SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral

64 Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn, NY 11201

Office: 718-624-0595 Fax: 718-624-2228

Website:stconstantinecathedral.org

Vol.6 Issue 4

The Edict The Edict of Milan was signed by St. Constantine in 313 AD as the first act of religious freedom

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking

of bread and to prayer.Acts 2:42

After Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, fifty days after the Resurrection) Peter preached to the crowds who were pre-viously shouting for the cru-cifixion of Jesus. After lis-tening to Peters words that the Christ, whom they cruci-fied and who resurrected from the dead, is the Christ, it says in the Book of Acts that they were cut to their heart and asked St. Peter, what should they do? He responded to them, repent and be baptized! After this event, three

thousand were added to the church. What did they do in the church ? They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to

the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 Of these four core characteris-tics of a Christian community, this brief article will focus on the Christian pillar of fellowship and in Greek . Commenting on this word, St. John Chrysostom says the following, fellowship was not only in prayers, nor in doctrine alone, but also in () social relations. One of the most common forms of fellowship (some may claim also the best) is the coffee hour after the Liturgy. Yes, before Duncan Donuts and Starbucks there was and al-ways will be the coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy. In most churches it is so in-grained that to end such a fel-lowship might be seen as com-mitting heresy, lol. With kidding aside, at the heart of the fellowship of the church are people whose souls are enflamed with a joyful and holy zeal for the good of the Body of Christ, the Church. These people, and maybe some who are saints, might be those who spend countless hours cooking for the festival, volun-teering on the parish council, helping with Philoptochos, coaching a sport team, being present for the Divine Services, teaching Sunday school, and creating outreach for the sick and suffering. The church of the 21st

Century, with all the changes that have taken place in society throughout the past two thou-sand years still stands on these principles of the apostles teachings, prayer, holy com-munion and fellowship. During my ministry at a cer-tain church, I had asked a pa-rishioner who was running the basketball program to take the team to a tournament as a way to build up the fellowship of the church. He was reluctant because of the huge responsibil-ity. Out of respect to the priesthood, he took the team on an enjoyable weekend. I found out later that his son had met his future wife at that tourna-ment.

With a Christ centered life, the church welcomes the tal-ents and charismas of each per-son that contributes to the life of the church. Fr. John K. Lardas

The Foundation of a

Christian Community

Table of Contents

Presidents Message3

A. Fantis School4-5

Philoptochos6

Dont Judge your brothers7

Young at Heart8

Eortologion-9

St. Nicholas WTC- 10

Altar Boys-11

Pilgrimage 12

Film Festival13

Sacraments-14

P A G E 2 V O L U M E V I S S U E 1 1 I

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P A G E 3

T H E E D I C T

The Presidents Message

One of pleasures of the Christmas season is the opportunity to extend cordial

greetings to all of you.

Christmas is a busy season. Streets

and stores are filled with people. Travelers

on the highways increase, airports are

crowdedall Christianity seems to come

to life with music, lights, and festive deco-

rations.

How is Christmas regarded today?

The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas

tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistle-

toe, and the giving of gifts all express to us

the spirit of the day we celebrate, but the

true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper

than these. It is found in the life of the Sav-

ior, in the principles he taught, in his sac-

rificewhich becomes our great heritage.

Each year we celebrate Jesus

Christ's birth, for it has changed the

world. We are living in Christ. A writer

wrote; Of all the holidays there is none

that enters so fully into the human heart,

and stirs so many of the higher senti-

ments. The thoughts, memories, hopes,

and customs linked with it are bound by

antiquity and nationality collectively; and

by childhood and old age individually.

They embrace the religious, social, and

patriotic sides of our nature. The holly and

mistletoe entwined among the evergreens,

the habit of giving gifts to those we love,

the presence of the Christmas tree, the sto-

ry of Santa Claus, all combining to make

Christmas the most longed-for, the most

universal, and from every standpoint, the

most important holiday known to man

Merry Christmas and a Healthy

and Happy New Year to all.

