Saint Barbara 480 Racebrook Road - Orange, Connecticut

Celebrating 98 Years of Ministry 1919-2017

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America 8-10 East 79th Street, New York, New York

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Thanksgiving holiday is a joyous day of celebrating the blessings of life. Traditions connected to faith, family, and community have developed in this country, affirming the importance of offering thanks to God for these blessings and recognizing the many ways we are blessed by Him.

We are blessed through God’s compassion and care for all that He has created. Our Lord asked, Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26).

He knows our needs, even those we think are small and insignificant. Because God’s love and provision are always with us, because He created us and sustains us by His grace, we give thanks.

We are blessed abundantly by this wondrous power of His grace. It is a power that heals, redeems, protects, and saves. The Apostle Paul proclaimed this power by stating, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and it is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). We accept this gift by faith and with thanksgiving. We offer thanks to God in communion with Him through the Holy Eucharist, a communal act filled with grace. Because God loves us and by His grace seeks to restore us to eternal fellowship with Him, we give thanks.

We are blessed because in Him we have life, and we have it abundantly. We are blessed with the anticipation of salvation and glory to come (Revelation 19:1). We are thankful to God that so many before us have endured for our sake so that in the words of the Apostle Paul we may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory. (II Timothy 2:10). Because we have hope in deliverance, joy in the light of the Resurrection, and assurance in God’s promises, we give thanks.

As you observe Thanksgiving Day, may all of these blessings be on your hearts and minds. May this be a day of giving thanks to God for His grace, and may His abundant blessings be on each of you and your families. Through your thanksgiving and your joy in His blessings may you offer a witness to the world of the life and love we have in Him.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.

†DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 480 Racebrook Road., Orange, CT, 06477 • Tel.: (203) 795-1347 • Fax: (203) 795-1348 Web: www.saintbarbara.org • E-mail: [email protected]

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The change of season from Summer to Fall in New England brings with it a wonderful transformation in the landscape of our surroundings. The Spring and Summer leaves of green are miraculously, through God’s design, transformed into vivid and vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. The change begins slowly, almost silently, but soon builds into such an inspiring crescendo that even the most talented of painters would be challenged to replicate their beauty.

For us as Orthodox Christians, living in the United States, the change of season brings with it a feeling of gratitude as we prepare for the National Celebration of Thanksgiving. This time of pause and reflection, provides a welcome opportunity to offer prayers of gratitude to God for the countless blessings, seen and unseen, that He freely bestows upon us. Through His Grace, we also pray for enlightenment to heed the occasion and express our appreciation to those individuals who are a part of our life. In truth, we are called to extend this sense of gratefulness even further and be attentive to extend our arms of gratitude and forgiveness to those who are in need as well as to those with whom we have become estranged.

This renewed sense of thankfulness and attentiveness will help create within us a change towards Grace. It will bring about a new diligence and conscientiousness to our words and actions as we strive to embrace a spirit of gratitude each moment that God grants us in this life. This restorative spirit and transformation, places an intentness to our actions that seek to bring to the world the vibrant hues of the true Love of God - through the Light of His Glorious Resurrection.

May our loving God, continue to nourish our souls as we seek His Righteousness.

Faithfully, Father Peter Rev. Peter J. Orfanakos Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church 480 Racebrook Road., Orange, CT, 06477 • Tel.: (203) 795-1347 • Fax: (203) 795-1348 Web: www.saintbarbara.org • E-mail: [email protected]

November 11, 2017

Dear fellow parishioners,

Welcome to our Annual St. Barbara Dinner Dance! During this season of Thanksgiving, allow me to express my gratitude for this past year in the life of our extraordinary community.

As I count my blessings, these things come to mind:

I am thankful to all of you for the honor and privilege of serving as your Parish Council president this past year.

I am thankful for the Grace the Lord has bestowed upon our community in the form of our singular spiritual leader, Father Peter, and his helpmate in God’s work, Presbytera Vangie.

I am thankful for having Fathers Steve and Joel and Presbyteres Electra and Sandra in our midst. They continue to inspire us with their years of service to our Faith and Holy Church.

I am thankful to Lea Loussides and the Parish Council for their hard work in support of the many administrative duties of our parish and so much more.

I am thankful to all our Ministries and organizations for sustaining our community.

