Saint Nicholas Messenger

The monthly newsletter of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church —Tacoma, Washington Volume 27, Number 4 APRIL 2015 Saint Nicholas Messenger

Catechetical Homily for Holy and Great Lent Prot. No. 133 BARTHOLOMEW, Inside Messenger By God’s grace Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch April & Holy Week Calendar 4-5 To the Plenitude of the Church: Financial Statements 6 May the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you Together with our Prayer, Blessing and Forgiveness Announcements 6 The arena of virtues has opened; let those who wish to compete enter (Triodion Sticheron, Cheesefare Sunday) Building Committee Report 7 Beloved brothers and sisters, dear News from our Ministries 8 children in the Lord, Our Lord Jesus Christ grafts us into Stewardship card 20 His body, inviting us to become saints, “just as He is holy.” (1 Peter Informational flyers 16 1.16) Our Creator wants us to be in communion with Him in order to taste His grace, which is to participate in His sanctity. Communion with God is a life of repentance and holiness; whereas estrangement from God, or sin, is identi- fied by the Church Fathers with “evil of the heart.” Sin is not natural, but derives from evil choice” (Theodoret of Cyrus, Dialogue 1, Immutabilis, PG 83.40D) or from the evil spirit, since “no one sins, who promises faith,” according to Ignatius of Antioch, the “God-bearer.” Holiness is a quality that belongs to the Lord as “the one, who offers and is offered, who receives and is distributed.” The celebrant of the Sacrament of the Divine Eucharist, by divine grace offers to the faithful “the holy things for the holy people,” the body and blood of Christ; and he immediately receives from the Orthodox faithful the response to this offering: “One is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, “who is eaten but never consumed; who sanctifies those who participate.” In our struggle to achieve “likeness” to God, for which we were created, namely holiness, the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Orthodox Church, which aspires exclusively and solely to our salvation, “rightfully proclaimed” one season as a period of special prayer and supplication in order to calm the passions of our soul and body. This season commences tomorrow as a salvific preparation for the “great and most sacred Pascha of Christ.” We are referring to Holy and Great Lent, which we must live “by offering prayer and seeking forgiveness,” in order truly to taste Pascha “with all the saints,” by becoming “saints,” by confessing before God and people that we are “clay vessels” that are shattered on a daily basis by the evil one, always “falling and rising.” That is to say, we must admit our human imperfection and failure, as well as our insig- nificance before God, by repenting and repeating day-in and day-out, at all times and in all places – even as we are made “holy” through baptism – that “one is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.” (continued on page 14) Page Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 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 encour- aged to submit content by the 15th of each month to allow for timely compilation. Saint Nicholas Messenger 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 APRIL 2015 St. Nicholas Ministries AHEPA 2015 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 Yvonne Brandvold, George Delyanis, Fred Diane Pirotis -Advisors Ehret, Kathy Heiser, Zach Karanasos, Katie McClure- President Bible Study Hariklia Motz, Kelly Rossi Brigid Majmudar- Vice President Paige Mosko- Secretary Fr. Seraphim Reanne Charuhas- Treasurer Greek Folk Dance Building Committee Anastasia Fyntrilakis-Chair & teen Instructor Philia Evy Kontos—Treasurer, Middle Group Instructor Bill Acker Diane Pirotis Kelly Rosati—Beginners Instructor Krisann Firth — Costumes Choir Karen Samaras—Board Member Philoptochos Society Christina Leinneweber Savina Frisk — Secretary Joyce Kalivas-Griffin- President Kathleen Heidal- Vice-President Coffee Hour Adult Group Instructor —George Pirotis Marian Palas- Secretary Savina Frisk Merrilee Pangis- Treasurer Greek School Daughters of Penelope George Pirotis Sunday School Helen McClure- President Rebecca Phillips- Director Ann Koopman- Vice- President GriefShare Yvonne Brandvold- Secretary Dean Hamos 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 April 2015 will be Tuesday April 14 at 7:00PM in the upper hall.

