July/August 2018 Beloved in Christ,

Each year we remember the Holy in a very special way. For fourteen days each August we keep a strict fast and chant the daily , or Supplication service in her honor. This focused period of fasting and intensified prayer has a specific purpose, which is our spiritual preparation for the great feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th. People often wonder where Holy Scripture speaks about the feast of the Dormition, or even about some of the other feasts of the Theotokos, for that matter. The truth is that they do not – at least not the canonical books of the New Testament that we all know. As Orthodox Christians, we must remember that everything we do in our is validated through what we call Holy Tradition. Within Holy Tradition we find various scriptures known as the apocrypha – writings which were not included in the official Bible of the Church, but none the less, had a bearing on the development of feasts of the Panayia, such as the Nativity of the Theotokos (September 8th), and the into the Temple (November 21st). The scriptural sources of the feasts of the Panayia, along with the defense of her title Theotokos, or Mother of God, at the Third Ecumenical , led to the development of liturgical services and hymns in her honor. Besides the wealth of hymnography from the various feasts of the Theotokos, we also find special hymns in her honor at every Orthodox divine service known as Theotokia. In addition, the services of the Hymn and the Small and Great Paraklesis are sheer poetry, extolling and praising the virtues of the Mother of God, as well as the various kontakia written in her honor. In addition to hymnography, there is a wealth of iconography which is focused on the subject of the Theotokos from almost the very beginning of the Church. Holy Tradition has taught us that St. Luke the Evangelist was the first to depict the Theotokos in an , while she was still alive. The famous and miraculous Panayia of Tinos is said to be one of the written by his hand. Continued on Page 3

St. Athanasius the Great 4 Appleton Street ■ Arlington, MA 02476 ■ 781.646.0705 ■ www.saintathanasius.org ■ email: [email protected] SAINT ATHANASIUS THE GREAT GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Metropolis of Boston 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476

ASKISIS PARISH COUNCIL OFFICIAL Publication of St. Athanasius the Great Constandinos Ioakimidis ...... President Greek Orthodox Church A. Paul Tsitsopoulos ...... 1st Vice President nd Arlington, MA 02476 Mark Ypsilantis ...... 2 Vice President S. Nicholas Kriketos ...... Secretary SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Ted Speros ...... Associate Secretary Stefanos Bouboulis ...... Treasurer Winter: Orthros 8:45 am : 10:00 am Nikitas Splagounias ...... Associate Treasurer #1 Summer: Orthros 8:00 am Divine Liturgy: 9:15 am Peter Stanitsas ...... Associate Treasurer #2

Proistamenos: Fr. Anthony Evangelatos Parish Council Members: ...... Assistant Priest: Fr. Aaron C. Walker Antonios Dakopoulos, Peter Gennis, Vassilios Karras, St. Athanasius the Great is a parish under the spiritual and Vicki Konstandakis, Alexandros Kyrou, Anna (Jasonides) ecclesial oversight of His Eminence Metropolitan Manolakis, Charlie Pappas, Michael Terzakis, Methodios of the Metropolis of Boston, Greek Orthodox and Nicole VanKuilenburg Archdiocese of America, under the jurisdiction of The Ecumenical of Constantinople.

The St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church in PARISH MINISTRIES & Arlington, Massachusetts strives to be the living witness of ORGANIZATIONS our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our mission as a parish

is to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13), as St. Paul so exhorts. Thus it is our rich blessing to strive and bring the Altar Boys (Acolytes): ...... Fr. Aaron Walker Light of Christ to all of God’s people, through Orthodox Cantors/Psaltes:…….Dimitrios Manolakis and Spyros Prois Christian tradition, education and philanthropy. We seek to Choir Director: ...... Stella Pathiakis serve the spiritual needs of our faithful parishioners through Greek School Principal: ...... Eleni Giannaki the sacramental life of the Church. By means of outreach Greek School PTO:………………………………….OPEN and faith in God, we continue our growth as a living Church Little Halos Director:………..…………..Argyro Nikoletos by inviting others into the Orthodox faith through Baptism and/or , and educating them through the Fellowship Hour Ministry:...... Vicki Konstandakis establishment of our Christian ministries, programs, Gardening Ministry: ...... S. Nicholas Kriketos schools and philanthropic activities. GOYA President: ...... Thanos Arvanitis CHURCH DIRECTORY HOPE & Joy:…..…..…Eleni Pesiridis & Eleni Splagounias Parish Administrative Assistants P.E.A.C.E. Ministry: ...... Althea Ioakimidis Stella Kazantzas & Kathy VanKuilenburg Philoptochos President ...... Crystal Iakovou Pine Street Inn Ministry: Michael Terzakis & Randy Fassas Summer Parish Office Hours Stewardship:…………...... Michael Terzakis Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Sunday School Interim Coordinator:…….George Makredes Main Office: (781) 646-0705 Young at Heart Seniors:…………………Combined Efforts FAX: (781) 641-4700 EMAIL: [email protected] Metropolis of Boston website ...... www.boston.goarch.org Website: www.saintathanasius.org Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website ...... www.goarch.org Fr. Anthony Email: [email protected] Fr. Anthony’s Office Hours Fr. Anthony Phone: (Temporary) (401) 662-5259 I will generally be in the office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. I Fr. Aaron Email: [email protected] will be out of the office on Mondays. After office hours, Fr. Aaron Cell: (617) 733-1045 I can be reached at (401) 662-5259

