december 2014 volume 18 - number 12 merry … · december 2014 volume 18 - number 12 proistamenos:...

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ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE

ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495

Volume 18 - Number 12 December 2014

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis

(636) 527-7843

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas

(314)909-6999

Office (314)361-6924

Fax (314)361-3539

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.sngoc.org

ST. NICHOLAS

MONTHLY BULLENTIN

Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown An apt microcosm of our world at Christmas is the animated tale, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown is the lovable loser. He’s the kid some of us were in grade school. In the cartoon, he is given the task of organizing the Christmas pageant for the group. Also, he’s in charge of finding and buying the biggest, “bestest” Christmas tree for the pageant. Charlie Brown finds a lonely and pitiful little tree for their event. During their rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant, the Peanuts gang gets caught in the hassle and bustle of commercialism of Christmas and forget the true meaning of God’s Promise. When they see what kind of tree Charlie Brown has bought, they laugh and humiliate him. Charlie Brown walks away with his pitiful tree in disgrace. At this point, Linus takes the Peanuts gang to task by quoting to them Luke 2:8-14:

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” The Peanuts gang, in their humility, hear Linus and they seek out Charlie Brown and show him their “peace and good will.” (They help make the sad little tree a beautiful tree through their love of their friend). If only we could be like the Peanuts gang and love each other with the same passion that his friends showed Charlie Brown when they decorated the little tree. More importantly, if only we could be as forgiving as Charlie Brown is towards his friends. It’s Christmas time again. It is the fulfillment of God’s Promise that He gave to us. God’s Promise is realized at the Crucifixion and then at the Resurrection. Let’s live that all of the time and not just in December.

-Lia Lewis graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary in Brookline, MA in 2001 with a Masters of Divinity degree.

She is employed by the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey.

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St. Nicholas Servants

2014 Parish Council Dr. Andrew Galatakos, President 314-922-4457 Steve Ott, Vice-President 636-230-8066 Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer 314-481-6879 Michael Ferretti, Secretary 636-458-8577 Nicky Antoniou 314-878-7720 George Bude 314-579-9151 Yemane Habtu 636-532-4665 Marilynn Jemas 636-532-3484 Alexandra Kavourinos 314-862-2866 Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222 Dr. William Mastorakos 314-966-4117 Pete Papadopoulos 314-721-6599 Saki Salas 636-379-2109 Peter Takes 314-862-2866 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700

Audit Committee Roxana Couternais 314-752-0252 Peter Lemakis 314-965-6137 Janet Papageorge 314-878-3513 Mark Vleisides 314-576-2898

Stewardship Committee Fr. Douglas Papulis 314-361-6924 Teddy Hart, Chairperson 314-997-4826 Michael Ferretti 636-458-8577 John Koch 636-922-7732 Mary Ann Mastorakos 636-532-3222 Steve Ott 636-230-8066 Michael Pappas 636-207-7789 Michael Tsichlis 314-849-2309 Demetrios Tsikalas 314-481-6879 Chris Varvares 314-374-3674

Cemetery Committee Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 William Karides 636-281-0727 Irene Schildroth 314-845-2434

Election Committee Roxana Couteranis 314-752-0252 Lee Hartley 618-447-6548 Helen Leara 314-849-3707 Christina Lemakis 314-631-1619 Tina Paradowski 314-781-0781

Library Committee Elaine Coulson 314-991-5033 Michael Kontominas 314-997-1299 Michael Tsichlis 314-842-1604

Physical Facilities Paul Efthim 314-892-9832 Pat Johnson 314-832-0061 Leo C. Pashos 314-351-0516

Physical Facilities Family Life Center Mike Kamburis 636-227-3649 Robert Meyer 314-645-2174 Sam Mezines 314-878-8144 Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011

Planned Giving John Koch, Chairman 636-922-7732 Voula Francis 314-822-1176 Sakis Salas 636-379-2109 Dan Tarlas 314-968-5010 Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700

Scholarship Committee Barbara Corrigan 314-576-1576 Tina Fakonas 636-394-5339 Denise Karras 314-368-4205

Philoptochos Georgia Ferretti, President 636-458-8577

St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 x330

Church School Co-Director Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 Despina Hartley 618-447-6548

Handmaidens Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359

Dance Troupe –Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 GOYA –Helen Carey 636-458-5173

-Mark & Renee Vleisides 314-576-2898

JR. GOYA –Mimi Davis 636-532-4470

-Debbie Palazzola 636-458-2133

HOPE –Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

OUR LITTLE ANGELS/CHERUBS -Presvytera Caroline Arbanas 314-909-6999

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin December 2014

Announcements

St. Nicholas Book Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will meet Monday, December 8 to discuss Skipping Christmas by John Grisham. Best known for his legal thrillers, Grisham presents a humorous look at the Kranks, an appropriately-named couple who decide to skip all the holiday hoopla and head on a Caribbean cruise for Christmas. We will meet from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Family Life

Upcoming Youth Events St. Nicholas Exhibit and Celebration Sat. 12/6 at the church. After the

Liturgy, come spend time with this special exhibit on our patron Saint from the St. Nicholas Center in Hope, Michigan. Enjoy tours of the exhibits, crafts, a boutique and a bake sale, as well as refreshments for the kids.

Junior GOYA Ice Skating Sun. 12/14 Skating at Steinberg Rink

after church. After lunch at St. Nicholas, we will head to Forest Park for some fun on the ice—$5 per skater. Please see Presvytera Caroline for more information

HOPE/Cherubs Cookie Baking Sat. 12/20 in the Church kitchen.