Prosphoro Bakers April Prosphoro Schedule April 5 & week to follow: Lena Plunkett April 12 & week to follow: Despina Amptatzis April 19 & week to follow: Evdokia Dunlap April 26 & week to follow: Kathy Bouzenekis

Thank you Thank you for the good thoughts and prayers for my dad, Andy Manos during his funeral. We appreciate everyone and especially the Philoptohos for their hard work for the luncheon. It was amazing. Thanks also to the parishioners who gave to St. Nicholas or Camp Agape!

Ted and Olga

Page 3 APRIL 2015 Saint Nicholas Messenger

Sat

Orriss Crowning Service Crowning Orriss

1:00pm Palm Tying/ Luncheon Tying/ Palm 1:00pm Paschal & Anastasis 12:00am 11:00am Divine Liturgy Divine 11:00am Baptisms/Chrismations 12:00pm Stof Liturgy Vesperal 11:00am Parish Resurrection Holy 11:00am ------2:00pm Altar Server WorkParty Server Altar 2:00pm 4:00pm VESPERS NO 8:00pm Vespers 8:00pm 9:45am Orthros 9:45am - - - - -

ermitted on Sat &Sun & feasts & &Sun Satermitted on

4 Chrismations & Baptisms & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil Saturday Lazarus 8:45am 10:00am 11:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm 11 Saturday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN p oil 10:00am Basil 11:30pm Liturgy 18 WEEK FREE FAST Saturday Renewal 10:00am Liturgy Feast 3:00pm 7:00pm 25 Evangelist & Apostle the Mark 7:00pm giving giving -

Fri

8:00pm Presanctified Liturgy Presanctified 8:00pm Rehearsal Choir 9:00pm Cross the from Descent 4:00pm Lamentations 8:00pm 7:30am Orthros 7:30am Hours Royal 7:30am Orthros Paschal 7:00am Liturgy Divine 7:30am services no 7:30am ------

3 & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil ofMonasterythe of Abbot Nicetas, Medicium 6:30am 7:00pm 8:00pm 10 Friday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil 6:30am 3:00pm Vespers 7:00pm 17 WEEK FREE FAST Life theofTheotokos Friday: Renewal Spring 6:00am 6:30am 24 Wonderworker the Elizabeth ok & Oil Wine FAST: 6:30am Notes:

Thu Daughters of Penelope of Daughters

Laity Assembly: NO SERVICES NO Assembly: Laity -

11:00am Liturgy of the Last Supper Lasttheof Liturgy 11:00am - 8:00pm Twelve Gospels Twelve 8:00pm 7:30pm 7:30am Orthros 7:30am Orthros 7:30am services no 7:30am - - - - -

2 & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil Wonderworker the Titus 6:30am 9 Thursday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil 6:30am 10:00am 7:00pm 16 WEEK FREE FAST Thursday Renewal 6:30pm 23 Triumphant & Martyr Greatthe George 6:30a 30 Clergy @ Fr the John brotherSt. of & Apostle Jamesthe Theologian

Wed

Laity Assembly: NO SERVICES NO Assembly: Laity - 7:00pm Presanctified Liturgy Presanctified 7:00pm Service Unction Holy 8:00pm Vespers Paschal 8:00pm Liturgy Evening 8:30pm Vespers 8:00pm George StLiturgy: Evening 8:45pm 7:30am Hours & Reading of Gospel Gospel of Reading & Hours 7:30am Liturgy Presanctified 8:30am

------

April 2015 April

0am 1 & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil Egypt of Mary 6:00pm 8 Wednesday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil 6:30am John of 7:3 7:00pm 15 WEEK FREE FAST Wednesday Renewal 7:00pm 7:30pm 22 ok & Oil Wine FAST: Sykeon of Theodore 7:00pm 7:45pm 29 ok & Oil Wine FAST: Clergy @ Fr & 70 theof Apostles the Sosipater & Jason Companions their

ospel ospel

Tue MartyrsCyzicus of

m Paschal Orthros Paschal m revealed MartyrsLesbos of revealed Laity Assembly: NO SERVICES NO Assembly: Laity -

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

- - - 6:30pm Presanctified Liturgy Presanctified 6:30pm Matins Bridegroom 8:00pm Council Parish 8:00pm St BBQ: Pascha WOCA 6:00pm 7:30am Hours & Reading of G of Reading & Hours 7:30am 7:00a Liturgy Divine 7:30am services No 7:30am

