GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ST. THOMAS

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΟΣ ΕΝΟΡΙΑ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΘΩΜΑ

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 Weekly Bulletin

ΕΒΔΟΜΑΔΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ

615 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Tel: 856-665-1731 Fax: 856-665-1854

Email: goc.stthomas@gmail.com Website: www.goc-stthomas.com

Very Reverend Archimandrite Christoforos Oikonomidis

Πανοσιολογιώτατος Αρχιμανδρίτης Χριστοφόρος Οικονομίδης

Ιερατικώς Προϊστάμενος-Parish Priest

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2018 SUNDAY BEFORE NATIVITY

************* ΤΟDAY’S READINGS

Epistle: Hebrews 11:9-10;32-40….page 118 Gospel: Matthew 1:1-25….page 119

PRAYER SERVICE

For the repose of the soul of the late DANIEL PAPPAS (48 years)

HELEN PAPPAS (49 years) ANTHONY APOSTOLAROS (9 months)

The congregation is requested to join in prayer the families of the deceased.

ALTAR FLOWERS

….are offered in loving memory of Daniel and Helen Pappas by Zoe and George Kousoulis.

ALTAR LAMP

…..is offered for the continued health of Christos and Pelagia Sarandoulias by Elias and Vasilia Sarandoulias.

ALTAR CANDLES DECEMBER 24

……are offered in loving memory of Kriton Lappas by his family.

ALTAR CANDLES CHRISTMAS DAY

……are offered in loving memory of Ekaterini Katsikis by her family.

ALTAR LAMP CHRISTMAS DAY

…..is offered in loving memory of George H. and Mary H. Lambi by the George Kappatos family.

NATIVITY ICON FLOWERS

....is offered on behalf of the continued health of all our St. Thomas Youth by our Youth Ministries.

ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS

PAGEANT ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23rd

Please join us on Sunday, December 23rd, directly after the Divine Liturgy for the Annual Christmas Pageant. All our families are invited! This is an opportunity for us to join together as a family, young and old, to remember and experience the awesome Nativity of our Lord and our God. Also, this is a wonderful opportunity for our child(ren) to participate and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with all their St. Thomas friends and families.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE - MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)

09:00-11:00 (morning) ORTHROS & SERVICE OF THE GREAT

HOURS OF CHRISTMAS (No Holy Communion in the morning)

- MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)

7:30-09:30 (evening) CHRISTMAS EVENING DIVINE LITURGY

(Holy Communion)

- TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY) 8:45 AM - ORTHROS

10:00 AM - CHRISTMAS DIVINE LITURGY

- THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27: ST. STEVEN Orthros….9.00 AM Divine Liturgy….9.45 AM

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!!! NEW YEARS’

EVE PARTY AT SAINT THOMAS!

DINNER - DANCE - MUSIC - VASILOPITA AS A FAMILY! MUSIC BY DJ MAKI.

ADULTS: $50 ~ CHILDREN UNDER 13: $20 THE CELEBRATION STARTS AT 9 PM IN THE DANIELLE KOUSOULIS GREEK

CULTURAL CENTER. RESERVATIONS: CHURCH OFFICE 856-665-

173, GEORGE HORIATES 856-986-8972

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GOYA NEWS

-New York Theater Trip, Thursday, December

27th. Tickets for the musical "The Band’s Visit" are available. The fee for GOYANs is $130 and for non-GOYANs $140 and includes bus, dinner & show. For info contact Mrs. Papacristos at 609.410.3096 or kelly33@comcast.net or St.ThomasCherryHillGOYA @gmail.com SIGHTS & SOUNDS REGISTRATION & KICK-OFF

MEETING (CORRECTED DATE) Sights and sounds "Kick off" meeting will be on Saturday, January 5th, 2019 at 12:00 pm, at the "St. Irene" Hall. Join us to meet your friends, celebrate the beginning of the New Year with Vasilopita and learn what has been planned!!

ANNUAL VASILOPITA CELEBRATION: JAN. 13 The St. Irene Philoptochos will sponsor the annual cutting of the St. Basil’s bread, Sunday, January 13, 2019 following the Divine Liturgy. We ask that all organizations of our parish be represented. It is also customary that a special contribution is offered on this day and will be sent to the St. Basil Academy in Garrison, New York, our Archdiocesan Child Care Center.

2019 CHURCH CALENDARS

The 2019 calendars will be mailed to all our parishioners and we kindly thank Murray Paradee Funeral Home for the generous sponsorship.

VASILOPITES (NEW YEAR’S BREAD)

The St. Irene Philoptochos Society is now taking orders for Vasilopites (New Year’s Bread). Please place your order today at the Philoptochos table or call Popi Stamatiades 856-663-7043. The cost is $12.00 and pick up will be on Sunday, December 30 after Churce Services.

ST. THOMAS SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON:

DECEMBER 29

Members and friends are invited to a Holiday Luncheon on Saturday, December 29 at the Danielle Kousoulis Greek Cultural Center. Happy Hour between 12-1pm with appetizers. Luncheon follows. Elections will take place. Donation: $12.00 per person. For any questions, please call Mr. Jerry Hanos President 856-988-9161.

