mission statement to lead people to god through orthodox...
TRANSCRIPT
Mission Statement
To lead people to God through Orthodox Christianity and to provide ways for them to live and share God’s love.
Christos Yannaras, a Greek theologian, writes that the original relationship of humanity to God was that God fed Adam and Eve. He did not give them a code of conduct so that they might know Him by doing x, y or z. Neither did Adam and Eve learn about God by philosophical exploration, pondering the origins of the universe or the meaning of life. Adam and Eve knew God because they
ate from His garden. God fed them (The Enigma of Evil, p. 22).
We can try to approach God intellectually, but our minds are relatively small. We can try to approach God by doing what we believe that He wants us to do, but we fall short. The original relationship of Humanity and God was “existential,” something experienced in real life. Adam and
Eve ate from His garden, and so do we.
As I was growing up, whenever I was in church I felt that I was in the presence of something or someone that I cannot describe or explain. As a warm fire on a cold night draws people to it, so I was drawn to this “someone.” This was in the days when most of the services were done in Greek, a language that I did not understand at the time. Nevertheless my
soul was fed there.
Our first and most important way of relating to God is to eat from His garden, from His abundant blessings. God’s
garden today lives on in the Church, in its house of worship and in its fellowship .
Some practical expressions of this include the following: The “Divine Mysteries” (aka the sacraments) are spiritual nourishment coming from God. They feed the soul. Hearing or reading God’s Word is another way- “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In Greek Orthodox custom, every time that we enter a new home or start a new business, we ask for God’s blessing through an “Agiasmos,” a blessing service. Marriage, the establishment of a new household, is blessed in the Church. Meal prayers… grace, or whatever you call
them- they exemplify the idea that God feeds us. Food gives us life, and we thank the Giver of both food and life.
In Yannaras’ explanation, evil comes from Adam’s and Eve’s decision that they did not depend on God for their nourishment, but instead could find food on their own. They did not need God anymore. A modern example would be the radical atheists, who believe that science can or will someday answer all questions, rendering God “irrelevant.” But there are more common, seemingly benign expressions of this, such as people who fail to thank God for their food or their accomplishments or their wealth. Another expression is the trend to omit a sacramental wedding, the blessing of the Orthodox Church, from marriage, either by cohabitation without this blessing or by having a ceremony outside the
Orthodox Church. (FYI, this is viewed as an implicit renunciation of the Orthodox Church.)
Still another illustration of this can be expressed in one word, “indifference.” A wise man told me long ago that the opposite of love is not hate, but rather it is indifference. Many of us live with indifference toward God and His garden,
and turn to Him only in emergencies or when we are desperate.
The good news is that God’s garden is open- it is there waiting for us. It offers sacraments and prayers and divinely inspired instruction and opportunities to serve the Lord through philanthropic ministries. The question is whether we will
take the path of isolation from God or that of feeding ourselves from His garden.
October 2017/November 2017
In this issue: Page 3 • President’s
Message • Treasurer’s Report Pages 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 • Audit Report • Financials Page 10 • General Assembly
Announcement
Pages 11, 12 • Youth Ministries Page 13 • Orthodox
Education Page 14 • Library Page 15 • In Memoriam Pages 16, 17, 18 • Philoptochos Page 19 • Holy Week
Lecture Page 20 • FOCUS Lecture Page 21 • Chios Society Pages 22,23 • October • November
Calendars
A publication of
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3352 Mayfield Road · Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Tel: 216-932-3300 · Fax: 216-932-0825
Fr. Stephen Callos Fr. Peter Metallinos
Fr. Tom Drenen Fr. Stephen e-mail: [email protected]
Office email: [email protected] Koinonia email: [email protected]
Website: www.stsconstantine.com
Parish Council—2017
Richard Warren, President Fay Miller
Marguarite Stephanopoulos, Vice President Clay White
George Stamatis, Secretary Stephanie Tsavaris
Costa Tsatiris, Treasurer Tom Parras, Home
Costa J. Sarris, Assistant Treasurer Bill Chevako, Home
Gus Kallergis, Stewardship Jason Berry
Philoptochos—2017
Toni Madden, President Elaine Joaquin, Makarias
Heidi Peters, Inreach Susan Trumbull, Membership
Maria Kallergis, Secretary Fran Vento, Fundraising
Helen Primbas, Treasurer Susan Schmiedicker, Fundraising
Maria Giannirakis, Past President Advisor Molly Drenen and Dena Magoulias, Outreach
Cathedral Support Groups
Orthodox Forum………….……..Kathy Chimples, John Collis Foundation………….……...….. Steve Osgood
Greek School…………………….…………...Nellie Baltazzi GOYA…………...….
