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Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 East Wyomissing Boulevard Reading, PA 19611
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT
ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID Reading, PA
Permit No. 101
About the Icon on the front cover…
Saint Leo was bishop of the city of Catania, in Sicily. He was famed for his benevolence and charity, and his Christian love for the poor and the vagrant. The Lord granted him the gifts of healing various illnesses, and working miracles.
When St Leo was Bishop of Catania, there was a certain sorcerer named Heliodorus, who impressed people with his fake miracles. This fellow was originally a Christian, but then he rejected Christ and became a servant of the devil.
St Leo often urged Heliodorus to repent of his wicked deeds and return to God, but in vain. Once, Heliodorus impudently entered the church where the bishop was serving, and tried to create a disturbance, sowing confusion and temptation by his sorcery.
Seeing the people beset by devils under the sorcer’s spell, St Leo realized that the time for gentle persuasion had passed. He calmly emerged from the altar and, tying his omophorion around the magician’s neck, he led him out of the church into the city square. There he forced Heliodorus to admit to all his wicked deeds. He commanded that a fire be lit, and jumped into the fire with the sorcerer. Thus they stood in the fire until Heliodorus got burnt. St Leo, by the power of God, remained unharmed. This miracle brought St Leo great renown during his lifetime.
When he died, a woman with an issue of blood received healing at his grave. The body of the saint was placed in a church of the holy Martyr Lucy (December 13), which he himself had built. Later on, his relics were transferred into the church of St Martin the Merciful, Bishop of Tours (November 11).
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The
Community
Echo
H
KOINOTIKH
HCW
February
2016
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Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Our Vision:
We are called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be united and to strive for Theosis (oneness with God). Our vision at Sts. Constantine and Helen is to see every parishioner recognize and acknowledge his or her calling; and being motivated by love for Christ and faithfulness, live the Orthodox Christian life.
Our Parish Mission Statement:
We affirm that the ultimate and exclusive goal of every Orthodox Christian is Theosis. The mission of our parish is to reach out in love to all faithful members, as well as to the unchurched Orthodox in our community, and to everyone interested in Orthodoxy. We do this to help facilitate spiritual growth while intently focusing on the four pillars of Orthodox Christianity: Leitourgia (worship), Martyria (witness), Koinonia (fellowship), and Diakonia (service).
Church Information:
Phone Number 610-374-7511 FAX Number 610-374-5890 www.stsconstantinehelen.org
Office Hours:
9:00 to 4:00
Monday—Friday
Parish Council:
President: Artie Fecera 610-670-3434 E-Mail: [email protected]
Vice President: Chuck Mowbray 610-777-0128
Athan Dialectos, Harry Dialectos, Connie Fecera, Angel Helm, Nicholas Karetas, Anthony Koumaras, Kim Shunk, Gust Kraras, Strat Marmarou, Mike Mavreles, Frank T. Petrakis, Gus Kotsakis, Tony Phyrillas, Chris Kraras, Chris Dikos
Church Staff:
Fr. Thomas Pappalas Home Phone 610-779-7356 E-mail address: [email protected]
Dino Koutroubas Cell Phone 267-575-1335 E-Mail address: [email protected]
Deacon James Elliker Home Phone 610-926-9609
Volunteers
Philoptochos President, Sharon Whitman………[email protected]……….... Sunday School, Tula Donahue …………………………………………………………………. Adult Choir Director, Ann Kraras……………………………………………………………….. GOYA Advisor, Margaret Phyrillas….....……………………………………………………..... Greek Dance Troupe, Esther Ganas-Miranda, [email protected] ………………………... Greek School Teacher, Dino Koutroubas…………………………….. ...………………….... Altar Care, Alan Kachel. Chris Carley, Jim Rohm………………….……………. …………. Children’s Library, Denise Porcaro…………………………………………………………….. Vacation Bible School, Amy Elliker…………………………………………………………….. Church Bookstore, Chris Dialectos….610-373-7702….. and Dawn Medaglia……………. Epistle Readers, Karl Krohn…………………………………………………………………..... Office Volunteers, Kally English………………………………………………………………... (Des Denne, B. Futrick, J. Giovanis, G. Karahalias, F. Ioannidi, S. Ioannidi, E. Ioannidi, P. Orphanos, J. Tsakeris, V. Tsakeris, E. Young, R. Zaffary, P. Zampelli, L. Goodhart, J. Comins, M. Pettis, M. Sianis, K. Savadelis) Knitting Ministry, Fran Ioannidi …………………………………………………………………. Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Karen Chaknos…………. Order of AHEPA, Chris Wagner………………………………………………………………... Kitchen Crew, Steve Lecatsas………………………………………………………………….. Meals on Wheels, Susan Seibert ………………………………………………………………. JOY Advisor, Olivia Szczawinski……………………………………………………………..… Hope Advisor, Amy Elliker…..……………………………………………………………….… Fellowship Hour Coordinator, Vangie McGowan……………………………………………... Koleva Coordinator, Mary Pettis…………………………………………………………………
717-314-1641 610-670-9141 610-376-2184 610-207-5553 610-468-1620 267-575-1335 610-929-8545 610-926-2130 610-913-1223 610-376-3661 610-779-5223 610-372-5695 610-678-0269 610-777-7384 610-775-7171 610-777-0201 610-678-5907 610-777-0376 610-913-1223 610-779-1402 610-678-2712
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February 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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Feast of the 2 Presentation of Lord
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
4:30-6 Greek Beginner 6-7:30 Greek Int/Adv 7:00 Philoptochos Board
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4
5 4:30-6:00 Greek Int/Adv
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16th Sunday 7 Of Matthew
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy Souper Bowl of Caring
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9
4:30-6 Greek Beginner 6-7:30 Greek Int/Adv 7:00 Parish Council
Feast of 10 St. Haralambo
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 7:00-8:30 Orthodoxy Class
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12 4:30-6:00 Greek Int/Adv
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10:30 a.m. Baptism
Sunday of the 14 Canaanite
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy
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12:O0 Philoptochos General Meeting—Hall 6:30 p.m. Opportunity House 7:00-8:30 Triodion Class
16 4:30-6 Greek Beginner 6-7:30 Greek Int/Adv
17 7:00-8:30 Orthodoxy Class
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19 4:30-6:00 Greek Int/Adv
20 11:00 Baptism
Sunday of the 21 Publican & Pharisee
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy GOYA Meeting 6:00 YAL—Paraklesis/Dinner at Mimmo’s
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9:00 a.m. Bake Finikia 7:00-8:30 Triodion Class
23 4:30-6 Greek Beginner 6-7:30 Greek Int/Adv
6:00 Food Pantry
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7:00-8:30 Orthodoxy Class
25 9:00 a.m. Koulourakia
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4:30-6:00 Greek Int/Adv
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Sunday of the 28 Prodigal Son
8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy
29 7:00-8:30 Triodion Class
For Your Convenience,
The Church Calendar
can also be accessed
via our Church Website.
www.stsconstantinehelen.org
click on ―Calendar‖
(located on the black bar).
