orqodojos zwh orthodox life - saint vasilios … · orthodox life – april/may 2016 28 ... greek...

ORTHODOX LIFE – April/May 2016

28

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 15

Peabody, MA 01960

Return Service Requested

ORTHODOX LIFE ORQODOJOS ZWH ● A Publication of

SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522

Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected]

June/July 2016

(Continued on page 3)

Inside this issue: Fr. Chris’s Message p.1 & 2 Church Service Announcements p.2 Dates to Remember p.3 Weekday Services p.3 Fr. Anthony’s Reflection p.4 & 5 Updates from Parish Assembly p.5 President’s Message p.6 & 10 Koimisis of the Theotokos p.7 St. Vasilios Picnic p.8 Organizations & Ministries p.9 Picnic Announcements p.9 Parishioner of the Year p.10 2016 St. Vasilios Stewardship p.11 Church School News p.12&13 End of Year Outing p.13 July/August Calendars p.14-15 Greek School News p.16-17 Saturday of the Souls p.17 Healthbeat p.18-19 Philoptochos News p.20-21 St. Vasilios PTA News p.22 St. Val’s Men’s Club p.23-25 Donations p.26 Ads p.27 40th Annual Golf Tournament p.28

Thoughts My message this month springs from

thoughts about the up and coming celebration of

Father’s Day and incidentally having just cele-

brated Mother’s Day this past Sunday. Further-

more, my thoughts are with all our high school

seniors who are preparing for their commence-

ment exercises. So I thought, I might write some-

thing directed at both parents and their teenage

children. So I hope that through my message you

might better understand each other by re-hearing

these comments from parents to teens: “Bring me the change! Text us when you get there. I hope I’m alive

when your kids turn sixteen. How many times have I told you… Why is

it that you remember to eat but not take out the trash? You will have fun.

Because I said so! If I jumped off a bridge would you? No phones at the

table! Do it to make your mother happy. If you break your leg don’t

come running to me.” Well, teens, what do you feel when your parents talk like this?

Probably there is some resentment. You may feel some rebellion at their

attempts to control you. You might see manipulation as they las a guilt

trip on you. And maybe you are not far off in some of these feelings.

The above statements (some might have been said as far back as Moses’

day) do indicate a parent’s attempt to control a teen’s behavior.. Some

attempts are authoritarian and/or manipulative. Your feelings are proba-

bly normal. But please keep this in mind. Your parents are probably doing

their very best. Most of them would deprive you of nothing that you re-

ally need. In fact, it probably hurts them to deny you of anything you

want. They don’t want you to be different. They want you to have the

best of times, yet they do not want to compromise their orthodox Chris-

tian beliefs and principles. They see you growing up and shortly leaving them and some-

times they are afraid. They wonder if they have adequately prepared you

for life. They may even wonder if you will still love and care for them


2

Funerals The following members of St. Vasilios have fallen asleep into the

hands of our Lord over the past

months.

Philip L. Xindaris Eva (Venios) Tournas

Alice (Xindaris) Pashby Dorothy A. (Mavrakos)

Angelopoulos Tassos Varinos

Persephoni Zarkades

May their memory be eternal.

Baptisms The child of

Carl & Olivia Giordano with Godparent

Wilfred Giordano

The child of Vasilios & Karen Stephanides

with Godparent Constantine Stephanides, Jr.

40 day William Tsapatsaris 40 day Karen Marianos

40 day Georgia Mitsopoulos 40 day Eva Tournas

1yr. William Koulas

1yr. Dimitrios Solomos 1yr. James P. Chronis

3 yr. Christoforos Christopher

5yr. Michael Drougas

7 yr. Eleni Chamatsos

Trisagia 1 yr. Helen Caparell 1 yr. Rose Tsatsios

5 yr. Emanuel Papadopoulos 5 yr. Annie Papadopoulos

10 yr. Charles Inglis 13 xro/nia De/spoina Xwremiw/th

35 yr. Pantelis Tilas

(Continued from page 1)

Thoughts

Church Service Announcements

after you are gone. So, teens, open some more lines

of communication and make a real effort to try to un-

derstand the older folks. They may be a generation

behind you, but they mean only the best. Remember,

all you have to do is survive! My son (daughter), do not forget my teaching,

but keep my commands in your heart, for they will

prolong your life many years and bring you prosperi-

ty. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind

them around your neck, write them on the tablet of

your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and the people. Proverbs 3:5,6

Memorials

ORTHODOX LIFE - April/May 2016 27

NEW ENGLAND MEAT MARKET

Charles Silva

62 Walnut Street, Peabody, MA 01960

978-531-0846

METRO CLEANERS

43 FOSTER ST PEABODY, MA 978-532-6337

100 CUMMINGS CENTER

BEVERLY, MA 978-998-3200

ORGETTAS FAMILY IN MEMORY OF

MICHAEL & RENA

ORGETTAS

Next to Heaven There is only... GREECE

METRO TOURS By

Peter Metropolis,

[email protected] Www.metrotours.com

978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax

FOFO’S Stefana only $59

BaptismOutfits 30% off Decorated Candles

gold crosses-martirika with eye Favors for All Occasions

136 Main Street Peabody, MA 01960

(978) 977 9141 Tue-Fri 11-5 Sat 11-4

Bulletin Advertising Space Available

Please contact Irene

at 978-531-0777

MENIATES FAMILY IN MEMORY OF

JAMES X. & RENA MENIATES

In memory of Eva Tournas $50 Mrs. Anne Tsapatsaris $25 Karen & James L'Italien $50 Penny Karahalis $25 Mary Franggos $40 Stella Karabetsou $50 Mrs. Paula M. Halepakis

