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January/February 2017 Page 1

In This Issue

Priest’s Message

Stewardship

100th Year Anniversary

Philoptochos News

GOYA News

PTO News

Greek School News

Sunday School News

Our Faith

Announcements

Happy

New

Year

2017

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

Dear faithful, We hear these words in a hymn we sign on the feast of Epiphany on January 6th “Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us”. Is this a true statement, dear faithful? Have each of us allowed the light of Jesus Christ to leave His mark on our lives? And what does it mean to have the light of Christ shine upon us? What impact should His divine light have in our lives? These are some important questions to reflect upon us as we begin a New Year. Every Orthodox Christian should desire to have the divine light of our Lord shine within our hearts! There is a beautiful prayer of the church that can shed some understanding on what impact the light of Christ dwelling within us will have. Maybe each one of us can try to memorize this prayer, and say it throughout the New Year. “Shine within our hearts, Loving Master, the pure light of our divine knowledge and open up our eyes so that we may understand the message of your Divine Gospel. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You are the light of our souls and bodies and to You we offer up all glory, honor and worship, to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen”. This prayer that we say at every Divine Liturgy teaches us that the light of Christ opens up our minds to the holy mysteries of God. Too often our eyes are focused solely on superficial and worldly things, instead of on meaningful and eternal precepts. We fill our minds daily with the mundane we hear on TV., social media, the internet, etc. Yes, the light of Christ opens our minds to what is pure, holy and truly good in the

world around us. This light also shows how the light of Christ guides us to respect and even revere the blessed commandments of God. How often do we look at God’s commandments as some unwanted burden instead of special blessings. Well, the light of Christ opens up our eyes to understand that these commandments our Creator gave us as guidelines which will bless us and help us get the most out of life. Doesn’t it make sense that the one who created us knows what is best for His creation? Living under the light of Christ helps us appreciate and even love God’s Commandments. They will not be seen as a burden, but as a true blessing that enriches our lives! A third fruit coming from the light of Christ, which we see in this prayer, is that His light helps us conquer our sinful desires. When we live under the light of God, we no longer live under the delusions of this world, nothing can be hidden, and therefore, we see our sinful habits and ways more clearly—as habits that hurt and corrupt our soul, and separate us from our loving, and heavenly Father. Ultimately, the light of God is the light of divine love, when we live under God’s light we live in love and harmony with God, with our neighbor, and with the world around us. Divine light does not allow the darkness of hatred, anger, hurt, bitterness, resentment, guilt, greed, or impurity to reside in us. My friends, as we begin a New Year, may we sincerely seek out, and pray for this light. May it shine in us brightly, and may we become mirrors radiating His light back to the world around us. With Love in Christ

Happy New Year!!!

Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRIEST

Receiving Christ’s Light: “You appeared to the world today, and Your Light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us.”

January/February 2017

Reverend Father Nicholas Pastrikos, 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: Katina Kehayas, 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

Maggie Stavrianidis, Vice President

Eleni Andronikou, Rec. Secretary

Kanella Anastasatos, Cor. Secretary

Georgia Kouridakis, Treasurer

Evangelia Manolakis, Asst. Treasurer

Sunday School

Lemonia Malahias Miko,

Paul Stevens, Maggie Stavrianidis

Greek School

Panos Georgopoulos, Superintendent

Toula Karamarkos, Principal

Sofia Amaxopoulos, Teacher

Katerina Kourti, Teacher

Chrisoula Plias, Teacher

JOY/HOPE & Love & Faith

Christina Heiden, Anna Lorino

Parent Teacher Organization

Athinoulla Bizos, Co-President

Lefkie Hadjiloucas , Co-President

Irene Kehayas Drakopoulos - Vice President

Sophia Georges Voudouris, Secretary

Maria Kavouras, Treasurer

GOYA

Jason Stavrianidis, President

Kristina Doninger, Vice-President

Anastasia Kantilierakis, Corresp. Secr.

Angela Polos, Rec. Secretary

Alexandra Jennings, Treasurer

Alexia Kostis, Historian

GOYA Advisors

Fotini Mangafas, Head Advisor

Rita Polos, Peter Sirimis, George Kostis

Aliki Doninger, Sandy Kalogridis

Effie Vlahos, Chrisoula DeLaurentis

Eleni Apostolakis

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 Zalokostas

1st Vice President /

Administration Lampros Ε. Bourodimos, PhD, PE

2nd Vice President / Operations

George Athanasopoulos

Secretary Dimitra Bairaktaris

Treasurer Maria Kaouris - Christodoulatos

Members Demetrios Anastasatos

Constantine Apostolakis Frank Araps, Esq. Peter Combates

Nicholas Koumarianos John Mellos John Millas

Jerry Moschonas Stephanie Sgourakis

Dean 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.


ECCLESIASTICAL

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Matins 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m.

ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ

ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΟ

Όρθρος 9:00 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Καθημερινές ώρες 9 π.μ.

FEBRUARY

Thursday 2 Presentation of Lord Sunday 5 Publican & Pharisee Friday 10 Saint Haralambos Sunday 11 Prodigal Son Saturday 18 1st Saturday of Souls Sunday 19 Meat Fare Sunday Saturday 25 2nd Saturday of Souls Sunday 26 Cheese Fare Sunday Monday 27 Great Lents starts

ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ

Πέμπτη 2 Υπαπαντή του Κυρίου Κυριακή 5 Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου Παρασκευή 10 Αγίου Χαραλάμπους Κυριακή 11 Κυριακή του Ασώτου Σάββατο 18 Α΄ Ψυχοσάββατο Κυριακή 19 Κυριακή της Απόκρεω Σάββατο 25 Β΄ Ψυχοσάββατο Κυριακή 26 Κυριακή της Τυρινής Δευτέρα 27 Αρχίζει η Μεγάλη Τεσσαρακοστή

ΙΑΝΟΥΑΡΙΟΣ

Κυριακή 1 Αγίου Βασιλείου Πέμπτη 5 Παραμονή Θεοφανείων Παρασκευή 6 Θεοφάνεια Σάββατο 7 Αγίου Ιωάννη Βαπτιστή Κυριακή 8 Κυριακή μετά τα Θεοφάνεια Κυριακή 15 ΙΒ΄ Κυριακή Λουκά Τρίτη 17 Αγίου Αντωνίου Τετάρτη 18 Αγίου Αθανασίου Κυριακή 22 ΙΕ΄ Κυριακή του Λουκά Τετάρτη 25 Αγίου Γρηγορίου του Θεολόγου Κυριακή 29 Ανακομιδή Λειψάνων Ιγνατίου Δευτέρα 30 Τριών Ιεραρχών

JANUARY

Sunday 1 Saint Basil Thursday 5 Eve of Theophany Friday 6 Holy Theophany Saturday 7 Synaxis John Baptist Sunday 8 Sunday after Theophany Sunday 15 12th Sunday of Luke Tuesday 17 Saint Anthony Wednesday 18 Saint Athanasios Sunday 22 15th Sunday of Luke Wednesday 25 Saint Gregory Theologian Sunday 29 Canaanite Sunday Monday 30 Three Hierarchs

Baptisms Weddings

November 6 Ηλιάνα Μαρία Daugther of Kyriakos & Kerrie Likakis Godparent: Ioannis S. Mavrianos November 6 Αγγελική Daughter of Eduardo & Svetlana Borba

Godparent: Veronica Bette Spry November 13 Ιωάννης Son of George & Maria Cassotis Godparents: Ulysses & Helen Koutsogiannis November 20 Αικατερίνη Daughter of Elias & Kalli Agelopoulos Godparent: Zaharoula Margeli November 26 Καλλιόπη Daughter of Jerel & Marina Fonzetti Godparent: Lucas M. Kartalis November 26 Τατιάνα Daughter of Enndy & Andrea Herrera Godparents: Lefki & George Papageorgopoulos

OUR PARISH — OUR PEOPLE

November 12 Justin Edward Lappen & Danielle Liberty Martini Koumbara: Nicole Martini

December 29 Nicholas C. Tsentas & Melanie Lynne Hunt Koumbaros: Jonathan Tsentas

Funerals

May Their Memory Be Eternal

November 23 Theoharis Komninakis

November 30 Nick Markakis

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 ($350), a dove ($2,000), or a stone ($1,500) in memory of a loved one, “May their memory be eternal,” please contact either John Stroumtsos or Fr. Nick Pastrikos by calling the church office 732.463.1642.

