A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST - gocnj.org · 3/4/2020  · Σαρακοστή Και «Φωνὴ...

28
In This Issue Priests Message Stewardship Philoptochos News GOYA News PTO News Greek School News Sunday School News Our Faith Greek Parade Festival News Announcements Καλή Σαρακοστή Και Καλό Πάσχα «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3) Let us begin the Fast with joy! Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts! Let us purify and cleanse our flesh! Let us abstain from passion, as we abstain from food! Let us rejoice in the Spirit and persevere with love! My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Each year, the clergy reminds the faithful of the importance of attending the Divine Services, especially during Great Lent. In fact, many times, I, myself, have encouraged the parents to remember that children are never too young to be brought to Church for services. The sooner we introduce them to the Church, her services, and her wisdom, the sooner we begin the process of "becoming" an Orthodox Christian. In order for Orthodoxy to make sense, our children need to experience all that the Church offers. The reason that small children often cry, when approaching the Holy Chalice, is that they are afraid; they equate it with going to the pediatrician. For the child that comes rarely, and never sees the priest, it is a strange and sometimes horrifying experience. This year, I would like to extend an invitation to each of you, and most especially to the parents. Make it part of this year's Lenten commitment to attend more services, or attend more often. When Holy Week comes, block out all other activities. Make it a point to attend every service you can with your children. Be creative so that you can keep little ones directed and occupied. Locate service books for children who can read. Explain what's going to happen. Bring them to the Salutations (Chairetismoi), on Fridays. Talk about what Holy Week and Pascha were like when you were growing up, and explain to them all that Holy Week is a way of re-living the last days of Christs earthly ministry. Just as you plan to take your children to the various athletic practices and games, or ballet or piano, etc., make plans to attend the Divine Services with your children, as often as possible. By doing so, you are doing your part in making sure the liturgical traditions of the Church are being handed down to the younger generations. We find time for everything imaginablelet us find time to make a spiritual investment. Wishing each of you a blessed Lenten Period, and praying that it will be one of spiritual renewal, I remain With love in Christ, +Archim. Nektarios Cottros A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST

Transcript of A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST - gocnj.org · 3/4/2020  · Σαρακοστή Και «Φωνὴ...

  • March/April 2020 Page 1

    In This Issue

    • Priest’s Message

    • Stewardship

    • Philoptochos News

    • GOYA News

    • PTO News

    • Greek School News

    • Sunday School News

    • Our Faith

    • Greek Parade

    • Festival News

    • Announcements

    Καλή

    Σαρακοστή

    Και

    Καλό Πάσχα

    «Φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, Ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου» (Ματθ. Γ:3)

    Let us begin the Fast with joy! Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts! Let us purify and cleanse our flesh! Let us abstain from passion, as we abstain from food! Let us rejoice in the Spirit and persevere with love! My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

    Each year, the clergy reminds the faithful of the importance of attending the Divine Services, especially during Great Lent. In fact, many times, I, myself, have encouraged the parents to remember that children are never too young to be brought to Church for services. The sooner we introduce them to the Church, her services, and her wisdom, the sooner we begin the process of "becoming" an Orthodox Christian. In order for Orthodoxy to make sense, our children need to experience all that the Church offers. The reason that small children often cry, when approaching the Holy Chalice, is that they are afraid; they equate it with going to the pediatrician. For the child that comes rarely, and never sees the priest, it is a strange and sometimes horrifying experience.

    This year, I would like to extend an invitation to each of you, and most especially to the parents. Make it part of this year's Lenten commitment to attend more services, or attend more often. When Holy Week comes, block out all other activities. Make it a point to attend every service you can with your children. Be creative so that you can keep little ones directed and occupied. Locate service books for children who can read. Explain what's going to happen. Bring them to the Salutations (Chairetismoi), on Fridays. Talk about what Holy Week and Pascha were like when you were growing up, and explain to them all that Holy Week is a

    way of re-living the last days of Christ’s earthly ministry.

    Just as you plan to take your children to the various athletic practices and games, or ballet or piano, etc., make plans to attend the Divine Services with your children, as often as possible. By doing so, you are doing your part in making sure the liturgical traditions of the Church are being handed down to the younger generations.

    We find time for everything imaginable… let us find time to make a spiritual investment.

    Wishing each of you a blessed Lenten Period, and praying that it will be one of spiritual renewal, I remain

    With love in Christ,

    +Archim. Nektarios Cottros

    A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST

  • Page 2 March/April 2020

    Very Reverend Father Nektarios Cottros, Priest

    ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ

    Parish Ministries

    The Voice of St. George Published bi-monthly by the

    St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1101 River Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854

    Tel.: 732-463-1642 Fax: 732-699-9309

    E-mail: [email protected]

    Editor in Chief: Alexandra Avgitidis Committee Members: Eleni Apostolakis, Katerina Makridaki-Rompos Periodical postage paid at Kilmer, NJ 08817, Permit # 379. The Voice of St. George is produced entirely in-house. Past issues can be found on the internet at www.stgeorgepiscataway.org Subscription is free for the members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. George GOC, 1101 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854

    Philoptochos Society - “St. Barbara”

    Virginia Theokas, President

    Despina Fottis, 1st Vice President

    Eleni Parlapanides, 2nd Vice President

    Georgia Peterson, Rec. Secretary

    Evellyn Tsiadis, Corr. Secretary

    Evangelia Manolakis, Treasurer

    Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos, Asst. Treasurer

    Sunday School

    Lemonia Malahias Miko,

    Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis

    Greek School Committee

    Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent

    George Petrantonakis, Vassilis Keramidas,

    Demetris Arhontoulis, John Papanastasiou,

    Kosmas Kasimatis

    Greek School

    Toula Karamarkos, Principal

    Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher

    Katerina Kourti, Teacher

    Chrisoula Plias, Teacher

    Katerina Makridaki-Rompos, Teacher JOY/HOPE & Love & Faith

    Christen Heiden, Anna Lorino

    Parent Teacher Organization

    Irene Drakopoulos

    Lorena Hantsoulis

    Niki Urciuoli

    GOYA

    President: Antonis Kalogridis

    Vice-president: Toli Malouhos

    Co-Vice-President: Stella Petrou

    Treasurer: Demetris Kalogridis

    Recording Secretary: Sophia Polos

    Corresponding Secretary: Katerina Karandrikas

    Historian: Yasmine Gad

    Divers: SR. Sophia Polos, Demetri Zambas

    JR. Maggie Halkias, Michael Alvarez

    Mr. GOYA: Taso Chronis

    Miss. GOYA: Stella Petrou

    GOYA Advisors:

    Rita Polos, Head Advisor

    Sandy Kalogridis, Head Advisor

    George Kostis, Effie Vlahos, Eleni

    Apostolakis, Demetrius Kambitsis,

    Athinoulla Bizos, Eleni Arapakis-Gallou,

    George Hadjiloucas

    Church Organizations

    Church Committees GET INVOLVED

    We need your help! Sign Up, Make a Difference, Have Fun! Call the Church Office 732.463.1642

    Annual St. George Dinner Dance Bookmobile Capital Improvements Choir Elections Events/Fund Raising Greek Festival Greek Independence Day Parade Greek School Historic Committee House & Grounds

    Insurance Library Memorial Fund Parking – Rutgers New Parking Lot Public Relations Religious Artifacts Stewardship Sunday School Technology Services Voice of St. George

    Parish Council President

    George Athanasopoulos

    1st Vice President / Administration

    George Zalokostas

    2nd Vice President / Operations Constantine Apostolakis

    Secretary Stefanie Sgourakis

    Treasurer Michael Sirimis, CPA

    Members Elpidoforos Arhontoulis

    John Blazakis

    Maria Kaouris-Christodoulatos

    Peter Combates

    George Demos Jr.

    Basil Fottis

    Nicholas A Koumarianos

    John Lyssikatos

    Konstantine Petrakis

    Dean V. Solomos

    To Our St. George Parishioners

    The above ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.

  • March/April 2020 Page 3

    ECCLESIASTICAL

    SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

    Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Weekday Services 8:30 a.m. unless otherwise specified

    ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ

    ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ

    Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 8:30 π.μ., εκτός εάν αναγράφεται άλλως

    APRIL

    Wednesday 1 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Friday 3 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Akathist Hymn 7 pm Sunday 5 5th Sunday of Lent Wednesday 8 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 6:30 pm Friday 10 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Saturday 11 Saturday of Lazarus Sunday 12 Palm Sunday Bridegroom Service 7 pm Monday 13 Holy Monday 8:30 am Pre-sanctified & 7 pm Tuesday 14 Holy Tuesday 8:30am Pre-sanctified & 7 pm Wednesday 15 Holy Wednesday 8:30 am, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm Thursday 16 Holy Thursday 7 am & 7 pm Friday 17 Holy Friday 9 am Great Hours, 3 pm & 7 pm Saturday 18 Holy Saturday 9 am & 11 pm Sunday 19 Easter Sunday 11 am Wednesday 22 St. George Vespers Thursday 23 Saint George Feast Day Friday 24 Life Giving Fountain Sunday 26 Sunday of Thomas

    ΑΠΡΙΛΙΟΣ

    Τετάρτη 1 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Παρασκευή 3 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7 μ.μ. Κυριακή 5 Ε΄ Κυριακή Νηστειών Τετάρτη 8 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 6:30 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 10 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Σάββατο 11 Σάββατο του Λαζάρου Κυριακή 12 Κυριακή των Βαϊων Του Νυμφίου 7 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 13 Μεγάλη Δευτέρα 8:30 Προηγιασμένη & 7 μμ Τρίτη 14 Μεγάλη Τρίτη 8:30 Προηγιασμένη & 7 μμ Τετάρτη 15 Μεγάλη Τετάρτη 8:30 πμ, 3:00 μμ & 6:30 μμ Πέμπτη 16 Μεγάλη Πέμπτη 7πμ/7μμ Παρασκευή 17 Μεγάλη Παρασκευή 9πμ Μεγάλαι Ώραι/3μμ/7μμ Σάββατο 18 Μεγάλο Σάββατο 9πμ & 11μμ Κυριακή 19 Κυριακή του Πάσχα 11πμ Τετάρτη 22 Εσπερινός Αγίου Γεωργίου 7 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 23 Αγίου Γεωργίου Παρασκευή 24 Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Κυριακή 26 Κυριακή του Θωμά

    ΜΑΡΤΙΟΣ

    Κυριακή 1 Κυριακή της Τυροφάγου Μέγας Εσπερινός 5 μ.μ. Δευτέρα 2 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Τρίτη 3 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 4 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 5 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Παρασκευή 6 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Α΄ Χαιρετισμοί 7 μ.μ. Σάββατο 7 Γ΄ Ψυχοσάββατο Κυριακή 8 Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας Δευτέρα 9 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 11 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Παρασκευή 13 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Β΄ Χαιρετισμοί 7 μ.μ. Κυριακή 15 Β΄ Κυριακή Νηστειών Δευτέρα 16 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 18 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Παρασκευή 20 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Γ΄ Χαιρετισμοί 7 μ.μ. Κυριακή 22 Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως Δευτέρα 23 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ. Τετάρτη 25 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου 9 π.μ. Παρασκευή 27 Προηγιασμένη Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ. Δ΄ Χαιρετισμοί 7 μ.μ. Κυριακή 29 Δ΄ Κυριακη Νηστειών Ελληνική Παρέλαση στην Νέα Υόρκη Δευτέρα 30 Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:30 μ.μ.

