The Edict The Edict of Milan was signed by St. Constantine in 313 AD as the first act of religious freedom

SS Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Vol.6 Issue 3 64 Schermerhorn St. Brooklyn, NY 11201 Office: 718-624-0595 Fax: 718-624-2228 Website:stconstantinecathedral.org

The god of Google Table of Contents “I pray that you may have the St. Paul in his letter to the Ro- the things God decides or un- President’s Message—2 power to comprehend, with all mans, describes a not so good derstand his ways. RM 11:33 the saints, what s the breadth scenario when people lost a The need, the desire, the rea- A. Fantis School—3-5 and length and height and true knowledge of God. son to stay connected to God is depth, and to know the love of “People did not think it was even greater today than at any Goya—6-7 Christ that surpasses important to have a true other time in the history of the 100th Anniversary Gala—8-9 knowledge...” Eph. 3:18-19 knowledge of God. So God world. In an age where the left them and allowed them to How does one google God? Holy Week—10 knowledge of subject matter have their own worthless think- How does a person stay con- becomes easily accessible by ing and to do things they nected to God’s web? Here Greek Festival-11 simply completing an engine should not do.” RM1:28 are some methods of main-

Snap Shots- 12 search on google or any other There is no doubt that tech- taining a connection with God. browser, does the knowledge nology is here to stay. The The Holy Communion one re- Lives of the Saints-13 of God matter anymore? wisdom of God is so infinite ceives during the Divine Litur- This brief article will focus on that through science and all gy, by God’s grace, allows a Sacraments— 14 the value of pursuing disciplines the person has the faithful person to stay connect- knowledge in God. It will sug- great potential of the next gen- ed (in communion) with God. Advertisements—15 gest mechanisms that a Chris- eration of inventions and dis- Reading the Bible, and yes, one

Cathedral Leadership-16 tian may you use to come to a coveries. may do it online,lol, keeps the greater knowledge of faith. This bring the article to it’s information and knowledge of Sometimes, I will play second point. In today’s mod- God coming forth at all times.

“Words with friends” on line. ern world, Why does one stay Bowing down on one’s knees It is an electronic version of the connected to God? How does and humbly praying is a great game Scrabble. When I am a person do a search engine of search engine for God’s will in stuck on a word (and yes this God’s will? a Christian’s life. A spiritual is a confession), I will pause When a person is searching guide in one’s life may surely the game and google on line for God’s will in their life will make up for anything that Siri words such as a five letter the great web be the source of might say. word that begins with the let- discernment and divine inspira- The church is not interested ter K. tion. When a person is in negating technology. Allow With answers to many ques- searching for forgiveness can history to be a great teacher tions made readily available at safari or firefox be the divine and do not, however, replace the push of a button, is God power that restores a person’s God with technology. Just for a becoming extinct? soul to health. St. Paul, speak- point of information, this news- ing on the knowledge of God letter will be available on the says the following: Yes, God’s church’s website and someone riches are very great, and his may google it from anywhere wisdom and knowledge have around the world, lol! no end! No one can explain Fr. John K. Lardas P A G E 2 The President’s Message

