|
Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church
Rev. Fr. Dionysios Listermann-Vierling
800 Westridge Road, Greensboro, NC 27410
Phone: 292-8013 Fax: 851-2800
In case of emergency: home 638-4105 cell 312-3642
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: Koula Remoundos, Ginah Sophia
Maintenance: Stephen Anton
Philanthropy, Charity & Community: Eddie Merrell, Kiki Tarasaidis & Fr. Dionysios
Philoptochos: Georgette Galloway
Sick and Visitation: Elly Kotsionis
Stewardship: Maher Hanna & Hamp Culler
Sunday School: Polly Anton
Philanthropy, Charity & Community: Eddie Merrell, Kiki Tarasaidis & Fr. Dionysios
Volunteer Coordinator: Maher Hanna
Welcoming: Theodora Vaporis & Dimitrios Efstathiou
THE TREASURER'S NOTE
For May:
Income - $16,315.14
Expenses - $21,683.24
Difference - - $ 5,368.10 To all Committee Heads- Please submit to me what your financial requirements will be for 2008 by August 31st. It is time to work on the budget for 2008 and I need to know what you think your requirements will be. 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: ie 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.s: 2007 PLEDGES
Alexiou, Marina;
Amprazis, James & Mary;
Andrews, Ted;
Anghelescu, Anton;
Antahades, Cecelia;
Anton, Bill & Mary;
Anton, Stephen & Polly
Bailey, Sarah;
Barteris, Eleni;
Benson, Bob & Kathy;
Bishara, Essa & Najwah;
Blavos, Sylvia;
Boukas, Nick & Athena;
Bouras, Johnny & Peggy;
Brown, Harvey & Nabila;
Bulugaris, Tony & Raegan;
Bundros, Tony & Thalia;
Chamis, Nick G.;
Chininis, Frank & Toula;
Clark, Penny Kappas;
Colozzi, Carl & Maria;
Constantinou, Athena;
Contogiannis, Elizabeth A.;
Contogiannis, Ellen;
Contogiannis, Mary Ann;
Cooper, Christine;
Corey, Craig , Amanda; Samantha, Victoria
Crist, Alex & Pam;
Cropper, James & Maria;
Culler, Hamp & Lula;
Cvijanovich, Thea;
Dermatas, Alexis;
Doliantis, Mike;
Efstathiou, Dimitrios & Dena;
Fenger, Rasmus & Susie;
Freeman, Ron & Sondra;
Fox, Art & Cynthia;
Galloway, Ed & Georgette;
Gradinaru, Adrian;
Graham, Erin;
Graham, Scott & Christa;
Hanna, Aziz & Violet;
Hanna, Maher;
Harrison, Eleni;
Havraniak, Luba;
Hedrick, Nina;
Hudak, Marie;
Karas, Angelo;
Katsikas, Mary;
Kattan, Nihad & Sana;
Kattan, Niveen;
Kazazes, Anne;
Kazazes, Barbara;
Kontoulas, Angelo N;
Kontoulas, Cleo & Dena;
Kontoulas, Dimitrios & Karen;
Kontoulas, Mary B;
Koronis, Bill & Ava;
Kotsikorou, Evangelia;
Kotsionis, Harry & Elly;
Lawrence, Kevin & Barbara;
Listermann-Vierling, Fr. Dionysios & Elena;
Lunberg, David & Vasso;
Macropoulos, JoAnne;
Mandaleris, Chris & Maria;
Matsakides, Vickie;
Megremis, Lampros & Theodora;
Merrell, Eddie & Maria;
Michaels, Michael & Carolyn;
Miller, Donald & Brenda;
Moraru, Christian & Camelia;
Oncea, William & Jennie;
Ofanedes, George & Susan;
Palamaris, George & Irene;
Pappas, Edna;
Pappas, Matthew & Stacy;
Pasick, Michael;
Patterson, Charles;
Patterson, Vasiliki;
Poulos, Karen;
Poulos, Peter & Phyllis;
Pradetto, Tom & Maria;
Rodete, John & Sophie;
Ross, Lanry & Minerva;
Rueppell, Matina Kalcounis;
Sagos, JoAnne;
Sakellaris, Chirs & Ardele;
Schermerhorn, Thomas & Theodora Vaporis, Sophia
Seawell, Evalin & Tracy;
Silos, Estelle;
Sims, Roger & Celia;
Sipsis, George & Bessie;
Sipsis, James & Linda;
Sonntag, Frances;
Sonntag, Mark
Soufia, Michael & Ginah;
Tarasidis, Kirk & Kiki;
Thanos, Alex;
Thanos, Bobby & Carol;
Thevaos, Jim & Hedy;
Toompas, Arthur & June;
Touloupas, John & Kaki;
Touloupas, Mary Alyson;
Touloupas, Zack & Sheila;
