THE LIGHT FEBRUARY 2013 Volume 3 Issue 23

The Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church 12326 Spotswood Furnace Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 540-548-2665 www.nativity.va.goarch.org Office Email - nativityofthetheotokos@verizon.net

FROM THE DESK OF FATHER JOHN

I AM THE VINE; YOU ARE THE BRANCHES By Fr. Anastasios Gounaris

In John 15:1-8, our Lord is quoted as saying:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while eve-

ry branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the

word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must re-

main in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you

remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in

me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and

burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

Growing up in New Bedford, Massachusetts, I often saw my father pruning the weaker branches from his be-

loved grapevines in the back yard. He did so patiently, methodically, constantly - so that the stronger branches

that showed promise could flourish. I was thoroughly convinced that there wasn't a branch, leaf or even tendril

that he didn't know intimately. He plucked off individual Japanese beetles and parasites that would suck the life

from the vines and applied copper sulphate powder to ward off mildew and fungal infections. He poured himself

- mind, body and soul - into the task. He loved those vines.

What did he get in return for all of this work? The vines produced. Boy, did they produce! The size and quan-

tity of grapes from that arbor consistently provoked the envy of his Greek and Portuguese friends. As he brought

in baskets of grapes, you would have thought that he was as proud of them as he was of us, his sons. Actually, in

a way, I think he was.

When I first read these words of Jesus, I instantly understood their meaning. I had seen it demonstrated all my

life, before my very eyes. Over the years I had seen how my father would fret and worry - and how the vines

would decline precipitously - if we were on vacation or were otherwise away for more than a few days. My father

and the vines had a partnership, a symbiotic relationship. They had to remain with each other in order for the re-

lationship to produce fruit.

Every summer we enjoyed that fruit, we were nourished by it - not to mention the preserves and μουσταλευριά

that was produced and distributed widely. That relationship benefited my father's family, his neighbors, his

friends. It made our late summers incalculably sweeter.

And it was all because the vines "remained" with him and, most importantly, that he remained with them. He

stood by them - winter, spring, summer and fall - and never failed them.

As we start the new year we must ask ourselves: Will we invite God the Father to be the gardener of our

lives? Will we remain with - stick with - Jesus Christ so that we can be strong and productive and thus bear fruit

for Him and His Church and His People?

Or will we remain separated - apart - from Christ and prove useless to Christ and His Church, only to be pruned

away from the Vine and be thrown into the eternal fire?

Thoughout Church history, the Heavenly Gardener has seen to it that the strong and productive Christian stew-

ards have been nurtured - and that the lazy and foolish and non-productive have been stripped away.

See Father, page 7

P a g e 2 T h e L i g h t

Father John C. Katsoulis, Parish Priest 540-645-1427 fr.john_katsoulis@verizon.net FATHER’S OFFICE HOURS—TUESDAY—FRIDAY 9 A.M.—3 P.M. OTHER HOURS BY APPOINTMENT

CHURCH EMAIL: nativityofthetheotokos@verizon.net WEBSITE: www.nativity.va.goarch.org FACEBOOK: NTGOC Friends

PARISH COUNCIL PHILOPTOCHOS AHEPA Chris Rigopoulos, President Maria Yiasemides, President Wayne Skinner, President Dr. Bill Kaltsounis, Vice President Dr. Paul Fallon, Secretary SUNDAY SCHOOL GOYA Jim Malamas, Treasurer Yvonne Rigopoulos, Director Christine Fulmore, Advisor Maxine Calamos, Assistant Treasurer Anthony Hatzis FUND RAISING COMMITTEE DANCE Dennis Makrinos Judy Marrs, Chair Danny Kartoudi, Judy Marrs Niki Theodore Carl Fulmore STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE BUILDING/MAINTENANCE CHOIR Michael Euripides, Chair Harry Yiasemides, Chair Mary Moody

SACRAMENTS IN JANUARY

MEMORIALS Eleni, beloved mother of Maria Yiasemides

Andrew and Anna, beloved parents of Mary Moody

Jere Miller, beloved husband of Dawn Miller

Photios, beloved brother of John Koufoudakis

WEDDINGS Yianni Kakavoyannis and Katherine Traubert

PASTORAL GUIDELINES

WEDDING Marriages are not performed on fast days, during fasting seasons, or on the feasts of the church,

specifically September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross), December 13-25 (Nativity), January 5 & 6

(Theophany), Great Lent and Holy Week, Pascha (Easter), Pentecost, August 1-15 (Dormition Fast and

Feast), and August 29 ( Beheading of St. John the Baptist) Exceptions can only be made with the permission

of the respective hierarch.