ST. GEORGE MEMORIAL FUND


ALTAR BOYS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY– FEBRUARY 2017

Sunday, January 1 Group B Sunday, February 5 Group C

Sunday, January 8 Group C Sunday, February 12 Group D

Sunday, January 15 Group D Sunday, February 19 Group A

Sunday, January 22 Group A Sunday, February 26 Group B

Sunday, January 29 Group B

Αγαπητοί πιστοί,

Την ημέρα των Θεοφανείων ακούμε αυτόν τον ψαλμό: «το Φως Σου Κύριε εσημειώθη εφ΄ ημάς».

Είναι αληθής αυτή η δήλωση αγαπητοί πιστοί; Έχουμε επιτρέψει το φως του Ιησού Χριστού να αφήσει το σημάδι του στις ζωές μας; Και τί σημαίνει να έχουμε το φως του Κυρίου να μας φωτίζει; Τί επίδραση έχει αυτό πάνω μας; Υπάρχουν κάποιες πολύ σημαντικές ερωτήσεις τις οποίες πρέπει να αναλογιστούμε καθώς είμαστε έτοιμοι για τη Νέα Χρονιά. Κάθε Χριστιανός Ορθόδοξος θα πρέπει να αποζητά να έχει το φως του Κυρίου στη ζωή τους! Υπάρχει μία πολύ όμορφη προσευχή που αντικατοπτρίζει αυτό το σκοπό και ίσως θα ήταν φρόνιμο να τη μάθουμε και να τη λέμε όλοι καθώς προχωράμε με γοργά βήματα στη νέα χρονιά.

«Ἔλλαμψον ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν, φιλάνθρωπε Δέσποτα, τὸ τῆς σῆς θεογνωσίας ἀκήρατον φῶς καὶ τοὺς τῆς διανοίας ἡμῶν διάνοιξον ὀφθαλμοὺς εἰς τὴν τῶν εὐαγγελικῶν σου κηρυγμάτων κατανόησιν. Ἔνθες ἡμῖν καὶ τὸν τῶν μακαρίων σου ἐντολῶν φόβον, ἵνα τὰς σαρκικὰς ἐπιθυμίας πάσας καταπατήσαντες πνευματικὴν πολιτείαν μετέλθωμεν, πάντα τὰ πρὸς εὐαρέστησιν τὴν σὴν καὶ φρονοῦντες καὶ πράττοντες. Σὺ γὰρ εἶ ὁ φωτισμὸς τῶν ψυχῶν καὶ τῶν σωμάτων ἡμῶν, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ σοὶ τὴν δόξαν ἀναπέμπομεν, σὺν τῷ ἀνάρχῳ σου Πατρὶ καὶ τῷ παναγίῳ καὶ ἀγαθῷ καὶ ζωοποιῷ σου Πνεύματι, νῦν καὶ ἀεὶ καὶ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν.»

Αυτή η προσευχή την οποία λέμε σε κάθε Θεία Λειτουργία μας διδάσκει ότι το φως του Κυρίου ανοίγει τα μυαλά μας προκειμένου να κατανοήσουν τα μυστήρια του Θεού. Πολύ συχνά αφοσιωνόμαστε σε υπερφίαλα πράγματα αντί να αφοσιωνόμαστε σε σημαντικά και αιώνια ζητήματα. Γεμίζουμε τα μυαλά μας καθημερινά με όσα ακούμε στις τηλεοράσεις, στα μέσα κοινωνικής δικτύωσης, στο διαδίκτυο κ.λπ. Πάρα ταύτα, το φως του Κυρίου ανοίγει τα μυαλά μας σε ό,τι είναι αγνό, άγιο και πράγματι καλό για τον κόσμο γύρω μας. Αυτό το φως επίσης μας οδηγεί στον σεβασμό και στην θέληση να μην παρακούσουμε κάποια από τις εντολές του Κυρίου. Πόσο συχνά κοιτάμε τις εντολές του Κυρίου ως ένα βάρος αντί για ευλογία;

Το φως του Χριστού μας ανοίγει τα μάτια για να καταλάβουμε τις εντολές του Δημιουργού μας, οι οποίες μας δόθηκαν ως οδηγίες προκειμένου να ευλογηθούμε και να βοηθηθούμε για την υπόλοιπη ζωή μας. Δεν έχει νόημα το γεγονός ότι αυτός που μας δημιούργησε γνωρίζει καλύτερα τι πρέπει να κάνουν τα δημιουργήματά Του, δηλαδή εμείς; Ζώντας υπό το φως του

Κυρίου μας βοηθάει να εκτιμήσουμε και να αγαπήσουμε τις εντολές του Κυρίου. Δεν πρέπει να τις βλέπουμε ως βάρος αλλά ως πραγματική ευλογία. Έτσι μόνο θα γεμίσουμε τις ζωές μας!

Ένας άλλος παράγοντας ο οποίος σχετίζεται με το φως του Κυρίου και αναφέρεται στην παραπάνω προσευχή είναι ότι το φως Του μας βοηθάει να κατανικήσουμε όποιες αμαρτωλές επιθυμίες. Ζώντας υπό το φως του Κυρίου, δε ζούμε πια υπό τις παραισθήσεις αυτού του κόσμου, γιατί τίποτε δε μένει κρυφό, και επομένως, μπορούμε να παρατηρήσουμε τις αμαρτωλές συνήθειές μας πιο καθαρά, και τις βλέπουμε ως συνήθειες που πληγώνουν και διεφθείρουν την ψυχή μας και που μας απομακρύνουν από τον αγαπητό μας Πατέρα.

Εν κατακλείδι, το φως του Θεού είναι το φως της θεϊκής αγάπης, γιατί όταν ζούμε υπό το φως του Θεού, ζούμε με αγάπη και αρμονία με τον Θεό, τον γείτονά μας, και με τον κόσμο γύρω μας. Το Θεϊκό φως δεν αφήνει το σκοτάδι του μίσους, του θυμού, του πόνου, της πικρίας, της απάρνησης, της ενοχής, της απληστίας ή της ανηθικότητας να παραμένει μέσα μας.

Φίλοι μου, καθώς ξεκινάμε τη Νέα Χρονιά, είθε να αναζητήσουμε και να προσευχηθούμε για αυτό το Θείο φως. Μακάρι να μας φωτίζει λαμπρά, και είθε να γίνουμε καθρέπτες για να αντανακλαστεί το φως Του στον κόσμο γύρω μας.

Με αγάπη προς τον Χριστό.

Καλή Χρονιά!!!

Π. Νικόλαος Παστρικός

ΜΗΝΥΜΑ ΤΟΥ ΙΕΡΕΑ ΜΑΣ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjw-_H7hYPRAhUB4iYKHTuyB8YQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loccc.org%2F&psig=AFQjCNHIvn4LT_Lb45dbpfx5Arg4u6IRWQ&ust=1482332752301565


Dear Faithful,

The way in which an Orthodox Christian lives his/her life is ultimately a choice. “Either a person chooses life by the Grace of God and the power of the Spirit—the abundant and eternal life given by God in creation and salvation through Jesus Christ—or the person chooses death.” (Fr. Helpko, the Orthodox Faith, Spirituality).