2 FROM FATHER ANTHONY

Most icons of the Theotokos point us in the direction of Christ, which accentuates her role as His holy mother. Rarely is the Theotokos depicted alone in an icon. She is normally shown with her infant son Jesus, or with the adult Christ, such as in the icons of the Marriage in Cana, the Crucifixion, and the Burial. Orthodox Christians cannot fathom entering an Orthodox church without venerating one or more icons of the Theotokos. Her image is everywhere, especially in the apse of the church (the recessed semi-dome area behind most Orthodox altars), where she is depicted as the Platytera, which means “more spacious than the heavens.” This description is used by the Church to emphasize the fact that she held the eternal Logos, or Word of God, within her womb. In other words, she contained within her body the uncontainable God. Seeing how honored the Theotokos is through hymns and through icons, we can thus understand how important her role is within the Church. No human being is closer to Christ than His own mother. We Orthodox believe and accept that Christ is completely human and completely divine, in an unconfused . Therefore, the Theotokos is simultaneously His earthy mother and the Mother of God. Because of her latter role she is sanctified for all eternity. We must always be clear, however, that we do not worship the Theotokos but simply venerate her, since worship is reserved for the Holy alone. Knowing that she continuously intercedes with Christ on our behalf, we see her as the gateway to Paradise. Salvation came into the through her, so therefore, we pray to the Theotokos for her intercessions to Christ our God for our own salvation. Beloved in Christ, let us make it a point to come to as many Paraklesis services in August as possible, in order to supplicate our Holy Mother who hears the prayers of all her children. We all have various needs, both spiritual and physical, so why not bring them to the one who speeds to intercede with our God and Creator? Our holy Church offers so many opportunities for the sanctification of body and soul, so let us take advantage of what the Church offers freely.

In the love of Christ and His Holy Mother,

+Fr. Anthony

3 Reflections on the Holy Transfiguration

(The following is taken from The Year of Grace of the Lord, by A of the Eastern Church; St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1992.)

The second great feast of the summer is the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is celebrated on August 6th…Let us now try to consider some aspects of the gospel account of the Transfiguration… Jesus takes his three most intimate disciples with him. Sometimes God reveals Himself to sinners in an extraordinary way, but in general, the privilege of contemplating God, and of entering into the joy of the Transfiguration is reserved for those who have followed the Master long and faithfully. Jesus leads His disciples to a high mountain. Before attaining the light of the Transfiguration, the hard path of is necessary. Jesus’ normal appearance is changed. His face shines ‘as the sun’. His clothes become ‘white as the light’. It is in this that the Transfiguration consists. The Jesus that the disciples knew well and whose looks, in ordinary life, did not differ radically from those of other people, suddenly appears to them in a new and glorious form… Next to Jesus appear Moses and Elijah. Moses represents the law. Elijah the prophets. Jesus is the fulfilment of all law and of all prophecy. He is the final completion of the whole of the Old Covenant; He is the fulness of all divine revelation. Moses and Elijah speak with Jesus of His coming Passion. Usually, not enough attention is paid to this aspect of the Transfiguration. In Jesus’ life, the glorious mysteries cannot be separated from the mysteries of suffering. It is when He is preparing to go to His Passion that He is transfigured. In our own life, we shall not enter into the joy of the Transfiguration unless we accept the Cross… The bright cloud covers the heights of the mountain. From the midst of it a voice is heard to say: ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him’. The same words, or very nearly, had already been spoken by the same voice at Jesus’ baptism. They give the scene of the Transfiguration its whole meaning. Why does Jesus’ appearance change? Why is He clothed in light? This is not simply in order to provide the apostles with an impressive and comforting sight. It is to transmit outwardly the solemn testimony which the Father bears to His Son. And the Father Himself gives a practical conclusion to the vision: ‘Hear ye Him’. Any out-of-the-ordinary grace is effectual only if it makes us more attentive and more obedient to the divine Word… The mystery of the Transfiguration has yet another aspect which the scriptural texts for the feast do not indicate clearly, but which the liturgical chants underline. ‘To show the transformation of human nature…at Thy Second and fearful Coming…Saviour, Thou didst transfigure Thyself…O Thou, who has sanctified the whole universe by Thy Light…’ These words, which are sung at matins, allude to the cosmic and eschatological nature of the Transfiguration. The whole of nature – which now suffers the consequences of sin, the source of physical ills – will be freed, renewed, when Christ comes in glory at the end of time. This transformation of the world is suggested to our belief, to our hope, and to our expectation…

4 Dormition of the Theotokos Fast Begins 8/1

As we all know, the first fourteen days of August comprise a fast period in honor of the Holy Theotokos, as spiritual preparation for the feast of her Holy Dormition on the 15th. This fast is a mini-version of , so the guidelines are identical. Following we offer the Church’s guidelines for those who wish to follow the fast to the full extent, or as a starting point for those unable who need to follow to a lesser extent.

