STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN his great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of...

T his great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of Constantius Chlorus (the ruler of the westernmost parts of the

Roman empire) and of the blessed Helen. He was born in 272, in (according to some authorities) Naissus of Dardania. In 306, when his father died, he was proclaimed successor to his throne. In 312, on learning that Maxentius and Maximinus had joined forces against him, he marched into Italy, where, while at the head of his troops, he saw in the sky after midday, beneath the sun, a radiant pillar in the form of a cross with the words: "By this shalt thou conquer." The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its significance. When he arose in the morning, he immediately ordered that a labarum be made (which is a banner or standard of victory over the enemy) in the form of a cross, and he inscribed on it the Name of Jesus Christ. On the 28th Of October, lie attacked and mightily conquered Maxentius, who drowned in the Tiber River while fleeing. The following day, Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was proclaimed Emperor of the West by the Senate, while Licinius, his brother-in-law, ruled in the East—But out of malice, Licinius later persecuted the Christians. Constantine fought him once and again, and utterly destroyed him in 324, and in this manner he became monarch over the West and the East. Under him and because of him all the persecutions against the Church ceased. Christianity triumphed and idolatry was overthrown. In 325 he gathered the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which he himself personally addressed. In 324, in the ancient city of Byzantium, he laid the foundations of the new capital of his realm, and solemnly inaugurated it on May 11, 330, naming it after himself, Constantinople; since the throne of the imperial rule was transferred thither from Rome, it was named New Rome, the inhabitants of its domain were called Romans, and it was considered the continuation of the Roman Empire. Falling ill near

Nicomedia, he requested to receive divine Baptism, according to Eusebius (The Life of Constantine. Book IV, 61-62), and also according to Socrates and Sozomen; and when he had been deemed

worthy of the Holy Mysteries, he reposed in 337, on May 21 or 22, the day of Pentecost, having lived sixty-five years, (of which he ruled for thirty-one years. His remains were transferred to Constantinople and were deposed in the Church of the Holy Apostles, which had been built by him (see Homily XXVI on Second Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom). As for his holy mother Helen, after her son had made the Faith of Christ triumphant throughout the Roman Empire, she undertook a journey to Jerusalem and found the Holy Cross on which our Lord was crucified (see Sept. 13 and 14). After this, Saint Helen, in her zeal so glorify Christ, erected churches in Jerusalem at the sites of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, in Bethlehem at the cave where our Saviour was born, another on the Mount of Olives whence lie ascended into Heaven, and many others throughout the Holy Land, Cyprus, and elsewhere. She was proclaimed Augusta, her image was stamped upon golden

coins, and two cities were named Helenopolis after her in Bithynia and in Palestine. Having been thus glorified for her piety, she departed to the Lord being about eighty years of age, according to some in the year 330, according to others, in 336.

Apolytikion (Plagal of the 4th Tone) He beheld the image of Your Cross in the Heavens and, as Paul, he too did not receive the call from men. Your Apostle among Kings placed the care of the Royal City in Your hands. Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O only Loving Lord, keep it ever in peace.

Volume 9 Issue 5 May 2003

The Monthly Newsletter of St. George Greek Orthodox Church www.saintgeorge.mn.goarch.org

Archdiocese and Diocese News ........................................................................... Page 2 Stewardship 2003 .................................................................................................. Page 3 Parish Council News ............................................................................................. Page 4 Parish News and Announcements ........................................................................ Page 5 Pastoral Guidelines—Funerals .............................................................................. Page 6 Philoptochos News ................................................................................................ Page 8 Youth News ........................................................................................................... Page 8 Parishioners Namedays, Birthdays, and Anniversaries ......................................... Page 9 Book Store News ................................................................................................... 0 Ahepan News ........................................................................................................ Page 10 Calendar of Events ................................................................................................ Page 11

STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN May 21

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! WqistÁr Am—stg! AkghÖr Am—stg!

Glad Tidings May 2003

REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES

Holy Confession By Appointment

Vespers Saturday 5:00 PM (September—May)

Orthros Sunday 8:15 AM

Divine Liturgy Sunday 9:45 AM

Sunday School (when in session) starts after administration of

Holy Communion

For Weekday Services please check the Calendar of Events

included in this bulletin.