Dear fellow Parishioners, and the White House. They Switching to news at A. Fan- I hope this message also went to St. Sophia’s dur- tis, we had another success- finds you well. Since my last ing their annual festival. Our ful school year. At this point, update there are many new GOYAns, in addition to eat- it is time to discuss the fu- and exciting developments in ing well, beautifully danced ture. In order to strive for our community and it is my to a live Greek band. High- academic excellence, we pleasure to share them with lighting the trip was the must continue adhering to you. priest mentioning their high standards and plan ―guests hailing all the way ahead. With this in mind, I First, I need to men- from BKLYN…..NAK‖ dur- am happy to announce Maria tion that this is the greatest ing Sunday services! Perdik-Zolotas as the new, community one can ever be next-generation Principal of a part of. It continually amaz- During the Archdio- Dean Paravalos ceses’ Olympics, also in late our beloved school. President of the Board es me that together, we ac- of Trustees complish so much. As we all May, all of our children per- This appointment is know, on any given weekend formed extremely well. We the culmination of the work there are many events lined received gold, silver, and of a committee formed in up at the same time and yet bronze metals once again search of a replacement for I am the vine; you this small community, filled putting us at the top. Our the evident day of Dr. with the greatest people on children showed a great love Farkouh’s retirement after are the branches. earth, always find a way to for the games and played many years of dedicated ser- Whoever abides in make each one successful. with heart. True Champions! vice. Dr. Farkouh will contin- ue in her role as our School me and I in him, he Recently, we had our eighth Over the first week grade graduation while the of June, we held our annual principal until the end of De- it is that bears children from our school festival. I am pleased to an- cember at which point Mrs. Perdik-Zolotas will begin her much fruit, for sang the National Anthem at nounce that we broke all Citi field. Both were a previous records grossing tenure as the children return apart from me you smashing successes. There just over $136,000. BRAVO from the holiday break. can do nothing. are many more examples to all our volunteers and our I wish you all a such as this. My point is that festival committee for all the healthy and happy summer. —John 5:15 by working together, hard work and dedication. It May God bless and keep you through commitment and was really special to have safe. dedication, our community support from our GOYA, reaps the rewards. Philoptochos, past graduates, Dean Paravalos In other news, in late the PTO, and many others President, Board of Trustee’s May our GOYAns went on a who stepped up to the plate weekend getaway to Wash- to ensure the success of this ington DC. They visited sev- event. Again I can only ex- eral monuments, museums press a heartfelt thank you.

T H E E D I C T VOLUME V ISSUE 11I P A G E 3 A. Fantis Parochial School On Saturday, March 1st, 2014, A.Fantis participated in the Annual Science Olympiad, a state-wide competition where schools compete in different scientific events. This year’s Olympiad was held at Grover Cleveland High School. Our stu- dents worked very hard, preparing for the different events they participated in. The re- sults of the competition were as follows: Petros Gementzopoulos and Mark Mollo received the 1st place in the Wheeled Vehicle Event and 5th place in the Boomelev- er Event. Theodora Athanitis and Victoria Mol- lo received 3rd place in the Helicopter Event and 5th place in the Crime Buster Event.The following nine students participated in the competition: Lucas Christie, Andreas Tsiar- as, Peter Steinmann, Eva Fexy, Paulina Noufrios, Madison Atherton-Graham, Angel- ique Paravalos, Christian Arbeeny, and Irene Chrysostomou. Overall, the students per- formed with a great deal of effort. We are all proud of them. Middle School Science teacher, Ms. Nertilja Canka is an outstanding teacher and has inspired our students. Mr. Tasos Gementzopoulos and Mrs. Kathy Noufrios assisted in the Science Olympiad along with other Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral community members. Special support and assistance were provided by Mr. Iraklis Argyriou, Mr. Christopher Argyriou, and Mr. Tasos Gementzopoulos. The A Fantis Parochial School of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral Graduation Class of 2014

Olivia Battista Christopher Birney Lucas Christie LaGuardia Hisgh School-Dance Poly Prep Country Day Brooklyn Technical High School School

Eva Fexy Jasper Johnson Kiara Joyce The Berkeley Carroll School HS of American Studies at LaGuardia High School– Hannah Kavanagh Victoria Mollo Paulina Noufrios LaGuardia High School— St. Joseph Hill Academy St. Joseph Hill Academy Drama

Agnes Palacios Sofija Radulovic Peter Steinmann Frank Sinatra School of the Bronx High School of Science Fort Hamilton Honors Arts– Fine Arts Academy

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

Andreas Tsiaras Evangelos Vasilakos The Packer Collegiate Fort Hamilton Honors Institute Academy

Winter Weekend

G.O.Y.A of our Cathedral

180 Goyans of St. Nicholas Babylon, St. Markella, Wantagh; St. Paraskeve, Green- lawn; St. Paul, Hempstead, Archangel Mi- chael, Port Washington; St. Nicholas, Flushing; St. Demetrios, Astoria; Sts. Con- stantine and Helen, Brooklyn, Kimisis, Brooklyn and Holy Cross Brooklyn had a great experience at the Split Rock Resort, at the Jack Frost skiing and at the Holy Protection Monastery on Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend.

