The Epistle December 2014

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Pastor

1205 San Antonio Creek Road / Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (805) 683-4492 / fax (805) 964-2774

Email: office@saintbarbara.net / http://www.saintbarbara.net

A Sermon on Christmas (Sermon by Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom) of Sourozh in 1988)

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.

In one of the texts of the Holy Scriptures we are told that the world had waxed old, had decayed in the course of centuries since man had lost touch with God, since communion between God and man had become dimmed. And Saint Paul says that the whole creation is waiting with longing for the revelation of the children of God, for the moment when man will have become Man again in the fullness, in all the beauty of the glory of his vocation. And on the day when we remember the Nativity of Christ, the Incarnation of the Son of God, we can see that the beginning of a new time has come, that this world that had gone old because God was, as it were, far away from it - great, awe-inspiring but distant, had come to an end. GOD IS IN OUR MIDST: this is the meaning of the word ‘Emmanuel’; God with us - and the world is no longer the same. We live in a world into which God has come, in which He is the living power, the inspiration, Life itself, Eternity itself already come. And this is why Saint John the Divine in the Book of the Revelation, speaking of Christ as the End, uses in Greek not the neuter which would be right, but the masculine: because ‘The End’ is not a moment in time, the End is not something that happens, but Someone that comes. Yes, we are waiting for the day when God will come in glory, when all history will be up, when all things will be summed up, when God shall be all in all; but already now God is in our midst; already now we have a vision of what man is by vocation and can be by participation. But this is an offer; God gives His love, God gives Himself - not only in the Holy Gifts of Communion, but in all possible ways He is ready to enter into our lives, to fill our hearts, to be enthroned in our minds, to be the will of our will, but to do that, to allow Him to do that we must give ourselves to Him, we must respond to love by love, to faith - the faith which God has in us - by faith that is trust and faithfulness to Him. And then - then, we, each of us singly and all of us in our togetherness, will become God’s Kingdom come with power, the beginning of the fullness of time, the beginning of the glorious victory! Isn’t that something which is worth struggling for? Isn’t it worth turning away from everything that separates us from our own integrity, from one another, from God, and allow ourselves to become new creatures? Let us now, now that the beginning has come, and in a way the end is already in our midst, let us do it: overcome all that is unworthy of ourselves, and allow God victoriously to transfigure our lives! Glory be to God for His love! Glory be to God for the faith He has in us, and for the hope He has put into us! Amen!

Courtesy of the Estate of Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church The mission of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church is to safeguard the 2,000 year old Traditions handed down by Christ and His disciples, by encouraging members to participate actively in the Sacramental life of the Church, and by furthering our knowledge of the Faith through education. In order to realize our role as stewards of God’s vineyard and to grow spiritually as individuals and as a Parish, we will share our Faith with those who seek the knowledge of God, welcome and embrace all who join us in worship and fellowship, and reach out to those in need. Fulfilling our mission will draw us closer to God and His Kingdom, and allow us to experience the love of God (Agape) in our Parish and community.

Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest

SAINT BARBARA PARISH COUNCIL

ERNEST KOLENDRIANOS - PRESIDENT BESSIE CONDOS – VICE PRESIDENT RUTH ANGELOS – SECRETARY RANDY LANGEL – TREASURER TAYLOR CANFIELD ALEX CHUCHAS

ANGELIQUE CHUCHAS JOHN P. DEMOURKAS JACKSON KWIATKOWSKI GEORGE PAPADOR MARY PAPADOR MENDOZA PAUL TZIOUVARAS

PARISH MINISTRIES CHANTERS ALEX TRIGONIS & RANDY LANGEL CHOIR DIRECTOR ANDRIANA KOLENDRIANOS GREEK FESTIVAL PAUL TZIOUVARAS GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER TBD ST. BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM MARY MAMALAKIS MISSIONS ALEX HAIMANIS ORTHODOX SOCIAL NETWORK (OSN) VALERIE KATSIKIS PARISH BOOKSTORE PATRICIA DOVAS PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT GEORGIA GASTOUNIOTIS V.I.P. COORDINATOR SOFIJA NEDIC

YOUTH MINISTRIES

ACOLYTES JACKSON KWIATKOWSKI DANCE GROUP DIRECTOR FATHER SIMON THOMAS YOUTH CHOIR DIRECTOR SOPHIA KENRICK SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR ANGELA CANFIELD ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ANNA CROSSMAN

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AHEPA PRESIDENT JIM ARGER DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT CAROL ARGER

OFFICE PERSONNEL

VALERIE KATSIKIS

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY – FRIDAY * 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA * METROPOLIS OF SAN FRANCISCO

President’s Report

THANK YOU

On behalf of your 2014 Parish Council, I wish to extend a sincere Thank You to all who participated in contributing their time, talents, and treasure to the many ministries of our St. Barbara Orthodox Christian Family during the past year. With your continued participation and generous support, we are optimistically hopeful for an even more successful and spiritually fulfilling 2015.

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, January 10, 2015 Breakfast, 8-9 a.m. Orthodox Center

2015 Greek Festival Planning/Brainstorming, 9 - 11 a.m. Festival Chairman: Paul Tziouvaras

Everyone in the Parish, and interested friends, are invited to join in the planning of our 42nd Annual Greek Festival at Oak Park to be held August 1st and August 2nd. Several booths will need new managers as the devoted and highly talented “old guard” step down and transition the responsibility of continuing this unique community event for the future to new and enthusiastic individuals. Please plan on attending and accepting the challenges that have been skillfully managed in the past. The retiring managers will certainly offer their guidance and assistance.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING AS A FAMILY by Hillary Doubleday from ParentClick SB

“One of the most important things children learn through volunteering is that their time and individual effort have value. This is an important counterweight to the materialistic messages that bombard kids today, “Money is king,” or if you do not have a __________,(fill in the blank) you will not be cool, smart, athletic, beautiful or _________ (fill in the blank.) Having the experience of feeling valuable and a part of something is a natural confidence booster. The feeling is especially relevant if kids feel a meaningful part of something good. Volunteering as a family adds an even deeper dimension to what can be gained. Many parents today understand the value of kids learning to become a part of a team through participation in team sports. Collaboration is a buzz-word in education these days, and the ability to collaborate is seen as a necessary 21st Century skill. Like sports, volunteerism offers opportunities to work as a part of a team and collaborate with others. Volunteering together as a family builds a sense of teamwork within a family. Unlike an athletic event where parents watch and cheer the action, volunteering as a family offers an opportunity for families to work and learn shoulder to shoulder by putting children and parents on the same team, and gives parents a way of modeling the sense of purpose and achievement to be gained through serving others.” Here's hoping that we can count on “Families of Volunteers” for Greek Festival 2015. The Parish Council wishes our Orthodox family a Blessed and Joyous Christmas. In His Service, Ernest Kolendrianos, President, 2014 Parish Council

Parish Council Elections Sunday, December 14, 2014 Elections will be held on Sunday, December 14th immediately following dismissal from services. Absentee ballots and sign-in sheet will also be available in the Church Office for one week prior to elections. Requests for absentee ballots must be signed and dated, and may also be faxed well in advance to the Church Office - please allow time for mailing. The candidates nominated at the November 16th Parish Assembly are: Taylor Canfield Alex Chuchas Bessie Condos

Bill Pertsulakes Mariella Stockmal Marina Vogel

Taylor Canfield, Alex Chuchas, and Bessie Condos are current members of the Parish Council whose term has expired. Ruth Angelos, whose term expires this year, will not be running for re-election. We thank her for her service! Members of the Parish Council are elected for a term of three (3) years. There are twelve (12) members of the Parish Council, with four terms expiring each year. Therefore, please vote for up to four (4) of the candidates listed above. Current Parish Council members who will continue to serve are: Angelique Chuchas John P. Demourkas Ernest Kolendrianos Jackson Kwiatkowski

Randy Langel Mary Papador Mendoza George Papador Paul Tziouvaras

* In order to participate in the Parish Council Elections, members must have submitted a pledge card for 2014 and must be current in the commitment (Article 18, Section 1 of the 2007 Uniform Parish Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America).

Uniform Parish Regulations Article 18

Section 1: Every person who is baptized and chrismated according to the rites of the Orthodox Church is a parishioner. The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox Faith to his/her life and to: adhere to and live according to the tenets of the Orthodox faith; faithfully attend the Divine Liturgy and other worship services; participate regularly in the holy sacraments; respect all ecclesiastical authority and all governing bodies of the Church; be obedient in matters of the Faith, practice and ecclesiastical order; contribute towards the progress of the Church’s sacred mission; and be an effective witness and example of the Orthodox Faith and Traditions to all people. A parishioner in good standing practices all the religious and moral duties as described in this Section 1. At a minimum, a parishioner in good standing must: be eighteen years of age or over; be current in his or her stewardship and other financial obligations to the Parish, abide by all the regulations herein stated and the Parish Bylaws; and cooperate in every way towards the welfare and well being of the Parish. (Stewardship is recommended to be ten percent (10%) of one’s annual income as stated in Holy Scripture to help meet the financial obligations of the Parish, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese.)

Saint Barbara Prayer List Please contact the Church Office to add/remove someone from the list.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Archbishop Demetrios of America

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco Metropolitan Jeronymos of Mwanza

Father Simon & Presvytera Stephanie and children Parishioners of Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church Parishioners of Saint Barbara’s in Kazinga, Tanzania

Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo

Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Angelique Chuchas (health) Michael Domagala (health) Bill & Helen Gekis (health)

Sorel (Sophia) Kolendrianos (Rett Syndrome) Jim Peters (health)

Jheri E. Redding (Lyme disease) Michael (health)

Liturgical Calendar

Wednesday, December 3rd Great Vespers for Saint Barbara – 6:00 pm

Thursday, December 4th

Feast of Saint Barbara Orthros – 9:00 am Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Saturday, December 6th Feast of Saint Nicholas Orthros – 8:00 am Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am Sunday, December 7th 10th Sunday of Saint Luke Orthros – 9:00 am Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am Friday, December 12th Feast of Saint Spyridon Orthros – 8:00 am Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am Sunday, December 14th 11th Sunday of Saint Luke Orthros – 9:00 am Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Wednesday, December 17th Feast of Saint Dionysios Orthros – 8:00 am Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am

Sunday, December 21st Sunday before the Nativity Orthros – 9:00 am Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am Tuesday, December 23rd Royal Hours – 5:30 pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy – 7:00 pm Wednesday, December 24th Feast of the Nativity Orthros – 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy – 7:00 pm Saturday, December 27th Feast of Saint Stephen Orthros – 8:00 am Divine Liturgy – 9:00 am Sunday, December 28th Sunday after the Nativity Orthros – 9:00 am Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am Tuesday, December 31st Feast of Saint Basil Orthros – 4:00 pm Divine Liturgy – 5:00 pm

Let us Celebrate Saint Barbara Wednesday, December 3rd - Great Vespers at 6 pm, followed by a Lenten Reception at 7 pm Thursday, December 4th - Orthros at 9 am; Divine Liturgy at 10 am

For information on all events contact the Church Office at 805-683-4492 or e-mail @ office@saintbarbara.net

Happy Name Day! 4th Saint Barbara – Barbara Hunt, Brooke McGillivray, Barbara Tullis 6th Saint Nicholas – Nick Angelos, Nicole Argyropoulos, Nick Demourkas, Nicholas Earl, Nicholas Fell,

Nicky Gekis, Nikki Hayes, Nicholas Hillman, Nick Martin, Nicholas Petronakis, Nicole Poulos, Nicholas Stathopoulos

9th Saint Hannah – Hannah Kaminsky 17th Saint Dionysios – Dana Demourkas 19th Saint Aglaia – Agnes Kallas 21st Saint Juliana – Iuliana Earl Saint Ruth – Ruth Angelos Saint Adam – Adam Carralejo 24th Saint Eugenia – Eugenia Pappas Casserly 25th Nativity of the Lord – Manuela Carralejo, Emanuel Phillips 27th Saint Stephen – Stefania Kapernekas, Stefanie Kourakis, Stephanie Redding, Pres. Stephanie Thomas 28th Saint Joseph – Joey Papador 30th Saint Anysia – Anysia Kourakis As we are determining all the Names Days of our parishioners, due to the many variations of names and baptismal names, please bear with us and inform the office if your name is omitted or listed on the wrong day to be added to future lists.

Great Blessing of the Water And Diving for the Cross at Goleta Beach

On Sunday, January 11, 2014, we will join St. Athanasius parish for the Great Blessing of the Water (and diving for the cross) at Goleta Beach. All are invited to participate in a picnic lunch at the beach after the blessing. Subway sandwiches, chips and drinks will be available for purchase. Please R.S.V.P. to the Church Office by Thursday, January 7th, if you would like to participate in the lunch.

Volunteers for December

Epistle Readers: 7 Greek: Terry Keramaris English: Randy Langel 14 Greek: Angelique Chuchas English: Jackson Kwiatkowski 21 Greek: Voula Aldrich English: Theophilos Lasswell 28 Greek: Nick Pappas English: Ruth Angelos Acolytes: Connor Blake, Cainan Iorio, Dean Richardson, Dimitri Richardson Ushers: 7 Paul Tziouvaras, Brian Iorio 14 Alex Haimanis, William Poulis 21 Paul Tziouvaras, George Papazacharioudakis 28 William Poulis, Brian Iorio

Prosphoro Bakers: 7 Bessie Condos 14 Angelique Chuchas 21 Connie Pappas Hillman 28 Sophia Kenrick

Altar Flowers: 7 Available 14 Available 21 Available 28 Available

Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 7 Host Needed 14 Christmas Luncheon 21 Philoptochos 28 Host Needed

NEWS & NOTES

Weddings… Michael Thrift & Elizabeth Singeorzan, November 9th, the sponsor is Ryan (Gregory) Walsh Catherine Rose Hillman & Nick Clark, November 29th, the koumbaro is Nicholas Hillman In Memory of… John Karamaris, by Vivi & Paul Tziouvaras

Spotlight on the Bookstore

Monastic Wisdom The letters of Elder Joseph the Hesychast: There are eighty one (81) letters to people who wrote to the Elder about problems they had in their lives and how to draw closer to God. It is about struggles, weakness and laziness that you in turn can relate to your life. “Do you seek grace from God? Instead of grace he allows a temptation. Are you unable to withstand the battle and do you fall? Then you are not given any additional grace. Do you seek it again? Again temptation, again defeat? Again deprivation. This happens your whole life. Therefore, you must emerge victorious. Endure the temptation till death. Therefore, do not be intimidated and do not be afraid of temptation.” “As soon as this life of ours reaches its end and these eyes close, immediately the other ones open and the new life begins – the true joy that does not end. Truly this is the destiny of man. For this reason he was created and must return whence he came. These are the kinds of theories that occupy a spiritual person. He waits the hour when he will leave this earth behind and when his soul will fly to heaven.” This is a book easy to read, but difficult to think about. This will truly be the gem of your library. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2014 PARISH CHRISTMAS CARD This year we will once again offer the opportunity to send out a Community Christmas Card. With this card, you have the opportunity to exchange Christmas and New Year greetings with the entire parish. This card is professionally done and inscribed with greetings along with the names of all the contributors. You can be included by donating $25.00 to the St. Barbara Community Christmas Card. The deadline to return this form with your check to the church office is Monday, December 8th. Please print your name below just as you want it to appear on the card.

Please make you check payable to St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in the amount of $25.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BLESSING OF HOMES FOR THEOPHANY 2015 NAME: __________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________ CITY: ____________________________________ TELEPHONE: ____________________________ WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? ___________________________

(Please try to schedule times during the day) (Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)

LET US CELEBRATE SAINT BARBARA!

Please join us for a Pastoral Visit from our Spiritual Father

Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco

And Visiting Clergy from the Area

†

Wednesday, December 3rd 2014

Great Vespers beginning at 6:00 pm

Followed by a Lenten Reception at 7:00 pm

†

Thursday, December 4th, 2014

Orthros – 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy – 10:00 am

Followed by Coffee Fellowship

For information on all events contact Church Office at 805-683-4492 or

E-mail @ office@saintbarbara.net

Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan December 7th

Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was born in the year 340 into the family of the Roman prefect of Gaul (now France). Even in the saint’s childhood there appeared presentiments of his great future. Once, bees covered the face of the sleeping infant. They flew in and out of his mouth, leaving honey on his tongue. Soon they flew away so high that they could no longer be seen. Ambrose’s father said that the child would grow to become something great. After his father’s death, Ambrose journeyed to Rome where the future saint

and his brother Satyrius received an excellent education. About the year 370, upon completion of his course of study, Ambrose was appointed to the position of governor (consular prefect) of the districts of Liguria and Aemilia, though he continued to live at Mediolanum (now Milan). In the year 374 Auxentius, the Arian Bishop of Mediolanum, died. This led to complications between the Orthodox and the Arians, since each side wanted to have its own bishop. Ambrose, as the chief city official, went to the church to resolve the dispute. While he was speaking to the crowd, suddenly a child cried out, “Ambrose for bishop!” The people took up this chant. Ambrose, who at this time was still a catechumen, considered himself unworthy, and tried to refuse. He disparaged himself, and even tried to flee from Mediolanum. The matter went ultimately before the emperor Valentinian the Elder, whose orders Ambrose dared not disobey. He accepted holy Baptism from an Orthodox priest and, passing through all the ranks of the Church clergy in just seven days, on December 7, 374 he was consecrated Bishop of Mediolanum. He dispersed all his possessions, money and property for the adornment of churches, the upkeep of orphans and the poor, and he devoted himself to a strict ascetic life. The preaching of St Ambrose in defense of Orthodoxy was deeply influential. Another noted Father of the Western Church, St Augustine, bore witness to this, having accepted holy Baptism in the year 387 by the grace of the preaching of the bishop of Mediolanum. St Ambrose also actively participated in civil matters. Thus, the emperor Gracian, having received from him the “Exposition of the Orthodox Faith” (De Fide), removed, by decree of the saint, the altar of Victory from the halls of the Senate at Rome, on which oaths were wont to be taken. Displaying a pastoral boldness, St Ambrose placed a severe penance on the emperor Theodosius I for the massacre of innocent inhabitants of Thessalonica. For him there was no difference between emperor and commoner. Though he released Theodosius from the penance, the saint would not permit the emperor to commune at the altar, but compelled him to do public penance. The saint combined strictness with an uncommon kindliness. Granted a gift of wonderworking, he healed many from sickness. One time at Florence, while staying at the house of Decentus, he resurrected a dead boy. Further, the queen of the Germanic tribe of the Markomanni asked the saint to instruct her in the Christian Faith. Having become a believer, the queen converted her husband, resulting in a treaty with Rome. The repose of St Ambrose, who departed to the Lord on the night of Holy Pascha, was accompanied by many miracles. He even appeared in a vision to the children being baptized that night. The saint was buried in the Ambrosian basilica in Mediolanum, beneath the altar, between the Martyrs Protasius and Gervasius. A zealous preacher and valiant defender of the Christian Faith, St Ambrose received particular renown as a Church writer. In dogmatic compositions he set forth the Orthodox teaching about the Holy Trinity, the Sacraments, and Repentance: “Five Books on the Faith” (De Fide); “Explication of the Symbol of the Faith” (Explanatio Symboli); “On the Incarnation” (De Incarnationis); “Three Books on the Holy Spirit” (De Spiritu Sancto); “On the Sacraments” (De Sacramento); “Two Books on Repentance” (De Paenitentia). A well-known work of St Ambrose, “On the Duties of the Clergy” (De Officiis Ministrorum) evidences his deep awareness of pastoral duty. He stresses that those who serve in the Church should have not only the proper knowledge of Church services, but also the proper knowledge of moral precepts.

Studies in the Faith: Worship & Sacrifice Have you ever wondered how the Divine Liturgy came to be? How did St. John Chrysostom know what to include, or did he leave anything out? How about Holy Communion? Why is it important? How do I prepare? And why is there so much emphasis on sin? Wasn’t Christ’s message about love? This class provides you with an opportunity to find answers to these questions. This class is intended for those who would like to learn more about Christianity, for those who wish to become Orthodox, and for those who are already Orthodox but would like to broaden and deepen their faith. Please join us at the:

Saint Barbara Orthodox Center with Rev. Father Simon Thomas

Tuesday, December 2nd at 6:30 p.m. – Sacrifice in the Old & New Testament Tuesday, January 6th at 6:30 p.m. – An Explanation of the Divine Liturgy Tuesday, February 3rd 6:30 p.m. – Holy Communion: Meaning, Preparation, & Frequency Tuesday, March 3rd at 6:30 p.m. – Confession: Sin and Repentance Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m. – Holy Tuesday/No Class Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30 p.m. – Conclusion

Bible Study: The Book of Revelation (Apocalypse) No book of the Bible has captured the imagination more than the book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse. The imagery and symbolism of the last book of the Bible has made common knowledge many words used in today’s time: Armageddon, Antichrist, Babylon, the Beast, the Dragon, 666, and the New Jerusalem. We also hear that the prophecies of this book are coming true today, and that we can expect anytime the Rapture and the End of Days. But what if our understanding of this is all wrong? What if pop culture and Hollywood have created an understanding of the Book of Revelation that has nothing to do with the vision Saint John had on the island of Patmos? What does the Book of Revelation actually say? Saint John, the writer of the Gospel of the same name, was imprisoned on the island of Patmos for his Christian beliefs. He received a revelation one Sunday, and was commanded to “write in a book what you see” (Revelation 1:10). This vision is what we will study on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. The early Church understood the important message found in the words of the book of Revelation. Unfortunately, due shady theology from previous centuries, and attempts at entertainment in modern times, that message has been lost. Join us, as we rediscover the Book of Revelation!

Philoptochos Chapter #4019 What has Philoptochos been doing this past year? Let me just go down memory lane for the year 2014 since the end is just around the corner. January, held a Memorial lunch for a parishioner; February, Dr. Dan Brennan, Pediatrician, gave an excellent presentation on children’s behavior; February, was the month promoting the American Heart Association “Go Red for Women”; March, a beautiful basket was prepared with select items that was donated by members of Philoptochos and our Community for the Kids & Cancer Camp Agape fundraising event; April, we participated with Easter preparations and Palm Sunday Luncheon; May, Dr. Mary Ann Evans, clinical neuropsychologist, spoke about “Navigating the Seasons of our Lives”; June & July, always a busy time with Festival preparations; September, a successful “Martini Membership Mixer” and, Essence of the Mediterranean, supporting the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute was a blast; November, participated to the Domestic Violence Walk/Run; December 3rd & 4th, hosting the meal after Vespers and the luncheon for St. Barbara’s Feast Day; December, is also the backpack project with items collected for adult women and children as per Domestic Violence Solution’s request. Each year we pass collection trays twice, once for Sts. Cosmas and Damian and the second time for St. Basil’s Academy (Vasilopita tray). The Pennies and Prayers collection every year from the canisters in the Narthex support a mission parish. We hosted 3 coffee hours. Contributions for the year 2014 were approximately: To National $1,598, to Metropolis $1,060, and local contributions of $4,200 for a total of about $6,858.00. What a dynamic group we have! Can you imagine how much more we can do if we get more members? Join this dynamic group and become a member of Philoptochos. Your participation can improve people’s lives. We are planning fundraising events for 2015 and your ideas and talents are important. March 8th we have scheduled a speaker, one of our own, Julie Angelos, to speak to the entire parish on the topic, navigating real estate for first time home buyers, obtaining a mortgage loan, and understanding mortgage contracts and much more. We are looking forward to a full house. Archbishop Demetrios announced the appointment of Maria Logus, Esq. of New York as the new National Philoptochos President for 2014-2016. If you are interested in becoming a member of Philoptochos, please send me an email or contact any Philoptochos member. Our meetings are held bimonthly. The next general meeting will be held January 4, 2015 after Liturgy in the Orthodox Education Center. Due to everyone’s busy schedule the Crab Feed will not be held February 7, 2015 and has been canceled. Please see the attached flier for our Annual DVS Backpack Drive! On behalf of the St. Barbara Philoptochos Board and members, we extend our gratitude to you for your devotion and endless support and pray that the Lord will be with you and your loved ones through Christmas and the New Year. Be safe, Stay healthy! PLEASE NOTE MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: ginagaston1@gmail.com Respectfully, Georgia Gastouniotis Philoptochos President

Parish Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Sunday School OSN Gathering The Christmas Program this year will be on December 14th. To participate in both programs, please attend Sunday school.

The Orthodox Social Network is for young adults who gather together for fellowship and support regarding their relationships, occupations, and children. All are welcome - singles, couples, or just friends!

If you have any question contact Director, Angela Canfield 805-448-1727 or angmilo@hotmail.com

Please mark your calendar to join us for the New Year’s Eve Party ~ Wednesday, December 31st, in the Orthodox Center! See the flyer to RSVP

Youth Choir

The Sunday School and Youth Choir invite you all to join us Sunday, December 14th, for our Christmas Concert! The children have been working hard preparing a selection of Christmas carols to share with the congregation and celebrate the birth of our Lord. Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

March 15, 2015 is the Saint Barbara Oratorical Festival! Contact Presvytera Stephanie, Festival Chairman, if you have any questions!

Toumba & Zoi Dancers The topics have been released! Students may pick

only one category of speech, poetry, or essay. The Speeches will have 3 Divisions: Elementary, Junior, and Senior. The Poetry and the Essay will have 2 Divisions: Junior and Senior.

Toumba & Zoi will be taking a break during the Christmas Holiday. Merry Christmas, and have a great Christmas Break!

VIP Seniors For topics, tips, and official rules updated for 2015 you may visit: The V.I.P. Seniors and guests enjoyed a

Thanksgiving Candlelight Dinner on Saturday, November 15, 2014. The delicious dinner came complete with oven roasted turkey, beef prime rib, and included appetizers, vegetables and dessert.

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof Dates to remember: Saint Barbara Parish Festival ~ March 15, 2015 The dinner was our last meeting for this year and

the V.I.P.s are now going dark through December. District Festival ~ April 2015 The next meeting will be on January 8, 2015 and

more information will be coming in the near future. Metropolis Festival ~ Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Saint Nicholas Ranch

National Festival ~ Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Saint Anthony’s in Pasadena All participants must register no later than March 8, 2015 with Presvytera Stephanie, Festival Chairman. Final form essays and poems along with speech draft texts must be submitted no later than March 8, 2015 to Presvytera Stephanie. This is a firm deadline! The 2015 National Oratorical Festival will be hosted by the Metropolis of San Francisco! More information to come, please see additional fliers.

Missions Update

“Be the change you want to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi Dear Brothers and Sisters, Praise the Lord! We finished the first well in Tanzania at St. Sosthenes Secondary School. Three hundred fifty students, boys and girls, now have clean water and time to study instead of spending hours getting drinking water. They realize that the new well is as important as the air they breathe. Yet only 40% of this area’s population has access to an improved water source. We can eliminate that 85% of the diseases are caused by not having clean drinking water. Many more wells are needed, and the holiday season is the time to make that happen. Please become a Water Hero, and make a Christmas gift, large or small, to Tanzania Missions Water Project. Help us reach our matching goal of $17,000. Each well can supply a village with water for 250 to 300 people. Right now we face a drought here, just think how you’d feel if you had no clean water at all. We need your help to continue the project. Thank you for the generosity, love and trust. My prayers are always with you. Have a Blessed Christmas and Happy Holidays. May God Bless you with His love and good health! In His Service, Alex Haimanis How it was before: How it is now:

And now:

Community Organizations

Santa Barbara Sister Cities - Patras Patras, Greece is Santa Barbara’s newest Sister City and joins the other six locales that include: Dingle, Ireland; Kotor, Montenegro; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; San Juan, Philippines; Toba City, Japan; Weihai, China. Planning for this initiative began in 2010 and culminated in December 2012 with formal recognition between the City of Santa Barbara and the City of Patras. Patras, located 134 miles west of Athens, is the country’s third largest city and has a population of approximately 180,000 (roughly the same as that of the Greater Santa Barbara Area) and serves as a commercial center with a connecting port to the Ionian Islands and major Adriatic ports of Italy and Western Europe. The city is the Political, Economic, Administrative and Cultural Center of western Greece. The core settlement has a history spanning four millennia, and during the Roman period, it became a cosmopolitan center of the Eastern Mediterranean. According to the Christian Tradition, Patras was the location of Saint Andrew’s martyrdom and it is also home to the largest cathedral in the Balkans, the cathedral of Saint Andrew. Patras was chosen to be a Sister City of Santa Barbara for a variety of reasons including similarities in geographical location, culture, tourism, and higher education. --Like Santa Barbara, its geographical location combines the sea and mountains providing a Mediterranean climate with cool summers and mild winters. --Like Santa Barbara, Patras has an indigenous cultural scene that revolves around annual music, drama, poetry festivals and a carnival that attracts European Visitors. --With two Universities, and a Technological Institution (comparable to a community college) and their connected research institutes, Patras is an important scientific center. --Like UCSB, the University of Patras enrolls approximately 26,000 students and is located a small distance from the city. --The region surrounding the City has a small agricultural and fishing sector and has retained some of the traditional winemaking and the Achaia Clauss winery founded in 1861, produces and exports wines of excellent quality throughout the world. The local planning group is working to make the Sister Cities relationship between Santa Barbara and Patras a firm, long-term relationship, built on direct contact and people-to-people programs that range from cultural, athletic, student, professional, industrial and commercial exchanges of all types. This is an opportunity to enrich our lives as well as those of our Sister City. So the next time you are flying out of Santa Barbara Airport, you may see the flags of Santa Barbara’s Sister Cities flying proudly outside of the airport and once you enter the terminal, you will see a large map that shows the locations of the different cities/countries. Want to learn more and get involved in developing the local Sister City Relationship, please visit our website (sbpatras.org) and speak with any of the local officers (Bessie Condos, Georgia Gastouniotis, Debbie Merlo, George Papazacharioudakis).

Order of AHEPA, Santa Barbara Chapter 243 www.ahepa20.org/chapters E-mail ahepa243@gmail.com

The mission of the AHEPA family, Santa Barbara Chapter 243, is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, Family, and Individual Excellence. The goal of AHEPA Chapter 243 is to expand and strengthen its educational efforts and the lifelong learning of mind and body, the classic Hellenic definition of PAIDEA. On November 1st, AHEPA sponsored a dinner dance at our Community Center. Everyone attending thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and dancing. The generous support of our community enables AHEPA to continue to contribute and award college scholarships and to fund other philanthropic causes. On December 13, at 5 pm our members will be having our annual holiday dinner at the Harbor Restaurant. If anyone is interested in joining us please call Jim Arger. Our members are also active in developing a fund raiser to contribute to research for finding a cure for Rett Syndrome. We have our meetings on the third Monday of the month, usually at Harry’s Plaza Café in the Ranchero room starting at 6:30 pm. If you are interested in joining AHEPA, or attending a meeting to learn more about our organization please contact AHEPA President Jim Arger at 310-903-2688.

Daughters of Penelope, Santa Barbara Chapter Delos 103 www.daughtersofpenelope.org; www.dopdistrict20.org

The objective of the Daughters of Penelope is to promote the social, ethical and intellectual interests of its members; to encourage Hellenic study; to cultivate citizenship and patriotism for the USA, Canada, Greece, Cyprus and all countries in which Chapters exist; and to promote and preserve the dissemination of Hellenic culture and ideals as a contribution to the global civilization. If you didn’t get your order to us in time, you still may have Greek dessert yet at your holiday dinners. There are two more opportunities to get some delicious, homemade pastries. We will be selling pastries on Sunday, December 14th and 21st in the Orthodox Center during coffee hour. Stop by and purchase a dozen or more. On Saturday, December 6th, the Daughters will have their annual Christmas breakfast and gift exchange at Le Café Stella. Please bring a gift to exchange no more than $20. Please RSVP to Sofija Nedic. The Annual AHEPA Christmas dinner will be Saturday, December 13th, at The Harbor Restaurant. Please RSVP to Jim Arger. Meetings are the third Monday of each month. There will not be a December meeting For more information about the Daughters of Penelope you can visit the national website at www.daughtersofpenelope.org, as well as our district website at www.dopdistrict20.org. If you are interested in becoming a Daughter, please call Helen McGillivray at 965-6727.

2015!

Make your plans to be with your St. Barbara family as we welcome in the New Year. Our evening will include a delicious prime rib dinner, American and Greek dancing, and a midnight (or 9 pm) toast with Champagne & sparkling cider. Watch the ball drop on our big screen TV.

RSVP before November 30th Adults: $30 / Children: $20* Event Limited to 120 Guests

No Tickets Sold at Door! *Childcare and a pizza dinner will be provided for children 10 years of age and under in the Education Center. Please bring PJ’s, a pillow and sleeping bag for each child. Children 17 and under that prefer the pizza dinner are also included.

Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 1205 San Antonio Creek Road, Santa Barbara

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014

4 PM, Orthros; 5 PM Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil 6:30 PM Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails

7 PM Dinner & Dancing ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name: __________________________________ ______ Phone: _________________ # Adults _________ x $30 = $________ # Children _________ x $20 = $________ # Children requiring childcare _________ Total (to Saint Barbara GOC) $________

NEW YEAR’S EVE

PARTY!

If you would like to be seated next to or near another family, please make that notation below.

PLEASE ENCLOSE PAYMENT AND SEND TO: SAINT BARBARA GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

1205 SAN ANTONIO CREEK ROAD SANTA BARBARA, CA 93117

Reservations without payment will not be recorded

This December marks the last month of the 2014 stewardship year where we remind you to remember the gifts the Magi brought the infant Jesus. As we travel through Advent and Christmas, let us remember those gifts as we consider our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure for the end of the year and into 2015.

