the messenger - north royalton oh messenger.pdf · council and the co-chairs, president, alex dadas...
TRANSCRIPT
A Monthly Publication of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church DECEMBER 2017
The Messenger INSIDE
CLERGY REFLECTIONS
MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
MONTHLY CALENDAR
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
STEWARDSHIP NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
YOUTH NEWS
ST. PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4548 Wallings Road • North Royalton, Ohio 44133-3121
(440) 237-8998 · (440) 237-4386 fax
E-mail address: [email protected]
www.stpaulgoc.org A Parish under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh
Beloved parishioners and friends,
I thank God, and all of you, for being part of the recent celebration c o m m e m o r a t i n g m y 2 5 t h Anniversary to the Diaconate and Priesthood. Your outpouring
expressions of love, your many and generous acts of kindness, were so much appreciated. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. I would like to especially acknowledge the Parish Council and the co-chairs, President, Alex Dadas and Vice President, Michael Lignos. Many thanks to our Philoptochos Ladies and the various individuals who worked behind the scenes with all the details to make this day so beautiful and memorable for me. To all the ministries who resented various gifts, as well to all of you, I’m grateful. May God bless all of you, and may the New Born Savior grant you His peace!
A Big Thank You from Father Costas
PAGE 2 THE MESSENGER
The following ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.
Philoptochos Rhonee Trakas-Iula Coffee Socials Pam Sitter Festival Michael Lignos John Trihas Messenger Editor Elaine Nackowiz Welcome Committee Helen Dadas Choir Director Vaso Boukis Cantor Nicholas Bodle Organist Rachel Nelson Bookstore Jim & Karen Sullivan
ST. PAUL FAMILY MINISTRY COMMISSION Chairman Little Angels Erin Kubat HOPE / JOY Father Costas GOYA Coordinator Father Costas OCF / College Ministry Maribeth Lekas Altar Boys Peter Keares Religious Education Toni Mannarino Bible Study Frank Chirakos Father Costas Keares Women’s Study Group Elaine Poulos Coffee & Conversation Kristine Tartara Jonathan Tartara VCS Keli Paragios Annoula Tsonton Greek School Kathy Glaros Greek Corner Maria Karlatiras PTO Esther Horwath Senior Fellowship Maria Regan Hellenic Dance Director Eleni Johnson
Deadline for all articles and Organization Minutes is the 1st of the month. Please keep this in mind! Items can be e-mailed to [email protected].
Like our PAGE to keep up to
date on the happenings of our parish. Even if you are not on Facebook, you can view our postings on the Home page of our website.
CLERGY
Priest Rev. Fr. Costas P. Keares, Proistamenos
ECCLESIARCH Bruce W. Trakas
PARISH COUNCIL President Alex Dadas Vice President Michael Lignos Secretary Rhonee Trakas-Iula Financial Secretary George Anagnostou Treasurer Christopher Cook
Nick Asmis Dr. George Markakis Anthone Colovas Stephanie Ocker Arthur S. Karas Nicolas Parianos Theodore Kokkas Effie Trihas Jason Kouvaras Drew Wilson
OFFICE SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER Elaine Nackowiz LEGAL ADVISOR Ken Boukis
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Bylaws Anthone Colovas Catering / Leasing Arthur S Karas Jason Kouvaras Family Ministry Stephanie Ocker Finance Michael Lignos Home Michael Lignos Nicolas Parianos Human Resources Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Membership Jason Kouvaras Public Relations Father Costas Keares Stewardship George Anagnostou Ways & Means Real Estate Management Arthur S. Karas
Telephone: (440) 237-8998 Fax: (440) 237-4386 Catering: (440) 582-1083 Website: www.stpaulgoc.org Office E-Mail: [email protected] Fr. Costas E-Mail: [email protected] Fr. Costas Cell: (440) 669-1316
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 3
Pastoral Reflections by Father Costas The words of St. Athanasius ring out again during this Holy Season of our Lord’s Nativity.
“God became man, so that man may become godlike”
The well-known spiritual writer, Fr. Anthony Coniaris reflects on the words of St. Athanasios and says: “Why did God choose to come to us in person? What were the reasons that compelled Him to visit us? They must have been awfully important reasons to make God empty Himself and take the form of a servant. Couldn’t He have sent someone else? Couldn’t He have ordered an angel or an archangel to come? Why did the Lord of the Universe Himself have to come?” We see an indication of why God would ultimately come to earth in the Old Testament, when we hear God say, ‘I have seen the affliction of my people and heard their cry… for I know their sorrows and sufferings and trials. And I have come down to deliver them’ (Ex 3:7-8) God came because He cared. He came in order to deliver us from the slavery of sin and death. He came because He loved us! We can summarize this best by quoting the Evangelist John ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.’ We do not believe in an absent God, an invisible, intangible, eternally elusive God. We believe in a God who, when humanity fell into the ocean of sin and was drowning, did not just stay in heaven and shout directions on lifesaving, but who jumped into the ocean to save us. We believe in a God who intervenes in our lives. We believe in a God who came to seek and save the lost; who came not to be served but to serve; who came to give us the abundant life; who came as light that whoever believes in Him may not remain in darkness, who came not to judge the world but to save it!
Christmas Decorations for our Church
Honor your loved ones or commemorate your depart-ed ones by contributing towards the poinsettias and other decorations, which decorate our Church during the Christmas Season.
Donated by
I would like to donate $
( ) in memory of; or
( ) for the health of: (please print)
Return the above form to the church office 4548 Wallings Road / North Royalton, OH 44133
or complete form on our website
All donations will be acknowledged in the February issue of The Messenger.
Jesus Christ came at Christmas. He comes again this Christmas. He comes each day, waiting to enter into our lives!” Let us celebrate the good new this feast brings to us, and let us challenge ourselves to become more godlike in our daily life. Christ is born, Glorify Him!
PAGE 4 THE MESSENGER
Funerals
May Their Memory Be Eternal
November 6th Christine Rackas
November 18th Effie Natsis November 24th Maria Tripodis
Newest Additions October 2nd Congratulations to Demitrios and Heidi Tsakalos on welcoming their daughter Elaina, weighing 8 lbs. 9 oz. and 18.25 inches long. She joins her big brother, Jacob. October 18th Congratulations to Brian and Stephanie (Cooke) Brumfield on welcoming their first child, Stella, weighing 5 lbs. 8 oz. and 19 inches long.
October 26th Congratulations to Jerod and Christina (Dadas) Downing on welcoming their son, Michael Jerod, weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 21 inches long. He joins his big sisters, Isabella and Katerina. November 19th Congratulations to Andrew and Lindsey Polichuk on welcoming their son, Xavier Basil, weighing 9 lbs. 9 oz. and 21.25 inches long. He joins his big brother, Victor.
Our Parish Her Life & People
Weddings
November 4th Nathan Hauge and Alissa Gugliotta Koumbaro ~ Thea Charnas November 18th Michael Olenik and Mary Bozikis Koumbaro ~ George Emanuel
SCHEDULE OF CHRISTMAS SERVICES (per Metropolis directions)
ROYAL HOURS OF CHRISTMAS 9:00 AM Friday, December 22nd
SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 24th
8:15 AM ~ Orthros 9:30 AM ~ Liturgy (*)
5:00 PM ~ Christmas Eve Great Vespers
CHRISTMAS DAY Monday, December 25th 8:15 AM ~ Orthros 9:30 AM ~ Divine Liturgy (*)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ SCHEDULE OF EPIPHANY SERVICES
EVE OF EPIPHANY Friday, January 5th
9:00 AM ~ Royal Hours 5:00 PM ~ Vesperal Liturgy (*)
blessing of water
EPIPHANY Saturday, January 6th 8:15 AM ~ Orthros 9:30 AM ~ Divine Liturgy (*) blessing of water (*) Indicates when Holy Communion will be offered
Greek Coffee Enjoy a cup of Greek Coffee made especially for you during the coffee social once a month by the Greek Corner. The first date will be Sunday, December 17th. The schedule for the next three months will be as follows:
January 7 February 18 March 4
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 5
Little Angels / HOPE / JOY / GOYA ~ Include your household name in the Community Christmas card for only $15. See one of our GOYAns during the coffee social, complete the form in this issue of The Messenger, or submit your name through our website. DEADLINE is
December 3rd. ~ St. Demetrios GOYA invites all GOYAns for fellowship, refreshments, and dancing on Friday, December 8th at 7:00 PM. Admission is $15. Formal attire. ~ GOYAns will be attending a mini-tournament held at St. Demetrios on December 16th. Look for more details to follow. ~ GOYA basketball practice is being held on Saturday mornings from 10:00 AM—Noon at St. Michael’s on Mill Road in Broadview Heights on the following dates: * December 2 * December 23 * December 9 * December 30 ~ HOPE / JOY will gather on Sunday, January 21st in the Teen Room following Sunday school for lunch and then head to the Seven Hills Rec Center for an Epiphany Dive. ~ The next GOYA meeting will be held at 11:30 AM
on December 2nd at St. Michael’s following basketball practice. Father will be at the gym to talk with GOYAns and parents about the upcoming basketball season.
~ Toni Mannarino
Sunday School Director
December is full of activities for Sunday School! On Sunday, December 3rd, all students are asked to participate in the St. Nicholas gift giving. All students are asked to bring a wrapped gift for a child of their age labeled boy or girl and age. It is so much better to give than it is to receive and it is such an important lesson for our little ones to learn. On December 3rd, all families are also encouraged to attend the Breakfast with St. Nicholas sponsored by the Philoptochos. A special guest will make his appearance for all the kids! Our Major Feast Day theme for December is the Nativity. Teachers will incorporate that into their lessons as well as the children participating in the Christmas Pageant. This year the Christmas Pageant will take place on Sunday December 17th. All Sunday School students will participate either with a part, narrating, or in the chorus. We will be conducting practices for children with speaking parts during Sunday School as to not inconvenience families during this Christmas Season or discourage anyone from participating. We will NOT have class again for the remainder of the year following the pageant. We will resume again in the New Year on January 7th as we celebrate Vasilopita Sunday and our half year attendance praise. We hope your families plan to attend services on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. This is part of your child's religious education and setting the foundations of the importance of including worship in the celebration of this holiday. Merry Christmas!
At CrossRoad, we invite teens to explore their faith like never before. During 10 days of learning, discussing, worshiping, serving, and growing in community, high schoolers are given the space to really wrestle with their faith. Session One (June 16—26) and Session T20 (July 2—12) are held n Boston, Session Three (July 21—31) is held in Chicago. Application deadline is February 1, 2018.
PAGE 6 THE MESSENGER
~ Kathy Glaros Greek School Superintendent
As we approach Christmas, I would like to wish you and your families, happiness and good health. Christmas is for all Christians the most beloved celebration...Perhaps it is because on a day like this brings to minds the most beautiful and magical story ever heard on the Earth...The Birth of Christ! On November 12th, we successfully hosted our first fundraiser. I would like to thank everyone who supported our Loukoumades sale! December marks the end of the first grading period. During the past three months, we have accomplished several tasks, including student enrollment in the appropriate grade. Teachers and students work hard to cover the teaching material for each day and month. OXI Day was celebrated on October 30, 2017. December is also one of the busiest months for us. Our children will be singing Christmas carols in church following the Divine Liturgy on December 17th. Watching the children perform, we see and feel the true meaning of the holiday season. Open House, Parent/Teacher Conferences with the distribution report cards to parents, Koulourakia making with the help of our PTO parents and a Christmas party will be held on December 18th. During conferences, parents are informed about the school performance of their children and take home the report cards. Teachers and parents also share their thoughts and work together to meet the individual needs of the students. Classes will not be held December 25th or January 1st, but will resume on January 8th, 2018. Best wishes for a prosperous and Happy New Year. Merry Christmas to All!
~ Helena Johnson, Dance Director
With all the Holiday Festivities we are not holding practice for the next couple of weeks and will start up with regular practices in the New Year. Our first practice will be Sunday, January 7, 2018. A tiny bit of business -- If you have not registered or paid for your dancer for this dance year please do so as soon as possible. Registration forms and payment options can be found on the church website under the dance tab. On behalf of all 90+ Hellenic Dancers we want to wish the community of St. Paul a very Merry Christmas and much Health and Happiness in 2018!
Choir News Vaso Boukis
Choir Director
Thank you to all who supported our Pastitsio Pave the Way Luncheon. It was a huge success. God bless our choir members for working so hard and making it the huge success it was. Blessings also to Frank Langos and John Elliott, our cooks. We also that the few non-choir members who helped behind the scenes in the kitchen.
Our choir is busy selecting music to be sung at the annual Pan-Orthodox Nativity concert at Holy Trinity in Parma on December 10th at 4:00 PM. Hope to see all of you there!
Recently our beloved Father Costas celebrated the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood. We pray that our Lord will continue to bless his ministry. Father Costas, we thank you for your love and guidance, and for being such a compassionate and understanding shepherd to your flock.
AXIOS! AXIOS! AXIOS!
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 7
AFGHAN PROJECT: WORKSHOP HELD IN SEPTEMBER On Thursday, September 28th an Afghan Workshop was held in our Teen Room. Yarn, needles, patterns and instructions were available at this workshop to promote our two afghan ministries. Our Ladies Philoptochos presents every newborn in our community with a handmade afghan at their 40-Day Blessing. Each afghan donated has a tag that indicates that it was handmade by Philoptochos and a card with the donor’s name as well as the children’s book “What Do You See at Liturgy” enclosed as a memento of this special occasion. If you would like to create a baby afghan, they should be approximately 30x36 inches knitted or crocheted in washable yarn. Many thanks to Helen Rahas for her beautiful baby afghan and Maria Lovejoy for knitting six precious baby afghans this fall! In addition, we extend a warm thank you to Eleni Johnson for her donation of tissue paper for our baby gift bags. Our Ladies Philoptochos also continues to create lap afghans for our home-bound parishioners who welcome a visit from our Philoptochos ladies. If you know of anyone who would enjoy such a visit, please let us know. Each lap afghan should be approximately 40x48 inches knitted or crocheted in washable yarn. Many thanks to Ruth Saridakis for her donation of yarn, Maria Lovejoy for her two knit lap afghans and Helen Dadas for her lovely lap afghan. During coffee social, by our Philoptochos table, are displayed many colorful all-occasion scarves that may be purchased by a free-will donation to Philoptochos. These scarves have been knitted from yarn that was very kindly donated to the afghan project. Since this yarn is more appropriate for scarves, income they generate is then used to purchase items for the afghan project. Many thanks to Tessie Lekas for creating such lovely scarves to benefit our afghan ministry! Monetary donations are also accepted in lieu of handmade afghans to offset the costs of this project. Please contact Maria Lovejoy at 330.220.3213 or Maribeth Lekas at 216.408.6070 if you are interested in attending our next workshop. Feel free to come and knit/crochet and enjoy the camaraderie!
Opt In to Continue Receiving The Messenger
In an effort to reduce the cost of postage and labor associated with mailing the monthly issues of The Messenger to your home, they will now be available for you to pick up by the candle stand when you come to church beginning with the JANUARY 2018 issue.
Electronic copies will continue to be sent via email.
For those parishioners who would like to continue receiving hard copies mailed to their homes, please contact the church office via phone at 440.237.8998 or [email protected].
Thank you for your understanding!
OCF—ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP ~ GIFTS SENT TO COLLEGE FRESHMEN! Our St. Paul Philoptochos reaches out to our college students by mailing OCF Connect Kits to their dorms or residences. These kits include an Orthodox Bible, Icon of Christ, “Here Me” prayer books, OCF drawstring bag, OCF lanyard and pen, OCF Water Bottle filled with delicious homemade koulourakia, as well as other fun goodies for our college students. This fall we sent nine Connect Kits to Brendon Lovejoy, Sophia Cook, Christina Keares, Stefanie Mazzeo, Enzo Orlando, Soultana Lignos, Peter Wilson, Andrew Lang and Joseph Sweet. OCF is the National Campus Ministry Program for Orthodox college students. Greater Cleveland has four active OCF Chapters that include students from Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University, Cleveland State University, Baldwin Wallace University and Cuyahoga Community College. OCF plans meetings and various events for the college students each month providing free food and admissions. Please have your students checkout the OCF Cleveland page on Facebook for events in the Cleveland area. Free tickets and admission to various events can be reserved for college students by contacting Mira Damljanovic on OCF Cleveland Face-book page. Please forward email and college snail mail addresses for any St. Paul college Freshmen and/or to donate, please contact Mary Steve [email protected] or Maribeth Lekas [email protected].
PAGE 8 THE MESSENGER
Philoptochos News Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Philoptochos President
A SALUTE TO VETERANS On Sunday, November 5th parishioners thought they were coming downstairs for a regular coffee hour, instead they were surprised by a beautiful stars and stripes theme that helped everyone get into the spirit of honoring veterans from our St. Paul community. I hope you had an opportunity to peruse the beautiful booklet Elaine Poulos created, see the ribbons Georgia Gallagher (Chair) made for our vets, taste the wonderful food Ellie Pantazlglou, Demetra Smith, and Kim Kontos secured or hear Fr. Costas’ beautiful sermon. Thank you to our vets, our booklet supporters, and the team for a beautiful day to remember.
LET’S GO SHOPPING It isn’t often that you find a power team to put together a fundraising event for philanthropic organizations, but we were certainly blessed to find that combination in the Let’s Go Shopping committee. The following volunteers managed to turn a first time event into a night to remember: Diane Vondrasek, Elaine Nackowiz, Eleni Gugliotta, Eleni Johnson (Co-Chair), Frank Johnson, Georgia Gallagher, Jean Wendland Porter, Kathy Nikolaou, Kim Kontos, Maria Pistiolas, Mary Pagonakis, Pam Sitter, Peter Keares, Shannon Gallagher, and Stephanie Ocker (Co-Chair). This team transformed our social hall into an elegant, relaxing environment where we could enjoy good food/spirits, laugh with friends/families; visit 23 vendors who exhibited unusual items that helped us cross off our Christmas shopping items; and move Philoptochos closer to our giving goal. Thank you, team, for exceeding expectations and bless all of you who supported this event.
PASS THE PASTITSIO On November 19th Susan Langos’ team distributed your pastitsio orders but the week prior to distribution Frank and John Langos made these superb trays on their day off. Their efforts made it possible for you to enjoy our festival-quality pastitsio during the holidays. Thank you, Susan, for chairing this event and for obtaining these great chefs. A huge note of gratitude to Frank and John who do so much for Philoptochos and our church. Lastly, our gratitude goes out to the pastitsio patrons, your support helps us fund our various charities.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday, December 3
Breakfast with St. Nicholas ~ Why cook breakfast? Enjoy a meal with your family and friends (following Sunday School) on December 3rd. Adult tickets ($10) and children’s tickets ($5) can be purchased on Sundays or through our website. Please forward event questions to Stephanie Ocker 216.952.6505.
Christmas Bake Sale ~ The holiday season can be extremely busy so why not let Philoptochos bake for you? Come down to the Social Hall, after church, to purchase our handmade Christmas bakery. A huge thanks to Mary Pagonakis (Chairperson), Tessie Lekas, Kim Kontos and the rest of the bakers who donated their time and talents for our bake sale.
Coffee Social Team 2
Thursday, December 7 Gift of the Magi ~ A magical dinner is being planned by another great Philoptochos team. Bring someone who is a gift in your life to this warm, relaxing $30 holiday event. Our hall doors will open at 6:00 pm. Many thanks to the wonderful hands that are creating scrumptious appetizers as well as the great team who is putting this all together: Demetra Smith, Ellie Pantazoglou (Chairperson), Evangeline Bozikis, Georgia Gallagher, Kim Kontos, and Thalia Marakis.
Sunday, December 10 ~ Christmas Bake Sale Coffee Social Team 2
Sunday, December 17 ~ Christmas Bake Sale Coffee Social Team 3
Sunday, January 7 Vasilopita Sunday ~ pass St. Basil Academy basket
Coffee Social Team 1
Consider Joining Us ~ Mary Steve or Angela Chris-tian will be at the Philoptochos table on Sundays to accept memberships. Your investment will help us support numerous charitable organizations that rely on our group’s generosity.
Coffee Social Donations/Sponsorships ~ Pam Sitter ([email protected]) is happy to have your plated baked goods donation or to reserve your sponsorship. We are currently booking 2018 sponsorships.
Thank you for your loving support.
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 9
There are not enough words to express our gratitude to all who supported our St. Paul Ladies Philoptochos Let’s Go Shopping event on Tuesday November 14th. Let’s Go Shopping was a tremendous success because of all the support we received before, during, and after the event. There were well over 150 guests in attendance. They mixed and mingled with family and friends while sampling delicious appetizers and desserts, drinking some good wine, and supporting all the local vendors who participated. Those vendors also donated items from their business for our unique auction table. To all those offered their time, talent, and treasures to make this possible, we thank you from the bottom of ours hearts because we couldn’t have pulled this off without you. To all of our family and friends that attended and supported the event, thank you for your support that helped make this event a tremendous success and made this evening so magical. We also wish to thank all the individuals and businesses that donated monetarily, baked some delicious desserts or gave goods or services to help us raise more money for Philoptochos charities. Thanks also to all the vendors. We hope the night was profitable for you as well. In closing, Let’s Go Shopping was made possible if not for the guidance and assistance from some very talented individuals who worked tirelessly on this project. If it were not for you we would not been able to live out our dream. Our executive committee was comprised of: Georgia Gallagher, Eleni Gugliotta, Kim Kontos, Elaine Nackowiz, Mary Pagonakis, Maria Pistiolas, Kathy Nikolaou, Pam Sitter Diane Vondrasek and Jean Wendand–Porter. With love and gratitude, Eleni Johnson and Stephanie Ocker St. Paul Ladies Philoptochos Let’s Go Shopping – Co Chairs
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 11
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0
1
7
CHURCH SERVICES
All Sundays 8:15 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy Sunday School follows Holy Communion
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2
10:00 AM GOYA BB Practice
3
14th Sunday of Luke
Breakfast with St. Nicholas
12:00 PM Greek Corner
4
5:30 PM Greek School
5 7:00 PM Home Committee meeting
7:00 PM Great Vespers at St. Nicholas Lorain
6 St. Nicholas
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
7
6:00 PM Philoptochos Christmas Dinner
8
7:00 PM GOYA Dance St. Demetrios Rocky River
9
10:00 AM GOYA BB Practice
10
10th Sunday of Luke
4:00 PM Pan-Orthodox Nativity Concert at Holy Trinity Parma
11
5:30 PM Greek School
12
St. Spyridon
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
13
9:00 AM Liturgy at St. Herman for their feast
14
7:00 PM Parish Council Christmas gathering and meeting
7:00 PM Bible Study
15 16
GOYA basketball scrimmage at St Demetrios Rocky River
2:00 PM HOPE / JOY Caroling
17 11th Sunday of Luke
Sunday School and Greek School Christmas Programs
18
5:30 PM Greek School
19 20 21
22
9:00 AM Royal Hours for Christmas
23
10:00 AM GOYA BB Practice
24 Christmas
Eve
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
5:00 PM Great Vespers (NO communion)
25 Christmas
8:15 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
26 27 St. Stephen
the first Martyr
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
28 29 30
10:00 AM GOYA BB Practice
31 New
Year’s Eve
Sunday before Theophany
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
Fast Free Week
PAGE 12 THE MESSENGER
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0
1
8
CHURCH SERVICES
All Sundays 8:15 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy Sunday School resumes in September
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 St. Basil
8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy
2
7:00 PM Home Committee meeting
3 4 5 Eve of
Theophany
9:00 AM Royal Hours (NO communion)
5:00 PM Vesperal Liturgy with blessing of water
6 Theophany
8:15 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy with blessing of water
12:30 PM Metropolis Regional GOYA Athletic Seminar
7 John the
Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist & Forerunner
Vasilopita Sunday
Parish Council Oath of Office
GOYA mtg.
Dance Practice
8
5:30 PM Greek School
House Blessings begin. Call the church office to add your name to the list
9 10
7:00 PM Parish Council meeting
11
7:00 PM Bible Study resumes
12 13
14
Leavetaking of the Theophany 12:00 PM Greek Corner
15
5:30 PM Greek School
16 17 Anthony
the Great
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
18 19
4:00 PM Rehearsal
20
4:00 PM Wedding
21 15th Sunday of Luke
Dance Practice
1:00 PM HOPE/JOY Epiphany Dive
22
5:30 PM Greek School
5:30 PM Baking Class
23 24 25 26 27
28
Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins
29
5:30 PM Greek School
30 Three
Hierarchs
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
31
Metropolis GOYA Basketball Tournament ~
Annunciation Akron
Metropolis GOYA Basketball Tournament ~ Annunciation Columbus
Fast Free
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 13
Stewardship Commitment Form
Have you submitted your Fairshare Estimate of Giving card? Simply complete the form below or go to our website.
I / We commit $ to my/our 2017 pledge
I / We commit $ to my/our 2018 pledge Have you fallen behind on your stewardship? Please take a moment to submit your donation today by using the form below or go to our website.
Please apply the enclosed $ t o m y 2017 stewardship
Name
Address
Email Phone
Many thanks to those who are using your stewardship envelopes each Sunday. Please note the special envelopes inserted in your November / December set:
▪ Capital Improvement ~ funds used for improving our facility
▪ Benevolent ~ anonymously assist those in need ▪ Nativity of our Lord
Parking Lot Update
We are very excited that our dream of a new parking lot has become a reality. As you can see when you come to church on Sundays, our new parking lot has improved safety and enhanced the look of our complex. We are pleased to announce that with the assistance of the Capital Campaign committee, we raised $521,000.00 of the $610,000.00 needed for Phase 1. Thank you to all who have contributed thus far! We encountered a few obstacles with the City of North Royalton regarding the storm water runoff from our parking lot and its effect on the neighborhood behind our church. The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District was asked to study the s i tuat ion and provide feedback with recommendations. We are happy to announce their study was recently completed with findings that our water runoff is not the cause of any issues with the neighborhood behind the church. The report also agrees with the “originally planned” position and size of our proposed retention pond. The requirement from the City of North Royalton is that we now complete Phase 2, Alt 5. Although it will encumber the church, significant savings can be realized if we complete this section in 2017. On October 1, 2017, the Parish Assembly approved to increase the amount to be borrowed from our line of credit to not exceed $300,000.00. We received Planning Commission approval and the new construction permit from the City of North Royalton in mid-October. Unfortunately, with the poor weather in late October/early November, we lost our window for completion. With proactive negotiation with our contractors, we were able to lock in 2017 pricing for 2018. The plan is now to finish Phase 2, Alt
5 in early spring which will also include final landscaping around the Hellenic Center. Please note that construction will be ending shortly with the installation of new exterior lighting around the church and exit drive. Phase 2, Alt 4 will wait until we begin the 2nd phase of our Capital Campaign in 2018. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas Season!
Mike Lignos and John Trihas Co-chairs, Construction Committee
PAGE 14 THE MESSENGER
Mitten Tree The ‘mitten tree’ will once again be up from Thanksgiving weekend through December collecting donations of hats, mittens and gloves to be distributed to needy families in the area by Daughters of Penelope. Any donation you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated.
2017 Epiphany Home Blessings
On January 5th, we will celebrate the Eve of the Feast day of Epiphany with a Vesperal Divine Liturgy followed by the Blessing of the Waters. The Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan on January 6th by St. John The Baptist presents us with a great mystery of God: “He who is the Master off all is baptized by a servant, and He gives mankind cleansing through water.” As part of our Orthodox Christian tradition, we have our homes blessed following these services. What is a House Blessing? In celebration of Theophany, Orthodox Christians invite Christ not only into their hearts, but also their homes, and we call upon Him to bring the blessings of the Jordan into our daily lives. We do this by having the priest bless our homes with the Holy water from the service of Theophany, offering prayers for our health, our family and the Lord’s abundant blessings in the coming year. What do I need to do? Consult the list on this page to find out when Father Costas will be visiting your area. Before he arrives at your home for the blessing, prepare on a table a deep bowl of water, a candle, a censor (Father will bring one with him in case you don’t have one) , and a list of names of all the Christians in your household. Please note, when father arrives at your home, turn off the TV set and radio, and have everyone stand in reverence for the brief service. Everyone is welcome to participate in this service by singing the responses with Father Costas. In order to better serve those who wish to have their homes blessed, we ask that you communicate with
our parish office by doing one of the following by Tuesday, January 2nd:
1) Call the office at (440) 237-8998
2) Fill out the form on our parish website at www.stpaulgoc.org
3) Complete and return the form on this page to the parish office.
Please note that Father Costas will be visiting homes according to the schedule below: Monday January 8 North Royalton /Hinckley / Tuesday January 9 Strongsville /Brunswick Wednesday January 10 Parma Thursday January 11 Parma
Friday January 12 Parma Hts/Middleburg Hts
Saturday January 13 Brecksville / Broadview Hts.
Tuesday January 16 Seven Hills / Independence
For areas not covered on the above list, Father will call to set an appointment once he receives your form requesting a house blessing. All appointment days and times are confirmed by Father before he arrives. Name
Address
Zip Code
Phone Number Please check one: Morning Afternoon Evening
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 15
Boukis, Gary & Mary
Boukis, Kenneth & Packy
Boukis, Peter & Lauren
Boukis, Vaso & Steve
Bozikis, Pete & Evangeline
Brown, David & Kathleen
Bucciere, Scott & Alexis
Calabrese, Joseph & Deanna
Cameron, David & Ellie
Cappas, Samuel & Elaine
Carlotta, Vickie
Carvaines, John & Becky
Carvaines, William & Elaine
Celebrezze, Nicholas & Niki
Chames, John & Elizabeth
Charnas, Dorthea
Chirakos, Frank & Gladys
Choukalas, Diana
Choukalas, Peter & Christine
Chrisopulos, Vivian
Christian, Angela
Christou, Steve & Alexia
Chrysanthus, Ifigenia
Cole, Thomas & Marilyn
Colovas, Anthone
Contoveros, Paul & Karen
Cook, Chris & Stacy
Cooke, Albert & Elaine
Cooke, Joelle
Costaras-Vasilakis, Irene
Cotronakis, Greg & Athina
Coundourides, Joyce
We would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all those who have made a commitment to our 2017 Stewardship program. Your generous donation keeps the doors open, the lights on, the staff to assist your needs, and the ministries running.
If you are behind on your pledge, take a moment to catch up; if you haven’t made a pledge commitment, take a moment to complete the bottom portion of your statement, and as always, feel free to call the church office if you have any questions. Remember, a pledge card should be submitted each year as your individual situation may change. Consider increasing your pledge if you have committed the same amount for the past five years or more.
As of November 30, 2017, we have 426 families who have pledged $295,405. Please remember, part of being a member of the parish is committing your time, talent, AND treasure. If you are in arrears with your commitment, you can bring it up to date through our website.
Aceto, Chris & Effie
Alex, Angie
Alex, Dean & Paula
Alex, James & Nicole
Alex, John & Christine
Alex, Rose Ellen
Alexakis, Ginger
Alexandrou, Eleni
Almaliotis, Aris
Anagnostou, George & Katina
Anastasakis, Mike
Anastasakis, Pete & Theresa
Anastos, James
Anastos, Mary
Antonaklas, Elias & Elaina
Apostolakis, Nicholas
Arfaras, Spiros & Joan
Asimes, Anna
Asimes, Dean & Alexandra
Askins, Frederick & Christina
Asmis, Anthony & Peggy
Asmis, George & Sandy
Asmis, Nick & Tina
Ayers, Antonia
Balis, Odess
Baltas, Emily
Bishop, Shawn & Megan
Blair, Robert & Marsha
Bodle, Chris & Georgiann
Bodle, Nicholas
Bosinger, Pete & Elizabeth
Boukis, Christ & Photia
Crider, Randy & Mary Kay
Dadas, Alex & Rosalyn
Dadas, Helen
Dadas, Mike & Georgia
Dadas, Skevy
Dalakas, Thad & Kyle
Dallas, Rocky & Rose
Daniels, Clara
Daniels, John & Victoria
Daniels, Lee
Daniels, Steve & Elaine
Darakos, Liberty
DeBow, Steve & Michelle
Dellaportas, George & Teresa
Demopoulos, Elaine
Demopoulos, Penny
Diamond, Dennis & Donna
Dimitris, James & Deborah
Dopoulos, Jim & Elizabeth
Douzos, George & Vicki
Downing, Jerod & Christina
Dunn, Darren & Mary
Dyke, Barbara
Eakman, Mark
Economou, Jim & Despina
Economou, Peter
Elliott, John
Elliott, Rae
Emanuel, Eva
Emanuel, George
Evanich, Michael & Sara
Evanich, Norm & Katherine
Fazio, Anthony & Mary
Felouzis, Michael & Maria
Filipos, John & Angelique
Filippakis, John & Amanda
Flinn, Mack & Alexis
Forde, Anthony & Mary
Fourmas, Anastasius & Rita
Fourmas, Thomas
Fox, Joe & Alexa
Frantzis, Alex & Nichole
Gallagher, Georgia
Gallas, Steve & Irene
Geanneses, Antoinette
Gemelas, Faye
Gemelas, Gus & Deborah
Gemelas, Sophia
Georgalis, Anna Maria
Geralis, Bill & Lucia
Giatis, Dionysios & Elena
Gigis, Tom
Glaros, Bill & Kathy
Glaros, Dino & Natalie
Gousios, Andreas & Barbara
Gregory, Jim & Connie
Griffin, Timothy & Era
Gugliotta, John & Eleni
Haritakis, Michael & Connie
Harris, Katherine
Harriston, George & Stella
Hassel, Thomas & Martha
Hauge, Nathan & Alissa
Hazinakis, Nick & Anna
PAGE 16 THE MESSENGER
Hoiseth, Michelle
Horwath, Donald & Esther
Hourmouzis, Peter
Hovanec, Eleanor
Hovanec, George & Cindy
Hughes, Diane
Ingalls, JD & Christine
Iula, Christopher & Rhonee
James, John & Theresa
Janack, Mark & Anne
Javaras, Anne
Jaworski, Rikki
Johnson, Frank & Eleni
Kadras, Effie
Kadras, James
Kalina, Richard & Maria
Kaloger, Nicki
Kalucis, Chris & Sue
Kalucis, John
Kantzios, Maria
Kantzios, Nora
Karagiozis, Anthony & Gail
Karas, Arthur & Susan
Karas, Chris & Dea
Karas, George & Judy
Karas, Nasso & Heather
Karas, Nicholas
Karas, Sotere & Sophia
Karas, Sylvia
Kargiotis, Evan & Minnie
Kariotakis, Alex & Frances
Karlatiras, Maria
Kartson, Nicholas
Katsaros, Nick & Connie
Katsavrias, Jim & Vivian
Katsiroubas, Maryann
Katzakis, George & Thalia
Katzakis, Gus & Kimberley
Kavourias, Helen
Kavourias, James & Margaret
Keares, Fr Costas & Nicole
Keares, Peter
Kelly, Shawn & Maria
Kiriazis, Christine
Knouff, Gary & Myra
Kokkas, Demetrios & Irene
Kokkas, Ted & Joanna
Konstantinou, Kyriakoula
Konstantinou, Taso
Konstantinou, Theodore
Kontos, William & Kim
Kornelakis, Angeline
Kornelakis, Mary
Kostantaras, Dean & Patricia
Kostantaras, John & Clara
Kotian, Rakesh & Valerie
Koulioufas, Maria
Koulioufas, Thomas
Koutsoulias, Anastasia
Kouvaras, Jason & Wendy
Kozanis, Costas & Toula
Kreinbrook, Michael & Deb
Kriaris, Ann
Kriaris, Aristides & Olga
Kriaris, Demos & Joann
Kriaris, Gus & Padmini
Kritikos, John & Joanna
Krokos, Caliope
Krokos, John & Frances
Krokos, Mathew & Areti
Kubat, Milan & Erin
Kyriakides, Rod & Louise
Laios, Alex
Lamakos, Alice
Langos, Frank & Laura
Langos, James
Langos, John & Susan
Langos, Julie
Langos, Steven & Rebecca
Lavdas, Leon & Penny
Lekas, Stephen & Maribeth
Lekas, Tessie
Lekutis, George & Yvonne
Leon, Emanuel
Leovaris, Chrisoula
Lignos, Michael
Lindemann, Ray & Vera
Lingenfield, Joe & Andrea
Linz, Joseph & Emerald
Loizos, Bill & Athina
Loizos, Michael & Sophia
Londrico, Phil & Linda
Loucas, George & Sandra
Loucas, Penny
Lovejoy, Chris & Maria
Lucchese, Mary & Leonard
Makiaris, James & Diane
Makridis, Christos & Ivanna
Makris, Bessie
Mannarino, Peter & Antonia
Manuel, Evangelia
Marconi, Stephen & Ioanna
Markakis, George & Maria
Markos, Al & Popie
Markos, Bill & Kathy
Maropis, George & Helen
Maskow, Brian & Julie
Master, Mary
Mastronicolas, Bill & Diane
Matheou, Gus & Diana
Matheou, Mary
Mavros, Chris & Kathy
Mazzeo, David & Debbie
McClatchey, Jay & Nitsa
McGillick, Kathy
Mellis, Mathew & Marlene
Mellis, Rosemary
Mersinas, Marguerite
Minaritzis, Dimitira
Mitsiopoulos, Athansios & Anna
Moliatu, Robert & Paula
Moll, Bill & Becky
Montemarano, Jim & Julie
Moore, Zoe
Moraitis, Helen
Mount, Jonathan & Angela
Mouzakitis, Sue
Nackowiz, Bob & Elaine
Natsis, Demetrios & Caroline
Natsis, Effie
Neculai, Raz & Francesca
Nicholas, Deno & Joyce
Nicholas, John & Paige
Nicholas, Michael & Cynthia
Nichols, George & Annette
Nichols, Lee
Nikolaou, George & Kathy
Ocker, Stephanie
Olenik, Michael & Mary
Opria, Matthew & Michelle
Outten, John & Mary
Page, Gus & Sonia
Pagonakis, Joseph & Jody
Pagonakis, Mary
Palkovic, Franklin & Marie
Pallam, Evanthia
Panagopoulos, Chris & Maria
Panagopoulos, Irene
Pantaleo, Robert & Annette
Pantazoglou, Ellie
Papadotos, Steven & Dawn
Papadopoulos, Eftehia
Papanikolaou, Mike & Helen
Paparizos, Greg & Charlene
Paparizos, Mike & Christine
Pappas, Ermioni
Pappas, Marko & Rachel
Pappas, Yianni & Andrea
Paragios, Andreas & Keli
Paragios, John
Parianos, Nicolas & Tammy
Paterakis, Ergina
Pateras, Barbara
Paul, Harry
Payamgis, Antonios
Payamgis, George & Jennifer
Pearl, Hal
Pearl, Michael & Katherine
Perk, Kathleen
Perko, Annamari & Robert
Petsas, Anna
Petsas, George & Gail
Petsas, Georgios & Georgia
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 17
Sejka, Cynthia
Sekas, Theodore
Sfekas, Mike & Sylvia
Sfekas, Michael & Dorothy
Shamblin, Brian & Susan
Shinas, George
Siamidis, John & Charoula
Simakis, George & Efty
Sitter, Pam
Skaljac, Gregory & Stella
Smith, Kenneth & Demetra
Smith, Richard & Christina
Sophocleous, Soph & Val
Sperellis, Thomas
Spooner, Sam & Mary Ann
Squire, Brandon & Melanie
Stamas, Michael & Nancy
Stames, Matthew
Stassis, Persephoni
Stavropoulos, Chris & Pauline
Stavros, Dena
Steffas, Diana
Steffas, Michael & Renie
Steffas, Nick & Renee
Steffas, Sophie
Steffas, Tom & Jamie
Stergiou, Petros & Mary
Steve, Paul & Mary
Sullivan, Erika
Sullivan, James & Karen
Summers, Jay & Heather
Tartara, Jonathan & Kristina
Tartara, Michael & Connie
Tartara, Tim & Fran
Terovolas, Jason & Georgia
Tetkowski, Conda
Theodore, George & Irene
Theodore, George & Sharon
Theodorou, Christ & Kristina
Timms, Ronald & Barbara
Trakas, Bruce
Trakas, Jim & Anne
Trakas, Kathy L.
Phillippi, Jordan & Ellen
Phillips, Joshua & Kirasoula
Pimpas, Angelo & Mary Jo
Pistiolas, George & Maria
Polichuk, Andrew & Lindsey
Pontikos, Dean & Erin
Pontikos, Irene
Popakiuk, Elizabeth
Porter, David & Jean
Poulos, George & Georgann
Poulos, Gus & Dorothy
Poulos, John & Elaine
Poulos, Nick & Chong
Prinios, Andrew & Lindy
Psarras, Goerge
Psellas, John & Anna
Pyros, Nick
Rackas, John
Rahas, Michael & Helen
Randazzo, Eric & Amy
Rassias, Gerasimos & Andreanna
Regan, Maria
Regan, William & Susie
Ribich, John & Soula
Roditis, Harilos & Maria
Rokakis, Andy & Dianne
Ross, Bob & Angeline
Rossi, Ernest & Betty
Rubertino, Joseph & Frosini
Sakellakis, John & Effie
Salvo, Salvatore & Katina
Sampson, Adam & Samantha
Sarantos, Virginia
Saridakis, Louise
Saridakis, Manuel & Ruth
Saridakis, Michael & Brenda
Sarris, Mathew
Savas, Betty
Savas, Dennis & Mary
Savas, Kathleen
Schultz, Jeffrey & Amy
Schultz, Ken & Terry
Scordos, Rena
Trihas, John & Effie
Trihas, Kathy
Tripodis, Chris & Kathryn
Tsakalos, Demitrios & Heidi
Tsolakis, Emanouil & Daneen
Valantasis, Thomas & Rose
Varlamos, Cynthia
Varlamos, Nick
Varouhas, Emmanuel & Olga
Vasilakis, Constantine & Eleni
Vasilakis, Joe & Roberta
Vasilakis, Mary
Vassilakis, George & Olga
Vedouras, Emily
Ventrone, Guy & Mary
Vitakis, Stan & Tsabika
Vlahakis, Liberty
Volanis, Mike
Tsesmelis, Efstathios & Asimo
Tsigrelis, Constantine & Mary
Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie
Vondrasek, Dennis & Diane
Vourliotis, John
Wendland, Charles & Madalynn
Wengler, Fred & Anna
Whitacre, Kyle & Maria
Wiegand, Molly
Wilson, Drew & Dena
Xenos, Tom & Cori
Yeager, Connor & Eva
Yeropoli, Dean & Sevasti
Zaharof, Phyllis
Zampetis, Constantine
Zampetis, Ted & Ann
Zanoudakis, Emmanuel
PAGE 18 THE MESSENGER
Featured in our Bookstore
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Elegant watercolor illustrations highlight the beauty of the Orthodox Church’s Feast Days. The simple, Psalm-like poems are written especially for children, but the whole family will enjoy them. Great for preschoolers to peruse in Church or for early readers.
O R T H O D O X C H R I S T I A N PRAYERBOOK ~ A SERVICE GUIDE OF THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN FAITH
THE JESUS PRAYER IN EASTERN SPIRITUALITY A valuable introduction to this central prayer of Orthodox spirituality, focusing in particular on its Russian and Greek monastic context.
AN ICON FOR CHRISTMAS ~ SOPHIA’S GIFT: AN ICON CHRISTMAS STORY TO COLOR An enjoyable book to read and to color. For younger children.
STOP BY TO SEE OUR SELECTION OF CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS AND OTHER WONDERFUL GIFT IDEAS
Η Ελληνική Γωνιά ~ Μαρία Καρλατήρα (Μαράκι)
Φίλοι μου καλό μας μήνα. Ο υπέροχος Δεκέμβριος είναι εδώ και μαζί του και το πιό συμαντικό γεγονός, η ΘΕΙΑ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ. Ο Πανάγαθος και Παντοδύναμος Δημιουργός του κόσμου, θέλησε να σώσει την ανθρωπότητα από το σκοτάδι και την αμαρτία, στέλνοντας τον μονάκριβο Υιό Του να διδάξει τις πιό τρανές αλήθειες. Αυτού Του Μεγάλου Σωτήρα τη Γέννηση θα εορτάσουμε σε λίγες ημέρες. Τι Θαύμα! Τι Μεγαλείο! Πόσο ανεξερεύνητες και ανεξιχνίαστες είναι οι βουλές του Κυρίου! Πόσο υπέροχα και μεγάλα είναι τα έργα Του ! Πόσο φωτεινές είναι οι Διδασκαλίες Του! Π.Χ. ότι οι αξίες, δεν βρίσκοντε στα πλούτη –η- στην πολυτέλεια –η- στους τίτλους και τις μεγάλες θέσεις...αλλά όλες οι αξίες βρίσκοντε στην ΨΥΧΗ. Ναί φίλοι μου, για πάντα εμείς οι άνθρωποι θα εορτάζουμε την ΘΕΙΑ ΓΕΝΝΗΣΗ, και όλοι οι λαοί θα υμνολογούν Τον ΘΕΟ της ΕΙΡΗΝΗΣ !!! Και οι καλαντιστές θα ακούγοντε παντού με τα διάφορα τοπικά κάλαντα σ’εναν τεράστιο πλούτο μελωδίας, υμνώντας το Θαύμα της Γέννησης Του Θεανθρώπου, της ενανθρωπίσεως Του Σωτήρα και Θεού μας. Καί τώρα φίλοι μου ας μου επιτρέψετε να σας θυμίσω ένα απόσπασμα από την ποιηττική συλλογή του Κου Α.Μαρκάκη «Χριστούγεννα μας έρχονται, εμείς θα τα χαρούμε, ρίγος με πιάνει σαν σκεφθώ αυτούς που δυστυχούνε. Στον κόσμο αυτόν του σήμερα και της ανησυχίας, το Νεογεννητό εύχομαι να φέρει την γαλήνη, και όπου υπάρχει πόλεμος, να φέρει την ειρήνη. Υγεία εις τους ασθενείς, τροφη στους πεινασμένους, γιατρός να δώσει βότανο σ’ολους τους πονεμένους». Ετσι αγαπητοί μου αναγνώστες με το κείμενο αυτό κλείνω και αυτήν την χρονιά. Εύχομαι σε όλους σας να παράσετε Καλές Εορτές και με το καλό το Νεο Ετος. Εμείς, ραντεβού του χρόνου . Σας περιμένω κάθε δεύτερη Κυριακή να τα πούμε απο κοντά.
Our bookstore gift certificates are the perfect gift for every occasion. Stop by to purchase today in any denomination.
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 19
R emember the homebound of our com-munity during the Christmas Season. What can you do? Send a card, call
them, send flowers, or more importantly visit them. Your small efforts in doing any of the above would mean the world to them. Odess Balis 9231 Independence Blvd. Apt 217 Parma Hts., OH 44130-4729 (440) 882-3321 Elaine Carvaines (in Nursing Home) 174 Greenward Way North Olmsted, OH 44070-5726 (440) 716-9848 Ifigenia Chrysanthus 2502 Park Drive Parma OH 44134-4714 (440) 845-1174 Skevy Dadas (Danbury Senior Living) 9500 Broadview Rd Broadview, OH 44147 Elizabeth Delsander (Renaissance of Richfield) 3975 Everett Rd Richfield OH 44286 Penny Demopoulos (Mount Alverna Village) 6765 State Road, Room 307-2 Parma OH 44134 (440) 843-7800 Lucia Geralis (Emeritus at Medina) 100 High Point Dr Medina, OH 44256 Bill Glaros (Kemper House) 10890 Prospect Road Strongsville OH 44149 Eleanor Hovanec (Athenian Assisted Living) 12799 Doula Ln Apt 314 N Royalton OH 44133-1020
Nick Kokkas (Pearlview Rehab) 4426 Homestead Dr. Brunswick, OH 44212 (330) 225-9121 Helen Koumounduros (Northeast Care Center) 12627 York Road Alpha 1 North Royalton OH 44133 440.582.4694 Julie Langos (Manor of Grande Village) 2610 East Aurora Road, Room 207 Twinsburg OH 44086
Emanuel Leon 1053 Iroquois Run Macedonia OH 44056-1232 (330) 908-1995 Dimitria Minartzis (Royal Oaks) 6973 Pearl Road Middleburg Hts., OH 44130 Carrie Nickolas (Samaritan Care Center) 806 East Washington, #318 Medina, OH 44256-2128 (330) 662-0857 Anna Petsas 6533 Liberty Bell Dr Apt 16D Brook Park, OH 44142-3541 Philip Poulos 18960 Falling Water Rd Apt 219 Strongsville OH 44136-4250 Kathy Trakas 6924 Brettin Dr Independence OH 44131-6543 (216) 524-2114 Molly Wiegand (Riverview Pointe Care Center) 9027 Columbia Rd. Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 440-427-8884 Father Costas will bring Holy Communion to all the shut-ins listed above during the Christmas Season. If there are any other individuals who would like to receive Holy Communion anytime during the year and are not able to come to church, please call the office at 440.237.8998.
PAGE 20 THE MESSENGER
Directory Corrections
We recently mailed the parish directory and were informed of a few errors. We apologize for any mistakes that were made. Please make the following corrections to your copy. If any other errors are noticed or updates need to be made, please contact the church office.
BOUKIS, Christ & Photia 8053 Farview Oval Brecksville OH 44141-1206 440.526.7905
BOZIKIS, Mary SHOULD BE Olenik, Mary & Michael
CHRISOULOS, Vivian SHOULD BE Chrisopulos
DARAKOS, Liberty 6254 Mandalay Dr Parma Hts OH 44130-2918 440.886.0426
HOCEVAR, Joshua & Maria 4212 Cherokee Trl Brunswick OH 44212-1716 440.523.8171
KALUCIS, Chris & Sue 3770 Reserve Dr Medina OH 44256-9670 330.723.8054
KARGIOTIS, Evan & Minnie 9682 Forge Dr Brecksville OH 44141-2824 440.526.0087
KOKKAS, Steve & Jamie 14080 Indian Creek Dr Middleburg Hts OH 44130-6854 440.239.1324
MOUZAKITIS, Eleni 330.410.1828
MOUZAKITIS, Sue 330.461.1780
ZAHAROF, Phyllis 10083 Chesterfield Dr Parma Hts., OH 44130-2018 702.358.2612
DECEMBER 2017 PAGE 21
Remember the Church in Your Will
MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Throughout our life, from birth to death, the Church offers us grace and power by which to live. It inspires us, prays for us, heals us, and teaches us how to confess our sins and how to forgive each other. The Church baptizes those who wish to follow Christ. It blesses our marriages and sends us to our eternal home with prayers and blessings at our death.
The Church is the only thing that accompanies us throughout our life and beyond. We support it in many ways and especially through our financial gifts. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who benefit from St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church? If so, you may wish to consider a charitable bequest.
WHAT IS A BEQUEST? A charitable bequest is a method for parishioners and friends to perpetuate their interest and support for their Greek Orthodox Church. Your will can be drafted to leave either a specific gift or a percentage of your estate to the Church. A specific gift can be a dollar amount, a particular piece of real estate or personal property. A residuary gift is either a specific percentage of your estate or it can be the remainder of your estate after you have provided for your family, or other charitable interests which are important to you. For more information, contact the church office at 440-237-8998;someone will be in contact with you.
Ionian Village 2018 Summer Experience
May 31 – June 11 ~ IVNext (formerly Spiritual Odyssey)
June 15 – July 4 ~ Session One:
July 15 – August 3 ~ Session Two Ionian Village offers two fun-filled sessions. Each ses-sion is identical in daily schedule and travel loca-tions, so your camper may choose the session that best fits their summer plans and school schedule. Both ses-sions are open to campers who are currently 9th grade through those who will complete the 12th grade in the spring of 2018. Full Non-Refundable Registration including round trip airfare from New York to Athens: $5,000.00 (we require a non-refundable $500 deposit in order to register for camp).
Registration will begin March 1, 2018 https://www.ionianvillage.org/summer-camp
PAGE 22 THE MESSENGER
NON-PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
Permit No. 2913
CLEVELAND, OHIO
Address Service Requested
ST. PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4548 Wallings Road
North Royalton, OH 44133-3121