Preschool and elementary students gather for baking and decorating cookies, doing crafts and spending some fun holiday time together. Volunteers are needed to bring cookie dough and cookie cutters, and to help the kids. Please call Father Michael at 314-425-9641

GOYA Ski Trip Jan. 16-18 in Galena, IL. Travel to

northwestern Illinois on the Martin Luther King Day weekend for two days of skiing and fellowship, plus a return trip to St. Elias parish in Dubuque, Iowa on Sunday. Cost is $150 per child. For more information, see Father Michael

Coming in January Friday Night Basketball, Volunteers

needed—Please call Father Michael

Due to the holidays coming up articles for the January news-letter is due December 6th.

Email: [email protected]

Thank You Jennifer English, Editor

“Children are like

wet cement.

Whatever falls on

them makes an

impression.” -Haim Ginott

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MAINTENANCE OF CHURCH FACILITIES: GEORGE MENOS is now limitedly & modestly retained to work in the Church and the Family Life Center for routine repairs and preventative equipment maintenance. Also @ both facilities but primarily @ Church, CHRIS PARADOWSKI will continue to focus on the cleaning & the Church exterior / landscape maintenance; assisting the parish in the preparation of various activities & events; etc. FENCE AROUND PARKING LOT: Unfortunately, in the near future, the Hospital will be placing a fence around the parking lot adjacent & east of the Church where we will no longer have access to this convenient parking space. However after the new Hospital building is built (directly across the street from the Church), that fence will come down … but in 3 years. Our use of the BJH multilevel parking building remains unchanged. NEW CHURCH BOARD & OFFICERS: To briefly review the Church Board election process (… and by the time you receive this Bulletin), ELECTIONS to the CHURCH BOARD and to the STANDING COMMITTEES will haven taken place on Sun 23 Nov and the new members announced by that evening. The installation ceremony of the entire Board will take place in Church the Sunday after the Archdiocese approves its members (generally around the 1st of the Year). Shortly thereafter, the Board itself will elect its New Officers. For any further details, the Regulations of the Archdiocese and the By-Laws of St Nicholas Church are readily available to you upon request. ANNUAL AHEPA FUND RAISER: Starting Sunday 23 Nov, AHEPA 53/395 will initiate the SALE of its extensive ASSORTMENT OF NUTS through the generous support of Byron Smyrniotis and his Mound City Shelled Nut Inc company. A display table will be available weekly in the Church auditorium for orders that can be picked up later or mailed directly to a recipient. Please help support this philanthropic effort for the Holidays. MEGALO … WHOOPS: In last month’s Bulletin, it was written incorrectly implying that RIP KASTARIS was charging the Church $4,000 for his artistic repair & touch-up painting of the Church … which is not the case. Whatever his final nominal charge will be upon completion, the rest of these funds will go to general painting also over the re-plastered areas of the Church. Sorry.

Συντήρηση των εγκαταστάσεων ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ: ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ menos είναι τώρα περιορισμένα & σεμνά διατηρούνται για να εργαστούν στην Εκκλησία και την Οικογενειακή Ζωή Κέντρο συνήθων εργασιών επιδιόρθωσης και συντήρησης προληπτικά εξοπλισμό. Επίσης @ δύο εγκαταστάσεις, αλλά κυρίως @ Εκκλησία, CHRIS Paradowski θα συνεχίσει να επικεντρώνεται στην καθαριότητα και την Εκκλησία εξωτερική συντήρηση / τοπίο? επικουρεί την ενορία στην προετοιμασία των διαφόρων δραστηριοτήτων και εκδηλώσεων? κ.λπ. Φράχτη γύρω ΣΤΑΘΜΕΥΣΗΣ: Δυστυχώς, στο εγγύς μέλλον, το Νοσοκομείο θα είναι την τοποθέτηση ενός φράχτη γύρω από το πάρκινγκ δίπλα και ανατολικά της Εκκλησίας, όπου θα έχουμε πλέον πρόσβαση σε αυτό το βολικό χώρο στάθμευσης. Ωστόσο, μετά το νέο κτίριο του νοσοκομείου είναι χτισμένο (ακριβώς απέναντι από την εκκλησία), η περίφραξη θα κατέβει ... αλλά σε 3 χρόνια. Η δική μας χρήση του BJH πολυεπίπεδο κτίριο στάθμευσης παραμένει αμετάβλητη. ΝΕΑ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΔΙΟΙΚΗΤΙΚΟΥ & ΤΑ ΣΤΕΛΕΧΗ: Για μια σύντομη ανασκόπηση της εκλογικής διαδικασίας Εκκλησία Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο (... και από τη στιγμή που θα λάβετε αυτό το Δελτίο), εκλογές για την εκκλησιαστική επιτροπή και για τις επιτροπές ΜΟΝΙΜΗ θα καταφύγιο λάβει χώρα στις Κυρ 23 του Νοέμβρη και τα νέα μέλη που ανακοινώθηκε από εκείνο το βράδυ. Η τελετή εγκατάστασης του συνόλου του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου θα πραγματοποιηθεί στην Εκκλησία η Κυριακή μετά την Αρχιεπισκοπή εγκρίνει τα μέλη της (συνήθως γύρω από την 1η του έτους). Λίγο αργότερα, το ίδιο το Διοικητικό Συμβούλιο θα εκλέξει νέο προεδρείο του. Για περαιτέρω λεπτομέρειες, οι κανονισμοί της Αρχιεπισκοπής και του Καταστατικού της εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου είναι άμεσα στη διάθεσή σας κατόπιν αιτήματος. ΕΤΗΣΙΑ ΑΧΕΠΑ ΤΑΜΕΙΟ ΑΝΥΨΩΤΙΚΟ: Ξεκινώντας Κυριακή 23 Νοέ, ΑΧΕΠΑ 53/395 θα ξεκινήσει η πώληση των εκτενή ποικιλία του NUTS με την ευγενική υποστήριξη του Βύρωνα Σμυρνιώτης και η εταιρεία του Mound City τσόφλι Παξιμάδι Inc. Ένας πίνακας οθόνη θα είναι διαθέσιμα κάθε εβδομάδα στο αμφιθέατρο Εκκλησία για παραγγελίες που μπορεί να πάρει αργότερα ή αποσταλεί απευθείας σε έναν παραλήπτη. Παρακαλώ βοηθήστε υποστηρίξει αυτή φιλανθρωπική προσπάθεια για τις διακοπές. ΜΕΓΑΛΟ ... Ουπς: Στο δελτίο του περασμένου μήνα, γράφτηκε εσφαλμένα υπονοώντας ότι ΠΕΕ KASTARIS χρέωνε στην Εκκλησία 4.000 δολάρια για την καλλιτεχνική επισκευή & αφή-up ζωγραφική του για την Εκκλησία ... το οποίο δεν είναι η περίπτωση. Όποια και αν είναι τελική ονομαστική χρέωση του θα είναι με την ολοκλήρωση, το υπόλοιπο των κονδυλίων αυτών θα πάει σε γενικές ζωγραφική, επίσης, κατά τη διάρκεια των εκ νέου επίχρισμα περιοχές της Εκκλησίας. Λυπάμαι.

