Trumpet The Archangel Michael Trum… · Trumpet The Archangel Michael InsIde thIs Issue QuIck news...

TrumpetThe Archangel Michael

InsIde thIs Issue

QuIck news & events

Nov–Dec 2012 • Issue 9 • Archangel Michael Church • Port Washington, NY

Fri, November 2nd:Nameday Dinner Dance

Wed, November 7th:Nameday Vespers

Thu, November 8th:Synaxis of the Archangels

Sat, November 17th:Hoop It Up

Tues, November 20th:Parish Council Nominations Close

Sun, December 2nd:Parish Council Elections

Sat, December 8th:Challenge Liturgy & Christmas Party

Sun, December 9th:Philoptochos Christmas Luncheon

Thu, December 20th:Greek School Christmas Program

Sun, December 23rd:Sunday School Christmas Pageant

2 Mission & Vision Statements3 Father Dennis’ Message4 Worship & Sacraments4 Stewardship Update5 Construction Update5 Philoptochos6 Greek School6 Greek School PTA7 Youth Ministries8 Preschool9 Sunday School10 Challenge Liturgy10 Festival11 Adult & Youth Choirs11 New Stewards of 201212 Deacon Nikolas’ Message13 The Spiritual Side14 Community Life Photos16 November 2012 Calendar17 December 2012 Calendar18 Volunteers & Sponsors19 Nameday Gala & Super Raffle

Our Iconostasis and iconography in our sanctuary, as viewed from our choir loft.


About the ParishArchangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church

100 Fairway DrivePort Washington, New York 11050

Phone: 516-944-3180 Fax: 516-944-3185

Website: ArchangelMichaelChurch.orgEmail: [email protected]

Archangel Michael Church is a parish of the Direct Archdiocesan District and Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (www.goarch.org) under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

ClergyFather Dennis Strouzas, ProtopresbyterDeacon Nikolas Karloutsos

Office StaffDora Gouramanis, Anna Luparello, Catherine Papagianakis

Parish CouncilPresident: Chris Neocleous1st Vice President: Nicholas Kokinakis2nd Vice President: Demetrios ZiozisTreasurer: Michael CavounisAssistant Treasurer: Peter Stavrinos2nd Assistant Treasurer: Stan NeamonitisSecretary: George Kaparos

Parish Council MembersDean Chiros, Dimitri Dellis, Tommy Dimopoulos, Dennis Dionisiou, Greg Giannakopoulos, Adam Karras, John Ketsoglou, Barbara Mavro, Peter Orthos, Mark Pappas, Anne Prokop, Michael Psyllos, Nick Rallis, Constantine Rogdakis

About the TrumpetThe Trumpet is the newsletter of

Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church

ProductionParish Council President: Chris Neocleous Editor: Eleni SfiroudisCalendar Editors: Dora Gourmanis, Anna LuparelloCopy Editors: Susan Cavounis, Barbara Mavro, Peter Papagianakis, Penny Stefanakis, Stella TsimisirisPhoto Editor: Tommy DimopoulosAdvertising: Dennis Dionisiou, Xenia TheodoropoulosDirect inquiries to: [email protected]

The Trumpet welcomes news and events from our community and organizations!

Please submit information as follows:Articles: [email protected]

Advertising information and sales: [email protected]

Calendar events: [email protected]

November/December Worship ScheduleSunday Services: 8:30am Matins9:30am Liturgy

2 | Archangel Michael | Nov/Dec 2012 www.archangelmichaelchurch.org

Our vision is to provide a loving, caring and welcoming environment where all belong and grow in the faith through worship, service, witness and fellowship.

Missionstatement

visionstatement

The Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to the continuation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry of salvation through the proclamation and teaching of the Gospel. We are a community of individuals and families who share the traditions and ageless beliefs of our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.

something to think about…

“Greater love has no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

[John 15:13]

SACRIFICE…

By the time you receive this issue of the TRUMPET, the

political campaigns of 2012 will be in high gear and

nearing completion. It is my hope that all of us take this

opportunity to exercise our right to vote. It is not only

a right but a privilege that has been passed down from

generation to generation since the post-revolutionary

days of our country’s existence.

What does voting have to do

with the word “Sacrifice”?

Well, if people hadn’t stepped

up, hadn’t spoken out and in

many instances sacrificed their

lives, we would not have the

right, the privilege and freedom

to vote. So, in honor and

respect for those who made the

ultimate sacrifice, please vote

on Election Day.

What do the months of November and December have

to do with the concept of “Sacrifice”? Near the end of

each month we celebrate two very important events:

Thanksgiving and the birth of Christ. Both events have

at their core a profound appreciation and recognition

of God.

Did you know that in 1863 Abraham Lincoln proclaimed

that November 26th, a national day of “Thanksgiving

and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in

the Heavens” be commemorated and that, 242 years

earlier, the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the

Pilgrims to give thanks to God for guiding them safely

to the New World. Not only did Lincoln and the Pilgrims

express thanksgiving, they also acknowledged sacrifice…

Lincoln, for those dying on the battlefield, to preserve

the Republic and free the slaves, and the Pilgrims, for

sacrificing the safety of the known for the perils of a

transatlantic voyage to an unknown “new world”.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only

begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should

not perish but have everlasting life.”[John 3:16] This

is the crux and essence of Christmas…the birth of a child,

the son of God, whose purpose and mission was, is and

continues to be, the salvation of the world. When one

venerates an Orthodox icon of the Nativity of our Lord,

there are versions that depict the Theotokos, gazing at,

looking away or embracing her child. The one consistent

depiction, in all versions of this icon, is that of the Christ

child being wrapped, not in the

Western tradition of swaddling

clothes, but the Eastern tradition

of a burial shroud. Why a burial

shroud? Because he was born to

die for all of Creation!

As we approach the months of

November and December and the

events of national, regional and

local elections, Thanksgiving and

Christmas, let us remember the

sacrifices that were made and continue to be made so

that we can exercise our right to vote, offer thanks to

God for our many blessings and celebrate the birth of

our Creator’s Son and the salvation of our souls!

A Blessed Thanksgiving, A Joyous Christmas and

Amazing New Year To One and All!!

In Christ’s Love,

Fr. Dennis

Pastoral Message from Father dennis

www.archangelmichaelchurch.org Archangel Michael | Nov/Dec 2012 | 3

“ Near the end of each

month we celebrate two

very important events:

Thanksgiving and the

birth of Christ. Both

events have at their core

a profound appreciation

and recognition of God. ”

news & events

Thursday, Nov 1st 9:30am, Liturgy: Cosmas & Damianos

Wednesday, Nov 7th 7:30pm, Nameday Vespers

Thursday, Nov 8th 8:30am, Matins 9:30am, Liturgy Nameday Services

Friday, Nov 9th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Nektarios

Saturday, Nov 17th 10:30am, Challenge Liturgy

Wednesday, Nov 21st 9:30am, Liturgy: Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

Friday, Nov 30th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Andrew

Tuesday, Dec 4th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Barbara

Thursday, Dec 6th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Nicholas

Saturday, Dec 8th 10:30am, Challenge Liturgy

Wednesday, Dec 12th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Spyridon

Monday, Dec 17th 9:30am, Liturgy: St. Dionysios

Monday, Dec 24th 7:30pm, Vesperal Liturgy

Tuesday, Dec 25th 9:30am, Holy Nativity Liturgy

Nov 18th Child of Steve & Nicole Koutsoyiannis Baptism, 3:00pm

Nov 24th Child of Rich & Christina Zanetos Baptism, 11:00am

Nov 25th Ariana Katsamakis & Christos Christolias Wedding, 2:30pm

As of October 3rd, 513 of the active stewards in our com-

munity have made pledges totaling $464,003, of which

$411,057 has been paid. We have approximately 85 stew-

ards who have not yet made a 2012 stewardship pledge.

The full support and commitment of our entire communi-

ty will help us meet both the budgeted goal of $490,000

and the financial needs of our parish! For those who have

pledged and paid, or continue to pay toward their com-

mitment, we thank you for your support. For those who

wish to pledge, please feel free to send in a check or call

the church office at 516-944-3180 and pay with a credit

card if you wish. Please take a moment and submit your

pledge card today.

worship services: nov. & dec. stewardship update

sacraments


Help us stay in touch with our

College Students and Young Adults!

We continue our efforts to reach out to our parish’s college

students, GOYA alumni and all of our young adults ages 18 and

up! Young adults and/or their parents are encouraged to email

Dn. Nikolas at [email protected] or call the

church office to provide current contact information (name, ad-

dress, email, and phone) to ensure that our young adults receive

the latest news and event information from their Archangel

Michael Church family, from our Church’s official campus minis-

try OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship), and/or from local and

Archdiocesan Young Adult Ministries.

Parishioners with Family Members in the HospitalAs a result of HIPAA Legislation and Privacy Rules, hospitals

maintain very strict privacy and confidentiality policies which

often make it difficult for clergy to access the Census and Ad-

missions data of their parishioners and other Orthodox Christian

patients. Our clergy make regular, weekly visits to North Shore

University Hospital in Manhasset and St. Francis Hospital in

Roslyn. Please make every effort to contact Fr. Dennis and/or

Dn. Nikolas via the Church Office if/when your loved ones are

admitted to any hospital.


news & events

GYM UPDATEWork on the gym is progressing rapdily and it is our ex-pectation that it will be finished by the end of 2012. The exterior of the building should be entirely closed by the end of October. We are awaiting delivery of additional roof tile to complete the roof. The plumbing and elec-trical work is nearly complete and is awaiting inspec-tion. The fire alarm and sprinkler systems for the gym, church and chapel will be installed at the same time and upon completion they will need to be inspected and ap-proved by the Nassau County Fire Marshall.

The vendors for the electronic baskets have been iden-tified. These baskets will not only wind up electrically, but will also adjust down so that our “little ones” can then reach them. Electric bleachers and an amazing scoreboard are being ordered as well. The flooring sys-tem chosen is of the utmost quality and the layout for the painting of the lines and logo will soon be submitted.

SANCTUARY UPDATEGood progress is continuing in the Sanctuary. The al-tar iconography is nearly complete and the icons for the Iconostasion are being painted by our iconographer, Athanasios Clark. The Iconostasion has been delivered and is presently being installed. A few parts are be-ing replaced and other minor repairs are being made. We are also awaiting the inspection of the elevator. The package of light fixtures, including emergency lights, has been ordered and the pews are scheduled for de-livery in mid-November. We hope to be ready to apply for our Temporary Certificate of Occupancy sometime in November.

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society....one wom-an asking another woman to care...make a difference...use your skills...network...make an impact...change someone’s life...develop friendships...help those in need. We invite ALL women of the community to be-come members of this philanthropic group. Your support will make us stronger and give us the opportunity to have an even greater impact on our society.

The members of Philoptochos have been busy honoring their commitments. Our local commitments include our Challenge Liturgy, Hellenos House, local soup kitchens, hospital and nursing home visits and the “Dress for Suc-cess” campaign, among others. We meet special ap-peals such as earthquake and hurricane fundraising and support philanthropies designated on the Archdiocesan and national levels.

For the second year, the “Loukoumada Mamas” worked non-stop for three days at our annual Festival on the Harbor. We may be exhausted but we had great fun as we once again made the best and most delicious louk-oumades!

Philoptochos will once again host the receptions for the Archangel Michael nameday celebrations after Vesper Services on Wednesday, November 7th and after Liturgy on November 8th. All are invited to participate.

Everyone is welcome to attend the annual Archangel Mi-chael Ladies Philoptochos Christmas Family Luncheon on Sunday, December 9th at 12 noon at the North Hills Country Club. There will be special entertainment for the children and a visit from Santa, with the opportu-nity to take pictures and avoid the mall lines. Addition-ally, we will be honoring all who have been members of Philoptochos for 25 years or more! We look forward to seeing everyone on December 9th.

Philoptochosconstruction update

Parish Council Elections

Nominations for Parish Council will close Tuesday, November 20th at 5pm

Parish Council elections will be held Sunday, December 2nd

The Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute wel-comed back the students of our afternoon school with a special blessing from Father Dennis and Deacon Nikolas at the annual Agiasmo on the first day of school. Since then, the principals and teachers have been diligently working to provide the children with a strong and well-rounded Hellenic education. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, writing and conversational Greek lessons and drills are being implemented throughout the grades, as well as enrichment classes in culture, history, mythol-ogy, religion and dance as discussed at the October Open House. The School Board is pleased to have introduced two new teachers to our faculty, Mrs. Paula Antonopou-los, 6th grade, 2nd session and Mrs. Irene Theotokas, 3rd grade, 1st session. We wish them much success!

“If there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of World War II would have been.” –Winston Churchill

OXI Day, a most significant national holiday celebrat-ed throughout Greece, Cyprus and Greek communities around the world, was celebrated in our community on October 25th. The Greek spirit of OXI Day was translat-

ed by patriotic songs and poems and reminded us all that taking a stand and being courageous during challenging times can make a difference in one’s own life and in the lives of those around them.

Thank you for your anticipated support! We are pleased to announce a fundraiser with Barnes & Noble! Our Greek School will receive 20% back on in-store shopping and 10% back on online shopping on December 2nd & 3rd. Visit any Barnes and Noble Bookstore in person or shop online for books, movies, NOOK purchases, gifts and toys (there is a very nice selection of toys in the Manhasset location!) This is a great opportunity to do your holiday shopping and such an easy way to support The Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute at the same time! Please share this information with your friends and family anywhere and everywhere! An AMC shopping id # will be forthcoming. Don’t forget to look for it! For further information, kindly contact Mrs. Chris-Marie Tzavelis at 347-256-4492 or [email protected].

Please note: For uniforms please contact Mrs. Kathy Fournaris, [email protected] or 516-627-3734

UPCOMING EVENTSChristmas Assembly

December 20th, 4pm & 5:45pm

Parent-Teacher Conferences & Hellenic Book Club Book Fair

January 22nd ΚΑΛΕΣ ΓΙΟΡΤΕΣ!

“You can marry anyone you want, but you have to go to GREEK SCHOOL”~ Toula Portokalos

A colorful procession of students to their classrooms began after the Agiasmo service held by Fr. Dennis & Deacon Nikolas for our entire school body upon the re-turn of our Greek School families. Our annual PTA-spon-sored “ Welcome Back Picnic” held on September 16th at Manorhaven Park helped ease the “back to Greek School” transition. Who could pass up the delicious food, obstacle course, open-grass fields, and ice cream! A wonderful day was had by all.

news & events


Greek school

Greek school PtA

news & events

The PTA welcomes Deanna Chantly as Vice-President, Patty Tsahas as Treasurer and Penny Stefanakis and Maria Tzolis- Gagliano as Secretaries. The dedicated parents, members and the PTA Executive Board also warmly wel-come Deacon Nikolas Karloutsos and his beautiful family to our community.

Everywhere around us there is evidence of the hard work of our PTA volunteers. In the past year alone we suc-cessfully planned activities designed to attract and re-cruit more parents than ever to build a “Robust Parent Involvement”. Our fund-raising activities have benefited our wonderful facility, our Greek School administration, and so many outstanding teachers to guide our #1 prior-ity, OUR STUDENTS, through their Greek School experi-ence.

Don’t let the idea of “getting involved” intimidate you! Giving two hours a month to enrich PTA-sponsored pro-grams may not seem like much: that’s an average of only 5-7 minutes of every 7 hour-school day. Please consider joining us! We strongly encourage Greek School parents to get involved and join our Glendi, Picture Day, Year-book, or other committees. “Working Together”, we can make a difference in the lives of our children.

AMC SPIRITWEAR SALES BLOW-OUT: Show your school spirit by purchasing one of the many NEW items the Greek School PTA has designed for our students—all with our AMC logo: fleece throw blankets (for those cold soc-cer games), water bottles, car magnets, Adult and Youth Performer jackets, hooded and crewneck sweatshirts, Far-out Tie Dye shirts. Sizes for youth, teens, and adults. Order forms are available in the Greek School office or by contacting us at [email protected].

SAVE THE DATEFRI, JAN 25TH - GREEK SCHOOL PTA APOKRIATIKO

GLENDI at THE INN at New Hyde Park

For information contact Maxi Vasiliades ([email protected]) or Aphrodite Vorillas ([email protected]).

JOY ATHLETIC NEWSAs construction continues on our gymnasium, our JOY basketball teams are preparing for the upcoming sea-son, scheduled to start in December. We are pleased to announce that once again, registration for the girls and boys basketball teams is at an all-time high!

We are working to make information more readily avail-able to coaches, players and parents. Soon, we will be able to provide team information, schedules, and up-dates through our newly re-designed athletics website—stay tuned for more information!

Please note two important administrative changes in the Joy Basketball program. Due to the increase in the time needed to work with our athletics facilities, Chrissa Harris will assume the responsibilities of Gym Coordi-nator. Chrissa will be responsible for coordinating and scheduling time for the use of our new gym for organiza-tions within and outside of the community, as well as for the Herricks and Manhasset school gyms that we utilize. In addition, Chrissa will continue as the administrator for the soccer program.

We welcome Alexandra Colombos as our new Basketball Administrator for the JOY Program, assuming Chrissa’s former responsibilities. All inquiries regarding the girls and boys basketball program (ages 7–12) are to be di-rected to Alexandra at the following e-mail address: [email protected]. We thank Chris-sa and Alexandra and look forward to playing in our new gymnasium!

GOYAGOYA continues to welcome all Archangel Michael Church youth ages 13–18 to join us in Orthodox Christian learn-ing, service, and fun fellowship activities. We are pleased to announce that in September, the GOY-

Youth Ministries



news & events

Ans elected the following members to serve in leader-ship positions on the GOYA Board: Ariana DiPreta – PresidentDemetrios Limperopoulos – Vice PresidentCatherine Saketos – SecretaryMichael DiPreta – Treasurer

Congratulations to the newly-elected members of the Board and our deep appreciation to all those who were nominated and ran for these positions for their willing-ness to serve their peers and their entire church family. We thank all of the GOYAns for their invaluable offer-ing of time and talents to this important ministry of our Archangel Michael Church—we are excited for the many opportunities to plan and participate in this year’s events and activities. We look forward to a blessed year of growth, fun, and fulfillment as we strengthen our re-lationships to God and to one another.

Please mark your calendars for the following:Sunday, Nov. 4 Toy Drive & GOYA Meeting following Divine Liturgy

Friday, Nov. 9Shopping for Toys for children less fortunate (7:30p)

Saturday, Nov. 10PARATHOSI Hellenic Folk Dance Workshop at St. Nicholas, Flushing, NY (10a—4p) *FREE ADMISSION*

Friday, Nov. 16Harvest Dance at St. Paraskevi, Greenlawn (7:30p—11p)

Friday, Nov. 30Christmas Tree Decorating and GOYA Meeting (7:30p)

Saturday, Dec. 1Camp St. Paul Reunion at Church of Our Savior in Rye, NY (6:00p—11:00p)

Friday, Dec. 7Christmas Dance at Archangel Michael Church (7:30p —11:00p)

Saturday, Dec. 8InterGOYA Advent Retreat (5:00p—10:00p — location TBD)

Sunday, Dec. 16GOYA Meeting following Divine Liturgy

(Visit us at http://www.archangelmichaelchurch.org then

click on Youth and GOYA.)

For more information on Direct Archdiocesan District Youth Ministries and Activities, go online to:

www.ny.goarch.org/youth

www.facebook.com/districtyouth

www.facebook.com/parathosi

www.facebook.com/campsaintpaul

Follow PARATHOSI on Twitter: @parathosi

Follow Camp Saint Paul on Twitter: @campsaintpaul

HOPE/JOYOur HOPE & JOY organizations provide a safe, fun and spiritual atmosphere where our children can gather and enjoy being with their friends.

Early in October, the HOPE children participated in their first event at Unlimited Sports where they enjoyed sports activities with their friends. Also in October, the JOY group put their skills to the test at the Rock Climb-ing activity. Later in the month, HOPE and JOY children joined together for our ever-popular Halloween party extravaganza. The children all looked great in their cos-tumes as they danced and played games.

HOPE members are looking forward to the annual Gin-gerbread House Making on Saturday, Nov. 17th and are eagerly awaiting their Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 8 with a special visit from you know who!

Our JOY members will be participating in two special retreats: Thanks and Giving on Saturday, Nov. 17th and Celebrating the Birth of Christ on Saturday, Dec. 8th.

NovemberThe Preschool is celebrating the fall season, during which the preschoolers are learning about Archangel Mi-chael and St. Catherine! The children are busy working on their Thanksgiving books and our rooms are decorat-ed with Thanksgiving crafts. They look forward to baking cornbread and churning butter as we prepare for our “Thanksgiving Feast”. The Nursery class will be mak-ing Thanksgiving placemats, turkeys, and learning about giving thanks for the things they have.

The Toddler Class has begun its first year at the Archan-gel Michael Preschool! The children are making friends, enjoying music, Greek and playtime. We are thinking about everything we are thankful for this year—espe-cially new friends.

Preschool


news & events

Mommy and Me classes are underway. The children en-joy music and body movement with Miss Cecilia, and they are learning songs through music and finger play. Both moms and children are enjoying making projects together.

Music classes and Greek classes have begun. Everyone is enjoying all the festivities and getting ready for the upcoming holidays!

DecemberDecember is going to be a very exciting month for the children and they will be learning about St. Barbara and St. Nicholas. The children are learning Greek and American Christmas Carols for our Sing-A-Long, which will take place on Thursday, December 20th. Also, Fa-ther Dennis will read the story of the Nativity and the children will participate in a play during the story. The highlight of the season will be a visit to Santa Claus.

The Pre-K class will be very busy making their “Christ-mas Books”, which they will read to Fr. Dennis, Dn. Niko-las and the Nursery Class. They are learning their col-ors and numbers in Greek, and learning Greek through songs.

This month the Nursery class is continuing letter and name recognition. During Greek class they are learning their colors and numbers through songs and finger play. The Toddler Class continues working on their fine and gross motor skills, reading many Christmas stories, do-ing crafts and singing Christmas carols with Miss Cecilia. There are wonderful crafts being made in Mommy and Me!

Preschool will be closed on the following dates:

Tuesday, Nov. 6

Election Day

Thursday, Nov. 8Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels

Monday, Nov. 12

Veteran’s Day

Thursday, Nov. 22—Friday, Nov. 23Thanksgiving Recess

Wednesday, Dec. 5Parent-Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, Dec. 26—Wednesday, Jan. 2

Christmas Vacation

We invite all parents and families to learn more about our Early Childhood programs, from Mommy & Me through preschool. For a tour, more information, or if you have any questions, please call our director Ms. Linda Alimaris at 516-944-3184.

We are thrilled to see the children of our community return to Sunday School after a wonderful summer!

On September 9th we hosted our well-attended Meet & Greet Your Teacher event in preparation for the first day of Sunday School on September 16th. Fr. Dennis and Dn. Nikolas greeted the children in church and blessed the children and then their classrooms with Agiasmo. What a wonderful way to start the new school year!

We would like to thank all of our dedicated teachers and staff who continue to undertake this most important mission in the teachings of our Orthodox Christian faith to our children. We are delighted to welcome four new teachers, Libby Doumanis, Kathy Drenis Tsakonas, Stella Tsimisiris, and Georgia Katsoulis to our Sunday School. Libby, who is new to our community, is assisting with the 2nd grade. Kathy, who taught with us in the past, has returned to co-teach the 1st grade. Stella is assisting with the 3rd grade and Georgia is teaching our Nursery class.

We look forward to having parents visit classes during our Open House to be held on the following Sundays:

Kindergarten and 1st GradeNovember 4th

2nd Grade and 3rd GradeNovember 18th

4th Grade and 5th GradeDecember 2nd

6th Grade and 7th GradeDecember 16th

sunday school

news & events


A new play is being developed for our Annual Christmas Pageant to be held on Sunday, December 23rd after the Divine Liturgy. If you would like your child to participate in this year’s pageant please contact the Sunday School office.

CHALLENGE LITURGY GROUPThe Challenge Liturgy group meets every month throughout the year. Except for absences due to vaca-tions, attendance was quite high throughout the sum-mer as members looked forward to the monthly liturgy and social hour. The highlight of each meeting is the acknowledgment and celebration of member birthdays and namedays. As autumn approaches we are beginning preparations for our annual Christmas Liturgy and party which will be held on Saturday, December 8th. Please contact Marina Katsoulis at 516-384-0607 if you are in-terested in volunteering.

HELLENOS HOUSEThanks to the generosity of the Ladies Philoptochos Chapters of the Direct Archdiocese District, this past July the residents of Hellenos House spent an exciting week at camp, on the magnificent grounds of St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY. This was their third summer camp experience, and, as in previous years, the resi-dents returned invigorated and relaxed after a full week of sports and socialization.

Congratulations to Demetra Vlahos on receiving the prestigious Girl Scout Silver Award. To win this award Demetra planned and built a raised vegetable garden at Hellenos House and coordinated the gardening and plant care by the residents. As a result, the residents were supplied with fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer.

On September 8th, Hellenos House hosted a recep-tion celebrating the Fourth Anniversary of its opening. Guests included New York State and local officials, ACDS agency Board members, Archangel Michael clergy and parish leaders, representatives of Greek-American orga-nizations, residents and their families. The reception gave us an opportunity to thank the many individuals and organizations that have supported Hellenos House, as well as to reflect on the past four years. Happily, the assessment is that the founding vision is being met

and that the Greek-American community is partnering, as promised, with New York State to support Hellenos House. This is most important as we seek to open a much needed second group residence.

The successes of the Challenge Liturgy Program and Hel-lenos House were acknowledged by the honored guest of the reception, Mr. Felix Ortiz, New York State Assem-blyman and Chair, Mental Health Committee, who pre-sented us with a Citation.

The Festival Committee wishes to thank all of our Arch-angel Michael parishioners, volunteers, families and friends who helped make our 2nd Annual Festival on the Harbor such a success! We could not have achieved any of this without the support, planning and time so gener-ously donated by all of those involved. We will prepare a Festival report for the entire community in the next few weeks. Until then, thank you again!

challenge Liturgy

Festival

For Nameday Gala Reservations or questions contact:

Nicoletta Gargas at [email protected] orMahi Vasiliadis at [email protected]


An exciting and successful combined Youth and Adult Conference of the Direct Archdiocesan District Federa-tion of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians was held on the weekend of October 20th at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Hempstead, New York. Our Youth Choir members par-ticipated in enriching workshops and art activities orga-nized by members of the Archdiocesan District Federa-tion Board and Youth Choir Liaison for the Archdiocesan District, Georgia Kaufman.

On Sunday, October 21st, His Grace Bishop Sebastian of the Holy Eparchial Synod officiated at the Hierarchical Liturgy as our Choir members joined in singing along-side youth and adult church musicians from across the Archdiocesan District under the baton of choir director Maestro Efstratios Demertzis. This year’s Conference was particularly special for the Archangel Michael Com-munity because our very own Father Dennis was cho-sen to receive national recognition! For his outstanding support of the Federation and our choirs, Father Dennis Strouzas will be honored with The Patriarch Athenagoras Medal for distinguished Metropolis service. Anna Doune-lis, President of the Archdiocesan Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians stated that the Archdiocesan Youth Music Ministry has flourished because of the pro-gressive leadership of Father Dennis Strouzas who has fostered the growth of Archangel Michael’s Byzantine Youth Choir, the premiere youth choir of the Archdioc-esan District. CONGRATULATIONS FATHER DENNIS!

Amazing brothers Jimmy Pappas and Nicky Pappas re-ceived high praise and honor with awards for their excep-tional service and significant contributions to the music of our faith. In addition, touching tributes and med-als were bestowed posthumously to Father Emmanuel Gratzias of The Church of the Resurrection, Brookville and Choir Director Jimmy Talas of the Transfiguration of Christ Church in Mattituck. MAY THEIR MEMORY BE ETERNAL.

We extend a heartfelt welcome to our new youth choir members who will preserve the future of our magnifi-cent hymnology: MARY CLASSI, MARIA DOULIS, CHRISTINA KOKIS, ANGELINA LITOS, ARIEL LIVANOS, ARIANA MATA-RANGAS, LEXIE MESKOURIS, SOPHIA STEFANAKIS AND CALLIOPI TRIANTAFILLOU.

Youth Choir rehearsals will be conducted every Wednes-day at 7:30pm, with the exception of November 21st and December 26th. In addition to singing the Divine Liturgy on the first and third Sundays of the month, on Saturday, December 8th, the Youth Choir will celebrate the Challenge Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Andonios.

Please note the following dates for Youth Choir:Sunday, Nov. 18 - Hellenos House visit

All are welcome to join us for a lovely musical afternoon

Sunday, Dec. 9 - Philoptochos Brunch

Christmas Music Presentation

Sunday, Dec. 16 - Theatre Trip

Shrek: The Musical, 3pm at CW Post

Orchestra seats, group rate $68.50 per ticket

Wednesday, Jan. 9 - Broadway Theatre Trip

Wicked, 7pm

$67.00 per ticket includes round-trip bus transportation

WISHING EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING & A BLESSED CHRISTMAS!

We wish to welcome the following families that joined our Archangel Michael Community in 2012!

news & events

Adult & Byzantine Youth choirs

new stewards of 2012

Maria Aliprandis

Maria Andriotis

Michael & Joann Bardis

Diego & Maria Carranza

Evangeline Coritidis

Kiki Cotronis

Brian & Patricia D’Anna

Gerhard & Paula Deist

George & Paula Drouzas

Maxim & Lauren Fours

Manny & Cathy Galanis

Phil & Arete Galanis

Anna George

Demetrie & Helen Georgiou

John & Vicky Giouroukakis

John & Athena Halkias

Joseph & Mary Isaakidis

Erik & Vivian Jepp

Theodore & Olga Kalogiannis

Nicholas & Amalia Kaloudis

Nick & Maria Karafotias

Dn. Nikolas & Diakonissa Meghan Karloutsos

Michael & Laura Kavourias

George & Anna Kordas

Steve & Nikole Koutsoyiannis

Chris & Antonia Krimitsos

Thomas & Christiana Krimitsos

Paul & Linda Ladopoulos

Sofia Lozefski

Spiro & Markella Maliagros

Leo & Annene Mutchler

Joseph & Kristen Pappas

Sophia Pappas

Gerry & Ximena Skaliotis

John & Kyriaki Spiridis

Nick & Demetra Tsismenakis

John Vassiliou

Jerry & Melitsa Vlachos

George & Joanne Zbravos


Message from deacon nikolas

Saint John of Kronstadt, a 19th century Russian priest said

that “we should not allow ourselves to celebrate any Christian

feast without seriously considering: what is its meaning and

what is its purpose; and what is our responsibility towards

it?” If we know the Christian meaning behind every feast,

“then the feast will become profitable to our soul’s salvation.

Otherwise…the feast of God [will be turned] into a feast of the

flesh, of lawlessness.” Think about what Starbucks does with

its coffee cups and what Bloomingdale’s does with its displays

when they get their hands on Christmas. Or what Hallmark and

Hollywood do with angels (think chubby cupids or John Tra-

volta in the movie “Michael”)—a little tacky sometimes, miss-

ing the point a lot of the time, and not quite representative

of a “feast of God.” I offer a few of these pop culture images

not to vilify them but rather that we might contrast them with

the true and meaningful ways in which our Orthodox Church

celebrates the feasts of the Synaxis of Archangel Michael & the

other Bodiless Powers, Christmas, and, really, all of life in her

worship and theology.

So what’s the Church’s story about angels and how does Scrip-

ture portray them? Well, at the beginning of every vespers ser-

vice, we read Psalm 103, the hymn of creation. In it, the Lord

our God “makes the winds His messengers, fire and flame His

ministers.” Simply put, angels are ministers of God’s revela-

tion to His people and, quite frankly, it’s difficult to describe

the physical essence of bodiless powers. So rather than ob-

servable characteristics of angels, let’s explore the character

of their mission and purpose in salvation history, specifically

in two great mysteries in the life of Christ—one in His infancy

and the other in His ascent into glory.

In the Gospel narratives, we read that the Archangel Gabriel

announces to the Theotokos the virgin birth of the Christ Child.

Angels share the news of Christ’s nativity with the shepherds,

praising God in song. The host of angels who descend from

heaven with the Incarnate Word surround Christ with their

adoration and serve Him as the Lord…and they continue to

serve Christ and glorify Him throughout His life and especially

at some of His most trying moments. An angel “ministers” to

Christ when the devil tempts Him after His baptism and an-

other appears in the Garden of Gethsemane before His cruci-

fixion to “strengthen” Him. Angels are ministers and servants

of Christ in the accomplishment of God’s saving work here and

now. And this is precisely the ministry we can share in to prop-

erly honor this Christian feast.

At the small entrance of the Divine Liturgy, the priest prays

that “the holy angels may enter with us that together we may

serve and glorify Your goodness.” The angelic cries of the Tri-

sagion hymn are offered just before our minds and hearts re-

ceive the Word of God in the Epistle and Gospel readings. The

Cherubic hymn precedes the Great Entrance which is “invisibly

escorted by the angelic hosts.” Further we pray “for an angel

of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies.”

Just before the victory hymn of the Holy Anaphora, the priest

prays the following: “You brought us into being out of nothing,

and when we fell, You raised us up again. You did not cease

doing everything until You led us to heaven and granted us Your

kingdom to come.”

So in our worship, and, really, in the ups and downs of our

everyday lives as human beings, we become participants in

this movement along a vertical axis. We can be assured that

no matter how far we may have fallen and regardless of the

demons we confront along the way, we are given the blessing

to join the angels in our Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension into

Heaven.

So what does this feast require of us at this point in our spiri-

tual journeys, with the Nativity fast beginning on November

15? Much like the Triodion period preceding Great Lent, our

Church now assists us in our transition into her joyous fast pe-

riod and winter festal season. As we prepare ourselves to re-

ceive the Christ Child, we are reminded that we are not alone

in our spiritual journeys. We have a foretaste of the paradox

of God’s plan of Redemption for His people, which according to

St. Gregory of Nyssa “works great marvels by means of oppo-

sites. For life is produced by death, blessings by curses, glory

by dishonor.” This Truth was revealed to the angels, and it is

here and now revealed to us through the life of the Church.

We are invited to approach our life’s journeys as something

greater than a lateral passage from one day or task to the

next. We are summoned to reflect on the vertical dimension

of our journey that the angels herald and that our theology

teaches us: “The descent of the divine person of Christ makes

human persons capable of an ascent in the Holy Spirit.” As we

celebrate the Synaxis and begin the Nativity fast, may WE too

draw near to our Lord with hearts lifted and with the faith,

love, and commitment of the angels who ministered to Him.

In our ascent in the Holy Spirit, may our Lord’s most pure and

Holy Mother intercede for us, may the Archangel Michael and

our guardian angels protect us, and may the honorable, bodi-

less powers of heaven who sing the thrice-holy hymn in the

presence of God, pray for us.

Dn. Nikolas

the spiritual side


The Spiritual Side —part of an ongoing series about our Orthodox faith, taken from “Orthodox Christian Beliefs About the Bible,” by Fr. Stanley Harakas, Archbishop Iakovos Professor of Ortho-dox Theology, Emeritus, Holy Cross Greek Ortho-dox School of Theology

Q: I’d like to learn more about the story of Si-mon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross to Golgotha. What country today is Cyrene, what language did the people of Cyrene speak, and was Cyrene under Roman jurisdiction?

A: The ancient city of Cyrene was located in what was

known then and now as Libya. Cyrene was a coastal

city about 500 miles east of Tripoli and its modern

name, in the anglicized form, is Beida. Most places

in the New Testament that mention Cyrene, or Cyre-

nians, are in the book of the Acts of the Apostles. For

example, persons from Cyrene are mentioned as being

present at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the

Church at the first Pentecost (Acts 2:10), as well as

6:9, 11:20, 13:1.

Simon of Cyrene is described in the Gospels of Mat-

thew, Mark and Luke in nearly the same language. In

Matthew 27, there is the description of Christ’s cruci-

fixion. After Jesus had been judged, condemned and

mocked by the Roman soldiers, He was led away to

be crucified. Matthew then says, “As they went out,

they came upon a man of Cyrene, Simon by name;

this man they compelled to carry his cross (Matthew

27:32). Luke’s description is similar: “And as they led

him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was

coming from the country, and laid on him the cross,

to carry it behind Jesus” (Luke 23:26). Mark’s ac-

count gives more information: “And they compelled a

passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the

country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry

his Cross” (Mark 15:21).

The familiarity indicated by the use of these names

shows that Simon’s sons were well known in the first

Christian community, and may indicate that Simon

himself had become a Christian. However, among

the 22 persons named Simon found on the calendar

of saints in the Orthodox church, Simon of Cyrene is

not listed. Apparently the fact that he was forced to

carry Jesus’ cross and did not do so willingly and out

of faith, has kept him from being considered a saint

by the Church.

The city of Cyrene has a long history. It was the origi-

nal capital of Cyrenaica, a district on the North Af-

rican coast, and one of the greatest of the ancient

Greek colonies. The city was founded approximately

630 B.C. The port, known as Apollonia, became an

important commercial center. In 331 B.C. the city

submitted to Alexander the Great, and then it came

under the Ptolemy dynasties, the successors of Alex-

ander. In the year 96 B.C. the city came under the

Romans as a bequest from the last Ptolemy, Apion.

Apparently significant numbers of Jews came to live

there during the Jewish Diaspora, as history records a

Jewish revolt there in 115–116 A.D. By the 4th century

it was described as being a deserted place, and by the

5th century, as a vast ruin.

In its prime, Cyrene was populated by 100,000 people.

It had a high cultural and intellectual life, and a fa-

mous medical school. Aristippus, who was a pupil of

Socrates was from Cyrene, and he became the found-

er of the philosophical school in Athens known as the

Cyrenaics. An ancient Christian writer by the name of

Synesuis was also from the city of Cyrene.

It becomes clear why mention is made of Cyrene and

Cyrenians in the New Testament, since it was a city

of considerable fame and influence, with a significant

Jewish population.


community Life Photos


community Life Photos

Challenge Liturgy 10:30aParent/Child Basketball TournamentJOY Retreat 3:00pHOPE Gingerbread Making 4:30p

GOYA Parathosi

Hellenic Dance

Workshop at St.

Nicholas 10a

Liturgy: Cosmas

& Damianos

9:30a

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Regents Class

5:45p

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Inter-GOYA

Harvest Dance

at St. Paraskevi

7:30p

Matins 8:30aDivine Liturgy 9:30a

Sunday School Open House k & 1st grade

GOYA Toy Drive & Meeting 11:30a

Philoptochos Board Mtg.7:30p Matins 8:30a

Liturgy 9:30a

Preschool and GS Closed

Preschool Closed

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Regents Class 5:45p

Nameday Dinner Dance7:00p

Liturgy: St. Nectarios9:30a

GOYA Shopping for Toys 7:30p

Byzantine Choir Rehearsal7:30p

Archangel Michael Vespers 7:30p


Liturgy:

Entrance of

Theotokos in

Temple

9:30p


Matins 8:30aDivine Liturgy9:30a

Matins 8:30aDivine Liturgy 9:30aSunday School Open House 2nd & 3rd Grade

Youth Choir visits Hellenos House

Parish Council Nominations close @5p

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Regents Class 5:45p

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Regents Class 5:45p

Greek School

1st Session 4:00p

2nd Session 5:45p

Liturgy: St.

Andrew 9:30a

GOYA Christmas

Tree Decorating

& Mtg. 7:30p


NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

Preschool

Closed

Preschool &

Office Closed

Election Day Synaxis of the Archangel

Happy Thanksgiving

Veterans Day

SatMon Tues Wed Thu FriSun

4 5 6 7

321

8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

November Calendar 2012


GOYA Camp St.

Paul Reunion in

Rye, NY 6p

Challenge Liturgy & Christmas Party 10:30a

Inter-GOYA

Advent Retreat 5p

JOY Retreat 6:30p

HOPE Christmas Party

Liturgy: St.

Barbara 9:30a

Greek School

1st Session 4p

2nd Session

5:45p

Regents Class

5:45p

Liturgy: St.

Nicholas 9:30a

Greek School

1st Session 4p

2nd Session

5:45p

Inter-GOYA

Christmas

Dance at AMC

7:30p

Preschool

Sing-A-Long

Greek School

Christmas

Assembly 4p &

5:45p

Greek School

1st Session 4p

2nd Session

5:45p

Regents Class

5:45p

Merry Christmas

Liturgy of the

Holy Nativity

9:30a

Greek School

1st Session 4p

2nd Session

5:45pRegents Class5:45p

Greek School

1st Session

4:00p

2nd Session

5:45p

Youth Choir

Rehearsal

7:30p

Preschool Closed

Preschool Parent

Conference

Youth Choir

Rehearsal 7:30p

Liturgy: St.

Spyridon 9:30a

Youth Choir

Rehearsal

7:30p

Matins 8:30a

Divine Liturgy

9:30a

Philoptochos

Family Christmas

Luncheon 12p

Liturgy: St.

Dionysios

9:30a

Vesperal

Liturgy 7:30pMatins 8:30a

Divine Liturgy 9:30a

Christmas Pageant 10:30a


Sunday School Open House 6th&7th

Youth Choir Theatre Trip

GOYA Meeting 11:30a

Matins 8:30a

Divine Liturgy 9:30aNO SUNDAY SCHOOL


Parish Council Elections

Sunday School Open House 4th&5th

Greek School B&N Bookfair Fundraiser

Greek School

B&N Bookfair Fundraiser

Philoptochos

Board Meeting

7:30p

SatMon Tues Wed Thu FriSun

432

1

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

ARCHANGEL MICHAEL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

December Calendar 2012



Advertise in our next


Thank you to these businesses for sponsoring this issue.

The Trumpet reaches over 500 families who support the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington, NY. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please email

[email protected].

Photo: Dimitrios Panagos

Thank you to our 2nd Annual Festival on the Harbor volunteers!

Join us for

The Nameday Gala of

The Archangel Michael ChurchFriday, November 2, 2012

at 7PM

North Hempstead Country ClubPort Washington, New York

Distinguised HonoreesRecipients of the 2012

Archangel Michael Hellenic Thread Award

Mrs. Katina Athineas

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Evangelia Cyprus

$150 per person

Musical EntertainmentYianni Papastefanou & Orchestra

C


Join us for

The Nameday Gala of


at 7PM






$150 per person


C

Join us for

The Nameday Gala of


at 7PM






$150 per person


C

RSVP: [email protected] [email protected]

Drawing will be held 11/2 at Annual Dinner Dance

Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church100 Fairway DrivePort Washington, NY 11050

��

PHILOPTOCHOS LUNCHEON

��

�� i��

��

��

��

�� ,��

��

��

��

��

��

��

Date post:	29-Jul-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	doankien
View:	232 times
Download:	0 times

Trumpet The Archangel Michael Trum… · Trumpet The Archangel Michael InsIde thIs Issue QuIck news...

Documents