GOYA Basketball Tournament Canton, Ohio
GOYA Basketball Tournament
Wilmington, DE
GOYA Basketball Tournament Pittsburgh, PA
GOYA Basketball Tournament
Wilmington, DE
GOYA Basketball Tournament Canton, OH
GOYA Basketball Tournament
Pittsburgh, PA
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In Memory of James Tsakeris Lois A. Kubinak, Nicholas & Alice Karetas, David & Vlacia Campbell, Andrew Campbell, Alexis Campbell, Catherine S. Zaharis, Daniel & Demetria Chupak, Joshua Chupak, Christian, Jennifer, Ethan & Jonah Chupak, Stam & Joyce Zervanos, Larry Medaglia, Jr., Larry & Dawn Medaglia, Jim & Christine Georgeadis, David & Annette Trautman, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Shaeffer, John & Fran Ioannidi, Spiro & Penny Apostolou, Frank T. Petrakis, Cathy Tsakeris, John, Elena & Jillian Rogowski, Glenn Stefanowicz and Julie Mader, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Zeppos, Anthony & Marika Krallis, Pat Zampelli, Aris & Maria Kouvaros, Irene, Dave & Nikki Becker, Karen & John Tripolitis, Shirley E Tripolitis, Gust & Doris Zogas, Michael & Patricia Gordon, Michael & Constantina Marmarou, George & Shirleen Yatron, John & Despina Frangakis, Mark & Mary Dialectos, Stratton & Joanne Marmarou, Leon & Rosemarie Miller, The Ott & Nicholas Family, Evan & Sandra Zervanos, Esther Anderson, Mercena, Stephanie & Ed Breen, Scott and Crisanne Bansner, Glen & Marianne Pasho, Des Denne, Mr. & Mrs. Stamatios Flamporis, James & Argyro Elliker, Maria Papoutsis, Frank & Cindy Petrakis
In Memory of Molly Yatron Mike & Anastasia Mavreles, Joanne Dialectos, Maria Hatzistavrakis, Cornilia Dikos, Strat Yatron, John Sergeant , Paul Yatron, Ann Geras, Nicholas & Alice Karetas, Strat & Joanne Marmarou, John & Despina Frangakis, Robert Sabolski & Ann Gagliano, Michael & Pat Gordon, Esther Anderson, George & Shirleen Yatron, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Moutafis, The Richard Miller Family
In Memory of Harry P. Zaharis Catherine S. Zaharis, Daniel & Demetria Chupak, Joshua Chupak, Christian, Jennifer, Ethan & Jonah Chupak, Mercena, Stephanie & Ed Breen In Memory of Anastasios Zeppos & Demostenis Zeppos Peter & Maria Zeppos
Memorial Donations January 26, 2016
The parish of Sts. Constantine and Helen is extremely grateful to all the people who generously donate money in memory of their loved ones.
In Memory of Those Who Lost Loved Ones Jayme Comins
In Memory of Robert Care Elizabeth Zeswitz, Joanne Dialectos, Angel & Scott Helm & Family, Maria Care In Memory of Michael DeSantis Cleo & Christian DeSantis In Memory of George Dialectos Angel & Scott Helm & Family
In Memory of Stergio Dikos, Athanasios Dikos, George Dialectos, Ignatios Dialectos, Mary Doukas Chris & Val Dikos In Memory of Konstantinos & Panagiota Kambakis Constance Johns In Memory of Elias Kraras Dr. Christ & Sherry Ganas, John & Despina Frangakis, Cornilia Dikos, Mike & Anna Koumaras In Memory of Stephen & Minnie Mavreles, Socrates & Helen Nickles, Daniel & Kallie Karafel, George & Irene Keener, Christ & Mary Andrianakos, James Manolakelli, Charles Mavreles Patricia D. Mavreles In Memory of George P & Carnation Marmarou Theodora Griffith In Memory of William & Anna Miller Leon & Rosemarie Miller In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena, Stephanie & Ed Breen, Catherine Zaharis, Daniel & Demetria Chupak, Joshua Chupak, Christian, Jennifer, Ethan & Jonah Chupak In Memory of Lambros Sotos Antigone Sotos In Memory of Anastasios Zeppos, Demostenis Zeppos, Evangelos Limberiou, Marigo Limberiou, Teddy Limberiou, Demosthenis Zeppos, Magdalene Zeppos, Theoharis Limberiou, Nicholas Limberiou Athena Zeppos
What is death at most? It is a journey for a season; a sleep longer than usual. If you fear death, you should also fear sleep.
St. John Chrysostom
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Sacred Image, Sacred Marriage
by Kerry Pappas
Our culture bombards us with images of marriage. Websites and magazines tantalize us with stories and images of how the royal couple met, whether the actors’ wedding ceremony was timeless or tasteless, and why the politicians decided to divorce or stay together after the scandal. This ―news‖ often frames our discussion of values concerning intimacy and relationships.
Does the church hold up any paradigms for marriage to provide the framework for a Christ-centered marriage? Indeed it does. The church offers three icons from which we can learn how to live the married life: Christ the Bridegroom, Sts. Joachim and Anna, and the Wedding at Cana. These icons represent the three dimensions of marriage, the personal, the intimate and the communal, respectively. Collectively they give us an Orthodox model for marriage.
