St. Christopher

Hellenic Orthodox Church 313 Dividend Drive, Suite 210

Peachtree City, Georgia 30269

Phone: (770) 347-PRAY (7729) Website: www.saintchristopherhoc.org

Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis, Pastor

Tammy Soulakos, President, Parish Council

Jackie Sarantis, Office Assistant

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October 2019

Immediately before the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday after GreekFest, I asked parishioners to share blessings we had received at our 2019 GreekFest. In no time parishioners offered their thanksgiving for so many parishioners coming together as a parish family and giving of themselves to ensure our success. We were blessed with generous sponsors and guests from our local community supporting our efforts. As Philhellenes, they truly are our friends and embraced the warm and inviting hospitality of our Hellenic spirit. This year, our volunteers were even younger and included many non-Orthodox working alongside us. Serving together, we had fun and were filled with joy in the weeks and days leading up to our annual event. It included 350 guests, one half of which came for the first time. We were grateful for the servant leadership attitude exhibited by our volunteers; it unified our hearts and minds and strengthened our parish family. Thank you, Lord for these and many more blessings captured in the photos that follow:

Thank You, Lord!

Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George:

Thank You, Lord!

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Pastoral Remarks From Fr. George:

Thank You, Lord!

Very Rev. Fr. George J. Tsahakis Chancellor, Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta Pastor, St. Christopher Hellenic Orthodox Church

Visit the St. Christopher’s Online Parish Calendar at www.saintchristopherhoc.org/Calendar.php

for up-to-the-minute details about upcoming events and services!

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Coweta/Fayette Citizens Come Together to

Support Community Outreach

Citizens and community leaders in Coweta, Fayette, and all over the metro Atlanta area came together to support our St. Christopher Outreach Ministry at the 1st Annual St. Christopher Golf Classic held on August 26th at Flat Creek Country Club in Peachtree City. Elevating public awareness of our ministry, the event drew support from 40 corporate sponsors and over 50 golfers. More importantly, in addition to raising money for the building fund, our ministry efforts provided support to youth in the form of scholarships through the Joseph Sams School and The Bedford School. The 1st Annual St. Christopher Golf Classic raised over $16,000 in net proceeds and provided scholarships to 4 students and families. October 6th will be an exciting day for our parish as we welcome the families of our scholarship recipients to St. Christopher to present their scholarships. We hope you will join us for the event. Faithfully, Tom Farmakis

Title Sponsor: Broadway Diner

Bronze Sponsors: Jefferson Browne Gresham Architects, Inc Barbara J. Holcomb GAT Airground Support

Putting Contest, 5-day/4-night Cruise: Talbot Bank

Straight Drive Contest, VIP Sports Tickets: B2 Contracting

Trip to Greece Hole in One Contest: GreekFest

Car Hole in One: Cronic Automotive Group

Golf Cart Hole in One: 3 Guys Golf Carts

Pebble Beach Golf Vacation Hole in One: Strategic Group

of Companies

Breakfast Sponsor: Chick-Fil-A

On the Turn Sponsor: Broadway Diner

Golf Hat Sponsor: John Trimble

Graphic Design: Greek Girl Graphics

Golf Hole Sponsors: ATA Cheer Bell Mutual Insurance and Financial Services Cynthia Cromartie Harry Norman, Realtors

Golf Hole Sponsors (cont.): DGS Dr. & Mrs. Evangelos Moraitis and Family Fayette Humane Society Jasper Engines & Transmissions Piedmont Fayette Hospital Piedmont Newnan Hospital Pinewood Realty Slepian, Schwartz & Landgaard Spezzano's Market Tammy Soulakos Keller Williams Atlanta Partners (2) United Community Bank Silent Auction Sponsors: Atlanta Trek Big Shots Kitchen & Bar Chin Chin Flat Creek Golf Course Gail Ericsson Game On Newnan Ichiban Rick Steves' Europe Santa of Atlanta (Peter Poulos) St. Christopher’s Philoptochos Society Southern Ground Amphitheater The Fred White Oak / Cannon Gate Golf Course

2019 St. Christopher Golf Classic Sponsors

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GreekFest 2019

Thank you!

On behalf of myself, Dina Tagalos-Kearns, Julie Torres, and Anna Andreeva-Naydenova, I just wanted to take a moment to let all of you know that your efforts before, during, and after GreekFest 2019 were and are greatly appreciated.

