PARISH COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEFATHER LUKE M. MELACKRINOS EconomosJAMES N. GEORGAKIS PresidentWILLIAM J. LEMBO Vice-PresidentGEORGE A. VORKAS SecretaryANTHONY P. VACCARI TreasurerSPYRO GEORGOPALIS Financial SecretaryGEORGE MARINOS Financial SecretaryHARRY RAPTAKIS, Esq Legal AdvisorGEORGE PAPAZICOS, Esq Past PresidentGUS KRATSIOS Past PresidentLOUIS S. PATRICKAKOS Past President

ALTAR BOYS Louis Yeostros 516 358-5373AHEPA C. Dionysios Dionou 516 216-5817BOY/CUB SCOUTS Peter L. Parras 516 694-6448BLOOD BANK Kay Pamas 516 746-3294CHOIR Efstratios Demertzis 516 364-8076JR. CHOIR Virginia Pourakis 516 328-1637DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE Pauline Alexander 516 771-0840GRIEF & BEREAVEMENT Kay Pamas 516 746-3294GIRL SCOUTS Maria Katrakazos 516 775-6406GREEK SCHOOL Frances T. Lutfy 516 746-8741 George Hadjoglou 516 248-8077 GREEK SCHOOL PTA Kay Georgopalis 516 921-0440 GREEK DANCE PROGRAM Dora Themelis 516 354-8960 MOMMY & ME GREEK SCHOOL Paris Zaferiou 516 746-8307HOMEBOUND Joan Prieston 516 825-3420LACONIAN ASSOC. Theodore Lakis 516 483-8261LIACA Soteroulla Constantinou 516 783-9036MENS CLUB Costas Anifantakis 516 248-8778MR. & MRS. CLUB April Mavrovitis 516 626-0511MENS BASKETBALL, Pamas League George Papazicos 516 747-7440NURSERY SCHOOL Anna Possas 516 822-9439OUTREACH Bill Kallinikos 516 536-8954RECIPE CLUB Kathy Boulukos 516 868-4092ST. ANNAS PHILOPTOCHOS Soteroulla Constantinou 516 783-9036ST. PAULS PIONEERS Melanie Donus 516 417-1108ST. PAULS SENIORS Jacquelene Ursini 516 775-0336SOLON SOCIETY C. Dionysios Dionou 516 216-5817SUNDAY BULLETIN George K. Lavas 516 766-7057SUNDAY SCHOOL Andrea Potaris 516 599-4038TUESDAY LADIES Bess Kenary 516 746-5136We Care Cancer Support Group Joanne Vagelatos 516 764-4282YOUTH PROGRAMS George Vorkas 516 354-6007 Little Angels (40 days-4 years) Erika Palmer 516 747-1325

Jenny Polizotto 516 741-5157 HOPE (Ages 4-6) Maria Papachristos 516 294-3931

Tina Vasilakis 516 746-2540 JOY (Ages 7-12) Helene Jorge 516 742-1195

Athena Menoudakos 516 741-3365Andrea Pagonis 516 747-3577

GOYA (Ages 13-18) Nicole Rousakis 516 385-4063Maria Vorkas 516 354-6007Kay Georgopalis 516 921-0440Maria Giannopoulos 516 488-7392

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of

Saint Paul110 Cathedral Avenue

Hempstead, New York 11550Tel: 516-483-5700 Fax: 516-564-8335

Website: www.stpaulhempstead.orgFr. Luke M. Melackrinos Dn. Panagiotis Zougras

December 11, 201111th Sunday of Luke

Greek Orthodox Cathedra l of Saint Pau lVolume 11 , I ssue 48

S U N DAY B U L L E T I NTodays Schedule: Orthros 7:45 a.m. December 11, 2011

1st Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m.2nd Divine Liturgy 10:45a.m.

Epistle: Colossians 3:4-11/Luke 14:16-24 Matthew 22:14 Page: 111

Memorials: Dr. Charles Dumas (40 day), Argyro Kakatsakis (40 day) and John Blekas (2 year).

Shrine Flowers: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved brother-in-law and uncle, John Blekas by his loving niece, Stella Sassos and children.

Altar Flowers: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved husband, Dr. Charles Dumas by his loving wife, Nora and family.

Altar Candles: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved husband, Dr. Charles Dumas by his loving wife, Nora and family.

Prosforo: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved husband,John Blekas by his loving wife, Joanne and family.