Church Staff and Office Hours Church Office Hours Monday through Thursday 8:00AM—3:00PM Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter (651) 222-6220 Email: [email protected]

Rev. Fr. Parry Paraschou, Protopresbyter Emeritus (651) 452-5289 Email: [email protected]

Yiannis Stamatopoulos Administrative Assistant (651) 222-6220 Email: [email protected]

George Kanavati

Parish Council President (651) 292-8304 Email: [email protected]

Eleni Hoffhines Sunday School Director (651) 484-0382 Email: [email protected]

Jackie Matuska Philoptochos President (651) 483-1487 Email: [email protected]

Barbara Bauman Choir Director (651) 415-0556

Anna Christoforides Greek School Director (651) 225-8016 Email: [email protected]

Dan and Jackie Matuska Glad Tidings Editors (651) 483-1487 Emails: [email protected] [email protected]

ARCHBISHOP'S PASCHAL ENCYCLICAL PASCHA 2003—THE FEAST OF FEASTS "In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." (from the Gospel of Easter Sunday - John 1:4-5) To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Day and Afternoon Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America. Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Tonight we hold aloft the bright Paschal candle, and going forth into the midnight darkness, we illumine the world around us with the Joyous Light, triumphantly proclaiming the glory of the Risen One. The candle in our hand is not merely an accessory to our celebration, but rather a most profound symbol of the truth that we uphold. By it we manifest our experience that in the darkness of the human condition, there is but one light; in the shadow of death, there is one reality alone that brings peace and joy. This is the radiance that shines forth from the tomb of Christ, the truth that "Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life." What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the black shadow of our own sinfulness and our ignorance of God's will for our lives. It is the confusion of mind, the pain of guilt, the fear of rejection and failure. Into this darkness breaks forth the light of Pascha: He who bore our sins on the Cross is risen, completely defeating death. In His emerging from the Tomb we see God's assurance of our liberation, the promise of a life renewed with divine righteousness. No longer groaning under the heaviness of guilt, we raise high the Paschal candle in the boldness of the Resurrection, and call forth with Saint John Chrysostom: "Let no one bewail his sins, for forgiveness has dawned forth from the Tomb!" What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the blackness of enmity and conflict between human beings. We who should be living as brothers and sisters in harmony are instead separated by violence, hostility, and prejudice. Into this darkness of divisiveness shines the light of Pascha, "for the Universal Kingdom has been revealed." He who shattered the bars and bonds of Hades has the power also to break down every dividing wall of hostility between us, the power to make us one in Him (cf. Eph. 2:14). And so with the Paschal light we brighten the faces of our neighbors and chant as with one voice: "It is the day of Resurrection, let us shine forth in splendor for the Festival and embrace one another; let us say, brothers, even to those who hate us, 'Let us forgive all things in the Resurrection'!" What is this darkness that surrounds us? It is the tragedy of our mortality, the fear of death that has kept us in lifelong bondage (cf. Heb. 2:15). It is this darkness that the Paschal light dispels. For as we receive the light, we experience a foretaste of that moment when our own eyes shall be opened from the sleep of death to behold the radiant and indescribable beauty of our new resurrected life with the Resurrected Lord. Tonight each one of us holds a bright candle and receives the Paschal light. So too must we all, each one of us, receive the reality which the light symbolizes. We must, each one of us, cherish in our hearts the conviction that "Christ, having risen from the dead, has become the first-fruits of those who fall asleep." This is the faith that burns like an unquenchable flame in the Christian soul. This is the light that overcomes the darkness of sin and strife and sorrow in the face of death. Let us therefore hear and accept for ourselves the divine invitation of this most holy night: "Come, receive the light from the unwaning light, and glorify Christ who has risen from the dead!" Christ is Risen! Truly the Lord is Risen! With my warmest Paschal wishes and love in the Risen Christ, +DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

May 2003 Glad Tidings

Stewardship 2003—With All My Heart As of April 17th, 111 people submitted their 2003 Stewardship Cards. Financial pledges total $91,999 for an average pledge of $828.82. We have pledged 52% of our total goal. Please fill out your Stewardship Card and return it as soon as possible. Please try to increase your Treasure pledge by 10% and don’t forget to pledge Time and Talents.

