THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS...THE NEWS FROM ST.NEKTARIOS Inside this Issue and the other people...
Transcript of THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS...THE NEWS FROM ST.NEKTARIOS Inside this Issue and the other people...
-
THE NEWS FROM ST. NEKTARIOS
Inside this Issue
St. Nektarios the
Wonderworker tribute
on the 100th anniversary
of his repose
2
Focus on our
Community 2
Farewell to Carol Jelush 3
Parish Council Oath of
Office 3
Fire Update 3
Vasilopita Cutting and
Prosfora Ministry 4
Zoe Ministry 5
New Ministry Highlights 6
Financial Matters 7
Youth Ministries 8-11
Saints of Our Faith 12
I n today’s gospel reading the Lord relates to something about light. He tells us that the light of our virtue must shine in front of the people with whom we live and associate. It is the duty and sacred obligation of each one of us to become a spiritual light so that other
people will be guided near Christ. More simply, as all of us light the light (the oil candle in the room,) we are trying to light it in such a place so that it will illuminate all the room, the same way for us when we become a spiritual light, with our works, our faith and the other people around us. The Lord gave us this commandment because He is LIGHT. He is the light of the world. For this reason we must become light, also for the ones around us to be illumined and to glorify the name of God. We wonder, can we become light? Oh brother, leave me alone! What can I do? What can I offer to the world since I am illiterate? I am an unknown. I am not able to say anything or to suggest something to my fellow man. Someone may say, “My brothers, those who think this way are wrong.” No one, but no one, is so small and so weak so that he cannot emit even small rays of spiritual light. The light which the Lord asks of us to shine is our good works. Therefore who can say and contend that he cannot show good works? All of us have relations and connections with our fellow men. This dealing and this relation, when it is done with sincerity is a good work. When we have confidence one for another, this is a good work. When difficulties and troubles afflict us during our life, and we do not lose our faith and our trust in God, this is a good work, work which shines. We get sick, we remain invalid and we are tried terribly in life, but we are not vexed. We do not lose our faith in God. All these are good works which shine. We help our fellow man who is in need, this is a good work. They wrong us, they slander us and we pray for them. This is a good work. All these and many, many more are good works which shine, which every
man of every social class or education can do. Our family life can show many instances of good works, works which reflect spiritual light, such as the mutual love of the parents among themselves, the love and respect towards the grandfather and grandmother. The love and the good education of the children; the correct and the proper remark, and the punishment of the naughty children by the parents when the children
misbehave, etc., etc. All these and many more are good works which reflect spiritual light. But our social life can give us many chances of doing good works such as the one having a vocation, and in his vocation to be honest and sincere, joyful and smiling. Also the employee to be honest and hard-working and the employer not to wrong his employees. We must understand my brothers, that every word of ours, our every behavior must be like a bright ray of light which shows to the other people around us how they, also, must behave. Our life must be an example of Christian behavior. Are not all of these works which shine? Are not all of these works full of spiritual light? Let us think a little more seriously and we will realize that there were people who illuminated us with spiritual light. All of them taught us with words, with their example and even with their silence. Why can’t we do the same? Yes, we can and we are obligated to do it and as we said,
even with our silence, we emit light. Our mute example and our Christian behavior without noise and without screams, bring great results. Does the sun when it rises in the morning and spreads light into the world make any noise? The works which do not spread spiritual light and do not emit light are evil works; works that are done in the dark, that are done in secret, with the sin. With evil works we do not illumine anyone. As when we do not live according to the will of God; when in discussion refuse to defend the will of God and to express our Orthodox perceptions and religious convictions; when we do not defend the one who is accused unjustly; when we are indifferent for the spiritual progress of our children, or of other people; when we do not care to give the good example and so many others . . . all these are dark works, works of the devil and not of God.
From today all of us can put in action the words of God and thus all of us will shine as light with our life around us in general. At some time a worker asked his colleague, “With what are you occupied doing during your free time, my friend?” and he answered, “I translate the gospel!” The other man looked at him with perplexity and said, “Do you know so many things?” “No,” his colleague answered, “you did not understand me, my friend; that which I am trying to do is to translate the teaching of the Gospel to my everyday life. I am trying to make the words of the Gospel my actions!” Therefore the thing that all of us must do is to be taught to take as an example that worker about whom we heard a little earlier, to make the words of the Gospel our works, luminous works, which will emit light and will be teaching. It is not difficult. We can do it if we only want to do it. Why don’t we make a good beginning today? What do you say? We can do
SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS - MATTHEW 5:14-19
“LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.”
MATTHEW 5:16 by the late father tommy vlahos (reprint)
Volume 24, Issue 1
January 2020
“Let us think a little more seriously and we will realize
that there were people who illuminated us with
spiritual light. All of them taught us with words, with their example and even in
their silence. “
-
2
In our prayers
John & Helene Antone Pat Baker Terry Balou Perry Beleu Christina Bonderer
Helen Bondurant Grant Braswell John Bugg Kathryn Colangelo Pam Copsis Bessie Demas
Sofia, Elenie & Evniki Dimou Johanna Dresser Theona Gallis John Holevas
Robin & Benny Hunt Elestheria Koutroumani Mary Longshore Catherine Manthos
Jack McCullough Melton family Tish Merrill Christina Nixon Jimmy Rogers Rogers family
Glen Smithers Cheryl & Brian Sutherland Paul Tuttle
FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
Helene Carras Buddy Craft Jordan James Dunn Krassimire Ivanov Nicholas Kachulis
Michael Constantine Mentavlos Zack Millsaps Matthew Millsaps Amanda Moril
Danielle Zervakos Nickolopoulos Anton Savin
Congratulations and best wishes
To Richard Theodore Weber on his Chrismation
To Maria and Chris Mortis on the 40 day blessing of Sophia’s brother, George Constantine
To Katya Homyakova and Troy Moore on their marriage
To Kaitlyn and Nicholas Davros on the baptism of their son, Kinsley Scott
To Nikki and Christopher Ottomanelli on the baptism of their daughter, Valentina Karen
To Amanda & Jimmy Demopoulos on the birth & 40 day blessing of their daughter, Penelope Anne
To Dani and Daniel Dellinger on the baptism of their daughter, Georgia Katherine
To Charlotte & Tommy Nickolopoulos on the birth of their granddaughter, Isabella, daughter of Elissa
& George Nickolopoulos in Raleigh
To Penelope Hefner for being honored as a Rising Star by Super Lawyer Magazine for 2020
With Sympathy on the passing
of our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ
To the Demopoulos & Nicolopoulos families on the passing of Mary Cleopatra “Cleo” Demopoulos
To the Diakowsky family on the passing of Morris John Diakowsky
To the Vlahos family on the passing of Father Tommy Vlahos
To the Hatjioannou family on the passing of Dee’s brother, Nick Apostolopoulos in Asheville
To the Frangopoulos and Giglios families on the passing of Denise’s mother, Vasileki Lichas
Frangopoulos in Briarwood NYand Tom’s father William Giglio in Bronx NY
In Appreciation
Thanks to Diane Gilbert and Copycat for printing the Church Bulletin and Newsletter.
Focus on our community
Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support
O f the many holy days celebrating the life of St. Nektarios of Aegina the Wonderworker, January 15th holds much importance—especially in the earthly life of our patron saint.
On January 15, 1847, Anastasios Kephalas (St. Nektarios) received the Holy Sacrament of Baptism at the age of around three months old.
On the same date in the year 1877, at the age of 30, he was ordained to the Holy Diaconate and given the name Nektarios. Nearly twelve years later in 1889, Archimandrite Nektarios Kephalas was ordained a bishop and elected as the Metropolitan of the great Metropolis of Pentapolis.
Finally, on January 15, 1998 the Patriarch of Alexandria restored St. Nektarios to the Alexandrian Church, recognizing him as a saint, after he had been previously expelled during his life.
May we remember these glorious events in the life of our Father and patron saint every year and ask for his fervent intercessions on our behalf.
O, Saint of God, intercede for us!
T he St. Nektarios Community would like to wish Carol Jelush a happy and blessed retirement! Carol is a retired Business Analyst who started working at St. Nektarios in 2002 as a volunteer and as an employee in 2003. She also assists in catechism on Sundays. She is one of the longest members of our staff and was always a welcoming face in the office, especially for the children who loved receiving her special stickers and hugs. She always had a bright smile for them and a special way of making them feel welcome. Her kindness comforted them when they were afraid.
Her last day as an employee was mid-November. Because of Carol’s humility she asked that we not be extravagant in our appreciation and recognition of her years of service. Carol, we love and wish you all God’s best.
Your St. Nektarios Family and Friends
Farewell to Carol Jelush
Saint Nektarios
the wonder-worker
Commemorating
the 100th year of
his repose
By Father Nektarios Karantonis
January Milestones in His Life
-
3
SANCTUARY FIRE UPDATE A s many of you know, there was a fire in the upstairs sanctuary HVAC mechanical room housing Unit #4 on November 6, 2019. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the one HVAC unit. There was no damage to the mechanical room. The sprinklers in the room put out the fire, but caused water damage in the sanctuary workroom, located directly beneath the mechanical room and behind the women’s chant stand. Water spread from the workroom onto the solea and nave.
Initial response: The Fire Department & Fire Marshall responded. Per the Fire Marshall’s order, Duke Energy turned off all power to the property. This order was due to the main electrical panels location in the workroom and they were filled with water. Our electrician inspected the electrical panels, began the drying out process and worked to restore power per city and county codes. Our insurance investigators were contacted and stepped into action. That same day a disaster service company was hired to deal with the initial water removal and soot clean-up. The soot clean-up included all surfaces (under 10 ft. in height), carpets and chairs. Staff and volunteers removed supplies and paper items from the building to air out. Our priority was preparing the sanctuary for our Feast Day vespers and services occurring that weekend. Temporary lights were brought in and we asked everyone to come dressed warmly, in that we had no heat.
For the first month after the fire: We maintained a manual fire watch and security over the property. We had to rely on generator-powered heat sources and air purifiers in the sanctuary. All the HVAC units remained off subject to investigation. Access to the upper level of the sanctuary was restricted. Full power was restored to the Spiritual Life Center within a few days. Eventually, partial power was restored to the sanctuary, excluding all HVAC units and the elevator.
Dec. 12: Forensic electrical and engineering investigators from three different companies were on-site to assess the cause of the fire. That investigation could not identify the cause except to say that it was a result of a heating event. Some parts were removed from the system and sent
to a lab for further evaluation. We regained access to the upper level. After this, the duct cleaning throughout the sanctuary took place and the remaining HVAC units were restored to operation. As of the end of December, the first set of insurance claims were processed and paid.
Next steps: The workroom behind the women’s chant stand will be repaired soon. We are waiting for two quotes to submit to our insurance company to replace HVAC Unit #4. Final clean-up for the horizontal surfaces in the dome is to be determined.
The work is almost complete. Thank you for keeping us in your prayers throughout this process.
Parish Council Oath of Office
W e welcomed the members of our Parish Council to the Solea on Sunday, January 12th for the annual Oath of Office. Placing their hand on the Holy Gospel, members recited:
I do solemnly affirm that I will uphold the dogma, teaching, traditions, holy canons, discipline, worship, and moral principles of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the Charter and Regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and that I will fulfil faithfully and sincerely the duties and obligations required of a member of the Parish Council. So help me God.
Following the service, they held their first meeting of the year to elect officers who are listed on this page. Please keep them in your daily prayers as they lead and serve our community to fulfill its Mission and Vision.
2020 Parish Council President - Charlie Hubbard,
Vice President - Christina Bonderer
Treasurer - Despina Gallis
Asst. Treasurer - Aka Vashakidze
Secretary - Teddy Poulos
Asst. Secretary - George Bacogeorge
Members: Teresa Jacob, Peter Keretsis,
Nadia Khoury Francis, and John Paul Tsahakis
Photo by Irina Hubbard
-
4
THE PROSFORA MINISTRY
Pictured here are the ladies hard at work preparing and baking Profora for the week. We use about 14 loaves of bread each week for Sunday’s Divine Liturgy and even more if we have weekday liturgies. Thank you to all of the ladies. If you would like to be part of this ministry please contact Christie Asimos at [email protected].
New Year’s Day Vasilopita Blessing
O ur New Year’s Day tradition at St. Nektarios includes the blessing and cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year’s Day Bread) following Divine Liturgy on New Year’s Day. Various members of our ministry departments participate in this annual event. Pictured above are those who came forward to receive their ministry piece, eagerly looking for the “lucky coin” and blessing.
Our Philoptochos ladies bake bread following the tradition from the 4th century when a band of pirates stole gold, etc. from the townspeople and St. Basil retrieved the items from the pirates. There was a dispute as to who owned what piece of property. In order to resolve the dispute, St. Basil commissioned women to bake bread in which the gold coins, jewelry, etc. were placed into the dough before baking. The legend says that as each person was given a slice of bread and his or her own items were received back in the piece of bread. This is considered a miracle to this day.
Niki Kleto, our Philoptochos President, assisted Fr. Nektarios in handing out the slices to each ministry department representative. St. Basil received the coin. There was a second loaf sliced for the children who eagerly awaited Fr. Steve’s invitation to come forward. Nicholas Kellen and Theona Gallis received those coins. Kim Braswell took the photos.
Following the Divine Liturgy and the Vasilopita Cutting, the Hospitality Ministry hosted a New Year’s Day brunch in the Spiritual Life Center. Thank you to everyone
who participated on this special day.
Front Row L to R: Jim Chomakos, Caitie Polivka, Helen Giles, Isabella Tristano, Nadia Francis, John Peroulas, Kholoud Alyateem,
Deidre Lepkowski, Christina Bonderer, Kathryn Mason, Maryann Zitsos, Evelyn Klund, Gerry Clonaris, Fr. Steve Dalber
Middle row L to R: Tim Shelton, Silva Awaimrin, Marilyn Sowyak, Christina Hanegraaf, Vasiliki Lainis, Vicky Wixon, Sofia Nicolopoulos,
Dennis Kokenes, Niki Kleto
Back Row L to R: Leo Maganares, Fr. Nektarios Karantonis, Fr. Paul Tsahakis, Sam Kleto, Costa Vrettos
-
5
E ach year for the feast day of St. Stylianos, Patron saint of children, and before Christmas, we
have a special memorial service to
remember families who have suffered
infant loss through miscarriages,
stillbirth and/or neo-natal loss (recent
or years ago). An angel ornament
symbolizing the child’s guardian angel
is placed on our Christmas Tree in
their memory. It is a wonderful time of
year to remember these special babies
and honor their patron saint,
St. Stylianos, whose feast day is
celebrated on November 26th.