Communion Wine: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved husband, John Blekas by his loving wife, Joanne and family.

Fellowship Hour: Donated to the greater glory of God in memory of her beloved husband, Dr. Charles Dumas by his loving wife, Nora and his family. Fellowship Hour is immediately following the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral Center. All are welcome.

Services for this Week: Monday, December 12th, St. Spyridon, the WonderworkerOrthros & Divine Liturgy: 9:00 a.m.Wednesday, December 14th, Trisagion 7 p.m. (Memorial Christmas Tree)Thursday, December 15th, St. EleftheriosOrthros & Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m.Paraklesis: 7:00 p.m.Saturday, December 17th, St. Dionysios of ZakynthosOrthros & Divine Liturgy 9:00 a.m.

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Todays Event:St. Annas Philoptochos Annual Christmas Bake SaleSt. Annas Philoptochos is having their Annual Christmas Bake Sale after both Divine Liturgies. Please join them as they offer traditional Christmas pastries and cookies, including: Vasilopita, Vasilopita Coins, Diples and other delectable goodies.

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Why fast before the Nativity (Christmas)?We fast before the Great Feast of the Nativity in order to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Our Lords birth. As in the case of Great Lent, the Nativity Fast is one of preparation, during which we focus on the coming of the Savior by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.By fasting, we shift our focus from ourselves to others, spending less time worrying about what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, and so on in order to use our time in increased prayer and caring for the poor. We learn through fasting that we can gain control over things which we sometimes allow to control usand for many people, food is a controlling factor[We live in the only society in which an entire TV network is devoted to food!] While fasting from food, however, we are also challenged to fast from sin, from gossip, from jealousy, from anger, and from those other things which, while well within our control, we all too often allow to control us. Just as we would refrain from eating a lot before going to an expensive restaurant for dinnerif we ruin our appetite we will enjoy the restaurant lessso too we fast before the Nativity in order to more fully feast and celebrate on the Nativity itself.During the Nativity Fast, we are called upon to refrain from meat, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil. At the same time, we are challenged, within this framework, to fast to the best of our ability, and to do so consistently.If we must modify the extent to which we fast within this framework, it is of course possible, but in every instance our fasting should be consistent and regular, for Christ does not see fasting as an option, but as a must.In Matthew Christ says, WHEN you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, not IF you fast or IF YOU CHOOSE to fast.Finally, it seems quite odd that in our societya society in which people gladly and freely spend huge sums of money for diets, most of which recommend that one refrain from red meats and dairy productsfasting is not more widely embraced. How odd that a Jenny Craig consultant or diet guru or physician will tell us to refrain from eating meat or cheese or butter and we will gladly embraceand pay large sums of money forhis or her advice, while when the Church offers the same advice [at no cost] we tend to balk, as if we were being asked to do the impossible.

The Ordination of Deacon Panagiotis to the PriesthoodIt is with great joy that we welcome His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America on Sunday, January 8th to our Cathedral to ordain Deacon Panagiotis Zougras to the Holy Priesthood. There will be only ONE Divine Liturgy that day beginning at 9 a.m. and Sunday Church School will be in session. There will be a reception immediately following, all are invited to come and celebrate and congratulate the newly ordained Father Panagiotis and Presbytera Alexa and their family. !!

St. Pauls New Years Eve Dinner 2012The St. Pauls New Years Eve Dinner 2012 will take place on December 31st at 10:00p.m. at Jonathans Restaurant in Garden City Park. Seating is limited. There is an $80 donation per person which includes: unlimited champagne, wine and beer, assorted passed Hors doeuvres and calamari, choice of salad, main course, soft drinks, coffee, tea and dessert. For reservations taken through December 21st, please contact April Mavrovitis at (516) 626-0511 or Gus Kratsios at (347) 266-5354.