Stewardship Summary—03/31/2003

Number (Over Budget) (Over Budget) of February February or Year-to-Date Year-to-Date or

Year Contributors Actual Budget Under Budget Actual Budget Under Budget

2003 171 $16,819.00 $14,427.00 $ (2,392.00) $ 44,518.67 $ 45,204.60 $ 685.93 2002 174 15,641.82 13,761.33 (1,880.49) 42,932.64 41,284.00 (1,648.64)

THE WHATS AND WHYS OF OUR CHURCH By Father Stanley Samuel Harakas

STEWARDS OF TREASURE There are some people who complain that the Church is always asking for money. They are right. From the very beginning, monetary collections have been made for the Church. In the New Testament we read how St. Paul made a collection for the persecuted Christians in Jerusalem from the Gentile Churches he had established. He said, "The point is this: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). There are four important things to note about this passage. First, when we give to the Lord's work, we receive blessings in return proportionate to our generosity. Secondly, that means we should give proportionately. Thirdly, we should give cheerfully and without coercion. Finally, our giving helps do the good work of the Lord. Most Greek Orthodox Christians that I know, don't understand giving that way. In our tradition of 500 years of enslavement, we learned to depend on the generosity of a few wealthy people to support our Churches and schools and other philanthropic institutions. That was an exercise of the stewardship of treasure, but, the majority of Greek Orthodox Christians gave modestly, even in comparison with their poverty. When Greece became a free nation, a hundred and seventy some years ago, the new nation assumed many of the Church's expenditures. Again, most of us continued to give only modestly for the Lord's work. Later, in the Diaspora, we Greek-Americans continued to give in a "head-tax" way, through a dues system. Most saw supporting the Church at best as an onerous imposition not as a source of blessings! Rich and poor gave the same amount annually not proportionally. For most Church dues were a necessary evil, to be endured and kept as low as possible—not a joyful privilege! Most thought of it as tax that was best avoided if possible not as a way of sharing in God’s work. None of this took place maliciously. It was the result of not understanding the teaching of stewardship in the tradition of our Faith. You become a "steward of treasure" when you think about giving prayerfully and in a spirit of gratitude for all of God's blessings. Stewards of Treasure understand that God's blessings are the source of their well-being, and that their blessings increase with the practice of Stewardship. Stewards give annually to the Church in proportion to the material blessings they have received. Stewards feel that giving is a privilege that causes them to rejoice inwardly because they reflect God’s generosity to humanity. And, Stewards understand their giving not as a tax-like burden, but as an opportunity to share in doing God's work, promoting His mission on this earth.

[National Herald—March 15, 2003]


St. George Parish Council Meeting Minutes for April 10, 2003 PRESENT: George Kanavati, Dimitri Dokos, Dimitra Kaniamos, Jackie Matuska, Larry Doris, Paul Loudas, Connie Geankoplis, and Dimitri Pitsavas ABSENT: Joe Weiser, Steve Ryan, Pendy Eliou, and John Georgiades. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. Father Rick opened the meeting with a prayer. Father Rick gave a presentation on the Sacrament of Holy Confession for the monthly Parish Council Education and Enrichment program. Secretary’s report: A motion was made to accept Secretary’s report. The motion was passed unanimously. Treasurer’s report: There was a question about the inflated checking account. It was suggested that a portion of it be transferred to investments. There was a concern about the Youth program being over budget. This was because of the cost for the bus to the basket-ball tournament. The camp fund money is going to be used equally among participating campers. A motion was made to offer $100.00 to each camper. The motion was passed unanimously. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s report. The motion was passed unanimously. Open Forum: Father Rick informed the council that he asked Ron Adkins to be the chairperson. He thought that the council should listen to the parishioners’ concerns and not try to solve issues at the meeting. Committee Reports: Stewardship: Fifty-one per cent have pledge so far, with pledges on the increase. Radio Ministry: Twenty people from various Orthodox parishes attended the last meeting. A radio station will be selected in a week or two. Almost $6,000.00 have been raised to cover the cost of the broadcast. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed unanimously. The Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.

ASK FATHER JIM

Q: Why are we asked as Orthodox Christians to "JOIN" a particular Parish in order to be in good order or standing in the Church? A: As Orthodox Christians we are given the Sacred Honor at our Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Communion to be part of the Body of Christ known to us today as His Church, our Church, the Church community, the Parish. I would suggest we use the term "BE PART OF" rather than "join" a Parish. As the "Body of Christ," we gather together our young and our old, saints and sinners, rich and poor, with our loved ones and enemies to form the ECCLESIA (the Assembly) of His Believers. An Orthodox Christian professes one's faith "in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church." Indeed, after such a dogmatic and powerful statement, how can we not "be part of" this Body.