SAVE THE DATE :

ST. THOMAS HELLENIC SCHOOL ANNUAL

DANCE: FEBRUARY 2, 2019 - CELEBRATING

OUR 90TH ANNIVERSARY

The St. Thomas Hellenic School P.T.O. will be holding its 25th Annual Dinner Dance, on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the “Danielle Kousoulis” Greek Cultural Center. Tickets: Hellenic School students will be complimentary. Adults $50.00 donation, children up to 12 years $20.00, ages 13-21 years $35.00. Tickets at the door: $55.00. For reservations contact: Karoline Kokolis at 856-979-5296.

ST. IRENE PHILOPTOCHOS

“CHAPTER CHALLENGE” COAT DRIVE

Beginning January 2019, the St. Irene Philoptochos will be collecting new and gently used coats for the homeless in Joseph’s House and NEW coats for older teenagers in Covenant House and you can help! You can help us spread warmth! There will be details in the weeks to come. We appreciate all you can do.

ANNUAL PASTORAL VISITATIONS OF GREEK

ORTHODOX HOMES FOR EPIPHANY SEASON

If you would like Father Christoforos to visit your home for the Epiphany blessing, please fill out the form or find it on our website and submit your request to the Office at 856-665-1731.

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KYΡΙΑΚΗ 23 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ 2018 ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΠΡΟ ΤΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ

************* ANΑΓΝΩΣΜΑΤΑ ΣΗΜΕΡΑ

Aπόστολος: Εβραίους 11:9-10, 32-40…….σελ. 118

Ευαγγέλιο: Ματθαίον 1:1-25…….σελ. 119

ΙΕΡΟ ΤΡΙΣΑΓΙΟ Υπέρ αναπαύσεως της ψυχής των αειμνήστων ΔΑΝΙΗΛ ΠΑΠΠΑ (48 έτη)

ΕΛΕΝΗΣ ΠΑΠΠΑ (49 έτη) ΑΝΤΩΝΙΟΥ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΑΡΟΥ (9 μήνες)

Το εκκλησίασμα καλείται να συμπροσευχηθεί μετά των οικογενειών των κεκοιμημένων.

ΑΝΘΗ ΝΑΟΥ ......προσφέρονται εις μνήμην των αειμνήστων Δανιήλ και Ελένης Πάππα από Ζωή και Γεώργιο Κουσούλη.

ΚΑΝΔΗΛΑ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ ......προσφέρεται υπέρ υγείας των Χρήστου και Πελαγίας Σαραντούλια από Ηλία και Βασιλεία Σαραντούλια.

ΚΕΡΙΑ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ (24 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ) ....προσφέρονται εις μνήμην του αειμνήστου Κρίτονα Λάππα από την οικογένειά του.

ΚΕΡΙΑ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ) ....προσφέρονται εις μνήμην της αειμνήστου προσφιλούς Αικατερίνης Κατσίκη από την οικογένειά της.

ΚΑΝΔΗΛΑ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΑΠΕΖΗΣ (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ)

.....προσφέρεται εις μνήμην των αειμνήστων Γεωργίου και Ευαγγελίας Χατζηλαμπή από την οικογένεια Γεωργίου Καππάτου.

ΑΝΘΗ ΕΙΚΟΝΟΣ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ ...προσφέρονται υπέρ υγείας των νέων του Αγίου Θωμά, από τα μέλη των Οργανώσεων Νεολαίας.

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΤΟΥ

ΚΑΤΗΧΗΤΙΚΟΥ ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 23 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Την Κυριακή 23 Δεκεμβρίου, αμέσως μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία -εντός του Ναού- τα παιδιά του Κατηχητικού μας θα μας παρουσιάσουν ένα ωραίο χριστουγεννιάτικο πρόγραμμα. Προσκαλούνται όλες οι οικογένειές μας και σας παρακαλούμε να παραμείνετε όλοι στη γιορτή και να απολαύσετε τα παιδιά μας! Επίσης, είναι μια θαυμάσια ευκαιρία για τα παιδιά μας να συμμετέχουν και να γιορτάσουν το αληθινό νόημα των Χριστουγέννων.

ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΙΕΡΩΝ ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΩΝ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ

ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ 24 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ (ΠΑΡΑΜΟΝΗ) 09.00-11.00 (πρωί) - ΟΡΘΡΟΣ &

ΑΚΟΛΟΥΘΙΑ ΤΩΝ ΜΕΓΑΛΩΝ ΩΡΩΝ (ΔΕΝ θα υπάρχει Θεία Κοινωνία)

ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ 24 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ (ΠΑΡΑΜΟΝΗ) 7.30-9.30 (βράδυ) - ΘΕΙΑ ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ

(Θεία Κοινωνία)

ΤΡΙΤΗ 25 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ (Χ Ρ Ι Σ Τ Ο Υ Γ Ε Ν Ν Α)

8.45 ΠΜ - ΟΡΘΡΟΣ 10 ΠΜ - Θ. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΩΝ

ΠΕΜΠΤΗ 27 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ: ΑΓ. ΣΤΕΦΑΝΟΥ

Όρθρος....9.00 ΠΜ Θ. Λειτουργία....9.45 ΠΜ

ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΓΙΟΡΤΗ ΣΤΟΝ

ΑΓ.ΘΩΜΑ! ΠΑΡΑΜΟΝΗ ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑΣ

ΣΤΙΣ 9 ΤΟ ΒΡΑΔΥ! ΕΛΑΤΕ ΝΑ ΥΠΟΔΕΧΘΟΥΜΕ ΤΟ ΝΕΟ

ΧΡΟΝΟ ΟΛΟΙ ΜΑΖΙ ΣΑΝ ΜΙΑ ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ. ΕΙΣΙΤΗΡΙΑ: $50 ΓΙΑ ΕΝΗΛΙΚΕΣ ΚΑΙ $20 ΓΙΑ

ΠΑΙΔΙΑ ΚΑΤΩ ΤΩΝ 13 ΕΤΩΝ. ΠΡΟΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΝ DJ ΜΑΚΗ. ΚΡΑΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΣΤΟ

ΕΝΟΡΙΑΚΟ ΓΡΑΦΕΙΟ: 856-665-1730 Γ. ΧΩΡΙΑΤΗΣ: 856-986-8972

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ΝΕΑ ΝΕΟΛΑΙΑΣ GOYA - H Χριστουγεννιάτικη εκδρομή στη Ν. Υόρκη θα γίνει την Πέμπτη 27 Δεκεμβρίου όπου θα δούμε το μιούζικαλ " The Band’s Visit ". Εισιτήρια είναι διαθέσιμα για τους νέους της GOYA με κόστος $130 και $140 για γονείς και συγγενείς (λεωφορείο, φαγητό, εισιτήριο θεάτρου). Πληροφορίες: κα Παπαχρήστου 609.410.3096 ή kelly33@comcast.net ή St.ThomasCherryHillGOYA@gmail.com.

1η ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΕΓΓΡΑΦΕΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ “SIGHTS & SOUNDS”

Θαsπραγματοποιηθείgτο Σάββατο 5 Ιανουαρί-ου 2019 στις 12:00 μμ., στην Αίθουσα "Αγία Ειρήνη". Προσκαλούμε όλα τα παιδιά που επιθυμούν να λάβουν μέρος σε αυτή την εκδήλωση για να γιορτάσουμε μαζί το ξεκίνημα του Νέου Έτους με Βασιλόπιτα και για να συναντήσουν τους φίλους τους.

ΒΑΣΙΛΟΠΙΤΕΣ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑ Η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότης «ΑΓΙΑ ΕΙΡΗΝΗ» λαμβάνει την παραγγελία σας για βασιλόπιτες σήμερα την ώρα του καφέ ή μπορείτε να τηλεφωνήσετε στη Πόπη Σταματιάδη 856-663-7043. Τιμή $12.00 και παραλαβή την Κυριακή 30 Δεκεμβρίου μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία.

ΕΟΡΤΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΓΕΥΜΑ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΥ ΗΛΙΚΙΩΜΕΝΩΝ: 29 ΔΕΚΕΜΒΡΙΟΥ

Τα μέλη του Συλλόγου Ηλικιωμένων προγραμματίζουν μία εορταστική συνάντηση το Σάββατο 29 Δεκεμβρίου 2018 στο Κουσούλειο Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο. Ορεκτικά μεταξύ 12-1 μμ και ακολουθεί γεύμα. Θα διεξαχθούν εκλογές. Προσφορά: $12.00. Για ερωτήσεις σας τηλεφωνήσατε στον Πρόεδρο κ. Χάνο 856-988-9161.

ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΓΙΟΒΑΣΙΛΟΠΙΤΑΣ: 13 IANOYAΡΙΟΥ 2019

Μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία της Κυριακής 13 Ιανουαρίου, θα γίνει η τελετή της κοπής της Αγιοβασιλόπιτας της Ενορίας μας. Κάθε χρόνο προσφέρεται βασιλόπιτα σε όλους τους

παρευρισκομένους καθώς και στους προέδρους των οργανώσεων της Εκκλησίας. Επίσης, αυτή την ημέρα συγκεντρώνουμε ένα χρηματικό ποσό ως «πρωτοχρονιάτικο δώρο» για τα παιδιά του Ορφανοτροφείου του Αγ. Βασιλείου στο Garrison της Ν.Υόρκης.

ΕΤΗΣΙΟΣ ΧΟΡΟΣ ΣΥΛΛΟΓΟΥ ΓΟΝΕΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ ΑΓΙΟΥ ΘΩΜΑ: ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ

2 ΦΕΒΡΟΥΑΡΙΟΥ 2019 - ΕΟΡΤΑΣΜΟΣ ΤΩΝ 90 ΕΤΩΝ ΤΟΥ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟΥ ΜΑΣ!