You took time from the “busy-ness” of your own lives to participate in a ministry opportunity at St. Christopher’s bringing to GreekFest your individual skills, abilities, compassion, and humor. You gave your time generously without any expectation of reward, yet you also received the reward of camaraderie with each other, new friendships and fellowship, and a job well done. It may seem that much of the work for GreekFest is “behind the scenes”, and no one really cares, but we do care and we appreciate every effort, large or small, that was offered by each of you. We would be remiss if we didn’t remind you though that in reality it is God that we are working for, and all glory and honor should go directly to Him! William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, was interviewed near the close of his life. This is what he said: “God had all there was of me. There have been others who had greater plans, greater opportunities than I; but from the day I got a vision of what God could do, I made up my mind God would have all there was of William Booth.” Let us all strive to make up our minds that God would have all there was of each of us! Thank you again for all your efforts for the 2019 GreekFest!! Faithfully, Julie Skouteris

2019 Appreciation Luncheon For

GreekFest Volunteers

Please join us Sunday, October 20th, 2019 beginning at 11:30 am

All GreekFest volunteers are invited to join us, including family members or friends who helped us that do not belong to our parish.

Please reach out to them and let them know the date and time. Or better yet – invite them to worship with us and then join us in

fellowship!

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October is Clergy Appreciation Month

Think for a moment of the clergy who have made a difference in your life. Don’t think of the ones who may have failed you. Perhaps they were struggling with things we could never understand. But

think instead of the people God brought to you to help you heal, grow, mature, love, and for-give. Think of the men who made sure there were services and sacraments available to us. Think of the ones who sat with you for hours until you were ok. Do you have someone in mind? Now go! Go

and show them your appreciation. Send a card with a note of thanks. Take them out to lunch. Be on time for Liturgy this Sunday. Pray for them. Let them know you appreciate what they are doing

for your community. Surely they are doing something well, even if it’s just one thing. If you can’t think of a priest, look for your baptismal certificate and thank the priest who baptized you.

(Borrowed from the Orthodox Christian Network, http://myocn.net/clergy-deserve-our-sincere-appreciation/ )

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Schedule for Greet and Close Teams – October

No schedule is being printed this month because only 3 volunteers have signed up for the entire month. If all adult parishioners would volunteer at least twice a year we would have a full schedule for an entire year. Signing up is easy, as are the tasks when shared. This is what our stalwart Greet and Close team members do for all of us each week:

Greet and Close Checklist for Sunday Church Services

VOLUNTEER 1: Greeter - During Orthros & Divine Liturgy:

□ One of the team members should be the greeter for the day. Put out Handicap Parking signs. Please arrive 15 minutes before services begin (no later than 7.30 AM). Have newcomers /visitors sign our guest book and help them with any handouts or books they may need. For a more detailed document about what is expected of a greeter, see a separate sheet of paper in the folder. □ Light center candle in candle stand in hallway. Restock with candles. During services, take care of the stand with candles and extinguish the ones that are too small. Please inform Fr. George if we are running low on candles. □ Sweep/vacuum “obvious” debris overlooked in front of Iconostasion (dead flowers, bread crumbs); Make sure everything is neat and tidy in the Sanctuary (pick up and discard stray papers, cups, candles). □ Check bathrooms and restock with soap, paper towels and paper toilet, if needed. □ Turn on light in Nursery and open door. □ Help Father George with any other tasks he needs assistance with.

Closing responsibilities - At Conclusion of Service:

□ Wipe clean the Icons in the hallway and the glass of the entrance door. □ Check Collection Baskets – If the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer for the Parish Council are not available but there is money left in the baskets, under dual control stuff the gifts into the slot in the locked drawer – do not count. For Hands of Love, under dual control, place in an envelope with each person signing for the amount, seal, date and place in the drawer. Please mark the envelope “Hands of Love”.

VOLUNTEER 2 Closing responsibilities - At Conclusion of Service:

□ Collect and properly dispose of bulletins, service manuals Rip left over bulletins in two and throw away. □ Pick up big pieces of antidoron from pews and floor and discard outside, in a clean place, preferably in the grass. □ Vacuum the Sanctuary and the Nursery (after the religious education and other meetings are over). □ Take out the trash - from the kitchen to the dumpster

VOLUNTEER 3 Closing responsibilities - At Conclusion of Service: (Continued on next page)

Schedule for Greet and Close Teams – October (Continued)

VOLUNTEER 3 Closing responsibilities - At Conclusion of Service:

□ Bathrooms: wipe sinks, toilet bowls, floor, throw away the trash and put a new bag in the trash □ Ensure all candles are extinguished! Please double check –candles on tables in sanctuary, altar table and altar – 7 total and those in hallway; clean sand and trace cross, restock candles. □ Check that the 3 exit doors are closed and locked:

- door in the sanctuary (left of the Altar); - door after the Bookstore - button on the door knob must be pushed in; - door after the 2nd bathroom - button on the door knob must be pushed in.

□ Turn off lights: bookstore, classrooms, bathrooms, sanctuary, nursery, upstairs classroom, fellowship room, kitchen, bathrooms. □ Turn off Kitchen A/C unit, empty water bucket if necessary. □ Check stove and oven. □ Discard any open food containers/water bottles inadvertently left out. □ Collect “Handicap Parking” signs and place inside door. □ Lock Entry Door – Be sure door closes and locks.

* To volunteer go to https://www.signupgenius.com/

go/4090e4eafae2ca3fe3-volunteer

Thank you for your commitment to St. Christopher Greet and Close Committee! Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083, cynthia.cromartie@harrynorman.com and

Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663, Tammy@soulakos.org

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Christmas is a time to show love and help those in need. Our prayer shawls accomplish both those goals as well as to provide both a physical and a mental hug. On December 15th, Fr. George will bless our prayer shawls. Through our shawls, we will get the opportunity to share our Christian Love with the women who are seeking protection and assistance from Promise Place. The gift of our shawls lets these women know that they are being thought about and prayed for. Shawls made of soft, cuddly yarns in comforting or bight colors will help make them feel very special. Please contact Susan Kleto at (678) 877-9115 or sbkleto@gmail.com to either become a participant in this ministry, to receive yarn, to receive sew-in labels, to receive a Prayer Guide, or if you have any questions or suggestions for improving this ministry.

Santa’s Helpers “Knitting the Night Away”

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Hands of Love: October

All Sundays in October:

Division of Family and Children Services

in Fayette County, Georgia

We will be collecting gift cards for food to assist the Fayette County

Division of Family and Children Services. Areas served are Brooks, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone and Woolsey.

The mission of the Department of Human Services (DHS) is to strengthen Georgia by promoting self-sufficiency, independence, and protecting vulnerable children and adults. As part of the Department of Human Services dedicated to children, the Division of Family and Children Services investigates child abuse, facilitates placement in foster homes for children, helps low income and out-of-work parents get back on their feet, and assists with childcare costs. To report Child abuse, call the CPS Central Intake Call Center at

1 (855) GA-CHILD. The Customer Contact Center is at 1(877) 423-4746. Although the division is well funded and adequately staffed, your gift cards will be of immediate help to a child or a troubled family in an emergency. Anna Andreeva-Naydenova “Hands of Love” Philoptochos Ministry Chair

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you to do this word which says, You shall surely open your hands to your broth-

er, to your poor and needy in your land.“ (Deut. 15:11)

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The following families are scheduled to prepare Prosfora this month:

PROSFORA BAKERS: PLEASE BE SURE TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS! To aid Fr. George in his

preparations, please have your Prosfora offering to the church NO LATER THAN 7:00 am for morning Liturgies and 4:00 pm for evening Liturgies.

Presbytera Marinda appreciates everyone’s help and if needs arise, please contact her at mtsahakis@comcast.net or (770) 381-1842.

Sunday, Oct. 6 (due Sun., Oct. 6 by 7:00 am) Pat MacDougall & Stella Christodoulopoulos

Sunday, Oct. 13 (due Sun., Oct. 13 by 7:00 am) Helen Psihountas & Julie Skouteris

Sunday, Oct. 20 (due Sat., Oct. 20 by 7:00 am) Costas & Tammy Soulakos/Lydia McGee

Saturday, Oct. 26 (due Sun., Oct. 26 by 7:00 am) Georgia Lungaro/Claudia Sliwinski

Sunday, Oct. 27 (due Sun., Oct. 27 by 7:00 am) Susan Kleto/Effie Sakkas

October Prosfora Baking Schedule

“Go into the world and proclaim the Good News to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Important Dates to Remember: Baking for the Fall Pastry Sale

October Prep for Spanakopita Thursday, Oct. 10th - 10:00 am Rolling for Spanakopita Saturday, Oct. 12th – 9:00 am Prep for Tiropita Thursday, Oct 24th – 10:00 am Rolling for Tiropita Saturday, Oct. 26th (following the Liturgy) 10:30 am

November

Baklava Saturday, Nov. 2nd - 9:00 am Melomakarona Saturday, Nov. 16th - 9:00 am Sunday, Nov. 3rd - 11:30 am and Sunday, Nov. 17th - 11:30 am Monday, Nov. 4th - 5:00 pm Kourambiedes Monday, Nov. 18th - 10:00 am

Look for your Pastry order form (p. 6)

Calendar of Meetings: October 20 Board Meeting November 17 General Meeting December 15 Board Meeting January 19 General Meeting February 16 Board Meeting March 15 General Meeting April 19 Board Meeting May 17 General Meeting June 21 Board Meeting Your Sister in Christ,

Helen Psihountas, Philoptochos President

Philoptochos News and Updates

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PARISH PRIEST: Fr. George Tsahakis, Protopresbyter (770) 381-1842

PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS: Fr. George Tsahakis, Protopresbyter (770) 381-1842 Tammy Soulakos, President (404) 625-4663 Julie Skouteris, Vice President (770) 253-2722 Jeanie McGee, Secretary (404) 405-5370 George Psihountas, Treasurer (770) 298-4496 Stephen Sarantis, Assistant Treasurer (770) 719-1133 Stephen Butler (770) 461-1800 Maria Cahill (770) 830-5527 Tom Farmakis (404) 428-7006 Steve Theodorakis (404) 717-5887 MINISTRY LEADERS: Altar Boys and Myrrh Bearers: Fr. George Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Building Committee Chairman: George Zavlanos (770) 253-6767 Building Fundraising Committee: Tom Farmakis (404) 428-7006 Chantors: George Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Choir: Jeanie Ellinas (678) 360-4559 Church Maintenance/Facilities: Stephen Sarantis (770) 719-1133 Church Supplies Ordering: Education, Culture, & Youth Diakonia Committee: Maria Cahill (770) 830-5527 Facebook: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Finance Committee: Steve Wilson (770) 597-0263 Greek Orthodox Youth of America (GOYA): Sheryl Vasiliadis (770) 252-7881 Greet and Close Teams: Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083 Hellenic Dance: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Hellenic Language: (No teacher available at this time) H.O.P.E./J.O.Y.: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 Emilia Moraitis (678) 423-7951 Inventory and Assets: Steve Theodorakis (404) 717-5887 Newsletter: Susan Kleto (678) 877-9115 Outreach Committee: Jeanie McGee (404) 405-5370 Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF): Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Peachtree City GreekFest 2019: Julie Skouteris (770) 253-2722 Julie Torres (678) 979-6449 Dina Tagalos Kearns (470) 277-2126 Anna Andreeva-Naydenova (770) 301-7675 Personnel: Tammy Soulakos (404) 625-4663 Philoptochos: Helen Psihountas (770) 298-4493 Prosfora/Kolyva/Artoklasia: Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Publicity Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083 Real Estate Committee: Cynthia Cromartie (678) 570-5083 Religious Education Program: Katie Wilson (404) 434-0877 St. Christopher Bookstore: Becky Butler (770) 461-1800 and Emilia Moraitis (678) 423-7951 St. Christopher Library: Presbytera Marinda Tsahakis (770) 381-1842 Stewardship Committee: Jeanie McGee (404) 405-5370

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Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2 Strict Fast

3 6:30 pm Choir Practice

4 Strict Fast

5

6 3rd Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Blessing of Five Loaves, October Commemorations, & Golf Classic Scholarship Presentations 11:00 “Lunch and Learn Sunday” 11:15 am Rel. Ed. Classes (for all ages)

7

8

9 Strict Fast

10 10:00 am Fall Pastry Sale Spanakopitas Batter Prep 6:30 pm Choir Practice

11 Strict Fast

12 9:00 am Fall Pastry Sale Rolling of Spanakopitas

13 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council National Church Music Sunday - Rescheduled from 10/6 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Memorial Service - 44 years for George Spetsios & 4 years for Penelope Spetsios 10:30 am Coffee Fellowship 10:45 am Rel. Ed. Classes (for all ages) 11:45 am Parish Council Mtg. 1:30 pm St. Christopher Outreach Committee Mtg.

14

15

16 5:00 pm November Newsletter Article Deadline Strict Fast

17 6:30 pm Choir Practice

18 Strict Fast

19

20 6th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Coffee Fellowship 10:45 am Rel. Ed. Classes (for all ages) 11:30 am Appreciation Luncheon for GreekFest Volunteers 12:30 pm Philoptochos Board Mtg.

21

22

23 Oil and Wine Allowed

24 10:00 am Fall Pastry Sale Tiropitas Batter Prep 6:30 pm Choir Practice

25 Strict Fast

26 Feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am Fall Pastry Sale Rolling of Tiropitas

27 7th Sunday of St. Luke 7:45 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:15 am Coffee Fellowship 10:45 am Rel. Ed. Classes (for all ages) 12:00 pm “Let’s Eat”, Broadway Diner, Fayetteville

28

29

30 Strict Fast

31 6:30 pm Choir Practice

Community Calendar October 2019

October is Clergy Appreciation

Month!! (See p. 6)