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, 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, Mary Ann Contogiannis,
Georgette Galloway, Maria Pradetto,
Minerva Ross & 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*,
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 - Mary Ann Contogiannis
GOYA - Theodora Vaporis

PARISH NEWS AND NOTES

WELCOME
The Parish council will have a Welcome
Reception for our New Members during
The Luncheon on March 16th.

THANK YOU

I want to thank Gwen and Kimmon Varsamis, Larry Ross, Mary Katiskas, Georgette Galloway and Gwen's brother for helping us taking down all the Christmas decorations. Without them it couldn't have been done. Thanks a lot. ~ Minerva Ross

Thank you to Kiki Tarasidis for bringing baking spices back from Atlanta and to Hamp & Lula Culler for containers for the festival pastries.

CONGRATULATIONS
In celebration of the nameday of Saint Philothea on Sunday, February 17th, the Ladies Philoptochos honored 3 members who began their labor of love and faithful service to our sisterhood in 1958. Mary Amprazis, Mary Anton, and Athena Constantinou were presented with a Philoptochos 50 year membership pin. They were thanked for all they have done in years past and their continued service in our community to promote the goals of the Ladies Philoptochos and to help the sick, the elderly, the poor, and children and families in need. May God bless them richly and grant them continued good health and many more years of service to our sisterhood.

Office Equipment: We are looking to purchase a new computer for the church office for $1000. Anyone wishing to contribute towards this, please speak with Fr. Dionysios.

CONDOLENCES to Ron and Sondra Freeman for the passing away of Ron's mother in December 2007.

50+ Club is going to the Pavilion Restaurant at 2010 W. Vandalia Road on Monday, March 3rd at 1pm. Please call the church office if you plan to attend. If you need a ride or directions, meet at the church at 12:30pm.

Goya's Trip to Birmingham
Goya took a trip to Birmingham, Alabama for a volleyball tournament. We rented two vans and the high school kids went in one, and the middle school kids went in the other. We watched movies, and did homework, but mainly slept on our eight-hour drive down there. Once we got there we went to a pizza party, and livened the party up a little. We Greek danced and met new people from other churches. Afterwards we went back to the hotel, checked in and got our rest for the day ahead. The next day, the DOT (Dormition of the Theotokos) goyans worked hard to win matches. We didn't get last place, but that doesn't mean we got first. DOT tried their best but went home early, (on account of only practicing two times.) We came together though and cheered for each other, and even other teams. I can honestly say that we all had a really good time, and can't wait till our next trip together. ~ Samantha Corey

GOYA LENTEN RETREAT:                                                       DOT GOYA will be attending the Lenten Retreat at the Diakonia Center in Salem, SC. the weekend of March 14-16. All GOYANS wishing to join us - please email dotgoya@yahoo.com.

CONGREGATIONAL SINGING

SUNDAY MARCH 9

 On Sunday, March 9, the choir will not be up in the Choir Loft, but rather they will be downstairs scattered in the pews to help encourage the congregation as a whole to join in all the singing during the Divine Liturgy.  Everyone please join in and sing along.

Visitors

 On Thursday, February 14, Tom Herin, the minister at College Place United Methodist Church and some of his congregation visited with Father Dionysios for their Confirmation Class. 

 And on Sunday, February 17 we had 250 youth and adults participating in a Church tour in the afternoon with Father.  They were with Operation Understanding 2008 Youth Interfaith.

Father's Challenge

     While perhaps not as well known today by the Faithful, Cheese Fare Sunday is also remembered as "Forgiveness Sunday." It received this name from the ancient and pious Orthodox Christian custom at vespers the night before of asking each other's forgiveness for discourtesy and disrespect throughout the year. This is done because in the coming fast time we must utilize the sacrament of Confession. For Christ said, "If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matt. 6.14, 15)"
     Forgiveness Sunday, which commemorates the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, is the last day in which we can drink milk and eat dairy products such as cheese and eggs. It is also the last Sunday until Palm Sunday when we celebrate the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Throughout the Lenten period only the liturgy of St. Basil the Great or the Presanctified Liturgies are held at church.
     This year Cheese Fare or Forgiveness Sunday falls on March 9th. As we prepare for the Lenten Season, we need to enter this holy period not just ready to fast, but also with a spirit of repentance and forgiveness. As Fr. Alexander Schmemann wrote,