On an everyday level, don't be fooled with the statement that you can go anywhere to practice your faith. True, an Orthodox Christian certainly can visit and pray in all Orthodox Churches. Let's realize that as we live in one family household each and every day of our lives; so we live in our Church community along with family and friends to pray, learn, work, and fellowship amongst those known to us. As Christ gathered the Apostles, we gather His children into communities of believers. Our fellow parishioners are there to call us by name, to celebrate the good happenings and to console us in times of loss or regret. No one can live alone in this world. We are called as God's Children to "GATHER TOGETHER" and assemble as a Eucharistic community. What a joy! We need to belong somewhere! Make a commitment and be part of a Church family. Tell them your name, give them your love, share your Gifts of Stewardship and be a part of the good standing of a local congregation of believers. They need you today! [Editors' Note: Father James Dokos is the PROTOPRESBYTER of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee, WI. Greek Star—January 3, 2002]


GRADUATION SUNDAY On Sunday, June 1st, we will hold our annual Sunday School Graduation program. We will also honor our High School and College Graduates on that day. Please send us the name, school, and degree of high school or college graduates as soon as possible for inclusion in the bulletin, newsletter, and program. GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP CONTINUES TO MEET The newly formed Grief Support Group met in March. The group is open to everyone, especially those who have lost loved ones to death, divorce, or other trauma. Members of the group provide support and hope to one another under the guidance of Fr. Rick. The group will meet on the first Monday of each month 7:00 PM through 8:00 PM starting on May 5th. Call for more information. Many Attend Open Forum Approximately 35 people attended the Open Forum meeting on Saturday, April 12th. Thank you to all who expressed their concerns for the betterment of our community. The parish council is addressing many of the issues presently and will continue working in the future. As always, everyone’s involvement is important and necessary to the mission of our parish—to spread the Gospel and live the new life in Jesus Christ. Bulletin Boards Please notice the beautifully decorated and informative bulletin boards around the church. If you would like to have something posted, please submit it to the church office for approval first.

Special Thanks Thanks to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Sunday School Classes. During Lent, they made an offering to the Altar Fund of $28.28 to be used for people in need. God bless you!

New Phone System Installed recently, the new phone system greatly enhances our voice mail capabilities and functionality of the office and its staff. We thank the anonymous donor of the system and Matr ix Communicat ions for a complimentary installation. Please offer any suggestions for improvement as you use our new phone and voice mail system. Thank you!

An Orthodox and Friends Gateaway There is a five day trip to Mackinac Island, being planned from September 23 until September 27, 2003. Please come and join us. For more information please call Helen Peters at: 612-869-6277. Update From the Baffa Family Just before jury selection, a plea bargain deal was struck in the murder case of Rob Baffa. The defendant pleaded guilty to second degree intentional murder and another suspect was implicated in the process. Sentencing is set for Wednesday, May 12. The Baffas thank you for all the prayers.

May Coffee Hour Schedule

May 4 Christina and Micheal Manos/Mary Giavassis

May 11 Mother's Day—Greek School

May 18 Mary Phillips (Memorial)

May 25 American Hellenic Legion Post 129

We will be gathering at the church this month. It's time to clean up the grounds and get them ready for the summer. Afterwards, we will go to Vespers. The evening will continue with grilling dinner and a bonfire on the new property. Children are welcome to come and help. We hope you join us. As always, it's a wonderful day outside! Call Presvytera Jane (651-695-1436) to let her know what you are planning to bring for dinner.

From the Fathers

Within the heart there are un-fathomable depths. There are re-ception rooms and bedchambers in it, doors and porches, and many offices and passages. In it is the workshop of righteousness and of wickedness. In it is death; in it is life…the heart is Christ’s palace. There, Christ the King comes to take his rest, with the angels and the spirits of the saints, and He dwells there, walking within it and placing His Kingdom there.

—St. Makarios


Meaning of Burial/Funeral Service The Funeral Service is composed of deeply meaningful hymns, prayers, biblical readings, and symbolic acts. Most of the material that the Church uses for the Service of the burial of the dead refers not only to the dead but to the living as well. By studying the service we can orient ourselves in the direction of our natural destiny. The intelligent traveler studies the map and knows what road to follow, he reads the signs and is careful not to lose his way. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city which is to come.” (Hebrews 13:14).

The Greek name for funeral comes from the Greek word “kidos” meaning “care” and in this context the last care. Christians, believing that “our body is a temple of the Holy Spir i t which is within us…” (1Corinthians 6:19) and that it is destined to be resurrected after death and to be united in an incorruptible state with the immortal soul at the Second Coming of the Lord, used to bury their dead with all due honor, not burn them in the manner of the pagans. Accordingly, they washed the body, dressed it in white garments, and took it to church singing Psalm verses on the way. This is obvious from the Apostolic Constitutions in which instructions are given as to the hymns to be sung.

The Orthodox Funeral Service of today goes back to the end of the 5th and beginning of the 6th centuries in its main articulation and was later enriched by the eight sublime hymns of St. John of Damascus by which the ephemeral of this life and the eternity of life hereafter are poetically described.

From very early in the Christian era, people were honoring their dead by making contributions to the poor as a memorial to the dead. This is prescribed in the Apostolic Constitutions, and St. John Chrysostom says, “do you wish to honor the departed? Honor him by giving alms and by doing works of benefaction.” Today’s mourning, usually associated with death, is a later development that crept into the Church as Christianity became the religion of everybody and, in a great

number of cases, one’s religion either by necessity or by expectation of personal benefit. As time went on, death began to be viewed again as a development full of awe for which there was neither remedy nor consolation. Especially beginning the Middle Ages, the love of the bereaved began to be expressed by the erection of expensive and highly ornamented tombs and mausoleums.

The hope and joy of the resurrection is expressed in the priest wearing white vestments during the funeral service.

The best time to plan a funeral is before you die. This way you can communicate the type of care you would like to receive after death. A will or a living will is certainly appropriate for Orthodox Christians. If you are planning for an Orthodox Funeral service keep the following in mind.

Eligibility for Orthodox Funeral Any person baptized in the Orthodox Church is entitled to a funeral service, with some exceptions. Individuals who are in severe violation of canon law including marriage outside of the Orthodox Church, cremation, suicide, and other circumstances are denied a funeral service in the Church. In some cases prayers, but not a full service, may be said at another location. The Diocesan Bishop will use discretion in deciding cases where mercy should be shown. In the case of a non-Orthodox person who is not connected to any other faith community/tradition, the priest can conduct a prayer service at a funeral home or some other venue to express the love and care of the church community. If you have any questions, please consult the priest to ensure that you are canonically in good standing with the Orthodox Church.

Dying or Near Death If a person’s health is declining quickly and death seems inevitable, the priest should be called. He can read prayers, hear Confession, administer Holy Unction, and offer Holy Communion if appropriate. If a person’s suffering is extreme and there is no reasonable hope of recovery, if the family wishes, the priest can read prayers asking God to take the dying person’s soul to end their suffering.

Funeral Homes Almost all funeral homes are very sensitive to the religious traditions of families and their deceased loved ones. They will work with you and the priest to make all arrangements for the deceased. They will help you in determining the wake, casket, cemetery, marker, obituary, and so forth. Families should be aware that they can honor their loved ones with modest, inexpensive arrangements. Memorial Gifts Giving gifts in memory of the dead is a centuries old tradition. Giving to the church is very honorable. Designations to various ministries/projects within the parish can be done in advance or at the time of the funeral planning. These preferences can be advertised in the obituary and literature distributed to visitors. Wake/Viewing Commonly, a wake or viewing is done the night before the funeral at the mortuary. This is a time when people can express their respect and sympathy, especially if they are not able to attend the funeral service. The priest will attend and pray the Trisagion Service at a pre-arranged time. Other ceremonials such as for Legion (Veteran) and AHEPA members can be done at the wake. It is also an appropriate time for eulogies by family and friends in honor of the deceased.

Funeral Service Scheduling the service is very important and the priest needs to be consulted before any plans are set. Generally, funerals may be done on any day except Sundays (in honor of the Resurrection) or on Holy Saturday (in honor of Christ’s Descent into Hades).

If the family desires, the priest can come to the mortuary in the morning before the funeral to pray the Trisagion Service again. Commonly, the priest will meet the family with the casket outside the church and escort the deceased into the nave. The casket will be placed on the solea with the deceased facing the East (feet towards altar). The Orthodox Tradition is to have an open casket during the Funeral Service

(Continued on page 7)

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(Continued from page 6) to acknowledge the reality of death and allow for last respects; including the “farewell kiss.” The priests and chanters pray the service and the worshippers are encouraged to join in the singing of the hymns and responses. After the final prayer, the priest usually offers a sermon to share the inspirational message of Christ’s teaching regarding life, death, and eternal life. He will also incorporate, where appropriate, important aspects of the deceased life to further personalize the message. After the sermon, the casket will be turned so that last respects can be made to the departed loved one. For time’s sake and respect for the Temple of God, personal sympathies to the surviving family should be avoided at this time. They can be expressed afterwards. The faithful are asked to return to their seats as the family comes forward to pay their last respects. Then the priest seals the body with oil and sand and, after the casket is closed, escorts the deceased out of the church to the hearse with family and others following behind. Burial Service The burial service consists of a Trisagion service at the grave site. Afterwards, the family may wish to stay for the lowering of the casket and the sealing of the vault. In some communities, the body is sealed with oil and sand by the priest at the grave side. The current practice at St. George Greek Orthodox Church is sealing in the church (see above). A burial site should be chosen that allows for the deceased to face East (feet towards the East) in expectation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Makaria/Funeral Luncheon After the burial service, it is customary (but not required) to have a funeral luncheon called the Makaria. This can be done in the church social hall or at another location. Fish is served as the main dish because it was an ancient symbol for Christians and because it is considered an acceptable alternative during fasting periods. The luncheon gives more opportunity for those in attendance to share in their grief and remembrance of the deceased. The luncheon is also a very appropriate time