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Thoughts on the Advent SeasonNormally this period is a harried time filled with social gatherings, lavish gift buying, and many parties. It is a period where the pace of activity leaves little time for God. The Church asks us to slow down and simplify our lives during the period so we can appreciate the true meaning of this upcoming feast of the Nativity. The Apostles or Church Fathers did not call for gift giving and celebratory parties prior to the Nativity. It was only after His birth that the angels, shepherd and kings celebrated the coming of our Lord. Following the Nativity Tradition does provide a 12 day period of celebration without any fasting. This is the time to plan your parties and gift giving. Take the initiative and begin to change the cycle, celebrating after the Feast day, so we can properly prepare for the Nativity feast in a spiritual manner.In this time of preparation you can work on self-discipline by creating time for reflection on the deeper meaning of the upcoming feast. Take time to read the Scriptures that include the prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. Think about what is a true Godly way of life that God's Incarnation brought to us. Clarify what are our responsibilities for self-sacrifice and almsgiving. Make time for works of charity and helping other who are in need.In your meditations during this period reflect on Why Christ came into the world. Read the account of the fall of mankind in Genesis and think of the fallen condition we have inherited from Adam and Eve. Seek to understand why God had to send His son to save us and renew mankind. Reflect on the wonder of a virgin birth and the nature of the person God chose to give his Son flesh. Think about the magnitude of the gift God has given us.The fast period is intended to help us make time for such reflections during this period. But to do so requires some modification of the normal holiday madness. Simplify the gift giving, focus on helping those in need rather than family members who in many cases already have much more than they need. Dont feel you have to accept every invitation for a social event. For you social activities make plans to have them after the day of the Nativity. Make them a true celebration of the coming of our Lord. Give priority to have some time alone and with family to reflect on this incredible gift God gave us in making His son flesh. Make time for daily prayers. Be quieter and wait with great anticipation of the Feast day.Keep in mind that the true meaning of this season is the Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah came into the world and dwelt among men. He did this for our salvation so that we could become like Him.

Bible Study: Christmas Edition!Our December Bible Studies will focus on preparing us for Christmas. The following two Mondays with Bible studies focused on Christmas / Epiphany readings from the bible at St. Paul's. The schedule is as follows:Monday, December 12, 7:00pm - Christmas Bible Study Monday, December 19, 7:00pm - Christmas Bible Study

St. Pauls Nursery SchoolSt. Pauls Nursery School registration is ongoing. The program is open to two, three and four year olds. Registration forms may be obtained in the Cathedral Office. For further information, please contact Anna Possas at (516) 527-0323.

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Welcome to the Cathedral of St. PaulWe welcome all our visitors this morning to our beloved Cathedral and we thank you for praying with us during the Divine Liturgy. While Holy Communion may only be received by prepared Or-thodox Christians, our non-Orthodox guests are welcome to join us in receiving bread at the conclu-sion of the Divine Liturgy. We extend an invitation to you to join us for the Fellowship Hour in the Cathedral Center following the Divine Liturgy.

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Resurrectional Apolytikion The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. You rose on the third day, O Lord and Savior, granting life unto the world. And therefore the powers of heaven cried to You, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; glory to Your kingdom; glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.

Apolytikion of the Apostle Paul We joyfully praise you, the Herald of the Nations, thrice great illuminary, teacher of the Athenians and ornament of the world. We honor the struggles, tortures for Christ and your august martyrdom. O Holy Apostle Paul, intercede to Christ God to save our souls.

KontakionOn this day the Virgin comes to the cave to give birth to God the Word ineffably, Who was before all the ages. Dance for joy, O earth on hearing the gladsome tidings; with the angels and the shepherds now glorify Him Who is willing to be gazed on as a young Child Who before the ages is God

Dates to Remember:Wednesday, December 14th: St. Annas Christmas Luncheon at Westbury ManorWednesday, December 14th: Memorial Christmas TreeSaturday, December 17th: Cancer Care for Kids Christmas Party, Hosted by GOYA

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Stewardship CornerThere are so many wonderful spiritual and social activities available to virtually every age group at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. These ministries are dependent on the generosity of our faithful Stewards to provide the necessary funding to support them. We welcome everyone to Come and See what our Cathedral has to offer. Come and See God work through you! With all of the organizations getting back into the routine of a new Ecclesiastical year, It is now that we should put particular emphasis on our Stewardship commitment to our Cathedral. If you have already completed your 2011 Stewardship Commitment, you may want to consider adding to it. If you have yet to complete a Stewardship Commitment Card, please make it a priority to stop by the office today and pick one up.

St. Annas PhiloptochosSt. Annas Philoptochos would like to extend an invitation to all the women of our community to join our chapter, the largest in the United States. Your membership dues supports our mission of philanthropic endeavors. We offer various open programs throughout the year.

On Wednesday, December 14th we will be hosting our Annual Christmas Luncheon Merry Berry Christmas at the Westbury Manor. For reservations, please contact Connie Germanakos at 516 328-0777 or Stella Thymius at 516 883-5479. Also, reservations will be taken during Fellowship Hours starting Sunday, November 20th after both Divine Liturgies.

