St. George Greek Orthodox Church

30 East Forge Road - Media, PA 19063-4345 Telephone: 610-459-0366 FAX: 610-459-1015

Email: office@stgeorgemedia.org FrAnastasios@stgeorgemedia.org

Volume 32, Issue 3 Check the St. George website for the most up to date information March 2018

5th Friday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn– March 23rd

About the year 626, the Persians, Avars, and Slavs came with a great host and besieged the

imperial city of Constantinople while the Emperor Heraclios and the main body of the Byzantine

army were absent in the East. Enemy ships filled the sea, especially the Golden Horn, and on land

the adversaries were ready for attack with foot-soldiers, horses, and engines of war. Though the

citizens courageously withstood them, yet they were few in number and would be unable to

repulse the attack of such a great host. Hence, they could not count on any other means of

salvation, except the protection of the Theotokos. And truly,

suddenly a violent tempest broke up all the ships and submerged

them, and the bodies of the invaders were cast out near the

Blachernae quarter of the city where the famous Church of the

Theotokos stood. Taking courage from this, the people went

forth from the city and repulsed the remaining forces, who fled

out of fear. In 673, the city was miraculously delivered yet again,

this time from an invasion of the Arabs. Then in 717-718, led by

the Saracen general Maslamah, the Arab fleet laid siege once

more to the city. The numerical superiority of the enemy was so

overwhelming that the fall of the Imperial City seemed imminent.

But then the Mother of God, together with a multitude of the

angelic hosts, appeared suddenly over the city walls. The enemy

forces, struck with terror and thrown into a panic at this

apparition, fled in disarray. Soon after this, the Arab fleet was ut-

terly destroyed by a terrible storm in the Aegean Sea on the eve

of the Annunciation, March 24, 718. Thenceforth, a special "feast

of victory and of thanksgiving" was dedicated to celebrate and

commemorate these benefactions. In this magnificent service,

the Akathist Hymn is prominent and holds the place of honour. It appears that even before the

occasion of the enemy assaults mentioned above, the Akathist Hymn was already in use as the

prescribed Service for the Feast of the Annunciation, together with the kontakion, "When the

bodiless one learned the secret command," which has the Annunciation as its theme. It was only

on the occasion of the great miracle wrought for the Christian populace of the Imperial City on the

eve of the Annunciation in 718 that the hymn "To thee, the Champion Leader" was composed,

most likely by Saint Germanos, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Historians have ascribed the Akathist Hymn to Patriarch Sergios of Constantinople (638), to Saint

George the Confessor, Bishop of Pisidia (818), or even to Saint Photios the Great (891), all of whom

lived either at the time of or after the above-mentioned sieges. However, it appears most likely

from its language, content, and style that the true composer of the Akathist Hymn is Saint

Romanos the Melodist (6th century).

Holy Metropolis of New Jersey

His Eminence Metropolitan EVANGELOS +

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Presiding Priest - Fr. Anastasios P. Bourantas, Protopresbyter

2018 Parish Council Officers Angelica Politarhos-Santora, President

Ernest Kollias, 1st Vice-President

Sonya Bohmann, 2nd Vice-President

Valentinos Kanellopoulos, Recording Secretary

Demetrios Psihalinos, Treasurer Drew M. Nayman, Financial Secretary

Demetrios Christoforatos, Assistant Financial Secretary

Members Speroula Fotiades-Alexander

George Fotiades

Peggy Galiatsatos

Filaretos Hanos

Constandean Lambardakis Nikolaos Liolios

Emmanouil Papadopoulos

Nikolaos Yiantsos

Organizations

Office Manager - Katherine B. Mudrick

Chanters - Michael Matekovic, Richard (Ryan) Stingle Choir - Stephanie Kalogredis, Director

Custodian - Russell Ehly

Accountant - George Kaffes

Philoptochos - Ai Mirophoroi – Diane P. Nayman, President

GOYA - Constantinos Konstantopoulos, GOYA President, Advisors: Dina Christou, Sissy Konstantopoulos

JOY/HOPE - Anthoula Psihalinos, Effie Lambardakis, Advisors

Sunday School Director - Patty Cakrides-Ryan, Sonya Bohmann

Bookstore - Presvytera Nicoletta Bourantas

GOYA Basketball - John Aivazoglou, Coach (boys), Dr. Alex Terris, Coach, (girls)

