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The
Community
Echo
Monthly Newsletter of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Reading, PA
September 2013
5
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.
And 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).
How to Contact the Church Church’s Telephone Number ................................................................................................ 610-374-7511 Church’s FAX Number .......................................................................................................... 610-374-5890 Church’s E-mail Address ........................................................................... [email protected] Church’s Web Site ............................................................................... http://www.stsconstantinehelen.org
Church Office Hours ............................................................. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Website……………………………………………………………………………www.stsconstantinehelen.org
Church Staff and Volunteers Fr. Thomas Pappalas Home Telephone ............................................................................... 610-779-7356 Fr. Tom’s E-mail address ............................................................................... [email protected] Fr. Spyridon Papademetriou Home Telephone ................................................................. ...610-373-1952 Deacon James Elliker Home Telephone…………………………………………….................610-926-9609 Parish Council President Artie Fecera’s Home Telephone…. ........................................... ..610-670-3434 E-mail address ............................................................................................................... [email protected] Vice-President Chuck Mowbray’s Home Telephone ............................................................ 610-777-0128 Philoptochos President, Des Denne……………………………..………………………………610-678-8006 E-mail address ..................................................................................................... [email protected] Sunday School Director, Tula Donahue ............................................................................... 610-670-9141 Adult Choir Director, Ann Kraras ........................................................................................... 610-376-2184 Junior Choir, Maria Damore .................................................................................................. 610-370-0635 GOYA Co-Advisors, Margaret Phyrillas (610-370-0195) and Sharon Lountzis…..…..……..610-779-0479 Greek School Teacher, Sophia Tzinis .................................................................................. 610-823-3120 Greek Dance Troupe, Esther Ganas-Miranda, [email protected] ………………………......610-468-1620 Greek School, Esther Ganas-Miranda, [email protected] ...….…………………………......610-468-1620 Altar Care, Alan Kachel. Chris Carley, Jim Rohm………………….……………. ……………610-929-8545 Children’s Library, Denise Porcaro ....................................................................................... 610-926-2130 Vacation Bible School, Amy Elliker ....................................................................................... 610-913-1223 Church Bookstore, Chris Dialectos (610-373-7702) and Dawn Medaglia ........................... 610-376-3661 Epistle Readers, Karl Krohn .................................................................................................. 610-779-5223 Office Volunteers, Fran Ioannidi ........................................................................................... 610-678-0269 (K. English, B. Futrick, J. Giovanis, L. Goodhart, S. Hatgiannis, S. Ioannidi, E. Ioannidi, G. Karahalias, P. Orphanos, M/M J. Tsakeris, P. Zampelli, L. Young) Knitting Ministry, Fran Ioannidi .............................................................................................. 610-678-0269 Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Kallie English .................... 610-372-5695 Order of AHEPA, George Giovanis ....................................................................................... 610-775-9602 Habitat for Humanity, Milton Capiotis.................................................................................... 610-670-5842 Kitchen Crew, Steve Lecatsas .............................................................................................. 610-777-0201 Meals on Wheels, Susan Seibert .......................................................................................... 610-678-5907 JOY Advisors, Sophia Westover and Marianthi Caloiero ..................................................... 610-406-5189 OPA Advisor, Amy Elliker…..………………………………………………………………….….610-913-1223 Fellowship Hour Coordinator, Vangie McGowan .................................................................. 610-779-1402 Koleva Coordinator, Mary Pettis………………………………………………………………….610-678-2712
A Baptist Preacher Goes to Church: Part 2
by Gordon Atkinson, pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX
Sunday I went back to Saint Anthony the Great. Jeanene and the girls did other things, which was fine with me because I was wanting to keep my thoughts tuned to my experience and prayer. I love my children, but when they are with me there is always a piece of me that is keeping tabs on them. I was so excited too. Really very happy to be there and hopeful that perhaps the Eternal Creator might have something for his imperfect child to learn that day. Saint Anthony the Great has a coffee and conversation hour after the service, so I planned to stay for that as well. The first week I was very interested in the candles that the faithful lit and put in boxes of sand near several of the icons. These were little tapered candles that burned down, conveniently, about the time the service was over. I asked the greeter if I might light a candle. She was surprised and seemed very happy. “Yes, of course,” she said. She told me that the candles represented the light of Christ coming into the world. I feel that piece of faith is held in common with our church as well. We light candles for the same reason. I took my candle down front and prayed that I would be open to hearing from the Spirit of God during worship. I placed my candle with the others lit by various pilgrims
at worship. For the entire service I kept an eye on my candle as it burned softly until it was only a tiny stub. This week I decided not to spend any of my energy trying to keep up with the service in the liturgy book. Instead I wanted to watch everything and hear as much as I could. I found that I was able to follow the chants much better with only one week’s experience under my belt. I fell in love with the sound of them. Various readers have different tones and particular styles. Everyone calls the pastor “Father” at Saint Anthony the Great. Father’s voice came singing out from behind the Iconostas during the service. His voice is very resonant, and he has his own particular way of ending a phrase. There is a step down in tone and then – just at the end – he lets the tone trail off even further. Dum dum dum dum dooooooo…eeee. I am easily hypnotized by repetitive and interesting sounds. Once in college I was driven to a state of absolute peace by the sound of a woman cutting thick paper with a heavy set of scissors. SniiiiiiiiiUP. I closed my books and sat there with my head in my hands until she finished whatever she was doing. I felt like I’d had a full massage. I think a lot of my peace on Sunday came from the simple fact that I didn’t have to understand everything. I was not the minister or anyone with a burden of comprehending the whole. I was one of
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God’s little ragamuffins, a kid who wandered in from the street. No one expected much of me, and I felt God would be pleased if I just stood quietly and enjoyed the sounds and the beauty while being mindful of God’s presence. This week I noticed people sitting down during the homily. A number of people dropped to the ground like the crowds around Jesus. I sat down with them, and let me tell you that after standing for an hour, a seat on the floor is more comforting and comfortable than the softest lounge chair in the world. Ahh, the floor. A chance to rest my back before the push to the end of the service. Blissful. And then it was over. It seemed much too soon. I was a bit surprised that almost 2 hours had passed. I sat at the back and watched everyone file forward to greet Father, who hugged people and chatted. I got to wander around and look more closely at some of the icons too. Stunningly beautiful. During coffee hour I had a delightful chat with an enthusiastic woman named Tina, who became an Orthodox Christian 15 years earlier. She knew a lot of church history. It was nice chatting with her. Some others came to say hello as well. In time it came out that I am a Baptist minister on sabbatical, which was surprising for them. But just for a moment. Everyone has a story about how they arrived at Saint Anthony the Great. That was my story. And it was okay.
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Religious Calendar for September
Sunday, 1st Beginning of Ecclesiastical Year
Orthros at 8:15 a.m. Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:15 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 3 (Seraphim): Andrew Lountzis, A. Phyrillas, J. Phyrillas, Alex Lountzis, V. Phyrillas, A. Marmarou, E. Polyak, N. Lountzis, P. Daglis
Sunday, 8th Nativity of the Theotokos; Sunday before Holy Cross
Orthros and Divine Liturgy will take place at St. Benedict’s Picnic Grounds at the Pavilion at 11:00 a.m. followed by our Annual Church Picnic. Food will be served beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Acolytes: Group 4 (Archangels):B. Donahue, N. Waligurski, P. Breit, J. Koumaras, D. Damore, A. Midouhas, A. Futrick, A. Futrick, Jr., B. Wadsworth, T. Siegel, Y. Patestas
Saturday, 14th Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, 15th
Sunday after Exaltation of the Holy Cross Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 1 (Thrones): S. Lambriodes, A. Mathews, J. Carrasquillo, N. Bellman, M. Toma, G. Caloiero, C. Siozos, C. Sterious, D. Porcaro, M. Faust, A. Sweigart
Sunday, 22nd
First Sunday of Luke Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 2 (Powers): S. Dikos, A.J. Ruchlewicz, N. Lecatsas, E. Hargrave, D. Kyvelos, T. Limberiou, G. Limberiou, K. Mitchell, S. Mitchell, D. Scantzos, A. Zeppos, A. Scantzos, H. Robitzer
Sunday, 29th
Second Sunday of Luke Orthros at 8:30 a.m. Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m.
Acolytes: Group 4 (Archangels):B. Donahue, N. Waligurski, P. Breit, J. Koumaras, D. Damore, A. Midouhas, A. Futrick, A. Futrick, Jr., B. Wadsworth, T. Siegel
Regular Hours Resume
Our regularly scheduled Church Service hours resume Sunday, September 15th
. Orthros will begin at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School and the Divine Liturgy at 9:45 a.m. Fellowship will be held after the Divine Liturgy. Coffee and punch will be served in the Church Hall. Anyone wishing to donate treats to share please calls Vangie McGowan at (610)779-1402.
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Fellowship Hosts
Sept 1 Mr. & Mrs. James Sterganos Mr. & Mrs. Gus Stevens Mr. & Mrs. James A. Stevens, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. James Stevens, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Stevens
Sept 15 Mr. & Mrs. Christ Sterious Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Stoulis Mr. & Mrs. Jason Stout Dr. & Mrs. Constantine Stroumbakis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Stroumbakis
Sept 22 Mrs. Michele Stranko Mrs. Kristina M. Sullivan Mr. & Mrs. Brian Szczawinski Mrs. Matthew Templin Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Theodossiou Mrs. Marianthi Theodossiou
Sept 29 Mr. & Mrs. George Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Thomas Mr. & Mrs. Blake Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Philip Tilley Mr. & Mrs. David Torrence
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities, the home-bound, and those convalescing: Ruth Anthony, Helen Arones, Isabel Chaknos, Catherine Daniels, George Dracoules, Georgia Earhart, Caroline Exas, Stella Exas, Katherine Fisher, Frances George, Mary Harris, Helen Hatzas, Rose Kaisoglus, Dorothy Kreisher, Marie Lecatsas, Mary Marmarou, Helen Nicholas, Maria Papoutsis, Helen Psaros, William Thomas,
Sebastian Ulrich, Margaret Wesner and Molly Yatron. And those hospitalized during the months of July and August: John Koutroulelis, Gus Kraras, Katherine Kubacki, Evelpis Paraskis and Anastasis Phyrillas
Community News
Parish Family Life
Born: A baby boy to Christian and Jennifer Chupak on July 4.
~ Our congratulations and best wishes ~
Baptized: Marla Maria, daughter of Abed George and Reem Haddad Sneij on July 7, with Abir Saab as sponsor, James Thomas, son of Thomas J. and Maria E. Crassas on July 28, with Elyse Elliker as sponsor, and Eleni, daughter of Jarett and Jennifer Fernez on August 17, with _____________as sponsor. ~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Married: Alexander Hoimes to Erin Philion on July 27. They will reside in New Hampshire
~ Our congratulations and Best Wishes ~
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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 families from the Oakbrook Housing Development. On June 25 our parish provided food for 126 needy families, which included 386 children and 42 senior citizens. The total number of people served was 696. 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, and 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.
*******
Celebrating 100-Years of
Orthodox Christianity in
Berks County
2014 will mark the beginning of our
Parish’s “100-Year Anniversary”
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Our Church family will Kick-off this milestone year with a New Year’s Celebration in our Church Hall. (more information to follow) Also, our Church Social Committee is
planning a GYRO Sale Fundraiser for all
of Berks County to be held Saturday,
September 28 at our Bazaar take-out window from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to raise seed money in preparation of our
100-Year Anniversary.
We need your support
Come and enjoy our
delicious sandwiches!
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Keeping Posted
From Our Parish Council Artie Fecera, President
Our Parish Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, June 13, 2013. Members present: Father Tom, Artie Fecera, President, Charles Mowbray, Vice-President Nick Karetas, Financial Secretary, Tony Phyrillas, Secretary, Mike Mavreles, Treasurer, Connie Fecera, Frank T. Petrakis, Stratton Marmarou, Kim Shunk, Angel Helm, Athan Dialectos, and Anthony Koumaras. Members absent: Gus Kotsakis and Gust Kraras. At this meeting we interviewed Jordan Zanetis to replace our long time chanter, Anastasis Phyrillas who no longer can chant because of health reasons. After an hour interview and lengthy discussion, Council decided to hire Jordan on a part-time basis. For those of you who were at the June 16
th
liturgy, Father Tom introduced Jordan to the parishioners. We welcome Jordan to our Parish. Chuck Mowbray gave Council an update on our 2013 Bazaar. From his meeting held on June 12
th, our bazaar dates this year are
October 18, 19 and 20. Save these dates and remember that any parishioner is welcome to help at our Bazaar. When you see Chuck, tell him you would like to help and he will be happy to have you. Connie Fecera gave us a report on our Oldies Dance. Even though we had poor attendance, everyone attending had a good time. Thanks to our Chairperson Mim Lambros who was able to get donations for all our expenses. We made a nice profit for our Church. Nick Karetas gave us a 5 month report on Stewardship. There is a 7% decline in family participation. 6 family decline through May 2013. 205 families pledged a total of
$145,495 averaging $709.73 vs. last year through May 211 family pledges total were $160,504, averaging $760.60. As Council Members it is our responsibility to watch all church expenses which we all do, but like any business or organization, in order to fund our expenses and run the Church in the black we depend on our Stewardship. Remember we have fixed costs such as our utilities which cannot be changed and we depend on your Stewardship to handle these costs. Remember at fellowship to see Harry Dialectos and buy your food coupons. Remember it costs you nothing. We all buy food and this is a way of helping your Church. Hope you all have a safe and healthy summer and remember that we still have Liturgy every Sunday. I hope to see you at Church. Our next Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13. We do not have a July Meeting because of vacations.
Stewardship Ministries Steve Lecatsas, Chairman
“I Chose you and appointed you
that you should go and bear fruit”
We are Called to Bear Fruit
The additional following parishioners have sent in their Stewardship pledge for 2013. To date 205 total pledges have been received totaling $145,495.00. The average pledge per family is $709.73. A very big thank you to all those who have pledged for 2013. If you have not, please do so at your earliest convenience. Grimes, Robert and Despina Phyrillas, Spiro and Margaret Dialectos, Joanne Rogers, Christina
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ABIDING IN GOD’S LOVE
AND SECURING OUR FUTURE
The “temperature is rising” for our Church Capital Campaign and we are moving closer to our
stated goal of $500,000. In the past two and one-half months we have added approximately $60,000 in Campaign contributions, with an additional 20 families supporting our Campaign. We still have a way to go and WE NEED YOUR HELP. Please send your pledge card into the Church Office and help us reach our goal. We need our entire parish community to come together to reach our goal! We look forward to hearing from you soon!!
New Pledges
Stewards ($1 - $2,499) Care, Robert and Maria
Geras, Ann Koutalelis, Evriklia
Talotta, Victor and Stephanie Whitman, Dean and Sharon
Patrons ($2,500 - $4,999) Platanos, Nicholas and Kathryn
Esteemed Patrons ($5,000 - $14,999) Chaknos, Michael and Karen
ST. CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
READING, PA
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Sunday School Tula Donahue, Director
As we complete another Sunday School year, we feel blessed to have had the opportunity to continue to teach our children Orthodoxy! This year has been another wonderful and exciting year for the Sunday School Department. Our parish is fortunate to have a superb group of dedicated teachers. The men and women worked zealously throughout the year to teach our children Orthodoxy. We thank everyone one of you! Parents - praise goes to you for your committed support and love for your children and our Lord. Please continue to attend Church in the summer with your children; this is a wonderful opportunity to pray as a family. Of course, our children are the best - they continue to amaze us with their varied personalities. We should be very proud of our teenagers who have volunteered in different capacities on the first Sunday of each month. Parents remember the bond and friendships your child makes in Church and Sunday School will last a lifetime. The connection they make with each other through their love for God is amazing.
The following students received the Student
of Orthodoxy Award which is awarded to students who have shown a love, interest and
knowledge of our Orthodox faith: Vasilis
Phyrillas, 7th grade; Carly Futrick, 4
th grade
and Jackson Wagner, 1st grade. Axios!!
Greek School News
TA NEA Submitted by Esther Ganas-Miranda
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Philoptochos
Submitted by: Des Denne & Cindy Petrakis
Lazy Days of Summer? Not for the ladies of Philoptochos, whose hands are never idle! We may have a break from meetings until September, but we will continue to bake prosphora for our liturgies, prepare Kolyva for memorial services, and serve dinners for the less fortunate at the Opportunity House Shelter. In addition, our Knitting Committee works year-round to make lovely items for our shut-ins and the infants of Lifeline. And last but not least, let’s not forget that baking for our annual fall food bazaar will begin in August!
Orthodox Youth Awards… Philoptochos is pleased to announce the 2013 recipients of the Orthodox Youth
Award: Olivia Damore and Bern Donahue. The awards were presented following services on June 2nd. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these graduating seniors for their qualifying Sunday School attendance and wish them the very best in their future endeavors!
We also extend our sincere thanks to Tula
Donahue, Sunday School Director, for diligently monitoring student attendance and preparing these awards.
Orthodox Christian Fellowship… We encourage all graduating seniors, or the parents of graduating seniors, who are leaving home for school, work or other
reasons, to contact Angie Barakos at 717-
335-3853 with details on their planned locations. Angie does a wonderful job of staying in touch with these young adults to establish and maintain a connection with their church and their faith.
Shelter Ministry… Our parish will continue to provide dinners for residents of the Opportunity House Shelter throughout the summer months. If you can donate your time, a dessert, or a monetary
contribution, please contact Kally English at
610-372-5695. Our volunteers would be the first to say what a truly heartwarming experience it is for those served, as well as those serving!
Save the date!
Monday, July 15th
– Serving dinner at Opportunity House Shelter
Monday, August 19th
– Serving dinner at Opportunity House Shelter
Monday, September 16th
is the date for our first gathering of the new ecclesiastical year. We are planning a special social event to welcome our new members and welcome back our “seasoned” veterans! Look for more details in the September Echo…
Stay Tuned… Bazaar baking dates for August will be announced soon. We hope all of you will l end a hand as we prepare our delicious bread and pastry for the biggest and most important event on the Church calendar!
Philoptochos Gives… $600 in Orthodox Youth Awards given to two graduating seniors.
2013 Bazaar
Baking Schedule
The following baking dates are scheduled for this year’s annual Church Bazaar, which will
be held October 18, 19, and 20:
Tues., September 3 Bread 9 a.m. Thurs., September 5 Koulourakia 9 a.m.
Tues., September 10 Bread 9 a.m.
Fri., September 13 Koulourakia 9 a.m.
Tues., September 17 Koulourakia 9 a.m.
Thurs., September 19 Baklava 9 a.m.
Wed, September 25 Koulourakia 9 a.m.
Fri., September 27 Baklava 9 a.m.
Tues., October 1 Kourambiedes 9 a.m.
Thurs., October 3 Kourambiedes 9 a.m.
Tues., October 8 Finikia 9 a.m.
Mon., October 14 Cupping All Day Thurs., October 17 Galactoboureko 9:00a.m.
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Memorial Donations July 18, 2013
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 Anastasia Fappas Chris and Val Dikos
In Memory of Joseph Gapinski Mr. and Mrs. John Baxewanis
In Memory of Jennie and Gus Kratsas Deacon Jim and Mrs. Roula Elliker
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena, Stephanie and Ed
In Memory of George Tripolitis Mrs. Esther P. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Antonios Antonellos, Angelica Baxewanis, Mr. and Mrs. John Baxewanis, Dave and Irene Becker, Anthony and Lillian Borzillo, Peter and Virginia Bournelis, Angel and Mauro Cammarano, Daniel and Anna Casciano, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Casciano, VI and Rachel, Marian Cheri, Mario and Elisa D’Achille, Danielle Coletta, Helen Dalaveris, Anthony and Maria Damore, Maria and Tina Daniels, Ms. Lula Dastra, Harry and Christine Dialectos, Joanne Dialectos, Mark and Mary Dialectos, Chris and Val Dikos, Bernie and Tula Donahue, Mary Ann Doyle, Deacon Jim and Mrs. Roula Elliker, Artie and Connie Fecera, Nicholas S. and Jan Fisher, Yuff Fisher, Georgeina Fokas, John and Despina Frangakis, Steve and Dina Gamverellis, James and Christine, Georgeadis, Dr. and Mrs. George Giovanis, Scott and Angel Helm, Marilyn Holden, John and Fran Ioannidi, Christopher and Themio Karamanos, Nicholas D. and Alice Karetas, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kiapokas, Chris and Ann Kraras, Gust Kraras, Carl and Clara Kratsas, Mrs. Mary Kontaxes, Gus and Tess Kotsakis, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Krallis, Gust Kraras, Steve and Joyce Lecatsas and Family, Diane Lilarose, George and Aliki Limberiou, Philip and Kathleen Macaronis, Peter and Brenda MacRae, Mr. and Mrs. Stratton Marmarou, Evangeline McGowan, Larry and Dawn Medaglia, Leon and
Rosemarie Miller, Mr. and Mrs. John Missimer, Dimitrios and Petroula Mitsiopoulos, Stella Morris, Maria and Tina, Steve and Patti Moscirella, Order of AHEPA, Chapter No. 61, Bill and Anna Panos, Mr. and Mrs. James Petrakes, Frank T. Petrakis, Anthony and Lyvia Petris, Mr. and Mrs. Anastasis Phyrillas, Tony and Soula Phyrillas, Nicholas and Marian Porcaro, Victoria Porcaro, Debbie Reber, Jim and Kathy Rohm, William Sakellaropoulos, Mrs. Katherine Savadelis, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shaeffer, Kim and Elaine Shunk, James Sianis, Nicholas and Aspasia, Simotas, Mr. and Mrs. James Sterganos, Gus and Shirley Stevens, Cathy Tsakeris and John Rogowski Family, Bill and Esther Thomas, John and Karen Tripolitis, James and Vlacia Tsakeris, Rev. Fr. Alexander and Presvytera Pearl Veronis, Dean and Sharon Whitman, George C. and Shirleen Yatron, Stratton P. Yatron, Pat Zampelli, Christ and Hariklia Zervanos, Dr. Anne G. Ozambela, Mr. and Mrs. Anastasios Zeppos, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zeppos, Evan and Sandra Zervanos, Seva Zervanos, Stam and Joyce Zervanos
In Memory of Stratton G. Yatron Mr. and Mrs. John Baxewanis
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JULY 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Father
2
Tom
3
on
4
Vacation →
5 →
6
→
7 2nd Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
2::00pm Baptism
GOYA
Father
8
SUMMER
Tom
9
CAMP
on
10
→
Vacation →
11
→
→
12
→
→
13
→
→
14 Sunday of the Holy Fathers
8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
Father
15 5:00pm Cooking for Opportunity House
Tom
16
on
17
Vacation →
18
→
19
→
YOCAMA →
20 Feast Day of the
Prophet Elias
8:30am Orthros
9:30pm Divine Litrugy
Mission Trip →
21 4th Sunday of Matthew
8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
YOCAMA
22
Mission →
23
Trip →
24
→
25
→
26 The Feast of
St. Paraskevi and Eve of St. Panteleimon
8:30am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy
6:30pm Rehearsal
→
27 4:00pm Wedding
→
28 5th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
12::00pm Baptism
29
30 6:00pm Food Pantry
31
15
1
2
Cannon of Supplication to the Theotokos
6:00pm Small Paraklesis (all Acolytes)
3
4 6th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
5
6 Holy Transfiguration
8:30am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy
7 Cannon of Supplication to the Theotokos 6:00pm Small Paraklesis
(all Acolytes)
8 12:00pm GOYA Board Luncheon (Lountzis home)
9 Cannon of Supplication to the Theotokos 6:00pm Small Paraklesis
(all Acolytes)
10
11 7th Sunday of Matthew
8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
12
13 7:00pm Parish Council
14 Eve of the Feast of the
Dormition of the Theotokos
6:00pm Great Vespers (all Acolytes)
15 Feast of the Dormition of
the Theotokos 8:30am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy (all Acolytes)
16
17 2:00pm Baptism
18 8th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Mtg., following Divine Liturgy (H.S. Room)
1:00pm Annual Ernie Orphanos Memorial Golf Tournament (Green Acres)
19 5:00pm Cooking for Opportunity House
20 9:00am Baking Bread
21 22
23
24
25 9th Sunday of Matthew 8:15am Orthros 9:15am Divine Liturgy
Syllogos Neohoriton Picnic (Spring Grove, PA)
26 9:00am Baking Bread
27 6:00pm Food Pantry
28
29 Feast of the Beheading of
St. John the Baptist (Strict Day of Fast)
8:30am Orthros 9:30am Divine Liturgy
30 31
AUGUST 2013
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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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…. The Falling Asleep of St. John the Evangelist and Theologian. This
Apostle was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and the brother of James the elder. First a fisherman by trade, he became an Apostle and the beloved Disciple of Christ. Only he of all the Disciples followed him even to the Cross, and was entrusted with the care of our Saviour’s Mother, as it were another son to her, and a brother of Christ the Teacher. After this, he preached throughout Asia Minor, especially in Ephesus. When the second persecution against the Christians began in the year 96 during the reign of Domitian, he was taken in bonds to Rome, and there was cast into a vat filled to the brim with boiling oil. Coming forth therefrom unharmed, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation. Returning again to Ephesus after the death of the tyrant, he wrote his Gospel (after the other evangelists had already written theirs) and his three Catholic Epistles. In all, he lived ninety-five years and fell asleep in the Lord during the reign of Trajan in the year 100. He was called Theologian because he loftily expounded in his Gospel the theology of the inexpressible and eternal birth of the Son and Word of God the Father. It is for this cause that an eagle-a symbol of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Irenaeus says-is depicted in his
icon, for this was one of the four symbolic living creatures that the Prophet Ezekiel saw (Ezek. 1:10).
- Paraphrased from: http://www.oca.org and http://www.gorch.org
The deadline for the September Echo issue is August 19, 2013.