PRESIDENT’S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD

PHONE: 314.922.4457 [email protected]

http://www.manta.com/c/mm22ts1/mound-city-shelled-nut-inc

http://www.manta.com/c/mm22ts1/mound-city-shelled-nut-inc

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I often speak with parishioners privately about making a gift to our beloved St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Our one-on-one conversations usually take place informally at many of the church related activities such as at the Men’s Fellowship Meetings, or when preparing food for our church social events. As we approach the end of 2014, it is my impression that many of our parishioners are charitably minded, and want to provide a gift but just don’t know how to take the first step. A number of you have already told me that you have provided a gift to the church in your will or trust. It is comforting to hear this love for the future of our beloved St. Nicholas. Some have even told me that they are specifically planning – in their wills or via trusts – to instruct their executor or trustee to give a percentage of their estate assets to St. Nicholas. The question is: how much should go to the church? Of course, the main wish is to provide for surviving family members. And there may be other charitable organizations that you might also plan to provide for in a will or trust. As a rule, no gift to St. Nicholas is too small or insignificant – they are all received with love and appreciation for the future generations of St. Nicholas parishioners. But as to the appropriate amount of gifting to St. Nicholas, let’s be guided by the Lord’s benchmark: 10%. Even if you can provide for 5% of your estate assets to be gifted to St. Nicholas, that amount would be significant to the future generations of St. Nicholas families – our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be the benefactors of our gifts. So as we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus in the coming months – God’s greatest gift to mankind - let’s remember to finally set up our wills and trusts to specifically provide a gift to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church that will enable future generations to warmly remember those of us who preceded them. You can even name St. Nicholas as a beneficiary of a retirement plan (IRA, 401k, Roth, etc). Every gift – no matter how large or small – is a sign of love, and we all know that God loves a cheerful giver.

Μου συμβαίνει συχνά να μιλούν με ενορίτες ιδιωτικά περίπου κάνοντας ένα δώρο στην αγαπημένη μας Αγίου Νικολάου Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία. One-on-one συνομιλίες μας λαμβάνουν χώρα συνήθως ανεπίσημα σε πολλές από τις δραστηριότητες που σχετίζονται με την εκκλησία, όπως στην Ανδρών υποτροφία Συναντήσεις, ή κατά την προετοιμασία των τροφίμων για την εκκλησία κοινωνικές εκδηλώσεις μας. Καθώς πλησιάζουμε στο τέλος του 2014, η εντύπωσή μου είναι ότι πολλοί από τους ενορίτες μας είναι φιλανθρωπικά πνεύμα, και θέλουν να προσφέρουν ένα δώρο, αλλά απλά δεν ξέρουν πώς να κάνουν το πρώτο βήμα.

Ορισμένοι από εσάς έχετε ήδη μου είπε ότι έχετε δώσει ένα δώρο στην εκκλησία θέληση ή την εμπιστοσύνη σας. Είναι παρήγορο να ακούσει αυτή την αγάπη για το μέλλον της αγαπημένης μας Αγίου Νικολάου. Μερικοί μου έχουν πει ακόμα και ότι ειδικά το σχεδιασμό - σε διαθήκες τους ή μέσω καταπιστευμάτων - να αναθέσει εκτελεστή ή επιτρόπου τους για να δώσουν ένα ποσοστό των περιουσιακών στοιχείων ακινήτων τους στην Αγίου Νικολάου. Το ερώτημα είναι: πόσο θα πρέπει να πάει στην εκκλησία; Φυσικά, η κύρια επιθυμία είναι να παράσχει για επιζώντα μέλη της οικογένειας. Και μπορεί να υπάρχουν και άλλες φιλανθρωπικές οργανώσεις που θα μπορούσε επίσης σχεδιάζουν να παρέχουν σε μια βούληση ή την εμπιστοσύνη. Κατά κανόνα, δεν είναι δώρο του Αγίου Νικολάου είναι πολύ μικρό ή ασήμαντο - αυτά όλα με την αγάπη και την εκτίμησή του για τις μελλοντικές γενιές του Αγίου Νικολάου ενορίτες. Αλλά ως προς την κατάλληλη ποσότητα δώρων του Αγίου Νικολάου, ας να καθοδηγείται από το δείκτη αναφοράς του Κυρίου: 10%. Ακόμα κι αν μπορείτε να παρέχετε για το 5% των στοιχείων ενεργητικού περιουσία σας να είναι προικισμένος με Αγίου Νικολάου, το ποσό αυτό θα είναι σημαντικό για τις μελλοντικές γενιές του Αγίου Νικολάου οικογένειες - τα παιδιά μας, τα εγγόνια και τα δισέγγονα θα είναι οι ευεργέτες των δώρων μας.