Dean Paravalos

President board of trustees.

Dean Paravalos

President of the Board

of Trustees

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, 2015.

Dr. Alice Farkouh was born Alice Cury in a

small town outside of Lexington, Kentucky, named,

Neon. Her fathers family was of Syrian descent. Her

mothers side of the family was of Syrian, Lebanese

and of Greek descent.

Alice from a young girl was raised in the

church. Her godmother was the sister of the late Bish-

op Bashir. Her grandmother had made a vow to God

that if her son returned from the Korean War that she

would never miss a service. As a result of this vow,

her grandmother was found every day at church.

At the age of fourteen, Alice became a Sunday school

teacher. To be able to attend Pascha services that fam-

ily would have to travel three hundred miles to West

Virginia to celebrate the Service of the Resurrection.

Dr. Alice Farkouh

At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount,

found in chapter five through seven of the gospel of

Matthew, Jesus says, Therefore everyone who hears

these words of mine and puts them into practice is

like a wise man who built his house on the rock..

MT7:24 Dr. Alice Farkouh has pursued her family,

friend and career with the strong foundation of the

teachings of Christ in her life.

Upon graduating fifth from Fort Hamilton

High School, Alice pursued Mathematics & Histo-

ry at NYU. She earned her Masters at the College

of Staten Island and her Doctorate in Administra-

tion from Columbia University. While pursuing

her degrees, Alice met her husband Charles while

visiting her friend to go to the movies. During

this time she also started her career teaching math

at Port Richmond High School. She then moved

on to be a Mathematics Supervisor at Prospect

Height High School and eventually being promot-

ed to Principal at Fort Hamilton High School.

Dr. Alice Farkouh discovered the A. Fantis

School, when the then, School Board President

Peter Vlitas visited her home parish of St. Mary

Antiochian Church in Bay Ridge. Living and

breathing education, Dr. Alice Farkouh was not

going to let a challenge slip by. In March of 2006,

Dr. Alice took the helm of the A. Fantis Parochial

School of the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and

Helen.

With an incoming registration of forty stu-

dents then, over the past nine years, the school has

tripled in enrollment. Dr. Alice also assisted in

establishing the Universal Pre-K Program and the

three year old program. Over these past years at

least 50% of graduating students have been ac-

cepted to Specialized High Schools and over 90%

of the graduating students have been accepted

into their first choice of High School.

Alice published an autobiography titled Never

Say You Cant. It is this spirit that over the past

nine years, Dr. Farkouh has instilled in the stu-

dents of the A. Fantis School.

As Dr. Alice retires from being principal of

the A. Fantis School, she will never retire from be-

ing an educator. The Cathedral of Saints Constan-

tine and Helen is very grateful for her professional

years of service to A. Fantis and for building on a

legacy that has been the lighthouse of Greek Or-

thodox education in Brooklyn!

Fr. John K. Lardas

A. Fantis Parochial School

On Sunday, October 12, 2014, the La-

dies Philoptochos Society of Sts. Con-

stantine and Helen Cathedral held its

annual Autumn Luncheon. This year we

gathered at the Dyker Heights Golf

Course in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New

York. We were joined, as always, by our

sister churches: Three Hierarchs,

Kimisis tis Theotokou, Holy Cross and

Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas. Executive

members of Signature Bank, and In-

vestors Bank were also present. In ad-

dition, the presence of members and

friends of our Community helped to fill

up the tables. It was an afternoon of

good food and Christian fellowship.

We were even able to dance to the Greek

music provided by Stamatis Tsilimos.

An enjoyable afternoon was had by all.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of Sts.

Constantine and Helen Cathedral

would like to take this opportunity to

thank all of our benefactors, sponsors

and donors for their financial and per-

sonal support. Your generosity will

make it possible for us to continue our

mission of support to the students of A.