The Friday before the Zoe Memorial
Service I was feeling a little down
thinking of all the babies that have
been lost. I too have experienced this
heartbreak. I brought out the tray of
angel ornaments, each with a different
name written on it and I prayed for
comfort for each family. My loss was
many years ago but the pain never fully
heals. At that time our daughter,
Brianna was only 5 years old. We were
trying to decide whether or not to
name the baby when a friend called
from Texas to say, “I feel like God
prompted me to call you and tell you
that you need to name this baby.” We
were awe-struck by the timing of the
call. We felt impressed to name the
baby, Elisha Joseph (not knowing the
meaning of the name). Ten years
passed by and we had two more
children and someone was asking the
meanings of their names. I told them
and then I look up the meaning of
Elisha Joseph and was struck by awe
again. I said, “God, why did this
happen?” When I looked at the
meaning of the names, Joseph means
“that God may add” and Elisha
means “the double portion” so the
baby’s name means….that God may
add the double portion, which He did
because I had two more children,
Arianna and Summer.
I was thinking about all of that on this
day as I placed the trays of angel
ornaments on
the table in the
sanctuary.
Suddenly
bright beams
of light burst
through the
windows near
the top of the
dome. It was
so sudden and so incredible that it
took my breath away. I believe God
heard my prayer that day and I was
able to capture a picture of the light
bursting through the windows to the
top of the dome and then shining
down on our “angels”.
♦♦♦♦♦
If you or someone you know has lost a
child, please contact Kim Braswell at
[email protected] to add their
name to an ornament to be placed on
Christmas tree in the fellowship hall in
December.
♦♦♦♦♦
Life & family ministry ~ Zoe Memorial SerViCe
Article by Kim Sheree’ Braswell reprinted from December 2017 Issue
The photo on the left is from this year’s Zoe Memorial Service on November 24th.
November 26th marks the feast day of St. Stylianos, Patron Saint of Children.
-
6
W e started a new dance ministry in the fall taught by Stavroula Koutsoupias and John Couchell. This is a fun way to exercise, meet new people for fellowship and to learn a variety of dances including Greek dance, ballroom and swing. The ministry meets on Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. Please check your missals for updates.
John and Stavroula also recently started a Motorcycle Ministry that meets for a relaxing ride of sight-seeing and service. After riding they stop for lunch for a time of fellowship together.
Above: Members of the Dance Ministry Team
Below: Motorcycle Ministry outings
NEW Ministry Highlights
St. Phoebe Ministry
Y ou’ve probably seen our young ladies helping on Sunday mornings as ushers, with candles and passing the offering basket. These girls are members of a new ministry called
“St. Phoebe Ministry” started by Christina Bonderer and Pam Copsis.
Below are photos of the highlights from 2019. Blessing of the ministry ~ 9-1-19
Above counter clockwise: Passing the offering basket, baking Prosfora, ushering, St.
Nektarios feast day procession, St. Phoebe Ministry retreat, serving at the candles and a
special Christmas party in
their honor.
-
7
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
DIRECTORY
Church Office: 704-708-4669
Church Fax: 704-846-6094
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stnektarios.org
5108 Kuykendall Rd. Charlotte, NC 28270
Father Steve Dalber, Protopresbyter
Home: 704-708-4638
Cell Phone: 704-451-6524
Email: [email protected]
Father Nektarios Karantonis, Presbyter
Cell Phone: 980-829-5215
Email: [email protected]
Father Paul Tsahakis, Presbyter
Deacon Stephanos Potter
2019 Parish Council
President: Charlie Hubbard
Vice President: Christina Bonderer
Treasurer: Despina Gallis
Assist. Treasurer: Aka Vashakidze
Secretary: Teddy Poulos
Assist. Secretary: George Bacogeorge
Members: Teresa Jacob, Peter Keretsis,
Nadia Francis, and John Paul Tsahakis
Parish Administrator
Evelyn Klund
Administration Staff
Silva Awaimrin, Kim Braswell,
Niki Kleto, and Sofia Nicolopoulos
Director of Youth Ministries
Helen Giles
Property Manager
Tim Shelton
Music Ministry Coordinator
Fr. Paul Tsahakis
Music Directors
Jeff Clewell, Dina Marinakos-Oara
Ministry Associate
Daniel Houlis
Philoptochos Board President: Niki Kleto
Vice President: Charlotte Nickolopoulos
Recording Secretary: Sharon Koutroumpis
Corresponding Secretary: (Vacant)
Treasurer: Madalina Lowen
Ass’t. Treasurer: Evelyn Klund
Members: Michaelina Antahades, Helen
Bakos, Irina Hubbard, Thalia Fergione (Advisor)
Email: [email protected]
SUNDAYS AT
SAINT NEKTARIOS
Worship
Matins 8:15 a.m. and Divine Liturgy:
9:15 a.m.