    MARCH

    Sunday 1 Cheesefare Sunday Forgiveness Vespers 5 pm Monday 2 Great Compline 6:30 pm Tuesday 3 Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday 4 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Great Compline 6:30 pm Thursday 5 Great Compline 6:30 pm Friday 6 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am 1st Salutations 7 pm Saturday 7 3rd Sunday of Souls Sunday 8 Sunday of Orthodoxy Monday 9 Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday 11 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Friday 13 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am 2nd Salutations 7 pm Sunday 15 2nd Sunday of Lent Monday 16 Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday 18 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am Friday 20 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am 3rd Salutations 7 pm Sunday 22 Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross Monday 23 Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday 25 Annunciation 9 am Friday 27 Pre-sanctified Liturgy 8:30 am 4th Salutations 7 pm Sunday 29 4th Sunday of Lent Greek Parade in NYC Monday 30 Great Compline 6:30 pm

    OUR PARISH — OUR PEOPLE

    Chrismations February 22 Michael Urbanski

    Koumbari: Katerina & Damianos Kalabratzidis

    Funerals May Their Memory Be Eternal

    January 3 Helen E. Mustakas January 4 John Anton January 7 Evangelos Makropoulos February 18 Pauline Murphy February 25 Louis Mihopulos

    The Easter Calendar will also be mailed separately. Το Ημερολογιο του Πασχα θα ταχυδρομηθει ξεχωριστα.

    Baptisms February 9 Παρασκευή - Άννα Φαίη Daughter of Gerasimos and Dora Hionis Godparent: Athanasia Kambitsis

  • Page 4 March/April 2020

    ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR MARCH - APRIL 2020

    Sunday, March 1 Group 3 Sunday, April 5 Group 8 Sunday, March 8 Group 4 Sunday, April 12 Group 9 & 1 Sunday, March 15 Group 5 Saturday, April 18 Group 2 Sunday, March 22 Group 6 Sunday, April 19 Group 3 Sunday, March 29 Group 7 Sunday, April 26 Group 4

    HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

    Ἔφθασε καιρός, ἡ τῶν πνευματικῶν ἀγώνων ἀρχή, ἡ κατὰ τῶν δαιμόνων νίκη, ἡ πάνοπλος ἐγκράτεια, ἡ τῶν Ἀγγέλων εὐπρέπεια, ἡ πρὸς Θεὸν παρρησία· δι' αὐτῆς γὰρ Μωϋσῆς, γέγονε τῷ Κτίστῃ συνόμιλος, καὶ φωνὴν ἀοράτως, ἐν ταῖς ἀκοαῖς ὑπεδέξατο· Κύριε, δι' αὐτῆς ἀξίωσον καὶ ἡμᾶς, προσκυνῆσαί σου τὰ Πάθη καὶ τὴν ἁγίαν Ἀνάστασιν, ὡς φιλάνθρωπος.

    Ἀγαπητοί μοι ἐν Χριστῶ,

    Ἔφτασε ὁ καιρός τῆς Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστῆς καὶ αἱ ἡμέραι ὅθεν οἱ ἱερεῖς ὁμιλοῦν περί σημασίας συμμετοχῆς ὅλων εἰς τὰς Ἱεράς Ἀκολουθίας. Μάλιστα, καὶ πολλάκις, ἔχω ἐξηγήσει ὅ,τι διὰ τῆς συμμετοχῆς τὰ παιδιά θὰ μάθουν τὴν Ὀρθόδοξον Παράδοσιν καὶ θὰ ἀναπτύξουν τὸ Ὀρθόδοξον φρόνημα. Διά τῆς συμμετοχῆς, τό λειτουργικό πλοῦτος δέν εἶναι κάτι ξένο, ἀλλὰ μέρος τῆς ζωῆς.

    Καί πάλιν καὶ ἐφέτος, σᾶς καλῶ μἐ τά ἱερά λόγια τοῦ Κυρίου: «Ἔρχου καὶ Ἴδε!» Ἐλάτε, διὰ νὰ συμμετάσχετε μἐ τὰς οἰκογένειες σας, καὶ νὰ ἀναπτύξετε τὰς πνευματικάς σας δυνἀμεις. Ὅπως φροντίζουμε διὰ τὰς κοσμικάς ἀνάγκας, ἄς φροντίσουμε καὶ διὰ τὰς ψυχάς μας καὶ τὰς ψυχάς τῶν παῖδων.

    Ἐπὶ δὲ τούτοις, εὐχόμενος Καλό Ἀγώνα καὶ Καλή Μετάνοια εἰς ὅλους, διατελῶ

    Μετ’ ἀγάπης ἐν Χριστῶ,

    +Ἀρχιμ. Νεκτάριος

    ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ

    Holy Monday, April 13, 7:00 pm Group 2 Holy Friday, April 17, 3:00 pm Groups 7

    Holy Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 pm Group 3 Holy Friday, April 17, 7:00 pm Groups 8 & 9

    Holy Wednesday, April 15, 3:00 pm Group 4 Holy Saturday, April 18, 9:00 am Group 2

    Holy Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 pm Group 5 Holy Saturday, April 18, 11:00 pm Groups 1 & 4

    Holy Thursday, April 16, 7:00 pm Group 6 Easter Sunday, April 19, 11:00 am Group 3

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdce.oca.org%2Fresources%2Fline-drawings%2F&psig=AOvVaw0aeoBfgWjMKfgl24hRQsE4&ust=1582749760089000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLDH9r3I7ecCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAq

  • March/April 2020 Page 5

    Holy Week is one of the most spiritually rewarding experiences in Orthodox Christian Liturgical worship. During this most sacred time, we re-enter the biblical/historical event and relive those awesome days that changed the world. We enter Palm Sunday with Jesus. We talk with Him “through the valley of the Shadow of death.” We crucify those passions and sinful acts, deeds and thoughts in the Golgotha. We stand at His graveside and remember that without Jesus there is only darkness, emptiness and despair. With Him there is light, fullness and hope! At Pascha we herald His Glorious Resurrection because we, too, will be resurrected, first, to newness of life here and now, second, to eternity.

    But the only way this is going to be accomplished is if we take our faith and our Holy week services seriously. Our church will be packed on Palm Sunday morning, Holy Friday evening and Holy Saturday midnight But these will be momentary feelings of spirituality and newness of life. In order for those feelings and that spirituality to permeate throughout our souls we should come to church again on Palm Sunday evening, when the Bridgegroom (Nymphios) will be appearing, Holy Monday evening and Holy Tuesday evening and walk with Jesus on that trek to Golgotha. We must all come as a body and soul. Holy Thursday evening, one of the most crucial and moving services, we must come and

    relive the scriptural passages that will relate to us once again why Jesus suffered so much for us all. We must experience His crucifixion from up close, not from afar, where it is safe and noncommittal. We must mortify that part of our life that keeps us from committing ourselves fully and completely to Him. Then, and only then, will our Holy Friday and Pascha and the words “Hristos Anesti” have full meaning and help carry us through the rest of the year.

    HOLY WEEK SERVICES

    WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO COME FOR CONFESSION

    Confession is a very important Sacrament of the Orthodox Church and has been a part of Christian life since the biblical times, when our Lord Jesus Christ bestowed the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and commanded them to use this Grace for the forgiveness of sins. If you have not been to Confession for some time, and you would like to take advantage of this bless-ing, during this special and very important time of our Church this year, please call Fr. Nektarios to schedule an appointment. Nobody should go through Lent without the benefit of Confession.

    ΣΑΣ ΠΑΡΟΤΡΥΝΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ ΕΡΘΕΤΕ ΓΙΑ ΕΞΟΜΟΛΟΓΗΣΗ

    Για μια ακόμη φορά σας υπενθυμίζουμε ότι κατά την περίοδο της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος θα πρέπει να συμπεριλάβετε και το Μυστήριο της Θείας Εξομολόγησης στο πρόγραμμα της θρησκευτικής σας ζωής. Ο Άγιος Ιωάννης στην πρώτη του επιστολή μας λέει: «Εάν λέμε ότι δεν έχουμε αμαρτίες, εξαπατούμε τον εαυτό μας και δε λέμε την αλήθεια. Εάν εξομολογηθούμε των αμαρτιών μας, τότε και ο Κύριος θα είναι επιεικής και θα μας συγχωρέσει τις αμαρτίες μας».

    Κατά τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα ο πατήρ Νεκτάριος θα είναι διαθέσιμος για εξομολόγηση έπειτα από ραντεβού. Επωφεληθείτε από αυτή την προσφορά και καλέστε στο γραφείο της Εκκλησίας για να κλείσετε ένα ραντεβού για εξομολόγηση.

