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, Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, Dimitrios Efstathiou,
Eleni Harrison, Eddie Merrell, Doris Zaharias

Committees:
Committee heads are denoted by an asterisk (*)

Stewardship – Maher Hanna*, Doris Zaharias, Eleni Harrison
Maintenance – Doris Zaharias*, Stephen Anton, George Palamaris & Jimmy Sipsis
Religious Education and Youth – Fr. Dionysios*, Kiki Tarasidis, Dimitrios              
Efstathiou, Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis, Craig Corey, Maria Pradetto, Minerva Ross,
Sheila Touloupas, Barbara Vaughan & Vicki Vaughan
By-Laws – Theodora Vaporis*, Kiki Tarasidis, Fr. Dionysios
Foundation – Theodora Vaporis*, Scott Graham
Fellowship & Community Events – Kiki Tarasidis*, Eleni Harrison & Eddie Merrell
Welcoming, Transportation & Newcomers – Dimitrios Efstathiou* & Doris Zaharias
Volunteer Coordinator – Maher Hanna*, Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis & Eleni Harrison
Philanthropy, Charity & Community – Kiki Tarasidis*, Doris Zaharias & Eddie Merrell
Hall Rental – Matthew Pappas
Festival – Stephen Anton*, Eddie Merrell* and Matthew Pappas*
Choir – Kevin Lawrence

Liaisons for other groups in our church community:
Ahepa/Daughters – Dimitrios Efstathiou
Philoptochos – Dr. Mary Ann Contogiannis
GOYA – Theodora Vaporis

PARISH NEWS AND NOTES

Congratulations
To Timothy Clark, Penny Kappas Chandler’s son, who was inducted into the National Honor Society on April 22, 2008.  Timothy is a Junior at Williams High School in Burlington.  
To Matthew & Stacy Pappas, whose daughter, Fotini, was baptized on May 3, 2008.  Her Godparents are Todd & Alexandra Holleman.
To Daren and Julie Mabe, who were wed on May 17, 2008.  John Hattle was their sponsor.

THANK YOU to George & Bessie Sipsis for their Easter Flower Donation.

“A Big Thank You” to each of you who took eggs home to dye and returned them to be blessed and distributed at the Resurrection Service and Paschal Liturgy.  “A Special Thank You” to Violet Hanna and Frances Sonntag for covering each egg with white netting and a bow making them even more beautifulTitsa Dermatas

CONDOLENCES
         To the family of Mr. Gus Demetrios Kontoulas, 90, of Greensboro, who fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, April 30, 2008.  Gus was a native of Greece, but had lived and worked in Greensboro for over 50 years. He and his wife, Jessie were the owners of Al-Pat Restaurant. He is survived by his wife, Jessie E. Kontoulas; two sons, Jimmy Kontoulas and his wife, Karen of Winston-Salem and Johnny Kontoulas and his wife, Linda of Greensboro; one sister, Roxania Kontoulas of Greece; and one brother, Cleo Kontoulas of Greensboro; four grandchildren, Angela, Nikki, and Deno Kontoulas and Diona Slaughter; and two great- grandchildren, Christian and Brooke Harrison.

         To the family of Mrs. Eva Laskas Kypriss, 79, formerly of Greensboro, who passed away on Friday, May 9, 2008, at Ascension Hospice House, Irmo, South Carolina. Mrs. Kypriss was born on November 24, 1929, in Greece. She came to the United States through Ellis Island in 1952 and became a U. S. Citizen in 1958. She worked for Kriegsman Furriers for many years. She was a longtime member of the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church and she was an avid bowler. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Kypriss, in 2004. She is survived by a daughter, Jennie Borders and husband, Dave, of Columbia, S.C., and three grandchildren, Laura, Anna and Chris Borders.

The AHEPA would like to congratulate Elizabeth and John Touloupas for being awarded the General Greene Chapter scholarship for 2008.  John and Elizabeth will both be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. We wish all the graduates of 2008 congratulations.  Our next regular meeting will be June 11th at 6:00pm in the church hall. This will be our last meeting before the summer recess.

 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE: Monday, June 16 at 5:30pm at Mykonos Grill.

50+Club will meet at Olympic Restaurant (West Market St.) on Wednesday, June 4, at 1pm.

GOYA NEWS by Demetra Schermerhorn, Secretary
     Goya went as a group to Winston-Salem to support their Festival on Saturday night May 17th. They initiated dancing and got many others dancing as well.  The High School Dance Group preformed at the International Festival in High Point on Sunday May 18th. They were one of about 15 groups of ethnic performers and they were wonderfully received.  The Goya dance held on May 3, 2008 was a huge success with our Goyans. They had a wonderful time and Basil Agapion did a fantastic job leading the teens. Although other churches were not able to participate due to many conflicts with proms and exams, they have each asked to be invited when this dance is repeated in the Fall. Thank you to all who made it such a success.  Our Goya co-leader Amanda Corey had major knee surgery on May 1st and had been confined home for 2 weeks. She is still recovering but was able to chaperone the Goyans to the Winston Festival and attend the Scholarship luncheon to support the graduating Goyans.

