September 2013 ¨1645 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308 ¨ (850) 878-0747 ¨ Rev. Fr. Robert J. O’Loughlin¨ http://www.hmog.org

Encouraging and Loving Others ~ A Message from Fr. Robert

On the island of Patmos which many of our parishioners are very familiar with,

we can find about half way up to the Monastery of St. John, the Cave of the Apocalypse. This sacred place is believed to mark the spot where St. John re-

ceived his visions from Christ that he recorded in the Book of Revelation. A sanctuary and the Monastery were later built around the cave that tradition identified as the site of John's visions. When visiting there 7 years ago with

my schoolmates from Holy Cross, we celebrated a Liturgy in the cave which was quite memorable as you can imagine. Three cracks in the ceiling of the main part of the cave can be seen and believed to be created by God when St. John was

there and symbolizes the Holy Trinity. It is here St. John wrote the Book of Revelations on the fate of the Church and the world.

Besides the Gospel and Revelations, the Apostle John wrote three epistles which were in-corporated into the make-up of the New Testament books as universal epistles. The main thought in his epistles was - Christians must learn to love: "Let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is of God and Knows God... He who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4:7-8). It is important for us to remember

that John communicated the importance about our relationships with each other. It is important for us in living our Christian lives to encourage each other always. By this he

means to be supporting each other in each others journey. People are to encourage each other to persevere in difficult times or to stay or get back on the right path, or to assist in changing of ways when needed. Encouraging each other does not have to be by words as

we know, actions speak louder than words.

The action of loving Christ, includes coming to church, praying and so on which sets the example for others to witness. Living a life in Christ can bring joy, bring the light of Christ

and encourages those around us. That is what encouraging those around us involves. Because if we are faithful, because of our love, other people are encouraged to love also. It

is not just: “Do as I say”, it is: “Do as I do” which is much more important. As we are en-tering into the new ecclesiastical year let us pray to God to renew our strength, to renew our focus, to renew our hope, to renew our love. Let us look and take advantage of oppor-

tunities to get to know one another. Let us ask God to enable us to be an encouragement to those around us by our love, our hospitality, by our joy, peace, and by our service to

His Church.

Wishing you a blessed 2013-14 Liturgical Year,

Fr. Robert

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Our next ECHO Sundays are September 1st

and October 6th. Please drop off your non-

perishable food donations into the bins located in

the Hellenic Center and Patmos Hall.

If an emergency or special need should arise, please contact

Fr. Rob immediately at 850-559-8184.

Dear Parishioners,

September is going to be a very busy month for our church. Youth programs and other ministries will start their activities toward another wonderful and rewarding year. At the same time, baking and preparations for the Greek Food Festival will be in full swing.

October 11 and 12 will be upon us before we know it. We count on every member of our parish to help with the baking and prepara-tions. From here on, we need volunteers eve-ry Friday and many more on Saturdays. We usually start around 8:30 AM and finish sometime before 3:00PM. You do not have to volunteer for the entire day. Even one hour of your time will be helpful and appreciated. There is always a variety of tasks and you can choose to work on the ones you like. In addition to contribution toward your church, you will enjoy making new acquaintances and friends or reconnecting with old ones.

Preparations work becomes more intense during the three days before the festival. There will be work all day as late as 9:00 PM in Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Then on Friday and Saturday, we need everybody. Significant portion of the population in Talla-

hassee area have been waiting a whole year for our festival and will be our guests on 11th & 12th of October. We must assure that they will enjoy it and continue their support in the future.

I am hoping everyone will take part in this wonderful celebration.

Yours in Christ, Pete Koikos

Next Spaghetti Dinner:

Friday, November 1st

Memorials

On August 10th, our beloved parishioner and friend Henry Trammell fell asleep in the Lord. Henry was 93 years old and preceded in

death by his beloved wife, Vicie. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 14th. He will be missed by our entire parish com-

munity. May his memory be eternal.