Vacation Church School - Anthoula Psihalinos

Greek Folk Dance - (HOPE/JOY) Anthoula Psihalinos, Effie Lambardakis, (GOYA) Phil Voutsakis

Young Adult Leaders: Phil Voutsakis

Young at Heart (A Ministry for those 55 and over) - Diane Nayman, Bertha Tourlitis, Angie Santora

Aristotle Academy at St. George - Elias Pantelidis, Director, Alexander Kopatsis, President

Chion Society of St. Markella - Marco Tourlitis, President

AHEPA - Emmanouil Papadopoulos, President Daughters of Penelope - Dr. Frances Hourican, President

Parish Council Committee Chairpersons

Building Expansion - Nikolaos Yiantsos

Bylaws -

Executive Committee - Parish Council Officers and Past President

Facilities - George Fotiades, Nikolaos Liolios, Nikolaos Yiantsos, Demetrios Psihalinos Festival - Angelica Politarhos-Santora, Demetri Psihalinos, Nikolaos Yiantsos

Finance - Demetrios Psihalinos, Drew Nayman

Greek School - Emmanouil Papadopoulos

Hall Rental - Peggy Galiatsatos

IATV/Audio Visual - Nikolaos Yiantsos Personnel - Executive Committee

Stewardship - Drew Nayman

Web Master & Strategic Planning -

Youth Liaison - Sonya Bohmann

Golf Classic - Sonya Bohmann, Ernest Kollias

March 2018

Check the St. George Website for the most up to date information www.stgeorgemedia.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Sunday, April 1st Palm Sunday Luncheon following services

1 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

2 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 8:00 am

Salutations to the

Theotokos 7pm

CHION Society host

Lenten Coffee Hour

3 DVYC Sights & Sounds Event @ St. Demetrios, Upper Darby, PA All day event, all are welcome to attend

4 Sunday of St.

Gregory Palamas

Philoptochos Meeting following

services

5 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Apodeipnon/

Compline 6:00 pm Pan-Macedonian Dance

Rehearsal 8 pm

6 St. George serves dinner @ Shelter 5:30 pm AHEPA Meeting 6:30 pm

7 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 6:00 pm

GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7 pm

8 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm

Choir Rehearsal

6:30-8:30 pm

9 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 8:00 am

Salutations to the

Theotokos 7pm

Sunday School, GOYA,

JOY, HOPE host Lenten

Coffee Hour

10 DVYC Bible Bowl

@ St. Demetrios

Upper Darby, PA

9:00-1:30pm

11 Sunday of the

Holy Cross Baptism 1pm

12 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Apodeipnon/

Compline 6:00 pm Pan-Macedonian Dance

Rehearsal 8 pm

13 14 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 6:00 pm

GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7 pm

15 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

16 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 8:00 am

Salutations to the

Theotokos 7pm

AHEPA, DOP host

Lenten Coffee Hour

17 Goya Lenten Retreat @ St. Thomas Cherry Hill, NJ 9 am - 1 pm

18 Sunday of St.

John Climacus

19 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Apodeipnon/

Compline 6:00 pm Pan-Macedonian Dance

Rehearsal 8 pm

20 DVYC Sights & Sounds Meeting 6:30 pm & DVYC Meeting 7:30 pm @ Cherry Hill, NJ

21 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 6:00 pm

GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7 pm

22 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 6:00 pm

23

Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 8:00 am

Salutations to the

Theotokos 7pm

Aristotle Academy

host Lenten Coffee

Hour

24

Liturgy 9:00 am

Baptism 12 noon

25 Annunciation

of the Theotokos Fish Sandwich Luncheon Greek Independence Day Parade, Phila. PA

Formation 1:00 pm

Bus leaves St. George

26 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

Apodeipnon/

Compline 6:00 pm Pan-Macedonian Dance

Rehearsal 8 pm

27 28 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 6:00 pm

GOYA Dance

Rehearsal 7 pm

29 Aristotle Academy Greek

School Classes

5:30-7:30 pm

30 Pre-Sanctified

Liturgy 8:00 am

31 Saturday of

Lazarus Liturgy

9:00 am followed

by Palm Making &

Sunday School

Communion

Breakfast

Parish Council President Message

Dear St. George Parishioners:

On Behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to proclaim AXIOS to Father Anastasios for being elevated to the priestly office of Protopresbyter.

We are honored to have Father Anastasios in our parish as our spiritual leader and shepherd. Many years to Father Anastasios, his family and our blessed St. George Church.

Welcome March! March is the beginning of Spring and of our Great and Holy Lent which began on February 19th. This is such a beautiful season in our faith. Please follow the list of dates and times of all the services before our Great and Holy Easter, please attend as many services as possible. During the Easter Holiday we adorn our church with flowers and ribbons for the Resurrection, there is a list in the weekly bulletin of what is needed for our Icons and altar during this holy time, we thank all donors. The Ladies of the Philoptochos sold Laganas, olives, tarama, and halva for Clean Monday on Sunday, February 18th. This was a huge success. The Philoptochos will be hosting the Orthodoxy Lenten Luncheon on Sunday, February 25th. Everyone is invited to join us in the hall for a delicious Lenten meal as we begin Lent. We have started working on our 75th Anniversary Celebration of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. We thank Bill Kalogredis for chairing this wonderful event. E-mails are sent weekly giving everyone updates on meeting notices. Please attend and participate in some way. If we all handled one small aspect of the celebration it will be a huge suc-cess. We are open to ideas and suggestions, our next meeting is February 25th. If you cannot attend a meeting please forward us your opinions on different and creative things we can do. We need assistance in gathering old parish members and we are looking for pictures from the beginning of time, if anyone has any pictures or contact names please submit them to the office. If anyone is interested in attending a Parish Council meeting please feel free to come at any time. If you would like to discuss something special please let the office know so that we can schedule a time for you.

In Christ, Angelica P. Santora Parish Council President

NEEDED

ENGINEERS, BUILDING CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS & THOSE WHO LOVE ST. GEORGE

St. George is in need of a Facilities Committee to exam the leaking of the church dome and the

possible replacement of the Dome. Engineers, Building Contractors, Architects and those who love

St. George are encouraged to be a part of this endeavor. Please contact the church office if you

have interest to be on this committee ASAP.

Community Shelter Outreach

Our parish participates in serving dinner to the men at Safe Harbor Shelter in West Chester on the first Tuesday of each month. If you are familiar with the serving routine at the shelter you can sign up for one of the monthly dinners (prepare dinner and serve, either or both). If you are new to the program you can prepare the meal (enough for 25 adults) and come join us at the shelter to serve it. If you wish to make a donation, please make checks payable to St. George – earmarked for “Community Shelter Outreach.” The donations will be used to purchase food or supplies for the needs of the shelter resi-

dents. If you would like to sign up to prepare a meal and/or volunteer on a Tuesday, please email Effie Hionis at ehionis@hotmail.com or leave a message at the church office and I will get back to you. Our parishioners always have such open hearts. We have had several requests for families who would like to participate at the shelter. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances of the residents, Safe Harbor does not permit anyone under the age of 12 to volunteer at the shelter. However, families with younger children are welcomed to prepare a meal or dessert for the residence as part of a gift of giving.

Thanks this month: Many thanks Marina and Niki Liapis for providing salad, fresh fruit and dessert for the residents. We would also like to thank Marina and Niki Liapis, Elefterios Anastasiou and Evan Andreadis for helping us serve dinner this month.

Future dates: 3/6/2018 - Open 4/3/2018 - Open 5/1/2018 - Open

ST GEORGE YOUTH DAY @ HERSERY PARK!

THIS MONTH AT THE BOOKSTORE

Stop by and visit the BOOKSTORE to purchase these featured books and many other Religious books, gifts, hand-made jewelry and other helpful resources that are now available for purchase. The bookstore has many books for Great Lenten and is open during office hours and Sunday’s following Liturgy. Youth Book: Cather ine’s Pascha By: Charlotte Riggle Illustrated By: R.J. Hughes Adult Book: Daily Lenten Meditations By: Emily Harakos

Sacramental Registry

Death * On Thursday, January 4, George Karras, age 88. * On Monday, February 19, Markella Georgalas, age 93. Baptism * On Sunday, January 28, Savannah Elpis Rose Sawyer was baptized, Godparent - Steven Kokas. * On Saturday, February 10, Kalliope Fasciocco was baptized, Godparents - Theodore and Martha Paulakis. Wedding * On Saturday, February 17, Peter N. Psyrris and Konstadina Bravakis, Koumbaro (Sponsor) Anastasios Bravakis.