Living these three dimensions daily is part of the grace and challenge of married life. We have a ―personal‖ life, that is, who we are and who we are becoming in Christ. Yes, we become ―one flesh‖ in marriage, but we do not become ―one person.‖ Husband and wife remain distinct persons in the marriage relationship. Secondly, husband and wife share an exclusive personal and intimate relationship. Finally, the couple lives the married life in relationship with others, not in isolation.
Christ the Bridegroom: The Personal Dimension
First and most important is the icon of Christ the Bridegroom, who married us, His bride, the Church, supremely through His suffering and death in the ultimate act of love. He offers himself to us as the perfect model of the perfect spouse.
Our initial response to being challenged to love our spouse as Christ loves us might be, ―He was God; I am human.‖ However, to be fully human, in fact, means to be like Christ, by grace, through faith.
Let us pause and reflect on Jesus’s humanity. During the three years of His public ministry, He regularly took time to be alone or with His Father in prayer. We also know that He had an inner circle of fellow workers and friends, which began with Peter James, and John and extended to the twelve disciples and a larger group of followers. Additionally, Jesus had other dear friends, most notably Lazarus, Martha and Mary. Finally, following the natural rhythm of life in His day, we can deduce that Jesus ate a healthy Mediterranean diet and walked a lot. He lived, what we call in contemporary terms, an active, healthy lifestyle.
This may seem like a stretch, but we can conclude that Jesus exemplified ―healthy, holy self-care‖ in His daily life. He was a healthy, holy person. When He ministered to others through miracles, teaching and preaching, Jesus acted in love from a place of fullness. He was secure in His relationship with His Father and others (even though many opposed Him), and He knew His purpose in life. Then, in His final act of love for His bride, His suffering and death, Jesus was able to give everything He had, himself.
How can we become a better husband or wife? By living and growing in Christ and allowing His grace to grow in us, so that His love works through us in loving our spouse. None of us is capable of loving our spouse with the perfect love of our Bridegroom. However, by God’s grace and faithfully looking to Jesus as the model spouse, we can intentionally enter into the process of holy, healthy self-care through prayer, solitude, worship, learning, healthful eating, physical activity, appropriate rest and leisure, fellowship with others and attending to any unhealthy habits or addictions we may have. Thus, we will become healthy, holy persons, who, by God’s grace and our cooperation, grow to love our spouse from a place of fullness.
Sts. Joachim & Anna: The Intimate Dimension
The second dimension of marriage, the intimate relationship of husband and wife, is beautifully depicted in the icon of Sts. Joachim and Anna, portrayed as an older couple tenderly embracing each other. This is the private domain of the couple, which involves how husband and wife communicate with one another, resolve conflict, manage finances, navigate personality differences, parent their children, share responsibilities, make decisions,
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enjoy leisure, show affection and share physical intimacy. Sometimes we take these areas for granted and do not seek to grow them. At other times we struggle with them. When these difficulties arise, what do we do? Do we attend to them, avoid dealing with them, or allow them to grow and fester?
The tenderness and love depicted in the icon of Sts. Joachim and Anna can only come through a lifetime of a dynamic, maturing marriage. The seed of love that is planted in marriage has the awesome potential, by God’s grace and our cooperation, to become a most magnificent flower. If not nurtured, it will whither and possibly die.
The Wedding at Cana: The Communal Dimension
Finally, each couple lives in relationship to ―community‖, pictured in the icon of the Wedding at Cana, with Christ and the Theotokos as the honored guests. The sacrament of marriage and the celebration that follows are always in the context of community, showing that we do not live our married lives in isolation but as part of a larger body, which includes extended family, koumbari, fellow parishioners, neighbors, colleagues and friends. If and when we are blessed with children, they become part of the community of the home, the fruit of the love of the husband and wife in Christ.
Furthermore, as we live out marriage in the context of ―community‖, we may be challenged to put other relationships ahead of our marriages. Once we are married, we would do well, however, to remember that after Christ, the most important relationship we have is with our spouse.
Conclusion
Collectively, the icons of Christ the Bridegroom, Sts. Joachim and Anna, and the Wedding at Cana encapsulate the meaning of a wholesome and meaningful marriage. In the icon of Christ the Bridegroom, we are given the image of the perfect spouse who unconditionally and sacrificially loves His beloved from a place of fullness and wholeness, grounded in His relationship with the Father, and emulating, in His humanity, personal and relational self-care. This icons holds up for us both who we are and who we are becoming. In the icon of Sts. Joachim and Anna, we are given the image of the tender, loving, affectionate, embrace of the couple, signifying the exclusive intimate relationship of husband and wife. Finally, in the icon of the Wedding at Cana, we see the married couple in the context of all those who constitute the communities in which they live, reminding us that in marriage we do not live in isolation and that we are responsible to hold up marriage as the primary human relationship in our lives while maintaining and growing loving relationships with others.
In marriage, the festive joy of the first day should last for the whole of life: every day should be a feast day; every day husband and wife should appear to each other as new, extraordinary beings. The only way of achieving this: let both deepen their spiritual life and strive hard in the task of self-development.
-Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, from
The Diary of a Russian Priest
Presvytera Kerry Pappas, LMFT, is the Coordinator of Clergy Couple Care for the Greek orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Marriage And Family. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for premarital preparation and working with seminarian and clergy couples.