Fantis, the residents of St. Basils Acad-

emy and St. Michaels Home, the Child

Life Program at SUNY Downstate in

Brooklyn and the various charities of

the Archdiocese. In the last two years,

we have also sent monetary assistance

to several charities in Greece. As you

may know, months of planning and

preparation go into making this yearly

event possible. Therefore, the Co-Chairs

of our Luncheon, Cleo Athanitis and

Tina Papadakos and our President

Marjorie Bacas wish to congratulate

each and everyone for their hard work

in making this Luncheon a success. We

truly appreciate your contributions of

time, talents and finances to our Chap-

ter!

P. Katerina James

Secretary

Philoptochos Luncheon

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At the heart of the community of Saints Constantine and

Helen are the incredible pillars of the community, the Young

at Heart. There is truly a vibrant group of Young at Heart

that have so much wisdom and heart to offer to the Cathedral

Community.

This past October the Young at Heart had the opportunity for

an excursion to Mattituck, Long Island for a wine tasting

event at Macari Vineyards and a visit to the All Saints Monas-

tery. The day was truly blessed by God

With a little coordination, the Young at Heart may help oth-

ers to embrace active liturgical life of the church

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THE FEAST DAY CALENDAR

DECEMBER Sun. 21 The Sunday Before Christmas, Orthros: 9:15 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM Mon. 22 The Feast of St. Anastasia, Orthros: 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM Tue. 23 The 10 Martyrs of Crete, Orthros: 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM Wed. 24 The Fore feast of Christmas, The Royal Hours of Christmas 4:30 PM, The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Christmas 6:00 PM Thur. 25 The Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Celebrated by His Grace Bishop Philotheos of Meloa, Orthros: 8:45 AM, The Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Fri. 26 The Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos, Orthros: 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM Sat. 27 Feast of St. Stephen, Orthros: 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM Sun. 28 The Sunday after Christmas, The Divine Liturgy of St. James the Brother of the Lord, Orthros: 9:15 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM

JANUARY Thur. 1 The Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the feast of St. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia, Orthros 9:00 AM. Divine Liturgy 10:30AM Sun. 4 The Sunday Before Epiphany, Orthros: 9:00 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM , Blessing of the Water at Battery Park 1:00 PM Mon. 5 The Fore feast of Epiphany, Orthros: 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM, (Followed by the Great Blessing of the Water) Tue. 6 The Feast of Epiphany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Orthros 8:00 AM, Divine Liturgy 9:00 AM (Followed by the Great Blessing of the Water) Tue. 7 The Gathering of the honorable and glorious forerunner And Baptist John (Reception to follow in Church Hall for the Name Days of Priest of Sts. Constantine and Helen), Orthros 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Sun. 11 The Sunday after Epiphany, Orthros: 9:15 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM, (Cutting of the Vasilopita) Sat. 17 The Feast of St. Anthony, Orthros 8:30 AM, Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Sun. 18 The 12th Sunday of Luke (The Ten Lepers), Orthros: 9:00 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM, His Grace Bishop Se vastianos of Zela will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The icon of the Nativity written in memory of Paulette Chios will be blessed. Sun. 25 The 15th Sunday of Luke (The Sunday of Zachaiou) Orthros: 9:15 AM, Divine Liturgy: 10:30 AM, The Celebration of Greek Letters Fri. 30 The Feast of the Three Hierarchs and the Feast of Greek Letters, School Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Manhattan

NAK Altar Boys At St. Nicholas Shrine WTC

The altar boys of NAK were requested by His Grace Bishop Andonios to serve as the acolytes for the Blessing Of The Foundation Of The New St. Nicholas Shrine at WTC.A Ground Blessing ceremony for Saint Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center took place on October 18, 2014 on Liberty Street at the site of the new National Shrine. As the only house of worship destroyed in the terrorist attacks on Septem-ber 11, 2001, the shrine is set to be fully rebuilt by the end of 2016.The grounds for the National Shrine, de-signed by world-renowned Architect Santiago Calatrava were blessed in an "agiasmos" (Greek for sanctification') ceremony led by His Eminence Arch-bishop Demetrios of America.The Ground Blessing ceremony included a prayer service, readings from scripture, and the blessing of water from the memori-al pools followed by commentary from political offi-cials, religious figures and Calatrava. The service concluded with a moment of silence remembering the victims who perished in the tragic attacks on Septem-ber 11."This is truly a remarkable event, commemo-rating not only what was lost, but acknowledging a future of rebuilding, reconciliation, healing and peace," said Fr. Evagoras Constantinides, Greek Or-thodox Archdiocese of America's spokesperson.Once rebuilt, the National Shrine will include a 2nd floor non-denominational bereavement center welcoming all those seeking comfort and prayer and a place of solace."The ground blessing ceremony marks the re-building project coming to life," Fr. Constantinides added. "It's been a long road, and the Archdiocese welcomes everyone to attend St. Nicholas National Shrine once its doors are opened."The ceremony boasted more than 2,000 attendees, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, former NY Gov. George Pataki, and former NYC Mayor David Dinkins.

Altar Boy Excursion to St. Basil Academy, All Saints Monastery & The Long Island Aquarium

Pilgrimage to St. Anthonys Monastery in Arizona

February 18-20, 2015

Please call the church office if you are interested. 718-624-0595

SACRAMENTS

Baptisms

June 2014

14 George, son of Vassilios & Tracy Aidiniou

Godparents: Sophia & Matthew Nikolaou

July 2014

5 Stellianos, son of Dimantis & Alexandra Kakatsos

Godfather: Mazen Karnaby

August 2014

3 Victoria, daughter of Ashley Graj and Kristen St.

Clair; Godmother: Melissa St. Clair

Isabella Efrosoni, daughter of George & Patricia

Ekonomakos; Godmother: Constance

Ekonomakos

10 Kosta, son of Nick and Vasiliki Traintafillou

Godparents: Chrisoula Tsangaris &

Kiriaki Cheras

30 Elizabeth, daughter of Nicholas & Betsy Vayos

Godfather: Thomas George Vayos

October 2014

4 Maria, daughter of Constantinos & Euthymia

Frangos; Godmother: Agapi Karapistolis

11 Anna Sofia, daughter of Anthony & Jeanette Pigis

Godparents: Sofia Pavlidou & Spiridon

Pigis

11 Michael, son of Matthew & Emily Grant

Godmother: Pamela Holmes

12 Triantafilia, daughter of Lee and Lesley Kalomiris

Godmother: Zoe Zollo

November 2014

1 Leonidas,, son of Frank & Callie Fanelli,

Godmother: Angie Georgakas

23 Constantine, son of James and Lydia Madias,

Sponsor: Elena Alexandra Avradopoulos

Wedddings

August 2014

23 John Marchisello & Jeannine Harris

Koumbara: Jacquelyn Marie Wetteland

September 2014

6 Jose Euripedes Martins Neto & Vassiliki Anne

Rozakis; Koumbara: Elizabeth Theresa Rozakis

26 Panayiotis Valsamis & Lauren Pearce

Koumbaro: Elias Konstantis

October 2014

12 Joseph J. Demasi & Xanthi Keskinis

Koumbaroi: Stelios & Evdokia Tsou-

kalas

18 Kostas Giapoutzis & Maria Kastanis

Koumbaro: Anthony Grigos

25 Peter Papamichael & Sandra Briggi

Koumbaro: Constantine Hrisikos

November 2014

8 John Finley & Jamie Lyn Nestor

Koumbara: Jaclyn Amanda Nestor

December 2014

6 Stavros Karoutsos & Natasha Safajoo

Koumbaro: Evangelos Karoutsos

Funerals

June 2014 July 2014

23 + Angela Scourby 8 +Theodore Vlahakis

August 2014 November 2014

15 +Sofia Philips 4 +Constantine Vlahavas

7 +Anastasios Tsikniado

poulos

Consecration of the Nativity Icon donated by our Beloved Paulette Hios and her 3 year Memorial Service - 3 .

