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THE MINISTRYsaint barbara greek orthodox church

Spring 2011 volume 15, number 3

Table of ContentsFather Peter’s Message ............................................................. 2 Journey Toward the Kingdom (Part 2: The Great Litany) .. 3Journey Toward the Kingdom (Part 3: The Antiphons) ..... 4‘Teaching’ Divine Liturgy ........................................................ 6Camp Saint Paul ........................................................................ 6Ο Ακάθιστος Υμνος .............................................................. 7Ο 'Αγιος Αλέξιος - Ο 'Ανθρωπος του Θεού ..................... 8Living in the Light of the Resurrection ...............................10Mount Athos ............................................................................13Building Fund Stewards .........................................................14Reflections From Our Youth ................................................18GOYA Bears From the Heart ...............................................20GOYAns Lend a Hand at the Community Dining Room ..22GOYA Christmas Caroling ....................................................24GOYA Christmas Retreat ......................................................24Sunday School Christmas Pageant ........................................26The Lights of Saint Barbara: Holiday House Tour ...........28Annual Taverna Night............................................................ 31Lecture at Fairfield University ...............................................32Philoptochos Hosts Lecture ..................................................32Annual Golf Classic ...............................................................33Godparent Sunday ..................................................................34Saint Barbara Family Retreat .................................................36

Robert Krantz Visits the Saint Barbara Parish ...................39Saint Barbara Church 2011 Stewardship List .....................40Philoptochos Thanks our Parishioners ................................43Celebrating Greek Independence Day .................................44Greek Language School Celebrates Greek Independence Day ...48Greek Independence Day Luncheon ...................................51Greek Independence Day Parade in NYC ..........................52Greek Independence Day Celebration in Hartford ...............54Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival .........................54GOYA Ski Trip ........................................................................56Scavenger Hunt .......................................................................58PTO Children’s Fair ...............................................................60Saint Barbara Senior Men’s Team Wins League Championship ...62Connecticut Eastern Orthodox Basketball League ...........64Connecticut Eastern Orthodox Volleyball League ............65Saint Barbara Volleyball Team ..............................................65Saint Barbara Junior Basketball Team ..................................66Athletic Teams Go To YALE ...............................................66Saint Barbara Summer Camp ................................................67Presbytera’s Paragraph ...........................................................68Luminaria .................................................................................68Letters to the Saint Barbara Parish .......................................69Sponsors ...................................................................................70

Christ is Risen!

Truly He Is

Risen!

SpRINg 2011 / THE MINISTRY • 2

THE MINISTRYThe Official Publication

ofSaint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477 (203) 795-1347web site: www.saintbarbara.org

e-mail: [email protected]. Peter J. Orfanakos

Rev. Joel McEachen

church office hoursMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, and Sunday following ServicesSecretary: Lea Loussides

serVicesOrthros (Matins) 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:45 am

Sunday School 9:45 am Fellowship 11:30 amWeekday Services 9:00 am - 11:00 amSummer Hours 8:15 am - 10:45 am

parish council officers President Andrew Stefanou Vice President Theodore Nicolakis Secretary Larisa Feliciano Treasurer Dennis Kerames Assistant Treasurer Eugene Esares

parish council members Peter Ellis William Cambras Ann Meehan Angelo Karakolidis Valentine Lott Nota Koutroumanis Gus Melanidis Michael Wachter Evans Mountzouris Lou Loukides (Emeritus)

parish ministries and organizations Parish Council Andrew Stefanou Philoptochos Society Oly Hadjimichael Religious Education Dr. Maria Diamantis Bible Study Rev. Joel McEachen Summer Camp Presbytera Vangie Orfanakos PTO Marcy Winkel PATCHES Tina Sanfilippo JOY Vasilia Kaouris, Stepanie Loo GOYA James Maccone YAL George Loussides Athletic Organization George Loussides Saint Barbara Fellowship Chrisanne Burr Greek School Irene Milas, Tina Berner Adult Greek School Nick Loussides Choir Stacy Grimaldi, Harry Pappas, Stephanie Halepas, Jane Hadjimichael Psalti Peter Proestakis, Efstathios Simos Theo Jenetopoulos Golden Years Club Louis and Marie Basel A.H.E.P.A. George Scarveles Outreach Elaine Johnson Bookstore Bobby Chaltas, Flo Sarigianis I.O.C.C. Tony Delos Endowment Fund Dr. Vagos Hadjimichael Scholarship Committee Dr. Elias Lolis Web Site Shaun Berner, Stacy Moran, Deborah Zafiropoulos

father peter’s message“It is the day of Resurrection! O people, let us be radiant. It is Pascha, the Lord’s Passover; for Christ God has carried us over from death to life, from earth to heaven, as we sing a victory hymn.”

“Come, let us partake of a new drink: not one miraculously brought forth from barren rock, but a spring of immortality, welling up from Christ’s tomb, from which we draw strength.”

From the Paschal Canon

My dear friends,

Christ is Risen! The beautiful and most triumphant hymns quoted above are the First and the Third Ode of the Paschal Canon. They call us to celebrate the day of Resurrection; to be radiant; to be glad! For the universe has been born anew by the Love of God and Paradise has once again been opened for all of us!

We are called to live our life in the Light of the Resurrection of Christ; to understand what it means to be truly free! We are called to be clothed in God’s Light and comforted by His welcoming, loving and protective embrace. We are called to praise His Name unceasingly unto to the ages of ages!

I invite you to continue your prayerful participation in the services and sacraments of the Church. I encourage you to continue your life’s journey in faith; volunteering your time and bringing forth the fruits of your talents as an offering to Christ.

www.SaINTbaRbaRa.oRg

+ Father Peter

Father Peter's Message

Χριστός Ανέστη !


Journey toward the Kingdom:an explanation of the divine liturgypart 2: the great litanyPart 1 can be found in the Winter 2010-2011 Edition of The Ministry Having declared our defiance of the world in the opening exclamation of the Divine Liturgy, we now take our first step together in the journey toward the Kingdom. The Great Litany contains the opening petitions of the Divine Liturgy. It is referred to as the ‘Great’ Litany, not just because of its length, but also because it sums up the totality of our needs. Through these prayers, the Church “sweeps up the whole world in its great and loving arms, and offers it up to God to be blessed and sanctified and saved.”1

At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy the priest calls the people to prayer for he is appointed to this office and it is for this reason that he is placed before the people. He is also there as their representative and mediator, so that his prayer may be effectual as the apostle James says: “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

At the same time, those for whom he is making supplication (the congregation - the λαός), contribute all they can through their good behavior, prayers, gentleness, justice and anything else which they know to be pleasing to God.“In peace let us pray to the Lord.” The Church begins by inviting all to pray “in peace,” invoking first of all “the peace from above” and the “salvation of our souls.” It is for this reason that sometimes this litany is referred to as the litany of peace. Peace is fundamental not only to this prayer but to all prayer and in fact to a Christian life itself. Without internal peace we cannot know God much less come before Him and offer Him prayers of intercession.

Peace is the great and parting gift of Christ to His Church. On His final night with the apostles the Lord said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Before Christ, warfare raged in the cosmos and in our hearts as well. His saving death on the Cross and the shedding of His precious blood, brought peace to all. (Colossians 1:19-2.) By repentance and faith,we enter into this saving peace.

We have peace with God, with whom we are now reconciled (Roman 5:1) and peace with each other as well. In fact, the more we enter into this peace the closer we draw to God, and the more powerfully He dwells within us.4 “Saint Seraphim of Sarov said, ‘Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands will be saved around you.’”2

So, before we begin this litany, we are called to enter again into the peace of Christ “casting out from our hearts any distraction, all turmoil and anxiety, and focusing only on Christ. Only then can we stand aright before Him and offer supplication for the needs of all.”3

In this Great Litany the Church also prays for “the peace of the whole world,” and “the stability of the Churches of God.” It prays for “this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God.” It prays for the local bishop by name, “for the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people.” In this petition, we see the saving synergy (cooperation) of the Church in action.

The Church also prays for the physical world on which we all depend. We pray for “seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for temperate seasons,” to harvest these gifts.

The Church continues by praying for those in special


Journey Toward the Kingdom - part 2


Journey toward the Kingdom:an explanation of the divine liturgypart 3: the antiphonsAfter concluding the prayers of the Great Litany the gathered assembly of the faithful takes three more steps toward its destination of the Kingdom by singing the three antiphons. The antiphon is a hymn originally sung with alternating voices or choirs (antiphonally). It is now used to designate the three opening hymns of the Divine Liturgy.

These antiphons have a fascinating history. Unlike today, when each parish in a city functions separately like a self-contained unit, in the days of Saint John Chrysostom (4th century) in cities like Constantinople, all of the Orthodox Churches formed a single integrated whole.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the main Church on Sundays and all of the people of the city traveled to that Church to participate in the service. The people of the city belonged to the main Church, but also went to other smaller churches together when called to do so, such as on feast days.

On the feast day of Saint John the Baptist for example, the people would form a procession to go from the main Church to the Church of Saint John to celebrate the Liturgy there. They would sing hymns as they went. These hymns were the antiphons. In the days of Saint John Chrysostom the cantor would chant a verse or two of the psalm and the people would sing the refrain. The cantor would chant the next few verses of the psalm,

View a recording of the teaching liturgy on our parish Web site:

http://www.saintbarbara.org/live_services.cfm

distress and danger: for “travelers by land, by sea and by air.” (in ancient times travel was especially dangerous), for “the sick and the suffering,” for “captives and their salvation.”

In fact, the Church prays for our deliverance from “all affliction, wrath, danger and distress.” To each of these petitions and needs the faithful lift up the cry, “Lord, have mercy!” (Κύριε ελέησον).

Rev. Lawrence Farley, in his book about the Divine Liturgy explains, though the English word ‘mercy’ has a rather juridical feel (recalling the plea of a condemned man for mercy and pardon from a judge), the Greek has a wider meaning. In this repeated response, the Church prays not only for pardon but for blessing, strength, rescue, the total outpouring of God’s generosity. “The ‘mercy’ we beg is the equivalent of the Hebrew term hesed, which is translated not simply as ‘mercy’ but also ‘steadfast love,’ or ‘loving kindness.’ When we pray over and over again, ‘Lord, have mercy!’ We are beseeching the God of our Fathers to lift us up from all the pits into which we stumble.”4

_____1 Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, Rev. Lawrence Farley, p. 17.2 Ibid., p. 18.3 Ibid., p. 18.4 Ibid., p. 20.




and the people would sing the refrain again, and so on. The people came to like these hymns so much that they eventually became a fixed part of the Liturgy, even when there was no procession on the way to Church.

The antiphons sung in Church in the 8th century included Psalm 92 with the refrain “Through the prayers of the Theotokos, Savior, save us!,” Psalm 93 with the refrain “Save us O Son of God… Alleluia!,” and Psalm 95 with the hymn “Only-begotten Son,” written by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, as its refrain.

Everything that is alive continues to grow and develop.This includes the living liturgical tradition of the Church. Thus the way that the Church sang the antiphons continued to develop as well. In the 12th century some monks in Constantinople began the innovative (at that time) custom of substituting Psalms 103 and 146 and the Beatitudes for the normal antiphons at the Sunday Liturgy.

Today some churches follow this custom while others follow the original custom of singing the Psalms 92, 93 and 95 as antiphons. Whichever hymns are used, all liturgies today begin with the singing of three antiphons.

The exuberant praise of God that forms our early liturgical steps into the Kingdom is no accident, for our spiritual life consists of praise. Christ recreated us for this very purpose, to “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)

“Praising God is not simply one thing we do; it is everything. All that we do must be an act of praise, for God calls us to offer ourselves to Him as a doxology of living flesh and blood. The psalmist sings, “Let every breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6) and as disciples of Christ we strive to fulfill this, making our every action, every thought and intention an offering of praise to our God.”1

Between the antiphons of praise the priest offers prayers. Originally, when the people sang the antiphons in procession on the way to Church, the deacon introduced each prayer by saying, “Let us pray to the Lord!” after which the priest said a prayer and the people responded by saying, “Amen.”

As time went on, the priests began saying their prayers silently and the deacon expanded his invitation to prayer by including other petitions as well to give the priest time to say his prayer quietly. Thus the small litany was born, with the deacon chanting the intoning petitions, “In peace let us again pray to the Lord,” then “Help us, save

us, have mercy on us and keep us O God, by Your grace.” And then finally, “Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorious lady, the Theotokos and ever Virgin Mary....” After the deacon finished the small litany, the priest would intone the final exultation of his prayer so that the people could respond with the “Amen!”

The prayers offered after the first and second antiphons are not simply “filler,” but a cry to God from His children, asking Him to preserve us and accept us as we draw closer to Him. We ask Him to save us and bless us and preserve the fullness of the Church by filling us with Himself and His glory. We ask Him to sanctify us since we love the beauty of His house and come there to worship Him.

As we place our hope in Him, we ask that He abide in us forever, remembering that Christ promised to be “present when two or three are gathered in My Name” (Matthew 18:20). These prayers reveal why we dare to draw near to God and dare to “walk in procession right into His holy presence: since we are no mere collection of ordinary people, but the Church of the living God, His inheritance, His joy, His covenant people.”2

Finally, during the third antiphon the clergy and their attendants (Altar Boys) make a procession with the Gospel. This is a carryover of the original practice of




“teaching” the divine liturgyFather Peter recently led the community through a prayerful, instructive “Teaching” Divine Liturgy. He paused at points throughout the service to offer in depth explanations of various parts of the Divine Liturgy.

the clergy entering the church for the first time at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, bringing the Gospel with them.

In the days of St. John Chrysostom, the clergy would enter the church with the Gospel book and go straight into the altar so that the service proper could begin. Rev. Lawence Farley notes that the “Gospel book was carried for a practical purpose only - the deacon (who kept the Gospel book in his home for safekeeping) brought it with him to church so that he could read it during the service.”

Now that the Church keeps the Gospel on the altar table, the carrying of it in procession has a deeper meaning: it shows that Christ is among us, and we venerate the Gospel book as we would Christ, carrying it reverently, with joy, in high triumph, with an honor guard of lights.

We sing the antiphons and all the hymns of the Divine Liturgy not in memory of one who is dead and parted from us, but rather as an expression of joy at finding Christ alive in our midst. The Gospel procession during the third antiphon reveals what our thunderous singing is all about._____1 Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, Rev. Lawrence Farley, p. 24.2 Ibid., p. 26._____Resources:A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy, Nicholas Cabasilas.Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Divine Liturgy, Rev. Lawrence Farley.The Byzantine Rite: A Short History. American Essays in Liturgy, Robert F. Taft. The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, Holy Cross Orthodox Press.The Eternal Liturgy, Rev. Theodore Stylianopoulos.


"Teaching" the Divine Liturgy - Camp Saint Paul

direct archdiocesan district summer camp program

Camp St. Paul 2011sleep over camp

Week 1: July 4 - July 10 Week 2: July 11 - July 17 Week 3: July 18 - July 24All Three Weeks - Sold Out!!

SpRINg 2011 / THE MINISTRY • 7www.SaINTbaRbaRa.oRg

Ο Ακάθιστος ΥμνοςΥπο Πρωτοπρεσβυτέρου Παναγιώτου Ι. Ορφανάκου

Το ιστορικόν της συγγραφής του Ακαθίστου Υμνου, πού η Αγία μας Εκκλησία ψάλλει κατά το διάστημα της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, είναι ότι το έτος 650 μ.χ. οι Πέρσοι ήσαν έτοιμοι να εισέλθουν εις την Κωσταντινούπολιν. Ο τότε αυτοκράτωρ Ηράκλειος με τον στρατόν του ευρίσκετο εις την Παλαιστίνην καί μόνον ολίγοι υπερασπισταί είχαν μείνει εις την Πόλιν.

Ο Πατριάρχης Σέργιος ευρισκόμενος προ τού κινδύνου, διέταξεν όπως όλος ο λαός να λιτανεύσει γύρω από τα τείχη της πόλεως με τας εικόνας του Χριστού και τής Παναγίας επικαλούμενοι την βοήθεια του Θεού.