As of November 30th 2014 2014 Goal 2013 2012 Stewards 126 125 126 144 Amount Pledged $142,745 $140,000 $134,587 $134,050 Amount Received $136,986 $140,000 $116,088 $110,801

2014 List of Stewards

*Pahos, Mike & Vivian Fryer, Laurel Aldrich, Voula Pantages, Chrysanthe Galanoplis, Beatrice “Peg” Alexander, Pam Pantages, Greg & Rea Goumas Gastouniotis, Dean & Georgia Alexander, Sophie Papademetriou, Adelphi Seraphima Gekis, William & Helen Anderson, John & Catherine Papador, George & Tracy Geoghiou, Diana *Angelos, Dr. James & Ruth Papador, Georgia *Goumas, Helen Anthes, George & Stacie Papalexis, Jim & Lee *Haimanis, Alex Anthimiades, Dorothy Papazacharioudakis, George Hanges, Andrew & Georgia Anton, Alice Pappas, Carolyn Hillman, Catherine Arger, Jim & Carol *Penoff, Dana *Hillman, Chris & Connie Argyropoulos, Demetri Pertsulakes, Bill Holland, Andrea Argyropoulos, Symeon & Antoinette *Petronakis, Sam & Anna Hroundas, George Ballas, Gus Phillips, Emanuel *Hunt, Barbara Barth, Charles & Pam Pollalis, Gikas & Stella Iorio, Brian & Alexandra Baskous, Jeanette Poulakos, Jennifer Jordan, James &Tatiana Benbow, Peter & Olya *Poulis, William Kallas, Agnes & Anthony *Berrett, Sam & Julie Poulos, Steve *Kapernekas, Tom & Sasha Bingham, Alexis Poulos, Tom & Isabel Katsikis, Valerie *Blake, Tom & Krista Ramirez, Michael & Alexandra Katsiouleris, Bob & Vivi *Canfield, Taylor & Angela Rishwain, Jeff & Connie *Kenrick, Sophia Carlton, Karen & Gary *Ritsema, Glenn Keramaris, Terry Carroll, John & Lexy Roen, Curtis & Georgina Khoury, Cherif Casserly, Terry & Eugenia Scarvelis, George & Alexandra *Kingsbury, John & Katerina Chachakos, Bill Smith, Catherine McDavid Kolendrianos, Chris & Megan Chachakos, Jim Solomon, Karen *Kolendrianos, Ernest & Andriana *Chuchas, Alex & Angelique Spanos, Andrea & Luigi Ottieri *Kwiatkowski, Jackson & Margo Cocores, Ted & Christine *Stathis, Silas & Helen Lamb, Glory Compogiannis, Chris Stathopoulos, Peter Landry, Frank & Kalliroi Condodina, Alice Stockmal, Steve & Mariella *Langel, Randy & Patti Stathis *Condos, Bessie Swider, Bob & Christy Laspitis-Balboa, Stella Daphne, Laurel Theofanous, Theo & Danae Lasswell, Theophilos & Dorothea *Day, Derrick & Darcy *Thomas, Fr. Simon & Pres. Stephanie Laury, Helen Compogiannis Demourkas, John P. & Dana Towle, James & Rose Marie Magoulias, Yianni Demourkas, Katina Trigonis, Alex & Alexandra Mamalakis, George & Mary Domagala, Terilee & Michal *Tullis, Bud & Barbara Martin, Nick Dovas, George & Pat Tziouvaras, Paul & Vivi *Martin, Ted Edmonds, Brian & Paula Velliotes, Louie Matiosian, Mace & Phyllis Fakinos, George & Barbara Vogel, Marina McGillivray, Helen Fell, Ryan & Stacey *Walther, Marianne Mendoza, Richard & Mary Papador Fenger, Ellen Weeks, Michael & Jean Costopoulos *Moreno, Paul & Lindsey Fictum, Jeff & Mary Winford, Gerald & Stamatina *Nedic, Sofija Frangos, Constantinos Zettas, Paul & Jennie Nicolaou, Soteris & Jaime Frangos, Mary

*Denotes at least 2% Stewardship

DECEMBER 2014 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

Studies in the Faith, 6:30 pm

3 Great Vespers for St. Barbara 6 pm

4 Feast of St. Barbara Orthros, 9 am Liturgy, 10 am

5 Great Vespers for St Nicholas, 7 pm, (in Northridge)

6 Feast of St. Nicholas Orthros, 8 am Liturgy, 9 am

7 10th Sunday of St. Luke Orthros, 9 am Divine Liturgy, 10 am Sunday School

8 Parish Council Dinner, 6 pm

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10

11 12 Feast of St. Spyridon Orthros, 8 am Liturgy, 9 am

13

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, 9 am

AHEPA/DOP Christmas Dinner, 5 pm

14 11th Sunday of St. Luke Orthros, 9 am Divine Liturgy, 10 am Christmas Pageant & Luncheon Parish Council Elections

15 16

Bible Study, 6:30 pm

17 Feast of St. Dionysios Orthros, 8 am Divine Liturgy, 9 am

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19

20

21 Sunday before The Nativity Orthros, 9 am Divine Liturgy, 10 am Sunday School

22 23 Forefeast of the Nativity Royal Hours, 5:30 pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 7 pm

24 Office Closes at Noon Feast of the Nativity Orthros, 6 pm Divine Liturgy, 7 pm

25 Merry Christmas! Office Closed

26 Office Closed

27 Feast of St. Stephen Orthros, 8 am Liturgy, 9 am

28 Sunday after The Nativity Orthros, 9 am Divine Liturgy, 10 am

29

30

31 Happy New Year!!! Office Closes at Noon Feast of St. Basil Orthros, 4 pm Divine Liturgy, 5 pm New Year’s Eve Party, 6:30 pm