$200 John & Marilyn Venios


26

Donations

$100 Margie Anezis & family in memory of husband, father & grandfather Solon Anezis-1yr $100 Margie Anezis & family in memory of brother & uncle Arthur Prevenas-1 yr. $100 Connie & Adriana Mirra in loving memory of George Gianarelis- 35 yrs

$50 Chamatsos family in memory of Eleni Chamatsos-11 yrs $100 Anastasia Inglis, Estelle, Frances, Charles & Dennis in memory of husband & father Charles Inglis-10 yrs $500 Vasili & Niki Roumeliotis for good health of family

$25 Mr. & Mrs. Basil Yankopoulos in memory of Christine Morfis $25 Mary Nickitopoulos in memory of Jane Apostolides

$100 Markella Lygomenos & Margaret Rodgers in memory of parents Stephen & Josephine Lygomenos Fran & Bill Katsulis in memory of Christine Morfis

$50 Mike & Jean Bentas in memory of Christine Morfis $50 John & Virginia Tsouvalas in memory of Karen Marianos

$250 Angelakis Foundation in memory of Jane Apostolides $200 Kazes Family in memory of Dr. John Kazes-4yrs & Mrs. Irene Kazes

$50 Anne Tsapatsaris in memory of Julie Anna Boris $35 Anthony & Claire Tsapatsaris in memory of Julie Anna Boris $25 Angelica Vontzalides in memoryof Julie Anna Boris $50 Evangeline Leondires in memory of Elaine Carney

$300 Esther Koutzoukis & family in loving memory of husband, father & grandfather Anthony KoutzoukIs-3 yrs. $25 St. Val's Men's Club in memory of Philip Xindaris

$100 Christina Sarbanis Crowley & family in loving memory of father & grandfather; Peter Sarbanis-1 yr. $50 Dr. Phyllis Dragonas in memory of Persephone Zarkades $50 Lela Kallas in memory of Persephone Zarkades $50 Lesley Zarkades in memory of Persephone Zarkades

$100 Evangelia Kastrinakis in memory of Persa $30 James Maravelias in memory of Peter N. Laggis

Vasilios Houvardas in memory of parents Nicholas & Stamatia Houvardas Sevi Diakageorge in memory of husband John Diakageorge

$20 Dorothy Tsouvalas in memory of Anne Tenedios $20 Dorothy Tsouvalas in memory of Aristotle Vontzalides

In memory of Tassos Varinos $25 Statia & Tracy Donovan

$100 John & Marilyn Venios $50 Despina Drougas $25 Anna Chronis $25 John & Virginia Tsouvalas

In memory of Eva Tournas $50 Mrs. Anne Tsapatsaris $25 Karen & James L'Italien $50 Penny Karahalis $25 Mary Franggos $40 Stella Karabetsou $50 Mrs. Paula M. Halepakis

$200 John & Marilyn Venios

In memory of Elaine Carney $5,000 Catherine & John Hood

$15 Lydia Nichols $50 Barbara Carney

In memory of William Tsapatsaris $50 William & Lorraine Nolan $50 Anastasia & Gregory Diminture $50 Mrs. Irene Kajos $50 John & Jennie Quartarone $25 Rick & Donna Lombardi $25 Paul Cranney & Rosemary Cleary $25 Mary Nickitopoulos $25 Mary Franggos $50 Ruth Galaris $30 Mrs. Paula M. Halepakis $50 Sophie & Jim Metropolis $50 Mike & Jean Bentas $25 The Nichols family


For the most updated

information, check out www.stvasilios.org

& visit St. Vasilios’

Photo Gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/

stvasilios

Weekday Services KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES Dates to Remember

Tuesday, July 19 St. Makrina

8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, July 20

Prophet Elias 8:00 am Orthros

9:00 am Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, July 27 St. Panteleimon 8:00 am Orthros

9:00 am Divine Liturgy

Paraklesis Monday, August 1 7 pm

Vespers

Wednesday, August 3 7pm

Paraklesis-@ Tranfiguration Lowell Friday, August 5 7 pm

Holy Transfiguration

Blessing of Grapes Saturday, August 6th

8:00 am Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy

Paraklesis

Monday, August 8 7 pm

Paraklesis Wednesday, August 10 7 pm

Vespers

Friday, August, 12 7 pm

Dormition Monday, August 15

8:00 a.m. Orthros 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

St. Phanourios

Saturday, August 27 8:00 a.m. Orthros

9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

Beheading of John Baptist Monday, August 29 8:00 a.m. Orthros

9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy

St. Vasilios Picnic Sunday, June 26 @ Winter Is-

land

St. Val’s Men’s Club Golf Tournament

Monday, July 25

Tri/th, 19h Iouli/ou Agi/a Makri/na

8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Teta/rth, 20h Iouli/ou Profh/thc Hli/ac 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc

9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a

Teta/rth, 27h Iouli/ou Agioc Panteleh/mwn 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc


Para/klhsic Deute/ra, 1h Augou/stou 7 mm

Esperino/c Teta/rth, 3h Augou/stou 7 mm

Para/klhsic Tranfiguration Lowell Paraskeuh/, 5h Augou/stou 7 mm

H Metamo/rfwsic tou Kuri/ou

Hmw/n Ihsou/ Xristou/ Sabba/to, 6h Augou/stou


Para/klhsic

Deute/ra 8h Augou/stou 7 mm

Para/klhsic Teta/rth, 10h Augou/stou 7 mm

Esperino/c Paraskeuh/, 12h Augou/stou 7 mm

Koi/mhsic

Deute/ra, 15h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc


Agiou Fanouri/ou Sabba/to, 27h Augou/stou


Apotomh/ Kefalh/c Prodro/mou Deute/ra, 29h Augou/stou



4


Fr. Anthony’s Reflection

He is not heir but has risen. (Look 24-5)

These were the words that the angel spoke to the confused disciples after asking a very

clear question: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” The disciples were

confused and perhaps they did not even know what they were looking for, what to expect

or what were they suppose to do now and in the future.

Newer the less He was not dead, He had risen and this was not the end but was the beginning of a pil-

grimage marked by our inner struggle. God was not done with us yet. This was the doorway from death to life

“from Glory to Glory”. This was our rebirth as a new person about whom St. Irenaeus sais this, “The Glory of

God is a living person and the life of the person is the vision of God”.

God’s vision had been fulfilled we were brought “from non being in to being” and that was not for

mere biological existence. God chose us for life of which the ultimate end is participation in the eternal glory

of the risen Christ, “in the inheritance of the saints in light”. (Col 1:12, Eph. 1:18) Created by God as the most

sublime expression of his love, we are called to enjoy everlasting communion with him in the fellowship of

those who reflect his radiant sanctity. By means of what St. Irenaeus called his “two hands” –the Son and the

Spirit,- God the father assumes and embraces human life filling it with his attributes of love, power, justice,

goodness and beauty.

“Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life…has

passed from death to life” (John 5-24). According to the teaching of the Church fathers our primal vocation or

calling is to participate in divine life itself, to “ascend to the house of our God,” where we shall enjoy eternal

communion with the three persons of the Holy Trinity.

Apostle Paul, like the evangelist John, speaks of the kingdom of God as a reality that is presently ac-

cessible to us: the kingdom is “among” us, “in our midst” or even “within” the depth of our being. Although

it’s fullness can only be known after our physical death, our present life within the church offers us a very real

foretaste of the ineffable joy to come. It is a present reality, inaugurated by baptism and nourished by com-

munion in the Body and the Blood of the glorified Lord. It is a “sacramental” reality that radically transforms

our understanding of the origin and the ultimate destiny of human existence. “We are not our own, we were

bought with a price”. (1 Cor. 6-19) We can attain to divine sanctity through the exercise of faithful steward-

ship, offering “ourselves and each other and all our life to Christ our God.

Christian stewardship suggests that we “render on to God that which is God’s” and the parable of the

talents makes clear, that stewardship of this kind involves not mere caretaking but the bearing of fruit.


St. Val’s Men’s Club Charity Golf Tournament


24

St. Val’s Men’s Club Charity Golf Tournament


Fr. Anthony’s Reflection (Continued from page 4)

Acquisition of sanctity, therefore, requires our active participation or cooperation with divine grace that in-

volves “putting off the old Adam” and putting on the new”. St Paul expresses the dynamic quality of this ongo-

ing inner conversion in these terms: “Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life

….put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness”(Eph 4:22-24),

because

Christ is risen from the dead,

Trampling down death by death,

And upon those in the tombs

Bestowing life!

Endowment Grant Vote at Parish Assembly May 16, 2016 The Parish Council, upon the recommendation of the Investment Committee, submits for approval the follow-

ing allocation of the Endowment Grant. $3928 to be granted to the Handicap Accessibility Fund/Building Committee, For overages for the lift/narthex project in the church. VOTED unanimously: to approve grant recommendation to Building Committee for Church Improve-

ments/Handicap Accessibility Fund.

St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Non-profit Status

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Non-profit corporation registered with the Secretary of State –

automatically renewable every 5 years 501 (c) (3) Non-profit federal designation with non-profit Tax identification/EIN number which does not

expire Ratification of Investment Committee members at Parish Assembly 5/16/16

Per the guidelines set forth in the Investment Policy of St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, the Execu-

tive committee of the Parish Council met and recommended the following members in good standing of

the Parish Council to the Investment Committee:

Nicholas Chihlas 2 year term; expires 12/31/2017 Christine Haliotis Martins 2 year term; expires 12/31/2017 Spero Venios 1 year term; expires 12/31/2016 Peter Franggos 1 year term; expires 12/31/2016 Note: 1-year term will become 2-year terms on 12/31/2016

Updates from 2016 Parish Assembly


6

Parish Council News President’s Report presented at Parish Assembly May 16, 2016

Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President

Xristos Anesti, So at last May’s Parish Assembly we voted on carpet versus hardwood and what color paint for the church in-

terior…. In a year’s time a lot has happened. Again we have all been running with our lives, and yet had a

busy Community since we gathered last in November. We celebrated a beautiful Pascha, and I want to take

one quick minute to thank Fr. Chris, Fr. Anthony, Fr. Andrew, Deacon Michael, the office staff, the chanters-having Tony Vatousios voice added to the chanter stand was lovely, the hardworking Parish Council who were

here for every service, and the sextons who are behind the scenes and keep the ship upright through a long

Lenten period. We have managed to accomplish a lot in a year but we do not want to rest on our laurels. With the continued work of the Scholarship Administration and the Investment Committees we are fine

-tuning the Scholarship process and guidelines. There are slides later in the presentation that show how gener-

ous our community is and how fortunate our students are! We are entering our fourth year with 2 priests and have maintained our budget, but stewardship is still

flat and there must be more efforts to increase revenues to support our staff and amazing ministries. We are gearing up for a new capital campaign effort to complete the goal of making our entire facility

accessible to all. The lift in the church has been a blessing for many and the ramp has enriched the lives of the

faithful. There is a gentleman in a wheelchair that attended church occasionally. Now with the ramp and the

lift, he barely misses a Sunday. If we did these improvements for just this one soul, then we were successful,

but that is only a single example of the good we have accomplished and should strive to continue. In addition, we must establish a Structured Maintenance Plan that provides for set annual contributions into the

Building and Capital Repair account that would preserve the funds for future major repairs to our facilities. Again The Stewardship committee with Martin Scrivener filling the large shoes of Steve Kalivas and

Brandon Simpson, planned and presented another amazing Lenten Lecture series with wonderful meals to set

the mood. We did a potluck, a meal made by the St. Makrina group and one donated by the ever-generous

New Brothers in Danvers. Our Parish again makes us proud and showed its commitment to Community service, Blessing Bags

for the homeless, Operation Troop drive, coat collection, blanket collection, food drives, continued community

wide meal prep for the Haven from Hunger, to name a few. We have started a bi-monthly ministry and organizations committee meeting that brings together lead-

ers and representatives of all the groups with the parish council and the priest to voice concerns, plan commu-

nity wide events (like the upcoming picnic), share news and events, coordinate calendars, and improve com-

munications and support for each other. We are addressing fundraising “fatigue” and will be discussing how

to combine fundraising and fellowship efforts, so as to not over burden our parishioners. Our facilities will continue to need our attention and we must not lapse in the upkeep and preservation

of our beautiful complex, all the while continuing to strive to make it accessible to all. Without hurting ourselves, can we pat ourselves on the back, or at least clap for how beautiful the

church looks! The shiny floors, beautiful paint, cleaned and refurbished chandelier, lighting in the north side

stained glass windows, polished solea, polished marbles in the narthex, Bathrooms in the basement (Presvytera

Claire decorating talents appreciated). And if I had a dollar for every time someone asked me when we got the

new pews! I am still sad that this hall is not quite accessible yet, but that is our goal. We are planning needs as-

sessment meetings coming very soon! There will be one daytime, one evening and one weekend session so as




22

THE PTA IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD PEOPLE The PTA is looking for a few good people. Three years ago three of today's current PTA members sat in the audience of the Greek school Christmas

show. The Greek school principal, Dina, stood up and noted that the lack of a PTA did not allow for the typi-

cal donation of Christmas chocolate pops. This triggered the three of us to decide to step up and become the

new PTA. Little did we know, the PTA responsibility went far beyond chocolate pops. Over the last year I have been asked many times what the PTA does. We support all of the schools and chil-

dren in this parish. I'd like to take this moment to list all of our responsibilities for you. In October, we host a Halloween party. At Christmas, we host a Christmas party. For both of these events, we have a DJ, pizza, drinks, desserts, and Goodie bags. We charge only $10 a family

just to get a good headcount for ordering. For the Greek school shows, we donate the cookies and juice provided after, along with the chocolate pops for

the Christmas show. The PTA is responsible for the coffee hour. The sponsorship of a coffee hour does not

cover the cost of all of the food that is provided -- the cost is supplemented by the PTA. At the festival, the PTA staffs the food line and organizes the children's room events, which are generously

donated by the men's club. Twice a year we make supper for Haven from Hunger. At the end of the year we give a gift to both Sunday and Greek School students and teachers. We fund the Breakfast for the Greek School graduates and buy the dictionaries they are given. The PTA is also responsible for planning and organizing the PTA scholarship dinner. The ice cream for the Sunday School end of the year celebration has been provided by the PTA. Over the year, the PTA makes many little donations throughout the parish; from the camp to YOCAMA to the

GOYA and JOY groups...and many more. Over the last three years we have organized three fundraisers to support all events. We have held a tasting and

silent auction in the spring, sold lambathes for Easter and organized a raffle drawing at Christmas time. Cur-

rently, the PTA is only eight members strong. We are requesting your support and participation. If you'd like to join us please contact us at [email protected] Thank you, Constance Spack President, St. Vasilios PTA


Koimisis of the Theotokos

On August 15th we commemorate the Koimisis, Dormition, or the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary.

Much of the Church’s Holy Tradition is given in the book called the Horologion. In this book we read about

the falling asleep of the Theotokos. As time drew near for the Lord to call His earthly Mother, He sent an angel to announce this to her

three days beforehand. The Virgin Mary then went to the Mount of Olives to pray. This was a prayer of re-

joicing, the joy of return to the Savior. Ever since the Resurrection, death had a new meaning and attitude.

Death no longer meant the end and despair; now it was a new beginning, a hope, a new life. Death was now,

in Christian terms sleep, which Christ would wake us up from and live forever with Him in heaven. The event of the Dormition is very important in our Church life and it is preceded by a two week fast

period. During this time we conduct the service of the Paraklesis, the Supplication to the Theotokos. During

this service we ask the Virgin Mary to pray for us to her Son, to help us, to overcome our illnesses, and to as-

sist us in times of trouble or need. We do this because the Church feels that since she is so close to God that

she will assist us in our prayers to Him.

Paraklesis Service Para/klhsic Akolouqi/ec All services will take place at 7p.m. /Olec oi akolouq/i/ec qa la/boun me/roc sti/c 7:m.m. Monday, August 1 Deute/ra, 1 Augou/stou Wednesday, August 3 Teta/rth, 3 Augou/stou Friday , August 5—Vespers at Lowell Paraskeuh/, 5 Augou/stou Esperino/c sto/ Lowell Monday, August 8 Deute/ra, 8 Augou/stou Wednesday, August 10 Teta/rth, 10 Augou/stou Friday, August 12 Paraskeuh/, 12 Augou/stou

Please write the baptismal names of those people you wish remembered and return this list to the church office.

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________

________________________ ________________________ ________________________

________________________

________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________

__________________________ __________________________ __________________________

__________________________

__________________________

mailto:[email protected]


8

2016 St. Vasilios Greek Picnic


PHILOPTOCHOS PRESENTS AUCTION FUNDS

Following the 1st Divine Liturgy, Philoptochos welcomes UNICEF Board Member, Elaine Kevgas and Alex-

andra Midili Greeley, Community Engagement and Giving Coordinator from Crittenton Women's Union. On

April 9th, Philoptochos hosted and sponsored our 1st Auction to benefit a National Philoptochos Project

UNICEF and Crittenton. The auction raised $27,585.00. Philoptochos is honored to present two checks in

the amounts of $10,000.00 each to UNICEF-child trafficking and Crittenton Women's Union (helping women

and their families achieve economic independence). On behalf of Philoptochos, our warmest and heartfelt

gratitude for all who supported and worked tirelessly to make the Auction a huge success. For more infor-

mation on UNICEF and Crittenton, please visit their websites. UNICEF: www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/trafficking Crittenton: www.liveworkthrive.org With Sisterly Love Always, Haritomeni Frangias, Philoptochos President

http://www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/trafficking

http://www.liveworkthrive.org


20

Philoptochos News

My beloved Sisters in Christ and friends of the Philoptochos As our 1st Philoptochos Auction ended on April 9th, it will always be a shining light in those who

embraced and supported the vision of the philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of

America. One of our mission statements “The charitable work of the Society shall be performed with discre-

tion, courtesy and kindness,” is what made our Auction, “Bring Hope to Those in Need…The Time is

Now,” a huge success! Your kindness, courtesy, love and generous donations forever will be in the memo-

ries of all who attended. Thank you all so much for your love. Truthfully, this Auction would not have been possible without

your love. I thank you for your trust in Philoptochos. We will continue our charitable contributions near

and far in supporting worthwhile projects, as we continue to make the vision of a kind world much more

possible. As personal letters, emails and telephone calls have been made, I find it impossible not to thank each

and every one of you – from our ad donors, to our Committee Chairs, to all our donors – gift cards, themed

baskets, silent auction items, liquor/wine, lottery tree, live auction items, volunteers, our beautiful Sunday

School children who participated by drawing their own unique vision of faith, our cash donors and our

anonymous donors, our Hellenic College/School of Theology students, our Auction Auctioneers, and lastly

the support and contributions of our Clergy. Please believe that I am honored to have been a part of this Auction, and I know that everyone who

was part of the Auction, whether in its journey or being in attendance, is also very proud of its success. Our over the top hard work fundraised $27, 585.89! Of which $10,000.00 has been donated to UNICEF-end

child trafficking – United Nation International Children’s Emergency Fund and $10,000.00 to CRITTEN-

TON Women’s Union – a total of $20,000.00! Many thanks to our cash donors who some have asked to remain anonymous. I would like to take

this opportunity to report that not only did Philoptochos fulfill its mission in supporting our National

Philoptochos endeavors and outside community involvement, a request was presented to donate $500.00 to

support our Philoxena House in Brookline, MA. This request was part of a donor’s donation to the Auction.

As a result, St. Vasilios will adopt a bedroom at the Philoxenia House and provide it with all the essential

necessities needed to give a family comfort during their heavy burden of treatment at various Boston hospi-

tals and keep it replenished throughout the years. Thank you all for believing in the Philoptochos spirit in

helping others outside our Orthodox community for this gave light in someone’s heart to support our very

own Orthodox Home which serves as a “home away from home” to many from Greece and around the

world. The Philoxenia House is a Ministry which was established by His Eminence Metropolitan

Methodios 25 years ago. Philanthropy’s Timeline - Did you know that Plato started the roots of giving? In 347 B.C. Plato’s Will left his farm to a nephew with instructions the proceeds be used to support students

and faculty at the Academy of Athens which he founded. Source: "Issues and Opportunities in Endowment

Fundraising", Philip M. Purcell, Planned Giving Resource Center for the Central Indiana Community Foun-

dation. Wishing everyone a safe summer. With Sisterly Love Always Haritomeni Frangias, Philoptochos President


Picnic announcements

Organizations & Ministries Contact Information

DONATIONS NEEDED:

Do you have a bottle of Metaxa or Ouzo you will never drink, or red wine and you prefer white? We are ac-

cepting donations of beer, wine (any type), ouzo and Metaxa for our upcoming Picnic. You can even help us

defray costs by purchasing and dropping off a case of beer (your favorite brand is fine!) or wine any time to

the church office prior to June 24th. We thank you in advance for your generosity! Picnic Committee

Skewering and Prep! Lend a hand for our annual Picnic!

Skewering Thursday June 23rd at 6 pm in the kitchen Food Prep and Loading the truck Saturday June 25th 9 am – noon

RAFFLE PRIZES

We are looking for donations for raffle prizes for our Picnic. Please call the office if you have something to

donate or if you are able, drop any prizes or gift certificates off at the church office. Thanks!!!


10

(Continued from page 6)

OUR PARISH IS PROUD TO HONOR BESSIE SILVA

Our Parish is proud to honor Bessie Bentas Silva at

the 30th Metropolis of Boston Ministry awards.

Since birth, Bessie has been a member of Saint Vasilios

Church and attended Sunday School, Greek School as

well as Junior and Senior GOYA. She taught Sunday

School for many years and was a member of the PTA.

She is an active member of the Philoptohos helping with

fundraisers and events. Bessie was a vital member of the Parish Council from

2010 to 2014 and was involved in many events including

concerts, dances and fundraisers.

Bessie is still contributing and has chaired St. Vasilios’ picnics and our church festivals for

many years. Helping raise funds for the parish. She loves the fellowship of the community.

She married her husband, Charles Silva at Saint Vasilios and raised her children, Charles and

Nicole, as members of the church. Her children Charles and his wife Alexis, and Nicole and

her husband Christopher Kachinski are also all active at St Vasilios following the wonderful

example of their mom. She is the proud grandmother of Elizabeth, Charlie, Nikolas and Evan.

to allow all folks a chance to attend and voice opinions. You only need to attend ONE—we will be making

notes and gathering information on how to proceed and then get recommendations from the architects. Last but certainly not least is the vibrancy of our organizations. I would like to highlight the revitaliza-

tion of our GOYA and youth ministry. Fr Anthony has been a welcome, enthusiastic and hardworking youth

leader. The children have participated in activities, meetings and outings. They have gone to GOYA dances

as far away as Braintree and participated and hosted Basketball tournaments and banquets. We got so many

positive comments at the banquet we sponsored for the whole Metropolis-it was wonderful! The Oratorical

Festival lead by the Church school and especially Andrew Constandinou was enlightening. The Lock-in with

MBC Camp staff was also a highlight. We will again be having our Vacation church school this summer. The ministries and organizations are ever busy, with Philoptochos amazing auction, the ever fun PTA

tasting and auction, the upcoming Men’s club golf tournament, bowling night, and tavli tournament---I’ll be

there for that one! The list is exhausting and encouraging….that people want to be here and be part of this

great community. Thank you all for the opportunity to lead it and glean so much pride.

President’s Report presented at Parish Assembly May 16, 2016


Behavioral HealthBeat

Major depression By Andrea O’Donnell, M.Ed., LMHC

What is major depression? The normal human emotion we sometimes call

“depression” is a common response to a loss, failure

or disappointment. Major depression is different. It is

a serious emotional and biological disease that affects

one’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, mood and physical

health. Depression is a life-long condition in which

periods of wellness alternate with recurrences of ill-

ness and may require long-term treatment to keep

symptoms from returning, just like any other chronic

medical illness. All age groups and all racial, ethnic and socioeconom-

ic groups can experience major depression. Some in-

dividuals may only have one episode of depression in

a lifetime, but often people have recurrent episodes. If

untreated, episodes commonly last anywhere from a

few months to many years. An estimated 25 million

American adults are affected by major depression in a

given year, but only one-half ever receive treatment. What are the symptoms of major depression and

how is it diagnosed? Depression usually causes significant changes in how

a person functions in many of the following areas: • Changes in sleep. Some people experience difficulty

in falling asleep, waking up during the night or awak-

ening earlier than desired. Other people sleep exces-

sively or much longer than they used to. • Changes in appetite. Weight gain or weight loss

demonstrates changes in eating habits and appetite

during episodes of depression. • Poor concentration. The inability to concentrate and/

or make decisions is a serious aspect of depression.

During severe depression, some people find following

the thread of a simple newspaper article to be ex-

tremely difficult, or making major decisions often im-

possible. • Loss of energy. The loss of energy and fatigue often

affects people living with depression. Mental speed

and activity are usually reduced, as is the ability to

perform normal daily routines. • Lack of interest. During depression, people feel sad

and lose interest in usual activities. • Low self-esteem. During periods of depression, peo-

ple dwell on memories of losses or failures and feel

excessive guilt and helplessness. • Hopelessness or guilt. The symptoms of depression

often produce a strong feeling of hopelessness, or a

belief that nothing will ever improve. These feelings

can lead to thoughts of suicide. • Movement changes. People may literally look

“slowed down” or overly activated and agitated. What treatments are available? Some well-established types of treatment for major