Ξαφνικά μία μεγάλη κατοιγίς εξηγέρθει και κατέστρεψε τον στόλον του εχθρού. Ετσι θαυμαστώς η Παναγία επενέβει και έσωσε την Πόλιν.

Εις έκφρασιν ευχαριστίας και ευγνωμοσύνης προς την Πολιούχον τής Πόλεως, την Παναγίαν, εψάλησαν διά πρώτην φοράν οι χαιρετισμοί, καθ’ όλην την νύκτα εις τον ναόν των βλαχερνών χωρίς ο λάος να καθίσει, δι’αυτό και ο Ευχαριστήριος αυτός Υμνος ωνομάσθηκεν Ακάθιστος.

Ο Υμνος αυτός είναι ένα θαυμάσιο θρησκευτικόν ποιήμα προς την Μεγαλόχαρη. Αποτελείται δε από 24 τροπάρια, Οίκους, τα οποία περιγάφουν την ζωήν του Χριστού οπως την είδεν η Παναγία Μητέρα Του. Τα τροπάρια “Τη Υπερμάχω”, “Την Ωραιότητα”, και “Το Πρασταχθέν” περιγράφουν

την Δογματικήν θέσιν της Θεοτόκου εις την Ορθόδοξο Εκκλησία.

Ο Υμνος αυτός ωνομάζεται και “Χαιρετισμοί” από το Χαίρε του Αρχαγγέλου Γαβριήλ κατά τον Ευαγγελισμόν. Επεκράτησε δε να ψάλλεται κατά τας Παρασκευάς την Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής εις Τέσσερες στάσεις, έξι Οίκους κατά κάθε Παρασκευή. Την τελευταίν Παρασκευή ψάλλονται όλοι οι Οίκοι μαζύ.

Εις τον Ακάθιστον Υμνον περιγράφεται εν ολίγοις, είς την πρώτην στάσιν ο Ευαγγελισμός, αι αμφιβολίαι της Μαρίας, η επίσκεψις της Ελισάβετ και το όνειρον του Ιωσήφ. Εις την δευτέραν στάσιν εξιστορείται η Γέννησις τού Κυρίου, η προσκύνησις των Μάγων, των ποιμένων, η φυγή εις Αίγυπτον και η ευλογία του Συμεών. Είς την τρίτην στάσιν αναφέρεται η νέα εν Χριστώ ζωή εν ουρανοίς, η παρουσία τού Θεού μεταξύ των ανθρώπων, η αδυναμία των αγγέλων και των ανθρώπων να εννοήσουν το Μυστήριον της Θείας Οικονομίας. Εις την τετάρατη στάσιν περιγράφεται η Παναγία ως Μήτηρ Θού, το Φώς πού οδιγεί εις τον Χριστόν και η προστασία όλων των Χριστιανών.

Εν ολίγοις, ο Ακάθιστος Υμνος εμπέει εις τον χριστιανόν την ευσέβειαν προς το Ιερόν Πρόσωπον της Παναγίας Θεοτόκου.

Άγγελος πρωτοστάτης, ουρανόθεν επέμφθη, ειπείν τή Θεοτόκω τό, Χαίρε καί σύν τή ασωμάτω φωνή, σωματούμενόν σε θεωρών, Κύριε, εξίστατο, καί ίστατο κραυγάζων πρός αυτήν τοιαύτα

Χαίρε, δι’ ής ή χαρά εκλάμψει

χαίρε, δι’ ής ή αρά εκλείψει.

Χαίρε, τού πεσόντος Αδάμ η ανάκλησις

χαίρε, τών δακρύων τής Εύας ή λύτρωσις.

Χαίρε, ύψος δυσανάβατον ανθρωπίνοις λογισμοίς

χαίρε, βάθος δυσθεώρητον, καί Αγγέλων

οφθαλμοίς.

Χαίρε, ότι υπάρχεις Βασιλέως καθέδρα

χαίρε, ότι βαστάζεις τόν βαστάζοντα πάντα.

Χαίρε, αστήρ εμφαίνων τόν Ήλιον

χαίρε, γαστήρ ενθέου σαρκώσεως.

Χαίρε, δι’ ής νεουργείται ή κτίσις

χαίρε, δι’ ής βρεφουργείται ό Κτίστης.

Χαίρε, Νύμφη ανύμφευτε.

Ο Ακάθιστος Υμνος


Ο 'Αγιος Αλέξιος - Ο 'Ανθρωπος του Θεού

Ο 'Αγιος Αλέξιος Ο 'Ανθρωπος του ΘεούΥπο Πρωτοπρεσβυτέρου Παναγιώτου Ι. Ορφανάκου

Ο Οσιος Αλέξιος γεννήθηκε στην Ρώμη. Ο πατέρας του Ευφημιανός ήταν ο πρώτος της Συγκλήτου. Ηταν άνθρωπος συνετός πλούσιος και ενάρετος. Η μητέρα του Αγλαία ήταν γυναίκα ευλαβής και ενάρετος. Είχαν όμως μία λύπη, γιατί δεν είχαν αποκτήσει παιδί. Παρακαλούσαν, λοιπόν, τον Χριστό με πολλή πίστη να τούς δώσει παιδί. Ο Κύριος άκουσε την προσευχή τους καί η Αγλαία γέννησε υιόν τον οποίον ωνόμασαν Αλέξιον.

Ο μικρός Αλέξιος μεγάλωσε μέσα σε ένα περιβάλλον πού πλημμύριζε από αγάπη, χριστιανική αρετή και καλωσύνη. Ανεδείχθει ένας υποδειγματικός, ταπεινός και σεμνός νέος. Εσπούδασε όχι μόνον τα Εκκλησιαστικά συγγράμματα, αλλά και την κοσμική παιδεία. Απ’ όλη την μελέτη κατάλαβε ο Αλέξιος την ματαιότητα του κόσμου, και ότι η ψυχή είναι αθάνατη. Αποφάσισε, λοιπόν, να απαρνηθεί τα παρόντα αγαθά της ζωής σάν πρόσκαιρα, για να κληρονομήσει τα άφθαρτα και αιώνια.

Οταν ο Αλέξιος έφθασε σε κατάλληλη ηλικία, οι γονείς του επέμεναν να τον νυμφεύσουν. Τότε ο Οσιος πέρασε μιά μεγάλη κρίση καί δύσκολη στιγμή. Ο Θεός όμως οικονόμησε τα πράγματα και βγήκε απο το αδιέξοδο. Βρέθηκε μία κόρη πού και αυτή ήθελε να μείνει άγαμος και επιέζετο απο τούς γονείς της να παντρευτεί, και συνεφώνησαν να στεφανωθούν αλλά να μείνουν παρθένοι και να εκπληρώσουν την κατά Θεόν επιθυμία τους.

Ηρθε η ημέρα των γάμων τους. Εγινε το Μυστήριο, οι χοροί και η διασκέδαση. Κανένας όμως δεν ήξερε το μυστικό τους. Την ίδια νύχτα, λένε οι Συναξαρισταί, οι δύο νέοι αφού έμειναν μόνοι,

προσευχήθηκαν και έπειτα με σύμφωνη γνώμη της ευσεβούς νέας ο Οσιος έφυγε να πάη μακρυά από την Ρώμη σε ξένο τόπο. Ντύθηκε όσο μπορούσε πιό φτωχικά και κατέβηκε στην παραλία. Με την βοήθεια του Θεού βρήκε πλοίο που έφευγε γιά την Συρία. Μπήκε μέσα και όταν έφθασε στην Λαοδικία, ο Οσιος κατέβηκε γιά να συνεχίσει το ταξίδι του διά ξηράς. Στην Εδεσσα της Συρίας βρήκε έναν Ναόν όπου υπήρχε η αχειροποίητη εικόνα του Χριστού. Εκεί αφού εμοίρασε στούς φτωχούς ότι είχε μαζύ του, έμεινε φτωχικά ντυμένος και ζητούσε ελεημοσύνη, την οποίαν έδιδε εις τούς φτωχούς

και κρατούσε λίγα μόνον για το ψωμί του. Ολη την νύχτα προσευχόταν. Από την πολύ εγκράτεια και σκληραγογία εξαφανίσθηκε η ομορφιά τού προσώπου του, μαύρισε η όψις του, ξεράθηκε το δέρμα και τα μάτια του και εφαίνοντο τα κόκκαλά του.

Εν τω μεταξύ οι γονεις, συγγενείς, η άμοιρη νύμφη φόρεσαν μαύρα και θρηνούσαν τον χαμό του αγάπημένου παιδιού τους. Εστειλαν ανθρώπους σε διάφορα μέρη και πόλεις γιά να τον βρούν. Ηλθαν και εις την Εδεσσα, είδαν τον φτωχό και κουρελιάρη πού ζητούσε βοήθεια και του έδωσαν ελεημοσύνη. Ο Αλέξιος τούς εγνώρισε, συγκινήθηκε και δόξασε τον Θεό πού τον αξιώσε

να δεχθεί ελεημοσύνη από τούς δούλους του.

Ο Αλέξιος έμεινε στο νάρθηκα τού ναού εκείνου δέκα επτά ολόκληρα χρόνια. Οι κάτοικοι τού τόπου τον τιμούσαν σάν Αγιο. Επειδή φοβήθηκε την φήμη, μήπως εξ αιτίας της επιγείου δόξας χάσει την ουράνια δόξα, σκέφτηκε να φύγει σε άνγωστο τόπο. Επείρε πλοίο να πάει στην Τάρσο της Κιλικίας στον Ναό τού Αποστόλου Παύλου. Καθώς όμως έπλεαν, σηκώθηκε αντίθετος άνεμος καί πηγαίνοντας εδώ και εκεί έφθασαν στη Ρώμη. Ο Αγιος κατάλαβε ότι αυτό ήταν οικονομία Θεού. Γιά να μην επιβαρύνει κανένα σκέφτηκε να πάει να μείνει ως άγνωστος στο σπίτι του μέχρι το τέλος της ζωής του.


Ανθρωπόν σε έγνωμεν Θεού, κλήσει τε καί πράγματι ταίς αρεταίς γάρ διέλαμψας, πτωχείαν άμετρον, καί στενοχωρίαν, επί γής κτησάμενος, καί θαύμασι πιστούς πιστωσάμενος διό ικέτευε, δωρηθήναι ταίς ψυχαίς ημών, τήν ειρήνην, καί τό μέγα έλεος.

Ερωτι δροσίζοντι σαρκός, έρωτας φλογίζοντας, εναποσβέσας Αλέξιε, θαλάμου θάλαμον, ευσεβώς ηλλάξω, ηδονής τε σώματος, τήν θείαν τών Αγγέλων ομοίωσιν μεθ' ών ικέτευε, δωρηθήναι ταίς ψυχαίς ημών, τήν ειρήνην, καί τό μέγα έλεος.

We know you to be a man of God both in name and in deeds; for you did shine forth in virtues while possessing on the earth poverty unbounded with all straitness and distress; and through your signs and wonders, the faithful were persuaded of the truth. O Alexios, intercede with Christ that He grant peace and great mercy to our souls.

With love which refreshed you like the dew, you did quench all burning fleshly love, exchanging in piety the bridal chamber here for that bridal chamber, trading bodily delights for the divine resemblance of Angels. Hence, Alexios, with their choirs, intercede with the Lord our God that He grant peace and great mercy to our souls. Saint Alexios - Man of God


Αφού πρώτα προσευχήθηκε στο Θεό να τον βοηθήσει να μείνει άγνωστος, ήλθε εις το σπίτι τού πατέρα του και του είπε: «Παρακαλώ την ευγένειά σου να με ελεήσης και να με αφήσης να καθήσω σε μιά γωνιά του παλατιού σου να τρέφωμαι απο τα ψίχουλα οπού θα πέφτουν απο το τραπέζι των δούλων σου, γιατί είμαι ξένος και φτωχός, και ο Θεός να σε ευλογήσει γι’ αυτή την καλωσύνη σου, και αν έχεις κανένα συγγενή σου στα ξένα να σε αξιώσει να τον δείς όπως επιθυμείς».

Ο άρχοντας θυμήθηκε τον γιό του, εδάκρυσε και τον παρέδωσε σε ένα δούλο να τον φροντίζει σε ότι χρειάζεται. Τού έστελνε καθημερινά φαγητά από το τραπέζι του, αλλά ο Αγιος έτρωγε λίγο ψωμί και λίγο νερό μόνον κάθε Κυριακή. Ημέρα και νύχτα επροσεύχετο.

Εμεινε στο πατρικό του σπίτι έτσι φτωχός, άγνωστος, και ταλαιπωρημένος με πολέμους απο τον διάβολον για δέκα επτά ολόκληρα χρόνια, οπότε ο Κύριος του φανέρωσε ότι την επομένην Παρασκευή επρόκειτο να αναπαυθεί απο τούς πόνους και τα βάσανα. Ζήτησε τότε από τον δούλον πού τον υπηρετούσε να τού φέρει χαρτί και μελάνι και έγραψε σε αυτό όλα όσα του είχαν συμβεί και ποιός ήταν. Αφού έγραψε αυτά ο Αγιος έμεινε προσευχόμενος μέχρι την ώρα πού έφυγε γιά τον ουρανό.

Εν τω ματαξύ ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Ιννοκέντιος ιερουργούσε στον Ναό των Αγίων Αποστόλων της Ρώμης. Τότε ακούστηκε φωνή από τον Ουρανό πού έλεγε: Την Παρασκευή ο «άνθρωπος τού Θεού» βγένει από το σώμα του. Ζητήσατε του να παρακαλέσει γιά την πόλη για να μείνετε ανενόχλητοι.

Την Πέμπτη το βράδυ έγινε ολονύκτιος αγρυπνία στον Ναό των Αγίων Αποστόλων, και παρακαλούσαν τον Θεό να τους υποδείξει να βρούν τον δούλον Του, τον «άνθρωπον του Θεού» όπως τον ωνόμασε η ουρανία φωνή. Στην αγρυπνία ήσαν παρόντες ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος, ο Βασιλεύς, ο Ευφημιανός και πλήθος πιστών. Κατά τα ξημερώματα ακούστηκε πάλι φωνή από τον Ουρανό πού έλεγε: «Στό σπίτι τού Ευφημιανού υπάρχει ο «άνθρωπος του Θεού».

Τότε κατάλαβε ο Ευφημιανός ότι επρόκειτο γιά εκείνον τον άγιο πού είχε κοντά του. Ετρεξαν όλοι και βρήκαν τον Αγιο ξαπλωμένον με το πρόσωπο σκεπασμένο ενώ στο δεξί του χέρι κρατούσε το χειρόγραφο, πού προσπάθησε να το πάρει ο Ευφημιανός, αλλά δεν μπορούσε. Ξεσκέπασαν το πρόσωπό του και είδαν ότι έλαμπε σάν άγγελος.

Γονάτισαν, ασπάσθηκαν το Αγιο Λείψανο του με μεγάλη ταπείνωση και τον παρακαλούσαν να τούς δώσει το χαρτί. Ο Αγιος τότε άφησε το γράμμα, το διάβασαν δυνατά και άκουσαν όλοι ότι αυτός ήταν ο Αλέξιος.

Επακολούθησε μεγάλη χαρμολύπη. Επρεπε να πενθήσουν τον θάνατον η να πανηγυρίσουν την εύρεση. Πολλά θαυμαστά γεγονότα επακολούθησαν. Κωφάλαλοι εμίλησαν και άκουσαν, δαιμονισμένοι γιατρεύτηκαν, λεπροί καθαρίστηκαν και πολλές άλλες αρρώστιες εξαφανίζοντο μόλις οι ασθενείς ασπάζοντο το ιερό λείψανό του. Μιά εβδομάδα παρέμεινε σε προσκύνηση το ιερό λείψανο και εν συνεχεία το έθαψαν εις τον Ναό του Αγίου Πέτρου. Απο τον τάφο του ανάβλυσε ευωδιαστό μύρο με το οποίο γιατρεύτηκαν πολλοί.

