vigil as we continue our preparation for the feast

of the Nativity, so that we may attain the true inner joy of the feast when it arrives. On Christmas Day itself, truly celebrate His birth and our redemption by attending church and receiving His spotless Body and Blood – the greatest gift that we will receive that day. Then we can go to our homes to celebrate as the Church urges us to do. In the love of the Newborn Christ, +Fr. Anthony

REFLECTIONS ON THE NATIVITY

(The following is taken from The Living God, Vol. 1; St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1989)

If we truly understand the message of Christmas, which teaches us to love and serve the poor, let us first of all turn to Christ. Only He can teach us how to really love the poor, not for our own glory – not even for a social ideal – but for the love of man as He Himself has loved us. Jesus Christ is the first among the poor; no one has so totally impoverished himself as He did. And, moreover, He did so voluntarily. For let us never forget that He is the second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God, and that He has lowered Himself to the point of becoming a defenseless child, lying in straw at the feet of animals…

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FROM FR. ANTHONY continued Christmas is also a message of peace. Even for those who have forgotten Christ, or have never known Him, Christmas is a symbol of peace on earth and love among men, if only for twenty-four hours or for a single night (as in, for example, truces during wars, cease-fires, or messages of peace from all the governments of the world). This is appropriate, for Christ is the God of Mercy, the Prince of Peace, “and of his peace there will be no end” (Is 9:6). The peace of this world is often only a period of calm between two wars. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, a peace without end. His Kingdom will not fall like all other kingdoms, reigns, governments, and dictatorships. The peace of Jesus Christ allows us to participate now in His Kingdom which is to come. Let us learn how to carry this peace of Christ within us from this moment on. Let us, like the shepherds, hear the exclamation of the angels during Christmas night: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men” (Lk 2:14). Let us be witnesses of this marvelous reconciliation between heaven and earth, between God and man! We shall never exhaust the Nativity message, its beauty and its mystery. We have spoken of peace and poverty. It is through Jesus that we can understand these two aspects: He is peace, and He is the poorest among the poor. When Adam was created, he was formed out of the earth; today the second Adam, Christ, recreates man in His person. The Son of God at the mouth of the cave has taken our human condition upon Himself; He is born of the earth and will return to the earth at the time of His burial. “The first man was from earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven… Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven” (1 Cor 15:47,49). Spiritual Wisdom

God, along with the temptations, also gives patience. He never gives more than we are able to endure. For people who love God, all things work for good. Pray and beseech God to give you faith and patience – to be freed from thoughts of despair. The Saints had the power to rebuke the enemy. We, when we have temptations, ought to take refuge in our Christ and Panagia, just as a little child runs to his mother. (+Elder Ieronymos of Aegina) If you want to serve God, prepare your heart not for food, not for drink, not for rest, not for ease, but for suffering, so that you may endure all temptations, trouble and sorrow. (St. Sergius of Radonezh) Are you angry? Be angry at your sins, beat your soul, afflict your conscience, but be strict in judgment and a terrible punisher of your own sins. This is the benefit of anger, wherefore God placed it in us. (St. John Chrysostom) Blessed be that Child, who gladdened Bethlehem today! Blessed be the Babe, Who made manhood young again today! Blessed be the Fruit, Who lowered Himself to our famished state! Blessed be the Good One, Who suddenly enriched our necessities and supplied our needs! Blessed is He, Whose tender mercies made Him condescend to visit our infirmities! (St.Ephraim the Syrian)

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FROM FR. ANTHONY continued Nativity Fast Continues

Below are traditional and widely accepted guidelines for those who choose to follow the Church’s tradition in its fullest. These guidelines for the Nativity fast are also illustrated on your 2018 church calendar from our holy Archdiocese.

Fish, wine & olive oil permitted daily, except Wednesdays & Fridays up to 12/12. From 12/13 – 12/24, strict fasting daily (no animal products permitted, including fish,

eggs & dairy); wine & olive oil permitted on Saturdays & Sundays. Shellfish permitted daily. There are some exceptions allowing wine & oil on strict fast days – please see calendar.

Note: Throughout any fast period, those who are infirm, expectant and nursing mothers, and growing children, should follow a relaxed, minimal fast. Your spiritual father can guide you in these cases. Regarding Christmas parties at work or at private homes, do not stress about this if you are keeping the fast. As many Church Fathers suggest in these situations, partake minimally of what is offered without bringing attention to your fasting. You can always maintain the spirit of the fast in a prayerful and humble manner. May we all seek to grow spiritually through the venerable practice of fasting, as we prepare to celebrate our Lord’s birth in the flesh. Please remember that our fasting must be accompanied by increased prayer, church attendance, and charitable works, otherwise our efforts would be in vain.

Confession Schedule The Holy Fathers have always stressed participation in the sacrament of Holy Confession during all major fast periods of the Church, as well as on an as-needed basis. During the Nativity Fast, I am available to hear confessions per the usual schedule: Saturdays after Great Vespers, and during office hours by appointment. This would be a wonderful opportunity to “sweep” and “cleanse” the manger within us, in order to allow the newborn Christ to enter therein! Regarding Nativity Services Please note that on the Eve of the Nativity, we will separate the required services between morning and late afternoon. In the morning at 9:00 am, we will celebrate the Royal Hours of the Nativity, which is a vigil service preparing us for the birth of Christ through scripture and hymns. At 5:00 pm we will celebrate the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Nativity Eve, which of course, includes Holy Communion. The time of the service facilitates those who have to work part or all of that day, and also facilitates attendance at family gatherings that evening. Note: To receive Holy Communion at the evening liturgy, please try to fast from all food and beverage (barring any health issues) from noontime on. It goes without saying that our breakfast and lunch should be strictly lenten.

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FROM FR. ANTHONY continued On the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, Orthros and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 8:00 and 9:15 am. This is the main celebration of Our Lord’s birth, so, as I state in my article, please prioritize the liturgical celebration over the secular traditions, for which we have the rest of the day to enjoy. Parish News Liturgical Donations Needed

English Menaion, April volume – $100 English Menaion, July volume – $100 Holy Water bottles for Theophany – $180 Refinishing of Royal Gate candle stands (entrance to altar) – $250 each Beeswax lambades for Royal Gate – $20 each (Father will purchase) Charcoal – $20 per box (Father will purchase)

Donations Six lambades for Royal Gate - Charlie Pappas Baptisms

11/4 - Tatjana Gjiknuri; sponsor, Anna Jasonides 11/24 - Antonio, son of Tareq Zatari and Mary Valmas; sponsor, Elizabeth Valmas Funerals

11/3 - Sally Apostolopoulos 11/29 – Rose A. Georgoulis

I Would Like To Take This Opportunity

To Personally Wish Each And

Every One Of You

A Most Blessed Nativity Of

Our Lord And Savior Jesus Christ

And A Blessed Holy Theophany

As Well As A New Year

Filled With Health And

Every Good Thing

+Fr. Anthony

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Religious Education

Advent A time of expectation and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus. The

term also refers to the preparatory 40-day fast before Christmas, which begins on November 15th.

City of David Is the town of Bethlehem, where Christ’s Nativity took place. Chestnuts Those ‘chestnuts roasting on an open fire’ are said to have first come from Sardis of Asia

Minor and Kastania in Thessaly, Greece. Eggnog The nog of eggnog comes from an old 17th century term for a strong beer, once brewed

in Norfolk in the east of England. Holly How many of us are aware of the significance of holly at Christmas? Well, its rigid pointed

tipped leaves recall the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolize the drops of blood shed by Him for our salvation.

Incarnation Occurred with the birth of Jesus to mankind, as He was 100% God and 100% Man. Manger A manger is a trough from which livestock are fed, and which served as Christ’s ‘crib’. Magi The Magi are the 3 wise men, who presented myrrh, frankincense and gold at Jesus’s birth.

Myrrh and frankincense are prized fragrant oils, from their respective trees. Poinsettias Poinsettias are the large, bright red "flowers" (though the red parts are actually leaves),

native to Mexico and parts of Central America. They’re named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, a former congressman and diplomat, who introduced the plant to the United States in the early 1800s.

Shepherds Shepherds minding their flocks were the first people angelic hosts announced the joyous

news of Jesus’s birth, Christ The Lord . . . not to kings or prominent leaders. St. Nicholas Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor, circa 305. An orphan of wealthy parents, he became

renowned for his Christian love and generosity to children and the poor. His reputation of giving lives on today through Santa Claus and the stockings hung on Christmas Eve.

Wreaths A wreath’s circular shape represents Christ’s eternal love and an eternal life for all.

Christ The Lord Is Born to Man! Happy Holy Days!

(From Teen Class Notes - George Makredes)

Christmas Lexicon

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Religious Eduation Christmas factoids: Did you know, the earliest mention of Christmas was during Emperor Constantine’s reign in Rome in 336, and was first celebrated in Constantinople in 379? In Greek, Chrīstos (Χριστός) is a translation of Hebrew for "Messiah", meaning “Anointed One” and mæsse from Latin missa, the celebration of the Eucharist (as in the Divine Liturgy). We celebrate God’s Son, the Anointed One, the Advent and the Incarnation, at Christmas. Another term heard during this period comes from the Old French. Namely: Noël; derived from the Latin nātālis (diēs) meaning "birth (day)” Over the centuries though, in England, this holy day led some to excessively drink and to rowdy behavior. As a result, in 1647, Puritan rulers decided to ban any and all expressions of Christmas! Would you believe Boston also banned Christmas, in 1659, as noted on this ‘Publick Notice’?

This proclamation read: “The Observation of Christmas having been decried a Sacrilege; the exchanging of Gifts and Greetings, dressing in Fine Clothing, Feasting and similar Satanic Practices are hereby FORBIDDEN, with the Offender liable to a Fine of Five Shillings”

So, tales about ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ don’t seem so farfetched. Although Christmas didn’t become an officially recognized U.S. holiday until 1870, the majority of Christians continued to observe Christ’s birth on December 25th, as we do today. At Christmas we are reminded to emulate Christ in all we do, through love, kindness and joyful expressions of giving to others. May His spirit be kept within us to be lived every day of life!

(From Teen Notes - George Makredes)

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GOYA News

November has been a full and extremely fun month! To start our month off, we hosted our annual Family Glendi. A big thank you to all the families who attended and donated food that made our great night happen! Everyone had a wonderful time and was a great success.

Later on in the month, GOYAns all came together to bake pies for our Thanksgiving Pie Sale. We would like to give a big thanks to everyone who donated to our GOYA, as well as the parents who came to teach us how to make the pies. Our bake sale was an amazing turnout, selling all 20 pies on that one Sunday was great!

Thanksgiving is a special time to give back, and we are proud to say GOYA donated ten 10 turkeys to support the St. Athanasius’ donation to the Home for Little Wanderers! This month is also fun filled, first off GOYA will be decorating wreaths in preparation for our sales during the Christmas season! We would also like to give a warm thank you to the Boretos family for hosting our Christmas Party! As always, we will be decorating cookies to be donated to Rosie's Place, and making Christmas Cards for the senior citizens at the Hellenic Nursing Home. We are also very excited to share our warmth and caring hearts to the seniors at the Nursing Home when we visit with our church parish on December 15! Sincerely, Mia Stanitsas

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December 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Joy to the World

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Great Vespers 6 pm

2 14th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am;

Divine Liturgy 10 am Goya Wreaths & Little

Halos Raffle Sales 11:30 am

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Great Vespers of St. Barbara

6:30 pm followed by

Philoptochos reception

4 St. Barbara

the Great Martyr Orthros 8 am

Divine Liturgy 9 am

5 Great Vespers at

St. Nicholas Church, Lexington 6 pm

6 St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Services in Lexington Orthros 8:30 am Div. Lit. 9:30 am

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Great Vespers 6 pm

9 10th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am;

Divine Liturgy 10 am Goya Wreaths & Little

Halos Raffle Sales 11:30 am

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12 St. Spyridon the Wonderworker

Orthros 8 am Divine Liturgy 9 am

Parish Council Meeting

7 pm

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St. Barbara Philoptochos

Christmas Dinner at Chang-An’s, Concord,

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Goya Christmas Party 7 pm

15 Parish Visit to Hellenic Nursing

Home 9:30 am

Great Vespers 6 pm

16 11th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am;

Divine Liturgy 10 am Goya Wreath Sale

11:30 am

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Little Halos

Christmas Program 10 am

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Great Vespers 6 pm

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Sunday before Nativity Orthros 8:45am;

Divine Liturgy 10 am Goya Wreath Sale

11:30 Pine Street Inn 5 pm

24 Eve of the Nativity, Royal Hours 9 am

(No School Dec. 24 – 31)

Office Closed Today Vesperal Divine

Liturgy 5 pm

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

The Nativity of Our Lord in the Flesh

Orthros 8 am Divine Liturgy 9:15 am

No School – Office Closed

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No School

Parish Council Meeting 7 pm

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the First Martyr Orthros 8 am

Divine Liturgy 9 am

No School

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No School

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Great Vespers 6 pm

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Sunday after Nativity Orthros 8:45am;

Divine Liturgy 10 am

31 New Year’s Eve

No School Office Closed

Strict Fast Wine/Oil Allowed Fast Free Fish Allowed

Sunday School Every Sunday 10 am except December 30 Little Halos Pre-School Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 3pm Little Halos Christmas Recess December 24 through January 1 Goya Basketball at Ottoson Every Friday 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Adult Greek Dancing Every Monday 7pm except Dec. 3 & 24 & 31 12

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, Chang-An’s, Concord, 6:30

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CrossRoad Applications Available Now!

Help us spread the

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Orthodox Christian

juniors or seniors in

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Summer 2019 Dates

Session 1: June 15 - June 25, 2019 (Boston)

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Apply Online!

Application priority deadline is February 1, 2019.

Website: www.crossroadinstitute.org

Phone: (617) 850-1309

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The 2018/19 PanHellenic Scholarship Application is Now Available!

Chicago, IL - The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation has released the 2018/19 scholarship application on today October 1st. The Foundation will accept applications from eligible Greek American college students through January 31, 2019, and will distribute $250,000 in scholarship awards to exceptional undergraduates as follows:

Twenty (20) Awards of $10,000 each based on academic merit and financial need Twenty (20) Awards of $2,500 each based solely on academic achievement

Undergraduate students of Hellenic descent from all fifty states are encouraged to apply. Applications should be submitted electronically as instructed by January 31, 2019. To be eligible to apply for a scholarship, applicants must:

Be US Citizens or US permanent residents. Be of Hellenic descent. Be a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited 4-year university in Fall 2018. Have a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA.

For questions or more information, please email our Director of Scholarships, Peter Korbakes at pkorbakes@panhellenicsf.org or call 312-357-6432 or go to https://www.panhellenicsf.org All applicants will be notified of their results by April 30, 2019. The Awards Ceremony & Gala will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at the Hilton Chicago.

Anastasia (Ann) and George C. Dimitrakis

Memorial Scholarship

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following requirements: (1) be in their senior year of high school; (2) complete in full all application forms (typed) and provide all requested information; (3) family must be stewards of St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church for three successive years (if one year has been missed, applicant’s family has the opportunity to become current for that year); (4) must have been accepted to a full-time course of study at an accredited 4-year college or university. Applications will not be reviewed if each of the aforementioned requirements has not been met.

2019 Application will be Available early Spring

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During the month of November Little Halos students learned about the Olive tree and its importance in our culture and religion. On November 8, the feast of the Archangels, we celebrated the school’s name day. In preparation for the feast, the children along with the guidance of Mrs. Katina Ioakimidis, made prosforo that we gave to Fr. Anthony to bless.

Furthermore, we are very excited to have a new structure in our playground which was funded by the Gerontelis foundation. We also like to give thanks to the Parish Council for extending the mulch bed and removing the bushes for extra space.

Little halos PTO is organizing an advent calendar fundraiser in which every day a ticket will be drawn starting 12/14. Tickets will be available for purchase at the school and also after church on Sunday, December 2 and Sunday, December 9

Important dates:

*Little Halos Christmas program will take place on December 21, 2018 *Christmas break December 24, 2018 through January 1, 2019

For more information about our program, please contact the Director, Argyro Nikoletos, at (781) 646-1322 or email littlehalospreschool@gmail.com

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Turkey Update We are so grateful you participated in our Annual Turkey Drive to benefit the Home for Little Wanderers. Your donated turkeys and donated funds supplied 312 turkeys for families to gather, enjoy a turkey dinner with their children, and to make Thanksgiving Day a true celebration. A Big Shout Out goes to those who packed their trucks with turkeys, drove in New England weather, and delivered them all the The Home for Little Wanderers Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Thank you! Together We Made a Difference!

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St. Barbara’s Philoptochos

Christmas Dinner

Thursday, December 13, 2018

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Chang-An

10 Concord Crossing

Concord, MA 01742

$50.00 (A Variety of Chinese Food - Served Family Style)

Yankee Swap $15.00 Bring a gift to play the game

Open it, maybe keep it, or maybe swap it

Kindly R.S.V.P. by December 1 Mary-Anne Schubert, oakcircle@comcast.net

Vicki Konstandakis, vkonstandakis@gmail.com

Or call the Parish Office, (781) 646-0705

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Hellenic Nursing and

Rehabilitation Center

St. Athanasius Parish-Wide

Holiday Visit to

Spread Some Holiday Cheer!

Saturday, December 15, 2018 9:30 a.m. for Divine Liturgy

Fellowship and Resident Visit immediately following Liturgy

601 Sherman Street Canton, MA 02021

8:30 a.m. car pool from St. Athanasius’ parking lot available

Please Consider Donating – Resident’s Wish List Body Lotion, Body Wash, Shampoo/Conditioner, Liquid Hand Soap, Toothpaste and Tooth Brush,

Pads of Paper and Pens, Word Search (Large Print), and Crossword Puzzles (Large Print).

Please Note: Powders and bar soaps are not allowed

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Parish Office Staff

Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 9:00-6:00 p.m.

Friday: 9:00-2:00 p.m.

When scheduling your sacraments, meetings, or events, kindly call the office at (781) 646-0705. Information will be

confirmed when received on the phone or an email during office hours or you may also email at your convenience, and we will confirm receipt of your message and follow up with your request. Please use stathanasiusgoc@gmail.com or kathyv@saintathanasius.org Please remember the Parish Office follows the public school calendar. If there is no school due to a holiday or inclement weather, the Parish Office will be closed, as well. Thank you! Altar Boy Registration Again, we would like to take this opportunity to invite young boys to join our altar boy team. Archdiocesan guidelines suggest that altar boys be at least nine years of age to serve. This is a beautiful way of serving your church, as you stand amongst the holy angels worshipping the living God. If anyone is interested, please contact Fr. Anthony directly.

From the Metropolis of Boston Camp

Volunteer Opportunities “It is not that God speaks to us louder here. It is just that we can hear better."

Camp Staff: The Youth Office constantly seeks dedicated individuals to care for the children during the summer and winter camp programs. Individuals must be willing to participate in all required trainings before being able to serve as a staff member with young people. Please call the camp at (603) 746-4400 or email mbcamp@boston.goarch.org for more information. Specialized expertise: Individuals with specialized expertise such as carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers, landscapers, roofers, gardeners, cooks, and many other trades who wish to volunteer their time are greatly needed. The ministry offered through the Camp and Retreat Center is grateful for any offering of time and talents. Throughout the entire year, and especially at summer camp, lives are transformed through fellowship and retreat. The Camp and Retreat Center's goal is to assist the local parishes in their ministries. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Camp and Retreat Center, please call the Camp directly at (603) 746-4400 and speak with Mike or email mbcamp@boston.goarch.org.

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Γέροντας Εφραίμ Φιλοθεΐτης: Τα δεινά χρόνια πλησιάζουν…” Τα δεινά χρόνια πλησιάζουν. Όταν δούμε πολέμους και σεισμούς και διάφορα γεγονότα, εγγύς το τέλος. Περιμένουμε πολλά να μας συμβούν – σύμφωνα με τις προφητείες των αγίων, εις τους έσχατους χρόνους θα συμβούν μεγάλα γεγονότα. Και ο λόγος του Θεού και των αγίων είναι αλήθεια. Το άθλημα, το οποίον περιμένουμε να δώσουμε είναι για την πίστη στην Θεανθρωπία του Ιησού, αφού βέβαια πιστεύουμε ότι ο Χριστός ήτο Θεός κι έγινε άνθρωπος κι ότι κατέβηκε στη γη, να δώσει τη λύτρωση και να διώξει το σκοτάδι της απιστίας και της αθεϊας.

Κι εμείς σαν στρατιώτες του Χριστού μας, αφού αποτελούμε το στράτευμα του Χριστού, οφείλουμε να προετοιμασθούμε, να οπλισθούμε.

Ένα κράτος, όταν αντιληφθεί ότι κάποιο άλλο κράτος ετοιμάζει επίθεση αρχίζει την προετοιμασία της άμυνας και της αντεπιθέσεως. Ούτω πως και εμείς. Και η προετοιμασία είναι γνωστή.

Να πιστεύουμε κατά πρώτον, ότι εάν έχουμε πίστη και ταπείνωση θα ελκύσουμε την Χάρη κι αυτή τη μεγάλη δύναμη του Χριστού, για να μαρτυρήσουμε. Ποτέ να μη πιστέψουμε και να τολμήσουμε να σκεφτούμε, ότι εμείς μόνοι μας έχουμε αυτή τη δύναμη. Θα λέμε: «Εγώ είμαι αδύναμος, είμαι ανίκανος, είμαι αμαρτωλός, είμαι μηδέν, είμαι ο πιο άχρηστος άνθρωπος».