I am thankful to our parishioners for your dedication to our community of St. Barbara through your time and talents.

As we look ahead to the celebration of the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray that God continues to bless you and your families. In preparation for His Nativity, I ask each and every one of you to reflect on your own personal good fortune. Give thanks for all that God has seen fit to grant you. Please show gratitude by continuing your commitment to our beloved St. Barbara family, by caring for your fellow man and by sharing your bounty with those less fortunate.

In Christ, Val Lott Val Lott Parish Council President

Saint Barbara Parish Council Val Lott,President Theo Nicolakis, Vice President Vasili Diakogeorgiou, Treasurer Eleas Vlahos, Assistant Treasurer Eleni Yates, Secretary Marcy Winkel, Assistant Secretary George Antonellis Kosta Melanidis Ted Belales Catherine Nicolakis Olympia Hadjimichael Melissa Papantones Charles Kittleman Suffredini Saint Barbara

“To aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through fund raising efforts; and to promote the charitable, benevolent, and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, through instructional programs, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources; to preserve and perpetuate Orthodox Christian concepts and the Orthodox Christian Family, and through them, to promote the Greek Orthodox Faith and traditions, in accordance with its doctrines, canons, discipline, divine worship, usages and customs; to promote participation in the activities of the Greek Orthodox community, with the cooperation of the Parish Priest and the Parish Council.” Mission Statement of the National Philoptochos Society

Saint Barbara Philoptochos Society Board

Anne Faraclas - President Paris Stamos-Heath Eleni Vautrin – Vice President Maria Koutroumanis Mary Constantinidi - Treasurer Joanne Necklas Nota Koutroumanis – Assistant Treasurer Michele Papademitriou Penny Mitchell – Recording Secretary Maria Rethis Joy Morris – Corresponding Secretary Mercy Scafariello Despina Bakoussis Janet Stavrides Claudia Basel Joann Stavrides Marina Benas Marie Verinis Renee Efthymiou Mary Ann Verinis Olympia Hadjimichael Helen F. Wachter Yorkside Pizza & Restaurant A Family & YALE Tradition for over Forty Years

Best Wishes From Our Family To Yours George, Nota, Eleni and Niko Koutroumanis

Catering Available 288 York Street New Haven CT 06511 203-787-7471 203-787-7472 www.yorksidepizza.com Friend us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yorkside The Greek Olive is renowned for its unique, Mediterranean style. We take pride in offering an immaculate environment and a welcoming atmosphere. While our elegant tables and cozy booths keep your comfort in mind – your taste buds are our top priority.

Enjoy a traditional or Greek breakfast at any time of day. Our lunch and dinner menus offer fresh, diner-style meals, as well as the Mediterranean cuisine that has made the Greek Olive a one-of-a-kind Connecticut restaurant.

Banquet Room and Catering Service Available

402 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT 203-495-9990

www.thegreekolive.com

Best Wishes! Tony and Anna Antonakis •Official Official Wing Wing of of St. Saint Barbara! Barbara! • Voted by CT Magazine Readers Pole: “Best Value in New Haven County” “Best Diner in the State”

Twin Pines Restaurant & Diner

Exit 51 Of I-95 North, 3 Lights - Open 24 Hours - 7 Days 34 Main Street, East Haven, Connecticut 203-468-6887 www.twinpinesdiner.net

Affordable Family Dining Where the Food is Good and the Price is Right!

Οι ιδιοκτήτες Δημήτριος Τριάντης και Κωνσταντίνος Γιαννιώτης Best Wishes for the Holiday Season

In Memory of George Necklas

Babe Necklas & Family Best Wishes

Saint Barbara P.T.O. Nicholson Associates, Inc. Insurance

In Loving Memory of Nelson May His Memory Be Eternal

Carole Nicholson “Let us give thanks to God continually. For, it is outrageous that when we enjoy His benefaction to us in deed every single day, we do not acknowledge the favor with so much as a word; and this, when the acknowledgment confers great benefit on us. He does not need anything of ours, but we stand in need of all things from Him.

In point of fact, thanksgiving adds nothing to Him, but it brings us closer to Him. For if, when we recall the benefactions of men, we are the more warmed by affection for them; much more, when we continually bring to mind the benefits of the Master towards us, shall we be more earnest with regard to His commandments.