    LENTEN CONFESSION ENCOURAGED

    “Lord Jesus Christ

    Son of God, have

    MerCy on Me a sinner”

    “Κύριε Ιησού Χριστέ Υιέ Θεού,

    Ελέησόν με Τον αμαρτωλόν»

    http://www.clipartkid.com/holy-week-cliparts/https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwin6LGC64_SAhWZ2YMKHYnkD7AQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ocf.org%2FOrthodoxPage%2Ficons%2Fclip_in.html&psig=AFQjCNFvqydyNzH247jmZ0f39goqJHUqpg&ust=1487170222945949

  • Page 6 March/April 2020

    Stewardship: The Mystical Supper The icon of the Mystical Supper por-trays Christ and the Apostles seated around a table. The respective gazes and positions of the figures portray the story to the view-er. Jesus reveals that He has been betrayed. Christ Himself meets the eyes of the disci-ples that are directed toward Him. Other disciples are bewildered about the meaning of the words of the Savior: "Then the disci-ples looked at one another, perplexed about whom He spoke."

    We also have the institution of the Holy Eucharist (the Divine Liturgy) during the Mystical Supper. The icon depicts the sanc-tified bread - the Body of Christ - as already broken and distribut-ed to the Apostles. The cup of the sanctified wine - the Blood of Christ - on the table, awaiting passage to them, so that in the words from the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, all may be united who become partakers of the one Bread and Cup in the communion of the Holy Spirit."

    Once again, we learn a valuable lesson in STEWARDSHIP. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ becomes the sacrifice through the offering of bread and wine. Today, the faithful people of God bring forth the bread and wine as an offering to the Lord. The of-fering is not only personal, but communal, as everyone attending the Divine Liturgy is called to be united in Christ.

    We are united by the Holy Eucharist with one another and with all the saints of the Church Triumphant. It is at this moment that we realize the purpose of the Church. As the people of God, the Body of Christ, we become mystically what God intended us to be: united to Him in faith and love, and through Him, to one an-other. It is in love and faith and worship that we are truly a mem-ber of the Church!

    Once we understand this we can more clearly see how a local parish lives up to its true task. In this way the parish becomes the most genuine expression of the Church. When its activity and life center on the heart of the matter, true STEWARDSHIP, is ex-pressed in faith, love, and worship. This is the ideal that each par-ish, and each Orthodox Christian strives to accomplish.

    Εκούσια εισφορά: Το Μυστικό Δείπνο Η εικόνα του Μυστικού Δείπνου απεικονίζει τον Χριστό και τους Αποστόλους καθισμένους γύρω από ένα τραπέζι. Τα αντίστοιχα βλέμματα και θέσεις των εικόνων απεικονίζουν την ιστορία στον θεατή. Ο Ιησούς αποκαλύπτει ότι έχει προδοθεί. Ο ίδιος ο Χριστός συναντά τα μάτια των μαθητών που κατευθύνονται προς αυτόν. Άλλοι μαθητές είναι μπερδεμένοι για το νόημα των λόγων του Σωτήρος: "Τότε οι μαθητές κοίταξαν ο ένας τον άλλον, με αμηχανία ως προς αυτόν που μίλησε".

    Έχουμε επίσης τον θεσμό της Θείας Ευχαριστίας (Θεία Λειτουργία) κατά τη διάρκεια του Μυστικού Δείπνου. Η εικόνα απεικονίζει το

    αγιασμένο ψωμί - το Σώμα του Χριστού - όπως έχει ήδη κοπεί και διανεμηθεί στους Αποστόλους. Το φλιτζάνι του αγιασμένου κρασιού - το αίμα του Χριστού - στο τραπέζι, περιμένοντας τη μετάβασή του σε αυτούς, έτσι ώστε με τα λόγια της Θείας Λειτουργίας του Αγίου Βασιλείου, όλοι να ενωθούν και να γίνουν συμμετέχοντες της κοινωνίας του Αγίου Πνεύματος ».

    Για μια ακόμη φορά μαθαίνουμε ένα πολύτιμο μάθημα για την εκούσια εισφορά. Ο Κύριος και ο Σωτήρας μας ο Ιησούς Χριστός γίνεται η θυσία με την προσφορά του ψωμιού και του κρασιού. Σήμερα, ο πιστός λαός του Θεού φέρνει το ψωμί και το κρασί ως προσφορά στον Κύριο. Η προσφορά δεν είναι μόνο προσωπική, αλλά κοινοτική, καθώς όλοι όσοι συμμετέχουν στη Θεία Λειτουργία καλούνται να ενωθούν στον Χριστό.

    Είμαστε ενωμένοι με τη Θεία Ευχαριστία μεταξύ μας και με όλους τους αγίους της Εκκλησίας. Αυτή τη στιγμή συνειδητοποιούμε το σκοπό της Εκκλησίας. Ως λαός του Θεού, το Σώμα του Χριστού, γινόμαστε μυστικιστικά ό, τι ο Θεός θέλησε να είμαστε: ενωμένοι σ 'Αυτόν με πίστη και αγάπη, και μέσω αυτού, ο ένας στον άλλον. Μέσω της αγάπης, της πίστης και της λατρείας είμαστε πραγματικά μέλος της Εκκλησίας! Μόλις κατανοήσουμε αυτό, θα μπορούμε να δούμε πιο καθαρά πώς μια τοπική ενορία ανταποκρίνεται στην πραγματική της αποστολή. Με αυτό τον τρόπο η ενορία γίνεται η πιο γνήσια έκφραση της Εκκλησίας. Όταν η δραστηριότητά της και το κέντρο ζωής στην καρδιά του θέματος, η αληθινή ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ, εκφράζεται με την πίστη, την αγάπη και τη λατρεία. Αυτό είναι το ιδανικό που κάθε ενορία και κάθε Ορθόδοξος Χριστιανός προσπαθεί να επιτύχει.

    STEWARDSHIP — ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ

    STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS

    Any person may give any amount for Stewardship. However, to be considered a member in good standing, to participate in the sacraments of Baptism or Wedding, and to have one vote in the General Assembly, the following minimums must be met:

    • $400 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $400); ($800 total, both may vote)

    • $300 for a married senior couple (Age 65+): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $300); ($600 total, both can vote)

    • $250 for single senior and college student (age 18-24, must show proof of attending college full time)

    • Greater than the required contributions: those who have been blessed financially, should consider a greater contribution.

    ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΕΚΟΥΣΙΑΣ ΕΙΣΦΟΡΑΣ

    Ο καθένας μπορεί να προσφέρει ό,τι μπορεί. Όμως, για να θεωρηθείτε κανονικό μέλος, να μπορείτε να πάρετε μέρος στα Mυστήρια της Βάπτισης και του Γάμου και να έχετε δικαίωμα μίας ψήφου στην Γενική Συνέλευση, απαιτούνται οι κάτωθι ελάχιστες εισφορές:

    • $400 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $400 έκαστος (σύνολο $800) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)

    • $300 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $300 έκαστος (σύνολο $600), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)

    • $250 για μόνους ηλικιωμένους και φοιτητές (18-24 ετών, πρέπει να αποδείξουν ότι είναι φοιτητές): μία ψήφος

    • Πέραν του καθορισμένου ποσού: όσοι έχουν ευλογηθεί με οικονομική ευχέρεια, θα πρέπει να προσφέρουν περισσότερο από ό,τι καθορίζεται ανωτέρω.

  • March/April 2020 Page 7

    Meet at church lot 11:30 am Bus leaves 12:00 p.m. sharp!

    Adults $15 / College students $10 / GOYA - Sunday & Greek School students free / Complimentary Lunch provided

    Let’s show how proud we all are of our St. George community!

    Church attire is required to participate. (No sneakers or jeans will be al-

    lowed if you are marching with the church)

    Children who would like to be on the float must be 5 years old or older and dressed in their Greek costumes.

    No parents will be allowed on the float.

    Reservations: Kostas Hantsoulis at 732-406-7378

  • Page 8 March/April 2020

    Notice To All ParishionersThe St. George annual festival is our largest

    fundraiser of the year we need YOUR help to make it even bigger and better than last year!

    Volunteers Needed

    Want to be a part of the committee? Join us at our next scheduled meetings, Monday 3/16,

    3/30, 4/20, 4/27 and 5/11 at 7pm

    Donations

    Food and supply procurement has become more and more difficult which makes us spend more

    money and drags our profit down. We encourage all parishioners to donate product or submit a

    monetary donation to help offset the expenses of the festival. A product donation list will be

    circulated

    Sponsorships

    Do you have your own business and want to advertise your services during our festival? We have sponsorship opportunities at 5 different

    levels. Get your business visible to approximately 15K people that attend!

    Please contact George Athanasopoulos (732)-433-0661

  • March/April 2020 Page 9

    47th Annual Greek Festival

    Our 47th Annual Festival will be held on May 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. As always, this is the weekend directly following Mother’s Day. The Festival Committee will be meeting on Mondays (schedule below) during the months of March, April and May. Meetings will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, with the exception of Holy Week. We welcome all parishioners who are interested in supporting this year’s festival to attend the meetings.

    Our goal is to reach out to the local community to solicit advertising of businesses who wish to sell their services. Examples would be banks, mortgage, insurance, and realtors. As with prior years, we are always in the need for help prior, during, and after the festival. As always, no help will ever be turned away. We are always open to suggestions and ideas. Please do not hesitate to share them with the Festival Committee.

    Below is the calendar with all the cooking dates for the kitchen and the bakery. We will be baking and cooking in March, April and May. As always, we again are seeking out everyone’s help. This is our community’s biggest Fund Raiser. Help is needed! Please call me at 732-433-0661 to volunteer for any of these Departments: Advertising, Food Preparation, Kitchen, Loukoumades, Coffee Shop, Bakery, Salads, Gyro, Souvlakia, Take-out, Bar, Set-up and Clean-up. The more people who get involved, the easier the activities and the more fun we will have. We cannot depend upon the same people year-in and year-out.

    The Festival is a vital fundraiser for our church. Please show your stewardship by helping at this year’s Festival. It only takes a few hours a day of everyone’s time in order to make a difference. This is a great event in which to get involved, gather with your fellow church members and show our Greek hospitality. We will have Festival sign-ups after church on Sundays in March and April.

    We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s Festival.

    George Athanasopoulos, Chairman

    Constantine Apostolakis, Co-Chairman

    Festival Meeting Calendar March 16, 30

    April 20, 27

    May 11

    *** Dolmadakia preparation and wrapping will take place at the Cretan

    House (1152 Raritan Ave, Highland Park, NJ 08904)

    2020 ANNUAL FESTIVAL

    PREPARATION SCHEDULE

    Baklava March 3 9 am

    Galaktoboureko March 10 10 am

    Tyropites March 17 10 am

    Kourambiedes March 24 10 am

    Koulourakia March 31 10 am

    Melomakarona April 7 11 am

    Keftedes April 21 9 am

    Diples May 5 9 am

    Mousakas May 12 9 am

    Dolmadakia (prep.) May 12 9 am***

    Pastitsio May 13 9 am

    Dolmadakia (wrap) May 13 9 am***

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiakIqersbZAhVRmVkKHc9lD9cQjRx6BAgAEAY&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGreek_Orthodox_Church_of_St._George_(Piscataway%2C_New_Jersey)&psig=AOvVaw2xZljN

  • Page 10 March/April 2020

    ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 1101 River Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854

    50-50 CASH RAFFLE 1st Prize………………. 25% 2nd Prize………………. 15% 3rd Prize……………….. 10%

    Winner need not be present No substitution of the offered prize will be made.

    Distribution of prizes dependent on ticket sales

    Drawing: Sunday, May 17, 2020 5:00pm

    St. George Church Festival Community Center – AHEPA Hall

    Proceeds to Benefit St. George Greek Orthodox Church General Fund

    Donation: $5.00 ea.

    ID# 393-1-17580 Raffle License # RA-1416

    Additional Raffle Books available by contacting the Church Office (732) 463-1642.

    We need your help!

  • March/April 2020 Page 11

    Big

    ger

    & B

    ette

    r Th

    an

    Eve

    r!

    Eat,

    Dri

    nk

    & B

    e M

    erry

    At

    Ou

    r O

    utd

    oo

    r Ta

    vern

    a!

    47TH ANNUAL

    Greek

    Festival

    St. George Greek Orthodox Church

    1101 River Road Piscataway, NJ

    Phone: 732.463.1642 www.gocnj.org

    Directions • I-287 to Route 18 River Road South

    or 1 Block West of Rutgers Stadium

    4 Big Days - Rain or Shine

    May 14, 15, 16 & 17, 2020 Thursday 12 noon - 10:00 pm

    Friday 12 noon - 11:30 pm

    Saturday 12 noon - 11:30 pm

    Sunday 12 noon - 7:00 pm

    Live Music & Entertainment

    Bouzoukia - Greek Folk Dancing - Singing

    RELIGIOUS TOURS

    Also in our Community Center…

    Gift & Novelty Shops * Pastry Shop * Arts & Crafts and as always our Food Take Out Order Booth

    (email your order to our online orders Department [email protected])

    Donation: $2 - Children Under 12 Free

    Free Parking & Shuttle Bus Available

  • Page 12 March/April 2020

  • March/April 2020 Page 13

  • Page 14 March/April 2020

    On Sunday, January 12, 2020 we celebrated our annual Vasilopita Luncheon and cutting of the Vasilopita bread by Father Nektarios, who led us along with Deacon Evgenios in prayer. As always, it was a very successful event, and because of your attendance and generosity we were able, as always, to send the proceeds to Saint Basil Academy to benefit the children living there. Thank you to Anna Kalogridis, Christina Petrantonakis and all the ladies who set and decorated the tables, served and cleaned up. Our delicious lunch was

    prepared by our chefs Nick Koumarianos, George Athanasopoulos, Manny Manioudakis, Stamatis Mavrianos, and Dean Solomos. Also, thank you to Kosta Hantsoulis who set up the sound system and microphone. It goes without saying, how grateful we are to Dr. Panos Stavrianidis who so generously and graciously donates the gold lira every year.

    This year, Father Nektarios welcomed and introduced our guest speaker, the Honorable Marina Corodemus, who spoke to us about the proposed senior living center to be built in Perth Amboy, near the church. It will provide housing for retired and elderly Orthodox people and also will have on site accessability to church, meals and activities. She showed us beautiful renderings and emphasized the importance of caring for our families in a safe environment, as they do for the children at Saint Basil Academy. We thank you all so very much !!

    Our next Philoptochos event will be the annual Lenten Luncheon and combined membership drive to be held on Orthodox Sunday, March 8, 2020 in the Ahepa Hall after Divine Liturgy. On this day, we will also have a Memorial Service for all our deceased members. May there memory be eternal !

    We invite you to join us for a delicious Lenten meal prepared by chairlady Nicki Kopanakis and the ladies, but also to begin the important beginning of Lent and the solemn preparation for Easter. All proceeds will be sent to benefit Hellenic College/Holy Cross Theological Seminary. Mark your calendars and please join us on Sunday, March 8th.

    Spring will soon be upon us and we will be preparing for the most holy and beautiful celebration of our church calendar, Easter, Pascha in the Greek Orthodox church. Saint Barbara Philoptochos Ladies Society wishes everyone a spiritual and Great Lent and Kalo Pascha.

    PHILOPTOCHOS UPCOMING EVENTS

    • Philoptochos Lenten Luncheon, Sunday, March 8th after Divine Liturgy

    • Philoptochos General Meeting, Saturday, March 28th 11 a.m.

    • Philoptochos Easter Tsoureki Bread Sale, Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th

    • Philoptochos General Meeting, Saturday, April 25th, 11 a.m.

    • Festival Preparation, starting Tuesday, February 18th and every Tuesday thereafter.

    • Philoptochos Knitting and Crocheting every Thursday, 11 a.m. in the Memorial Room.

    Την Κυριακή, 12 Ιανουαρίου 2020, είχαμε το ετήσιο γεύμα μας για την κοπή της βασιλόπιτας. Για ακόμη μια φορά ήταν μια επιτυχημένη εκδήλωση. Ο Πατέρας Νεκτάριος με τον Διάκονο Ευγένιο έκαναν την προσευχή και μοίρασαν τα κομμάτια της βασιλόπιτας σε αντιπροσώπους όλων των οργανισμών της εκκλησίας. Με την βοήθεια και συμπαράσταση σας καταφέραμε να στείλουμε ένα αξιέπαινο ποσόν στην Ακαδημία του Αγίου Βασιλείου. Ευχαριστούμε τον Δρα Πάνο Σταυριανίδη για τη δωρεά της λίρας, την οποία δωρίζει με τόση γενναιοδωρία κάθε χρόνο! Ευχαριστούμε τις κυρίες Άννα Καλογρίδη, Χριστίνα Πετραντωνάκη καθώς και όλες τις κυρίες που εθελοντικά προσέφεραν το χρόνο και τη δεξιοτεχνία τους προκειμένου να προετοιμάσουν και στολίσουν την αίθουσα ΑΧΕΠΑ, να ετοιμάσουν το γεύμα και να καθαρίσουν στο τέλος. Το γεύμα προετοιμάστηκε από τους μαγείρους μας, Νίκο Κουμαριανό, Γιώργο Αθανασόπουλο, Σταμάτη Μαυριάνο, Μανώλη Μανιουδάκη και Ντιν Σολωμό. Επίσης ευχαριστώ στον Κώστα Χαντζούλη που είχε την επίβλεψη των μικροφώνων.

    Η κυρία Μαρίνα Κοροδήμος ήταν προσκεκλημένη μας και μας μίλησε για το γηροκομείο που προβλέπεται να κτιστεί δίπλα απο την εκκλησία του Αγίου Δημητρίου στο Perth Amboy. Αυτο το μεγαλεπίβολο σχέδιο έχει να προσφέρει πολλα στους υπέργηρους της περιοχής μας και ευχόμαστε να αποπερατωθεί σύντομα.

    Η επόμενη εκδήλωση της Φιλοπτόχου ειναι το ετήσιο Σαρακοστιανό Γεύμα και η εγγραφή μελών. Για μία ακόμη φορά, όλες οι γενναιόδωρες δωρεές σας θα σταλούν προς όφελος του Ελληνικού Κολλεγίου/Θεολογική Σχολή Τιμίου Σταυρού στο Brookline της Μασσαχουσσέτης. Ελπίζουμε να σας δούμε όλους εκεί. Επίσης, αυτή την ημέρα, προσκαλούμε όλες τις κυρίες να ανανεώσουν τη συνδρομή τους προς τη Φιλόπτωχο, ή να εγγραφούν σε αυτή, προκειμένου ο οργανισμός μας να μπορέσει να συνεχίσει το σημαντικό του έργο.

    Η Άνοιξη είναι προ των πυλών, και σύντομα θα προετοιμαστούμε για το Πάσχα στην εκκλησία μας. Η Φιλόπτωχος της Αγίας Βαρβάρας εύχεται σε όλες και όλους καλή Σαρακοστή και Καλό Πάσχα!

    ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΔΡΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΤΗΤΩΝ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟΥ

    • Νηστίσιμο Γεύμα, Κυριακή 8 Μαρτίου 2020 μετά τη Θ. Λειτουργία

    • Γενική Συνάντηση, Σάββατο 28 Μαρτίου 1:30 μ.μ.

    • Πώληση Τσουρεκίων, Σάββατο 11 Απριλίου και Κυριακή 12 Απριλίου

    • Γενική Συνάντηση, Σάββατο 11 Απριλίου 11 π.μ.

    • Προετοιμασίες για το Φεστιβάλ κάθε Τρίτη

    • Πλέξιμο από τις κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου κάθε Πέμπτη στις 11 π.μ.

    LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY “ST. BARBARA”

    Happy Easter

    Καλό Πάσχα

  • March/April 2020 Page 15

    All donations to the Memorial Fund are greatly appreciated. As we all know, we have a beautiful Memorial Tree located in the Memorial Room of the Community Center. Anyone wishing to purchase a leaf, a dove, or a stone in memory of a loved one, “May their memory be eternal,” please contact either John Stroumtsos or Fr. Nektarios by calling the church office 732.463.1642.

    Leaf $ 350

    Dove $2,000

    Stone $1,500

    ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND

    PHILOPTOCHOS

    LENTEN LUNCHEON,

    SUNDAY,

    MARCH 8, 2020

    AHEPA HALL

    Hosted by Saint Barbara Philoptochos Ladies Society

    All donations to benefit Hellenic College/ Holy Cross Seminary

    Easter Tsoureki Bread Sale

    April 11th and April 12th, 2020

    To order your bread early, please call:

    Koula Athanasopoulos (732) 469-6298

    Evangelia Manolakis (732) 390-8647

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiNlv_XutzgAhXhRd8KHXGeBAsQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fclipart-library.com%2Flenten-dinner-cliparts.html&psig=AOvVaw3rDCXHcHeLb0taZOqOpaFl&ust=1551375616723357https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjgksu0u9zgAhULMd8KHSjGA1sQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.ca%2Ftristonturner%2F&psig=AOvVaw3ie54pIQBzt3kDzpTwnYGL&ust=1551375813433685

  • Page 16 March/April 2020

    It’s been an exciting month getting ready for our biggest

    competition ever, Sights and Sounds.

    This show offers our youth the opportunity to show off their

    talents. Singing, dancing, theater or arts and crafts, this event

    allows our youth to explore many different artistic areas while

    having a great time with their friends.

    Our GOYA stuffed over 600 envelopes for our annual

    Lamb Raffle at our Charity night. The Sights and Sounds

    practices are in full swing. We will be looking forward to our

    home Show on February 16th and the Competition show in

    early March.

    Thank you to our parents that helped with our annual Super

    Bowl Bake Sale! We are looking forward to our Boston Trip

    February 8th and our Valentines Dance hosted this year by the

    Wycoff Parish.

    Yasmine Gad

    GOYA Historian

    G.O.Y.A. — GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH ASSOCIATION

  • March/April 2020 Page 17

    The PTO Executive Board would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents that volunteered their time, helped by baking and/or purchasing treats at our annual bake sale. Your support during this event was valuable and your contributions have helped the organization tremendously.

    We would like to thank everyone who helped, donated and supported the Annual P.T.O Christmas Communion Breakfast and Toy Drive. Special thank you to Father Nektarios, Mrs Naomi Bourodimos, Mrs. Anna Lorino, Mr. Paul Stevens, Mr. Ralph Caputo, Mr. Kosta Apostolakis, The PTO Board, PTO members and parish volunteers who helped decorate and serve the food and of course Santa Claus for taking the time to come and visit the children.

    We would like to thank everyone who donated toys/gift cards for our Annual Toy Drive. All toys and gift cards were donated to local families in need.

    We would like to thank all the St George Community families that purchased Yankee Candles for our Holiday Fundraiser. It was a successful fundraiser and we appreciate your support!!!

    On January 11th, the PTO hosted the 2nd Annual St George Community Ice skating event held at Roosevelt Park Outdoor Family Rink in Edison, NJ. Thank you to all the families that joined us for a magical night on the ice even if it was 70 degrees!!! Fun to see families and friends enjoying a winter night together.

    ST GEORGE PTO UPCOMING EVENTS

    On Sunday, February 23rd we had our annual Apokriatiko Glendi. Our theme was the St. George Glow Party for this year. Kids came dressed in their favorite colorful clothes and joined us for dinner, desserts, Greek and American DJ music, entertainment performances by our St George Dancers and more.

    In March & April, we will be selling Easter Lambathes and other children’s gifts. The sale will take place after church services in the AHEPA Hall. Thank you to Leah Kambitsis for your help with the Lambathas designs. Please stop by and support the St George PTO and purchase your Easter gift items!!!

    The Greek School will have the Greek Independence Day program on March 21st and the PTO will sponsor the refreshments.

    On Saturday, April 11th the PTO will host the Easter Lenten Communion Breakfast following church services. Everyone in the community is welcome to join. The children will color Easter eggs as part of the festivities.

    On Easter Sunday, April 19th, following the Agapi service, the children and their families will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt. Volunteers to help setup for the Easter Egg Hunt would be greatly appreciated.

    PTO MAILBOX: For your convenience, all PTO correspondence can be submitted in our "PTO" mailbox located beneath the silver mailboxes at the back of the church entrance. Please contact the St. George PTO at [email protected] with any questions or if you would like to volunteer.

    P.T.O. — PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

    St George PTO Easter Lambathes & Gifts Sale

    After Church services in the AHEPA Hall

    March & April 2020

    Please stop by and purchase your Easter gifts!!!

  • Page 18 March/April 2020

    Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community,

    We hope your year 2020 is filled with hope, joy and love. On

    behalf of Archimandrite Nektarios and the teaching staff, we

    would like to thank you for your support in providing an

    Orthodox Christian foundation of faith and values to your

    children. We would like to express our deep gratitude to our

    volunteer organization for all their efforts, dedication and

    perseverance.

    Some highlights of the activities conducted these past two

    months follow.

    Epiphany: All children celebrated the Epiphany of our

    Lord, Jesus Christ by attending part of the Divine Liturgy and

    by the blessing of the holy water from the Great Sanctification.

    Participated in the tradition of the Vasilopita.

    Three Holy Hierarchs celebration: On 26th of January we

    participated in the celebration of the Three Holy Hierarchs. Our

    students who placed ‘first’ in the 2018 Saint John Chrysostom

    Oratorical Festival (i.e., Costantinos Stavrianidis and Julius

    Bourodimos) had an opportunity to share their works (speech)

    with our Saint George-Piscataway community.

    In each issue of the Voice of Saint George we present a

    summary of the curricula followed by several grades. Today we

    will present the curriculum of Grades 4, 5 and 6.

    Grade 4: ‘Growing with God’– The fourth-grade program

    is devoted to helping children learn to use and appreciate the

    Bible. They are also introduced to examples of living the

    sacramental life – attending services, fasting, praying, observing

    feast days, helping others, etc. By the end of the year, the

    children will know how to refer to the Bible in time of doubt

    and fear. They will also learn to recite the prayer ‘O Heavenly

    King’ which they will proudly recite during the Divine Liturgy

    of an upcoming Sunday.

    Grade 5: ‘God Calls Us’ – This class concentrates on

    stories of the heroes of the Faith who have responded to God’s

    call. Through these examples of faith, loyalty, self-sacrifice,

    obedience, love, justice and social responsibility, students learn

    to respond to God in terms of their faith and morality. The

    students of this grade also learn to recite the ‘Nicene Creed’;

    they will proudly recite this prayer in front of our congregation

    on an upcoming Sunday.

    Grade 6: ‘The Scribe – Searching for Jesus Christ in the

    Old Testament’ - The children in this class are presented with

    the most important aspects of the Old Testament as they relate

    to the New Testament. The children also memorize the Ten

    Commandments and discuss their relevance in our times. They

    will proudly recite them in front of our congregation on an

    upcoming Sunday. When passing by their classroom, you will

    hear lively discussions and many questions from our students.

    The students of all grades read the Epistle and Gospel

    passages recited by Father Nektarios during the Divine Liturgy.

    They also attend the Divine Liturgy once a month, attend

    hymnology classes twice a month, as well as discuss the lives of

    the Saints and Feast Days celebrated that week. The overall

    curriculum followed by all grades was developed by the Greek

    Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of Religious

    Education. Additionally, all our children participate in the

    many projects carried out throughout the year.

    We encourage all parents to bring your children to us each

    Sunday. Each lesson builds on that for the following week, and

    thus the importance of your children’s’ presence must be

    emphasized. For your valuable feedback, please contact me at

    [email protected]

    Photographs of our students from the Christmas Pageant –

    2019 (the children recited the story of the ‘Birth of Jesus’ in

    both the English and Greek languages).

    Respectfully in Christ,

    St. George Catechism Staff

    SUNDAY SCHOOL

  • March/April 2020 Page 19

    Το σχολείο μας τίμησε και φέτος την εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών και των Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων την Κυριακή, 26 Ιανουαρίου. Η γιορτή συμπεριέλαβε ομιλία και ποιήματα από μαθητές μας με υπέροχη απόδοση.

    Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τον κ. Αθανασόπουλο και κ. Κουμαριανό για το ωραιότατο γεύμα που ετοίμασαν προς τιμήν των δασκάλων του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού Σχολείου και το Σ.Γ.Δ. για όλη τη βοήθειά του.

    Το Σάββατο, 25 Ιανουαρίου, το σχολείο μας έλαβε μέρος στη εορτή των Τριών Ιεραρχών και Ελληνικών Γραμμάτων , την οποία οργάνωσε η Ιερά Μητρόπολη της Νέας Ιερσέης, στο καθεδρικό ναό του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου , στο Tenafly , Νέας Ιερσέης. Τα παιδιά μας σημείωσαν μεγάλη επιτυχία με τα ποιήματά τους και εμείς ως δασκάλες νοιώσαμε περήφανες για τους μαθητές μας.

    Στις 9-13 Μαρτίου, θα δοθεί το δεύτερο διαγώνισμα σε όλες τις τάξεις του σχολείου μας. Την επόμενη εβδομάδα, 16-20 Μαρτίου, οι γονείς θα λάβουν τους ελέγχους και θα ενημερωθούν για την πρόοδο των παιδιών τους.

    Το Σάββατο, 21 Μαρτίου, στις 11 το πρωί, το σχολείο μας θα γιορτάσει και πάλι την Εθνική μας Γιορτή, της 25ης Μαρτίου. Μαθητές 4ης , 5ης, και 6ης τάξης θα λάβουν μέρος στο πρόγραμμα της γιορτής. Ευχόμαστε να μας τιμήσετε με την παρουσία σας και να καμαρώσετε τα παιδιά μας.

    Καλή Σαρακοστή σε όλους και με υγεία να γιορτάσουμε την Ανάσταση του Χριστού.

    Με εκτίμηση,

    Οι Δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου

    Our school celebrated the Feast of the Three Hierarchs and the Greek Letters Day, on Sunday, January 26, after the Divine Liturgy. The celebration included a speech by one of our students, followed by poems. Our students did a great job!

    In honor of the great holiday, a luncheon was offered in honor of the teachers of Greek and Sunday schools. Many thanks to Mr. Athanasopoulos and Mr. Koumarianos, who prepared the delicious meal, as well as the P.T.O. for all their help!

    On Saturday, January 25th , His Grace Evangelos, Metropolitan of New Jersey, organized the celebration of the Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters, at the St. John the Theologian Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tenafly, New Jersey. Our school was among the many schools participating in the celebration. The children proudly represented our community with beautiful poems.

    On March 9th to 13th , our students will take the second test of the school year. The following week , March 16th to 20th, the report cards will be handed to the parents and teachers will discuss with them the progress of their children.

    On Saturday, March 21st at 11 a.m. our school will celebrate the Greek Independence Day. The program will include poems, plays and songs, performed by the 4th, 5th and 6th grades of our school. We hope you will honor our students with your presence! We are looking forward to seeing all of you there!

    We wish every one a Happy Lent and a Happy Easter! Sincerely,

    The Teachers of the Greek School

    ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ — GREEK SCHOOL

    THANK YOU NOTE The Saint George Community would like to express its sincere thanks and appreciation to the P.T.O. for all the help they provided during our annual Three Hierarchs Luncheon. It is a blessing that we are surrounded by such individuals who

    always strive to provide every help and assistance to our community, and more specifically to our children.

    Ευχαριστήριο Σημείωμα Η κοινότητα του Αγίου Γεωργίου θα ήθελε να εκφράσει τις ειλικρινείς ευχαριστίες και την εκτίμησή της προς το Σ. Γ. Δ.

    για όλη τη βοήθεια που προσέφερε κατά τη διάρκεια του ετήσιου γεύματος των Τριών Ιεραρχών. Είναι ευλογία ότι περιβάλλομαστε από τέτοια άτομα που προσπαθούν πάντα να παρέχουν κάθε βοήθεια στην κοινότητά μας, και πιο

    συγκεκριμένα στα παιδιά μας.

  • Page 20 March/April 2020

    ΠΑΣΧΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ Μια Ξεχωριστή Εμπειρία

    Παρακάτω παρουσιάζονται 10 μέρη της Ελλάδας όπου το Πάσχα γιορτάζεται με τρόπο ξεχωριστό και διαφορετικό από τα συνηθισμένα.

    Σύρος - Ορθόδοξοι και καθολικοί γιορτάζουν μαζί

    Τη Μεγάλη Παρασκευή οι επιτάφιοι ξεκινούν από όλες τις ενορίες του νησιού καθολικές και ορθόδοξες και καταλήγουν στην κεντρική πλατεία της Ερμούπολης για κοινή λιτανεία, όπου ψάλλονται τροπάρια από τη χορωδία του Αγίου Νικολάου. Η πρώτη Ανάσταση συνοδεύεται από το δυνατό χτύπημα των στασιδιών, ενώ το βράδυ τα βεγγαλικά φωτίζουν όλη την πόλη.

    Κέρκυρα - Για ένα Πάσχα διαφορετικό

    Το Πάσχα στην πανέμορφη Κέρκυρα έχει κάτι το διαφορετικό. Γιορτάζεται με λαμπρότητα και κάθε επισημότητα, ενώ οι φιλαρμονικές του νησιού που βρίσκονται όλες τις ημέρες εκείνες στους δρόμους προσδίδουν ένα άλλο κλίμα στους εορτασμούς που κάνει το Πάσχα πραγματικά ξεχωριστό.

    Το πρωί του Μεγάλου Σαββάτου, οι κάτοικοι της Παλιάς Πόλης ,πετούν τεράστια κανάτια γεμάτα νερό –τους μπότηδες από τα μπαλκόνια τους υπό τον ήχο βροντερών κανονιοβολισμών.

    Στην Κέρκυρα το σούβλισμα του αρνιού δεν αποτελεί μέρος της παράδοσης. Οι Κερκυραίοι τρώνε σούπα αυγολέμονο με 2-3 κρεατικά και αφήνουν το αρνάκι για τη δεύτερη μέρα.

    Χίος - Για τους ατρόμητους

    Το πέρασµα από το «Θάνατο στην αιώνια Ζωή» γίνεται μόνο στη Χίο και συμβολίζεται μέσω του εθίμου του ρουκετοπόλεμου στον Βροντάδο. Στα Μεστά, πάλι, το βράδυ της Ανάστασης καίνε τον Ιούδα.

    Υδρα - Ο επιτάφιος μπαίνει στη Θάλασσα

    Ο επιτάφιος στην Υδρα μπαίνει στη θάλασσα όπου διαβάζεται η Ακολουθία του Επιταφίου, δημιουργώντας μία ατμόσφαιρα κατανυκτική την οποία απολαμβάνουν κάθε χρόνο εκατοντάδες επισκέπτες του νησιού.

    Οσο για την ημέρα του Πάσχα, ο Ιούδας «κρεμασμένος» παραδίδεται στις φλόγες αφού πρώτα τιμωρηθεί από τα όπλα των ντόπιων.

    Λεωνίδιο - Ενα φαντασμαγορικό Πάσχα

    Ένα από τα πιο φαντασμαγορικά έθιμα του Πάσχα γίνονται κάθε χρόνο στο Λεωνίδιο. Την ημέρα της Ανάστασης, με το πρώτο «Χριστός Ανέστη» χιλιάδες πολύχρωμα αερόστατα - φαναράκια πυροδοτούνται και γενιζουν τον ουρανό. Το πέταγμα των αερόστατων συνοδεύεται από πολλά πυροτεχνήματα, ενώ δίπλα στην εκκλησία καίγεται το ομοίωμα του Ιούδα πάνω σε ξερά κλαδιά.

    Πάτμος - Εκεί όπου το Πάσχα γιορτάζεται με ιδιαίτερη κατάνυξη

    Στο ιερό νησί της Αποκάλυψης το Πάσχα γιορτάζεται με ιδιαίτερη κατάνυξη και ξεχωριστή μεγαλοπρέπεια. Οι λειτουργίες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας τελούνται στο ξωκλήσι του Αγίου Ιωάννη, χτισμένο στη σπηλιά-ασκητήριο του Ευαγγελιστή, ενώ από τα έθιμα που αναβιώνουν το πιο χαρακτηριστικό είναι η Τελετή του Νιπτήρος που τελείται το πρωί της Μεγάλης Πέμπτης στην Πλατεία Δημαρχείου και η αναπαράσταση της Αποκαθήλωσης που τελείται την Μεγάλη Παρασκευή, στο μοναστήρι του Αγίου Ιωάννη. Σημαντικό στοιχείο επίσης είναι και η λειτουργία της Ανάστασης η οποία γίνεται στο μοναστήρι, ενώ το Ευαγγέλιο στη λειτουργία της Αγάπης διαβάζεται σε επτά γλώσσες.

    Τήνος - Ο επιτάφιος με το φλεγόμενο σταυρό

    Από τα πιο εντυπωσιακά έθιμα είναι η περιφορά των καθολικών και των ορθοδόξων επιτάφιων, που συναντιούνται στην Εξέδρα της Χώρας. Στη συνέχεια ο Επιτάφιος του Αγίου Νικολάου μπαίνει στη θάλασσα με αναμμένους πυρσούς και φλεγόμενο σταυρό.

    Μετέωρα - Κατανυκτικές ολονυχτίες υπό το φως των κεριών

    Στις μονές που κρέμονται από τα απόκρυμνα βράχια, το Πάσχα σας θα πάρει άλλη όψη με κατανυκτικές ολονυχτίες υπό το φως των κεριών, ψαλμωδίες και βυζαντινή μουσική. Οι επιτάφιοι είναι λιτά στολισμένοι, χωρίς το θόλο με τον οποίο τους έχουμε συνηθίσει, ενώ το βράδυ της Ανάστασης οι λειτουργίες αρχίζουν στις 9 μ.μ..

    Μονεμβασιά - Πάσχα με άρωμα άλλης εποχής

    Πάσχα με άρωμα μίας άλλης εποχής στο φημισμένο κάστρο. Οι λειτουργίες γίνονται στην εκκλησία του Ελκόμενου Χριστού, με αποκορύφωμα την περιφορά του Επιταφίου στα πλακόστρωτα σοκάκια, υπό τη μουσική υπόκρουση της μπάντας του δήμου,

    (Continued on page 22)

  • March/April 2020 Page 21

    GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER Greek Easter Traditions

    Greek Orthodox Easter, called Pascha, is by far the most important feast for the Greeks, celebrating the suffering and martyrdom of Jesus Christ as well as, his resurrection and the chance of rebirth for mankind, symbolized by the coming of spring. Orthodox Easter is a family festivity deeply rooted in traditions, many of which originated in the very distant past.

    Throughout the country, many traditions such as special evening services take place during Holy Week (Megali Evdomada) that starts with Palma Sunday and ends with Easter Sunday. However, four main events form the basis of what we call Easter celebrations.

    Great Thursday

    On Great Thursday (Megali Pempti), Easter preparations begin with the dyeing of red eggs. Unlike the Easter eggs in other countries, the Greek Easter eggs can only be found in the red color, representing the blood of Christ. Commemorating the Last Supper, sweet Easter bread, called Tsoureki is being baked. During the special Great Thursday evening service, a traditional symbolic crucifixion takes place while women mourn through the night.

    Great Friday

    The funerary procession of Epitaphios (mourning for the death and burial of Christ) takes place during Great Friday (Megali Paraskevi) throughout Greece. Church bells ring mournfully all day, a symbolic coffin representing Christ’s tomb is carried through the streets by the believers during the evening and people follow it in a quiet procession.

    Great Saturday and Anastasi

    The end of 40-day Lent and the resurrection of Christ are celebrated midnight on Great Saturday (Megalo Savvato). All people go to the church before midnight keeping their special candles, called Lambades for the Eternal Flame. A few moments before midnight the lights are switched off everywhere. The highlight of the Easter celebrations is during Anastasi, as when the clock strikes 12, the priest announces “Cristos Anesti!” (Christ is risen!) and people start greeting each other while many fireworks, crackers but also shotguns start firing to announce the happy moment. The Great Saturday Dinner takes place after midnight and consists of the traditional Magiritsa, made by the offal of the lamb and the cracking (tsougrisma) of the red eggs.

    Easter Sunday

    Easter Sunday (Kyriaki tou Pascha) is a joyful day of celebration, the most favorite of all days of the year for Greeks. Due to the great Mediterranean weather, families, relatives, and friends gather before noon, mainly in the countryside to prepare the festive Easter Sunday meal. A cooking fire is set up outdoor where a whole lamb is roasted for many hours. It is accompanied by side dishes such as tzatziki, roasted potatoes, Greek salad and plenty of wine, ouzo, and raki. Then they all sit around a long table, for a long lunch accompanied by drinking, singing, and dancing until late at night.

    Apart from the main events celebrated throughout the country, not every place in Greece celebrates Easter in the same way. Below are some of the unique festivities with local flavor and distinctive traditions.

    Corfu

    The celebration of Easter in Corfu is so spectacular giving a thought-provoking and joyous experience to the first-time visitor to the island. The customs and traditions of this huge festival are traced back to Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholic culture, Eastern influence, and pagan traditions. A variety of customs take place during Holy Week, among them the most impressive being the throwing of clay pitchers, called Botides. On Great Saturday at 11 am, in the historic Venetian center of Corfu town the Corfiotes throw ceramic pots of all sizes out of their windows and balconies, smashing them onto the streets and creating a deafening clamor. It is believed that the pot throwing symbolizes the exorcism of the evil spirits and death. In contrast to the rest of Greece, the procession of Epitaphios in Corfu takes place on Great Saturday morning, carrying the mummified remains of Corfu’s patron saint, St. Spyridon accompanied by the famous philharmonic bands of the island.

    Vrontados, Chios Island

    Vrontados, being one of the villages of Chios Island in the northeastern Aegean Sea is famous for the relentless firework battle between two rival parishes sitting across a small valley. This festival called Rouketopolemos (Rocket war) takes place on the night of the Great Saturday and dates back to the age of Turkish occupation. Thousands of homemade rockets are fired toward each other churches while services are held. Having as a goal to strike the bell of the opposing church, this village is turned into a virtual battlefield.

    Many people, who use to visit Chios Island for enjoying this event, take the opportunity to spend time in the stunning medieval fortified villages of the island called Mastikikhoria, such as Mesta, Pyrgi, and Anavatos where the mastic tree’s resin is exclusively harvested worldwide.

    Chania, Crete Island

    The Cretans always love to celebrate and there is often a feast somewhere on the Island. The Easter celebration couldn’t be an exception for the locals. Many different customs are held during Holy Week. In Chania town and to be more specific, in Chalepa suburb of the town the tradition of “Burning of Judas” takes place on Great Saturday. When the clock strikes 12 midnight a giant effigy of Judas made by big pieces of wood and clothes is set alight as the priest declares “Christos Anesti” and fireworks go off.

    (Continued on page 22)

  • Page 22 March/April 2020

    Kalamata

    Kalamata town in Peloponnese is well known for the unique Easter custom of “Saitopolemos” (rocket war) taking place on Easter Sunday. It dates back to the revolution fights of 1821 against Ottomans when locals used these handmade making-loud-noise fireworks (Saitas) in order to strike fear into the Ottoman army. A group of people called Saitologoi wearing traditional costumes detonate the Saitas while they are in their hands causing smoke, flashes, and loud noise.

    Hydra

    Hydra Island, the gem of Saronic Gulf, celebrates Easter in an exclusive way reviving customs that are tied to the maritime history of the island. In the evening of Good Friday, villagers carrying candles follow the procession of Epitaphios through the cobbled streets of the village, which it ended up in the picturesque harbor of Kamini district. There, the believers who carry the symbolic coffin get in the sea, so that both the people and the sea are blessed by the Holy Epitaph. As the Epitaph is in the water, songs for the sponge divers and the island’s sailors are heard.

    Arachova

    In Arahova, a mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece, on Easter Day, the image of St. George is taken around the village, accompanied by about 500 people dressed in traditional costumes. On the following day, a road race of the elderly (uphill road) takes place, starting from the church of St. George and ending at the top of the hill.

    Each and every corner of Greece is worth visiting during the Easter week.

    www.grecianlux.com

    (Continued from page 21)

    ενώ το απόγευμα της Κυριακής του Πάσχα αναβιώνει και το έθιμο του καψίματος του Ιούδα στον περίβολο της εκκλησίας.

    Καλαμάτα - Για σαϊτοπόλεμο

    Ο σαϊτοπόλεμος στην Καλαμάτα (έθιμο των μπουλουκιών όπως αλλιώς λέγεται) είναι ένας σημαντικός λόγος για να ταξιδέψετε μέχρι τη Μεσσηνιακή πρωτεύουσα. Οι συμμετέχοντες συγκεντρώνονται στο γήπεδο του Μεσσηνιακού κρατώντας τις σαΐτες τους, τους χαρτονένιους σωλήνες που έχουν προηγουμένως γεμίσει με μπαρούτι και επιδίδονται σε σαϊτοπόλεμο, φωτίζοντας τον ουρανό...

    Πηγή: iefimerida.gr

    (Continued from page 20)

    ΠΑΣΧΑ ΣΤΗΝ ΕΛΛΑΔΑ - Μια Ξεχωριστή Εμπειρία

    GREEK ORTHODOX EASTER - Greek Easter Traditions

  • March/April 2020 Page 23

  • Page 24 March/April 2020

    THANK YOU TO OUR STEWARDS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2019

    George & Barbara Abadiotakis

    John & Sofia Abadiotakis

    George & Elizabeth Abadiotakis Jr

    Demetrios & Andrea Adams

    Elias & Kalli Agelopoulos

    Thanasis & Anastasia Agoras

    Carmine & Sophia Albanese

    Evangelia Alexander

    John & Emilia Alexopoulos

    Demetria Alfieris

    Larry & Stacey Alphas

    Emanuel & Frances Alvarez

    Manuel & Ann Alvarez

    Dimos & Sofia Amaxopoulos

    John & Vanessa Amaxopoulos

    Vasilios & Constance Amaxopoulos

    Demetrios & Kanella Anastasatos

    Evan & Tina Andricopoulos

    Demetris & Eleni Andronikou

    Demetrios & Afrodite Antipas

    Costantinos Antonakaki s

    Irene Antonakakis

    Panagiota Antoniou

    Zoi Antoniou

    Zoitsa Antoniou

    Constantine & Eleni Apostolakis

    Hrysi Apostolakis

    Sotirios & Alice Apostolopoulos

    Frank & Camille Araps

    Stephen N & Lauren Aretakis

    Demetrios & Anastasia Arhontoulis

    Elpidoforos D & Stephanie Arhontoulis

    Maria Arhontoulis

    Pauline Arkoulakis

    Harilaos & Sevasti Aspromatis

    Elias & Leina Atallah

    George & Ioanna Athanasakis

    Andreas Athanasopoulos

    George & Kyriakoula Athanasopoulos

    Anestis & Alexandra Avgitidis

    Antonios Ballas

    Nektarios & Eleni Banis

    John & Linda Barbagiannis

    Mary Barre

    Barbara Bekiaris

    Mike & Athinoulla Bizos

    John Blazakis

    Vasiliki Bliziotis

    Nick & Voula Bonis

    John & Dionyssia Botzolakis

    Dimitri N & Maria D Bouhlas

    Georgette Boulegeris

    Mary Boulegeris

    Eleni Bourodimos

    Lampros E & Naomi Bourodimos

    Sotirios & Christy Bouziotis

    Stavros & Effie Bouziotis

    Angelo & Teresa Bouzos

    Helen Bouzos

    Joseph & Maria Boyadjis

    Melanie Boyadjis

    Theodora Boyadjis

    Arthur & Niki Brachowski

    Helen Breznak

    Bruno & Voula Bumbaca

    Mary J Caldwell

    Michael & Ellen Cambilis

    Patricia Captain

    Maria Regina Caputo

    Ralph & Maria Caputo

    Francis J & Katherine Catanzaro

    John & Tammy Lynne Chafos

    John & Catherine Chick

    Manny & Sylvia Christakos

    Dana Christianis Maroon

    Elias & Antonia Christodoulakis

    Christos & Maria Christodoulatos

    Chris & Beata Christoforou

    Theodoros & Thomai Chronis

    James Colitsas

    Anthony & Mary Colletto

    Dennis Columbis

    Peter Combates

    Maria Constantin

    Christopher & Erica Conti

    Anastasia Copachiarys

    Stefanos & Kathy Damianakis

    Dimitrios Danas

    Jon & Kathryn Dean

    Fotini Dedopoulos

    Maria Dedopoulos

    Lawrence & Athanasia DelGuercio

    Joseph & Ellie D'Elia

    Antonios & Eleni Delistathis

    Stamatiki Demelis

    George Demos Jr & Maria Demos

    Aristedes & Elaine Diagelakis

    George & Virginia Diamantidis

    Mary Diamantis

    Dimitrios & Katholiki Dimitrakis

    Mike & Mary Dimitrakis

    George & Irene Drakopoulos

    Hermione Drecolias

    George & Kyriaki Dyer

    Evangelos & Kristen Eleftheriou

    Michael & Evangeline Emanuel

    Nicholas & Helen Englezos

    Georgia Exarchakis

    James G & Sophia Exarchakis

    Afroditi Farag

    Pat Farsi

    Terrence & Colette Fearon IV

    Thomas & Antoinette Finley

    Antonis & Paraskevi Fiotakis

    Themis & Niki Fiotakis

    Basil & Despina Fottis

    Irene Frangos

    John & Panagiota Ftikas

    Melina Renee Fuchs

    Serafim & Sotiria Galatas

    Lazaros & Eleni Gallos

    John & Bertha Garris

    Robert & Katina Garthe

    Dimitrios Gavalas & Katherine Gavalas

    Anthony & Helen Gegelys

    Mary George

    Ned K & Elizabeth George

    Widad George

    Constantine & Nancy Georgiades

    George & Panagiota Georgiou

    Maria Georgiou

    Theodoros Georgiou

    Panagiotis & Evie Georgopoulos

    John & Vicky Gerometta

    Niky Gerondelis

    Loula Giakoumatos

    Christos & Helen Giannios

    Dimitri & Melissa Giannios

    Evangelos & Mitza Giannos

    Michael Giannos

    Kostas S & Argie Glynos

    Edward T Gomolka

    Nicholas Gonedes

    Charles & Odette Graf

    Dimetrios & Michele Greberis

    Theodore & Anastasia Grekos

    George Gussis

    Dimitri & Maria Hadjiapostoli

    George & Lefkothea Hadjiloucas

    Vasiliki Hadzimichalis

    William Hadzimichalis Sr & Marianthe Had

    Emanuel & Amalia Halkiadakis

    Nickos & Evmorfia Halkias

    Stella Hamilothoris

    Dimitrios & Evangelia Hantsoulis

    Ilias & Katherine Hantsoulis

    Konstantinos & Paraskevi Hantsoulis

    Eric Hargreaves & Konstantina Matsoukas

    Kevin & Christen Heiden

    Jeremy & Julie Herbert

    Enndy Herrera & Andrea A Boyadjis

    Juan & Christina Hidalgo

    Efthimios & Nora Hionis

    Evangelos & Stamatoula Hionis

    Gerasimos & Theodora Hionis

    Panagis & Lynn Hionis

    Spiros & Angeliki Hionis

    Spiros & Daniele Hionis

    Joseph & Kathryn Hirschman

    John & Victoria H Horvath

    Niels & Louise Hoyvald

    Pericles & Daphne Ioulianou

    Faris & Meghan Janini

    George & Alexandra Janow

    Jerry E & Eleni Jennings

    Andy Niko Jovani

    Matthew & Nicole Judy

    Grammatiki N Kagdis

    Lazaros & Constantina Kakalis

    Damianos & Kathy Kalabratzidis

    Thomas Kalanekos

    John & Evelyn Kallas

    Emmanuel & Anna Kalogridakis

    Anthony & Anna Kalogridis

    Antonios Jr & Georgia Kalogridis

    Chrisoula Kalogridis

    Eftihios & Anastasia Kalogridis

    Ioannis N & Sandy Kalogridis

    John & Joann Kalogridis

    Anthony & Maria Kamarinopoulos

    Demetrius Kambitsis

    Leah Kambitsis & Perry Petsanas

    Nicholas & Leonila Kambitsis

    Elias & Joanna Kanellos

    Chrysanthe Kanterakis

    Emmanuel & Irene Kanterakis

    Markos & Maria Kantilierakis

    Stamatis & Anastasia Kantilierakis

    Argyro Kapasakis

    Aspasia Karagiozis

    James Karamanos

    Toula Karamarkos

    Athanasios Karandrikas

    Nikki Ann Karas

    Demetrios & Eftihia Karayiannidis

    Alice Kartikis

    Kosmas & Dimitra Kasimatis

    Basil S & Katherine B Kasimis

    Michael Kasternakis

    Christos Katsifis

    Thomas Kavouras

    John & Marietta Kazan

    Katina Kehayas

    Nicholas T Kehayas

    James & Marigoula Keller

    Vassilis & Elaine Keramidas

    Dimitri & Tatiana Kika

    Dean Kirkis

    John & Voula Koco-nis

    George Kokkinis & Anna Volikakis

    Georgia Kolias

    Helen Kolias

    Constantine & Athina Komandis

    Nicholas & Leana Komandis

    Steve & Maria Kon-iarelis

    Antonios & Kristina Kontos

    Georgios & Eve Kontos

    Petros & Diane Kontos

    Nickie Kopanakis

    George & Athena Kostis

    John B Kostis

    Victoria Kostis

    Apostolos & Asimina Koufis

    Gus & Helen Koukouras

    Georgios & Raquel Koukourdelis

    Heido Koukourdelis

    James & Giannoula Koukourdelis

    Telemahos & Maria Koukourdelis

  • March/April 2020 Page 25

    Nicholas & Christine

    Koumarianos

    Simon & Elizabeth Koumis

    Pantelis & Despina Kounelias

    Georgia Kouridakis

    Fotini Kousoulis

    Nick & Irene Kousoulis

    George & Lisa Koutsoubis

    Lambros & Vasiliki Koutsoupias

    Stavros Koutsoupias

    Andrew & Andrea Lagermasini

    John & Kristy Lalley, 3rd

    Myrsine Lambides

    Paula Lapas

    Timothy & Despina Laverick Sr

    James F & Evangelia Lemberis

    Danae Leondopoulos

    Michael Levas

    Kyriakos & Kerri Likakis

    Casandra Lorincz

    Anthony & Anna Lorino

    Filipe & Kathy Luis

    Constantine Lydakis

    Stamatis & Cassandra

    Lymberis

    George & Athena Lyristis

    Panagiotis & Marianne Lysicatos

    Emily Lyssikatos

    Helen Lyssikatos

    John & Evanthia Lyssikatos

    Thomais Lyssikatos

    Gregory C Mackaronis

    Evangelos Makropoulos

    Christopher Malekkides

    George & Stella Malouhos

    John & Donna Maloupis

    Edward & Kathryn Mancheno

    Michalis & Fotini Mangafas

    Alexander Manikopoulos

    Evangelia Manikopoulos

    Emanuel Manioudakis

    Nicholas Manioudakis

    Eleni Manolakis

    Elias & Patra Manolakis

    Elias J & Katerina Manolakis

    Emanuel & Aline Manolakis

    Kostas & Evangelia Manolakis

    Maria Manolas

    Kyriakos & Maria Manousakis

    Michael & Jessica Maratea

    James & Niki Marketos

    Elpida Marolis

    John & Esther Marolis

    Thomas & Allison Maroulis

    Polyxeni Martis

    Robert & Myrianthe Marton

    Jack & Felicia Mascarenhas

    Evelyn Mataras

    Elias & Eftychia Mattas

    Ioanis & Chrisoula Mavrianos

    Irene Mavrianos

    John & Olga Mavrianos

    Miltiades & Trisha Mavrianos

    Steve & Maria Mavrianos

    Costantino Mazza & Emily Connelly

    Despina Menon

    Dimitrios & Eugenia Metaxas

    Luke Metaxas

    Minas & Helen Michael

    Therapon & Neda Michaelides

    Trian & Eleni Mihelis

    Peter Miko & Lemonia

    Miko-Malahias

    John Millas

    Gregg & Nicole Miller

    Minas & Mary Rose Mina

    Linda Minguet

    George & Vasso Mitchels

    Gregory Mitchels

    Steven Mitchels

    Anastasia Mitrou

    Marcial & Evelyn Montalvo Jr

    Jerry G & Soula Moschonas

    Themistoklis Moudrakis

    & Eleftheria Fiotakis

    Georgios & Christina Moutafis

    Thomas & Maria Moutafis

    Anastasios & Dimitra Mpovolis

    James & Theano Munck

    John Paul & Pauline Murphy

    Helen E Mustakas

    James Mustakis

    Emanuel & Amelia Nafpliotis

    Penelope Nicolas

    Vicki Nicolas

    Konstantinos & Efstathia Nikolaou

    Anthony Ousouljoglou

    Tony & Susan Ousouljoglou

    Athanasios & Liljana Ouzounis

    Parthena Pagonis

    John M & Linda Ann Paitakes

    Catherine Paitakis

    Christopher J & Valerie Paitakis

    Demetrios & Evdoxia Palavros

    Bill & Irene Paliouras

    Dimitrios & Stavroula

    Panagiotopoulos

    Andreas & Happy Papadakis

    Chrysoula Papadakis

    George & Eleni Papadakis

    Louis A Papadakos

    Kosmas Papadelias

    Sam & Mary Papadelias

    Andrew & Demetra Papadopoulos

    Emmanuel & Katina Papamanolis

    John & Georgia Papanastasiou

    Michael & Angelica Papasavas

    Agorasti Papoutsakis

    Basilis & Eleni Papoutsakis

    Irini Pappas

    Emanuel & Diane Parais

    Petros & Dina Parameritis

    George & Helen Paraskevopoulos

    Eleni Parlapanides

    George & Allison Parlapanides

    Thomas Parlapanides Jr

    Afrodite M Parlitsis

    Constandena Parlitsis

    Demetrios & Mistilee Pasigos

    George & Maria Pasigos

    Helen Patestos

    Karl & Dimitra Paulus

    Georgia C Peterson

    Demitre & Sonia Petinatos

    Michael & Deborah Petkovski

    Konstantinos & Varvara Petrakis

    George & Christina Petrantonakis

    George & Maria Petrou

    Rousos & Argyro Petroulakis

    Harry V & Mallene Pilitsis

    John V Pilitsis

    Lazaros & Chrisoula Plias

    Socrates & Polly Ploussiou

    H James & Rita Polos

    Kevin & Maria Potter

    Zois Pournaras

    Thomas J & MaryAnn

    Prenderville

    Paul & Eileen Prodromo

    Fernando & Theresa Protasio

    John & Connie Protopapadakis

    Panagiotis Psarakis

    Dimitrios Psaras & Cynthia Taylor-Psaras

    Triffin & Nancy J Psyhojos

    Elias & Tatianna Psyllos

    George & Maria Psyllos

    Ryan & Maria Rapp

    Steven & Spiridoula Riley

    Peter & Grace Robas

    Emmanuel & Stephanie

    Rodoussakis

    George & Irene Rodoussakis

    Roland & Karen Rodriguez

    Anthony & Irene Rompos

    George & Katerina Rompos

    Joseph & Agnes Sagliocco

    John & Irene Saia

    Stella Sakoutis

    Christopher & Anna San Agustin

    Joel & Diane Sarapin

    Michael & Toni Lynn Sardis

    George & Anthoula Sarigeorgiou

    Ekaterini Sarrinikolaou

    Stamatios & Kalliope Sarrinikolaou

    Andreas & Ekaterini Savva

    Iacovos & Florentia Savva

    Helen Scali

    Douglas & Harriet Schneider

    Liberty Schwalje

    Adam & Aphrodite Scicchitano Jr

    Demetri Sgourakis

    Stefanie Sgourakis

    Sotiria Shibley

    Melodie Sideris

    Nicholaos & Yiannoulla Sideris

    Stelios Sideris

    Nicholas & Regina Siliverdis

    Constantine & Jennifer Simos

    Chris & Mar