Goya Trip to Washington D.C. 100th Anniversary Gala Stage 6 at Steiner Studios November 9, 2013 Yannis Papastefanou and Orchestra Stelios Dionysiou and Kalomira

Under the then presidency of the Board of Trustees, Elias Seremetis, and with the dy- namic chairmanship of Peter Vlitas and Jim Tampakis, the 100th Anniversary Gala of the Cathedral of SS Constantine and Helen was a tremendous success. Over 600 guests attended a truly memora- ble night. Alumni of the A Fantis School had the opportunity to enjoy the company of their classmates. May our great God, Jesus Christ, to the glo- ry of His Father and by the power of the Ho- ly Spirit, lay His benevolent hand upon the Cathedral, to guide and energize the Greek community into the next centennial.

Snapshots 1) Vasilopita Luncheon honoring His Grace Bishop Philothe- os for over 60 years of ministry to the church 2) Philoptochos Combined Luncheon raising money for shel- ters in Greece 3) Greek Letters Celebration 4) Visit by famous Greek singer, Anna Vissi 5) A Fantis School performing the National Anthem at Citifield for Greek Heritage Day Η Μεταμόρφωσης του Σωτήρος -Αγίου Λουκά Αρχιεπισκόπου Κριμαίας Η μεγάλη γιορτή της Μεταμορφώσεως του Κυρίου μας δίνει την αφορμή να θυμηθούμε τα λόγια του Κυ ­ρίου μας Ιησού Χριστού:«Ου πιστεύεις ότι εγώ εν τω πατρί και ο πατήρ εν εμοί εστι; τα ρήματα α εγώ λαλώ υμίν, απ' εμαυτού ου λα­λώ. ο δε πατήρ ο εν εμοί μένων αυτός ποιεί τα έργα. Πι­στεύετέ μοι ότι εγώ εν τω πατρί και ο πατήρ εν εμοί. ει δε μη, διά τα έργα αυτά πιστεύετέ μοι» (Ιωάν. 14, 10-11).Μεγάλα και αμέτρητα ήταν τα θαύματα του Κυρίου μας Ιησού Χριστού: με ένα μόνο λόγο του ανέστησε την κόρη του Ιαείρου, του αρχισυναγώγου, τον γιο της χήρας της Ναΐν, ακόμα και τον Λάζαρο, ο οποίος ήταν στον τάφο τέσσερεις ολόκληρες ημέρες. Με ένα λόγο του μόνο επιτίμησε τους ανέμους και τα κύματα της λίμνης Γεννησαρέτ και έγινε απόλυτη γαλήνη. Με πέντε ψωμιά και δύο ψάρια χόρτασε πέντε χιλιάδες ανθρώπους, χωρίς γυναίκες και παιδιά, και με τέσσερα ψωμιά τέσσερεις χιλιάδες.Ας θυμηθούμε πως κάθε μέρα θεράπευε τους ασθενείς, γιατρεύοντας κάθε είδους ασθένεια, έδιωχνε τα πονηρά πνεύματα από τους δαιμονιζομένους. Πως ξαναέδινε την όραση στους τυφλούς και την ακοή στους κουφούς με ένα μόνο άγγιγμά του. Δεν φτάνουν αυτά;Όλα αυτά όμως δεν ήταν αρκετά για τους ανθρώπους οι οποίοι τον ζήλευαν, για τους ανθρώπους για τους οποίους ο μέγας προφήτης Ησαΐας είπε:«Ακοή ακούσετε και ου συνήτε, και βλέποντες βλέψετε και ου μη ίδητε. επαχύνθη γαρ η καρδία του λαού τούτου, και τοις ωσί βαρέως ήκουσαν, και τους οφθαλμούς αυτών εκάμμυσαν, μήποτε ίδωσι τοις οφθαλμοίς και τοις ωσίν ακούσωσι και τη καρδία συνώσι και επιστρέψωσι, και ιάσομαι αυτούς» (Ματθ. 13, 