Έτσι, όπως γιορτάζουμε τη γέννηση του Χριστού Ιησού κατά τους προσεχείς μήνες - το μεγαλύτερο δώρο του Θεού για την ανθρωπότητα - ας θυμηθούμε τελικά να δημιουργήσει διαθηκών και καταπιστευμάτων μας να παρέχουμε ειδικά ένα δώρο στον Άγιο Νικόλαο Ελληνική Ορθόδοξη Εκκλησία, που θα επιτρέψει στις μελλοντικές γενεές να θυμούνται θερμά εκείνους από εμάς που προηγήθηκαν. Μπορείτε ακόμα και να ονομάσετε Αγίου Νικολάου ως δικαιούχος ενός σχεδίου συνταξιοδότησης (IRA, 401k, Roth, κλπ). Κάθε δώρο - δεν έχει σημασία πόσο μεγάλο ή μικρό - είναι ένα σημάδι της αγάπης, και όλοι γνωρίζουμε ότι ο Θεός αγαπά ένα χαρούμενο δωρητή.


YEAR END RESOLUTION START YOUR PLANNED GIVING WITH ST NICHOLAS CHURCH

John R Koch, Chairman, Planned Giving

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Metropolis Choir Conference October 9 – 12

St. Louis was proud to host the Metropolis Choir Conference this year. Over 85 attendees came together to share their love of Orthodoxy through music. We were honored to have with us composer Christopher Kypros. We were thrilled to hear for the first time his new music being sung at a Divine Liturgy. Christopher directed and composed this piece… Hearing the choir sing was like a chorus of angels!

Philoptochos was honored to be a part of this, and we were thrilled to host the breakfast receptions during their time here. Nicky Antoniou did a great job with the meals! We have heard nothing but praise for our Philoptochos chapter, how friendly our parish was to all, and how much they enjoyed their visit here in St. Louis. Many thanks to all the fantastic ladies of Philoptochos that helped make the delegates and their guests’ visit here a memorable one!

Philoptochos Sunday November 2

Philoptochos celebrated the Sunday of Philanthropy by passing a tray for the Needy. We also kicked-off our Holiday ministries – “Seats and Feets,” for the Little Bit Foundation. We thank the church Board for the lovely coffee hour reception following the Liturgy in our honor.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the Woman of the year 2014 – Georgia Johnson.

Georgia was born in Pyrgos Illias, Greece and came to St. Louis in 1967 when she and her husband, Pat Johnson settled here as newlyweds. Georgia and Pat have a daughter, Eleni who lives in California with her husband, Ryan Paul Stevens and their son Erol.

As a member of St. Nicholas for many years, Georgia has been a Philoptochos member for over 30 years. For more than 35 years, she has directed the St. Nicholas dancers and has introduced our Greek culture throughout the greater St. Louis area, including the Hellenic camp, Catholic churches, the St. Louis Veiled Prophet Fair, Keiner Plaza, Festival of Nations, Nursing Homes, Holiday on the Plaza, Muny Opera, St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo and many other events.

For the Annual St. Nicholas Festival she has directed the dancers and has made them the drawing card. During the year she prepares dancers for all ages and meets with the dancers to practice weekly.

In addition Georgia has prepared Memorial Koliva for over 15 years, has provided her home to Greek patients

that need long-term treatments, has translated for Greek patients responded to hospital visits, and supports dinners for Pre-sanctified church services. She received a Certificate of Appreciation” from the Rockwood School District for Partners in Education, has visited the Juvenile Jail to cheer the children whose souls were damaged and presented each child with a Greek Sailor Hat with their names on it and taught them the “Zorba the Greek” dance.

Georgia is truly a friend of all. Her love, faith, and her spirit have made her an excellent role model and an exemplary Orthodox Christian woman – a very deserving Woman of the Year for 2014

Georgia Johnson (seated, fourth from left) St. Nicholas Philoptochos

2014 Woman of the Year at a ceremony following Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas on Sunday, November 2nd. She was honored for her many years of service to St. Nicholas and the Community as well as her

great talent as Director and Choreographer of the St. Nicholas Greek Dancers, who have performed at many venues in the Greater St. Louis area. Pictured with her are former Woman of Year honorees.

-submitted by George Souris

Save the Date

Saturday, December 13 Philoptochos Holiday Christmas Luncheon

Please join us for our annual holiday luncheon at Algonquin Golf Club at 11:00 a.m. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, lunch, and attendance prizes as we wrap up the year. $25 per person. All reservations must be made in advance by December 7th. Please make checks payable to St. Nicholas Philoptochos and mail to: Carol Kamburis, 1211 Bedford Falls Court, Ballwin, MO 63021.

Calendar of Events: 2014 12/5 - St. Nicholas Vesper’s Reception STN 12/6 – St. Nicholas Reception STN 12/7 - St. Nicholas Day Luncheon/Children’s Holiday Breakfast – Church auditorium immediately following Divine Liturgy

2015 1/08 – Board Meeting 1/11 – Vasilopita Luncheon 1/24 – General Membership Brunch Meeting