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2015 Stewardship
% to Total % to Total
Range Families Families Amount Dollars
< $100 56 17.4% 4,375 1.9% contributed
$ 101 - 199 45.3% 11 3.4% 1,590 0.7% 11.1%
$ 200 - 250 of families 47 14.6% 10,320 4.5% of
$ 251 - 300 32 9.9% 9,485 4.1% Stewardship
$ 301 - 400 27 8.4% 10,170 4.4% income
$ 401 - 500 47 14.6% 23,058 9.9%
$ 501 - 600 16 5.0% 9,200 4.0%
$ 601 - 700 7 2.2% 4,555 2.0%
$ 701 - 850 15 4.7% 11,525 5.0%
$ 900 - 1,000 11 3.4% 10,815 4.7%
$ 1050 - 1299 17 5.3% 19,206 8.3%
$ 1300 - 1,500 5 1.6% 7,150 3.1% contributed
$ 1,600 - 1,900 16.5% 10 3.1% 17,120 7.4% 59.0%
$ 2,000 - 4,000 of families 13 4.0% 36,175 15.6% of
$ 4,001 - 6,000 5 1.6% 26,222 11.3% Stewardship
$ >6,000 3 0.9% 30,803 13.3% income
Total Stewardship 322 100.0% $ 231,769 100.0% Average
Contributions $ 719.78
Median $ 709.52
1
2
3
4
% of Total Stewardship
59%
11.1%
29.9%
45.3% families
38.2% families
16.5% families
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Demetrio & Janice Krallis George Krallis Molly Kramer Christ & Ann Kraras Dean & Jennifer Kraras
Gust Kraras Karl & Joanne Krohn Gary & Katherine Kunkleman Terence & Barbara Kutz Constantine & Dimitria Kyriakopoulos Anthony & Kristen Kyvelos Gregory & Stephanie Labe Emmanuel & Eleni Lahaniatis Achilles & Barbara Lambriodes Deborah Lambros Shane & Stasia Lawrence Chris Lecatsas Steve & Joyce Lecatsas Radu Leustean Ploumi Levidis Theano Limberiou Apostolos & Kelly Lountzis John & Sharon Lountzis Nicholas Lountzis Philip & Kathy Macaronis Andrew & Heather Maoury Bernard & Susan Mara Leonidas & Irene Marcantonis Michael & Constantine Marmarou Stephanie Marmarou Steve & Nancy Marmarou Stratton & Joanne Marmarou Peter & Cornelia Maroulis Michael & Anastasia Mavreles Patricia Mavreles Evangeline McGowan Lawrence & Dawn Medaglia Thomas & Lisa Meitzler Ralli Melnyk Matthew & Helen Midouhas Leon & Rosemarie Miller Michael & Elizabeth Miller Randall & Lois Miller Richard & Frances Miller Joseph & Esther Miranda Dimitrios & Petroula Mitsiopoulos Shawn & Heather Moliatu Stella Morris Evangelos & Katerina Moutafis Charles Mowbray Matthew & Jessica Moyer Michael & Kathy Moyer Helen Nicholas Peter & Maureen Nicholas William & Sophia Nikolaidis Nicholas & Sandra Odagis Robert & Elaine Ott Agatha Pallas
Bill & Anna Panos Christopher & Martha Papadakis Spyridon & Jacqueline Papdemetriou Stanley & Diane Papdemetriou Maria Papoutsis Fr. Thomas & Anne Pappalas Harry & Maria Pappas Panagiotis & Marie Patestas August & Cathy Pavlatos Anestis & Mihaela Pendos Emmanuel & Anastasia Perezous John Perezous Theodore & Jennifer Perezous Frank Petrakis Frank & Cynthia Petrakis Victoria Petrakis Anthony & Lyvia Petris George & Joanna Petris Spyros & Margaret Phyrillas Tony & Soula Phyrillas Asimikas & Despina Platanos Nicholas & Kathryn Platanos Felicia Platanos-Walk John & Carol Pockrus James & Fani Polyak Nicholas & Marianthe Porcaro Victoria Porcaro Justin & Vicky Radwanski Harriet Raisides Adrian & Iulica Rechieru Stephen & Cynthia Richart Donald & Marian Robitzer Gary & Susan Rogers James & Kathleen Rohm John & Megan Rohm William & Ann Sakellaropoulos Carl Sarfert Calin & Crina Sasaran Nicolaie & Ana Sasaran Katherine Savadelis Lazaros & Antje Scantzos Anthousa Scaros Georgine Schlappich Allen & Susan Seibert Peter & Christine Shaeffer Elaine Shoumliski Kim & Elaine Shunk Harry & Mary Sianis Mary Sianis Nicholas & Aspasia Simotas Demetrios & Theodora Siozos Lee & Patsy Snyder Antigone Sotos Alethea Stamus George & Belinda Stamus Galen & Margaret Stephensen Gus & Gloria Sterganos James & Chris Sterganos
Christ & Maria Sterious Jeffrey & Bonnie Stevens James Stevens, Sr. John & Fotini Stratis Constantine & Maria Stroumbakis Florian & Julia Sutu Tim & Rania Sweigart Victor & Stephanie Talotta John & Samantha Theodossiou Linda Theodossiou Stanley & Marianthi Theodossiou Blake & Fran Thompson Philip & Vasso Tilley George Toontas David & Gail Torrence John & Karen Tripolitis Catherine Tsakeris James & Vlacia Tsakeris Marcella Tsouros Constantine & Sophia Tzinis Mari Van Horn Ralia Vardaxis Vasilia Vardaxis Trevor & Amy Vaughan Leonard & Irene Vinteler Christopher & Stephanie Wagner Richard & Athena Wagner John & Lisa Wahba Andrew & Felicia Walk Gregg & Darice Warren Matthew & Christina Weeber Mark & Joanne Weidner Dean & Sharon Whitman Jeffery & Lia Xavios Peter Xavios George & Shirleen Yatron Molly Yatron Paul & Susan Yatron Stratton & Sarah Yatron Despina Yianoulis William & Elizabeth Young Rosemary Zaffary Catherine Zaharis George & Pauline Zaharis Paul Zaharis Patricia Zampelli Alex & Filippia Zeppos Constantinos & Nancy Zeppos George A. & Eleny Zeppos George D. & Diane Zeppos Peter & Maria Zeppos Evan & Sandy Zervanos Stam & Joyce Zervanos Elizabeth Zeswitz Gust & Doris Zogas Thomas & Linda Zogas
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Religious Calendar for February
Tuesday, 2nd Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, 7rth 16th Sunday of Matthew Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 1 (Thrones): C. Siozos, G. Caloiero, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, A. Sweigart, A. Zeppos, B. Wadsworth, A. Grassley, E. Hansen, S. Elliker, S. Maoury, M. Maoury, L. Elliker
Wed., 10th Feast of St. Haralambos, Martyr Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, 14th Sunday of the Canaanite Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): J. Phyrillas, D. Kyvelos, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, H. Robitzer, Y Patestas, D. Scantzos, A. Scantzos, E. Ross, N. Simotas, M. Patestas
Sunday, 21st Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee (Triodion begins) Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): A. Lountzis,
A. Midouhas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis, J. Radwanski, A. Tilley, A. Lynch, C. Sasaran, N. Radwanski, N Rohm, N. Kiritsis, E. Kiritsis
Sunday, 28th Sunday of the Prodigal Son Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 4 (Archangels): V. Phyrillas, A. Futrick, M. Faust, A. Futrick, Jr. G. Koumaras, T. Siegel, K. Schlageter, T. Hunsicker, A. Karetas, J. Wagner, C. Hunsicker, C. Kraras
.