14-15). Σε όλα αυτά, τα οποία όμως δεν ήταν αρκετά για τους βαρήκοους ανθρώπους και με τα συσκοτισμένα μάτια, πρόσθεσε ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός το μέγα θαύμα της Μεταμορφώσεώς Του στο όρος Θαβώρ. Σ' αυτόν, που έλαμψε με ένα εκθαμβωτικό θείο φως, εμφανίστηκαν οι προφήτες της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης, ο Μωυσής και ο Ηλίας και προσκύνησαν τον δημιουργό του νόμου. Με φόβο και τρόμο έβλεπαν το θαυμαστό αυτό θέαμα οι εκλεκτοί απόστολοι Πέτρος, Ιάκωβος και Ιωάννης. Και μετά από τη νεφέλη, που τους σκέπασε, ακούστηκε η φωνή του Θεού:«Ούτος εστιν ο Υιός μου ο αγαπητός, εν ω ευδόκησα. αυτού ακούετε» (Ματθ. 17, 5).Οι άγιοι απόστολοι κήρυξαν σ' όλο τον κόσμο, ότι ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός είναι «αληθώς, του Πατρός το απαύγασμα».Ο κόσμος ολόκληρος, όταν το άκουσε, θα έπρεπε να γονατίσει μπροστά στον Κύριο Ιησού Χριστό και να προσκυνήσει τον Αληθινό Υιό του Θεού.Θα έπρεπε η εμφάνιση στο Θαβώρ των δύο πιο μεγάλων προφητών της Παλαιάς Διαθήκης και η προσκύνηση του Κυρίου Ιησού Χριστού κατά την μεταμόρφωσή του, να κλείσει για πάντα τα βδελυρά χείλη των γραμματέων και των φαρισαίων, οι οποίοι μισούσαν τον Κύριο Ιησού και τον θεωρούσαν παραβάτη του νόμου του Μωυσή. Αλλά και μέχρι σήμερα δεν πιστεύουν οι Εβραίοι ότι Αυτός είναι ο Μεσσίας.Όχι μόνο οι Εβραίοι δεν τον πιστεύουν, αλλά και για πολλούς χριστιανούς όλο και περισσότερο θαμπώνει το θείο φως του Κυρίου μας Ιησού Χριστού. Ακόμα μικρότερο γίνεται το μικρό ποίμνιο του Χριστού για το οποίο το θείο φως του Χριστού λάμπει με την ίδια δύναμη με την οποίαν έλαμψε στους αποστόλους Πέτρο, Ιάκωβο και Ιωάννη τότε στο όρος Θαβώρ.Όμως να μην απελπιζόμαστε, επειδή ο Κύριός μας Ιησούς Χριστός είπε:«Μη φοβού το μικρόν ποίμνιον. ότι ευδόκησεν ο πατήρ υμών δούναι υμίν την βασιλείαν» (Λκ. 12, 32).Η απιστία μεταξύ των λαών έλαβε ανησυχητικές διαστάσεις και το φως του Χριστού επισκιάστηκε από το σκοτεινό νέφος της αθεΐας. Σήμερα πιο συχνά από ποτέ ενθυμούμαστε το φοβερό λόγο του Χριστού:«Πλην ο Υιός του ανθρώπου ελθών άρα ευρήσει την πίστιν επί της γης;» (Λκ. 18, 8). Να μην απελπιζόμαστε όμως, επειδή Εκείνος, λέγοντας για τα σημεία της δευτέρας παρουσίας του, είπε:«Αρχομένων δε τούτων γίνεσθαι ανακύψατε και επάρατε τας κεφάλας υμών, διότι εγγίζει η απολύτρωσις υ­μών» (Λκ. 21, 28). Να είναι, λοιπόν, η ζωή σας τέτοια ώστε την φοβερή ημέρα της Κρίσεως να μπορέσουμε να σηκώσουμε το κεφάλι μας και όχι να το σκύψουμε βαθειά απελπισμένοι. Αμήν. Απολυτίκιον. Μετεμορφώθης εν τω Όρει, Χριστέ ο Θεός, δείξας τοις Μαθηταίς σου την δόξαν σου, καθώς ηδύναντο. Λάμψον και ημίν τοις αμαρτωλοίς, το φως σου το αΐδιον, πρεσβείαις της Θεοτόκου. Φωτοδότα, δόξα σοι. SACRAMENTS