Triantis, Ted;
Tripp, Matthew & Sotiria;
Tsaros, Lula;
Tsintzos, Nafsika;
Tzavaras, Aspasia;
Tzouvelekas, Nick & Debra;
Vandoros, George & Effie;
Varitimidis, Ioannis & Effie;
Varsamis, Betty;
Varsamis, Kimmon & Gwen;
Varsamis, Megan;
Vaughn, Edger & Vicki;
Vavalides, Phillip & Teresa;
West, Victoria;
White, Ed & Liz;
Wile, Chuck & Ashley;
Woods, Terry;
Xixis, Eleftherios;
Xixis, Othonas & Debbie;
Zaharias, Doris
GREEK FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 14,15,16 IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER! Tuesday, July 10 6:30-8pm Department Chair/Co-chair meeting (meal & drink provided) Monday, July 23 6:30-8pm Department Chair/Co-chair meeting (meal & drink provided) TBA –August FESTIVAL STAFF MEETING (meal & drink provided) Notes: Our goal is to have a Chair and Co-Chair for each department. If you would like to take a leadership role in a department, please contact Stephen Anton at 457-9722. Inside Food-- Pastries-- Take-Out Food-- Publicity-- Outside Food-- Manpower-- Loukoumades/coffee-- Set-up-- Agora-- Kids Corner-- Entertainment/ MC-- Raffle-- Entrance Gate-- Taverna-- Dance Groups-- Pre-sales WE NEEN YOUR HELP! If you would like to get more involved in any capacity, please contact one of our Festival Chairs- Eddie Merrell (442-2837), Stephen Anton (457-9722) or Matthew Pappas (292-5130).
|
FATHER'S CHALLENGE Many years ago in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania a woman named Ella Fieger retired from the staff of the Good Will Community House after thirty-three years of wonderful service to others. During those thirty-three years this white-haired, sweet voiced lady had not only taught thousands of girls to sew and crochet and make things for themselves, but had taken a personal interest in each one of them and had visited their homes. For many she had conducted classes and helped with necessary medical care. For all she had been, as one of the officials of the Community House stated, "a parent, teacher, grandparent, nurse and adviser." Her retirement from active duty was the occasion of a packed celebration to honor one who had been a mother to many. On August 15th we celebrate the Assumption and the Dormition of the Mother of God. That date also marks the retirement of one who had been upon this earth as the Mother of Our Lord and when she was taken up into Heaven, became the Mother of all. Rather than retiring from active service as a mother, the Panagia entered upon a new life of service to all as a Mother. By her death and assumption Mary has retired to her heavenly home. The story of her death and her being taken up into heaven was beautiful. After the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Virgin Mary lived with St. John. The exact year of her death is unknown. Some say she died in her sixties, others say her seventies. Holy Tradition holds that as the Panagia's day of departure approached, the apostles were miraculously called to her bedside to be with her in her dying moments. St. Thomas did not arrive until after the burial, but insisted on seeing the body of his heavenly Mother. The apostles were only too happy to open her tomb again, that they might catch one more glance of her sweet face. But when they opened the tomb, they were astonished that it was virtually empty with only fragrant flowers
where the body had been. At once they knew that Christ had taken the Virgin Mary, body and soul, up to heaven.
