ORTHODOX LIFE

July 2017 The Official Publication of

Saint Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church

You are the Voice of Christ in a Changing World

As the Father has sent me, so I send you! John 20:21

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won

liberty for themselves and for us,

and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn:

Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain

our liberties in righteousness and peace;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Parish Ministries

Parish Council President Terry Mitchell (860-460-1286) Vice President Peter Kehayias Secretary Richard Semon Treasurer James Maistros Asst. Treasurer Paula Dart Demetrius Tasoulas Gus Andreopoulos Ted Lanis Chris Limberakis Church Office Tracey St. Louis-Harris

Sunday School Elsa Galetsa - Director

Choir John Fakis - Director Magdalene Santos - Organist

Cantor George Papadopoulos & Aleksander Filip

Altar Boys Michael Sergakis

Philoptochos President - Mary Peteros Visitations - Alice Poulios Soup Kitchen - Irene Synodi College Outreach - Stephanie Panagos

Bible Study Fr. Dean

Greek School Dora Georgeady - Teacher

Hellenic Dancers Nancy Bellos, Kristen Matsas

Young at Heart Nancy Bellos - President

Youth Michael Sergakis

Bookstore Penny Maistros

Web Page Julianne Swanson

Order of AHEPA Tony Vallombroso - President

Endowment Fund Peter Galetsa

St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church

200 Hempstead St., New London, CT 06320

(860) 442-2377 FAX (860) 442-1020 Fr. Dean: (860) 389-5464

Office Hours

Monday thru Friday 9am to 1pm

Email: office@saintsophianl.org frdean@saintsophianl.org

Web Page: saintsophianl.org Facebook: Saint Sophia Church

Fr. Dean A. Panagos Deacon James Whittaker

Michael Sergakis - Youth/Young Adult Director

Weekly Email Please call the office to be placed on the parish email list for the most

up-to-date parish news. Also, please let us know if you’d like to receive the monthly bulletin via email instead of having it

mailed to your home.

Bulletin Sponsors

BULLETIN SPONSORSHIP FORM

Yes, I would like to sponsor an issue of the Orthodox Life

Name _____________________________________

In memory of _______________________________ In honor of Other (circle) ______________________________

Donation: $50

IMPORTANT

Hospital ministry is an integral part of the ministry of the Church. If you would like Fr. Dean to visit you or a

family member in the hospital, Rehabilitation Centers or Adult Care Centers please contact the Church Office.

Your Greeting Could be

Here!

Tamam Smith David Vangel

Our Life in Christ July Church Services

Sunday Services

Matins 8:00 am Divine Liturgy 9:00 am

Weekday/Saturday Services

Matins/Divine Liturgy - 8:30 am (C) Evangelismos Chapel

SUNDAY, 7/2 DEPOSITION OF THE ROBE OF THE THEOTOKOS IN VLACHERNAE SUNDAY, 7/9 ST. PANCRATIOS, BISHOP OF SICILY SUNDAY, 7/16 SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVENTH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Thursday, 7/20 Prophet Elias SUNDAY, 7/23 PROPHET EZEKIEL Wednesday, 7/26 St. Parakevi Thursday, 7/27 St. Panteleimon SUNDAY, 7/30 SILAS AND SILVANOS OF THE SEVENTY APOSTLES

Prayer Requests

Please remember in Prayer the servants of God…

Catherine, Jeff, Demetrios, Lucretia, Mary, Alexandria, Nina, Olga, Kiki, Mary,

Jenny, Michael, George , Mary, Peter, Amos, Peter, George, Freida,

Voula, Sophia, Christos and Maria, Thomas and Kiveli, Georgia, Elias, Helen,

Despina, Vasilios, Helen, Alexandra, Katherine, Athena

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the parishioners of St. Sophia for your love, support and caring that you exhibited to my mom and I during this very

difficult transition. We give special thanks to Father Dean and George Papadopoulos. Father Dean gave my mother such a beautiful sendoff; she was deeply touched by such a heartfelt farewell. George was a steadfast and deeply devoted friend, who picked my mother up every Sunday and Holiday to bring her to her favorite place, St. Sophia Church. Part of her heart will remain with St. Sophia forever! Thank you, Soula Pappas

We Believe… We believe that we are the light of the world. We believe we should let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven. We believe that our love should be genuine. We believe that we should hate what is evil, and that we should hold fast to what is good. We believe that if we live by the Spirit, we should also be guided by the Spirit. We believe we should not become conceited, compete against one another, or envy one another. We believe that we are God's chosen ones. We believe that we should clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. We believe that we are called to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Mirror Summer is here! One of the fun activities for many are going to county fairs! These are fun events that show case local food, competition of animals, great music and carnivals! I always liked the "fun house!" In every fun house are funny mirrors. Sometimes, the mirrors are located in a maze through which you walk. These mirrors are not like the ones we see at home. The mirrors in the fun house make us look short and very fat or very tall and skinny. Of course these mirrors do not reflect what we really look like. When you hold up a real mirror we see reflections of how we really look. We see our imperfections, our wrinkles, our beautiful eyes and the smiles we so often wear. Did you know God has a mirror? It is the Bible. This is God's mirror, because it shows whether we are kind and loving, or mean and unkind. The Bible not only shows us what we look like in the eyes of God and the people around us, it helps us to clean up and look pretty on the inside. The truth is that if we are good-looking and pretty on the inside, we will look a lot better on the outside, too. We can look at ourselves with funny mirrors and laugh cause we know that we do not look like that. We can look at normal mirrors and see what we look like. We can look at ourselves in a mirror in the light of Jesus and see what we can become! We can thank God for giving us His mirror to show us what we look like. We can pray to God to help us to look like God wants us to look like.

