Saint Nicholas Messenger

The monthly newsletter of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church —Tacoma, Washington Volume 27, Number 1 January 2015 Saint Nicholas Messenger

14 New Year’s Resolutions for Orthodox Christians by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick

1. Get serious about coming to church (more) While many who read this are no doubt at least every-Sunday attenders at church, it is statistically true that only 26% of Orthodox Christians in America come to church weekly . And if you’re already coming to church weekly, consider adding at least one service per week. What are you normally doing when those services are going on? Your priest and other parishioners are there praying, including praying for you. Why don’t you join them? You won’t regret it. And while we’re at it… 2. Come to church on time It’s kind of an in-joke that Orthodox people are always late to church. But why is that? We too often accept the excuse that we function on “Greek time”. Why can we show up on time for work, sporting events, movies, doctor’s appointments, etc., but reserve our tardiness for an encounter with the King of Kings? What you show up on time for tells the world what you find important. It’s what you find indispensable. And it also communicates it to your kids. And you can be assured that they will imitate you. Come at least ten minutes early. That says you are serious. You know what also says you’re serious? 3. Tithe Nothing says you’re serious like giving 10% of your income to something. Giving 10% to God sounds crazy to a lot of people, but the reality is that it’s actually totally normal for many Christians—even for genera- tions. Some inherited a system based on union dues. So many may think that giving $500 a year (less than $10/week) is a lot. But if you have a parish of 100 families and each family only gives $500 a year, then you only have an annual income of $50,000. With that, you cannot support your priest, and you certainly cannot pay for a building and its maintenance. Other people are picking up the slack for you. If they’re not, your priest may be on food stamps or welfare. I know Inside Messenger some who are. But if those 100 families each made the median household in- January Calendar 4 come for the US (about $52,000), and they all tithed, that same 100-family parish would have $520,000 to work with. If they even News & Announcements 5 gave just 5%, they’d have $260,000. Meanwhile, you are probably spending a lot more just on cable TV. Or Internet access. Or News from our Ministries 6 your smartphone. Or eating out. Or coffee. Or a lot of other things. But the most important thing about pledging and tithing is not Stewardship card 14 about meeting parish budgets or supporting your priest like the hardworking, educated man he is. It’s about worship. Your heart is where your treasure is (Matt. 6:21). Where’s your treasure? Fol- Informational flyers 16 low the money, find the heart. If you’re not up for 10% yet, then try 8%. Or 6%. Or whatever. But go on record, and get disciplined about giving. Don’t give until it hurts, but until it actually feels good. 4. Pray at home. Even if all you do is say the “Our Father” when you wake up (saying it three times a day is the most ancient known prayer rule), you will notice a change in how you think and feel about your faith. It will become more present for you and will define you more. Oh, and, parents? It will have a huge impact on your kids. Watching parents pray at home and (in time) joining them in that prayer is one of the biggest contri- butions that kids can receive toward their long-term spiritual viability. If you don’t bring the faith home, you can forget about it mattering in the long run, either for you or your kids. (continued on page 12) Page Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1523 S Yakima Ave Tacoma, WA 98405 Phone: 253-272-0466 Fax: 253-572-3245 Parish Website: stnicholastacoma.org E-Mail: [email protected]

Sunday Services

8:45 am Orthros 10:00 am Divine Liturgy

Please join us for Social/Coffee Hour in our downstairs hall, following the Divine Liturgy

Fr. Seraphim Majmudar, Our Presiding Priest

For appointments, questions or urgent needs, Fr. Seraphim is available 24/7 on his cell phone. Fr. Seraphim’s Cell phone: 253-365-5817

Office Hours at St Nicholas Thursdays 9:00am - 12:00 noon Email: [email protected]

Saint Nicholas Messenger is the official monthly newsletter of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Tacoma. Editor: Bill Samaras Media team: Paula Karanasos, Rebecca Phillips, Andrew Primis, Bill Samaras, Fr. Seraphim Saint Nicholas Messenger is published monthly on the 25th of each month. Contributors are encouraged to submit content by the 15th of each month to allow for timely compilation. Saint Nicholas Mes- senger is published in electronic format to the St. Nicholas web page stnicholastacoma.org, and in print for pickup at the parish on Sundays on or after the 25th of each month. Physical mailings are limited to shut-ins and special needs parishioners.

Page 2 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 St. Nicholas Ministries AHEPA 2014 Parish Council Hands of Love George Pirotis Andrew Primis —President Merrilee Pangis David Frisk—Vice-President Altar Servers Christina Leinneweber—Treasurer Maids of Athena Bill Samaras—Secretary Debby Lord ,Helen McClure, Dr Nick Themelis Kula Andreas, Yvonne Brandvold, George Diane Pirotis -Advisors Delyanis, Fred Ehret, Tikon Hamilton, Kathy Katie McClure- President Bible Study Heiser, Zach Karanasos, Merrilee Pangis Brigid Majmudar- Vice President Paige Mosko- Secretary Fr. Seraphim Reanne Charuhas- Treasurer Greek Folk Dance Building Committee Anastasia Fyntrilakis-Chair & teen Instructor Philia Bill Acker Evy Kontos—Middle Group Instructor Kelly Rosati—Toddler Instructor and Treasurer Diane Pirotis Krisann Firth — Costumes Choir Savina Frisk — Secretary Philoptochos Society Christina Leinneweber Adult Group Instructor —George Pirotis Joyce Kalivas-Griffin- President Kathleen Heidal- Vice-President Coffee Hour Greek School Marian Palas- Secretary Savina Frisk Merrilee Pangis- Treasurer George Pirotis Daughters of Penelope GriefShare Sunday School Helen McClure- President Rebecca Phillips- Director Dean Hamos Ann Koopman- Vice- President Yvonne Brandvold- Secretary Pro Life Evy Kontos- Treasurer Fr. Seraphim Military Service Pilgrimage Fr. Seraphim Zach Karanasos News and Announcements Parish Council Board Meeting The Board meeting for January 2015 will be Tuesday January 13 at 7:00PM in the upper hall.

Thank you Thank you everyone for coming to our home to celebrate our son Todd's life. Your support, friendship and love during this time was greatly appreciated and meant the world to us. May his memory be eternal. —The Heidal's: Richard, Kathleen, Troy, Lindsay and family. God Bless!

Prosphoro Bakers January 4 Evdokia Dunlap January 11 Despina Ampatsis January 18 Lena Plunkett January 25 Lena Plunkett

Page 3 JANUARY 2015

Saint Nicholas Messenger

Sat

11:00am 11:00am Poirot Baptism

8:00pm Vespers 9:00pm Catechism 8:00pm Vespers 9:00pm Catechism 8:00pm Com- Reader's 8:00pm Vespers 9:00pm Catechism 8:00pm Vespers 9:00pm Catechism

10:00am 10:00am Divine Liturgy

------

3 FAST FREE Genevieve of Paris 9:00am 10:00am 7:00pm 8:00pm 10 Gregory of TheophanNyssa/ the Recluse 7:00pm 8:00pm 17 Anthony Great the 7:00pm pline; no Catechism 24 Xenia of Petersburg St 7:00pm 8:00pm 31 & Cyrus John the Unmercenaries 7:00pm 8:00pm

Fri

11:00am 11:00am Bible Study 11:00am Bible Study 11:00am Bible Study

- - -

8:00pm to Paraklesis St 8:45pm EveningLiturgy: St

7:30am 7:30am Divine Liturgy 8:30am Paraklesis to St 7:30am Orthros 7:30am Divine Liturgy

- -

- - - -

2 FAST FREE Seraphim of Sarov 6:30am 7:30am Seraphim 10:00am 9 Polyeuctus theof Martyr Melitene in Armenia STRICT FAST 6:30am 10:00am 16 FAST: & Oil Wine ok Veneration Apostleof Peter's Precious Chains 6:30am 10:00am 23 STRICT FAST The HolyClement, Hieromartyr Bishopof Ancyra 7:00pm Xenia (for employment) 7:45pm Xenia 30 FAST: & Oil Wine ok Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, GregoryTheo- the logian, Chrysostom & John

Thu

Dweller

12:00pm Hands of Love 12:00pm Hands of Love

bearer

- -

7:30pm Daughters of - 8:00pm Three Vespers: 8:45pm EveningLiturgy:

7:30am 7:30am Orthros 7:30am Divine Liturgy 7:30am Orthros & Canon to

- - -

1 Basil the Great Circumcision OurLord of and Savior Christ Jesus FAST FREE 8 George of Hozeva 11:00am 15 John Hut the 6:30am 6:30pm Penelope 22 Timothy Apostle of the 70 the 6:30am 11:00am 29 Removal of the Relics Ignatius of the God 6:30am St Ephraim Syrian the 7:00pm Holy Hierarchs 7:45pm Three Holy Hierarchs

Wed

8:00pm Paraklesis 8:00pm Paraklesis 8:00pm Paraklesis 8:00pm Paraklesis

7:30am 7:30am Divine Liturgy

- - - -

January2015

7 FAST: & Oil Wine ok Synaxis of John the Glorious Holy Prophet,Forerunner & Baptist, 6:30am 7:00pm 14 FAST: & Oil Wine ok Leavetaking of Theophanytheof Our Lord Christ Jesus and Saviour 7:00pm 21 FAST: Oil Wine ok & Maximus the Confessor 7:00pm 28 Ephraim the Syrian FAST: & Oil Wine ok 7:00pm

Tue

1:00pm PhiliaLuncheon

11:00am 11:00am Divine Liturgy & 11:00am WOCA: St Paul's, 11:00am Bible Study 11:00am Bible Study

- - - -

8:00pm Philoptochos Mtg 8:00pm Parish Council

9:45am 9:45am Orthros 7:30am Orthros 7:30am Divine Liturgy 8:45am Canon to Maxi- St 7:30am Divine Liturgy

- -

- - - - -

6 The Theophany OurLordof and Saviour Christ Jesus 8:45am 10:00am Blessing of Waters 6:00pm 13 The andHolyHermylus Martyrs Stratonicus 6:30am 10:00am (WashingtonBrier Orthodox Clergy Association (WOCA) is a Pan Orthodox br) 7:00pm 20 Righteous the Euthymius Great 6:30am 7:45am mos the Confessor 10:00am 27 Removal of the Relics John of Chrysostom, Archbishop of Con- stantinople 6:30am 10:00am 12:00pm

Mon

8:00pm Vesperal Divine

7:30am 7:30am Orthros & Royal

5 ofEve the Theophany OurLord of and Saviour Christ Jesus STRICT FAST 6:30am Hours 7:00pm Liturgy & Waters Blessing of 12 Tatiana theof Martyr Rome 19 Macarius the Great of Egypt 26 ENRICH Premarital Clergy Training

Access latest content at:content www.stnicholastacoma.org latest Access

Sun

11:00am 11:00am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Divine Liturgy 11:00am Divine Liturgy 12:00pm Bob Leonard

- - - -

9:45am 9:45am Orthros 9:45am Orthros 9:45am Orthros

- - -

4 FAST FREE Parish Council Swearing In Vasilopeta Cutting 8:45am 10:00am 11 Theodosios Cenobiarch the 8:45am 10:00am 18 Athanasios the Great Philoptochos PotluckSoup 8:45am 10:00am 25 Gregory the Theologian 11:00am Memorial & Coffee Hr Page 4 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 News and Announcements

2015 Stewardship

Please submit your stewardship card for 2015. As stewardship is now the primary source of funding at St. Nicholas, your pledge of monetary contribution for 2015 allows our parish to operate. If you already turned in your 2015 stewardship card, thank you.

If you’re looking for a stewardship card, see pages 14 and 15 of this issue. Simply fill out the 2nd page and return it to church.

Questions and Answers (duplicated from last month): Q: What is Stewardship? A: “Stewardship” is the annual parishioner monetary pledging process.

Q: Why is it important to commit to Stewardship now? A: The Parish Council creates the operating budget for the next year in December. Stew- ardship commitments allow prediction of operating income for the next year.

Q: How much money should I give? A: There is no set amount. Please give what your personal situation allows. Our goal is to become financially independent from Stewardship alone allowing Festival profits to fund improvements to St. Nicholas. As an example, if the average annual family contribution is $2000, we would be completely independent of festival income.

Q: How do I pay? A: That’s up to you. You can pay weekly, monthly, or annually. Just note your preference on the Stewardship card.

Q: Is my Stewardship contribution amount confidential? A: Yes. Only the Treasurer handles Stewardship contribution information. It is not shared or divulged to anyone.

Q: How do I submit my Stewardship pledge? A: Stewardship cards are mailed to parishioners, are available at the church, and is in- cluded in this issue. Return the information by mail, or drop it off at church.

We humbly ask your Pledge card to be returned by mid JANUARY 2015.

Page 5 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

Coffee Hour

All parishioners (including visitors) are welcome to attend Coffee Hour immediately after the Divine Lit- urgy every Sunday in the lower hall. If you’re new to St. Nicholas, please introduce yourself and have some refreshments. Upcoming Coffee Hour Sponsors Please check the church web page calendar at stnicholastacoma.org for the most up to date schedules.

Savina Frisk — Coffee Hour

Philia On January 27, 2015 we will have our Philia luncheon. There will be a baked potato and salad bar. Sug- gested donation of $ 5.00 is appreciated. See you there! Diane Pirotis—

Altar Servers Our vision: to be men of prayer, serving God with humility.

We have been discussing the role of the Psalms at the beginning of the liturgy (antiphons) and their use in ancient Jewish worship, as well as the Orthodox liturgy. We have also discussed the shape of the liturgy as practiced in the early church, and how the basic structure of our services remains the same

-Fr Seraphim—

Philoptochos

CALENDAR FOR JANUARY

JANUARY 4th Vasilopita cutting and tray collection JANUARY 6th Philoptochos meeting at 6PM. Dinner served JANUARY 18th Potluck soup coffee hour. Benefitting social services / cancer fund January 31st Northwest Regional conference at St. Demetrious. See flyer on page 16.

-Joyce Kalivas-Griffin

Page 6 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

Building Committee A couple weeks ago Father Seraphim called to report about another roof leak in his office. This pre- sented a convenient opportunity to revisit the front roofs facing the Yakima Avenue side of the Saint Nicholas Church, and be reminded of what poor shape they are in. Below are four photos, two of which were taken shortly after a heavy rain storm. The first photo is the roof over the Upper Hall. Note the large puddle of water gathered around the roof drain. Be- cause the roof is virtually flat, it doesn’t drain well, and un- fortunately, the most common way to get rid of standing water there is via dry weather and evaporation. The structural roof joists in this area are undersized, and the few times Ta- coma gets a heavy snowfall, the ceiling in the Upper Hall will visibly sag. Also, though it doesn’t show well in the picture, there are the numerous large blisters in the roofing, which become more obvious when one walks on the roof during a warm sunny day.

The second photo is a portion of the roof over Father Seraphim’s office. This roof is near flat as well, which is why there is visible standing water along the roof edges. Also, note the mastic at and around the skylight. That was applied as a band aid fix to cover of up various cracks and deterioration in the skylight. This roof area also has numerous blisters under it. The third photo is the back side of one of the roof barrels over the main church entrance. This photo was taken during a rela- tively dry day in October. Note the standing water behind the back of the roof barrel and the high ma- sonry church wall that faces Yakima Avenue. Also note how dete- riorated the upper curved back edge of the barrel roof is. All three barrel roof structures have ap- parently experienced some settle- ment, as they now slightly slope towards Yakima Avenue, causing the rain run-off to initially drain in the opposite direction of where it’s supposed to go, as is indicated in the fourth photo. These are some of the primary reasons why just re-roofing the front side of the church is not going to fix the overall problem. Instead, as a long-term solution, we have proposed to replace the Upper Hall, entrance and priest’s office altogether, starting from the foundation and main structure that remains, on up. This is going to take a large amount of time, money and stra- tegic planning, which is why we have to be focused, deliberate and diligent, as this area of the church is presently living on borrowed time. Meanwhile, Madsen Roofing, currently under contract to re-roof the Sanctu- ary roof, is waiting for a week of anticipated semi-decent weather before they start, and, there should be a defined, long-term fix for the leaky and deteriorating Sanctuary windows to propose in the next month or so Bill Acker—

Page 7 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

Bible Study Our group just completed the Gospel of Luke. We noted: -Jesus chastises several groups: faltering apostles, Sadducees, Pharisees, Ro- mans, etc., but there is no place in the Gospels where He chastises women. The only ones receiving this are men. -Women express leadership in many instances: providing for His needs; standing at the Cross; being the first to announce the Resurrection; courageously pro- claiming salvation We will begin a study of the book of Genesis next week. The creation of the world, the fall of Adam & Eve, the casting out of Paradise, Cain & Abel and the first murder, Noah and the flood. The most important events in Scripture! Come join us on Tuesdays at 10am if you are able. (check schedule for changes) Fr. Seraphim—

Greek School

The "GREEK SCHOOL" continues successfully - it’s open to everyone that is interested to learn the Greek Language, History and Culture! Teacher - George Pirotis (206-841-5705) Purpose: The purpose of the Greek School is to promote the Greek letters, language, culture, and civilization. The classes will be open to all parishioners independently of age (this may change if it is needed). Students will learn gram- mar and “Conversational Greek”. Yearly events and possible student involvement: Αγιασμος (Blessing) of the class in the beginning of the School year.

March 25th (Greek Independence Day) event. Schedule (Tentative): Sundays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Cost: The classes will be provided free of charge.

George Pirotes—

Children and Teen Dance Groups

January 11th Dance Group Parents meeting This is important because as we will elect officers for 2015. We encourage all parents of dance group members to participate. Anastasia Fyntrilakis—

Still reading Messenger in 1950’s black and white? View the full color prettier version on-line at www.stnicholastacoma.org

Page 8 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

Hands of Love

The items we have worked on through these last few months are now on their way to their charities. We thank the women who have given of their God given talents in crocheting, knitting and sewing items.

Baby hats, baby blankets, scarves, stuffed animals, dishcloths, baby washcloths and baby booties. Beginning in January 2015 we will meet on the following dates: January 8 and January 22 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m Anyone wanting to donate yarn, knitting accessories or items please contact the following members: Anne Havens, Krisann Firth, Gretchen Eagle or Merrilee Pangis. Please consider joining our group and try your hand at knitting, crocheting or handmade items you want to share with the group. We meet downstairs in the large hall for two hours on the scheduled Thursdays. Coffee or Tea is provided. Please bring your sack lunch or snack with you. Meeting with our women has brought much thoughtful and peaceful reflection as we work together to make handmade items for newborn babies and adults. The gift of love and warmth that is going to be shared with these individuals comes from God and through our hands. What better gift can we give. Respectfully submitted, By the Members of the Hands of Love Ministry—

Page 9 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

PRO LIFE Some Questions and Answers on the subject of Christmas: What is Christmas? The birth of the Son of God. How did this happen? Christ chose to be incarnate of the Virgin Mary What was the exact moment of the Incarnation? The Annunciation by Gabriel, when the Holy Spirit overshadowed the Virgin Mary What was in her womb for those nine months? The incarnate Son of God, perfectly divine, perfectly human Didn’t He only really become incarnate at His birth? No. He became fully human at His conception How do we know this? John the Baptist, as a “fetus” leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when the Virgin Mary approached with the “fetus” Jesus inside her. So? Fetal tissues don’t leap and dance; human beings leap and dance What does this mean? It means that like Him, ALL of us are fully human at our conception. What else does it mean? The Church has ALWAYS BEEN and ALWAYS WILL BE PRO LIFE!

See Fr Seraphim for more details.

Military Service Ministry We welcome Mrs Clara Howard, one of our stewards who is on staff at Madigan Army Medical Center, as our new ministry coordinator. She has accomplished an AMAZING amount in just a few weeks. She was able to assist in helping Fr Seraphim to become an officially recog- nized chaplain at Madigan (not an easy task); she has been arranging for meals and presents to the families of deployed soldiers in our parish; she has obtained several care packages from the USO, so our Sunday School children can send them with greetings and prayer-wishes to these soldiers. Captain Nick Calbos is completing his registry of active duty, retired or vet- erans who have passed on. Please see Captain Calbos or Fr Seraphim if you or a loved one are not yet registered. We are hoping to increase our ministry of love and appreciation to these wonderful servants. Thank you, Nick & Clara! Fr. Seraphim—

New Pilgrimage Ministry A new Ministry was formed to promote world wide pilgrimages for our parishioners

UPCOMING PILGRIMAGES: 2015: Greece/Asia Minor 2017: San Francisco 2019: Holy Land/Cyprus Please see the flyer in the back of this issue.

Zach Karanasos—

Page 10 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

Maids of Athena Sparta Chapter #1

January News Grand Lodge visitation is January 10th,2015 1:30pm Saturday at the Church of the Assumption, Seattle. We will car pool to Seattle. Contact Maids of Athena President : Katie McClure 253-820-2557 or ka- [email protected]. Plans for the day: meeting , lunch, ice skating and then dinner in Seattle. Grand Lodge secretary, Sofie Batshon, our liaison for district 22 will be here. Growth and Expansion points for January. Please bring canned foods for our local food pantry: Fish Food Network. See all Maids on Jan 10th.

Maids and advisors at holiday brunch Helen McClure—

Daughters of Penelope Start the new year off attending the Monthly DOP Meeting. Next meeting :January 15th- Thursday 6pm at St Nicholas We have missed seeing some of our members and look forward to connecting again. Lots to discuss!

For those interested in finding out more about the Daughters of Penelope and the good work they do lo- cally and nationally there will be a: New Members Event Jan 25th, 2015-Sunday 4pm to 6pm at the home of President Helen McClure please RSVP either through email-:[email protected] or home phone 253-589-3279. Refreshments will be served.

Also: SAVE THE DATE-- The Daughters will have their annual Wine Tasting event Saturday, Feb 21st, 2015 at St. Nicholas Church Hall Time to be announced: Tickets : $25.00 a person (Tickets available the end of January, contact Evy Kontos)

Helen McClure—

Page 11 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News 14 New Year’s Resolutions for Orthodox Christians (continued from page 1)

