The Epistle of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church January 2020 Pastoral Thoughts By Fr. Andrew Lentz How To Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution Has Fr. Andy sold out? (Yeah, there’s a cross sponsorship on my vestments now.) Is he about to sell me a gym membership? (Our church does have a gym.) Maybe he’s announcing a new book he published! (No, but I do have a really old one that I’d love for you to read more often!) I know the title of this article looks like it’s just a catchy phrase…and that’s because it is. 76% of all readers that are captured by a title and read to the 5th sentence end up reading the entire article. That being said, 82% of all statistics are made up. But you’re still reading at this point, so I’ll go on and satisfy your curiosity! You may be among the approximately 44% of Americans who make a New Year’s resolution. This statistic is actually real according a Marist Poll taken in December 2016, but the figure fluctuates from year to year between 39-45%. The top resolutions fall into one of four categories: self-improvement or education related, weight related, money related, or relationship related resolutions. If you’re a real New Year’s resolution zealot, you might even make more than one resolution, but no matter how many resolutions you make, you’re highly likely to be among the 88% that don’t fulfill their resolution(s), and so here you are still reading this article. The key to success when it comes to resolutions is a revered and ancient practice. There are countless success stories of the lucky few who have achieved their goals with this one, simple trick: accountability. Right now you might be about as disappointed as Ralphie from A Christmas Story after he figures out the “Little Orphan Annie” coded message is just an Ovaltine commercial, but hear me out. Think about any resolution you have made and failed to achieve. Who was success, but spiritual and heavenly success!). there to hold you accountable on that resolution? What I don’t have a statistic for you on the number of people in measures existed that gave you an incentive to succeed or that our parish that take advantage of confession, but I know the would manifest an undesirable response if you didn’t? If only number is nowhere near the 1,500 souls that are members of there was an institution that existed that one could check into to our parish. find the necessary help to achieve your goals. Interestingly enough, my best guess is that the number of Well look no further! For 2000 years the CHURCH has been parishioners that partake of the sacrament is around the same here for YOU! (Yes, the Church. Did you really think I’d be percentage as those who achieve their New Year’s pedaling anything else in a church newsletter article?) resolution, 7-12%. Coincidence? I think not. This year as Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation countless sinners and your make your New Year’s resolution, be it self- saints have achieved their resolutions, and you can be one of improvement, weight related, money related, or relationship them! When you make yourself accountable to God and related, come talk to a priest and make yourself accountable. there’s a trusted priest standing by your side to offer counsel We’re not going to make you rich, attractive, or a genius, but and physically lay the forgiveness of God on your head, you we can reveal the riches God has bestowed on you, help you are giving yourself the best possible chance of becoming the realize the beauty you possess, and offer you the wisdom of best possible you. It’s that accountability that keeps us honest the Word of God. Don’t just be another statistic, be the to ourselves and on the path to success (not just earthly success story everyone else aspires to be! Happy New Year! The Epistle is the official publication of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio ~ (440) 331-2246 ~ www.saintdemetriosrr.org Sunday Services: Orthros 8:20 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Closed for lunch 1:00-2:00 p.m. Publication Deadlines : Weekly Bulletin: Wednesday of each week. Monthly Newsletter– the 15 th of the preceding month
Clergy and Office Staff Parish Organizations Fr. Andrew Lentz, Priest ……………………...... 216-777-9777 Acolyte Coordinator ………………..Ted Seidl...440-930-5759 [email protected] AHEPA …………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079 Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Manager/ Newsletter Editor American Legion …………Spyro Farmakidis…...440-779-8190 440-331-2246 ext. 2 [email protected] Bible Study Morning leader, Vange Richards…216-221-3003 Byron T. Spooner, Operations Manager 440-331-2246, ext. 3 Evening leader, Tony Kazanas….440-835-0272 x16 [email protected] Bookstore ……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547 John Stamatiades, Church Accountant 440-331-2246, ext. 4 Cantor ……………Andrew Meena [email protected] Andrea Giavroutas, Youth Coordinator Choir Director …………...... Maria Steffas…440-773-1533 [email protected] Daughters of Penelope ..…….……Elisa Demis…440-665-1348 Parish Council FOCUS Friends …….………..…Linda Glynias…216-469-2663 Lilly Anitas ……………. ….………………….…..440-734-3440 Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131 Marko Fourtounis………………………….……216-244-2222 Board of Education Maria Mougianis…..440-835-2888 Irene Georgantas ………………………………..585-703-5005 PTO Kelly Steffas ……………………...440-808-8788 Anna Kachevas……………………………….….563-542-4692 GOYA Adviso r, Athena Diamantis…………...…440-937-8638 Marianna Karakatsani…………………………...440-315-3936 President, Avi Kopasakis Sarah Kazanas.…………………………………..216-409-2532 Hellenic Dance Groups Kostas Mathiellis……………....…..……..……...440-572-1799 Aeraki……………………………… Lia Fresty…330-715-1704 Evanthia Pallam………………………………….216-402-7646 Kymata ….……………....Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807 Gary Thomas…………………………………….440-356-1032 Kyklonas ………………. Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131 Floyd Trillis, Jr.…………..………………....…..440-835-6552 Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray): Dimitrios Tsatiris……………..……………..…..216-310-5233 Christina Carpadis………………..…216-215-4232 Lee Zapis………………………………………..440-617-0266 Becky Giallourakis……………….....440-610-3516 Sophia Tjotjos, Legal Counsel Legacy Fund …....…………Manuel P. Glynias…216-857-3388 Orthodox Organizations Library Committee ….………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America …www.goarch.org Philoptochos ……………………[email protected] Metropolis of Pittsburgh …….… www.pittsburgh.goarch.org President …………..…Maggie Steffas …440-871-6362 International Orthodox Christian Charities … www.iocc.org Sunshine Committee ….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959 Orthodox Christian Mission Center …….…. www.ocmc.org Welfare Committee ……………………..Crystal Thomas Orthodox Christian Network ………...……. www.myocn.net Sunday School ….…………... [email protected] Orthodox Christian Fellowship ………..………… www.ocf.net Christina Carpadis Schraff……………………216-215-4232 St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland ….. www.sainthermans.com Mary Seidl…………………....440-930-5759 St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach www.stpanteleimon.com Spiritual Life Committee ...Angie Giallourakis…216-387-2681 Zoe for Life ! ……………………... www.zoeforlifeonline.org Individuals w/ Disabilities Liaison ....Tina Kolas...216-970-3737 Speaking of StewardshipStewardship…… 3