Library……………………………………...Elaine Joaquim OCF…………………………..Andrew Kartalis
St. Makarina Bible Study………………….....Kathy Chimples Coffee Hour………....………………………
Sr. Hellenic Dancers………………………………………… Christina Callos, Konstandinos (Bill) Mavrakis, Sandy Latsa
Bookstore…………....……………Jim Huebner
IOCC....……………….…………...Jim Basilion
Jr. Hellenic Dancers…………………………… St. Hermans FOCUS………...……..Fr. Stephen
OPA Dance Group……………………………..Bill Mavrakis Men’s Bible Study.………..………Peter Poulos
HOPE……………………………..……...…Angelique Berry JOY……......…………………….Maria Kehres
Cathedral Staff
Ted Cherpas………….…………………………………….. ………………..….Director of Youth Ministries
Maria Sikoutris…………………………………………….. ……………….Director of Orthodox Education
Rose Farinacci-Dibbin………………………………………. ……….……………………....Office Manager
Dennis Bell………………………………………………….. ……….………………………...Choir Director
Pericles Corfias…………………………………………….. ………….…………………………….Chanter
Page 2 October 2017/November 2017
Page 3
President’s Message by Richard Warren
YOU ARE THE CHURCH!!
Sts. Constantine and Helen is blessed with wonderful people and a bounty of riches provided by our Lord Jesus Christ.
We just finished our festival with what may be a record year. It will be several weeks before all of the bills are paid and the bottom line profit is determined. Again, thanks to all of you who gave time, treasure or prayer to make this event
a success. A special thanks to our co-chairs Marguarite Stephanopoulos and Anna Warren.
On the staffing side we have hired Ted Cherpas to be the full time Director of Youth Ministries. He is busy planning an
exciting year for our children and young adults. Welcome home Ted!
Maria Sikoutris and the teachers have begun the Orthodox Education and Greek School year. Maria has planned a rich
agenda for the children.
Another addition to our staff is Lisa Kratzert. Lisa will be replacing our bookkeeper Mary Ladas who is retiring in
January. Thank you Mary for all you years of service to our Church.
A new Church ministry called “Faith in Action Ministry Group” has been started by Peter Poulos and Steven Jensen. They
will be providing details of how you can participate.
We will be starting the repairs to the damaged northwest corner foundation around October 1. All repairs are planned
to be finished by Thanksgiving. The cosmetic repairs to the façade will be done in the Spring of 2018.
Lastly I need your help! Our General Assembly is scheduled for Sunday, November 12, 2017. We normally struggle to have enough Parishioners attending to have a quorum. I urge you to attend after Church that day and invest in the future of your Church….YOU ARE THE CHURCH!!
“Somewhere someone is praying for what we take for granted”
Treasurers Report by Costa Tsatiris
Dear Parishioners,
I wanted to provide you with an update on our Church’s financial position, highlight the results of our festival and inform you of the results of our most recent audit that was completed by an independent accounting firm. The following pages
include the audit report as well as financial details.