Προσκαλείστε στην 25η ετήσια χοροεσπερίδα του Συλλόγου Γονέων Ελληνικού Σχολείου Αγίου Θωμά, το Σάββατο 2 Φεβρουαρίου 2019, στις 6 το απόγευμα, στο Ελληνικό Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο «ΔΑΝΙΕΛΛΑ ΚΟΥΣΟΥΛΗ». Εισιτήριο $50.00 για μεγάλους και $35.00 για ηλικίες 13-21. Παιδιά έως 12 ετών $20.00. Είσοδος δωρεάν για τους μαθητές του Σχολείου. Για κρατήσεις τηλεφωνήστε: Κική Κοκόλη 856-979-5296.

HMEΡΟΛΟΓΙΑ ΝΕΟΥ ΕΤΟΥΣ 2019 Οι ενορίτες μας θα λάβουν ταχυδρομικώς τα ημερολόγια του νέου έτους πριν από τα Χριστούγεννα, ευγενική προσφορά του Γραφείου Κηδειών Murray Paradee Funeral Home.

ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΠΑΛΤΩΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΦΙΛΟΠΤΩΧΟ Η Φιλόπτωχος Αδελφότητα η «Αγία Ειρήνη» θα συλλέγει καινούρια ή ελαφρώς μεταχειρισμένα παλτά για τους αστέγους αδελφούς μας στο Ίδρυμα Αστέγων «Joseph’s House» στο Κάμντεν και ΚΑΙΝΟΥΡΙΑ ΠΑΛΤΑ για το Ίδρυμα Νέων «Covenant House» στο Atlantic City και μπορούμε όλοι να βοηθήσουμε! Μπορείτε να μας βοηθήσετε να διαδώσουμε ζεστασιά! Περισσότερες πληροφορίες την ερχόμενη εβδομάδα.

ΑΓΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΩΝ ΟΙΚΙΩΝ Η επίσκεψη του πατέρα Χριστοφόρου στις οικίες των ενοριτών για τον καθιερωμένο Αγιασμό των Θεοφανείων θα γίνει αφού συμπληρώσετε την φόρμα που εσωκλείεται ή μπορείτε να βρείτε ηλεκτρονικά και δηλώσετε στο Γραφείο 856-665-1731.

ST. THOMAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

PRESIDENT’S REPORT No 3 ON THE BUILDING PROJECT December 23, 2018

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

My last report was in June and a lot has happened since then. I am pleased to report as part of the upcoming Feat of the nativity of our Lord that we are ready to give Him as our humble gift a completed beautiful Church where we will continue to praise Him and glorify Him.

At the Divine Liturgy when Father presents the gifts to Christ he says “Yours from Your own.” What we give Him, the bread and wine has come from Him. Nothing is ours. In the same spirit, we will complete our Church with our contributions, which He gave us and we will return to Him.

The architecture of our Church, with a perfect octagon, dates back to Constantine the great. Before the beautiful cross design of Agia Sofia was imagined, the Orthodox Churches were made octagonal, with Constantine building the first such Cathedral of Christianity in Antioch. The octagon, however, had a Dome in the middle, a design feature that was continued when the cross-in-square design of Agia Sofia was developed. The Dome symbolizes the Universe over which Christ the Almighty (Pantocrator) reigns.

So, Saint Thomas is built in a historic octagonal design and our placement of the Dome in the middle will complete what our predecessors started fifty years ago.

Below are some dates you should be looking for in the next few months:

• On March 1, God willing and weather permitting, we will start the exterior construction of the Bell Tower and the refinishing of the brick walls with stone. That part of the construction will not interrupt the use of the Church.

• On May 21, the feat of Saints Constantine and Helen, we anticipate to have the last liturgy in the Church before starting of the interior construction.

• On May 22 we will more the Church to the Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center, where we will have liturgy and services until completion of the Construction. On that day, May 22, the construction in the interior of the Church will start. Father Christoforos will be keeping you informed on the move of the Church for the summer months and will need your assistance to complete the process.

• We expect that all construction will be completed on or before September 6, 2019. Since the feast of Saint Thomas falls on Sunday, October 6 this coming year, we hope on that day to bless the Bell Tower and the new Dome.

• Al that means that we want Saint Thomas to be on your Christmas list for giving. Our capital campaign is in full swing and our campaign chair, George Horiates, will be reaching out to you soon for your help.

• We will combine both parts of the construction (interior and exterior). They will be done at the same time and then completion date will be the same (early September 2019).

Let us pray that the Newborn Christ give us strength and wisdom to complete what we started.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Anastasios Efstratiades, Parish Council President

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS

IN MEMORY OF / EIS MNHMHN: Eleni & Christos Kotsakis by The Kotsakis Family, Anthony Iliadis, Christos Kontoulis by Dr. Elias & Katherine Iliadis, Leon Angelos, Nancy Conger & Bruce Ryan by Angela & Scott Ryan, Stephen Thomas, Antigoni Poupos, Stamatis Poupos by Mrs. Argiro Thomas, Alexander Poryzees, Helen Birbilis, Maria Bachauer, Christie Di Boscio by John Birbilis Family, Antonios Dimopoulos by Sophia Dimopoulos, Georgios & Avgi Pavlou by Sofia G. Horiates, Mary Dalabes by Nicholas Dalabes, Anna Tsiadis by Maria Athineos, Peter Marlys by Anna Marlys, George A. Horiates, Nikolaos & Kaliopi Pasamihalis by Stavroula G. Horiates, Efstathia Birbilis by her parents, Louis & Eleftheria Birbilis, Konstantinos Birbilis by his siblings, Peter Balis and beloved deceased by Efrosini Balis, Katerina Rengepis by John Rengepis and children, Louis Stathakos by Kathy Stathakos, Beloved Parents of Dimitrios & Milia Poulopoulos, Spiros Melissaratos by Ourania Melissaratos, Konstantinos & Vasiliki Tassou by Vivian Hionas, Emmanuel Mikros, Michael Stamatiades by George & Maria Mikros & Family,

Michael Stamatiades by Nicholas M. Stamatiades, Michael Stamatiades and all beloved deceased by Popi Stamatiades, George A. Horiates, Richard Bryan by George & Lisa Horiates, Matina & Leonidas Lazaropoulos by their grandsons, Athanasios Katris by Daniel & Pamela Carrigan, Andonios Nitsolas by Dimitrios Nitsolas Family, Jerry Markopoulos by John Mourtos Family, Zacharias & Eleni Tripoulas, Kalliopi Seindanis by Nick & Kiki Seindanis, Demetrios Fifis, John & Katina Spiris, Christos & Frantzeska Fifis, Anastasia Spiris Moustakas, Ed & Rita Tirimacco by Violetta Fifis, Loukas Kalimanis by Ioannis Lestaris, Michelle T. Aris by Parents: Toula & Mike Aris, Olympia & Harry Gotzis, Olympia & Emanuel Galanos, Sophie & John Caglage, Helen & Michael Bozakis by Thomas & Lola Gotzis, Manos Basantis, Andreas, Marika, Elias, Maria, George, Dimitris, Joanne, Xanthipe, Andigone, Evgenia, Miltiades, George, Stefanos, Ahilleas, Eutyhia, Marianthe, Philipos, Sophia, Cosmas, Efthemia, John, Christos, Eva, Evgenia by Nicholas & Sophia Tzoumakis & Family, Georgia & Anastasia by Christina Christou, Leon Angelos, Hariklia Leontaris by Elene Angelos, George & Maroulio Stratis by Spiros & Mary Stratis, Andreas Sferedes by Evdoxia Sferedes & Joanna Stabilopoulos, John Koutsovitis, Despina Contonikolas by Eliana Koutsovitis, Pantelis H. Bratsis, Charles Muhler, Constantinos, Alexandra & Charles Sarkioglu by Stella Muhler, Parents, John & Theano & Brother Costas Tsamutalos by Gina Tsamutalos, Steve, Mary, Charles, Edna & Gregory Adams by Mabel Johnson,

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Chris H. Papadeas by Papadeas Family, Peter Balis and Nickolaos Poulianas by George & Liz Poulianas, Donald Smittle/Edna Smittle by Daughter, Joni Kostiou & Family, Dominic Marateo/Diamanto Manos by Thaddeus & Carol Pappas & Anna Marateo, Costa Family, Oliva Family by Kolodziejczak Family, Beloved Deceased of Nula Mantzas, Skokos Family by Joan Skokos Steinert, Emmanuel & Maria Chatzidakis, Beloved Parents Antonios & Vasiliki Vellios, Georgios & Despina Karekos by John & Dora Vellios, Ekaterini Katsikis by Leonidas Katsikis, children and grandchildren, Ted Semos, Eva Dukakis by Asimo Semos & Family, Dimitrios, Anastasia, Panagiotis Ramoundos by Lazaros & Georgia Rassoulis, Spiro & Panagiota Bollas, Panagiotis & Arhontoula Kolokouri, Cleopatra Millili, George Bollas by Helen Bollas, Jeanne Terzakis Tshontikidis by Helen Terzakis, Daniel & Helen Pappas, Efthemios & Mary Velahos, Dimitrios Anagnostou, Mary H. Lambi by Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Anagnostou, Anthony & Alexandra Kaniclides, Douglas Onken by Christine Onken, Pete Chryssofos by Stacy Chryssofos, Gregory & Helen Cheston, Alexander & Julia Harmand by Constantine & Barbara Cheston, Alex Mastoris by Patti Mastoris & Family, Liberty Zografos by Mr. & Mrs. George Zografos & Family, Panagiota Alexandropoulos by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Alexdandropoulos, Nicholas & Anna Stylianos, William & Grace Bolton by Tony & Bonnie Stylianos, Chrysoula & Vasilios Gioulis by Helen Gioulis, Beloved Deceased members of Pappas & Levithopoulos Families by George & Rania Pappas,

Argyrios Giannakaris by The Giannakaris Family, Irene & George Gatrousis by Barbara & George Inglessis, Liberty Zografos by Stavros Zografos, Peter Balis by Mr. & Mrs. John Hatzicostas & Family, Peter W. Balis by Evelyn Balis, Theodoros Kousoulis by Anezina Kousoulis & Family, Stelianos Taliadouros by Dr. George Taliadouros, Chris & Catharine Frangos by Zachary C. Frangos, Constantinos Benas, Sophia Theodoris, Stelio Theodoris, Demetrios Rontiris by Constantine, Pauli & Viviana Benas, Stelio Theodoris, Sophia Theodoris, Artemis Theodoris, Constantinos Benas, Leon Angelos by The Kitrinos Family, Angelos Dambalas, Vasiliki Michaelides by Konstantios Dambalas, Constantine & Sophia Chigounis, Michael & Millie Koumas by Anthony & Mary Chigounis, Bessie Carides by John & Diane Carides, Athena Boras by Christopher & Kathleen Boras, Christos Kontoulis, Michael Kontoulis by Linda Kontoulis & Family, Christos, Michael, Nikolaos, Theofanis, Spyridon, Andreas, Nicoletta Kontoulis-Facas by Nia Kontoulis, Beloved Sister Diane DeWalt and Mother Thelma Pennington by The Mastrodimas Family, Argyrios & Theodora Karapalides, Theodoros & Evangelia Gentchos by Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Karapalides, Danielle Kousoulis, Father Kyriakos & Presb. Chrysoulis Kousoulis, Panagiotis & Fotini Kousoulis, Daniel & Helen Pappas, Nick Karastatiris, Costas & Kalypso Theodoris by George & Zoe Kousoulis, Brother Frank T. Petrakis and parents Flamporis and Petrakis, Perry Pappas by Bessie Pappas,

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Andreas Savvides by his parents, George & Joanna Savvides, Anastasios Athanasopoulos by Georgia Athanasopoulos, Spero A. Kalogeropoulos by parents Adamantia & Emmanuel Kalogeropoulos, George Zorbalas by Ekaterini Zorbalas, Anagnostis/Lambides Families by Maria & Jack Anagnostis, Rosemaria Sarandoulias, James Sarandoulias by Louis & Vasso Sarandoulias, Nikolaos Poulianas by Triantafilia Poulianas & Family, Vasiliki Giannisi by Christina Giannisi, Nicholas J. & Christina C. Harris by Martina Harris, Beloved Parents & deceased members of Spiros & Klio Kokolis, Nikolaos Melissaratos & beloved deceased by Marianthi Melissaratos, Nikolaos Stefanou, John & Rose Perdikouris by Madeline & Louis Stefanou, Daniel Nemeh, George Baroody by Inaam Baroody, Daniel Pappas, Helen Pappas, Costas Theodoris, Kalipso Theodoris, Efthalia Theodoris, Danielle Kousoulis by Dr. Anthony & Franceska A. Villare, Christine Antipas, Constantine & Sofia Antipas by Peter Antipas, Beloved Deceased of the Kappatos and Amvrosiatos Families by George & Maria Kappatos. IN HONOR OF / UPER UGEIAS: Amalia & Liam Hagerty by George & Zoe Kousoulis The Pappas Family by Bessie Pappas Renos Savvides by his parents George & Joanna Savvides Stavroula, Georgia, Spiros, Ana Sofia, Anastasia by Georgia Athanasopoulos Pierette Kalogeropoulos Yeo and family by Emmanuel & Adamantia Kalogeropoulos Beloved Family by Ekaterini Zorbalas

Anagnostis/Saidel Families by Maria & Jack Anagnostis Louis Sarandoulias & Family Triantafilia Poulianas & Family Philippou Giannisi by Christina Giannisi Lola Lagakos, Helen Terzakis by Martina Harris Spiros & Klio Kokolis & Family Marianthi Melissaratos & Family Elizabeth Stefanou by Madeline & Louis Stefanou Manwell Baroody & Family Kaleope Pasamihalis Andrew & Zafiro Floudiotis & Family Kostas & Stella Roustas & Family Neil & Georgia Boyle Efstratios & Evangelia Tsoukalas & Family Ioannis, Mariketi, Panagiota, Sofia, Thomas, Dionysios Anastasopoulos Thomas & Niki Papadopoulos The Christodoulou Family Stamo Diamantis & Family Eugenia Chryssofos & Lew Tsambikos Wilma Broikos & Family Alex Kokolis Family Christos & Tasia Koutsogiannis & Family Alex Pylaras Family Theodore Pasamihalis Family Family of Chrysostomos & Eleni Koutroumbas St. Irene Philoptochos Society by Denise Pappas-Sosi Andrea Villare, Anthony Villare, Antony Villare

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DECEMBER 23RD THE PATRIARCHAL CHURCH OF SAINT SOPHIA

IN CONSTANTINOPLE (537-2018) The 1,481st ANNIVERSARY

The Dedication of the Church of the Holy Wisdom of God (AGIA SOPHIA) i.e. Jesus the

Christ, who is that Wisdom, the Divine Logos, took place on December 23rd, 537. No other Church in any land has played such a dominating role in Christian architecture. The whole of the civilized world was for over 1,100 years under the political, cultural and religious sway of the Eastern Roman or Byzantine Empire. The heart of that Empire was the Imperial Capital, the Queen of all earthly cities (Vasilevousa), the City, (E Polis), Constantinople and the soul of Constantinople has always been Agia Sophia the Patriarchal and Great Church of Christ. Here Emperors were consecrated and crowned; Ecumenical Councils were held and heresies anathematized; great Fathers of the Church celebrated Divine Liturgy and preached the Word of God; whole pagan nations who attended Services here were converted to the True Faith; the Triumph of Orthodoxy as the unadulterated Divine Revelation through Jesus the Christ was acclaimed; here the countless victories of Hellenic Christian Arms for over a thousand years against the various barbarian hordes were ascribed to the City's Protectress, Our Invincible Champion (Ypermachos Strategos), the Theotokos.

This Church, although temporarily occupied by others, still exerts more influence than any other building in all the Orthodox nations. It is the center and dream of our greatest Orthodox Christian aspirations: freedom of worship for the Great Church of Christ, our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Let us see then in brief some facts concerning Agia Sophia as described by writers through the centuries.

When Justinian the Great had enriched civilization with the codification of Roman law he turned to the task of enriching the architecture of the Polis with a church worthy of the Capital. Therefore, from January, 532 to February, 533, he passed thirteen months in collecting the finest marble and costliest other building materials available. Finally, on February 23rd, 533 he commenced his greatest gift to posterity.

Almost 70,000 square feet were prepared to receive a foundation of concrete twenty feet deep. The structure was planned to be not only time first of its kind, but, also the perfection of this type of domed basilica. Henceforth all churches and mosques were to follow meekly in its footsteps in vain attempts to rival it.

The inner church is 269 by 243 feet and is surmounted by the most perfect dome in the world, 108 feet in diameter, supported invisibly at time stupendous height of 180 feet. Although this dome has been standing for almost 15 centuries, in all that time none has surpassed it in architectural perfection. (St. Peter's in Rome has a cupola not a true dome.)

The architects, Anthemos of Tralles, lsidoros of Miletus and Ignatios, all Hellenes of Asia Minor, prepared special bricks for this dome. They were prepared in Rhodes, of so spongy a material that five weighed scarcely as much as one. On each was stamped “The Great Church” (E Megali Ekklisia) and as every twelfth layer was completed, relics of Saints were inserted and prayers recited. It is said that celestial music cheered the workmen when they wearied, while Angels provided material resources when earthily resources failed. An Angel revealed the plan of the Church to Justinian in a dream. At night while the workmen slept, it was whispered, the walls continued to grow by invisible hands. Only in this fashion could the people understand how the actual building of the Church was completed in four years and ten months. The Emperor worked as a common laborer in this task of love and piety. Others thought that the whole architectural plan was wrought by bees in a beehive and this miraculous model was the one duplicated. People could not accept that the unbelievably beautiful Church was the accomplishment of mere men.

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Huge marble columns from the greatest temples of antiquity were brought from Ephesos, Baalbek, etc. The interior walls were covered in solid sheet gold upon which the mosaics were mounted. The Altar was surrounded by three steps of gold and was supported by massive gold pillars. The surface was also gold and the Last Supper was depicted in mosaics, but, instead of ordinary bits of mosaics, precious stones of all hues were used.

Above the Altar was a sphere of solid gold, 118 lbs. in weight, surmounted by a cross of purest gold, set with diamonds, 70 lbs. in weight.

Behold the unforgettable impressions of various visitors to the Church over the fourteen and a half centuries since Justinian exclaimed on entering his new Cathedral: “Solomon, I have conquered thee” (Solomon, Nenikika Se). Procopios: “The dome seems to be suspended by a chain from heaven.” Choniates calls it: “An earthly heaven, a throne of divine magnificence, an image of the firmament created by the Almighty.” Sir Gilbert Scott writes: “The buoyant dome floats self-supported, and seems to sail over you as you move — I cannot conceive of anything more astonishing, more solemn and more magnificent.” Fergusson: “Eternally — the verdict seems inevitable that Agia Sophia is the most beautiful church which has yet been erected by any Christian people.” Bayet: “There exists not a church in the history of Christian art whose importance is greater.” We could continue to wonder at the various

features of Agia Sophia, but, they are of such fantastic value, so beyond any adjectives of human speech that we must conclude only with the most fervent urging to the reader himself to visit the Church. The former riches are missing, of course, for not only the Turks, but, the Latin Crusaders, who came piously bearing the cross of Christ, after gaining entrance to the city in 1204 as Christian brethren, sacked and burned it. These members of the greatest robber expeditions known to history, stormed the Church and hacked the Altar to bits to send it back to the West as booty. As the ship carrying the Altar fragments entered the Propontis Sea a sudden squall, which occurred only where that ship was sailing, sank it with its cargo. Legend

has it that it is slowly being pushed toward shore and that when Constantinople is once again in reality a city for free Christian worship it will reappear and the Altar restored to the Church.

It was in Agia Sophia that on Tuesday, May 29, 1453, the Priests celebrating Divine Liturgy had just reached the Cherubikon when the conquerors entered the Church and started to massacre the women and children huddled there. The Priest disappeared into a hidden room, taking with him the Chalice and the Paten. When the Church is again free for Christian worship the Priest will come out, finish the Liturgy, and pass to his heavenly reward. As the victorious Mohammed II, the Fatih, rode into the Church he saw a soldier destroying mosaics with his mace. The Sultan “was never more profound, more philosophic, more truly Great when with a single blow stretched the barbarian motionless at his feet. Who knows but in another age they may serve another religion than that of Islam?”

On that day, beset by barbarians, betrayed by his Western Christian allies, our glorious Emperor Constantinos Palaiologos died in defense of our Holy Orthodox Faith and the honor of our Hellenic people. In another article, we shall visit the site of his heroic battle, the Gate of St. Romanos and relate in detail the fateful events of that “Apophrada Imera.”

This then is just a little about Agia Sophia, a Church which holds 30,000 worshippers, in which Ecumenical Councils were held, under whose dome Elijah prays at noon every day. Agia Sophia, built a thousand years before Saint Peter's in Rome! May the day of its return to Christian worship be seen quickly that this writer might go to serve Divine Liturgy there once before his pen is stilled forever. This was his prayer as he stood with his Communicants in the Altar area of Agia Sophia wearing his hidden “Epitrahilion” or stole and offering up the Paraklisis Service while the faithful softly chanted “Kyrie Eleison” — Lord have Mercy!

+ FR. DEMETRIOS KATERLIS PROTOPRESBYTER OF THE ECUMENICAL THRONE OF

CONSTANTINOPLE

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STEWARDSHIP 2018 – FINAL CALL We would like to thank all of our Parishioners who have already fulfilled the 2018 Stewardship commitment. For those who haven’t completed their pledge, this is a final call to complete their 2018 Stewardship and/or to increase the amount initially pledged. Please see to it to complete your 2018 stewardship now and give your beloved St. Thomas Parish a Christmas gift!!! Your church needs the assistance of all the people of our Parish, as we continue to serve and expand our ministries. Please contact the Church office, see the Parish Council in the Narthex or simply visit: www.goc-stthomas.com to complete your pledge.

ΣΥΝΕΙΣΦΟΡΑ 2018 - ΥΠΕΝΘΥΜΙΣΗ Ευχαριστούμε όλους τους Ενορίτες μας, που εκπλήρωσαν την Εθελουσία Οικονομική Συνεισφορά τους για το 2018 και αναμένουμε και όσους ακόμη δεν έχουν τακτοποιήσει την υποχρέωσή τους, αφού τώρα είναι η κατάλληλη ευκαιρία ώστε να τακτοποιήσετε την συνεισφορά σας για το τρέχον έτος. Παρακαλούμε πολύ προσφέρετε το χριστουγεννιάτικό σας δώρο στην Ενορία μας, πριν το τέλος του χρόνου. Με πολύ αγάπη αναμένουμε την οικονομική σας βοήθεια και υποστήριξη, όπως γινόταν πάντοτε και έκανε τον Άγιο Θωμά μία δυνατή και ζωντανή Ελληνορθόδοξη Κοινότητα. Για πληροφορίες επικοινωνήστε με το Ενοριακό μας Γραφείο, με τα μέλη του Συμβουλίου ή μέσω της ιστοσελίδας μας στο: www.goc-stthomas.com.

S U N D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 1 8 STEWARDSHIPCOLLECTION:$1,150CANDLECOLLECTION:$469

TRAYCOLLECTION:$434

ΣΥΓΚΕΝΤΡΩΣΗ ΔΩΡΕΩΝ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΑΝΑΚΑΙΝΙΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΝΑΟΥ ΜΑΣ

«Αγίασον Κύριε τους αγαπώντας την ευπρέπειαν του Οίκου Σου»

Αγαπητοί μας Ενορίτες και φίλοι, Όπως γνωρίζετε, έχουμε ξεκινήσει τον αγώνα για την συγκέντρωση των χρημάτων για την ανακαίνιση της Εκκλησίας μας. Το έργο περιλαμβάνει τοποθέτηση Τρούλου, κτίσιμο Καμπαναριού, πλήρη ανακαίνιση του Νάρθηκα, κάλυψη των εξωτερικών τοίχων με πέτρα κ.ά. Οι ανάγκες είναι μεγάλες. Όποιος ενδιαφέρεται να γίνει δωρητής ας επικοινωνήσει με οποιοδήποτε μέλος του Συμβουλίου μας. Ας αγκαλιά-σουμε όλοι μαζί, ως μια οικογένεια, αυτό το σπουδαίο έργο, το οποίο θα μεταμορφώσει την Εκκλησία μας και θα χαρίσει χαρά και αισιοδοξία στις μελλοντικές γενεές, στα παιδιά μας.

ΤΟ ΜΕΛΛΟΝ ΑΡΧΙΖΕΙ ΤΩΡΑ!

CAPITAL RENOVATION CAMPAIGN “Sanctify O Lord Those Who Love

the Beauty of Your House” Dear beloved Parishioners and friends, Fundraising has started in earnest. By now each of you have received the brochures and they are in the Church pews. As we beautify our Church with this awe-inspiring Dome and Bell Tower project, we ask you see any Parish Council member. Items listed will be on a first response. Let’s all join together to enhance our Worship and to give Glory to God who has blessed us. We owe this to the memory of all those who have worked so hard for this Church, to our children and to the future generations of St. Thomas.

OUR FUTURE IS NOW!