from glory to gloryholy new martyr nicholas of chios saint nicholas born into the pious family of...
TRANSCRIPT
From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Fr. Joseph Strzelecki
Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos
October 2016
1755 Des Peres Road
Town & Country, MO 63131-1405
Phone: 314-966-2255
Kitchen: 314-966-6720 Web Site: www.assumptiongoc.org
Office: Diakonissa Kristen Vogt
Email: [email protected]
Bookkeeper: Diane Sieckmann
Email: [email protected]
Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos
Email: [email protected]
Holy New Martyr Nicholas of Chios
Saint Nicholas born into the pious family of Petros and Stamato in the
village of Karyes on the island of Chios. From childhood, he cultivated all the
holy virtues. When he was twenty his parents died, and he set off with a
companion to seek his fortune as a stone-mason in Magnesia. But an accident or
illness there deprived him of his reason and transformed his natural simplicity
and meekness into idiocy, so that he was incapable of answering for himself for
what he did.
Local Turks saw the young man's vulnerable situation as a chance to convert
him to Islam, so they brought him before the judge. But since Nicholas was
unable to make a response on his own, they sent him unharmed to his sister in
Chios where she looked after him. However, in Magnesia a rumor spread that he
denied his faith, changed his name and embraced Islam. This was told to his
sister, and instead of keeping silent she spread the news, which came to the
Turkish authorities. For this reason they dressed him in Turkish clothing and
called him Mehmed, though they did not circumcise him. Unable to earn a living
as a Muslim, he resorted to tending sheep. While the poor young man was
keeping watch over the flocks, he met a monk named Cyril, who took pity on him
and decided to do his best to bring him back to his right mind.
One night, as Nicholas was asleep in an abandoned church, he saw a
beautiful maiden in a dream who told him he was healed. With his reason
completely restored, the monk Cyril instructed him in the faith. This inflamed the
heart of Nicholas to repent, although he was innocent of the rumor ascribed to
him. Renouncing all physical comforts, he attended only to prayer, fasting, vigils
and countless prostrations, to the point that those around him became concerned
for him. One day, as he venerated the icon of the Beheading of Saint John the
Forerunner and Baptist, he was seized by the desire to emulate him and
accomplish his repentance by martyrdom. He wept as he kissed the icon of the
Holy Forerunner, begging him to make him worthy of following after him for the
love of Christ.
Some time later Nicholas entered a church, and he was driven out by the
Christians, who felt no compassion for the dumb Turk everyone knew, so he
went home and wept inconsolably. The villagers, specifically two men and a
priest, soon seized him as one wanted by the Turks, so they brought him before
the judge. When he was questioned he affirmed with complete confidence: "I was
born a Christian, I was raised a Christian; I have never denied Christ for Islam
and I never will deny Him, but I will die a Christian." This embarrassed the
Turks, so he was tortured and the villagers were arrested, fearing for their lives.
"How long are you going to make us put up with this misery?" the cowardly
priest of the village shouted at the blood-soaked martyr. "Convert Turk and
they'll let you go and us too. The Christian faith isn't going to be weakened
because of one man!" These words filled Nicholas with contempt, so he struck
the priest in the face and said: "You call yourself a priest of God and you urge me
to deny my faith, instead of exhorting me to keep it until death!" [Continued on Page 2]
Important Dates
October 6
Apostle Thomas
October 9
Apostle Iakovos, Son of
Alphaeus
October 16
Holy Fathers of the 7th
Ecumenical Council
October 18
Apostle and Evangelist
Luke
October 23
Apostle Iakovos, Brother
of the Lord
October 26
Great Martyr Demetrios
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2016 Parish Council
Fr. Joseph Strzelecki
Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos
Scott Thompson, President
Greg Simos, Vice President
Elefteria Marcou, Secretary
Gus Harris, Treasurer
Dean Bellos Pam Martin
Despina M. Bellos Dr. Farid Sadaka
Daniel Gantner Dr. Tom Stamos
Dr. James Hoekel Tonis Zafiropoulos
Greg Kanteres Jim Zoumbas
Carol Marshall
Adult Orthodox Christians (18 years & older):
Diane Sieckmann
Acolytes:
Alban Mosher, John Nicholas
Bible Study:
Fr. Daniel Morton
Bookstore:
Dr. Joseph Steinger, Diakonissa Kristen Vogt
Cantors:
Steve Bellos
Choir:
Stephanie Saunders
Church Tours
Janice Hazeltine
Festival:
Greg Simos, Art Liyeos
Friday Luncheon:
Art Liyeos
Greek School
Rena Pelican
GOYA (9th -12th Grade):
Yvonne Alexopoulos, Dr. Jenny Kardaris
Greek Dancers
Kyklos: Dean Bellos
Armonia: Stella Afentoullis
Ta Paidakia: Aliki Malek
Greeters:
Eleni Murphy, Mary Pitliangas
JOY (4 years - 4th Grade)
Dr. Deborah Cosmopoulos
Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Grades)
Alki Lappas Case
Kafenio
Art Liyeos
Orthodox Faith & Life:
Dr. Farid Sadaka