Preparing for Birth of Christ: The Fast of the NativityThe fast of the Nativity (November 15th through December 24th) is first mentioned historically in the 7th Century. The only universal fasting rules (canons) of the Church that exist refer to Great Lent (40 days before Pascha or Easter); which is the most severe fast of the year. The fast of the Nativity on the other hand, varied in duration and degree of severity throughout the Church. The Nativity fast is less severe than Great Lent. The following is presented as a guide to fasting during the 40 days leading to the birth of Christ.

Meat is not to be eaten for the duration (exceptions as explained below). Wine, fish and oil are allowed except on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last 12 days (December 12th - 24th) are to be kept as strict as possible. A strict fast consists of no meat, fish, dairy products, wine and oil.

The Weekly Food Run Everyone is welcome to join us every Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. to prepare the food run and each

Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. to distribute the food run Sponsors are also welcome.

Parish Council Election ResultsCongratulations to the following individuals who were elected to the Parish Council for a three year term as of January 1, 2012: James Georgakis, Triphon Kollitides, Anthony Pantelides, James Ginis, George Marinos, Dean Mavrovitis, Gus Drivas, Michael Lazarakis, James Rigano and Stephen Makrinos.

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Little AngelsIf your child is between the ages 40 days and 4 years old, come join us at Little Angels. We meet on Tuesday mornings in the Cathedral Center at 10:00am-11:30am to enjoy free play, crafts, books, and snacks. For additional information, please contact Mary Ellen Kakalos at 516 868-6803 or Jenny Tzakas-Polizotto at 516 741-5157.

Annual Santas HelpersThis year the Cathedral of St. Paul has once again adopted the needs and wish list of Jose, one of the young boys at St. Innocents Orthodox Orphanage in Mexico. Please contact Virginia Pourakis at 516 507-4060 to sign up to buy one of his needed items. Monetary donations are accepted to cover postage costs.

JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth)We would like to thank all of our children who are participating today in our Worship Sunday. We currently have six basketball teams and we are extremely proud to represent St.Paul both on and off the basketball court. We will also be hosting our Annual Christmas Party on Friday, December 16th, so dont miss out!

St. Pauls Greek SchoolGreek School Christmas Pageant-Time Correction The Greek School Christmas Pageant will be held next Sunday, December 18th at 1:00p.m. and not 3:00p.m. Also, parents are urged to check email and their childrens backpacks for important notices regarding other December events in which our children are involved! Please call Principal Fran Lutfy 516 746-8741 with any questions.

Greek School Comes to Your Home This Christmas SeasonOur children are busy learning Greek Christmas Carols to sing to the entire Community. Our kids (approximately 10-12 per team) will travel to your home to sing on December 20th between 5:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. If you we can brighten your holidays by song, please call Maria Papachristos at 516 8294-3931. Appointments are very limited, so please call early if interested! We are limiting our travels to Garden City, Franklin Square and Rockville Centr areas.

"When we are compelled by our conscience to accomplish all the commandments of God, then we shall understand that the law of the Lord is faultless (cf. Ps. 19:8 LXX). It is performed through our good actions, but cannot be perfected by men without God's mercy." From St. Mark the Ascetic (The Philokalia Vol. 1; Faber and Faber pg. 112):

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Spotlight on Ministries

Throughout the year we will be acknowledging different clubs, organizations and ministries that have made a difference in our community at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul. Without our Stewardship, these ministries, clubs and organizations would not be possible. We want our parishioners to become familiar with these different clubs, organizations and ministries that have had a positive impact on our community.

This week, the Spotlight is on: The Junior Choir

The Junior Choir welcome youth and adults interested in offering their voices as part of liturgical worship, to the glory of God! We chant a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) using the Byzantine style Melody with ison, the drone note) and use English tranlations of the Greek. Our rehearsals take place on alternating Fridays at 6:30p.m. and we lead congregational singing at the Sunday School Youth Liturgies, which are held once or twice a month in the Hellenic Room. We also, have been welcomed to chant each year on Good Friday and Palm Sunday in the Cathedral Center, as well as the Agape Service on Pascha, chanting the Christos Anesti in many languages. Additional, in recent years we have contributed English chanting during Paraklesis, Vespers, Akathist and the Great Compline.