Total operating revenues as of July 31, 2017 and 2016 were $269,884 and $303,176, respectively. Stewardship monies received for the same period were $228,375 and $262,034, respectively. Our operating and net deficits as of July 31, 2017 were $84,104 and $25,257, respectively. As noted in the subsequent exhibits, the operating deficit was
favorably impacted by the fish fry and foundation distribution.
It’s hard to imagine but our festival was almost two months ago. Just to think that over a 4 day period we sold almost $349,793 worth of delicious home cooked greek foods, drinks, and various goods. What an incredible accomplishment! Obviously, it easy to get carried away and only focus on the monetary success of the festival. We all know that the festival plays an enormous role in our church’s financial health. A successful festival ensures that we can meet the churches obligations. However we wouldn’t have a festival and the festival wouldn’t have been a success without the tireless contributions of the entire community. Personally, I would like to extend an enormous thank you to our volunteers, sponsors and donors for all of your efforts to make the festival a success. What a fabulous combination of faith, culture, friendship,
and teamwork.
Lastly, in the current year we engaged McManus, Dosen & Co. an independent accounting firm to audit the books and records of our Parish as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016. I would like to report that we received a clean opinion! I would like to thank our entire team for a job well done. The opinion and the financial statements are included
herein for reference.
October 2017/November 2017
Page 4 October 2017/November 2017
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE PARISH COUNCIL SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral (the Church), which comprise the statement of assets, liabilities and net assets – modified cash basis as of December 31, 2016, and the related statements of support and expenses – modified cash basis, changes in net assets – modified cash basis, and cash flows – modified cash basis for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements in accordance with the modified cash basis of accounting as described in Note 2; this includes determining that the modified cash basis of accounting is an acceptable basis for the preparation of the financial statements in the circumstances. Management is also responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the assets, liabilities, and net assets of Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral as of December 31, 2016, and its support, revenue, and expenses, the changes in its net assets, and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with the modified cash basis of accounting as described in Note 2. Basis of Accounting We draw attention to Note 2 of the financial statements, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial statements are prepared on the modified cash basis of accounting, which is a basis of accounting other than accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Our opinion is not modified with respect to that matter. McMANUS, DOSEN & CO. August 21, 2017
Page 5 October 2017/November 2017
Page 6 October 2017/November 2017
Page 7 October 2017/November 2017
Page 8 October 2017/November 2017
Page 9
2017 2016 2015
Blue Aegean $ 7,458 $ 6,492 $ 7,277 Artist $ 2,453 $ 4,271 $ 4,781
Flea Market $ 12,090 $ 9,477 $ 12,419
Food Line $ 84,966 $ 78,485 $ 84,860
Gold Jewelry $ 19,287 $ 9,193 $ 5,052
Grecian Jewelry $ 4,637 $ 4,573 $ 5,019
Gourmet / Agora $ 6,595 $ 5,041 $ 8,301
Kafenion $ 4,787 $ 3,387 $ 4,846
Kids Inflatable $ 2,082 $ 1,808 $ 1,988
Loukoumathes $ 6,864 $ 6,796 $ 6,557
Mezedakia $ 98,245 $ 84,179 $ 98,773
Pastry $ 64,887 $ 58,139 $ 62,072
Lemonade $ 8,453 $ 8,637 $ 8,646
Taverna In $ 8,635 $ 8,360 $ 9,566
Taverna Out $ 18,354 $ 15,265 $ 18,995 _
TOTAL $ 349,793 $ 304,104 $ 339,153
INCOME
STEWARDSHIP $ 228,375 $ 262,034
CANDLES / TRAYS / HOLIDAY DONATIONS $ 31,124 $ 32,056
YOUTH $ 3,007 $ 3,063
LUNCHEON / RETREAT $ 5,584 $ 4,107