Philoptochos:
Elefteria Marcou, President
Premarital Classes
Susan Cassimatis
Prison Ministries:
Bill Goranitis
Stewardship:
Michael Afentoullis
Sunday School:
Diane Sieckmann
Vacation Church School (VCS)
Anna Sadaka
Women’s Bookstudy:
Presvytera Laura Morton
Young Adult Ministry (18-30 yrs):
Fr. Anastasios & Presvytera Elizabeth
Young Married Couples:
Fr. Anastaisos & Presvytera Elizabeth
[Continued from Page 1]
In the days that followed they used the most painful tortures they could
devise in order to break the young man's resolve, but the grace of God was
with him and enabled him to endure everything cheerfully. Covered in bruises
he was thrown into the stables to be trampled by the horses; but, as with Daniel
in the lion's den, the beasts showed themselves kinder than men and did Nicho-
las no harm. During all his torments, Nicholas kept a strict fast, in order to gain
the reward of ascesis together with martyrdom
After thirty days, Nicholas was sentenced to be beheaded, like his beloved
Holy Forerunner. However, when brought to the place of execution, he was not
immediately put to death, but they waited while he was on his knees with a
dagger wounding his back, in order to either make him suffer more or to wait
for a last minute conversion. Yet, this only increased his desire to die for
Christ. Then the executioner slightly cut the back of his neck, but this did not
weaken his resolve. After two attempts to behead him, the executioner was
unable to accomplish the deed, so he took Nicholas by the hair and slit his
throat like they do with animals.
A thick darkness fell upon Chios, that completely bewildered the
inhabitants of the island. Only the countenance of the holy Martyr shone with a
brilliance that could not be hid. It was then decided by the Turks to burn his
body and thus dispose of the miracle, but this only allowed his body to give off
a beautiful fragrance, revealing to all the eternal glory prepared for those who
"have fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith" (2 Tim.
4:2). This took place on October 31, 1754.
http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2015/10/holy-new-martyr-nicholas-of-chios-1754.html
Join us as we commemorate
OXI DAY Oxi Day on October 28 commemorates the anni-
versary when former military general and Prime Minister
Ioannis Metaxas said, “No” to an ultimatum made by
Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini to allow Italian
forces to occupy strategic locations in Greece or other-
wise face war back in 1940
Oxi Day Luncheon & Program
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Immediately following Divine Liturgy
In the Church Hall
Cost $15.00
Children 12 and under $5.00
3
4
From the Parish Council
No building changes or any alterations may be made
in our facility without the Parish Council’s
approval. This includes fixtures and decorations
throughout the Church grounds.
The Parish Council asks all parents to please keep
their children off the stage in the Church hall and away
from the curtain. This will help prevent injuries to our chil-
dren and to the Church facility.
Help Needed Household assistance needed Wednesdays and
Thursdays, and possibly one more day a week for an
older woman. The ability to speak Greek would be
helpful. For more information, please contact the Church
office at 314-966-2255.
New Chairs As many of you may have noticed,
the chairs in the Philoptochos room
have been replaced and now match
the chairs in the hall.
If you would like to donate the
cost of one or more of the chairs,
please call the Church office at 314-
966-2255.
Each chair is $19.00.
Paxamadia for Memorials Paxamadia, a traditional
makaria dessert, can be purchased at
the Assumption for $25 for 50 pieces
or $50.00 for 100 pieces. Orders for
the Paxamadia may be placed at the
time arrangements are made for the memorial with the
Church office 314-966-2255
Please join us
Sunday, October 15 5:00 pm at the
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
An Evening of Hymns
To the Mother of God
This concert is being presented by the choirs of the
Orthodox Churches of the St. Louis Region
There is no charge but free
will offerings will be accepted for the benefit FOCUS
A dessert reception will follow
.
Festival Baking
Every Wednesday the ladies will be preparing food
for the festival. If you are interested in helping please
call Amalia Karakasis at
314-495-0305
5
The life of Christians is a truthful witness to the
renewal in Christ of all things – “If anyone is in Christ, he
is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, all
things have become new” (2 Cor 5.17) – and an invitation
addressed to all people for personal and free participation
in eternal life, in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and in
the love of God the Father, in order to experience the
communion of the Holy Spirit in the Church. “For the
mystery of salvation is for those who desire it, not for
those who are being coerced” (Maximus Confessor PG
90.880). The re-evangelization of God’s people in
contemporary secularized societies, as well as the
evangelization of those who have not yet come to know
Christ, is the unceasing duty of the Church.
