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CHURCH SERVICES:
Sunday Orthros (Matins) 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Sunday School after Holy Communion
Weekday Holy Days:
Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:00am
COUNCIL OFFICERS:
Kiki Tarasidis, President: 288-2921
Maher Hanna,Vice-President: 547-0058
Carl Colozzi; Treasurer 644-0615
Theodora Vaporis; Secretary 584-6020
Board Members:
Stephen Anton, Hamp Culler, Dimitrios Efstathiou,
Eleni Harrison, Eddie Merrell, Matthew Pappas COMMITTEES: Ahepa: Dimitrios Efstathiou
Bylaws: Theodora Vaporis
Choir: Kevin Lawrence
Daughters of Penelope: Helen Peterson
Education, Culture & Youth: Fr. Dionysios
Fellowship: Kiki Tarasidis
Finance: Carl Colozzi
Foundation: Matthew Pappas, Scott Graham & Theodora Vaporis
GOYA Advisors: Basil Agapion and Craig & Amanda Corey
GOYA Presidents: Paul Mott & Chris Corey
Greek Festival: Stephen Anton, Eddie Merrell & Matthew Pappas
Greek School: Kiki Tarasidis
Hall Rental: Matthew Pappas
JOY:
Maintenance: Stephen Anton
Philanthropy, Charity & Community: Eddie Merrell, Kiki Tarasidis & Fr. Dionysios
Philoptochos: Georgette Galloway
Sick and Visitation: Titsa Dermatas
Stewardship: Maher Hanna & Hamp Culler
Sunday School: Polly Anton
Philanthropy, Charity & Community: Eddie Merrell, Kiki Tarasidis & Fr. Dionysios
Volunteer Coordinator: Maher Hanna
Welcoming: Theodora Vaporis & Dimitrios Efstathiou
NEWSLETTER SPONSORSHIP The February newsletter is being sponsored by Nafsika Tsintzos in
memory of her loving husband, Gregory, and her parents Vasileios
and Eleni Varsamis. Also for her brothers Nicholas & George
Varsamis, and her sister Maria. Reminder: Please remember that cell phones are not to be used in the Narthex. We have had many incidences of people talking on the phone in the Narthex and would ask that you respect the Church and step outside to make or receive a call. Thank you.
PARISH NEWS & NOTES
WELCOME To all New Members! On December 3, 2007, Philoptochos and the Parish Council had a Coffee Hour in honor of all our new members. We are glad that you choose to be part of our community. Welcome to our newest members, Helen Hudak, Bernadette Shepherd's mother, and Anya Pacyga. A complete list will be included next month.
CONGRATULATIONS
Michael Sims and Randi Sipe were wed on November 17, 2007.
Seborn Wrenn Ragsdale was born on December 6, 2007. Fr. Dionysios gave him a one-day Blessing that day and an eight day Blessing on December 13. Congratulations to his parents, George and Jenny Ragsdale.
God grant them many years!
A review of Dormition's choir CD appeared in the winter 2007 catalogue of Musica Russica (www.musicarussica.com) a California based retailer of sheet music and CDs, including our own. The reviewer, Vladimir Morosan, is one of the leading scholars and publishers of Orthodox liturgical music in the Western world. More and more, Greek Orthodox church choirs in American are exploring the promise and evangelistic potential of singing the divine hymnody in English. One of the pioneers in this area is composer and arranger Kevin Lawrence, who leads his choir on this, their initial CD. Most of the selections are in English, a few are in Greek, while others are rendered in both languages, showing that "it can be done." Under Lawrence's capable leadership the choir of amateur voices rises to the occasion, delivering respectable a cappella renditions (no organ!) that should inspire many other parish choirs to strive for a similar level of achievement. Christmas flowers Donations:
Stephen & Polly Anton; Helen Bartis; Essa & Najwah Bishara; Carl & Maria Colozzi; Ellen Contogiannis & family; Mary Ann Contogiannis, Ralph & Ivey Huey; Hamp & Lula Culler; Alex & Titsa Dermatas; Ed, Georgette, Katherine & Victoria Galloway; Brier & Elaine Gay; Aziz & Violet Hanna; Maher Hanna; Eleni Harrison; Helen Hudak; John & Evangelia Kalogiros; Charles Kepreades; Nihad & Sana Kattan & family; Niveen Kattan; Mary B. Kontoulas; Fr. Dionysios, Presbytera Elena & Max Listermann-Vierling; David & Vasso Lundberg, Paul, Erica & Stephen; Joanne Macropoulos; Vickie Matsakides; Don & Brenda Miller; Eddie & Maria Merrell; George & Irene Palamaris; Edna Pappas; Helen Peterson; Peter & Phyllis Poulos; Tom & Maria Pradetto; Larry, Minerva, Martin & Maria Ross; Chris & Ardele Sakellaris; Roger & Celia Sims; Mikhail & Ginah Soufia & family; Arthur & June Toompas; John & Kaki Touloupas; Lula Tsaros; Nafsika Tsintzos; Ted Triantis; Matthew & Sotiria Tripp; Nick, Debra & Mark Tzouvelekas; Betty Varsamis; Kimmon & Gwen Varsamis; Terry Woods.
Just Some Thoughts, Please Read.
Enjoy! We are all here for a reason on a particular path.
You don't need a curriculum to know that you are
part of the math.
People think I'm delirious, but I'm so serious.
That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world.
I'm trying to make it better for these little boys and girls.
I'm not just another individual, my spirit is a part of this,
That's why I get spiritual, but I get my hymns from Him.
So it's not me, it's He that's lyrical.
I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven-sent instrument.
My rhythmatic regimen navigates melodic notes
for your soul and your mental.
That's why I'm instrumental. I can't stop, that's why I'm hot.
Determination, Dedication, Motivation
I'm talking to you, my many inspirations.
When I say I can't, let you or myself down.
If I were of the highest cliff, on the highest riff,
And you slipped off the side and clinched on to
your life in my grip.
I would never, ever let you down.
And when these words are found,
Let it been known that God's penmanship has
been signed with a language called LOVE. That's why my breath is felt by the deaf,
And why my words are heard and confined to
the ears of the blind.
I too, dream in color and in rhyme. Because whenever I open my heart, my soul,
or my mouth,
A touch of God rains out. . .
SUNDAY SCHOOL The Sunday School program wishes to thank Fr. Dionysios for the special "True Meaning of Christmas" Marionette Show that he wrote and performed. It was spectacular! He also built the stage(s), and hand-made each marionette and the costumes. Thanks to Max & Dean, who helped run the show. The children who participated in the talent program, and did a GREAT job, were Sophia & Janse Schermerhorn, Elias & Symeon Efstathiou, and William Colozzi-thank you! Victoria Galloway also pulled "double-duty," as the director of the children's talent show, and as narrator for the marionette show. Tori's voice has matured through many of our Christmas programs, and her singing voice was lovely, as always! She did a great job of entertaining the audience while our "special guest" was on his way (Ho Ho Ho) . . . Which brings us to thank SANTA CLAUS, who came to visit the children before the show. He even had time to stop for pictures, and hand out a goody to each child. Thank you, Santa-we love you! This coming Sunday, January 6, we celebrate the Church Feast Day of the Theophany of our Lord (Epiphany). We will not have classes on the 6th, so families may sit together and experience this beautiful service. Sunday School begins for 2008 on Sunday, January 13. We look forward to seeing you all then-Happy New Year!
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Father's Challenge
Every January 1st, with much fanfare, the world rings in a New Year. Editorials and news commentators seem to always remember the year now past, not for its accomplishments, but for its troubles. Doom and gloom always seems to sell more papers and drive up ratings. Indeed, one can look back at 2007 and note that many of the headlines dealt with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, high energy costs, the housing and mortgage crisis, lead in children’s toys from China, global warming etc…. Yet it’s remarkable and astonishing that in light of these woes people do not become pessimistic and depressed. Rather, the coming New Year is a time when most people look forward with hope that the next year will be a better one. It is as if we unconsciously dust off the internal cobwebs and purge their mind of unpleasant memories when the New Year comes. The reason for this collective optimism is scientifically unclear. I suspect that it has nothing to do with the level of our education. Nor is it related in any way to the level of success we have in life. I feel that this hopeful viewpoint is motivated by a renewed attitude. The power of our mind as manifested through our attitude helps us endure the greatest pains and travails of life and surmount its most monumental mountains. And that mental renewal is grounded in Christ. It is grounded in His renewal of the world. Our Lord was born many centuries ago in a manger in Bethlehem to give life to a dying world. Our sinful world lacked hope and optimism until the God’s promise of a Messiah, of a Savior, was fulfilled in the person of Our Lord. Christ’s ministry on earth, the forgiving sins and healing of illnesses was to reconnect humanity to God. Instead of death and despair, Christ brought life and hope. Scripture records, “I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 With faith in Christ and with the right attitude, we can say, “I can”, instead of “I can’t.” We can see promise instead of disappointment. We can recognize possibilities instead of obstacles. With the grace of God working in our lives we can cope with the pressures of life despite all the chaos that may be going on in the world beyond our control. If you want to make a New Year’s resolution that will impact you for all the rest of your years and not be forgotten some months down the road, make a resolution to stay connected to Christ. It is Our Lord who renews us, who strengthens us and who guides us. With a Christ-centered attitude in all aspects of our lives, this year and every year will be a blessed one! May the love and renewal of God be with you, your loved ones and our church family in 2008! In Christ, Fr. Dionysios
President's Message
Happy New Year, health and happiness to all for the new year 2008 and always!
To all who celebrated Name Days in this beautiful month of January all the best to you and your family! I love new year's day. I always have. Growing up in Greece, we received gifts on the 1st of January and not on Christmas Day. Families gathered to offer greetings and start the new year. In my family, we still gather to celebrate the start of a new year. We exchange gifts and "gold" chocolate coins. We crack open a pomegranate and we all eat from it for good luck and health. We also cut the Vasilopita and wait with anticipation to see who get the coin and thus the luck of the year. This year Kirk got the coin in our family. Kirk's father's family is from Pontos, an area that is now Turkey on the Black Sea. When these Greeks were forced from their homeland they brought with them many beautiful traditions and customs. On New Year's Eve we make the traditional Pontian Tourta. Traditionally, this is made by the men in the family. This of course is wonderful for me since all I do is watch the boys and Kirk make a mess in the kitchen and end with this beautiful rolled "Tourta", a sweet nut filled pastry. Unfortunately, the cleaning of the kitchen still falls on me. I have not been able to find a tradition stating otherwise, but I am still looking! I share these things with all of you so that you may know who we are and how our family celebrates the start of the year. I challenge each of us to get to know each other. Our church is made up of many wonderful, talented and interesting people. Each with something great to share! All the blessings of the new year to you! Kiki Tarasidis STEWARDSHIP
Happy New Year!
First I would like to thank everyone that signed and completed a Pledge Card for 2007.
Next, I am going to thank everyone in advance for signing and completing a Pledge Card for 2008, even if you never got around to getting one in for 2007.
That is one thing that I love about starting a New Year, everyone has the opportunity for a fresh start. No strikes against them, no reservations! We have a chance to make the most out of our lives, without worrying about past shortcomings.
So I ask each of you, think about what would be an appropriate amount of time, talent and treasures to give to back to your Church. Not just to Pledge what you have given for the past several years. If you would like some guidance on this matter, please feel free to contact Fr. Dionysios or anyone on the Stewardship Committee.
Once again I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to helping YOU, the Stewards of this Community in making the most of what God provides for us in this Blessed New Year. Yours in Christ,
Stewardship Committee 2008 Stewardships Signed Pledges as of January 1, 2008
Alexiou, Marina; Andrews, Ted; Bishara, Jacob & Shannon; Blavos, Sylvia; HatziSavvas, Diogenes & Cindy; Kattan, Nihad & Sana; Kattan, Niveen; Liinangi, Diana & Martin; Miller, Donald & Brenda; Oncea, William & Jennie; Perrou, Dimitrios & Elena; Silos, Estelle; Touloupas, Zack & Sheila; Triantis, Ted; Vaporis, Mary; Vaughn, Edger & Vicki; THE TREASURER'S NOTE
November 2007:
Income $ 12,240.85
Expenses $ -17,981.96
Difference $ - 5,741.11 Fellow Parishioners, if writing a check to the church, please make sure that the memo line is filled out as to how you would like the money to be applied: i.e., Pledge, candles, tray, memorial, etc. I cannot stress the importance of this enough. It not only ensures that the money from you is applied correctly, but also helps in determining expected income for the next years budget. Thank you for your help.
PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
The Parish Council met for their December meeting and discussed the following issues:
1. When the parish hall is rented out either for private events or used by our own intern al organizations, all food must be removed upon the end of the event. Meat must be taken out of the cooler and any opened food must be removed. Spoilage and rodents are the major cause for concern and all groups will be notified of this important rule;
2. It was agreed that research would be done whether an Action Committee would be beneficial to our church in the future to assist the Council in overseeing physical improvements to the church.
3. Fr. announced that he Parish Hall renovation generously donated by the Ragsdale family should be completed by mid-February;
4. The Parish Council voted to assist the GOYA with transportation costs associated with attending the Diocesan volleyball tournament in Birmingham in early February.
5. The Council discussed the participation of our GOYA in serving Christmas Eve lunch at Urban Ministries;
6. The Council discussed the use of greeters to assist in the Narthex;
7. The Council voted on the addition of a second flag pole in order to comply with the Federal guidelines for appropriately flying flags from two nations;
8. The cancellation of the New Year's Eve party was announced due to the lack of support in organizing the event;
9. January 6th we will co-celebrate the Liturgy with the Serbians. This is their last need for the use of our Church on a regular basis as their new Church is now complete. We wish them well in their new Church.
Submitted by Theodora Vaporis
GOYA by Demetra Schermerhorn
Ten members of GOYA met on December 24th and served Christmas Eve lunch at Greensboro Urban Ministries. It was a wonderful afternoon spent in the spirit of the season. They were assisted by Goya leaders Craig and Amanda Corey as well as Kirk Tarasidis, Stephen Anton and Yula Mott.
Goya is hoping to travel to Birmingham the first weekend in February for a Diocesan Volleyball Tournament. All of those interested in attending should e-mail the Goya e-mail address at dotgoya@yahoo.com immediately with their interest. Ideally Goya would put two teams together, one for 6th through 8th grade and one for high school. Experience is not necessary-- it is meant to be a great weekend for fun and fellowship with other Goyans from our Metropolis.
AHEPA by Dimitrios Efstathiou
Our best wishes to our entire church family for a healthy and prosperous New Year.
The first meeting of The Order of AHEPA, General Greene Chapter #257 will be held on Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 7:00pm in our Church Fellowship Hall.
We hope to see you at the next meeting!
DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE
The Daughters of Penelope have made a donation to the church in honor of our President, Helen P. Peterson, for her birthday on December 10 and for her loyal and faithful service as president of Ktimene Chapter #70 for so many years.
50+ Club Luncheon will be on Monday, January 7th, at 1pm. We will be going to the Chop House Grill at the Villages on Elm Street. Please call Donna at church (292-8013) if you plan to go, we need to know to reserve seating.
PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS - By Georgette Galloway
Happy New Year! A special thank you to all who gave of their time this Holiday Season to bake, make donations, purchase items, and/or participate in our numerous projects this month.
Thank you to Minerva Ross who so beautifully decorated our Church Hall for the holiday season.
A HUGE thank you to Doris Zaharias for making the our Annual Craft Show and Bake Sale look so easy. What a fabulous Job! A special thank you to Sophie and John Rodete, Dena Kontoulas, Toula Chininis, Titsa Dermatas, Jennie and Bill Oncea, Minerva and Larry Ross, Edna Pappas, Lula Culler, Thalia Bundros, Yula Mott, Celia Sims, Athena Constantinou, Joanne Macropoulos, Eleni Harrison, Kathy Benson, Jennie's Daughter, Diana Linangi and granddaughter, Melanie and for all Philoptochos members and parishioners who came out to support the craft show.
Thank you to all members and parishioners who again made the Annual Christmas Project for Families in Need a huge success. The families were very appreciative.
Thank you to Lula Culler for arranging a most successful Christmas Dinner at Anton's.
Thank you to Titsa Dermatas who chaired the Christmas Lenten Reception and to all those who brought in items for the reception.
Our next General Meeting will be Monday, January 7, 2008. Refreshments will be at 6:45 p.m. & meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. The Board will meet at 6:00 p.m.
The Vasilopita Luncheon will be January 13 immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Please contact Celia Sims or Sheila Touloupas to volunteer to assist or bake a Vasilopita that will either be cut in the Church or auctioned at the luncheon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Basil's Academy. Fifty Years of Service
Inspired by the recent National 75th Anniversary of The Ladies Philoptochos Society, our local Philoptochos Chapter was encouraged to learn more about our chapter's history and our founding sisters. We were fortunate to locate documentation of our chapter's early membership dating back to the early 1950's. Thus, the board approved a new tradition of honoring members who have the distinction of giving 50 or more years of dedicated service to Philoptochos. The following members were each recognized and presented with a beautiful 50 year Philoptochos Member Pin at our October 8th General Meeting, and again on November 12th at our Membership Drive Dinner Meeting, Kaki Touloupas, Helen Bartis, Nafsika Tzintzos, Dena Kontoulas, and Calliope Hatgelis (deceased).
The Saint Philothea Chapter extends their sincere admiration and appreciation to these members for their loyal and committed service and continued support over the years to our many projects. We are inspired by their dedication to the objectives of our sisterhood, their service to the sick, the poor, and the less fortunate, and their strong faith and love of our Dormition of the Theotokos Church. They have laid the foundation for our future successes in Greensboro and for these reasons we are so very grateful. To our Sisters, Kaki, Helen, Nafsika, and Dena we pray that God grant you continued good health and many more years of service to the Ladies Philoptochos Society.
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