Orthodoxy Class
Father Tom begins his annual Orthodoxy Classes on Wednesday, February 10th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The classes will run for four weeks and are designed for both Orthodox parishioners and non-Orthodox who are interested in learning the basic teachings of the Orthodox Church. We will be using the book Understanding the Orthodox Church. The cost is $10. Please call the church office at 610-374-7511 to register.
There is Power
in the Name Of Jesus
The spiritual classic The Way of a Pilgrim is the story of a young monk’s pilgrimage, walking from monastery to monastery searching for life’s answers. As he progresses he learns The Jesus Prayer, which he prays thousands of times until it becomes like breathing in and breathing out: ―Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, the sinner.” Through this prayer he finds inner peace and strength. His whole life is changed. For, there is power in the name of Jesus. It can dispel depression. It can lift our spirit to the throne of God. A contemporary monk of the Coptic Church wrote, ―My doctor is Jesus Christ. My food is Jesus Christ. My fuel is Jesus Christ.”
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Esther Anderson Ruth Anthony Sandor & Cristina Anton Antonios & Kristina Antonellos Leonidas & Rhea Antonellos Theodore & Franzeska Antonellos Spiro & Penny Apostolou Radu Ardelean Orazio & Panagiota Azzarello Scott & Crisanne Bansner George & Angie Barakos Angelica Baxewanis John & Lisa Baxewanis Marina Baxewanis David & Irene Becker Paula Berstler Gregg & Alice Brandt Edward & Stephanie Breen Linda Breit Curtis & Demetria Burkert Darryl & Anna Burkman Andrew & Sophia Cammarano Mauro & Angel Cammarano David & Vlacia Campbell Milton & Sharon Capiotis Maria Care Christopher & Anna Carley Michael & Karen Chaknos Marian Cheri Sharon Cheri Daniel & Demetria Chupak Vanessa Cicero Corneliu & Magdalena Costea Ion & Cristina Cracium Thomas & Maria Crassas Michael & Alaina Dachowski Gregory & Theresa Daglis Helen Dalaveris Louis Dalaveris Anthony & Maria Damore Maria Daniels Marcia Darcourt Lula Dastra Hippocrates & Anna Deligiannis John & Laura Delp Despina Denne Cleo DeSantis Athan & Gretchen Dialectos Harry & Christine Dialectos
Joanne Dialectos Jordan Dialectos Mark & Mary Dialectos Christos & Valerie Dikos Cornilia Dikos Bernard & Patricia Donahue Georgia Earhart James & Rula Elliker Stephen & Amy Elliker Gary & Kathy Elliot Kalliope English Denise Epler Gerald & Elaine Ermentrout Caroline Exas Artie & Connie Fecera Greg & Debra Fisher Nicholas & Jan Fisher Nicholas J & Julie Fisher Demetrios & Fofo Flamporis Isidoros & Michelle Frangakis John & Despina Frangakis Michael & Christina Franko Alan & Jennifer Futrick Michael & Barbara Futrick Michael & Staci Futrick Angeliki Ganas Christ & Sherrill Ganas Christie Ganas John & Michelle Garrett James & Christine Georgeadis Anna Geras Elaine Giorgi Peter & Kathy Giorgi George & Joan Giovanis Lula Goodhart Michael & Patricia Gordon Terry & Sophia Grassley Despina Green Theodora Griffith Robert & Despina Grimes John & Anna Halulakos Ezzat Hannah Jay & Argie Hansen Christopher & Mary Harris Augustus Hatzas Christy Hatzas Helen Hatzas Maria Hatzistavrakis Stratos & Irene Hatzistavrakis
Pauline Heckman Scott & Angel Helm Vasso Hemrich Tomothy & Denise Hoffman Marilyn Holden Scott & Marissa Hunsicker John & Fran Ioannidi Andreas & Kathy Ioannidis Constance Johns Alan Kachel Estella Kageos Gregory & Lisa Kallis George & Peggy Kanakis Dennis Karahalias Maria Karahalias Ted Karahalias Tzanetos & Helen Karamichalakos Helen Karanikas Mary Karanikas Andrew & Shannon Karetas Harry & Sonya Karetas Nicholas & Alice Karetas Nicholas & Ariel Karetas Niki Kasapidis Spiro & Angela Katsigiannis Georgia Kefalas Nadia Kheir Pavlos & Olga Kitixis Spiro & Michele Kitixis Christopher Klein Emmanuel & Katherine Kolevas Phillip & Calipso Kolevas Nicholas & Elefteria Kompotiatis Mary Kontaxes Michael & Adriadne Kopala Cleo Kostomeris Metaxia Kotomeris Harry Kostimiris Constantine & Aspasia Kotsakis Dionisios & Maria Kotsakis Aaron & Erin Koumaras Antony & Tracy Koumaras George & Marie Koumaras Stavros Koumaros Mary Koursaras Aris & Maria Kouvaros Esther Kovras Athens & Joyce Kralles Anthony & Maria Krallis
Stewardship 2015 Wrap-Up The Stewardship Committee would like to thank all our stewards for their devotion and dedication to our church. Your stewardship provides the foundation for our parish ministries and our efforts in meeting the challenge of spreading Christ’s word and our Orthodox faith. It is very possible that your name may have been mistakenly omitted below. If so, please call our church office and let us know.
The graph that follows the list of stewards breaks down the percentage of stewardship giving by the total number of families.
16.5% of families contributed 59% of total stewardship received in 2015 38.2% of families contributed 29.9% of total stewardship received in 2015 45.3% of families contributed 11.1% of total stewardship received in 2015
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Stewardship 2016 Steve Lecatsas, Chairman
Thank you to the following additional parishioners who have submitted their 2016 pledge cards:
121 pledges were received to date totaling $118, 035
The average pledge per family is $975.50
House Blessings 2016
(continued)
The following is the schedule for the remaining homes, planned in the order that the homes will be visited each day. If your name is toward the beginning of the list, Fr. Tom will arrive sometime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. If your name is in the middle, he will visit between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If your name is at the end, expect him between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. If you do not plan to be home on the day assigned, please call Barb in the church office at 610-374-7511.