 Strict fast from all animal products throughout, including fish*

 Fast from wine (all alcoholic beverages) and olive oil on weekdays (it’s permissible to substitute vegetable/seed oil)

 Wine and olive oil permitted on Saturdays and Sundays

*Fish is permitted on the feast of the Transfiguration, 8/6. Shellfish is permitted daily throughout the fast. Please note that since the feast of the Dormition falls on a Wednesday this year, meat is not permitted, however fish, wine, and olive oil are permissible.

Let us honor the Holy Mother of God through our fasting, remembering her constant intercession on our behalf. Most Holy Theotokos save us!

Regarding the Theotokos

(The following is taken from Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, by Fr. Michael Pomazansky, St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 1994)

Two dogmas concerning the Mother of God are bound up, in closest fashion, with the dogma of God the Word’s becoming man. They are: a) Her Ever-virginity, and b) Her name of Theotokos…

The Ever-Virginity of the Mother of God

The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ from a Virgin is testified to directly and deliberately by two Evangelists, Matthew and Luke. This dogma was entered into the Symbol of Faith of the First , where we read: “Who for the sake of us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.” The Ever- virginity of the Mother of God is testified by Her own words, handed down in the Gospel, where she expressed awareness of the immeasurable majesty and height of Her chosenness: “My soul doth magnify the Lord…For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed…For He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His Name (Luke 1:46-49).”

5 The Most Holy Virgin Mary is Theotokos

With the dogma of the Son of God’s becoming man is closely bound up the naming of the Most Holy Virgin Mary as “Theotokos” (Birth-giver of God). By this name the Church confirms its faith that God the Word became Man truly and not merely in appearance; a faith that, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, God was joined to Man from the very instant of His conception in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and that He, being perfect Man, is also perfect God.

In Appreciation

I wish to express much gratitude to everyone involved with this year’s festival. First, I wish to acknowledge our co-chairs, Dean Ioakimidis, Paul Tsitsopoulos, Crystal Iakovou, and Kathy VanKuilenburg, who together were responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the festival. I also want to acknowledge all the parishioners involved with the various workshops and set-up prior to the festival, as well as the many hours of volunteering during the event.

I was very impressed in that many younger parishioners – married couples, singles, and youth – were instrumental in all aspects of the festival, working harmoniously along with our seasoned parishioners with many years of experience. Although the festival was successful financially, its true success was the obvious Christian fellowship that permeated every aspect of the festival, both before and during the event. May this be a blessing to all of you and your loved ones!

+Fr. Anthony

From the Holy Fathers

(The following is taken from the Philokalia, a collection of writings by spiritual masters of the Orthodox tradition.)

On the Character of Men and on the Virtuous Life: A Work Attributed to St.

The truly intelligent man pursues one sole objective: to obey and to conform to the God of all. With this single aim in view, he disciplines his soul, and whatever he may encounter in the course of his life, he gives thanks to God for the compass and depth of His providential ordering of all things. For it is absurd to be grateful to doctors who give us bitter and unpleasant medicines to cure our bodies, and yet to be ungrateful to God for what appears to us to be harsh, not grasping that all we encounter is for our benefit and in accordance with His providence. For knowledge of God and faith in Him is the salvation and perfection of the soul. Those who aim to practice the life of virtue and holiness should not incur condemnation by pretending to a piety which they do not possess. But like painters and sculptors they should manifest their virtue and holiness through their works, and should shun all evil pleasures as snares. A wealthy man of good family, who lacks inward discipline and all virtue in his way of life, is

6 regarded by those with spiritual understanding as under an evil influence; likewise a man who happens to be poor or a slave, but is graced with discipline of soul and with virtue in his life, is regarded as blessed. And just as strangers traveling in a foreign country lose their way, so those who do not cultivate the life of virtue are led astray by their desires and get completely lost. Those who seek to lead a life of holiness, enjoying the love of God, should free themselves from presumption and all empty and false self-esteem, and should try to correct their life and way of thinking. For an intellect that steadfastly enjoys the love of God is a way of ascent to Him.

Holy Confession Schedule During the Dormition Fast, Fr. Anthony will be available for confessions after each Paraklesis service. Throughout the year, confessions can always be heard after Saturday evening Vespers, or during office hours by appointment.

Liturgical Book Donations We continue to seek donors to complete the English set of the Menaia – the monthly service books for the entire liturgical year. We are pleased to report that there are only three books left to donate!

Please consider donating one or more of the remaining Menaia at $100 per volume, so that we may cover the entire cost of this much needed addition to our collection of liturgical books. May it be a blessing to all our donors! Remaining volumes: February, April, and July

A Message to Our Vacationing Brethren Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, while we enjoy our summer vacations let us not forget our spiritual obligations to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This not only includes daily prayers, but also church attendance on Sundays and feast days. If traveling domestically, one can usually find Orthodox churches of multiple jurisdictions in most major cities. Remember, we are all Orthodox regardless if we are Greek, Russian, Serbian, , etc., so please attend no matter the nationality! If we are traveling internationally, there is still a good chance of finding an Orthodox church in many foreign capitals and major cities. If you will remain local during the summer, please continue to attend church. Remember, the Church is not on vacation! For those with summer homes on Cape Cod, as you probably know, there are two Orthodox churches from which to choose (why not try both?). When traveling, always remember to bring a small portable icon with you, along with a prayer book. Also, you can always find the daily scripture readings on our wonderful Archdiocesan website: www.goarch.org. A blessed, healthy, and safe summer to all!