Ο Καθρέφτης

Το Καλοκαίρι είναι εδώ. Μία από τις ευχάριστες αποδράσεις είναι τα καλοκαιρινά πανηγύρια/καρναβάλια! Στα πανηγύρια θα βρεις διάφορες τοπικές γεύσεις, διαγωνισμό ζώων, ωραία μουσική και διάφορα παιχνίδια! Το πιο αγαπημένο μου είναι το «αστείο σπίτι». Σε κάθε

«αστείο σπίτι» υπάρχουν αστείοι καθρέφτες. Μερικές φορές οι καθρέφτες βρίσκονται σε ένα λαβύρινθο, μέσα από τον οποίο θα πρέπει να περπατήσεις για να τους δεις. Αυτοί οι καθρέφτες δεν είναι σαν αυτούς που έχουμε στο σπίτι μας. Αυτοί οι καθρέφτες μας κάνουν να φαινόμαστε κόντοι, χοντροί, ψηλοί και λεπτοί. Φυσικά αυτοί οι καθρέπτες δεν αντανακλούν αυτό που πραγματικά είμαστε. ‘Οταν κοιτάζουμε σε ένα κανονικό καθρέφτη, βλέπουμε πραγματικά αυτό που είμαστε. Βλέπουμε τις ατελειές μας, τις ρυτίδες μας, τα ωραία μάτια μας, καθώς και τα χαμόγελα μας. Γνωρίζετε ότι και ο Θεός έχει ένα καθρέφτη; Είναι η Βίβλος. Είναι ο καθρέφτης του Θεού, μας δείχνει αν είμαστε ευγενικοί και γεμάτοι αγάπη ή γεμάτοι κακία και μίσος. Η βίβλος δεν μας δείχνει μόνο πως είμαστε στα μάτια του Θεού και στους ανθρώπους γύρω μας αλλά μας βοηθά να αλλάξουμε και να γίνουμε καλύτεροι μέσα μας. Η αλήθεια είναι ότι αν είμαστε όμορφοι και καλοί μέσα μας, θα φαινόμαστε καλύτεροι και εξωτερικά. Μπορούμε να δούμε τους εαυτούς μας στους αστείους καθρέφτες και να γελάσουμε γιατί φαινόμαστε αστείοι. Μπορούμε να δούμε τους εαυτούς μας στους πραγματικούς καθρέφτες και να δούμε ποιοί πραγματικά είμαστε. Μπορούμε να δούμε τους εαυτούς μας σε ένα καθρέφτη με το φως του Ιησού και να δούμε ποιοί πραγματικά μπορούμε να γίνουμε! Μπορούμε να ευχαριστήσουμε το Θεό που μας δίνει τον καθρέφτη του για να δούμε πως είμαστε. Μπορούμε να προσευχηθούμε στο Θεό να μας βοηθήσει να δόυμε τους εαυτούς μας όπως Αυτός θέλει να είμαστε

July Activities Friday, 7/7 Youth Bonfire and Cookout Monday, 7/10 Youth Day at Block Island Tuesday, 7/11 Parish Council Mtg. Thursday, 7/13 Thursday Social Luncheon at 12:30

Monday - Friday July 17 - 21

Vacation Bible School

Friday, 7/21 VBS Beach Day Saturday, 7/29 Drive-In Movie Night

Saint Sophia Thursday Social Luncheon Senior Ministry

Thankyou to Jim and Dora Georgeady who set up all the tables. After we enjoyed a delicious lunch, we agreed to donate the proceeds from the meal to the church. We toasted John and Liz

Louziotis who celebrated their 55th wedding Anniversary on June 24th.

Come join us for a hotdog and hamburger “picnic” in the community center. Thursday, July 13th at 12:30 pm

$7.00 a person

Please bring your favorite desserts

Please Consider Sponsoring The Fellowship Hour

Fellowship Hours may be sponsored in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a birthday, etc.

The Parish Council will make the coffee and assist the hosts as needed.

The following Sundays are available

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

We thank the following for hosting past fellowships

Constantine & Alice Poulios June 18th

Philoptochs Ministry Sunday School

Parish Outreach

On Friday, July 7th we will serve at the New London Community Meal Center (Soup Kitchen). We will need 6 to 8 volunteers at the soup kitchen to do prep work, serve, do dishes and clean up. We start at 4:00 pm and finish about 6:30 pm. Please see or call Eleni Mosher at 860-443-2569, Irene Synodi at 860-464-7429 or call the Church Office at 860-442-2377 to volunteer your time.