Mary died because it was the will of God that she might be in all things like her Divine Son. Her death is also an example and model of a holy death, the ambition of every true follower of Christ. Though death is for many a dreaded experience, it was for the Virgin Mary a happy occasion, mainly because she was detached from all earthly things. To have heart-strings tied to earth makes death extremely painful. The Blessed Mother's heart was with her treasure - in heaven. Hers was a happy death because she had no cause for remorse of conscience. She had led a spotless life. She had no regrets. It was happy also because she was sure of salvation. If we could have such certainty death would also be sweet for us. Fittingly the Theotokos has been compared to the Ark of the Covenant. Never was there an ark more precious than the Virgin Mary who bore Our Lord in her womb. It was part of God's divine plan that she should be transplanted into
heaven, rather than have this temple torn down by the decay of death. It is a joy and comfort to us all that the Mother of us all has been taken up into Heaven. When the time of our own "retirement" from this world of sorrows and pain comes, may the Theotokos prepare a place for us all in bliss and
joy of that heavenly home with Her Divine Son. In Christ, Fr. Dionysios
President's Message
By Kiki Tarasidis
On Sunday June 25th we hosted over 280 people. Every available seat in our church was filled. Our fellowship hall was filled with people sharing a meal as were our Sunday School rooms. The Parish Council, past Council members, and parishioners all helped to make the guests feel welcomed. Everyone was very impressed with our hospitality and welcoming reception.
We are a good Parish and we are doing good things. At our last Parish Council meeting, we decided that it is time for our Parish to develop a vision, a plan for our future growth and development and start making plans to improve our facilities and strengthen our church. The Parish Council will lead this effort, and we will need your help and support. The church belongs to each of us and we all belong to the church. I hope that we take that sense of belonging and allow it to work in a positive and productive manner as we move forward.
I am proud to be a part of this church. I hope you are as well. May we continue to have a safe and enjoyable summer.
STEWARDSHIP Brethren in these summer months we just ask that you keep our church in your mind and hearts. We know that this time of the year gets very busy, and we often find ourselves out of town or away from the normal routine of attending the Divine Liturgy on Sundays. But, we encourage all of you to attend services no matter where you are. Find a Church and worship with your brothers and sisters, or stop in a light a candle and say a prayer.
We have two past messages that are going to be reprinted in this oracle. We hope that you will re-read them and gain more insight on our wonderful religion.
I am going to leave you with this prayer: "O Savior, who hast journeyed with Luke and Cleopas to Emmaus, journey with thy servants as they now set out upon their way and defend them from all evil."
(Originally printed in the March 2007 Orthodox Oracle)
"On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper." (I Corinthians 16:2) St. Paul speaks not only to first century Christians but to twentieth century Christians as well. He encourages us to set aside for the work of the Church some portion of our income in proportion to the blessings God has bestowed upon us.
Our church family needs a better understanding of the mechanics of giving and clear understanding of what our church needs. Christ said,
". . . Whoever drinks from the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14)
Our Lord and Savior died so that we might receive this living water, but our reward of eternal life is tied to what we do with the blessings God has bestowed upon each of us. How do we use our time and talents for God's church? What portion of our financial blessings do we set aside for God's work?
We can base our financial support on a percentage of our income, or give one hour of our weekly earnings or whatever amount we feel will fulfill our responsibility to God. Please at least consider giving a little more than you have given in the past. Remember you cannot give to God what is His already, we can only return it to Him in gratitude and with thanksgiving.
If you have not filled out a 2007 pledge card yet, please pick one up and return it to the pledge box in the narthex. We ask you to consider carefully your commitment to our beloved Dormition of the Theotokos. With God's Blessings, Stewardship Committee
(Originally printed in the April 2007 Orthodox Oracle)
PRAYING FOR OTHERS IS STEWARDSHIP!
"Is anyone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? He should sing praises. Is there anyone who is sick? He should send for the church elders, who will pray for him and rub oil on him in the name of the Lord. This prayer made in faith will heal the sick person; the Lord will restore him to health and the sins he has committed will be forgiven. So then, confess your sins and pray for one another; so that you will be healed.
"He was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years. Once again, he prayed and the sky poured out its rain and the earth produced crops." (James 5:13-20)
Praying for others is a part of Stewardship; a part of caring for the family and friends that God has given to us. Remember, Elijah was the same kind of person that we are today, and his prayers had a powerful effect. Make a prayer list of people to pray for. Cut out the list and put it in a special place by your Bible or Icons. Try to pray for the people on the list every day. Include your loved ones, and also people that you may not like too much. Why? Well, the Bible tells us: "Love your enemies...and pray for those who treat you badly." (Luke 6:27,28)
Christ tells us not to pray using a lot of words, thinking that God will hear us because our prayer is long. He tells us, "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. So you should pray like this:
'Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'" (Matthew 6: 7-13)
With God's Grace, Stewardship Committee
Parish Council news
The PC met on May 21st and again on June 18th and the following topics were discussed:
1. A significant amount of time was spent reviewing a parishioner's letter which offered some advice and insight into the various fiscal issues facing the church. The Council discussed which, if any, of the suggestions were viable or appropriate options for the Church.
2. We discussed the regular monthly donation the Serbian congregation has made to our Church and discussed the possibility of a joint social gathering.
3. We talked about growing our community and fundraising suggestions.
4. The Financial Report was reviewed and approved.
5. The Stewardship Report was reviewed as well as a discussion on the stewardship committee's decision to issue annual reports rather than quarterly reports of parishioner contributions.
6. The maintenance Report which included the Grounds Clean-up Day and equipment needing either repair or purchase for the Festival.
7. The April Minutes were approved.
8. Discussion of the mandated viewing of the Sexual Harassment Video required by our Insurance Carrier for all Council members and all person working with children in our Community.
9. Preparations for the Convention.
10. Festival Planning is on schedule.
11. The purchase of a new oven for the kitchen.
PARISH NEWS AND NOTES CONGRATUALTIONS
Maria Ross for achieving academic honor roll for the final quarter of the school year and for receiving the Highest Average In Math trophy from Mendenhall Middle and also for receiving the National Physical Fitness Award and the Music Excellence Award for 2007 North Carolina Music Educators Association Middle School All-State Festival Chorus. Alexis Chininis daughter of Father Tom & Presbytera Karen Chininis and granddaughter of Frank & Toula Chininis on her graduation from George Washington University. She graduated with a BA in International Relations & Political Science and is currently employed by the Democratic National Committee in New Hampshire.
Sophia Schermerhorn was named to the Headmaster's List at Greensboro Day School.
Janse Schermerhorn was the commencement speaker for the Lower School at Greensboro Day School.
Elias Chininis, son of Steve & Maria (Bundros) Chininis and the Grandson of Tony & Thalia Bundros and Frank & Toula Chininis, graduated from Norcross High School, in Norcross GA. Elias will be attending Georgia Tech University. Anastasia Remoundos for making it to the finals of Triad Idol. Finals will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2007. Tony & Raegan Bulugaris, parents of Mason (age 4) & Kylie (age 2), they recently welcomed the arrival of twins son, Ethan & Isaac. An 8th Day Blessing for the mother and newborn sons was held on June 21, 2007. Father Eudokimos Harding for his Ordination into the priesthood on Sunday, June 24, 2007 here at church. Father Harding is from England and will be serving at St. Andrews in Miami, Florida.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank all of those who came out on Sat. June 16th, that helped in the beautification of the Church grounds. I would like to first thank Eddie Merrell, Stephen Anton and Jimmy Sipsis for spearheading the campaign. Also I would to thank the following parishioners for volunteering their time and talents; Scott Graham, George Mastrogianakis, Kirk Tarasidis, Brier Gay, Father Dionysios, and especially Max for being the sole representative of our young adults. If I have neglected to mention someone, I offer my sincere apologies. Maher Hanna Thank you to Kimmon Varsamis, Tony Bundros, Zack Touloupas and Barbara Kazazes for their help on Sunday during the church service and the luncheon. We appreciate your willingness to serve.