From the Encyclical of the Holy and Great Council
in Crete
Feasts, Festivals, Lectures
St. Thomas the Apostle Romanian Orthodox Church will celebrate her Patron Saint by serving a Great Vespers
on Wednesday, October 5th at 6:00 pm and on the next
day, Thursday, October 6th serving Matins at 9:00 am, and
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. On Saturday, October 8th (11
am – 8 pm) and Sunday, October 9th (12 pm – 6 pm)
please join them for delicious food, music, dancers, church
tours, and Romanian wine tasting. Please join them for
these celebration, 6501 Nottingham Ave., St. Louis, MO
63109. Please call 314-353-0841 for more information.
Taste of Egypt at St. Mary & St. Abraam Coptic
Church is celebrating the culture of Egypt with their annual
festival. Enjoy Egyptian cuisine, gift items, children’s
activities, Church tours and raffles on Saturday, October 8
from 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, and Sunday, October 9 from
11:00 am – 6:00 pm. 1843 Ross Ave., St. Louis, MO
63146. For more information contact Fr. Hedra at
[email protected], or call 314-680-6158.
The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist will be celebrated at
St. Luke Greek Orthodox Church, 1510 Audubon Dr.,
Columbia, MO 65201, on Monday, October 17. Great Ves-
pers, Orthros, and Divine Liturgy will be served that
evening, beginning at 7:00 pm. Refreshments will follow
the services.
“100 Places in Greece Every Woman Should Go”:
Tuesday, October 18th. Book presentation by author
Amanda Summer. UMSL Millenium Student Center, Cen-
tury Room A, 7:00 pm reception, 7:30 pm lecture.
An Introduction to Monasticism and Its Importance in
the Spiritual Life of Every Christian: Annunciation of
the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church will be offering its third
annual fall spiritual retreat Friday, October 28 & Saturday,
October 29 in St. James, MO. Hieromonk Alexii (Altschul)
of Archangel Michael Skete in Weatherby, MO has been
invited to come and share about the work being done in
establishing the Skete, and to offer two talks on monasti-
cism and its importance in the life of every Christian. Ves-
pers will be served on Friday evening at 5:30 with a time to
meet and get to know Fr. Alexii. then on Saturday morning
at 9:00, Fr. Alexii will lead the Divine Liturgy before the
retreat begins. All clergy are welcome to come and concel-
ebrate with the blessing of their bishop. For more infor-
mation, please call Fr. Joel Wilson at (573) 458-9431, or
when the time draws near, check our website at http://
annunciationoca.org to register. 14020 Private Drive 2083,
Saint James, MO 65559.
Happy
Anniversary
to Taki &
Bessie
Theodorou
who
celebrated
50 years of
marriage on
September
11.
Many more!!
6
“
“YOUR FATHER KNOWS WHAT YOU NEED BE-
FORE YOU ASK HIM.” Matthew 6:8
Jesus taught that the Father’s love for us is the basis
of our lives as Christians. It is first of all the basis of our
prayer: we are to come before God as a child comes
before his father. We can pray with a contrite and humble
heart, because the one who made us loves us as a father
loves his children. Because of God’s love for us we can
pray to Him with confidence.
GOD’S LOVE HELPS US TRUST HIM
God’s love for us is the basis of our trust in Him.
Our Father knows our needs even before we mention
them. Our Father provides for the needs of the birds of
the air. Are we not far more valuable in His sight? Can
we not trust Him to provide for all our needs? We,
therefore, do not have to worry about such things
ourselves and can focus our attention on living our lives
with faith, hope and love as members of His Kingdom.
GOD’S LOVE HELPS US LOVE OTHERS
God’s love for us is the basis of our love for others.
We are asked merely to extend to them the love we have
received from God. Has God forgiven us? We are to
forgive others. Has God provided for our material needs?
We are to have a practical concern for the needs of others.
Our Christian lives are to be different, because they have
experienced God’s love. Being a Christian (an Orthodox
Christian) is primarily a matter of having been loved, and
by repenting and confessing our sins, we will be saved.
Our Heavenly Father, we want to show our gratitude for
Your love by increasing our love for others. Show us how
we can do this in specific, practical ways.
“MY GRACE IS ALL YOU NEED, FOR MY
POWER IS GREATEST WHEN YOU ARE WEAK.
2 Corinthians 12: 9
The mystery of the Cross in our lives runs deeper
than the sufferings that come to us from outside sources.
St. Paul did not seem to waver in the face of shipwreck,
scourging and imprisonment, but he did pray to the Lord
three times to remove the “thorn in the flesh” that afflict-
ed him.
GOD’ PLAN IS PART OF HIS LOVE FOR US
Whatever this thorn in the flesh was (and we really
do not know), it was something that brought Paul on his
knees before God as no other suffering he underwent did.
Amazingly, God said NO to Paul’s prayers. We might
have thought that whatever Paul asked for he would have
been granted. But God did not remove this thorn that left
Paul weakened and pleading. Instead, God told Paul that it
was a part of His plan for Paul to suffer in this way. It was,
paradoxically, a part of His love for him to preserve him
from the pride and self-sufficiency he might otherwise fall
victim to. It was, paradoxically, because Paul had been giv-
en such extraordinary revelations of God that he was also
given this thorn in the flesh. And, it was also, paradoxical-
ly, because of this thorn in the flesh, that Paul could be giv-
en an abundance of grace by God. It was because of Paul’s
weakness that the power of God could be especially mani-
fest in him, the power that made Paul’s mission effective
through signs and marvels and miracles. It was because
Paul embraced the cross in his weakness that the strength of
God could shine through him.