We read in the book of Joshua 24:15 “...but as for me and my house, we will serve to Lord.” This powerful statement of loyalty to serve God with an unending commitment is the basis in which we, too, offer our household in proper Orthodox Christian Stewardship. Our choice must be expressed with the same conviction in which Joshua dedicates his house to serve the Lord.

Joshua’s message to the people of Israel is an invitation, not only to individuals, but to the families and to the entire community, to be faithful and obedient to God. So many things distract us today and this is why it is imperative that we renew our commitment to the Lord. We must not let anything distract us or stand in our way to serve the Lord, our God. Every adult, every parent, and every child is called to partake at the divine blessings promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament.

If one chooses this end, the process of sanctification, commonly referred to in our tradition as theosis, begins. Throughout the process, initiated by baptism, the Orthodox Christian struggles to center his thoughts, words, and deeds, in Christ. In other words, he labors to be inspired by the spirit, offering all the glory of God.

The people of Israel had witnessed the presence of God in their lives. Joshua reminded them of God’s intervention from the time of Abraham to their deliverance out of Egypt all the way to their entrance into the Promised Land. As he spoke

dynamically to the people of Israel, he speaks to us today and says: “...choose this day when you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve to Lord.”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ have you decided when you will serve as we

enter the New Year 2017? For some of you who have made the choice in your life to serve our Lord, you already know the way. You show it with your continuous support and commitment of time, talent and resources to your church.

For those of us who haven’t yet made their commitment of Time, Talent, and Resources, please begin today! BECOME A STEWARD OF CHRIST, AND ENJOY ALL THAT A LIFE NEAR HIM MAY BRING! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Rev. Fr. Nicholas Pastrikos

STEWARDSHIP

STEWARDSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Any person can 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:

$350 for single adult or husband and wife (age 18-64): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $350); ($700 total, both can vote)

$250 for a married senior couple (Age 65+): one vote (if both the husband and wife pay $200); ($400 total, both can vote)

$200 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:

$350 ανά ανύπαντρο άτομο ή οικογένεια (18-64 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $350 έκαστος (σύνολο $700) ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)

$250 ανά ηλικιωμένο ζευγάρι (άνω των 65 ετών): μία ψήφος (εάν ο σύζυγος και η σύζυγος πληρώσουν $200 έκαστος (σύνολο $400), ψηφίζουν και οι δύο)

$200 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.


Since the earliest days of Christianity, Epiphany has been ob-

served throughout the world on January 6th. However, the

event which it commemorates is not the same in the Eastern

and Western traditions.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Epiphany commemorates

the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. In

the Western Church, Epiphany commemorates the visit of the

Three Wise men to the Christ Child in Bethlehem and is tradi-

tionally celebrated for twelve days. December 25th is known

as the “Greater Epiphany” commemorating the physical birth

of Jesus and January 6th is known as the “Lesser Epiphany”

commemorating the spiritual birth.

In the Eastern Tradition, Epiphany, the “Feast of Lights”, cele-

brates the divine light that

has shown on the world,

during the Baptism of Je-

sus in the Jordan River,

when the Holy Trinity was

made manifest to all

through the voice of God

the Father from Heaven

and the appearance of the

Holy Spirit in the form of a

dove descended and re-

mained on Christ while a

voice proclaimed from

above, “This is my beloved

Son, in whom I am well

pleased.” (Matthew 3:3-17).

A beautiful ritual which evolved from the Feast of Epiphany is

called the Blessing of the Waters. A cross, symbolic of God’s

Word, is cast upon the water and courageous young boys and

girls dive to retrieve it. Bringing the cross to the Bishop signi-

fies man’s desire to bring Christianity to the world from the

depths of darkness.

Services of Epiphany are celebrated on January 5th and 6th.

On January 5th there occurs the Lesser Blessing of the water,

with the priest saving the water so that he may visit and bless

the homes of the faithful. It is also a day of strict fasting. On

January 6th the Greater Blessing of the water takes place fol-

lowing the Liturgy. The faithful after the Blessing of the water,

come forward to receive the blessing of the Jordan, and then

the faithful receive a small bottle of blessed water which they

may drink, having fasted properly, or reserve for special occa-

sions. During the period of Epiphany, it is traditional for the

priest to visit the homes of the faithful, so that he may bless

them and bring Christ into their homes as well.

Από τις αρχές του Χριστιανισμού, εορτάζονται τα

Επιφάνεια σε όλο τον κόσμο στις 6 Ιανουαρίου. Όμως, το

γεγονός που εορτάζεται δεν είναι το ίδιο μεταξύ της

Δυτικής και Ανατολικής Εκκλησίας.

Στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία στα Επιφάνεια εορτάζεται η

βάπτιση του Χριστού από τον Ιωάννη τον Βαπτιστή στον

Ιορδάνη ποταμό. Αντιθέτως, στη Δυτική Εκκλησία, την

ημέρα των Επιφανείων εορτάζεται η επίσκεψη των Τριών

Μάγων στο βρέφος της Βηθλεέμ και συνεχίζει για 12

ημέρες, αρχίζοντας από την ημέρα των Χριστουγέννων,

που λέγονται και «Μεγάλα Επιφάνεια», την φυσική

γέννηση του Χριστού, ενώ στις 6 Ιανουαρίου, που είναι

γνωστά ως «Μικρά Επιφάνεια» εορτάζεται η πνευματική

γέννησή Του.

Στην Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία

τα Επιφάνεια ή «Τα Φώτα»

εορτάζουν το άγιο φως που

φωτίζει τον κόσμο κατά τη

διάρκεια της βάπτισης του

Χριστού στον Ιορδάνη

ποταμό, όταν η Αγία

Τριάδα εφανερώθη σε

όλους με τη φωνή του Θεού,

του Πατέρα εκ των

Ουρανών, κατι την

εμφάνιση του Αγίου

Πνεύματος σε είδος

περιστεράς που παρέμεινε

με τον Χριστό, ενώ η φωνή

προκήρυττε από τους ουρανούς «Αυτός είναι ο Υιός μου ο

αγαπητός» (Ματθ. 3,3-17).

Η όμορφη τελετή της εορτής των Επιφανείων λέγεται

«Αγιασμός των υδάτων». Ένας σταυρός, σύμβολο του

Λόγου του Θεού, ρίχνεται στο νερό και νέοι και νέες

πέφτουν στο νερό για να τον βρουν. Φέρνοντας το σταυρό

στον Επίσκοπο, συμβολίζεται η επιθυμία του ανθρώπου να

φέρει τον χριστιανισμό στον κόσμο από τα βάθη του

σκότους.

Οι λειτουργίες των Επιφανείων γίνονται στις 5 και 6

Ιανουαρίου. Στις 5 Ιανουαρίου γίνεται ο Μικρός Αγιασμός,

ο δε ιερέας φυλάει τον αγιασμό αυτό για να ραντίσει τις

οικίες των πιστών. Τη μέρα αυτή τηρούμε αυστηρή νηστεία.

Στις 6 Ιανουαρίου, ημέρα των Επιφανείων, γίνεται ο

Μεγάλος Αγιασμός. Οι πιστοί πίνουν τον αγιασμό αυτό ή

τον φυλάσσουν για ειδικές περιστάσεις. Την περίοδο αυτή

ο ιερέας επισκέπτεται τα σπίτια για να τα ευλογήσει και να

φέρει το Χριστό στους πιστούς.

THE MEANING OF EPIPHANY-THEOFANIA

ΤΙ ΕΙΝΑΙ ΤΑ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΕΙΑ - ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwinl7v1-fbQAhVD4GMKHQQICMcQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gocoos.org%2Fparish-information%2Fblessings-evlogiai%2F&psig=AFQjCNF7MHb56X9SFE5_A93JMm9KEKx5Uw&ust=14819171


Question: What is the tradition about house blessings?