Day 14, Tuesday, February 2nd
19607, 19608
Mr. and Mrs. Cosmos Trampos, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Simotas, Ms. Metaxia Kostomeris, Mr. Ezzat Hanna, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Westover, Mr. and Mrs. William Young, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pergantis, Mr. George Halulakos, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rivera, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Walk, Mrs. Despina Platanos, Mr. and Mrs. Jon Kramer, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Razvan Goncea, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Yatron, Sr., Mr. Nicholas Zaffary, Mr. and Mrs. Alexandros Simotas, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Futrick, Mr. and Mrs. John Rohm, Mr. and Mrs. Pantelis Papoutsis, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Weeber.
Day 15, Wednesday, February 3rd 19607, 19540. 19608, 17517, 17117, 17569, 17543
Ms. Denise Epler, Mr. and Mrs. Christos Dikos, Ms. Christine DeLong, Ms. Pauline Heckman, Mr. and Mrs. Isidoros Frangakis, Ms. Vicki Petrakis, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lecatsas, Mr. and Mrs. John Conlon, Ms. Debra Troutman, Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Burkman, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Wagner, Mrs. Anastasia Ioannidis, Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Ioannidis, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones, Ms. Richelle Harbst, Mr. and Mrs. Leonidas Antonellos, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Antonellos, Mr. and Mrs. George Barakos, Mrs. Mary Garret-Giovani, Mr. and Mrs. Vasilios Zeppos, Mr. and Mrs. Justin Radwanski, Mr. & Mrs. Cory Kriebel, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Miller .
Parishioners who have not yet submitted their 2016 pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience.
Ruth Anthony Leonidas & Rhea Antonellos Gregg & Alice Brandt Linda Breit Curtis & Demetra Burkert Anna & Darryl Burkman Milton & Sharon Capiotis Michael & Karen Chaknos Gregory & Theresa Daglis Marcia Darcourt James Dastra Athan & Gretchen Dialectos Connie Dikos George & Heather Doukas Elaine & Jerry Ermentrout Caroline Exas Nicholas & Jan Fisher Constance Johns Helen Karanikas Mary Karanikas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Koumaras Esther Kovras Constantine & Kyriakopoulos John & Sharon Lountzis Andrew & Heather Maoury Mr. & Mrs. Michael Marmarou Peter & Cornilia Maroulis Ralli Melnyk Stella Morris Charles Mowbray Bill & Anna Panos Spyridon Alex Papademetriou Stanley & Diane Papademetriou Katherine Savadelis Anthousa Scaros Allen & Susan Seibert Christina (Rogers) Sofranko George & Belinda Stamus Chris Sterious James Stevens Jeffrey Stevens Blake & Frances Thompson Christina & Matthew Weeber Despina Yianolis Evan & Sandra Zervanos Michael & Catherine Zervanos
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A Study of the Triodion
Monday Nights, 7:00pm-8:30pm Starting February 15
Monday, February 15: Introduction to Triodion, Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee, & Sunday of the Prodigal Son Themes: Humility, Repentance & God's Love Monday, February 22: Saturdays of Souls & Sunday of the Last Judgment Themes: Heaven & Hell, the Soul After Death, Prayers for the Dead Monday, February 29: Great Compline, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy & the Akathist Hymn Monday, March 7: Forgiveness Sunday Themes: Prayer, Fasting, Forgiveness & Confession Monday, March 14: Sunday of Orthodoxy Themes: The Significance of Icons, Heresy in the Church Monday, March 21: The Annunciation of the Theotokos Monday, March 28: Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas Theme: The life of Saint Gregory Palamas, the Jesus Prayer, & Union with God Monday, April 4: Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross Theme: The Significance & Power of the Holy Cross Monday, April 11: Sundays of Saint John Climacus & Mary of Egypt Themes: Lives of These Saints & Their Significance for Great Lent Monday, April 18: Saturday of Lazarus, Palm Sunday, & Holy Week
The Triodion is the very special period of the Church Year that leads up to the celebration of the feast of feasts, Holy & Great Pascha, the Resurrection of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Triodion includes a 3 week Pre-Lenten period of preparation for Holy and Great Lent itself, beginning with the Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee, Great Lent, the Saturday of Lazarus & Palm Sunday, and Holy Week. We will have the opportunity on Monday nights in the library room, starting on February 15, from 7:00-8:30pm to delve a little more deeply into this most edifying period of the Church year, with a study & discussion of various themes that the Triodion presents before us, led by Dino. Please call the church office at 610-374-7511 to sign up.
PLEASE NOTE:
DATES BELOW ARE THE DAYS (MONDAYS) WHEN WE WILL HAVE CLASSES
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Community News
Born:
A baby boy to Michael & Kelly Chaknos on October 15, 2015
A baby girl to Alex & Jacqueline Papademetriou
on December 15
A baby girl to Josh & Marissa Pollet on December 18
~Our congratulations and best wishes~
Baptized:
Ethan Jones, son of Travis Jones & Brittney Koharcheck on January 9 with Michael Peter
Xavios, Jr. as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Our Sympathy:
James Tsakeris who passed into eternal life on December 28
Molly Yatron who passed into eternal life
on January 12
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
February 7 Ms. Mary Beighley Mrs. Paula Berstler Ms. Kalliopi Bozakis Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Burkert Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Caloiero
February 14 Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Cammarano Mr. & Mrs. Mauro Cammarano Mr. & Mrs. David Campbell Mr. & Ms. Milton Capiotis Mr. & Mrs. Darryl Burkman
February 21 Ms. Stephanie Cardinal Mr. & Mrs. Mark Chaknos Mr. & Mrs. Mike Chaknos Mr. William Chaknos Mr. & Mrs. John Conlon
February 28 Mr. & Mrs. Christian Chupak Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Chupak Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Conzaman Mr. & Mrs. Cornelia Costea Mr. & Mrs. Dean Conzaman
For Your Convenience,
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO
can now be accessed
via our Church Website.