5. Sing along at church. And stand more The choir and chanters are there to lead you in prayer, not to entertain you or pray instead of you. Yes, it is possible to pray with them silently, but there are few things more spiritually invigorating than singing your prayers. So if you’re able, you should. And while you’re at it, why don’t you stand up a bit more? It’s certainly easier to sing while standing. And it’s also the 2000-year-old tradition of the Orthodox Church to stand during worship. So there’s that. 6. Memorize a psalm Memorizing Scripture is a great thing for many reasons, but psalms are especially powerful, because they are all prayers. Pick your favorite one to memorize. Lots of Orthodox love Psalm 50 (“Have mercy on me, O God…”). But there are plenty to choose from. Pick a short one or a long one. Just make it your own. Try praying it every day. 7. Encourage your priest Yes, he should be willing to do his job without getting any encouraging words. And many priests do. That wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t get so many complaints. While some priests (like me!) aren’t constantly barraged with complaints, some never can seem to escape them, even while they pour their lives out for their people. And I would actually have to say that I probably get more complaints than I do encouraging words. My brother priests mostly say the same thing. Your priest is a human being just like you are. And while he shouldn’t live for praise, you can help him see that his hard work is appreciated by telling him so. Your job isn’t to tell him that he shouldn’t want praise—he has a father-confessor to tell him that. Your job is to love him. And saying encouraging things to him is part of that love. You don’t have to shower him with compliments. Just tell him that what he’s doing matters to you. I have some people in my parish who say encouraging things to me. I don’t live for their kind words, but they help to keep me going, because it reminds me that what I’m doing matters. There is nothing better for a parish’s health than an encouraged priest. If he feels like what he’s doing matters, he will love doing it. And he will also strive to get better at it, too. So even if you do feel like he needs to improve, the best way to help him do that is to inspire him, not to complain at him. 8. Invite someone to church Did you know that 82% of the unchurched say that they would come if invited? Did you know that only 2% of church members invite someone to church in a given year? Do you really believe that you’ve found the true faith, seen the true light and received the heavenly Spirit, like you sing near the end of the Liturgy? Then why are you keeping it to yourself? Think of at least one person you know who isn’t in church. Make him or her a spiritual priority this year. Pray every day for that person. And when the time is right, give the invitation. Statistically speaking, they are probably going to say yes. And when you make the invitation, don’t say, “You should come to church with me sometime.” “Sometime” is no time. Say, “We’re celebrating the Divine Liturgy this Sunday at 9am at my church. Can I pick you up and bring you with me?” 9. Visit a monastery You won’t believe how amazing monastic visits are until you go on one. There are few things that under- line for us how much is really possible in the Christian life like visiting people who are actually making a go at being 24/7/365 Christians. And don’t you think that people who practice prayer that much might know a thing or two about it? Monasteries aren’t just for monks and nuns. They’re for all Christians. They are not only spiritual havens but also spiritual powerhouses. And don’t just visit once and say you did it. Develop a relationship. Page 12 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Ministry News

And maybe if you’re really blessed, one of your kids will join a monastery and pray for you a whole lot. I hope one of mine does. 10. Read the Old Testament Yes, we should read the whole Bible, but the truth is that most Orthodox Christians are crypto- Marcionites—we don’t know almost anything about the Old Testament. Marcion was a 2nd century here- tic who taught that the Old Testament was a book for Jews and had nothing to do with Christians. He was really wrong. The Old Testament is about the thousands of years of preparation before the coming of Je- sus Christ. It is what sets the stage for His appearance. Jesus is everywhere in the Old Testament, but you have to know how to look for Him. The Old Testament is filled with all kinds of fascinating stories, prayers, songs, poetry, etc. But most of us have almost no idea that it has much other than Adam and Eve, Noah and Jonah. And we’re probably a little fuzzy on some of those details. But if God prepared the world for the coming of Jesus by what He did in the Old Testament, how can we think we’ll be prepared for His coming into each of our own lives without any of that same preparation? So, that makes me think of something else. 11. Attend an adult education class It’s actually kind of crazy how uneducated many Orthodox people are in their own faith. I sometimes hear the excuse that that stuff is just for seminarians and clergy, that it’s too intellectual, too far above the heads of the average parishioner, etc. But the very same people can give you detailed information about what the rules and records in the Super Bowl are, what their least favorite politician has done to wreck the country, and what the latest gossip is on various celebrities, all in remarkable detail. But when it comes to what will last into eternity, we are suddenly the dumbest people on the face of the earth. Don’t sell yourself short. You are probably pretty smart about many things. Why don’t you use that same talent to get smart about your faith? 12. Volunteer. Do something in your parish or in your community that benefits other people without giving you any kind of material gain. And do it without expecting recognition. Your recognition will come from God in His King- dom. You don’t need it from anyone else. Not only will selfless volunteering help you be grateful for all that God has given to you, but it will set an example of what a Christian is for your kids and your friends, and it will also help you to be humble, something we know is necessary for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven. 13. Go to confession There are lots of Orthodox Christians who go to confession only once a year—or maybe even never. Like people who never go to the doctor, what that means is that you think everything is perfectly fine and you need no help. Literally, it means that you do not think you need the gift of forgiveness that comes in the sacrament of absolution. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sinner. I mean, I sin every day. I have a problem. I’m a sinner. I need to confront my sins directly in confession. And I want the sacrament of absolution that goes with it. I try to go once during each of the four fasts (though I will admit that I don’t always keep my rule very well), and I always dread going before I go, because I don’t like thinking about how I am a sinner. And then I always wonder what took me so long after I go. It’s really wonderful, actually. Thank God for confession. 14. Read a spiritual book There are few things that get us into another story, another way of looking at life, like a good book. And a good spiritual book can help to retrain your mind to become like the mind of Christ. Most of us do not have the mind of Christ. We have the mind of something else. Our minds are filled with distractions, ne- cessities and the cares of this world. But the extended meditation on what is good and true and beautiful that can come from a good spiritual book can help to change all that. And you know what? That change helps to bring us peace. And that’s something that each of us needs a whole lot more of. Page 13 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015

Page 14 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015

Page 15 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015

Page 16 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015

PILGRIMAGE TO GREECE & ASIA MINOR

Join Reverend Fr. Seraphim Majmudar of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Tacoma, Washington on an unforgettable Spiritual Odyssey! OCTOBER 2015

GREECE Our Pilgrimage will take us to the the most important sites in northern Greece. Enjoy a tour of Thessaloniki including the Cathedral of St. Demetrios, the museum, Moni Vlatadon, Osios David and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Partake in the celebrations for the feast day of St Demetrios. Afterwards, the men will spend a few nights on Holy Mount Athos while the women will enjoy a private cruise around the legendary Byzantine monasteries of Mt. Athos and visits to Amfipoli, Ekosefenesa Monasery, cave of Alistrate, Serres and Prodromou and Ormelyia Monasteries with some free time to relax and enjoy the sea side town of Ouranopoulis. The women will pick up the men as they return from Mt. Athos and continue to the town of Kavala. Visit Philippi and Ancient Neopolis. Cross the Greek-Turkish border.

ASIA MINOR: Constantinople & Cappadocia In Turkey and take a ferry ride on the Sea of Marmara to the Island of Marmara. From the fall of the Byzantine Empire to the years directly following World War I, the island was almost exclusively populated by Greek Orthodox Greeks. During World War I much of the population was forced off of the island onto the mainland. Continue to Constantinople, the heart of Orthodoxy. Visit the 17th century Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate. Pray at the St George Cathedral and venerate the Holy Relics of Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom and the relics of the three female Saints - Euphemia, Solomone and Theophano. Participate in a private audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (subject to his availability). Visit the most important sites for the Greek Orthodox in Constantinople: Agia Sophia, the Church of the Holy Savior of Chora, Baloukli Monastery and Panagia Blacherna were the beautiful hymn, “Te Ypermacho” was chanted over 1,400 years ago and the Grand Bazaar. Take a private ferry and buggy ride to the island of Halki, home of the renowned Halki Patriarchal School of Theology. Afterwards, visit the mystical city of Cappadocia which was a refuge for persecuted early Christians and home to many important saints such as St. Basil. See the rocky moonscape of Cappadocia where early Christians carved out caves and churches decorated with coned ceilings, graceful columns and impressive frescoes. See the Zelve Valley and the Goreme Open Air Museum with its world famous Dark Church. Descend into the incredible underground city of Kaymaki. Visit Sinnassos with its many churches such as St.Basil’s church and the Church of Constantine & Eleni.

FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Zach Karansos Email: [email protected] home:253-752-5352 work: 206-223-1461

Cloud Tours Inc. 31-09 Newtown Ave. Long Island City, NY 11102 Tel: 718-721-3808 Toll Free 800-223-7880 Fax: 718-795-4356 Email: [email protected]

Page 17 Saint Nicholas Messenger JANUARY 2015 Saint Nicholas Messenger

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1523 S Yakima Ave Tacoma, WA 98405 Address Service Requested

Page 18