BAPTISM A person who wishes to sponsor a candidate for Baptism or Christmation must be an Orthodox

Christian in good standing and a supporting member of an Orthodox parish. A person may not serve as a god-

parent if the Church has not blessed his or her marriage, or, if civilly divorced, he or she has not been granted

an ecclesiastical divorce, or for any other reason he or she is not in communion with the Orthodox Church.

Baptisms may not be performed from Christmas Day through the Feast of Theophany (December 25-January

6), during Holy Week, or any of the Great feast days of the Lord.

FUNERAL Funeral services are permitted on any day of the year, except for Sundays, and Holy Friday, un-

less permission is granted by the Archbishop or Metropolitan. MEMORIAL Memorial services may not be chanted from the Saturday of Lazurus through the Sunday of

Thomas, or any Feast days of the Lord or the Theotokos.

THE LIGHT PAGE 3

ALL ORGANIZATIONS: Please make sure you consult the Master Calendar, in the church office, and

contact Father, before scheduling any meetings or events. Thank you!

PARENTS: Please monitor your children during coffee hour. No one is to be in the offices or

classrooms without an adult present. Thank you.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

10 A.M.

Liturgy

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

9 A.M. Orthos

10 A.M.

Liturgy

Athenian

Practice

Philoptochos

Mtg.

5 P.M.

Adult

Greek School

9 A.M.

Liturgy

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

9 A.M. Orthos

10 A.M.

Liturgy

Athenian

Practice

GOYA Mtg.

Father out of

office—

clergy retreat

Father out of

office

5 P.M.

Adult

Greek School

Father out of

office

7 P.M.

Festival Mtg.

10 A.M.

Ironwood

Auction

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

9 A.M. Orthos

10 A.M.

Liturgy

Athenian Chili

Luncheon

5 P.M.

Adult

Greek School

24 25 26 27 28 9 A.M. Orthos

10 A.M.

Liturgy

Philoptochos

Membership

Tea

Athenian

Practice

5 P.M.

Adult

Greek School

FEBRUARY 2013

P a g e 4 T h e L i g h t

CHURCH BOOK STORE The bookstore will be taking orders for Holy Week

Books during the month of February and March. Special

orders for Icons and gifts can be taken any time . The

bookstore will be open immediately Following Divine

Liturgy each Sunday. Liturgical calendars may be

picked-up in the bookstore!

COFFEE HOUR If you would like to host a coffee hour, or schedule a

memorial, please contact Father at 540-548-2665 or

fr.john_katsoulis@verizon.net.

PROSFERO MINISTRY This new ministry is a chance for people to learn to

make the prosfero and provide it for the church. Don’t

bake? No problem! We will teach you. Please contact

Presbytera Stacy for further information and class sign-

up.

Summer 2013 Programs Summer Travel Camp (Session 1) :

June 23 - July 12, 2013

Byzantine Venutre (Session 2) :

July 20 - August 8, 2013 *Both Sessions are open to campers who have

completed grades 8 through 12

Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey

Pilgrimages Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus and Crete:

May 30 – June 9, 2013 *Spiritual Odyssey is open to young adults

ages 19-28

Crossroads 2013 program dates June 22—July 1

And July 8—July 18

For more info and to apply go to www.hchc.edu/studentlife/vocation/

crossroad

ATHENIAN DANSE TROUPE Practices will resume in February and be held on Sun-

days after coffee hour. If your child would like to par-

ticipate, please come to the first practice on Sunday,

February 3.

HOUSE BLESSINGS It’s that time of year again! If you would like to have

your house blessed during the epiphany season, please

contact Fr. John to make an appointment. Remember,

Great Lent begins March 18, and we’d like to have the

blessings done by then.

NEW CONTACT EMAIL

If you would like to receive your 2012 stewardship

statement electronically, please send an email stating so

to pctreasure@verizon.net. This should be used for any

church business regarding stewardship, etc.

Operation Round Up An easy way to show you care Operation Round Up® lets Rappahannock Electric

Cooperative members volunteer to have their elec-

tric bills rounded up to the next highest whole dol-

lar, with the extra change dedicated to our church.

For example, a bill amount of $123.48 would be

rounded up by 52 cents for a total due of $124. The

additional 52 cents would be your Operation Round

Up donation for that month. Though a donation of

less than a dollar may not sound like much, this

"small change" given on a regular basis can amount

to big support for our local communities and is an

easy way to show you care. The purpose of Opera-

tion Round Up is to support individuals, school

programs, philanthropic groups, non-profit or-

ganizations, rescue squads, fire departments and

other deserving causes within REC's service area.

A board of directors reviews applications for sup-

port and decides how donations are made. The

board is made up of seven REC members, who vol-

unteer their time. If you choose to participate,

your electric bill will automatically be rounded up

to the next whole dollar amount. We will also track

your tax-deductible donations and provide an annu-

al statement of your charitable contributions.

THE LIGHT PAGE 5

STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE CARD HONOR ROLL Shown below is a list of families & individuals who are participating in The Nativity of the Theotokos Stewardship Program as of December 25, 2012. We would like to thank all of these families and individu-als for responding to the needs of our parish. This is our final list for 2012. Next month we hope to have the 2013 list. Don’t forget to turn-in your updated card to Jim Malamas or Maxine Calamos. Fr. John & Pres. Stacy Katsoulis Ladies Philoptochos Society Kyriacos & Yiannoulla Adamou Robert & Irene Akers Mikelian & Ornela Bizhyti Stephanie Blais Mary Booth Nancy Breckenridge Kevin & Chrysoula Brickey Maxine Calamos Michael & Angelina Campbell Richard & Maria Centers Maria Christoforatos Kostas & Sophia Constantine Leonard Cowherd Daniel & Andrea Dumicini Paul & Hannah Fallon Helen Frazier Carl & Christine Fulmore Angela Georges Julia Getsos Jimmy & Katherine Giannopoulos Steve Giannopoulos Theofilos Giannopoulos Pauline Gorton Linda Govenides Thomas Harris Anthony & Kai Hatzis Bill & Stella Kaltsounis Phillip & Monica Hicks George & Georgia Kapataidakis Voula Kapataidakis Kosta & Chryse Kartoudi George Kartoudi George & Christy Katsourakis Michael & Katherine Klezaras Demetrios & Robin Kydonieus John Kyranos Adam & Anthoula Makrinos

James & Koula Malamas John & Maria Manolis Gino & Marika Marchico Judy Marrs Daniel & Cynthia Miller David & Mary Moody Phil & Jane Moore Robert & Barbara Morrison Peter & Liz Moutsatson Elena O’Donoghue Christos Papanastasiou George Papantoniou Aslanis Pappas Stamo Poulos Georgia Pournaras Mitchel & Georgia Raftelis Christopher & Yvonne Rigopoulos Steve Salagaras Halina Schreckinger Demetrios Serakos Wayne & Liz Skinner James & Christina Smith Alin & Andreea Son Katherine Soulis Michael & Maria Stafford Mary Stram Carrie K. Swann Stefan & Niki Theodore Georgia Liakakis Tidler Vasili & Helen Troupos Denzil & Evangelia Willis Bill & Sandy Winkler Joseph & Maria Winslow John & Ellen Xydias Chris & Darlene Yiasemides Eleni Yiasemides Harry & Maria Yiasemides Vicki Yiasemides Paul & Martha Ziegenfuss

“So let each one give as he purposes

in his heart, not grudgingly or of

necessity; for God loves a cheerful

giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

“Stewardship is

our active commit-

ment to use ALL

our time, talent

and treasure for

the benefit of hu-

mankind in grateful

acknowledgement

of Christ’s redeem-

ing love.”

2013 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Topics

Junior Division (Grades 7–9)

1. Considering the Lord’s words to His disciples, “If an-

yone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant

of all” (Mark 9:35), discuss the relationship between ser-

vice and leadership.

2. Discuss the importance of participating in the life of

the Church in light of Jesus’s teaching in John 15:5: “I

am the vine, you are the branches.”

3. In the Resurrection Service, the priest proclaims,

“Come receive the light.” Discuss the place of light in

the Orthodox Tradition.

4. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuf-

fering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-

control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Discuss how we can, with

the help of the Holy Spirit, produce this fruit in our lives.

5. In Psalm 103/104, God’s care for the natural world is

praised. Select elements from the psalm and discuss how

they may help us “grow” in our Faith.

Senior Division (Grades 10–12)

1. The Prophet Micah says, “He has shown you, O man,

what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but

to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with

your God?” (Micah 6:8). Discuss how this passage has

inspired many Christians to acts of service.

2. In 313 AD, St. Constantine the Great proclaimed the

Edict of Milan, which allowed Christians to practice

their faith freely. What did religious freedom mean then,

and what does it mean for people of faith today in coun-

tries where violent religious persecution occurs?