For this cause Paul also said, Be ye thankful. For the best preservative of any benefaction is the remembrance of the benefaction, and a continual thanksgiving for it.”

Saint John Chrysostom Homily 25 on Saint Matthew 3 Patrologia Græca, Vol. LVII, col. 331. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15-16)

With love in Christ, Fr. Peter and Presbytera Vangie John-Peter in our hearts always “O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, Make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him, Tell of all his wonderful works!” Psalm 105:1-2 Holiday Greetings!

Fr. Joel & Presbytera Sandra McEachen “We give thanks to thee, O God; We give thanks; We call on thy name and recount thy wondrous deeds.” Psalm 75:1

Holiday Blessings To All!

Fr. Steven & Presbytera Electra Sarigianis CONNECTICUT Chris Skabardonis - President Nicholas Vlamis - Vice President James Tzepos - Treasurer Board Members Damon Anastasion John Daoutis Vasili Kaloidis Themi Kolitsas George Marnelakis George Mastromanolis George Tsioflikis Nick Vlastaris Office Administrator Hrysoula Trimpalis

1440 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT Phone: 203-389-6115 Fax: 203-387-9004 E-Mail: [email protected] Best Wishes

Alex Alexiades and Family Happy Holidays

Nick and Niki Papadopoulos Best Wishes for the Holiday Season!

The Hadjimichael Family

Vagos, Oly and Thespina Michael, Eleni, Vageli, Dionysi and In Memory of our Beloved Parents, Pappou and Yiayia George and Angeliki Loussides and our Beloved Brother and Uncle John A. Amoratis

Niko, Lea, George & Kiki Loussides Happy Holidays From the Participants of The Golden Years Ministry In Loving Memory of George C. Morris Forever in our Hearts

Your Loving Family Linda Christos, Andrea, George, Nicholas & Isabella Costas, Karina, George & Alexander Despina, Ryan, Markus, Angelika & Nikoletta Ignatius Komninakas, MD General Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Total Joint Reconstruction www.vosct.com 203-734-7900 203-513-3269 (Fax)

2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 404 Shelton, CT 06484

144 Oxford Road Oxford, CT 06478 Happy Holidays

The Peter Klarides Family

Peter, Babe Themis, Nicole, Steven Cade Doctors Eye Center Dr. John Loucopoulos Optometric Physician Diplomate, American Board of Optometry Doctor of Optometry (USA) Dip. Optom (SA), MC Optom (UK)

49 Turnpike Square Milford, CT 06460 Boston Post Road Pier 1 Imports Plaza Tel. 203-878-3098 Athenian Diner I Athenian Diner II 1426 Whalley Avenue 864 Washington Street New Haven, CT 0651 Middletown, CT 06457 203-397-1556 860-346-2272 Athenian Diner III 1064 Boston Post Road Milford, CT 06460 203-878-5680

www.athenian-diner.com

Wishing Everyone in the Saint Barbara Community the Happiest Holiday Season!

The Daoutis Family 269 East Main Street Branford, CT 06405 203.483.0461

Hours: Monday - Thursday Friday & Saturday 6:30 am - 3:30 pm 6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Best Wishes! Dino and Anita Maniatis & Family

Like us on Facebook! Hornet’s Nest Deli or visit us @ hornetsnestdeli.com 63 Grove Street • New Haven, CT 06511 • 203-777-6736 Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 3:00 pm; Saturday: 7:30 am - 1:30 pm

Best Wishes! Pete and Zoi Maniatis & Family

Like us on Facebook! Zoi’s on Orange or visit us @ zoisnewhaven.com In loving memory of our dear Husband, Father, Pappou, and Great Pappou Peter Anastasion Memory Eternal Maria, Damon, Jodi, Carrie, Tim Eleni, Daniel, and Isla Stephanie, Elliot Congratulations and Best Wishes to Our Special Saint Barbara Family

The Hajedemos Family

Harry, Jane Dana, Julia, Dean Happy Holidays and all the best for the New Year “2018” Kosta and Eleni Melanidis

To our Saint Barbara Family and Friends We wish you Happy, Healthy and Joyous Holidays! Let your faith continue to shine!