Ο Οσιος Αλέξιος εκοιμήθει στις 17 Μαρτίου του 410 και την ημέρα αυτή εορτάζομε την μνημη του.

Ο 'Αγιος Αλέξιος - Ο 'Ανθρωπος του Θεού


living in the light of the resurrectionBy Dr. Philip Mamalakis

One of the beautiful traditions we have in the Orthodox Church is our Paschal Resurrection service. With the church darkened, the priest comes out with the light of Christ, proclaiming, “Come receive the light, the Light of Christ, who illumines those in darkness.” The altar boys and parish council members swarm forward and the light slowly makes its way throughout the church, filling it with brightness. This is such a powerful experience that many people who do not set foot in church all year will still be present at this one service.

I remember this well as a child. After the service, exhausted and wired, we would try to see if we could bring the light home. Sometimes it would be windy or rainy and our goal would be just to get the light to the car. Once in the car, we tried to get the light home without burning anyone’s hair. Sometimes, we were successful! Weary-eyed, holding an open flame in the car, (which I’m sure was a fire hazard) we were determined to bring the light of Christ into our homes. Why? Because our homes are the places where we live our lives, spend most of our days, and we knew that this is where the light of Christ

belonged and it was also a lot of fun!

We need Christ in our homes because it is here where we learn about life and relationships. We learn how to love, how to be patient, and how to forgive. In our homes we learn what to expect from others and what to do when people don’t meet our expectations. We learn what to value in the world and how to live in it. Our homes are where our souls our shaped in the day-to-day activities of life. The light of Christ needs to be in that place as that is happening - illuminating all.

the lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall i fear. the lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall i be afraid. psalm 27:1

But what do we do with this light when we bring it into our house? How do we bring the light of Christ into our homes, into our families? Where do we put it? Does it have a place in our homes? Does it have a place in our hearts? First, let’s talk about physically bringing the light of Christ home.

Where do we place this candle in our home? The light came from the altar of the Church and belongs at the altar area, or prayer area, of the home. Does your home have a space, part of a room or maybe in the hallway, that is set apart for family prayer? Do you gather as a family for prayer? Do you have a place to keep a candili—a vigil light—that can be lit with the Paschal light? In that place you might hang your icons, maybe keep a censer, some holy water, a palm from Palm Sunday, a bible, a prayer book, and maybe a book of hymns. This place is set apart to come together as a family to pray, read the Bible, and to sing on a regular basis. We need to prepare a special place in our homes to receive the light of Christ.

We weren’t always successful bringing the Paschal light home. Some years the light blew out—sometimes from the wind, and sometimes from a sibling, who worked diligently to extinguish the other’s light. So, what happened when the light is extinguished? Do we ever blow out the light of Christ? Absolutely not! We know that as Christians, we don’t just carry the light of Christ, we are the light of Christ. And on Pascha, we bring that light of Christ into our homes as we carry the light of Christ in our hearts. Does the light of Christ have a place in our hearts? The purpose of the external traditions and practices of the Church is to nurture the internal reality of living with Christ in our homes by living with Christ in our hearts.


Living in the Light of the Resurrection


“You are the light of the

world.”

matthew 5:14

For fifty days we live in the light of the Resurrection. That is, we receive the light of Christ in our hearts by living according to the Light, as children of God, according to the values and virtues of the Kingdom of God, according to His commandments,

which are lights that guide us. We live in the light of the resurrection by living as peacemakers (James 3;18), nurturing forgiveness (Matthew 6:12-16), learning to love (Matthew 22:35-40; I Corinthians 13:3), being slow to anger and quick to listen (James 1:19), hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6), being patient, kind, longsuffering, gentle (I Corinthians 13:4)—OK, that doesn’t sound much like mealtime at my home. That’s because we are still working towards this goal—or rather—Christ is still working towards this goal in us as we walk in the light of His resurrection.

As we receive Christ into our hearts, by striving to live as Children of God in our homes, we experience that warmth and peace in our homes that comes from the Light of Christ—from the love of Christ that shines forth on Pascha. We are invited on Pascha night to take home the light in our cars, that we may take it home in our hearts.

Christ is Risen!

Dr. Philip Mamalakis and his wife, Georgia live in Boston Massachusetts with their seven children (ages 3-17). Dr. Mamalakis is the Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, where he also helps coordinate the Field Education Program. He has a Master of Divinity from Holy Cross, and a PhD in Child Development and Family Studies, with a specialization in marriage and family from Purdue University.

practical strategies for living the light of the resurrectionThis issue we ask parents: How do you keep the light of the Resurrection alive after Pascha?

“We really focus on the fact that the Resurrection doesn’t end on Pascha—the Church gives us 40 days to celebrate it. We add “Christ is Risen” to our daily prayers and we light our Pascha candle as a physical reminder of Christ’s coming out of darkness.” – Lia and Dean, parents of seven children ages 10-21

“Bringing the Light of Christ home means continuing all the good habits we have established through Lent and giving the “light” out to others. By continuing to pray, serve the needy, and witness to others in our daily activities, we keep the light of Christ bright.” –Tammy, mother of two teenage daughters

“We have a special lantern that we take to church to bring the light home. The lantern goes with us everywhere after the Resurrection. If we go to a restaurant, it is with us. If we go to someone’s house the next day, we take it with us. We keep this lantern lit the entire 40 days following Pascha.” – Margo, mother of a 15-year-old son

from the resurrection service

It is the Day of Resurrection! Let us shine forth in splendor for the Festival, and embrace one another. Let us say, “O brethren, even to those, who do not love us; let us forgive all things in the Resurrection, and thus, let us exclaim: ‘Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and bestowing life to those in the tombs.’” Doxastikon

family activity corner: share the light

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”- Matthew 5:14-16

What are some ways we as a family can share our light with others? Here are a few things that you and your family can do to celebrate and spread the light to all you come across.

live the faith - Sharing the light mean proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. This has less to do with what you say


Practical Strategies for Living the Light of the Resurrection

did you miss the 60 minutes feature on mount athos?View the entire episode and bonus features on-line.

The link below that allows you see the entire 60 Minutes feature on-line. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/04/21/60minutes/main20056101.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentBody

Also you can view some behind the scenes footage at:http://www.cbsnews.com/60minutesovertime


and more about what you do. Read the Bible as a family and discuss God’s commandments for our lives. Use the sacraments of the Church as tools to bring you closer to Christ and participate in them regularly.

challenge - Each week before the Divine Liturgy read that Sunday’s Gospel reading as a family. Discuss how you can take the lesson of the Gospel and apply it to your daily life that week. At the end of the week, discuss how this impacted your life and how you will continue to live the Gospel in your life. Use the Family Gospel Lesson at www.family.goarch.org to assist your family in this challenge.

pray for others - Teaching children to pray is a critical tool for their spiritual development. As they grow, teach them to pray for people in poverty, pain, and those who have never learned about Christ.

challenge - Create your own family and individual prayer books. Include favorite prayers (patron saints, feast

days, morning and evening prayers, communion prayers, confessional prayers, etc) as well as prayer lists. Let each person decorate their prayer book. For younger children who are not yet reading, use pictures to assist them in their prayers. Include icons of Christ, the Theotokos, their patron saint and a guardian angel, to remind them to pray for their intercession. Additionally, add pictures of people that they wish to pray for (family members, friends, people in need, etc.). Add to your prayer books regularly.

reach out - Involve your children in charity projects both in your local community and globally. Make charity and serving others a regular part of your family life.

challenge - Find a local or global charity project that your children can support. Some ideas to get started: volunteer at a food kitchen, raise money for mission priest (www.ocmc.org), or put together a school kits for children in impoverished countries (www.iocc.org).


Practical Strategies for Living the Light of the Resurrection


mount athosFrom the 60 Minutes web site

On Easter Sunday evening, the news show 60 Minutes focused its cameras on Mount Athos. If you missed seeing the original episode, I encourage you to follow the links on the previous page and watch the episode on-line.

As the story was being covered, CBS correspondent Bob Simon noted, they ‘run on Byzantine time’ as the new day begins at sunset. The program was presented with reverence and awe. Simon began by intoning: “It’s a remote peninsula in northern Greece that millions believe to be the most sacred spot on Earth. It’s called Mount Athos and prayers have been offered there every day, with no interruption, for more than a thousand years. CBS must have felt they waited at least that long to get in: “For more than two years, we’ve been corresponding, negotiating and, frankly, pleading, for an invitation, but ran into one monastic wall after another. Then, much to our surprise, and delight, a few months ago, the monks invited us to visit. “Fr. Iakovos, described as one of the few Americans at Athos, told Simon, “Your persistence convinced us.”

The content of the program naturally reflected a modern American outlook: the guests were fascinated by the health and longevity credited to the monastic kitchens – Mediterranean diet in overdrive. They were very curious about how ancient builders could suspend eight, nine, and ten story buildings on sheer cliffs – “It’s a miracle it hasn’t fallen into the sea,” Simon noted. The greatest

impression was made perhaps by the Athos peninsula’s pristine nature: “People come for the beauty, tranquility and isolation.”

Simon and his colleagues understood the heartbeat of the monks: “Their sole purpose is to get closer to Christ every day,” he said. The place is built for that, both in what it contains: some of the most ancient and holiest relics and icons on earth and magnificent chapels and churches where the Divine Liturgy is performed 1000 times per day, and what is excluded: cell phone, newspapers, radio and televisions.

The monks go there “not just to isolate themselves from the world today, but to let go of all memories of their past life,” the show noted. After Fr. Iakovos quoted St. Paul’s urging Christians to “pray unceasingly” there was a brief introduction to the Jesus Prayer and its place in Orthodox spirituality, which he said monks recited until it became like breathing.

Slowly the visitors began to grasp why Mount Athos, offering Divine Wisdom and spiritual knowledge, receives more applicants per year than Harvard. Simon, watching the monks chanting marveled, “Some of these voices, especially the basses, could have made it at the Metropolitan Opera.” He said: “The depth of their devotion defies description.”

At another point in the show, Simon made a most profound statement, “Athos has probably changed less in the past 1000 years than anyplace else on earth.” Simon, deeply moved, concluded by saying, “It’s a Spartan way of life, but all the monks we talked to said they never want to leave, not even for a day.”


Mount Athos

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Number of Pledges: 332Total Pledged: $2,078,737

Total Collected: $1,140,670as of May 1, 2011

Total Amount Pledged


AHEPA Chapter #98Mr. & Mrs. Michael Albanis Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Alessio Mr. Alex Alexiades Elia AlexiadesMr. & Mrs. Antonios I. Amoratis Mr. Iakovos (Mike) Amoratis Mr. Ioannis (John) AmoratisAnasson-Waskiewicz FamilyMrs. Christine AnastasionMr. & Mrs. Damon AnastasionMr. & Mrs. George AnastasionMr. & Mrs. Peter Anastasion Mrs. Evelyn Anastasiou & GregoryMr. & Mrs. Peter Anderson Miss Elise AndreasMiss Ellen AndreotisMr. & Mrs. Gary AndrewsMrs. Cally Angeletti Anonymous AAnonymous BAnonymous CAnonymous DAnonymous EAnonymous FAnonymous "Little Angels"Mr. & Mrs. George Anthis Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Antonakis Vasiliki AntonMr. & Mrs. George Antonellis Mr. Theodore Antonellis Mrs. Asimina Antonellis Stephen and Ioanna AnzenbergerMrs. Catherine Aportria Mr. & Mrs. William Arabolos Nick and Maria AretakisMr. & Mrs. George Arnaoutis Mr. & Mrs. Kostas AthanasiadisMr. & Mrs. Ernie AthanAdam & Dina BajkoSteven & Debbie BaklasMr. & Mrs. Dennis Bakoussis Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Baledes Christine & Gerald BaldinoMr. & Mrs. James Ballas Mrs. Lisa Ballas Mr. & Mrs. Paul BallasMiss Petrina BallasMr. & Mrs. Andrew Banores Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Barakis Mr. & Mrs. Edward Basel Mr. & Mrs. Louis Basel Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Belales Mr. & Mrs. James Benas

Mr. & Mrs. John Benham Mr. & Mrs. Shaun Berner Mr. & Mrs. James Bitzonis The Buzelle FamilySophie CaloutasMr. & Mrs. William Cambras Miss Conella P. Chagares Mr. & Mrs. Constantine Chagares Basil G. Chaltas, Jr., Anne Abramson Mr. & Mrs. Basil Chaltas Mr. & Mrs.Thano Chaltas Mr. George Chatzopoulos Child of God Mrs. Christine Choban Mr. & Mrs. Robert ChomiakMr. & Mrs. James Chow Mr. John Christopher Mr. & Mrs. Aquiles Constantinidi Mr. & Mrs. George Contopoulos Mrs. Melissa Papantones CorradinoMr. & Mrs. Michael Cosmas Carolyn Rambus & Shawn CowperMr. & Mrs. Edwin Cox Mr. Leroy G. Dabakis Mr. & Mrs. A. Paul Dalakas Mrs. Elsie K. DambakelisMr. & Mrs. Peter Daniel Dr. Lycurgus Davey Mr. & Mrs. Peter DeBassio Mr. George Delegorges Fred & Reneé Del PercioMr. & Mrs. Peter DemetropoulosMr. & Mrs. Fotios Diamantes Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Diamantis Persefone DikegorosMr. & Mrs. Richard DiMeolaMr. & Mrs. Pantelis Efthymiou Dr. & Mrs. John Elefteriades Miss Chrisanne Eleftheriou Mr. & Mrs. Peter Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Stelios Emmanouil Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Esares Mr. & Mrs. David Esposito Evero CorporationMr. & Mrs. George FaraclasMr. & Mrs. Donald Feliciano Feola-Prentiss FamilyMr. & Mrs. Augoustis Fifis Miss Maria Galanakis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Gekas Miss Claire GenetosMr. & Mrs. Gregory GerakelisMr. & Mrs. Georgios Giambanis Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Giannopoulos


Building Fund Stewards


Mrs. Dorothea Giatrelis Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Gionteris Miss Elaine Goumas Miss Lucy Goumas Great Lakes TelecomMr. & Mrs. Konstantinos GrigoriadisDimitrios & Renie Groumousas Nikki & NontasMr. & Mrs. George Guiliotis Mr. & Mrs. Gregg K. Guiliotis Christos & Jane HadjimichaelEvangelos & Olympia HadjimichaelDr. & Mrs. Harry Hajedemos Miss Mara L. Halepas Mr. & Mrs. Peter Halepas Miss Stephanie Halepas John N. HaskosMr. & Mrs. Nicholas J. Haskos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas P. Haskos Mr. & Mrs. Neil Hathaway Peter & Michele HatzidimitriouMr. & Mrs. Theodoros HatzigiannisMr. & Mrs. Alexander Heonis Mrs. Despina HeonisMs. Anastacia H. Herbert Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Hionis Robyn Alexandra HoffmanMark & Eleni HojnowskiHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Mr. & Mrs. Frederick HoxsieMr. & Mrs.Thomas W. HubbardMiss Sophia IosifidisMr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Iosifidis Theodore N. IosifidisMr. & Mrs. Stuart Johnson Mr. & Mrs. John Kaiser The Kambas FamilyMr. & Mrs. Tasos Kanakis Mr. & Mrs. George Kaouris Mr. & Mrs. Stelios KapernarosMr. & Mrs. Angelo Karakolidis Mrs. Stavroula Kariofyllis Mr. & Mrs. Manos Katevatis Aphrodite KatramadosNicholas & Sophia KattisMr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kefalas Mrs. Elizabeth Kerantzas Ms. Barbara KieslichMrs. Anna Kirtopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kittleman Mr. & Mrs. Peter Klarides Mr. & Mrs. John Kokenos Mr. & Mrs. John J. Kollias Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Konstantino