Funerals 6/11 - Aggeliki Aggelis fell asleep in the Lord and was buried in Greece 6/20 - Lazaros Psiakis 6/30 - Homer N. Ypsilantis

PLEASE NOTE: All and funerals that occur in July or August will be listed in the September bulletin edition.

7 Fantastic 2018 Festival Smiles!

8 Fantastic 2018 Festival Smiles!

For more photos, please see https://www.flickr.com/photos/saintathanasiusarlington/albums

9 Arlington Advocate, Thursday, June 7, 2018

10 2018 Metropolis Awards Dinner

Coming This Fall

Another Greek Celebration of Food, Music, and fellowship is being planned . . .

Gyrofest or Greek Cuisine . . . What will it be?

Stay tuned for more details

You will be the first to know!

11 The Anastasia (Ann) and George C. Dimitrakis Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was established in 2008 at the St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church with a generous gift of $100,000 by the late Ann Dimitrakis, in loving memory of her spouse, George C. Dimitrakis. George and Ann Dimitrakis had long been faithful stewards and of the St. Athanasius Church. The first scholarships were awarded in June 2010.

Congratulations, Συγχαρητήρια!

The George C. and Ann (Anastasia) Dimitrakis Memorial Scholarship recipient for 2018 was announced following the Divine Liturgy on June 24. This year, Everett Ypsilantis was chosen as the scholarship recipient. Everett, son of Evan and Effie Ypsilantis, graduated from St. John’s Prep High School, in Danvers, and will be attending Boston University in the fall. Everett will be majoring in General Studies/Biology, Life Sciences, and Neuroscience. The scholarship committee would like to wish him success in all his future academic endeavors.

2018 Project Mexico ~ Home Building Mission Trip

The Project Mexico Team leaves on July 6. We feel very blessed and excited for this amazing opportunity to serve! We pray to hear Christ’s voice, to learn through this experience, and to bring these lessons back to our local community.

On this trip, we will spend our days building a home for a worthy family in need in northern Mexico – Baja, California. In the evenings, we will participate in the vibrant Orthodox community of St. Innocent Orphanage and other activities with Orthodox parishes from around the United States.

Please pray for our team: Fr. Aaron, Eleni, Anthony, Konstandina, Lukas, Maggie, Maria, Pythagoras, Sophia, and Stamati

Via Con Dios…Go with God

12 Philoptochos News

On Sunday, June 17, 2018, we acknowledged graduates and presented them a with gift from St. Barbara’s Philoptochos. Three high school graduates received gift cards, and the college graduates received gift cards and a bible.

Eleana Cardarelli, Peter Katsarakes, Alexandra Katis, Trent Mullen, Filea Reissis, Betsy Speros, George Tsitsopoulos, and Petra Ypsilantis

A Festival Thank You! We did it! We made it through another festival. Thank you for all your help in pulling this off for another year. Here are a few smiles from the Philoptochos Pastry table!

2018 Laity The Biennial Clergy Laity will be held July 1-5, in Boston, this year. Over 1,000 koulourakia were baked, packaged, and delivered for the conference. along with other Boston Metropolis Philoptochos Chapters contributing and helping, as needed.

Financial

We had our last meeting of the year June 6, and we will resume in September. Our Metropolis and National obligations are paid up-to-date, in addition to passing a tray for the Philoxenia House in May that we do annually. Our treasury is solid, and we will be planning a fundraiser for the fall.

Enjoy your summer, stay safe!! We look forward to seeing you all in September!

13 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 5th Sunday 2 3 4 5 6 7 of Matthew Fr. Anthony Orthros 8 am; at Clergy-Laity Office Closed Office Closed Office Closed Fr. Aaron escorts Divine Liturgy Congress “Project Mexico” Great Vespers 6 pm 9:15am July 2-5 Youth Group July 6-13

8 6th Sunday 9 10 11 12 13 14 of Matthew Orthros 8 am; Divine Liturgy 9:15am Great Vespers 6 pm

15 Sunday 16 17 18 19 20 21 of the Holy Fathers Holy Prophet Elias Orthros 8 am; Orthros 8 am Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy 9 am 9:15am Great Vespers 6 pm

22 8th Sunday 23 24 25 26 27 28 of Matthew Saint Paraskevi Orthros 8 am; Orthros 8 am Div. Liturgy 9:15am Divine Liturgy 9 am Memorial: +Lazaros Psiakis Pine Street Inn 5 pm Great Vespers 6 pm

th 29 9 Sunday 30 31 Strict Fast of Matthew Wine/Oil Allowed Orthros 8 am; Divine Liturgy Fast Free 9:15am Fish Allowed