CHARITABLE DONATIONS $ 783 $ -
OTHER $ 1,010 $ 1,916
269,884 303,176
EXPENSES
PERSONNEL EXPENSE $ 181,259 $ 204,505
UTILITY EXPENSE $ 26,467 $ 24,668
BUILDING EXPENSE $ 43,325 $ 124,183
OFFICE EXPENSE $ 19,937 $ 17,898
WORSHIP EXPENSE $ 8,894 $ 6,967
DIOCESE / ARCHDIOCESE $ 51,542 $ 51,962
CHARITABLE EXPENSE $ 12,615 $ 13,972
YOUTH EXPENSE $ 3,121 $ 6,051
LUNCHEON / RETREAT EXPENSE $ 3,885 $ 3,567
OTHER EXPENSE $ 2,944 $ (4,372)
$353,988 $449,402
OPERATING DEFICIT $ (84,104) $ (146,226)
SPECIAL EVENTS
fish fry - revenue $ 61,774 $ 57,115
fish fry - expense $ (34,307) $ (37,220)
$27,467 $19,895
TOTAL SPECIAL EVENTS INCOME
$ 27,467 $ 19,895
NON OPERATING INCOME/(EXPENSE)
FOUNDATION REVENUE $ 38,857 $ 50,338
SPECIAL GIFTS $ 123 $ 1,380
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS $ (7,601) $ -
$ 31,379 $ 51,718
NET DEFICIT $ (25,257) $ (74,613)
Operating Results July 31, 2017 and 2016
FESTIVAL REVENUE
GRAND TOTAL
October 2017/November 2017
Page 10 October 2017/November 2017
October 1, 2017
Dear Parishioners,
Be advised that a Parish General Assembly will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2017 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time, or as soon as possible thereafter. All parishioners are invited to attend; however, only those who are in good standing (i.e., pledge paid for 2016 and/or pledge form submitted for 2017) are eligible to vote. If you have not submitted a 2017 stewardship pledge form, please do so at your earliest convenience. Forms are available in the
Narthex and online at http://www.stsconstantine.com/ministries/stewardship-committee.
The agenda for the Parish General Assembly will include the following:
1. Call Meeting to Order / Opening Prayer
2. Election of Chairman
3. Approval of Minutes of previous General Assembly
4. Priest’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report for 2017 and 2018 Budget
6. Festival Report
7. Stewardship Report
8. Foundation Report
9. Philoptochos Report
10. Board of Elections – Elections of Parish Council Members
11. New Business/Old Business
12. Adjournment / Closing Prayer
Certain historical and current financial information is posted on the Parish Council bulletin board. Copies of the final financial statement for 2017 and the proposed budget for 2018 will be available in the Narthex in the weeks leading up
to the General Assembly and upon request.
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Elections, the Audit Committee, or the Parish Council, please let us know.
Every effort is made to keep the meeting as short as possible and accessible to all.
Yours truly,
Richard Warren Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Callos Parish Council President Dean
General Assembly Announcement
Page 11
Newly Appointed Director of Youth Ministries
Ted Cherpas is a Cleveland native who grew up in the youth programs of Sts. Constantine &
Helen. He graduated from John Carroll University in 2010 and from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology in 2014. He was recently hired as the new Director of Youth Ministries of our
parish. Ted loves to travel, and in the last five years he has gone to Mt. Athos, Constantinople
(Istanbul), and most recently Jerusalem for Holy Week and Pascha. He lives in Twinsburg with his
father and his two brothers.
Jonathon Jackson is an actor who is best known for his work on the soap opera General Hospital. He has appeared in movies such as Camp Nowhere, Tuck Everlasting, and Riding the Bullet. He is also the front man for the indie rock band
Enation.
Jonathan once went to Europe to work on a film, and while over there his wife suggested that they visit Rome on vacation. As they walked where Sts. Peter and Paul once walked, Jonathan and his wife were inspired to start looking for the True Church. As part of their search, Jonathan went to visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sophia in Los Angeles. As he stood there prayerfully looking at the icons, he thought to himself, “This is what I’ve been looking for. This
is what I’ve been missing.” He and his wife came to Liturgy the next Sunday.