Mr. & Mrs. Stan Kontogiannis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Kostas Mr. & Mrs. John KoukosMr. & Mrs. Anthony Koutroumanis Mr. Constantinos Koutroumanis Mr. & Mrs. George Koutroumanis Mr. Peter KoutroumanisMr. & Mrs. Peter V. Koutroumanis Mr. & Mrs. Paul KovlakasMrs. Harriet Kral Mr. & Mrs. George Kydes Mr. & Mrs. William KyrtopoulosNicholas G. LaggisHaralambos LaopodisMr. & Mrs. Peter Laskos Mrs. Christine LaveyMr. & Mrs. Elias Lolis Cindy & Fred LordMr. & Mrs. Michael P. Losh, SrMr. & Mrs. Robert W. Loskant Mr. & Mrs. Bradford Lott Dr. & Mrs. John Loucopoulos Mr. & Mrs. James Loukakes Mrs. Poppy LoukakesMr. Louis Loukides Miss Kiki Loussides Mr. George Nicholas Loussides Mr. & Mrs. Nick Loussides Maccone FamilyMr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Maniatis Mr. & Mrs. Peter ManiatisMr. & Mrs. Theodore Maniatis Mr. Alexander MarathasMrs. Catherine MarathasMr. & Mrs. Patric Marchitto Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Marnerakis Mrs. Mary MattieMr. William Mavrides The Mayor FamilyMr. & Mrs. Harold McGrathMiss Anastasia Meehan Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Melanidis Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Melanidis Mr. & Mrs. Peter Melanidis Mr. & Mrs. John Mihalakos Mr. & Mrs. Gino Milani Mr. & Mrs. Nicolaos Milas Mr. & Mrs. Vic MitchellMr. & Mrs. Ralph Monaco, Jr. Brian, Stacy & Darin MoranMr. & Mrs. Constantine Moriatis Mr. George MoriatisMiss Maria MoriatisMrs. Linda Morris Philip & Mary Morris

Mr. & Mrs. William Morris Mr. & Mrs. Evans Mountzouris Mr. & Mrs. Gregory MouratidisMr. & Mrs. George Myzithras In memory of George NecklasGeorge & Georgia Necklas & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Michael J. Necklas Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Niarchos Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Nicholson Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Nicolakis Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nuzzo John-Peter Iakovos OrfanakosRev. & Mrs. John P. Orfanakos Rev. & Mrs. Peter J. Orfanakos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Overbye Mr. & Mrs. John Palavra Pete and Brenda PantelisMr. & Mrs. Kostas PapadopoulosMr. & Mrs. Kyriacos Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Matheos PapadopoulosMr. & Mrs. Nicholas Papadopoulos Mr. & Mrs. George PappasMr. & Mrs. Harry Pappas Mr. & Mrs. John Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Pavlou Mr. & Mrs. George Pavlou Mr. & Mrs. James Perrone Evan & Regina PetrakisMr. & Mrs. George Poulos Ms. Irene Pournaras Helen Proestakes In Memory of Constantine P. ProestakesMr. & Mrs. Peter Proestakes Mr. & Mrs. Peter Proestakis Mr. & Mrs. John Raho Mr. & Mrs. Paul Redding Mr. & Mrs. William Redding Mrs. Mary ReedMs. Robyn Reilly Mr. & Mrs. Chad Rogers Gregory & Robin M. Romanovsky & SonsDr. & Mrs. Gary Rothrock Isidro & Stavroula RuedaTracey & Greg RussoSaint Barbara Golden YearsSaint Barbara GOYA Saint Barbara Greek School Saint Barbara Philoptochos SocietySaint Barbara PTODr. & Mrs. Louis Sanfilippo Miss Soultana SaoulidisMr. & Mrs. Theodore Saoulidis Mr. & Mrs. James Sarigianis Mr. & Mrs. John Sarris


Building Fund Stewards


Miss Argyro Nikoletta ScarlatisGeorge J. Scarveles & FamilyGeorge & Christine SellasDr. & Mrs. Kirk Shelley Mario & Arhonti SimmonsEfstathios & Demitra SimosMr. & Mrs. Tim SimoulisMr. & Mrs. John Skitzis, Sr.Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Soennichsen Mr. & Mrs. Vasilius Sofokleous Mr. Frank SoterMr. John Soterakos In memory of Konstantinos & Sofia SousoulasDr. & Mrs. Paris Spanolios Mrs. Paris Stamos Heath & FamilyMrs. Lisa Stamos Heerdt & Family Mr. & Mrs. Gregory J. Stamos Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stamos Mr. Peter Stamos Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Stavrides

Mr. Andrew StavridesMr. & Mrs. Steven Stavrides Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Stefanou Mr. & Mrs. William Talnose & FamilyMr. & Mrs. Thomas Tambis Mr. & Mrs. James J. TerzakisMr. & Mrs. Carl Testo Mr. & Mrs. George Theodos Mr. Paul TheodosDrs. Paul & Yota Tjimis Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tomaszek Alex & Madeline Trasacco & FamilyPaul & Corine Tsakonas & FamilyMr. John TsilfoglouMr. & Mrs. Timmy Tsopanides Mr. & Mrs. Basile TzovolosMr. & Mrs. Paul Tzovolos UI-Energy IncentiveMr. & Mrs. George Vagenas & FamilyVirginia ValakiMr. Jonathan Vartelas

Mr. Paul VartelasMr. Theodore Vartelas Mr. & Mrs. Gregg Vautrin In memory of Anastasia ViolaMr. & Mrs. Joseph Viola Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Vlahos Mr. & Mrs. Elias Vlandis Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Wachter Mr. & Mrs. Michael WachterMr. & Mrs. Robert J. Wagner Mr. Roger Wm. Wheeler Mr. & Mrs. James Winkel Mr. & Mrs. Steven Yates Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Yorgakaros Mr. Fredrick YostMr. & Mrs. Dionisios Zafiropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Panagiotis Zafiropoulos Mr. & Mrs. Frank ZainoMr. & Mrs. George Zikos Mr. & Mrs. Nikolas Zikos Mr. & Mrs. Manoli Zorgias & Family

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all."

1 thessalonians 5:14-15The requirements of harmonious life in community include the honoring of sacramental leadership, pursuit of good works,

continual prayer and thanksgiving in worship, and proper regard for the prophetic gift and spiritual discernment.This passage and commentary is from The Orthodox Study Bible, p. 1627.


Basketball/Volleyball Court - Exercise Room - Locker Rooms with ShowersYouth Room/Office - Snack Bar - The AHEPA Room

The above is an architectural rendering of the Saint Barbara Gymnasium

Building Fund Stewards - Architectural Rendering of Saint Barbara Gymnasium


growing in faith and commitment:the commitment of our children

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

All of the members of our Sunday School and Greek Language School Programs were given small banks in the spring of 2007 to assist them in making their stewardship commitment to the building drive of our Church.

The children were encouraged to offer a portion of their allowance or consider doing 'special chores' around the house and offer a portion of this money, which they earned, for the continued growth of their church. On the last Sunday of each month, the Sunday School children have been asked to bring in the monies collected during that month in a bag, with their name on it, to the Church where it will be collected and counted.

Please take time to notice the special poster that has been set up in the education center highlighting the names of the participating children and marking a running tally of the total amount raised by all of our children. At the end of the fund drive, the names of these participating children, will be honored in a unique and permanent way in the new building.

Each child received a special bank to contain their church donation contribution.


Sozon AlbanisMarianna AlbanisPreston AlessioSara AlessioAlexandra AlexiadesAmelia AndrewsDavid AndrewsJulia Andrews George AntonellisStephanie AntonellisSylvia AntonellisAlexander BaklasChris Benham John BenhamKallista Berner Luke Berner Zachary BernerElena BieleszJacob BieleszElias BitzarakisSamantha BuzelleVeronica Buzelle Emma CowperMatthew CristianoPaul DeBassio Peter DeBassioTennyson DelosPhilip EllisElli EmmanouilAnthony EspositoKatie EspositoAllison FaraclasKristen FaraclasBenj Feola Evangelos Feola Hari HalepasSophia HalepasAnna Kaiser Caliope KaiserEleni KaiserMaria KaourisPeter KaourisBarbara Kefalas

Diamantis KefalasNicholas KokenosStephanie KokenosSotirios KorosiotisNiko KoutroumanisGabriel LawrenceMaria LegatosAndreas LolisCosta LoucopoulosGeorgia LoucopoulosChristen Maccone John MacconeAshley Mitchell Caity MitchellEphemia NicolakisKassiani NicolakisJohn-Peter I. OrfanakosKristin PantelisElias PapadimitriouAlex PerroneAngie PerroneNick PerroneAnjelika ServetasMichael ServetasKaterina SpanoliosAlessandra Sperry Zachary SperryAlexandria StefanouTheo StefanouJason TalnoseChelsea TambisTaylor TambisAlexander TerryGabriella TerryAnnie-jorden TomaszekZachary TomaszekAubrie VellecaKrystina Velleca Eleni WagnerRobbie WagnerChristopher WinkelPatrick WinkelAlex Yates

We thank the following children for thier participation:

Growing in Faith and Commitment: The Commitment of Our Children


reflections from our YouthThe following speech was delivered by James Maccone, the President of the Saint Barbara GOYA, during our Youth Sunday celebration.

I have been a member of GOYA since the age of 12, and am currently president. Through my involvement in GOYA I have attended numerous dances, retreats and outreach activities. Each year Saint Barbara’s GOYA sponsors an annual day at Holiday Hill for the surrounding Orthodox communities in New England and participates in other social gatherings such as our annual Ski trip and outing to Six Flags. In addition, GOYA proudly participates in many community benefiting events including volunteering at the Branford Community Dining Hall, donating Build-a-Bears to the Ronald McDonald House, and building scarecrows for charity.

My personal favorite is our annual fall weekend retreat to the YMCA Camp Jewel. The purpose of this retreat is not only to have fun, but to become closer with one another. From the moment we arrive Friday night, we spend every second of the weekend together participating in unifying activities, staying up late and watching movies. On Saturday we travel around the camp doing various team-building activities. Every year we amaze the staff with how merged our group is as we break their latest team-building exercise records. In the evening, we have discussions about our Greek Orthodox faith with Father Peter and followed by s’mores and a movie.

The mood on Sunday morning is always melancholy as everyone packs for the trip back, remembering about “real world” awaiting us at home. During this time I begin to notice how we have grown, individually and as a whole over the years. We have had new members join and old members move on to college and some are even starting their own families and beginning to send their children to GOYA events. Over the years we have all developed this sense of being a family, and we treasure these moments together. As my presidency slowly comes to a close and this year ends, I am gradually

accepting the fact that I too will soon have to move on. But no matter where I move on to, GOYA will always be a favorite part of my past that will continually guide my future. The sense of family that GOYA gives me provides tranquility and peace amongst all the hustle and bustle of the everyday life.

My GOYA family has enabled me to take a step back from the rest of the world, take a deep breath and then move forward. As president I have had the privilege of teaching the next generation how to do the same. Enjoy

the time you are given and share it with the ones you love.

On that note today is Godparent Sunday. It is similarly a day in which we take the time to express our gratitude and love for our Godparents and extended members of our church families. Godparents are another way of sharing our faith and bringing loved ones closer to our hearts. They create ties that strengthen distance family relationships beyond culture, expanding our knowledge of faith and continually help in the formation of our basic beliefs. With that in mind, I would like to end with an expression from an anonymous

writer, “Fragrance always stays on the hand that gives the rose”. So remember to always share that love and you will never be without it. Thank you.


saint barbara scholarship applications are now available

in the church narthex or online at:www.saintbarbara.org/news/scholarships/index.cfm

scholarship deadline: June 15, 2011

Reflections From our Youth


reflections from our Youth The following speech was delivered by Georgia Loucopoulos, one of the two Vice-Presidents of the Saint Barbara GOYA.

As a senior in high school, I have about five months left until my graduation. This is also about the same amount of time I have left as a GOYAn. Since seventh grade, I have been a happy participant in our GOYA community. We have many events and one of the most loved is our annual ski trip at Ski Sundown, which I have had the pleasure of going to every year.

I will never forget my first ski trip. There I was, a little twelve-year-old, without a lot of skiing experience. After my beginner’s lesson I continued skiing down the bunny slopes with a little more confidence. I eventually decided to go inside the lodge and, as I approached our tables, I was suddenly surrounded by worried parents. I soon found, with much embarrassment, that not only was I the last person to check in by about an hour, but I was also suppose to be skiing with a buddy. So they took me outside to find a buddy. Naturally, I was nervous because I didn’t know if anyone would want to stay with me on the bunny slopes. I didn’t want to go all the way to the top of the mountain. However, before I knew it, that’s exactly where I was going because all the GOYAns were up there. Needless to say, I was petrified as we were going up the ski lift. We took the easiest slope down, but I was still scared because I was going so fast and I kept falling. We finally reached the bottom and I was still recovering from shock when I found some of my friends heading towards the bunny slopes. I joined them without a second thought and the rest of my day was great.

It took three years for me to gain enough courage and skill to willingly go down that slope again, and it was only with the help and encouragement of my friends. Often times, when the trail of life seems overburdened by “moguls” like homework, extracurricular activities, sports, and now college applications, it feels good to be able to come to church, sit down with my friends and talk it out and relieve the stress. In a community as close

and as busy as ours, it’s impossible not to make many strong and lasting friendships. We are all united by our faith and culture, which form special bonds that can’t be made everyday at school. Despite the fact that we only see each other about once or twice a week, I feel like we’re all one big family and GOYA helps bring us even closer. My friends here have made GOYA events and other events like Odyssey, extremely fun, which has enabled me to grow as an Orthodox Christian. Learning about our faith with friends has shown me the

importance of being an Orthodox Christian in a world where religion is seen as another hobby. Thanks to the help of my GOYA friends, I will be able to use the strength and faith I acquired maneuvering around moguls to overcome the bigger hills further along the trail.

I’m ever so grateful that my friends were able to convince me to go down that big slope, because now it’s not so scary anymore. In fact, that’s the slope we go down the most. This Saturday, my fellow seniors and I will be going on our last ski trip. For me personally, it’s very sad because it only shows us how much closer we are to being done with GOYA. Next year we will be in college and,

although the internet will help us stay in contact with our friends here, we won’t see each other as often. Five years ago I started that ski slope, and now, too soon, I will reach the end of it. I won’t be going on the ski lift back to the top, as much as I will want to. That seat has already been reserved for a new GOYAn. Next year, I know that GOYA will continue to help preach God’s word and be just as unifying, just as fun, and just as supportive as it was when I first joined. I will always feel very fortunate and blessed to have been a part of it and I can’t wait to see what future generations will add. Thank you.


Reflections From our Youth


goYa bears from the heart by Matthew Redding

A teddy bear is like a friend, there for you whenever you need it and always ready to listen, cuddle and keep you company. On February 22nd our GOYA went to the Build-a-Bear workshop at the Trumbull Mall and created teddy bears for the children at the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven who are battling various illnesses. On March 12th the GOYAns delivered 22 bears and three cases of baby formula to the Ronald McDonald House. It was heartwarming to see the joy on the kids faces when they received their special bears.

Our GOYA participated as part of a Direct Archdiocesan District wide event with other GOYAns throughout New York and Connecticut. In all, over 150 bears were delivered to the Ronald McDonald House in New York City and New Haven. Our GOYA has enjoyed doing this event for the past three years and hopes to continue doing this every year.

The pictures on pages 28 and 29 depict some of the GOYAns and their creations from the Build-A-Bear Store, as well as a group picture from our trip to the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven and our visit with a few of their residents.


GOYA - Bears From the Heart


GOYA Visits Ronald McDonald House in New Haven


goYans lend a hand at the community dining roomSeveral groups of members of the Saint Barbara GOYA together with their parents volunteered their time and talent several times over the past few months at the Community Dining Room in Branford.

The GOYA has worked many times this past year in support of the Community Dining Room, helping with their Scarecrow fund raiser in the fall, and cooking and serving meals several times in the both the fall and winter.

Founded in 1985, the Community Dining Room is a private, not-for-profit organization providing food, support and companionship to our shoreline neighbors. With the assistance of its volunteers the Community Dining Room serves over 3,500 meals each month, serves hot lunches daily in their dining room, and hosts special dinners at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.


