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Assumption

Greek Orthodox Church

111 Island Pond Road

Manchester NH 03109

Phone: (603) 623-2045

Fax: (603) 232-6347

Assumptionnh@aol.com

www.AssumptionNH.org

Facebook:

ASSUMPTIONgocNH

Links and Resources

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

of America

www.goarch.org

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

of Boston

www.boston.goarch.org

Ecumenical Patriarchate of

Constantinople

www.patriarchate.org

MONTHLY BULLETIN OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH ΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΔΕΛΤΙΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗΣ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ

ARK - ΚΙΒΩΤΟΣ Thee

H DECEMBER / 2018

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VOLUME 13,

Merry Chrtstmas! - ΚΑΛΑ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥΓΕΝΝΑ!

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The Ark is published monthly by the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 111 Island Pond Road, Manchester, NH 03109

Reverend Father Gregory Trakas Office Hours

Tuesday & Thursday 1 - 4 PM

or by appointment

Parish Council 2018

President…………........ Costa Georgopoulos

Vice President…………. James Folopoulos

Treasurer…………………... Peter Xintaras

Secretary…....................... Arthur Bakolas

Harold Guidicelli Penny Papastathis

Stathis Kapellakis Kerrie Poplin

Nick Karagianis Helen Rainey

Kathy Papakostas Anthony Tsekrekas

Philoptochos Board 2018

President……………................Lucie Skouteris

Vice President…………...........Maria Chronas

Treasurer…………………….. …Helen Rainey

Recording Secretary…………..Michelle Kapos

Corresponding Secretary..Andrea Moutsioulis

Natl. & Local Boards Liaison....Mariana Gasis

Advisor………………......... Nancy Mardanes

Martha Galanis Artemis Lazos

Evangelia Gregorious

Staff

Secretary……………….…..Janet Malin

Chanter…………………….Vasilios Rokas

Choir Director …………….Diane Dryer

YOUTH MINISTRIES

Directors

GOYA & Jr. GOYA…Stavroula Bakolas

JOY……………..….…..Julie Karagianis

Mommy & Me …..Ranya Karatzoulidis

Altar Boys……………Jeanne Tsekrekas

Assistant

Nicole Condodemetraky

PARISH SCHOOLS

Sunday School

Co-Directors………... Theohare Kapellakis

Ranya Karatzoulidis

Greek School

Director …………… Alexandra Bruttaniti

Teachers …………… Ranya Karatzoulidis

Daphne Galatas

Dance Instructor…… Angela Bourassa

Newsletter Editors

Fr. Gregory Trakas Janet Malin

Sophia Annas Nancy Mardanes

James Folopoulos Kathy Papakostas

Ellen Healy Helen Rainey

Nick Karagianis

Address Changes

Please notify the Church Office if

you are moving so that we may

update our database.

Thank you!

Pastoral Home Visitation

If a loved one is in the hospital,

a nursing home, house-bound for any

reason, or in a hospice, please contact

Fr. Gregory Trakas at the Church

Office to arrange a visit.

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Parish Priest

My Beloved,

Christmas is almost here and together with it come many opportunities for a spiritual uplifting through our

church services. Here is a summary and an explanation of what is coming up:

Saturday, December 22nd

- Great & Royal Hours of Christmas

Τhe days prior of the Dominical Feasts of Christmas and Epiphany, our church offers the service of the Great &

Royal Hours. A feast is called “Dominical” when it is dedicated to our Lord (in Latin: Dominus). The service of

Hours is called “Royal” because in the Eastern Roman Empire of Byzantium, the emperor and his entire court

would attend this service as a sign of their submission to Christ. Finally, they are called “Great” to distinguish

them from the “Small Hours” (1st, 3

rd, 6

th & 9

th Hour) which are read daily in monasteries. Each of the Small

Hours takes a special significance from the life and passion of Jesus: the 1st Hour (6:00 AM) glorifies the Lord

for the new day, He who Himself is the light; the 3rd Hour (9:00 AM) is dedicated to the descent of the Holy

Spirit on the disciples during Pentecost; the 6th Hour (12:00 PM) is the time Jesus was nailed on the Holy Cross

and the 9th Hour (3:00 PM) is when He gave up His spirit. The service of the Great & Royal Hours is chanted

before Christmas, Epiphany and also Easter, to stress the tremendous importance of these three feasts for our

salvation. Since this service is offered only three times per year, please try to attend it!

The Great & Royal Hours consist of prayers, hymns, psalms and Old Testament prophecies, all of them

foretelling the events of the approaching feast. Also during the Hours we read the Epistle and Gospel lessons

pertaining to the feast. There is no Holy Communion during this service, so you can eat before coming to

church that morning. The Great & Royal Hours allow us to quietly meditate and repent in our heart for our

shortcomings in anticipation of each of these great feasts. The Great & Royal Hours of Christmas will start at

9:00 AM and they are a wonderful and peaceful way to usher in the feast of the Holy Nativity.

Monday, December 24th - Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve could not be complete without an evening service. Since there will be a Divine Liturgy on

Christmas Day, on the Eve we will celebrate Great Vespers. The Great Vespers of Christmas include beautiful

Old Testament prophecies, it will start at 5:00 PM and close with Christmas Carols. All of our young children

and their families are encouraged to participate.

Tuesday December 25th - Christmas Day

On Christmas Day, at 9:00 AM, we will chant the Orthros (Matins) Service of Christmas. The Orthros of

Christmas, together with that of Easter, are two of the most beautiful services of the entire year! Come early

so you do not miss out! Then at 10:00 AM, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy.

Tuesday January 1st - St. Basil Feast

Let’s start the New Year together in church and celebrate St. Basil and the Circumcision of our Lord:

Orthros 9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy and Blessed New Year!

Your Parish Priest, Fr. Gregory

Parish News

Luncheon and drawing for George Tzimopoulos Memorial Raffle will be on December 2nd

following the Divine

Liturgy.

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The next parish council meeting will be on Monday, December 17th at 7:00 PM

We are looking for Stewardship Committee Volunteers to help with a variety of tasks and help coordinate the

Stewardship Program. Stewardship is the main source of income for our church and one of its most crucial

ministries. We would love your insight, input and assistance.

New Horizons Soup Kitchen

Our next New Horizons Soup Kitchen visit will be Sunday, December 23rd, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. We are

always looking for new volunteers to join our group. This is such a rewarding experience; please join us for

less than two hours of fellowship with the group from the Assumption Church. If you have any questions,

please call the Church Office. Thank you!

Choir

We are looking for volunteers to join our talented choir. All ages are welcome! Do not be shy if you do not

have experience. All that is required is your passion and love for Christ, His Mother and His Church! The

next choir rehearsals will be Thursday, December 20th and Thursday January 3

rd, both at 6:30 PM.

Philoptochos News

Our Autumn Bazaar was a great success, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of many.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who assisted by cooking and baking; donating pastry, raffle items and Penny

Sale items; and working all weekend. I’m especially grateful to the young members of our parish who helped

with the trays and clean-up. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart and I’m pleased that we all came

together for the good of our organization and our parish.

Poinsettias and Wreaths

We are accepting donations for the poinsettias and wreaths that will decorate the church for the Christmas

season. We need 6 large poinsettias, 4 small poinsettias and 9 wreaths.

Please use the form provided below or contact a Philoptochos Board member if you want to contribute.

We are planning a winter party for the women of the parish in January - more details later.

There will be no Philoptochos Board meeting in December.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Lucie Skouteris, President

Please cut here, complete the form below and include it with your donation.

--- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---

POINSETTIA AND WREATH DONATION

Donor Name: ___________________________________

Amount: __________________ Cash _______________ Check _________________

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Youth Ministry News

Greek School

Thursday, December 20th

- 5:00 - 6:30 pm ~ Greek School Christmas Party in the Church Hall,

immediately after the Christmas Pageant rehearsal. All Youth Ministry children are welcome to join and

participate in the joyous activities

Thursday, December 27th

- Greek School will be closed for Christmas vacation

Thursday, January 3rd

- Greek School and Dance classes resume

Sunday School

Our annual Christmas Pageant will be held in church on Sunday, December 23rd (please see details below).

GOYA / Jr. GOYA

Sunday, December 9th

: 12:00 PM – GOYA/Jr. GOYA meeting.

Youth Ministries

Our Youth Ministry continues to sponsor the Coffee Hour on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Your family can

help by assisting with set-up, clean-up and/or by offering a baked good or a purchased snack to share. We will

be in the Church Hall or kitchen from 9:30 AM on that Sunday morning for items to be dropped off. Please

contact a Youth Ministry director if you would like to help.

On Sunday, December 23rd, our Youth Ministry will present its Annual Christmas Pageant, “Christ is

Born.” It will take place in church immediately following the Divine Liturgy service.

We invite parish children of all ages to participate! If your child would like to take part in this

year’s Pageant, please contact our Sunday School directors, Theohare Kapellakis or Ranya

Karatzoulidis by December 2nd

. Children will be assigned their parts on Sunday, December 9th.

A Christmas Celebration Coffee Hour will be held on Sunday, December 16th in our church

hall. Festivities will include a special visit from Santa, who will gratefully accept donations for

Philoxenia House.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US!

Although our school year is well under way, our teachers look forward to seeing new children join

our classes. We welcome new students and encourage all families to bring their children to Sunday

School and participate in all our Youth Ministries!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, December 9th

: 12:00 PM – GOYA/Jr. GOYA meeting.

Sunday, December 16th: Youth Coffee Hour & Christmas Celebration

~ 10:00 AM - All children will meet in the School Building to rehearse for the Pageant

~ 12:00 PM - Special coffee hour sponsored by the Youth Ministry families in the church hall

~ Festivities will include holiday craft making, singing of Christmas Carols, a visit from Santa and

donations to Philoxenia House to Santa by our parish children.

Thursday, December 20th: 4:00 - 5:00 PM – Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal inside the church.

Thursday, December 27th: Greek School will be closed for Christmas vacation

Sunday, December 30th: Family Sunday

Thursday, January 3rd: Greek School and Dance classes resume

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Sunday, January 6th: Sunday School classes resume, we will celebrate Epiphany

and Godparents Sunday

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas and a Joyous & Healthy New Year!

Fr. Gregory and the Youth Ministry Team

You are invited to the

Christmas Pageant

“Christ is Born”

Presented by our Youth Ministry

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

Sunday, December 23rd

, 2018

following the Divine Liturgy

2018

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Philoxenia House

This month, the Assumption Youth Ministry will sponsor Philoxenia House..

Philoxenia House, founded by our Metropolitan Methodios in 1986, offers a very important ministry.

This “home away from home” hosts children and adults from all over the world, who come to the Boston area

for specialized medical treatment. Philoxenia House is graciously supported by the faithful

of our Metropolis of Boston. We welcome and appreciate your support!

Philoxenia House “Gift Wish List”

Non-perishable food items (Greek or American food items: i.e. coffee, assorted pasta, olive oil, spices, etc.)

Household cleaning products (i.e. dish soap, detergent, paper towels, napkins, etc.)

Personal care/hygiene products (i.e. toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand soap, shampoo, body wash, etc.)

Phone Cards (there are only pay phones for long distance calls in the house).

The Philoxenia House collection drive will be held through JANUARY 13th.

Collection boxes will be located in the church hall

And Youth Center/School Building.

Monetary donations to be applied towards the purchase of additional items

Please make your monetary donations to: The Assumption Youth Ministry

THANK YOU and HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

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Sacraments & Services

When planning a baptism or wedding, please check church availability

BEFORE booking your reception hall. Thank you!

Planning Memorials

When planning for a memorial, please contact the Church Office at 603-623-2045.

There is a particular altar wine and incense we use. Please call for details!

PLANNED GIVING is a gesture that comes from the heart!

Leave a legacy! As you plan your financial future, please remember your parish. There are several types of

planned donations to consider. Here are a few of them to consider. In all cases, please consult your financial

advisor for more information.

Charitable Bequests: Once you secure the well-being of your family, you may choose to include in your will a

significant donation to your church.

Gifts of Life Insurance: Using a life insurance policy makes it possible to make a major gift while protecting the

inheritance of one’s heir(s).

Gifts of Listed Securities: The gift of publicly listed securities, bonds, mutual fund units or other similar securities

is one of the most fiscally advantageous ways to make a substantial donation to a charitable organization

because the donor will avoid paying tax on capital gains. The gift of shares or other securities will give rise to a

tax credit. It is more advantageous to transfer the securities directly rather than to donate the proceeds collected

from selling the securities. This type of donation is advisable to those who wish to make a substantial donation

without encroaching on their liquid assets, or to those who own shares or other securities which have

significantly increased in value since their acquisition.

Charitable Annuities: A charitable gift annuity consists of a donation of money or other assets to a charitable

organization in exchange for guaranteed earnings for life or for a determined period of time.

RECOGNITION

It is with much love and appreciation we have received considerable bequests made to our parish

which we feel should be recognized. These benefactors are Margaret Spanos and Dorothy Spanos. Their

thoughtfulness is a tribute to their caring and desire for our parish to prosper

and grow for generations to come. May their memories be eternal!

Funeral

Evangelia Georgiadis - November 15th

Memorial

Evangelia Georgiadis - December 16th

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October Stewardship

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Bakolas

Amerisa Baryiames

Kosta Dimou

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dryer

Mr. & Mrs. George Kalantzis

Demetrios Kamberis

Mr. & Mrs. Stathis Kapellakis

Mr. & Mrs. John Karagianis

Mr. & Mrs. Anesti Karathanasis

Esther Kereakoglow

Sandra Kereakoglow

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Kitsis

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Krueger

Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Matteo

Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Meimetis

Georgia Palaskas

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Pomerleau

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Poplin

Mr. & Mrs. Costas Tonas

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Tsekrekas

Jean Vlangas

Nicholas Xintaras

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Xintaras

What is Christian Stewardship? Christian

Stewardship is:

* learning how to be a responsible and

concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church

* learning how to enjoy Church life and be

happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the

fullness of the Spirit of God

* our active commitment to use all our time,

talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind

in grateful acknowledgment of Christ’s

redeeming love

* caring for the needs of others

* offering one’s self to God as He offered

Himself to us

* what a person does after saying “I believe…”

as proof of that belief

* devotion and service to God and His Church

as persons, as families, as diocese & metropolis,

as national Church and as Church universal.

As Christian Stewards we are called to give back

to God from the “first fruits” of our labor.

We support our parish and its ministries in a

deliberate way and not with only what is left

over after everything else has been taken care of!

BE GREEN! – SAVE PAPER,

PRINTING & MAILING COSTS

This bulletin can be sent“paperless.”

Email us at:

info@assumptionnh.org

to sign up for bulletin by e-mail!

Donations in Memory of

Vasilike Bakolas

James Franggos

Julia Pournaras

Thank you for your love to the House of the Lord and Panagia!

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BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISING

If you would like to advertise your business card in our monthly bulletin, please contact the Church Office.

A business card format, about 2 ½” x 1 ½” will run for a period of 12 months for one set fee of $150 a year.

This will help us defray the ever-increasing costs of printing and mailing these bulletins to our homes and at

the same time you will be advertising your business to our parishioners and through word of mouth to their

friends. This is a great opportunity for all!

Church Wish List - Donations Wanted

Two (2) Wooden Icon stands:

$2,000 each (est.)

One Hundred (100) Div. Liturgy Pew Books:

$20 each (est.)

Three (3) Holy Table & Holy Gospel covers:

$1,500 each (est.)

Eight (8) Wooden Chairs for Holy Altar:

$800 each (est.)

A Granite platform for our historic bell in the rotary:

$10,000 (est.)

With grateful appreciation for the $250 donation for the Pamphlet/Brochure display case to

Georgia Gancarz

Youth Family Bowling & Pizza Night Kole Makris Baptism

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Name?????????

Name?????????

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Road

NH

NON-PROFIT O G. US POSTAGE PAID MANCHESTER,PERMIT NO. 6249

2nd ANNUAL PITA FEST

Congratulations to all!