presentation of christ greek orthodox church - current - may - final.pdfthe chants of christos...
TRANSCRIPT
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
CURRENT MAY 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Christ is Risen!
We know that Christ is Risen. We proclaim it with boldness and certainty. But what about the women on the morning of the first Pascha? These ladies that we now call the “myrrh bearing women” were a dedicated group. Many of them had been with Christ since the
beginning of his Ministry, providing for Him and His Disciples. They remained faithful to Him even as He hung on the Cross.
I can only imagine the thoughts that raced through their minds as they made their way to the tomb. Who would they find there? Would they be able to convince the soldiers guarding the tomb to let them anoint Jesus’ Body? Even if the soldiers cooperated, how would they get into the tomb? Who would move the stone? Maybe they would have to give up and leave.
This was a big problem for these ladies. There was a huge stone, a massive obstacle, in the way of what they wanted to get to, their Lord that they loved.
Of course, we all know how the story goes. They women arrived to learn that the large physical block placed between them and Jesus, the stone covering the tomb, had been blasted away by God Himself as a part of the Resurrection.
A large rock had been used to bury the Lord. It had been placed between them and God Incarnate, and God Himself moved it away.
How often do we place a block between God and ourselves? How often do we get buried by, or even bury ourselves in, the circumstances of life? How often do we decide that or we have done something so terrible that no one, certainly not God, could ever forgive us, let alone love us?
For each time we make these thoughts our burial stones, God is willing to come to the tombs of our lives and unbury us. Not only will He reopen a relationship with Him, He will open it even wider than it was before.
There are so many stones that bury us in our lives: grief, fear, anxiety, grudges, guilt, the things we have done, things we have said, things we wish we had said and done. The power of God is greater than them all!
Even as we are faced with a complete change of life as we know it, even as our very existence is threatened by an unparalleled virus, we can believe that in the end God will prevail over this massive burial stone as well.
The myrrh bearing women were discouraged going in. “Who will roll away this stone?” You can hear the defeated tone in their voices.
The Myrrh bearing women could not move that stone themselves, and the same goes for us. If we attempt to move our personal burial stones without God, we will be left in dismay.
But, as we know from the ladies at the Lord’s tomb, for each burial stone placed over our lives, God offers a Resurrection to blast it away.
The young man in the tomb told the women, “He is not here. He is Risen.” We proclaim, “Christ is risen!”
This is the Good News we need to hear. It tells us that everything has changed. The laws of nature have been defied.
The same Resurrection that forced the stone off the tomb tells us that the stones that block our way in life can be removed. It tells us that all our sins can be forgiven. It tells us that we are loved by God.
The young man in the tomb gave very simple instructions to the women. “Go and tell the Disciples and Peter that the Lord is risen.” The women were so afraid that they did not tell anyone. Let’s not be hard on them, this is not what they were expecting.
But what about us? Maybe we have seen the unburying effects of the Resurrection in our lives. Maybe we are praying for this for the first time.
So, the question is this: As we experience these moments, as God leads us through this difficult time in world history, what will we do? Will we run in fear to hide and tell no one? No. Let’s not. Instead, let’s walk boldly. Let’s proclaim with love and thanksgiving that we are unburied with the Lord. That every burial stone in our lives has been or is about to be blown away, and that we are open to a relationship with Him. And most of all, that Christ the Lord is Risen!
See you at (Virtual) Church!
Fr. Dean
A Note from President and Stewardship
Chairman Steve Markantone
Whether you are taking a
walk in the woods or just
walking down your
neighborhood street it is easy
to see why people say that
spring is a new beginning.
You can see the flowers
breaking through the soil in
the ground and the trees
budding new leaves. The birds are singing and you can see the rabbits and
squirrels running along with the passion only spring can bring. As spring and
Easter coincide we get to experience the enthusiasm and passion in the
Resurrection of Christ. The chants of Christos Anesti bring a certain excitement
to our souls. This Easter was different in the sense that we were unable to come
together as a parish to celebrate in this joyous occasion; however, we were able
to follow and participate in the services online which was no less meaningful. I
would like to thank those that made it possible for all of us to experience holy
week in our homes.
I like so many of you look forward to congregating and sharing in the fellowship
we have come to know at Ypapanti. Hopefully our recent struggles have served
to strengthen and deepened our dedication and commitment to our spiritual life
and Ypapanti.
A new beginning allows all of us to set new goals in becoming the person we
want to be.
P.S. I look forward to seeing you in church
We cracked our eggs on yours in spirit! Looking
forward to being together again soon!