The Diamantis Family Ilias, Maria Peter and Sophia Bill, Keira, Sofia and Leah Happy and Healthy Holidays Χρόνια Πολλά Nick, Irene and Evangelos Milas

In Memory of William Morris Nikiforo, Katerina & Stavros Malindretos Joy Morris In Memory of Alexander, Margaret Lucy & Anastasia Goumas Best Wishes Elaine

Wishing the Clergy and Parishioners of Saint Barbara Church All God’s Blessings

Brad, Val and Kristen Lott Happy Holidays! Best Wishes for good health and many other blessings

Cindy Annasson Rich, Eleni & Nina Waskiewicz

All the Best for the Holidays and for 2018

Chris and Jane Hajimichael Aegean Florist Orange, CT Flowers for Any Occasion Maria Fifis

Arrangements and pricing to fit any budget! Serving the Orange/Milford/New Haven Areas Free Delivery to Orange Tel: 203-435-1734 (cell) Tel: 203-795-9051 e-mail: [email protected]

For Members of the Saint Barbara Community: Aegean Florist will donate 6% of the total purchase to the Saint Barbara Building Fund

Certified Public Accountant

Personal & Business Tax & Accounting Services More Than 30 Years of Experience

Office: (203) 248-2848 2969 Whitney Avenue Business Cell: (203) 314-3104 Hamden, CT 06518 [email protected]

Best Wishes Advance Paper Company, Inc. 328 Food Terminal Plaza New Haven, CT 06511

Tel: 562-3139 or 562-3130 Toll Free: 800-852-7878 Fax: 203-562-5230 Wishing You Happy Holidays Maritime Grille 2548 Boston Post Road Guilford, CT 06437 Lunch & Dinner - Banquet Facilities Open 7 Days Peter & Sofia Melanidis Tel: 203-453-0774 Fax: 203-457-0150

Happy Holidays Whitney Donut Shop 2574 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 (203) 248-9095 Peter Demetropoulos Monday - Friday 5:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 5:00 am - 3:00 pm Sunday 5:00 am - 2:00 pm Best Wishes for the 2018 Dinner Dance Happy Holidays From The Vastakis Family & Country Food Market 2215 State Street - Hamden, CT 06517 Tel: 203-865-8834 Fax: 203-865-6378 www.country-food-market.com Imported Greek Products - Homemade Baked Goods - Fresh Daily Specials, Soups and Sandwiches Place an Order for Pick-Up or Caterning Business Hours: Monday - Frinday: 5:00 am - 6:00 pm Saturday: 5:00 am - 2:00 pm All Major Credit Cards Accepted Sunday: Closed ATM Available On Premises

Plaza Diner Restaurant 737 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, CT Telephone: (203) 925-5910 Fax: (203) 925-9019

Damon Anastasion Perry Pettas Jimmy Kokenos Merry Christmas The Kaiser Family John, Jamie Eleni, Anna & Caliope

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes Kosta and Marimina Milas In Memory Best Wishes and of Happy Holidays to Marie our Saint Barbara Family

The Basel, Wyatt With Love, & Miller Families Kevin, Chrisanne and Kristen Burr

Congratulations In Memory Of: Saint Barbara Donald C. Feliciano Family Husband and Love of my life

On Another Sergei Gromyko Beloved Brother Successful Roman Gromyko-Giejner Odyssey Festival Beloved First Cousin

The Reddings Larisa With Love May the love of our From Lord, Jesus Christ be with each of us and Our Family uplift our soul To Yours for joyful happiness.

Χρόνια Πολλά The Kambas Family Greg and Elli Mouratidis

In Love and Memory Best Wishes of My For Dear Wife Our Community Mary

Peter Stamos Marie Verinis and Family In Memory Best Wishes of for the Asimina & Holiday Season Konstantinos Antonellis

Steven and Joann George & Donna Stavrides and Family Antonellis

Best Wishes Best Wishes

Emmanuel and Kaye From Nicolakis The Theodos Family Happy Holidays! Savour Catering Inc. A Unique & Distinct Caterer Available for Corporate or Personal Events Stacey Ference The Saint Barbara Missions Committee 203-906-7144 [email protected] Thanks You for Your Support http://www.savour.catering Patrons Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Angeletti Mr. & Mrs. Edward Basel Connie Chagares Gus and Helen Chagares In Memory of Aquiles Constantinidi Emanuel Cosmas Clara Genetos Evelyn McGrath Evans and Christina Mountzouris and Family Steve and Mary Ann Verinis Herb & Helen Wachter