GOYAns Lend a Hand at the Community Dining Room


Dear friends of the Community Dining Room,It is my great pleasure to thank you for your generous support of the Community Dining room in 2010. Your contribution to the success of our 14th Annual ‘Make Your Own Scarecrow’ event, at Bishop’s Family Orchards helped raise more than $9,000. As a result of this event our Fund Raising efforts for 2010 totaled $37,016.26.We could not have done this without you.The Community Dining Room offers a new program to help stretch food budgets: “Wednesday Night Take Out” for those recently affected due to job loss or had hours cut back. We have served over 49,000 meals in 2010. The number of meals we are serving is continually increasing during the present economic downturn. The Community Dining Room also offers academic support for our elementary and middle school students every Tuesday from 3:30 – 5:30 provided by LEAD, Learning Center’s community outreach program called Homework Helpers. The CDR has recently added “Health over Easy” a nutritional program coordinated by the East Shore District Health Department.Best of the New Year,Jayne Nunziante - Director, Fundraising

goYans participate in lenten retreatMembers of our GOYA participated in the annual Lenten Retreat that took place at Saint George in Hartford, Connecticut, together with nearly fifty other teenagers from the State, the retreat was led by His Grace Bishop Savas and was entitled: ‘Faith and Film.’ His Grace examined and discussed many Christian images found in various modern and popular films. This page contains pictures of our GOYAns who participated in the retreat.


Letter of Thanks to the GOYA - GOYA Lenten Retreat


goYa christmas retreatSeveral members of the Saint Barbara GOYA attended the district retreat at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bridgeport. Following a brief morning prayer, Seminarians from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA, divided us into groups by age, and led us in an in depth discussion regarding the Feast of the Nativity of Christ. We discussed the “commercialization” of Christmas and how our attention is being distracted from truly celebrating the Birth of Christ. All in all, the retreat was very fulfilling and a great way to prepare for Christmas!

goYa christmas carolingby: Andrianna Papadimitriou

There’s nothing better than going Christmas caroling with your closest friends to help get you into the Christmas spirit! On December 17, 2010 our GOYA brought Christmas cheer to many people. We visited places such as Chip’s Restaurant, Laurel Gardens Nursing Home, and the homes of various parishioners. Whether we were giggling when we lost our place in a song, messing up the words or belting out the lyrics to “Sleigh Ride” there was a smile on everyone’s face.

Christmas provides an opportunity to gather together, be thankful, and make memories with the ones you love. That’s precisely what happened that night. We made other people happy, as well as ourselves, and can all look back and think about what a wonderful thing we had done and would continue to do in the future. No matter how off-key we might have been at times, everyone enjoyed themselves and we all learned how simple it is to do something good for our community.


GOYA Christmas Caroling - GOYA Christmas Retreat


GOYA Christmas Caroling


sunday school christmas pageantStudents of the Saint Barbara Sunday School Catechetical Program presented their annual Christmas Pageant on the Sunday before the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.

The pageant depicts the events surrounding the birth of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, and always reminds us of the Love that God has for humankind.

This year's pageant was no exception. As the students prayerfully participated and sang carols praising God, they provided us all with an opportunity to lift up our voices in hymns and song honoring the newborn King.

Sunday School Christmas Pageant


Sunday School Christmas Pageant


the lights of saint barbara: holiday house tourIf you missed Saint Barbara's first holiday house tour you missed out on seeing some magnificently decorated homes. Six of our parishioners opened their homes for the tour not only to the community of Saint Barbara but to the general public as well.

The after church event began with a luncheon reception at the Lightle Community House. Most of us were expecting a glass of wine and a piece of cheese...what we got was baked ham and turkey, gourmet cheeses, baked breads and salad. Following our lunch, we began our tour of the six homes. Each time we left a house we thought, "It couldn't get better," and it did! Themed trees, collections of carolers, ornate mantle decorations and 20 foot trees were just a few of the treats we had the pleasure of viewing.

The feedback from both community members and residents of Woodbridge, Orange and the surrounding towns was extremely positive, everyone wondering how could you top it next year?

The event, co-chaired by Paris Stamos Heath and Elaine Johnson, brought proceeds totaling over $4,000 to the Community of Saint Barbara. We would like to thank them both for introducing a new and unique holiday activity to our community.

We would also like to thank all of the homeowners who so graciously opened their homes for this event. They are as follows: Greg and Susan Stamos, Paris and Terry Heath, Nota and George Koutroumanis, Alex Alexiades, Paris and Evelyn Spanolios, and Andrew and Dee Stefanou.


The Lights of Saint Barbara: Holiday House Tour


Dear Father Peter,This letter is to personally thank you and your parishioners for opening their hearts and homes for the spectacular “Lights of Saint Barbara” holiday event.In a time of economic uncertainty and worldwide concerns, it was truly a pleasure to escape for a day and feel the magic of the holiday season in each beautifully decorated home. The people who volunteered to open their doors, greet perfect strangers with the warmth of good friends truly showcased the spirit and love of the Christmas season.In light of the difficult circumstances within your own parish, it takes a community to join together for a cause to triumph over adversity. I say, job well done! I hope you will share my gratitude with all!Happy Holidays from an Irish, Catholic woman in Milford.K. Gilhuly



Στήν υγειά μας5th Annual

Taverna Night

Saturday, June 11, 20116:30 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

at the Saint Barbara Community Center480 Racebrook Road - Orange, CT

(Space is Limited)

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT MENUFeaturing:

LambPork & Chicken Souvlaki - Potatoes & Rice

Fosolakia Lathera (Greek String Beans) - Horiatiki Salata (Salad)Mezedakia - Appetizers

Fried Calamari - Spanakopita - TyropsomakiaDolmadakia, Tarama, Loukaniko, Olives, Feta

Beer & WineFruit, Coffee & Dessert

Tickets:Adults: $50Students: $35 (ages 12-21)Children: $15 (ages 6-11)Children up to 5 years old: Free

R.S.V.P. by June 6 at the Church Office - 203-795-1347sponsored by the saint barbara greek language school


Annual Taverna Night


the orthodox study biblethe first ever full-length orthodox study bible in english presents the bible of the early church and the church of the early bible.

lecture at fairfield universityThe Administration of Fairfield University recently invited Dr. Perry Hamalis the Associate Professor of Religious Studies at North Central College in Naperville, IL, to deliver a lecture as part of its on going lecture series. The talk entitled “An Orthodox Perspective on Global Citizenship – The Politics of Personhood,” was both thought provoking and educational.

Dr. Hamalis, offered a well documented and historically accurate perspective on the development of the Orthodox Church’s position of Global Citizenship and how oftentimes the Church’s “Praxis’ and Theoria” (Practice and Teachings or Theory) were often at odds.

In Orthodox thought we see all of humanity united as one; we share a familial relationship to each other as children of God. As such, we have a responsibility to the well-being of not only each other as humans who have been created in God’s Image and Likeness, but to the environment and world ‘resources’ that have been placed under our care.

This theological outlook demands that we forego nationalistic interests and cultural superiorities and realize all humans are equally created in the image of God. It is all too easy to see how we as humanity fall far short of this Christian responsibility and goal.

philoptochos hosts lectureFollowing the Philoptochos General Meeting held on Wednesday March 23, Elaine Johnson, a Professional Organizer, gave a talk on How to De-Clutter Your Home.

Elaine presented an entertaining and familiar talk about how we tend to accumulate our possessions in a spare room, guest room or other location in our homes, awaiting that perfect time to organize and purge. Alas, many of us never make that time. But after hearing Elaine's suggestions many were motivated and armed with the know-how and inspiration to start some necessary de-cluttering projects... just in time for spring cleaning!

Orthodox Christianity is the face of ancient Christianity to the modern world and embraces the second largest body of Christians in the world. In this first-of-its-kind study Bible, the Bible is presented with commentary from the ancient Christian perspective that speaks to those Christians who seek a deeper experience of the roots of their faith. The Orthodox Study Bible, created by The Orthodox Study Bible Old Testament Project and published by Thomas Nelson, uses the New King James version of the Bible as the basis for a fresh translation of the Septuagint text. The Septuagint is the Greek version of the Bible used by Christ, the Apostles, and the early church.

Available at the Saint Barbara Book Store

Price: $50.00


Lecture at Fairfield University - Philoptochos Hosts Lecture - Orthodox Study Bible


Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

Annual Golf ClassicFriday, June 17, 2011

Orange Hills Country Club

Registration 7:00 a.m. Shot Gun Start 8:00 a.m. sharp

Hot Dog & Hamburger Cookout at the end of the TournamentSpace is limited to 144 players!

All reservations must be paid by June 10, 2011

$100 per playerIncludes: Greens Fee, Golf Cart & Cookout

To Register Please Call: Mike Wachter: 203-281-6078 or the Church Office: 203-795-1347

Sponsorships are also available:$300 Green Sponsor

Have your own Fairway with two flags, one on the tee box and one on the green $75 Tee Sponsor

A flag with your choice of wording

$60 Sponsor Business/Name displayed at golf course.

389 Racebrook Road Orange, Connecticut

Annual Golf Classic


godparent sundayThe Community of Saint Barbara recently celebrated Godparent Sunday. It was wonderful to see so many of our parishioners attend the Divine Liturgy and receive Holy Communion together with their Godparents and/or Godchildren. The Saint Barbara PTO hosted a luncheon following the Divine Liturgy in the Community Center. Everyone had an opportunity to eat a wonderfully prepared meal and then meet others who travelled from various communities in Connecticut, as well as from other states.


Godparent Sunday


Godparent Sunday


saint barbara family retreatYiayias, Papous, Moms, Dads, teenagers and even young children and their Nounas of all ages gathered on a sunny Saturday morning for a Family Retreat on Prosforon making. Many church goers don't even realize that the prosforon used during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, is an offering prepared by dedicated parishioners prior to each and every service.

The sixty-five enthusiastic participants at this retreat were given step-by-step instructions by Marie Basel and her daughter Claudia on how to mix the ingredients, knead, shape, imprint (with the seal) and bake this holy bread. The participants prayed, kneaded, baked and patiently waited for the end result.

While the 55 loaves baked Father Peter explained the meaning of imprints on the seal and then the participants enjoyed a meal prepared by Helen Wachter. Following lunch, the participants wrapped up their breads and took them home with instructions on how to bring them back to church (with the names of living and dead) as their own prayerful offering for a future Divine Liturgy.

Above: The Prosforon Seal


Saint Barbara Family Retreat


Saint Barbara Family Retreat


Prosforon RecipeIngredients:2 tsp yeast (1 pkg)1 tsp sugar¼ cup warm water5 cups pre-sifted, unbleached flour (King Arthur preferred)

1 tsp salt1 ½ cup warm waterProcedure:Place yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Add ¼ cup warm water and whisk to mix well. Cover with plastic wrap to allow yeast to rise for approximately 10 minutes. Place flour and salt in a mixing bowl, add yeast, add 1 ½ cup warm water slowly mixing to form dough. Dough should be soft but not sticky. Place dough on floured surface and knead to make a smooth round ball. Place in pan and press down. Sprinkle flour on a clean, dry surface and press with seal to make an imprint on the dough. Remove seal carefully keeping seal in tact. Bake in 350 degree oven for approximately 45 minutes. While baking 20 minutes spray bread with water and allow to continue baking.

Prosforon Recipe


robert Krantz Visits the saint barbara parishRobert Krantz, author of Falling in Love with Sophia and Guide to the Divine Liturgy recently made a stop at Saint Barbara Church as part of his national book signing tour. He was invited to an event hosted by the Saint Barbara GOYA. He held a well attended lecture at the Lightle Community Center.Mr. Krantz spoke about his own spiritual journey, explaining how he has always felt God working in his life. It was his faith in God that allowed him to navigate through all that life has to offer.In addition to being a bestselling author, Krantz has acted in numerous films and television shows. He has also written screenplays for major motion picture studios including Sony, Fox and Columbia Pictures. Mr. Krantz graduated from the University of Southern California's Film and Television program, also wrote, produced, and acted in the movie Do You Wanna Dance? He owns his own production and distribution company, Ellinas Multimedia which is the largest producer and distributer of Greek multimedia products in the United States. He currently lives with his wife Tricia and their three sons Chris, Nick and George in Aliso Viejo, California. Many thanks to Michele Papadimitriou for her work in coordinating Robert's visit and lecture.


Robert Krantz Visits the Saint Barbara Parish


saint barbara church stewardship 2011In 2011 we received 448 Stewardship Pledge Cards. These 448 stewards pledged a total of $199,532 towards our 2011 goal of $285,000.

Thank you to those who have made and completed your stewardship pledge for 2011. If you have not done so to date, please call the Church Office or simply send in your Stewardship donation. Remember to give dedicated and sacrificial attention to your Stewardship donation, keeping an eye toward helping your church reach its Stewardship goal. In preparation for the great opportunities that lie ahead in the life of this community, the Stewardship Committee is asking everyone to continue that trend and pitch in by increasing your pledge from last year at least 10% or $50, whichever is greater. As always, we are grateful for your love and support of our parish. If there are any omissions or errors in the list below, we ask that you please call the office and speak to our secretary. Thank you for your continued support.

Agapiou, John Agapiou, BessieAldi, Anthony & KostoulaAlessio, AnthonyAlessio, PamelaAlexiades, AlexAlexiades, EliaAmigdalos, Steven & ErikaAmigdalos, AnnaAmoratis, AntoniosAmoratis, VasilikiAmoratis, MikeAnasson-Waskiewicz, CharlesAnasson, CynthiaAnasson-Waskiewicz, EleniAnastasion, GeorgeAnastasion, NitaAnastasion, PeterAnastasion, Maria

Anastasopoulos, AngeloAnastasopoulos, MariaAnderson, PeterAnderson, LorraineAndrews, Gary & MelanieAndriotis, DemetraAndriotis, SophiaAndriotis, ChristinaAngeletti, CalliopeAngelopoulos, AthanasiosAnthis, GeorgeAnthis, IreneAnthis, NicholasAnthis, GeorgetteAnton, VasilikiAntonak, MaryAntonakis, Anthony & AnnaAntonellis, AsiminaAntonellis, George

Antonellis, DonnaAntonellis, TheodoreAnzenberger, Ioanna and StevenAportria, CatherineApotria, CleoArabolos, MichaelAretakis, Nick & MariaArmetta, Philip & AntoniaAthanas, DaleAthenson, John & Mary JaneBakousis, DennisBakousis, DespoinaBaledes, Theodore & CarolBallas, JamesBallas, DemetraBallas, LisaBarakis, StanleyBarakis, FlorenceBasel, Edward

Philip brings Nathaniel to Christ telling him "Come and See."


Gather My People To My Home

Come and SeeΕΡΧΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΙΔΕ

See the world as God's Gift to you.See what the Church Can Become.