My beloved: Has there been weakness or suffering in
our life that we prayed to God to remove? What happened?
How does God’s Grace operate in our weakness? Our
Heavenly Father: We are content to suffer all You ask us
to, if You keep us in Your Grace. We want to depend on
Your love not our own strength. Increase our faith in You.
GLORY TO GOD.
With His Love,
Rev. Fr. John K. Androutsopoulos
7
Assumption Youth Ministries
College Addresses In an effort to keep
in touch with, and
minister to, our college
students, we ask anyone
with a son or daughter in
college to contact the
Church office with the
address, phone, and email. Jr. GOYA’s welcome back party was hosted by Mike and Alki Case.
Not only was it a swim party but in honor the Summer Olympics the Jr.
GOYANs hosted their own Olympic competition We look forward to
a great year for Jr. GOYA.
Welcome back pool parties were the theme for welcoming back our
youth groups. GOYA began the year at the home of Tom and Jenny
Stamos. GOYA saw a few changes this year, said good bye to the
seniors and hello to a new group of freshman, new advisors Yvonne
Alexopoulos and Jenny Kardaris, and election of officers:
Steven Alexopoulos, President; Caroline Foster, Vice President;
Demetri Case, Secretary; Athena Stamos, Treasurer; and
Kristina Humphrey, Alternate Officer.
Have a GREAT year!
Save the Dates GOYA October 1
October 15
November 5
November 19
December 10
Jr. GOYA October 15
October 22
November 20
December 10
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The Chicago Metropolis Federation of
Greek Orthodox Church Musicians
Presents:
The 2016 Youth Choir Conference &
JOY Advent Retreat
Choir Director: Diana Ott
Organist: George Panagopoulos
The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
(translated and arranged by Nancy Takis)
All children, ages 8-17, welcome:
November 12-13, 2016
Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
7021 Hohman Ave
Hammond, Indiana 46324
For more information ,please contact
Audrey Polite (219)742-7679 [email protected]
or
Presbytera Alikokos (708)715-4584
Adult Orthodox Christian
(AOC)
Evening of Fellowship
Join us for a
potluck dinner & discussion
Saturday, October 8, 2016
6:00 pm
At the home of
Farid and Anna Sadaka
41 Oak Park Dr.,St. Louis MO 63141
Please call Anna at 314-456-3392
to RSVP and to find out what to bring!
Save the Dates for future AOC:
November 19 - Home of Greg & Janice Kanteres
January 14, 2017 Home of Toni & Laurie Zafiropoulos.
Vacation Church School
The teachers and planning staff would like to thank all
the parents, kids, and volunteers that made this year the
best VCS yet
2016 Evening in Athens Greek Dinner Schedule:
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
405 Huntwood Rd. * Swansea, IL 62226 * 618-277-0330
Tasty home baked Greek entrees, gyros, and pastries
served in the casual and friendly atmosphere of our Church
Hall-open to the public—all welcome! Choose from: Greek
Chicken and Rice, Lamb Shanks, Gyros, Greek Salad, Bak-
lava, Koulouria, Galaktobouriko, and more! (fastworthy
entrée will be offered during fasting periods)
First Saturdays of the Month,
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm: October 1st November 5th December 3rd
9
Looking Ahead October 1 Philoptochos Dance
October 1 GOYA
October 2 Philoptochos at FOCUS
October 7 -9 Chicago Greek Dance Conference
October 8 AOC
October 15 Agape Family Night
October 16 Philoptochos Meeting
October 16 FOCUS Choir Conference
October 23 IOCC Banquet
October 27 Metropolitan’s Nameday Banquet
October 30 Oxi Day Luncheon
November 6 Philoptochos Feast day
November 12 Wine & Painting Fundraiser
November 13 Fall Parish Assembly
November 13 Youth Sunday
November 20 Annual Memorial
November 20 Stewardship Sunday
December 3 Breakfast with Santa
December 4 Philoptochos Christmas Party
December 10 Apage Parish Night
December 11 Parish Council Elections
December 11 Christmas Pageant & Social
December 31 New Year’s Eve Party
Saint Romanos the Melodist The hymnologists of the Orthodox Church are
Christians of virtue and great faith, having been endowed
with musical talent as well as the power of religious inspi-
ration. Their creations have enriched our worship services
and have helped turn our souls towards God. Perhaps the
greatest of all hymnologists is St. Romanos the Melodist.
Many other hymnologists had written ecclesiastical hymns,
but none of them inspired the Christians as much as St.
Romanos.
Romanos was a Syrian Christian who lived in the
beginning of the 6th century. A convert to Orthodoxy from
Judaism, he was ordained a deacon and served in the
Church of Beirut. His talent was great. Unlike others, he
wrote his hymns in simple language and produced a
pleasant meter in the verse by the way he accented words.
The hymns he composed appealed to the hearts of the
people, and are still sung today. Romanos has been called
"Sweet Singer" (Glykophonos), "Melodist" (Melodhos),
and "Righteous Chanter"(Psaltis Dhikeosinis).
Romanos wrote hundreds of hymns celebrating the
mystery of the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, the
Resurrection, and the living of a Christian life. One of his
most famous compositions is the hymn celebrating the Na-
tivity of our Lord, "Today the Virgin gives birth to One
who is above all living things..."(I Parthenos Simeron). St.
Romanos is also said to have composed the Akathist
Hymn, a kontakion which we still chant during the
Heretismoi services during Great Lent.
National Church Music Sunday
October 2, 2016
Honoring Church Musicians
Across the
Archdiocese of America
National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians www.churchmusic.goarch.org
Romanos died on October 1st in 510 AD. He was a pro-
ductive genius and artist, writing and accenting
thousands of kontakia. He has been called the patron saint
of all who sing for the Church. Others say he is the leader
in the world of religious hymnology. Surely, he has made
a profound contribution to divine worship and deserves to
be recognized by all who sing and by all who listen to the
hymnology of our services.
The first Sunday on or after the Feast of St. Romanos
(October 1st) has been designated by our Archdiocese as
NATIONAL CHURCH MUSIC SUNDAY. Each year on
this Sunday, we pause to honor the gifts and contributions
of our church musicians — clergy, choir directors,
chanters, choir members, organists, and Church School
music educators. We thank them for their devotion to our
Church through their Ministry of Music.
10
Join us for an old fashioned
Greek Dance
Saturday, October 1, 2016
6:30 pm to 11:30 pm Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
1755 Des Peres Rd, Town & Country, MO 63131
Admission $10.00 Age 12 and under free
Soda and Beer available for purchase
Complimentary snacks Sponsored by the Assumption Philoptochos & Ladies of Alexander the Great
For more information Soula Marcou at 314-724-2755.
All proceeds to benefit the
St Nicholas Shrine
At the World Trade Center
Gems and Jewelry Resale
You may have noticed during coffee hour a long table full of jewelry. Many people have donated gently used
jewelry to Philoptochos for a resale. All proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit any of the many charities supported by
Philoptochos. Stop by and see if something interests you and strike up a conversation about all the wonderful things
Philoptochos does for our community and others. Thank you to Soula Marcou, President and to Chairwoman Janice
Kanteres. Future sale dates Sunday, October 23
and Friday, October 28.
For more information, please call the
2755 or
6384801
11
Purple Cover for Lectern
150.00
Holy Water Blessing Cross
2 Votive Stands
$1,800.00 each 1 - Greg and Janice Kanteres
Priest’s Liturgical Book
Liturgy of St. Basil the Great Anonymous Donor
For the Library
Evlogeite! A Pilgrim’s Guide to Greece
$40.40
Please call the Church Office at 314-966-2255 if you
would like to donate any of these items.
Additional Icons are needed to complete the final
phase of the Church iconography. The choir loft balcony
wall will have
2 Angels $4,000.00 each
1) Maggie Zografakis, in memory of her parents
2) Eleftherios and Aleka Karagiannis in memory
Vasiliki G. Kolivaki
12 Busts $3,500.00 each
1. St. Alexander Nevsky, in Memory of Danny Taylor
by John Surgant
2. St. David of Trebizond, in memory of Adamantia and
James Menas, by John Surgant
3. TBD by John Surgant
4. TBD by John Surgant
5. TBD -Anonymous 9. Donor needed
6 TBD -Anonymous 10. Donor needed
7. Donor needed 11. Donor needed
8. Donor needed 12. Donor needed
Please coordinate your request with Fr. Joseph and
314-966-2255.
New Iconography Other Needs
St. Agne
St. Anthimos of Chios
St. Argyrios
St. Athanasios of Parios
St. Barlaam
St. Dimas, the Good Thief
St. Ephraim the Syrian
St. Ioasaph
St. Isaac the Syrian
St. John the Faster
St. Justin Popovich
St. Justinian the Great
St. Longinos, the Centurion
St. Makarios of Corinth
St. Mark of Ephesus
St. Methodia of Kimolos
St. Mercurios
St. Moses the Ethiopian
St. Nicodemos of Mt. Athos
St. Nifon of Constantia
St. Nikephoros of Chios
St. Photios the Great
St. Porphyrios of Kapsokalivia
St. Prokla, the Wife of Pontus Pilate
St. Ruth
St. Savvas the New
St. Telemachos
St. Theodore the Studite
Flags Thank you to everyone who
donated our flags.
United States Flag
$65.65 Millie Saeger in memory of
Evangelia Georges
Missouri Flag
$97.65
Jamie Cassani & Michael Mitchell
in memory of
Lew Lockus & Ethel Lockos
Flag of Greece John and Chris Warmbrodt
Flag of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. Anonymous Donor
All donations are greatly
appreciated.
12
Funerals Memory Eternal to:
Christopher Rizos, son of Gus Rizos and Janice
Moreno (nee Wallace) passed away on Friday, August 19.
The Funeral was held on Thursday, August 25. Internment
at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Elizabeth Tsaoussis reposed on Monday, September
12, 2016. Daughter of Maria Tsaoussis and the late
George Tsaoussis. Funeral services were held in Long Is-
land, New York.