Youth Catechism:
Following Divine Liturgy
Fellowship Coffee:
Following the Divine Liturgy
Prosfora
Please contact the church office or Christie
Asimos at 704-756-1512 if you would like to
provide or sponsor Prosfora.
Coffee Hour Please contact the church office if you would
like to host or co-host a Coffee Hour on
Sunday. Your Stewardship pays for the
coffee hour refreshments provided by the
Hospitality Ministry Team.
Flowers You may donate flowers in honor of a family
member’s feast day, in memory
of a loved one or friend, on the occasion
of a holiday, or simply as a gift to the
community of St. Nektarios. To donate
flower arrangements to be placed at the
Iconostasis, St. Nektarios Shrine or in the
Narthex for Sunday Services, please contact
the church office to reserve a Sunday.
Sacramental Wine & Pure Olive Oil
You may make a financial gift to help defray
the cost of the sacramental wine that is used
for Holy Communion. Please note on the
memo line of your check or on the envelope
“Communion Wine”. You may also donate a
bottle or can of pure olive oil which is then
blessed at the Shrine of St. Nektarios and is
offered in the anointing kits. Please feel free
to bring this with you to any of our services
and give to an usher on duty. For additional
information contact the church office.
UPCOMING DEADLINE
Newsletter & Bulletin Due Dates:
Information Due: February 11, 2020
Published: February 18, 2020
OUR MISSION:
St. Nektarios 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;
through Baptism in the name of the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
and through loving service to God and to mankind.
OUR VISION:
The community will provide a loving, caring and welcoming
environment where all belong and grow in the faith
through worship, service, witness, and fellowship.
Righteous Euthymius
the Great
January 20
T his Saint, who was from Melitene in Armenia, was the son of pious parents named Paul and Dionysia. He
was born about 377. Since his mother had been barren, he was
named Euthymius-which means "good cheer" or "joy"-for this is
what his parents experienced at his birth. He studied under
Eutroius, the Bishop of Melitene, by whom he was ordained and
entrusted with the care of the monasteries of Melitene. Then,
after he had come to Palestine about the year 406, he became
the leader of a multitude of monks. Through him, a great tribe of
Arabs was turned to piety, when he healed the ailing son of their
leader Aspebetos. Aspebetos was baptized with all his people;
he took the Christian name of Peter, and was later consecrated
Bishop for his tribe, being called "Bishop of the Tents." Saint
Euthymius also fought against the Nestorians, Eutychians, and
Manichaeans. When Eudocia, the widow of Saint Theodosius
the Younger, had made her dwelling in Palestine, and had fallen
into the heresy of the Monophysites which was championed in
Palestine by a certain Theodosius, she sent envoys to Saint
Symeon the Stylite in
Syria (see Sept. 1), asking him his opinion of Eutyches and the
Council of Chalcedon which had condemned him; Saint
Symeon, praising the holiness and Orthodoxy of Saint
Euthymius near whom she dwelt, sent her to him to be delivered
from her error (the holy Empress Eudocia is commemorated
Aug. 13). He became the divine oracle of the Church, or rather,
"the vessel of divine utterance," as a certain historian writes. He
was the instructor and elder of Saint Sabbas the Sanctified.
Having lived for ninety-six years, he reposed in 473, on January
20.
http//www.goarch.org
"Copyright © Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA,
used by permission. All rights reserved."