 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS By Edna Pappas
     The Philoptochos Society would like to thank all volunteers who made our last two projects a success.  For the Luncheon & Bake Sale on May 1, 2008:  Many thanks go to chairwomen; Titsa Dermatas, Lula Culler & Soteria Dascakalis.  Appreciation for the men in the kitchen: David Valavanis, Ted Triantis & Bill Oncea.  For the Scholarship Luncheon and Program held on May 18: Thank you to the Committee members; Cecelia Antahades, Thalia Bundros, Toula Chininis, Athena Constantinou, Christa Graham, Helen Peterson, Edna Pappas, Catherine Stuman, Sheila Touloupas & Effie Varitimidis.   We are also thankful to David Valavanis for cooking a delicious meal.  Special thanks goes to GOYA for serving the luncheon.  Congratulations go to the 2008 recipients of the Philoptochos Scholarship.  They are Elizabeth Touloupas and John Touloupas.  We salute all of our graduates’ success.  Our prayers will be with them on their future education and careers. 
      The Philoptochos Society has become aware of the graduation of Michaelina Zoe Antahades, daughter of Cecelia Antahades.  She graduated on May 10, 2008 from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Arts Communications Cum Laude.  She is currently planning to attend MPA Administration at East Carolina University.
      The END-of-the-YEAR DINNER will be on Monday, June 2, 2008, at 6:00pm at Laddie & Dukes Family Grill.  The address is 3928 Battleground Ave.  Members only. Deadline for reservations is June 1st.   Call Minerva Ross (282-4306) or Edna Pappas (292-9643).

Greek Orthodox Church of the
Dormition of the Theotokos

Father’s Challenge
   
     Recently the film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian opened in the theaters. It follows the return of the Pevensie children back to the fictional world of Narnia. When C.S. Lewis, the author of the Narnia books was asked about this work, he used the phrase "return to the true faith" to describe Prince Caspian. The plot goes like this. One year after their return to England from Narnia, the Pevensie children are "drawn into" Narnia again. They discover that 1,303 Narnian years have elapsed, and that the current rulers of Narnia - the Telmarines - believe the stories about talking animals and Aslan are nothing but fairy tales. They also discover that King Caspian IX has been murdered by his brother, Miraz, and the rightful heir, Caspian X, has been forced into exile by the his uncle Miraz. Thus, the battle to defeat the usurper Miraz and restore the throne to its rightful occupant is also a battle to bring the truth of Old Narnia and Aslan back.
     In some ways, Prince Caspian is the most "modern" of the Chronicles. We too live in a world that has many parallels to the Narnia the children enter. I’m sure Lewis had this in mind when he wrote the book. We live in a world where most people think the Bible is full of fairy tales and many privately question whether Jesus ever lived, not even having any understanding of whether he died for humanity’s sin and rose triumphant from the dead.
     Of all of the Lewis books, Prince Caspian is by far the most militant. As a professor of Medieval Literature, Lewis was an expert in the fields of medieval warfare and chivalry. Having fought and been injured in World War I, and writing the Chronicles shortly after the end of World War II, Lewis believed there was a place for going to battle for the cause of good against evil. Prince Caspian involves a number of battles. Both in the book, and in the film, the forces of good are not always victorious. Lewis had a very realistic assessment that spiritual warfare is not easy. It is much like the great battles and wars of history where steadfastness and persistence are required to win.
     This is a good model of the reality of spiritual warfare we are given in the New Testament. Caspian, when in dire straights, with the enemy bearing down on him, picks up and blows Susan’s horn, which legend says will bring back the old kings and queens of Narnia. Susan’s horn is symbolic of the power and effectiveness of prayer and faith. There are times in our lives when we are surrounded by problems and danger. There is nothing we can do. At such times we must, like Prince Caspian, turn to a higher power to help us. Caspian teaches us about the lessons of the reality of war and the necessity of wearing the "full armor" of God.  But in the end, ultimate victory that only can be achieved by "Aslan" (who represents Jesus).
     Continuing with the theme of faith, Lewis creates a number of characters that model different kinds of faith. Three prominent characters that can be used to teach the lesson of faith through the film are Trumpkin, Nikabrk, and Trufflehunter. They are models of three kinds of people that we can find everyday in almost every situation and circumstance.
     Trumpkin the Dwarf is the resident doubter. He doesn’t know what to do with the old stories. At first, he doesn’t know what to do with the "kings and queens of old" who show up at the summoning of Susan’s horn. They are teenagers. How can they help? Trumpkin "follows the facts." Yet his faith begins to grow. He eventually comes to full faith when he meets Aslan. This event takes place earlier in the book than in the film, but he is a great character. Many people in the world are a great deal like Trumpkin.
     Nikabrik the Dwarf is the hard-core unbeliever. If he had his way, they would have put Caspian to death when he, Trumpkin, and Trufflehunter first rescued him. Nikabrik is also like a great many people in the world today. He doesn’t believe in Aslan, but he does believe in the power of the supernatural. When the Pevensies and Caspian face defeat, he suggests using the power that kept Aslan at bay for a hundred years; i.e., the power of witchcraft – the power of the White Witch. Curiously there are many people in our world who have no faith in God yet who are quite superstitious with beliefs in astrology and the occult.
     At the opposite end of the faith spectrum we find Trufflehunter the Badger. He is a true believer. He is a humble character who has complete faith that Aslan will show up and win the day. In the end, he is the one who is correct. His faith doesn’t waver, and he becomes a source of encouragement and motivation when things look bleak. The three characters can be a great illustration of faith in the modern world. If you see the movie, consider what character you most closely resemble.
     Like the inhabitants of Narnia, we too live in a fallen world. Immorality abounds. Many people do not attend church regularly. One merely has to glance at the many empty spaces in the pews to see how far we have fallen. Yet God calls us to return to the True Faith. We must gird ourselves for spiritual battle. It is a battle of good and evil. In our spiritual struggles, let us place our faith in He who died on the Cross for our sins and rose from the dead. Like the fictional Aslan, Our Lord Jesus Christ will deliver us!