See God work through You.Come and See.

join us for sunday services

Saint Barbara Church 2011 Stewardship List


Basel, LillianBasel, LouisBasel, MarieBasel, ClaudiaBenas, JamesBenas, MarinaBenham, John & ElizabethBitzarakis, MaryBorelli, Andrew & CorneliaBurr, KevinBurr, ChrisanneBuzelle, BruceBuzelle, AvenyaCambras, William & ElizabethCanevari, DanielCanevari, PetrinaCargos, SophieChadderton, Kevin & StaceyChagares, Conella P.Chagares, ConstantineChagares, HelenChagares, DorotheaChaltas, BasilChaltas, Efthalia BarbaraChekas, PaulineChow, JamesChow, TheodoraCoclin, JamesCoclin, EllenConstantinidi, AquilesConstantinidi, MaryContaxis, WilliamContaxis, JoanneContopoulos, GeorgeContopoulos, JoanneCorradino, MelissaCosmas, Michael & DawnCox, EdwinCox, SharonDabakis, CathyDabakis, L. GregDaskalakis, EliasDaskalakis, SophieDeBassio, BessieDelcos, William & MarianneDelos, Tony & StacyDelPercio, Fred & ReneeDiamantes, FredDiamantes, AntigoniDiamantis, IliasDiamantis, MariaDiBianco, John & AngelaDiGrazia, ChristineDikegoros, Persefone

DiMeola, Richard & JoanneDimos, Christos & MelissaDinyovszky, HelenDrakonakis, AndrewDrakonakis, JaneDrenkhahn, PeterDrenkhahn, ThedoraDykas, Joseph & ElenaEfthymiou, PantelisEfthymiou, ReneeElefteriades, JohnElefteriades, PeggyEliopoulos, ParisEliopoulos, VirginiaEliopoulos, KonstantinosEliopoulos, JimmyEllis, PeterEllis, PatriciaEmmanouil, StylianosEmmanouil, KaliopeEsposito, David & SusannaFaraclas, AnneFaraclas, PaulFaraclas, JacquelineFeliciano, DonaldFeliciano, LarisaFifis, AugoustisFifis, MariaFifis, DemetriosFrangenes, JasonGalanakis, DespinaGalanakis, MariaGallagher, NickiGanacoplos, PamelaGenetos, ClaireGenetos, ClaraGiambanis, GeorgeGiambanis, MariaGiatrelis, DorotheaGinieres, AlexandraGlaras, Danny & DonnaGolub, StephanieGoodrich, JamesGoodrich, AnastasiaGorecki, Edward & BetsyGoumas, ElaineGoumas, LucyGuarnieri, Michael & ErinGuartazaca, C. Michael & IreneGuiliotis, GeorgeGuiliotis, DorothyGuiliotis, GreggGuiliotis, BarbaraGust, Christopher

Gust, MariaHadjimichael, ChristosHadjimichael, JaneHadjimichael, EvangelosHadjimichael, OlympiaHajedemos, HarryHajedemos, JaneHalepas, MaraHalepas, StephanieHalepas, Peter & JuanitaHaskos, HelenHaskos, KoulaHaskos, Nicholas J.Haskos, LizabethHathaway, WendyHatzigiannis, TheodoreHatzigiannis, MaryHeath, Terry & ParisHeerdt, John & LisaHeffernan, Evelyn Heonis, DespinaHionis, Nikolaos & MargaretHojnowski, MarkHojnowski, EleniHoxsie, Frederick & BarbaraHrampanis, GregoryHrampanis, MariaHubbard, Thomas & StephanieIkonomou, MihailIkonomou, HelenJohnson, Scott & AndreanneJordanides, George & MarcyKakalow, JamesKambas, WilliamKambas, AriadneKanakis, TasosKanakis, KathyKaoud, AbrahamKaoud, AidaKaoud, MauriceKarakolidis, AngeloKarakolidis, MariaKariofyllis, RoulaKatevatis, ManosKattis, GeorgeKattis, AnastasiaKavathas, PaulaKefalas, NicholasKefalas, BeverlyKeramas, EvangeliaKerames, DennisKerames, KarenKerantzas, ElizabethKitsos, Evangeline




Klarides, PeterKlarides, TheodoraKlarides, TheodoreKlarides, MaryKokenos, John & RodannaKomlos, JeanetteKomninakas, MeniKorosiotis, NikolaosKorosiotis, StavroulaKostas, Demetrios and HeatherKostas, KonstantineKostas, ValentinaKoukos, MariettaKourounis, KayKovlakas, PaulKovlakas, LisaKral, HarrietKrist, VedeKydes, GeorgeKydes, JoanneKyriakides, Tassos & KristenKyrtopoulos, William and DianeLaggis, NicholasLaskos, Peter and JeanetLaskos, MonicaLavey, ChristineLawrence, Joshua and AndreaLazos, Athanasios & SusanLillios, AntoniosLimanni, Tom & ChryssantheLoo, Steven & StephanieLosh, Michael and PeggyLosh, Michael and VictoriaLoskant, RobertLoskant, PatriciaLott, BradfordLott, ValentineLoucopoulos, JohnLoucopoulos, FotiniLoukakes, James & HalinaLoukides, LouisLoukides, TerryLouloudis, DemetraLoussides, Nick Loussides, HarikleaLoussides, George N.Loussides, AngelikiMadigosky, IoannaMagoulas, SpiroMagoulas, AnastasiaManiatakis, IreneManiatis, KonstantinosManiatis, AnastasiaManiatis, Peter

Maniatis, ZoiManiatis, TheodoreManiatis, EleftheriaMantzaris, AdamMarathas, CatherineMarchitto, PatricMarchitto, GeorgiaMarkakis, EleniMarnerakis, Anastasios &FrancescaMartin, Nick & EileenMatarese, Matthew & StephanieMattie, MaryMavrides, WilliamMavromatis, NicholasHarold and EvelynMeehan, AnneMelanidis, KonstantinosMelanidis, HelenMenegatos, SpyrosMenegatos, MariaMilani, Gino & ChristineMilas, NicolaosMilas, IreneMitchell, JoyMitchell, Victor and PenelopeMonaco, Ralph and MelbaMoran, Brian & StacyMorris, DianaMorris, Philip Morris, MaryMountzouris, Evans Mountzouris, ChristinaMouratidis, Gregory Mouratidis, ElizabethMulhall, Christopher & AndreaNamnoum, Ken & AnnaNecklas, BarbaraNecklas, GeorgiaNecklas, Michael & AntoinetteNecklas, Socrates & ElaineNichols, Mathew and DaniNicholson, Nelson and CaroleNicolakis, Theodore Nicolakis, ClioNuzzo, Joseph and MariaOrfanakos, Rev. Peter J.Orfanakos, Presbytera Vangie E.Overbye, Michael Overbye, JeanniePacelle, Richard & PatPalavra, JohnPalavra, PennyPandajis, James Pandajis, Florence

Pantelis, PeterPantelis, BrendaPapadimitriou, GeorgePapadimitriou, MichelePapadopoulos, NicholasPapadopoulos, NikiPapageorgiou, Harry Papageorgiou, ElizabethPappas, CatherinePappas, VivianPappas, Harry Pappas, AspasiaPappas, JohnPappas, EleniPappas, JohnPappas, LellaPappas, Michael & GailPeccerilli, AnnaPerakos, SperiePerakos, NikkiPerretta, Philip & IrenePerretta, CarmenPerrone, James & StacyPetrakis, EvanPetrakis, ReginaPiperas, HelenPiperas, GeorgePoulmas, JamesPoulmas, LillianPoulmas, JohnProestakes, HelenProestakis, George & MarlaProestakis, Peter Proestakis, FlorencePsaltis, EmmanuelRedding, HelenRedding, PaulRedding, BarbaraReilly, RobynRenda, Al & ChristinaRioja, VirginiaRobalino, Ed & KatinaRogers, Chad & AlexisRusso, J. Greg & TraceyRusso, Ralph & EvelynSakkas, Dionisios Sakkas-Lalioti, MariaSarigianis, JamesSarigianis, FlorenceSarris, JohnSarris, TheodoraSavvidis, ChrisSavvidis, EvaSavvidis, Savva




Scafariello, John & MercySciaraffa, David & AprilSekas, MarySellas, GeorgeSellas, ChristineSimmons, Mario & ArhontiSkalkos III, NicholasSkitzis, John & EleanorSoboslai, HelynSoennichsen, RyanSoennichsen, DespinaSofokleous, PeggySoteropoulos, CatherineSpanolios, ParisSpanolios, EugeniaStamos, Gregory & SusanStamos, Paul & KarenStamos, PeterStardellis, SofiaStavrides, AndrewStavrides, JoannaStavrides, StevenStavrides, Joann

Stefanis, LouisStefanis, MarianneStefanou, AndrewStefanou, DianeStournaras, DanaTambis, PennyTambis, ThomasTambis, ChristineTeodosio, JosephTeodosio, MariaTerzakis, JamesTerzakis, AngelikiTesto, Carl & CynthiaTheodos, GeorgeTheodos, AntoniaTimms, AngelniaTjimis, YotaTobias, ChristopherTobias, AnastasiaTomaszek, FrankTomaszek, LaurieTsialas, GregoryTsialas, Elaine

Tsionis, GeorgeTsionis, PaulaVamvakides, Kirk & JuditeVartelas, TheodoreVasil, HelenVasilas, MaryVautrin, Gregg & EleniVerinis, MarieVetrano, Todd & ArianaVincelette, CatherineVlandis, EliasVlandis, CalliopiWachter, HerbertWachter, HelenWheeler, RogerWinkel, James & MarcyYates, StevenYates, HeleneYost, FredricZikos, GeorgeZikos, Christina

philoptochos thanks our parishionersWe are deeply grateful to our parishioners for supporting our efforts at Easter time in raising funds for charity. Our mission is to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed; the victims of disasters, and to anyone who may need the help of the Church. We help those in need locally, nationally, and internationally.

At this time, we would like to thank in addition, those who have made donations that reduce the cost of our

expenses: Chris Stefanis from The Athena Dinner in North Haven, the Anthis family from Georgie’s Diner, the Antonakis family from the Greek Olive, Angelo Giannopoulos from Nick’s Place in Madison, Chip’s Restaurant, Penny Palavra, Paris Eliopoulos, Kostas Eliopoulos, James Bitzonis, Tony and Maria Koutroumanis, John and Anna Mihalakos, Dr. Yota Tjimis, Mrs. Linda Morris, the Haritos Family from Guilford, and Mrs. Vaso Melanidis. Because of their generosity, Philoptochos has been in a much better position to carry out its mission.

We are looking forward to an even more successful future for our Society.

Thank you to all,

Oly Hadjimichael, Philoptochos President


Maria Koutroumanis preparing the Tsourekia for Pascha

Above: Some of the participants in the Philoptochos Cooking Class

Saint Barbara Church 2011 Stewardship List - Philoptochos Thanks our Parishioners


celebrating greek independence dayThe country of Greece, located in the southeastern part of the European continent is easily recognizable by its wild mountainous terrain and its golden coastline. Greece has been described as both the passageway of nations and the birthplace of democracy. It is revered for the gifts it has presented to humankind in the times of Pericles and the Golden Age of Athens. Epic poetry, art, drama, history, philosophy, mathematics and the formulation of the principles of a democratic government all can trace their origin to Greece.

Since the end of the Classical Era, the Greek nation saw their military power falter, and the citizens of Greece had to become accustomed to foreign rule. Greece however, continued to shine its lights on to the rest of the world. Even her very conquerors, as in the case with the Roman Empire, once they were acquainted with Greek culture, were in turn, conquered by it.

Foreign rulers changed through the years, but Greece never ceased to be the center of scientific, cultural and religious quests and development. It was in Greece that Christianity found its first foothold in Europe. The fusion of the Gospel message, with the reason and humanity of the Greeks, helped to form the early Christian Church. It was through Greece that teachings of Jesus Christ spread into Europe. The spread of the ‘Good News’ was facilitated through the use of the Greek language that served as the international language at the time and its association with the Byzantine Empire, which finally adopted Christianity as the official state religion.

The Byzantine Empire started out as the eastern part of the Roman Empire but slowly transformed to a state primarily based on the Greek mainland ruled by Emperors that used Greek as the official state language. During its lengthy eleven century life (A.D. 330-1453) the Byzantine state showed a particular interest in the preservation of ancient Greek culture. Champion of that cause was the Orthodox Church, who helped preserve the classical heritage through the centuries. Although the Byzantine Empire housed within its borders many peoples from various nations, it was the people of Greece that constituted its main body. And it was on that very land of Greece that Byzantium left its final breath.

After fighting desperately for its life Greece fell victim to the force of the expanding Ottoman Empire in 1453. The fall of Constantinople, the capital of once mighty


The blessing of the flag of Freedom at Aghia Lavra. Theodoros Vryzakis, 1856 - Athens National Gallery.

A War Scene. Theodoros Vryzakis, 1853 - Athens National Gallery.

Celebrating Greek Independence Day


Byzantium, brought to an end the history of a state that shone gloriously for over 1,100 years. This ultimate defeat signaled for the Greek Orthodox Church and the Greek nation the start of a long period of subjugation to a ruthless Turkish rule.

In many ways the Greeks were treated like second class citizens. They were forced to wear distinctive clothing, given the poorest of land to cultivate, and were at the mercy of whatever overlord happened to be in the general vicinity.

For the next four centuries the Greeks attempted to gain their freedom several times, but every attempt failed for lack of organization and wider support. Every unsuccessful attempt however, galvanized the spirit of the people and reaffirmed the intense feeling of nationhood that prevailed among Greeks of all classes. This feeling derived from their common language, their common Christian faith, and from the consciousness of being under an alien and repressive rule. It also derived from the Church the initiated clandestine educational efforts that helped preserve the ancient heritage as well as the cultural and linguistic unity of the nation.

At the same time the messages of the Enlightenment that embodied brotherhood, intellectual and scientific life and reason among men that started arriving from Western Europe (Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau) intoxicated the Greeks with a growing desire for national freedom.

Rhigas Feraios, an 18th century Greek activist who was trying to raise awareness in Europe about the Greek cause, expressed the feelings of every enslaved Greek when he wrote his marshal hymn: «Καλύτερα μίας ώρας ελεύθερη ζωή παρά σαράντα χρόνια σκλαβιά και φυλακή.» “It is better to live for just one hour as a free man, rather than live a slave for forty years.”

Folk legend has it that the revolution started in the monastery of Agia Lavra, in the northern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. According to the legend, Metropolitan Germanos, the Bishop of Patras, raised the flag of the revolution in front of the assembled primates and chieftains of the area and urged them to pledge their loyalty to the sacred fight for the freedom of their nation. The ultimate goal was set, “Freedom or Death!” The date was March 25, 1821.

It is on that very same day that the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation and

honors the Virgin Mary who received the call from the Archangel to become the representative of humanity in the great Economy of God. She willingly agreed to bear the Christ, and in doing so began the process of events that would bring about the ‘re-birth’ of humankind in Paradise.

Although military operations had started on March 21st, and historians point out the assembly in the monastery actually took place a fortnight before, it is the 25th day of March that by tradition is celebrated as the beginning of the Greek Revolution. This date parallels the Annunciation of the Birth of Christ and the ‘re-birth’ of the Greek nation.

From the outbreak of the revolution, the different chieftains used various flags and banners to lead their men in battle. A common motif prevailed - the cross, in different sizes, shapes and colors served as a reminder of the Greek’s common faith and a sign of divine intervention for the fulfillment of their goals.

In 1822 however, the newly formed Greek parliament


The camp of Georgios Karaiskakis Theodoros Vryzakis, 1855 - Athens National Gallery.



adopted the official flag of the country. This new flag of Greece would have nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white. The white stripes symbolized peace and honesty and the white color of the Greek waves. The blue stripes symbolized vigilance, truth loyalty, perseverance, justice and the blue of the Greek sea. A blue square in the upper hoist-side corner bears a white cross that symbolizes the Greek Orthodox Faith, the established religion of Greece. This was the ultimate recognition by the Greek state of the importance of their faith to the outcome of their fight.

Eight years of bitter and bloody battles followed. Eight years that produced a new pantheon of heroes, who would eventually take their place in Greek legend alongside the place of Hercules, Aquiles, and Eulicies.

They were kleftes like Theodoros Kolokotronis and Odysseus Androutsos and Georgios Karaiskakis. They were noblemen like the Ypsilantis brothers, Alexandros and Dimitrios, who abandoned their high offices in Russia to go and fight for the homeland. They were merchants like Constantine Kanaris and Andreas Miaoulis who turned their ships over to the revolution becoming inspirational naval leaders. They were anonymous heroes like the women of Souli, who chose death before dishonor; they held their children tightly and jumped off the cliffs of Zaloggo, after their men

had been killed in battle. They were clergymen, like the Patriarch of Constantinople, Gregorios the 5th, who was murdered by the Turks as a punishment and warning to the Greeks who wanted to join the fight. Or, like the priest, Grigorios Papaflessas, who served as a revolutionary in the Greek government and eventually gave his life in the trenches fighting for the freedom of his country. And they were the Philhellenes, friends of Greece, who came from far away lands and joined in the fight for Greek Independence.