Baptisms 3 Emi Sofia, daughter of, and Cadmus, son of October 2013 Dimitrios & Misa Efstathiou 12 Renee Nicole, daughter of Steven & Nicole Mono Sponsor: Alexandra Electris pioudis, 4 Natalia, daughter of Shiu-Ming Chu & May- Sponsor: Aspasia Dourakis & John Wan Mui, Sponsor: Anna Chrysostomou Paviadakis 10 Alexia, daughter of Young Han Moon & 13 Steven Luis, son of Horacio & Catherine Mendez Hyun Sook Lee, Sponsor: Panayiotis Theo- Sponsor: Irene Maropakis & dorou John Paviadakis Eva, daughter of Seong Chan Hong & Jenna Isabella, daughter of Horacios & Catherine Jung Ae Ha, Sponsor: Angeliki Mendez Karmina Sponsor: Emmanuel and Anna Volikakis Eleni, daughter of Patrick Odunyemi Bamgboye 26 Lia Marie, daughter of Michael and Nicole Camel- & Subuola Omola Owodunni, liti Godparent: Demetrious Gardelis Sponsor: Deana Baglanzis 27 Elias Jake & Julina Sebastian, sons of Nicholas & Athanasios & Demetrios, sons of George & Julie Papadopoulos, Sponsors: Anna Papadopou- Athena Lampropoulos, los & Dimitrios Kourtoumpelides Sponsors: Athanasios & Katina Ziakos November 2013 11 Alexander, son of Peter & Lois Kanaris 17 Georgia, daughter of Zane Elizah and Dana Siom- Sponsor: Alexandros Sofianos kos, Godparents: Peter & Jennie Ballas 31 Artemis, daughter of Leonaide & Katena 23 Constantine, son of James and Lydia Madias, Scarano Sponsor: Sofia Panagopoulos Sponsor: Elena Alexandra Avradopoulos June 2014 December 2013 21 Stefanos, son of Richard & Maria Polo 7 Joanna Grace, daughter of Benjamin & Anastasia Sponsor: Alexandros & Konstantinos Kouros DeSeta, Sponsor: Anastasia Whalen 28 Dimitrios, son of Dennis & Meropi Zervos January 2014 Sponsor: Anastasios & Margarita Zovas 19 Anthony, son of Evangelos and Alma Perdikogian- Wedddings nis, Sponsor: Kleoneke Masouridis October 2013 February 2014 26 Demetre Louis Gardelis & Cynthia Calabretaa 16 Dimitrios Vasilios, son of Demostenis & Aphro- Sponsor: Christos Sofronis dite, Mouzakitis, Sponsor: Evangelia Davanos November 2013 22 Maxwell David, son of Mark and Meghan 16 Nicholas Neonakis & Christina Smoudianis Graham, Sponsor: Michelle Keane Sponsor: Andrew Pantzatos March 2014 June 2014 1 Cassia Dina, daughter of Spyros & Christy Edgos, 20 Anthony Paduano & Agatha Apostolakis Sponsor: Athena & Lou Langas Sponsor: Ioanna Devito Nicoletta, son of George & Garyfalia Smoudianos 29 John Wetteland & Jacquelyn Harris Sponsor: Steven Kakleas Sponsor: Jeannine Harris 22 Michael Paul, son of Anthony and Catherine Funerals DiRaimondo, Sponsor: Ethel Coffinas November 2013 December 2013 April 2014 13 +Helen Dukas 21 +Denis Mafredas 6 Ourania, daughter of Michael and Kathryn 29 +Michael Glezakos Furtado, Sponsors: Mary Vouzonis-Lauriello February 2014 March 2014 & Maola Karasoula 17 +Eugenia Zacharias 4 +Maria Duke May 2014 22 +Fotini Sennis 3 Antony, son of Emmanuel and Marie April 2014 Galanakis, Sponsor: Dimitri & Kelly Lilikakis 4 +John Katsos

Γιατί τιμάμε τους Αγίους;

Τιμάμε τους Αγίους όχι ως θρησκευτικούς ήρωες , γιατί αυτό θα ήταν ειδωλολατρία, αλλά ως ζωντανά παραδείγματα βιώσεως της εν Χριστώ ανακαίνισης του ανθρώπου, ως «φώτα θεουργικά», ως φίλους αληθινούς του Θεού, ως κοινωνούς των παθημάτων και της δόξας του Χριστού, αλλά και ως οδηγούς των πιστών «εις πάσαν την αλήθειαν εν Πνεύματι Αγίω ». His All Holiness Bartholomew His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Archbishop of Constantinople, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch America Rum Patrikhanesi 342 20 Fener-Halic 10 East 79th St Istanbul, Turkey New York, NY 10021 Tel. +011-90-212.531.9670, 531-9676 (212)570-3500

THE CATHEDRAL OF STS CONSTANTINE AND HELEN

Fr. John K. Lardas, Presiding Priest Board of Trustees Executive Board: Dean Paravalos – President; Panagiotis Papadopoulos – 1st. Vice-President; Andreas Chrysostomou – 2nd Vice– President; Dimitri Kostopoulos – 1st Treasurer; Constantine Vassilakos – 2nd Treasurer; Anthony Kammas – English Sec- retary; John Athanitis — Greek Secretary

Board Members Athanasia Apostolakos Irakis Argyriou Steve Bacas George Fanourakis Athanasios Kampessis Maria Kastanis Jerry Matiatos Harry Paloumbis Angelo Papadakos Chris Sofronis Ismene Speliotis Peter Stratigakis Jim Tampakis Alex Vanech Peter Vlitas Peter Yatrakis Board Committees Church Order: Steve Bacas Maintenance and Security: Peter Stratigakis Real Estate: Jim Tampakis Church Name Day: Dean Paravalos Technology: Deano Vassilakos Church Fund Raising & Finance: Dimitri Kostopoulos Youth: Taki Papadopoulos Church Journal: Hercules Argyriou Church Dance & Apokreatiko: Panagiotis Papadopoulos Mem- bership and Pledge: Deano Vassilakos Cultural and Religious Education: Ismene Speliotis Greek Festival: Maria Kastanis Insurance: Anthony Kammas Veterans & Seniors: Peter Stratigakis

Philoptochos Executive Board: Presidents – Marjorie Bacas; 1st Vice-President – Lucy Bounas;2nd Vice-President – Betty Xanthos; Treasur- er – Stelene Argyriou; Assistant Treasurer – Peggy Panagopoulous; Corresponding Secretary Evangelia Apostolakos; Recording Secretary – Katerina(Phyllis) James; Advisors – Georgeann Papadakos

Board Members Presbytera Eleni Lardas, Connie Lambros, Cleo Athanitis, Efrosini Ekonomakos, Pitsa Tampakis, Catherine Vasilakos, Pauline Apostolakis

A. Fantis Parochial School of SS. Constantine and Helen School Board Chairperson: Katherine Tsamatsiros Principal: Dr. Alice Farkouh School Board Committee: Vasilia Lambridis, Dean Paravalos, Anna Chrysostomou, Danielle Makris, Angela Papa- dopoulos, John Athanitis, Constantinos Vasillakos, Kathryn Yatrakis, Jim Tampakis, Hercules Argyriou, Lauren Cramer, Diedra Robokos Church Secretary: Effie Katsenis; Sunday School Director: Pauline Apostolakis; Acolytes: Nicholas Paros; Choir Di- rector: Maria Zollo; Chanter: Nicholas Paros; Kantelinautis: Panagiotis Masourides; Koliva: Evangelia Masourides; Prosforo: Efrosoni Economakos; News Letter: Fr. John Lardas & Nicholas Paros

Affiliates and Organizations of the Cathedral of SS. Constantine and Helen Goya Advisors: Harry Paloumbis & Ismene Speliotis; Joy: Angela Papadopoulos and Anna Chrysostomou Joy & Goya Soccer: John Athanitis,, Dean Paravalos. Dance Instructor: Michelle Tsigaridas Weller; OPA (Orthodox Paidea Association): Nicholas Paros