In Christ,

Fr. Dionysios

President’s Message

I was writing a check yesterday and was stunned that it was already the 21st of May!  The year is moving so quickly and summer is almost upon us.  My boys (Kirk included), have started asking about vacation and when we are going to Greece, as they are ready for summer! 

The month of June usually starts the vacation period.  Schools wrap up their final days, there are graduation ceremonies and all of us young and old alike look forward to long, warm and sunny days.  For many of us, summer brings a slower pace as we are not running our children from practices and activities and are free from the stresses of homework, projects and exams.  My family enjoys spending the summer months relaxing outdoors and not being in the rigid routine of the fall and winter.

Summertime is vacation time.  We all enjoy taking trips to the beach or the mountains or overseas.  Often, our days run together as our schedules are more relaxed.  We need this time to truly relax and regroup. 

Personally, I enjoy attending church more in the summer months.  I find that I can sit through the Divine Liturgy and truly concentrate on every aspect of the service because I am not thinking about all the things I have to get done after church to prepare for the coming week. 

During the summer months, we do not see as many parishioners in church.  This is true of churches everywhere.  It is tempting to wake up at our leisure on Sunday morning and just enjoy the day.  I hope that we will make an effort to include coming to church in our vacation plans.  Let us all attend the Divine Liturgy together in the relaxed and carefree days of summer that are such a wonderful gift from God!

May all of our travels be safe and enjoyable.  Perhaps you will discover a wonderful Orthodox church to visit on your trip.  And, when we are in town, I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday in our beautiful church celebrating the Divine Liturgy as a family this summer!   
Kiki S. Tarasidis   

THE TREASURER’S NOTE

April 2008
Income   $ 17,755.95
Expenses  $ 18,801.79
Difference $ -1,045.84

        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 year’s budget.  Thank you for your help.

STEWARDSHIP
Christ is Risen!
While we have just experience a Glorious time in our Faith, and continue to walk with Him, I cannot help but think of another very special day; Pentecost, the birth of the Church.
As summer quickly approaches, and we take advantage of this wonderful season by going on Holiday and spending time outdoors with friends, please do not forget about Our Church, continue to give contributions of your time, talent and treasures so that we may continue to celebrate.
I suggest, if you have the opportunity in your travels to attend services at another Church, please take advantage of this. Not only will you meet new people, but this will keep you focused on the Word and give you the opportunity to pray for a safe journey home. We all are looking forward to seeing everyone here at Dormition.
I wish that everyone has a safe, wonderful and restful start to your summer, enjoy the season.
Yours in Christ,
Stewardship Committee

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Parish Council Update

The following issues were discussed at the April 2008 Parish Council Meeting:
 
The Presidents Workshop was attended by Kiki and Maher at the Diakonia Center. 

The Treasurer’s Report.
 
Maintenance Update: Drainage issues and Fire inspection issues;
           
The structure of the Church Services Committee;

Upcoming Goya activities;
 
The Hall renovation which is expected to be complete by mid August;
 
The Reflection Garden established by Darden Vaughn;
 
Holy Week.
 
Submitted by Theodora Vaporis, Secretary