YASOU News YASOU MEMBERS INVITE EVERYONE TO JOIN THEM
* Saturday, July 11 --All day bus trip to Erie Greek Festival Contact Deborah Grysiak for price information and
scheduling updates
As we continue to practice social distancing and shelter in our homes,I encourage all of you to increase, or establish, a daily prayer rule. Should you wish to hold “Reader’s Services” in your homes, Service texts can be found at http://www.agesinitiatives.com/dcs/public/dcs/dcs.html
In Celebration of
May 10, 2020
Your name:
_______________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honoree: _________________________________ In Honor _____ In Memory _______
Honoree Address: _______________________________________________________________
Honor someone special to you! Please mail their name and contact information to Mary Doreza at 3813 Burnaby Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235 by May 8th, 2020. A suggested donation of $5/name benefits future Philoptochos projects. Checks should be made payable to “St. Catherine Philoptochos.”
Memorial Day
May 25, 2020
Cemetery Visitation
Schedule
Please Print Clearly
CEMETERY:
FAMILY NAME:
Please list names for only ONE cemetery per form. Feel free to list loved‐ones who
are not at one of the cemeteries below. They will be commemorated at the Trisagion.
Names of the Departed:
Please return form to the church office before May 22nd, 2020.
9:00 AM William Penn Memorial
9:30 AM Church Hill
10:15 AM Monongahela (N. Braddock)
10:45 AM Homestead
11:25 AM Homeville (St. Gregory)
12:15 PM Grandview
“Grant rest O Lord to the souls of your servants where there is no
pain, sorrow, or suffering, but only life everlasting.”
ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
No Facebook account
necessary!
1. Visit www.facebook.com/
2. PresentationOfChrist
3.
If you do not already have a FB account, select “Decline” when prompted to create a new account
4. Scroll down the page to
the live video feed
July 28th, 2020
Presentation of Christ is now a
Distribution Partner of the
Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank!
We are happy and eager to
serve our community.
May 23, 2020
10 AM to 11 AM
Graduating soon? If you are, (and any degree counts - high school, bachelor’s, master’s, trade) please send us a photo and a brief description of yourself, your school, and your accomplishment.
2020
Ypapanti Vacation Church School
August 3rd-7th From: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
*(Drop off starting at 8:30 AM)*
All children ages 5-12 are welcome to join us for lessons, crafts, music,
games, and more!
Olympia Community Center $5.00 per child
Registration to come in June
Vacation Church School 2019
Did you turn
in your 2020
pledge card!
Just click the “online giving!” Tab on the website!
(You can still do it at Church or through the mail - Don’t forget to fill out the back!)
Every card gets us closer to completing our icon!
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST CHURCH 37TH ANNUAL YPAPANTI GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL - AUGUST 20TH TO THE 23rd, 2020
Ways You Can Contribute
• Enjoy the fellowship of working together as an “Ypapanti Team” and attend
the baking & cooking sessions or volunteer for one more shift than you did last
year at the Festival. And don’t forget help is always needed for set-up and
clean-up of the Festival!
• Share the Joy! Invite your friends and family to join you for a meal at the
festival; or, encourage them to volunteer for a festival shift.
• Publicize the festival! Share on social media, distribute festival tri-fold flyers to
local businesses & gathering places or display a lawn sign in your yard during the
month of August.
• The Album Ad Book! Sell an album ad to a business or sponsor an album ad for
your family.
• Ingredient Sponsorships! Help support the cost of the food ingredients by
sponsoring part, or all, of your favorite!
• Festival Dollars! Purchase “festival dollars” and give them as gifts throughout
the summer.
• Be welcoming and share your festival energy with our guests.
• Pray that God will bless Ypapanti with the BEST FESTIVAL EVER!
The festival is the Parish’s largest fundraiser. Your help is very much appreciated.
Mary Doreza, 2020 Festival Chairperson Rev. Fr. Dean Kokanos, Parish Priest
1672 Electric Avenue, PO BOX J. East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 • Tel: (412) 824-
9188 • www.PresentationOfChristPgh.org
VOLUNTEER SIGN -UPS FESTIVAL
Please circle the shifts you are available to work - All effort will be made to accommodate your preference
Please return this form to Mary Doreza or the church office by July 30, 2020.
Your assignment will be emailed to you in August.