depression are: • Psychotherapy. Several types of psychotherapy have

been shown to be effective for depression, including

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal

therapy (IPT). Support groups offer opportunities to

share frustrations and successes, referrals to specialists

and community resources, and information about what

works best when trying to recover. Research has

shown that mild to moderate depression can often be

treated successfully with either medication or psycho-

therapy alone but that both together are often more

helpful. Severe depression appears more likely to re-

spond to a combination of medication and psychother-

apy. • Medications. Medications often effectively control

the serious symptoms of depression. It often takes two

to four weeks for antidepressant medications to have

their full effect. •Other forms of treatment that may be helpful, either

combined with the more traditional treatments or

alone, include Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Tran-

scranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), aerobic exer-

cise, and complementary and alternative medicine. As

devastating as this disease may be, it is very treatable

in most people. Today the availability of treatment

and understanding of depression has lessened the bar-

riers that can prevent early detection, diagnosis and

decision to seek treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, con-

sult a medical professional to determine which treat-

ment options may be appropriate for you. If you are

experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself or oth-

ers, seek immediate treatment by calling 911, going

to your local Emergency Department or by calling

the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800 273-8255

Extracted from The Anxiety Fact Sheet The National Alliance on Mental Illness

1 (800) 950-NAMI 3803 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA

22203


18

HEALTHBEAT


2016 St. Vasilios Stewardship Below is a listing of the parishioners who have pledged for

2016 from 4/12/2016 through 6/1/2016

Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Agouridis Mrs. Rosa Alexopoulos Mr. Elias Andrinopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Charles Angelopoulos Mrs. Esther Anton Mr. James Antonio Mrs. Irene Antonio Dr. Paul Jon Apostolides Mr James Apostolides Mr. & Mrs. John Athanasopoulos Mrs. Kara Berry Mr. Christ Bouras Mrs. Lucretia Bresnahan Mrs. Christine Cahill Mr. James Steven Calas Mrs. Elizabeth Caron Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Cassidy Mrs. Nicole Celso Mr. John Chamatsos Mrs. Joyce Chunias Mrs. Jennifer Combast Mr. & Mrs. Paul Costas Mrs. Stacey D'Onofrio Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Decoulos Mrs. Nina Delaney Mrs. Lori DiFilippo Mrs Maria Dicenso Dr. Peter H. Dragonas Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Efstathopoulos Mrs. Jennifer Entwistle Mr. & Mrs. George Exarhos Mrs. Barbara Falardeau Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Fanikos Mr. Dean Fanikos Mrs. Angelina Finley Mr. & Mrs. Spiros P. Flomp Mrs. Connie Frisch Mrs. Ruth Galaris Mr. Peter N. George Mr. Wilfred Giordano III Mr. Demetrios Goulakos Mr. Petros Gouvousis Mr. John Hantzopoulos Mr. Joseph Hennessey Mr. George Hennessey Mrs. Estelle Iacovino

Mrs. Anthie Jackson Mrs. Stamatia Joy Mr. George Kajos Mr. Charles Kaldes Mr. Alan Kalivas Mr. & Mrs. John Kaloutas Mr. Mrs. Michael Karamas Dr. & Mrs. William Kastrinakis Mr. Demetrios Kavallieratos Mr. Jonathan Kokoras Mr. Christopher Kokoras Mrs. Sharon Kokoras Mr Theodore Kokoras Mr. & Mrs. Antonios Konstantilakys Mr. James Koumarianos Mr.& Mrs. Nicholas G. Kurkuvelos Mrs. Elaine LaBelle Mr. Peter G. Lecouras Mrs. Steliane Lennon Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Leon Ms. Kelly B. Lignos Mr. & Mrs. Alexandros Litzos Mr. Antonios Loris Ms. Polymnia Loris Ms. Theodora Loris Mrs. Jayna Lowe Mr. Charles J. Maihos Mrs. Athena Malekakis Mrs. Joanna Maloney Miss Katherine Mandragouras Mr. & Mrs. Peter Maravelias Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Marinakis Mrs. Irene Martinoli Mr. Antonio Matarangas Mrs. Cathy McDonnell Mrs. Niki Michael Mr. Michael Moutsoulas Ms. Katherine Mpelkas Mrs. Gianoula Nanis Miss Mary Nickitopoulos Mrs. Sandra Nocivelli Mr. & Mrs. Jason Nolan Mr. Harry Paganis Mr. Vasilios Panousos Mr. Konstantinos Panousos

Mr. Athanasios Pantazelos Ms. Joanna Peci Mr. & Mrs. George Petradelis Dr. Anna Petropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Stavros Pissios Mr. & Mrs. George T. Poulopoulos Mrs. Paula Prew Mrs. Dorothy Raczowski Mr. Charles Raftell Mr John Reppas Ms Estelle Revelotis Mrs. Sandra Richards Ms. Stacey Richards Mr. Roy Santos Ms. Abbie Saranteas Mr. Michael Shah Mr. Steven Shah Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Siasios Mr. Charles Smyrnios Mr. & Mrs. Kostantinos Sofronas Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Soteropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Frank Spathanas Mrs. Valerie Splaine Mr. Stephen Stephanides Ms. Christina Stephanides Mr. Constantine Stephanides Mr. Constantine Stephanides Mrs. Irene Stout Mrs. Annette Sylvester Mrs. Mary Tenedios Mr. Nicholas Tgettis Mr. & Mrs. George Troubetaris Mr. Anthony J. Tsapatsaris Mr. Panagiotis Tsetsakos Mrs. Maria Tsoutsouras Mrs. Estelle Tsouvalas Mr. & Mrs. George Varoudakis, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Velonis Mrs. Jean Walsh Mr. Socrates C. Xerras Mrs. Anna Zaimes Miss Mary Zappas Ms. Elaine Zetes


12

Church School News As another church school year closes, we take a look back at all we did. Our children participated in the annu-

al Christmas Pageant. They celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy during a procession where they carried their

favorite Icons. This spring our older students competed in the 2016 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.