Election and General Assembly Recap On Sun., Dec. 8, 2019, General Assembly was called to order with a quorum of 120 members in good standing. The Election for Parish Council was also scheduled that day. However, Nick Giallourakis, chair of Election Committee, noted that there were exactly six candidates for six open Parish Council seats, as a 7th candidate dropped out. He read the names Lilly Anitas, Marko Fourtounis, Anna Kachevas, Mariana Karakatsani, Vanthe Pallam, Lee Zapis. Motion to accept the candidates was approved.
The Zapis Foundation Land donation . Legal counsel Sophia Tjotjos reported that the Zapis Foundation has approached church about donating land across the street next to Harbor Court, on the condition that we can get tax exempt status; otherwise it will revert to Zapis Foundation. Questions ensued about tax costs, usage, and liability insurance. Sophia noted that it would not be approved without zero expense. Lee Zapis added that there is no set deadline to the donation. A motion was made and approved to table discussion. Parquet Floor 2020 Proposed Annual Budget Kosta Mathiellis presented the budget noting that we were $11,000 ahead in pledges Replacement (Saved $80,000 in wages without 2nd priest.) Catering income slightly down in 2019. Per General Assembly approval, Choir budget reduced as the Youth Choir director is not being replaced/continued. the parquet floor in the Metallinos Cultural Hall and the NEW EXPENSES included: Fellowship Room will be 1. Vacancies: with Nick Hillman leaving, added temporary hire of part time Youth removed and replaced with new Coordinator Andrea Giavroutas thru Sept. 2020. tiles. The project will begin on 2. Added subsidy for Camp Nazareth and Sunday School Mon., Jan. 6 and may take up to 3. Holy Cross Seminary Scholarship three weeks to complete. Future Capital improvements based on Home Committee’s long term schedule; hope for During construction, those $60,000 from Legacy Fund with $54,000 for capital improvements + Golf Outing 2020. areas, including the stage and Upcoming projects include: Hall floor remodel (Jan. 2020); closets, will NOT be accessible. Driveway paving; Remodel bathroom; Kitchen upgrade; Security upgrade; IT upgrade Coffee Hours on Jan. 5, 12, 19 (in no particular order.) Each will be approved in future General Assembly. and possibly the 26 th , will be Mortgage Loan Update: we have $210,000 still pending; $35,000 paid annually in held in the Zapis Activity Center principal. Weekly 2nd basket collections go to loan. $1000 is paid monthly. lobby. Currently do not have money for 2 nd priest, unless we reduce mortgage or payoff, lay off Greek Letters Day Youth Coordinator, cut building and grounds costs. commemorations will take place Questions ensued about the need for second priest including health insurance costs, how on Sun., Jan 26, in St. it would affect new Youth Coordinator, and the position of sacristan (neokoros/sub- Demetrios Church and the deacon) which was never filled after the retirement of Nick Statheros; the Job Posting classrooms this year, in lieu of procedure. Legal counsel noted that liturgical positions are not posted, they are assigned the annual luncheon. by clergy. The 2020 budget as presented was approved with a Majority approval. Ecclesiastic Introduction of “Burn the Note” Fundraiser Beautification Parish Council proposed a fundraiser in 2020 to pay off the mortgage which has five Several metal ecclesiastic items years left on it, and free us to do more projects. Discussion ensued regarding how the from the church, iconostasis, and ‘freed’ funds would be used: missions, scholarships, philanthropy or second priest. altar, which were tarnished and Motion was approved motion to move forward with the Fundraiser and usage to be chipped over the years, were decided at a later assembly. sent to Greece to be re-plated. We look forward to starting the Proposal to hire Assistant Priest in June 2020 new year and a new decade with our shining liturgical tools. The Sophia Tjotjos noted that the letter attached to General Assembly notice about 2 nd priest only things left to sponsor are noted that two good candidates were going to be available; now that is not the case, so two Medium Censers at $100 letter will be updated and resent. Discussion ensued about the need for a second priest at each. this time and was tabled for another time. 4 Our Parish People
Our Newest Little Angels Happy 1 st anniversary to Fr. Andrew Lentz, who joined our parish Vasiliki “Vivian,” daughter of Tommy & Elona Pappas, as proistamenos last grand-daughter of Bessie Pappas, was born Oct. 27, 2019. January! (photo, right) Fr. Andy celebrating Athanasios, son of Nick & Despina Sclimenti, his first Christmas Eve grandson of Thanasis & Anna Papadorotheou, service at St Demetrios. great-grandson of Nick & Maria Statheros. Photo: Ted Seidl Ava , daughter of Steve & Rena Spithas, grand-daughter of Maria Fotinos. Nick ‘s Retirement Party On Sun., Dec. 15, our parish (finally) held a party celebrating our Asleep in the Lord former Operations Manager Nick Hillman’s retirement after 16 years of service to St. Demetrios Church and the Zapis Activity Ernie Konstantinos Demanelis, Center. Parish Council and Coyne Catering sponsored a festive husband of Anne, father of Kathryn and brunch. Thanks to Kelly Steffas for the with humorous “Nick Carolyn (Zach Stackhouse,) and masks” and Eleni Papouras-Jenks for the slide show. Best wishes pappou of Tiernan Stackhouse, passed to Nick and Jean! away Dec. 19, 2019. He was a long- time parishioner and festival volunteer.