     "Forgiveness stands at the very center of Christian faith and of Christian life because Christianity itself is, above all, the religion of forgiveness. God forgives us, and His forgiveness is in Christ, His Son, Whom He sends to us, so that by sharing in His humanity we may share in His love and be truly reconciled with God. Indeed, Christianity has no other content but love. And it is primarily the renewal of that love, a return to it, a growth in it, that we seek in Great Lent, in fasting and prayer, in the entire spirit and the entire effort of that season. Thus, truly forgiveness is both the beginning of, and the proper condition for the Lenten season.
         
     One may ask, however: Why should I perform this rite when I have no "enemies"? Why should I ask forgiveness from people who have done nothing to me, and whom I hardly know? To ask these questions, is to misunderstand the Orthodox teaching concerning forgiveness. It is true, that open enmity, personal hatred, real animosity may be absent from our life, though if we experience them, it may be easier for us to repent, for these feelings openly contradict Divine commandments. But, the Church reveals to us that there are much subtler ways of offending Divine Love. These are indifference, selfishness, lack of interest in other people, of any real concern for them -- in short, that wall which we usually erect around ourselves, thinking that by being "polite" and "friendly" we fulfill God's commandments. The rite of forgiveness is so important precisely because it makes us realize - be it only for one minute - that our entire relationship to other men is wrong, makes us experience that encounter of one child of God with another, of one person created by God with another, makes us feel that mutual "recognition" which is so terribly lacking in our cold and dehumanized world.

     For these reasons, a vesper service will be held Saturday, March 8th at 6:00 PM. At the conclusion of vespers those present will pause and ask each other for mutual forgiveness. It is my hope and prayer that as many people as possible will attend. We have all sinned before the Lord and may have voluntarily or involuntarily offended one another at some point during the preceding year.
     My brothers and sisters let us use this time to put aside any hurt feelings and wounded pride. Let us forgive each other in a spirit of love and reconciliation. If we are reconciled to one another, we thus reconcile ourselves before God.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Dionysios

President's Message

A few days ago we came together for our Winter General Assembly.  There were over 70 of us present!  We addressed some tough issues.  It was my intention to allow everyone the opportunity to speak and express their opinion.  More important, I wanted to provide a comfortable environment, which meant at times we did not follow the standard meeting rules, but we had a very productive and positive meeting. It was my prayer going into the meeting that we, would come away from the Assembly as a united parish.  I sincerely hope that you all feel that we did just that. 
Thank you for your patience as we checked every one in at the door, for sitting through such a long meeting, for laughing with me as I tried to restate each motion and for being respectful and understanding of each of our opinions and comments.  I also thank you for your kind words of praise and support following the meeting. 
I ask all of you to support Father Dionysios, me and our Parish Council.  In doing so, you support our church.  We have many important tasks ahead of us and we need to remain united and committed.  You have a vital role in this parish and it will take everyone to keep The Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church thriving.
Now let's have fun.  I hope to see everyone at our annual Apokreatiko Glendi on Saturday, March 1st!
May we have a wonderful Lenten period.

Kiki Tarasidis

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

The Board met for their regular monthly meeting on February 21, 2008. The following was discussed:

1.         The Metropolis meeting attended by Kiki, Maher and Doris at the Diakonia Center. This meeting was encouraged for any parish council members that could attend from the entire Metropolis and discussed issues and ideas for parish councils.
 2.         Regular committee reports including the Treasurer's Report and Stewardship Report.   A Maintenance report was given and the Maintenance Committee is addressing the issue of the water cooler in the Narthex and the bulbs that are out in the Church.
 3.         The youth report included:
·      Goyans went to Birmingham for the volleyball tournament. It was very successful, the kids had a very exciting time and the Middle School team even took third place.
·     Presbytera spoke to the Sunday school about the role of a Presbytera. The Sunday school will have other guest speakers.
· Youth Committee
·      The Goya is planning to participate in the Lenten Retreat at the Diakonia Center the weekend of March 16th. All those who wish to participate should contact the Goya leaders right away.
 4.         Fr. discussed Congregational singing and that he and the choir were working together to encourage greater participation from our congregation.
 5.         There was a review of the updated bylaws that will be presented for ratification at the General Assembly pursuant to the request of the Metropolis.
 6.         The upcoming Glendi on March 1st.
 7.         The Council reiterated that it cannot hold the Parish Hall open the day before a reservation for set-up if we have the opportunity to rent the hall that day or it is otherwise needed that day.
 8.         Our new Church Service Committee headed by Maher Hanna was discussed. 
 9.          The 2008 Festival dates were announced as Sept 19, 20 and 21.
10.        Some structural improvements to the Church were preliminarily discussed, as was the interior hall renovation.
11.        Fr. shared some highlights of his experience at the recent Clergy Retreat at the Diakonia Center.
12.        Fr. discussed the purchase of six new altar robes and the need for 4 more.
13.       We received a nice thank you correspondence for the condolence sent by Kiki on behalf of our community upon the death of Archbishop Christodoulos of Greece.
  Submitted by Theodora Vaporis

General Assembly
The General Assembly was held on February 24th after Church. There were 73 people in attendance. The following was discussed:

1.   The President shared the message from the meeting she attended at the Diakonia Center where they discussed the role of the Priest and of the Parish Council and also the concept of "consensus". 
2.   The Audit Report was given approving the 2007 records of the Parish.
3.   The Treasurer's Report was approved with discussion on additional information requested by Parishioners in future reports.
4.   The Festival Report was approved.
5.   A plan outlining the physical needs of the Parish was discussed as well as any repairs needed to the Property.
6.  The Stewardship Report was given which shows that we are stagnant in this area.
7.  The Youth Report included the following information:
A.     The successful Goya trip to Birmingham for the Metropolis Volley Tournament;
      B.     The upcoming Lenten Retreat open to all Goyans
      C.     The Goya Blood Drive
      D.     The new "team approach" to Sunday School
      E.      The upcoming March 25th celebration
8.   A Maintenance Report was given.
9.   The Church Services Committee was introduced. All who want to serve need to contact Maher Hanna.
10.  A vote was taken on the issue of the flags and it was agreed to remove all flags.
11. The Bylaw vote was tabled until a Special General Assembly could be called on this one issue.
12.  A Hall Beautification Report was given by Father. We are still waiting for the schematics from the designer.
13.  There was a vote to hire a building inspector to inspect the Church property and advise us what is in need of repair.
14.  There was a vote to investigate the house for sale close to the Church.
15.  Fr. gave a closing message in which he suggested we focus on a few things and do them well. He asked for more participation in the Liturgy from Parishioners. He announced the prompt start of the Doxology at 10:00 a.m. Fr. shared that he is encouraged by the increased attendance in Church and by the concept of "consensus".
 Submitted by Theodora Vaporis, Secretary, Parish Council

SPECIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A special General Assembly Meeting has been convened for Thursday, March 13, 2008, at 6:30pm.  The purpose of this meeting is to adopt the proposed By-Laws.  If you do not already have one, copies of the proposed By-Laws are posted in the Fellowship Hall.  All stewards are asked to attend this very important meeting.

THE TREASURER'S NOTE
January 2008:
Income   $   7,921.08
Expenses  $ 16,103.05
Total            $ - 8,181.97
       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.

STEWARDSHIP

In the past I have encouraged all of you to become more involved in OUR Church, but now I am pleading, PLEASE GET INVOLVED. The many ministries of our Church offer everyone a chance to help in an area that you would like to make a difference. Whether you want to learn how to Chant, or be part of the Church Services Committee, or help with Visitation, or to help with transportation of Parishioners that need help getting to Church. There are endless opportunities to get involved.
Just to remind you, the back of the Pledge Card has a place to indicate what ministries you are interested in, please consider revising your Pledge Card to signify where you would like to get involved. You can always make adjustments on the Time, Talents or Treasures on your Pledge Card by submitting a new, revised Card or by contacting someone on the Stewardship Committee.
Take ownership! Get involved! Be proud of what we have!
Let's all work together towards our common goal, and make OUR Church the BEST Church that it can be.  There is a NEED for US to get involved. Now lets become a community that does what it can to become closer to one another and towards God.