Adult Greek Dancing Practice Monday Evenings, 7 -9 pm

14  Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο                   “Project Mexico”    6 -13 Iouliou                 

                  

                 

      Strict Fast  Wine/Oil Allowed  Fast Free  Fish Allowed  



15 August 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Fast of the Holy 2 3 4 Theotokos begins

Small Paraklesis 6 pm Great Paraklesis 6pm Small Paraklesis 6pm Great Vespers 6 pm

5 10th Sunday 6 The 7 8 9 10 11 of Matthew Transfiguration Orthros 8 am; of Our Lord Div. Lit. 9:15 am Orthros 8 am; Memorial: Divine Liturgy +Homer Ypsilantis 9:15 am

Great Vespers at Great Vespers 6 pm Holy Transfiuration Great Paraklesis 6pm Small Paraklesis 6 pm Great Paraklesis 6pm Small Paraklesis 6 pm in Lowell 7 pm Small Paraklesis 6 pm

12 11th Sunday 13 14 15 Dormition of the 16 17 18 of Matthew Holy Theotokos Orthros 8 am; Orthros 8 am; Divine Liturgy Great Vespers Divine Liturgy Fr. Aaron Family 9:15 am (check time w/parish) 9:15am Vacation Great Vespers 6 pm July 16 - 22 Small Paraklesis 6 pm Dormition Church Somerville

19 12th Sunday 20 21 22 23 24 25 of Matthew Orthros 8 am; Divine Liturgy 9:15 am Great Vespers 6 pm

26 13th Sunday 27 28 29 Beheading of 30 31 Strict Fast of Matthew St. John the Forerunner Wine/Oil Allowed Orthros 8 am; Orthros 8 am; Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy 9 am Fast Free 9:15 am (Strict fast) Fish Allowed

Pine Street Inn 5 pm

Adult Greek Dancing Practice Monday Evenings, 7 -9 pm

16  Κυριακή Δευτέρα Τρίτη Τετάρτη Πέμπτη Παρασκευή Σάββατο                          

                   

               Lowell                                                            

        Strict Fast    Wine/Oil Allowed   Fast Free   Fish Allowed         

17

Enroll your child today . . .

Yes, it’s time to register for the upcoming Sunday Religious Education School year of September 2018 to May 2019!

Using this on-line link will bring you directly to the student enrollment form:

goo.gl/LkbRzr

By completing and submitting the form, your child will be automatically registered.

Additionally, if you are considering joining the teaching staff, we would love to hear from you. (Contact George Makredes at [email protected])

We look forward to working with graduates of our school, as well, who wish to serve Saint Athanasius The Great Church as assistant teachers!

Note: For parishioners who prefer registering ‘off-line’, hard copy enrollment forms will be available on the first day of the school year, . . . which by the way starts on . . . Sunday, September 16th 2018

Wishing you a safe and peaceful summer!

18 Religious Vocabulary 1

Apostle One who is sent out to spread the Word of God: as a teacher. (The secular term of Post Office is derived from Apostle)

Apostolic Succession Regards our bishops’ lineage, going back to the Apostles.

Born Again All Orthodox Christians are born again, through baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity. We are thrice immersed, (ie buried) and raised in, . . and with, Jesus.

Christ From the Greek Christos, meaning ‘The Anointed One’; also the Messiah.

Clergy The ordained , priests and bishops. The only 3 ranks of clergy.

Disciple A disciple is a follower or student

Divine Liturgy Is the Eucharist service. Eucharist means, thanksgiving (i.e. Holy Communion), as rooted in the Lord’s words and acts of the Last Supper.

Epistle Is a written letter, such as those in the bible, written by the Apostles, as the means of communication with the early Christian churches.

Eucharist is Jesus’ true Body and Blood, offered every Sunday in the form of Holy Communion.

Holy Tradition This represents all practices, writings, and teachings of the Church, as passed down to us through the ages, directly by the Apostles and Holy Fathers.

Icon Means image. Religious images are venerated, (aka Windows to heaven).

INBI This sign nailed to Jesus’ cross, was meant to mock Him. Each letter represents the words, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews’.

Incarnate Christ was incarnate, that is, fully God and fully Human.

Intercede To pray for others, such as those in need and for the souls of loved ones.

Jesus Jesus translates as, ‘O Lord Save’.

Laity The parishioners, who are the un-ordained members of the Church.

Pentecost The first day of the Church’s earthly mission: It began 50 days after Christ’s resurrection, when the Disciples were ordained as Apostles by the Holy Spirit.

Theosis Is each Christian’s goal, to emulate Christ, in how we think, speak and act. The objective is to live a Christ-like life. Otherwise, we are Christians in name only.

Theotokos Literally means God-bearer. Mary, the Mother of God is the Theotokos.

Venerate To revere or honor someone or something, with solemn respect.

Worship We pray to God our Triune Creator: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

(From Teen Class Notes - George Makredes)

19

June 15th was the last day of school and our graduation program. The children sang beautiful songs in both Greek and English, and our Graduates proudly recited their poems, which were about saying goodbye to their first school. At the end of the program, the children received their diplomas and certificates followed by a reception.

Have a great summer! Καλό καλοκαίρι!

We are currently accepting registrations for the 2018-2019 school year. For more information please call the Director, Argyro Nikoletos, at (781) 646-1322 or email at [email protected]

20

The Saint Athanasius the Great Preschool & Prekindergarten Bilingual Day School “Little Halos” Application Form 2018-2019 School Year

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your interest in Little Halos School. We are thrilled you are considering our school for your child. Little Halos Bilingual Day School offers open enrollment and has rolling admissions – we accept applications anytime. The following programs are offered for the year 2018-2019

Children 2.9 - 3.9 year old (Preschool age) Please indicate your preference by circling the days of your choice. 8:30am-12noon 1st Choice Monthly Tuition

5 Days M, T, W, Th, F $ 649.00

3 Days M - W - F $ 453.00

2 Days T - Th $ 335.00

8:30am-3pm 1st Choice of Days Monthly Tuition

5 Days M, T, W, Th, F $ 1,205.00

3 Days M - W - F $ 803.00 2 Days T - Th $ 597.00

Children 4.2-5year old (Pre-Kindergarten age) *Please indicate your preference by circling the days of your choice. 8:30am-12noon 1st Choice Monthly Tuition

5 Days M, T, W, Th, F $ 649.00

3 Days M, W, F $ 453.00

8:30am-3pm 1st Choice of Monthly Tuition Days 5 Days M, T, W, Th, F $ 1,205.00

3 Days M, W, F $ 803.00

21

Child’s first name: ______Middle______Last______

Sex: ______Date of Birth: ______

Home Address: ______Town______Zip______

Home Telephone#:______Requested Start date (if other than September) ______

Father’s name: ______Mother’s name: ______

Father’s Cell: ______Email:______

Mother’s cell: ______Email:______

Name of sibling (s) attending “Little Halos” in September: ______

Name of sibling (s) who previously attended “Little Halos”:______

Name Day date: ______Patron Saint: ______

 $ 50.00 non-refundable application fee per child must accompany this application.

 Checks are made out to Saint Athanasius the Great/Little Halos.

 Your child is accepted if the office has your application and registration fee and you will

be notified by mail.

Signature of Parent/ Guardian: ______Date: ______

For office use only:

Program: Half Day 8:30-12 (2 days) (3 days) or (5 days) or Full Day 8:30-3:00pm (2 days) (3 days) or (5 days)

__ $ 50.00 non-refundable application fee

Date received: ______Age as of 9/1/ 2018, ______Check #:______

22 The Home-Church, Part 3 An Environment of Helping and Giving to Others

Children need a home environment where adults have a living relationship with Christ and the Church. Parents are the spiritual leaders of their “home-church.” May we always remember, if young people don’t experience their home as an Orthodox home in tangible ways, all the “ministries” of the parish can be fruitless. The parish Church depends on the home-church to fortify its teaching of the love of God and life in the Church. As the adults’ spiritual lives go, so goes the environment of the home and the spiritual lives of the children. As we discussed in prior reflections, a healthy home-church means, first of all, an atmosphere of prayer, which is helped by having an icon corner in the home and by reading bible stories and other passages with the children; secondly, a healthy home-church has positive conversations about church. This week let us consider a third ingredient of the healthy home-church: an attitude of helping and giving to others. Parents can have their eyes open for others in need and extend themselves to help others. They can they give financially and self-sacrificially to their church parish and to other worthy causes. Parents who do these things, and actively teach their children to do the same, are creating a healthy home-church. Here are two reflections on the giving and helping spirit of a healthy home-church, provided by Fr. Alexander Veronis, pastor-emeritus of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, in Lancaster, PA. A healthy home-church is a home where children learn to be givers. “The poor you shall always have with you,” Jesus says (John 12:8). Our cities and neighborhoods have needy adults and children who beg to be loved and accepted. They bless us when we reach out to them in the name of Christ. A parishioner once shared this story: I was passing by a street person, an elderly man clinging to his knapsack. Suddenly I had the urge to pull out a $20.00 bill and gave it to him. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” he repeated over and over. “I’ll pray for you! Do you believe in prayer? Prayer really helps! We all need prayer! Do you believe in prayer?” he asked. “Yes, yes, I certainly do!” I said. As the parishioner told this story in a Bible study group, she related it with tears in her eyes because of the blessings she had received from the street person. “I think it was Christ himself blessing me with such enthusiasm at that moment!” she said. And it probably was. “Blessed is the one who considers the poor,” the Psalmist writes (41:1) Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). When parents teach their children at an early age to fill their Sunday School offering envelopes, to give a generous portion of their money to charity, and to offer some of their time in service for others, those children will grow up as givers. On the other hand, it is sad when parents fail to teach their children to give to charity and the work of the Church. Those children are more likely to grow up self-centered and indifferent to charitable requests. Later on as young adults, they resent the Church for asking for a stewardship contribution. Yet they will think nothing of spending $50,000 for their wedding. St. says, “A rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much. For what he gives remains his forever.” There are so many ways to serve the poor, the refugees, the hungry, the homeless, and the foreigner—especially in times of high unemployment. Some parishes do it through participating in Project Mexico, CROP/CWS Hunger Walks, building homes through Habitat for Humanity, serving in a local Soup Kitchen, becoming Big Brothers or Big Sisters, or tutoring those who need guidance. May these kinds of giving and service increasingly be part of who we are as the parish of St. Athanasius. + Fr. Aaron

23 Η μεταμόρφωση του Χριστού και η σημασία της για μας

5 Αυγούστου 2015

Η Μεταμόρφωση δεν είναι από τις εορτές που το περιεχόμενό τους μπορεί να εξαντληθεί στην ανάμνηση ενός γεγονότος. Η ευρύτητα του εορτασμού είναι ανάλογη και με το θεολογικό και σωτηριολογικό περιεχόμενο της εορτής. Η Εκκλησία έθεσε τη Μεταμόρφωση του Χριστού εορτολογικά στο κέντρο του διαστήματος από το Πάσχα μέχρι τα Χριστούγεννα. Χονδρικά μεσολαβεί περίπου το ίδιο διάστημα -τέσσερις μήνες- ανάμεσα στις τρεις μεγάλες Δεσποτικές εορτές. Η Μεταμόρφωση, μαζί με την Ενανθρώπιση και το Πάσχα, είναι ένας από τους πνευματικούς σταθμούς της ανθρώπινης πορείας μέσα στο χρόνο. Κι αυτό δείχνει πως η Εκκλησία δεν θεώρησε ποτέ τη Μεταμόρφωση ως ένα απλό θαύμα, αλλά ως μία πράξη του Χριστού τής ίδιας σημασίας για την σωτηρία μας με την Ενσάρκωση και την Ανάσταση. Γι’ αυτό πρόταξε την νηστεία, γι’ αυτό περικύκλωσε την κυρία ημέρα της εορτής με προεόρτια και μεθέορτα.

Μια και τόσο μεγάλη είναι η εορτή, καλό θα είναι να μιλήσουμε λίγο για το νόημά της, έτσι που ο εορτασμός μας να έχει μια σωστή θεμελίωση και να μην εξαντλείται στην τήρηση των πατροπαράδοτων εθίμων.

Η Μεταμόρφωση του Χριστού είναι ένα επεισόδιο από την επίγεια δράση του, που έλαβε χώρα λίγο πριν από την πορεία του προς την Ιερουσαλήμ, πορεία που απέληξε στο Πάθος και την Ανάσταση. Μαζί με την Βάπτιση έχει κοινή την αποκάλυψη της αγίας Τριάδος. Μαζί με την Ανάσταση έχει κοινή την αποκάλυψη της δόξας του Θεού. Μαζί με την Πεντηκοστή έχει κοινή την δημιουργική επενέργεια του Παρακλήτου.

Είναι αποκάλυψη του Θεού προς τον άνθρωπο η Μεταμόρφωση, που βοηθά στη σωτηρία μας με τη σωστή θεογνωσία και ανθρωπογνωσία που παρέχει. Αποκαλύπτεται σ’ αυτήν ποιός είναι ο Χριστός, αλλά συγχρόνως και ποιός είναι ο άνθρωπος και που βαδίζει η ιστορία μας. Αυτά τα τρία σημεία θα δούμε στη συνέχεια -χωρίς φυσικά και να εξαντλούμε το νόημά της.

24 Μας δείχνει η Μεταμόρφωση ποιoς είναι ο Χριστός. Πολλοί σύγχρονοί μας έχουν για τον Χριστό την πλανεμένη αντίληψη πως είναι ένας μεγάλος δάσκαλος ή ένας ηθικολόγος. Η Μεταμόρφωσή του όμως αποκαλύπτει ότι είναι Υιός του Θεού. Η αλλαγή της μορφής του, το θεϊκό άκτιστο φως που το περιτριγύρισε, η ουράνια φωνή του Πατρός που μαρτύρησε για τη θεϊκή του φύση, όλα δείχνουν ότι είναι Θεός. Μπορεί να έζησε ανάμεσά μας με την μορφή δούλου, μπορεί από αγάπη για μας να υπέμεινε το σταυρικό θάνατο, δεν παύει όμως ούτε στιγμή να είναι ο Λόγος του Θεού που ενανθρώπησε, δίδαξε, έπαθε και αναστήθηκε από απέραντη αγάπη για το πλάσμα του, τον άνθρωπο. Επειδή είναι Θεός, γι’ αυτό είναι και σωτήρας μας. Επειδή είναι Θεός, γι’ αυτό τα λόγια του και η ζωή του είναι δεσμευτικά για τους πιστούς. Επειδή είναι Θεός, γι’ αυτό η ζωή και το έργο του είναι το κέντρο της πίστεώς μας.