Sacramental Life

Weddings Daniel Giovinazzo & Nikole Nousiopoulos were

united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday June 3, 2017

John McGroarty & Katherine Cote

were united in Holy Matrimony on Saturday June 10, 2017

Baptism Vasiliki

Daughter of Bobby and Candice Vastakis Was baptized on June 25th

Her Godparent is Nicolas Vamvakas

Congratulations on these joyous events Let us keep them in our prayers as they continue

in their journey in the Lord

AHEPA NEWS

A Day of Giving

May 24 was a day of giving for AHEPA chapter Winthrop 250 and its subcommittee the AHEPA New London Foundation.

The Mission of AHEPA is “To promote the ancient Hellenic ideas of Education, Philanthropy, Civic responsibility, Integrity and family and Individual excellence through community service and volunteerism”. The purpose of the New London Foundation is to distribute money given to it by its parent organization the AHEPA National housing corporation. This corporation coordinates the administration of the 4700 apartments and 95 senior apartment communities designed for low income seniors and disabled persons.

The National office distributes annually to the local foundation a percentage of income from the housing to give away to nonprofits. AHEPA 250 with the AHEPA foundation hosted 29 recipients at the AHEPA apartments in Niantic Connecticut.

They Were: L&M Hospital NICU, American Warrior, BP Learned Mission, Chorus of Westerly, The Connecticut Hospice, East Lyme Scholarship Association, Ella T Grasso High school, Fairview Oddfellow nursing home, Fitch Senior High school, Homeless Hospitality Center, La Grua Center, Montville High School, New London Science and Technology magnet school, New London High School, New London Community meal center, Our Shoreline Community Association, Lyme Old-Lyme High school, Old Lyme volunteer fire department, Old Saybrook High School, Hellenic Society Paideia, Stonington Senior high school, the Williams School, Waterford High School, Safe Futures, the Salvation Army, Ledyard Senior High School, Kids of American Heroes, AHEPA Service Dogs for warriors, Yankee News.

A Total of 12,500.00 dollars was distributed. The local AHEPA foundation has given away $150,000.00 dollars since 1998. The recipients were very appreciative of the work AHEPA does in the community.

Submitted by

Dr. Theologos Malahias, AHEPA New London Foundation President.

Greek School Awards Ceremony June 11

Greek School Certificates were handed out by our Teacher – Dora Georgeady. The youth students were Christos Matsas, Niki Kehayias, Marina Matsas, Anastasia Kehayias and Demetrios Karambelas The adult class students are Mary Jean Kanabis, Despina Birch, Nina Vallambroso. JoAnn Ballassi, Pamela Valace, Peter Smith, Mirna Lis Martinez. Jennifer Vamvakides, Denise Boras, Sophia Boras and Annie Sabrowski

St. Sophia Financial Report

May 31, 2017 Income

Stewardship $ 15,498.00 Candles, tray, adopt-a-bill 2,522.68 Memorial Donations 840.00 Holiday Donations 90.00 General Donations 0.00 Supplementary Income 122.77 Religious/Cultural 0.00 Fundraisers 26.00 Hall Rental 1,930.00 Other Income 212.50 Capital Campaign 1,333.00

Total Inflow $ 22,574.95

Expenses

Archdiocese $ 4,341.63 Wages 19,150.92 Auto Expense 340.02 Insurance 0.00 Telephone 457.76 Utilities 2,421.55 Supplies 1,851.40 Maintenance 2,053.79 Postage 0.00 General Expenses (new chair lift) 6,300.09 Religious/Cultural 30.52 Youth Groups 288.13 Church Holidays 1,734.31 Fundraisers 3,425.31 Fellowship 0.00 Capital Expenses 0.00

Total Outflow $ 42,395.43 Net Profit $ (19,820.48)

7Operating Fund as of 05/31/2017 Checking Account/Money Market $ 25,543.59

Restricted Funds as of 05/31/2017 Endowment Fund Assets $ 638,209.09 Principle is $582,000 Market Gain and Gifts - $56,209.00 Capital Campaign Account 14,925.53 Designated Donation/ Maintenance Account 24,393.17

Outstanding Commitments

Chelsea Groton loan 181,517.74

Have You Made Your 2017 Stewardship Pledge?

If Not - Please Do So Today!

Parish Council News

SUMMER HOURS

Matins at 8:00 am Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am

The sermon is given at the conclusion

of the Gospel Reading

From the Council President: Dear Parishioners, I take this opportunity to thank you for your love and support of the parish. I would like to bring you up-to-date on several items. First: We have an opening on the Council which term ends at the end of this year. If you are interested in filling this seat please contact me at 860- 460-1286. The responsibilities are attending the monthly Council meeting (Second Tuesday of the month) Narthex duty every other Sunday and to assist the Council in the various events the Council sponsors. Second: This fall brings the 65th Anniversary of the Greek Festival, (November 7- 11) the longest running ethnic festival in New London County. From the first festival held in the lower level of the Church to today where we serve thousands of meals and as we entertain our guests with a taste of Greece and raise vital money for the parish ministries this event is eagerly awaited by all! We would like to have all our parishioners help in this Festival. Our first planning meeting will take place Wednesday, June 28 at 6:30 pm in the Vallas Building. Future meetings dates will be posted on the web site and through email. We are also looking for pictures and news articles through the years of the festival. Please look through your scrap books and send to the church office any and all pictures you may have. We will photocopy them and return them to you. On behalf of the Parish Council we wish you all a great summer! Terry Mitchell Parish Council President

Λειτουργίες του Ιουλίου

Ακολουθίες τις Κυριακές ‘Όρθρος 8:00πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:00πμ

Καθημερινές Ακολουθίες Όρθρος/ Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30 π.μ.