Thank you to all my loving church friends, I cannot in a few words express how deeply grateful and appreciative I am for all of your prayers, good wishes, cards & notes for a speedy recovery from my hip surgery. Titsa Dermatas CONDOLENCES Xenophon Harry Gallins, passed away Sunday, June 10, 2007, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born to the late Aristides and Katherine Gallins on June 21, 1925, in Kalesmenon, Evrytania, Greece. He is survived by his loving wife, Bessie Tsiolkas Gallins; his daughter, Kathy Benson and husband Bob; son, Harry Gallins and wife Marsha; daughter, Nitsa Watson and husband Danny; and daughter Sandy Balatsias and husband Lambros. He is also survived by his sister, Bessie Sipsis and husband George and his nephew and niece, James Sipsis and wife Linda, and Lula Culler and husband Hamp. In addition, he is survived by eight grandchildren; Jessica and Charlotte Gallins, Laurie (Jason) Kovarik, Yianna Kappas, Zack Benson, Reece Watson, and Kallie and Clay Balatsias. Also, grandnieces Jamie and Erin Sipsis.
AHEPA
The next regular meeting is Tuesday, August 21st at 7:00pm. In the first week of August we will send a letter to our AHEPA brothers to inform them of the venue of the meeting. 50 + YOUNG Club
By Liz White (887-0724) The 50+Club will meet on Monday, July 9, for lunch at Elizabeth's Pizza,
3927 Battleground Ave. (across from Laddies & Dukes) at 1pm. If you need a ride, please call Elly Kotsionis (292-5107). The trip in August to the Vineyards has been cancelled. PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
By Georgette Galloway (545-8601) Although we will not have a General Meeting during the summer months, Ladies Philoptochos will still have several projects that need your support and help. Our Fourth Annual BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED will begin July 1st. Donations of school supplies for children in grades K through 12th will be collected through Sunday, August 19th. Suggested items needed are: notebook paper, three-ring binders, composition notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, pens, crayons, highlighters, and glue sticks. Boxes will be set up in the lobby of the Fellowship Hall and donations may be brought to church on Sundays or during the week. If you have any questions or can assist with distribution in August, please contact Catherine Stuman at 643-1051 or e-mail at jstuman@triad.rr.com or Thalia Bundros at 294-1592. As always, our parish's support of this most worthy charitable project is greatly appreciated.
Our YEAR ROUND FOOD BANK is again in need of canned fruits, meats, tuna, vegetables, and non-perishable food items such as pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, jellies, powdered milk, crackers, and cereals. As you come to church during the summer months, please remember those less fortunate and bring a donation to help stock our Food Bank.
If you would like to host a Sunday Coffee Hour in July or August or donate the weekly Altar Flowers, please call our church office or sign up in the appropriate Sign Up Posters in the Fellowship Hall.
In August, final baking for our September Festival will take place. Look for baking schedules posted in Sunday Bulletins. Philoptochos members and friends are always welcome to join in this labor of love that benefits our church.
On Tuesday evening, August 14th following Dormition of the Theotokos Vespers, Philoptochos will host a Reception. Members are asked to bring a Lenten appetizer, dessert, nuts, or fruit item. Volunteers are also needed for set up and clean up. Please contact chairpersons Thalia Bundros at 294-1592 or Titsa Dermatas at 294-0189 with questions or to offer your help.
Please mark these important dates on your fall calendar.
Tuesday, September 11, 6:30 p.m. - Festival Preparation
Friday, September 14 through Sunday, September 16 - Church Festival.
Please plan to volunteer your time for our beloved Dormition of the Theotokos Church. Philoptochos General Meetings will resume Monday, October 8, at 6:45 p.m. Until then, have a safe and enjoyable summer!
|