It is the normal tradition for Orthodox Christians to bless their homes and businesses. It is also the annual tradition to bless homes and businesses during the epiphany season in early January.

In Greece, the priests bless homes and businesses on January 6, Epiphany Day, immediately after the morning liturgy is concluded. They carry a metal bucket of Holy Water from church and enter homes and businesses, sprinkling the walls of the building. They may say a prayer and they may not, and they do not socialize; they are into a home or business for 30 seconds singing the hymn of epiphany, they sprinkle Holy Water and leave.

In America, however, we do not have door to door blessings because there is no longer a parish neighborhood. Houses and businesses have to be arranged in advance. When I go into a home or business, I read a special prayer pertaining to the home or business, then I make it a point to spend time socializing with the family or individual that I am visiting. This is one of the best opportunities that I get to know my parishioners better.

Why a blessing? Because at the hear t of the blessing service is the idea of offering to God what is our own. When we bless our homes and businesses, we are dedicating them to God and to works of righteousness. It is a beautiful tradition and it would be wonderful and very meaningful if more of our parishioners would make arrangements to have their homes or businesses blessed. It would mean that as an Orthodox Christian, you are bringing and establishing God in your home and putting God first in your life.

Ερώτηση: Ποιό είναι το έθιμο για τον αγιασμό των σπιτιών;

Είναι παράδοση για τους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς να αγιάζουν τα σπίτια και τις επιχειρήσεις τους. Κάθε χρόνο, κατά την περίοδο των Φώτων, ο ιερέας πηγαίνει από σπίτι σε σπίτι και ραντίζει με το αγιασμένο νερό.

Εδώ στην Αμερική, όπως γνωρίζετε, οι αποστάσεις είναι μεγάλες και ως εκ τούτου οι επισκέψεις μου στα διάφορα σπίτια και επιχειρήσεις πρέπει να προγραμματιστούν εκ των προτέρων. Επίσης, με την επίσκεψή μου αυτή για αγιασμό, μου δίνεται η ευκαιρία να γνωριστώ καλύτερα και εκ του σύνεγγυς με τους πιστούς της ενορίας μας.

Γιατί γίνεται ο αγιασμός; Διότι στην ουσία, ο αγιασμός είναι ένα αφιέρωμα στο Θεό. Είναι μία όμορφη συνήθεια και θα ήταν πολύ όμορφα αν περισσότεροι από τους πιστούς του Αγίου Γεωργίου έπαιρναν την απόφαση ν’ αγιάσουν το σπίτι ή το μαγαζί τους. Αυτό θα σήμαινε πως σαν Ορθόδοξοι Χριστιανοί, καλείτε και καθιδρύετε τον Θεό στο σπίτι σας, δίνοντάς του πρωταρχική θέση στη ζωή σας!

EPIPHANY 2017 - ΘΕΟΦΑΝΕΙΑ 2017

HOUSE BLESSINGS 2017

Father Nicholas will visit you to bless your home and your family the days following Epiphany. Please call the Church office at 732-463-1642 for an appointment.

When Father Nicholas comes to your home, all the family members are encouraged to gather in a room of your home with an icon, a candle and a small censer (optional). When Father Nicholas finishes with the prayers and begins to sprinkle the house with the Holy Water, he will ask for a member of the family to guide him around the house so that every room may be blessed.

ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΟΙΚΩΝ 2017

Ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος θα επισκεφτεί τα σπίτια σας για τον καθιερωμένο αγιασμό τις μέρες μετά τα Θεοφάνεια. Παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνήστε στο Γραφείο της Εκκλησίας για να κλείσετε ραντεβού.

Όταν φτάσει ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος, θα πρέπει να έχετε έτοιμο τον κατάλογο με τα ονόματα όλων των μελών της οικογενείας. Όλα τα μέλη της οικογενείας προτρέπονται να είναι παρόντα και να συγκεντρωθούν σε ένα δωμάτιο του σπιτιού με μια εικόνα, ένα κερί και ένα θυμιατό πάνω στο τραπέζι. Όταν ο Πατήρ Νικόλαος τελειώσει τις προσευχές και αρχίσει να ραντίζει το σπίτι με τον αγιασμό, θα ζητήσει να τον οδηγήσετε σε όλα τα δωμάτια του σπιτιού.

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Saint Barbara Philoptochos Society hopes that the blessings and joys of the Christmas Holidays continue throughout the New Year 2107.

Our beloved Saint George Church celebrated its 100th year Anniversary with spiritual and memorable activities, including a celebration honoring the life and legacy of the Saint George Community, an Anniversary Divine Liturgy, an Anniversary Gala dinner and dance, and culminating with the participation of the entire church community making 200 lunches for Elijah’s Promise in New Brunswick on Sunday,

November 13, 2016. We thank all those adults and children who donated paper products, food and drink items, and especially their time to help others in need. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could make this an annual community event !

Saint Barbara Philoptochos continues to be very active and busy accomplishing our goals for 2016. We met our National and Metropolis Philoptochos obligations, knitting and sewing of hats, scarves, gloves, blankets and baby gowns, cooking for Women Aware, a shelter for women and children, and baking and selling baklava as well as Vasilopites. Ladies of the Philoptochos visited members of our community in the hospitals, who can no longer leave their home, or are in assisted living or nursing homes, and brought them goodies and spent time with them. We also assisted monetarily to Food Banks in our area and helped needy families by providing assistance through the Needy Cases Fund. Thank you to all the ladies who participated and helped make these worthwhile causes successful.

On Sunday, December 4th the Philoptochos celebrated our patron Saint Barbara with a Liturgy, Artoklasia, and a luncheon at Carpaccio’s Restaurant in Middlesex. A delicious lunch and fun time was enjoyed by all. Thank you for your support and to those who helped with this event.

On Sunday, January 8, 2017, after Divine Liturgy we will host our traditional and annual Vasilopita Luncheon to be held in the Ahepa Hall. Please attend this event, not only to enjoy a delicious meal, celebrate the New Year 2017 with family and friends, but most importantly to support the children of Saint Basil Academy. Zoe Makropoulos, a young lady in our community, will be our guest speaker. She will share with us her many special experiences at Saint Basil with the children and Father Costa. Please join us for this wonderful event !

Our next General Philoptochos Meetings will be held on Saturday, January 28th and February 25th, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Memorial Room. Please join us at our meetings so that we can share in the many activities and worthwhile charities we support.

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότητα Αγία Βαρβάρα ελπίζει ότι οι ευλογίες και οι χαρές της εορτής των Χριστουγέννων θα συνεχιστούν και όλο το 2017.

Η αγαπημένη μας εκκλησία του Αγίου Γεωργίου γιόρτασε την 100η της επέτειο με θρησκευτικές και άλλες δραστηριότητες, συμπεριλαμβανόμενης της εορτής προς τιμή της ζωής και έργου της κοινότητας του Αγίου Γεωργίου, με εορταστική Θεία Λειτουργία, Χοροεσπερίδα και ολοκληρώθηκε με τη συμμετοχή ολόκληρης της κοινότητας για να προετοιμαστούν 200 γεύματα για τον οργανισμό Elijah’s Promise στο New Brunswick την Κυριακή 13 Νοεμβρίου 2016. Ευχαριστούμε όλους τους ενήλικες και τα παιδιά που δώρισαν χαρτική ύλη, φαγητό και αφεψήματα, και ιδιαίτερα που δώρισαν το χρόνο τους για να βοηθήσουν τους έχοντες ανάγκη. Θα ήταν υπέροχο να μπορούσαμε να το καθιερώσουμε ως κοινότητα ως ετήσια δραστηριότητα!

Η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότητα Αγία Βαρβάρα συνεχίζει να είναι πολύ δραστήρια και πολυάσχολη προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει τους στόχους που έθεσε το 2016. Ολοκληρώσαμε τους στόχους που είχαμε θέσει σε Εθνικό και Μητροπολιτικό επίπεδο, πλέξαμε και φτιάξαμε καπέλα, κασκόλ, γάντια, κουβέρτες και μωρουδιακά, μαγειρέψαμε για τον οργανισμό Women Aware, ο οποίος είναι ένα καταφύγιο για γυναίκες και τα παιδιά τους, και πουλήσαμε μπακλαβά και βασιλόπιτες. Οι κυρίες της Φιλοπτώχου επισκέφτηκαν μέλη της κοινότητάς μας σε νοσοκομεία, σε κατ’ οίκον διαμονή ή σε οίκους ευγηρίας, και τους προσέφεραν διάφορα δώρα καθώς και πέρασαν ποιοτικό χρόνο μαζί τους. Επιπλέον, βοηθήσαμε χρηματικά σε διάφορες Τράπεζες Τροφίμων στην περιοχή μας και βοηθήσαμε οικογένειες με ανάγκες μέσω του Ταμείου Βοηθείας ατόμων με Ανάγκη. Ευχαριστούμε όλες τις κυρίες που συμμετείχαν και βοήθησαν για την πραγμάτωση όλων αυτών των σκοπών.

Την Κυριακή 4 Δεκεμβρίου η Φιλόπτωχος τίμησε την εορτή της προστάτιδος Αγίας μας, Αγίας Βαρβάρας, με Λειτουργία, Αρτοκλασία και εορταστικό γεύμα στο εστιατόριο Carpaccio’s στο Middlesex. Όλοι είχαν την ευκαιρία να απολαύσουν ένα νοστιμότατο γεύμα και ευχάριστη ατμόσφαιρα. Ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξή σας, καθώς και όσους και όσες βοήθησαν για να πραγματοποιηθεί αυτό το γεγονός.

Την Κυριακή 8 Ιανουαρίου 2017 μετά το πέρας της Θείας Λειτουργίας θα έχουμε την παραδοσιακή ετήσια κοπή της Βασιλόπιτάς μας στην αίθουσα ΑΧΕΠΑ. Παρακαλούμε όπως μας τιμήσετε με την παρουσία σας και να έρθετε να εορτάσουμε τη νέα χρονιά 2017 με την οικογένεια και τους φίλους σας, και το κυριότερο να ενισχύσουμε με τη βοήθειά μας τα παιδιά της Ακαδημίας του Αγίου Βασιλείου. Η Ζωή Μακροπούλου, μία νεαρή κοπέλα από την κοινότητά μας, θα είναι η κεντρική μας ομιλήτρια. Θα μοιραστεί μαζί μας τις εμπειρίες της από όσες φορές επισκέφτηκε την Ακαδημία και σύχνασε με τα παιδιά και τον πατέρα Κώστα. Σας περιμένουμε όλους και όλες!

Οι επόμενες συναντήσεις της Φιλοπτώχου θα πραγματοποιηθούν το Σάββατο 28 Ιανουαρίου, και το Σάββατο 25 Φεβρουαρίου 2017 στις 11 π.μ. στο Memorial Room. Σας παρακαλούμε να συμμετάσχετε στις συναντήσεις μας προκειμένου να μας βοηθήσετε με τις διάφορες δραστηριότητές μας και τους φιλανθρωπικούς σκοπούς που θέλουμε να υποστηρίξουμε.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY “ST. BARBARA”

VASILOPITA CELEBRATION

Following the Divine Liturgy on January 8, 2017, The annual luncheon and cutting of the Vasilopita will take place in the AHEPA Hall. Come join us, eat and be merry, and support Saint Basil Academy and the children.


CHRISTMAS CARD/NEEDY CASES

FUND The Saint Barbara Philoptochos Society Needy Cases Fund Committee extends its heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation to the

parishioners and organizations of the St. George Community for their generous donations to the Needy Cases Fund through their

participation in the community Christmas Card of 2016. In addition, we thank those parishioners from our community who took

the time to investigate their company’s Gift Matching Program and/or their United Way Program which resulted in a substantial

benefit to the Needy Cases Fund. As a result, we strongly encourage those parishioners of the St. George community who may be

eligible to help us through their company’s Gift Matching Program, or their United Way Program, to utilize this wonderful

opportunity. Indeed, the needy of the St. George Community will reap the benefits.

We also acknowledge the following donations which were not included in this year’s Christmas Card:

Manuel Alvarez and family Antonis & Georgia Kalogridis

Mary Kuklakis Yiannis & Sandy Kalogridis and family

Alice Kartikis Minas & Mary Mina and family

George Sarigeorgiou and family

Again, we thank you one and all, and pray that the new year will bring to your hearts and homes the Blessings of the Christ Child!

Remember to direct your United Way donation to the St. George Needy Cases Fund

United Way Reference Number 032224

PARTICIPATE IN THE UNITED WAY PROGRAM!

It’s that time of the year when corporate management will be asking their employees to participate in the 2015/2016 United Way program. Consequently, since our parishioners are participants in that program, we ask that they and their many friends consider our St. George Needy Cases Fund be earmarked for their contribution. In the past several years the St. George Needy Cases Fund has benefited dramatically and this has allowed the Philoptochos to assist those in need. The Ladies Philoptochos Society extends its appreciation and thanks to our many St. George parishioners who have taken the initiative to arrange for their United Way deductions to be sent to the St. George Needy Cases Fund. We are most grateful to all for their continued support.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society invites the entire community

to its annual

Lenten Luncheon & Membership Drive Sunday, March 5, 2017

in the AHEPA Hall immediately after the Divine Liturgy

Sponsored by

The Ladies Philoptochos Society `St. Barbara’

Donations Will Benefit

Hellenic College/Holy Cross Seminary


Our GOYA has been busy! On the weekend of November 12th, our GOYA, along with some of our advisors, went on our annual Boston trip, a religious retreat to visit the Hellenic Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. The week-end was fun-filled with opportunities to social-ize with one another, shop, see the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace area, visit the planetar-ium at the Museum of Science, and most im-portantly, visit Holy Cross to attend the beauti-ful services and see the beautiful grounds. Our trip always includes a session with a seminarian where various topics are discussed. We have a wonderful time in Boston, year after year.

On Friday, November 18th, our GOYA attended the Harvest Dance hosted by Paramus. The Har-vest Dance is always the first dance of the year to take place. Our Goyans dance and mingle with each other, as well as with Goyans from other churches. We get to enjoy dance music, both American and Greek. The next dance to look forward to is the Christmas Dance, hosted by Toms River.

Our biggest and most important fundraiser of the year was just held on December 3rd, with our annual Taverna Night. Every year, our GOYA chooses a charity or organization to hold the event for, so that we are able to raise money for them. This year, the chosen organization was MyFace. MyFace is an organization that helps children born with facial deformities, by providing families with the opportunity to perform life changing operations. The organization provides families with all types of support by funding medical, surgical, psychosocial, and dental needs. They also fund research and public awareness for those afflicted. We had the joy and privi-lege of meeting and honoring a beautiful little girl named Sophia! We hope and pray that help can be given to all those in need. We try to make a difference every year with our Taverna Night. It was a success again this year! Thank you and congratulations to all those who worked hard to make it happen!

Our dance group is working hard preparing for a few competitions coming up! The FDF is a Folk Dance Festival taking place in January in Maryland. Five of our female and five of our male dancers were selected to compete. Our dance group will also be pre-paring for our Sights & Sounds competition and practices will be underway shortly for all categories. We work hard every year to

showcase the many talents we have, as a group, and as individuals. We encourage all of our Goyans to attend this fun-packed day where we com-pete against many other Greek Ortho-dox youth in a variety of categories. It truly is amazing to see the many gift-ed and talented teens in our Greek communities. Our GOYA will be per-forming for the members of our parish before we head to compete in West-field. Come enjoy and support our youth!