Today Jonathan, his wife, and all their children are faithful Orthodox Christians.
Jonathan spoke at the 2016 Archdiocese Clergy-Laity Congress, and he had an emotional message. It was simply this: “Thank you. Thank you for being the voice of Christ in a changing world because I was in that world looking for the voice
of Christ.”
I love this story because it shows how rich and beautiful our faith is. In the Bible we read, “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray” (Proverbs 22:6). The various youth ministries of our community function to do just that – allow our youth to grow up in the correct manner so they can live their whole lives in Christ. When that happens the children of our community will always have what Jonathan Jackson and his family had to look so hard for: the
protection and peace of Christ in a changing world.
I am excited, honored, and humbled to be joining the wonderful youth ministry team here at Sts. Constantine and Helen. With God’s help and blessing, I look forward to working together to honor that very sacred commandment of the Lord: “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven
belongs” (Matthew 19:14).
October 2017/November 2017
Welcome Message by Ted Cherpas
New Church Directories
Our new Church Directories are available for pick up at the Church Office. Directories will
be complimentary for parishioners who have pledged in 2016 or 2017. If you have any
questions, please contact Marguarite Stephanopoulos or Anna Warren.
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Ideas in Development for New Youth Ministries by Ted Cherpas
Family Movie Night Series: Monthly evening event where families are invited to come to the Church or someone’s home to watch an edifying movie and have a brief discussion afterwards. Desired outcome: youth will learn to see spiritual content in unexpected
places.
Emmaus Hiking Club: Seasonal series of events for youth and/or families to participate on a spiritual hike. Northeast Ohio is full of wonderful trails to explore! The group will stop periodically to reflect on a spiritual text as is done at Camp Nazareth. The name “Emmaus” refers to the city which St. Luke & St. Cleopas were walking towards when the Lord Himself joined them and had a discussion with them. Desired outcome: youth will grow closer to
God by connecting with Him through nature.
“Pilgrimage” Field Trips: Occasional group adventures to interesting places throughout the Cleveland area. This can be for HOPE, JOY, GOYA, or Young Adult groups. If possible, a spiritual destination will be combined with a regular attraction (e.g. visit the Aquarium but also visit a nearby Orthodox parish for a Church tour.) Desired outcome: youth will enjoy exploring their hometown while also gaining an appreciation for the vibrant Orthodox
community in the area.
St. Kyranna Young Adult Cooking Class: Semi-monthly series of cooking classes held either at the Church or at someone’s home. Young adults will be invited to come and learn to prepare various dishes while also enjoying fellowship. Emphasis will be placed on preparing Lenten dishes as one of the biggest reasons young adults don’t fast is that they don’t know how to cook! Desired outcome: Young adults will learn to cook, enjoy
fellowship, and be better equipped to observe fasting periods.
Sts. Joachim & Anna History Group: GOYAns will be paired with an elderly member of our community and be asked to interview them and record an “oral history” of his or her life. Desired outcome: youth will connect with a different generation of Orthodox Christians to enrich their appreciation of our faith, and also the life stories of parishioners will be
recorded for posterity.
St. John of Damascus Byzantine Choir: Weekly chant class for all ages and musical backgrounds. Participants will learn the eight tones, various hymns, Church history, and especially the meaning of our rich and beautiful Orthodox services. Desired outcome: Students will learn to understand and love the services of our Church. It has been said
that learning to chant “open’s your faith like a book.”
October 2017/November 2017
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Orthodox Education and Greek School by Maria Sikoutris
September 10th was a good start to our OE school year. Thank you to all families who have registered, and/or brought their children, those who helped with registration, who will be helping teach and those subbing. Registration forms can still be turned in to Maria Sikoutris.