Saturday, August 15th Set-up Noon
Wednesday, August 19th Set-up 10:00 AM or 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 20th
(A) 8:00 AM to Noon (B) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (C) 3:00 PM to 7 PM (D) 6:00 PM to 10 PM
Station Preference:
Friday, August 21st
(A) 8:00 AM to Noon (B) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (C) 3:00 PM to 7 PM (D) 6:00 PM to 10 PM
Station Preference:
Saturday, August 22nd
(A) 8:00 AM to Noon (B) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (C) 3:00 PM to 7 PM (D) 6:00 PM to 10 PM
Station Preference:
Sunday, August 23rd
(A) 8:00 AM to Noon (B) 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (C) 3:00 PM to 7 PM (D) 6:00 PM to 10 PM
Station Preference:
Monday, August 24th Clean-up 10:00 AM or 6:00 PM
NAME.............................................................................. PHONE .........................................
ADDRESS................................................................................................................................. E-Mail................................................................................................................ ...............................
If you are not available to work any of the above shifts; please indicate another 3- or 4-hour
shift which is more convenient for you. Example: Thursday-5:30-9:30
Festival Food Ingredients Sponsor a portion (or all!) of your favorite dish - all of us have one! Select the ingredient by circling it and enter the amount you wish to donate. You can also sponsor items using the
church’s on-line giving feature! Visit www.presentationofchristpgh.org
Name: Total Amount of Donation: $
Phone: Cash Check
Gyros
Pastries
Gyro Meat $4,000
Flour $100
Tzatziki $700
Sugar $50
Pita Bread $850
Eggs $200
Souvlakia
Butter $1,500
Lamb $1,000
Walnuts $500
Chicken $1,600
Milk $300
Pork $2,000
Honey $300
Charcoal $500 Spanakopita/Triopita
Beverages
Filo $500
Beer $1,200
Feta Cheese $1000
Wine $1,200
Spinach $250
Main Dishes
Other Cheeses $500
Chicken Greco $1,300 Moussaka/Pastitsio
Fish Plaki $1,500
Pasta $250
Lamb Shanks $1,000 -
Ground Beef $1,500
Sides
Eggplant $200
French Fries $500 Pantry
Rice $300
Vegetables $1,500
Dinner Rolls & Butter $500
Herbs & Spices $1,000
Grape Leaves $750
Olives $200
Desserts
Oils $650
Ice Cream $400
Lemons/Lemon juice $150
37TH ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF CHRIST CHURCH GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL - AUGUST 20, 21, 22, 23 - 2020
Album Ad Form YOUR NAME
TELEPHONE
AD SOLICITED BY
AD SIZE AND PRICING
CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
(PLEASE MARK YOUR SELECTION)
□ FULL PAGE: 7.5” X 4.5” ◊ $250.00
□ HALF PAGE: 3.5” X 4.5” ◊ $150.00
□ QUARTER PAGE: 2.0” X 4.5” ◊ $100.00
□ PATRON: 2.0” X 2.0” ◊ $75.00
□ SPONSOR: NAME LISTING ◊ $35.00
0
WRITE YOUR MESSAGE BELOW ▼ OR ATTACH A PRINT READY AD
COMPLETE FORM AND RETURN TO THE OFFICE OR MAIL TO
PRESENTATION OF CHRIST P.O. BOX J ● 1672 ELECTRIC AVENUE EAST PITTSBURGH, PA 15112
OR EMAIL [email protected], SUBJECT “AD BOOK”
FOR PAYMENT WITH A CREDIT CARD, CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 412-824-9188
DEADLINE: JULY 30, 2020 • THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Product Date Day Time Chairperson
Kourambiethes To Be Determined 9:00 AM Baking Committee
Kourambiethes To Be Determined 9:00 AM Baking Committee
Koulourakia May 5, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 AM Lucy Koutsavlis
Koulourakia May 14, 2020 Thursday 9:00 AM Lucy Koutsavlis
Karithopita June 8, 2020 Monday 10:00 AM Alaina & Paulina
Karithopita June 9, 2020 Tuesday 10:00 AM Alaina & Paulina
Pasta Flora July 14, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 AM Baking Committee
Baklava July 21, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 AM Baking Committee
Finikia To Be Determined
Finikia To Be Determined
Product Date Day Time Chairperson
Spanakopita (Prep)
May 18, 2020 Monday 10:00 AM Sandy Rosvanis, Kathy Athans
Spanakopita May 19, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 AM Sandy Rosvanis, Kathy Athans
Spanakopita May 20, 2020 Wednesday 9:00 AM Sandy Rosvanis, Kathy Athans
Tiropita June 2, 2020 Tuesday 9:00 AM Sandy Rosvanis, Kathy Athans
Tiropita June 3, 2020 Wednesday 9:00 AM Sandy Rosvanis, Kathy Athans
Souvlakia To Be Determined
Pastitsio To Be Determined
Moussaka To Be Determined
Lamb Shanks To Be Determined
Souzoukakia To Be Determined
Greek Food Festival – Pastry Schedule
As of April 22, 2020
Greek Food Festival – Food Schedule
As of April 22, 2020
Lenten Parish Project
WE ARE STILL COLLECTING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS
for the McKeesport Homeless Shelter
Supplies needed to prepare 125 Hygiene Care Packages include:
125 Cotton Hand Towels 51 Still Needed
125 Cotton Washcloths Goal Reached!
125 Tubes of Lip Balm (sealed) 67 Still Needed
125 Nail Clippers Goal Reached!
125 Bath Size Bars of Soap (sealed) Goal Reached!
125 Toothbrush (packaged) 22 Still Needed
1,250 Standard Size Band-Aids 200 Still Needed
125 Gallon size Zip Lock Bags Goal Reached!
0
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2 St. Photios
3 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
4
5 9:00 AM, Festival Baking Koulourakia
7:00 PM, Parish Council Meeting
6 6:30 PM, Paraklesis
7:30 PM, Orthodox Adult Education
7
8
9
10:00 AM, Food Pantry 11:00 AM, Hot Meal Distribution
10 Mother’s Day 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
12:00 PM, Philoptochos Meeting
11
12 11:00 AM, YASOU Meeting
13 2:00 PM, Dinner Prep for NRP
14 9:00 AM, Festival Baking Koulourakia
15
16
17 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
18 10:00 AM,
Festival Cooking Spanakopita Prep
19 9:00 AM,
Festival Cooking Spanakopita
20 Feast of St. Constantine and Helen 9:00 AM, Festival Cooking 6:00 PM, Mains 7:00 PM, Divine Liturgy
21
22
23
8:00 AM, Fleatique 10:00 AM, Food Pantry 11:00 AM, Hot Meal Distribution
24 Graduation Sunday 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
25 Memorial Day
26 7:00 PM, Sandwich Prep for Rankin Christian Center
27 7:00 PM, Movie Night
28 Feast of the Ascension 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
29 30
31 8:30 AM, Matins 9:30 AM, Divine Liturgy
All listed activities are contingent upon Pennsylvania’s Covid Response Reopening Guidelines. Please check the Church’s Online Calendar and Father Dean’s Weekly Emails for the most up to date information.
Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church
1672 Electric Avenue, PO Box J, East Pittsburgh, PA 15112 - 412-824-9188 Website: www.PresentationofChristPgh.org …… Follow us on Facebook
@PresentationofChrist Under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, His Eminence Elpidophoros Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and His Eminence Metropolitan Savas. The mission of the Presentation of Christ is to proclaim with joy the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to teach and spread the Orthodox Christian Faith and to be a community devoted to and energized by the love of God and our neighbor.
Rev. Fr. Constantine Kokanos Cell Phone: 412-760-7203 Email: [email protected]
Sunday Services Matins – 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy – 9:30 AM
Stefanos Giannikas, Chanter Filia Arvanitis, Chanter Thomas Rosvanis, Chanter
Paraklesis Service – Wednesday at 6:30 PM Orthodox Adult Education - Wednesday at 7:30 PM
Nancy Philpot, Admin Assistant Nancy’s Office Hours: 9 to 3, Tuesday to Friday
Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 412-824-9188 Office Fax: 412-824-9740
Organizations & Committees
Y.A.S.O.U. Tootie Pranis, Co-President; Mike Orson, Co-President
Philoptochos Sylvia Graziano, President
Choir Tom Rosvanis, Director & President
Organists Marguerite Ellis; Roula Kyros
Young Professionals Steve and Chris Burns
Y.A.L. Nick Stupakis; Dean Leventopoulos
Grecian Odyssey Dancers
Mary Doreza, Director; Elias Bardis, President
Junior Olympian Dancers
Michelle Kotsagrelos, Director; Jamie Orfanopoulos, Director; Elias Bardis, Asst. Director; Maria Bardis, Asst. Director
GAPA Elias Bardis, President
Book & Icon Store Deborah Grysiak
2020 Parish Council Members
Steve Markantone President
724-325-1729 Paula Borsch Treasurer
412-721-1840
Stan Prestogeorge Vice President
412-824-5033 Anastasia Andrews Treasurer
412-398-3194
Tom Rosvanis Vice President
412-373-5057
Peter J Anthony 412-596-5348 Petros Mantzouridis 412-780-0201 Tasso Athans 724-864-5252 Jaime Orfanopoulos 412-302-1495 Deborah Grysiak 412-371-2465 Tootie Pranis 412-373-1270 Ernie Kampetis 412-892-9096 Richard Voltz 412-798-8177 Sophie Koutsavlis 412-461-8246