for eulogies and other expressions of honor by family and friends. Memorial Services Remembering the deceased in prayer to God is an important expression of love and faith. Trisagion services can be done at the time of death, the third day (in honor of the Holy Trinity and Christ’s three day burial), the ninth day (in honor of the orders of angels), the fortieth day (in honor of Christ’s 40 days on earth after His Resurrection), three months, six months, nine months, one year, or any time the family feels the need.

The memorial service is a little longer service that is typically done on the forty days. The memorial requires coliva or sitari. Coliva/Sitari is the boiled wheat dish (recipes can be provided) that symbolizes the seed of the body that has been placed in the earth to sprout forth new, resurrected life when all the dead are raised at the Second Coming of Christ. Scheduling memorial services for Sundays in the church must be pre-arranged through the priest. Additional tributes on that day include making the prosforo, having flowers and candles, bringing refreshments for coffee hour, and to visit the grave site. Other Embalming—This is an accepted non-religious practice to slow the natural decomposition of the body after death. However, it is not mandatory. Bodies can be buried as soon as possible or they can be cooled to slow decomposition until burial. Organ Donation—Donating ones organs upon death to those in need is an acceptable and commendable practice for Orthodox Christians. Usually wishes must be expressed ahead of time in a will or to family members.

Donating Body to Science—This is acceptable if the body is treated with respect, kept intact, and made available for burial after being used. See your priest for more information. Autopsy—This is acceptable and sometimes required by law to determined the circumstances of death.

Suicide—Generally suicide is self-murder. Because it is such a grave, final act it can prevent the deceased from receiving an Orthodox Funeral service in the church. However, with the permission of the Diocesan Bishop, an exception can be made if there is evidence of mental illness. Cremation—This is the incineration or burning of the deceased body until it turns to ash. Orthodoxy teaches that the human body is created in the image and likeness of God and is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, an Orthodox funeral service cannot be conducted for those who will be cremated. Superstitions—The church discounts the superstition, and others of similar spirit, of keeping newlyweds and pregnant women from the viewing and the funeral because it is considered bad luck. Remembering the Deceased—Honor and love can be expressed by visiting the grave site, lighting candles at church and home, donating to the church and other causes, submitting names to the priest for prayers during services, making prosforo, and scheduling memorial or trisagion services. Grieving Grieving is the process of dealing with loss. Usually, it is filled with sadness and loneliness as we begin life without our loved one. These emotions are normal but should not be without a general sense of hope in Christ’s love for us. Eternal life in heaven is our goal and it is ok to rejoice that our departed loved one has left the toils of this life to rest with God. There are many customs about behavior and dress among various ethnic groups. However, the Church has no official teachings on grieving. Each person mourns the loss of a loved one differently. Relatives and friends should be careful not to impose expectations about grieving. This usually only complicates and prolongs the grief process. If your grieving is causing depression, debility, or dysfunction, seek out counseling with the priest and support groups.


Please Mark Your Calendar May 6: 6:30 PM Regular Meeting Philoptochos 2003 members will be voting for the new Board Members. Please plan to attend. June (Date to be determined): 6:00 PM Dinner June 9: Loaves and Fishes

Thank You! Many thanks to everyone who baked and helped serve after the Resurrection Service. Loaves and Fishes The next Loaves and Fishes is Monday, June 9. Please plan to participate or donate to this important event.

Volunteers Needed We are still in need of Philoptochos members to help chair some of the events. If you are interested, please contact Jackie Matuska (651-483-1487 or email her at [email protected]).

Money distributed March 26, 2003 through April 21, 2003:

Archdiocese Missions Program $650.00

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 400.00

IOCC 200.00

National Sisterhood of St. Basil 100.00

St. Basil’s Academy (bedding for children) 100.00

Gifts for Shut Ins 63.82

Help to those in need 50.00

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical and Arts Festival 25.00

TOTAL $1,588.82

JOY

Wednesday, May 21st 6:00-7:30PM

Kids join us and bring your family. This month we will have Cathy Anastasion teach us some hymns of the church so we can participate in the Divine Liturgy. It would be great to learn a few hymns and sing for our congregation!! If it's nice out, some games outside may be in order. See you all there!