3. Discuss the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian in

light of today’s culture.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim

Lord and Master of my life, cast away from me

the spirit of

Laziness, idle curiosity, love of power and vain

talk.

But grant me, Your servant, the spirit of modera-

tion, humility, patience and love.

Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own

faults and not to judge my brothers and sisters.

For You are blessed forever. Amen.

4. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see

your good works and glorify your Father in heav-

en” (Matthew 5:16). Social websites, apps, and so on are

constantly present in our lives, making it easy for us to

share bits and pieces of our lives with many people. How

do you “let your light so shine” using these widely avail-

able social and other media?

5. “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; Give

me understanding, that I may learn Your command-

ments.” (Psalm 118/119, verse 73). Discuss how this

passage can guide us in a time when we constantly seek

to alter the way we look, act, and live.

PAGE 6 THE LIGHT

THE ATHENIAN DANSE TROUPE CHILI LUNCHEON

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17

MENU BOWL OF CHILI

CRACKERS DESSERT

TEA OR LEMONADE $7 OR DONATION

EAT-IN OR CARRY OUT

TO HELP SUPPORT THE PURCHASE

OF NEW COSTUMES

ALL ORGANIZATIONS: Please make

sure you consult the Master Calendar,

in the church office, and contact

Father, before scheduling any

meetings or events.

Thank you!

PAGE 7 THE LIGHT

From Father, page 1

Do we think that we will receive our "due reward" just because of an accident of birth - because our parents hap-

pened to baptize us and raise us in the Faith? It didn't work for those original children of Abraham who weren't

faithful. No, our Heavenly Father is looking for active and productive "branches" that are connected to the True

Vine, Jesus Christ. And if we are not productive, then He will graft on new branches - converts - to continue the

work of spreading the Good News of His Resurrection throughout the globe.

In Luke 3:8-9 John the Forerunner tells those who came to him:

"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’

For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the

trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Whether or not we produce fruit using the time, talents and resources that God has given us is up to us. However, if

we squander our divine inheritance the consequences are clear - we will be pruned and cut off from His Grace and

He will "raise up" other children to do the work of His Church upon this earth.

Mull over these words well and, after considering them in your heart, consider making this year the occasion for

cleaving ever more closely to Christ, so that we can produce fruits worthy of Him - and His Holy Name.

Our theme for Stewardship 2013 is Chosen and Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit from chapter 15 of the

Gospel of John. At the Last Supper, as we read in Chapter 15 of the Gospel of John, Jesus instructed His disci-

ples, "I Am the Vine; you are the branches." He was telling us that the purpose of our abiding in Him is that we

may bear fruit for God in the world. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit..." Just as the vine

bears fruit only through its branches, so Jesus has chosen to work in the world through us. We are the members

of His Body. We are the branches through which the True Vine must bear fruit. We bear fruit when we serve

and support God and His Church.

Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibil-

ity before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a

Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As

Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to

cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.

An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the

Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to

become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to

carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commit-

ment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her

Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdio-

cese, Metropolises, and institutions.

Effective stewardship ministry is not a single event or project. Rather, it

is going out to our people wherever they are in their walk with Christ,

listening to their concerns, helping them to realize their importance as branches of the True Vine and encourag-

ing them to offer their gifts in His service. We use various resources to support our efforts, but unless we meet

with our people personally, sincerely listen to their ideas and concerns, and share a vision for the future of the

parish, our efforts will not each their full potential.

PAGE 8 THE LIGHT

Age......14......Grade.........8 School................Ni River Middle

Sports you play.............wrestling, soccer. I play drums in band, also.

Other extracurricular activities............skateboarding, Wyldlife Youth Group

Do in spare time..........Wyldlife, skateboard, spend time with friends, took guitar lessons.

Why did you begin to wrestle? To try something new, get in better shape, and I

thought it would be fun, too.

What do you like about it? The challenge and being part of the team.

Do you plan to continue in high school? Yes

What was your record this season? I was undefeated.

What was your record in the county tournament? I won 1st Place in my weight class.

THE FRC OF THE NTGOC IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH

IRONWOOD ESTATE SALES AND AUCTIONS

Ironwood, based in Spotsylvania, is an estate auction business providing the highest quality service.

They are licensed, bonded, and insured, offering a personal approach to clients. Beginning February 16,

Ironwood will be hosting an auction once a month in our social hall. The FRC will be running the con-

cession stand, with all proceeds to benefit the church. These sales are open to the public, so please come

out and support our newest partnership!