With Christ's Blessings,
Stewardship Committee

 Stewardship Sunday is March 16

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

With the Lenten Season approaching, we will be preparing ourselves for the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Just as we prepare our soul and body before Pascha, as good Stewards we have to prepare ourselves to participate in the life of our church and to give back to the Community. You are an important part of our Church Community.

This month is we will be putting emphasis on our STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN for 2008. We would like to invite you to become a supporter of our many Church ministries though Stewardship. In order to grow our ministries and meet our expenses, each Steward should strive to increase his or her pledge annually. There is a pamphlet in the Narthex that will answer any questions that you may have.
Our theme for 2008 is "THE ORTHODOX WAY OF LIFE". It asks us to, "Commit Our Whole Life to Christ", believing that He is the source of our life and the origin of all our blessings.

We invite you to attend the Divine Liturgy on Stewardship Sunday, March 16th, please return your completed Stewardship Card in the Narthex, or you can mail it in to the Church. We offer you our personal gratitude beforehand for your consideration in support of YOUR CHURCH, its ministries and the ministries of the National Church. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for our Annual Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon on March 16th.

Wishing you a fulfilling Lent. May Our Lord continue to guide all of our lives.

With Christ's Blessings,

Stewardship Committee

PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS 

Our next General Meeting will be Monday, March 10, in the Fellowship Hall.  Refreshments will be served at 6:45 p.m. and the business meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.  The Board will meet prior to the meeting at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

On Wednesday, March 12 Philoptochos will host the Lenten Supper immediately following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy.   

On Sunday, March 30, Philoptochos will pass a tray to benefit Holy Cross/Hellenic College. As always, thank you for your support.

Plans for our Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Sunday, May 18, are underway. All 2008 High School and College graduates will be recognized.  Applications for the Annual Philoptochos Scholarship and the Peter Harris Scholarship are now available.  Application deadline is April 6.

Membership dues will be mailed in April to the Atlanta Metropolis and National Headquarters.  If you have not already paid your dues, please do so as soon as possible.  If you have questions, please contact me, Doris Zaharias or Joanne Macropoulos.

Please continue to support our Year Round Food Bank.  Items such as canned fruits, vegetables, and meats are always needed and greatly appreciated.

 DATES TO REMEMBER:

Tuesday, March 4, Koulourakia Baking 8:30 am

Monday & Tuesday, March 10 & 11, Kourambeithes Baking 8:30 am

Monday & Tuesday, March 17  & 18, Spanakopita Baking 9 am - 1 pm

Monday & Tuesday, March 31  April 1, Spanakopita Baking 9 am - 1 pm

Tuesday, April 29,   Work Meeting

Thursday, May 1,     Spring Luncheon

Sunday, May 18,      Scholarship Luncheon

Monday, June 2,     End-of-Year Meeting

PHILOPTOCHOS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

     The Philoptochos Society is pleased to announce the continuation of our two scholarship programs.  The scholarships are for dependant children of Dormition of the Theotokos parishioners who are in good standing.  The Philoptochos Society Scholarship is based on academic achievement and is awarded to a high school senior who will graduate in May/June 2008 and who has been accepted into a university/college, junior college, or vocational/trade school for fall 2008.  The Pete Harris Scholarship is a financial scholarship that is awarded based on need to a high school graduate who will be a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior at a university/college, junior college, or vocational/trade school next fall.  Students may apply for both scholarships, however, if the student is a finalist for both, the student may accept only one of the two scholarships.  These scholarships will be awarded at The Philoptochos Scholarship Luncheon, honoring all of our graduating seniors, scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2008. If you are interested in applying for one or both of these scholarships or would like more information, please contact Cecelia Antahades (704-619-2372 cell), Thalia Bundros (294-1592), Athena Constantinou (292-0368), Helen Peterson (632-1816), Effie Varitimidis (299-4093), or Georgette Galloway (545-8601).  The Scholarship Committee MUST receive completed applications along with all the required supplemental letters and transcripts on or before NOON, SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008.NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE NO EXCEPTIONS.