The $20 Dollar Bill

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 bill to one of you but first, let me do this: He proceeded to crum-ple the $20 dollar bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. My friends, we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are special—don't EVER forget it. Count your blessings, not your problems. Never be afraid to try something new. And remember: Amateurs built the ark—professionals built the Titanic. If God brings you to it—He will bring you through it. God will either lighten your load or He will strengthen your back.


Visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the

World Wide Web

at: http://www.goarch.org/

and St. George Greek Orthodox Church

at: http://www.saintgeorge.mn.goarch.org/

God’s Billboard—The wages of sin is death. Repent before payday.

Registry

Baptism Elianna, daughter of Elizabeth Stoller. Godparents are Steve and Minda Arsenault.

April 12

Remember Your Church Please remember St. George Greek Orthodox Church during your estate planning and writing of wills. The Church should definitely be on your list and should be a priority when leaving your legacy behind on earth. For more information, call the church office. Seek guidance from the priest and always consult your attorney in legal matters.

If your name isn’t listed in either of these categories, but should be, please call the church office so it can be added.

Namedays Many Years! WqÁmia Pokk‚!

Presvytera Jane Andrews May 8

Andrea Faches-Chadwick May 17

Costas Aggelidis, Constantine Bowman, Dina Cender, Eleni Christoforides, Dinos Constantine, Constantine Contolatis,Elaine Drivas, Heleny Faltas, Constantine Geankoplis, Leslie Gnetz, Helen Graves, Eleni Hoffhines, Costa Kokkinos, Dina Kontinakis, Ellene Kritikos, Kosta Leaskas, Eleni Margellos, Tina Sageotis, Eleni Sidiropoulou, Helen Speros, Elise Swanson, Helen Swanson, Elena Theros, Dean Tortorelis, Dena Tortorelis, Dean Tsantir, Kostas Tsantir, Elaine Tsepelis, Connie Tzenis, Ellen Vujovich, Deno Wedes, Helen Zubulake

May 21

Birthdays

Mark Johnson, Michael Keifer, Michael Rice May 2

Chris Granias, Catherine Kiriakou, Daniel Simon May 3

Sophia Frances Boosalis, Alexander Christoff, Jake Mulder May 5

Melina Canas May 6

Kara Lake May 8

Nikolas Marazes May 9

Panorea Kolas, Clark Smith May 13

Dina Kontinakis, Niki Kontinakis May 14

Sophia Demonakos, Eleni Sidiropoulou May 15

Sophia Bowman May 16

Frank Creamer, Panos Delton, Sally Pathos, Nicholas Zubulake May 17

Stella Hofrenning May 18

Brad Valek May 19

Thanasi Pappas, Nathan Rice May 20

John Poulos May 21

Laura Manos, Keelia Poulios May 22

Angie Hatziz, George Kouzas, Veta Normandin, Menia Poulios

May 23

Pauline Bisch, Kim Tsoukalas May 24

Betty Assimacopoulos, Antonia Kontenakos, Scott Matuska May 25

George Gounaikis, Christ Kontenakos, Vi Rozikes May 26

Katerina Kaniamos, John Larson, Maria Taratsas May 29

Evy Hatjistilianos May 30

Joy Dock, Patricia Nodes, Denise Smith, Naomi Tsantir May 31

Anniversaries

Chris and Mary Georgantones, Clark and Denise Smith May 17

Fr. Richard Demetrius and Presvytera Jane Andrews May 18

Aris and Betty Assimacopoulos May 24

Peter and Despie Georgantones, Daniel and Patricia Nodes May 29

PARISHIONERS NAMEDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND ANNIVERSARIES


Saint Paul Area Council of Churches Connecting Congregations for Service and Justice The mission of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC), a community of Christian congregations, is to build life-giving, just, and anti-racist communities for all people in the Saint Paul area. SPACC is a 97-year-old nonprofit organization, composed of 169 member congregations from 23 Christian denominations in the east metropolitan area of St. Paul, including congregations from Anoka, Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties. SPACC operates the following major programs:

Congregations in Community—Criminal Justice Care Services—Department of Indian Work

Minnesota Churches Anti-Racism Initiative Project Home Project SPIRIT and Freedom School

Rev. Bob Edgar

General secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ

Rev. Bob Edgar is general secretary of the leading national ecumenical organization with 36 member denominations, representing approximately 50 million congregants. Under his leadership, the Council is focusing on two major initiatives, a Mobilization to Overcome Poverty and an expanded ecumenical conversation including Evangelical, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic churches. A United Methodist minister, Dr. Edgar was a six-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as pastor, teacher, college chaplain, seminary president, community organizer, and director of a "think tank" on national security issues. He has been an outspoken advocate for peace and recently led a delegation of religious leaders to Iraq and the Middle East. In October he appeared on "NOW with Bill Moyers" and spoke about the moral and political implications of war with Iraq.