The Exodus from MessolonghiTheodoros Vryzakis, 1853 - Athens National Gallery.

The dance of Zaloggo or the SouliotissesClaude Pinet

Alexandros Ypsilantis crosses the river PruthP. von Hess - Athens, Benaki Museum.



The most famous Philhellene was Lord Byron, an English poet and satirist who first visited Greece in 1809 and instantly fell in love with the land that inspired his Grecian poems. After the outbreak of the revolution, Byron returned to Greece in 1824 to work with the division leaders and unify the diversion Greek forces. He unfortunately fell ill, contracted a fever and died in Messolonghi later that same year. Until the time of his death, Byron was held in such great respect in Greece that the revolutionary government had even invited him to become Governor General of the Country.

Lord Byron’s involvement in the Greek Independence War helped awaken the opinion of Europeans in favor of the fighting Greeks, who mourned sincerely the loss of a true friend of their nation.

In one of his poems, titled The Isles of Greece, Lord Byron writes:

And musing there an hour alone,I dreamed that Greece might still be free;For standing on the Persians' grave,I could not deem myself a slave.”

“The mountains look on MarathonAnd Marathon looks on the sea;

The Greek state that emerged from the war of 1821 declared March 25th a national holiday. Celebrations commemorating Greek Independence Day are celebrated in every city and village of Greece and every corner of the world, where Greeks are to be found.

March 25th holds for the Greeks the same significance July 4th holds for us as Americans. Both dates mark the declaration of Independence and the birth of two nations who fought passionately for their freedom; two nations, who shared the same convictions about man’s inalienable rights on earth.

When a young America and its people fought for democracy, self-determination and freedom of expression, they felt very close to the people that presented these very same concepts to the world. In a letter sent to celebrated scholar and patriot, Adamantios Koraes, Thomas Jefferson expressed the feelings of Americans on the Greek Revolution:

“…no people sympathize more feelingly than ours with the suffering of your countrymen; and no one offers more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success…”

Encouraged by the achievements of the American people since the declaration of their independence, the newly born Greek parliament appealed to the American nation in the name of their shared love for liberty, requesting their assistance in the struggle they had just begun.

Following in the steps of their ancestors, modern Americans do not forget to pay tribute to Greek Independence Day. In 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the 25th of March a National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy:

“I am particularly pleased that this Resolution communicates our lasting debt of gratitude to the people of Greece and all people of Greek heritage for the democratic ideals which inspired the founding of our own nation.”

President Ronald Regan


Lord Byron welcomed in MessolonghiTheodoros Vryzakis - Athens National Gallery.



During the brief period since the rebirth of its nation, Greece and her people have participated in the world’s fights for freedom and democracy, often paying a heavy price. It is however, perceived as their duty and their destiny, for they have always carved their path in history, motivated by their ultimate ideal – liberty.

The Greeks’ struggle for freedom inspired their national anthem, which was written by Greece’s first modern-day poet laureate, Dionysios Solomos:

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψητου σπαθιού την τρομερή,σε γνωρίζω από την όψηπου με βια μετράει την γη.Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένητων Ελλήνων τα ιερά,και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη,χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά!

“We knew thee of old,

Oh, divinely restored,

By the lights of thine eyes,

And the light of thy Sword,

From the graves of our slain,

Shall thy valor prevail.

As we greet thee again-

Hail, O Hail o Liberty.”

celebrating greek independence day at saint barbara greek orthodox church

The students of our Greek Language School led the parish of Saint Barbara in an inspirational celebration of Greek Independence Day. Elias Bitzarakis set the ‘tone’ of the event as he began to sing the solemn song ‘Δώδεκα Ευζωνάκια’ as his fellow students, accompanied by their teachers, processed onto the solea.

Chrissy Chow and Katie Esposito served as the student narrators of the program deftly navigating the parishioners from poem to song to poem. Each of the students recited a poem highlighting the Greeks’ fight for Independence that began in 1821. They also sang various traditional songs including ‘Τα Κλεφτόπουλα’ led by Manolis Mastromanolis.

At the conclusion of this presentation the students led the entire congregation in the singing of the Greek National Anthem and its beautiful words of freedom.

We congratulate the staff of our Greek Language School for the tremendous work that they continue to do teaching our children the Greek Language and traditions. Irene Milas, Director; Tina Valaouras-Berner, Assistant Director; Mike Albanis, Anna Avgoulas, Mary Bitzarakis, James Chow, Theodore Dogani-Chow, Kaliope Emmanouil, Maria Fifis, Maria Giambanis, Nomiki Kanakis, Sotiria Koniditsiotis, Fotini Loucopoulos, Theodora Maccone, Anita Maniatis, Zoi Maniatis, Maria Paridis, Eugenia Spanolios, Calliope Vlandis.


H EQNIKH MAS EORTH

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY Celebration at the State Capitol

Tuesday, March 25th Trivth, 25h Martivou

State Capitol Building in Hartford

On March 25th Greek Independence Day Celebration at the State Capitol Building in Hartford from 4:00-5:30pm. The festivities will begin promptly in the Hall of Flags at 4:00 pm and followed by music and refreshments. The program continues with Doxology at Saint George Cathedral in Hartford at 6:00 pm and will be followed by dinner and music. (Donation of $10/adult are requested for the dinner and dance. Students and children are free.) Ethvsia Eqnikhv Eorthv th" Apeleuqerwvsew" stov Hartford thvn Trivth, 25h Martivou. To provgramma sunecivzete me Doxologiva ston Ierov Naov Agivou Gewrgivou kai wvra 6:00 mm kai qa akolouqhqeiv me geuvma kai mousikhv.

Greek Language School Celebrates Greek Independence Day


Greek Language Scool Celebrates Greek Independence Day


Greek Language School Celebrates Greek Independence Day


greek independence day luncheonThe teachers and parents of the children of the Saint Barbara Greek Language School hosted a luncheon celebrating Greek Independence Day! The Church’s community center was decorated beautifully for the occasion as we paid homage to those who fought heroically for Greece’s freedom. The following pages contain just some of the pictures highlighting the wonderful time shared by all.


Greek Independence Day Luncheon


greek independence day parade in new York cityThousands of Greeks and Greek-Americans traveled to New York City to participate in the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on Fifth Avenue. As in the past, the children of our Greek Language School together with their parents and teachers, rode on a float specifically designed by our Greek School Staff. This year’s Saint Barbara float honored the ‘secret schools’ that were led by Orthodox Priests during the 400 years of Ottoman Occupation. Our own James Maccone, depicted ‘the priest’ teaching his young students in the caves about philosophy, the Greek language and the Orthodox Faith. These ‘schools’ played a virtual role assisting the Greeks in maintaining their Hellenic and Orthodox identity even under harsh and threatening conditions.


Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City


Greek Independence Day Parade in New York City


greek independence day celebration in hartfordOver two hundred Greeks and Phil-Hellenes from throughout the State of Connecticut gathered in the Hall of Flags at the State Capitol to celebrate Greek Independence Day. Greg Stamos, President of the CT Hellenic Bar Association (and Saint Barbara parishioner) led off the celebration eloquently speaking on the importance of this day for all Greeks throughout the world.

The Honorable Susan Bysiewicz, former Secretary of the State of Connecticut spoke of her own Hellenic background and served as the Master of Ceremonies. Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman welcomed all to the Capital and then those in attendance were honored to hear various poems celebrating Greek Independence Day as recited by the Greek School students from Hartford, Waterbury and Orange, CT.

Our Church was beautifully represented by young men and women of our Greek Language School who handled themselves with much grace and dignity.


seven saint barbara orators impress at parish oratorical festival By Steven Yates

On Saturday March 19, the Saint Barbara parish held its annual Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. This festival promotes public speaking on topics of faith among the Orthodox Christian youth. This year seven young people from our Sunday School committed to write and deliver a speech on one of the topics provided by the Archdiocese Department of Education. This is really quite extraordinary. When do you hear about school-aged kids voluntarily writing essays? And public speaking is consistently ranked as people’s #1 fear. Why do these young people do this?

It was evident to all in attendance that these extraordinary young people were brimming with their Faith. Every speech was thoughtful and passionately delivered. It made me so proud to be a member of this parish. First to speak were the three Elementary Division (Grades 4-6) students. Annie-Jordan Tomaszek, Maria Kaouris and Barbara Kefalas gave speeches that many considered the highlight of the festival. The Junior Division (Grades 7-9) had three excellent speeches that were of such high quality they would have been well received in the Senior Division (Grades 10-12)! Peter Kaouris, Diamantis Kefalas and Emma Cowper competed in the Junior Division for prizes and the privilege of participating in the District Festival at Holy Trinity in Bridgeport, CT. They finished in the order listed. Irene Antar was our lone Senior Division speaker and won a cash prize and the right to participate in the District Festival.

Instrumental in the success of the Oratorical Festival were Elias Lolis, Stacey Grimaldi and Valerie Papanikolaw, who comprised a panel of expert judges, Jim Sarigianis, who acted as timekeeper, and Lea Loussides, who coordinated the room setup and refreshments for the event.

Please congratulate and encourage these young people and their parents when you see them. It is my hope that next year’s parish oratorical festival will have even greater participation.

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival 2011

TOPICS, TIPS, AND RESOURCES

Department of Religious Education (800) 566-1088 | [email protected]

Greek Independence Day Celebration in Hartford - Oratorical Festival


participants in the saint barbara oratorical festivalTop Row: Barbara Kefalas, Annie-Jordan Tomaszek, Maria Kaouris, Diamantis Kefalas

Second Row: Emma Cowper, Peter Kaouris, Irene Antar, Steven Yates and the Elementary Division Participants

Below: Steven Yates and the Junior Division Participants

The Saint Barbara Community hosted the Direct Archdiocesan District Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Finals on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Twenty students from NY, CT and Washington, DC participated. The two finalists, pictured below, chosen to represent our D.A.D. District at the Archdiocesan Level Finals in Houston, Texas, are both from the Saint George Cathedral in Hartford, CT.

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival 2011

TOPICS, TIPS, AND RESOURCES

Department of Religious Education (800) 566-1088 | [email protected]

Senior Division Junior Division

Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival


goYa ski tripby: Andrianna Papadimitriou

Whether a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert skier everyone enjoyed the GOYA ski trip that took place on February 19th. The group took a bus to Ski Sundown early in the morning and when we arrived everyone suited up and it was off to the slopes.

As we rode up in the chairlift and sped down the trails everyone had a huge grin on their face. Whether it was racing a friend down the mountain or taking it slow and enjoying the surroundings, each GOYAn was having a fun filled day… even though our noses were red from the cold!

Each of us took a break whenever we needed a quick

snack or some hot chocolate to warm ourselves. Then we got back up ready to head back out to the slopes!

When it was time to leave we could not believe that the day was over. We left in high spirits because we each got to spend the day doing something we enjoyed with some of our best friends.

It was a day that we’ll all remember! As the seniors said, they had a blast and would miss GOYA. The younger ones anticipated the trips to come. In the end, although our bodies were cold, our hearts were very warm!


GOYA Ski Trip


GOYA Ski Trip


scavenger huntOn a brisk Saturday morning (March 26), GOYANS from our church, together with chaperons took a coach bus heading south on I-95 to NYC’s Central Park, for the annual scavenger hunt, sponsored by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the Direct Archdiocesan District.

Participating GOYANS from eleven churches (CT, NY) divided into twelve teams of about 10 GOYANS plus team leaders and assistants. An extensive checklist, including a digital camera was provided to each team.

Task completion required team members to search out clues using Park landmarks such as statues, ecological-minded activities, singing, imagery, etc. to earn points. A point tally was completed while a GOYA Lenten Lunch was enjoyed at the ballroom of the Holy Trinity Cathedral on East 74th Street.

Final scores from the Picture Safari Hunt were announced and prizes to the top three winning teams were received. The outing made for a fun, action packed day that allowed GOYANS to enjoy each other’s company, work together and broaden their friendships with GOYANS from other parishes!


Scavenger Hunt


Scavenger Hunt


pto children's fairThe Saint Barbara Community Center was filled with the sounds of delighted children as they raced around the hall. This was no ordinary coffee hour, but the PTO Children's Fair held on February 27 and chaired by PTO VP Sophia Papastathis Talnose.

The young children of Saint Barbara's JOY and PATCHES groups played ring toss, fishing, basketball, dug for candy decorated cupcakes, sat for tattoos, face painting and nail polish. They also created handmade prayer tryptichs or a "stained glass" cross with glue, seashells and colored rocks.

Before, during and after, the children and their parents and even some coffee hour visitors enjoyed the delicious grilled cheese and hot dog lunch so graciously prepared by our friend Paris Eliopoulos and the baked goods prepared by our PTO parents.

The children ran back and forth between the games and prize redemption area, excited to turn in their tickets for even more fun. Some of the parents found respite while helping to bag up items for the 100 hygiene kits for the IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities), organized by Tony Delos and with toothbrushes, towels, soap, nail clippers, combs and Band-Aids donated by all the children of our Sunday School, the PTO and Dr. and Mrs. Gary Rothrock.

As the Children's Fair started winding down, the ten themed raffle buckets were awarded and our special guests, Critter Caravan, arrived to dazzle the remaining children with the sights and sounds of a snake, guinea pig, cockroaches, chinchilla and some other small mammals.

Many thanks to the GOYAns who helped manage the games, the parents who helped bake for the bake sale and cupcake booth and the other volunteers who organized and ran the events.


PTO Children's Fair


PTO Children's Fair


senior men’s team Wins championshipBy: Jim Bitzonis, Senior Team Coach

After a disappointing 2009-10 season, which was beset with injuries, the Saint Barbara Senior Basketball Team approached this new season with a sense of urgency. The team’s goal was to get back to the championship game, as it did in 2008-09 season, and, unlike then, win the Championship trophy for Saint Barbara.

With most of the players back, and the key addition of two big men, Kevin Chadderton and Jay Laudano, our team was one to be feared on the court. After an 8-2 regular season, good enough for second place, we began our playoff run by beating Saint George of Norwalk in the Quarterfinals, the Archangels of Stamford in the Semifinals and were set to face Holy Trinity of New Rochelle in the new format of a one game Final (as opposed to best of three).

The game was a significant game for us, one of our two

losses during the regular season. Nonetheless, the team was focused, prepared and ready to play.

I am pleased and proud to say that we won the game and brought the championship to Saint Barbara. The team played great defense and with a balanced scoring attack, dominated three quarters of the game. It was a pleasure coaching these fine young men and my thanks to each of them: George Pavlou, Chris Vagenas, Paul Vartelas, Gus Papadopoulos, Greg Wachter, Nick Aretakis, Mike Gekas, Kevin Chadderton and Jay Laudano. Let's do it again next year.