Orthros 9:00am Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10:30am January 18, 2015 Officiated by his Grace Bishop Sevastianos

*** Luncheon offered by the Cathedral in memory of Paulette Hios following

the Divine Services in the church hall

Fr. John K. Lardas, Presiding Priest

Board of Trustees

Executive Board: Dean Paravalos President; Panagiotis Papadopoulos 1st. Vice-President; Andreas Chrysostomou 2nd

Vice President; Dimitri Kostopoulos 1st Treasurer; Constantine Vassilakos 2nd Treasurer; Anthony Kammas English Sec-

retary; John Athanitis Greek Secretary

Board Members

Athanasia Apostolakos Irakis Argyriou Steve Bacas George Fanourakis Athanasios Kampessis

Maria Kastanis Jerry Matiatos Harry Paloumbis Angelo Papadakos Chris Sofronis

Ismene Speliotis Peter Stratigakis Jim Tampakis Alex Vanech Peter Vlitas

Peter Yatrakis

Board Committees

Church Order: Steve Bacas Maintenance and Security: Peter Stratigakis Real Estate: Jim Tampakis Church Name

Day: Dean Paravalos Technology: Deano Vassilakos Church Fund Raising & Finance: Dimitri Kostopoulos Youth:

Harry Paloumbis Church Journal: Hercules Argyriou Church Dance & Apokreatiko: Panagiotis Papadopoulos Member-

ship and Pledge: Dino Vassilakos Cultural and Religious Education: Ismene Speliotis Greek Festival: Maria Kastanis

Insurance: Anthony Kammas Veterans & Seniors: Peter Stratigakis

Philoptochos

Executive Board: Presidents Marjorie Bacas; 1st Vice-President Lucy Bounas;2nd Vice-President Betty Xanthos; Treasur-

er Stelene Argyriou; Assistant Treasurer Peggy Panagopoulous; Corresponding Secretary Evangelia Apostolakos; Recording

Secretary Katerina(Phyllis) James; Advisors Georgeann Papadakos

Board Members

Presbytera Eleni Lardas, Connie Lambros, Cleo Athanitis, Efrosini Ekonomakos, Pitsa Tampakis, Catherine Vasilakos, Pauline

Apostolakis

A. Fantis Parochial School of SS. Constantine and Helen

School Board Chairperson: Katherine Tsamatsiros

Principal: Dr. Alice Farkouh

School Board Committee: Vasilia Lambridis, Dean Paravalos, Anna Chrysostomou, Danielle Makris, Angela Papa-

dopoulos, John Athanitis, Constantinos Vasillakos, Kathryn Yatrakis, Jim Tampakis, Hercules Argyriou, Lauren Cramer, Diedra Robokos

Church Secretary: Effie Katsenis; Sunday School Director: Pauline Apostolakis; Acolytes: Nicholas Paros; Choir Di-

rector: Maria Zollo; Chanter: Nicholas Paros; Kantelinautis: Panagiotis Masourides; Koliva: Evangelia Masourides;

Prosforo: Efrosoni Economakos; News Letter: Fr. John Lardas & Nicholas Paros

Affiliates and Organizations of the Cathedral of SS. Constantine and Helen

GOYA Advisor: Harry Paloumbis; Joy: Maggie Stratigakis

Dance Instructor: Michelle Tsigaridas Weller; OPA (Orthodox Paidea Association): Nicholas Paros;

Biddy League: Costas Shehas & Deano Bourmas; Joy Coach Girls: Deano Bourmas & Maggie Stratigakis;

Joy Coach Boys: John Samakovlis; GOYA Coach Boys: Stellio Neonakis; GOYA Coach Girls: Sophia Tampakis

THE CATHEDRAL OF STS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN

His All Holiness Bartholomew

Archbishop of Constantinople,

New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch

Rum Patrikhanesi 342 20 Fener-Halic

Istanbul, Turkey

Tel. +011-90-212.531.9670, 531-9676

His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios

Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in

America

10 East 79th St

New York, NY 10021

(212)570-3500