Δεν είναι μόνο Θεός όμως ο Χριστός. Είναι και άνθρωπος, τέλειος άνθρωπος, ο πρώτος αληθινός άνθρωπος στην ιστορία του γένους μας. Είναι ο νέος Αδάμ, που συνομιλεί και πάλι με τον Θεό και Πατέρα, όπως ο παλαιός Αδάμ στον Παράδεισο. Είναι όμως πολύ παραπάνω από τον παλαιό, τον πρώτο Αδάμ ο Χριστός. Γιατί έχει ένα καινούριο γνώρισμα, που δεν μπόρεσε να αποκτήσει εκείνος, την ομοίωση με τον Θεό. Και ως άνθρωπος ο Χριστός είναι όμοιος με τον Θεό. Γιατί με την απόλυτη υπακοή του έγινε όμοιος με τον Λόγο, με τη θεϊκή φύση του. Η θέλησή του η ανθρώπινη ακολούθησε από την πρώτη στιγμή και μέχρι την ώρα του θανάτου τη θεϊκή του θέληση. Η επιθυμία του η ανθρώπινη ήταν ταυτισμένη με τη θεϊκή επιθυμία του. Έτσι έγινε και ως άνθρωπος αυτό που ήταν ως Θεός: Υιός του Θεού. Αυτό ακριβώς είναι που μας δίνει τη δυνατότητα της σωτηρίας, ότι δηλ. ο Χριστός θέωσε την ανθρώπινη φύση μας.

Ανέλαβε να κάνει ό,τι δεν κατόρθωσε ο παλαιός Αδάμ, να κάνει τον άνθρωπο υιό του Θεού με τη θέωση της φύσεώς του. Θεός αληθινός και άνθρωπος αληθινός αποκαλύπτεται κατά τη Μεταμόρφωσή του ο Χριστός. Θεός αληθινός, γιατί το μαρτυρεί η ουράνια φωνή και ο ερχομός του Μωυσή και του Ηλία. Θεός αληθινός, όπως το δείχνει η στάση των μαθητών του και η έκπληξή τους. Άνθρωπος αληθινός όπως το δείχνει η αλλαγή της μορφής του, όταν αποκαλύφθηκε στη θεωμένη μορφή της. Άνθρωπος αληθινός, όπως ήταν και πριν και μετά από τη Μεταμόρφωση ανάμεσά μας.

25 July-August 2018 V.O.I.L.A. ~ (Variety of Information Listings Added)

We are here to support our parish

2018-2019 School Year If you would like information about the program, have questions, or would like to schedule a visit, please contact Argyro Nikoletos, Director (781) 646-1322 or email

[email protected] Parish Office Summer Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00-1:00 p.m. Church Service Summer Hours Greek School Orthros 8:00 a.m.-Divine Liturgy 9:15 a.m. 2018-2019 Registration When scheduling your sacraments, meetings, or events, kindly call the office at (781) 646- 0705. Information is best confirmed when We anticipate the start of our Greek received on the phone or an email during School Program to begin in September, office hours or you may also email your and plan to start on: information to:

[email protected] or Monday, September 17, 2018. [email protected]

Greek School Registration information will be in the September bulletin, and classes will begin the week of September 17. We anticipate to carry-out a similar program as last year, however, we will determine the schedule once enrollment has been finalized. Greek School is tentatively scheduled to be 4:00-6:30 p.m. 2 days/week.

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

26 SAINT ATHANASIUS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY INFORMATION FORM Please complete and return this form to the Church Office 4 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476

Name: Home Telephone:

Address: City: State: Zip:

I am a new steward: My previous parish was?

I would like to receive my monthly bulletin via U.S. mail: or via email:

Member Spouse Children /Age

Name: /

Mobile Tel: /

E‐mail: /

Occupation: /

Work Tel: /

2018 STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE / DONATION

Family Name

I understand it takes approximately $1,000 per active Stewardship family to operate and support the ministries and facility of the St. Athanasius Parish in 2018.

We would like to pledge $ Weekly (approx. $20/week)

We would like to pledge $ Monthly (approximately $85/month) We would like to pledge $ Yearly You can also pledge at http://www.saintathanasius.org/stewardship/

Please check  those items in which you or a member of your family has some expertise or interest. Place name or initials of the specific family member after each item checked.

 Bible Study  Youth Ministry  Office Work  Teaching  Sunday School  Medical/Nurse  Greek School/Little Halos  Church Choir  Art/Design Services  Visitation of Elderly/Infirm  Reader (in liturgy)  Legal  Philoptochos  Ushering / Welcome  Finance  Festival  Evangelism  Architecture  Outreach to Community  New parents  Real Estate Management  Soup Kitchen  Scouting  Electrical  Computer – Hardware/Systems  Youth Work  Construction  Computer ‐ software  Gardening  Mechanical / Plumbing  Web Design  PR / Marketing  Other

Ver. 01-2017 27 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

“We can have peace when we have surroundings that are peaceful and quiet,

but that peace is not as stable and as permanent as the peace we acquire while

living in chaotic conditions. When you move from quiet surroundings to

chaotic one, your mood changes instantly; and you become irritable: all of a

sudden evil thoughts assail you, and your mind is in hell. That is the end of

our peace. This is why the Lord guides us through sufferings and sorrows:

so that we may - through them - acquire real peace. Without Him, we would

not have the strength to overcome these things.”

~Spiritual Counsels of Elder Thaddeaus of Serbia +2002.

 Volume Twenty-Nine, Number Eleven, July/August 2018

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