Μόνον η ταπείνωση θα ελκύσει τη δύναμη του Χριστού και θα νικήσει. Διότι όπου ο Χριστός επιφοιτά με την υπερφυσική Του δύναμη, υπέρ φύσιν ποιεί πράγματα.

Μη νομίσετε ότι με τις προσωπικές και ανθρώπινες δυνάμεις θα αντιμετωπίσουμε οιανδήποτε ενέργεια και επέμβαση του διαβόλου και των συνεργατών του. Ποτέ. Ο άνθρωπος είναι ασθενικός, δεν έχει καμιά δύναμη να αντιμετωπίσει όλα αυτά τα δεινά, παρά μόνο με τη δύναμη του Θεού.

Να πιστέψουμε ότι, όταν ο Θεός μας καλέσει σε αυτό το μαρτύριο, θα δώσει «συν τον πειρασμό και την έκβασιν» (Α΄Κορινθ. ι΄13) κι ότι όταν εν ταπεινώσει δεχθούμε να δώσουμε αυτή τη μαρτυρία, θα πάρουμε τη Χάρη του Θεού, για να νικήσουμε τον πονηρό και να στεφανωθούμε…

*Λόγοι ενός «αγίου» Γέροντα που μας καλεί να προετοιμαστούμε, με πίστη στο Θεό και ταπείνωση, για τις δύσκολες μέρες που έρχονται στον κόσμο.

Από το βιβλίο: «ΠΝΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΕΣ ΟΜΙΛΙΕΣ» – Γέροντος Εφραίμ Φιλοθεϊτου (Εκδόσεις Ορθόδοξος Κυψέλη).

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Stewardship Corner

Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness, to give of ourselves and to grow in grace. It allows us to participate in the work of God.

Christian Stewardship Is...

Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church Our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful

acknowledgment of Christ’s redeeming love. Caring for the needs of others. What a person does after saying “I believe in …”, as proof of that belief.

"from GOArch.org Website: Oriented Leadership by Williams & McKibben" How do I become a member of the parish?

Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries, of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ.

Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years of age and turns in a stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent and treasure to the Parish. The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commitments.

Keep in mind that a monetary stewardship donation does not fulfill your obligation to the Church; true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to His word and within His Church

The Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR) identifies specific requirements for Parishioners to be considered in good standing.

Highlights of the UPR requirements for being a steward in good standing include:

Faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services. Participate regularly in the holy sacraments. Respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the church Be obedient in matters of faith, practice and ecclesiastical order. Cooperate in every way towards the welfare of the parish. Be current in stewardship financial obligation.

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SAINT ATHANASIUS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY INFORMATION FORM Please complete and return this form to the Church Office

4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476

Name: Home Telephone:

Address: City: State: Zip:

I am a new steward: My previous parish was?

I would like to receive my monthly bulletin via U.S. mail: or via email:

Member Spouse Children /Age

Name: /

Mobile Tel: /

E‐mail: /

Occupation: /

Work Tel: /

2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE / DONATION

Family Name

I understand it takes approximately $1,000 per active Stewardship family to operate and support the ministries and facility of the St. Athanasius Parish in 2018.

We would like to pledge $ Weekly (approx. $20/week)

We would like to pledge $ Monthly (approximately $85/month)

We would like to pledge $ Yearly

You can also pledge at http://www.saintathanasius.org/stewardship/

Please check those items in which you or a member of your family has some expertise or interest.

Place name or initials of the specific family member after each item checked.

Bible Study Youth Ministry Office Work

Teaching Sunday School Medical/Nurse

Greek School/Little Halos Church Choir Art/Design Services

Visitation of Elderly/Infirm Reader (in liturgy) Legal

Philoptochos Ushering / Welcome Finance

Festival Evangelism Architecture

Outreach to Community New parents Real Estate Management

Soup Kitchen Scouting Electrical

Computer – Hardware/Systems Computer ‐ software Web Design

Youth Work Gardening PR / Marketing

Construction Mechanical / Plumbing Other

Ver. 01-2017 23

Volume Thirty, Number Four, December 2018

“One Final Thought”

God became man so that man may become like God.

~St. Athanasios the Great from "On the Incarnation"

Please call the Parish Office (781) 646-0705 to be removed from this bulletin mailing.

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