Saint Barbara Senior Men's Team Wins League Championship


The Saint Barbara Senior Men's Team Wins League Championship


connecticut eastern orthodox basketball leaguemidgets – final regular season standingsrank team Wins loses

1 Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) 11 0

2 St. John (Bridgeport) 9 2

3 Archangels (Stamford) 8 4

4 Holy Trinity (Waterbury) 7 5

5 Annunciation (Stamford) 5 7

6 Holy Trinity (Bridgeport) 4 8

7 st. barbara (orange) 1 10

8 St. George (Hartford) 0 10

midget division playoffs:

Archangels (Stamford) #3 defeated St. John (Bridgeport) #2

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) #1 defeated Holy Trinity (Waterbury) #4

championship game:

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) defeated Archangels (Stamford)

midget division league champion: holy trinity (new rochelle)

Juniors – final regular season standingsrank team Wins loses






6 St. George (Hartford) 1 9


Junior division playoffs:

St. Barbara (Orange) # 1 defeated Holy Trinity (Bridgeport) #4

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) #2 defeated Holy Trinity (Waterbury) #3

championship game:

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) defeated St. Barbara (Orange)

Junior division league champion: holy trinity (new rochelle)

intermediates – final regular season standingsrank team Wins loses





5 St. George (Norwalk) 4 8

3 Assumption (Danbury) 3 9

7 St. Nicholas (Bridgeport) 3 9


intermediate division playoffs:

Holy Trinity (Waterbury) #1 vs. Holy Trinity (Bridgeport) #4

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) #2 defeated St. Barbara (Orange) #3

championship game:

Holy Trinity (Waterbury) defeated Holy Trinity (New Rochelle)

intermediate division league champion: holy trinity (Waterbury)

seniors – final regular season standingsrank team Wins loses




4 Holy Trinity (A) (Waterbury) 7 3

5 St. George (A) (Norwalk) 6 4

6 Holy Trinity (A) (Bridgeport) 6 4

7 St. George (B) (Norwalk) 4 6

8 Holy Trinity (B) (Bridgeport) 2 8

9 Holy Trinity (B) (Waterbury) 1 9

10 Church of Our Saviour (Rye) 1 9

senior division playoffs:

Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) #1 defeated Holy Trinity (A) (Waterbury) #4

St. Barbara (Orange) #2 defeated Archangels (Stamford) #3

championship game:

St. Barbara (Orange) defeated Holy Trinity (New Rochelle)senior division league champion: st. barbara (orange)


Connecticut Eastern Orthodox Basketball League


connecticut eastern orthodox Volleyball leagueVolleyball – final regular season standingsrank team Wins loses






6 Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) (A) 3 8

7 Holy Trinity (New Rochelle) (B) 0 11

Volleyball playoffs:

Holy Trinity (Bridgeport) #1 vs. Archangels (Stamford) #4

Holy Trinity (Waterbury) #2 defeated St. Barbara (Orange) #3

championship game:

Holy Trinity (Waterbury) defeated Holy Trinity (Bridgeport)

Volleyball league champion: holy trinity Waterburysaint barbara Volleyball teamSaint Barbara’s volleyball team faced its fair share of ups and downs this year, finally finishing in third place in the league with an 8-4 record. Unfortunately, our season came to an end after a hard fought loss to eventual champion Waterbury in the league semi-finals.

Undersized compared to some of our counterparts, the team pulled together with a team-first philosophy and had some great success with contributions from all of our players. With a smaller team than we’ve had in years past, we will severely miss Georgia Loucopoulos & Penelope Papanikolaou to graduation, but we hope some new young players will join us for the 2011-12 season.


saint barbara intermediate basketball team: (back row left-right) Milton Savakis Head Coach, Nicholas Laskos, Taylor Tambis, Matthew Redding, Paul Redding Assistant Coach, Steven Antonellis, Niko Koutroumanis Front row left-right: TJ Redding, Costa Loucopoulos, Michael Antonellis, Ben Feola Not pictured: Elias Papadimitriou

saint barbara Volleyball team: (front row left-right) Penelope Papanikolao, Eva Karakolidis, Maria Bakoussis Back row left-right: Georgia Loucopoulos, Ryan Soennichsen Head Coach, Nina Waskiewicz, Chelsea Tambis, Stephanie Simoulis, Andrianna Papadimitriou, Alexandria Stefanou, Despina Soennichsen Head Coach Not pictured: Elli Emmanouil, Irene Antar

Connecticut Eastern Orthodox Volleyball League


saint barbara athletic teams take in a game at the payne Whitney gymnasiumMembers of the Saint Barbara Basketball Teams together with their parents, gathered in New Haven recently to kick off an evening of fun and excitement. The night began at Yorkside Restaurant, a popular eatery for Yale students since 1969, where everyone enjoyed a wonderfully prepared meal. The group then proceeded toYale's historic Payne Whitney Gymnasium where Yale was playing host to the Ivy League leading team from Harvard University.

The Yale/Harvard rivalry is one of legend and our group was treated to a spectacular game as the Yale Bulldogs toppled Harvard's basketball team in a thrilling 70-69 victory before a raucous crowd of 2,249.

saint barbara Junior basketball team By Elias Alexiades, Junior Team Coach

The Saint Barbara Junior Basketball Team completed another successful season in the Connecticut Eastern Orthodox Basketball League, finishing in second place in the year-end league championship tournament in Bridgeport on March 6th and 7th.

We played a thrilling final game against Holy Trinity of New Rochelle, falling behind early but going on a 13 - 2 run to close within four points at halftime. In the second half, our boys tied the game and even took a two point lead, but ultimately fell short 59 - 54.

We finished the regular season tied for first place with Holy Trinity of New Rochelle with ten wins and two losses. We won the first playoff tournament game against Holy Trinity of Bridgeport in a game that was close until the end. Our boys were down by two points at halftime but finished strong to win 61 - 49. Our overall record including the playoffs was 11 - 3. Our boys all played hard and represented the parish well.

This year the team was led by four players who are moving up to the Intermediate team next year. Ben Feola led all scorers with 263 points, followed by T.J. Redding with 147 points and Elias Papadimitriou who contributed 120 points and a strong inside presence. Zachary Tomaszek paced us with his quickness, rebounding and steals. We look forward to competing again next year with returning players Nick Alexiades, Theo Stefanou, Nick Savakis, Elis Feola and George Antonellis.


Saint Barbara Junior Basketball Team - Athletic Teams Go To YALE


Saint Barbara Summer Camp

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church

summer Camp 2011Monday - Friday

June 27 - July 1Open to all Children Ages 4-13

Open to counselors Ages 14 and uppre-school children (ages 4-5)attend from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

children who have completed kindergarten - 7th gradeattend from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Staff & counselor positions available

Registration fee:1 child. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $185.002 Children. . . . . . . . . . . $350.003 Children. . . . . . . . . . . $500.00

Non-stewards. . . . .. . . $250.00 (per child)Early bird special

Register by may 15, 2011 and save 10% per camper!registration fee covers expenses for session supplies, t-shirt, arts & crafts, athletics, snack & Lunch

Registration form Available on the Parish Web site: www.saintbarbara.org


luminariaA special thank you to all parishioners and friends of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, who generously supported the Luminaria as part of the Holy Friday evening service. Father Peter led the congregation in a prayerful pilgrimage around the grounds of our Church as the path was lit by memorable Luminaria - each one hand-scripted with the name of a loved one.As those gathered, sang the thrice holy hymn of Ayios O Theos, the remembrance of our Lord and Savior was first and foremost on each persons mind and heart.The Luminaria reminded us all of the on-going Light of Christ unto eternity.We thank the support of each person who participated in the services of Holy Week and in all the preparations for Pascha!Over 975 Luminaria were lining the path around the church on Holy Friday. We acknowledge a heartfelt thank you for the generous donation of all of the supplies for the Luminaria by a family from our Saint Barbara Community, and for the many people who assisted in making this fund raiser a beautiful way to grow in faith, give to the Church, and remember those we love.

Come let us, lift up our eyes to heaven, where the stars above tell us of our God, where Christ reigns eternally in glory, and where holy souls abide in love, hearken unto us, oh living Christ, Lord have mercy. Come let us, lift up our hearts far higher, where the smell of death approaches no longer, where the holy sweetness is eternal, where the saints abide now with the angels, hearken unto us, oh living Christ, Lord have mercy. Come let us, yearn inwardly for heaven, and to the

heights let us raise our prayer, where the Queen of Heaven shines in glory, there let our songs and prayer proceed. Hearken unto us, oh living Christ, Lord have mercy. Oh help us, ye holy Saints of Heaven, oh lend your aid, ye lovers of our God, by your prayers you purify our prayers, and present them to almighty Christ. Hearken unto us, oh living Christ, Lord have mercy. Oh help us, the Queen of all the heavens, pure Virgin, the hope of all the ailing, with thy tears purify our tears, and bring them to thy son, our God. Hearken unto us, oh living Christ, Lord have mercy.


Presbytera's Paragraph - Luminaria

presbytera’s paragraphBy: Vangie Ellen OrfanakosA written column of comfort for the weary soul.May these writings refresh your determination to grow in the knowledge of our Lord.

God speaks in sentences in our hearts, all we need to do is to de-code these heartfelt messages with prayer. As we pray, we are illumined with a firm faith, as inwardly, we stand on the Rock of Salvation with our enduring hope in Christ Our Savior, we hear His whispers, as we sing His praise.

The following prayerful words are from the hymn entitled “Prayer On The Resurrection” from the Nuns of Saint Paisius Monastery in Safford, Arizona. This CD, “A Treasury Of Spiritual Songs” can be purchased at our Saint Barbara bookstore or on the monastery website: www.stpaisiusmonastery.org


letters to the saint barbara parishregarding our on-line services:from grand rapids, michigan

Christ is Risen! Unfortunately, I could not attend Holy Friday services at our parish, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. My husband went but I stayed home with our two-year-old daughter.

I was thrilled to find through the Archdiocese website that your church was live streaming. Father Peter celebrated such a beautiful service. It made me feel like I was actually at church and not missing one of my favorite services of the year. Thanks again! May God bless all of you!

from aspen, colorado

Thank you very much for your live broadcasts. I am in Aspen, Colorado and the closest church is hours away. I am very grateful to be able to go to church every Sunday - through your broadcasts. Thank you again.

from toronto, canada.

Thank you for your live broadcast of the Holy Thursday service. Both my son and I have been ill this week and unable to attend services. I enjoyed watching part of this evening's service both on my laptop and on my i-phone. The connection and clarity was excellent. Thanks to you and your church for providing this ministry. We are hoping to get the technology in our church up and going soon. Kali Anastasi!

from an on-line parishioner

I am getting married to someone who is not Greek Orthodox. So, I was trying to find a way for him to understand what we do during Holy Week and the meaning behind it. The first website that came up on my search was yours. I think it is wonderful and found it very helpful to me and my fiancé. Thank you and Kali Anastasi!

from oakland, california

I am most thankful and grateful to you for providing live Holy Week services. I recently had surgery and regretted having to miss the services at my church, but was delighted to discover your web site with live services. I have sung in my church choir many years and regretted having to miss out this year, but thanks to you, I lit my

candle and prayed and sang along with your choir during the Lamentation Service on Good Friday. I will do the same tomorrow during the Resurrection Service.

from an on-line parishioner

Thank you for making it possible for me to partake in the Holy Friday services via my computer. I was not able to attend church this year, and I was so grateful for the online service that St Barbara offered. It worked very well on my computer. I hope the Parish and the Archdiocese will continue this program. Thank you.

from frankford, Kentucky

I have been watching your services online and have enjoyed them so much! My husband and I are not able to attend our Greek church in Lexington for Easter services. You have helped fill that absence for me. Thank you so much!

from elizabethtown, pennsylvania

Many thanks for providing the live on-line Resurrection service. We were able to sing and celebrate with you in our home while our little ones slept. Our best to you and Presvytera Vangie, from her hometown.

from fort Worth, texas

My wife and I are Orthodox Christians who live in the Fort Worth, Texas area. We are members of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Saturday evening we were not able to attend Pascha services at our local church do to inclement weather in the area. After doing some research on the Internet I located your website and saw that you were providing live coverage of your church’s Pascha liturgy. I just wanted to tell you that we really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in that service even though we were not physically within the brick and mortar confines of your church! The service was beautiful and we felt totally emerged in the ceremony itself. Thank you again for providing this service to the community. We intend to visit your website more often to take advantage of other opportunities to broaden our faith.

from Virginia beach, Virginia

I have enjoyed and benefited by hearing the theme of ‘we are not alone, we stand together’ in several of your sermons we have watched in recent months. I think our first Granddaughter is getting this message when we Skype with her and her mommy, singing, “This Little

Letters to the Saint Barbara Parish

Fall 2010 / THE MINISTRY • 70www.SaINTbaRbaRa.oRg

We thank the following professionals for their support.

pediatric rehab & fitnessa new comprehensive facility designed for children

We specialize in treating children with:Phyical challenges, neurological conditions

Speech and language delays and autismFitness and Exercise Programs

18 years of experience917 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton,CT 203-225-7514

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cemeterY plots aVailableSaint Barbara Church has several grave plots

at Beaverdale cemetery available for purchase. Parishioners who are interested

in more information are asked to contact the Church Office

203-795-1347

connecticut furs, inc.of neW britain

LEO STILIDES111 West Main Street

New Britain, CT 06051860-229-2078

Est. 1923

familY & cosmetic dentistrY anna raho, dds

White Fillings - Implants - Veneers - Crowns/Bridges - DenturesEmergencies Seen Promptly

New Patients Always Welcome70 Cherry Street, Milford

203-877-0377www. MyMilfordDentist.com

Space AvailableCall the Church Office for Information

Light of Mine”, as we all circle our index finger around as light! It’s a very encouraging message.

Thank you for offering the broadcast of your services. We recently graduated from Yale, and have since moved to Virginia, where we attend St. Nicholas in Virginia Beach, and Sts Constantine and Helen in Newport News. Truly, you are a blessing on days such as this, when the weather is inclement, or for other reasons we are unable to attend church services here. Thanks again. We had one daffodil in the yard, so we picked it and will place the icons nearby, as you have suggested. Blessings and Joy to you.

from shreveport, louisiana

Christos Anesti! We have enjoyed watching your services now for several months. We especially appreciated your Holy Week services from Thursday night through the service of the Resurrection on Saturday night. Your reverence, respect, dignity and your Christian love is shown throughout the services for all to see. Your chanters and your choir are outstanding. We wish you continued success and may God Bless all of you - priest, chanters, choir and altar boys (here we must include the young ladies who attended the epitafio) for making such a beautiful presentation.

regarding nashville relief fund

from the metropoilis of detroitDear Father Peter and Faithful of the Saint Barbara Parish,

We pray that this letter finds you well and enjoying the blessings of the Lord.

We would like to thank you for your donation of $500 for the Nashville Relief Fund. Your generous donation has helped in our efforts as a Metropolis and Archdiocese to aid the people of Nashville in their time of need.

Conveying to you the prayers and blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, I remain

In His Service,

Harriet Stoukas, Metropolis of Detroit

national day of prayermay 5, 2011

Father Peter participated in a prayer ceremony in honor of the National Day of Prayer. The event was held at the Orange Community Center on a crisp Spring day.

Letters to the Saint Barbara Parish - Sponsors

Fall 2010 / THE MINISTRY • 71www.SaINTbaRbaRa.oRg

internal medicine of milford, p.c.

paris spanolios, m.d.40 Commerce Park, Milford, CT 06460

203-878-3531

Fluent in Greek

Most Insurance Accepted - Please Call for Appointment

chip's restaurantGeorge Chatzopoulos

Serving famous pancakes & omeletslunch and dinner since 1966

321 Boston Post Road (Route 1)Orange, CT 06477

203-795-5065 203-799-0827 (fax)www.chipsrest.com

gregorY J. stamosattorneY at laW

200 Main StreetP.O. Box 166

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aegean floristFlowers for all occasions at wholesale prices

Holidays are here, send some cheer!Maria Fifis

203-795-9051 or 203-435-1734Aegean will donate 6% of your total order to the Saint Barbara Pantocrator Fund

christine & gerald baldinoshaKlee distributors since 1982

203-410-6604 [email protected] food suppliments, health Wealth management

anti-aging skin care, makeup & programnatural pain maagement, non-toxic household

products, air & Water purificationwww.commensensehealth.myshaklee.com

BBB, Accedited Business

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YorKside pizza restaurantTony & Maria Koutroumanis

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Restaurant for over 30 years!203-787-7471 203-787-7472288 York Street, New Haven

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dr. estell pappasdiseases and surgeries of

the foot and anKle 136 Sherman Ave. 3851 Whitney Ave. New Haven, CT 06511 Hamden, CT 06518 203-624-9991 203-248-6543

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buffalo Wild Wingsgrill & bar

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We thank the following professionals for their support.

Sponsors

Presorted First ClassU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDNew Haven, Conn.

Permit No. 1108

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church480 Racebrook Road, Orange, CT 06477Tel. (203) 795-1347 • Fax: (203) 795-1348www.saintbarbara.org • [email protected]

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