As the holidays approach us, I would like to wish all the members of our church, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year 2017! Wishing you all a season filled with joy, peace, and many Blessings!

Respectfully submitted,

Alexia Kostis – Historian

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


P.T.O. — PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

As we start the New Year, the Saint George P.T.O. board wish-

es a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Year to all the parishion-

ers.

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 and supported

the Annual P.T.O Christmas Communion Breakfast with set-

up/clean-up, donations, and helping during the event. Special

thanks to Perkins and the Savva family for donating pancake

mix and syrup, Eleni Apostolakis for donating the eggs and

also to Jim Polos and crew for preparing the food. It is with

your support and contributions that we can offer our children

events that celebrate our Orthodox faith, culture and heritage.

We would like to thank everyone who donated toys/gift cards

for our Annual Toy Drive.

Thank you to Sophia Voudouris for organizing the Yankee

Candle Fund raiser and all those who purchased candles. It

was a great success.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Please visit the P.T.O bulletin board for additional information

on all our events. Any questions, concerns or you would like

to volunteer for any events, please send an email to

[email protected]

On Sunday, January 15th, following the Divine Liturgy, the

PTO will have its monthly meeting in the Library (reschedule

of January 8th meeting).

On Sunday January 29th following the Divine Liturgy, the

P.T.O will host a lunch to celebrate the Three Hierarchs and

honor the Greek and Religious Education (Sunday) School

teachers. Our Greek School Students will recite poems. We

are asking everyone, to honor our teachers by attending this

event. Flyers with more information will be distributed to

both Greek and Sunday school students.

On Sunday, February 5th, following the Divine Liturgy, the

PTO will have its monthly meeting in the Library.

On Sunday, February 12th, we will be celebrating our annual

Apokreatiko Glendi. Flyers with more information will be

distributed to both Greek and Sunday school student. We are

also collecting donations for our basket raffle, anyone wish to

donate there is a big box in the back en-

trance to the church to drop off.

On Sunday, February 26th, the P.T.O will

celebrate Godparents’ day. Come to

church with your Godparent or Godchild

and enjoy a day dedicated to this blessed

bond. The P.T.O will be selling Lam-

bades and Corsages. Order forms will be

distributed to all students and at the

church. You must place an order in ad-

vance to secure a lambada or a corsage

for that day.

St. George is a great community & the

involvement of parents like you helps

make it even better.

Thank You!!

St. George PTO


SUNDAY SCHOOL

Dear Parents and Members of our St. George Community,

We hope you had a wonderful celebration of the birth of our

Lord Jesus Christ and your New Year will be filled with hope,

joy and love. On behalf of Father Nicholas 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 three

months follow.

We held our Open House in early October; parents of our

children were able to observe both the classroom lessons and

their children in action. We thank those who joined us and we

always appreciate your valuable feedback.

A number of our older students and teachers, Father Nicholas,

Presvytera Sandy and several community members visited the

Holy Protection of the Theotokos Monastery on October 8th.

It was a Saturday filled with spiritual refreshments and it

culminated with Father Nick holding the Service of Vespers

for Sunday. Our Catechism Program intends to organize a trip

to the Holy Protection of the Theotokos Monastery annually,

on the second Saturday of October.

We would also like to share with you that once again we had a

very successful Thanksgiving Food Drive. All collected food

items (70 bags) were provided to the Piscataway ‘FISH

Hospitality’ program. FISH is a non-denominational Christian

organization that serves homeless families and others

experiencing financial difficulties.

Our annual Christmas Pageant was once again a great success

and we thank the many participants for all their efforts. The

8th-9th grade students presented the ‘The Birth of Jesus’, our

little ones were our perfect angels, our students of grades 4-6th

served as some of our shepherds and all our children sang

beautifully Christmas Carols in both English and Greek. We

know that we live in a secular society and our church serves as

one of the few places to gain knowledge of our Savior Jesus

Christ and our Christian faith.

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 8 – 12.

Grade 8: History of the Church from its birth (at Pentecost) to

today - the life and struggles of early Christians including that

of many saints; the teachings and 4 journeys of Saint Paul; the

Seven Ecumenical Councils; the rise and fall of

Constantinople; the Great Schism; Orthodoxy under Turkish

occupation; Orthodoxy under communism, Orthodoxy in

America in the 20th Century, etc.

Grade 9: Connecting the Bible to our lives – Jesus Christ as

the Way, the Shepherd, the Good News, the Truth, the Life of

the World, the Resurrection, etc. Also discussed is the

fulfillment of the many prophesies found in the Old Testament

of the coming of Jesus Christ.

Grades 10-12: This class uses the teaching of the Bible to

relate to everyday life, and it provides the tools needed to face

every day challenges and temptations. Guest speakers from

our church community are invited to share their journeys of

their Orthodox faith.

All students of these grades attend Divine Liturgy once a

month, participate in hymnology classes (as appropriate) as

well as discuss the lives of Saints celebrated that week.

We encourage all parents to bring your children to us each

Sunday. Each lesson of a given week builds on that for the

following week, and thus the importance of your children’s’

presence must be emphasized. The set curriculum developed

by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Department of

Religious Education, the liturgical hymnology, the

participation in the Divine Liturgy and the many projects

carried out throughout the year provide a complete picture of

our Catechism Program.

For your valuable feedback, please contact me at

[email protected]

Respectfully in Christ, St. George Catechism Staff

Photograph of our class of Grades 10-12 students at Career Day Photograph of our 7th Grade Students with Mrs. Boyiadjis and Mrs. Bizos


ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ — GREEK SCHOOL

Αγαπητοί μας γονείς, Πιστεύουμε ότι περάσατε ευχάριστα και ευλογημένα μαζί με την οικογένειά σας και τους φίλους σας τις Άγιες ημέρες των Χριστουγέννων. Σας ευχόμαστε ο καινούργιος Χρόνος να είναι γεμάτος υγεία χαρά αγάπη και ειρήνη για σας και όλο τον κόσμο. Το Ελληνικό μας Σχολείο γιόρτασε την επέτειο της 28ης Οκτωβρίου την Κυριακή 30 Οκτωβρίου με ένα πολύ όμορφο και γιορταστικό πρόγραμμα. Ο μαθητής της ΣΤ τάξης , Ιούλιος Μπουροδήμος μας μίλησε για την ιστορική επέτειο της 28ης Οκτωβρίου. Οι μαθήτριες Μαρία Μπουροδήμου και Αλεξάνδρα Πετράκη απήγγειλαν το ποίημα και μας γέμισαν με υπερηφάνεια και συγκίνηση. Το πρώτο μας διαγώνισμα έγινε την εβδομάδα από 5-9 Δεκεμβρίου και την επομένη εβδομάδα οι δασκάλες είχαν την ευκαιρία να συναντηθούν με τους γονείς και να συζητήσουν για την πρόοδο των παιδιών τους. Όσοι γονείς δεν μπόρεσαν να συναντήσουν τις δασκάλες στις καθορισμένες ημερομηνίες, μπορούν να μιλήσουν με την δασκάλα του παιδιού τους μια άλλη μέρα μετά το σχολείο. Θέλουμε πολύ να έχουμε στενή επικοινωνία με τους γονείς για να μπορέσουμε να βοηθήσουμε καλύτερα τους μαθητές μας. Την Κυριακή 29 Ιανουαρίου γιορτάσαμε τη μνήμη των Τριών Ιεραρχών την Γιορτή των Γραμμάτων. Ο Σύλλογος Γονέων και Διδασκάλων παρουσίασε μια ωραία γιορτή για να τιμήσουν τους δασκάλους του Ελληνικού και Κατηχητικού Σχολείου.Την ημέρα αυτή μερικοί μαθητές και μαθήτριες απήγγειλαν ποιήματα για τους Τρεις Ιεράρχες. Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τις κυρίες του ΡΤΟ για την βοήθεια που προσφέρουν στους μαθητές μας και τους ευχόμαστε υγεία και οικογενειακή ευτυχία. Με εκτίμηση, Οι δασκάλες του Ελληνικού Σχολείου