------

7 Tuesday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil 6:30am John of 10:00am 5:30pm 7:00pm 14 WEEK FREE FAST of Commemoration The Tuesday: Renewal the and Irene, Nicholas, Raphael, Saints Newly Other 6:00am 6:30am 10:00am 7:00pm 21 Those and Hieromartyr Januarius Holy The Him With 6:30am 10:00am 5:00pm Brier Paul's, 28 Clergy @ Fr Nine Holy The

Sun & feasts & Sun

Mon

Laity Assembly: NO SERVICES NO Assembly: Laity - 11:00am Divine Liturgy Divine 11:00am -

6:30pm Presanctified Liturgy Presanctified 6:30pm Matins Bridegroom 8:00pm Vespers Paschal 8:00pm 7:30am Hours & Reading of Gospel Gospel of Reading & Hours 7:30am Orthros Paschal 10:15am

- - - - -

6 Monday Holy & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN & Satpermitted on oil 6:30am John of 5:30pm 7:00pm 13 WEEK FREE FAST Monday Renewal 9:15am 10:00am 7:00pm 20 Trichinas theTheodore 27 Clergy @ Fr of Kinsman Hieromartyr Symeon, Holy The Lordthe

Bearing Women Bearing -

Sun

1:00pm AHEPA Ed Foundation Ed AHEPA 1:00pm 11:00am Divine Liturgy Divine 11:00am Paschal & Anastasis 12:30am Vespers Agape 12:00pm Liturgy Divine 11:00am Liturgy Divine 11:00am coffeehour Evy Team 12:30pm ------3:00pm Karanasos Wedding Karanasos 3:00pm 9:45am Orthros 9:45am Orthros 9:45am Orthros 9:45am - - - -

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

5 & Wine fish.dairy,meat, No FAST: LENTEN feasts & &Sun Satpermitted on oil Sunday Palm 8:45am 10:00am 12 12:00am Liturgy WEEK FREE FAST Pascha Holy and Great 11:00am 19 Wedding Karanasos 2pm Sunday Thomas 8:45am 10:00am 2:00pm 26 Jankens Nick of CatechumenEnrollment Myrrhtheof Sunday 8:45am 10:00am 11:30am 12:00pm

Page 4 APRIL 2015

Saint Nicholas Messenger

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Sun

12 12:00am Anasta- 12:30am Paschalsis & Liturgy FREE FAST WEEK andHolyGreat Pascha 11:00am Agape12:00pm Vespers

11:00am 11:00am 12:00am

- -

Sat

11 Holy Saturday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 10:00am Liturgy Vesperal Basil St of 11:30pm Pas- & Anastasis Liturgy chal

7:30am 7:30am 4:00pm 8:00pm

- - -

Fri

10 Holy Friday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 6:30am Hours Royal 3:00pm the from Descent Vespers Cross 7:00pm Lamentations

11:00am 11:00am

7:30am 7:30am 8:00pm

- -

Thu

9 Holy Thursday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 6:30am Orthros 10:00am Last the of Liturgy Supper 7:00pm Gospels Twelve

7:30am 7:30am 8:30am 8:00pm

- - -

Wed

8 Holy Wednesday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 6:30am Reading & Hours Johnof Gospel of 7:30am Lit- Presanctified urgy 7:00pm Ser- Unction Holy vice

11:00am 11:00am

7:30am 7:30am 6:30pm 8:00pm

- - -

Tue

7 Holy Tuesday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 6:30am Reading & Hours Johnof Gospel of 10:00am Study Bible 5:30pm Lit- Presanctified urgy 7:00pm Mat- Bridegroom ins

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

7:30am 7:30am 6:30pm 8:00pm

- - -

Mon

6 Holy Monday Holy FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun 6:30am Reading & Hours Johnof Gospel of 5:30pm Lit- Presanctified urgy 7:00pm Mat- Bridegroom ins

11:00am 11:00am

9:45am 9:45am

Sun

5 LENTEN FAST: FAST: LENTEN dairy, meat, No oil Wine & fish. Sat on permitted feasts & &Sun Sunday Palm 8:45am Orthros 10:00am Liturgy Divine