Frederick Rodefeld, brother of Judith Leon, fell
asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.
The visitation and funeral were held on Monday,
September 19, 2016.
Weddings Congratulations to :
Greg and Megan Simos who were joined in Holy
Matrimony on September 17, 2016. The Orthodox Sponsor
is Angie Pappas-Muyco.
Visit O lord, and heal my infirmity and
deliver me from pain and long suffering.
Memorials : Memory Eternal Sep 25 1-year Constance Stergion
Oct 16 40-day Elizabeth Despina Tsaoussis
6-mon Kristalo Gantari
Departed members of the Brotherhood of
Alexander
Oct 30 1-year Olga Despotis
Nov 6 19-year Afrodite Tsevis Margaritis
23-year Eftihia Halastanis
24-year Constantine Tsevis
63-year Christos Tsevis
In Our Prayers:
Ollie (Alexander) Aslan
Nora Bangert
Tom Dubis
Seraphima Henderson
Jean Kotakis
Michael Labis
George and Janice Paradissis
Elaine Scott
Chris & Despina Zeris
Baptisms Many Years to:
Daniel Veros and Kathleen Feinour on the baptism of
their son, Stefanos, on August 28, 2016. The Godparent is
Anastasia Janssen.
Births Congratulations to:
Joseph and Stephanie Seiffert on the birth of their
daughter, Maren Helena Seiffert on September 6, 2016.
The proud grandmother is Jinny Murray.
13
«Γονάτισε και προσευχήσου» Συνέντευξη του μουσικοσυνθέτη Σταμάτη
Σπανουδάκη
Σε μιά πρόσφατη συνέντευξή του ο
διάσημος Ελληνας μουσικοσυνθέτης Σταμάτης
Σπανουδάκης ανέφερε τα εξής: «Είχα πει:
"σήμερα, ή παίρνεις τα όπλα, ή γονατίζεις και
προσεύχεσαι". Είδαμε αυτά τα χρόνια ότι ο
"εχθρός" αλλάζει συνέχεια πρόσωπα και
ιδεολογίες. Εναντίον ποιού να πολεμήσεις; Σε
ποιόν πολιτικό ή κόμμα να πιστέψεις; Σε
ποιόν "φίλο" να βασιστείς; Ματαιότης,
ματαιοτήτων. Παντού λόγια και ιδέες
(ιδεολογίες δηλαδή) και μηδέν εις το
ουσιαστικόν και εθνικόν πηλίκον.
Για μένα, λοιπόν, και με τη λογική αλλά και
με την πίστη μου, κυρίως η προσευχή, η
επαφή με τον Χριστό και ο εσωτερικός
αγώνας, πια, είναι η μόνη λύση. Το "νόημα",
λοιπόν, της συναυλίας, είναι ακριβώς αυτό:
«Μια προσευχή για την Ελλάδα». Για μένα
και για όποιον θέλει και συμφωνεί. Όπως η
πίστη δεν επιβάλλεται, έτσι, βεβαίως, ούτε οι
τίτλοι συναυλιών και οι γνώμες των
καλλιτεχνών. Όποιος θέλει, συμμετέχει,
συμφωνεί και επαυξάνει.
Η Ελλάδα «ασθενεί» κυρίως στο πνεύμα της.
Δευτερευόντως, στο σώμα της. Πνευματικός,
λοιπόν, πρέπει να είναι και ο αγώνας και το
γιατρικό. Χάσαμε την πίστη στον Χριστό,
στην αδιάλειπτη συνέχεια και συνέπεια της
ιστορίας μας και σε όσα μάς ένωναν. Γίναμε
κακώς εννοούμενοι «προοδευτικοί»,
«Ευρωπαίοι», άνθρωποι της λογικής και όχι
της ιερής τρέλας, της υπέρλογης πίστης και
της άνευ όρων παλικαριάς. Και σαν τέτοιοι
πληρώνουμε το οικονομικό τίμημα. Το
πνευματικό τίμημα, που είναι και κατά τι
ακριβότερο, αρνούμεθα να το δεχτούμε, πόσο
μάλλον να το πληρώσουμε. Κρίμα, γιατί είναι
το μόνο που έχει πραγματικό αποτέλεσμα.
Τον Χριστό πάντα επικαλούμαι, γιατί αυτός
είναι το σημείον το αμφιλεγόμενον, αλλά και
ο αληθινός Θεός. Η «θρησκεία» έπεται και
υπάρχει μόνον αν ο Χριστός είναι αυτός που
είπε, πράγμα για το οποίο και εσταυρώθη.
Αλλά και ανεστήθη. Η σχέση μου είναι σχέση
μικρού παιδιού, που, με αδέξια
μπουσουλίσματα και βηματάκια, απλώνει τα
χέρια του να αγγίξει το όνειρο, τον πατέρα,
την αγάπη, την αληθινή ζωή. Καμιά φορά τα
καταφέρνει για λίγο, μόνο λίγο. Στα
πνευματικά θέματα όμως "είναι πολύ το
λίγο".