Go to: www.stsconstantinehelen.org
For Bulletins:
click on ―About Us‖ (located on left side of black bar)
Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins‖
For ECHO:
Click on ―ECHO‖ (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO
you want to view
Remember
in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities, the home-bound, and those convalescing: Ruth Anthony, Georgia Earhart, Caroline Exas, Katherine Fisher, Ross Fournaris, Mary Harris, Helen Hatzas, Pauline Heckman, Cleo Kostomeris, Marie Lecatsas, Helen Nicholas, Stella Ninfo, Maria Papoutsis, Kalliope Pappas, William Sianis, Nicholas Simotas, William Thomas, and Sebastian Ulrich.
And those hospitalized in the month of January:
Harry Dialectos, Rostyslav Seniuk, Effie Parenti, Nicholas Zaffary, Alexander Kopala, Walter Dublanica, Mary Harris, Michael Marmarou, Lula Dastra
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Please join Philoptochos
for our daytime meeting.
Monday, February 15, 2016
12 noon
In our church hall
“Let’s do lunch!”
Bring your favorite covered dish to our potluck luncheon
and enjoy an afternoon with friends & family!
Everyone is welcome, ladies, men and children.
Hope to see you there!
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Philoptochos by: Sharon Whitman & Cindy Petrakis
Knitting Ministry
This month we spotlight the Knitting Ministry led by Fran Ioannidi. The following items were given out before Christmas: 5 lap robes, 5 pillows and 2 shawls to our shut-ins; 10 shawls and lap robes to Berks Heim; 24 baby blankets to Lifeline; and a multitude of baby hats and scarves to the Syrian refugees. Thanks again to our needlework volunteers for their efforts!
Vasilopita Spaghetti Dinner
We thank everyone who attended our annual Vasilopita dinner on January 10th. We served 128 meals and with your generous monetary donations we were able to send a generous donation to Saint Basil Academy. We thank all the volunteers who helped set up, serve, and clean up and especially the ―kooks‖ in the kitchen who once again prepared the delicious meal.. Thank you to Maro Kotsakis and her ladies who baked the wonderful Vasilopita bread and desserts.
Philoptochos Stewardhip
Welcome to our newest Philoptochos members: Kara Mowbray, Alexis Campbell, and Cathy Tsakeris. New members are always welcome! Contact Des Denne, 610-678-8006 if you would like to give a gift membership or Paula Berstler, 610-921-9496 to become a member. Current members remember to send your stewardship contribution and form to Paula Berstler by March 31st to remain a member in good standing.
Thinking of Spring!
Our holidays are over and it is time to think about our Spring Bake Sale to be held on Saturday, March 26, 2016 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Please review your pre-order Bake Sale packet included in this Echo and return your form and payment by March 1, 2016. Check our extra sheet advertising other events offered on Bake Sale Day. As always, we will be offering our delicious bread, pastry and loukoumades. We have decided to discontinue the flower arrangements this year due to the early date and the difficulty we had last year finding flowers. Since we have decided not to have these arrangements, we have decided to add soup to our menu from the kitchen. We will once again have a vendor/crafter area and the ever popular ―Candy Lady‖ to purchase your Easter gifts and candy early!
Our first baking dates are listed below. The Bake Sale is the day before Western Easter, so our bakers will be working through the cold winter months. Please be generous with your time! All are welcome to help.
February 22nd—Finikia
February 25th—Koulourakia
March 1st—Koulourakia
March 3rd—Kourabiedes
IMPORTANT DATES…. Monday, February 15th—Daytime meeting in our
church hall at noon. We are ―doing lunch‖. Please bring a ready to serve covered dish & serving utensils. See enclosed flyer.
Monday, February 15th—Serving dinner at Opportunity House. Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384.
Tuesday, February 23rd—Food Pantry Contact Joan Giovanis at 610-775-9602 to volunteer for the evening.
Saturday, March 26th—Annual Spring Bake Sale Look for more info and the pre-order forms in this Echo.
Sunday, June 5th—End of year luncheon. Save the date!
Philoptochos Charity (giving)
$1000 to Saint Basil Academy $350 to the Social Services Fund $250 to Cancer & Other Major Illnesses Fund $100 to Jessse Brandow’s continuing Guatemalan
mission
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing)
Served at Opportunity House in January Helped with Church’s food pantry in January
In support of the American Heart Association’s
13th annual GO Red Day all parish women are invited
to wear red to church on Sunday, February 7th
in solidarity for this campaign.
Baking
Dates
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND CRAFTERS are invited to be a vendor at our annual spring bake sale. Contact Karen 610-777-7384 or Cindy 610-779-0511 for more info.
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From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera, President
Our last Parish Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Members present: President Artie Fecera, VP Chuck Mowbray, Secretary Tony Phyrillas, Financial Secretary Nick Karetas, Connie Fecera, Anthony Koumaras Frank T. Petrakis, Kim Shunk and Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas. Absent: Christ Kraras, Gust Kraras, Gus Kotsakis, Strat Marmarou, Treasurer, Mike Mavreles, Angel Helm, Harry Dialectos, Chris Dikos and Athan Dialectos. Because we need 9 Council members for a quorum to hold our meeting, Council decided to cancel. Due to the inclement weather some members could not make our January meeting. We will delay our January Agenda to our February meeting. For those of you who missed church on Sunday, January 17th, Council held a General Assembly for review of the 2015 Church Budget and approval of the 2016 Budget. Chris Kraras chaired the meeting. We had 80 parishioners present and both budgets were approved. We thank all parishioners for staying after Liturgy for our 2016 General Assembly. As always, we as Parish Council Members continue to keep our church cost in line, and with our Cost Cutting Committee we review each expense. Our long time Council Member, Harry Dialectos, has been having some medical issues. For those of you who buy food and gas coupons from Harry, Tony Phyrillas will be at Fellowship until Harry is back. Wish Harry a speedy recovery. We all miss him. The Parish Council approved the purchase of 2 candlesticks for our Altar in loving memory of Father Spyridon. They are now on the Altar Table. The Parish Council also presented, in appreciation, a new set of white and gold vestments to Deacon Jim to match those of Father Tom, which he wore on Christmas Day.
Yours in Christ
Matthew 25
“I was hungry and you gave me food: I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me…inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, my brethren, you did it to me.”
