The MESSENGER
Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church
Beloved in Christ,
Each month has a particular feast, holiday, or theme associated with it. November, of course, is associated with Thanksgiving.
We know the original Thanksgiving feast was a meal between the colonial settlers and the Native American Indian tribes in the seventeenth century, but the day of Thanksgiving did not become a regular and annual day of celebration until George Washington proclaimed it so in 1789.
As part of the tradition, at the dinner table, the people share about what it is they are thankful.
I am not going to address the reality that each Divine Liturgy is a Eucharist -- i.e., Thanksgiving -- but would like
to focus on the social aspects of the American holiday.
We know that many people will share their thanksgivings, but how will this be connected with what God has done? That is, I am thankful for my family, but am I thankful to our good God for my family?
We live in a culture that is rapidly changing. The ancient Greek Heraclitus stated famously that one cannot step into the same river twice, but what he overlooked is that we are not obligated to move with the water simply because it moves.
Volume II, Issue 11 November 2017
B e c a u s e t o d a y ’s “ s o c i a l l o g i c ” encourages us to adapt in order to remain relevant to the social trends, we tend to forget this. In Second Corinthians, Saint Paul describes all the difficult experiences he endured for Christ, all the while remaining composed and having a joyful spirit.
Last month, I highlighted the dignity I experienced on the Holy Mountain. There is a calmness and consolation that is associated with this dignity bestowed by God on his children.
As families gather for Thanksgiving, it may be helpful, in such a social setting, to remind one another of how God is ever present in our lives. It is no accident that
the early Church Fathers insisted the icon of the Pantocrator be the highest point of the church building, to remind us when we look up that He is always aware and with us.
Remain constant and faithful as he is ever constant and faithful. It is important for the young generations to hear this from their parents and grandparents precisely when they are gathered at the dinner table. It is also important to know if someone will be alone and to not forget them, offering an invitation by showing Christian hospitality.
Beloved —
“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16. 13 - 14).
Have a wonderful month!
In XC, Fr. Panteleimon Parish Priest
Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church 400 Prospect Street
East Longmeadow, MA 01028 (413) 525-4551
(413) 525-4552 (fax) www.stlukego.org
Fr. Panteleimon Klostri - Proistamenos [email protected]
Church Office [email protected]
The Messenger is a publication of the Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church of East Longmeadow, MA located at 400 Prospect Street East Longmeadow, MA 01028. For mailing use PO Box 381.
To contact the Church Office: 413-525-4551; 413-525-4552 (fax) and [email protected]. To contact the Pastor call 978-587-6488 or email at [email protected]. All rights reserved.
O Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with our Merciful God, that He
may grant our souls remission of sins — Apolytikion of Saint Luke
Pastor- Fr. Panteleimon Klostri
2017 Parish Council President - Nick Vamvilis Vice President - Judy Lelas-George Treasurer - Joe Dasco Secretary - Christos Nikolis Corresponding Secretary - Dorsey Cokkinias Assaad Hallak Bea Syner Bill Sakel Harry Georgiades Bill Giokas George Katsoulis
Philoptochos President - Maria Londo Vice President - Melissa Kaitis Treasurer - Vaceleci Zaharis Secretary - Rosanne Desautels Corresponding Secretary - Evangelia Tsikrikis Past President/Advisor - Dorsey Cokkinias
Ministries Chanters -Elias Zovas and Aristidis Zaharis
Choir Director - Toni Rizas Organist- Eun Jin Lee Endowment Fund Chair - John Piponidis GOYA Advisor - Kathy Kalaitzidis
JOY Advisor - Sarah Kirchner
Memorials - Maria Laware
Messenger - Editor - Maria Londo
Stewardship Chairs - Joe and Meghan Dasco
Sunday School Director - Priscilla Johnson Assistant Director - Leia Georgeopolus
Outreach Committee - Harry Georgiades & Parris Ochsner
Facilities Committee - Jim Danalis
Administrative Assistant - Helen Adamo
Dear Fellow Parishioners,
I hope you are all well! Thank you to all of our wonderful parishioners for the incredible Taste of Greece, especially to Angie Gouzounis and the workshops facilitators and attendees. We could not have done it without you all!
Please mark our General Assembly for this coming Sunday, November 12. We look forward to your insights snd suggestions as we all work together for supporting our parish and its wonderful ministries.
Have a great Thanksgiving celebration!
Yours in Christ, Nick Vamvilis
NEWS FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL
Treasurer’s Report
Philoptochos raised funds for Hurricane Relief through our first SOUP COOK OFF. It was an overwhelming success raising over $800. There were 8 different soups for taste testing - Beef Barley by Judy Lelas-George, Butternut Squash - Darline Blais, Chili by Leia Georgeopolus, Vegetable by Eleni Nikolis, Italian Sausage by Mary Poulos, Seafood Bisque by Vangelli Valaziotis, Clam Chowder by OJ Kaitis, and Lentil by Helen Kostas. Congratulations to Darlene Blais our winner!! Special thanks to OJ Kaitis for the luncheon and John Tsikrikis for the Avgolemeno soup. It was enjoyed by all.
General Assembly was held after the SOUP COOK OFF. Great conversation and ideas were shared.
We have many upcoming events planned for the holiday season. Please see our future mailings with flyers. Just a glimpse of what is planned:
Food Outreach - Monetary donations are now being accepted for our Thanksgiving baskets. The baskets are to help our neighbors who might otherwise go without.
2017 Saint Luke Christmas Card - Everyone enjoys getting a Christmas card in the mail. We would love to see 100% participation in this year’s festive Christmas card. You will be receiving your form shortly. The deadline to submit your name(s) to be included in this year’s Christmas card is Sunday, November 19.
Christmas Poinsettia Sale - It not only is beautiful to see the Poinsettia’s aligned at the altar of our church, but it is a wonderful way to honor a loved one or to honor the memory of a loved one. The deadline for this sale is Sunday, December 10.
Thank you for supporting Philoptochos and our mission.
Philoptochos President, Maria Londo
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
GOYA NEWS
We hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall foliage! We know GOYAns did in our fall outing to Pell Family Farm to pick pumpkins on the 28th of October. We would also like to thank all who donated to our carwash. We are sorry it was canceled! The month ahead is looking busy with events and fundraisers being planned. Stay tuned for more! We thank all who support GOYA as we continue to pursue our ministry.
Philippos Dimitroglou GOYA President
JOY NEWS
We want to Thank all you came to our first Fall Costume Event for fun, games and fellowship. We learned about Queen Ester and how we can try to do God’s Will and help others and stand up for injustice. Big Thanks to our Joy Advisor Sarah Kirchner for a great night! Looking forward to more events coming soon, including Breakfast with St Nick and a church scavenger hunt in January. We meet on the 3rd Friday every month.
Presently, JOY is grades 2 through 6. We have always welcomed younger siblings and others to participate. We would love to restart our 40 to 4 club ( playgroup ages 40days to 4 years old) and a HOPE group which would focus on fellowship and learning for our primary children. If you are interested in sharing your time and talent, please let Father know! God Bless!
Pell Family Farm Fall Outing- later a group of GOYAns met with Father for a great discussion and then dinner at Red Rock Cafe. We THANK the Kaitis’s for hosting. Another group of GOYAn’s that could not make the evening discussion met with Father on Sunday
Stewardship Message
Dear Fellow Parishioners;
“Whatever you do work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.”Colossions 3:23
These words are the hallmark of our 2018 Stewardship campaign. This theme along with our ongoing message of Joy and Good News in Stewardship will be communicated through the Stewardship packet you will receive on November 19 during the Lamp Lighting Ceremony at our Harvest Dinner.
In the packet, you will be reminded of all of the Joy and Good News we are witness to at St. Luke. From the opportunity to receive all of the sacraments, to participating in ministries and committees and charitable works, we all benefit from our affiliation to our beloved Church.
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank and congratulate all of those parishioners who offered their time and talent and treasure to our largest fundraiser, The Taste of Greece. It was a wonderful success, both financially and as a means of strengthening our community through involvement. When we all work together for the glory of God, we can achieve great things.
May God Bless our Many Gifts,Sincerely,
Joe and Meghan DascoC o-chairs Stewardship Committee
The Endowment FundThe following donations recently were made:
~In Memory of John Vamvilis~ John Bonatakis, Charles Bonatakis, Sr., Charles Bonatakis, Jr.
~In Memory of John Vamvilis~ May his Memory be Eternal. Jordan and Evangeline Chatis
~In Memory of John Vamvilis~ Nick Lefakis and Sarah Lefakis
~In Memory of John Vamvilis~ John and Susan Metzidakis
~In Memory of John Vamvilis~ John and Georgette Piponidis
~Taste of Greece~ John and Georgette Piponidis
~In Honor of Efchia (Effie) King on the occasion of her birthday~ Nick Lefakis and Sarah Lefakis
As always, we thank all those who have hosted Coffee Hour since the new Ecclesiastical year has begun in September. It is always a welcomed treat to walk in to the Pappas Fellowship Hall after Liturgy and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow parishioners while having coffee and snacks.
The month of November is a busy one with only one Sunday in need a host/hostess….Sunday, November 26th.
As we look forward to December, all 5 Sundays are free… 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. So if you feel in the spirit of the season and would like to host a coffee hour, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or call the church office and give Helen the date you have chosen.
Thank you for your consideration…..Judy
COFFEE HOUR
The Bishop's throne and chapter's stand from our beloved Saint Nicholas have found a new home. They were sent to Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Cheyenne, Wyoming (first photo).
John Foscolos, Nick Lefakis, Joe Dasco and Father helped take them to be packaged and we give a special thank you to LAMB Knitting for packaging and shipping the items safely.
Part of the Success….
The Taste of Greece can again be described as a success in many ways…a new chairperson who did a fine job, food sold out, great music, talented dancers, to name a few.
However, I’d like to give kudos to the areas that I specifically work on…hall set up and scheduling. I sent an email mail out to some of the younger men of the parish asking them to stay after coffee hour on the Sunday before the Taste to break down the hall. The response I got was great! In less than an hour, 28 tables were put up in the hall, 280 chairs were stacked, the plants were removed, the Agora and raffle areas were furnished with tables, the Sunday school rooms were cleared out, the cooler was moved into the hall, and the plexi-glass was brought in from the shed. This transformation was done without a hitch in about an hour. Thank you all for your help!
Scheduling for the Taste can be both a rewarding yet frustrating job. However, the rewards outweigh the frustration! It is rewarding in the respect that so many people sign up every year to give of their time to work in the various areas…some work a shift every day, others
TASTE
admire our seniors who have St. Luke close to their hearts. You can look around and see many in their 70’s and 80’s working at various jobs, (even dish washing for hours at a time), always interacting with the guests with a smile on their faces. What great role models!!! On the other end of the spectrum, some of our younger generation has stepped up. Some of our college students and college graduates are learning the grill and the kitchen area which brings a sigh of relief to those who have had kitchen and grill duty “forever”! And “starting from the ground up” are our younger parishioners who are part of the table maintenance crew. Some come just because they enjoy being part of the Taste, and some come as part of community service credit needed for school. Thank you all for your help!
The Taste of Greece is a huge boost to our church in several ways…not only does it help in the financial aspect but also in the camaraderie of our parishioners and in the sharing of our food, culture and traditions with our guests. It is a three day event; however, it entails a 6-month prep. So….we invite all our parishioners to come and share in this extended event because…it is an example of something that “takes a village”!!!
Judy
TASTE
This Thanksgiving & Christmas Philoptochos decided to accept monetary donations ONLY. In an effort to streamline the process and assist the chairperson, the board will do all the shopping and prepare the baskets for Thanksgiving & Christmas food outreach.
We’ve appreciated the donated goods in the past and will continue that process in the future. Thank you for accommodating this request.
Please make your check payable to
St. Luke’s Philoptochos Society
Memo - Thanksgiving Food Outreach
Mail To: St. Luke Philoptochos Society
P.O. Box 381 East Longmeadow, MA
01028
Please HELP our neighbors that might otherwise go
WITHOUT.
MONETARY DONATIONS are now being accepted.
Suggested amount is $35 but any amount
will help those in need.