Οι εποχές που ζούμε είναι αποκαλυπτικές.
Δεν θα σας μιλήσω για προφητείες γερόντων
(αλήθεια, όμως, σκεφτείτε πόσους Αγίους
γέννησε η χώρα μας αυτόν τον αιώνα), αλλά
για προφητείες που υπάρχουν για τους
"τελευταίους καιρούς" στην ίδια την Βίβλο.
Ένα ανοιχτό μυαλό, που πραγματικά ψάχνει,
θα βρει όλα όσα συμβαίνουν, εκεί. Το
"ευχάριστο" είναι ότι όλα αυτά γίνονται με
έναν τελικό σκοπό, ετοιμασμένο από κάποιον
που μας αγαπάει. Πάλι όμως προσκρούουμε
στην πίστη, στο θαύμα.
Δεν υπάρχει "συλλογικός στόχος". Και δεν θα
υπάρξει ποτέ. Αυτό μας δείχνει και η ιστορία
μας και η πίστη μας. Πάντα ο Ένας οδηγούσε
και οι πολλοί ακολουθούσαν. Σήμερα
ανθρωπίνως αυτός ο ένας είναι απών. Ο
όντως Ένας, όμως, είναι αιώνια παρών και
περιμένει με ανοιχτά χέρια. Την Ελλάδα που
τον ακολουθεί, οραματίζομαι».
Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης
14
Appropriate Dress in Church There is an appropriate dress for all
occasions, and in the Orthodox Church
divine services are important occasions.
Casual or revealing clothing is considered
inappropriate. Short skirts, tight apparel and
clothing with open backs are disturbing, not conducive to
an atmosphere of worship and spiritual growth. Women
traditionally wear skirts or dresses in an Orthodox Church,
not pants. Thank you for helping us to create an
atmosphere that is conducive to mystically meeting with
Christ as the peak of our liturgical worship. Out of respect
to our Lord, and for the edification of our neighbor, we ask
that all men and women appear in Church modestly
dressed. Tight pants, shorts, sleeveless and low cut dresses
do not meet the norm of Christian modesty.
"The Orthodox Mission
Team of St. Louis works to
nurture an awareness within
our local churches of the need
to evangelize, catechize, and
support missionary efforts
and programs globally."
______________________________________________________________
Save the Dates The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis will be
hosting their Holiday Craft Sales once again this year.
All proceeds will support St. Louis based missionaries
serving on 2017 OCMC short- term mission teams. Here
are the dates for your advance planning:
November 6th
All Saints of North America, Maryland Heights, MO
November 13th
Sts. Constantine and Helen, Swansea, IL
November 20th & 27th
St. Nicholas, St. Louis, MO
December 4th and 11th
Assumption, Town & Country, MO
Some of the items to be sold include specialty
wreaths, homemade jams, knitted and crocheted items,
gift baskets and other crafts. Anyone interested in order-
ing a customized themed wreath (i. e. sports, bridal,
Easter, etc.), please contact Rosie Hartley in advance at
618-447-9688.
Any and all donations are welcome.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
As always, please feel free to contact Didi Kafka, 618-
920-9838, if you have any questions, would like to be
part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like
to help our missionaries. Thank you for your continued
support!
Please help the Assumption Greek Orthodox
Church contribute to the rebuilding of St. Nicholas
Greek Orthodox Church in New York City.
On September 11th, St. Nicholas was demolished
when the South Tower collapsed. St. Nicholas is
being rebuilt to show the resilience of the Orthodox
Church in the face of tragedy.
All parishes in the Archdiocese have been asked
to raise $10,000 and join the parishioners of St.
Nicholas in building what will be a worldwide
landmark. Please make checks out to Assumption
and write “St. Nicholas Shrine” in the memo line.
Thank you!
Important
Please inform either Fr. Joseph or Fr.
Anastasios immediately when you or any member
of your family is sick or hospitalized, so that
appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled.
Hospitals do not notify clergy of patients, even
if you list yourself as a Church member.
Prayer for Missions God of truth and love: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Hear our prayer for those who do not know You. That they may come to a saving knowledge of the truth, and that Your Name may be praised among all peoples of the world. Sus-tain, inspire, and enlighten Your servants who bring them the Gospel. Bring fresh vigor to wavering faith; sustain our faith when it is still fragile. Continually renew missionary zeal in ourselves and in the Church, and raise up new missionaries who will fol-low You to the ends of the world. Make us witnesses to Your goodness full of love, full of strength, and full of faith for Your glory and the salvation of the entire world. Through the prayers of all the missionary saints, have mercy on us and save us.
Amen.