Helen Regas (nee Apotsos) mother of Anna (David) Goldense and Joann Regas, grandmother of Alaina and David (Emily), sister of James (Mary) Apotsos, aunt of many, passed away Dec. 23, 2019. She was a long-time member and had been active with Philoptochos. Her 40 day memorial will be Jan. 26 th .
Irene Catavolos (nee Pirovolos) mother of George (Kathie) and Christina, yiayia of Pete (Jordyn), Alexandra (Brandon) Sharp, and Michael, aunt of many, (clockwise) Nick’s passed away Dec. 31, 2019. Commemorative plaque; long time co-workers We also extend our condolences to Tim Nick and Eleni; goodbye Furey on the loss of his father. from GOYA; superfans Lilly Anitas & Andrea Giavroutas.
(above) Parish moms and kids preparing lunch to serve at St Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland on Jan. 2 nd . Photo: Ted Seidl January Holy Days Choir Notes 5 December was a busy time for our Liturgical Choir. On Dec. Friday, January 3: 8th , our parish hosted the annual Pan-Orthodox Nativity Choir, 9:00 a.m. Royal Hours ( in preparation for Epiphany ) sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy. Six other Orthodox parish choirs joined us for a Eve of Theophany ~ Προεόρτια των Φώτων beautiful concert of multi-lingual hymns and carols. Thanks to Sunday, January 5: our Philoptochos for hosting the refreshments and the Eastern 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Great Orthodox Women’s Guild for their donation. All free- will Blessing of the Water donations collected that day will benefit our local Orthodox Note: No memorials may be read on a feastday of the Lord. missions including St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland, St Mary of Egypt, and Zoe House. The Parish Vasilopita will be cut immediately following On Dec. 15 th , Maria Steffas directed the Liturgy in church. All church ministries, auxiliary choir in the annual parish Christmas concert organizations and regional clubs invited to send a after Liturgy (below, right0, with soloists representative. RSVP to [email protected] (and siblings) Angela Moizuk, Eleni and Steven Nikolakis. Guest singers also joined Noon Vespers for Theophany the choir for the moving finale of The Messiah and started the week before Holy Theophany~Θεοφάνεια Monday, January 6: Christmas with the sounds of Hallelujah! 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Great Blessing of the Water. Note: extra bottles of blessed water will be placed in the Narthex throughout the following weekdays, first come first served
Synaxis of St. John the Baptist ~ Σύναξις του Προδρό ου και Βαπτιστού Ιωάννου Tuesday, January 7: 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy
St. Anthony the Great ~ Αγ . Αντώνιος Friday, January 17: 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy , in St Philothei Chapel
Three Hierarchs ~Τρεις Ιεράρχες Thursday, January 30: 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy , in St. Philothei chapel
Movie Monday, January 27, 6:30 p.m.
The story of three men crossing a desert for the sake of a baby…with a wild west twist! John Wayne stars as one of three cowboys from different walks of life who are on the run in the 19 th century American west. When they come across a dying woman, she entrusts the care of her baby to them. But if they can’t even Join us each month in agree on a name or language to teach the the GOYA Room to baby, how can these outlaws be proper watch and discuss a film. godfathers? How do we choose our children’s godparents? What is expected of us if we Free and open to all. 1948, 1 hour 46 minutes, are selected to be godparents? Rated G Enjoy with your godparent/godchild! 6 PHILOPTOCHOS Friends Happy New Year! The St Demetrios Philoptochos closed out 2019 with a couple of fundraisers, and we thank everyone who Join our parish family in serving dinner to area homeless supported our Christmas Appeal and bake sale. at St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland on Franklin Blvd. We had a busy month in December, both raising money and We serve on the first Saturday of the month at 5:00 p.m. then giving it away! Just in December, we gave $1000 to Ell’s Upcoming service dates: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 7 Enchanted Forest, a playground for special needs kids that is For details, contact Linda Glynias (216-469-2663) being constructed in Rocky River next year. We also donated $500 to the Neighborhood Alliance of Lorain County and bought Bible Studies 20 theatre gift cards for the children of St Basil’s Academy. Tuesday Morning Bible Study will resume on Jan .7 at 10 Also, in December we delivered cookie plates and plants to a.m. All welcome to the Board Room every Tuesday. about 27 shut ins from our parish, both at home and in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Sinners Seeking Sanctificiation meets on the 2 nd & 4 th Please consider being a part of our organization. Starting in Thursdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Upcoming meetings: January, we will begin taking memberships for 2020. Please fill Jan. 9 & 23 out the form below and return it to the church office or to the Philoptochos table during coffee hours in February. Chanting Class Thanks for your continued support!- Maggie Steffas, President Meetings will now be on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the th Tue., Jan. 7 Serving dinner at St. Herman’s. Meet at church or church, starting Jan. 15 . Join our cantor Andrew Meena and drop off food by 4:30 p.m. learn the beautiful Byzantine chants of our church. Free and open for all ages and experience levels. Mon., Jan. 13– General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Inner Circle Adult Dance Group Philoptochos The northeast Ohio adult dance group invites anyone 21 & older who wants to shake off some calories while Greek dancing. The group will schedule some gatherings in February after our hall floor is completed. If you are interested in being on the mailing list, contact Eleni ([email protected] )
The Catacomb Bookstore
Open Sundays after Liturgy & during weekday office hours
NANNIES NEEDED Several of our parish families are in need for part-time child care. Children in the various families range in age from infants to school age that need after school care. Anyone interested, can contact the church office for more information (440-331- 2246 ext.2) 7 Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14)
Acolytes Sunday School Thanks to our pancake flippers for preparing the annual Breakfast with St. Nicholas on Dec. 8 th , and to Sunday Team: Ted Seidl! No classes on Jan. 5 (Eve of Epiphany) or Sun., Jan. 26 (Greek School Open House. ) 1/5 4 1/12 1 1/19 2 1/26 3
J.O.Y.
On December 21 st , JOY children decorated gingerbread houses to take home. Photos: Andrea Giavroutas
Kids Basketball Skills Saturdays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. January 11 – February 29
in the Zapis Activity Center
Ages 6-11 learn basic skills and have fun! 8 Greek School ΚΑΛΗ ΧΡΟΝΙΑ Our Christmas celebrations began a little early this year, as our younger students (ages 10 & under) prepared artwork which we sent to Antenna Satellite TV on Dec. 6th . Our kids’ drawings were shown, along with students from other U.S. and Canadian Greek Schools, throughout Christmas week to subscribers in the U.S. This was the first year that our school participated. Congratulations to our students & teachers on a wonderful program on Dec. 22 which included carols for Christmas, New Year/ St. Basil and Epiphany! Thanks to the PTO for purchasing some new props for our Nativity Tableaux and hosting coffee hour. This year, Antenna Satellite also accepted submissions of diaspora Greek Schools’ Christmas programs. Thanks to Les Szekely for videotaping and submitting our show!
Sun., Jan. 5 – Epiphany Pool Party
Tue., Jan. 7 Classes resume for 2nd semester; Teachers’ meeting.
Sun., Jan. 26 - Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters. Students should meet in their classrooms at 9:30 a.m. where attendance will be taken, before processing into church. Open House to follow where families can visit the classes to see our students’ work. PTO will Juggle Bells: host a coffee hour. Gia Spanos was a juggling elf In 2020, we are adding a Prep Class for the Regents Test , while our which measures the fluency level of Greek as a second language. younger students The test is open to anyone in Grade 8 (of day school) and above, sang “Trigona including college students and even adults. We welcome past Kalanda”! See students and graduates who are interested in possibly attaining credit the video on our toward graduation to sign up. Three graduates of our school have church’s taken the test in recent years and excelled . The prep class will be Courtesy of Marcy Thrasivoulou; Facebook group. offered once a week, Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. from Kelly Steffas January 16- June 5. Registration cost is $60 and includes instruction and the materials. The test is offered each June and there The Three Hierarchs is no fee to take it. – Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Principal Greek Letters Day & SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Open House PTO & Anna Poulos Memorial Sunday, January 26 Scholarships Available to graduates of the • Presentation of a St. John Chrysostom sermon Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School • Presentation of Scholarships also graduating high school in 2020 • Memorial prayers for deceased parish educators and pursuing a higher education. • Greek School Open House Applications available in the church office. • Coffee hosted by the PTO (either in Zapis Activity Submission deadline is Jan. 13, 2020 . Center lobby or Metallinos Cultural Hall, pending floor remodel) The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Available to full time undergraduate students who are of Hellenic descent, in an accredited 4-year university with a Adult Greek class minimum 3.5 GPA. www.panhellenicsf.org/apply . Both Beginner and Intermediate classes will continue Submission deadline is January 31, 2020 . in the 2 nd semester, starting Tue., Jan. 14 and Thu., *20 Awards of $10,000 each, based on academic merit and Jan. 16. financial need. Contact the church office (440-331-2246 ext. 2 or *20 Awards of $2,500 each, based on academic achievement. [email protected] ) to register. G.O.Y.A. 9 (left) Thanks to the Psaropoulos family for hosting the Christmas party on Dec. 6!
(below) On Dec. 14, we hosted the annual mini tournament amongst the parishes of northeast Ohio. Thanks to all the coaches, refs, parents and alumni that helped out! (photos: Andrea Giavroutas)
Basketball Practices resume the week of Jan. 6 th .
Jan. 17-19- Basketball tournament at Sts. Constantine & Helen, Cleveland Heights.
Jan. 31-Feb . 2- Basketball tournament in Canton.
Sun., Feb. 9 - Sts Constantine & Helen Orthodox Education speaker for all Cleveland youth groups.
Feb.21-23- Basketball tournament in Pittsburgh The Life of Elder Ephraim On Dec. 7, 2019, Hieromonk Ephraim reposed in the Lord at the Holy Monastery of St. Anthony in Arizona. He was an archimandrite and former abbot of Philotheou Monastery on Mt. Athos, spiritual guide of several monasteries on Mount Athos and Greece, and the founder of several monasteries in the United States. He recently labored at St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Monastery, in Florence, Arizona, where his funeral was held, and is already being considered for canonization as a saint. Elder Archimandrite Ephraim (Moraitis) was born in Volos, Greece, on June 24, 1927 (feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist ) and was baptized John (Ioannis.) He grew up in poverty and helped his father at work, but always tried to emulate the pious life of his mother Victoria (whom he later tonsured a nun with the name of Theophano). When Ioannis was a little baby, his mother had a vision and understood that he will become a monk at Mt. Athos. So she was preparing him all his life, having this vision in her mind. He began to desire the monastic life around 14 years of age, but he did not get a blessing from his spiritual father to leave and become a monk until he was 19. Just a month before he left the world, his Ephraim was subsequently ordained a deacon, and then a friends decided to visit elder Joseph the Hesychast. Ioannis did priest. The life in the brotherhood under Elder Joseph was not have any valuable gift to send with them, so he sent a small very austere, and Ephraim made great spiritual progress under pouch of vermicelli and wrote a note. When unpacking gifts, his holy Elder, whom he thanked for his severe but very elder Joseph said: "This child will become a monk here". When proficient teaching. Only after leaving the world, did Ephraim his friends returned and told him these words, he just forgot it - understand his own very strong pride. In the world, he had he had no idea about his future monastic life and had no blessing lived a chaste and pious life and thought highly of himself. from the spiritual father. Only with Elder Joseph did he begin to see it for pride, On September 26, 1947, Ioannis arrived at Mt. Athos to the especially when the Elder made comments about his behavior. St. Anna's skete. Elder Joseph learned about his arrival from For 12 years, Ephraim heard his name from the Elder only their mutual patron saint - St. John the Baptist. As elder Ephraim twice - all other times he used only abusive nicknames. But recalled in his book, at the pier he met Elder Arsenios who said: behind his back, the Elder constantly blessed him - Ephraim "Are you Yannakis from Volos?" - "Yes, how do you know got to know this later from other people. Also, during me?" - "Elder Joseph knows that from the Fair Forerunner. He confession, Elder Joseph never spoke sharply. He described in appeared to him today and said: I brought to you one sheep. detail the origin of thoughts and mistakes, so Ephraim thought Place it in your fence." So Ioannis became a disciple of Saint that Elder knew him better than he knows himself. Joseph the Hesychast who tonsured him in 1948 with the name After Elder Joseph's repose in 1959, Elder Ephraim Ephraim. continued to live in asceticism for many years, until he became the abbot of the Holy Monastery of Philotheou (pictured, left) in 1973, where he was able to revive the spiritual life in a short time. Due to his reputation, the monastery's brotherhood grew rapidly, and the council of Mount Athos asked him to also revive and expand several other monasteries on Mount Athos which had a dwindling number of monks. These monasteries were Xeropotamou, Konstamoniou,, and Karakallou, and they remained under his spiritual guidance until his repose. Along with the monasteries on Mount Athos, several other monasteries in Greece were under Elder Ephraim's spiritual guidance, including the monastery of St. John the Forerunner in Serres, that of Panagia the Directress in Portaria in Volos, and Archangel Michael, a formal metochion of Philotheou on the island of Thasos. In 1979, Elder Ephraim became ill and needed a surgery. His spiritual children from Canada offered to do the surgery in Canada. The operation was successful and for more than a month Elder Ephraim remained and met representatives of the Greek community. He saw that people went long periods of time without confession and with grave sins, were taking Communion totally unprepared, did not keep the canons of the Church. Father Ephraim then decided to visit America more and more often. In the end, the council of the Holy Mountain warned him that he must choose: either the Holy Mountain, or America. The Elder began to pray and it was revealed that his place was in America. He decided to move to the U.S. for the spiritual care of his flock and the revival of spiritual life in the Greek communities of North America. At first, the Synod of the Archdiocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America resisted, but a year later, under the personal patronage of the Patriarch of Constantinople, the problem of jurisdiction was resolved. Elder Ephraim was given the right to establish monasteries in Canada and the United States. He established 17 monasteries throughout North America, always after receiving permission from each Greek bishop of the Elder Ephraim developed a reputation of being a grace- area. The first monastery was the Nativity of the Mother of God confessor, a true Athonite elder, and had thousands of in Pennsylvania. The main monastery, St. Anthony the Great, is spiritual children around the world: monastics, clergy, and located in the middle of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. It was laity. He is considered by many to be the first to establish an there that Archimandrite Ephraim resided most of the time over authentic Athonite monastery on American soil. In his life, the past decades. Elder Ephraim founded seventeen monasteries in the United In 1995, he arrived in the desert with 5 monks. There was no States and Canada for women and men alike, as well as a electricity, no water, no building materials. But the Elder was not nursing home. afraid of difficulties and urged the brethren not to despair and Elder Ephraim was a hieromonk for 71 years and an elder believe in God. He said: "We came to build the temple and the for more than 50 years. He wrote on his experiences and monastery and, for our diligence, God will bless our work." Soon, homilies of Saint Joseph including Counsels from the Holy people began to donate money and materials, the main church Mountain: Selected from the Letters and Homilies of Elder was built in just 4 months. The whole territory was planted with Ephraim and My Life with Elder Joseph. He also wrote olive and citrus gardens. The complex also includes pilgrim’s The Art of Salvation. All three titles can be ordered through rooms, in which several of our own parishioners visited. our Catacomb Bookstore. Source: Orthodoxwiki; google images google Orthodoxwiki; Source: 12 Around Town
St. Demetrios Hosts 2019 Pan Orthodox Concert This year, our parish hosted the annual Christmas concert of the Orthodox church choirs, presented by the greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy, on Dec. 8. Singing carols in the language of their heritage were the choirs of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, Buna Vestire Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church (pictured below, center), the Inter-Orthodox Male Chorus, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral (pictured below, top) that included their men’s, women’s and children’s choirs, and our St. Demetrios Church. The beautiful program concluded with all the choirs singing three English carols, directed by our own Maria Steffas. Thanks to the Philoptochos for serving the refreshments following the program. Videos of some of the carols can be viewed at Orthodox Cleveland’s Facebook page. Photos: Eleni Papouras-Jenks
Archbishop’s First Trip to Cleveland By Barbara Pasalis Cleveland rolled out the read carpet on Dec. 16 when His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America visited Cleveland to conduct a site visit of next summer’s Clergy Laity Congress and National Philoptochos Convention. His delegation was hosted by Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh and Co-Chairs of the Congress (pictured below, left) Archdeaon Ryan, Lou & Ann Frangos, Archbishop Elpidophoros, Happy New Year from the Daughters of Penelope! Metropolitan Savas, Ageleke & Lee Zapis, Fr. Andreas At their festive December meeting, at the 100 th Bomb Group, Vithoulkas, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, and Bishop the group held its annual holiday collection, and donated $230 Apostolos, Spiritual Advisor of National Philoptochos. Not to help a local needy family through St Demetrios Church. pictured Barbara Pasalis, Aphrodite & Jim Ganotis, Gary They also voted to, once again, make a donation to our Thomas, and Marissa Costides. Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School on Greek Letters Day. On Sun., Feb. 16, D.O.P. will hold a loukoumades sale at The Co-Chairs led a tour of meeting St. Demetrios to benefit their 2020 scholarship (look for the sites including the Hilton Downtown scholarship application information in upcoming bulletins.) and Huntington Convention Center, as Daughters of Penelope is the auxiliary organization to well as a tour of Cleveland’s AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive highlights, ending with a visit to St. Association.) Paul Greek Orthodox Church, where the Archieratical Liturgy will be celebrated. (Photos courtesy of Ann Frangos) ON THE BULLETIN BOARD 13
$50 Donation Register at iocc.org/events
Screening on Saturday, January 25 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Michael Angelo's Winery 5515 Broadview Rd., Richfield
Please join us for a fundraiser in support of Greek America Foundation with GAF Founder and Executive Producer of this award winning documentary Gregory Pappas.
Learn how we can become involved in the #ChildrenOfGreece Campaign supporting six Greek charities through their summer volunteer programs and Project Hope for Greece. Visit www.greekamericafoundation.org for information.
Come enjoy a glass of wine or a cappuccino at the beautiful Michael Angelo’s Winery in Richfield, OH. The event and film screening will be shown in the Vineyard room. We will begin promptly at noon with a few introductory remarks by Mr. Pappas to our community and youth followed by the film screening (approximately 1 hour). Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the cafe/tasting bar.
Tickets are $15/ person and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-of-border-souls- a-documentary-by-executive-producer-gregory-pappas-tickets- 85742487087 14 Around the Country Award-Winning Documentary Heading to Ohio The film Border Souls by Takis Bardakos is a documentary about the beauty of the refugee tragedy and solidarity in the chaos of Eidomeni. From the absurdity of war and the refugee tragedy, to the dramatic passage from the Aegean to the northern border of Greece, the pitiable of Eidomeni ΄s camp becomes “Europe’s shame.” When Europe closes its borders to Greece, trapping the impoverished refugees, they become invisible to the outside world. They become the “Border Souls.” But hours away from the mayhem, one peaceful man, Elder Christodoulos, and the nuns of the Panagia-Fovera Prostasia (Virgin Mary of Great Protection) Monastery unite with the surrounding villages of Halkidiki to share their generosity and solidarity with the isolated refugees, illuminating the capacity of a crisis-ridden society to change the world with fewer words and more action. Director Takis Bardakos was born in Greece, and studied Camera & Photography at the Stavrakos Film School in St. Demetrios enjoying the GOYA Fall retreat at Camp Athens. Since 1989 he has worked as a Director of Nazareth in Mercer, Penn. (l-r) counselors Nico & Marina Photography. He founded the humanitarian documentary Papafil, and Andrea Giavroutas, campers Anastasia Schraff, team SquareFilms. From 2015 -2016, he directed the film Avi Kopasakis, Georgie Manouselis, Demis Salivaras, and Athens from Beneath , an award-winning documentary about Max Prok. (Photo: Andrea Giavroutas) the Greek crisis. He completed Border Souls in 2017. Its World Premiere was at the New York City Greek Film Festival in 2017. Additional festival screenings were at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, Doc Fest Χαλκίδας , Barcelona Planet Film Festival, Roma Cinema DOC, Los Angeles Cine Fest , Around International Film Festival, Paris, Amsterdam Film Festival, New Delhi India, and more. It won Awards for Around Best Documentary: Around International Film Festival, Paris(July 2017); Best Photography Award at the 11th Greek Documentary Film Festival; and Special jury award at the 11th Greek Documentary Film Festival. Its Ohio premiere will take place this month (see p. 13) with Executive Producer Gregory C. Pappas in attendance.
• Explore your faith like never before • Encounter service in a new way • Take Theology and Scripture courses with some of the best professors in the country • Discover Boston or Chicago Who is Eligible to Apply? Orthodox Christian high school juniors and seniors Students 16 to 18 years old Summer 2020 Dates Session 1: June 13 - June 23, 2020 (Boston) Session 2: June 30 - July 10, 2020 (Boston) Session 3: July 20 - July 30, 2020 (Chicago) Application priority deadline is February 1, 2020 Website: https://www.crossroadinstitute.org/apply Around the World 15 Patriarch to Host Forum on Modern Slavery His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew announced his plans to convene a 4th international Forum on Modern Slavery. The fourth Forum will bring together scholars, artists and experts in material culture for an exploration of the various media through which modern enslavement is expressed, perpetuated, rejected and resolved. This Forum aims to raise Armenian Genocide Recognized by Senate awareness and generate innovative collaborations related to the Last month, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a capacity of the arts and material culture for ending modern resolution that recognizes as a genocide the mass killings of slavery and, thereby, protecting human dignity and fundamental Armenians a century ago. The move followed a resolution human rights. passed by the House of Representatives in October. The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s establishment of the Task The move was applauded by Armenian and Pontic Greek Force on Modern Slavery was launched with the first Forum, organizations, and condemned by Turkey. AHEPA appluaded “Sins Before our Eyes,” held in Istanbul, Turkey, in February the U.S. Senate’s passage of S. Resolution 150. Supreme 2017, which was a collaborative effort of Ecumenical Patriarch President Horiates said. “Today, the U.S. Senate joined the Bartholomew and His Grace Archbishop Justin (Welby) of U.S. House of Representatives to affirm a historic truth and a Canterbury. The second Forum, “Old Problems in the New commitment to human rights and ended the United States’ World,” was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in May 2018, and denial of the first genocide of the 20th century. We also convened experts addressing the realities of slavery in the appreciate the resolution’s recognition of a genocide against Americas. The third Forum, held in Istanbul in January 2019, Greeks by citing the United States’ history of providing relief concentrated on capacity building, programmatic cooperation to ‘the survivors of the campaign of genocide against and religious literacy improvements by which the Ecumenical Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Patriarchate’s global ministries can help to eliminate the Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians.’ complex, intersectional causes, contours and consequences of “This is a tribute to the memory of 1.5 million victims of the modern slavery. The fourth Forum will be held on the island of first #Genocide of the 20th century and bold step in Kalymnos, Greece, in May 2020. promotion of the prevention agenda. #NeverAgain,” The UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan tweeted in that 40.3 million people in 2019 were living in some form of English. modern slavery; women and girls comprising 71% of all modern The resolution asserts that it is U.S. policy to commemorate slavery victims. A person in considered enslaved if they are as genocide the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by the forced to work against their will, are owned by an Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923. The Ottoman Empire exploiter/”employer”, have limited freedom of movement or are was centered in present-day Turkey, which claims that the dehumanized, or bought and sold as property. About 24.9 million Armenians were merely killed during World War I. are in forced labor, working under threat or intimidation. An The U.S. Congress has also moved to punish Turkey over additional 15.4 million people are estimated to be living in forced its Oct. 9 incursion into Syria. (source: Reuters; ahepa.org ) marriages. (source: patriarchate.org )
Orthodox Christian Fellowship 2020 REAL Break trips: March 2-7, 2020 : Houston (Partnership with IOCC) The Greek March 6-14, 2020: Romania Orthodox Archdiocese March 6-14, 2020: Thessaloniki summer camp in Greece March 13-21, 2020: Jerusalem March 16-21, 2020: Project Mexico IVNext (participants aged 19-24): June 1-12 March 20-29, 2020: Albania (Partnership with OCMC) May 20-28, 2020 : Jerusalem (female only) SUMMER CAMP (campers currently in grades 9 - 12) May 26 – June 3, 2020 : Mount Athos (male only) Session One : June 20 - July 9 Session Two : July 19 – Aug. 7 Real Break aims to prepare college students to be socially informed Orthodox Christian citizens of the world by For cost and registration details, go to organizing spiritual and mission trips during college break. For more information, go to www.ocf.net/real-break/ www.ionianvillage.org 16 Some of us might feel that many of our Church’s saints lived so long ago, in situations we might not be able to relate to in our times. But as we learned from Elder Ephraim, ‘regular’ people who seek Christ’s path even in (or despite) the modern era, can become new role models for the faithful. In 2020, our Saints Series will focus on holy men and women canonized (proclaimed saints) by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the past thirty years. St. Nikephoros St. Platon Bishop of Tallinn and the Leper of the Presbyters Michael and Nicholas (Jan. 14) Chios (Jan. 4) Paul Kulbusch, the future Bishop Platon, was born in 1869 in He was born in 1890 Estonia, where his father was the cantor of their Orthodox in Serikari,, Crete, to parish. He studied at the seminary in Riga and then St. pious villagers both Petersburg, graduating in 1894. He was made Archpriest of of whom died when the Estonian enclave there. After the fall of the Tsarist he was a small child. government, Estonia was granted autonomy on April 12, 1917 and he was At age 13, he began consecrated Bishop of Estonia in Tallinn on Dec. 31. Two months later, as WWI working in a was still raging, German troops occupied Estonia. Although the Germans did barbershop in nearby not grant travel permits freely, Bishop Platon was able to visit 35 parishes by horse. The German occupation was especially heavy for the Orthodox, as the Chania, but by 16, he started showing signs of Bishop noted in a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury in London. Both Hansen’s disease (i.e. leprosy) and was Germany and Russia claimed Estonia as their own, so the Russians were also confined on the leper colony on the island of opposed to the Bishop’s jurisdiction of Estonia. Although Russian agents tried Spinalonga. He fled the terrible conditions of to renounce him, Patriarch Tikhon supported the Estonians. Spinalonga and found work in a barbershop in On the way to Riga in 1918, the Bishop fell ill with pneumonia and stayed in Alexandria, Egypt. But by 1914, when he was the town of Tartu (Dorpat.) On Dec. 21 st , the town fell to the atheistic 24 years old, signs of the disease became Communists, and all divine services were prohibited under threat of the death visible on his hands and he went to Chios, penalty. Under those circumstances, the Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic, and where there was a home for lepers run by Fr. Jewish clergy decided to proceed united. Anthimos Vagianos (later St. Anthimos of On Jan. 2, 1919, Bishop Platon was arrested with his proto-deacon Dorin. Chios.) The spiritual father soon tonsured During their 12 days of imprisonment, the Bishop comforted the other prisoners, Nicholas as the Monk Nikephoros. even while he was being tortured. On Jan. 14 th, as Estonian troops were battling The disease progressed (the cure was not the Communists, two Red Guards shot and executed Bishop Platon, Archpriests found until 1947) but Fr. Nikephoros lived Nikolai Beschanitzki and Michael Bleive, two Protestant pastors, and 14 other with genuine obedience, compiling a respected citizens of Tartu. After hard fighting, Estonian troops reached and catalogue of the miracles of St. Anthimos, liberated the town, but their joy soon turned to horror when they discovered the which he witnessed, including healing of the bodies of the Commissars’ victims. Bishop Platon’s body was identified by his demon-possessed. He was also head chanter panagia (emblem of his office) which was later worn by his successors, and at the church until he lost his eyesight. venerated as a relic by the Estonian Orthodox people. He was Canonized by the In 1957, the Lovokomeio of Chios was Patriarchate in 2000. closed, and the remaining patients sent to the Anti-Leper Station of St. Barbara at Aigaleo St. Makarios Kalogeras of Patmos (Jan. 19) in Athens. One former patient, Fr. Evemenios, He was born on Patmos in 1688 to a wealthy family, and later had been cured but decided to remain for the studied theology and philosophy at the Patriarchal School in rest of his life to lovingly minister to his Constantinople. He was ordained a deacon, and returned to fellow patients; he became the spiritual child Patmos in 1713, where he founded the Patmias School of Fr. Nikephoros. Although, by this time, Fr. (School in the Cave of the Apocalypse.) He placed great Nikephoros was confined to bed with wounds significance in teaching the oppressed Greeks living under the and pains, he had the grace of comforting the Turks. Lessons at his school were free and, at first, he taught troubled, telling grace-filled stories, and was all the students himself. Later, the first students became enjoyable and lovable company. His eyes teachers. Students came from the neighboring islands as well were irritated, he was partially paralyzed, yet as Peloponnesos, Athens, Bucharest, Asia Minor, and Russia. When the number his face, eaten by the signs of his sickness, of students increased to 100, more buildings were added with gifts from still shone with joy as he told people, “Let His Constantinople. Deacon Makarios, weakened by an infection, reposed on Jan. Holy Name by glorified.” 19, 1737, but his The Theological School of Patmos continued its work under At 74, on Jan. 4, 1964, he reposed in peace. his colleagues Gerasimos Byzantios and Daniel Karamares, both of whom also His holy relics were fragrant when they were became saints. Among its graduates was Emmanuel Xanthos, one of the later uncovered. Fr. Evmenios and other founders of the “Society of Friends” (Φιλική Εταιρία ) which worked toward pious people shared many occasions when liberating Greece. Today, the Patmos School is a preparatory school for young miracles occurred at the intercessions of Fr. men ages 12 through high school who are interested in becoming priests or Nikephoros , and he was canonized in 2012 . monastics. St. Makarios Kalogeras was Canonized in 1994. 17 18 Sponsors & Supporters To place your ad in this section, contact the office: 440-331-2246 ext. 2 or [email protected] YOUR AD HERE! Looking to advertise your business while supporting communications at St. Demetrios Church?
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