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The Official Monthly publication of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Bridgeport, Connecticut
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JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 1
July 2012
IN THIS ISSUE Attending Church in
the Summertime ―The first feast day the Church celebrates over the summer months is the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration, when Jesus takes his inner circle of disciples—Peter, John and James up the mountain in order to pray. Luke records in verse 29-31, ‗As he was praying, the ap-pearance of his face changed, and his clothing be-came as bright as a flash of lightning.‘ ‖
by Fr. Andreas Vithoulkas
ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙΝΗ
ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ <<Άλλη μία εξίζος θαςμάζια
γιοπηή είναι η Κοίμηζη ηηρ
Θεοηόκος ηον Αύγοςζηο, πος
μ α ρ δ ι δ ά ζ κ ε ι ν α
α κ ο λ ο ς θ ή ζ ο ς μ ε η ο
παπάδειγμά ηηρ όπωρ με
ηαπεινοθποζύνη, ςπακοή, και
αγάπη. >>
“Come and See.” John 1:46
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 2 SUMMER SUNDAY LITURGY HOURS (JUNE-SEPTEMBER) ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙΝΕ ΩΡΕ (ΛΕΙΣΟΤΡΓΙΑ ΙΟΤΝΙΟ) ΕΠΣΕΜΒΡΙΟ— 9:45 – 11:15 A.M
LITURGY HOURS / ΩΡΕ ΛΕΙΣΟΤΡΓΙΑ (ΚΤΡΙΑΚΕ)
ORTHROS: 8:30 DIVINE LITURGY, SERMONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS: 9:45AM – 11:30AM SATURDAY & WEEKDAY LITURGY HOURS / ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΕ & ΑΒΒΑΣΟΤ ΩΡΕ ΛΕΙΣΟΤΡΓΙΑ :
8:30 AM
SERVICES Paraklesis at 7:00pm :
Wednesday August 1
Friday August 3
Wednesday August 8
Friday August 10
Monday August 6th - Liturgy
Transfiguration of our Lord -
8:30 am.
Eve of the Panagias - Tuesday,
August 14th: We will be going to
the Danbury Church , as it is
THEIR CHURCH’S Name Day
Wednesday , August 15th-
PANAGIAS - Liturgy at 8:30
AM.
MEMORIALS Sunday July 1 10 years:
Frossie Trigonis
Sunday July 8 1 year:
Barbara Chirigos Reihl
Virginia Vlantis
Chris Savides
Fofoula Cromas
Patricia Agortsas
Kostas Stavropoulos
ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΑ Κσριακή 1 Ιοσλίοσ 10 ρξόληα—Δπθξνζύλε Σξηγώλε
Κσριακή 8 Ιοσλίοσ 1 ρξόλνο -
Βαξβάξα Σζηξίγνπ
Βηξγηλία Βιαληή
Υξήζηνο αββίδεο
Φωηεηλή Κξώκα
Παηξίζηα Αγθνξηζά
Κώζηαο ηαπξόπνπινο
SAVE THE DATES September 23, 2012—Annual
Champagne Brunch, sponsored
by Philoptochos
October 19, 2012— our Annual
Wine and Food Tasting
Festival 2012 Raffle
Winners
1. Prize: $5.000 ticket number:
#3851 Steve T. Contreras—
Bridgeport, CT
2. Prize: $2.000 ticket number:
#14857 Dave Zublin
3. Prize: $1.000 ticket number:
#14390
Peter G. Detrik— Fairfield, CT.
Prize: $500 Gift Card – West-
field Mall ticket number:
#5912 Vana Kontomerkos—
Trumbull, CT.
Prize: $300 Gift Card – Stop &
Shop ticket number: #8174
Nikoletta Richardson -
Trumbull, CT.
Prize: $200 gift Card Home De-
pot ticket number: #0008
Ron Dougiello- Bridgeport, CT.
Thank you to all of our support-
ers! ~ The Festival & Raffle
Committees
Scholarship Recipients 2012 1. Athletic Program Scholarship to: Andre Loukrezis, Krystianna Toth
2. Frossie Trigonis Memorial to Christina Takos
3. Georgia Demont/Dorothy Pappas to: Georgina Fatibene, Nicole Frey
For College / University
4. Georgia Demont/Dorothy Pappas to Margarita Kolitsas for High
School
5. Harriett Chirigos Memorial to Michael Patsiarikas
6. Nicholas & Alexandra Keffas Memorial to Johnna Vereb
7. Parents Teachers Organization to: Andre Loukrezis, Margarita
Kolitsas, Demetra Skenderis, Eleni Georgakopoulos, and Krystianna Toth
8. Philoptochos to: Margarita Kolitsas, Michael Patsiarikas, and Eleni Georgakopoulos
9. Stavroula Rountos Memorial to Demetra Skenderis
10. Irene Mellas Memorial Scholarship to Andre Loukrezis
11. Dean & Pamela Hatzis Memorial Scholarship to: Alexa Hallas, and Demetra Skenderis
12. Maria Skenderis/Isola Memorial Scholarship to: Christina Takos, Amalia Valiantis, Johnna Vereb, and
Andre Loukrezis
13. Sophia Vlantes Memorial Scholarship to Eleni Georgakopoulos
14. FORCC Scholarship to: Alexa Hallas, Demetra Skenderis, and Margarita Kolitsas
15. AHEPA Scholarship to: Michael Patsiarikas, Demetra Skenderis, Johnna Vereb, and Margarita Kolitsas
16. Daughters of Penelope Scholarship to Michael Patsiarikas, Eleni Georgakopoulos, Margarita Kolitsas,
Demetra Skenderis, and Johnna Vereb
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 3
I would like to start by
thanking all the volunteers
who made the festival such a
success. My family and I had such
a wonderful experience here at
Holy Trinity working and
celebrating with all of you. For the
most part, we had amazing weather
and a very large attendance. It is
obvious that the Holy Trinity
Festival is well known and well
loved by many because of the
terrific food, dancers, vendors, and
hospitality.
It seems to me that our parish
has much for which to thank God,
particularly with the success of all
of our events, organizations, and
church attendance this year, which
tells me this is a very strong,
faithful and loving community of
which my family and I feel very
blessed to be a part.
Now that the festival is over, and
as you begin to fill the calendar
with summer activities with friends
and family, remember not to let
Sunday liturgies fall by the
wayside! We had such a successful
attendance and fellowship during
this past year, that we don't want to
forget the benefits of attending
church over the summer.
Moreover, now that Sunday
school is out, we don't want our
children to think that God and
worship are merely seasonal, but
rather, something that is always a
part of their lives all year round.
During the summer, our children
are not busy with homework and
school activities and have more
time to reflect on and reinforce
what they learned about faith and
worship during the year in Sunday
School. Likewise, for most adults,
summer is also usually less
stressful, which can make
participation in the liturgy even
more enhanced. Summer is a great
time to recharge spiritually, and
there are two very beautiful feast
days in which to do so.
The first feast day the Church
celebrates over the summer months
is the Feast of the Holy
Transfiguration, when Jesus takes
his inner circle of disciples—Peter,
John and James up the mountain in
order to pray. Luke records in
verse 29-31, ―As he was praying,
the appearance of his face changed,
and his clothing became as bright
as a flash of lightning.‖ Even Jesus
needed to take a break from
his ministry to spiritually
recharge. He also taught His
disciples the importance of
doing so. But most
importantly, on this Day,
Jesus revealed in anticipation
to his followers the
Kingdom.
Another wonderful feast
day during the summer
months is the Dormition of
the Theotokos in August, As
in all of the Church feast
days of the Virgin Mother of
God, what happens to Mary
happens to all who imitate
her holy life of humility,
obedience, and love. With
her, all people will be
―blessed‖ to be ―more
honorable than the cherubim
and beyond compare more
glorious than the seraphim.‖ If
we follow her example, we
will have Christ born in them
by the Holy Spirit; all will
become temples of the living
God; all will share in the eternal
life of His Kingdom. In this sense,
everything that is praised and
glorified in Mary is a sign of what
is offered to all persons in the life
of the Church. I look forward to
seeing all of you attend the
beautiful Paraklisis service.
I'm not saying we shouldn't take
time out for having summer fun,
rest and relaxation, but we should
still make church an important part
of our lives and our children's lives
throughout the entire year.
Throughout the summer, the
liturgy will begin 9:45 am sharp, so
that there's more time during the
day to enjoy the sunshine and
outdoors, for which we must
always remember to give thanks to
God!
Attending
Church in the
Summertime by Father Andreas Vithoulkas
Father Andreas with Bishop Andonios of Phasiane at our annual Olympiad festival. June’12. -Photo courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 4
“Children are God's Apostles, sent forth, day by day, to preach of love, and hope, and peace.” James Russell Lowell
ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙΝΗ
ΘΕΙΑ
ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ηνπ π. Ανδρέα Βσθούλκας
Θ α ή ζ ε ι α λ α
επραξηζηήζω όινπο
ηνπο εζεινληέο γηα
ηελ κεγάιε επηηπρία ηνπ
Φεζηηβάι. Ζ νηθνγέλεηά κνπ θαη
εγώ είρακε κηα θαιή εκπεηξία
ζηελ Αγία Σξηάδα εξγαδόκελνη
θαη γηνξηάδνληαο καδί κε όινπο
ζαο. Δίρακε πνιύ θαιό θαηξό
θαη βνήζεζε ζηελ κεγάιε
πξνζέιεπζε ηωλ επηζθεπηώλ.
Δίλαη θαλεξό πηα θαη γλωζηό όηη
ην θεζηηβάι ηεο Αγίαο Σξηάδαο
από πνιινύο γηα ην λνζηηκόηαην
θαγεηό, ρνξό θαη θηινμελία.
Ζ Δλνξία καο έρεη πνιιά γηα λα επραξηζηήζεη ηνλ
Θεό, ηδηαίηεξα κε ηελ επηηπρία όιωλ ηωλ
εθδειώζεωλ, ηηο νξγαλώζεηο θαη κε ηελ άλνδν
ζπκκεηνρήο ελνξηηώλ απηή ηελ ρξνληά πνπ ζεκαίλεη,
είλαη κία πνιύ ηζρπξή, πηζηή θαη αγαπεκέλε
Κνηλόηεηα θαη εκείο αηζζαλόκαζηε πνιύ
επινγεκέλνη.
Σώξα πνπ ην θεζηηβάι ηειείωζε, θαη αξρίδνπκε λα
θάλνπκε ζρέδηα γηα ηηο θαινθαηξηλέο δηαθνπέο καο κε
θίινπο θαη ζπγγελείο, κελ μερλάηε θαη ηελ
Κπξηαθάηηθε Θεία Λαηξεία.
Δηδηθά ηώξα πνπ ηειείωζε θαη ην Καηερεηηθό
ρνιείν, λα κελ δίλνπκε ηελ εληύπωζε ζηα παηδηά
καο, όηη πεγαίλνληαο ζηελ Δθθιεζία είλαη θάηη
επνρηαθό, αιιά θάηη πνπ είλαη πάληα έλα κέξνο ηεο
δωήο καο θαζ΄όιε ηελ δηάξθεηα ηνπ ρξόλνπ. Καηά ηελ
δηάξθεηα ηνπ θαινθαηξηνύ ηα παηδηά καο δελ έρνπλ
ζρνιηθή εξγαζία θαη έρνπλ πεξηζζόηεξν ρξόλν γηα λα
αλαθεθαιαηώζνπλ ηη έκαζαλ ζρεηηθά κε ηελ πίζηε
θαη ηελ ιαηξεία ηνπο ζην
θαηερεηηθό ζρνιείν. Σν
ίδην πξέπεη λα ζπκβαίλεη
θαη κε ηνπο κεγάινπο,
ζεωξώληαο θαζήθνλ γηα
π η ν η α θ η η θ ό θ α η
ζπζηεκαηηθό εθθιεζηαζκό
ην θαινθαίξη.
Ζ πξώηε θαινθαηξηλή
γηνξηή πνπ γηνξηάδεη ε
Δθθιεζία καο θαηά ηνπο
Θεξηλνύο κήλεο, είλαη ε
Μ εη α κ ό ξθ ωζ ε ο η νπ
ωηήξνο, πνπ ν Ηεζνύο
παίξλεη καδί ηνπ ηνπο
Απνζηόινπο – Πέηξν,
Ηωάλλε θαη Ηάθωβν – λα
πάλε κέρξη ην βνπλό γηα λα
πξνζεπρεζνύλ. Καη όπωο
καο πεξηγξάθεη ν Λνπθάο
ζ η ν 2 9 -3 1 , «ό πω ο
πξνζεπρόηαλ, ε εκθάληζε
ηνπ πξνζώπνπ ηνπ άιιαμε,
θαη ηα ελδύκαηά ηνπ έγηλαλ ηόζν ιακπεξά ζαλ
αζηξαπή θωηόο». Αθόκε θαη ν Υξηζηόο ρξεηάδεηαη λα
πάξεη έλα κηθξό δηάιεηκκα από ηελ δηαθνλία ηνπ θαη
λα αλαδωνγνλεζεί.
Άιιε κία εμίζνπ ζαπκάζηα γηνξηή είλαη ε
Κνίκεζε ηεο Θενηόθνπ ηνλ Αύγνπζην, πνπ καο
δηδάζθεη λα αθνινπζήζνπκε ην παξάδεηγκά ηεο όπωο
κε ηαπεηλνθξνζύλε, ππαθνή, θαη αγάπε. Αλ
αθνινπζήζνπκε ην παξάδεηγκά ηεο ζα
θιεξνλνκήζνπκε ηελ αηώλην Βαζηιεία ηνπ Υξηζηνύ.
Γελ ιέω θαη δελ ελλνώ λα κελ έρνπκε ρξόλν γηα
ηηο θαινθαηξηλέο δηαθνπέο, ραιάξωζε θαη
μεθνύξαζε, αιιά πξέπεη αλ κπνξνύκε ε Δθθιεζία λα
είλαη ην ζεκαληηθό κέξνο ηεο δωήο καο θαη ηωλ
παηδηώλ καο, θαηά ηελ δηάξθεηα όινπ ηνπ ρξόλνπ.
Καηά ηηο ζεξηλέο ώξεο ε Λεηηνπξγία ζα αξρίδεη
ζηηο 9:45 πκ –αθξηβώο- ώζηε λα έρνπκε πεξηζζόηεξε
ώξα λα απνιαύζνπκε ηελ ειηνθάλεηα θαη ηελ εμνρή,
γηα απηό πξέπεη λα επραξηζηνύκε πάληα ηνλ Θεό!
Bishop Sevastianos of Zela
Divine Liturgy on Sunday of Pentecost, June
3rd—photo courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 5
Η ΕΝΟΡΙΑ ΜΑΣ ΓΔΩΡΓΗΟ ΜΟΤΡΗΕΑΚΖ,
ΠΡΟΔΓΡΟ
Ά ιιν έλα θεζηηβάι είλαη
ήδε κηα αλάκλεζε. Έλα
κεγάιν θαη ζεξκό
επραξηζηώ ζε όινπο ηνπο
εζεινληέο –πνπ έδωζαλ πνιιέο
ώξεο πξνεηνηκαζίαο γηα ηε κεγάιε
εθδήιωζε, εξγάδνληαο ζην
θεζηηβάι ή δώξηζαλ ρξήκαηα ή ηηο
ππεξεζίεο ηνπο. Δίρακε έλα πνιύ
επηηπρεκέλν θεζηηβάι, κε
πεξηζζόηεξα έζνδα από πέξπζη.
ύληνκα ζα ζαο ηαρπδξνκήζνπκε
έθζεζε γηα ηα έμνδα θαη έζνδα
ηνπ Φεζηηβάι. Κάζε ηκήκα
ιεηηνύξγεζε ρωξίο πξνβιήκαηα
θαη είρακε πνιινύο εζεινληέο λα
βνεζήζνπλ παληνύ.
Δίρακε επίζεο ηελ ηηκή λα καο
επηζθεθζνύλ θαηά ηελ δηάξθεηα
ηνπ παλεγπξηνύ καο δύν
Δπίζθνπνη θαη αξθεηνί θιεξηθνί
από ηηο γύξν πεξηνρέο γηα λα
γηνξηάζνπκε ηελ γηνξηή ηεο
Δθθιεζίαο καο καδί κε ηνλ
Θενθηιέζηαην εβαζηηαλό.
ύληνκα ζα έρνκε ζπλεδξίαζε
γηα ην θεζηηβάι, ζα ζαο
ε λ ε κ ε ξ ώ ζ ν π κ ε γ η α η ε λ
εκεξνκελία θαη ώξα. Πξέπεη λα
εηνηκαδόκαζηε από ηώξα γηα ην
επόκελν Φεζηηβάι.
Καηά ηνπο Θεξηλνύο κήλεο,
επίζεο, είλαη ν θαηξόο λα θάλνπκε
πνιιέο βειηηώζεηο θαη επηζθεπέο
ζηα θηίξηα. Όινη ζαο ζα
παξαηεξήζαηε ηελ επηζθεπή ηεο
εηζόδνπ ηνπ δξόκνπ δίπια ζην
γξαθε ίν θα η επ ίζεο ηελ
ηνπνζέηεζε λένπ ηαπέηνπ ζηελ
είζνδν ηεο πίζω πόξηαο. Δπίζεο
αξρίδνπκε λα εξγαδόκαζηε γηα ηελ
επηζθεπή ηνπ ζόινπ ηεο
Δθθιεζίαο καο πνπ όπωο βιέπεηε
ε π η δ ε η λ ώ λ ε η α η γ ξ ή γ ν ξ α .
Γπζηπρώο ε Δηθνλνγξάθνο πξέπεη
λα θύγεη γηα ην κήλα Ηνύιην θαη
πξνζπαζνύκε λα βξνύκε ηελ
θαηάιιειε ιύζε. Ζ νξνθή ηνπ
Γ π κ λ α ζ η ε ξ ί ν π κ α ο ζ α
επηζθεπαζζεί θαηά ηελ δηάξθεηα
η ν π θ α ι ν θ α η ξ η ν ύ .
Αληηθαηαζηήζεθε ν ειεθηξηθόο
πίλαθαο γηα λα ρξεζηκνπνηείηαη
γηα ην θεζηηβάι θαη ν νπνίνο
ζπλέβαιε ζηελ επηηπρία ηνπ
θεηηλνύ θεζηηβάι.
Όπωο βιέπεηε είκαζηε πνιύ
απαζρνιεκέλνη θαη αλ έρεηε
ε ι ε ύ ζ ε ξ ν ρ ξ ό λ ν ε ί ζ ζ ε
εππξόζδεθηνη λα καο βνεζήζεηε.
αο πεξηκέλνπκε.
Θα ήζεια λα ζπγραξώ θαη
επρεζώ θαιή πξόνδν ζε όινπο
ηνπο απνθνίηνπο θαη ζηνπο
παξαιήπηεο κε ππνηξνθίεο θαη ζε
αλώηεξα. Έρνπκε πνιινύο
ηαιαληνύρνπο λένπο ζηελ
Κνηλόηεηά καο. Διπίδω όζν θαη
απαζρνιεκέλνη ε ίζζε ζηα
θνιιέγηα κελ μερλάηε ηελ
θνηλόηεηα ηεο Αγίαο Σξηάδαο.
αο εύρνκαη έλα επράξηζην θαη
αζθαιή θαινθαίξη κε πνιιέο
θαιέο αλακλήζε ηο . αο
επραξηζηώ.
Our Parish by George Mourizakis -Parish Council President
A nother annual festival is now a memory. A big
―thank you‖ all the volunteers who spent many
hours preparing for the big event, working at the
festival, or donating monies or services. We had a very
successful event with more sales than last year. Once
all the numbers are in, I will report them to you.
Every department functioned without any problems,
and we had many volunteers to help everywhere.
We were honored to have visits from two Bishops
and many local clergy and also had the honor to
celebrate our feast day of our church with Bishop
Sevastianos. We will be having a wrap up meeting for
the festival in the coming weeks. You will be notified
of the date, as this is the most important meeting for
the festival and this is the time that we make any
advanced planning for next year’s event. As you can
see, we already have to start preparing for next year’s
festival.
Summer months are the time that we make many
improvements in the church buildings and grounds.
All of you will notice the new section of driveway next
to the office that needed repair and the new carpet by
the rear door. We are working on a schedule for the
repair of the dome of the church that is deteriorating
fast. Unfortunately, the iconographer is going away
for the month of July, and I am looking to find a
solution. Hopefully, the Gym roof will get redone over
the summer, which will help to avoid a repeat of the
troublesome season we just had. We also replaced the
electrical service outside for the festival, which
contributed to this year’s success.
As you can see, we are very busy. Anyone with
some free time is welcome to come and help us.
I would like to congratulate all the graduates and
Scholarships recipients for their achievements. We
have many bright and talented young adults in our
community. I hope that, even with their busy college
days in the future, they do not forget their family at
Holy Trinity and that they come often.
Wishing everyone a nice and safe summer with
many good memories. Thank you and God bless.
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 6
“Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized.” Leo Buscaglia
Sunday School Graduation Speech by
Demetra Skenderis
R everend Father, Ms. Eva,
teachers, parents and
ladies and gentlemen,
Good Morning. It seems like
yesterday when we all first came
to church to go to Sunday School
and here we are on this bitter
sweet day graduating. Why bitter
sweet? Because we are no longer
the children that every Sunday
morning, mom and dad are
running around the house
frantically trying to get us ready to
go to Sunday School and be on
time. Why is it that our parents
put so much effort into making
sure we got to Sunday School?
Why did our teachers who
volunteer their time make sure we
understood the teachings of our
church? Why was it vital to learn
the importance of a sense of
community? On behalf of my
fellow graduates, we thank you,
our priest, our parents, our
teachers and our community for
taking the time to cultivate our
Christian conscience and devotion
to the ideals that prepare us for the
journey ahead. Thank you for
giving us the foundation to live a
Christian life in a world where
faith and good works are not
always rewarded.
Sunday school instilled in us
the spiritual values, rich customs
and cultural traditions of Greek
Orthodoxy. We, in turn,
developed our faith throughout the
years, learned to become active
participants in our religious
upbringing and to develop
spiritually and morally in
accordance to the teachings of
Jesus Christ and the faith and
traditions of the Greek Orthodox
Church.
―Train a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he
will not turn from it‖ Proverbs
22:6. God calls parents to direct
their children to their Savior. And
as a church, you equip us with
more tools to do so. And now, as
I have grown older, I have come
to appreciate and truly feel
blessed for having such a gift in
my life.
I finally just wanted to share a
story with you all that I now also
see as a gift that put it all in
perspective for me. As I’m sure
most of the graduates can attest to,
I am constantly being asked
―where I’m going‖ and ―what I’m
planning on studying‖ and ―if I’m
excited to start this new chapter of
my life.‖ The last few months
have been a whirlwind of different
emotions to say the least. In this
m i d s t o f t h e c h a o t i c
i n t e r r o g a t i o n s : s o m e o n e
whispered a string of simple
words that will forever stay with
me. This ―someone‖ was no
one significant in my life. It
was an elderly woman who has
been a customer of my father’s
restaurant for years. Every
Sunday, she slowly lays out her
bills at the counter, once
handing them to my sister and
now to me. This little old lady
that insignificantly passed me
by every weekend grabbed my
h a n d a n d w h i s p e r e d
―wheresoever you go, go with
all your heart.‖
These words lingered in my
mind because of the simplicity
of it all. We hear them in
different form even from our
youngest years from our
pa rent s , t eache r s , and
encouraging friends. On that
note, I find it very important to
say a few words to Ms. Eva.
As all directors you hear the
good and the bad. I'd like to add
to the good. Other than our
parents, Miss Eva, you have been
the only other constant in our lives
from the time we were three. You
have dedicated your l ife
volunteering endless hours and
days to make us good Orthodox
Christians. On behalf of the Class
of 2012, we thank you with all our
hearts and honestly appreciate all
you have done for us, your
Orthodox children. Accept these
flowers on our behalf with much
love.
So graduates this is our time.
Our time to laugh a lot, make
mistakes, love and live to the
f u l l e s t . B u t r e m e m b e r :
wheresoever you do go, go with
all your heart.
C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s f e l l o w
classmates on reaching this major
milestone in our lives.
And on behalf of the graduating
class, truly we thank you all.
photo courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 7
“Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it. “ Mia Hamm
Daughters of Penelope by Helen Yeotsas - President
T he Daughters
of our Chapter
are wrapping
up another very busy and
productive year. We had
our End of Year
Luncheon early in June,
where we honored 28
Sisters with certificates
or pins for their many
years of dedicated
service to our Chapter. We were honored to have our
new District Governor, Penny Pecka, at our luncheon,
along with the new District 7 Secretary, Myrsini
Papoutsis. How wonderful that Penny handed out the
awards to our members that day! It was a
heartwarming event and on that day, some of our
Sisters shared with everyone their reasons for joining
this wonderful organization. Whether it was to do
something to help those in need, or to be a part of an
organization where the spirit of loyalty is
predominant, or whether a good friend "made them"
join... the common sentiments confirmed that this is a
very dedicated group of women who want to support
those in need in any way they can. It should be
noted that our longest standing member is Theodora
Valmas who earned a 60 year pin, with 64 actual
years served. She told the group how moved she was
to be part of the Daughters, and that she was a charter
member of the Norwich Chapter! Tina Morici also
received a 60 year pin, with 61 actual years served!
Many more years to them and to all our award
recipients. Here is a list of all our award winners:
Milestone Pins
25 years - Maria Agortsas (actual years 28)
25 years - Christina Tsocanos (actual years 29)
35 years - Kathy Angelos
35 years - Stella Capiris (actual years 38)
40 years - Connie Forkiotis
45 years - Eve Davies (actual years 48)
45 years - Frosso Kokenos (actual years 48)
60 years - Tina Morici (actual years 61)
60 years - Theodora Valmas (actual years 64)
Certificates of Merit
10 years - Maria Bothos (actual years 12)
10 years - Denise Dimas (actual years 14)
10 years - Pauline Halkias (actual years 12)
10 years - Sophie Magoulas (actual years 14)
10 years - Viola Skenderis
10 years - Poppy Stevens (actual years 14)
10 years - Barbara Tsoupas (actual years 11)
15 years - Mildred Arahovites (actual years 18)
15 years - Ollie Crist (actual years 17)
15 years - Marge Ellis (actual years 19)
15 years - Christine Hatzis (actual years 19)
15 years - Vicki Karavitis
15 years - Helen Klamka (actual years 19)
15 years - Sally Perna (actual years 18)
15 years - Helen Serevetas (actual years 19)
15 years - Eleni Spyrou (actual years 19)
15 years - Maria Tatalias (actual years 19)
15 years - Maria Zervos (actual years 17)
15 years - Kay Zorzy (actual years 19)
On Father's Day we participated in the Scholarship
ceremony at our church. I would like to thank Stella
Capiris, who is the Chairman of our scholarship
committee, and who helped us coordinate our awards,
which is not an easy task. The students were very
worthy and we congratulate them all! The recipients
were: Eleni Georgakopoulos, Margarita Kolitsas,
Michael Patsiarikas, Demetra Skenderis and Johnna
Vereb. We wish all the graduates much success in
their future endeavors and with their studies while in
college. These awards have been a tradition of our
organization for many years - a tradition we are very
proud of. A past recipient said to me recently, when
asked what this award meant to them:
"I felt honored to receive the DOP scholarship to
help further my education. The mission of the DOP
and their support imparted upon me a sense of
responsibility as a woman, a Greek-American and a
citizen of this country. Throughout my years in
school and even today, I feel a deep respect for the
continued work and dedication of the women in this
organization and hope to one day become part of it, in
order to bestow the same sense of civic responsibility
upon the generations of women to come."
Onward to the summer months... please plan to
support our Brothers in the AHEPA in August at their
Taverna Night. Information will be in the Vision and
in the church weekly bulletin.
We hope everyone has a wonderful, restful and
peaceful summer!
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 8
“Every act you have ever performed since the day you were born was performed because you wanted something.” Andrew Carnegie
PTO Maria Gountas -President
W here has the year gone?
It seems like yesterday
that we were starting off
t h e
s c h o o l
year, and
here we
are at the
beginning
of sum-
mer.
On behalf
of the PTO, we would all like to
thank our teachers, aides , and di-
rectors for all their hard work
throughout the year: Thank You! A
teacher’s job is so remarkable and
so important so thank you for your
time, energy, and dedication.
In May we celebrated Sunday
school graduation with 21 children
receiving their diplomas. Our chil-
dren who participated in Sunday
School also received their pins and
certificates and then celebrated with
a pizza lunch, which was hosted by
the PTO.
In June, we celebrated Greek
School graduation with 2 graduates.
They received plaques from Kiria
Eleni and Father Andreas. The rest
of our children received their certif-
icates. Afterwards, we celebrated
with some Greek food and great
company.
On June 23rd, we had our end of
year field trip to Six Flags. The
kids had a great time going on rides
and playing games throughout the
park.
On June 28th, PTO had their end
of year dinner at Viale’s Restau-
rant. A great time was had by all
who attended. We enjoyed the night
with great company and friends.
This was a perfect end to our busy
year.
PTO will be sending out mem-
bership forms in August. After you
fill out the forms, you can mail
them in , or hand in to me in Sep-
tember. PTO needs everyone’s
support. We provide fun activities
and sponsor many events for the
children throughout the year. How-
ever, without your help and sup-
port , it would not happen.
On a personal note, I would like
to thank my executive board for
their timeless help and energy and
to everyone who has helped in their
own way through monetary dona-
tions, donating their time, energy,
and resources. A big ―thank you‖
to everyone.
Have a great summer!
AHEPA by John Bochanis, President
T he Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA
held there annual dinner meeting
on June 20th. At the dinner meet-
ing AHEPA member George Christopou-
los was presented with a certificate of
recognition for his contribution to the de-
velopment of the AHEPA sponsored Ta-
verna Night. In addition, a certificate of recognition
was presented to AHEPA member Alex Vlantes who
recently completed his service as Secretary of the
Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA.
The Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA would also like
to congratulate the recipients of the 2012 Bridgeport
Chapter of AHEPA college scholarships which were
presented to Margarita Kolitsas, Michael Patsiarikas,
Demi Skenderis and Johnna Vereb.
Our Chapter also recently sponsored
the regional AHEPA basketball tour-
nament. Thank you to AHEPA mem-
bers Tom Trigonis and Perry Kout-
roulas for their work in organizing the
basketball tournament.
TAVERNA NIGHT NEWS; The an-
nual Taverna Night sponsored by the
Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA will
take place on Friday, August 24th
starting at 7:00p.m. at Penfield Pavilion , Fairfield
Beach. Tickets are $10.00 per person, due to occupan-
cy limitations it is highly recommended to purchase
tickets in advance. For tickets see any AHEPA mem-
ber.
To become a member of AHEPA or for information
concerning Taverna Night please contact AHEPA
Bridgeport Chapter President John Bochanis at 203-
394-8001 or [email protected]
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 9
Around the
Parish- by Stella Capiris
Athletic Department by Pericles Koutroulas -Director
O n Sunday June 17th, the Athletic Committee awarded scholarships to Krysti Toth
(volleyball) and Andre Loukrezis (basketball). We wish Krysti, Andre, and the
rest of the graduates much success in college. Registration for the athletic program will take place
after Church on 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, and 9/30. On behalf of the Athletic Committee, I hope you all have a
wonderful and safe summer. See you in the fall!!! Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or
call me at 203 556-0489 with any questions, concerns, and/or ideas.
M any thanks to the
G O Y A n s f o r
presenting flowers
to the fathers on Father's Day
and for the coffee reception sponsored by the Goyans
and the P.T.O.
Ahepa/Daughters’ Day was recently celebrated with
a Proclamation received from His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios. Also on that day, the Daughters
presented a check for $2,000 to the Church. A coffee
reception then followed.
Many thanks to Philoptochos for all their efforts
throughout the year and for their recent donation to the
Church of $2,800.
Many thanks to all who volunteered, assisted, and
donated in any way to our 2012 Festival. The names
are too numerous to mention. It was very successful ,
and we were blessed with good weather. Kai tou
Xronou!
Many thanks to our School Directors, Eva Vaniotis -
Sunday School and Helen Limberis - Greek School, the
teachers of both schools, and the P.T.O. , for serving
refreshments at both the Greek and Sunday School
graduations. The P.T.O. has consistently provided
support to our Schools throughout the year, and we
deeply thank to them for caring for our children. We
congratulate the Greek School and Sunday School
graduates.
Scholarships for 2012 were presented to the
graduates in June. Many, many thanks to all the
Organizations and to the individual sponsors for
honoring our youth. We wish all the graduates much
luck in their future endeavors as they move forward in
their individual colleges of choice. We are proud of all
of them.
Closing year-end lunches/
dinners were held by our
Philoptochos, the P.T.O., the
Daughters, and AHEPA.
Thanks to all of them and
their individual members for
all their efforts and support
throughout the year.
A spiritually inspiring trip
was recently made to St. Paul
Cathedral in Hempstead,
Long Island, which is the
former parish of Father
Andreas. Paraklesis and Vespers Services were
conducted as we venerated "the Miraculous Tearing
Icons of the Theotokos." A reception followed.
Ninety-three of our parishioners attended and were
deeply moved by all that they saw.
Congratulations to George Kapetaneas upon his
recent graduation from Eastern Ct. State University.
George received a degree in business. We wish him
good luck in his future endeavors. Congratulations to
Philip Cook who graduated Summa Cum Laude from
Boston University receiving his Bachelors Degree in
Archaeology. He received many awards such as the
Award for Writing Excellence in the Social Studies,
College Prize for excellence in Archaeology, Core
Curriculum Polytropos Award, and was a Phi Beta
Kappa inductee. Philip will be pursing a Masters
Degree and will be attending Trent University in
Ontario, Canada, in September. Kai eis anotera.
Congratulations to loanna Karageorge whose school,
Tomlinson Middle School's 7 grade, participated in
Laurelton Hall's annual Spring Science Olympics.
loanna and her class took top honors.
Perastika and get well wishes are extended to Gus
Agortsas and Barbara Demetros, both long-time,
dedicated parishioners.
The Community extends its deepest sympathy to the
family of Theresa (Terry) Kokenos upon her recent
death.. .to Denise (Sia) Dimas upon the death of her
husband William (Vasili). May their Memories be
forever Eternal!
photo courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
Ελληνικό Στολείο Greek School by Eleni Limberis, Director
Around
the
Parish
DOP End of Year Luncheon —photo courtesy of Kathy Yiannoulis
GOYA -C. Hasiotis
GOYA -C. Hasiotis
2012 Parish Scholarship Recipients C. Hasiotis
GOYA -C. Hasiotis Sunday School -C. Hasiotis
2012 Parish Scholarship Recipients, Families, & Presenters— C. Hasiotis
Sunday School—V. Andriotis
Greek School Dance Group—photo courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
Olympians—C. Hasiotis
Festival photos courtesy of Cristina Hasiotis
2012 Sunday School Graduates and their Families—C. Hasiotis
2012 Sunday School Graduates and their Families—C. Hasiotis
TO OUR 8TH GRADE GREEK SCHOOL STUDENTS :
AND FORMER STUDENTS Trevor Bellows, Argyroula Kouvatas, Chrysoula Vlamis,
Christina Pertesis, Christina Kalogeris , and George Pertesis
FOR A JOB VERY VERY WELL DONE ON THE
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION IN MODERN GREEK REGENTS TEST (JUNE 18, 2012 – IN NEW YORK STATE, (ASTORIA)
WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Kiria Eleni
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 14
Congratulations
To our Parish’s 2012 Graduates
HOLY TRINITY Greek School GraduatesHOLY TRINITY Greek School GraduatesHOLY TRINITY Greek School Graduates Argyroula Kouvata and Chrysoula VlamisArgyroula Kouvata and Chrysoula VlamisArgyroula Kouvata and Chrysoula Vlamis
High School GraduatesHigh School GraduatesHigh School Graduates
From: From: From: To: To: To:
Eleni Georgakopoulos Eleni Georgakopoulos Eleni Georgakopoulos Trumbull High School Trumbull High School Trumbull High School ––– Southern Conn. State UniversitySouthern Conn. State UniversitySouthern Conn. State University Andre LoukrezisAndre LoukrezisAndre Loukrezis Trumbull High SchoolTrumbull High SchoolTrumbull High School --- Fairfield UniversityFairfield UniversityFairfield University Alexa HallasAlexa HallasAlexa Hallas St. Joseph’s High School St. Joseph’s High School St. Joseph’s High School --- Marist CollegeMarist CollegeMarist College George PertesisGeorge PertesisGeorge Pertesis St. Joseph’s High School St. Joseph’s High School St. Joseph’s High School --- Fairfield UniversityFairfield UniversityFairfield University Anthony AbrahamsAnthony AbrahamsAnthony Abrahams Central High SchoolCentral High SchoolCentral High School --- Binghamton UniversityBinghamton UniversityBinghamton University Christina TakosChristina TakosChristina Takos Central High SchoolCentral High SchoolCentral High School --- University of ConnecticutUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut Michael PatsiarikasMichael PatsiarikasMichael Patsiarikas Woodland High School Woodland High School Woodland High School --- Southern Conn. State UniversitySouthern Conn. State UniversitySouthern Conn. State University Margarita KolitsasMargarita KolitsasMargarita Kolitsas Masuk High SchoolMasuk High SchoolMasuk High School --- Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University Demetra SkenderisDemetra SkenderisDemetra Skenderis Masuk High SchoolMasuk High SchoolMasuk High School --- Colgate UniversityColgate UniversityColgate University Krystianna TothKrystianna TothKrystianna Toth Masuk High SchoolMasuk High SchoolMasuk High School --- Eastern Conn. State UniversityEastern Conn. State UniversityEastern Conn. State University Johnna VerebJohnna VerebJohnna Vereb Bunnell High SchoolBunnell High SchoolBunnell High School --- Housatonic Community CollegeHousatonic Community CollegeHousatonic Community College Amalia Valiantis Amalia Valiantis Amalia Valiantis Fairfield Warde High Fairfield Warde High Fairfield Warde High --- St. Vincent’s CollegeSt. Vincent’s CollegeSt. Vincent’s College
College and University GraduatesCollege and University GraduatesCollege and University Graduates
Christina YeotsasChristina YeotsasChristina Yeotsas--- Fordham University Fordham University Fordham University George KapetaneasGeorge KapetaneasGeorge Kapetaneas--- Eastern Connecticut State UniversityEastern Connecticut State UniversityEastern Connecticut State University Philip CookPhilip CookPhilip Cook--- Boston UniversityBoston UniversityBoston University Dominick FatibeneDominick FatibeneDominick Fatibene--- University of ConnecticutUniversity of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut Maria PertesisMaria PertesisMaria Pertesis--- Quinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac UniversityQuinnipiac University
JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 17
©2012 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Bpt. Ct Publishing &Design-Vicky Andriotis-06/17/2012
AHEPA J. Bochanis 203-254-7595
AROUND THE PARISH S. Capiris 203-259-7344
[email protected] ATHLETIC PROGRAM P. Koutroulas 203-556-0489
CANTOR G. Bakes 203-374-8561
CHOIR P. Leask 203-258-9160
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES S. Kapetaneas 203-926-1751
CULTURAL ASSOCIATION V. Hatzis 203-268-7231
[email protected] DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE H. Yeotsas 203-374-1729 [email protected] ECCLESIARCH D. Trigonis 203-374-0725
FORCC E. Vaniotis 203-374-0013 [email protected]
GOYA N. Pettas 203-925-0189
E. Yiannoulis 203-372-6591
GREEK PAIDEIA L. Protopapas 203-929-1582
GREEK SCHOOL E. Limberis 203-371-6305
GREEK SCHOOL DANCE GROUP E.Limberis 203-371-6305 [email protected] M. Cook 203-375-9329
HISTORIAN & ARCHIVES ROOM S. Capiris 203-259-7344
[email protected] INTERIOR COMMITTEE B. Pappas 203-268-8907
JR. CHOIR J.Bogardus 203-736-6501
LIBRARY H. Vittorio
L. Protopapas
203-375-0670
203-929-1582
MAINTENANCE G. Hatzis 203-261-3247
L. Tsouris 203-334-2781 MEDIA-COMMUNICATIONS A. Loukrezis 203-268-5377
OLYMPIANS (GOYA) F. Papachristos 203-380-0566
P.T.O. M. Gountas 203-650-3246
PARISH COUNCIL G. Mourizakis 203-373-0580
[email protected] PHILOPTOCHOS K. Tsitsipas
203-926-0137
PUBLICITY COMMITTEE E. Vaniotis 203-374-0013
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE S. Karagiannis 203-820-1975 SCHOOL BOARD V. Boudreau 203-734-6754
SENIOR CITIZENS G. Agortsas 203-372-1015
STEWARDSHIP A.J. Metsopoulos 203-292-6418
R. Arvanitis 203-226-4140
SUNDAY SCHOOL E. Vaniotis 203-374-0013
[email protected] INTERNET MINISTRIES/WEBSITE/ FACEBOOK/TWITTER/E-BULLETIN
V.Andriotis 203-371-6856
Church Office Eleni Limberis
Email: [email protected] Office: 203.374.5561 Fax: 203.374.5770
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm Sundays after Services: 12:00pm-1:00pm
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The Official Monthly Publication of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue Bridgeport,
“Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every Creature.” Mark 16:15
Robert Arvanitis 226-4140 Michael Bouloubasis 336-2116 Stella Capiris 259-7344 Phil Georgas 257-7452 Argyris Karagiannis 260-6124 A.J. Metsopoulos 292-6418
John Mihalakopoulos 261-4732 George Mourizakis 373-0580 Chris Papachristos 380-0566 Peter Tsimbidaros 334-2578 Scott Vereb 520-2781 Constantine Vlamis 268-5464
Parish Council Newsletter Editor Vicky Andriotis
Newsletter Staff
Eleni Limberis George Mourizakis
Father Andreas Vithoulkas Vicky Andriotis
Father Andreas Vithoulkas, Presbyter [email protected]
phone: 917-334-4192
Services Sunday: Orthros 8:30am
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9:45am – 11:30am Weekday Services,Orthros,Divine Liturgy:
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JULY 2012 THE ORTHODOX VISION 20 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 4070 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604
Address Service Requested
The Official Monthly Publication of Holy Trinity
July 2012—
Issue #269