This year's teachers and grades are:
October 2017/November 2017
Dates to remember: OPEN HOUSE for parents: Sept. 24th: 3rd/4th & 5th Oct. 1st: PreK & 9th/10th Oct. 8th: 1st/2nd, 6th, 8th & 11/12 Oct. 22nd: Kindergarten & 7th October 15th: Preschool-2nd crafts 3rd-8th game day 9th-12th Speaker Please check out our OE bulletin boards for student work and weekly and monthly news. Little Saints Reading Club for ages 0-3 will meet for our second time October 29th after Holy Communion in the play room for a short story, activity and snack. Parents are asked to stay with child at all times for this age group, even when teacher is present. No registration is required. Please leave your e-mail with Maria Sikoutris to receive reminders for this. Thank you to Kim & Eva Bambakidis and Stephanie Tsavaris for accepting to present short lessons to this group of our youngest parishioners. Greek school also started September 16th. Thank you to all the teachers, parents and volunteers for their help and support: Nellie Baltazzi, Maria Yannopoulos and volunteers Evangelia Romoudi, and all parents. Again, thank you to everyone who helped us have a good start! We will have a great year! If you have any questions,
or comments, please feel free to e-mail Maria Sikoutris at [email protected] or (216)932-3300x5.
Preschool: Emily Drenen
Maria Kallergis
Anastasia White
Kindergarten: Hope Hliatzos
Jodi Parras
1st/2nd: Aphrodite Papadakis
Karen Solomon
Cynthia Terezis
3rd/4th: Stephanie Alexandrou
Rosanne Klonaris
5th: Matthew Burke
Demos Ioannou
6th: Stephanie Bouzounis
Molly Drenen
7th: George Cherpas
8th: Elenee Raudenbush
Maria Sikoutris
9th/10th: Keith Cramer
Charisse Trumbull
11th/12th: Eva Basilion
Peter Gilbert
Helen Primbas
Ted Cherpas will also be visiting all the classrooms and
helping teach, as well.
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Library
Lolley the Trolley Tour of Cleveland
On July 7, 2017, members of the Library Group and members of the Parish took a tour of Cleveland on Lolley the Trolley.
Library
2017 Calendar
Daughters of Penelope
2017 Calendar
Sunshiners
2017 Calendar
Wednesday, October 4 Thursday, October 19 7:00 pm meeting
Thursday, October 12 1:00 pm—Lunch Vittorio’s Restaurant 29664 Euclid Ave
Wickliffe
Wednesday, November 1 Thursday, November 16
7:00 pm meeting
Thursday, November 9 1:00 pm—Lunch Petie’s Restaurant 30150 Lake Shore Blvd.
Euclid
Festival Display—Eastern Orthodox Monastic Centers
October 2017/November 2017
Page 15 October 2017/November 2017
MICHAEL PAPOURAS, 81, passed away on March 20, 2017 in the company of his wife and children, aged 81 years, beloved husband for 52 years to Sia (nee Christides), loving father of Constance George (husband Jack) and Christopher (wife Veena), cherished "papou" of Gianna Katerina George and Michael Jose Papouras, devoted son of the late Pantelis and Katerina (nee Ladas), fond brother of Haralambos (deceased) (wife Maria), Eleftheria Goulis (husband Pavlos) (both deceased) and Steven (wife Violet) (both deceased). Mike was a devoted family man, a loyal and life-long friend to many. He was a smart, witty, jovial conversationalist with a love for and great knowledge of history and politics. He sincerely cared for and championed all of the students and athletes that he touched in his storied career as an educator and coach. Mike is a member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame based on his long-time work as head coach of the Richmond Heights Spartans. "MOLON LABE" Mike served proudly on the Parish Council of Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral and was a man of deep faith who will be greatly
missed by all those fortunate to have known him.
In Memoriam
GEORGE FIKARIS passed away on June 23, 2017 at the age of 88. beloved husband of the late June (nee Toth), father of Matthew (Debra) Fikaris, Sally (Michael) Chvany and Paul (Lynn) Fikaris, grandfather of Nathan (Veronica) Lehmann, Alex (Alyssa) Fikaris, Sam (Danielle) Fikaris, Nick and Gus Chvany, Luke and Calista Fikaris, Great grandfather of Natalie, Sophia and Annabelle. Loving brother of Nicholas (Therese deceased) and Kaliope (deceased), son of Savas and Irene. Born in Kardamyla, Chios, Greece, September 6, 1928. Veteran of the United
States Army.
Page 16
Philoptochos News
On June 25th the 2017-2019 Philoptochos Board of Directors took the oath of office. 2017-2019 Philoptochos Board Members Toni Madden – President Maria Kallergis – Secretary Helen Primbas – Treasurer Maria Giannirakis – Advisor Heidi Peters – Inreach Elaine Joaquin – Makaria Susan Trumbull – Membership Fran Vento – Fundraising Susan Schmiedicker – Fundraising Molly Drenen – Outreach Dena Magoulias – Outreach Please join us in helping others! We have an exciting year planned!
We have begun our 2018 Membership Campaign Why Join Philoptochos?
Give hope to the hopeless and make a difference in people’s lives!
In addition to National and Metropolis obligations
We earmark over $25,000 annually to support:
• Agape Fund
• Saint Herman House
• Focus
• IOCC
• OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship)
• Zoe for Life
• Emergency Assistance
• HCHC Student Scholarships
• Haitian Student Scholarship
• Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland
• Saint Gregory
• Saint Mary of Egypt
• The Eastern Orthodox Women's Guild
• India Missions
• Albania Orphanage
• Kivotos Orphanage
• Madagascar Missions
• Skete-Entrance of the Theotokos
• The AYA Cancer Research Fund
• Help someone in need • Get involved in your community • Make an impact • Change someone's life
• Meet new people
• Share skills and expertise • Gain knowledge • Network
• Be part of a philanthropic movement
We are also here to….
• Visits and distribute gift baskets to shut ins
• Welcome new babies to the church through Babes in Church
• Serve at Makarias held at our church if requested
• Organize and serve at Mother's Day and Christmas parties for Zelma George Shelter
• Distribute Thanksgiving baskets, Easter baskets, coats, summer reading books and camp scholarships for needy families at Fairfax School, Cleveland Heights
October 2017/November 2017
Page 17
2018 Philoptochos Membership
Please become a new member or renew your old membership for 2018!
Philoptochos (friends of the poor) is the philanthropic arm of our holy and ancient
Greek Orthodox Church. This year we are striving for all ladies of our parish to join.
Your involvement can be as little as your membership dues or volunteering
for a committee. The first step is to join.
If you choose not to join Philoptochos please consider a donation, no amount of help is
too little. We can continue to expand our charitable programs.
____________________________________________________________________________
Please make your check payable to: Sts. Constantine & Helen Philoptochos
Annual membership dues are $30. Deadline February 28, 2018
Mail check to Susan Trumbull, P.O. Box 281, Burton, OH 44021
Name__________________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________________
Phone________________________________Email______________________________________
Membership $30____________________Donation______________ Total:___________________
I am interested in helping with:
Outreach_______ Inreach_______ Makarias_______Fundraising_______
October 2017/November 2017
Page 18 October 2017/November 2017
Page 19 October 2017/November 2017
Saints Constantine & Helen Philoptochos, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
presents
Holy Week in the Holy City
Thursday, October 5, 2017
6:30 p.m. Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral
Presentation by Ted Cherpas
This event includes a Potluck supper. Please bring a dish to share. There will be a very brief Philoptochos meeting prior
to the presentation. This is not just for members. Everyone is welcome!
Please RSVP Toni Madden [email protected]
Page 20 October 2017/November 2017
Page 21 October 2017/November 2017
Page 22
October 2017 Community Calendar
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 CREDIT CARD SUNDAY CHURCH MUSICIANS SUNDAY 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team D
2 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
3 6:30 pm OPA Dance
4 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
5 6:30 pm Philoptochos Meeting and Potluck
6 7 3:00 pm Wedding: Pappan/ Knight
8 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 10:45 am Memorial: Viola, John and Eli Manos 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team A
9 COLUMBUS DAY 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
10 6:30 pm OPA Dance
11 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
12 1:00 pm Sunshiners Lunch Vittorio’s 6:00 pm Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild 55th Anniversary 6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting
13
14 1:00 pm Altar Boy Orientation 5:00 pm Vespers (& confession)
15 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 10:45 am 3 year Memorial: Chrysoula Tomaras 10:45 am Transfiguration Monastery Speakers 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team B 12:30 pm Baptism: Athanasia Stamos
16 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
17 6:30 pm OPA Dance
18 9:30 am Liturgy (St. Luke)
19 7:00 pm Daughters of Penelope
20
21
22 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team C
23 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
24 6:30 pm OPA Dance
25 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
26
27
28
OXI DAY
5:00 pm
Vespers
(& confession)
29 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team D 1:00 pm Baptism: Emmanuel Nikolaos Athenos
30 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
31 Halloween 6:30 pm OPA Dance
October 2017/November 2017
Page 23
November 2017 Community Calendar
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 9:30 am Liturgy (Sts. Cosmas & Damien)
2 7:00 pm Wine, Women & Wallets
3 4 11:00 am Chrismtion: Kelly Kerber 12:00 pm Greek School Event 5:00 pm Vespers (& confession)
5 CREDIT CARD SUNDAY DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team A
6 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
7 ALL DAY GREEK DAY AT CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 6:30 pm OPA Dance
8 9:30 am Liturgy (Archangels Michael & Gabriel)
9 9:30 am Liturgy (St. Nectarios) 1:00 pm Sunshiners Lunch Petie’s 6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting
10 ALL DAY Metropolis Folk Dance Festival
11 VETERANS DAY ALL DAY Metropolis Folk Dance Festival 5:00 pm Vespers (& confession)
12 ALL DAY Metropolis Folk Dance Festival 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum 11:30 am GENRAL ASSEMBLY Pangari Team B
13 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
14 6:30 pm OPA Dance
15 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
16
17 ALL DAY Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat
18 ALL DAY Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat 12:00 pm Greek School Event 5:00 pm Vespers (& confession)
19 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team C ALL DAY Metropolis GOYA Fall Retreat
20 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
21 6:30 pm OPA Dance
22 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
23 THANKSGIVING
24
25 NO GREEK SCHOOL 9:30 am Liturgy 5:00 pm Vespers (& confession)
26 8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Liturgy 11:30 am Orthodox Forum Pangari Team D
27 7:30 pm Gamblers Anonymous
28 6:30 pm OPA Dance
29 9:30 am St. Makrina Bible Study
30
9:30 am
Liturgy
(St. Andrew)
October 2017/November 2017
Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral
3352 Mayfield Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Non-Profit Org
US Postage
PAID
Cleveland, OH
THANK YOU!!!
Many thanks to all Sts. Constantine and Helen parishioners whose time, talents and treasures
helped make Greek Festival 2017 such a success (you know who you are!). We appreciate
your support.
Not only was our community blessed with amazing weather and a financially successful
festival, we were able to provide a great atmosphere for our guests to share our faith,
culture, food, pastries, dancing and hospitality.
This was all possible because of the tireless efforts of our wonderful volunteers (many of
whom were not members of our parish). During the four days of the festival there were over
1,000 shifts filled. If you add in the volunteer hours for baking, dance practice and
pre-planning by the 20+ committee members, set up, tear down and clean up, you can see
what it takes to host such a wonderful event. If you were unable to be a part of this united
effort, we hope you can join in next year. It is an opportunity for our parishioners to work
together – YOU ARE THE CHURCH.
Again, thank you to our volunteers, donors and sponsors.
October 2017/November 2017