sts. constantine and h len greek orthodox church non ... may 2016.pdf · geras, john & despina...
TRANSCRIPT
16
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church 1001 East Wyomissing Boulevard Reading PA 19611
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT
ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID Reading PA
Permit No 101
Righteous Job the Longsuffering
The righteous Job (whose name means ―persecuted) Godrsquos faithful servant was the perfect image of every virtue The son of Zarah and Bossorha (Job 42) Job was a fifth-generation descendent of Abraham He was a truthful righteous patient and pious man who abstained from every evil thing Job was very rich and blessed by God in all things as was no other son of Ausis (his country which lay between Idoumea and Arabia) However divine condescension permitted him to be tested
Job lost his children his wealth his glory and every consolation all at once His entire body became a terrible wound covered with boils Yet he remained steadfast and patient in the face of his misfortune for seven years always giving thanks to God
Later God restored his former prosperity and he had twice as much as before Job lived for 170 years after his misfortune completing his earthly life in 1350 BC at the age of 240 Some authorities say that Jobrsquos afflictions lasted only one year and that afterwards he lived for 140 years reaching the age of 210
Jobrsquos explanations are among the most poetic writings in the Old Testament book which bears his name It is one of the most edifying portions of Holy Scripture Job teaches us that we must endure lifersquos adversities patiently and with trust in God As St Anthony the Great (January 17) says without temptations it is impossible for the faithful to be saved
The Orthodox Church reads the book of Job the first of the seven wisdom books of the Old Testament during Holy Week drawing a parallel between Job and Christ as righteous men who suffered through no fault of their own God allowed Satan to afflict Job so that his faithfulness would be proven Christ the only sinless one suffered voluntarily for our sins The Septuagint text of Job 4217 says that Job ―will rise again with those whom the Lord raises up This passage is read on Great and Holy Friday when the composite Gospel at Vespers speaks of the tombs being opened at the moment the Savior died on the Cross and the bodies of the saints were raised and they appeared to many after Christrsquos Resurrection (Mt2752)
1
The
Community
Echo
Η
ΚΟΙΝΟΤΙΚΗ
ΗΧΩ
May
2016
2
Sts Constantine amp Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Our Vision
We are called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be united and to strive for Theosis (oneness with God) Our vision at Sts Constantine and Helen is to see every parishioner recognize and acknowledge his or her calling and being motivated by love for Christ and faithfulness live the Orthodox Christian life
Our Parish Mission Statement
We affirm that the ultimate and exclusive goal of every Orthodox Christian is Theosis The mission of our parish is to reach out in love to all faithful members as well as to the unchurched Orthodox in our community and to everyone interested in Orthodoxy We do this to help facilitate spiritual growth while intently focusing on the four pillars of Orthodox Christianity Leitourgia (worship) Martyria (witness) Koinonia (fellowship) and Diakonia (service)
Church Information
Phone Number 610-374-7511 FAX Number 610-374-5890 wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
Office Hours
900 to 400
MondaymdashFriday
Parish Council
President Artie Fecera 610-670-3434 E-Mail afeceraaolcom
Vice President Chuck Mowbray 610-777-0128
Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Connie Fecera Angel Helm Nicholas Karetas Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Gust Kraras Strat Marmarou Mike Mavreles Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Tony Phyrillas Chris Kraras Chris Dikos
Church Staff
Fr Thomas Pappalas Home Phone 610-779-7356 E-mail address frtompappalasgmailcom
Dino Koutroubas Cell Phone 267-575-1335 E-Mail address kkoutroubashchcedu
Deacon James Elliker Home Phone 610-926-9609
Volunteers
Philoptochos President Sharon Whitmanhelliphelliphellipwhitmanmrspmcomcastcomhelliphelliphellip Sunday School Tula Donahue helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Adult Choir Director Ann Krarashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip GOYA Advisor Margaret Phyrillashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Greek Dance Troupe Esther Ganas-Miranda aristea1aolcom helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Greek School Teacher Dino Koutroubashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Altar Care Alan Kachel Chris Carley Jim Rohmhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip helliphelliphelliphellip Childrenrsquos Library Denise Porcarohelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Vacation Bible School Amy Ellikerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Church Bookstore Chris Dialectoshellip610-373-7702hellip and Dawn Medagliahelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Epistle Readers Karl Krohnhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Office Volunteers Kally Englishhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip (Des Denne B Futrick J Giovanis G Karahalias F Ioannidi S Ioannidi E Ioannidi P Orphanos V Tsakeris E Young R Saraceni P Zampelli L Goodhart J Comins M Pettis M Sianis K Savadelis V Petrakis) Knitting Ministry Fran Ioannidi helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Karen Chaknoshelliphelliphelliphellip Order of AHEPA Chris Wagnerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Kitchen Crew Steve Lecatsashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Meals on Wheels Susan Seibert helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip JOY Advisor Olivia Szczawinskihelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Hope Advisor Amy Ellikerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Fellowship Hour Coordinator Vangie McGowanhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Koleva Coordinator Mary Pettishelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip
717-314-1641 610-670-9141 610-376-2184 610-207-5553 610-468-1620 267-575-1335 610-929-8545 610-926-2130 610-913-1223 610-376-3661 610-779-5223 610-372-5695 610-678-0269 610-777-7384 610-775-7171 610-777-0201 610-678-5907 610-777-0376 610-913-1223 610-779-1402 610-678-2712
15
May 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Great-Holy Pascha 1 Midnight Resurrection Service 1230 am Divine Liturgy 1100 am Service of Agape (love) Followed by Easter Egg Hunt
Feast Day of 2 St George the
Great Martyr (Observed)
830 am Orthros 930 am Divine Liturgy
3
430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
700 pm Philoptochos Board Meeting
4 5
630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
Feast Day of the 6 Life Giving Font amp St Irene the Great Martyr (Observed)
830 am Orthros 930 am Divine Liturgy 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
7 1100 am Blessing of the Animals 300 Baptism
Sunday of Thomas 8 Motherrsquos Day
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy GodparentGodchild Sunday
9 600 pm Philoptochos General Meeting
10
430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv 700 Parish Council
11
12 630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
13 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
14 930am-315pm GOYA Greek Folk Dance Workshop-Media Metropolis Oratorical FestivalmdashPittsburgh
Sunday of the 15 Myrrh-Bearers
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy
Wedding Out-of-State (Fr Tom Away)
AHEPA Sunday - Hosting Brunch
GOYA ndash monthly meeting at Caloierorsquos
700 pm AHEPA Business Meeting
16
630 pm Opportunity House
17 430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
18
19 630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
Eve of the Feast 20 of Sts Constantine
amp Helen 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv 700 pm Vespers
Feast Day of 21 Sts Constantine
amp Helen 800 am Orthros 900 am Divine Liturgy 1100 am Baptism
Sunday of 22 The Paralytic
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy 400 pm JOY Nature WalkmdashFrench Creek
23
600 pm AHEPA Scholarship Banquet- Hitching Post
24 430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
25
26 600-1000 Greek Isles
27 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
28
Sunday of the 29 Samaritan Woman
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy
Memorial Day 30 900 Memorial Services Forest Hills Cemetery 1100 Memorial Services Charles Evans Cemetery (A special tribute to our departed veterans)
31
600 Food Pantry
For Your Convenience
The Church Calendar
can also be accessed
via our Church Website
wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
click on ―Calendar
located on the black bar)
14
Stewardship 2016 Steve Lecatsas Chairman
Thank you to the following additional parishioners who have submitted their 2016 pledge cards
163 pledges were received to date totaling $151925
The average pledge per family is $93206
Memorial Donations April 20 2016
The parish of Sts Constantine and Helen is extremely grateful to all the people who generously donate money in memory of their loved ones
In Memory of Pauline Arnidis James amp Argyro Elliker Kim amp Elaine Shunk Michael amp Anastasia Mavreles Chris amp Ann Kraras Tony amp Soula Phyrillas Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Evangeline McGowan Dionisios amp Maria Kotsakis
In Memory of Ann Menas Fraso Apsokardu and Eva Kordopatis Maria amp Aris Kouvaros
In Memory of Socratis Karithrakas Lucky amp Anna Deligianis Vaso Hemrich
In Memory of Katherine Katsigiannis John amp Despina Frangakis Lee amp Elaine Kissinger Chris amp Ann Kraras Vaso Hemrich John amp Sharon Lountzis Gus Kraras George amp Shirleen Yatron Helen Dalaveris Paraskevi Phyrillas Emmanuel amp Evangelia Frangeskos Nick amp Karen Katsigiannis Olga amp Photis Katsigiannis Basilios amp Mary Tsakaris Peter amp Chris Shaeffer
In Memory of George Kefalas Despina Karahalias George Karahalias Georgia Kefalas Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Stelios Kasapidis Niki Kasapidis Maria Rassi
In Memory of Dora Negrelli Frank T Petrakis Merle Dunkelberger Marian Cheri Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Kim amp Elaine Shunk George amp Shirleen Yatron Evangeline McGowan amp Son Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Georgine Schlappich
In Memory of Fr Spyridon amp Pres Maxine Papademetriou John amp Despina Frangakis
In Memory of Fr Spyridon Papademetriou Basiliki Fotopoulos Dino Tsapatsaris Basilios D Koufomihalis Ionannis Nicholas Basilios S (Kallas) Koufomihalis Gregory Kallis amp Family
In Memory of Effie Parenti Cornilia Dikos Mike amp Anna Koumaras Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Gust Kraras Chris amp Ann Kraras Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Stella Ninfo
In Memory of John Secemetis Georgia Kefalas George Karahalias Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Lambros Sotos amp Teddy Limberiou Dimitrious amp Petroula Mitsiopoulos
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena Stephanie amp Ed Breen
Parishioners who have not yet submitted their 2016 pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience
Stephen amp Amy Elliker Matthew amp Jessica Moyer Mr amp Mrs Nicholas Odagis James amp Fani Polyak Georgine Schlappich
Advanced Greek Class
for Adults
Thursdays in May from 630-830
New students are welcome
In Memory of Gloria Sterganos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos
In Memory of Maria Stroumbakis Tony amp Soula Phyrillas
In Memory of William Thomas George amp Shirleen Yatron Maria amp Aris Kouvaros Sandra Stocker Frank T Petrakis The Gregory Mallus Family Ann Geras John amp Despina Frangakis Michael amp Pat Gordon Norman amp Joan Schuhwerk The Jackson Family Frank amp Cindy Petrakis Marian Cheri Nicholas amp Alice Ka-retas Kim amp Elaine Shunk Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Artie amp Connie Fecera Paul Yatron Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Mr amp Mrs Matthew Moyer amp Family Gust Kraras Irene Gaspar-is Chris amp Ann Kraras Athena Zeppos Ter-ry amp Sophia Grassley Joanne Dialectos Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Evangeline McGowan Mike amp Despina Platanos Victo-ria Porcaro George amp Diane Zeppos Mr amp Mrs Peter Zeppos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Stathis Gasparis Dr Christ amp Sherry Ganas James amp Nettie Thomas
3
ldquoPaschardquo or ldquoEasterrdquo or Both
by John Sanidopoulos
Many Orthodox Christians insist ―Pascha or any derivative of the word Passover is the only correct name for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ among possibly other liturgical words for the feast but insist the word ―Easter is inappropriate because it supposedly has pagan origins Does it truly have pagan origins that would prohibit itrsquos use Or are there in fact justifiable reasons to allow for ―Pascha and ―Easter to both be used with a clean conscience Since ―Pascha is without controversy we will examine these things for the word ―Easter
Etymological relation vs
etymological descendance
The word ―Easter has some etymological baggage Some Christians are wary of using the word because of its supposed pagan origin The Venerable Bede (672-735) asserted that the word ―Easter derived from ―Eostre the goddess of the Saxons (De Ratione Temporum) In modern times Alexander Hislop connected Easter to the Babylonian goddess Astarte (The Two Babylons 1858) Apparently there was indeed a goddess named ―Eostre (―Ostara in German) Hence it seems that ―Easter and ―Eostre are etymologically related However it is foolish to take etymological relation as evidence of a ―pagan connection between ―Easter and ―Eostre To see the foolishness of this consider the following example There was a Christian Theolo-gian in the third century by the name of ―Lucian of Antioch There is also the name ―Lucifer ascribed to Satan (Isaiah 1412) Both Lucian and Lucifer are derived from the Latin word for ―lucis This means that ―Lucian and ―Lucifer are etymologically related However neither is an etymological descendant of the other which means neither name is derived from the other name Each name is a separate etymological descendant of the root word for ―lucis Thus it would be foolish to say ―A Christian should never call himself Lucian because the word is related to ―Lucifer Etymological relation between a negative word (ie Lucifer) and the impugned word (ie Lucian) does not mean anything The issue is whether the impugned word is an etymological descendant of the negative word As for ―Lucian it is not an etymological descendant of ―Lucifer Likewise Easter is not an etymological descendant of Eostre but rather is a separate etymological descendant of a common root word which in itself carries a neutral connotation
ldquoEasterrdquo is derived from ldquoEastrdquo
The root of ―Easter is ―east just as the root of ―Ostern (―Easter in German) is ―Ost (―east in German) Likewise the root of ―Eostre (English) and ―Ostara (German) is from the word ―east Thus both ―Easter and ―Eostre are derived from the word ―east This means neither ―Easter nor ―Eostre has to be an etymological descendant of the other but each would be a separate etymological decendant of the word ―east The
etymology of ―east gives us clues as to why both pagans and Christians wished to use the word ―east for their respective purposes The etymology of the Saxon word ―east is
―OE east from PGmc aus-to- austral- east toward the sunrise (cf Du oost Ger Ost ON austr ―from the east) from PIE aus-dawn (cf Skt ushas ―dawn auster ―south) lit ―to shine The east is the direction in which the dawn breaks (Online
Etymological Dictionary)
―East refers to the dawn sunrise morning Hence if pagans wished to worship a goddess of sunrise it was fitting for the pagans to name their goddess after the word ―east But Christians also had reason to use the word ―east to describe the day of their Saviorrsquos resurrection Consider the following passages concerning Christrsquos resurrection
―In the end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher (Matthew 281)
And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun (Mark 162)
The day of Christrsquos resurrection was in the morning at the rising of the sun In fact it was not only a physical morning but also a spiritual morning because the light of salvation had come into the world Christ began to rise as the ―Sun of righteousness at His resurrection The following passages compare Christ with the rising of the sun
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 42)
4
Motherrsquos Prayer
I was but a youth and thoughtless as youths are apt to be
Though I had a Christian mother who had taught me carefully
There came a time when
pleasure of the world came to allure And I no more sought guidance of her love so good and pure
Her tender admonitions fell
but lightly on my ear And for the gentle warnings
I felt an inward sneer
But mother would not yield her boy to Satanrsquos sinful sway
And though I spurned her council she knew a better way
She made my room an altar
a place of secret prayer And there she took her burden
and left it in His care
And morning noon and evening by that humble bedside low
She sought the aid of Him who understands a motherrsquos woe
I went my way unheeding careless of the life I led Until one day I noticed
prints of elbows on my bed
I saw that she had been there praying for her wayward boy
Who for love of worldly pleasure would her peace of mind destroy
Long the conflict raged within me sin against my motherrsquos prayers Sin must yieldmdashfor Mother never
while she daily met Him there
And her constant love and patience were like coals upon my head
Together with the imprints of her elbows on my bed
And so at last the fight was won
and I to Christ was led And my motherrsquos prayers were answered
by her elbows on my bed
We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Peter 119)
I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star (Revelation 2216)
With these details of Christ and His resurrection there is no mystery as to why Anglo-Saxon Christians called the day of His resurrection ―Easter a word derived from ―east which means dawn sunrise morning Just as the sun rises from the darkness of night the Sun of righteousness rose (resurrected) from the darkness of death Christrsquos resurrection was the sunrise of all sunrises mdash hence Easter This association of Christrsquos resurrection with the dawn is not pagan but based on biblical narrative and symbolism
Christians reclaimed the true meaning of ldquoEasterrdquo
Anglo-Saxon Christians may have given the name ―Easter to the day of Christrsquos resurrection to identify Christ as the true God of sunrise (in the sense of being Creator of the sun as well as spiritually being the ―Sun of Righteousness)
Thus the word ―Easter stands as a testimony of the Anglo-Saxon Christianrsquos rejection of the goddess in reception of the true God Jesus Christ It is counter-productive to suggest that Christians should abandon the word ―Easter Why should we give the pagans a monopoly over a word which signifies the dawn one of Godrsquos most stunning works of creation The funny thing is that many Christians who oppose the use of the word ―Easter still celebrate ―Good Friday Yet the word ―Friday is based on the name of a pagan goddess The word ―Friday means ―Day of Frige - Frige being the name of a Norse goddess ―Good Friday literally means ―Good day of Frige (the goddess) Some Christians Say that Christ rose on ―Saturday yet ―Saturday is also derived from the pagan god Saturnus If one would actually like to avoid a ―pagan connection he would be wiser to avoid using the words ―Friday and ―Saturday rather than the Christian word ―Easter Avoiding all of these words of course is an impossibility if we wish to communicate with others regarding the days of the week We just have to admit that the English language is the language of a people who were once pagan and that there are many vestiges of pagan etymology in English It is only by Godrsquos redemptive grace that the words of our mouths (notwithstanding the occasional pagan etymologies) are found acceptable in His sight
―Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalm 1914)
13
The AHEPA Chapter No 61
Cordially Invites You To Our
Annual Scholarship amp End-of-Year
Celebration Banquet
Date Monday May 23 2016
Place The Hitching Post Restaurant amp Bar
2747 Bernville Road Leesport PA
19533
Time 600-645 pm Fellowship with
Appetizers amp Cash Bar
645 pm Dinner Served
Menu Buffet featuring carving station
serving Stuffed Pork Prime Rib
Chicken Assorted Vegetables
Potatoes du jour Salad rolls
butter Assorted Desserts Coffee
Decaf Hot Tea amp Soda
Cost $35 per person
(includes appetizers full course
buffet dinner all non-alcoholic
beverages taxgratuity amp fabulous
entertainment)
Enjoy an evening of fellowship
honoring our
2016 AHEPA Scholarship Winners
amp End-of-Year Celebration Banquet
Entertainment featuring the Wyomissing Area
High School Select Choral Group
RSVP By Monday May 9th
Please contact George Giovanis immediately
with your reservations at 610-775-9602 or
georgejgiovaniscomcastnet
Checks payable to AHEPA 61 can be sent to
George Giovanis 104 Leisure Court
Wyomissing PA 19610
St Xenia Philoptochos Society
Cordially Invites All Ladies to a
MOTHERrsquoS DAY
COVERED DISH SOCIAL
Monday May 9 2016
Prepare one of your motherrsquos
favorite dishes
And bring along the recipe to share
600 - 700 Covered Dish Dinner
700 - 730 Business Meeting
730 - 800 ldquoFinancial Advice for
Womenrdquo
Guest Speakers
Mary Dialectos Attorney at Law
Paul Marrella Financial Advisor
12
Philoptochos by Sharon Whitman amp Cindy Petrakis
End-of-Year Luncheon
Our luncheon is scheduled on June 5th at the Doubletree Please check the invitation sent to you in April for menu selections Your selection and money are due to Joan Giovanis by May 23rd When you arrive at the hotel please enter the parking garage from Penn St on the left side of the hotel Take the elevator to floor G and receive directional instructions to the Maple Ballroom Luncheon begins at 1230 with a cash bar and snack
This month we highlight Frank Petrakis who is vital to our bake sale He ordersstoressets up supplies bakes setsresets hall AND works on Bake Sale Day His aide throughout the year is invaluable to us Frank we thank you for your dedication and help
IMPORTANT DATEShellip Sunday May 8th mdash rdquoSt Xenia Sundayrdquo
fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos Monday May 9th mdash May general meeting and
Motherrsquos Day covered dish social Program will be Financial Advice for Women See flyer
Monday May 16th mdash Serving dinner at Opportunity House Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384
Philoptochos Charity (giving) $100 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandowrsquos continuing Guatemalan
mission $500 to Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Helped with Churchrsquos food pantry in April Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week and Name Day activities
Special thanks to the following group of dedicated Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week
Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy
Laura Delp Maro Kotsakis Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs
Penny Ballas who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs She cuts all of the netting and ribbons herself at home Thanks to her ―assembly line of ladies who decorate the eggs
April General Meeting
Many thanks to Gust Kraras for a very informative talk on Panaghia in the Orthodox Church and for the time he spent preparing for the talk and handout For those of you who missed the meeting you missed an enlightening talk and the opportunity to receive this excellent handout
We also thanked everyone for all the donations to our Lenten project We received many bags and boxes of clothing and toiletries for Veterans Making a Difference We were also able to purchase $175 in Giant cards $160 in Wawa cards (gas) and $173 in Barta passes through your generous contributions Although we are finished collecting clothing and toiletries we will continue to accept monetary donations Box is located on the beverage bar in the fellowship hall
Finally we voted to donate $2000 to the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival founded by Dr Maria Asteriadou the pianist who performed at our St Nicholas Shrine Concert last year Our donation will defray transportation costs and expenses for a young pianist from Greece to participate in this festival
Church Name Day Events
Saturday May 21st marks the Feast Day of Sts Constantine and Helen Each year Petroula Mitsiopoulis and her team of ladies prepare the artoklasia and provide a delicious luncheon following the liturgy on this day We encourage everyone to attend both the vesper service on the eve of the feast day and the liturgy on May 21st
Welcome to our new memberhellip
Kathy Pavlatos
Christos Anesti Christ Has Risen
Truly He Has Risen
Special thanks to our ldquovisitation committeerdquo
who delivered koulourakia and flowers during
their Paschal visits to our shut-ins The visits
and goodies are appreciated and enjoyed
5
Religious Calendar for May
Sunday 1st Great and Holy Pascha
Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes please arrive no later than 1100 pm
Divine Liturgy at 1230 am (All parishioners are asked to remain in church until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on this holy and glorious day)
Service of Agape (Love) at 1100 am All Acolytes
(Easter Egg Hunt for children following the service)
Monday 2nd Feast Day of St George the Great Martyr (Observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Friday 6th Feast Day of the Life Giving Font and St Irene the Great Martyr (observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Sunday 8th Sunday of Thomas amp Motherrsquos Day Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 1 (Thrones) C Siozos G Caloiero C Sterious D Porcaro A Sweigart A Zeppos B Wadsworth A Grassley E Hansen S Elliker S Maoury M Maoury L Elliker
Sunday 15th Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 2 (Powers) J Phyrillas D Kyvelos T Limberiou G Limberiou K Mitchell S Mitchell H Robitzer Y Patestas D Scantzos A Scantzos E Ross N Simotas M Patestas
Friday 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts Constantine amp Helen Vesperrsquos Service at 700 pm
Sat 21st Feast Day of Sts Constantine amp Helen Orthros at 800 am Divine Liturgy at 900 am Sunday 22nd Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 3 (Seraphim) A
Lountzis A Midouhas A Marmarou E Polyak N Lountzis P Daglis J Radwanski A Tilley A Lynch C Sasaran N Radwanski N Rohm N Kiritsis E Kiritsis
Sunday 29
th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 4 (Archangels) V Phyrillas A Futrick M Faust A Futrick Jr G Koumaras T Siegel K Schlageter T Hunsicker A Karetas J Wagner C Hunsicker C Kraras Monday 30th Memorial Day
Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery at 900 am
Memorial Services at Charles Evans Cemetery at 1100 am
(Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries)
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
2
Sts Constantine amp Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Our Vision
We are called by our Lord Jesus Christ to be united and to strive for Theosis (oneness with God) Our vision at Sts Constantine and Helen is to see every parishioner recognize and acknowledge his or her calling and being motivated by love for Christ and faithfulness live the Orthodox Christian life
Our Parish Mission Statement
We affirm that the ultimate and exclusive goal of every Orthodox Christian is Theosis The mission of our parish is to reach out in love to all faithful members as well as to the unchurched Orthodox in our community and to everyone interested in Orthodoxy We do this to help facilitate spiritual growth while intently focusing on the four pillars of Orthodox Christianity Leitourgia (worship) Martyria (witness) Koinonia (fellowship) and Diakonia (service)
Church Information
Phone Number 610-374-7511 FAX Number 610-374-5890 wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
Office Hours
900 to 400
MondaymdashFriday
Parish Council
President Artie Fecera 610-670-3434 E-Mail afeceraaolcom
Vice President Chuck Mowbray 610-777-0128
Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Connie Fecera Angel Helm Nicholas Karetas Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Gust Kraras Strat Marmarou Mike Mavreles Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Tony Phyrillas Chris Kraras Chris Dikos
Church Staff
Fr Thomas Pappalas Home Phone 610-779-7356 E-mail address frtompappalasgmailcom
Dino Koutroubas Cell Phone 267-575-1335 E-Mail address kkoutroubashchcedu
Deacon James Elliker Home Phone 610-926-9609
Volunteers
Philoptochos President Sharon Whitmanhelliphelliphellipwhitmanmrspmcomcastcomhelliphelliphellip Sunday School Tula Donahue helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Adult Choir Director Ann Krarashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip GOYA Advisor Margaret Phyrillashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Greek Dance Troupe Esther Ganas-Miranda aristea1aolcom helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Greek School Teacher Dino Koutroubashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Altar Care Alan Kachel Chris Carley Jim Rohmhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip helliphelliphelliphellip Childrenrsquos Library Denise Porcarohelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Vacation Bible School Amy Ellikerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Church Bookstore Chris Dialectoshellip610-373-7702hellip and Dawn Medagliahelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Epistle Readers Karl Krohnhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Office Volunteers Kally Englishhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip (Des Denne B Futrick J Giovanis G Karahalias F Ioannidi S Ioannidi E Ioannidi P Orphanos V Tsakeris E Young R Saraceni P Zampelli L Goodhart J Comins M Pettis M Sianis K Savadelis V Petrakis) Knitting Ministry Fran Ioannidi helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Opportunity House (formerly the Reading Emergency Shelter) Karen Chaknoshelliphelliphelliphellip Order of AHEPA Chris Wagnerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Kitchen Crew Steve Lecatsashelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Meals on Wheels Susan Seibert helliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip JOY Advisor Olivia Szczawinskihelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Hope Advisor Amy Ellikerhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Fellowship Hour Coordinator Vangie McGowanhelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip Koleva Coordinator Mary Pettishelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphelliphellip
717-314-1641 610-670-9141 610-376-2184 610-207-5553 610-468-1620 267-575-1335 610-929-8545 610-926-2130 610-913-1223 610-376-3661 610-779-5223 610-372-5695 610-678-0269 610-777-7384 610-775-7171 610-777-0201 610-678-5907 610-777-0376 610-913-1223 610-779-1402 610-678-2712
15
May 2016
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Great-Holy Pascha 1 Midnight Resurrection Service 1230 am Divine Liturgy 1100 am Service of Agape (love) Followed by Easter Egg Hunt
Feast Day of 2 St George the
Great Martyr (Observed)
830 am Orthros 930 am Divine Liturgy
3
430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
700 pm Philoptochos Board Meeting
4 5
630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
Feast Day of the 6 Life Giving Font amp St Irene the Great Martyr (Observed)
830 am Orthros 930 am Divine Liturgy 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
7 1100 am Blessing of the Animals 300 Baptism
Sunday of Thomas 8 Motherrsquos Day
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy GodparentGodchild Sunday
9 600 pm Philoptochos General Meeting
10
430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv 700 Parish Council
11
12 630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
13 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
14 930am-315pm GOYA Greek Folk Dance Workshop-Media Metropolis Oratorical FestivalmdashPittsburgh
Sunday of the 15 Myrrh-Bearers
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy
Wedding Out-of-State (Fr Tom Away)
AHEPA Sunday - Hosting Brunch
GOYA ndash monthly meeting at Caloierorsquos
700 pm AHEPA Business Meeting
16
630 pm Opportunity House
17 430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
18
19 630-830 Adult Greek School (Advanced)
Eve of the Feast 20 of Sts Constantine
amp Helen 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv 700 pm Vespers
Feast Day of 21 Sts Constantine
amp Helen 800 am Orthros 900 am Divine Liturgy 1100 am Baptism
Sunday of 22 The Paralytic
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy 400 pm JOY Nature WalkmdashFrench Creek
23
600 pm AHEPA Scholarship Banquet- Hitching Post
24 430-6 Greek Beginner 6-730 Greek IntAdv
25
26 600-1000 Greek Isles
27 330-430 pm Greek GOYA Class 430-530 Greek IntAdv
28
Sunday of the 29 Samaritan Woman
830 am Orthros 945 am Sunday School 945 am Divine Liturgy
Memorial Day 30 900 Memorial Services Forest Hills Cemetery 1100 Memorial Services Charles Evans Cemetery (A special tribute to our departed veterans)
31
600 Food Pantry
For Your Convenience
The Church Calendar
can also be accessed
via our Church Website
wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
click on ―Calendar
located on the black bar)
14
Stewardship 2016 Steve Lecatsas Chairman
Thank you to the following additional parishioners who have submitted their 2016 pledge cards
163 pledges were received to date totaling $151925
The average pledge per family is $93206
Memorial Donations April 20 2016
The parish of Sts Constantine and Helen is extremely grateful to all the people who generously donate money in memory of their loved ones
In Memory of Pauline Arnidis James amp Argyro Elliker Kim amp Elaine Shunk Michael amp Anastasia Mavreles Chris amp Ann Kraras Tony amp Soula Phyrillas Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Evangeline McGowan Dionisios amp Maria Kotsakis
In Memory of Ann Menas Fraso Apsokardu and Eva Kordopatis Maria amp Aris Kouvaros
In Memory of Socratis Karithrakas Lucky amp Anna Deligianis Vaso Hemrich
In Memory of Katherine Katsigiannis John amp Despina Frangakis Lee amp Elaine Kissinger Chris amp Ann Kraras Vaso Hemrich John amp Sharon Lountzis Gus Kraras George amp Shirleen Yatron Helen Dalaveris Paraskevi Phyrillas Emmanuel amp Evangelia Frangeskos Nick amp Karen Katsigiannis Olga amp Photis Katsigiannis Basilios amp Mary Tsakaris Peter amp Chris Shaeffer
In Memory of George Kefalas Despina Karahalias George Karahalias Georgia Kefalas Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Stelios Kasapidis Niki Kasapidis Maria Rassi
In Memory of Dora Negrelli Frank T Petrakis Merle Dunkelberger Marian Cheri Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Kim amp Elaine Shunk George amp Shirleen Yatron Evangeline McGowan amp Son Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Georgine Schlappich
In Memory of Fr Spyridon amp Pres Maxine Papademetriou John amp Despina Frangakis
In Memory of Fr Spyridon Papademetriou Basiliki Fotopoulos Dino Tsapatsaris Basilios D Koufomihalis Ionannis Nicholas Basilios S (Kallas) Koufomihalis Gregory Kallis amp Family
In Memory of Effie Parenti Cornilia Dikos Mike amp Anna Koumaras Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Gust Kraras Chris amp Ann Kraras Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Stella Ninfo
In Memory of John Secemetis Georgia Kefalas George Karahalias Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Lambros Sotos amp Teddy Limberiou Dimitrious amp Petroula Mitsiopoulos
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena Stephanie amp Ed Breen
Parishioners who have not yet submitted their 2016 pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience
Stephen amp Amy Elliker Matthew amp Jessica Moyer Mr amp Mrs Nicholas Odagis James amp Fani Polyak Georgine Schlappich
Advanced Greek Class
for Adults
Thursdays in May from 630-830
New students are welcome
In Memory of Gloria Sterganos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos
In Memory of Maria Stroumbakis Tony amp Soula Phyrillas
In Memory of William Thomas George amp Shirleen Yatron Maria amp Aris Kouvaros Sandra Stocker Frank T Petrakis The Gregory Mallus Family Ann Geras John amp Despina Frangakis Michael amp Pat Gordon Norman amp Joan Schuhwerk The Jackson Family Frank amp Cindy Petrakis Marian Cheri Nicholas amp Alice Ka-retas Kim amp Elaine Shunk Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Artie amp Connie Fecera Paul Yatron Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Mr amp Mrs Matthew Moyer amp Family Gust Kraras Irene Gaspar-is Chris amp Ann Kraras Athena Zeppos Ter-ry amp Sophia Grassley Joanne Dialectos Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Evangeline McGowan Mike amp Despina Platanos Victo-ria Porcaro George amp Diane Zeppos Mr amp Mrs Peter Zeppos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Stathis Gasparis Dr Christ amp Sherry Ganas James amp Nettie Thomas
3
ldquoPaschardquo or ldquoEasterrdquo or Both
by John Sanidopoulos
Many Orthodox Christians insist ―Pascha or any derivative of the word Passover is the only correct name for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ among possibly other liturgical words for the feast but insist the word ―Easter is inappropriate because it supposedly has pagan origins Does it truly have pagan origins that would prohibit itrsquos use Or are there in fact justifiable reasons to allow for ―Pascha and ―Easter to both be used with a clean conscience Since ―Pascha is without controversy we will examine these things for the word ―Easter
Etymological relation vs
etymological descendance
The word ―Easter has some etymological baggage Some Christians are wary of using the word because of its supposed pagan origin The Venerable Bede (672-735) asserted that the word ―Easter derived from ―Eostre the goddess of the Saxons (De Ratione Temporum) In modern times Alexander Hislop connected Easter to the Babylonian goddess Astarte (The Two Babylons 1858) Apparently there was indeed a goddess named ―Eostre (―Ostara in German) Hence it seems that ―Easter and ―Eostre are etymologically related However it is foolish to take etymological relation as evidence of a ―pagan connection between ―Easter and ―Eostre To see the foolishness of this consider the following example There was a Christian Theolo-gian in the third century by the name of ―Lucian of Antioch There is also the name ―Lucifer ascribed to Satan (Isaiah 1412) Both Lucian and Lucifer are derived from the Latin word for ―lucis This means that ―Lucian and ―Lucifer are etymologically related However neither is an etymological descendant of the other which means neither name is derived from the other name Each name is a separate etymological descendant of the root word for ―lucis Thus it would be foolish to say ―A Christian should never call himself Lucian because the word is related to ―Lucifer Etymological relation between a negative word (ie Lucifer) and the impugned word (ie Lucian) does not mean anything The issue is whether the impugned word is an etymological descendant of the negative word As for ―Lucian it is not an etymological descendant of ―Lucifer Likewise Easter is not an etymological descendant of Eostre but rather is a separate etymological descendant of a common root word which in itself carries a neutral connotation
ldquoEasterrdquo is derived from ldquoEastrdquo
The root of ―Easter is ―east just as the root of ―Ostern (―Easter in German) is ―Ost (―east in German) Likewise the root of ―Eostre (English) and ―Ostara (German) is from the word ―east Thus both ―Easter and ―Eostre are derived from the word ―east This means neither ―Easter nor ―Eostre has to be an etymological descendant of the other but each would be a separate etymological decendant of the word ―east The
etymology of ―east gives us clues as to why both pagans and Christians wished to use the word ―east for their respective purposes The etymology of the Saxon word ―east is
―OE east from PGmc aus-to- austral- east toward the sunrise (cf Du oost Ger Ost ON austr ―from the east) from PIE aus-dawn (cf Skt ushas ―dawn auster ―south) lit ―to shine The east is the direction in which the dawn breaks (Online
Etymological Dictionary)
―East refers to the dawn sunrise morning Hence if pagans wished to worship a goddess of sunrise it was fitting for the pagans to name their goddess after the word ―east But Christians also had reason to use the word ―east to describe the day of their Saviorrsquos resurrection Consider the following passages concerning Christrsquos resurrection
―In the end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher (Matthew 281)
And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun (Mark 162)
The day of Christrsquos resurrection was in the morning at the rising of the sun In fact it was not only a physical morning but also a spiritual morning because the light of salvation had come into the world Christ began to rise as the ―Sun of righteousness at His resurrection The following passages compare Christ with the rising of the sun
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 42)
4
Motherrsquos Prayer
I was but a youth and thoughtless as youths are apt to be
Though I had a Christian mother who had taught me carefully
There came a time when
pleasure of the world came to allure And I no more sought guidance of her love so good and pure
Her tender admonitions fell
but lightly on my ear And for the gentle warnings
I felt an inward sneer
But mother would not yield her boy to Satanrsquos sinful sway
And though I spurned her council she knew a better way
She made my room an altar
a place of secret prayer And there she took her burden
and left it in His care
And morning noon and evening by that humble bedside low
She sought the aid of Him who understands a motherrsquos woe
I went my way unheeding careless of the life I led Until one day I noticed
prints of elbows on my bed
I saw that she had been there praying for her wayward boy
Who for love of worldly pleasure would her peace of mind destroy
Long the conflict raged within me sin against my motherrsquos prayers Sin must yieldmdashfor Mother never
while she daily met Him there
And her constant love and patience were like coals upon my head
Together with the imprints of her elbows on my bed
And so at last the fight was won
and I to Christ was led And my motherrsquos prayers were answered
by her elbows on my bed
We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Peter 119)
I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star (Revelation 2216)
With these details of Christ and His resurrection there is no mystery as to why Anglo-Saxon Christians called the day of His resurrection ―Easter a word derived from ―east which means dawn sunrise morning Just as the sun rises from the darkness of night the Sun of righteousness rose (resurrected) from the darkness of death Christrsquos resurrection was the sunrise of all sunrises mdash hence Easter This association of Christrsquos resurrection with the dawn is not pagan but based on biblical narrative and symbolism
Christians reclaimed the true meaning of ldquoEasterrdquo
Anglo-Saxon Christians may have given the name ―Easter to the day of Christrsquos resurrection to identify Christ as the true God of sunrise (in the sense of being Creator of the sun as well as spiritually being the ―Sun of Righteousness)
Thus the word ―Easter stands as a testimony of the Anglo-Saxon Christianrsquos rejection of the goddess in reception of the true God Jesus Christ It is counter-productive to suggest that Christians should abandon the word ―Easter Why should we give the pagans a monopoly over a word which signifies the dawn one of Godrsquos most stunning works of creation The funny thing is that many Christians who oppose the use of the word ―Easter still celebrate ―Good Friday Yet the word ―Friday is based on the name of a pagan goddess The word ―Friday means ―Day of Frige - Frige being the name of a Norse goddess ―Good Friday literally means ―Good day of Frige (the goddess) Some Christians Say that Christ rose on ―Saturday yet ―Saturday is also derived from the pagan god Saturnus If one would actually like to avoid a ―pagan connection he would be wiser to avoid using the words ―Friday and ―Saturday rather than the Christian word ―Easter Avoiding all of these words of course is an impossibility if we wish to communicate with others regarding the days of the week We just have to admit that the English language is the language of a people who were once pagan and that there are many vestiges of pagan etymology in English It is only by Godrsquos redemptive grace that the words of our mouths (notwithstanding the occasional pagan etymologies) are found acceptable in His sight
―Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalm 1914)
13
The AHEPA Chapter No 61
Cordially Invites You To Our
Annual Scholarship amp End-of-Year
Celebration Banquet
Date Monday May 23 2016
Place The Hitching Post Restaurant amp Bar
2747 Bernville Road Leesport PA
19533
Time 600-645 pm Fellowship with
Appetizers amp Cash Bar
645 pm Dinner Served
Menu Buffet featuring carving station
serving Stuffed Pork Prime Rib
Chicken Assorted Vegetables
Potatoes du jour Salad rolls
butter Assorted Desserts Coffee
Decaf Hot Tea amp Soda
Cost $35 per person
(includes appetizers full course
buffet dinner all non-alcoholic
beverages taxgratuity amp fabulous
entertainment)
Enjoy an evening of fellowship
honoring our
2016 AHEPA Scholarship Winners
amp End-of-Year Celebration Banquet
Entertainment featuring the Wyomissing Area
High School Select Choral Group
RSVP By Monday May 9th
Please contact George Giovanis immediately
with your reservations at 610-775-9602 or
georgejgiovaniscomcastnet
Checks payable to AHEPA 61 can be sent to
George Giovanis 104 Leisure Court
Wyomissing PA 19610
St Xenia Philoptochos Society
Cordially Invites All Ladies to a
MOTHERrsquoS DAY
COVERED DISH SOCIAL
Monday May 9 2016
Prepare one of your motherrsquos
favorite dishes
And bring along the recipe to share
600 - 700 Covered Dish Dinner
700 - 730 Business Meeting
730 - 800 ldquoFinancial Advice for
Womenrdquo
Guest Speakers
Mary Dialectos Attorney at Law
Paul Marrella Financial Advisor
12
Philoptochos by Sharon Whitman amp Cindy Petrakis
End-of-Year Luncheon
Our luncheon is scheduled on June 5th at the Doubletree Please check the invitation sent to you in April for menu selections Your selection and money are due to Joan Giovanis by May 23rd When you arrive at the hotel please enter the parking garage from Penn St on the left side of the hotel Take the elevator to floor G and receive directional instructions to the Maple Ballroom Luncheon begins at 1230 with a cash bar and snack
This month we highlight Frank Petrakis who is vital to our bake sale He ordersstoressets up supplies bakes setsresets hall AND works on Bake Sale Day His aide throughout the year is invaluable to us Frank we thank you for your dedication and help
IMPORTANT DATEShellip Sunday May 8th mdash rdquoSt Xenia Sundayrdquo
fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos Monday May 9th mdash May general meeting and
Motherrsquos Day covered dish social Program will be Financial Advice for Women See flyer
Monday May 16th mdash Serving dinner at Opportunity House Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384
Philoptochos Charity (giving) $100 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandowrsquos continuing Guatemalan
mission $500 to Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Helped with Churchrsquos food pantry in April Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week and Name Day activities
Special thanks to the following group of dedicated Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week
Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy
Laura Delp Maro Kotsakis Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs
Penny Ballas who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs She cuts all of the netting and ribbons herself at home Thanks to her ―assembly line of ladies who decorate the eggs
April General Meeting
Many thanks to Gust Kraras for a very informative talk on Panaghia in the Orthodox Church and for the time he spent preparing for the talk and handout For those of you who missed the meeting you missed an enlightening talk and the opportunity to receive this excellent handout
We also thanked everyone for all the donations to our Lenten project We received many bags and boxes of clothing and toiletries for Veterans Making a Difference We were also able to purchase $175 in Giant cards $160 in Wawa cards (gas) and $173 in Barta passes through your generous contributions Although we are finished collecting clothing and toiletries we will continue to accept monetary donations Box is located on the beverage bar in the fellowship hall
Finally we voted to donate $2000 to the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival founded by Dr Maria Asteriadou the pianist who performed at our St Nicholas Shrine Concert last year Our donation will defray transportation costs and expenses for a young pianist from Greece to participate in this festival
Church Name Day Events
Saturday May 21st marks the Feast Day of Sts Constantine and Helen Each year Petroula Mitsiopoulis and her team of ladies prepare the artoklasia and provide a delicious luncheon following the liturgy on this day We encourage everyone to attend both the vesper service on the eve of the feast day and the liturgy on May 21st
Welcome to our new memberhellip
Kathy Pavlatos
Christos Anesti Christ Has Risen
Truly He Has Risen
Special thanks to our ldquovisitation committeerdquo
who delivered koulourakia and flowers during
their Paschal visits to our shut-ins The visits
and goodies are appreciated and enjoyed
5
Religious Calendar for May
Sunday 1st Great and Holy Pascha
Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes please arrive no later than 1100 pm
Divine Liturgy at 1230 am (All parishioners are asked to remain in church until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on this holy and glorious day)
Service of Agape (Love) at 1100 am All Acolytes
(Easter Egg Hunt for children following the service)
Monday 2nd Feast Day of St George the Great Martyr (Observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Friday 6th Feast Day of the Life Giving Font and St Irene the Great Martyr (observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Sunday 8th Sunday of Thomas amp Motherrsquos Day Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 1 (Thrones) C Siozos G Caloiero C Sterious D Porcaro A Sweigart A Zeppos B Wadsworth A Grassley E Hansen S Elliker S Maoury M Maoury L Elliker
Sunday 15th Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 2 (Powers) J Phyrillas D Kyvelos T Limberiou G Limberiou K Mitchell S Mitchell H Robitzer Y Patestas D Scantzos A Scantzos E Ross N Simotas M Patestas
Friday 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts Constantine amp Helen Vesperrsquos Service at 700 pm
Sat 21st Feast Day of Sts Constantine amp Helen Orthros at 800 am Divine Liturgy at 900 am Sunday 22nd Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 3 (Seraphim) A
Lountzis A Midouhas A Marmarou E Polyak N Lountzis P Daglis J Radwanski A Tilley A Lynch C Sasaran N Radwanski N Rohm N Kiritsis E Kiritsis
Sunday 29
th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 4 (Archangels) V Phyrillas A Futrick M Faust A Futrick Jr G Koumaras T Siegel K Schlageter T Hunsicker A Karetas J Wagner C Hunsicker C Kraras Monday 30th Memorial Day
Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery at 900 am
Memorial Services at Charles Evans Cemetery at 1100 am
(Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries)
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
14
Stewardship 2016 Steve Lecatsas Chairman
Thank you to the following additional parishioners who have submitted their 2016 pledge cards
163 pledges were received to date totaling $151925
The average pledge per family is $93206
Memorial Donations April 20 2016
The parish of Sts Constantine and Helen is extremely grateful to all the people who generously donate money in memory of their loved ones
In Memory of Pauline Arnidis James amp Argyro Elliker Kim amp Elaine Shunk Michael amp Anastasia Mavreles Chris amp Ann Kraras Tony amp Soula Phyrillas Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Evangeline McGowan Dionisios amp Maria Kotsakis
In Memory of Ann Menas Fraso Apsokardu and Eva Kordopatis Maria amp Aris Kouvaros
In Memory of Socratis Karithrakas Lucky amp Anna Deligianis Vaso Hemrich
In Memory of Katherine Katsigiannis John amp Despina Frangakis Lee amp Elaine Kissinger Chris amp Ann Kraras Vaso Hemrich John amp Sharon Lountzis Gus Kraras George amp Shirleen Yatron Helen Dalaveris Paraskevi Phyrillas Emmanuel amp Evangelia Frangeskos Nick amp Karen Katsigiannis Olga amp Photis Katsigiannis Basilios amp Mary Tsakaris Peter amp Chris Shaeffer
In Memory of George Kefalas Despina Karahalias George Karahalias Georgia Kefalas Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Stelios Kasapidis Niki Kasapidis Maria Rassi
In Memory of Dora Negrelli Frank T Petrakis Merle Dunkelberger Marian Cheri Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Kim amp Elaine Shunk George amp Shirleen Yatron Evangeline McGowan amp Son Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Georgine Schlappich
In Memory of Fr Spyridon amp Pres Maxine Papademetriou John amp Despina Frangakis
In Memory of Fr Spyridon Papademetriou Basiliki Fotopoulos Dino Tsapatsaris Basilios D Koufomihalis Ionannis Nicholas Basilios S (Kallas) Koufomihalis Gregory Kallis amp Family
In Memory of Effie Parenti Cornilia Dikos Mike amp Anna Koumaras Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Gust Kraras Chris amp Ann Kraras Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Leon amp Rosemarie Miller Stella Ninfo
In Memory of John Secemetis Georgia Kefalas George Karahalias Ted Karahalias
In Memory of Lambros Sotos amp Teddy Limberiou Dimitrious amp Petroula Mitsiopoulos
In Memory of Stratton Stefanowicz Mercena Stephanie amp Ed Breen
Parishioners who have not yet submitted their 2016 pledge cards are asked to please do so at their earliest convenience
Stephen amp Amy Elliker Matthew amp Jessica Moyer Mr amp Mrs Nicholas Odagis James amp Fani Polyak Georgine Schlappich
Advanced Greek Class
for Adults
Thursdays in May from 630-830
New students are welcome
In Memory of Gloria Sterganos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos
In Memory of Maria Stroumbakis Tony amp Soula Phyrillas
In Memory of William Thomas George amp Shirleen Yatron Maria amp Aris Kouvaros Sandra Stocker Frank T Petrakis The Gregory Mallus Family Ann Geras John amp Despina Frangakis Michael amp Pat Gordon Norman amp Joan Schuhwerk The Jackson Family Frank amp Cindy Petrakis Marian Cheri Nicholas amp Alice Ka-retas Kim amp Elaine Shunk Cory Maria amp Niko Kriebel Artie amp Connie Fecera Paul Yatron Michael amp Kathy Moyer amp Family Peter amp Chris Shaeffer Mr amp Mrs Matthew Moyer amp Family Gust Kraras Irene Gaspar-is Chris amp Ann Kraras Athena Zeppos Ter-ry amp Sophia Grassley Joanne Dialectos Anthony amp Tracy Koumaras Evangeline McGowan Mike amp Despina Platanos Victo-ria Porcaro George amp Diane Zeppos Mr amp Mrs Peter Zeppos Stam amp Joyce Zervanos Stathis Gasparis Dr Christ amp Sherry Ganas James amp Nettie Thomas
3
ldquoPaschardquo or ldquoEasterrdquo or Both
by John Sanidopoulos
Many Orthodox Christians insist ―Pascha or any derivative of the word Passover is the only correct name for the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ among possibly other liturgical words for the feast but insist the word ―Easter is inappropriate because it supposedly has pagan origins Does it truly have pagan origins that would prohibit itrsquos use Or are there in fact justifiable reasons to allow for ―Pascha and ―Easter to both be used with a clean conscience Since ―Pascha is without controversy we will examine these things for the word ―Easter
Etymological relation vs
etymological descendance
The word ―Easter has some etymological baggage Some Christians are wary of using the word because of its supposed pagan origin The Venerable Bede (672-735) asserted that the word ―Easter derived from ―Eostre the goddess of the Saxons (De Ratione Temporum) In modern times Alexander Hislop connected Easter to the Babylonian goddess Astarte (The Two Babylons 1858) Apparently there was indeed a goddess named ―Eostre (―Ostara in German) Hence it seems that ―Easter and ―Eostre are etymologically related However it is foolish to take etymological relation as evidence of a ―pagan connection between ―Easter and ―Eostre To see the foolishness of this consider the following example There was a Christian Theolo-gian in the third century by the name of ―Lucian of Antioch There is also the name ―Lucifer ascribed to Satan (Isaiah 1412) Both Lucian and Lucifer are derived from the Latin word for ―lucis This means that ―Lucian and ―Lucifer are etymologically related However neither is an etymological descendant of the other which means neither name is derived from the other name Each name is a separate etymological descendant of the root word for ―lucis Thus it would be foolish to say ―A Christian should never call himself Lucian because the word is related to ―Lucifer Etymological relation between a negative word (ie Lucifer) and the impugned word (ie Lucian) does not mean anything The issue is whether the impugned word is an etymological descendant of the negative word As for ―Lucian it is not an etymological descendant of ―Lucifer Likewise Easter is not an etymological descendant of Eostre but rather is a separate etymological descendant of a common root word which in itself carries a neutral connotation
ldquoEasterrdquo is derived from ldquoEastrdquo
The root of ―Easter is ―east just as the root of ―Ostern (―Easter in German) is ―Ost (―east in German) Likewise the root of ―Eostre (English) and ―Ostara (German) is from the word ―east Thus both ―Easter and ―Eostre are derived from the word ―east This means neither ―Easter nor ―Eostre has to be an etymological descendant of the other but each would be a separate etymological decendant of the word ―east The
etymology of ―east gives us clues as to why both pagans and Christians wished to use the word ―east for their respective purposes The etymology of the Saxon word ―east is
―OE east from PGmc aus-to- austral- east toward the sunrise (cf Du oost Ger Ost ON austr ―from the east) from PIE aus-dawn (cf Skt ushas ―dawn auster ―south) lit ―to shine The east is the direction in which the dawn breaks (Online
Etymological Dictionary)
―East refers to the dawn sunrise morning Hence if pagans wished to worship a goddess of sunrise it was fitting for the pagans to name their goddess after the word ―east But Christians also had reason to use the word ―east to describe the day of their Saviorrsquos resurrection Consider the following passages concerning Christrsquos resurrection
―In the end of the Sabbath as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher (Matthew 281)
And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came unto the sepulcher at the rising of the sun (Mark 162)
The day of Christrsquos resurrection was in the morning at the rising of the sun In fact it was not only a physical morning but also a spiritual morning because the light of salvation had come into the world Christ began to rise as the ―Sun of righteousness at His resurrection The following passages compare Christ with the rising of the sun
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings (Malachi 42)
4
Motherrsquos Prayer
I was but a youth and thoughtless as youths are apt to be
Though I had a Christian mother who had taught me carefully
There came a time when
pleasure of the world came to allure And I no more sought guidance of her love so good and pure
Her tender admonitions fell
but lightly on my ear And for the gentle warnings
I felt an inward sneer
But mother would not yield her boy to Satanrsquos sinful sway
And though I spurned her council she knew a better way
She made my room an altar
a place of secret prayer And there she took her burden
and left it in His care
And morning noon and evening by that humble bedside low
She sought the aid of Him who understands a motherrsquos woe
I went my way unheeding careless of the life I led Until one day I noticed
prints of elbows on my bed
I saw that she had been there praying for her wayward boy
Who for love of worldly pleasure would her peace of mind destroy
Long the conflict raged within me sin against my motherrsquos prayers Sin must yieldmdashfor Mother never
while she daily met Him there
And her constant love and patience were like coals upon my head
Together with the imprints of her elbows on my bed
And so at last the fight was won
and I to Christ was led And my motherrsquos prayers were answered
by her elbows on my bed
We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Peter 119)
I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star (Revelation 2216)
With these details of Christ and His resurrection there is no mystery as to why Anglo-Saxon Christians called the day of His resurrection ―Easter a word derived from ―east which means dawn sunrise morning Just as the sun rises from the darkness of night the Sun of righteousness rose (resurrected) from the darkness of death Christrsquos resurrection was the sunrise of all sunrises mdash hence Easter This association of Christrsquos resurrection with the dawn is not pagan but based on biblical narrative and symbolism
Christians reclaimed the true meaning of ldquoEasterrdquo
Anglo-Saxon Christians may have given the name ―Easter to the day of Christrsquos resurrection to identify Christ as the true God of sunrise (in the sense of being Creator of the sun as well as spiritually being the ―Sun of Righteousness)
Thus the word ―Easter stands as a testimony of the Anglo-Saxon Christianrsquos rejection of the goddess in reception of the true God Jesus Christ It is counter-productive to suggest that Christians should abandon the word ―Easter Why should we give the pagans a monopoly over a word which signifies the dawn one of Godrsquos most stunning works of creation The funny thing is that many Christians who oppose the use of the word ―Easter still celebrate ―Good Friday Yet the word ―Friday is based on the name of a pagan goddess The word ―Friday means ―Day of Frige - Frige being the name of a Norse goddess ―Good Friday literally means ―Good day of Frige (the goddess) Some Christians Say that Christ rose on ―Saturday yet ―Saturday is also derived from the pagan god Saturnus If one would actually like to avoid a ―pagan connection he would be wiser to avoid using the words ―Friday and ―Saturday rather than the Christian word ―Easter Avoiding all of these words of course is an impossibility if we wish to communicate with others regarding the days of the week We just have to admit that the English language is the language of a people who were once pagan and that there are many vestiges of pagan etymology in English It is only by Godrsquos redemptive grace that the words of our mouths (notwithstanding the occasional pagan etymologies) are found acceptable in His sight
―Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalm 1914)
13
The AHEPA Chapter No 61
Cordially Invites You To Our
Annual Scholarship amp End-of-Year
Celebration Banquet
Date Monday May 23 2016
Place The Hitching Post Restaurant amp Bar
2747 Bernville Road Leesport PA
19533
Time 600-645 pm Fellowship with
Appetizers amp Cash Bar
645 pm Dinner Served
Menu Buffet featuring carving station
serving Stuffed Pork Prime Rib
Chicken Assorted Vegetables
Potatoes du jour Salad rolls
butter Assorted Desserts Coffee
Decaf Hot Tea amp Soda
Cost $35 per person
(includes appetizers full course
buffet dinner all non-alcoholic
beverages taxgratuity amp fabulous
entertainment)
Enjoy an evening of fellowship
honoring our
2016 AHEPA Scholarship Winners
amp End-of-Year Celebration Banquet
Entertainment featuring the Wyomissing Area
High School Select Choral Group
RSVP By Monday May 9th
Please contact George Giovanis immediately
with your reservations at 610-775-9602 or
georgejgiovaniscomcastnet
Checks payable to AHEPA 61 can be sent to
George Giovanis 104 Leisure Court
Wyomissing PA 19610
St Xenia Philoptochos Society
Cordially Invites All Ladies to a
MOTHERrsquoS DAY
COVERED DISH SOCIAL
Monday May 9 2016
Prepare one of your motherrsquos
favorite dishes
And bring along the recipe to share
600 - 700 Covered Dish Dinner
700 - 730 Business Meeting
730 - 800 ldquoFinancial Advice for
Womenrdquo
Guest Speakers
Mary Dialectos Attorney at Law
Paul Marrella Financial Advisor
12
Philoptochos by Sharon Whitman amp Cindy Petrakis
End-of-Year Luncheon
Our luncheon is scheduled on June 5th at the Doubletree Please check the invitation sent to you in April for menu selections Your selection and money are due to Joan Giovanis by May 23rd When you arrive at the hotel please enter the parking garage from Penn St on the left side of the hotel Take the elevator to floor G and receive directional instructions to the Maple Ballroom Luncheon begins at 1230 with a cash bar and snack
This month we highlight Frank Petrakis who is vital to our bake sale He ordersstoressets up supplies bakes setsresets hall AND works on Bake Sale Day His aide throughout the year is invaluable to us Frank we thank you for your dedication and help
IMPORTANT DATEShellip Sunday May 8th mdash rdquoSt Xenia Sundayrdquo
fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos Monday May 9th mdash May general meeting and
Motherrsquos Day covered dish social Program will be Financial Advice for Women See flyer
Monday May 16th mdash Serving dinner at Opportunity House Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384
Philoptochos Charity (giving) $100 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandowrsquos continuing Guatemalan
mission $500 to Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Helped with Churchrsquos food pantry in April Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week and Name Day activities
Special thanks to the following group of dedicated Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week
Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy
Laura Delp Maro Kotsakis Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs
Penny Ballas who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs She cuts all of the netting and ribbons herself at home Thanks to her ―assembly line of ladies who decorate the eggs
April General Meeting
Many thanks to Gust Kraras for a very informative talk on Panaghia in the Orthodox Church and for the time he spent preparing for the talk and handout For those of you who missed the meeting you missed an enlightening talk and the opportunity to receive this excellent handout
We also thanked everyone for all the donations to our Lenten project We received many bags and boxes of clothing and toiletries for Veterans Making a Difference We were also able to purchase $175 in Giant cards $160 in Wawa cards (gas) and $173 in Barta passes through your generous contributions Although we are finished collecting clothing and toiletries we will continue to accept monetary donations Box is located on the beverage bar in the fellowship hall
Finally we voted to donate $2000 to the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival founded by Dr Maria Asteriadou the pianist who performed at our St Nicholas Shrine Concert last year Our donation will defray transportation costs and expenses for a young pianist from Greece to participate in this festival
Church Name Day Events
Saturday May 21st marks the Feast Day of Sts Constantine and Helen Each year Petroula Mitsiopoulis and her team of ladies prepare the artoklasia and provide a delicious luncheon following the liturgy on this day We encourage everyone to attend both the vesper service on the eve of the feast day and the liturgy on May 21st
Welcome to our new memberhellip
Kathy Pavlatos
Christos Anesti Christ Has Risen
Truly He Has Risen
Special thanks to our ldquovisitation committeerdquo
who delivered koulourakia and flowers during
their Paschal visits to our shut-ins The visits
and goodies are appreciated and enjoyed
5
Religious Calendar for May
Sunday 1st Great and Holy Pascha
Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes please arrive no later than 1100 pm
Divine Liturgy at 1230 am (All parishioners are asked to remain in church until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on this holy and glorious day)
Service of Agape (Love) at 1100 am All Acolytes
(Easter Egg Hunt for children following the service)
Monday 2nd Feast Day of St George the Great Martyr (Observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Friday 6th Feast Day of the Life Giving Font and St Irene the Great Martyr (observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Sunday 8th Sunday of Thomas amp Motherrsquos Day Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 1 (Thrones) C Siozos G Caloiero C Sterious D Porcaro A Sweigart A Zeppos B Wadsworth A Grassley E Hansen S Elliker S Maoury M Maoury L Elliker
Sunday 15th Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 2 (Powers) J Phyrillas D Kyvelos T Limberiou G Limberiou K Mitchell S Mitchell H Robitzer Y Patestas D Scantzos A Scantzos E Ross N Simotas M Patestas
Friday 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts Constantine amp Helen Vesperrsquos Service at 700 pm
Sat 21st Feast Day of Sts Constantine amp Helen Orthros at 800 am Divine Liturgy at 900 am Sunday 22nd Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 3 (Seraphim) A
Lountzis A Midouhas A Marmarou E Polyak N Lountzis P Daglis J Radwanski A Tilley A Lynch C Sasaran N Radwanski N Rohm N Kiritsis E Kiritsis
Sunday 29
th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 4 (Archangels) V Phyrillas A Futrick M Faust A Futrick Jr G Koumaras T Siegel K Schlageter T Hunsicker A Karetas J Wagner C Hunsicker C Kraras Monday 30th Memorial Day
Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery at 900 am
Memorial Services at Charles Evans Cemetery at 1100 am
(Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries)
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
4
Motherrsquos Prayer
I was but a youth and thoughtless as youths are apt to be
Though I had a Christian mother who had taught me carefully
There came a time when
pleasure of the world came to allure And I no more sought guidance of her love so good and pure
Her tender admonitions fell
but lightly on my ear And for the gentle warnings
I felt an inward sneer
But mother would not yield her boy to Satanrsquos sinful sway
And though I spurned her council she knew a better way
She made my room an altar
a place of secret prayer And there she took her burden
and left it in His care
And morning noon and evening by that humble bedside low
She sought the aid of Him who understands a motherrsquos woe
I went my way unheeding careless of the life I led Until one day I noticed
prints of elbows on my bed
I saw that she had been there praying for her wayward boy
Who for love of worldly pleasure would her peace of mind destroy
Long the conflict raged within me sin against my motherrsquos prayers Sin must yieldmdashfor Mother never
while she daily met Him there
And her constant love and patience were like coals upon my head
Together with the imprints of her elbows on my bed
And so at last the fight was won
and I to Christ was led And my motherrsquos prayers were answered
by her elbows on my bed
We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Peter 119)
I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star (Revelation 2216)
With these details of Christ and His resurrection there is no mystery as to why Anglo-Saxon Christians called the day of His resurrection ―Easter a word derived from ―east which means dawn sunrise morning Just as the sun rises from the darkness of night the Sun of righteousness rose (resurrected) from the darkness of death Christrsquos resurrection was the sunrise of all sunrises mdash hence Easter This association of Christrsquos resurrection with the dawn is not pagan but based on biblical narrative and symbolism
Christians reclaimed the true meaning of ldquoEasterrdquo
Anglo-Saxon Christians may have given the name ―Easter to the day of Christrsquos resurrection to identify Christ as the true God of sunrise (in the sense of being Creator of the sun as well as spiritually being the ―Sun of Righteousness)
Thus the word ―Easter stands as a testimony of the Anglo-Saxon Christianrsquos rejection of the goddess in reception of the true God Jesus Christ It is counter-productive to suggest that Christians should abandon the word ―Easter Why should we give the pagans a monopoly over a word which signifies the dawn one of Godrsquos most stunning works of creation The funny thing is that many Christians who oppose the use of the word ―Easter still celebrate ―Good Friday Yet the word ―Friday is based on the name of a pagan goddess The word ―Friday means ―Day of Frige - Frige being the name of a Norse goddess ―Good Friday literally means ―Good day of Frige (the goddess) Some Christians Say that Christ rose on ―Saturday yet ―Saturday is also derived from the pagan god Saturnus If one would actually like to avoid a ―pagan connection he would be wiser to avoid using the words ―Friday and ―Saturday rather than the Christian word ―Easter Avoiding all of these words of course is an impossibility if we wish to communicate with others regarding the days of the week We just have to admit that the English language is the language of a people who were once pagan and that there are many vestiges of pagan etymology in English It is only by Godrsquos redemptive grace that the words of our mouths (notwithstanding the occasional pagan etymologies) are found acceptable in His sight
―Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalm 1914)
13
The AHEPA Chapter No 61
Cordially Invites You To Our
Annual Scholarship amp End-of-Year
Celebration Banquet
Date Monday May 23 2016
Place The Hitching Post Restaurant amp Bar
2747 Bernville Road Leesport PA
19533
Time 600-645 pm Fellowship with
Appetizers amp Cash Bar
645 pm Dinner Served
Menu Buffet featuring carving station
serving Stuffed Pork Prime Rib
Chicken Assorted Vegetables
Potatoes du jour Salad rolls
butter Assorted Desserts Coffee
Decaf Hot Tea amp Soda
Cost $35 per person
(includes appetizers full course
buffet dinner all non-alcoholic
beverages taxgratuity amp fabulous
entertainment)
Enjoy an evening of fellowship
honoring our
2016 AHEPA Scholarship Winners
amp End-of-Year Celebration Banquet
Entertainment featuring the Wyomissing Area
High School Select Choral Group
RSVP By Monday May 9th
Please contact George Giovanis immediately
with your reservations at 610-775-9602 or
georgejgiovaniscomcastnet
Checks payable to AHEPA 61 can be sent to
George Giovanis 104 Leisure Court
Wyomissing PA 19610
St Xenia Philoptochos Society
Cordially Invites All Ladies to a
MOTHERrsquoS DAY
COVERED DISH SOCIAL
Monday May 9 2016
Prepare one of your motherrsquos
favorite dishes
And bring along the recipe to share
600 - 700 Covered Dish Dinner
700 - 730 Business Meeting
730 - 800 ldquoFinancial Advice for
Womenrdquo
Guest Speakers
Mary Dialectos Attorney at Law
Paul Marrella Financial Advisor
12
Philoptochos by Sharon Whitman amp Cindy Petrakis
End-of-Year Luncheon
Our luncheon is scheduled on June 5th at the Doubletree Please check the invitation sent to you in April for menu selections Your selection and money are due to Joan Giovanis by May 23rd When you arrive at the hotel please enter the parking garage from Penn St on the left side of the hotel Take the elevator to floor G and receive directional instructions to the Maple Ballroom Luncheon begins at 1230 with a cash bar and snack
This month we highlight Frank Petrakis who is vital to our bake sale He ordersstoressets up supplies bakes setsresets hall AND works on Bake Sale Day His aide throughout the year is invaluable to us Frank we thank you for your dedication and help
IMPORTANT DATEShellip Sunday May 8th mdash rdquoSt Xenia Sundayrdquo
fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos Monday May 9th mdash May general meeting and
Motherrsquos Day covered dish social Program will be Financial Advice for Women See flyer
Monday May 16th mdash Serving dinner at Opportunity House Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384
Philoptochos Charity (giving) $100 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandowrsquos continuing Guatemalan
mission $500 to Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Helped with Churchrsquos food pantry in April Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week and Name Day activities
Special thanks to the following group of dedicated Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week
Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy
Laura Delp Maro Kotsakis Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs
Penny Ballas who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs She cuts all of the netting and ribbons herself at home Thanks to her ―assembly line of ladies who decorate the eggs
April General Meeting
Many thanks to Gust Kraras for a very informative talk on Panaghia in the Orthodox Church and for the time he spent preparing for the talk and handout For those of you who missed the meeting you missed an enlightening talk and the opportunity to receive this excellent handout
We also thanked everyone for all the donations to our Lenten project We received many bags and boxes of clothing and toiletries for Veterans Making a Difference We were also able to purchase $175 in Giant cards $160 in Wawa cards (gas) and $173 in Barta passes through your generous contributions Although we are finished collecting clothing and toiletries we will continue to accept monetary donations Box is located on the beverage bar in the fellowship hall
Finally we voted to donate $2000 to the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival founded by Dr Maria Asteriadou the pianist who performed at our St Nicholas Shrine Concert last year Our donation will defray transportation costs and expenses for a young pianist from Greece to participate in this festival
Church Name Day Events
Saturday May 21st marks the Feast Day of Sts Constantine and Helen Each year Petroula Mitsiopoulis and her team of ladies prepare the artoklasia and provide a delicious luncheon following the liturgy on this day We encourage everyone to attend both the vesper service on the eve of the feast day and the liturgy on May 21st
Welcome to our new memberhellip
Kathy Pavlatos
Christos Anesti Christ Has Risen
Truly He Has Risen
Special thanks to our ldquovisitation committeerdquo
who delivered koulourakia and flowers during
their Paschal visits to our shut-ins The visits
and goodies are appreciated and enjoyed
5
Religious Calendar for May
Sunday 1st Great and Holy Pascha
Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes please arrive no later than 1100 pm
Divine Liturgy at 1230 am (All parishioners are asked to remain in church until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on this holy and glorious day)
Service of Agape (Love) at 1100 am All Acolytes
(Easter Egg Hunt for children following the service)
Monday 2nd Feast Day of St George the Great Martyr (Observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Friday 6th Feast Day of the Life Giving Font and St Irene the Great Martyr (observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Sunday 8th Sunday of Thomas amp Motherrsquos Day Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 1 (Thrones) C Siozos G Caloiero C Sterious D Porcaro A Sweigart A Zeppos B Wadsworth A Grassley E Hansen S Elliker S Maoury M Maoury L Elliker
Sunday 15th Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 2 (Powers) J Phyrillas D Kyvelos T Limberiou G Limberiou K Mitchell S Mitchell H Robitzer Y Patestas D Scantzos A Scantzos E Ross N Simotas M Patestas
Friday 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts Constantine amp Helen Vesperrsquos Service at 700 pm
Sat 21st Feast Day of Sts Constantine amp Helen Orthros at 800 am Divine Liturgy at 900 am Sunday 22nd Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 3 (Seraphim) A
Lountzis A Midouhas A Marmarou E Polyak N Lountzis P Daglis J Radwanski A Tilley A Lynch C Sasaran N Radwanski N Rohm N Kiritsis E Kiritsis
Sunday 29
th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 4 (Archangels) V Phyrillas A Futrick M Faust A Futrick Jr G Koumaras T Siegel K Schlageter T Hunsicker A Karetas J Wagner C Hunsicker C Kraras Monday 30th Memorial Day
Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery at 900 am
Memorial Services at Charles Evans Cemetery at 1100 am
(Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries)
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
12
Philoptochos by Sharon Whitman amp Cindy Petrakis
End-of-Year Luncheon
Our luncheon is scheduled on June 5th at the Doubletree Please check the invitation sent to you in April for menu selections Your selection and money are due to Joan Giovanis by May 23rd When you arrive at the hotel please enter the parking garage from Penn St on the left side of the hotel Take the elevator to floor G and receive directional instructions to the Maple Ballroom Luncheon begins at 1230 with a cash bar and snack
This month we highlight Frank Petrakis who is vital to our bake sale He ordersstoressets up supplies bakes setsresets hall AND works on Bake Sale Day His aide throughout the year is invaluable to us Frank we thank you for your dedication and help
IMPORTANT DATEShellip Sunday May 8th mdash rdquoSt Xenia Sundayrdquo
fellowship sponsored by Philoptochos Monday May 9th mdash May general meeting and
Motherrsquos Day covered dish social Program will be Financial Advice for Women See flyer
Monday May 16th mdash Serving dinner at Opportunity House Contact Karen Chaknos to volunteer or donate at 610-777-7384
Philoptochos Charity (giving) $100 to IOCC $100 to Sisterhood of St Basil $200 to Metropolis Social Services Fund $100 to Jessse Brandowrsquos continuing Guatemalan
mission $500 to Red Cross Heroes Breakfast
Philoptochos Philanthrophy (doing) Helped with Churchrsquos food pantry in April Served at Opportunity House in April Holy Week and Name Day activities
Special thanks to the following group of dedicated Philoptochos ladies who dedicate their time and talents to ensure that everything runs smoothly during Holy Week
Marika Krallis and her team for their devotion in preparing the loaves of prosphora bread needed for every Liturgy
Laura Delp Maro Kotsakis Marian Porcaro and their team for spending hours preparing the traditional red Easter eggs
Penny Ballas who for more than a decade generously donates the netting and ribbon used to decorate the dyed eggs She cuts all of the netting and ribbons herself at home Thanks to her ―assembly line of ladies who decorate the eggs
April General Meeting
Many thanks to Gust Kraras for a very informative talk on Panaghia in the Orthodox Church and for the time he spent preparing for the talk and handout For those of you who missed the meeting you missed an enlightening talk and the opportunity to receive this excellent handout
We also thanked everyone for all the donations to our Lenten project We received many bags and boxes of clothing and toiletries for Veterans Making a Difference We were also able to purchase $175 in Giant cards $160 in Wawa cards (gas) and $173 in Barta passes through your generous contributions Although we are finished collecting clothing and toiletries we will continue to accept monetary donations Box is located on the beverage bar in the fellowship hall
Finally we voted to donate $2000 to the Kutztown University Summer Chamber Music Festival founded by Dr Maria Asteriadou the pianist who performed at our St Nicholas Shrine Concert last year Our donation will defray transportation costs and expenses for a young pianist from Greece to participate in this festival
Church Name Day Events
Saturday May 21st marks the Feast Day of Sts Constantine and Helen Each year Petroula Mitsiopoulis and her team of ladies prepare the artoklasia and provide a delicious luncheon following the liturgy on this day We encourage everyone to attend both the vesper service on the eve of the feast day and the liturgy on May 21st
Welcome to our new memberhellip
Kathy Pavlatos
Christos Anesti Christ Has Risen
Truly He Has Risen
Special thanks to our ldquovisitation committeerdquo
who delivered koulourakia and flowers during
their Paschal visits to our shut-ins The visits
and goodies are appreciated and enjoyed
5
Religious Calendar for May
Sunday 1st Great and Holy Pascha
Resurrection Service at midnight All Acolytes please arrive no later than 1100 pm
Divine Liturgy at 1230 am (All parishioners are asked to remain in church until the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on this holy and glorious day)
Service of Agape (Love) at 1100 am All Acolytes
(Easter Egg Hunt for children following the service)
Monday 2nd Feast Day of St George the Great Martyr (Observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Friday 6th Feast Day of the Life Giving Font and St Irene the Great Martyr (observed) Orthros at 830 am Divine Liturgy at 930 am Sunday 8th Sunday of Thomas amp Motherrsquos Day Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 1 (Thrones) C Siozos G Caloiero C Sterious D Porcaro A Sweigart A Zeppos B Wadsworth A Grassley E Hansen S Elliker S Maoury M Maoury L Elliker
Sunday 15th Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am
Acolytes Group 2 (Powers) J Phyrillas D Kyvelos T Limberiou G Limberiou K Mitchell S Mitchell H Robitzer Y Patestas D Scantzos A Scantzos E Ross N Simotas M Patestas
Friday 20th Eve of the Feast of Sts Constantine amp Helen Vesperrsquos Service at 700 pm
Sat 21st Feast Day of Sts Constantine amp Helen Orthros at 800 am Divine Liturgy at 900 am Sunday 22nd Sunday of the Paralytic Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 3 (Seraphim) A
Lountzis A Midouhas A Marmarou E Polyak N Lountzis P Daglis J Radwanski A Tilley A Lynch C Sasaran N Radwanski N Rohm N Kiritsis E Kiritsis
Sunday 29
th Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Orthros at 830 am Sunday School at 945 am Divine Liturgy at 945 am Acolytes Group 4 (Archangels) V Phyrillas A Futrick M Faust A Futrick Jr G Koumaras T Siegel K Schlageter T Hunsicker A Karetas J Wagner C Hunsicker C Kraras Monday 30th Memorial Day
Memorial Services at Forest Hills Cemetery at 900 am
Memorial Services at Charles Evans Cemetery at 1100 am
(Trisagion prayers will be done at individual grave sites upon request at both cemeteries)
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
6
Community News
Baptized
Michael Constantine son of Constantine amp Kelly Chaknos on April 9th with Christina Weeber
as sponsor
Jenna Hart daughter of Michael Hart and Kelly Moore on April 22nd with Maria Limberiou
as sponsor
~ All baptized in Christ have put on Christ ~
Chrismated
Megan Wozniak was confirmed in the Orthodox Church on April 17 with Joanne Dialectos
as sponsor
~ The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit ~
Our Sympathy
William Thomas who passed into eternal life on March 29
Katherine Katsigiannis who passed into eternal life on April 10
~ Eternal be their memory ~
Fellowship Hosts
May 8 Mr amp Mrs Artie Fecera Mr amp Mrs Chris Fecera Mr amp Mrs George Frangakis Mr amp Mrs Isidoros Frangakis
May 15 Dr amp Mrs Alan Futrick Mr amp Mrs Michael Futrick Mr amp Ms Michael Futrick Mrs Mary Garrett-Giovani Drs John amp Michelle Garrett
May 22 Mr amp Mrs Alan Ganas Mrs Angeliki Ganas Ms Christie Ganas Dr amp Mrs Christ Ganas Mrs Katherine Ganas
May 29 Mr amp Mrs Peter Giorgi Dr amp Mrs George Giovanis Mr amp Mrs Razvan Goncea Mrs Lula Goodhart
Matthew 25
―I was hungry and you gave me food I was thirsty and you gave me drink I was a stranger and you took me in I was naked and you clothed me I was sick and you visited me I was in prison and you came to mehellipinasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren you did it to me
Our Food Pantry continues to minister to our neighbors in need mostly from the Oakbrook Housing Development On March 29 our parish provided food for
1086 needy families which included 295 children and 74 senior citizens The total number of people served was 597
The pantry will continue to distribute food on the last Tuesday of the month Parishioners can help by
1) Volunteering to help distribute food in future months by calling the Church Office to sign up 2) Contributing to the Food Pantry Fund to
help cover expenses
Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who have helped to bring this wonderful ministry to fruition A special thanks to those who replenished our pantry fund this month with $6075 Parishioners can also contribute by sending your donation to the Church Office
For Your Convenience
The Weekly Bulletin and ECHO can now be accessed
via our Church Website Go to wwwstsconstantinehelenorg
For Bulletins
click on ―About Us (located on left side of black bar) Then click on ―Weekly Bulletins
For ECHO Click on ―ECHO (located on right side of black bar)
Search the list for the Bulletin or ECHO you want to view
Remember in Prayer
Please remember in prayer parishioners who are in nursing homes and retirement communities the home-bound and those convalescing Ruth Anthony Anna Carley Caroline Exas Katherine Fisher Ross Fournaris George Halulakos Mary Harris Helen Hatzas Pauline Heckman Cleo Kostomeris Marie Lecatsas Helen Nicholas Joseph Laskin Stella Ninfo Maria Papoutsis Kalliope Pappas William Sianis Nicholas Simotas amp Sebastian Ulrich
And those hospitalized in the month of April Ruth Anthony Michael Marmarou Athens Kralles Lawrence Medaglia Debra Lambros Frank T Petrakis Esther Kovras
11
Sunday School News Tula DonahuemdashDirector
Spotlight on our Sunday School Teachers
Χριστός Aνέστη Christos Anesti
Christ is Risen
The Sunday School department has been very eventful Our teachers were excited to re-discover the solemnest beauty and faithfulness of Great Lent The students have been absorbing the wonderful lessons presented regarding the Easter Season
This month we are spotlighting the 5th and 6th grade class who are currently deepening their faith and their understanding of Orthodoxy by learning about the various parts of the Divine Liturgy and the Holy Sacraments The Divine Liturgy is the foundation upon which our faith is based on therefore it is important for the students to learn the meaningful and varied components of the Liturgy Students will learn how the Divine Liturgy began They will find out that we celebrate Holy Communion in remembrance of the Last Supper when Jesus shared the bread and wine with the Apostles At this grade level we emphasize memorizing the Creed and we expect the students to join the congregation as we faithfully recite the profession of our beliefs During class we try to make a connection between the Liturgy and our present day lives Many of the students enjoy talking about how they exemplify their faith outside of the church Showing respect while in church is also an emphasis at this grade level Students are reminded not to talk during the Liturgy and more importantly when and how to participate and when to do their Cross As we begin the second half of the year students begin to learn about our churchrsquos Sacraments Baptism Chrismation Holy Eucharist Confession Holy Orders Marriage and Holy Unction Besides learning the significance of each Sacrament students are instructed that it is through partaking of the Sacraments that we grow closer to God The idea of ―theosis or becoming Godlike is a common goal of Orthodox Christians During the beautiful Lenten period students are taught about the significance of each Sunday of Lent ending with the culmination of the Resurrection The students in the 5th and 6th grade classes are will-ing and eager learners of their faith It is wonderful to see the excitement and passion for their faith as they
Father Tom plans to hold a
Second Annual
ldquoBlessing of the Animals
Servicerdquo
Saturday May 7th
at 11 am
The 15 minute service will take place
in the parking lot
on the side of the church
Parishioners are asked to park
in the back of the church
grow and develop into Orthodox Christians The teachers are Stav Koumaras Jen Perezous and Vasso Tilley ndash Lead Teacher Student Volunteers The following students volunteered during the month of April Vasilis Phyrillas was our wonderful Epistle Reader Eleni Sterious was the pleasant Greeter Gino Caloiero Vasilis Phyrillas Chrisovalantis Siozos and Chris Sterious passed the baskets
Last day of Sunday School June 5th
Graduation program will be held
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη Alithos Anesti
Truly He Is Risen
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
10
GOYAJOY News GOYA website- With up to date calendar forms and other information
Go to- httpssitesgooglecomsitestsconstantinehelenreadinggoya
Eastern District GOYA
Soccer Tournament
JOY Summer Camp
Fightinrsquo Phils
GodparentGodchild
Sunday
Metropolis Oratorical
Festivalndash Pittsburgh
GOYA Greek Folk Dance
Workshop in Media Pa
GOYA Meeting at
Caloiero Home
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic French Creek
Food Pantry
30
JOY Nature Walk amp Picnic
French Creek Park
Sunday May 22nd
400 pm
Families will meet at the parking area near the pool concession stand
Everyone should bring a packed dinner to eat after the hike nature walk
19-25
Save
the
Date
August 22-26
15
8
GOYA
Meeting at Calierorsquos
571 Brownsville Road
Sinking Spring
After Divine Liturgy
May 15
14
Eastern District GOYA SOCCER TOURNAMENT
June 4
1200-400 PM
at Body Zone
31
4
22 GOYA July 10-16 JOY June 19-25
Cost $500 (you can apply for financial aid)
To register wwwpittsburghgoarchorg
(Follow the link to register)
14
GOYA
Greek Folk Dance
Workshop
Sat May 14
930-315 PM
St George
Greek Orthodox
Church
Media PA
7
From Our Parish Council
Artie Fecera President
Our last Parish Council meeting was held on Tuesday April 12 2016 Members present President Artie Fecera VP Chuck Mowbray Secretary Tony Phyrillas Treas-urer Mike Mavreles Financial Secretary Nick Karetas Chris Kraras Gust Kraras Athan Dialectos Harry Dialectos Chris Dikos Strat Marmarou Frank T Petrakis Gus Kotsakis Anthony Koumaras Kim Shunk Connie Fecera amp Protopresbyter Thomas Pappalas
Members Absent Angel Helm
Father Tom received a notice from the Diocese of Pittsburgh ratifying the election of 2016 Parish Council members totaling 17
Nick Karetas our Financial Secretary said a letter was sent to parishioners asking for financial support for our food pantry held on the last Tuesday of each month The response was excellent We thank all that help with this worthy cause
Social Committee Chairman Connie Fecera gave a report and our new picnic date is now Sunday August 21st at St Benedictrsquos Picnic Grove
Chris Dikos gave a brief report for An Evening in the Greek Isles scheduled for Thursday May 26th Donations for the Pillars Program have been mailed out and invitations will follow This is a great evening for our Church and urge all parishioners to try to attend
Our next Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday May 10th
YAL
Sunday May 15 600 PM
Paraklesis followed by Dinner at Mimmorsquos
290 Morgantown Rd 19611
Parishioners are asked to help select
Father of the Year By submitting a nomination of someone you think best fills the following criteria participation in the total life of the Parish particularly its religious life Other considera-tions may include such items as volunteer work both within the parish and in the community childrenrsquos activity in the life of the church participation in Church organizations and other evidence of devotion to our church Please fill out the form below and return it to the church by May 31 We are looking forward to many nominations Please take the time to nominate your ―favorite father for this recognition
Father of the Year
Nomination Form
Please return to the church office
by May 31st
I wish to nominate _____________________
for this yearrsquos Father of the Year recognition
for the following reasons
(please use criteria listed above)
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Nominated by
_____________________________________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________
8
Potted Palms for Holy Week Eva Koutalelis in loving memory of Paraskeva amp Maria Marmarou amp Dimitri Koutalelis Athena Zeppos In memory of my beloved son husband and parents
Altar Candles for Holy Week Dee Dee amp Kenneth Klein in loving memory of Angelo amp Effie Kyrmas
Candles for Holy Thursday Esther Kovras in loving memory of Peter Maria George amp John Marmarou
Altar Candles for Holy Friday Mr amp Mrs Michael Marmarou amp Family In loving memory of Therapon Paraskis and departed family members
Altar Candles for Holy Saturday Evelpis Paraskis in loving memory of Therapon Paraskis
Candles for Cross John amp Michele Garrett in loving memory of Anne Landis Garrett and Dr amp Mrs George N Pappas
Easter Lilies for Chapel Altar Pat Zampelli Debbie amp Jayse Reber amp Families in loving memory of Molly Stanley and Spiro Lecatsas Chuck Mowbray in loving memory of Mary amp Angelo Karetas
Flowers to Decorate Church for Pascha Anthousa Scaros in memory of my parents my sister and my husband
2016mdashGreat Lent and Easter Donations
Many thanks to the following individuals for their donations during Great Lent
Wreath (Easter) John and Despina Frangakis in loving memory of our parents
Wreath (Annunciation Icon) Maria Daniels amp Family in loving memory of my parents amp Michael
Candles for Salutations Penny Ballas in loving memory of Diamond Irene Effie Spero amp Nick The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena
Greek Palms (Vaia) Joanne Dialectos in loving memory of George Dialectos
Candles for Palm Sunday Emanuel and Katherine Kolevas in loving memory of Eleftheria Kolevas
Rose Water for Epitaphios Michael amp Kathy Moyer for the health amp wellness of our children and grandchildren
Incense for Holy Week The Zeppos brothers in loving memory of our parents Demosthenes amp Magdalena Evangeline McGowan in loving memory of hus-band and father Robert
Wreath for Nymphios Phillip amp Calipso Kollintza in loving memory of Constantine Karountzos (Philliprsquos father) amp Aggeliki Feleskoura (Calliersquos grandmother)
Easter Offering
Many thanks to the following individuals for their generous donation during Pascha The total amount received was $3960
Ballas Penny Borzellino Ann Dalaveris Helen Daniels Maria Dastra Lula Dialectos Joanne Frangakis John amp Despina Garrett John amp Michelle Georgeadis Jim amp Christine Geras Ann Griffith Theodora Grimes Despina Halulakos John amp Anna Holden Marilyn Johns Constance Karanikas Helen Karetas Harry amp Sonya Karetas Nicholas amp Alice Kolevas Catherine amp Emanuel Kollintzas Phillip amp Calypso
Kotsakis Dionisios amp Maria Koumaras Michael amp Anna Kousaros Mary Koutalelis Evriiklia Koutroubas Konstantinos Kouvaris Aris amp Maria Kovras Esther Krallis Demetrio amp Janice Kramer Molly Maroulis Peter amp Cornelia Marmarou Michael amp Constantina Marmarou Steve amp Nancy Marmarou Strat amp Joanne Mavreles Patricia McGowan Evangeline Melnyk Ralli Miller Richard amp Frances Mowbray Charles Moyer Michael amp Kathryn Pappalas Fr Tom amp Presv Anne
Platanos Nick amp Kathryn Protheroe William amp Kaliope Raisides Harriet Sasaran Calin amp Crina Sasaran Gabriel amp Cosmina Sasaran Nicolaie amp Ana Scaros Anthousa amp Constantinos Seibert Allen amp Sue Sianis Harry amp Mary Sterganos Gus amp Gloria Theodossiou Linda Yatron George amp Shirleen Zampelli Patricia Zeppos Athena Zeppos George amp Diane Zeppos Peter amp Maria Zervanos Evan amp Sandra Zogas Gust amp Doris
9
Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
Cordially invites you to celebrate
The Churchrsquos Feast Day by experiencing
An Evening in the Greek Isles
Thursday May 26
600-1000 PM
This evening will feature
Whole Lamb Roasting on a Spit
Islands of Hors drsquooeuvres Food Stations
Open Bar Greek Pastries
Live Greek Music A Unique Silent Auction
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
RSVP by May 16
IWe will attend
IWe cannot attend but enclose a contribution
____ No of tickets at $7500 each ($50Ticket is tax deductible
___________ Total Amount Enclosed
My check is enclosed (Payable to and send to Sts Constantine amp Helen Church 1001 E Wyomissing Blvd Reading PA 19611
Charge my Mastercard or Visa
Account _____________________________________________ Exp Date ___________________ Sec Code ______
Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (please print) _________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip Code _______________