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August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 [email protected] 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org

What is a Rope or Komboskini?

o you wear a prayer rope Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on your wrist? Have you seen it worn by some - To Visit United States for St. Nicholas Done else? What is a prayer rope or komboskini (in Russian, vervitsa; in National Shrine Thyranixi Romanian, metanii/metanier)? First, let’s begin by saying what y Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, level of diplomatic and ecclesiastical dignity. The it is not. It is not a piece of jewelry Εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν official itinerary will be shared in the coming weeks, or an article of fashion. It is not ὀνόματι Κυρίου! (Ψαλμός 117:25) and it will include a visit to the Metropolises of MBlessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! something “cool” to wear around Pittsburgh and Chicago, with a major ecumenical (Psalm 117:25 LXX) event taking place at the University of Notre Dame the wrist. It is, however, a religious With unsurpassed joy, we announce on the Feast in Indiana. article meant to deepen prayer. of the Glorious Twelve, the Apostolic Visit of His The Visit will conclude in New York City, and As the name implies, a prayer All Holiness BARTHOLOMEW, Archbishop will culminate in a dedicatory “Opening of the of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Doors” of the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox rope is used to aid prayer. The Patriarch to the United States, October 23 – No- and National Shrine at the World Trade komboskini is a rope usually made of vember 3, 2021. This Visit, the first in twelve years, Center on the very anniversary of his Enthrone- will commence the day following the Thirtieth black wool or silk threads knitted ment as Ecumenical Patriarch. All of our Me - Anniversary of the Election of His All-Holiness in knots. For many, not only tropolises, Parishes, and Institutions will be able as Ecumenical Patriarch, and include the same and , but also lay people of the to share in this joy, through interactive features anniversary of His Enthronement on the venerable Orthodox Church, the prayer rope See of the First-Called Apostle Saint Andrew on that will accompany His All-Holiness on his Visit. November 2nd. The Apostolic Visit will inaugu- Therefore, with gladness and enthusiasm, let us is a way to guide one’s prayer. The rate the Centennial Celebration of the founding welcome the Spiritual Father of us all, and with wearing of a prayer rope implies of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America heartfelt cries proclaim: “Blessed is he who comes that a person is already devoted to (1922 – 2022), which will be observed next year in the name of the Lord!” across the country. With paternal blessings in the Lord, prayer and practices it daily. The Ecumenical Patriarch will begin by being † ELPIDOPHOROS welcomed in our Nation’s Capital at the highest Archbishop of America Continued on page 2  Wait for the promise of the Father 1 Dates in the Life of Our Church August–September 2021

AUGUST 10 9:00 AM SEPTEMBER 1 8:15 AM Orthros 11 6:00 PM Paraklesis 5 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 13 6:00 PM Paraklesis 12 Parish Closed 3 9:00 AM Paraklesis 15 Dormition of the Asbury Park Holy Cross celebration 4 6:00 PM Paraklesis 8:15 AM Orthros 13 6:00 PM Great 5 6:00 PM Great Vespers 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 14 8:30 AM Orthros 6 Holy Transfiguration 21 11:00 AM Baptism 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 8:30 AM Orthros 8:15 AM Orthros 22 7:30 PM Parish Council 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 19 8:15 AM Orthros 8 8:15 AM Orthros 29 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 20 Metropolis of NJ Clergy/Laity

each of us should know. Repeat it as mercy). Because the divine name was Komboskini often as possible throughout the day. on his lips, the Devil would come to  Continued from page 1 The person wearing the prayer untie the knot to interrupt his prayer. rope knows that each knot is passed Because of his piety however, the Pan- The woolen material symbolizes through the fingers while saying the agia visited St. Anthony to aid him in that we are part of the flock of Christ. , thumb over index finger. prayer. In a vision, the Theotokos told Most wear a prayer rope consisting of This is done repeatedly for each of the him to tie each knot by using the sign 33 individual knots although monas- 33 knots. of the Cross. He did this seven times tics have them up to 100 knots. The Traditionally, we begin all making one knot. By this, the Devil 33 knots of the komboskini are symbolic by saying, “Through the prayers of was vanquished and could not untie of Christ’s age when He was crucified. our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, the knot since the power of the Cross have mercy upon on us.” After the has already defeated the Devil. “Amen”, we praise God by reciting the If you wear a prayer rope, or kombos- Trisagion Prayers (Heavenly King, "Lord Jesus Christ, kini, it is a constant reminder for the Comforter… Holy God…,Our Father). necessity of prayer. If you pray and Son of God, have mercy This is followed by thanking God, have already developed a prayer rou- on me, a sinner." confessing His lordship, a request for the forgiveness of sins, and lastly, a call tine, it is a reminder to increase and for intercession by the Theotokos and deepen your prayer life all the more. The use of the prayer rope in the our patron saint. After these opening The prayer rope aids us to accomplish Orthodox Tradition is still alive and prayers, we use the prayer rope, repeat- that which St. Paul advocates that we practiced by many pious folks today. ing the Jesus Prayer a series of times. “give thanks” and “pray without ceas- St. (born in the It is said that the method of tying ing”. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17  3rd Century) used the prayer rope as a the prayer rope had its origins from way to keep track of prayers and pros- St. , the father of trations. Yet over all the most popular Orthodox . As he was ty-  BY REV. FR. prayer associated with the komboskini ing a leather rope into a simple knot, he PETER DELVIZIS is the Jesus Prayer. This is a prayer would pray “ eleison” (Lord, have