Alongside the study of hymnology and the Byzantine Tones, we also use rehearsal time to learn Orthodox folk songs (with guitar), camp songs, song/hymns of the Kenyan Orthodox and OCA and of course, we harmonize for fun. We are a loving and friendly group and hope you will feel free to join us at anytime! For more information, please contact, Virginia Pourakis at 516 328-1637.

Greek Dance For Children and TeensThose interested should contact the dance instructor, Dora Themelis at (516)354-8960 or dolmada@aol.com. You can complete a registration form and leave it in the Cathedral Office. Forms can be found online by visiting www.stpaulhempstead.org. Please go to Parish Info, go to Parish Ministries, then Greek School and then to More Information.

Sunday Church School Christmas PageantDecember is here and we have begun to plan for another Nativity Icon presentation by our Sunday Church School youth. While all Sunday Church School children will join in the singing of the carols and hymns, a group of children is also needed to portray each of the icons elements. If you are interested in your child taking part in the icon portion, please notify Virginia Pourakis via phone at 516 507-0460 or through the Sunday Church School office, after Youth Liturgy, or during Fellowship Hour. Please provide your childs name, age and contact information. The icon parts are: shepherds, sheep, angels, old man *(Satan in disguise), Panagia Theotokos, ox, donkey, star, midwives, Joseph, etc.

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Grief & BereavementOur evening meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:30p.m. The afternoon meetings are on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 2:00p.m. The next afternoon meeting is December 21st. The next evening meeting will be on Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00p.m. for the Memorial Christmas Tree Service.

Memorial Christmas TreeThe Memorial Christmas Tree Trisagion Service will take place on this Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00p.m. in front of the Shrine of Panagia. You are cordially invited to bring an ornament in memory of your loved one(s) and place it on the Christmas Tree.

St. Spyridon the Wonderworker, December 12thThe island of Cyprus was the birthplace of this famous Saint and the place in which he spent his life in the service of the Church. He was a simple shepherd and farmer, and remained simple and humble to the end of his days. He married young and had children, but when his wife died, he devoted himself entirely to the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great devotion, he was later chosen as Bishop of Trymithous. This did not change his simple life-style and he continued to take charge of his sheep and cattle himself as well as tilling his own land. He consumed very little of his own produce, giving the greater part to the poor. He performed great wonders by God's power, making rain fall in a drought, stopping the course of a river, raising the dead, healing the Emperor Constans of a grave sickness, seeing and hearing angels, foreseeing future events, and penetrating the secrets of the human heart. He turned many to the one true Faith, and worked without ceasing for his Lord. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea in 325, and by his simple and clear expositions of the Faith, as well as through miracles, brought back many heretics to Orthodoxy. He dressed so simply that once, when he was invited by the Emperor to the imperial court, a soldier took him for a beggar and slapped him. The meek and guileless Saint turned the other cheek. Throughout his life, he continued to glorify God with many miracles, and was of great aid both to individuals and to the whole Church of God. He entered into rest with the Lord in the year 348. His wonderworking relics now lie incorrupt on the island of Corfu and continue to glorify God with many healings, signs, and wonders. His Feast is celebrated on the 12th of December.

St. Eleftherios, December 15thSaint Eleftherios was born in Greece between 140 and 145 AD. His father, an idolater, was a Roman and he died when Eleftherios was still young. His mother Anthia, was a Christian. She did her very best to bring up Eleftherios to love the Lord. His childhood was spent in Greece. At the age of 12 he went to Rome with his mother. There he was introduced to the martyr bishop Anikito. Eleftherios studied near the bishop and grew to love God.At the age of 15 the bishop made him a deacon. Three years later he became a priest. About 2 years later he, in effect, was ordained Bishop of Rome. From the years of 161-180 AD the Christians were persecuted by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelios, and many were tortured. Eleftherios never wavered in his faith. He was tortured himself with a heated copper bed, heated oven and scalding hot oils, but he never renounced his faith.

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Todays Epistle Reading

The Reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:4-11

BRETHREN, when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. In these you once walked, when you lived in them. But now put them all away; anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old nature with its practices and have put on the new nature, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbar-ian, Scythian, slave, free man, but Christ is all, and in all.

Todays Gospel Reading

The Reading is from Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 22:14

The Lord said this parable: "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time of the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, 'Come; for all is now ready.' But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a field, and I go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.' And another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, 'Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.' And the servant said, 'Sir, what you commanded has been done, and there is still room.' And the master said to the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet. For many are called, but few are chosen.'"