Philoptochos Corner December 2014

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2014 Sunday School News

I hope you are enjoying a blessed Advent season. It’s such a joyous time as we prepare ourselves and our surroundings for the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. In Sunday School, we have been doing just that with activities and lessons about the Nativity of Christ. Also during this Advent season, we are preparing for a very special exhibit about one of the world’s most revered saints, St. Nicholas, that will be displayed in our Sunday School from December 6th-21st. The exhibit will include sixteen story boards that will explain our patron saint’s life story; his influence on faith, traditions and customs around the world; legends and stories that surround him; and his development into our American Santa Claus. The exhibit and related activities is for children of all ages and has been procured from the St. Nicholas Center in Holland, Michigan (check out their website https://www.stnicholascenter.org). We will commemorate St. Nicholas on his feast day, Saturday, December 6th, with a special celebration and exhibit tour, following Divine Liturgy. Parishioners will enjoy a three-minute introductory video, “And Now We Call Him Santa Claus”, then be led through the exhibit. Afterwards, guests can enjoy family activities that will be set up in classrooms and will include wood-mounted puzzles, paper miter-folding with instructions and rubbing plates paper crafts. Refreshments will also be served. In addition, we’ll have a lovely boutique and bake sale featuring exquisite wooden icons and ornaments and gorgeous translucent silk icons (all hand made in the USA from Legacy Icons). We will also have nativity crafts and home baked treats for sale. All proceeds will benefit our Sunday School and help pay for the exhibit. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our local Orthodox Food Pantry-Focus Gateway. We wish to thank our St. Nicholas Philoptochos Chapter for their generous donation towards the cost of this enriching and inspirational program. Admission to this high caliber event is free but donations are welcome to help pay for the exhibit. We kindly ask that you RSVP for this event by contacting [email protected] or calling our church office at 314-361-6924.

If you would like to donate to, help sponsor or underwrite this event, again, please contact us at the above email address. We also need volunteers to assist as tour guides, activity hosts and boutique sales representatives. We will also welcome your festively packaged home baked treats and Christmas crafts and handiwork for our boutique and bake sale. Please bring it in by 10:30, December 6th. Remember, it’s all for a good cause-our Sunday School-our children, grandchildren, nieces & nephews, Godchildren and the future of our parish. We also have our Christmas Pageant to look forward to on December 21st. As always, it will be presented in Church immediately following Divine Liturgy and will last about 35 minutes. Rehearsal for the pageant will take place immediately after Divine Liturgy the preceding week, December 14th and families can expect to wait 45 minutes or so for their kiddos to finish. We appreciate your patience and support. Finally, we wish to remind and encourage you to continue bringing your children to Sunday School. We have a knowledgeable and devoted staff ready and waiting each week to teach, nurture, and guide your children in the teachings of Christ and our Orthodox faith. Even if you have to miss for sports or other commitments, come when you can. If you have sons serving in alter, they should go to Sunday School afterwards where they will enjoy a snack and some fellowship with classmates as well as a Sunday School lesson. Don’t just let it go because you’ve missed for a while. No one will be mad or judge you. We’ll just welcome you and your children when you come. The children will have fun with their friends and hopefully, they’ll have some fun doing something that doesn’t involve an electronic device. Remember, it’s on you to bring them. Most Sunday School students can’t drive. On behalf of our entire Sunday School staff, Despina and I wish you a joyous Advent, Merry Christmas and blessed New Year.

Your Co-Directors,

Bess Fitzmaurice Despina Hartley

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+ Christmas Day

DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE December 2014

On the Bible: How much we need to listen to Christ today! I remember once a man stopping his car to park in a strange city. He looked and looked for the coin slot in the parking meter but could not find it. Finally, he asked someone about it. The answer he received was, “Try reading the directions on the meter.” He did and he immediately found the coin slot. We, too, have many questions about life. We fumble about not knowing who we are or where we are going or why we are here. All the while the Lord Jesus is trying to tell us. “Why don’t you try reading my directions for life in this Book. Here is where I tell you what life is all about.” Whenever we buy a gadget or appliance the manufacturer gives us a set of directions to explain how it works and how to maintain it. Do you think God would give us the gift of life without at the same time giving us directions now how to live life? Of course not. His directions are to be found in this wonder book, the Bible.

-Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris

The Truth About Christmas Traditions Enliven familiar holiday traditions by talking about their roots. For more on holiday traditions, consult Susan Card’s book, A Season of Joy (Harvest House Publishers), from which these explanations were taken.

Christmas trees – Evergreen trees have long been used to brighten the darkness of winter. But it wasn’t until the 16th century that bringing cut trees inside became a holiday tradition in Germany. Decorations often consisted of candy, fruit, nuts, tinsel, and small, unwrapped presents for children. Candles were used for lights until the 1880s.

Christmas cards – Traditional Christmas cards are a fairly recent custom compared to other holiday traditions. The first cards weren’t sent until the mid-1800s – mostly because mail service wasn’t all that great. The steam locomotive helped speed the process. In 1843 the first printed Christmas cards were sent by Sir Henry Cole of England. He hired a man to design the cards and a shop owner to color them by hand. A few years later, America saw its first cards.

Advent – Advent means “coming” and is a time when many Christians prepare for Christ’s coming, or Christmas. Beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve, many Christians use an Advent wreath or Advent calendar to mark the days leading up to Christmas – a “holy day,” which is where we get the word “holiday.” In the Middle Ages, people believed Christ’s return was imminent, so the weeks before Christmas were set aside to prepare for the Second Coming.

Candy canes – the candy cane’s unique “J” shape is believed to stand for Jesus or a shepherd’s crook. Its characteristic hardness symbolizes Jesus as the rock of ages. The white stripe signifies his virgin birth and purity, and the red stripe symbolizes his shed blood for our sins. Peppermint is in the same family as hyssop, an herb used during Old Testament times for purification and sacrifice.

1 M 1 Tim 1:7

2 T 1 Tim1:8-14

3 W 1 Tim 1:18-20;2:8-15

4 T Gal 3:23-4:5

5 F Gal 5:22-6:2

6 S Heb 13:17-21

Sun 7 Eph 5:8-19

8 M 1 Tim 5:1-10

9 T Gal 4:22-27

10 W 1 Tim5:22-25;6:1-11

11 T 1 Tim 6:17-21

12 F Eph 5:8-19

13 S Gal 5:22-6:2

Sun 14 Col 3:4-11

15 M 2 Tim 1:8-18

16 T 2 Tim 3:16-17;4:1-4

17 W Heb 11:33-40;12:1-2

18 T Titus 1:5-14

19 F Titus 1:15-16;2:1-10

20 S Gal 3:8-12

Sun 21 Heb 11:9-10,32-40

22 M Heb 3:5-11,17-19

23 T Heb 4:1-13

24 W Mt 1:18-25

Lk 2:1-20

+ 25 T Gal 4:4-7

26 F Heb 2:11-18

27 S Acts 6:8-15;7:1-5,47-60

Sun 28 Gal 1:11-19

29 M Heb 2:11-18

30 T Heb 9:8-23

31 W Heb 10:1-18

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St. Nicholas We commemorate St. Nicholas on December 6. About all most of us remember about him is that he was the prototype of Santa Claus. He certainly is a very popular saint – a patron of countries, dioceses, cities, churches and of many people. Sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers and children all claim him. There is much love for him. He was born in the Fourth Century and became the bishop of Myra, which is in southwestern Asia Minor, which we would now identify as being in the area of Turkey. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council, which was held in Nicaea in 325. He was so incensed at Arius (who held that Christ is a created being, inferior to God the Father in nature) that he slapped him. This created a scandal and the 318 bishops present expelled him and relieved him of his bishop status. However, upon closer examination, he was immediately reinstated and was then treated with the great respect due him. However, he is best remembered as a benevolent person. We can recall the story of how he provided dowries for the daughters of a poor man. Many parishes now hold programs on St. Nicholas Day rather than yolkas at Christmastime. They follow much the same order with presentations by the children, Christmas music and St. Nicholas appearing with his bag of toys. But some parishes are modifying this. St. Nicholas is presented as a bishop instead of the jolly Santa. Children bring him wrapped gifts intended for the less fortunate and then tell St. Nicholas how they have tried to be charitable and helpful during the year. St. Nicholas speaks a few words about their efforts and then gives them a small bag of goodies, including a honey cookie (medovnik) and a “gold” chocolate coin reminding the children of the gold coin he threw into the window of the poor girls.

The Nativity of Christ: The Feast of Renewal

We are approaching, beloved brethren, the world-saving feast of the birth in the flesh of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In general, we should not allow ourselves to celebrate any Christian feast without seriously considering: what is its meaning and what is its purpose? What is our responsibility towards it? We must know the Christian meaning behind every feast. Then the feast will become profitable for our soul’s salvation.

The incarnation of the Son of God requires from us, above all, mutual love, humility, that we help and serve one another; for how can we not love one another when we see the love that God has towards us? How can we not be humble, seeing such humility, such voluntary condescension for our sake of the Son of God? How can we not help one another in every way possible, when the Son of God Himself came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many? (Mt 20:28).

Like the wisemen, let us, brothers, also prepare gifts for the new-born King. Instead of gold, frankincense and myrrh, let us bring Him the gifts of faith, hope, and love. Amen

-St. John of Kronstadt

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil, without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, “Tell me, what you see?” “Carrots, eggs, and coffee,” she replied. Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, “what does it mean, mother?” Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity … boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. (cont. on pg 9)

Carrot, Egg, Coffee: Which Will You Be?

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CHURCH FUND In Memory of Peter Tomaras Harry, Tiffany & Olivia Yiatras In Memory of Stephen Ferris Bob & Mary Muckler In Memory of Athena Rejos Bo & Georgia Prstojevich In Memory of Kyriaki Patakas Nick & Kathy Ginos Irene Kallaos George & Dianne Zotos

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

In Memory of Athena Rejos Katherine Siromas Rutter Harry & Georgia Pliakos In Memory of Kyriaki Patakas Pete & Tonya Ferretti George & Kim Tarlas Ann & Kay Zotos

FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of Athena Rejos Dan & Andrea Tarlas In Memory of Kyriaki Patakas Ron & Elaine Been Dr. & Mrs. A. K. Dagartzikas Katherine Georgen Tim & Aliki Bibas Bess Millonas Mr. & Mrs. George A. Souris Bessie Conis Nicky Antoniou Dan & Andrea Tarlas In Memory of Irene Davis Cynthia Milonas

PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY In Memory of Kyriaki Patakas Harry Karagiannis

MEMORIAL DONATIONS October 10th thru November 10th

BAPTISMS “All you who have been baptized in Christ”

RYAN JACOB Son of James & Cristina Welsh Godparent: Sophia Hinely PENELOPE CLAIRE Daughter of Steven & Kathryn Mastorakos Godparent: Kathleen Todd WEDDINGS “Crown them with Honor and Glory”

Madison Brown and Alexander Kamakas Alexandra Sheridan and Richard Barton MEMORIALS December 28th 3 Year Gladys Benos FUNERALS “Where the Righteous Rest”

September 17th Athena Rejos October 8th Kyriaki Patakas

Parish Life

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water. “Which are you?” she asked her daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?” Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart. Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Carrot, Egg, Coffee: (cont from pg 8)

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Ladies and gentlemen, First, I would like to thank Father Doug and the St Nicholas Church council members for inviting me to give this speech. It is a true honor to be here with all of you today. My name is Nikos Poulopoulos and I am here to speak about the OXI day. Before I turn to the historical events of the Greek-Italian War, I would like to remind our audience that today the Orthodox Church celebrates one of the great military martyrs of Christianity, Agios Demetrios of Salonica. Furthermore the 28th of October the actual date that we celebrate the OXI day, coincides in Greece with the celebration of the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (or Agia Skepi), a holiday that was transferred to October 28th after World War 2 (originally it was celebrated on October 1st). In fact this was done to commemorate the great help and protection of the Panagia to the Greek nation throughout its history, and especially during World War II during which many miracles were reported. We should be reminded, finally, that On the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos we implore the defense and assistance of the Queen of Heaven with the following words: "Remember us in your prayers, O Lady Virgin Mother of God, that we not perish by the increase of our sins. Protect us from every evil and from grievous foes, for in you do we hope, and venerating the Feast of your P r o t e c t i o n , w e m a g n i f y y o u . " It was actually on August 15, 1940, off the eastern coast of Greece near the Aegean island of Tinos, an island especially dedicated to the Holy Virgin more than any other, that the first great tragedy of the war struck. As thousands upon thousands of pilgrims were celebrating the joyous Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the crew of a Greek cruiser Elli was also participating in the festivities off shore. Suddenly the ship was torpedoed and sunk by an Italian submarine. This was the prelude of the ensuing war between Italy and Greece that started only a few months later. On October 28, 1940, at 3am in the morning, the Italian Ambassador in Athens presented an insulting ultimatum to Greek Prime Minister Metaxas, demanding the unconditional surrender of Greece or Italy would declare war and invade the country. The Italian fascist leader, Mussolini had given the Greek Prime Minister Metaxas three hours to reply. Metaxas responded immediately with the now historic word OXI which means “no” in Greek. His statement embodied the true spirit of the Greek people. His words of defiance echoed the same devotion and love of country that Greek patriots exhibited during their war of independence against the Ottoman Empire when they shouted “liberty or death.” Prime Minister Metaxas’ actions marked the beginning

of one of the world’s most heroic efforts against tyranny and oppression. Italy a few hours later invaded Greece from 3 different fronts in Hpeiros and Makedonia. The outcome of the decision made on October 28, 1940, had a profound impact on the course of World War 2 even much later, by Nazi Germany. We’re talking about a stand made by a small, poor, yet courageous nation, Greece, against the larger, more powerful aggressors Italy and Germany. It is important to note here that in addition to Greece having a population seven times smaller than Italy, the disparity in their armed forces was even greater: Italy had close to ten times the firepower of Greece. Yet, against all odds, the Greek army proved to be another David against the Italian Goliath. Within a week of the invasion, it was clear that Italian forces were suffering serious setbacks despite having control of the air and fielding superior armored vehicles. A few weeks later, the Greek forces had managed to push the Italians some 100 miles within Albanian territory. Due to Mussolini’s humiliating defeat by the Greeks in Albania and Greece, Hitler was compelled to invade the Balkans, delaying, thus, his Barbarossa plan to invade and capture the Soviet Union before the winter of 1941. The Greek resistance, both in Albania, and in the other famous battle, in Crete, altered, favorably for the allies, his Barbarossa timetable by at least six months. Unfortunately, nearly one million Greeks died during the Greek-Italian War and the subsequent German invasion and occupation after 1941. That was 15% of the population in 1940. That is equivalent to losing 40 million people in this country TODAY in the case of a war to defend the country. A catastrophe of biblical proportions! Yet, the entire Western world, discouraged and fearful of the power of Germany and its allies, took hope from these incredible early Greek victories. In fact, one of the most well known salutes to the heroism of the Greek people was given by the US President Franklin D Roosevelt, who summed it all up beautifully saying: "On the 28th of October 1940 Greece was given a deadline of three hours to decide on war or peace but even if a three day or three week or three year were given, the response would have been the same. The Greeks taught dignity throughout the centuries. When the entire world had lost all hope, the Greek people dared to question the invincibility of the German monster raising against it the proud spirit of freedom." The Russian leader, in turn, Joseph Stalin, was more laconic but equally thankful, “I am sorry”, he said, “Because I am getting old and I shall not live long to thank the Greek people

w h os e r e s i s t a n c e d e c id e d W W 2 .” – Joseph Stalin (From speech broadcast over radio after victory of Stalingrad January 31 1943) And finally the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, offered what is yet the most celebrated quote: “Today we say that Greeks fight like heroes, from now on we will say that heroes fight like Greeks.” In fact, even Greece’s most notorious foes were openly expressing their admiration for the Greek heroism, Adolf Hitler in a speech he gave in 1942 he confessed before the members of the German War Council: "For the sake of historical truth I must verify that only the Greeks, of all the enemies who confronted us, fought with genuine courage and highest disregard of death...” Adolf Hitler (speech he gave at Reichstag, 4 May 1941) OXI day is an inspiration to all those who cherish democracy and freedom. It marks defiance against terrible odds. And this community of the St Nicholas Church should be proud of its contribution and the support it offered back then to the Greek brothers who were fighting thousand of miles away, along the Greek borders in Epeiros and Macedonia; and especially later, during the long and unbearable time of the German Occupation. Myself, I am proud to honor the memory of those brave patriots who fought for freedom for themselves, for their country, and ultimately for all the free world on this important day. Even more, I’m extremely proud to say that my grandfather, his name was Nicholas of course, was one of those Greek heroes who fought and survived in World War II. He used to share, by the fireplace, his wartime stories from the front, when I was just a little kid back in Greece, and he would always conclude his narrative recollecting the bravery and resolve of all those people, especially from the regions of Epeiros and Makedonia, from the cities of Grevena and Ioannina, from Kastoria, Florina and Arta, all those who first found themselves either fighting the Italians on the front lines or assisting and supplying with food and ammunition the Greek soldiers there. His concluding words is perhaps an important message that we can all take out of that Greek struggle for survival and freedom: he used to say, my son those people had literally nothing, and yet they gave everything for the freedom of our country! For all those people, I proudly say, Zito the OXI Day

Thank You

Nikos Poulopoulos

St. Nicholas OXI Day Speech

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The Nicholad A weeklong celebration of worship, fellowship and learning in honor of our heavenly patron—St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. Monday, December 1 7:30pm Tree-lighting, caroling, and Hot Chocolate with the St. Nicholas Youth Choir — Family Life Center Wednesday, December 3 10am Mom-and Tots Bible Study looks at “The Life of St. Nicholas” with special activities for the kids — Church Philoptochos room 10:30am Akathist to St. Nicholas with Anointing, followed by lunch for the seniors in the Philoptochos room — Family Life Center Friday, December 5 5pm Great Vespers, with Lenten reception following Saturday, December 6 — Feast of St. Nicholas 9:30am Divine Liturgy, with brunch reception following St. Nicholas Exhibit and Celebration right after the Divine Liturgy, featuring exhibit tours, family activites, boutique, bake sale, and refreshments Sunday, December 7 After Divine Liturgy, St. Nicholas Day Luncheon and Children’s Holiday party in the Church Hall 4:30pm Family Night at the Family Life Center FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO RSVP FOR EVENTS MARKED (*), PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 314-361-6924

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FESTIVAL FRIDAYS! WEEKLY LUNCHEONS

11AM TO 2PM St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108

Join us for a mouthwatering menu of St. Nicholas Greek Festival favorites… Shish-Kabob & Rice Pastitsio Lemon-Butter Cod & Rice Gyro or Chicken Gyro Spanakopita Greek Salad Baklava, Kataifi, and more… Dine-in or carry out! We're off to a great start, let's keep the momentum going. Please be an ambassador and help us spread the word. Or place a carry-out order for your office or gathering (deliveries available for corporate orders) Thank you to our “office” patrons… Helen Carey, Bill Mastorakos, Demos Argyros, Chris Varvares, George Patakas, Dan Tarlas & Rich Shasserre

In observance of the holidays, Festival Fridays will be closed on November 28, December 5, December 26, and January 2.

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The St. Nicholas Prison Ministry would like to ask

parishioners to adopt 50 children this year for the holiday

season. You will be given the children’s wish lists, and

asked to make their holiday a little happier by purchasing

a child’s requested item. In consideration of everyone’s

budget, we are asking that the total purchase price should

not exceed $25.

All items must be new and unwrapped.

For more information on the Christmas adoption program,

please contact Clark Porter (314) 518-6747

Adopt a Child This Christmas

CONTACT US!

Do you have an idea, an observation, a suggestion,

compliment or complaint? Well, now there’s a way to

contact the Parish Council directly with your thoughts.

Simply go to our website at www.sngoc.org and choose

the “Contact Us” option. You can make your input in the

Question or Comments box, then select Submit.

Be sure to include your name and email address, so that

we may respond to you promptly.

Thoughts that would appeal to the Parish at large will be

published in succeeding monthly bulletins.

Thank you,

M

ike Ferretti

Parish Council Secretary

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The Moore Missionary Family Arrives in Mongolia!

by Chris and Jen Moore After months of red tape, the Moore family (Chris, Jen, and their son Andrew) arrived safely in Ulaan Baatar on October 27, 2014, to begin their long-term missionary service in Mongolia. Please pray for them as they offer themselves as teachers and evangelists in a country that has only one Orthodox church. Thank you so much for your prayers! We’ve arrived safely in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia. We are doing well and adjusting to the 12-hour time change. Our 2-room apartment is lovely and came furnished. The past couple of days we’ve been purchasing kitchen items and a few appliances. It’s been good to get out into the city for these excursions and for some general exploring. The mornings and evenings can be chilly (around freezing), but the sun comes out in the day and warms up to the 50's, which is really nice. The apartment stays very warm. We have so much to be grateful for!

Yesterday we had our first opportunity to celebrate the Divine Liturgy service at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. It was great to worship our God with our brothers and sisters and a pleasure to make some new acquaintances in the church after the service. Our son Andrew tends to draw a lot of attention from Russians and Mongolians alike! We were also able to touch base with the Mongolian International University and High School administration and teachers on Friday. It was good to put some faces with names that we’d been in contact with through e-mail. There will even be opportunities for us to study Mongolian at the Language Institute attached to MIU before our work begins there in February. Please pray for opportunities to get better acquainted with church members and co-workers and to meet neighbors!

(submitted by Rosie Hartley)

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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

4967 Forest Park Avenue St. Louis, MO 63108 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ST. LOUIS, MO

PERMIT NO. 1029

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Philoptochos Philanthropy

FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY

December Chopped Ham

Yams Crushed Pineapple

Jello Cornbread Mix

Powdered Milk (optional) Toothbrush (optional)

January Vegetable Beef Soup

Crackers Deviled Ham

Powdered Milk Baby/Children’s Shampoo

Hand Sanitizer / Liquid Soap (optional)

A very special Thank You to Mary Mezines, our Food Bag Chairperson

PHILANTHROPY REPORT December 2014

We pray that you had a Prayerful and Blessed Thanksgiving with your Family & Friends. We look forward to celebrating St. Nicholas’ Day with all of you. May we wish you the Blessings of this Beautiful Celebration of our patron Saint. May we take the opportunity to thank you for all of your donations of clothing furniture and food items that have been so helpful to our parishioners and our outreach community… & we are grateful for your generosity when we ask for donations to continue our philanthropy to the community. We continue to accept gently used furniture, appliances, clothing for adults and children of all ages… we thank Clark Porter for his help thru his Prison Ministry -- we have shared many of the items you have donated to his Ministry and he has shared helping us pick up furniture donations that we distribute to our Charity organizations and our parishioners in need. We are pleased to support and share with FOCUS-Gateway City our Orthodox Food Pantry and Special Men’s Program and are so blessed to work with Eric Shanburne ~ their Director ~ who has been so helpful to us to administer & aid our outreach community. We are so Blessed to have the counsel of Father Doug and Father Michael to guide us in our Philanthropy endeavors. May we wish them & their families GOD’s Blessing for their health & happiness and may HE keep them safe in HIS EMBRACE.

Johanna Spanos and Jeanne Tompras Philanthropy Committee

december 2014 volume 18 - number 12 merry … · december 2014 volume 18 - number 12 proistamenos:...

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