FOOD OUTREACH THANKSGIVING 2017
Harvest Day DinnerSunday - November 19, 2017
Pappas Fellowship Hall
12:00 Noon Following Liturgy
Adults………………………..…$16.00
Children (under 12)…...$ 6.00
Home Style Dinners
Choice of Chicken or Baked Haddock
Hosted by the Vamvilis Family
Co-Chairs Melissa Bailey/Judy Lelas-George
Tickets will be on sale after Liturgy on October 22nd. Please call the office or Judy at 525-4640 for tickets and reservation. Reservations must be in
by Monday November 13th
NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR
S t L u k e C o m m u n i t y N e w s
We are starting a new section to the Messenger to add awareness to wonderful accomplishments happening for our church family and interesting things in the world. Note: email [email protected] if you have anything of interest for future Messengers. Thank you!
OORAH!! Mission Accomplished:2017 42nd Marine Corps Marathon
KATHY KALAITZIDIS AGAWAM/MA 60 #23646
5:01:50 11:30/mile pace10221 / 20148 overall (finishers)3980 / 9327 all females39 / 178 females 60-64
Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU... to everyone that has encouraged and supported me on this journey, especially to those that contributed to Team Lemon/Sweet Lemons, allowing me to run to benefit many more than just myself! Our fundraising efforts for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation have reached my revised goal of $1000! I still have some additional cash contributions to get posted to my page...but check out the incredible donations that many of you have been soooo generous to give to fight Childhood Cancer:https://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1360654Your support has been truly inspirational!"The marathon is over but the race to find a cure is still a very long one...please consider donating if you are able, but have not yet had the chance to.# $ % Love, Kathy
P. S. Ready to start that new ministry Miles to S'miles... please let me know if you're interested!!
Kathy Kalaitzidis participated recently in a marathon run -we are proud of her and wish her congratulations and a job well done!
PROJECT MEXICO
The dates for Project Mexico have been published, anyone interested please connect with Barb Hallak or the church office to get on the list. We are looking at interest for having a team of our own or joining another. Participants for home building may be as young as12 years old, if accompanied by a parent.
For more information https://www.projectmexico.org/homebuilding/
2017 Saint Luke Christmas Card WHO doesn't like receiving a Christmas Card?
Certainly NOT the parishioners of St. Luke! It’s the perfect time to come together, rejoice and express those feelings of
joy and appreciation to the vibrant community we've found at
Saint Luke Greek Orthodox Church. That’s why we would love to see 100% participation in this year’s festive Christmas Card.
Please fill out the attached form with your $25 payment and send it to the church office. Deadline to submit form and payment is Sunday, November 19, 2017
***Philoptochos cannot guarantee your name(s) will appear in the card if order or check is received beyond the deadline date*** ___________________________________________________________ Parishioner’s Name placing the order: ______________________Phone Number: ______________
***Complete your name(s) as you wish it to appear on the card (1line only please)*** Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
City: _________________ State:_________ Zip:__________________ Please make your check payable to St. Luke’s Philoptochos Society
Memo - Christmas Card Mail To: St. Luke Philoptochos Society
P.O. Box 381, East Longmeadow, MA 01028
The purchase price of the Poinsettia plant is $25Please fill out the attached form and send it to the church office to place your order.Deadline for placing your order is Sunday, December 10, 2017(Philoptochos cannot guarantee your loved ones name will appear in the booklet if order or check is received beyond the deadline date)——————————————————————————Parishioner’s Name placing the order: ________________Phone Number: _____________***Please select one of the following options below***In Honor of: _____________________________________________________________In Memory of: ____________________________________________________________From: _________________________________________________________________Please make your check payable to St. Luke’s Philoptochos SocietyMemo - Christmas Poinsettia SaleMail To: St. Luke Philoptochos SocietyP.O. Box 381East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Christmas Poinsettia SaleLOVE, a word that has a million different meanings to each and every person that says and sharesLOVE. During the Christmas season we express that LOVE in so many different ways. It is atradition of the St. Luke community to share that expression of LOVE by purchasing a Poinsettiaplant to honor a loved one or to honor the memory of a loved one. By doing so, our church isbeautified by a sea of LOVE that adorns the alter during the Christmas season.
Thank you
To All My Friends at St. Luke:
Thank you is not enough for your concern and love. Your visits were rays of sunshine and made my stay at rehab tolerable. Thank you for your “get well” cards, your flowers and your “goodies.”
God Bless You All!
Love,
Domna
*
To Father Panteleimon and Presvytera Eleni, for your prayers and encouragement.
God Bless You!
Domna
*
To My Good Friend, Meri Kassanos who was there for me when I needed her the most and still do.
Love,
Domna
*
Tula, All my love for everything.
Nitsa
On behalf of my whole family and myself, I would like to thank you all most graciously for setting up all the food, the beautiful flowers, helping to clean up, attending and for your prayers for Ervin’s one year memorial with all your thoughts. Out of sight but not out of hearts and minds. God bless you all for your support and for being our St. Luke Family.
Love,
Doris & Family
Where does anyone begin to thank all of the volunteers that worked so tirelessly to make the Taste of Greece such a success? Months of workshops, baking, and cooking, Giving Tree donations, set-up, work assignments, and clean up were all a labor of love for our beloved St. Luke Church. So many parishioners selflessly gave of their time without hesitation. The community came together and the result was a wonderful festival! A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE that helped to make the 2017 Taste of Greece a success!!! Και του χρονου! Love, Angie Gouzonis
Bible Study Tuesday @ 6:30PM/ Friday @ 11:00AM (unless otherwise stipulated)
Council Meetings 2nd Monday of the month @ 7:00 PM (unless otherwise stipulated)
Dance Practice
August/September/October Monday 6:00 – 8:00
Loaves and Fishes Pick up on the 3rd Friday of the month
Knitting 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month @10:30 (unless otherwise stipulated)
Romeos and Juliettes 4th Thursday of the month (unless otherwise stipulated)
Choir Thursday @ 6:30 PM (September 10th – June10th) (unless otherwise stipulated)
GOYA 3rd Sunday of the month following Liturgy (unless otherwise stipulated)
JOY 3rd Friday of the month 6pm-7:30 unless otherwise announced
Endowment Meeting 2nd Tuesday @6:30
40 to 4 Club/Hope -seeking a volunteer coordinator and meetings TBA
Miles to Smiles- Walking Ministry, TBA
Health Ministry- Monthly Blood Pressure during coffee hour, TBA
No Sunday School – Oct. 15th, Dec. 24th, Dec. 31st, Feb. 19th, Apr. 1st, 8th & 15th, May 27th
*Pre Sanctified Liturgies
Wednesday…February 21st, 28th & March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th … at 6:30 pm
*Salutations
Friday…February 23rd & March 2nd, 9th & 16th … at 6:30 pm
*Saturday of the Souls
Saturday… February 10th, 17th & 24th … at 8:30/9:30 am
Compline
Monday… February 19th, 26th & March 5th, 19th, 26th … at 6:30 pm
*Hall not available for rent February 23, 2018 – April 6, 2018
I m p o r t a n t D a t e sChurch Ministries
If you are interested in joining any of these ministries please call the office or a Ministry leader.
November 12 — Parish Assembly
November 15 — Nativity Fast begins (do the best you can!)
November 19 — Harvest Day Luncheon
November Liturgies
November 8- Holy Archangels November 9- St Nektarios November 13- St John Chrysostom November 21 — Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple November 25 — Saint Katherine November 30 — Saint Andrew the Apostle
We d d i n g s
Jennifer Cokotis and Derek Russell were married on October 21, 2017 at the Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, VA.
May God grant them many years!
MEMORIALSIn memory of John VamvilisDavid and Linda ArthurMarianne SergidesGeorge and Magda GaliatsosDoris HenaultBarbara CostasVicki and Lou LaRocheTom and Maria LawarePhyllis LaValleeAntonia RivasPeter and Lanie AlexopoulosMary PoulosThia PloubidesJoe and Meghan DascoAnita and John ThemistosWendell GrigelyCatherine BaileyRobert and Adeline UrsoPaul GianarisHartford Distributors, Inc.David and Donna BaileyThe Voukounas FamilyCharlie and Mary PalombaPeter W. Coscore
In memory of Peter PoulopoulosAntonia RivasMary Poulos