2 Holy ^ Westfield, New Jersey Parish Council Support the National Spiritual Father’s Campaign

 BY FELICIA KARSOS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT During his first Archpastoral visit specifically directed at the pension fund our parish. to Holy Trinity GOC, His Eminence to be launched this Father's Day. Contributions can be made directly Archbishop Elpidophoros discussed the This Father's Day, as we honor our fa- on-line by visiting the following site: shortfall in the Clergy and Lay employee thers, grandfathers and other important www.supportourfathers.org. pension fund. The pension fund has "father" figures in our lives, it is fitting You can also send a check with the been grossly underfunded. Under the that we also honor our spiritual fathers memo noting "Father's Day Campaign" leadership of His Eminence Archbishop by making a generous contribution of to Holy Trinity. Elpidophoros, the Archdiocese has $100 per family to the Clergy and Lay This is a beautiful expression of our developed a plan to fund the pension employee pension fund. If you are un- love for our church and our Clergy. plan over a 30-year period. With hopes able to meet the contribution of $100, I Please join me in supporting this cam- of shortening this gap, the Archdiocese urge you to still consider making some paign by making your generous dona- is undertaking a fund raising campaign contribution to honor all the clergy of tion this Sunday, June 20, 2021. 

To contribute please visit: www.supportourfathers.org to make direct payments.

Jeannie Arida to serve on the Board of OCMC

t is a blessing that Holy Trinity has OCMC board is to foster an increased ways throughout the years. so many talented parishoners who Pan Orthodox engagement among the A parish event to support the work serve on National Boards. Jeannie approximately 1800 parishes nationally. of OCMC is currently being planned AridaI has recently been appointed to Currently, the engagement percentage for October 17. Please look for more the Board of the Orthodox Christian is at 19% which indicates there is much details in the near future and plan to Mission Center (ocmc.org). She is a room for growth. It's a blessing that attend this event! member of their Development Board. Holy Trinity has supported the OCMC Congratulations to Jeannie and may One of the strategic goals of the and its missionaries through a variety of our Lord bless her OCMC work! 

GreekFest “To Go” 2021 hank you to all the volunteers, committee decided to host a family day on light work”. As a part of our stewardship sponsors, donors and patrons for the Sunday following this two-day festival. commitment to the church, it’s important helping make GreekFest 2021 It was a special day of Fellowship after be- that everyone in the parish comes together “ToT Go” a great success! We are especially ing apart for so long! We shared delicious and contribute to the success of the festival grateful to our Goyans who played a huge food while supporting church ministries on some level, whether it is as a sponsor, role in helping this year. and were delighted to be entertained by donor, and/or a volunteer. It is also a great After cancelling last year’s festival due to our talented Holy Trinity Hellenic Danc- way to learn more about our Greek heritage Covid and facing the challenges of Covid ers! We are especially proud of our dancers and to pass it down to the next generation. restrictions; this year we began to plan for who managed to progress and thrive despite Thank you all again for your support and a drive through/take out event. This type the pandemic. to Fr. Peter and Presvytera Victoria for their of event had already been done by many The Festival Committee is always look- guidance, love and support throughout the Greek Churches with much success and ing for fresh ideas and would like to hear process! Mostly, we give thanks to our Lord fewer volunteers. The need to help fund from you. We also invite you to join the and Savior Jesus Christ for the blessings of raise to support important church minis- committee to help plan future events. It is this parish, each other, and the love and tries motivated our team to try. a wonderful way to meet other parishioners, strength He has given us to further His As the festival date approached, we were serve the church and God while having fun ministry at Holy Trinity.  blessed with an easy opening as restrictions with others. With the task of the festival, With love and appreciation, had eased. With a need for fellowship, the the old adage is true, “Many hands make The GreekFest 2021 Committee

The Promise ^ August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 3 Philoptochos Scholarships

n June 13, the Ladies Philoptochos of Holy Trinity proudly honored and recognized the achievements ofO our graduating seniors. This year marks our 32nd year of awarding scholarships to 12 distinguished seniors. With much gratitude, we appreciate the generosity of our donors, stewards, and parishioners for providing the means to continue to offer our scholarships. 