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need, mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development. On December 22, our parish provided
food for 106 needy families, which included 318 children and 76 senior citizens. The total number of people served was 601.
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month. Parishioners can help by:
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up, 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses.
Thank you to all the donors, and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition. Parishioners can contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office.
Giving Tree
Lifeline of Berks County would like to thank everyone who made a donation to our Giving Tree project. Every year, the Lifeline staff assists hundreds of women made vulnerable through their unplanned pregnancies and poverty. We thank you all so much for making it possible for us to serve so many women and children in need.
Thank you for being our lifeline.
YAL On Sunday, February 21st, the Young Adults will get together at church for a Paraklesis to the Panagia at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner at Mimmo’s, 290 Morgantown Road, 19611.
10
GOYA/JOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar, forms and other information.
Go to- https://sites.google.com/site/stsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
GOYA Basketball
Tournament, Canton OH
GOYA Basketball
Tournament, Wilmington
GOYA Meeting in High
School Room
JOY Bowling
Berks Lanes
Food Pantry
GOYA Basketball
Tournament, Pittsburgh
JOY Movie/ Game/PJ
Mardi Gras in Church Hall
GOYA Monthly Meeting &
Discussion with Dino
KEFI Dance Group
Meets after Fellowship
GOYA Pot Luck &
Oratorical Family Night
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Food Pantry
13
21
GOYANS Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
23
5-7
tba
tba
Coming Soon: Date - tba
GOYAN Lenten Retreat
April 15-17
Enjoy a Star Wars Theme to help you prepare for
Pascha
Register on the Metropolis Website
The Oratorical Festival is an amazing opportunity for our youth, for your children, to explore and research an aspect of the Greek Orthodox Faith, to write about it, and to potentially talk about it.
Keep your eye out for a letter to be sent home this month with topics the youth can choose from to write about.
26-28
13-14
KEFI
The KEFI Youth
Dance Group will
begin practice
on Sundays after
fellowship starting
on Sunday, March
13th.
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO, the Souper Bowl of caring began with a simple prayer from a single youth group:
“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those without a bowl of soup to eat.”
Since that day, more than $90 million has been raised for local charities across the country through the Souper Bowl of Caring. It has become a powerful movement that is transforming the time around Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving and serving.
Through this mission, young people learn what it’s like to make a positive difference in the world—as they collect food, raise money and volunteer to work in charities that provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry and compassion to those in need.
On Sunday, February 7th, please place your non-perishable food in the Narthex Our GOYAns will pass a second tray to
collect funds that will be sent to the IOCC.
6
4
11
Sunday School News Tula Donahue—Director
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
We hope everyone has survived the cold and snowy month of January!!!! Sunday School Attendance continues to be wonderful and we thank the parents who are dedicated to having their children learn about Orthodoxy. Please remember that Sunday School starts at 9:45, we have noticed an increase in tardiness and hope you can do your best to attend Sunday School by 9:45! Students arriving late do dis-rupt the teaching time!
Word of the Month for January Christ
(Χριστος) (Hree-stos ) The anointed one.
Parents of Altar Boys – please remind your son to sign in at their respective Sunday School class prior to going to Altar! Children’s Library – The Children’s Library is open. If you are interested in helping on Sundays, please contact Denise Porcaro at [email protected]. Each Sunday we will have classes visit the library. We do ask that you have your child return the book within one or two weeks. Youth Volunteers: We want to acknowledge the following students who volunteered during the month of January. Vasilis Phyrillas was our excellent Epistle Reader. Michelle Craciun was our pleasant Greeter. Michelle Craciun, Kyran Mitchell, Alex Lountzis and Zoe Thompson were wonderful basket passers.
James Phyrillas – 12th grade
Gino Caloiero – 11th grade
Chrisovalantis Siozos – 11th Grade
Vasilios Phyrillas – 10th grade
Kyran Mitchell – 9th grade
Peyton Kraras – 8th grade
Stephen Mitchell– 7th grade
Nicholas Lountzis – 6th grade
Carly Futrick – 6th grade
Johnny Patestas- 6th grade
Amanda Tilley – 6th grade
Courtney Futrick – 5th grade
Maria Sasaran – 5th grade
Tommy Hunsicker – 4th grade
Christopher Sasaran – 4th grade
Jackson Wagner – 4th grade
Christo Hunsicker – 3rd
grade Lily Acker – 1
st grade
Teodora Sasaran – 1st grade
Maria Wagner – 1st grade
Gram Hunsicker - Kindergarten Alex Sasaran – Kindergarten
The Kindergarten staff and class of 2016 would like to wish everyone a FABULOUS FEBRUARY! LOVE IS IN THE AIR! In our church we recognize the highest form of love to be something called, ―Aγάπη” (Agape). Agape is a Greek word to describe the greatest form of love, especially brotherly love, charity, the love of God for man and of man for God. This is the love that God has for us, God’s children...totally selfless and totally unconditional. Our children should know that ALL TRUE love comes from God; He not only gives love, but He IS love. When we receive God’s love, He also gives us the ability to love others. We must always re-member, GOD’S LOVE IS THE SOURCE OF OUR JOY. We have a very enthusiastic kindergarten class again this year. Our lessons this year are centered on the book WHAT WE SEE AND DO IN CHURCH. Our initial goals for the year are to learn the Lord’s Prayer and how to make the sign of the cross. We will have les-sons that generally follow the Church calendar. We will talk about the Gospel for that day; learn about up-coming saint days and holidays. We will also learn about the parts of the Church, the parts of the Divine Liturgy and Church etiquette as well as read some of our favorite Bible stories! We hope through creative presentations your children will have a spiritually and enriching year!
We do have a small class as mentioned above, but we have noticed a pattern of consistency in attendance with some of our children and we applaud those par-ents. This consistency will affect your child’s participa-tion as well as demonstrate the best of Orthodox be-havior.
I, Tess Kotsakis, along with my team of teachers: Kathy Rohm, Marian Porcaro, Elizabeth Wadsworth as well as our aides Linda Breit and Mary Caloiero thank you for sharing your children with us every Sunday. We are looking forward to watching the children form and build upon relationships with each other and with God which we know will become lifelong relationships.
Perfect Attendance – We would like to recognize the following students who had perfect attendance (no absences) during the months of November and December:
