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December 2016
St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church 4 Appleton Street ■ Arlington, MA 02476 ■ 781.646.0705
■ www.saintathanasius.org ■ email: [email protected]
The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2:1-18
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment, when Quirin'i-us was governor of Syria.
And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of
Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called
Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of
David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with
child.
And while they were there, the time came for her to be
delivered.
And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in
swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was
no place for them in the inn.
And in that region there were shepherds out in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of
the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.
And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring
you good news of a great joy which will come to all the
people;
For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who
is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped
in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in
the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!"
When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; and all who heard
it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
SAINT ATHANASIUS THE GREAT GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Metropolis of Boston 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476
ASKISIS
OFFICIAL Publication of St. Athanasius the Great
Greek Orthodox Church
Arlington, MA 02476
PARISH COUNCIL
Dean Ioakimidis .................................................. President
Bill Karras ............................................. 1st Vice President
A. Paul Tsitsopoulos ............................. 2nd Vice President
S. Nicholas Kriketos ............................................ Secretary
Maria Tsaousidis ................................. Associate Secretary
Stefanos Bouboulis .............................................. Treasurer
Nikitas Splagounias ........................ Associate Treasurer #1
Emmanuel Meimaris ...................... Associate Treasurer #2
Vassilios Pantazopoulos ................. Associate Treasurer #3
Parish Council Members: ........................................... David Bowling, Antonios Dakopoulos,
George Katsarakas, Peter Ladas, Charles Pappas,
Eleanor Profis, Ted Speros, Mark Ypsilantis
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Winter: Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy: 10:00 am
Summer: Orthros 8:00 am Divine Liturgy: 9:15 am
Proistamenos: Rev. Fr. Nicholas Kastanas
Assistant Priest: Fr. Aaron C. Walker
St. Athanasius the Great is a parish under the spiritual and
ecclesial oversight of His Eminence Metropolitan
Methodios of the Metropolis of Boston, Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, under the jurisdiction of The
Ecumenical Patriachate of Constantinople.
The St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church in
Arlington, Massachusetts strives to be the living witness of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our mission as a parish
is to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13), as St. Paul so
exhorts. Thus it is our rich blessing to strive and bring the
Light of Christ to all of God’s people, through Orthodox
Christian tradition, education and philanthropy. We seek
to serve the spiritual needs of our faithful parishioners
through the sacramental life of the Church. By means of
outreach and faith in God, we continue our growth as a
living Church by inviting others into the Orthodox faith
through Baptism and/or Chrismation, and educating them
through the establishment of our Christian ministries,
programs, schools and philanthropic activities.
PARISH MINISTRIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Altar Boys (Acolytes) ..................... Fr. Nicholas Kastanas
Cantors/Psaltes ............. Gregory Evangelis, Spyros Prois,
...................... Dimitrios Manolakis, and Vasilios Meimaris
Choir Director ............................................ Stella Pathiakis
Greek School Director ................ Fr. Nicholas M. Kastanas
Greek School PTO ............................ Tina Christodouleas,
....................................Betty Dakopoulos, Tanya Stamoulis
Little Halos Day School Director ........ Kaiti Galanopoulos
Little Halos Parent/Teacher Consultant ............................
................................................ Dr. Anastasia Galanopoulos
Fellowship Hour Ministry ............................ Eleanor Profis
Fifties Plus ................................................ Irene Paleologos
Gardening Ministry ........................... S. Nicholas Kriketos
GOYA President .................................. Stavros Ioakimidis
JOY & HOPE ................................................. Maria Matos
P.E.A.C.E. Ministry ........................... Elaine Kakambouras
Philoptochos President ............................... Irene Kalogeris
Pine Street Inn Ministry ................................ Randy Fassas
Stewardship Chair ................................... Maria Tsaousidis
Sunday School Director ...................... Ioannis Moutsatsos
Sunday School Assoc. Director ......... Cassandra Chamallas
Metropolis of Boston website ...... www.boston.goarch.org
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website .......www.goarch.org
CHURCH DIRECTORY
Parish Administrative Assistants –
Stella Kazantzas & Kathy VanKuilenburg
Parish Office
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Main Office: (781) 646-0705
FAX: (781) 641-4700
EMAIL: [email protected]
Website: www.saintathanasius.org
Fr. Nick Kastanas *Emergency Pager* (781) 673-2002
Fr. Nick email: [email protected]
Fr. Aaron email: [email protected]
1
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Already we are preparing for Christmas. The forty days of preparation before Christmas are
sometimes called Advent--meaning Christ’s “arrival.” The church invites us to use this time to
focus our minds and hearts on the true meaning of the Birth of Christ--the arrival of the Son of
God into our world. Soon, we will be celebrating Christmas--the incarnation and birth of our Lord
Jesus--who became the little helpless human baby of a poor, prayerful, young woman in Palestine.
In other words, the arrival of Immanuel, the name which means God-is-with-us.
Why did He do this? Why did God become one of us humans? As the reflection by Fr. Anthony
Coniaris, inside this issue of Askisis, reminds us--Christ came in order to express His love and
save us all from sin and death, because He cares for us.
Let us remind ourselves daily of His care: “If he cares for me, then I can never give up hope...
Because He came as a little child, I have a purpose as His child.” Let us reach out to Him, the
Prince of Peace, in the midst of our struggles, and ask Him to bring His Peace to our hearts.
But we have to do our part to be at peace. This time of year can be a very busy time for many of
us. Let us pay attention to the choices and commitments we make, that we do them out of love and
gratitude to Him, not only to fulfill others’ expectations. This will help us to be at peace, even in
the midst of our busy lives.
And in this time of turmoil in our country and around the world, let us not look to human beings
and institutions to provide solace and security. “Put not your trust in princes nor in sons of men,
with whom is no salvation… Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is
in the Lord his God” (Psalm 146). Whoever is president of our country, he or she cannot fulfill the
basic needs of ourselves and our society. We need to look to God for His peace, as we pray in the
Divine Liturgy “for the peace from above and the salvation of our souls,” as well as “the peace of
the whole world, the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all.”
I love to pray the following line from the Akathist Hymn to Our Sweetest Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ during times of turmoil and anxiety in my daily life: “Jesus, King of peace, bestow Thy
peace upon me.” This prayer is all the more appropriate as we prepare for Christmas, when we
welcome Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy: “Unto us a child is born… and
he shall be called…Prince of peace.”
Looking ahead to New Years and Theophany... a time of spiritual New Year's resolutions... What
better way to start the New Year than to have our homes blessed? I would love to offer home
blessings to as many as possible during the month of January. Please allow me this honor to visit
with you in your home and to offer God’s blessings. To request a home blessing, please complete
the slip on page 21 and mail it to the parish office - or email - [email protected], phone,
or text (617) 733 – 1045. My home blessing schedule in January will be Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, and Friday, between 10am and 3pm, and Tuesday and Thursday evenings till 9; and
Saturday and Sunday evenings by appointment.
May the Peace of Christ Abide in our Hearts and in our Parish + Fr. Aaron
2
Catechetical Sunday School News
November was the month of restarting our music and hymns program with the help of Alexis Mitchell
and the participation of all of our classes and teachers. The children are learning some of the Liturgy
hymns with the goal of singing them in Church before too long! All our students are very excited about
this new activity and their voices sound truly angelic! A big thank you to all who support and encourage
this activity.
Children with our music teacher
Alexis Mitchell learn how to chant.
The boys can also hold the ‘ison’!
As Christmas time approaches, our Catechetical School students, teachers and families participate in
many service projects and philanthropic efforts. This is a blessed opportunity for all of us to thank God
for the gift of His Son to us on that first Christmas Day, and to show our love and appreciation towards
our neighbors and those in need.
On Saturday, December 10th children and teachers of the Catechetical school will join other
organizations of our community for a visit to the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, MA. The children
will make and bring along Christmas cards to distribute to the residents. This has always been a well-
attended, memorable and heartwarming annual event, so please, come and join us.
On Saturday December 17th, the Catechetical School and Greek School teachers and parents will host
the annual Communion breakfast. Dads will prepare tasty pancakes, and it is rumored that a special guest
will pay his annual visit to the children of St. Athanasius! Please, bring along a toy/gift in support of our
‘Big Wishes Gift Drive’ for ‘The Home of Little Wanderers’, an effort coordinated by our first grade
class and their teachers Eleni and Marianna Terzakis.
Preparations for the annual ‘Children’s Christmas Pageant’ are in full swing! Practices are held in
Church from 12:15pm -1:10pm each Sunday. This beloved annual celebration is scheduled for Sunday,
December 18th, immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Come and enjoy our young children as they
make this beautiful Christmas offering!
The December monthly staff meeting will be taking place on Sunday, December 11, at 12:15pm.
Merry Christmas, Καλα Χριστούγεννα to all of our students, families, and friends!
3
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Come and join the St. Athanasius
philoptochos, choir and parents
and students of the Catechetical School
Hellenic Nursing Home Advent Visit
8:15 am
Departure from the Church Parking Lot
9:00 am
Divine Liturgy-St. George’s Chapel
10:00 am
Fellowship with the residents
12:00-12:30 pm
Return to Arlington
For information call or e-mail I. Moutsatsos at (781) 646-3596, [email protected] or call the Church office at (781) 646-
Teachers,
time to make
cards!!
4
GOYA NEWS
Hello GOYAns!
November was a fun and exciting month!
In the beginning of the month, we hosted our annual Family Glendi. Thank you to all the families
who attended and donated items that made the event possible! We all had a wonderful time and it
was a great success.
Later on in the month, we all came together to bake pies for our Thanksgiving Pie Sale. We would
like to thank everyone who supported our GOYA, as well as everyone who came to help bake the
pies. Our bake sale had a tremendous turnout, and everyone was amazed at how beautiful the pies
looked and tasted!
Thanksgiving is a special time for giving back, and we are very proud to have donated 10 turkeys
to support the St. Athanasius’ donation to the Home for Little Wanderers!
December is a busy month filled with Goya projects we hope will touch and help the lives of many
persons. We will decorate wreaths, along with the Christmas tree in the church hall, in preparation
for our sales during the Christmas season! As always, we will decorate cookies to be donated to
Rosie's Place, and make Christmas Cards for the senior citizens at the Hellenic Nursing Home.
We are also very excited to share our warmth and caring hearts with the seniors at the Nursing
Home when we visit with our church parish!
Lastly, we extend a warm thank you to the Boretos family for hosting our Christmas party!
Yours sincerely,
Chris Dakopoulos
5
GOYA OUTREACH
In November, our very active GOYA sponsored a family Glendi, cooked pies and sold them in a
fund-raising effort to share the blessings with others, and loaded hundreds of turkeys with Father
Nick for the 26th year in a row which were donated to The Home for Little Wanderers. Great
job everybody!
6
The Home for Little Wanderers Presentation
On Sunday, November 13, 2016, our Parish welcomed representatives from The Home for Little
Wanderers who made a presentation after Liturgy on the work of caring for 4,000 children and their
families in the greater Boston area.
Rick Houpt , the Director of Outreach gave a wonderful presentation
explaining the mission of the Home for Little Wanderers and their
appreciation for the generous support from our Parish. During his
presentation, he presented a beautiful plaque to our St. Athanasius Parish for
26 years of generosity in donating thousands of turkeys over that time period
to The Home of Little Wanderers.
PEACE Ministry News
Please join us on Sunday, December 18, @ 1:30 to celebrate our Christmas PEACE gathering.
The adapted worship service, guided by Fr. Kastanas will offer Holy Communion and Christmas prayers
for all. Following the service all are welcomed to enjoy light refreshments and an art therapy session led
by PEACE Ministry member, Katerina Delegas. The PEACE Ministry is dedicated to offering an
environment of full inclusion and acceptance of Orthodox Christians with physical and emotional
challenges. The goal is to educate the community and provide an environment where all are able to
come and worship regardless of their abilities.
For more information and to register, please visit: www.GreekBoston.com/event/peace
7
St. Athanasius the Great Church News
On Tuesday, November 23rd, 2016, 2 days before Thanksgiving, 330 turkeys were delivered to
The Home for Little Wanderers in order to feed 330 families! These birds were donated by the
parishioners of our Community and delivered by Father Kastanas assisted by Athanasios
Arvanites. This is the 26th year in a row...On to next year! Kai tou Chronou!
8
Homeless Military Veteran Clothing Drive
The Homeless military veteran Clothing Drive is ongoing. Homeless male veterans need new socks,
new underwear and new T-shirts. All homeless veterans, male and female and their children are in need
of clean, gently-used clothing.
Thank you everyone for continuing to continue to contribute to this great cause. Your efforts are greatly
appreciated.
A Thank You Note …
Dear Friends,
We’d like to thank you for your support at our Rembetika & Laika Dance on Friday, November 11th. It
was fantastic to see so many of our parishioners from various ministries enjoying a wonderful evening
of fun and fellowship. The very talented Kosta Makredes and Company provided awesome
entertainment, which kept us dancing late into the night.
Thanks to all of you, it was a huge success!!!
We would especially like to thank our St. Barbara’s Philoptochos for making the delicious baklava and
melomakarona we served for dessert and our Parish Council for grilling, your help in the kitchen, and
bartending for our event. We also had various ‘elves’ who helped throughout the event, from creating
the beautiful flyer, ironing our ‘karedakia’ (doilies) for the tables, and generously donating ingredients,
mezedakia, drinks, supplies and decorations.
Our events are always more enjoyable and successful when we work together!
Despina, Maria and Annette
Sponsor the Fellowship Hour @ St Athanasius!
Faithful parishioners, please come and join us in sponsoring our Fellowship Hour. It’s easy to participate … simply bring some coffee, sweets, snacks or juice for parishioners to enjoy during fellowship hour.
For further information in helping out, please call Eleanor Profis at 781-775-7143. On behalf of our Stewardship Committee, thank you for your love and kind generosity!
9
Philoptochos News
St. Barbara’s vespers
Please join with us in celebration
Saturday, December 3rd at 6:30 p.m. Service will be followed by fellowship & refreshments in church hall
Hellenic Nursing Home Visitation
The Philoptochos along with all of the ministries of St. Athanasius will be visiting The Hellenic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday, December 10th. We will celebrate Divine Liturgy together and visit with the residence of the home. Each year the Philoptochos donates items that the residences are in need of. The list includes: body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, liquid soap, cologne, pads of paper and pens, toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant and socks. Please consider helping in any way that you are able.
Recent Philoptochos Donations
$500: National Philoptochos Louisiana Floods Relief Fund (for families affected by floods in Baton Rouge, LA)
$200: Arlington Youth and Family Services Holiday Help Program
$150: Hellenic Nursing Home Radiothon $200: Metropolis of Boston to support the Operation Housewarming Baskets for Veterans
St. Barbara’s Philoptochos wishes all of you A very Merry Christmas and a Healthy & Happy New Year!
10
Fifties Plus Ministry News
On Monday, November 14, 2016, the Fifties Plus Ministry welcomed Voula Manousos, RD,LDN,
registered dietician as our guest speaker. Voula enlightened us on the topic of “Healthy Eating
After 50”. A good time was had by all. Thank you, Voula!
Save the date:
The annual Christmas Luncheon will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at noon in our
parish auditorium. The cost is $20 per person and includes appetizers, haddock dinner, wine ,and
dessert.
Please R.S.V.P. by December 8, 2016
Tina Caramanis – 781.643.3075 / Crystal Roussos - 617.484.1948 / Elaine Dalaklis - 617.484.9144
11
Fifties Plus Ministryof
St. Athanasius the Great
Cordially Invites You to Our
Christmas Luncheon Thursday, December 15, 2016
12 noonJames Bouboulis Auditorium
$20 per personincludes appetizers, haddock dinner, wine ,and dessert
Please R.S.V.P. by December 8, 2016
Tina Caramanis – 781.643.3075Crystal Roussos - 617.484.1948Elaine Dalaklis - 617.484.9144
12
“Cookies and Cocoa”
Friday December 9th
6:00 – 8:00pm Church Hall
Hope – Joy December Event
Join us as we kick off the Holiday Season and
enjoy a discussion with Father Nick and Father
Aaron, decorating cookies, cocoa and crafts!
Hope – Joy will help support The Home for Little
Wanderers by collecting Toys!
Please bring a new, unwrapped Toy to our “Cookies and
Cocoa” Event. Toys will be gathered and donated directly
to The Home for Little Wanderers.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!
RSVP to this event: [email protected]
13
P.E.A.C.E. MinistryPHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL ABILITIES AND CHALLENGES EMBRACED
Saint Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church, 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, Massachusetts
Sunday, december 18, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Please join us on Sunday, December
18th at 1:30 pm for our PEACE gathering along with Holy
Communion. This brief 15-minute service will be guided
by Father Kastanas. Worship service to be followed by
snack and Christmas art activity with Katerina Delegas.
The PEACE ministry is dedicated to offering an environment of full inclusion and acceptance to Orthodox Christians with physical or emotional challenges. The goal is to educate the community and provide an environment where all are able
to come and worship regardless of their abilities.
For more information and to register, please visit www.GreekBoston.com/event/peace.
14
LITTLE HALOS News and Announcements
On November 8, our school celebrated the “Synaxis of the Archangels”, the patrons of Little Halos; students
and families attended the Divine Liturgy.
In preparation for the celebration of Little Halos’ patron saints The Taxiarches (Archangel Michael and Gabriel),
Ms. Katina Ioakimidis (Chryssa’s grandmother) helped the children to make prosforo (holy bread.)
For the rest of the month of November, Little Halos’ students were very busy with lots of hands-on learning about
the olive tree, as this is the time of year for harvesting olives from the trees. They learned all about its fruit, the
significance and importance in both Greek culture and the Orthodox faith. Children tasted different types of olives,
green and black, and rated their favorites. They had fun learning how in ancient Greece people rewarded athletes
with a wreath made out of olive branches, known as “Kotinos”. Children also painted an olive branch on a cut out
amphorae, a type of vase/container that was used in ancient Greece to store olive oil. Finally, they looked through
paintings of olive trees by famous artists, such as Van Gogh and Theofilos.
Among our many activities, the end of the month was dedicated on the importance of the Thanksgiving holiday,
and giving thanks. Our School joined The Scholastic Book Club Pajama Drive. Our students will donate PJs and
Scholastic will donate a new book along with those pajamas to be given to children living in homeless shelters.
This in turn will inspire and encourage our little ones to help others.
15
A great thank you goes to Ms. Stacey Ioakimidis, Chryssa’s mom, who prepared a voting lesson for our students
during election week.
Another big thank you also goes to Ms. Eleni Vastis for offering the special service of Artoklasia for her son
Panormiti and for our school's name day.
Lastly, a big thank you to all of our Little Halos families who donated many frozen turkeys for the Home of
Little Wanderers.
Little Halos Holiday Gift Basket Raffle
Little Halos’ Holiday Raffle fundraiser event is now in progress. We have some wonderful gift baskets this year
that include so many goodies, something for all the family. Please support our effort by buying our raffle tickets
at just $5.00 each. You will find us in the church hall, on Sundays after the liturgy on November 20, 27 and
December 4th.
Our drawing is set for Monday December 5th at 9:30 just in time for the start of holiday season.
Little Halos is Now Enrolling for Fall 2017
New students will be accepted on a first-come, first -served basis.
If you need any further information about our school or to schedule a tour,
please, contact Kaiti Galanopoulos, director, at 781-641-1322.
16
December 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Wine & Oil
Strict Fast
Fish Allowed
1 Little Halos 8:30am-
3pm; Grk Schl Gr 3 & 6
4-6:30pm
Bentley OCF 6pm
Iconography Meeting
With Dimitrios Mourlas
& Parish Council
2
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
JOY&Goya Basketball at
Ottoson 5-7pm
3
Vespers Service 6:30pm
Philoptochos Celebration
Fr. Aaron in Norwich, CT –
Wedding
4 St. Barbara The Great
Martyr Feast Day
Orthros 8:45am; Div. Lit 10-
11:30am
Sunday Catechetical Church
School 10am
Memorial: +Irene Elios
+Theano Rodriguez
GOYA basketball 7pm
5 Little Halos 8:30am-
3pm
Greek School K1/K2 4-
6pm St. Nicholas
Vespers/Lexington 6pm
Children's Greek
Dancing 6-7
No Bible Study in Greek
Grk Dance for Adults 8
6 The Feast of St.
Nicholas
Orthros 8am; Divine
Liturgy 9-10am
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
Greek School
Grades 1 & 4
4-6:30pm Bible Study in
English 7:15-8:30pm
7
Little Halos 8:30-3pm
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 2 and 5
Parish Council Meeting
7pm
8
Little Halos 8:30-3
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 3 and 5
9
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
JOY&Goya Basketball at
Ottoson 5-7pm
10 Liturgy at the Hellenic
Nursing Home 8:30am
Baptism: Sophia Korfias 2pm
Vespers 4:30
11Orthros 8:45am; Div. Lit
10-11:30am Sunday
Catechetical Church School
10am Memorials:
+George Andreou,
+Vasilios Hamizidis
+Georgios & +Christina
Athanasopoulos PARISH COUNCIL
ELECTIONS 11:30-2pm
Baptism 1:30pm Evangelina
(Evangelia) Anna Eliopoulos
Baptism 3:30pm Nicholas
Koudanis Vespers in
Worcester 7pm
12 The Feast of St.
Spyridon Orthros 8
Divine Liturgy 9-10
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
Greek School K1/K2
4-6pm Children's
Greek Dancing 6-7pm
Bible Study in Greek
7:15-8:30pm
Greek Dancing for Adults
8pm
13
Little Halos 8:30am-
3pm
Clergy Meeting at the
Metropolis 10:30am
Greek School
Grades 1 & 4 4-6:30pm
No Bible Study in English
14
Little Halos 8:30-3pm
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 2 and 5
15
Little Halos 8:30-3
Fifties Plus Luncheon 12
Noon
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 3 and 5
16
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
JOY&Goya Basketball at
Ottoson 5-7pm
17 Family Pre-Christmas
Liturgy Orthros 8am; Divine
Liturgy 9-10an Communion
Breakfast Greek School
Christmas Program 11am
Philoptochos Christmas Party-
Tuscan Kitchen 12noon
No Great Vespers Service Pine
Street Inn 5pm
18 Orthros 8:45am; Div. Lit
10-11:30am Sunday Cat. Ch. School 10am
Memorial: +Olympia Miserlis
Christmas Pageant!
PEACE Ministry event
1:30pm
GOYA basketball 8pm
19 Little Halos 8:30am-
3pm Greek School K1/K2
4-6pm Children's
Greek Dancing 6-7pm
Bible Study in Greek
7:15-8:30pm; Greek
Dancing for Adults 8pm
20
Little Halos
8:30am-3pm
Greek School
Grades 1 & 4
4-6:30pm Bible Study in
English 7:15-8:30pm
21
Little Halos 8:30-3pm
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 2 and 5
Parish Council meeting
7pm
22
Little Halos 8:30-3
Greek School 4-6:30
Grades 3 and 5
23 The Royal Hours of
the Nativity of our Lord
8-9:30am
Little Halos 8:30am-3pm
JOY&Goya Basketball at
Ottoson 5-7pm
24
Christmas Eve Orthros 8
Divine Liturgy 9-10
The Great Vespers of the
Nativity of our Lord
7-8:30pm
Holy Nativity of Our
Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ
Merry Christmas!
Orthros 8
Divine Liturgy 9-10:30am
26
Christmas Break
No School
Office Closed
No Bible Study
in Greek
27 St. Stephanos the
First Martyr Orthros 8
Divine Liturgy 9-10
Fr. K Blessing in Lowell
11:30am
Christmas Break
NoSchool &Bible
Study in English
2
Christmas Break
No School
29
Christmas Break
No School
30
Christmas Break
No School
Wedding Rehearsal
6pm
31 New Year’s Eve
Wedding 4:30 pm
Christina Saropoulos and
Alex Kakambouras
17
Δεκέμβριος 2016 Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο
Wine & Oil
Strict Fast
Fish Allowed
18
PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2016
The 2016 Parish Council elections will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016 in the James Bouboulis Hall from 11:30-2:00. Any parishioner in good standing, who would like to run for office, must submit his/her nomination papers by Sunday, November 27, 2016 at 6:00pm. Please contact John Kalogeris at [email protected] or 781.572.4314 with any questions.
ELECTION DAY
Per the Parish’s Bylaws and in accordance with the Archdiocesan Regulations (UPR): A parishioner in good standing and duly enrolled in the Parish Record must pay his/her stewardship obligation for 2016 prior to the election. If a parishioner is delinquent for more than the current calendar year, he or she may vote in the Parish Council elections only if he/she has met his/her unfilled stewardship financial obligations at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the elections. A new parishioner of the Parish may vote in the election if he/she has become a member in good standing at least three (3) months prior thereto.
ABSENTEE BALLOT
If a parishioner is unable to vote in person on the day of the election, he/she may request an absentee ballot from the Board of Elections. Absentee ballots must be returned in the provided envelope addressed to:
Board of Elections - CONFIDENTIAL St. Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church 4 Appleton St. Arlington, MA 02476
Absentee ballots must be in the hands of the Board of Elections not later than the commencement of voting.
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Program of Worship Services
For The Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas), The New Year, and Epiphany Season
Saturday, December 10th Parish Wide Visit to The Hellenic Nursing Home Liturgy 8:30am
1. Saturday, Dec. 17th, Pre-Christmas Liturgy for the Children and for All
Orthros 8am, Divine Liturgy 9-10:15am (The Fathers and PTO sponsor Communion Breakfast)
Greek School Christmas Program 11am
2. Sunday, Dec. 18th, THE SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Orthros 8:45 Divine Liturgy 10-11:30 Sunday Cat. School 10am
Sunday Catechetical Church School Christmas Pageant after Liturgy
3. FRIDAY, December 23, 2016 The Royal Hours Service of Christmas 8-9:30am, (No Liturgy)
4. Saturday, Dec. 24th, CHRISTMAS EVE (MORNING WORSHIP): Orthros 8 Divine Liturgy 9-10am
5. Saturday, Dec. 24th, CHRISTMAS EVE (EVENING WORSHIP): The Great Vespers Service of the Nativity 7-8:30pm
6. Sunday, Dec. 25th, THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD - Merry Christmas!:
Orthros 8am The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 9-10:30am
7. Tuesday, Dec. 27th, St. Stephanos the First Martyr; The Sunday After Christmas: Orthros 8, Divine Liturgy 9-10 am
8. Sunday, January 1, 2017 NEW YEAR’S DAY Happy New Year!: Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9-10:15am
9. Thursday, January 5, 2017 Epiphany Eve (Morning): The Royal Hours of Epiphany Service 7-8:30am
Vesperal Divine Liturgy with the Blessing of the Waters Service 8:30-10:30am
10. Friday, January 6, 2017 EPIPHANY/THEOPHANY: Orthros 8am Divine Liturgy 9-10:30 The Blessing of the Waters
11. Saturday, January 7, 2017 St. John the Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist: Orthros 8am, Divine Liturgy 9-10am
12. Sunday, January 8, 2017 The Sunday After Epiphany: Orthros 8:45, Divine Liturgy 10-11:30am Sunday Cat School 10am
Vasilopita and Parish Council Oath of Office
God’s blessings to all during this Holy Season!
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The Blessing of our Homes at Epiphany A beautiful custom in our Holy Greek Orthodox Church, following the days of the Epiphany feast, is the home blessing. The priest visits the homes of parishioners to perform the Agiasmo and to bless the family. If you wish to have your home blessed, please fill out the slip below and mail it to the church. Father Aaron will call you to schedule his visit. We thank you and wish you a healthy and most prosperous New Year. When Christ entered the Jordan River, he sanctified the waters and all of creation. An important sign of God’s sanctification of all things through the feast of Theophany is the act of blessing the homes of faithful Christians. The priest visits the members of the church to pray with them in the place where they live, and to bless their surroundings with Holy Water. He asks God to have mercy on the house, to rid it of every evil and to fill it with every blessing. Getting Ready for Home Blessing To prepare for the priest’s visit to bless your home:
● Make a list of names of family members you wish to pray for when the priest arrives ● On your dining room table or family altar, place a lighted candle, an incense burner (if available), a
family icon, a wide bowl (to hold the holy water the priest will bring), and some vasiliko (fresh leaf basil). ● Be sure your prayer list is there, too! ● Turn off all TVs, stereos, and computers, secure any pets that might “get underfoot”
When the priest arrives, everyone in the house should gather around the table/family altar and join in the singing of the litany responses and troparion. The family will then lead the priest throughout the house for the blessing.
- - - - ✂ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ Telephone ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ home work cell Preferred Dates and Times (Please indicate 3, referring to his letter in this bulletin for Fr. Aaron’s availability): ____________________________________________________________ Please add special directions to find or park: _________________________________________ Please list the baptismal names of the living you would like commemorated: _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________
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St. Athanasius Stewardship Roll of Honor for 2016 Contributions as of November 15, 2016
THANK YOU! Your continued Love and Support make our many ministries possible ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΟΥΜΕ! Η αγάπη και η υποστήριξη σας στηρίζουν τις πολλές διακονίες της εκκλησίας μας
Ms. Debbie Adelson George & Sophia Afouxenides Mr. Nicholas Afouxenides Mr. Peter Afouxenides Mrs. Aggeliki Aggelis Evgenia Aggouras Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Aggouras Mr. & Mrs. John Alepakis Elaine M. Alexis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Anamateros Mr. & Mrs. Harry Anamateros Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Anargirou Joseph & Potoula Angelakis Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Angelakis Sotirios & Constantina Angelakis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Antonakas Mr. & Mrs. George Antonopoulos Nick & Sophia Aronis Athanasios & Angela Arvanitis Kosta & Elaine Arvanitis Jonathan & Thea Athanas George & Lena Athanasiadis Pavlos & Danielle Athanasiadis Alexander & Katerina Athanasiou Mr. & Mrs. Christos Athanassiu Karim & Jane Awad Arthur & Maria Bakopolus Mr. & Mrs. George Baltatzidis Ms. Maria Bandouveres Mr. & Mrs. Haralabos & Andrea Baras Mr. & Mrs. Drew Bililies Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bilis Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Bilis Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Bithoney Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Blanas Mrs. Eleftheria Bolanos Kyriaki Bolender Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Bonavita Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Bonos Georgios & Spiridoula Boretos Themistoklis & Demetra Boretos Ekaterini Bouboulis Mihail S. Bouboulis Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Bouboulis Mr. Georgios I. Bouboulis Mr. Yianni Bouboulis Bouboulis & Giakoumis Mrs. Irene Boulas
Mrs. Nicole Boulas Konstadinos & Gina Bourikas Mr. & Mrs. Vassilios Bourikas Dr.David & Tina Bowling Stella and Richard Cahn Mr. & Mrs. Christos Calakoutis Anthony & Christina Cambria Ms. Katina Caramanis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Cardarelli Steven & Fatima Ceppi Mr. & Mrs. James Chalapatas Cassandra Chamallas Charles & Lynne Chamallas Christina Chamallas Diamond Chamallas Mr. David Charpie Neil & Maria Kleftis Chesler Mrs. Kiki Chrisafis Nicholas & Betsy Christinakis Haris Tabakovic & Tina Christodouleas Anastasios & Eleni Christophilos Mr. & Mrs. Elias Christopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Alex Chrysanthopoulos Mr & Mrs Charlie Chrysanthopoulos Jean Cicalis Mrs. Zoe Colt Ms. Georgia Contes George & Bernice Coumounduros Mr & Mrs C. Courduvelis Konstantinos & Leah Dafoulas Mr. & Mrs. Roger Daigel Antonios & Betty Dakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Menelaos Dalaklis Mrs. Elaine Dalaklis Stephen & Isabell Dalaklis Mr. & Mrs. Jorgjia & Rafael Daluz Mr. & Mrs. George Dardonis Mr. Athanasios Dardonis Mr. Nicholas Dardonis Aphrodite Darris Ms. Katherine Darris Mr. Vasileios Daskalopoulos Dorothy & Gioseppe Deblasi Adam & Mercy Deleidi Mr. & Mrs. Leonidas Deligiannidis Ms. Christiana Dellellis George & Joanne Delyani Mr. & Mrs. Sophia Demetropoulos
Athanasios & Voula Demopoulos James & Kalisty Demopoulos Ms. Christina Demopoulos Angela Denison Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Dennison Robert & Stephanie Devasto Robert & Thespena Devito Ms. Irina DiMaio Mr. & Mrs. Rich DiPietro Christos & Georgia Vastis Dimas Andrea & Aikaterini Dinis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Dinis Stavros & Vasiliki Dinis Brian & Dede Downey James & Maria Dres Ms. Eleni Drizos Maria Dubrowski Stephen& Kim Edmonds Christos& Maria Eliopoulos George & Thea Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Alex & Jilliane Eliopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Eliopoulos Kathryn G. Elios Demetre Evangelinellis Devin & Carrie Evangelinos Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Evangelis Mr. Randall T. Fassas Mr. Thomas Fassas Ms. Christine Fassas Mr. & Mrs. Steve Fell Mr. Justin Fico Andrew & Pelagia Fotopulos John & Joanne Francis Mr. John Gagalis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Galanopoulos H. Galanopoulos & M. Dardati Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Garalis Kosta and Fotini Gavrielidis Mr. & Mrs. James Geanakos Mr. John Geannaris Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gennis Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Gennis Mr. & Mrs. Costas Georgacopoulos Mr. Taso & Tamara Georgacopoulos Irene Georgakoudi Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas George Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Georgelis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Georgopoulos
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St. Athanasius Stewardship Roll of Honor for 2016 (Continued)
Mrs. Garyfallia Georgoulis Dr. Anesti & Natalie Ghanotakis Mr. & Mrs. John Ghanotakis Mr. Gerard Gharios Christe & Stacy Gianakura Kyriakos & Irene Giannopoulos Ms. Ioanna Giannopoulos Peter & Anna Giannopoulos Mrs. Evangeline Gianocostas Christos & Erica Giogas James & Victoria Giosmas Mr. & Mrs. Harry Girdis Mr. & Mrs. James Gogos Taj & Margarita Goodpaster Mr. & Mrs. Martin Gorman III Mr. & Mrs. Margaritta Grimes Mr. & Mrs. Ramin Haghgooie Mr. & Mrs. George Hatziconstani Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Hatzikostanti Mrs. Maria Hatziliadis Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Hatziyannis Barbara & Leonard J. Henson Arthur Horiatis Evangelos & Eleftheria Horiatis Mr. & Mrs. Steven Horiatis Mr. Konstantinos Hristofilous Mr. Perry Hristofilous Crystal Iakovou Yianni & Tanya Iliadis George and Anastasia Iliopoulos Haralambos& Eleni Iliopoulos Christos Ioakimidis John & Althea Ioakimidis Mr. & Mrs. Constantinos Ioakimidis Stavros & Katina Ioakimidis Mr. & Mrs. Nelson & Corry Irias John & Martha Jefferson Constantine & Susanna Joannidis Mr. & Mrs. Christos Kakambouras Ms. Lenna Kakambouras Mr. & Mrs. George Kaliontzis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kalivas Eleni Kalmoukos Theodore & Angela Kalmoukos John & Irene Kalogeris Anastasia Sophia Kaloyanides James & Courtney Kaloyanidis Gregory & Helen Kandaras Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kanellias Corina Kapetanakis Mr.& Mrs. Constantine Kapetanakis
Mr. & Mrs. George Kapodistrias Clio Karabatsas Elizabeth Karagianis Mrs. Katherine Karagianis Stylianos & Angela Karaminas Atha & Stephanie Karasoulos Anna Karelas Andrew & Themis Karpouzis Bill Karras Mr. & Mrs. Nick Karras Fr. Nicholas and Presv. Litsa Kastanas Mr. Mikael Kastanas Konstantinos & Alexandra Katehis Mr. & Mrs. Harry Katis George & Yiota Katsarakes Mr. & Mrs. Elias Katsos Steven & Shara Katsos Mr. & Mrs. Barry Katz Nicholas & Stella Kazantzas Alice Kefalas Jaime M. Speros & David Kelly Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Kesaris Spiros Kesaris Stathis & Angela Kesaris Demetra Ketcios Mrs. Aphrodite Kleftis Christopher & Nicky Kokoras Vihren & Rositsa Kolev Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas J. Kolias Mr. & Mrs. George Kolokithas Mr. Dimitrios Kolokithas Mr. & Mrs. George Kombouras Mrs. Katherine Kombouras Konstandina Kondilis Nick & Vicki Konstandakis Mr. Yianni Konstantinidis Ms. Vasiliki Kontakos Mr. & Mrs. Perikles Kontalipos Ms. Katerina Korfias Mr. & Mrs. John Korifas John & Evdoxia Korovilas Demetrios & Eleni Kosmidis Mr. & Mrs. Michail Kosmidis Maria & Valerie Kostandos Alexandria Kostopoulos Paula Kostopoulos Fico Costas & Eleni Koudanis Ms Jenny Koulouris Ms Susan L. Koulouris Evangelos & Athena Koutroukas Katherine Kriketos
Mr. S. Nicholas Kriketos II Nicholas Kritikos Evmorfilli Kyridis Alexandros & Elizabeth Kyrou Mr. Peter Ladas Nicholas Lambrou Mrs. Effie Legatos Mr. Peter Lekkakos N. Leonardos & R. Chandonnet Virginia Leonardos Ellen Leotsakos Mr. & Mrs. Efstratios Liakos Mr. Dimitrios Loucagos Alexander & Loula Loukeris Aristomenes & Stella Lydotes John Macaris & Fotini Patsiocostas Mr. & Mrs. Macleod Mr. & Mrs. John Magoufis Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Makrakis Charles & Despina Makredes George & Leona Makredes Mr. Gary & Tatiana Makredes Frank & Panagiota Makrides Angeliki Mamounas Panagiotis & Kalliopi Mamounas Mr Seth & Dr. Dana Mann Peter & Elaine Manners Dimitris & Anna Manolakis Vasiliki Manousos Evangelos & Despina Maradianos Melanie I. Marken Demitrios & Pauline Mastorakos Sandra Mastorakos Mr. & Mrs. Maria Matos Mr. & Mrs. John McCloskey Anthoula & Georgio Meimaris Emmanuel & Eleni Meimaris Nikolaos & Maria Meimaris Pavlos & Eleni Meimaris Dennis & Elaine Melahouris Nicholas Melahouris Dr. Jim & Penny Meletidis Mark & Carolyn Miminos Peter & Kathy Mirogiannis Margaret Mitropoulos Mr. William Mitropoulos Tessie Mitropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Moisakis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Moisakis Anastasios Moshonisiou Mr. & Mrs. Leo & Niki Mourmoutis
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St. Athanasius Stewardship Roll of Honor for 2016 (Continued)
George & Popi Moustakas Ms. Eleni Moustakas Dr.Ioannis & Angela Moutsatsos Mrs. Katina Muksuris Robert & Marea Mullen Thomas Nanopoulos Kalliope Nicholas Sean & Maria O'Connell Nazar & Evangelia Ohanessian Hope Orfanos Theofanis & Christine Orfanos James & Joanne Pagounes Mrs. Irene Paleologos William Pananos George & Georgia Pantazopoulos Mr. Costa Papadimitris George & Anna Papalimberis Arthur Papas Peter & Eleftheria Papatsoris Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Papoulidis Mary Pappas Mr. & Mrs. John Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Pappas Ms. Stephanie Pappas George & Panagiota Paras Elias & Olga Patoucheas John & Aliki Patoucheas John & Maria Pavlidis Mr. Ara Pehlivanian Nicolaos & Evangelia Perhanidis Vasilios & Eleftheria Pesiridis Patrick Shaugnnessy & Erica Petnes Mr. Philip Petrides Constantinos Philips Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Phillips Haralambos & Panagiota Phillos Eleftherios & Patra Piandes Joanne E. Piandes Maria Pithis Ms. Florence Pollock Charles & Jeannie Poulakidas Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Pourakis Mr. Alexandros Prezas Mrs. Eleanor Profis Mr. Steven Prois Spyridon Prois Mr. & Mrs. Paul Protopapas Ms. Theodora Psiakis Andre P. Raisis
Nicholas & Athina Reisopoulos Paritsa Reissis Ms Valerie Relias Andrew & Deborah Rempis Anastasia Roache Gena & Brandon Robinson Mr. Jorge E. Rodriguez Peter & Soula Rogaris Crystal Roussos Mr. Vasilios Roussos Mr. & Mrs. James Sakorafos John & Joanne Salogiannis Michael Savas Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Schizas Joseph and Maryanne Senna Anthony & Elaine Sgouros Mr. & Mrs. Harry Shuris Mrs. Betty Shushan Mr. & Mrs. Steve Silipigni Arthur & Maria Skambas Paul & Maria Skambas Ms. Anna Maria Skiotis Ms. Elizabeth Skiotis Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Skourides Mr. George Skourides Costas & Gianoula Skouridis Othon & Jenny Sofianopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Sofronas Andreas & Ioanna Spalaris Anthony & Despina Speros Mr. & Mrs. James Speros Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Speros Peter & Anna Speros Theodore & Elaine Speros Mr.& Mrs. N. Splagounias Family Mrs. Angelina Stamas Mr. & Mrs. Stefanos Stamides Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stangas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Stanitsas Mr. Erik Stathakis Nicholas & Konstantina Stathakis Ms. Georgia Stathopoulos Ms. Anna Stathopoulou Dimitrios & Fotini Stefanis George & Rodanthi Stratakis Marko & Agapi Stratakias Irini Stylianou Mr. & Mrs. Giannis Suitlitsas Alex & Heather Taoultsides
George & Anna Taoultsides Stratos & Spyridoula Taoultsides Mary Tashjian Ms Diane M. Tashjian Christos Terzakis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Terzakis Costas & Elena Theocharidis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Theodore Mr. & Mrs. Paul Theodoulou Emmanuel & Argie Tiliakos Paul & Elaine Tilly Perry A. & Vicky Tingos John W Toulopoulos Stefanos & Maria Tourkomanolis Mr. & Mrs. George Tsakirgis Maria Tsaousidis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Tsaousidis Mr. Ioannis Tsartsidis Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Tserkonis Vasilios & Argyro Tsiaras Mr. & Mrs. James Tsihlis Mr. & Mrs. Apostolos Tsitsopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George Tsitsopoulos Mr. Stergios Tsouloufas Mr. & Mrs. Theophilos Vallas Mr. & Mrs. John Vankuilenburg Mr. & Mrs. Steven J. Venizelos Mr. & Mrs. Ciprian Vilcu Ms.Sultana Volaitis Fotini Vosnakis Steven & Kelly Vosnakis Andrew & Anna Voyatzakis Mrs. Maria Vrotsos Fr. Aaron & Presv. Amelia Walker Maria & Steven Vasilakis Walker Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Whittaker Lazaros & Voula Xanthopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Efstiathios Xigoros Homer & Georgia Ypsilantis Mr. & Mrs. Evan Ypsilantis Ms. Christina Ypsilantis Demetra Zacharakis Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Zacharakis Amalia Zanakos Dorothy Zevitas Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Zevitas Mrs. Katherine Zevitas Nickolas Ziavras Menelaos & Elsa Zotos
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Thursday, December 1st 2016
6:30-8:00 pm
Sacred Space
Meet and reconnect with other Orthodox Christian students.
Inquirers always welcome. Join us for a
discussion of
“The Christmas Story and Your Story”
Lead by Fr. Aaron
As well as…
Bentley University
Orthodox Christian
Fellowship Event
st
Games
Conversation
Prayer
Blessings
Food
Contact [email protected] with any questions
Everyone is
Welcome
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Spirituality’s Great Gifts
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the Greatest Gift of all!
He has exhorts us through His words to put into practice these great gifts...
May we break down boundaries, tear down walls, and build on the foundation of the goodness inside
each of us.
May we look past differences, gain understanding, and embrace acceptance.
May we reach out to each other, rather than resist.
May we be better stewards of the earth, protecting, nurturing and replenishing the beauties of nature.
May we practice gratitude for all we have, rather than complain about our needs.
May we seek cures for the sick, help for the hungry, and love for the lonely.
May we share our talents, give our time, donate generously, and teach our children.
May we hold hope for the future very tenderly in our hearts and do all all we can to build for bright
tomorrows.
And may we love with our whole hearts, for that’s the only way to love.
Anonymous
H γέννηση του Iησού (Mτ 1:18-25)
1Tις μέρες εκείνες βγήκε διάταγμα από τον Kαίσαρα Aύγουστο να γίνει απογραφή σε όλη την
οικουμένη. 2Aυτή ήταν η πρώτη απογραφή που έγινε, όταν κυβερνήτης της Συρίας ήταν ο Kυρήνιος.
3Έτσι, πήγαιναν όλοι να απογραφούν, ο καθένας στη δική του πόλη. 4Aνέβηκε, λοιπόν, και ο Iωσήφ
από τη Γαλιλαία, από την πόλη Nαζαρέτ, σε μια πόλη του Δαβίδ, στην Iουδαία, που ονομάζεται Bηθλεέμ
- γιατί καταγόταν από το γένος και την οικογένεια του Δαβίδ - 5για να απογραφεί μαζί με τη Mαριάμ,
την κοπέλα που ήταν αρραβωνιασμένη μαζί του και η οποία ήταν έγκυος. 6Kι ενώ βρισκόταν εκεί,
συμπληρώθηκαν οι μέρες της να γεννήσει. 7Γέννησε, λοιπόν, το γιο της τον πρωτότοκο και τον
σπαργάνωσε και τον ξάπλωσε στη φάτνη, γιατί δεν υπήρχε τόπος γι’ αυτούς στο πανδοχείο.
Eμφάνιση αγγέλων σε βοσκούς 8Στην ίδια εκείνη περιοχή υπήρχαν και μερικοί βοσκοί που διανυκτέρευαν στην ύπαιθρο και
φύλαγαν βάρδιες στο κοπάδι τους. 9Kαι να! Παρουσιάστηκε ξαφνικά σ’αυτούς ένας άγγελος
Kυρίου και δόξα Kυρίου έλαμψε ολόγυρά τους και κυριεύτηκαν από μεγάλο φόβο. 10Mα ο άγγελος
τους είπε: “Mη φοβάστε, γιατί σας φέρνω τώρα το καλό άγγελμα μεγάλης χαράς για όλο το λαό:
11Ότι σήμερα γεννήθηκε στην πόλη του Δαβίδ Σωτήρας για σας, που είναι ο Xριστός, ο Kύριος.
12Kαι το σημάδι αναγνώρισής του για σας είναι τούτο: Θά βρείτε ένα σπαργανωμένο βρέφος,
ξαπλωμένο μέσα σε μια φάτνη. 13Ξαφνικά τότε, ο άγγελος πλαισιώθηκε από πλήθος αγγελικής
στρατιάς, που υμνούσαν το Θεό κι έλεγαν: 14”Δόξα στον Ύψιστο Θεό και στη γη ειρήνη, εκδήλωση
εύνοιας στους ανθρώπους!
15Kι αμέσως μόλις τους άφησαν οι άγγελοι κι έφυγαν στον ουρανό, είπαν οι βοσκοί μεταξύ τους:
“Aς ξεκινήσουμε τώρα κιόλας ως τη Bηθλεέμ να δούμε το γεγονός αυτό που πληροφορηθήκαμε και
που μας το έκανε γνωστό ο Kύριος”. 16Ήρθαν, λοιπόν, τρέχοντας και βρήκαν τη Mαριάμ και τον
Iωσήφ, καθώς και το βρέφος ξαπλωμένο στη φάτνη. 17Kαι μόλις τους είδαν τους διηγήθηκαν
λεπτομερώς την πληροφορία που τους είπε ο άγγελος για το παιδί αυτό. 18Kι όλοι όσοι τους άκουσαν,
απόρησαν για όσα τους είπαν οι βοσκοί. 19H Mαριάμ όμως φύλαγε όλα αυτά τα λόγια μέσα στην
καρδιά της και τα συλλογιζόταν. 20Επέστρεψαν κατόπιν οι βοσκοί δοξάζοντας και υμνώντας το Θεό
για όλα όσα άκουσαν και είδαν, όπως ακριβώς είχε ειπωθεί σ’ αυτούς.
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Bible Passages of Christmas
"For a Child is born to us, a Son is given us; upon His shoulder dominion rests. They shall name
Him messenger of great counsel, wonderful counselor, mighty one, sovereign Master, Prince of
Peace, Father of the age to come. His dominion is vast and of His peace there shall be no end." -
Isaiah 9:6-7
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and you shall call His name Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.” - Matthew 1:23
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a
Savior has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you; you will a baby
wrapped in clothes and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great crowd of the heavenly host appeared
with the angel and said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to all.” -
Luke 2:13-14
Why Did God Become Man?
by Fr. Anthony Coniaris
Why did God choose to come to us in person? What were the reasons that compelled Him to visit
us? They must have been awfully important reasons to make God empty Himself and take the form
of a servant. Couldn’t He have sent someone else? Couldn’t He have ordered an angel or an
archangel to come? Why did the Lord of the Universe Himself have to come?
We see an indication of why God would ultimately come to earth in the Old Testament, when we
hear God say, “I have seen the affliction of my people and heard their cry… for I know their
sorrows and sufferings and trials. And I have come down to deliver them” (Ex 3:7-8).
God came because He cared. He came in order to deliver us from the slavery of sin and death. He
came because He loved us! We can summarize this best by quoting the Evangelist John “For God
so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not
perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but in order that
the world might be saved through Him.”
We do not believe in an absent God, an invisible, intangible, eternally elusive God. We believe in
a God who, when humanity fell into the ocean of sin and was drowning, did not just stay in heaven
and shout directions on lifesaving, but who jumped into the ocean to save us.We believe in a God
who intervenes in our lives.
We believe in a God who came to seek and save the lost; who came not to be served but to serve;
who came to give us the abundant life; who came as light that whoever believes in Him may not
remain in darkness, who came not to judge the world but to save it!
Jesus Christ came at Christmas. He comes again this Christmas. He comes each day, waiting to
enter into our lives!
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CAN THIS BE CHRISTMAS? What's all this hectic rush and worry?
Where go these crowds who run and curry? Why all the lights -- the Christmas trees?
The jolly "fat man," tell me please!
Why, don't you know? This is the day For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do you say? But where is Christ this Christmas day? Has He been lost among the throng?
His voice drowned out by empty song?
No. He's not here -- you'll find Him where Some humble soul now kneels in prayer,
Who knows the Christ of Christmas.
But see the many aimless thousands Who gather on this Christmas Day,
Whose hearts have never yet been opened, Or said to Him, "Come in to stay."
In countless homes the candles burning, In countless hearts expectant yearning For gifts and presents, food and fun,
And laughter till the day is done.
But not a tear of grief or sorrow For Him so poor He had to borrow
A crib, a colt, a cave, a bed Where He could lay His weary head.
I'm tired of all this empty celebration,
Of feasting, drinking, recreation; I'll go instead to Calvary.
And there I'll kneel with those who know The meaning of that manger low,
And find the Christ -- this Christmas.
I leap by faith across the years To that great day when He appears The second time, to rule and reign, To end all sorrow, death, and pain. In endless bliss we then shall dwell
With Him who saved our souls from hell, And worship Christ -- this Christmas!
By M.R.DeHaan
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St. Barbara’s Philoptochos Invites you to
Paint Night at St. Athanasius!!
Featured Painting
Bring a friend and join us
for a ladies’ night out, hosted by our very own ‘Artist in
Residence’ Katerina Delegas! Katerina will guide you
through the painting, and you will go home with your
individual masterpieces!
Friday, January 27, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
James Bouboulis Hall
St. Athanasius the Great 4 Appleton Street, Arlington
Your $50 donation includes the canvas, paint, supplies and professional instruction.
To help feed your creative side, a buffet of appetizers, dessert and drinks is also included!
Reserve your seats today - Space is limited!
Please contact Irene Kalogeris at (781)863-1801 or [email protected]
For more information on our artist Katerina Delegas, go to artbykaterina.com
30
Please Donate
Children’s & Adult
USED Winter Coats
From Now through
Thanksgiving & Christmas & New Year’s
Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos
In Cooperation with ANTON’S CLEANERS
For Those Less Fortunate!
A Warm Coat Can Save
a Life!!!
BRING YOUR
CHILDREN’S
AND
ADULT USED COATS
TO OUR B I G BOX
St. Athanasius the Great Church
Office & Auditorium 31
REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS - EVERY DAY!
OPERATION HOUSEWARMING BASKETS
FOR
HOMELESS VETERANS The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos with the overwhelming support and
generosity of all Philoptochos chapters and parish communities at large, to date have provided
more than 200 "Housewarming Baskets" to veterans transitioning to independent living.
Because veterans’ needs are continuous, this is an important and on-going ministry.
The items listed below represent the homeless veteran's needs as identified by the homeless veterans in
order to establish their home in the community. Items collected by your chapter/parish will be
delivered to the Metropolis for distribution to the veterans (162 Goddard Ave., Brookline Ma. 02445-
7414).
HOMELESS VETERANS WISH LIST- ALL NEW - NO USED ITEMS PLEASE !
Broom/dustpan, mop Bucket, toilet brush & holder Shower curtain & shower rings Dishpan dish rack/tray Twin/full size bed cover Dish cloth/towel Flashlight/batteries All-purpose cleaner Dish soap Toothpaste Bar soap (pkg of 4) Toilet paper (pkg of 4) Paper towels (pkg of 4) Bath towels/wash cloths Trash container/bags Small bathroom trash container Laundry detergent Set of silverware (for 4)
Cleaning sponges Inflatable bed with air pump Bed pillows Bed blankets Non-slip (inside) shower mat Cloth (outside) shower mat Set of twin size bed sheets Set of full size bed sheets Set of plastic dishware & cups (for 4)
Set of pots & pans Coffee maker Electric toaster oven Cooking utensil container Liquid hand soap Tea kettle Mattress pads or protectors Gillette razors Woman's hygiene items Manual can opener Set of cooking utensils
When you shop for your family once or twice a month, please Remember our Veterans !!!
NOTE: Monitory contributions or gift cards in lieu of the listed items are also welcome. The funds will be
used by the Metropolis Philoptochos to purchase the items listed for the veterans.
Please make checks payable to: Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos.
Thank you for your continued support and g enerosity. Metropolis of Boston Philoptochos Note: Should you have any questions or need assistance you may contact: at St. Athanasius the Great
Church….Stella Kazantzas [email protected] 781-646-0705 church office or Eleni Stamboulidis at 508-807-1828 ([email protected] ) or Georgia Lagadinos at 617-734-1994 (gmell [email protected])
32
toBenefit the Home for the Little
Wanderers
Please bring an unwrapped gift
to the church hall by December 18th
33
Ver. 01-2016
SAINT ATHANASIUS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY INFORMATION FORM Please complete and return this form to the Church Office
4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476
Name:
Address: City: State: Zip:
Home Telephone:
I would like to receive my month bulletin via US post mail ____ via email Member Spouse Children / Age
Name: /
Mobile Tel: /
E‐mail: /
Occupation: /
Work Tel: /
2016 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE / DONATION
Family Name ________________
I understand it takes approximately $1,000 per active Stewardship family to operate and support the ministries and facility of the St. Athanasius Parish in 2016.
We would like to pledge $ Weekly (approx. $20/week)
We would like to pledge $ Monthly (approximately $85/month)
We would like to pledge $ Yearly
You can also pledge at http://www.saintathanasius.org/stewardship/
Please check those items in which you or a member of your family has some expertise or interest.
Place name or initials of the specific family member after each item checked.
Bible Study Youth Ministry Office Work
Teaching Sunday School Medical/Nurse
Greek School/Little Halos Church Choir Art/Design Services
Visitation of Elderly/Infirm Reader (in liturgy) Legal
Philoptochos Ushering / Welcome Finance
Festival Evangelism Architecture
Outreach to Community New parents Real Estate Management
Soup Kitchen Scouting Electrical
Computer – Hardware/Systems Youth Work Construction
Computer ‐ software Gardening Mechanical / Plumbing
Web Design PR / Marketing Other _____________
34
Volume Twenty-Eight, Number Four, December 2016
You Can Make a Difference!!During this holiday season, please help our Parish's efforts to
spread love & support to the less fortunate and those in need.
Winter Coat Drive A warm coat can save a life! Please donate your lightly used children's and adult coats
We will be collecting coats in the Parish Auditorium through December
Canned Food Drive Please join our GOYA youth group in their Annual Canned Food Drive
to Support the Arlington Food Pantry Bring your canned goods to church auditorium. We will be collecting canned goods through December
Big Wishes Gift & Toy Drive Please help our HOPE-JOY & Catechetical Sunday School ministries in their
Annual Big Wishes Gift Drive to Support the Home for Little Wanderers
Contact your Sunday School teacher and JOY-HOPE advisors for additional info
House Warming Baskets for Homeless Veterans Gifts from the Heart!
Help the Philoptochos Society in their mission to
assist homeless veterans as they transition to independent living.
Grocery Gift Card Donations Your donation of $10 supermarket gift cards to
support our Homeless and Needy Fund is appreciated.
Donations can be dropped off in the Parish office.
Contact the Parish Office for additional details: 781 646 0705 / [email protected]