His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta

Reverend Dr. Nicholas G. Louh,

Protopresbyter, Vicar

&

The Parish Council of St. John the Divine

Request your Presence and Prayers

At St. John the Divine

Annual Dinner Dance

Honoring Rev. Dr. Milton A. Magos’

20 Year Anniversary

of his Ordination to the Priesthood

Saturday, September 28th

Schedule of Events

5:00 pm – Hierarchical Great Vespers at St. John the Divine

3850 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville 32207

followed by

6:30 pm – Cocktails

7:00 pm – 10:30 pm – Dinner and Dance

At Deerwood Country Club

10239 Golf Club Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32256

Tickets are $50 per adult and $15 per child under 12 years old. Tickets can be purchased on-line at

www.stjohnthedivine.com click on “News & Events” tab

Page 3

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We look forward to the first GOYA meeting of the new ecclesiastical year on Sunday, September 15

Sunday, September 22, Youth Sunday

Krista O’Loughlin at CrossRoad

program at Hellenic College /Holy

Cross in Brookline , MA

Youth Ministry Registration Registration for Church School, GOYA, JOY, OCF, and Greek Dancing will be held following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday Sept. 1st in the Hellenic Center.

Holy Mother of God Monthly Community Outreach

Wednesday Sept. 11 from 11-1

If you would like to make a difference and help fight hunger, join us at

America’s Second Harvest warehouse facility. The time that you donate at

the food bank will go a long way towards helping the men, women, and

children of the Big Bend get the food they so desperately need. If you are

interested in assisting in this effort for a half hour, hour or two, contact: Fr. Rob @850-559-8184 or Presv. Joy @850-320-1101

Church School - The first day of Church School will be Sunday Sept. 22nd. Stu-

dents will meet their teachers, Fr. Rob will bless the classrooms, and ice-cream sun-

daes will be served.

First OCF dinner gathering to welcome returning and new college students

Campers, Maria Parmer, Nick Gavalas, and Jimmy Branch and Elle-

ni Gavalas (counselor) at St Stephen’s Camp at Diakonia Center in

Salem, SC

Page 5

An AHEPA meeting was held on August 4, with the following Agenda discussed and approved:

1. A Welcome back luncheon for the students will be provided by the AHEPA on Sunday, September 15 after church. The meal will be Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Greek Salad and Dessert. Cost will be $8.00 and students will be free.

2. Elections were held and unanimously the following board was selected for the year 2013 - 2014.

President - Mike Burmester Vice President - Jorge Gorb Secretary - Pete Koikos Treasurer - Mike Papageorge

It was indeed a pleasure to serve as President of such a fine organization, AHEPA, for the past several years. I had so many helpful members to back me up in all the endeavors that were accomplished. The kitchen help, the faithful outgoing secre-tary, and the whole group were always helpful and worked together agreeably to make the AHEPA so successful and enjoy-able.

The students and dancers were always there to entertain as well set a happy mood on many occasions.

We hope to have many more fund raisers and occasions to be united as a church family to look forward to.

I thank everyone for your constant support.

God Bless you all and hope you had a nice summer.

Mike Papageorge, (Outgoing President)

Note: The next AHEPA meeting will be on November 3, 2013.

SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR YOUR CHURCH. FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.

SHARE YOUR TIME AND TALENTS WITH US

MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW TO SHOW THE LOVE FOR YOUR CHURCH

The Greek Food Festival is just a short time away. We are seeking volunteers. If you have not been con-

tacted by a booth chairman and need a place to work, let me know. You can email me at cat-

branch2000@yahoo.com or by phone at 668-2785. The Festival is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 11, and

12th. Please let me know your availability ASAP.

We need assistance with baking as well. Please join us on

Finally please come and help the week of the Festival.

The Church needs you!

Catherine Branch Festival Co-Chair

September 7th - Koulourakia

September 13th & 14th—Galatoboureko

September 19th, 20th & 21st—Baklava

September 28th—Kourambiedes

*Baking Dates are subject to change

Note: Baking begins at 9 am except for Sept. 14th in which it will begin at 10 am

because of the Feast Day Liturgy

Page 6

For September 2013 Email: hmogphil@comcast.net

Visit us also On Facebook @

Holy Mother of God Philoptochos Society of Tallahassee, Florida

Mark your calendars . . .

First Meeting: September 12th 6:00 pm in the Patmos Hall

Please come and find out what will be happening this year!

Family Fun Day & Phanouropita “Sun” Day

September 8, 2013

Games and prizes galore including our great BBQ dinner

Plus something new - Phanouropita “Sun” Day. Come and see what and

bring your whole family!!

Parish Council Candidates Seminar

Saturday, November 16th

St. John the Divine

Jacksonville, Florida

Page 7

The Elevation of the Venerable and Life-Giving Cross

Celebrated on Septemb er 14th

Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the

cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian

upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been

suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed,

revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord,

the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was

already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she

came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lift-

ed on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it,

they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross

was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their

own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on

a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to

Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place

The following parishioners have submitted commitments for 2013 with a total collected as of August 25th being

$80,386. Our goal for this year is $150,000. If you have not yet stewarded for 2013, please do so as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please contact the Parish Council Treasurer Glen Perrigan at pappaglen@gmail.com or

(850) 294-2798.

Andris, Steve and Jackie Andros, Bessie Arbulu, Roberto and Marianne Atayants, Armen and Irina Balogh, Andrew A. and Cynthia P. Barkas, Chris and Patty Bowyer, Layla Branch, Harold & Catherine Burmester, Michael & Rodamanti Buzyna, George and Helen Camechis, Johnnie & Patricia Catsimpiris, George and Vicki Chikas, Dena Collier, Michael and K.P. Collins, Catherine and Frank Costa, Barbara Cox, Emerald H. Demetrelis, Elpis Downing, Dorothy Drake, Margaret A. Drzewiecki, Olibia and Gary Drzewiecki, Angela & Carl Enis Erickson, Joanna & Don Eudy, Michael and Lynette Evans, Maryelen Frankeberger, Margarita and Gilbert Fetzko, Ronnie Garland, James and Sophia

Gatrousis, Chris Gavalas, Mike and Vicky Gavalas, Nic and Janet Gavalas, Victor and Mary Geeker, Van and Cindy Gill, Bob and Athena Ghirmay, Hanna Gizaw, Hana Gonatos, Michael and Cheryl Gorb, Jorge and Carol Hadoulis, Peter and Kathy Harris, Larry and Christina Hinshelwood, Meredith Hodges, Maria Ilin, Yuri and Lara Joanos, Emanuel and Laura Joanos, George Joanos, Kalliope Joanos, Michael Joanos, Nick and Tina Joanos, Stamatia Joanos, Theo & Mary Anne Joanos, Zachary Katopodis, John Kiger, Russell King, Todd and Eleni Klonis, Nicholas and Mary Koikos, George and Karen

Koikos, Jimmy and Anastasia Koikos, Pete and Zografia Lacret, Leslie Langston, Sophia Lapointe, Corinne Leftheris, James and Julie Lockwood, Yvonne Manias, Stelios Mantzanas, Catherine Markovich, Martin and Elizabeth Mathes, George and Connie Mathes, George and Kathy Mayer, Natalia and Jairus Michas, Andrew and Frances Milatos, Emmanuel Milatos, Irene Mookas, Thomas and Deborah Nichols, Iphigenia O'Loughlin, Fr. Robert and Presv. Joy Papageorge, Mike and Sally Pappas, Nicholas A. Pappas, Paul N. and Eugenia S. Parmer, Keith and Nia Patronis, Johnnie and Mari Petrandis, Michael and Sylvia Pevnitskaya, Svetlana Poulos, Andrew & Koula Price, Burton and Roie

Reeves, Corinna Rehor, Stan and Irlanda Richardson, John Rigas, Demitri Sanaullah, Shezad and Helen Nitsios Sima, Joseph & Alexandra Penn Speed, Ian Stampelos, Charles A. Stratis, Nick Strosnider, Siham Talantis, Kathleen Tsiklistas, John and Helen Valentine, Tom and Angela Vlandis, John and Katherine C. Webb, Dorothy Deannea Wernke, Deborah and Michael

Holy Mother of God

2013 Stewardship/Membership

Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church

1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Return Service Requested

The Elevation of the Venerable

and Life-Giving Cross

Celebrated

September 14th

Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church

1645 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308

Office: 850-878-0747 Hall: 850-877-2501

Fr. Rob’s Cell:

850-559-8184

Website: www.hmog.org

Email Addresses:

Father Rob: fr.robert@comcast.net

Church Secretary: hmog@comcast.net

Secretary Hours: Mon./Wed./Fri. 9am-2pm