SUNDAY SCHOOL MESSAGE

Dear Sunday School Families: The Lenten season is upon us once again. This is a good time to reconnect with our faith and prayer. Father has spoken to the children about the importance of fasting and the reasons why we as Orthodox Christians, fast during the Lenten season. This will be the theme over the next few weeks in Sunday school from our young-er children to our High School students. Please make every effort to join us each week. Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his suffer-

ings, becoming like him in his death,

Congratulations to our wonderful GOYA on their efforts at Sights and Sounds! We are always proud of all your hard work. Please also mark your calendars that the Youth – Sunday School, GOYA and JOY/HOPE will be hosting the Lenten coffee hour after services on Friday March 9th. In Christ, Patty Ryan and Sonya Bohmann Sunday School Directors

PROSPHORA /ARTOCLASIA

Would you like to donate the Prosphora for a special feast day or your name day, they are available for purchase at $10.00 each. Please contact the church office for more details. Thank you.

Artoclasia is available for purchase to celebrate a name day or special occasion from the Philoptochos Society, 5 loaves for $50. Please contact the church office or any Philoptochos member to order. For all memorial services’ and Artoclasia we kindly ask that you also supply wine and oil for the Altar. Thank you.

Please remember, if you have already obtained a civil divorce, you must also receive an Ecclesiastical Divorce from the Church

This brief process is confidentially handled by the parish priest. You must complete this process in order to be in good standing with the Church, meaning that you may not partake in the Sacramental life of the Church, (example: being a sponsor at a wedding or baptism, receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion and Holy Unction, serving on the Parish Council, voting at Parish Assemblies and entering into another marriage). Please consider your personal situation and be in good standing with the Church. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Fr. Anastasios directly.

Priest Discretionary Fund The Priest Discretionary Fund is used by the priest to assist those in need. Examples of how this fund is used includes, assisting the hungry and homeless, assist a parishioner in times of crisis, emergency and/or extreme financial need. The monies used to establish this Discretionary Fund will come from the generous donation of our parishioners and other anonymous donations of our community. If you have a question or a desire to con-tribute, please ask Father Anastasios about the use of the Discretionary Fund and how you can help.

Philoptochos Message Kali Sarakosti St. George ladies of Philoptochos once again have succeeded in preparing Lagana for February 18th, Forgiveness Sunday, and for Clean Monday February 19th. This is the beginning of Great Lent. We also made 100 loaves for the Aristotle Academy Greek School. No small feat since this is freshly made that day. On February 25th a Lenten Luncheon was prepared by the ladies for Sunday of Orthodoxy. Again dedicated women prepared the meal. This is true fellowship of the Philoptochos women who serve our St. George family. Because of our philanthropic missions, Philoptochos was made aware through the NJ Metropolis of a woman in need of financial help in paying her rent. All documents were in place and we were able to pay (2) two months rent. Of course, a ‘feel good gesture’ to be part of a healing process. This is the true meaning of Philoptochos. Easter is approaching and it is a meaningful tradition to clean the church before Holy Week. A notice will be sent out for volunteers. This is not a Philoptochos mission, but for all parish members to help prepare St. George for Holy Week. A donation box is in the Narthex for the Kouvouklion flowers which holds the Epitaphios (an Icon of Christ’s burial embroidered on cloth). Again, Vicki Wilson has agreed to head the committee to decorate the Kouvouklion, Good Friday morning, April 6th. We appreciate help from all parishioners as we prepare for Pascha. Please, come and bring your children and be involved in this beautiful process.

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1 In Philoptochos Love, Diane P. Nayman President

SOLD TO: ______________________________________ PAID: _______________ (Check/Cash) TELEPHONE: ___________________________________AMOUNT DUE: _______________________ Firm Due Date for Orders: Friday, March 23, 2018 TAKEN:_______________________________ Pick-up Date: Sunday, April 1, 2018 (Palm Sunday) Checks Payable to: Philoptochos Society

Philoptochos Society -- Ai Miroforoi

Easter Bread Order Form - 2018

Round loaves—Nine (9)-inch with Red Egg Quantity _______ @ $10 each _____________

Round loaves—Ten (10)-inch with Red Egg Quantity _______ @ $12 each _____________

Long Braided Loaves Quantity _______ @ $10 each _____________

Total Cost of Order ____________________

Return this form to: Mrs. Angie Santora or call 610-656-2942

Mrs. Diane Nayman or call 610-574-0382

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT - ST. GREGORY PALAMAS (Mark 2:1-12) Sunday, March 4

This Sunday commemorates the life of St. Gregory Palamas (14th century). The Church dedicates

this Sunday to St. Gregory for his orthodox faith, theological knowledge, virtuous life, miracles

and his efforts to clarify the orthodox teaching on the subject of Hesychasm (from the Greek,

meaning quiet.) Hesychasm was a system of mysticism propagated on Mt. Athos by 14th century

monks who believed that man was able, through an elaborate system of ascetic practices based

upon perfect quiet of body and mind, to arrive at the vision of the divine light, with the real dis-

tinction between the essence and the operations of God. Gregory became noted for his efforts to

explain the difference between the correct teaching and this theory. Gregory was dedicated to an

ascetic life of prayer and fasting, which are practices of Lent.

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT - SUNDAY OF THE HOLY CROSS (Mark 8:34-38: 9:1) Sunday, March 11

This Sunday commemorates the venerable Cross and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Cross as such takes on meaning and adoration because of the Crucifixion of Christ upon it. Therefore, whether it be in hymns or prayers, it is understood that the Cross without Christ has no meaning or place in Christianity. The adoration of the Cross in the middle of Great Lent is to remind the faithful in advance of the Crucifixion of Christ. Therefore, the passages from the Bible and the hymnology refer to the Passions, the sufferings, of Jesus Christ: The passag-es read this day repeat the calling of the Christian by Christ to dedicate his life, for "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Christ)" (v. 34-35). This verse clearly indicates the kind of dedication which is needed by the Christian in three steps: 1. To renounce his arrogance and disobedience to God's Plan, 2. To lift up his personal cross (the difficulties of life) with patience, faith and the full acceptance of the Will of God without complaint that the burden is too heavy; having denied himself and lifted up his cross leads him to the, 3. Decision to follow Christ.

These three voluntary steps are three links which cannot be separated from each other, because the main power to

accomplish them is the Grace of God, which man always invokes. The Adoration of the Cross is expressed by the

faithful through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and the forgiveness of the trespasses of others. On this Sunday the Ado-

ration of the Cross is commemorated with a special service following the Divine Liturgy in which the significance of

the Cross is that it leads to the Resurrection of Christ.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT-ST. JOHN OF THE CLIMAX (LADDER) (Mark 9:17-31) Sunday, March 18

This Sunday commemorates St. John of the Climax (6th century) who is the writer of the book

called The Ladder (climax) of Paradise. This book contains 30 chapters, with each chapter as a

step leading up to a faithful and pious life as the climax of a Christian life. The spirit of repent-

ance and devotion to Christ dominates the essence of this book, along with the monastic vir-

tues and vices. He was an ascetic and writer on the spiritual life as a monk-abbot of Sinai

Monastery. These steps of the ladder as set forth by St. John are to be practiced by the Chris-

tian especially during this period of the Great Lent. Each step leading to the top step of the

ladder, is the climactic essence of the true meaning of a Christian life.

ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS SUNDAY, MARCH 25TH

Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-34). Bearing in her womb the Uncontainable One, the blessed Virgin went with haste from Nazareth to the hill country of Judea, where Zacharias had his dwelling; for she desired to find Elizabeth her kinswoman and rejoice together with her, because, as she had learned from the Archangel, Elizabeth had conceived in her old age. Furthermore, she wished to tell her of the great things that the Mighty One had been well-pleased to bring to pass in her, and she greeted Elizabeth and drew nigh to her. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, she felt her six-month-old babe, Saint John the Baptist, prophesied of the dawning of the spiritual Sun. Immediate-ly, the aged Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and recognized her as the Mother of her Lord, and with a great voice blessed her and the Fruit that she held within herself. The Virgin also, moved by a supernatural rejoicing in the spirit, glorified her God and Savior, saying: "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour," and the rest, as the divine Luke hath recorded (1:39-55) Apolytikion of Annunciation of the Theotokos Fourth Tone Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you." Kontakion of Annunciation of the Theotokos Plagal of the Fourth Tone To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Salutations to the Theotokos Services

Every Friday during Great Lent

We honor the

Mother of our Lord

7pm

After Services please join us for a

Lenten coffee hour

Sponsored by the organizations of our Parish:

Friday, March 2: CHION Society

Friday, March 9: Sunday School, JOY/HOPE & GOYA

Friday, March 16: AHEPA/Daughters of Penelope

Friday, March 23: Aristotle Academy Greek School

AHEPA #79 Dear Parishioners: Finally, it’s March. Winter is almost over. Days are getting longer and the weather will be getting warmer. Looking forward to the beautiful colors of Spring. We are planning several activities for Spring. First AHEPA Chapter #79 would like to congratulate Fr. Anastasios on receiving the honor of Proto-presbyter of the Greek Orthodox church and the pectoral cross from his Eminence Evangelos, Metropolitan Of New Jersey. It is definitely well deserved and a long time coming. Our AHEPA Chapter #79 is very proud to be part of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Media community and especially of having Fr. Anastasios as its leader and its Protopresbyter. We want to wish him and his family all the best for the future and continued success. We have decided this year to put on hold the annual St. Patrick’s celebration which was scheduled for March 17th. We are planning to hold another celebration/dinner event in the Spring. Possibly during around, the time of AHEPA Day, which this year is scheduled for May 20th. Once again for this year Applications for the AHEPA Chapter #79 scholarships are open for High School Seniors and Current College Undergraduate students. All applications must be completed on-line by March 31, 2018. The link for the application and for additional instructions is as follows: https://fs30.formsite.com/AHEPA79/form3/index.html Our eligible pool of qualified candidates is growing. The need for funding is greater than ever, as we saw last year. We always need help. If you can donate a full scholarship or money towards the scholarship fund, it would be greatly appreciat-ed. It’s a great way to memorialize a loved one, too. Please reach out to us if you are interested. Finally, soon we will start selling the annual 50/50 raffle. Tickets will be $25. Proceeds will go towards the scholarships and other worthy charitable accomplishments. Please ask any of the AHEPA Brothers if you want to buy raffle tickets. Our Chapter appreciates everyone’s support. We are always looking for members. Come and be part of something special. It doesn’t cost much, doesn’t require a lot of time, and the friendships you make will last forever all while doing good things! Manoli Papadopoulos, AHEPA Chapter #79 President

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February 21, 2018

Guidelines for the Observance of Great Lent By: Fr. John E. Artemas

This article originally appeared in the March 2000 edition of the Orthodox Observer

Lent is not for everybody. It is only for faithful Christians who are already doing their best to live a disciplined and Christ-centered life. During Lent, the faithful have the opportunity to practice more intensively those virtues and spir-itual exercises which they regularly practice throughout the year. What are some of those virtues and practices? WORSHIP During Lent, the faithful are encouraged to attend various special services in addition to regular Sunday worship. PRAYER Personal and private prayer at home remains the same, but there is much more prayer through the special Lenten ser-vices. FASTING What is our regular practice of fasting? How much more can we and do we choose to fast during Lent? How do we understand fasting? CHARITY In what ways do we now contribute to charity? Are we wise and faithful in how we spend our money? Do we ade-quately support the needs and ministries of our Church? How is it true that "charity begins at home?" How we spend our money says so much about our values (or lack of values) and our true priorities in life. SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT So many "faithful Christians" are seriously under-nourished, if not starving, because they do not adequately feed their souls. What we eat and drink can give us life and health, or it can poison and kill us. In addition to worship and pray-er, we need to turn off the TV - make time - study more, especially during Lent. REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION As often as necessary, we should repent of our sins, return to God in confession, and thus be restored in the grace and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Lent is an excellent special opportunity to take time, evaluate our moral and spiritual condition, and follow this up with a confession with our Spiritual Father. This will greatly contribute to our spiritual health and stability. GOOD WORKS This includes all of the above and much more. Our many daily obligations are also "good works": doing our jobs con-scientiously; taking care of our homes and families; resisting temptations of every form; being faithful to our spouses; guiding our children in the Christian way; being kind to one another, etc. etc. During Lent, and always, let us remem-ber to "reach out and touch someone" with the "healing love of Jesus." SUMMARY Whether you are focusing on Lent or any other special time of the year, don't lose sight of "the whole picture." Your entire life belongs to God. All of your time, your money, your energy, your body, your soul, your desires, your plans, your everything, should be "in Christ." Only in Him can you be saved, healed, sanctified, and glorified.