Dear parents, We hope you and your family had a Joyful and blessed Holiday Season. May the New Year be filled with Health, Joy, Love and Peace! On Sunday, October 30th our Greek School celebrated the anniver-sary of our October 28th national holiday with a very beautiful and festive program. During the celebration which was organized by the Association of Macedonians with great success, Julius Bourodimos read a speech about the historical anniversary and events of Octo-ber 28th and Maria Bourodimos and Alexandra Petraki, recited the poem “Thessaloniki”. We are very proud of our children for their participation and hard work in this event. Our first exam took place during the week of December 5th -9th and the following week the teachers had the opportunity to meet with the parents and discuss the progress of their children. The parents who were not able to meet with the teachers during the parent teacher conferences can make arrangements with the teacher of their child to meet another day before or after school. We really encourage the parents to be in close contact with the teachers in order to better help our students. On Sunday, January 29th we celebrated the Feast of the Three Hier-archs and Greek Letters Day. The Parent teachers association orga-nized a beautiful celebration to honor the teachers of our Greek and Sunday school. During the event our students talked about the life and works of the Three Hierarchs and recited poems. We would like to thank the ladies of the PTO who work so hard and offer their valuable time for the needs of our school. Sincerely, The teachers of the Greek School


CHURCHES PROCLAIM THE IDENTITY OF CHRIST!

Who is Jesus? The world has been pondering that question for the last two thousand years. It is still doing so. Even secular periodicals use articles at times that address the question. The Church, week in and week out, year in and year out, in no uncertain terms proclaim the divinity and humanity of the Lord.

Christ Himself wanted people to ask and answer the question. He came to the disciples one day and asked: “Who do people say that I am?” They answered, “Some claim you are the Phophet Elizah come back to earth, others say You are John the Baptist come back to life, others simply say you are prophet come from God.” Then our Lord got personal with them and said, “Now who do you say I am?” It was Peter who responded for them all: “You are Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Jesus himself claimed that He was God:”Who has seen Me has seen the Father.” The life of Christ testifies He was God: “Who can accuse me of sin?” No one responded. The very words of Jesus testify to His divine nature. “No man ever spoke like this man”, was the response to men sent to find out about Him. The words of Jesus amply testify of His true identity: the dead were raised, the sick were healed, the sinful were forgiven!

What difference does it make, whether we believe Jesus is God or just a man? It makes a great deal of difference. If we think Jesus was just a man, we rank Him with the great thinkers and leaders of the world, whose teachings we may approve but we deny divine authority to them. If we believe Jesus is God who came to earth, then we will take His teachings very seriously, indeed. We will listen to Him for guidance about all things: life, sickness, suffering, death, marriage, vocation, money, sin, war, peace, abortion and everything else.

ΟΙ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΕΣ ΠΡΟΚΗΡΥΣΣΟΥΝ ΤΗΝ ΥΠΟΣΤΑΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ

Ποιός είναι ο Χριστός; Οι άνθρωποι διατυπώνουν την ερώτηση αυτή για δύο χιλιάδες χρόνια τώρα. Ακόμη και κοσμικά περιοδικά περιλαμβάνουν άρθρα με το ίδιο ερώτημα. Η Εκκλησία, κάθε στιγμή και λεπτό προκηρύσσει πως ο Χριστός είναι Θεάνθρωπος!

Ο ίδιος ο Χριστός ήθελε τους ανθρώπους να κάνουν την ερώτηση αυτή και να την απαντήσουν. Ήλθε προς τους αποστόλους και έκανε την εξής ερώτηση: «Τί λένε οι άνθρωποι για μένα;» Του απάντησαν: «Μερικοί λένε πως είσαι ο Προφήτης Ηλίας που γύρισε στη γη, άλλοι λένε πως είσαι ο αναστημένος Βαπτιστής Ιωάννης και άλλοι λένε πως είσαι προφήτης σταλμένος από τον Θεό». Τότε ο Κύριος τους ρώτησε πάλι, «Εσείς ποιός νομίζετε πως είμαι;» Ο Πέτρος απάντησε: «Είσαι ο Χριστός, Υιός του Ζωντανού Θεού».

Ο ίδιος ο Χριστός προκήρυξε πως ήταν Θεός. «Όποιος με έχει δει, έχει δει τον Πατέρα». Η ζωή του Χριστού μαρτυρεί πως ήταν Θεός. «Ποιός μπορεί να με κατηγορήσει για αμαρτία;» Κανείς δεν απάντησε. Τα λόγια του Χριστού μαρτυρούν για τη Θεϊκή του υπόσταση. «Κανένας δε μίλησε ποτέ όπως αυτός ο άνθρωπος» ήταν η απάντηση των ανθρώπων που στάλθηκαν να ερευνήσουν ποιος ήταν ο Χριστός. Τα έργα του Χριστού μαρτυρούν για την πραγματική Του υπόσταση: νεκροί αναστήθηκαν, ασθενείς γιατρεύθηκαν, αμαρτωλοί συγχωρέθηκαν!

Ποιά είναι η διαφορά αν πιστεύουμε πως ο Χριστός είναι Θεός ή άνθρωπος; Η διαφορά είναι μεγάλη. Εάν πιστεύουμε πως ο Χριστός ήταν άνθρωπος και όχι Θεός, τον ταυτίζουμε με τους μεγάλους σοφούς και αρχηγούς του κόσμου, των οποίων θαυμάζουμε τα διδάγματα, αλλά δεν πιστεύουμε πως έχουν θεϊκή υπόσταση. Εάν πιστεύουμε πως ο Χριστός είναι Θεός που κατέβηκε στη γη, τότε λαμβάνουμε τα κηρύγματά του πολύ σοβαρά. Θα τον ακούσουμε και θα τον πλησιάσουμε για καθοδήγηση για οτιδήποτε: προβλήματα της ζωής, ασθένεια, λύπη, αμαρτία, φτώχεια, πόλεμο, αποβολή και οτιδήποτε άλλο μας ταλαιπωρεί!

OUR FAITH — Η ΘΡΗΣΚΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ

"Food For Thought" is a project of the Middlesex County Office of

Culture and Heritage to document and celebrate the lives,

traditions, and myriad rituals that tell the history of the people of

New Jersey. By interviewing new immigrants and 1st/2nd

generation Americans, the project captures original oral histories

before these disappear from memory or yield to the pressures of

contemporary society. Rooted in the commonality of food, the

stories are a social history that tell the experience of assimilation

into American society and preservation of traditions. You are

invited to share your memories and recollections of arriving in

America, growing, gathering, or shopping for food with parents or

grandparents, stories of celebrations, holidays, festive banquets

and cultural or religious traditions in which foods were an

important component. We are also collecting recipes of

"grandma’s" special treats and from immigrant groups that have

added to the American palette. If you would like to share your

family story please contact Arete Bouhlas-Tzovolos to set up an

interview: 732.236.2108; [email protected].

“FOOD FOR THOUGHT” - CULTURE AND HERITAGE

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The two weeks before we begin using the book called the Lenten Triodion (the book gets this title because the chanting of the Can-on during weekday Matins/ Orthros of Great Lent has only three Canticles instead of the normal eight, thus three (Tri) odes or Triodion) we hear the Gospel of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1- 10). The lesson on January 22nd describes how Zacchaeus climbed a tree beside the road where Christ was to pass. Zacchaeus is not only eager but also filled with an intense desire to see the Lord. We apply this Scripture to ourselves in approaching Great Lent. We should have a real eagerness in our hearts and an intense desire for a clearer vision of Christ. If this is true, then our hope will be fulfilled during the fast; for like Zacchaeus we will receive far more than we expect. If we don’t have within us this eager ex-pectation and this sincere desire, then we shall see and receive nothing. And so we should ask ourselves: What is my state of mind and will as I prepare to embark on the Lenten Journey?

The Triodion begins on Sunday, February 5th and for two weeks focuses on the theme of repentance. On February 5th we hear the Gospel of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:10-14). Repent-ance is the door through which we enter Great Lent. To repent is more than selfpity or regret over things done in the past. The Greek term Metanoia means a radical change of mind or direction. The prob-lem with the Phari-see is that he has no desire to change his outlook; he is complacent, self-satisfied, and so he allows no place for God to act within him. The publican, on the other hand, truly longs for a ‘change of mind:’ he is dissatis-fied with himself, he is poor in spirit, and where there is this selfdissatisfaction there is room for God to act. The theme of this Sunday can be summed up in a saying of the Desert Fathers: “Better a person who has sinned, if they know that they have sinned and repent, than a person who has not sinned and thinks of themself as righteous.”

On Sunday February 12th, we read of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This parable is for us an icon of repentance in its dif-ferent stages. Sin is exile, enslavement to strangers and hunger. Repentance is the return from exile to our true home; it is to re-ceive back our inheritance and freedom in the Father’s house. But repentance implies action: “I will arise and go…” (verse 18). To repent is not just to feel dissatisfied, but to make a decision and to act on it.

The Sunday of Meatfare or Last Judgment is commemorated on February 19th with the reading from Matthew 25:31-46. The previous two Sundays spoke to us about God’s patience and lim-

itless compassion, of His readiness to accept every sinner who returns to Him. On this Sunday, we are reminded of a comple-mentary truth: no one is so patient and so merciful as God, but even He does not forgive those who do not repent. The God of love is also a God of righteousness, and when Christ comes again in glory, He will come as our judge. This is the message of Lent to each of us: turn back while there is still time, repent before the End comes.

On Sunday, February 26th, the day before Great Lent begins (Clean Monday) we celebrate Cheesefare or Forgiveness Sunday. This is the last of the Sundays of preparation for Great Lent. There are two themes on this day: the commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise and forgiveness. There are obvious rea-sons why these two topics should be brought to our attention as we stand on the threshold of the Great Fast. One of the primary images in the Triodion is that of the return to paradise. Lent is a

time when we weep with Adam and Eve before the closed gate of Eden, repenting with them for the sins that have deprived us of our free communion with God. But Lent is also a time when we are preparing to celebrate the saving event of Christ’s death and rising, which has reopened Paradise to us once more. So sorrow for our exile in sin is tempered by hope of our re-entry into para-dise.

The second theme of Forgiveness is emphasized in the Gospel reading for this Sunday and in the special ceremony of mutual forgiveness at the end of Vespers on Sunday evening (February 26th). Before we enter the Lenten Fast, we are reminded that there can be no true fast, no genuine repentance, no reconcilia-tion with God, unless we are at the same time reconciled with one another. A fast without mutual love is the fast of demons.

I pray that you are well prepared and fortified for your journey through Great Lent. Remember to follow the calendar for the services on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays during Lent. Have a blessed Lent.

Kali Tessarakosti!

THE PRE-LENTEN PERIOD

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Close your eyes and keep them closed. Imagine what it would be like to live in complete darkness. Imagine trying to walk around. Imagine being blind from birth, and never having seen what the world looks like. Never to have seen colors, or faces of people you loved. Living in darkness is hard to fathom! And yet, so many peo-ple live in darkness, in a deep spiritual darkness.

Now open your eyes and take in the sights all around. The Evange-list Matthew says, “Those who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” St. Matthew takes up a common theme we read about throughout Holy Scriptures.

The Psalmist said, “You have delivered my soul from death and my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the “LIGHT OF LIFE.” Psalm 56:13

Our Lord Jesus stated, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (Jn 8:12) and “Let your light so shine before other s that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Mt 5:14-16

The Apostle Paul reminded us that “God is light and in him is no darkness” (1 John 1:5) and admonished us to “Shine as lights in the world in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Phil 2:!4-15) and to “Walk as children of light” (Eph 5:5-16)

This theme of light comes up again and again. Maybe that’s because too often in the world around us, darkness seems to prevail - wheth-er the darkness of hatred, anger, and violence; cheating, corruption and greed; impurity, lust and immortality; pride, self-centeredness, and self-love. We live in an age of unbelievable technological, med-ical and scientific advances, yet in a world where the same centu-ries-old vices of darkness plague us.

In the midst of this world’s darkness, Christ appears and proclaims loudly “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” What a beautiful promise to carry with us throughout this New Year. If we choose to follow Jesus, we no longer need to walk in darkness, but can have the light of life!

Christ offers a radically different perspective than the world’s—one full of light, full of love, full of joy, full of promise, full of hope, full of meaning.

Of course, dark influences may always tempt us. We will face chal-lenges, struggles, sorrow, disappointments, and difficulties. Yet, when we walk intimately with Jesus Christ at our side, we won’t be blinded by the dark evil all around us. When we walk with our Lord daily, then nothing can take away His divine light of love, joy, hope, promise and meaning!

This good news of LIGHT is a central part of the feasts which we celebrated these past weeks. At Christmas we rejoiced at the light

God brought into the world by becoming human. Twelve days after Christmas we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, when we focus not only on Christ’s baptism, but on how Jesus revealed the true and full light of God into the world. After being born in a miraculous man-ner in Bethlehem, and living a humble life as the son of a carpenter for 30 years in Nazareth, now comes the moment when Jesus of Nazareth reveals his true identity, and the true identity of God Him-self. Christ begins to proclaim the “good news of great joy” which the angels told the shepherds about on the night of Christmas.

And “the people who sit in darkness saw a great light. On those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen!”

In the midst of this darkened world, Christ came and shined forth His light of eternal and divine love. Jesus is basically saying I am the light of the world that has come to overpower darkness. And I begin, not by casting out the darkness in society, but by casting out the darkness deep within every person. I begin by shining my light within you, my followers, to enlighten every part of your mind, your heart and your soul! I will fill you with my presence, and once you have my light shining brightly within you, then you will never be afraid of any darkness the world may bring.”

With the light of Christ, we can better understand his promise, “In the world you will have trouble but take courage, I have con-quered the world!” Or as the Psalmist so aptly believed, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom do I fear. The Lord is my life and my refuge, of whom am I afraid.” (Ps 27:1)

Jesus is the light of life who enlightens our lives! He came as the light which breaks the darkness of death. Death, the frightening darkness of humanity, is destroyed by Christ. As St. Paul says, “O death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?” Through Christ, the darkness of death is turned into a peaceful doorway into heaven.

Christ came as the light of divine knowledge which shine in the midst dark ignorance. He is the light of knowledge, revealing to us the truth about God and the truth about life. Christ has revealed to us that we are God’s children, created for eternity. We have a pur-pose on earth - to receive God’s love in our lives, and then to be His instruments sharing His love with other people.

Jesus Christ came to shine His love in the midst of the dark hatred that surrounds our lives. Jesus revealed that love is greater than hate, and good is greater than evil. As a light within each one of us, he teaches us to allow His light of love to chase away the shadows of hatred, bitterness, and injury that dwell deep within us. No matter how dark any darkness is, His light is always greater!

Finally, Christ came to shine His light as a guiding beacon to direct our lives. He shows us the way to live in harmony with others, in service to others, in peace with others, in love with others. Our Lord’s light can be seen through His example and teachings.

THE DIVINE LIGHT OF JESUS

I am the Light of the world that has come to overpower dark-

ness. And I begin, not by casting out the darkness in society, but

by casting out the darkness deep within every person.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom do I

fear. The Lord is my life and my refuge, of whom am I

afraid.” Psalm 27:1


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ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH · καθώς είμαστε έτοιμοι για τη Νέα...

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