ST. GEORGE BOOK STORE If you are going to buy a spiritual or religious book for your child, friend, relative, or yourself, check out the selection in the St. George Book Store. Also available are icons, icon magnets, videos, CDs, incense, charcoal, censors, and Holy Water bottles. Items from the Light and Life catalog can be ordered and usually will arrive the following Sunday. Other non-Orthodox specific books ordered from other sources (such as Barnes and Noble), usually arrive in two to three weeks.

AHEPAN NEWS JOHN W. LAMBROS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION This scholarship has been established to recognize and to foster academic achievement within the St. George Greek Orthodox Community and the Ahepa Family. Annual stipends in the amounts of $500 to $1500 will be awarded to undergraduate students in accredited universities, colleges or technical training institutes. Awards are made only to students who are active, paid members or children of active, paid members of St. George Greek Orthodox Church of St. Paul, Minnesota and the Order of Ahepa or one of its ancillary who are entering college or are in undergraduate work. Completed applications and related required material must be mailed to 3213 Ridgewood Road, Arden Hills, MN 55112-3637 on or before June 20th. Applications are available at the church. AHEPA DISTRICT CONVENTION This year’s convention is being held right here in St. Paul at the Radisson St. Paul Riverfront Hotel on June 13-14-15. Information sheets and registration forms available at the church. For more info call David Trudeau 651-308-4008 or Christ Kontenakos 651-452-3791.


St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105 Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews -- Phone: (651) 222-6220 -- www.saintgeorge.mn.goarch.org

May 2003 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 5:00 PM VESPERS

4 8:15 AM ORTHROS 9:45 AM DIVINE LITURGY

5 6:15 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Grief Support

6 6:00 PM Pan-Orthodox YAL Meeting 6:30 PM Philoptochos Meeting

7 Fast Day

8 6:00 PM PARAKLESIS 7:00 PM Parish Council Meeting

9 Fast Day

10 5:00 PM VESPERS


12 6:15 PM Greek School 7:00 PM Youth Ministry Meeting

13 14 Fast Day

15 16 Fast Day 7:00 PM Orthodox/Roman Catholic Dialogue

17

3:00 PM Hearth & Hearts Spring Cleaning

5:00 PM VESPERS


19 6:15 PM Greek School

20 21 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY MID-PENTECOST Fast Day 6:00 PM GOYA/JOY Family Night

22 12:00 PM OCF at St. Thomas 7:00 PM AHEPA and Daughters

23 Fast Day

24 5:00 PM VESPERS


26 27 7:00 PM Stewardship Committee Meeting

28 Fast Day

29 30 Fast Day

31 Eau Claire 5:00 PM VESPERS

NO FASTING — BRIGHT WEEK

Festival of Nations — Thursday through Sunday

ANTIPASCHA

3RD SUNDAY OF PASCHA

HOLY MYRRHBEARERS

4TH SUNDAY OF PASCHA

PARALYTIC

5TH SUNDAY OF PASCHA

SAMARITAN WOMAN

GREEK SCHOOL GRADUATION

MOTHER’S DAY

Coming in June…

June 1 Sunday School Graduation June 5 Ascension of Our Lord June 13-15 AHEPA District Convention June 15 Pentecost June 15-21 Summer Church Camp June 22 All Saints June 29 Sts. Peter and Paul

MEMORIAL DAY

OFFICE CLOSED

STS. CONSTANTINE

AND HELEN

Junior Olympics in Chicago, IL

Junior Olympics in Chicago, IL


May Liturgical Schedule

Thursday, May 8, 2003 PARAKLESIS Parish Council Meeting Wednesday, May 21, 2003 DIVINE LITURGY STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN MID-PENTECOST

St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 Telephone (651) 222-6220/FAX (651) 225-9276 WEBSITE: www.saintgeorge.mn.goarch.org _______________________________________ Address Service Requested TIME VALUE MAIL—POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Non-Profit

Organization U.S. Postage PAID

St. Paul, MN Permit No. 177

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STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN his great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of...

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