Saints Constantine & Helen Newport News VA 23606 … · Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606 Volume 14, Issue #9 December 2013

Saints Constant ine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606

Volume 14 , Issue #9

December 2013 January 2014

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Dec / Jan Sundays 2-5

Through the Bible A—Z

5

Registry / Announcements

6

Clubs & Community 7

PC Minutes 10

Calendar 11

New Years Eve Dance 8

T H E C R O S S + R O A D S

Hi-Lites

St. Barbara—Dec 4

St. Nicholas—Dec 6

Nativity of our Lord—Dec 25

Theophany of our Lord—Jan 6

HYD Spirit Night—Dec 18

Sacalis Hall Reno-vation Fundrais-er—Dec 10 & 15

PORT Homeless Shelter—Jan 19

On December 31st we will hear these num-bers being shouted out with joy introducing the New Year of 2014. What a joy it is to be alive, to be able to usher in a New Year a whole new set of twelve months filled with so many opportunities.

The month of January affords us the oppor-tunity to participate in many Feastdays. Through the services of Epiphany we will be in the act of prayer bringing us face to face with our living and loving God. As we all know prayer can accomplish so many things. Our daily prayer lives which should consist of love and humility will fill our hearts with love and make us all aware of our closeness to the Lord.

Let us dedicate the New Year of 2014 to one another. Life should not be lived if we are unwilling to take advantage of the life that we should live, that being Christ-centered. The path is before us, but when we turn away from this path and seek other alter-nate routes, we are missing the whole point of the price that our Saviour paid on the Cross for our salvation. Christ is the light of the world let us not live in darkness.

I wish everyone of our beloved Saints Con-stantine and Helen Community a healthy and prosperous New Year and may we all contin-ue to grow together as the flock with one shepherd, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

† F R O M F A T H E R G E O R G E 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1

† E V A N G E L O S - M E T R O P O L I T A N O F N E W J E R S E Y

NATIVITY FAST My Beloved in the Lord,

““Make ready, O Bethlehem: let the manger be prepared, let the cave show its welcome. The truth has come, the shadow has passed away...”

Annually, on the fifteenth of November, our Holy Orthodox Church marks the beginning of the Nativ-ity Fast in preparation of the grand celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For the next forty days our Church, we who are mem-bers of the sacred Body of Christ, shall prepare and joyously anticipate the godly event, which changed the course of world history and all hu-manity. Our Triune God, out of love for us, shall reveal, as it did more than 2,000 years ago, to us although unworthy as we may be, the second Per-son of the Holy consubstantial and undivided Trini-ty, The Logos, the Creator, the One Who put on human flesh and became man so that we, having accepted and believed in Him, and filled with the Grace of the Most Holy Spirit, may also be born again.

The Birth of our Lord took place in a humble manger. During these next forty days I paternally implore all of you to strive to prepare your own manger, which is your soul, your heart, your mind, your body. Prepare it all so that our Lord may be born within it. The basic elements necessary are 1) Prayer, 2) Meditation, 3) Study of the sacred and holy Scriptures, 4) Participation in the Divine Ser-vices of our Church, 5) Preparation of our body through fasting, 6) Reflection of the past. These, my beloved brothers, sisters and spiritual sons and daughters, will lead us to 7) the ability to change, which will eventually lead us to the Holy Sacrament of Confession where we will be ab-solved of the past. Then, Christmas will be differ-ent than any other holiday as it will become a true feast which will have a sacred significance know-ing and feeling that the King of Glory, the Prince of Peace, joy and happiness, the One Who was born, crucified, died and the One Who Rose from the dead is indeed living within us.

Please, allow our Lord, Emmanuel, to live and dwell in you. If so, you will become shining exam-ples for others to emulate. How? By offering His

(Continued on page 6)

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s

Apolytikion of the Church He beheld the image of Your

Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace.

DECEMBER 1 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the

Ephesians 2:4-10 GOSPEL READING Luke 18:35-43 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Plagal of the Second Tone Angelic powers were above Thy

tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Third Tone

On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the An-gels and the shepherds now glori-fy Him * Who is willing to be

gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 14th Sunday of Luke Nahum the Prophet Holy Father Theocletus the

Wonderworker, Archbishop of Lacedaemonia

Ananias the Persian Our Holy Fathers Ananius

and Solochon, Archbishops of Ephesus

Philaret the Merciful of Am-nia

December 4 Barbara the Great Martyr December 6 Nicholas the Wonderwork-

er, Archbishop of Myra WISDOM OF THE FATHERS We may learn from this that

when we ask with faith, God does not give something other than what we ask for, but the very same thing. However, when we ask for one thing and receive something else, it is clear that either we did not make a good request or we did not ask with faith. Blessed Theophylact, Arch-bishop of Ochrid and Bulgaria The Explanation of the Gospel of St. Luke, 11th Century

DECEMBER 8 EPISTLE READING

St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 2:14-22

GOSPEL READING Luke 13:10-17 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Grave Tone Thou didst abolish death by Thy

Cross; Thou didst open Paradise to the thief; Thou didst transform the myrrh-bearers' lamentation, and didst bid Thine Apostles to preach that Thou art risen, O Christ God, granting great mercy to the world.


On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the An-gels and the shepherds now glori-fy Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED 10th Sunday of Luke Forefeast of the Conception

by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

Apollo, Tychikos, Sosthe-nes, Cephas, Epaphroditos, Caesar, & Onesiphoros, Apos-tles of the 70


Philoptochos Athena Savvas, President

Religious Education Aleksandra Garofalis, Administrative Director

Frances Tsimplekis, Artistic Director

Greek School Matina Mimikos, Paula Tofalli, Maria Pentakos

Youth Ministry Stephanie Peri and Kent Paumier, Advisors Acolytes Barry Hendricks, Director

JOY/HOPE Helen Micha, Director

Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA) Giovanna Peri, President

Kent Paumier, Advisor

Young Adult League (YAL) Anastasia Theodorogiannis, President Golden Hearts Chris Fotiou, President

Order of AHEPA Newport News—John Christou, President

Daughters of Penelope Helen Dennie, President

Hellenic Womens Penelope Society Helen Vaughn, President

Hellenic Youth Dancers Bobby Garofalis, Director

P A R I S H M I N I S T R I E S & O R G A N I Z A T I O N S

The Cross+Roads Page 2

D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y S U N D AY S

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606

Glory Be To God

www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org Phone (757) 596-6151 Fax (757) 596-2967 Email Addresses: priest@ office@ parishcouncil@ youthdirector@ webmaster@ admin@ schgochurch.va.goarch.org [email protected]

Office Hours Monday Through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Priest Father George Chioros Work 596-6152 Home 597-7786 Mobile 288-4487 Email [email protected]

Parish Council John Dermanis, President Bobby Vidakis, Vice Pres. Michael Chalkias, Treasurer Frank Peri, Assoc. Treas. Kent Paumier, Secretary Elias Doulgerakis Bobby Garofalis Roger Headrick Jason Holbrook Butch Kyprianides Zena Mageras Chanters John Siokis, Harry Fotiou, Alex Constantine Office Secretary Tasia Savrides

Archdiocese on the web www.goarch.org

Patapius the Righteous of Thebes

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS And yet here He speaks only;

whereas elsewhere in many cas-es He heals by laying on of hands also. But nevertheless none of these things made them meek; rather, while the man was healed, they by his health be-came worse. For His desire in-deed was to cure them before him, and He tried innumerable ways of healing, both by what He did in their presence, and by what He said: but since their malady after all was incurable, He pro-ceeded to the work. St. John Chrysostom Homily 40 on Mat-thew 12, 4th Century

DECEMBER 15 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Second Letter to

Timothy 1:8-18 GOSPEL READING Luke 14:16-24 SAINTS AND FEASTS

COMMEMORATED 11th Sunday of Luke The Martyr Susannah the

Deaconess The Holy Hieromartyr Eleu-

therius, Bishop of Illyricum HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Plagal of the Fourth Tone From on high didst Thou de-

scend, O Compassionate One; to burial of three days hast Thou submitted that Thou mightest free us from our passions. O our Life and Resurrection, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for 11th Sunday of Luke in the Second Tone

By faith didst Thou justify the Forefathers, when through them Thou didst betroth Thyself afore-time to the Church from among the nations. The Saints boast in glory that from their seed there is a glorious fruit, even she that bare Thee seedlessly. By their prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.


On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was

before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the An-gels and the shepherds now glori-fy Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS And when were they bidden? By

all the prophets; by John again; for unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Him-self again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" and again, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." St. John Chrysostom Homily 69 on Mat-thew 22, 4th Century

DECEMBER 22 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the He-

brews 11:9-10; 32-40 GOSPEL READING Matthew 1:1-25 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in First Tone When the stone had been

sealed by the Jews and the sol-diers were guarding Thine immac-ulate Body, Thou didst arise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life unto the world. Wherefore, the powers of the Heavens cried out to Thee, O Lifegiver: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ. Glory to Thy Kingdom. Glory to Thy dispensation, O only Friend of man.

Apolytikion for Forefeast of the Nativity in the First Tone

O Bethlehem, rejoice; Ephratha, make thou ready; * for in her womb the Ewe-lamb doth bear the Great Shepherd, * and lo, she now urgently maketh haste to give birth to Him. * On beholding Him, the righteous God-bearing Fathers * all rejoice, and with the shepherds sing hymns in praise of * the Virgin that nursed a child.

Apolytikion for Sunday be-fore Nativity in the Second Tone

Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the Three Holy Children rejoiced. And the

Prophet Daniel proved a shep-herd of lions as of sheep. By their prayers, O Christ our God, save our souls.


On this day the Virgin cometh to the cave to give birth to * God the Word ineffably, * Who was before all the ages. * Dance for joy, O earth, on hearing * the gladsome tidings; * with the An-gels and the shepherds now glori-fy Him * Who is willing to be gazed on * as a young Child Who * before the ages is God.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday before Nativity On the Sunday that occurs on

or immediately after the eight-eenth of this month, we celebrate all those who from ages past have been well-pleasing to God, beginning from Adam even unto Joseph the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos, according to genealogy, as the Evangelist Luke hath recorded historically (Luke 3:23-38); we also commemorate the Prophets and Prophetesses, and especially the Prophet Daniel and the Holy Three Children.

Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The opening of the gates of the Great Church of God

Chrysogonos, Theodota, Evodias, & Eutychianus, the Martyrs

Anastasia the Great Martyr Eve of the Nativity of Christ December 25 The Commemoration of the

Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks and came to see the Lord

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Gaspar, & Balthasar

The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The incomprehensible and inex-plicable Nativity of Christ came to pass when Herod the Great was reigning in Judea; the latter was an Ascalonite on his fathers's side and an Idumean on his mother's. He was in every way foreign to the royal line of David; rather, he had received his au-thority from the Roman emper-ors, and had ruled tyrannically

over the Jewish people for some thirty-three years. The tribe of Judah, which had reigned of old, was deprived of its rights and stripped of all rule and authority. Such was the condition of the Jews when the awaited Messiah was born, and truly thus was fulfilled the prophecy which the Patriarch Jacob had spoken 1,807 years before: "A ruler shall not fail from Judah, nor a prince from his loins, until there come the things stored up for him; and he is the expectation of the na-tions" (Gen.49:10).

Thus, our Saviour was born in Bethlehem, a city of Judea, whith-er Joseph had come from Naza-reth of Galilee, taking Mary his betrothed, who was great with child, that, according to the de-cree issued in those days by the Emperor Augustus, they might be registered in the census of those subject to Rome. Therefore, when the time came for the Virgin to give birth, and since because of the great multitude there was no place in the inn, the Virgin's cir-cumstace constrained them to enter a cave which was near Bethlehem. Having as shelter a stable of irrational beasts, she gave birth there, and swaddled the Infant and laid Him in the manger (Luke 2:1-7). From this, the tradition has come down to us that when Christ was born He lay between two animals, an ox and an ass, that the words of the Prophets might be fulfilled: "Between two living creatures shalt Thou be known" (Abbacum 3:2), and "The ox knoweth his owner and the ass his master's




crib" (Esaias 1: 3). But while the earth gave the

new-born Saviour such a humble reception, Heaven on high cele-brated majestically His world-saving coming. A wondrous star, shining with uncommon bright-ness and following a strange course, led Magi from the East to Bethlehem to worship the new-born King. Certain shepherds who were in the area of Bethle-hem, who kept watch while tend-ing their sheep, were suddenly surrounded by an extraordinary light, and they saw before them an Angel who proclaimed to them the good tidings of the Lord's joyous Nativity. And straightway, together with this Angel, they beheld and heard a whole host of the Heavenly Powers praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men" (Luke 2:8-14).

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS The tribes of Judah and Levi

were united by a fusion of their lines of descent, and that is why Matthew assigns Christ's family to the tribe of Judah. And the Apostle says, 'for our Lord has sprung out of Judah' (Heb. 7:14). St. Ambrose of Milan Seven Exe-getical Works, 4th Century

DECEMBER 29 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Gala-

tians 1:11-19 GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:13-23 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Second Tone When Thou didst descend unto

death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the light-ning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Nativity in the Fourth Tone

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God,

hath shined the light of knowledge upon the world; for thereby they that worshipped the stars were instructed by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Right-eousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Apolytikion for Sunday after Nativity in the Second Tone

O Joseph, proclaim the won-ders to David, the ancestor of God. Thou hast seen a Virgin great with child; thou hast given glory with the shepherds; thou hast worshipped with the Magi; and thou hast been instructed through an Angel. Entreat Christ God to save our souls.


On this day the Virgin beareth the Transcendent in essence; * to the Unapproachable, * the earth doth offer a small cave; * Angels join in choir with shep-herds * in giving glory; * with a star the Magi travel upon their journey; * for our sakes is born a young Child, * He that existed * before the ages as God.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday after Nativity James, the Brother of God Afterfeast of the Nativity Our Righteous Father Thad-

deus the Confessor Our Righteous Father Mar-

cellus, Abbot of the Monas-tery of the Unsleeping Ones

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS At His birth [He] is laid in a

manger, and abides in an inn, and takes a mother of low estate; teaching us to think no such thing a disgrace, and from the first outset trampling under foot the haughtiness of man, and bidding us give ourselves up to virtue only. For why do you pride yourself on your country, when I am commanding thee to be a stranger to the whole world? St. John Chrysostom Homily 9 on Matthew 2, 4th Century

JANUARY 5

EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Second Letter to

Timothy 4:5-8 GOSPEL READING Mark 1:1-8 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Third Tone Let the Heavens rejoice; let

earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He deliv-ered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Eve of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Fourth Tone

River Jordan was turned back by Elisseus' mantle once, when the fiery man of zeal Elias had been taken up; then were its waters divided hither and thither. The running streams became dry passage unto him, truly as a sign and type of Baptism, whereby we pass to the other side of the shifting stream of this fleeting life. Christ hath appeared in the Jordan River, to sanctify the wa-ters.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You appeared to the world to-day, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You: "You came, You were made mani-fest, the unapproachable light."

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday before Epiphany Apollinaria of Egypt Eve of the Theophany of

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

Righteous Syncletike of Alexandria

The Holy Martyrs Theo-pemptus and Theonas

When the persecution of Dio-cletian broke out in 290, Saint Theopemptus, a bishop, was taken for his confession of Christ, and convicted Diocletian to his

face for his error and ungodli-ness. Remaining unhurt after cruel tortures, he was given poi-son to drink, which had been prepared by a sorcerer named Theonas. Protected by divine grace from this also, he drew Theonas to Christ, and after oth-er torments, was beheaded. Saint Theonas was cast into a pit and buried alive.

January 6 The Theophany of Our Lord

and Saviour Jesus Christ

About the beginning of our Lord's thirtieth year, John the Forerunner, who was some six months older than Our Saviour according to the flesh, and had lived in the wilderness since his childhood, received a command from God and came into the parts of the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins. Then our Saviour also came from Galilee to the Jordan, and sought and received baptism though He was the Master and John was but a servant. Whereupon, there came to pass those marvellous deeds, great and beyond nature: the Heavens were opened, the Spirit descended in the form of a dove upon Him that was being bap-tized and the voice was heard from the Heavens hearing wit-ness that this was the beloved Son of God, now baptized as a man (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:1-22). From these events the Divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ and the great mys-

D E C E M B E R / J A N U A R Y S U N D AY S @ S A I N T S C O N S T A N T I N E & H E L E N

Dec 8, 29; Jan 19 Team A - Dominic Peri,

Kostas Polyzos, Jorgie Polyzos, Dean Peri, Joseph Dennie, Yian-ni Tsimplekis, James St. Martin, Cris Campbell

Dec 15; Jan 5, 26 Team B - Brandon Pingley,

Christian Detweiler, Hayden Hendricks, Michael Christou, Anthony Capobianco, Matthew Swanenburg, Johnny Gray

Dec 1, 22; Jan 12 Team C - Collin Patrinely.

Christos Konstantinou, Ian Sad-ler, Georgios Haramis, Ethan Detweiler, Christopher Myers, Soterios Tofalli

ACOLYTES


Son, thy sins are forgiven – Mark 2:5

Sons and daughters shall prophesy – Acts 2:17

Sons from afar – Isaiah 43:6 Sons of light and sons of day

– 1 Thess. 5:4 Sons of men – Psalm

107:21 Sons of the Most High -

Psalm 82:6 Sons of Zion – Psalm 149:2 Sons taught of the Lord –

Isaiah 54:13 Sons taught of the Lord –

Isaiah 54:13

T H R OU G H T H E B I B L E

A—Z

tery of the Trinity were demon-strated. It is also from this that the present feast is called "Theophany," that is, the divine manifestation, God's appearance among men. On this venerable day the sacred mystery of Chris-tian baptism was inaugurated; henceforth also began the saving preaching of the Kingdom of the Heavens.

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS But this exists in Christ, not as

a thing received, nor by commu-nication from another, but as His own, and as belonging to His substance, for He baptizes in the Holy Spirit. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homily 10., 4th Century

JANUARY 12 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the

Ephesians 4:7-13 GOSPEL READING Matthew 4:12-17 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Fourth Tone Having learned the joyful proc-

lamation of the Resurrection from the Angel, and having cast off the ancestral condemnation, the women disciples of the Lord spake to the Apostles exultantly: Death is despoiled and Christ God is risen, granting great mer-cy to the world.

Apolytikion for Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the First Tone

When Thou wast baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ our God, Who hast appeared and hast enlightened the world, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Tone

You appeared to the world today, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You: "You came, You were made man-ifest, the unapproachable light."

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Sunday after Epiphany Afterfeast of the The-

ophany of Our Lord and Sav-iour Jesus Christ

Martyr Mertios Tatiana the Martyr of Rome WISDOM OF THE FATHERS Take heed, then, often to come

together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith. St. Ignatius of Antioch Epis-tle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century

JANUARY 19 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's Letter to the Co-

lossians 3:4-11 GOSPEL READING Luke 17:12-19 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Plagal of the First Tone Let us worship the Word, O ye

faithful, praising Him that with the Father and the Spirit is co-beginningless God, Who was born of a pure Virgin that we all be saved; for He was pleased to mount the Cross in the flesh that He assumed, accepting thus to endure death. And by His glori-ous rising, He also willed to res-urrect the dead.

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Tone

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your com-monwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the lov-ing One.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Makarios of Alexandria Arsenius of Corfu Mark, Bishop of Ephesus Macarius the Great of Egypt

WISDOM OF THE FATHERS And why did He not rather say,

I will, be you cleansed; as He did in the case of another leper, but commanded them rather to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Lev. 14-2); for it commanded them to show themselves to the priests, and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing. St. Cyril of Alexandria Commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke, Homilies 113-116. B#42, pp. 465-466, 4th Century

JANUARY 26 EPISTLE READING St. Paul's First Letter to

Timothy 4:9-15 GOSPEL READING Luke 19:1-10 HYMNS OF THE DAY Resurrectional Apolytikion

in Plagal of the Second Tone Angelic powers were above Thy

tomb, and they that guarded Thee became as dead. And Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine immaculate Body. Thou hast despoiled Hades and wast not tried thereby. Thou didst meet the Virgin and didst grant us life. O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory be to Thee.

Seasonal Kontakion Your birth sanctified a Virgin's

womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your com-monwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the lov-ing One.

SAINTS AND FEASTS COMMEMORATED Symeon Elder of Mt Sinai Xenophon & Companions WISDOM OF THE FATHERS As long as he is in the crowd,

Zacchaeus does not see Christ; he climbs above the crowd and sees Him, namely, having trans-cended base ignorance, he de-served to perceive Him for Whom he longed. St. Cyril of Alexandria The Orthodox New Testament, The Holy Gospels, Volume 1


ATTENDANCE

October 27 298

November 3 133

November 10 209

November 17 207

Nov 2013 175

Nov 2012 205

YTD 13 Ave 176

YTD 12 Ave 174

November 24 150

C H U R C H R E G I S T R Y / A N N O U N C E M E N T S

BAPTISM The infant daughter of Valerie Bicouvaris Sta-

matakos and husband John was baptized at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, Maryland on November 16th and given the name Maria Joanna by her Godfather Pete Bisbikis. Our sincere congratulations and best wishes. Na sa zisoun !!!!!

DEATHS Our condolences to the family of Steve Manos,

whose brother George died in Greece on October 30.

Our condolences to the family of James Par-rous who died on November 4 . Funeral services were held in our church.

Our condolences to the family of John Palantzas whose mother Dimitra Angelo Palantzas recently died in Greece.

RECENTLY ILL AND NEEDING OUR PRAYERS We wish a speedy and complete recovery to

friends and fellow parishioners who have been ill and/ or recently hospitalized: Betsy Sacalis, George Koliopoulos, Vasiliki Gemenis, George Tsirimokos, Victoria Woodbury, Nick Vretakis.

THANK YOU Panayiota Tofalli sincerely thanks all her many

friends for their prayers, cads telephone calls, and get well wishes.

I thank all my good friends and fellow parishion-ers for their many phone calls, get well cards and the concern shown to me during my recent hospi-talization and surgery—Nick Vretakis

PORT HOMELESS SHELTER Our church will be feeding the homeless at Tab-

ernacle Church on January 19, 2014. Volunteers are needed for the overnight and morning shifts. Please submit your names to a Parish Council member in the Narthex of the church.

HELP DECORATE THE CHURCH FOR THE HOLIDAYS If you would like to sponsor a poinsettia to deco-

rate the church this holiday season, please contact Father George or a member of the Parish Council in the Narthex. Poinsettias may be donated in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone. Poinsettias are $20.00 each. Dead line is Friday December 13th.

NEW VIDEO SERIES LAUNCHED “Discovering Orthodox Christianity,” a 26–part

series of talk shows and Bible studies is now avail-able on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese homep-age at www.goarch.org Produced by GOTelecom and designed to educate viewers about the basic teachings of Orthodox Christianity, the series was made possible with a grant from the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Endowment Fund. Visit www.goarch.org for the spotlight on a new episode each week.

CHURCH CHRISTMAS CARD Each year, our community of Saints Constantine

and Helen mails a beautiful Christmas card, to all its members. The card includes the names of all those who donated $30.00 to the Christmas Card Fund. If you wish your family name to be included in this year’s Card, please return a check made payable to “GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH” marked for “Christmas Card” before the December 1st, dea

HELLENIC YOUTH DANCERS On Wednesday, December 18, 2013, dinner is

set! Chick-fil-A on Victory Boulevard in Yorktown is sponsoring a "Spirit Night" for the Hellenic Youth Dancers (HYD). A portion of all sales will be passed on to the HYD. So between 5:00pm and 8:00pm on this night, join us. Just remember to say "Hellenic Youth Dancers" when you place your order! You get a great meal and help out the dance group dine.

The approximate cost each month for the Cross+Roads is $375 for printing and $45 for

mailing. Should you wish to help sponsor the publishing of the Cross+Roads, please contact

the Church office.

CHURCH EMAIL LIST Subscribe to the church email list for monthly links to the Cross+Roads and important church announcements at:

www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org

DEADLINE Please email information no later than the 20th day of the

month to Nick Vlattas [email protected]

Cross+Roads

EPISTLE READERS

December 1: James Woodbury December 8: Christina Call (GOYA) December 15: Nick Vlattas December 22: Howard Mandeville December 29: Harry Fotiou

Life, purpose, mission, His Word to the un-‐‑churched, to the unbelievers, to those who see and live life and whose focus is on today and not the future.

Beloved ALL, Salvation has come into the world! Let us embrace Him Who has offered it and Who once again is making it available to each of us. Let us love Him with all our heart and mind. Look so that you may find the glowing star and follow it. This glowing star will lead us to the source of Light, the One who is the Light of the world, the One Who illumines and sanctifies everyone who comes into the world, His World.

Only then will we be able to offer glorious hymns proclaiming His Birth and Incarnation on December

25th remembering and living the event that brought joy to the world on that silent and holy night in Bethlehem. My friends, like the Magi and the shepherds, may we also receive our Lord with true reverence and awe and by preparing our gifts to Him by being philanthropic and thus, allowing His people who are not as fortunate as we may be, to also receive Him and to celebrate His Birth.

Praying for and offering my paternal blessings upon you and your families, and wishing you a blessed preparatory spiritual journey through this Nativity season, I remain,

With Paternal Love, † E V A N G E L O S Metropolitan of New Jersey

(Continued from page 1)

† E V A N G E L O S - N A T I V I T Y F A S T

If you would like to purchase Koliva for memorials, you may contact:

Helen George 722-0610 Anastasia Savrides 595-1581 Athena Savvas 599-8455


PHILOPTOCHOS Once again we are approach-

ing the making and baking our Vasilopites. Ladies, our baking dates are: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 4,5,&6 of December.

Please, make yourselves avail-able on these dates, as this is our premium fund-raising project. To our patrons: Please, make sure to place your order no later than December 1. and to pick up your vasilopites no later than December 8. Again, our sincere thanks for your continued patron-age.

This year, during our New Year's celebration, which will be held in our Sacalis Hall, Decem-ber 31, we will raffle off a God Lira. Be there. You might be the lucky winner.

We sincerely thank Andy Baker for donating the Lira for our raffle.

The December meeting of the Philoptochos will be held Mon-day, December 9 in our Commu-nity Center. We will be celebrat-ing the Christmas Holidays with a covered dish dinner. Do plan to attend and do bring your favorite dish to share with everyone and to enjoy good food and good fel-lowship.

The January meeting of the Philoptochos will be on Monday, January 6 in the Community Cen-ter, starting with refreshments at 6:30pm. Hosting this meeting will be Vicky Mignogna Smith and Louisa Velissarios.

The Philoptochos will host its Vasilopita Luncheon, Sunday, January 12, immediately follow-ing the Divine Liturgy. Our great chefs are already planning a sumptuous dinner. Please, plan to attend and share this wonder-ful meal with us. And once again our sincere thanks for your sup-port of our projects.

The Committee on Cancer Care thanks all those ladies of Philoptochos who have donated cookies, money and who made sandwiches that were taken to patients of Chemotherapy at Virginia Oncology. We again ask those in our Society as well as anyone in our Church Community who have not as yet participated in worth while effort to consider donating of their time and/or

treasure. Helping those in our Community who are going through a difficult time in their life is what Philoptochos is all about. So, PLEASE, help us help those who so very much need our help. Call Ellie Costulis at 833-8181 and volunteer your services in any way you can. We, on this Committee thank you, but more than that the cancer patients who receive our ministries thank you.

Philoptochos sends its best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2014 to all its members, fellow parishioners and to all those observing the Nativity of our Lord.

AHEPA AHEPA would like to thank all

those who supported our recent Casino Night which was held on November 23, 2013.

Our chapter is planning a Su-per Bowl party on Sunday, Febru-ary 2, 2014 at the AHEPA Family Center.

Please mark your calendars and come join us for a evening of fellowship, great food, games, and fun.

The mission of the AHEPA family is to promote the ancient Greek ideals of Education, Phi-lanthropy, Civic Responsibility and family and individual excel-lence through community service and volunteerism.

Please consider joining AHEPA and sharing in these val-ues. There is no better time to join then between now and the end of the year.

The Application Membership fee for new members, and the reinstate fee for inactive mem-bers will be waived during this period. Your annual dues will cover the remaining of 2013 and all of 2014. Please take ad-vantage of this great offer. Our next two upcoming AHEPA meetings will be on Thursday, December 12, 2013 which will also be our Christmas party, then on Thursday January 30, 2014.

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The December meeting of the

Daughters will be held Thursday, December 12 starting with dinner at 6:45pm. In observance of the Holiday Season, the Daughters

will close this meeting with a gift exchange among the members and with sharing with our brother AHEPANS special desserts pre-pared by the Daughters.

Our January meeting will be held Thursday, January 30, start-ing with dinner at 6:45pm and continuing with the business meeting at 7:30pm.

We, the Daughters of Penelo-pe wish everyone a Merry Christ-mas and a Happy and Prosper-ous New Year.

HELLENIC WOMAN’S PENELOPE SOCIETY: The Hellenic Woman’s Penel-

ope Society (HWPS) will hold its annual Christmas Banquet in honor of the Golden Hearts on Sunday, December 8th at 1:00 pm at Angelo’s Restaurant in Newport News.

Our Fall Bake Sale was held on November 8-10 at the Hamp-ton Convention Center. All our delicious pastries were locally made. We extend our sincere appreciation to those members and friends of the Society who so kindly offered their talents and services prior and during the bake sale. We will continue to sell until Christmas. If anyone is interested in placing an order for baklava, finikia, koulourakia, and/or kourabiethes, please call 596-6909. We will also continue to sell after church on Sundays.

The 1913 Revised Edition of our cookbook, Culinary Gifts from the Greeks, is now on sale. It contains many new recipes to enhance your dinner menus. If interested in purchasing a copy, call Marika Anthony, Tessie Da-kis, Pauline Schlim, or Maggie Thompson to place your order.

Preparations for the 15th An-nual Dinner Theater, which will take place on Saturday, March 1st, are under way. The Poquoson Island Players (PIPs) will present the delightful mys-tery/comedy, “Death by Choco-late,” by Paul Freed. Specific details will be sent to our patrons in late January. All proceeds from the Dinner Theater and the bake sale will go toward the purchase of additional banquet chairs for the Sacalis Hall.

On October 17, our Book Group welcomed The Norfolk Annunciation Cathedral’s Book

Group for a delightful luncheon and discussion of the book, The Cyclops Conspiracy. The pres-ence of Mr. David Perry, author of the book, was an asset to our discussion.

On November 14, we celebrat-ed our 84th Anniversary during which we viewed the HWPS video depicting 84 years of service and philanthropy to our church com-munity and to our community-at-large. We also welcomed our newest members, Barbara France and Violette Samaan. Our continued success lies not in our numbers, but in our commitment to make our world a better place for all.

The January meeting will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 6:30 pm at the Hellenic Center. Maria Vidakis will serve as hostess.

We wish a MERRY CHRIST-MAS and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all!

We thank all those parishion-ers who served as hosts for the month of November. The De-cember 2013 & January 2014 hosts are:

Dec.1: M/M Alvin Garrison, M/M Anastasius Georgalas, Mr.Jack Georgalas, Dr.Venisse & Richard Morton.

Dec 8: Mrs. Helen George, M/M Bill Georges, M/M Tom Georges, Mrs. Angela Gionis

Dec 15: M/M Theo Gouletas, Dr. Eugenia & David Gray, M/M Tom Grepiotis, Mrs. Maxine Grepiotis

Dec 22: M/M J. Hanline, Ms. K. Haramis, M/M Roger Head-rick, M/M Barry Hendricks

Dec 29: Ms. Joan Hill, M/M Jason Hollbrook, M/M G. Ikonomou Mr. S. Ikonomou, M/M Socratis Ikonomou.

Jan 5: Mrs P. Irwin , M/M /C. Jansen, M/M J. Kaligos, MM S Kamsuik

Jan 12: Mrs H Kanelos & Frank, M/M J. Karatsikis, Mrs. A. Karatsikis, M/M G. Katsanto-nis

Jan 19: Mr Sam Khoshaba, Mr, Dan Kocic, M/M J. Koenig,

Jan 26: M/M Pete Kokolis, M/M Marinos Kokolis,M/M Jimmy Kokolis, M/M Mike Ko-kolis

REFRESHMENTS




P A R I S H C O U N C I L M I N U T E S — O C T O B E R 2 1 , 2 0 1 3 The meeting convened at

7:00 PM by John Dermanis with the opening prayer by Father George Chioros. The following items were discussed and action items are shown in bold script.

Present: Father George Chioros, John Dermanis, Kent Paumier, Michael Chalkias, Bob-by Vidakis, Bobby Garofalis, Elias Doulgerakis, Frank Peri, & Roger Headrick

Absent: Jason Holbrook & Zena Mageras

Minutes: Vidakis motion to approve 16 Sept 13 meeting minutes; Seconded by Peri, Passed unanimously

Correspondence: Donation Request from Hel-

lenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Rev. FR N.C. Triantafilou, Presi-dent, Dated 5 Sept 13, in honor of their 75TH Anniversary.

Letter of Thanks from the Metropolis of New Jersey, Metro-politan Evangelos, Dated 12 Sept 13, for our donation of $400.00 for Camp Good Shepherd.

Thank You from our Choir, Dated 13 Oct 13, for paying the $135.00 fee for the EFGOCM Annual Conference at St. Katheri-nes in Falls Church, VA on 17-20 Oct 13.

Treasurer’s Report: Attached with minutes

Committee Reports House / Education: Hall Rent-

al - Dermanis is working with the Virginia Garden Club for two weeks in 2016 & 2017 for a Rose Show & Daffodil Show. The show will be daily 11-4 using the

hall only. Dermanis will check with the Club on our running a food concession during the events.

9 Nov 13 – Youth Challenge Dinner

Maintenance / Building / Se-curity / Audio:

Doulgerakis – The repairs to the hall’s leaks around HVAC units and drain connections are complete and we had no leaks during the recent rain events. He will purchase some additional materials to recover the existing exposed vent duct.

Festival: Fall Festival is this weekend. We need everyone’s help to make this event a suc-cess.

Missions: By Nick Vlattas via Email, dated 20 Oct 13.

Presented the following Mis-sion Committee contribution recommendations for Parish Council approval:

$1,000 for the purchase of food for the PORT project in 2014.

$500 for the Southeastern Correctional Ministry in 2013.

$100 for the Missions Walk sponsored by St. Nicholas in Virginia Beach in 2013.

Motion - Dermanis to accept the Missions Committee recom-mendations; Seconded by Doulg-erakis.

Discussion – Peri asked for clarification on which groups/organizations receives the contri-butions.

Dermains – the groups vary from year to year and our based

on the Committee’s recommen-dations.

Motion passed unanimously Vlattas also requested the

appointment of a new Missions Ministry chairperson for 2014.

Christine Mignogna, Stavroula Gailey, & Zena Mageras have volunteered for the Port Project, but we still need volunteers to support this program.

Elections: 3 Nov 13 – voting begins after the Liturgy. The fol-lowing (8) are running for (6) council positions:

Alex Constantine Barry Hendricks Elias Doulgerakis Nikolaos Matheos Gus Fotiades Robert Dempson Alexis Galoozis Frank Peri Priest’s Report: Festival is this weekend. 30 Oct 13 – Father will have a

seminar for Parish Council nomi-nees

3 Nov 13 – voting begins after the Liturgy

10 Nov 13 – Trisagion Service in Honor of our Veterans. Please have all veterans sit in the first row of pews

on the right side of the Church.

7-8 Dec 13 – GOYA Basketball Tournament. Parish Council will purchase an add to be paid by the council members.

Unfinished Business: Hall Renovations by Roger

Headrick – Starting to get the bids back with rebuilding the light valances and installing hi-

impact drywall. A poster will be placed in the narthex with the names of those who have con-tributed to the Hellenic Center Renovation Fund. We need to complete a strategic plan to ag-gressively market the facilities to get renters.

Letter from Heritage Law Group, Dated 19 Sept 13, nam-ing our Church as a beneficiary of long time parishioner Ernest “Danny” Daniel’s estate. The money is to be used for a schol-arship fund, in Danny’s name, for $1000.00 annually to be paid directly to the school. The schol-arship is to be administered by a committee appointed by the Par-ish Council.

New Business: New Vacuum Cleaner for

Church – Georgene Paumier requested a new vacuum cleaner be purchased for the church. The one presently in use was pur-chased about 8 years ago and is worn out. Paumier provided ven-dor information for an Oreck UPRO18T Dual Motor 18" Com-mercial Upright Vacuum with On Board Tools for $459.99. Mo-tion by Vidakis to purchase the vacuum as noted above for $459.99; Seconded by Doulg-erakis. Passed unanimously.

Adjournment; Father closed with a prayer at 7:55 PM. Next meeting is 18 Nov 13 at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Kent Paumier, Secretary

BLESSINGS OF HOMES Dear Parish Member and Friend: We will soon be observing and celebrating the religious

holiday of Epiphany. As the holiday approaches I want to again remind you that

if you wish to have your home blessed in January, to please contact the church office or me personally so that I may be able to set a schedule of visits.

Please fill out the form below and return it to the church office. Prior to my visit to your home you will be contacted in order to set an appropriate time for my visit.

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. Sincerely, Father George Chioros

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN TO CHURCH OR CHURCH OFFICE BY JANUARY 6, SO THAT A SCHEDULE MAY BE MADE Dear Father: I do not wish to have my home blessed this year (______). I wish to have my home blessed this year (______). Please visit: Morning (___) Afternoon (___) Evening (___) Name Address Telephone


1 Sunday 14th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

3 Tuesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm

4Wednesday Saint Barbara 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Divine Liturgy Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm HYD practice Vasilopita Baking

5 Thursday Vasilopita Baking

6 Friday Saint Nicholas 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Divine Liturgy Vasilopita Baking

8 Sunday 10th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

9 Monday Philoptochos 6:30pm


11 Wednesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm Paraclesis 5:45pm Adult Education 6:30pm Choir 7:30pm

12 Thursday Saint Spyridon Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

14 Saturday Christmas Program Practice

15 Sunday 11th Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00 5 year Memorial – Tom Paparis Christmas Program

16 Monday 10:30am Golden Hearts 7:00pm Parish Council


18 Wednesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm 7:30 Choir

22 Sunday Sunday before Nativity Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am

24 Tuesday Nativity Eve 10:00am Royal hours 7:00pm Vespers Liturgy

25 Wednesday Holy Nativity 9:00am Orthros 1000am Liturgy Office closed

29 Sunday Sunday after Nativity 8:45am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy No Sunday School

31Tuesday NYE Dance

1 Wednesday St. Basil the Great New Year’s Day 9:0am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Church Office Closed

5 Sunday Lesser Blessing of Water 8:45 am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

6 Monday Theophany Great Blessing of Water 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Philoprochos 6:30pm

7 Tuesday Saint John the Baptist 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm

8 Wednesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm GOYA Basketball/Boys & Girls 6:00pm/7:30pm 7:30pm Choir

9 Thursday 6:30pm HWPS

11 Saturday Wedding 4:00pm

12 Sunday Sunday after Theophany 8:45am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Vasilopita Luncheon



17 Friday Saint Anthony 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

18 Saturday Saint Athanasios 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

19 Sunday 8:45am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy 21 Tuesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm


23 Thursday 6:45pm Ahepa/DOP

25 Saturday Saint Gregory the Theologian 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

26 Sunday (Zacchaeus) 8:45am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

28Tuesday Greek School 8:00pm/5:00pm


30 Thursday Three Hierarchs 9:00am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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December 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January 2014

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 50 Newport News

Virginia

C O M E W O R S H I P T H E G L O RY O F G O D

Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Matins 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 11:15 a.m. Religious Education (Sep-May) 11:30 a.m. Christian Fellowship (Hellenic Center)

Mission Statement The mission of Saints Constantine & Helen

Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News, Virginia is to keep, practice, and proclaim the Orthodox Christian Faith. The work and ministry of our Parish will include proclaiming the Gospel, sanctifying the faithful through God's grace in worship, the Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments, and enhancing their spiritual life. We will fulfill the great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by inviting others into the Church through Baptism and/or Chrisma-tion, educating them in the Orthodox Faith through the establishment of programs, schools and phil-anthropic activities, and implementing Christian ministries.

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606

Return Address Requested

www.schgochurch.va.goarch.org

Phone (757) 596-6151 Fax (757) 596-2967

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s

Documents

Saints Constantine & Helen Newport News VA 23606 … · Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 60 Traverse Road Newport News VA 23606 Volume 14, Issue #9 December 2013