Holy

2015 Week Page 5 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 News and Announcements Financial Statement—Through February 2015

Feb 2015 Budget Difference Jan-Feb 15 YTD Budget Difference Annual Budget Stewardship 25,692.00 17,300.00 8,392.00 49% 37,494.00 39,200.00 -1,706.00 -4% 225,000.00 Festival 80.00 0.00 80.00 n/a 215.00 0.00 215.00 n/a 240,000.00 Other 6,375.78 3,197.50 3,178.28 99% 8,116.99 5,695.00 2,421.99 43% 52,550.00 Total Revenue 32,147.78 20,497.50 11,650.28 57% 45,825.99 44,895.00 930.99 2% 517,550.00

Festival 0.00 0.00 0.00 n/a 0.00 0.00 0.00 n/a 135,000.00 Other 18,142.30 22,358.00 -4,215.70 -19% 37,174.54 52,366.00 -15,191.46 -29% 307,920.00 Total Expense 18,142.30 22,358.00 -4,215.70 -19% 37,174.54 52,366.00 -15,191.46 -29% 442,920.00

NET INCOME 14,005.48 -1,860.50 15,865.98 853% 8,651.45 -7,471.00 16,122.45 216% 74,630.00 Christina Leinneweber –Council Treasurer

LAMB DINNER AND AGAPE POTLUCK Sunday April 12, 2015, After the Agape Vespers Service, St. Nicholas will provide: ROASTED LAMB & POTATOES & BEVERAGES - $10.00 Adult & $5.00 Child (Beer & Wine Extra) We need volunteers to make this event a success Please sign-up at church to volunteer, or what food you can bring Sign-up by Sunday March 29 Please, donate your services for set up, cooking, serving, cleanup Or, bring your Favorite Potluck Dish for 15-20 people Lovingly Rejoice in Pascha with your Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Let us all work together to make this an Agape expression of our Love in Christ for each other. With Faith and Love, St. Nicholas Parish Council Co-Workers in Christ. Vitos Scholarship

The deadline for Vitos Scholarship applications deadline is April 15. The applications must be post- marked by that date, and mailed directly to the church: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 1523 S Yakima Ave Tacoma, WA 98405 attn: Anastasia Fyntrilakis, Vitos Scholarship Chair Application documents are available on the St Nicholas web site www.stnicholastacoma.org

If any applicant has a question about the application they can email me at [email protected].

Anastasia— Page 6 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Ministry News

Building Committee

STATUS OF THE UPCOMING SANCTUARY WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROJECT:

August 15, 2015. That is a critical telltale deadline to meet if the replacement of the Sanctuary windows is likely to stay on track and be completed before the end of 2015. While actual field construction is not targeted to start until Monday October 12th, a good week after the Greek Festival is over, August 15th is the estimated date by when new windows should be field measured and ordered if they are to arrive onsite in a timely manner without holding things up. Between now and August 15th however there are a number of perquisite steps that need to occur that will allow this to happen. Among the most significant are:

1. We are currently in the process of selecting a general contractor to provide Pre-Construction services. The pri- mary purposes of the Pre-Construction contractor will be to:

A) Selectively cut into portions of Sanctuary wall interiors, and assist the architect in investigating existing con- ditions that are essential to developing an accurate design that conforms to reality.

A) Ultimately provide a guaranteed not-to-exceed bid to do the replacement and improvement work, based on the design that develops; tentatively to be submitted in June.

Assuming the contractor performs well as a good team player during the Pre-Construction process, and their bid is within budget, the intent would be to then proceed with a not-to-exceed, cost-plus-fee contract. Three well-qualified contractors have already been solicited and participated in an onsite project walk-through ear- lier in March. Their proposals are currently under review, and one of the three will be selected by April.

2. Set up a meeting with the City of Tacoma Building Department. Attending will be our church representative, the architect, the selected Pre-Construction contractor, and of course a building department official. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the conceptual window replacement and improvement scope, and get a more pre- cise understanding of what’s going to be required for permitting in order to avoid, or at least minimize, nasty code interpretation surprises once design gets underway. The meeting should be occurring around, or just after Pascha in April.

3. Onsite investigation and design begins shortly after Pascha and the City of Tacoma meeting. Our intent is to temporarily remove an existing upper level stairwell window, and cut out small sections of interior wall finishes in at least two Sanctuary space locations. Temporary covers will be provided to keep the building safe and secure. More cuts may be required, depending upon what is discovered. These cuts will be patched and painted afterwards, but we need to know what is really behind the existing walls before any meaningful design and working drawings can begin. Our ideal goal is for the investigation, design, and a formal Pre-Construction bid to be completed around June 15th.

4. Obtain a building permit and get a selected contractor under contract. This should all be done by August 1st, which will allow the contractor a good two weeks to sign and transmit all required paperwork, and get the pro- posed windows field measured and approved for ordering.

There is purposely some wiggle room built into many of the dates listed above, as there are likely to be hurdles and unexpected delays in way to overcome. In the big picture, most of the steps listed are building block details that can be moved and manipulated to some degree, but the critical Rock of Gibraltar benchmark and target date remains Au- gust 15 to have the windows ordered.

Bill Acker—

Page 7 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Ministry News

St. Nicholas Stewardship Ministry “From God, every family in heaven and earth will be named.” (Ephesians 3:15) Thank-you for offering your time, talents, and treasures, in service to Christ and His Holy Church. Many 2015 stewardship commitment cards have been returned. These help us reach our goals of developing a budget, by learning how many and who are members at St. Nicholas. These commitment cards also help develop our church ministries. They help connect members who have shared interests to volunteer in our various church ministries. Our ministry will be reaching out to our Church family members who have not returned a commitment card. In the next few months, St. Nicholas Ambassadors will connect with you to try and help answer your questions and assist you in any of your stewardship needs. (As a reminder, you may also find information on stewardship on our St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church website.) In April, we will be sharing our com- mitted family member names in the monthly bulletin. The following little story helps us see and feel the joy our stewardship offers: A little girl noticed after the collection was taken in a cer- tain church, the ushers brought it up to the altar. She whipered to her mother, “mommy how do they get that money up to heaven?” The mother replied, “The church does not send the money to heaven, but uses it to bring heaven down to us.” The mother could not have given a better answer. For the purpose of the church is to get God’s heaven into each one of us. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is with in you.”

Stewardship helps bring Heaven down to us on earth.

With love in Christ, the Stewardship Committee

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 April 5 - Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon April 12 - Pascha (Tentative Agape Luncheon - only if enough volunteer) April 19 - Karanasos Wedding & Coffee Hour April 26 - Team Evy Please check the church web page calendar at stnicholastacoma.org for the most up to date schedules.

Savina Frisk — Coffee Hour

Page 8 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Ministry News

Philia

There will be no meeting in April. The next meeting will be on May 26, 2015. Meet at the Church at noon, to carpool to the "Spaghetti Factory". These folks for attending the delicious Feb 24 2015 Philia Lentil Luncheon. Our heartfelt thanks. Yvonne Brandivold Richard Heidel Sandy Douton Kathleen Heidel Sally Hallis Becky Themelis Diane Pirotis George Pirotis Fr. Seraphim Diane Pirotis—

Hands of Love

Our group will meet April 2 and April 23, Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The group, in coordination with the Philoptochos, will make handmade items to be sold on a craft table at the Greek Festival this year. All proceeds from the craft table will be donated to the church. Please contact Merrilee Pangis or Krisann Firth for more information. Please join us for a knitting or crocheting quiet time with fellow members.

Merllee Pangis—

Bible Study We continue our study of the Book of Genesis. We have read commentaries from the following saints: St Basil the Great, St John Chrysostom, St Ambrose of Milan, St Ephraim the Syrian, St Symeon the New Theologian, St Maximos the Confessor, and others. The Patristic vision for the creation of the world is pro- found, and explains the origin of mankind, of life, of sin, suffering, evil, and even the prophecy of the restoration of all things in Christ. Difficult to think of any- thing more critical for us to understand than these things—so come join us! Fr. Seraphim—

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

Zach Karanasos—

Page 9 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Ministry News

AHEPA

This philanthropic and educational mens organization meets monthly but is not a ministry of the parish. It provides scholarships to college students via the “Northwest AHEPA Family Educational Foundation”. The mission of the AHEPA Family is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family and Individual Excellence.

Members of the AHEPA Chapter # 178 of Tacoma meeting with the AHEPA's Supreme President Phillip Frangos and the Supreme Governor Region #8, Robert Sextor on March 16, 2015.

The conversations were very interesting, constructive, and educational. George Pirotis—

Military Service Ministry Fr Seraphim & Team Leader Clara Howard have been working to prepare for a welcome luncheon for all Orthodox military personnel at JBLM (after Pas- cha) We are seeking active and retired military to participate in this luncheon, so we can continue building an Orthodox Christian community on post. We received a very generous donation of 50 Orthodox Military Bibles through the Metropolis of Denver, which we will present to those attending the event. We are looking for folks willing to cook some good Greek food for this event! Please let Clara Howard know: 253.258.9695

Fr. Seraphim—

Page 10 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Ministry News

The Philoptochos CALENDAR FOR APRIL LENTEN MEALS – APRIL 1ST - PRES. SOPHIE PALM TYING – APRIL 4TH PALM SUNDAY DINNER – APRIL 5TH MOTHER’S DAY TEA MEETING – APRIL 21ST MOTHERS DAY TEA RESERVATIONS BY APRIL 26TH MOTHER’S DAY TEA – MAY 2ND SALLY HALLIS CHAIR GRADUATION COFFEE HOUR – JUNE 14TH FATHERS DAY BREAKFAST – JUNE 21ST

PRO LIFE The annual March for Life in Washington, DC, drew hundreds of thousands of pro life Americans to bear witness to the sacredness of all human life. His Grace, Bishop Demetrios of Chicago, represented the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese at this event. In his reflection on the event, His Grace stated: …for Orthodox Christians, the right to life is not simply a political or legal issue. It is a moral issue…what is important is the witness of the moral force of our Christian faith to our neighbors in our American society and culture...not only do we pray that all human life be blessed and held sacred, in the womb, in our homes, in the streets and in our prisons, but that our prayer moves us to confess the gift of life granted by our Lord… See Fr Seraphim for more details.

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

Page 11 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 News andMinistry Announcements News

Maids of Athena In a joint effort with the Daughters of Penelope, The Maids will organize a Food Drive to benefit Fish Food Banks of Pierce County. In 2014 FISH Food Banks served more than 400,000 Pierce County residents. We will have FISH sponsored boxes at Church May 3rd for 3 weeks. We are generating support for this worthy cause because the food collected from this drive will help to provide a nutritionally balanced food supply. Flyers and Information sheet will be available. Maids Contact:Brigid Majmudar, DOP contact: Deb- orah Cassidy and Helen McClure. As a kick off for this event we will have a no- host lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory Sunday- May 3rd at 12:30. All Maids , Daughters and friends are invited . Please bring some canned goods/$donations to the event. The MAIDS will start collecting that day. To RSVP or for more info contact Helen - 589-3279 or e-mail [email protected].

The Maids are also collecting "Soap for Hope" Information about this project will be advertised through flyers. Point of contact for this project is Alexandra Lord, Kassie Mastras and Debby Lord.

More Dates and Events to Announce FOR: DOP__MOA__AHEPA

May 10th- Mothers Day Coffee Hour, Hosted by the Daughters of Penelope, Event coordinator -- Evy Kon- tos May 17th- National AHEPA DAY-- Maids and Daughters will be hosting a coffee hour with the assistance of our AHEPAN brothers. This is a day to celebrate over 90 years of service to the community. With more than 400 active chapters worldwide , AHEPA, DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE , MAIDS OF ATHENA,& SONS OF PERICLES are all dedicated to fulfilling our mission to promote the ideals of: Hellenism , Education, Phi- lanthropy,Civic Responsibility, and Family/Individual Excellence.

AHEPA was established in 1922,by eight visionary Greek Americans to confront prejudice,bigotry,and dis- crimination found at the hands of the KKK and to help immigrants from Greece assimilate into American Society. Today the AHEPA Family ( DOP- MOA) has grown to become the largest membership-based grass- roots association for Greek Americans and Philhellenes in the world.

Helen Z. McClure Helen McClure—

Camp Agape

Camp Agape NW is an extraordinary summer camp for kids with cancer and their families coordinated by the Philoptochos' of St. Demetrios, Church of the Assumption, St. Nicholas and Holy Apostles. If you would like to volunteer as a counsellor, kitchen help, set-up team, or nursing staff - please send your application in by April 15. Volunteer dates are July 18-25, 2015. Join us for this life-changing experience - Info. and applications at: www.campagapenw.org

Page 12 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 News andMinistry Announcements News

Daughters of Penelope

The Daughters of Penelope and You. Over the last 85 years the Daughters have been instrumental in promoting the ideals of ancient Greece. Our mission of improving the well-being of Greek-American women overflows into significant contributions being made to society.

But what about the individual member of a Daughters’ chapter. What does her membership bring to her?

First, philotimo. That deep-seated awareness in one’s heart that motivates the good that a person does, so commonly emphasized in Greek Orthodox Christianity. We embody the spirt of philotimo. Secondly we offer a place to find, learn or develop your own individual talents and strengths among hundreds of other women doing the same. It’s a group where you can both, find the teacher or be the teacher. Mingle with women of all ages and backgrounds, conquer shyness and encourage your voice. Experience working within a group to cultivate interpersonal skills for greater effectiveness all while let- ting your skills in leadership bloom or excel! Thirdly the Daughters give many opportunities to bond with not only women in our own community, but all over the United States, Canada and maybe even Australia or Greece. We have annual events such as re- gional conferences, district conferences and national conventions that are held in different US locations. Members of other AHEPA family branches can also be met at these events.

The Daughters have a track record influencing congress with issues of funding domestic violence, one of our five national projects. Congress has also publicly recognized our organization’s strong character, de- termination, hard work and 85 years of contributions to Americans through our Hellenic ideals.

We are each blessed with God given abilities that have value to each chapter and our organization. Each day is an opportunity for continued personal growth and achievement. Together we strengthen the status of women everywhere and empower our next generation of female Hellenic leaders. The Daughters of Penelope, ICARIA Chapter 175 Helen McClure: 253- 589-3279 or email: [email protected] The organization is non-partisan and non-denominational. Thanks to Jackie Dickenson , President Troy Chapter, Portland for write -up

ICARIA 175 welcomes new members: District 22 Daughters of Penelope at 13Coins Chrysanthe,Clara,and Ingrid restaurant in Seattle , March11

Helen Z. McClure Helen McClure—

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

We will be doing our “spring cleaning” in preparation for Holy Week & Pascha: the annual cleaning of the vestments, altar cloths, floor, vessels, etc. Through confession & fasting, we are also doing a “spring cleaning” of our souls, in order that the inside of the cup and dish are clean, as well as the outside, to use the analogy from the Gospel.

Fr Seraphim—

Greek School

Classes will resume on June 3, 2015 (due to Pascha Liturgies and George's vacation)

The "GREEK SCHOOL" continues successfully and is 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 let- ters, language, culture, and civilization. The classes are open to all parishioners independent of age (this may change if it is needed). Stu- dents will learn grammar and “Conversational Greek”.

Yearly events and possible student involvement: Αγιασμος (Blessing) of the class in the beginning of the School year. October 28th (OXI Day) event. March 25th (Greek Independence Day) event.

Schedule: Classes will resume on June 3, 2015 (due to Pascha Litur- gies and George's vacation) Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Cost: The classes will be provided free of charge.

George Pirotis—

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Therefore, we call upon all Orthodox Christian faithful – clergy, monks and nuns, as well as all our brothers, sisters and children in the Lord – to transform our life at all times, but particularly during this period of Holy and Great Lent, into a loving effort of preparation before our neighbor so that we might share more vividly from now in the Lord’s Kingdom, the “new Pascha,” whose light never sets. We invite everyone to a life of holiness and spiritual struggle so that the possibility of transcending sin may be granted to the whole world and to us as a “good gift” and “perfect gift.” For “everyone that is born from God does not sin . . . and cannot sin, for that person is born of God.” (1 John 3.9-10) Let us enter, then, with all our soul, without sorrowful faces but instead rejoicing and delighting, into this spiritual arena of virtues; and let us arm ourselves “with the brightness of love, the splendor of prayer, the purity of chastity, and the strength of valor” in order to journey with the Lord, even as we pray that “He may not overlook us when we are in danger of alienating ourselves form Him.” (Hymn from the Sun- day of the Veneration of the Holy Cross) Rather, may He render us worthy “to reach His holy resurrection on the third day, which shines incorruption through the world.” (Poem by Theodore, Service on Monday of the 1st Week of Lent) Beloved brothers and sisters, children in the Lord, Holy and Great Lent is a period of preparation and repentance as the voice of our conscience, which is internal and inexpressible, our personal judgment. When it finds us doing wrong, it protests vehemently inasmuch as “nothing in the world is more violent than our conscience,” according to the experienced herald of repentance, St. Andrew of Crete. Thus, each of us must be at peace with our conscience in order that “we may offer a mystical sacrifice in the fire of our conscience,” surrendering our passions and offering them as an oblation of love toward our fellow human beings, just as the Lord gave Himself up “for the life and salvation of the world.” Only then will forgiveness rise from the tomb for us as well; and only then shall we live in mutual respect and love, far from the horrific crimes that we witness plaguing the entire world today. In this struggle, we have as our allies and intercessors all the saints and especially our all-holy Mother of God, who through her prayers “washes our conscience.” Wherefore, we urge and beseech you, as the spiritual father of all our Orthodox faithful throughout the world, to run with eagerness the race that opens up before us tomorrow in the arena of virtues, “neither thinking nor practicing sinful things.” Let us rather walk with God’s grace in order to cleanse our conscience “with the good option” of repentance in the conviction that heaven and earth, as well as all “things visible and invisible” will ultimately emanate the light of our Lord’s resurrection. If we stand and behave righteously “before the doors of the Lord’s temple,” then we shall be vested with the bright robe of Christ’s imitation and be rendered worthy of the “new drink” that comes from the source of incorruption. Then we shall taste the joy of the radiant tomb of the Lord and be swept inside the Church “to the very depths of the altar,” where “the awesome mysteries are celebrated.” May it be so. Holy and Great Lent 2015 Your fervent supplicant before God, + Bartholomew of Constantinople

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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: More information will be coming in the weekly bulletin 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 18 Saint Nicholas Messenger APRIL 2015 Coming to St Nicholas in May:

Are you sick & tired of being sick & tired of living from paycheck to paycheck? Are you stress-out about your debts? Do you want to leave a legacy of generous giving & retire with dignity? Can you imagine paying cash for your next car or vacation & your only reoccurring monthly bills are for groceries and utilities?

Come & attend Financial Peace University for a positive change.

What is Financial Peace University: We all need a plan for our money. Financial Peace University (FPU) is that plan! It teaches God’s ways of handling money. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

FPU classes meet for around an hour and a half each week for nine weeks. In 9 lessons, you'll learn to take control of your money, invest for the future, and give like never before. On average, FPU graduates pay off $5,300 in debt and save $2,700 in only the first 90 days for an $8,000 turnaround!

Classes will start on Thursday, May 21 and continue on Thursdays until July 16.

Who is Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. His nationally syndicated radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show, is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations throughout the United States. Dave’s New York Times best-selling books—Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Makeover—have sold more than 7 million copies combined, and his latest best-seller, EntreLeadership, debuted at number one on the New York Times best-seller list. By age 26, Dave had established a $4 million real estate portfolio, only to lose it all by age 30. Following his bankruptcy, Dave set out to learn God’s ways of handling money. Using the wisdom he gained, he rebuilt his financial life. Dave now devotes himself to teaching others how to be responsible with their money so they can retire with dignity and give generously to others.

For futher information: See the promotional video on May 3 or May 10 after Church in the upper hall, or contact Zach or (soon to be) Daphne Karanasos.

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

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