1. Barbara M. Manos Memorial Scholarship – Nicholas Zotos 2020 Graduating Class 2. Nicholas & Anna Bouras Scholarship – Daniel McCaffery

3. Angela Stappas Memorial Scholarship – Julia Love Spring/Summer 2021 Have a safe, fun filled summer!

4. Steven & Violet Gussis Memorial Our 2021 Spring Event was tremendously Scholarship successful and exceeded our expectations by far. You are the reason we are able – Xenia Kobori to fulfill the Philoptochos mission to help those in need. Please know that we appreciate 5. Steven & Violet Gussis Memorial each and everyone of you, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish the things we do without Scholarship your continued support. As the renown – Alex Tauber Japanese writer Akutagawa wrote, “Individually we are one drop. Together we are the ocean.” 6. Constantine Exarhakos Memorial From the bottom of my heart Thank you! Scholarship -Helen (Nitsa) Bruno – George Leunes With heartfelt gratitude, I am extremely thankful, beyond measure, for the magnanimous generosity and kindness that our Holy Trinity community 7. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship offered up in so many ways! Our Philoptochos Stewards were truly an – Thomas Savorgiannakis “Army of Agape,” that re-emerged and reunited to produce a most warm, welcoming and successful 2021 event! God bless you ALL! 8. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship -Penny Pefanis – Evangalia Ioannou Thanks to everyone...nothing happens if we don’t come together and make it happen. 9. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship Hope you all have a chance to relax and Live in the sunshine. Swim in the refresh this summer ...by the Sea!! sea… -Emmerson – Claire Sales -Elise Savnik 10. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship – Matthew Sales

11. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship – Ava Karanikolas “...with exceptional gratitude to Emily Rassias for her 12. Philoptochos Achievement Scholarship extreme generosity, exquisite style and gracious spirit.” – Theodore Lialios

4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Holy Trinity Scouts Receive National Scholarships his June, the Eastern Ortho- Council. For her dox Committee on Scouting Gold Award proj- T(EOCS) awarded scholarships ect, she developed of $1000 each to two of our graduat- and implemented ing high school seniors, Julia Love and an ongoing virtual Nicholas Zotos. They were selected religious education from a nationwide group of outstand- program here at ing students from all Eastern Orthodox Holy Trinity for jurisdictions. All the applicants had elementary school already received both the highest award children. For her of their Scout organization (Gold or Silver Award proj- Eagle, for Girl Scouts USA and Scout- ect, she created a ing BSA, respectively) and the highest multimedia pre- Eastern Orthodox Christian Scouting sentation of Holy religious award, the Alpha Omega Trinity history for medal. Recipients are selected based the parish’s 50th replacing a large commemorative sign, on how they demonstrate love of God Anniversary celebration. and addressing a flooding problem and and their Orthodox Christian Faith, It is rare that two applicants from the soil erosion through planting and land- and how they live up to Scouting ideals, same parish are selected as recipients, scaping that was both functional and through scholarship, leadership, com- less than once every 10 years! But the decorative. During the pandemic, he munity service, and active involvement Scholarship Committee also selected created a non-profit tutoring program in their church. Dr. Miriam Kotsonis, another outstanding Holy Trinity that served many needy youngsters in Chairman of the EOCS National Board Scout, Nicholas Zotos. He graduated nearby towns where educational ser- Scholarship Committee as well as Holy from the Union County Academy vices had been most heavily impacted. Trinity Scouting Ministry Leader, for Allied Health Sciences in Scotch Holy Trinity has an active Scouting presented the scholarships during the Plains, NJ. He was a member of Troop Ministry, with a focus on helping all graduation celebration on June 13. 145 in the Northern NJ Council of Scouts earn their three age-appropriate Julia Love attended Cranford High Scouts BSA, holding many positions of religious awards. For more informa- School. She was a member of Troop 48 leadership, earning National Outdoor tion about any of these topics, visit of the Girl Scouts, and was recognized Awards, and receiving two Silver Palms. the EOCS website at www.eocs.org or with the Outstanding Service Award His Eagle project involved beautifying contact Miriam at mekotsonis@gmail. by the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey the exterior of a local elementary school, com; (908) 672-0001.  Greek School Graduation, June 10

The Promise ^ August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 5 Parish Feast Day Celebration Holy Trinity was honored to celebrate its Feast Day with area clergy. It was a spiritually rewarding and uplifting day. We thank all the volunteers who helped to make this day special.