15
16
Or you may register or donate on line at https://9586.thankyou4caring.org/pages/st-louis-banquet-10-23-16
17
October 7
Lamb Shank over Rice ......................................... $14.00
Baked Fish with Sweet Corn Medley ..................... $7.00
Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ........... $6.00
Gyro Sandwich ....................................................... $5.00
(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with tomatoes,
onions and tzatziki sauce)
Butternut Squash Soup…...…………………..Sm. $3.00
………………………………………………...Lg. $5.00
2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……………2 for $3.00
Spanakopita (spinach pita) ..................................... $3.00
Tyropita (cheese pita) ............................................. $3.00
Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ........................ $5.00
Dessert .................................................................... $3.00
Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake,
Cheesecake
October 28
Roasted Honey 1/2 Chicken over Rice. ................. $8.00
Baked Fish with Spinach & Rice ........................... $7.00
Moussaka ............................................................... $7.00
(eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole)
Gyro Sandwich ....................................................... $5.00
(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread
with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)
Chicken Avgolemeno………………………..Sm. $3.00
………………………………………………..Lg. $5.00
2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……….…...2 for $3.00
Spanakopita (spinach pita) ..................................... $3.00
Tyropita (cheese pita)............................................. $3.00
Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ....................... $5.00
Dessert.................................................................... $3.00
Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake,
Cheesecake
October 21
Pork Tenderloin with Homemade Mashed Potatoes
& Gravy ............................................................. $8.00
Baked Fish with Broccoli & Cheese ...................... $7.00
Pastitsio (ground beef, macaroni casserole) ........... $6.00
Gyro Sandwich ...................................................... $5.00
(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread
with tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)
Lobster Bisque Soup…………...…………….Sm. $3.00
………………………………………………...Lg. $5.00
2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)……………2 for $3.00
Spanakopita (spinach pita) ..................................... $3.00
Tyropita (cheese pita) ............................................ $3.00
Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ....................... $5.00
Dessert ................................................................... $3.00
Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake,
Cheesecake
October 14
Beef Kapama over Noodles .................................... $8.00
Baked Fish with Mixed Vegetables ........................ $7.00
Moussaka ................................................................ $7.00
(eggplant, potato, zucchini and ground beef casserole)
Gyro Sandwich ....................................................... $5.00
(seasoned beef and lamb served on pita bread with
tomatoes, onions and tzatziki sauce)
Vegetable Beef Soup………….……………..Sm. $3.00
………………………………………………..Lg. $5.00
2 Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves)…….……...2 for $3.00
Spanakopita (spinach pita) ..................................... $3.00
Tyropita (cheese pita) ............................................. $3.00
Greek Salad with olive oil dressing ........................ $5.00
Dessert .................................................................... $3.00
Baklava, Galatobouriko, Kataifi, or Walnut Cake,
Cheesecake
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 DES PERES ROAD
(Just north of Des Peres 14 Cine)
FRIDAY LUNCHEONS
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
October 2016 Menu subject to change
Cash, Checks and
Credit Cards accepted:
Master Card,
VISA, Discover,
American Express
Kitchen Phone:
314-966-6720
Web Site:
assumptiongoc.org
Email:
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Su
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saia
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:20
Oct
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01
6
Ass
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19
From the Orthodox Study Bible
Ephesians 4:31-32
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. +
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. +
4:31, 32 “Cut of clamor and you will clip the wings of anger . . . There is but one thing in which it is useful to cry aloud - in
preaching and in teaching.” (St. John Chrysostom)
4:32 We cannot be content only to root out the weeds mentioned in v.31; we must plant good fruit as well.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Of the Bible. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
For Consideration
The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 2 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria.
Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1985.
Assumption Greek Orthodox Church
1755 Des Peres Road
Town and Country, MO 63131-1405
Address Service Requested
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage
PAID St. Louis, MO
Permit No. 4628
From the Orthodox Study Bible
Ephesians 5: 3-7
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as it is fitting for saints; 4
neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. + 5 For this
you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolator, has any inheritance in the king-
dom of Christ and God.
5:4 “Just as clamor was the fuel of wrath, so foul talk is the fuel of lust.” (St. John Chrysostom)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Of the Bible. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
For Consideration
The second appearance of the holy martyr Longinus: When Saint Longinus appeared to the blind widow whose son
had died, he promised to restore her sight and to show her son in great glory. Finding the relics of the holy martyr and
touching them with her hands, the widow immediately saw plainly, and thus one promise was fulfilled. The following
night, St. Longinus appeared to the widow, bathed in light and holding her son by the hand, he also being clad in shin-
ing robes. Caressing the child like a father, he said to the widow: ‘See, woman, the son for whom you’re shedding so
many tears! Look at the honour and glory that are his! Look and be comforted, for God has raised him up into that
heavenly company that live in His Kingdom. I have now brought him from the Savior, and he will never be separated
from me. Take my head and your son’s body, and bury them in one coffin, and then mourn no longer for your only
son, and let not your heart be troubled, for God has given him great glory and endless rejoicing.’ Seeing and hearing
all this, the woman was filled with great joy and returned to her home, saying to herself: ‘I asked for bodily sight, and
have been given spiritual sight also. I was in grief for the death of my son, and now I have him in heaven, where he
stands in glory with the prophets and rejoices unceasingly with them.’
The Prologue from Ochrid: Lives of the Saints and Homilies for Every Day in the Year, vol. 2 by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic. Translated by Mother Maria. Lazarica Press, Birmingham, 1985. p. 357.