The High School class held another successful ‘Pie Sale’ and the teachers collected turkeys and grocery store

gift cards for the Haven from Hunger. The students donated items to Operation Troop Support and collected coats for those less fortunate in our com-

munity. They will continue their ministry of helping the homeless by donating to and filling ‘Blessing Bags’

throughout the year. Grades 1 and 2 filled bags with toiletries that are so desperately needed and grade 3/4

filled bags with food items. Remember the needs of our less fortunate brothers and sisters are not just once or

twice a year but daily. So please take the time to remember them year round and to occasionally drop a small

donation in the bins set up in the educational center. All the missions the students participate in would not be

possible without the tremendous support they receive from the parishioners of St. Vasilios Church. Thank you

for all you do! A special thank you to the PTA for their wonderful support of the children of St. Vasilios. And as always we

thank Fr. Chris, Fr. Anthony and Deacon Michael for their prayers, their guidance and wisdom and support of

not only the children but of the teachers as well. Spanning generations, the St. Vasilios Church School program nurtures our most precious resource, our chil-

dren. Children raised in this program are taught the spiritual values of Orthodoxy, and are given a moral com-

pass to guide them. The goal of our program is simple: we wish to share the message of Christ’s Love with

our children and for them to live that message every day of their lives as they grow into the adults who will

shape our world. To all the parents, we the teachers are extremely blessed that you share your children with us every Sunday.

Thank you for your trust in us. We pray your children have a safe and fun summer and we look forward to seeing them in September.


Greek School news

Yuxosa/bbatov

On Saturday, June 18, the final Saturday of the Souls of the Church year will take place. Our Kolyva Commit-

tee will prepare kolyva on behalf of everyone, and those who wish may make a free will offering. Please sub-

mit to the church office the FIRST names of those you wish to commemorate by using either the form below.

Mr. Dionisios Moutsoulas & family have sponsored the tray in memory of wife, mother & giagia/. Fe/romen eic gnw/sin umw/n o/ti to teleutai/o Yuxosa/bbato tou xro/vou qa la/bei me/roc thn 18h Iouni/ou. Qa akolouqh/sh mnhmo/suno upe/r twv proanapausme/evwn oikei;wn hmw/n. H /Epitroph/ Kollu/bwn qa stoli/sh ko/lluba ek me/rouc o/lwn, kai dia ta opoi/a o/poioc filotimhqh/, mporei/ va ka/nei mi/a prosfora/


16

Greek School news


Church School News blessing bags

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,

and your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly, do this and you will

live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Church school has come to a close until September, however the student’s mission of giving ‘Blessing Bags’

to our homeless neighbors will continue through the summer months. The needs of those less fortunate are not

just once or twice a year but daily. So please take the time to remember them year round and to occasionally

drop a small donation in the bins set up in the educational center foyer where you can also find a list of needed

items. Thank you for supporting the ministry of our youth.

End of year Outing


14

1

2

3 2nd Sunday of

Matthew 8 am Orthros 9 am 1st Liturgy

4 Office Closed

5

6 Bible Study Class 10 am & 7pm

7

8

9

10 3rd Sunday of Matthew 8 am Orthros 9 am 1st Liturgy RAIN DATE FOR

PICNIC

11

12

13 Bible Study Class 10 am & 7pm Investmentt

14

15 \

16

17 Sunday o the Holy

Fathers 8 am Orthros 9 am 1st Liturgy

18 Mission Montana

19 St. Makrina Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am

Mission Montana

20 Prophet Elias Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am Mission Montana Bible Study Class 10 am & 7pm

21

Mission Montana

22 Men’s Clu8b Cooks

for Haven Mission Montana

23 Mission Montana

245th Sunday of Matthew 8 am Orthros 9 am 1st Liturgy

31 8 am Orthros 9 am 1st Liturgy 6th Sunday of Matthew

25 Men’s club Golf

Tournament Return Mission

Montana

26

27 Prophet Elias Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am Men’s club Golf

Tournament Bible Study Class 10 am & 7pm

28 29 30

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

July 2016 ORTHODOX LIFE - April/May 2016 15

1 Panagia Garden Paraklesis 7pm

2 Panagia Garden

3 Panagia Garden Bible Study Class 10 am Paraklesis 7pm

4 Panagia Garden

5 Panagia Garden

Vespers @

Transfiguration Lowell

6 Transfigura-

tion Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am

7 7th Sunday of


8 Paraklesis 7pm

9 Parish council

7pm

10 Bible Study Class 10 am Paraklesis 7pm

11

12 Paraklesis 7pm

13

14 8th Sunday of


15 Dormition Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am

16


18

19

20

21 9th Sunday of


22 Building Committee 7pm

23


25

26 Men’s Clu8b

Cooks for Haven

27 St. Phanourios Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am

28 10th Sunday of


29 Beheading of

John the Baptist Orthros 8am Liturgy 9am

30


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

August 2016

orqodojos zwh orthodox life - saint vasilios … · orthodox life – april/may 2016 28 ... greek...

Documents