6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Trinity Circle Luncheon held on Sts. Peter and Paul Day

Xronia Polla Fr. Peter and Paul

The Promise ^ August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 7 MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE US ΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ, ΣΩΣΟΝ ΗΜΑΣ

SERVICE OF PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOS Ἡ Ἀκολουθία Τῆς Παρακλήσεως Τῆς Παναγίας

Please intercede for the health and Healing of the Servant of God: Ὀνόματα τῶν ζώντων Ὀρθοδόξων γιά τίς Παρακλήσεις εἰς τήν Παναγία

“O the wonders of the Ever-virgin and Mother of God, surpassing mind! For she dwelt in a tomb, and showed it to be Paradise, which we stand beside today, rejoicing as we chant: praise the Lord, O you works of the Lord, and exalt Him supremely unto all the ages.”

-Excerpt from the for the Dormition of the Theotokos

“Now the Mother of God shuts her material eyes, and opens her spiritual eyes towards us like great shining stars that will never set, to watch over us and to intercede before the face of God for the World’s protection. Now those lips, moved by God’s grace to articulate sounds, grow silent, but she opens her [spiritual] mouth to intercede eternally for all of her race. Now she lowers those bodily hands that once bore God, only to raise them, in incorruptible form, in prayer to the Lord on behalf of all creation. At this moment her natu- ral form, radiant as the sun, is hidden; yet her light shines through her painted image, and she offers it to the people for the life-giving kiss of relative veneration, even if the heretics are unwilling. The holy dove has flown to her home above, yet she does not cease to protect those below; departing from her body, she is with us in spirit; gathered up to heaven, she banishes demons by her intercession Please enter the full baptismal names to the Lord.” of your loved ones. (For example: “Nicholas” instead of “Nick” or “Niko.”) - St. 's Encomium on the Dormition of the Theotokos Please return form to Fr. Peter.

8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey How Many Things Worry and Distract You? esus had three very close friends. Justifying Mary, the Lord answered sage is read at nearly every feast of the Two sisters named Mary and Mar- Martha with the same playful rebuke: Theotokos because she, the Mother of tha and their brother, Lazarus. It “Martha, Martha, you are worried God, corresponds to the image defined wasJ this man whom Jesus would later and troubled about many things. One by Christ. The Panagia chose Christ, raise from the dead before His entry thing is needed, and Mary has chosen the Good Portion, and as the Lord into Jerusalem. the good portion that will not be taken Jesus was invited to their house for away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 promised, He will never leave the pres- dinner. Martha welcomed Jesus and The meaning of our Lord’s rebuke is ence of one who chooses Him. then set about preparing for the meal. that the diligence of Martha is directed Everyone of us have things that can Her sister, Mary, however did not help at things that quickly pass away, with- disturb, worry, and distract our atten- her with the chores, which in upset her. out which one can easily survive, while tion away from the Lord. Whatever As Martha was rushing around, she saw Mary chose to direct her energies to the these “things” are they will eventually her sister sitting at Jesus’ feet and listen- only thing that is truly necessary for hu- pass away. In time, problems resolve ing to Him. Martha was not managing manity – attention to the divine teach- themselves and as they do they will just the kitchen well and so she spoke to the ing of Christ. That which Mary receives evaporate into the thin air. However, Lord almost in a rebuke, which vividly for her attention in hearing Christ will shows how close their relationship was. never be taken away from her. the teachings of our Lord, when we in- “Lord, do You not care that my sister This short passage from the Gospel corporate them into our lives, will live has left me alone to serve? Therefore, of Luke 10:83-41 has powerful meaning forever within us and we will carry His tell her to help me.” and is very thought provoking. This pas- blessings into the afterlife. 

The Promise ^ August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 9 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS

Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise!

10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Ioanna Tsolaki, DDS, DMD, MS Board Certified Periodontist

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 135 Somerset Street, Suite A New Brunswick, NJ 08901 p. 732-235-5050 f. 732-220-0045 [email protected] rutgersdentists.org Permit #: 6526

The Promise ^ August 2021 ^ Volume 45, Issue 4 11 Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654

Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Office Manager Diana R. Waltsak Parish Council Felicia Karsos Westfield, NJ 07090-1109 Admin. Assistant E. Joy Daniledes Philoptochos Maria Kanaras Phone 908-233-8533 Caretaker Madalena Czachor Religious Education Katherine Kelley Fax 908-233-0623 Greek School Stavroula Mergoupis Worship E-mail [email protected] Greek School PTO Melissa Krikos Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Lead Psaltis Pascalis Kuvalakis Youth (GOYA) Maggie Vassilopoulos Choir Director Kathryn Athanasoulas JOY / HOPE Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis Kathy Drivas Organist Phyllis Verenes TOTS Valerie Comprelli E-mail [email protected] Head Acolyte John Colonias Bookstore Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Celia Kapsomera, Co-chair Nitsa Bruno, Co-chair Schedule of Services The Promise: Volume 45, Issue 4 Trinity Circle Avi Kiriakatis Sundays Weekdays 10 issues published annually. Fellowship Lauren Karanikolas Scouting Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM No subscription fee. Miriam Kotsonis Article deadline - 10th of the preceding month 12 Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM