Apostolic Succession In Apostolic times, (the period of the Church that took place right after the Ascension/ Pentecost) we see a continuation of the Traditional and Liturgical life of the Church under the leadership and guidance of the Apostles. This continuation established an uninterrupted spiritual authority referred to as ‘Apostolic Succession,’ which means the Apostles initiated a Tradition that was meant to be carried out for generations. So what we have today, the way the Church operates and functions, how she carries out decisions, and most importantly her Liturgical and Sacramental life, are the result of Apostolic Succession. Through Apostolic Succes- the next generation, not just in nects the Sacrament of Ordina- sion, there is a bridge that con- Constantinople, but in all tion to today also applies to all nects us from the 1st century churches throughout the world of the Sacraments. For in- to today. One example of this is established by the Apostles, stance, we know in the New the Sacrament of Ordination. eventually leading to the mod- Testament, Christ establishes For instance, if a priest is or- ern day Church. In the exam- the Eucharist at the Mystical dained under the Patriarchate ple used before, from St. An- Supper. He handed this Tradi- of Constantinople, his ordina- tion to His Apostles in order to tion directly follows the line of be carried out through the gen- St. Andrew the Apostle. How Questioning our faith erations of the faithful to come, so? should never come as and to “do this in remem- After the event of Pentecost, an offense, but to be brance,” of Him. (Luke 22:19). each Apostle was called to a encouraged. It is how The Epistles of the New Testa- different ministry throughout ment by Sts. Paul, Peter, John the world. Amongst the twelve we are able to engage and James, and through the was also St. Andrew, who’s our spiritual life and accounts of Acts of the Apos- calling led him to preach the resolve our inquiries. tles, they show early practices Gospel in an area known as of the Divine Liturgy that take Byzantium (later to be named shape right after Pentecost. Constantinople and eventually drew the Apostle to our current The Apostles and the faithful modern day Istanbul). Upon Ecumenical Patriarch Barthol- celebrated constantly, if not his arrival to Byzantium, he omew numbers 328 bishops everyday. No level of persecu- began to establish a Church that have overseen the See of tion scared them into stopping thus converting many to Constantinople. All of the bish- the worship of the One, Triune Christ. In one of his first acts, ops, priests and deacons or- God. The Liturgy of the Apos- he ordained St. Stachys as its dained under Bartholomew tles, although did not look ex- first bishop, thus establishing each have their ordination line actly like what we experience this ordination line. traced all the way back to St. today, would not be foreign to All throughout the centuries, Andrew thus, Christ Himself. us if we were to be able to bishop after bishop ordained The same bridge that con- Continued on page 3...

••• 1 ••• HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH My Fellow Parishioners, especially our restaurants & ΙΕΡΟΣ ΝΑΟΣ ΑΓΙΑΣ ΤΡΙΑΔΟΣ Fall is now upon us with businesses. May God watch 937 Chase Parkway - Waterbury, CT 06708 its beautiful colors and the over everyone and get us to Phone: 203.754.5189 Fax: 203.759.5622 start of reopening many or- the other side (soon). www.holytrinitywaterbury.org ganizational meetings, Sun- We had some of our Sun- www.facebook.com/holytrinitywaterbury day School and Catechism day School children on Sep- email: [email protected] classes with Fr. Niko. tember 20th enjoy a chat Rev. Fr. Nikolaos Mataragas, Proistamenos Church has remained open with Fr. Niko & Presbytera 708.528.1188. - [email protected] while practicing all state Arete. It was casual and Rev. Deacon W. Demetri Belsito, Ph.D. safety regulations. We have fun. Thank you to those 203.232.0791- [email protected] had a negative status up who attended! Office Manager: Carrie Smernoff until now and pray this I’m honored to pass along Office Hours: Monday—Friday 9:00am—4:00pm continues. We need your happy news - Toni Coukis & Office is closed on Tuesdays assistance going for- Ramona Lainas both cele- PARISH COUNCIL—Mrs. Margo Ricciardi, Presi- ward...masks are to be worn brated their 90th birthdays dent, Mr. Anthony Rinaldi, Vice Pres., Mr. Nico Ver- and social distancing prac- recently; Stella Condaris’ veris, Secretary, Mrs. Elaine Dibble, Treasurer, Mr. ticed anywhere on church 90th is in September and John Gagas, Asst. Treasurer, Mr. William Broad- property. This includes coming up our own Kathy bridge, Mr. Richard Pecka, Mr. Brian Peterson, Mrs. Church as we know, but al- Harlmaon will be 100 in Oc- Cassie Skabardonis, Atty. George Tzepos, Mr. Alex so meetings, classes, etc. tober! Feel free to call and Velezis, Mr. Paul Velezis We can only control our ac- congratulate them! MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL—Mrs. Janet Gagas tions here - not in your per- Philoptochos will be hav- ALTAR BOYS—Mr. Nico Ververis, sonal life. Thank you in ad- ing a Greek Pastry Grab & Dr. Eugene Constantinou vance for assisting to keep Go Sale on Saturday, No- CHANTER— everyone as safe as possi- vember 21st - the Saturday CHOIR—Mrs. Athena Barchini ble. before Thanksgiving! Save YOUTH CHOIR—Mrs. Janet Gagas Our next GYRO Day is the date on your calendar - PHILOPTOCHOS—Mrs. Barbara Tzepos Saturday, October 3rd from more info will be forthcom- LEVENTIA— 11am-7pm. We start the ing. MOMMY & ME— day earlier to prepare and This is still a very tense ATHLETICS - Mr. Alex Boutsioulis, Athletic Direc- stay after to clean up. and frightening time, 7 tor - 203.271.2929 Please call Barbara Sorosiak months later for all of us. BASKETBALL PROGRAM - Farm, Youth & JV Di- at 203.232.6353 or Carrie Please, if you know anyone visions: Coaches Tom Morikis & George N. Tzepos; at 203.754.5189 to relay who needs assistance in Varsity Division: Coaches Jim Koulouris & Tom any hours you may have to any way, contact me Morikis; Senior Division: Coach Jay Harlamon (Team give that Friday or Satur- through my cell or email. A); Coach George Stambouloglou (Team B) day. We need lots of hands May you all stay healthy & GIRLS VOLLEYBALL (8-18yrs) - Coaches Mr. Mi- and it’s not for 4 days! If safe. chael Rickenbach, Mr. Mark Dibble you’re unable to work and HOPE & JOY (5-11) - Mrs. Sofia Swaby & wish to offer a monetary do- “Watch, stand fast in the Mrs. Claire Tsetsos nation to cover the cost of a faith, be brave, be strong. GOYA (12-18) - Miss Roula Tzepos food product, that would Let all that you do be done GREEK DANCE - Mrs. Cassie Skabardonis also be greatly appreciated. with love.” 1 Corinthians GREEK SCHOOL - Mr. Pantelis Tinios, Principal - Pass the information 16:13-14 860.274.1704 through email, Facebook, ORGANIZATIONS word of mouth, or any other Sincerely, AHEPA - Mr. Paul Velezis form of communication. Margo (Mary) Ricciardi Daughters of Penelope - Mrs. Gina Kotsaftis Thank you to all of you Paideia - Mr. Pantelis Tinios who have lit candles every Eptahorian Society - Mr. John week and continue to give CONTACT: Gakidis your envelopes. As we all Margo Ricciardi Sons of Pericles - Mr. Nico Ververis know personally, Covid has Parish Council President Pan-Macedonian Society - Mrs. not been kind to anyone, [email protected] or Nicki Gagas ••• 2 ••• 203.206.1746

Continued from page 1… hand?” “Why do we have Icono- gy, Apostolic Succession, the observe how 1st century Chris- graphy?” “Where do the vest- Holy Scriptures, Councils, writ- tians worshipped. As we ments of the priest come ings of the Fathers, and the learned in our previous issue of from?” or, “Where does every- Sacraments. Each of these The Spirit, the outline of the thing that we do come from?” were cared for through each Liturgy was the same, but de- Questioning our faith should generation so delicately and veloped through time with the never come as an offense, but with entire lives, so that we can Grace of the Holy Spirit. to be encouraged. It is how we behold it in our lives today. We are able to engage our spiritual were entrusted with a living ✵ ✵ ✵ life and resolve our inquiries. and breathing Church, and the Although our questions may responsibility is ours to partici- The persecution of Chris- not get answered, or we may pate in this life. Because we tians in the first three centu- not hear an answer that we know that the truth neither ries were some of the darkest changes with time nor grows moments that the Church en- We were entrusted old. dured. At the same time, they Divine Traditions, just like are also the brightest mo- with a living and then, preserve our lives today ments, for it led to the growth breathing Church, like fresh fruit, it does not de- of the faith, the spreading of and the cay them. The Orthodox the Gospel, and the careful and Church is also not a science or honest care of her Traditions. like, we do always remember art that can constantly be In this era, we see a further de- that the Traditions of the Or- modified with human rationale. velopment of Liturgical and Ec- thodox Church develop as the Our Church originates from clesiastical Tradition take fold. work of God, Who is both in- God, so we can't begin to com- The Sacred Tradition through corruptible and never- prehend it. He moves and di- the Apostles is a Divine revela- changing. Thus it makes us rects her spiritual life. Thus I tion originating from God, Who participants in a life that is in- pray that Christ our God con- moves and directs the spiritual corruptible. What we have to- tinues to guide us, that His All- life of the Church. day, given to us through gener- Holy Mother protects us al- Sometimes the spiritual life ations of Fathers, was not just ways, and that our faithful of the Church does not make some loosely handled object community of Holy Trinity, Wa- sense to us or we might say that was sort of important. No. terbury continues to, “Stand that certain things are not rele- It was the lifeline of the fast and hold the traditions vant in the modern Church. Church, and she continues to which you were taught, wheth- There are even times when we be so today. er by word or our letter.” (2 have questions about certain Our bridge to that distant Thess. 2:15). Amen. things we do in the Church; past appears in the form of “Why do we kiss the priest's many things; the Divine Litur-

Fr. Niko was recently honored following Divine Liturgy as a celebration of his 1-year anniversary at Holy Trinity. We are blessed & thankful to have Fr. Niko, Presvytera Arete & Stefano as part of our family!

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to help with the baking and working the day of the sale. So please, please, please consider vol- unteering. Your talents are welcome! Feel free to contact me..…We would LOVE the help….We NEED the help! My Dearest Ladies Philoptochos Society and Just a reminder too…"Friday’s Food" is in Holy Trinity Family ~ need of food! We are looking for non-perishable Hello all! Hope this letter finds you all safe items. ….pasta, sauce, peanut butter, jelly, and well for the month of September! It really canned items, etc. We are depleted and really is hard to believe September is here…halfway need to fill those shelves. So please consider through the month actually! making a donation so we can help those in We had our first LPS meeting this past Sun- need. Any questions feel free to contact Cassan- day. It was absolutely wonderful to see all the dra Rinaldi. beautiful ladies that came. It has been since Our next meeting will be Sunday, October February that we last met in person, (believe it 4th. It’s a very important meeting as we will be or not) so we had many things to discuss and discussing our “Let There Be Dessert” Greek catch up with each other too….social distanc- Pastry Sale along with many other important ing of course with masks! items! New faces are always welcome with open Sadly, due to the pandemic, we will not be arms! having our traditional Mini Food Festival this And leaving you with this final thought…Act fall. However, I am so happy to announce our as if what you do makes a difference….It does!!! first “Let There Be Dessert”! YES!!!! We are God Bless You all! Stay safe and stay having a drive through/takeout “preorder only strong! online” Greek Pastry Sale on Saturday, Novem- Yours in Philanthropic Love and Friendship ~ ber 21st! Save this date and don’t miss out on your favorite pastries, Tsoureki (Sweet Holiday Barbara Tzepos Bread), pepper jelly and holiday face masks President too! Look for the flyer in this edition of The Spirit with all the details. We are truly hoping CONTACT: this will be a success as it may be our only Barbara Tzepos, President fundraiser for this year for the LPS. We are Ladies Philoptochos Society looking for food donations as well as monetary [email protected] donations. We are also looking for volunteers

Attention: We have formed a visiting-communication committee with and for all parishioners. Our goal is to visit (currently we are just calling) 2 times per month or call and check in on anyone who wishes company or calls. We have formed a list of people who are unable to leave their home - convalescing or in rehab, or would just enjoy company for an hour.

If you know anyone who would enjoy this or if you would like to join our committee, please contact Jen DeMatteis at 860.982.1111 or Margo Ricciardi at 203.206.1746.

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Welcome to the Sunday School Year! Classes have begun! Please be respectful of others, your classmates, and your teacher in wearing your mask, maintaining your distance for safety and minding your individual packages with Sunday School material. new the Baptism vows with their Godparents. Each child has their own Sunday School When the children are dismissed for classes, we packet with the necessary items needed to par- respectfully ask that the Godparents remain in ticipate in class. Thank you to our anonymous church this year so that social distancing can donor, your generosity is greatly appreciated! be practiced within the classrooms. We thank We hope that everyone enjoyed Fr. Niko’s “Lawn everyone for celebrating the day with your Chat”. It was a fabulous day to learn more Nouno and Nouna! It truly is a special day. about Fr. Niko and learn about his attire and October 25th we will begin our Sunday its meaning to him. School Thanksgiving Day food drive. WE ask Many thanks to Felice Wilson and Peter everyone to help in making a donation this year Broadbridge for your service as teachers. We to make the holidays a little brighter for every- thank you for your service and teaching our one. youth about their faith. Wishing all who celebrate their Birthday in KOINS for KIDS……….in keeping with our October a very happy day! And to those cele- theme of Kindness…..this year before the kids brating a Name Day, Xronia Polla! head to their classes we will have a coin collec- tion with the proceeds going to the Shelter to If you have any questions please let me help those kids in need. If you have any extra know! coins and would like to add to the children’s collection, please feel free to add to the KOINS In friendship and for KIDS. Thank you! Smiles, CONTACT: Godparent Sunday will be October 11th. We Janet Janet Gagas, Director will have everyone remain in the church to re- [email protected]

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Congratulations to our new email Carrie at: of- months) and to make your res- GOYA Officers! President: [email protected]. ervation as early as possible. Roula Tzepos; Vice President: Hall Rentals: Thankfully, Yianni Constantinou; Secretar- our banquet hall is rented of- ies: Charles Rickenbach & Anto- ten and brings in much-needed nia Tzepos; Treasurer: Anasta- income for our church. For pa- sia Skabardonis rishioners interested in renting We love hearing your fami- the hall, our coffee hour room, ly news! If you have any fam- or gym for your own event, ily news that you would like to please keep in mind we book add to this section, please far in advance (at least 6

Thank you to James & Michelle Tzepos for hosting us!

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Please see this picture for a great example of how to fill up a ‘Friday’s Food’ bag. Friday’s Food is an outreach program sponsored by the Ladies Philoptochos Society. It is associated with the Department of Children and Families and helps provide emergency weekend food for families without any.

If you have any questions, please see Janet Gagas or Cassandra Rinaldi.

Thank you!

The Lacman, Litke, Swaby and Ric- ciardi families will be participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Stella recently Cancer car parade on October 4th at celebrated her 9am at 111 Founders Plaza in East 90th birthday Hartford (formerly a "walk" but now a (and her name parade due to Covid-19). day) on Septem- ber 14th. For anyone interested in joining their team, or to make a donation to Xρόνια πολλά! the team, please visit http:// main.acsevents.org/goto/lacman

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At this time we would like to thank the following individuals who have made contributions in Lov- Contributions are current as of September 22, ing Memory of: 2020. Any contributions received after that date will be listed in the November Spirit. from Mrs. Poullia Velezis (the mother of Effie Saltourides): from Mrs. Poullia Velezis from his wife - Mrs. Elpiniki Gagas (the mother of Argyro Tsa- Shirley Mihalakos - September 5, 2020 prazis): from Mrs. Demetra Tzepos, Paraskevi Montzolis - September 17, 2020

Mrs. Efrosini Nikas from Mrs. Efrosini Nikas Αιωνία η Μνήμη αυτών, May their memories be from Mrs. Poullia Velezis eternal! from Mrs. Efrosini Ni- kas from his wife - Mrs. Poullia Velezis Maria Albini to Matthew Costa Sponsors: Raymond C. Albini & Julia Albini September 19, 2020 from Costas & Olga Galanis

 Masks are required and social distancing rules will apply.

AGENDA FOR THE PARISH ASSEMBLY HMERHSIA DIATAXIS 1. OPENING PRAYER 1. Εναρκτηριος προσευχη 2. ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON 2. Εκλογη Τσχαρπερσον 3. PRESENTATION OF 2021 BUDGET 3. Προυπολισμος δια το ετος 2021 4. SELECTION OF ELECTION COMMITTEE 4. Εκλογη της επιτροπης τις εκλογες (Setting of date for Parish Council Elections) 5. SELECTION OF BOARD OF AUDITORS 5. Εκλογη της Εξελεγκτικης επιτροπης 6. CLOSING PRAYER 6. Απολυσις

Sincerely, Nico Ververis, Parish Council Secretary

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Daughters of Penelope Deucalion Chapter 199 937 Chase Parkway ~ Waterbury, CT 06708

Calendar of Events & Meetings 2020-2021

Note: All meetings and events subject to change based on the State of Connecticut Guidelines for COVID-19. Notification of changes will be sent via email.

Sunday, October 18th, Breast Cancer/ Domestic Violence Awareness Ribbon Distribution; Regular Meeting Zoom 7pm

Sunday, November 15th, Founders Day Coffee Hour (TBD)

Thursday, November 19th, 6:45pm Regular Meeting; Scholarship Awards Discussion; Initiation

Sunday, December 13th, Christmas Bake Sale (TBD)

December, Christmas Party with AHEPA, DOP & LPS (TBD)

Sunday, January 12th, Regular Meeting during Coffee Hour or Zoom 7pm

Thursday, February 18th, 6:45pm Regular meeting

Thursday, March 18th, 6:45pm District Governor Visitation Meeting; Potluck Dinner

Sunday, April 18th, Regular Meeting during Coffee Hour, Officer Elections

Sunday, May 23rd, End of Year Outing (TBD)

May, District 7 AHEPA & DOP Convention (Event/Dates TBD)

Sunday, June 7th AHEPA & DOP Scholarship luncheon after Liturgy

July, AHEPA Family National Convention in Greece (Event/Dates TBD)

Sunday, November 8th following Divine Liturgy…. No experience necessary! Just bring yourself & your hands ready to roll some cookies!

We’ll be rolling cookies in the Banquet Hall so we can appropriately socially distance while making them!

Please see Anthony or Cassandra Rinaldi for more info...

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“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” -James 5:14—If you or your loved one is sick, in the hospital, or need a priest, please contact Fr. Ni- kolaos. Our church is here for you 24/7.

Did you know that you can re- ceive your copy of The Spirit and other church related news in your inbox? No more waiting for snail mail. To join our church listserv, please contact Carrie in the church office at 203.754.5189 or email at [email protected]. You can also sign up on our church’s website www.holytrinitywaterbury.org.

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Contributors to our 2020 Stewardship Program. (List current as of September 16, 2020. If you contributed and your name does not appear here, please call Carrie at the office - (203) 754- 5189. * Indicates Direct Debit Stewardship Participant

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Our next regular dinner meeting will be Monday, October 26th, 7:00pm in the Coffee Room.

There’s plenty of space to socially distance. $20 per person, please RSVP to Carrie in the office.

Ideas for future fundraising will be among the items discussed to help fund our scholarships for next year. Please plan on attending!

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••• 15 ••• NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. Postage Paid Waterbury, CT 06701 Permit No. 9

(Sept 27) (Sept 28) (Sept 29) (Sept 30) 1 Romanos the 2 3 1st Sunday of Luke Paraklesis to the Melodist Orthros, Greek Food To-Go Orthros & Divine Theotokos 6:00pm Divine Liturgy & Fundraiser 11am- Liturgy 8:30am; Sun Small Agiasmo 7pm; School Reg & Classes 8:30am; Vespers Great Vespers 6:00pm Begin 6:00pm followed by Catechism Class

4 2nd Sunday of 5 6 The Holy & 7 8 9 James the 10 Luke - Orthros & Glorious Apostle Paraklesis to the Apostle, son of Great Vespers 2:00pm; Divine Liturgy Thomas - Orthros Theotokos 6:00pm Alphaeus Divine Liturgy at Three 8:30am; Sunday & Divine Liturgy Orthros & Divine Hierarchs Chapel at School; LPS Meeting 8:30am Liturgy 8:30am UConn 5:00pm

11 Sunday of the 12 GOYA Hike - 13 14 15 16 17 7th Ecumenical Depart Church Paraklesis to the Longinus the Council; Godparent/ 9:30am; Parish Theotokos 6:00pm Centurion Godchild Sunday; Council Meeting Orthros & Divine Orthros & Divine Litur- 7:00pm Liturgy 8:30am gy 8:30am ——————————————–————————Office Closed————————–——————————–———— 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Luke the Evange- Sacrament of GOYA Meeting James the Apos- Divine Liturgy at Three list - Orthros & Di- Holy Unction 6:30pm tle, brother of Hierarchs Chapel at vine Liturgy 8:30am; 6:00pm our Lord UConn 5:00pm Sunday School; DOP Orthros & Divine Meeting Liturgy 8:30am

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 6th Sunday of AHEPA Dinner Luke Meeting 7:00pm Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:30am; Sunday School The most up-to-date calendar can be found at: www.holytrinitywaterbury.org/calendar