Π) στό Παρεκκλήσιον μας

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 2/7, ΚΑΤΑΘΕΣΙΣ ΤΙΜΙΑΣ ΕΣΘΗΤΟΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ ΣΤΗΝ ΒΛΑΧΕΡΝΑ

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 9/7, ΑΓ. ΠΑΓΚΡΑΤΙΟΥ ΤΑΥΡΟΜΕΝΙΑΣ

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 16/7, ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΓΙΩΝ ΠΑΤΕΡΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΒΔΟΜΗΣ ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΗΣ ΣΥΝΟΔΟΥ

Πέμπτη 20/7, Προφήτη Ηλία

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 23/7, ΠΡΟ. ΙΕΞΕΚΙΗΛ

Τετάρτη 26/7, Αγίας Παρασκευής

Πέμπτη 27/7 Αγ. Παντελεήμονος

ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 30/7, ΑΠ. ΣΙΛΑ ,ΣΙΛΟΥΑΝΟΥ ΕΚ ΤΩΝ 70 ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

Πρόγραμμα Λειτουργικής Ζωής για τον Ιούλιο

Παράκληση για Προσευχές Παρακαλούμε να έχετε στις προσευχές σας

τους παρακάτω αδερφούς μας..... Κατερίνα, Τζέφ, Δημήτριο, Λουκρητία, Μαίρη, Αλεξάνδρια, Αγγέλα, Νίνα, Όλγα, Κικί, Μαίρη, Μάρσια, Τζένη, Μιχάλη, Γεώργιο, Μαίρη, Πέτρο, Άμος, Πέτρο, Γεώργιο, Φρίντα, Βούλα, Σοφία, Χρήστο και Μαρία, Θωμά και Κυβέλη, Γεωργία, Ηλία, Ελένη, Δέσποινα, Ελένη, Σύνθια, Νίκο, Βασίλειο, Ελένη, Αλεξάνδρια, Κατερίνα και Αθηνά

Το μηνιαίο γεύμα συνταξιούχων της Αγίας Σοφίας για τον μήνα Ιούλιο θα είναι στις 13 Ιουλίου στις 12:30 μμ. Το κόστος είναι 7 δολλάρια το άτομο.

Σας παρακαλούμε να φέρετε κάποια από τα

αγαπημένα σας γλυκά

Πιστεύουμε

Πιστεύουμε ότι είμαστε το φως του κόσμου. Πιστεύουμε ότι θα πρέπει να φωτίσουμε με το φως μας και άλλους ανθρώπους, ώστε να δούν τις καλές μας πράξεις και να υμνήσουν τον Πατέρα μας στους ουρανούς. Πιστεύουμε ότι η αγάπη μας πρέπει να είναι αγνή. Πιστεύουμε ότι πρέπει να μισούμε ότι είναι διαβολίκο, και να κρατάμε καλά κοντά μας ότι είναι καλό. Πιστεύουμε ότι εάν ζούμε με το Πνεύμα, θα πρέπει να οδηγούμαστε από το Πνεύμα. Πιστεύουμε ότι δεν θα πρέπει να είμαστε ματαιόδοξοι, να ανταγωνιζόμαστε ο ένας τον άλλο, ή να ζηλεύουμε ο ένας τον άλλο. Πιστεύουμε ότι είμαστε οι εκλεκτοί του Θεού. Πιστεύουμε ότι πρέπει να ενδυθούμε με συμπόνια, ευγένεια, απλότητα, πραότητα και υπομονή. Πιστεύουμε ότι έχουμε κληθεί να ζούμε ζωές που

είναι αυτόνομες, σωστές και θεοσεβείς, ενώ

περιμένουμε για την ευλογημένη ελπίδα και την

εκδήλωση της δόξας του μεγάλου Θεού και

Σωτήρα, Ιησού Χριστού.

Ευχαριστίες Θα θέλαμε να σας εκφράσουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη μας για την αγάπη σας, την φροντίδα σας και την ζεστασιά σας τόσο στην μητέρα μας όσο και σε εμένα σε αυτή την δύσκολη μεταβατική περίοδο. Ιδιαίιτέρως ευχαριστούμε το Πάτερ Κων/νο και τον Γεώργιο Παπαδόπουλο.

Ο Πατερ Κων/νος οργάνωσε μια καταπληκτική αποχαιρετιστήρια τελετή, η μητέρα μου συγκινήθηκε πολύ.

Ο Γιώργος, ένας σπάνιος και πιστός φίλος, πέρνούσε και έπερνε την μητέρα μου κάθε Κυριακή και γιορτή για να την πάει στο πιο αγαπημένο της μέρος, στην Εκκλησία μας, την Αγία Σοφία. Ενά κομμάτι της καρδιάςτης θα παραμένει για πάντα στην Αγία Σοφία! Σας Ευχαριστώ,

Σούλα Πάπας

Executive Board President Mary Peteros Vice President Marcia Wenzel Dora Georgeady Treasurer Penny Maistros Assistant Treasurer Marianne Semon Secretary Julie Vangel Corresponding Secretary Yannoula Ballassi

ENOSIS PHILOPTOCHOS

New London

Soup Kitchen

On July 7th we

will be serving

the meal at the

Soup Kitchen.

If you would

like to help

serve that day

please contact

Irene Synodi at

860-464-7429.

The members of Enosis Philoptochos Society celebrated another successful year with a banquet at Fat Cat Bar & Grill on June Tony D’s Restaurant on June 20th. Thank you to chairman, Thelma Hunter, for a relaxing evening of fun, fellowship, and good food and to Jeanne Fakis for updating the Philoptochos booklet.

This year the Philotochos Society honored Stephanie Panagos and Paulette Sferrazza as our “Women of the Year”. Both Stephanie and Paulette were honored for their years of dedicated service. Thank you Stephanie and Paulette.

A Big Thank You. As you all know my term as President has come to a close. I would like to thank all the members of Philoptochos for all your hard work, dedication and support during the last four years. It was an honor to serve as your President and I look forward to continuing to work with all of you on our many ministries and fundraisers. I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable summer. God Bless, Mary

SCHOLARHSIP 2017 Each of our High School Seniors received a financial scholarship for our Enosis Philotochos Evie Birch Scholarship in the amount of $250 was awarded to Athena Mustakis Evie was a Sunday School teacher for many years, upon her passing the family established this scholarship for an outstanding male/female student in the Sunday School program Yvonne Costa Scholarship in the amount of $250 was awarded to Olivia Podeszwa The Costa/ZIngus family established this scholarship in her memory for a graduating student who attending the Sunday School program. Sultana and Constandinos Provatas Memorial scholarship was awarded to Sarah Ann Billis is a $250 annual scholarship to a qualified high school student who has exemplified the meaning of a good Orthodox Christian student through academic achievement and accomplishments in the cultural and fine arts. The scholarship is given in memory of Sultana and Constandinos Provatas who were life-long parishioners of the parish. The Cynthia Matthews and Helen Maltezos Memorial scholarship was awarded to Lilian Whittaker is a $250 annual scholarship to a qualified High School student who will be attending a public college or university in the state of Connecticut. This scholarship is given by the children of Cynthia in her memory. Both Cynthia and Helen were committed to education and the state of CT.

Summer 2017

Monday, July 10th — Day at Block Island! - $42.90 (Ferry & Bike) + Lunch Please RSVP to Michael by July 3rd so we can know who to expect.

8:30am— Carpool leaves from Church to Ferry -or-

9:00am— Meet at Point Judith/Block Island Ferry - 304 Great Island Rd. Narragansett, RI 02882

9:30am—Ferry Departs Pt. Judith - Ferry Cost $22.90 Round Trip

10:30am—Bike Rentals - Bikes are $20 for 5 hours - reserve at bimopeds.com/bikes

11:00am – 4:15pm— Biking, Beach, & Lunch

4:45pm—Ferry Departs

5:40pm—Arrival back at Point Judith/Block Island Ferry

Thursday, August 10th — GOYA to NYC - $61.00 (Train & Subway) + Lunch &

Shopping You MUST RSVP to Michael for this event by July 28th.

7:30am— Meet at Old Saybrook Train Station

7:50am—Train Leaves for NYC - $55.50 round trip cost of train.

10:40am— Arrival at Grand Central

11:00am— St. Patrick’s Cathedral

11:30am— Times Square - (shopping & walking around)

12:45pm— Lunch

1:30pm— Central Park (walk around, sit, & relax)

2:20pm— Catch Subway to St. Nicholas @ Ground Zero

3:00pm— Private tour of St. Nicholas and visit 9/11 Memorial

4:50pm— Catch Subway to Grand Central Station

5:22pm— Train Leaves for return trip

7:56pm— Arrival back at Old Saybrook Train Station

Monday-Tuesday, August 14th-15th — GOYA Lock-In Retreat

Monday August 14

5pm— GOYA Drop-off & Lock-In Begins!

7pm— Vespers for Panagia’s

Tuesday August 15

9am—Divine Liturgy for Panagia’s

Pick-up - Immediately following Liturgy

Saturday, August 9th — Fishing Day Trip - $69 Adults $37 for 12 & under (includes pole rental)

This is a trip for anyone who would like to come. Please RSVP to Nico Condulis at (860) 395-2961 by August 1st.

5:30am—Meet at Mijoy Deep Sea Fishing @ 12 River St, Waterford, CT

6:00am—Boat Leaves

11:00am—Boat Returns

Summer 2017

St. Sophia Youth

July Friday 7 - 6:30 Bonfire & BBQ @ Whittaker Household

Monday 10 - Day @ Block Island*

Mon. - Fri. 17-21 - 9am-1pm Vacation Bible School - $25/child

Friday 21 - 2pm VBS Beach Day @ Waterford Beach

Saturday 29 - 8:30 Drive-In Movie Night @ Church

August July 31– Aug. 6 - Parish week @ MBC

Thursday 10 - GOYA Day trip to NYC*

Mon. - Tues. 14-15 - GOYA Lock-In Retreat*

Saturday 19 - 6am-11am Fishing Trip* DETAILS

FOR

Incense Making - June 23

Vacation Bible School

July 17— 21

Volunteer Form

High School Students

Earn LTE hours! Come and help make our VBS experience great for our youth AND

earn 20 LTE hours helping for the week.

Name of Volunteer _________________________________________

High School Attending ______________________________________

Phone Number _________________________________

Parent and Other Volunteers

Would you be willing to help with our VBS? If so, please provide us with your name and indicate

any capacity in which you would be willing to serve and send this form to the office or email it to

youth@saintsophianl.org.

Name ____________________________________________

_______refreshments ______general assistant ________teacher _______crafts

(Please feel free to call Michael with any questions at (860) 442-2377)

Please return this form by Monday, July 3

Saint Sophia - 200 Hempstead Street - New London, CT 06320

Vacation Bible School

July 17— 21 Registration Form

Vacation Bible School will be held July 17 - 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 pm at Saint Sophia.

This year, we will explore Rome and meet Saint Paul and the

underground Church during our week of VBS. Join us for a week

of Orthodox Spirituality for children ages 5 to 10. The week will

include special crafts, music,

snack time, and fun!

Please return this form to the church office or email it to youth@saintsophianl.org. Feel free to email or call Michael with any ques-

tions.

Parents Name

____________________________________________________________

Parents Email ____________________________________________________________

Home Phone _________________________ Cell Phone _________________________

Caregiver Name/phone (if applicable)______________________________________________

Child’s Name T-Shirt Size Age Grade entering in Fall 2017 ____________________________________ _______ _____ ______________ ____________________________________ _______ _____ ______________ ____________________________________ _______ _____ ______________

Does your child have special needs? Yes / No Does your child have any allergies? (Food or other) Yes / No If yes to either of the above, please explain how we can help.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Volunteers - Please fill out the back of this form and return to Michael.

Please return this form with a registration check by Monday, July 3 Saint Sophia - 200 Hempstead Street - New London, CT 06320

$25/ Child

Sunday School Award Sunday June 11

Pre-K & Kindergarten This class was taught by Sharon Whittaker with assistant Lillian

Whittaker and a special thank you to Elijah's mom Olga for helping out

whenever needed. Alaina Bastain, Annika Marcris, Pano Matsas, Yannie Matsas, Mark Phillips, Luke Phillips, Alexander Reid, Nicolas Reid and Elijah Waring who had the best attendance in the class only missing 2 days!

Third Grade The Third Grade is taught by

Christine Babinski

Avery Bonewicz, Michael Gialpis, Maria Hathaway, Christos Matsas, George Thorndike, Tessa Thorndike Christos Matsas received an excellent attendance award.

Fifth Grade The Fifth Grade is taught by Jeannie Fakis who has taught in the Sunday School Program for 10 years and is

retiring from teaching this year. Zoe Antipas who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award, Henry Thorndike, John Whittaker, who also received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award

Fourth Grade

The Fourth Grade teacher is Debbie Tasoulas who has

taught both as a teacher and substitute for the past 10

years Alexander Churis who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award, Nicholas Churis, Nicholas Filip, Niki Kehayias, and Zoe Mandes

Sixth Grade The Sixth Grade teacher is Ellen Georgian, who is honored with the privilege to teach our youth!

Juliette Condulis, who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award,Nathan Lyster, who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award and Emma Spathakis

First Grade First grade was taught by

Kristen Matsas. Her assistant this year was

Sara Billis. Dimitri Karabelas, Anastasia Kehayias, George Mandes and Marina Matsas. Perfect attendance certificates were given to Dimtiri, Anastasia, and Marina.

Sunday School Award Sunday June 11

Seventh Grade

The Seventh Grade teacher is JoAnn Flynn She was assisted by

Puja Billis Sophia Hathaway, Kristia King who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award, John Limberakis, who also received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award and Abby Manthous

Tenth Grade

The teachers of the Tenth Grade are Michael Sergakis and Tamam Smith

Olivia Billis, Nali Colon, Nicholas Condulis, Olivia Gianakos, George Hathaway, Anastasios Lanis, Jack Manthous, Christina Vangel, Samuel Whittaker who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award

Ninth Grade

The Ninth Grade Teacher is Stephanie Ashton who has

taught for 19 years and is retiring at the end of this year. She

was assisted by Shawn Hathaway James Babinski, Peter Filip, Stella Georgian, Matthew King. George Limberakis, Samantha Lyster.

Eighth Grade

The Eighth Grade teacher is Helen Dawley, assisted

by Matt King Theodore Antipas, who received the Sophie and Andrew Poulos Award, Spiro Gialpis who received an Excellence in Learning recognition

Eleventh Grade The teacher of the Eleventh Grade is Elsa Galesta who was assisted by Dean Macris. These students have attended our church school program from Pre-k - 11th grade (13 years) and that they have good to excellent Sunday School attendance in spite of the fact that all of them have many extra-curricular activities (sports, music, dance, jobs). Zachary Caputo, who has been the only young man who has attended class for the past two years! Karina Dawley who received the AHEPA Excellent Achievement Award Athena Missios who received an honorable Attendance Award Sophia Papathanasiou Maria Sheehan Stacey Tasoulas who received the Sophie and Andrew Outstanding Student Award

SUNDAY SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE

This year, to gain perfect attendance, students must have attended 33 Sunday School Classes and

7 Youth Events, for a total of 40 participatory events! The Youth events including the Good Friday Retreat, assisting in the Soup Kitchens, Youth meet-

ings, etc. Our goal was to provided opportunities to life the faith, not only in the classroom but through hands on events.

The recipients of the Perfect Attendance Award receive a $500 financial gift to attend MBC, (Metropolis of Boston Camp) or another related Church camp.

This gift is made possible through the parish Endowment Fund. (8 recipients)

Grade 5 John Whittaker Grade 7 John Limberakis Grade 9 James Babinski and George Limberakis Grade 10 Samuel Whittaker and George Hathaway Grade 11 Stacey Tasoulas and Karina Dawley

O Lord our God! Crown them with

glory and with Honor!

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

Sarah Ann Billis, the daughter of William and Puja is a graduate of the Williams School, a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, a member of the Cross Country Team, First Place region of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festi-val, Sunday School Assistant, Junior Volunteer at William Backus Hospital, Instruc-tor at the N.E. Science and Sailing Foundation, instrumental in the Power to the Pe-riod, Mad about Madeline, Nepal Earthquake and Philippines fundraisers. Sarah will be attending the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA

Athena Mustakis , the daughter of Jason and Menia, is a graduate of East Lyme High School. She received the Bronze and Silver award in Girl Scouts, Performed in the Nutcracker Ballet performance for 10 years, member of the School senate for four years, French honor society for 3 years, Chemistry club, helped with in parish visitations. She will be attending University of Rochester in New York studying Molecular Genetics.

Olivia Podeszwa , daughter of Michael and Kim, is a graduate of Waterford High School. She has served on class council for 4 years, future business leaders of America, Dance Club, field hockey, track and softball teams, served 155 hours of community service. She has danced in the Hellenic Dance Troupe and assisted in teaching the dancers. She will be attending Simmons College in Massachusetts majoring in nursing.

Lillian Whittaker, the daughter of Dn. James and Sharon, is a graduate of East Lyme High School. She received the Spanish award, American Legion Award, Student of the month, Journalism award, ECC Leadership Conference, ECC All star for cross country. She is the president and founder of The Interactive Club for Elderly, captain of the Cross country, track, and outdoor track teams and a member of the National Honor Society. She has volunteered at the New London Soup Kitchen, festival worker, Sunday school teacher She will be attending University of Conn and will be studying Actuarial Science.

OUR COLLEGE GRADUATES John Adams graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Public Science.

Dean Apostoleris graduated from Michigan State University with a BS Civil Engineering, minor in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences.

Caroline Costa graduated from Wheaton College Periklis Fokaidis graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Political Science.

Christina Flynn graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and Music

Chrysanthy Panagos graduated from Eastern Connecticut University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Andrew Papathanasiou graduated from Northeastern with a degree in Chemical Engineering

Michael Spanos graduated from Clark University with a degree in Politcal Science and a minor in Economics

Support our Sponsors

Place your ad here $120/year

For all your travel to Greece

HORIZON TRAVEL, INC. Denis, Betsy & Georgette Kostis

Dover, NH 03820 (603) 742-7664

Μηλάμε Έλλινικά

Your Ad Here

Zachas Electric, LLC

Residential Electrician Free Estimates / Quality Work

Reasonable Rates

David Zachas

(860) 367-2141

Lic. #E10193395

Place your ad here

Ann M. Buonocore Owner

860-572-7305

Buena.vistare@

yahoo.com

Come Celebrate East Lyme with AHEPA Winthrop Chapter 250

July 15th at ‘Beautiful Downtown Niantic’ (all proceeds to AHEPA Scholarship Fund)

Have you joined AHEPA yet? Come to the next meeting as our guest!

[Next Meeting - July 17th at 6:00 pm]

Complimentary Dinner for Potential New Members (let us know if you’re coming)

Contact us at AHEPA250@Outlook.com

S & S HOME MAINTENANCE, LLC. ADDITIONS,DECKS, SIDING,PAINTING HARD-

WOOD FLOORS - NEW AND REFINISHED

SEAMLESS FLOORS ,SNOWPLOWING & MORE

Steve Ferencz CT License # 579161 Tel: 860-443-4003

62 Cross Rd cell: 860-334-7428

Waterford, CT 06385

Support our Sponsors David F. Falvey, ESQ.

“Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney”

Tele: (860) 449-1510 Fax: (860) 449-8046 One Crouch Street, Groton, CT 06340

Email: actionadvocacy@yahoo.com Email: dave@actionadvocacy.com Website: www.actionadvocacy.com

KING FAMILY EYE CARE, LLC

Dr. Matthew King & Associates Optometrists

761 Boston Post Road Old Saybrook, CT 06475 Phone: (860) 388-9300

Saving this space for your ad

$120/year

Demetrios Petropoulos, D.M.D., M.S Edgar A. Heil, D. M. D.

514 WEST MAIN STREET NORWICH, CT 06360

TELEPHONE: (860) 889-5166 FAX: (860) 887-8254

We speak Greek Email: receptionist@norwichsmiles.net Web: www.norwichsmiles.net

American-Italian & Greek Cuisine

88 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 06320

Serving Fine Food Since 1962

Specializing in Gourmet, Middle Eastern, Italian and Greek Foods

464 Ocean Avenue Hours: New London, CT 06320 Monday-Saturday

Diane C. Bokron President & CEO

41 Commerce Court Newington, CT 06111 800-394-6627 Cell: 860-250-6107

Phone: 860-667-8889 ROASTED FRESH DAILY Fax: 860-667-8883 SINCE 1927 Email: db@omarcoffee.com Web: omarcoffee.com facebook.com/omarcoffeecompany

Property Transfer Act Evaluation Site Assessment, Remediation and Closure Environmental Permitting and Compliance

Stormwater Management

Plato Doundoulakis, PG Licensed Environmental Professional

Groton, Connecticut

(860) 405-1463 info@atlas-environmental.com

Atlas Environmental Company Geologic & Environmental Consultants

Place your ad here

We offer full service Family Dental & Sleep Apnea

MAIN STREET GRILLE Restaurant & Bar

252 Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 t 860-739-5300 f 860-739-5306 Mainstreetgrille.002@gmail.com www.mainstrettgrilleniantic.com

Teddy Ignatiadis Christina Ignatiadis Owner General Manager

PHONE

860-449-0355

355 Rt 12 GROTON CT 06340-2947

www.grotontownhouserestaurant.com

452 Broad Street New London, CT 06320

Sales 888-476-1754 Service 888-481-4024 Parts 888-476-3319

To fulfill our Church’s mission, we pray for everyone’s participation in supporting our 2017

Stewardship Program

Please take the time today to fill out your 2017 Stewardship Commitment Card…

Stewardship Pledge Cards for 2017 are available from the Church office

2017 STEWARDSHIP REPORT 1/1/17 — 6/23/17

Pledged amount $ 100,110.00 Amount Collected $ 95,614.24

We ask you to support our 2017 ministries

The base from which we serve as the Voice of Christ in a Changing World is the parish. A strong parish provides opportunities for sharing the Good News of Christ, for welcoming those that are searching for a spiritual home, and a base from which we are sent out into the world. The parish also provides a place for worship, community and education in the faith. To be stewards of the Gospel, we need to be stewards of our parish. This requires the vision and inspiration to see the parish, not as it is, but as it could be. We are called to offer ourselves and our treasure to make our local church all that is can be.

Please remember that St. Sophia is uniquely our responsibility and we need to help today for our Future !

Be a Steward of Saint Sophia in 2017!

ADOPT A BILL! This is how it works! In the lobby of the Church is a bulletin board with a number of bills the church needs to pay. You are invited to chose a bill you would like to pay. Write a check out to Saint Sophia for the indicated amount and return the bill and check to the church office. This contribution is tax deductible but separate from your annual Stewardship donation.

We thank the following parishioners that have contributed since June 2017

Mark & Barbara Roberts Nico & Kathy Condolus

Stewardship

A Summer Blessing (by Author Unknown)

May you walk with God This summer

In whatever you do Wherever you go

Walking with God means...

Walking with honesty And with courage, Walking with love

And respect And concern for the feelings of others

May you talk to God

This summer And every day and In every situation

Talking with God means...

Praying words of praise For the beauty of creation Saying prayers of thanks

For friends and good times, Asking God's help

In all your decisions Expressing sorrow

When you have failed

May you talk with God Every day Amen

July 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3

4

Office closed

5 6 7 6:30 pm

Youth event BBQ & Bonfire

8

9 10

Youth Event Day @ Block

Island

11

6:00 PC Meeting

12 13

Seniors Luncheon 12:30 pm

14

NL Soup Kitchen 4:00 pm

15

16 17

18 19 20

Prophet Elias

21

2—4pm VBS

Beach Day

22

23 24 25 26

St. Paraskevi

27

St. Panteleimon

28 29

8:30 pm Drive in Movie

Night

30 31 1 2 3 4

Father Dean will be away June 28—July 7

Vacation Bible School 9am—1 pm

Parish week at Metropolis Boston Camp

PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY – TIME VALUED MATERIAL

St. Sophia Hellenic Orthodox Church 200 Hempstead Street, New London, Connecticut 06320 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID New London, CT Permit No. 272

Spring festival 2017