The Epistle of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church December 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 2018 Pastoral thoughts by Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou Tis the Season Even before we flip (or digitally swipe) the calendar page into December, we are filled with the smells of peppermint, the sights of trees adorned with lights, the sounds of festive music, and that feeling of joy that is seemingly all around. What seems novel after Thanksgiving, and even in the first week of December, can become monotonous with the over-indulging the sweets and smells and shopping. It’s so bad, that by the time we get to Christmas, many of us can be totally done and burnt out, and our culture agrees. The radio stations turn off the holiday music, the gift-return parade
Sunday School Christmas Pageant begins, and the joy that is so fresh right now seems gone. & Breakfast with St Nick …….. p. 8 The Church doesn’t get this way with the Nativity. It has an immunity to this loss because of the balance that it delivers for our
JOY Gingerbread Houses ……...p. 8 life, not just at the holiday season, but always. The Church’s balance can be seen outwardly in the Church’s diet during this season, as we have a history of fasting in preparation for its biggest
GOYA caroling ……………………p.8 feasts, including the Nativity. According to the calendar, the fast began on November 15 th and then it gets stricter after the 12 th of
Greek School Christmas Program …..p. 9 December, going all the way through December 24 th . The fasting period allows us to not worry about over-indulging, and simply
Christmas Eve - Monday, Dec. 24 anticipate the coming feast. We can be left with a much defined sense of celebration on December 25 th , because we waited to actually celebrate.
Christmas Day – Tuesday, Dec. 25 The balance is not just about that diet, though. The diet reflects the feelings, emotions, and realities of the season. Just as we are
Christmas Cookie Exchange …….p. 4 clearing room in our diet from meat and dairy, we make room in our heart for the Lord to come and dwell with us. Matthew the
St. Basil Feastday– Tuesday, Jan. 1 st Evangelist quotes Isaiah and writes: “‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” And God is indeed with us, and
Eve of Epiphany – Saturday, Jan. 5 not just besides us or around us, but truly with us. Not only is He with us, but He lifts us up. Quoting and commenting
Epiphany Cross Dive Pool Party …p. 9 on St. Athanasios the Great: “For the Son of God became man,” stooping down to our very level, and simply and humbly in a cave
Theophania- Sunday, Jan. 6 and in a manger, “so that man” who is simple and humble in existence, and is broken and sinful, “might become God.” Take time this season to know that that the Son of God became man and
Vasilopita Brunch ………….…..p. 5 continues to be man, and to contemplate how can we live up to the heights and holiness to which our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Yassou New Year Lunch ……p. 5 calls us. Join us on Sundays this month, commune regularly in preparation, join us for Vesperal Divine Liturgy on Christmas Eve, and ultimately to the major celebration that is the Divine Liturgy for the Nativity on Christmas Day as we make the progression from preparation to full celebration. See you soon. The Epistle is the official publication of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios

Phone: (440) 331-2246 Church Organizations’ Contacts Fax: (440) 331-8407 Acolyte Coordinator …………..…Tom Hlepas…216-269-3265 www.saintdemetriosrr.org AHEPA …………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079 Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. American Legion …………Spyro Farmakidis…440-779-8190 Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks Bible Study :……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003 Publication Deadlines : Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday Bookstore ……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547 Monthly Epistle – The 15 th of the preceding month Choir Director/Canto r…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230 Clergy and Office Staff Youth Choir …….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068 Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257 Daughters of Penelope …..………Elisa Demis…440-665-1348 Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou, Assistant Priest……..412-758-1068 FOCUS Friends …………..……Linda Glynias…216-469-2663 [email protected] Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131 Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr [email protected] Board of Education Maria Mougianis…….440-835-2888 Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected] GOYA Advisor, Athena Diamantis……………216-469-8607 John Stamatiades, Church Accountant…440-331-2246, ext. 4 Student Presidents: Manny Katrakazos & Angelia Poulopoulos Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected] Hellenic Dance Groups For a seasonal prayer, call the church and choose extension 7 Aeraki……………………………… Lia Fresty…330-715-1704 Kymata ….……………....Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807 Parish Council Kyklonas ………………. Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131 Lilly Anitas, President…….……………………..440-734-3440 JOY ……………………………………………. Advisor needed Harry Giallourakis, Vice President...………..…..216-695-1119 Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray) Kostas Mathiellis, Treasurer…...…..…….……...440-572-1799 Ann & Christina Carpadis…216-215-4232 Steve Alex, Financial Secretary…..………..……440-823-9595 Becky Giallourakis…440-610-3516 Dimitrios Tsatiris, Secretary……………………..216-310-5233 Library Committee ….………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581 Ellie Chrisman…………………………………...440-835-8430 Philoptochos ……………………[email protected] Anna Kachevas……………………………….….563-542-4692 President …………..…Maggie Steffas …440-871-6362 Andreas Koustis……………………………..….216-513-8905 Sunshine Committee ….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959 Evanthia Pallam………………………………….216-402-7646 Sunday School ….…………... [email protected] Tom Theodore. ………………………………….440-331-1927 Christina Carpadis Schraff……………………216-215-4232 Anthony Trakas………………………………....440-385-7741 Spiritual Life Committee ...Angie Giallourakis…216-387-2681 Floyd Trillis, Jr……………………………....…..440-835-6552 Special Needs Services …….Tina Hericks….216-970-3737 Sophia Tjotjos, Legal Counsel Yassou Club ...……………….….... Steering Committee Needed Endowment Fund ……………Manuel Steffas…440-871-6362 For Local Orthodox events ,visit www.orthodoxcleveland.us Trust Fund ……………...... John Stamatis…440-937-6258 St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland www.sainthermans.com

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America …www.goarch.org St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach ministering to nursing homes and shut-ins www.stpanteleimon.com Metropolis of Pittsburgh ……… www.pittsburgh.goarch.org Zoe for Life ! ministering to those in crisis pregnancies and International Orthodox Christian Charities … www.iocc.org mothers in need www.zoeforlifeonline.org Orthodox Christian Mission Center ………. www.ocmc.org Orthodox Christian Fellowship College campus ministry Orthodox Christian Network ………...……. www.myocn.net www.ocf.net Speaking of Stewardship … 3 From The President’s Pen GENERAL ASSEMBLY: Happy Holidays! Even though it comes every year I Sunday, December 2, after Divine Liturgy still get that excited feeling about Christmas. I’d like In the Cultural Hall thank Kelly Steffas, Angie Rokas and Mary Kramp for helping get us in that spirit by decorating the A Quorum Of At Least 25 Members In Good Standing Church. Speaking of Christmas spirit, our Choir did Are Required For This Meeting a great job filling our Church with it last Sunday. Thank you, singing If Quorum is not met, the meeting WILL take place on rd angels. Mon., Dec. 3 @7:00 pm with or without quorum We had an amazing celebration for Father Jim last weekend. Thank you again to the committee for putting together such a great event. AGENDA: We wish you Father Jim and Prez Goldie all the best in your Letter from the Metropolis of Pittsburgh retirement in sunny Florida. You will be truly missed. 2019 Budget & Security proposal I’d like to end this letter by saying thank you for having me as your Raise the Roof Recap president this year. What an experience. A bit scary at times, but with 5 year Capital Improvement Plan a good group of people on your side it went smoothly and successfully. I’d also like to thank the staff of St. Demetrios for November General Assembly Minutes helping me, and my wonderful board for their true dedication to St. On Mon., Nov. 5 at 7 p.m., General Assembly convened Demetrios. We got thru our meetings with good ideas and some good to hear the Presentation by Nick Giallourakis of a New food at times. I have learned so much about the operations of our Legacy Fund. This new Fund, combining the monies in church these past 2 years. I think it’s something we all should the Trust Fund and the Endowment Fund would allow consider doing. Not only are you helping the Church, but you get a for: 90% distributions for Capital Improvement and 10% chance to meet and engage with so many of our parishioners. I am distribution for philanthropy, education and religion. It very grateful to have served this past year. I hope you all have a safe is NOT to be used for operational expenses. and happy holiday this year! See you in Church. This structure was voted upon unanimously by both -Lilly Anitas, Parish Council President Trust and Endowment Fund boards. There will be no more ‘life terms’ on Legacy Fund Board; the initial 11 2018 Parish Council Election members on Board shall serve for 2 years, after which time, the Board will be reduced to 7 members. The members of the Election Committee , Jeanne Burpulis, Angelo
Lee Zapis made a Motion to create the New Legacy Karouzos, Betty Poulos, and Angie Vianos , set election for the Fund, seconded by Gary Thomas. 51% majority members of Parish Council to be held on Sun., Dec. 2, immediately approval required; Unanimous approval with 57 out following Divine Liturgy and until 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship of 57 voting in favor. Motion passed. Room.
Lee Zapis made a Motion to transfer funds from the The Candidates, approved at the Nov. 5th General Assembly, are St Demetrios Trust to the New Legacy Fund and Sarah Kazanas, and incumbent board members Kostas Mathiellis, then dissolve the Trust, seconded by Gary Thomas. Floyd Trillis Jr., and Dimitris Tsatiris, whose terms are up in 2018. 80% majority approval required with at least 50 Steve Alex, Ellie Chrisman, and Harry Giallourakis have positive votes; unanimous approval with 57 out of 57 completed their terms and will exit the board at the end of this year. voting in favor. Motion passed. We sincerely thank them for their years of service!
Lee Zapis made a Motion to transfer funds from the Board members who have one year to complete are Lilly Anitas, St Demetrios Endowment Fund to the New Legacy Anna Kachevas, Andreas Koustis, Evanthia Pallam, Tom Theodore, Fund and then dissolve the Endowment Fund; and Anthony Trakas. $500,000 seconded by Gary Thomas. 67% majority approval 2018 Stewardship Report (as of Nov 25) required of at least 50 in attendance; Unanimous Goal approval with 57 out of 57 voting in favor. Motion $400,000 $413,000 passed. $ Pledged
Sophia Tjotjos made a Motion to approve the Election Committee members: Jeanne Burpulis, $300,000 Pledges Paid Angelo Karouzos, Bettie Poulos, Angie Vianos;

$280,848 seconded by Harry Giallourakis. All approved. $248,778 Other Donations Motion passed. $200,000
Nick Giallourakis made a Motion to approve the following individuals as candidates to join the Parish

$89,449 Council for 2 year term (2019-2020 ) Sarah Kazanas, $100,000 Kostas Mathiellis, Dr. Floyd Trillis Jr. and Dr. Dimitrios Tsatiris. Seconded by Harry Giallourakis; $0 all approved. Motion passed. 4 Our Parish People “Those who Have Put on Christ” 100100100 ththth Anniversary of WWI Armistice John Emmitt was Chrismated into the Orthodox Church on At nearly the exact moment of the 100 th anniversary of the end of Nov. 10, 2018. His sponsor is Maria D. Kratsas. WWI (11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th month, 1918) Fr. Jim read a memorial prayer for those who served in the military and Asleep in the Lord blessed all our parish Veterans. There are three St. Demetrios families that had an ancestor fight in WWI. Leo Syntax, father of Jim, Patricia Photo: Eleni Papouras-Jenks and Alex, grandfather of six and great-grandfather of ten, passed away Oct. 25, 2018. He served in the U.S. Army as a Counter Intelligence Agent from 1943-47, and later owned a Pontiac dealership in Cuyahoga Falls before retiring to Florida. Eliot Sofianos , brother of Antone, passed away Oct. 31, 2018. He was a native of Kos, Greece, having just recently come to the U.S. Nikolaos Kalabogias , husband of Kiki, father of Kalliopi (Robert) Tsaganos and Emmanuel (Dawn), Grandfather of Jianna and Nicole, son of Kalliopi, and brother of Demetri, passed away Nov. 14, 2018. He was also a skilled iconographer. Stewardship Sunday, December 2 nd Renew your commitment to our parish by picking up your 2019 Stewardship Letter in the Narthex. Then join us in the hall for Loukoumades Sale by PTO!

ADULT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Join instructor Manuel J. Glynias in the Fellowship Room, after receiving Antidoron . Free and open to all. (above) Members of our GOYA, including Angelia Date Topic Poulopoulos, Manny Katrakazos and Nicholas Szekely, took 12/2/2018 Postponed part in community service last month by raking leaves at the 12/16/18 Who is Jesus? Messiah, man, God. homes of elderly parishioners. Photo: Mary Szekely

(below) Our Liturgical Choir held their annual Christmas Cookie Exchange Coffee Hour Concert a little early this year, on Nov. 25 th to coincide with Fr. Jim’s last Sunday Liturgy before his retirement on Nov. 30 th . & Vasilopita Sale Photo: Theone Tsantes Sunday, December 30 th Bring a plate of your Christmas treats to share & swap specialties with fellow parishioners after church

Then, take home a loaf of traditional New Year bread Sales benefit the Church and Choir Will you find the coin in 2019? Movie Monday December 17, Screenings at 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. 5 Midnight Clear The lives of five people in a contemporary Texas town intersect on Christmas Eve: Lefty is in danger of losing visitation with his kids after getting fired; Kirk feels trapped in his job; Mary is raising her son alone after an accident left her beloved husband with brain damage; Mitch feels his work with the Join your church’s youth ministry is unproductive; Eva parish family once a month is an elderly woman alone at Christmas. The to watch & discuss a film in ensemble cast includes Stephen Baldwin, K St. Demetrios’ GOYA Room. Callan, and Victoria Jackson. How can those who don’t get “Hollywood-ending” Free and open to all. holidays find the true meaning of Christmas? Cookies & hot cocoa courtesy (2006, Rated PG-13, 1 hour, 42 minutes ) of “St. Nick” ! COMING SOON… Beneath the 12-Mile Reef on January 28

Winter Namedays 2nd Annual St. Demetrios St. Barbara -Tuesday, December 4 Vasilopita Brunch & Baking Contest 8:30 a.m. Orthros, 9:30 am Liturgy in St. Philothei Chapel Sunday, January 6 th St. Savas - Wednesday, December 5 Come to the Divine Liturgy of the His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh Theophania, celebrating Jesus’ cordially invites you to the celebration of his Baptism in the River Jordan Nameday at the Metropolis Center, 5201 Ellsworth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA Parish Council then invites all to the Cultural Hall 9 a.m. Orthros; 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy for brunch to start the New Year as a parish family. Followed by Open House with refreshments until 2 p.m. RSVP: [email protected] Each ministry should also have a representative attend to receive their slice of the Vasilopita. St. Nicholas ~Wednesday, December 5 – 7:00 p.m . Vespers at This year, parish bakers encouraged to bring St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. their best Baklava to compete for a ribbon ~Thursday, December 6 - 8:30 am Orthros; nd 9:30 am Liturgy in St. Demetrios Church (and bragging rights!) in the 2 annual ~Sunday, December 9- Nameday coffee hour, Baking Contest hosted by those who celebrate St. Nicholas. Senior Citizens, say ‘Yassou’ to 2019! St. Spyridon- Wednesday, December 12 8:30 am Orthros; 9:30 am Divine Liturgy in St. Philothei Chapel Potluck St. Modestos -Sunday, December 16 Pet Blessing at 12:30 p.m., just outside St. Philothei Lunch chapel. Bring your furry & feathered friends to the Zapis Activity Center lobby on the feastday of the Tuesday, January 8 patron saint of domestic animals. 11 : 30 am in St. Demetrios Cultural Hall

st St. Basil the Great – Tuesday, January 1 Pork loin entrée, courtesy of Yassou Club 8:30 am Orthros; 9:30 am Liturgy In St. Demetrios Church Bring your favorite potluck side dish or dessert 6 Focus on Philoptochos St. Demetrios Community Christmas Card Be part of the 2018 community Christmas card, by filling out this form & submitting with your donation by December 15 th , To : Joanne Harootunian, 34956 Shawn Dr. , North Ridgeville, OH 44039 or [email protected]

Name(s): (as you’d like to appear in card) ______

Address:______

Email or Phone :______

Please accept my donation of $______to be used for Philoptochos’ charitable causes. Checks payable to “St. Demetrios Philoptochos”

PHILOPTOCHOS HOLIDAY GREEK PASTRY SALE Be a “Friend of the Poor” Homemade from Our Kitchen to Yours St. Demetrios Philoptochos has committed to Let us take the stress out of your Holiday Baking. All proceeds benefit the the following long-term ministries. If you are many charitable causes of the St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society. interested in helping, contact Maggie Steffas: Help us to help those in need. [email protected] QTY SUB-TOTAL Appetizers Feeding the Homeless The first Tuesday of Tiropites($20 per 2 dozen) (2 Doz.) each month, we take and serve a meal to St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland. Food drop off Spanakopites ($20 per 2 dozen) (2 Doz.) and carpool meet up by 4:30 p.m. at St. Pastry Demetrios Church. Next service dates are Dec. 4 & Feb. 5. Baklava ($1.75 Each) ($53.00 for 30 Piece Tray ______The Gift of Dignity We continue collecting hygiene items for the Norma Herr Woman’s Koulourakia($8 / Baker’s Dozen) ______Shelter, operated by the YWCA. Items needed: Trial/travel sizes of deodorant, hand sanitizer, Finikia($1.25 Each) ______bar soap, toothpaste, Lysol wipes, toothbrushes, adult Depends, and laundry detergent pods. Kourabethes ($1.25 Each) ______Collection bin is in the lower Narthex.

Holiday Gift Assortment ($35.00) ______Literacy Initiative Once again we are (7 Baklava, 6 Kourabethes, 6 Finikia, 13 Koulourakia) supporting the Bridge Avenue School, a non- denominational Christian middle school on TOTAL $ Fulton Road. This school educates children (Checks Payable to: St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society) who have been unable to make it in the Cleveland Public Schools. We are seeking Name ______volunteers interested in tutoring in Reading, no experience necessary, only a desire to help Phone ______students learn to read! We also make and serve lunch once a month for the school for the 24 Email ______students. If anyone is interested in tutoring, donating food, or serving lunches, please Order by phone: Call or Fax Mary (440) 871-3263 or Call Stephanie (440) contact Janine Lambros at (216)534-6017 or 385-7448 [email protected]

Orders can be picked up on: Shut-In Home Visits Can you give you the • Sunday, December 9 and 16 (11:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m.) Church Hall gift of gab? Then why not visit some of our • Saturday, December 15 (10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) by Zapis Activity Center homebound parishioners for a friendly visit. • Wednesday, December 19 (4:00-6:00 p.m.) Church Hall Those with loved ones who might enjoy a home visit, please contact Maggie Steffas to schedule. St. Demetrios Catacomb Bookstore: Reflections by Presvytera Goldie 7 It has been an honor and a privilege to have been involved in the Bookstore these past 12 years. THANK YOU to the St. Demetrios Parish Council for the support they have given for this wonderful ministry. The Bookstore belongs to you, the members of St. Demetrios. This Bookstore is an important ministry that, along with our Liturgical participation and the spiritual guidance of our priests, can enhance our spiritual growth. As a child, all the spiritual literature that our family library housed was only available in Greek. My Greek-speaking Mother would painstakingly translate the material she would read for us kids into the simple Greek we could understand since it was a priority (above) Fr. Jim, Angie, Pres. for her that we were exposed to the richness of God’s Word and the teachings of the Goldie & Donna at the blessing of Orthodox Church. I would often ask my Mom, “aren’t these available in English so I could the renovated Bookstore in 2009 read them myself?” Unfortunately, she was not aware of any because bookstores were not common in Churches in those days. (below) Metropolitan Savas But, today we are living in the information age with a plethora of wonderful literature at visiting the Bookstore Booth at our fingertips. What Angie Giallourakis, Donna Vassos and I have tried to do is present to our 2017 Greek festival. EVERYONE who wants to know more about the Orthodox Church an assortment of books to add to your family library. It is my prayer that the St Demetrios Bookstore continue to be an important resource for the parishioners of St. Demetrios Church. I will truly miss being a part of this wonderful ministry. In her ministry as a Presvytera Goldie Doukas has also been our Sunday School secretary, and member of Philoptochos and Festival volunteer at every parish Fr. Jim served. She was Secretary for Holy Cross Press in Brookline, Mass., and to Bishop Timothy of Detroit of Blessed Memory, and edited various Churches’ newsletters. She mentored children at St. Basil’s Academy in Garrison, NY, was a Sunday School teacher, JOY and GOYA Advisor, and Youth Choir Director. She was also President for 4 years and on various Executive Committees for National Sisterhood of Presvyteres, and Fr Jim’s Sermon Editor. AXIA!

Lament from Epirus Is A Joy To Read : A Book Review by Eleni Papouras-Jenks When facing the long winter nights, you can mentally escape to King also explores the sub-cultures of the previously nomadic a summer panegyri by reading Lament from Epirus: An Odyssey Roma (Gypsies) and the Sarakatsani tribe, and their into Europe’s Oldest Surviving Folk Music by Christopher C. inextricable role in the music. In a touching show of Greek King. The author is a Grammy-winning music producer, folk hospitality, the self-described ‘white trash’ Virginian of music festival organizer, and avid collector of 78 rpm records. Scots-Irish descent, is accepted by the Sarakatsani as one of His musical odyssey into Epirotiki music began by accident their own, since they claim kinship with the Celts! during a trip to Istanbul, where he purchased some 78 records in While visiting the town of Vitsa, he learned of a valley that an antique shop, thinking they were Turkish. They turned out to forms a natural amphitheater, where a master clarinetist plays be Greek clarinet and violin music from Epiros. Despite not on one side of the river and students seated on the opposite understanding a single word of the lyrics, he became entranced bank must listen and repeat. No sheet music here! The flute is by the sound of the instruments and the musicians’ skill. one of the most ancient instruments in the world. Pre-historic As he researched the artists and the genre, he connected with evidence of the “oldest flutes found in northern Greece- in other collectors, translators, and enthusiasts. It was then that he the neolithic village of Dispilo of Kastoria are dated to 5000 “discovered” that this music, recorded in the 1920s, was still BC.” Although pre-Christian, King finds that the music of being played and enjoyed every summer in panegyria across Epiros and the panegyri itself remains deeply spiritual and Epiros and Macedonia. (As opposed to American music tied to Christian religious holidays. recorded in the 1920s which, in our fast-moving pop culture, is He also explores the idea that this intense music (which not just an outdated curiosity.) The mirologia (laments), tsamika, even all Greeks appreciate, as he’s told) goes back to ancient and other songs on his records, are still being taught and shepherds calming their flocks. The sound seemed to also performed in the mountains of Greece. calm the human soul, long before western European/classical Almost in disbelief, he visited Epiros (more than once) and music was created as an intellectual pursuit of the mind, and finally experienced a panegyri - a pretty humorous chapter that therefore exclusive, in the worst sense. For those of us who included the history of tsipouro, the region’s drink of choice. He know Greek, King reminds us that a common phrase used by learned to dance and even tracked down surviving relatives of villagers to the clarinetist is «φτιαξε ε » or ‘fix me/ heal me’ the musicians on his records, including Nikos Tzaras and Alexis The expression can mean both to take one higher, as well as a Zoumbas. Zoumbas’ story (whether true or legendary) could be request to release the deepest sorrows in all of us. a film noir script in itself: an itinerant immigrant musician, Published in 2018, the 277-page book is available at the performing across the U.S., fleeing a jealous African-American- Cuyahoga County Public Library, and is like mentally or maybe a Gypsy? - woman, who may -or may not?- have spending a summer night on a Greek mountain top…with murdered him in a Detroit flop house. your Irish friend from high school. 8 Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14) Sunday School H.O.P.E. & J.O.Y. Sunday, December 9 For Children in Grades in K-6 Sunday, December 16 Christmas Pageant & Gingerbread House Communion Breakfast Decorating Students are encouraged to prepare for in the JOY Room Holy Communion. during Coffee Hour Following Divine Liturgy, the children will present their annual Nativity Pageant. To ensure materials, During coffee hour, they will enjoy a special breakfast RSVP : [email protected] with “St. Nick” in the Cultural Hall.

Sun., Dec. 23- Jan. 6 – Christmas Break. No classes Sun., Jan. 13 – Sunday School resumes G.O.Y.A. Thanks to Tony & Kathryn Apotsos for their donation to • Sun, Dec. 2 – Staff pangari; Meeting after Sunday School Sunday School in loving memory of Katherine Vassos. • Fri., Dec. 14 – Greek night at the Cavs

Youth Choir • Sat., Dec. 15 – Hosting NE Ohio mini tournament in the Zapis Activity Center. First game at 8:00 a.m. Brackets are posted Fri., Dec. 14 - Rehearsal in the chapel, 5:00-6:30 p.m. to outside Coach Hillman’s office prepare for the Christmas shows. • Fri., Dec. 21 – 5-7:30 p.m. Caroling to the community. To Acolytes schedule a visit to your home, contact Nick Hillman ([email protected] ) An overnight shut-in retreat Sunday Team will follow, in the Zapis Activity Center. 12/2 3 12/9 4 12/16 1 Nicholas Szekely served at Fr. 12/23 2 Jim’s last Liturgy on St. Who is Eligible? Orthodox Christian high school juniors 12/30 3 Andrew’s feastday. and seniors (Students 16 to 18 years old) We also need 10 acolytes to serve on Christmas Eve and 8 acolytes to serve on Christmas morning. To sign up, What happens at CrossRoad? email Tom Hlepas [email protected] • Explore your faith like never before • Make lifelong friendships • Encounter service in a new way Cabin Fever Fun Day • Take theology and scripture courses with some of the Thursday, December 27 best professors in the country in the Zapis Activity Center • Discover Boston or Chicago 11 a.m-4 p.m. Summer 2019 Dates: for GOYA and HOPE/JOY Session 1: June 15 -25, 2019 (Boston) (parents of younger children welcome to Session 2: July 2 - 12, 2019 (Boston) come and facilitate activities) Session 3: July 23- August 2, 2019 (Chicago) Enjoy open gym, ping pong, foosball, movies, and hanging out with friends Apply! Application priority deadline is February 1, 2019. Website: www.crossroadinstitute.org during Christmas break. Phone: 617-850-1309 Greek School 9 Sunday, December 23 Epiphany “A Greek Christmas Carol” Cross Dive 12 pm in the Cultural Hall & Pool Party Join our students through Christmases Saturday, January 5 Past, Present & Future As we remember the true 3:30-6:30 p.m. Reason for the Season with Rocky River Rec Center Pool • Greek kalanta & dances • Skits & poems $5.00/swimmer • Refreshments to follow, courtesy of PTO Children & teens (ages 6-18) are invited to participate in this annual celebration of Sun., Dec. 2- PTO Loukoumades Sale, after Liturgy in the Jesus’ Baptism and blessing of the waters. Hall. Help us by serving coffee or buying lots of loukoumades! Call Eleni (440-331-2246 ext.2) to register Tue., Dec. 4 – Teachers’ meeting Thu., Dec. 20 – Rehearsal for Christmas program Snacks sponsored by the Greek School PTO Dec. 25-Jan 3-No classes Christmas Break. Tue., Jan. 8- Classes resume for 2 nd semester

PTO & Anna Poulos Memorial Scholarships High School seniors planning on pursuing a college education and who are graduates of the Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School may pick up an application in the church office. Submission Deadline: January 11, 2019 . Scholarships will be presented on Greek Letters Day. The Parent-Teacher Organization of the A questionnaire regarding various Greek School procedures, will be distributed to the PTO this month. Each family is Dr. Michael A. Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School asked to take a moment and fill it out, and then return by the invites you to the annual date of the Christmas program. The Board of Education will Three Hierarchs and Greek Letters’ Day Program review the surveys and then hold a general meeting of Sunday, January 27, 2019 parents, teachers, and the board, on a date (to be announced) nd 2 semester. Περίπατο στο Παρελθόν : A Walk through History Thanks to everyone who supported our PTO’s Cookie Dough A Fashion Show of Traditional Hellenic Costumes Sale. Delivery date and pick up information will be emailed from the Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox and posted on Greek School’s Facebook page. Cathedral Library collection Modeled by alumni of the Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School

Adult Greek Class II Kick off the 60 th Anniversary Year of Greek language instruction for adults continues St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church of Rocky River Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m., starting Jan. 15 th . by celebrating our decades of dedication to education Prerequisite: 2018 Spring or Fall class, or some basic previous instruction in the Greek language and reunite with life-long friends! Tuition fee: $245 (for those who have the materials) $300 for newcomers (includes the materials) Open House ~ Brunch ~ Presentation of Scholarships Register by December 28, 2018 by contacting [email protected] Look for ticket sales in the coming weeks. ‘God Be With You, till we Meet Again’

On Sunday, November 18, His Eminence Metropolitan Savas visited our parish to take part in the retirement celebration for Fr. Jim Doukas. Following the Hierarchal Liturgy, co-celebrated by Fr Jim, his son-in-law Fr. Demetri Kazakas, Archdeacon Ryan, Metropolitan Savas, Deacon John Pantelis, Fr. Peter Metallinos and Fr. Anastasios, His Eminence presented Fr. Jim with a Cross and an Epigonation, a square cloth icon hung from his vestments which symbolizes both rank and a sheath for the tools in ‘fighting the good fight.’ Fr. Jim and Pres. Goldie’s children and grand-children were also present (photo, below right.) Greek School student Georgio Ermidis presented him with a DVD and the PTO also gave him a retirement gift basket, on behalf of Greek School, Sunday School teachers Sophia Trichonas, Elena Prohaska, Mary Seidl, and Peggy Kachevas presented him with a commemorative plaque, and Vange Richards presented a gift from Bible Study.

(left) Fr. Anastasios and Fr. Jim’s last service in the chapel for the Entrance of the Theotokos to the Temple on Nov. 21 (center) Nick Hillman and Fr. Jim at the Retirement Banquet (right) Fr Jim and Office Manager Eleni Papouras-Jenks on their last day as co-workers on Nov. 30 th Photos: Tony Apotsos, Jim Elios, Nick Hillman, Gary Thomas, Eleni Papouras -Jenks 607 people attended the Retirement Banquet honoring Fr. Jim and Pres. Goldie. Thanks to the committee ….. And an amazing job by Coyne Catering. (below l-r) At the head table: GOYA co-presidents Manny Katrakazos & Angelia Poulopoulos, John and President LillyAnitas, Fr. Anastasios, Fr. Dimitri Kazakas, Demetria Greenwood, Pres & Fr. Jim; M.C. Nick Giallourakis, Metropolitan Savas, Fr. Stephen Callos, Fr. Peter Metallinos, Fr. John Loejos, Deacon Ryan, Philoptochos President Maggie Steffas, who gave very moving speeches and presentations, including a slide show and videos.

Photos: Kohlbacher Photography

Entertainment was provided by the Liturgical Choir, performing some of Fr. Jim’s favorites, and the Kyklonas Dancers, who performed dances of Asia Minor and Mytilene, in honor of Fr Jim’s heritage. “My retirement is a blessing but you made me feel more blessed by the outpouring of love shown to me and my Presvytera at the retirement dinner and my last Sunday. Thank you! St. Demetrios Church, my home parish, will be in my heart always! You will all be in my prayers and I ask that you keep me in yours!” – Fr. Jim Doukas 12 Around Town Commendation for Fr. John Loejos Holiday Gatherings Fr John Loejos, priest of St. E Prempte Albanian Several local Hellenic organizations are Orthodox Church, was presented with an celebrating the holidays with special gatherings: Archiepiscopal Gramota , or Certificate of Commendation, by His Eminence Archbishop AHEPA #389 and Daughters of Penelope Icarus Nikon of the Albanian Orthodox Archdiocese. His Chapter are co-hosting a holiday dinner on Fri., Eminence visited the parish, located on Jasper Dec. 7 at Bonefish Grill at Crocker Park in Road in Cleveland, on October 14, and presented Westlake, at 6:30 p.m. The D.O.P. District the commendation for “exemplary service.” Fr. Governor from Toledo will also be in John is the son of a former cantor of St. Demetrios attendance. $50/person includes your dinner and Church, served as a St. Demetrios altar boy in a donation that will help a needy local family the1960s, and also as assistant priest to Fr. Peter this Christmas. RSVP to Irene Georgantas at Metallinos in the 1980s. AXIOS! 216-772-2847.

Opioid Addiction Addressed at Speaker Series The Platanos Society of Samos Christmas party The 6th annual St. Herman House-FOCUS Cleveland Speaker Series featured is on Sun., Dec. 9 at St. Demetrios Cultural an emotional panel discussion on the impact of addiction in our communities. Hall. RSVP to Lilly Anitas. The panelists were Fr. Dimitrios Moraitis, author and Orthodox priest who counsels addicts of all kinds, Dr. Debra O’Beirne who offered a medical The Cretan Youth of Akron & Cleveland is perspective on the science behind addiction, Fr. John Zdnick of St Theodosius hosting the Pan-Cretan Youth Association of Cathedral, and his Presvytera Cindy, who lost their son to an overdose earlier America’s Winter Conference Jan. 3-6, 2019 , this year, and Alan & Sherie Steinberger of Sts. Constantine & Helen, whose in Cleveland. Activities include a Thursday son is now working on his sobriety. Stressing the importance of awareness, welcome night, Friday daytime activity and club nearly all the panelists agreed on the importance of getting night, and Saturday dinner-dance at St. professional/medical help for an addicted loved one (rather than enabling and Demetrios Cultural Hall.. Live music by Sifis ignoring.) Although, ultimately, a successful recovery must be the decision of Tsourdalakis, Kyriakos Stavrianoudakis, the addict. A video preceded the discussion, featuring some clients of St. Giorgos Psaroudakis. For full schedule of Herman’s, sharing their stories of hitting ‘rock bottom’ before getting help. events and registration information, go to The fundraising event, held at Annunciation Hall on Nov. 5th also honored www.pancretan.org long-time St Herman’s volunteers Tamara Host and Dan & Debbie Jenks. On The Bulletin Board 1513

December 8, 2018 6:00-11:00 p.m. Catered Dinner ~ Cash Bar Music by Vasilios Hatzigeorgiou Adults-$25, Students-$10, Children under 12- $5

Mrs. Claus will entertain the kids with Crafts

Call Dena at 440-960-2992

For reservations, email [email protected] 14 Around the World: The Consequences of Ukrainian autocephaly

At its formal session on April 20, au-to-ceph-a-lous adj. WHY AUTOCEPHALY? 2018, His All-Holiness Eastern Christian 1. (of a church) having its The Ukrainian government petitioned Ecumenical Patriarch own head or chief bishop, though in Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to Bartholomew and the Holy and communion with other Orthodox churches create an autocephalous Ukrainian Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical (source: Random House College Dictionary) Orthodox Church out of two Patriarchate of Constantinople separate Orthodox Churches currently voted to proceed with taking the necessary steps for granting without canonical recognition in Eastern Orthodoxy: the autocephaly to the Orthodox Christians of Ukraine. This Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and the decision was made after extensive study and discussion based Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, on the responsibilities and rights of the Ecumenical which would also incorporate any Ukrainian Orthodox Patriarchate as enumerated by the sacred canons, and the clergy and communities under the Moscow Patriachate that historical reality that in 1589 when the Church of Russia would voluntarily join. The government plans to have this received its status as a patriarchate from the Ecumenical Kiev-based Ukrainian Orthodox Church exist alongside the Patriarch, the Metropolis of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, was Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. not included but remained under the jurisdiction of The Very Reverend Dr. Cyril Hovorun is Expert and Constantinople. Additionally, within the Patriarchal and Contributor at Encyclopedia Britannica, Associate Dean of Synodal “Praxis” (act) of 1686 there is further affirmation that St. Ignatios Theological Academy (at archons.org) the Ukraine remained under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The described the situation: decision was renewed at the regular session of the Holy and “ Ukrainian church affairs have been in turmoil for at least a Sacred Synod which convened Octo. 9-11, 2018. century. The story begins with an Ukrainian uprising against The October Synod also agreed to accept and review the [the USSR’s] empire….Imperial might of the Soviet variety petitions of appeal of Filaret Denisenko, Makariy Maletych and has been destined to swallow them up, imposing atheism their followers, who found themselves in schism (not for and persecuting their faith. They paid a heavy price for dogmatic reasons,) and canonically reinstated them to their rising up. Millions of Ukrainians died in a famine hierarchical or priestly rank, and their faithful have been artificially created by Stalin; in the prison camps known as restored to communion with the Church. gulags; and in the war against Nazism. When the Soviet They further revoked the legal binding of the Synodal Letter empire, in turn, collapsed, the Ukrainians once again of the year 1686, issued for the circumstances of that time, dreamed of consolidating their own church. In the early which granted the right the Patriarch of Moscow to ordain the stages, the new Russia, which was also trying to shake off Metropolitan of Kyiv, elected by the Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Soviet legacy, did not give the Ukrainians any great his eparchy, who would commemorate the Ecumenical reason to be fearful, or to try leaving the Russian Church, Patriarch as the First hierarch at any celebration, proclaiming which showed a certain understanding of their national and affirming his canonical dependence to the Mother Church sensitivities. of Constantinople. This situation changed when Russia started to look more Finally, they appealed to all sides involved to avoid and more like the Soviet Union. The transformation came to appropriation of Churches, Monasteries and other properties, as a head in 2014. That was when Russia annexed Crimea and well as every other act of violence and retaliation, so that the fomented war in the eastern provinces of Ukraine. (see map peace and love of Christ may prevail. on next page.) (source: goarch.org) TIMELINE OF CHURCH HISTORY

makes In Kiev with Christianity Vladimir the legal Great As a result of all these developments, most Ukrainians came to the view RUSSIAN REACTION 15 that having an autocephalous church was no longer just one of the The Russian Orthodox Church, which traces its roots available options, but something that was vital for the nation’s survival. back to the conversion to Christianity by Vladimir the Precisely for that reason, the issue of Ukrainian autocephaly has Great, in 988 A.D. in Kiev (now in Ukraine) views evolved from a purely religious matter to simultaneously a political one. that region as inextricable linked with its history. That is because in addition to the millions who were already in a state of In mid-October, following the Patriarchate’s “schism” a new category has emerged: people who were in the Russian announcement of autocephaly for Ukraine, the jurisdiction but no longer wanted to be in a church which from their Russian Orthodox Church (based in Moscow) decided viewpoint was justifying and even blessing a war against their country. to split from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of On the one hand, they felt that they had no legitimate choice but to Constantinople. The move prohibits the Russian adhere to the Russian Church, because it was the only canonical one in Orthodox faithful and clergy from participating in Ukraine. On the other, this state of affairs felt intolerable. Faced with liturgies and rituals with Churches under the this dilemma, thousands of people reluctantly joined the “schismatics”, Ecumenical Patriarchate’s jurisdiction, which includes while thousands more joined the Eastern-rite Catholics, and thousands the United States. left the church altogether. The Russian Orthodox Church claims about 150 The resulting pastoral problem cried out to be solved.” million followers, making it the largest autocephalous It was this situation that the Ecumenical Patriarch has responded to. Orthodox Church. If each of the 12,000 parish in Ukraine goes under the new Church of Ukraine, they Blue denotes would instantly become the second largest Orthodox Ukrainian regions Church in the world. contested by Russia. IN THE MIDDLE The other autocephalous Orthodox Churches (Patriarchates of Alexandra, Antioch, Jerusalem, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Georgia, and the Churches of Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Albania and the Czech Lands & Slovakia, and the autonomous churches of Sinai and Finland) are currently in the awkward position of being in union with two patriarchs who are no longer in communion with each other. Here in Cleveland, Orthodox clergy have traditionally had great cooperation through the Great Cleveland Christian Orthodox Clergy (GCCOC) co- hosting events like the Pan-Orthodox Christmas Concert (see p. 13) and Sunday of Orthodoxy during Lent. The future participation of the Russian Orthodox parish is in question for any of these events for the time being. Constantinople Various Protestant splinter denominations

1960s The Catholic Pope and the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople remove mutual ex-communication

1686 2018 Ecumenical Moscow Patriarch grants Patriarchate Moscow right splits from to ordain clergy Ecumenical in Ukraine Patriarchate 16 In this issue, we conclude our year-long series New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke * To read more hagiographies from this era, please visit our Parish Library, Sundays after church or weekdays during office hours. St. Seraphim Bishop of Phonation (Dec. 4, 1601) Seraphim was born to the pious Sophronius and Maria in the village of Bezoula, in the Agrafa mountains of Thessalia. He even attended school, a rare thing in those days. He became a monk at the Monastery of Korona, and then ordained a priest. After some time, he was elected as Archbishop of Phanarion and Neohorion. In 1601, Bishop of Larissa Dionysios, became involved in revolutionary activities against the Turks, gathering forces in the region of Ioannina and taking part in the battles. After two failed attempts at revolution, Dionysios was tortured and killed by the Turks. After Dionysios’ death, Bishop Seraphim was called to Phanarion, Karditsa, to distribute the tribute to the Turks. Although he had avoided any association with the revolutionary, he was also accused of plotting against the Sultan. Seraphim protested his innocence to the ruler of that area, who tempted him with his freedom if he would convert. The bishop refused and was subsequently tortured and his nose was cut off. He was thrown into jail without medical treatment for his wounds, nor food and water. The next day, he was again asked to convert and when he began to speak of Christ, was beaten publicly, and then sentenced to death. On the way to die, a Muslim woman screamed at him with obscene words. The holy man did not respond, but merely turned to look at her and she was stricken with seizures that tormented her for the rest of her life. He was executed in the market place on Dec. 4, 1601, and his body was left, impaled, as a warning. But instead of decaying, his relics gave off a beautiful scent, so that even the Muslims were amazed with his holiness. The ruler then beheaded the corpse and put the head on a spike in Trikala, along with criminals, all facing west. But each morning, for several days, St. Seraphim’s head was facing east. The abbot of a nearby monastery resolved to obtain this holy relic and paid an Albanian Christian to steal it. During the attempt, the guards were alerted and chased the man until he came to the River Pinios. He threw the head into the water and it became entangled in some fishing nets. The fisherman keeping watch that night saw a pillar of light shooting toward the sky and heard chanting. The next morning, they went to the spot where the beacon was seen, and discovered the relic, which they gave to the abbot. Eventually, it was returned to the Monastery of Korona, (pictured, right) where it came to be associated with healings during plagues. Part of the relic is now at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Boston, Massachusetts.

St. John the Tailor of Thaso s ( Dec. 20, 1652) This new martyr was from a village called Marias on the island of Thasos. When he was around 14 years old, he became apprenticed to a Christian tailor in the Galata neighborhood of Constantinople. One day, he was sent on an errand to purchase thread from a Hebrew, but he had a nasty dispute with that merchant. The Jewish man, seeing a muezzin (Muslim cleric at a nearby minaret) called loudly, “Do you not hear how the lad reviles your faith and worship?” All the Turks in hearing distance seized and beat John ruthlessly. They brought him before the vizier and falsely testified that he mocked their beliefs. John swore that he was slandered, so the vizier (judge) gave him the option to convert to Islam and save his own life. He also offered him riches, but the teen refused to convert. The vizier then sentenced him to beheading. He was taken to the executioner who tried to intimidate him by striking him several times, making small cuts on his neck, but John never flinched until he was finally beheaded on Dec. 20, 1652. During the night, some pious people took his relics and interred them in Beyoglou.

*Sources: New Martyrs of the Turkish Yoke, translated by Leonidas J. Papadopulos, son of the late Fr. John Papadopulos and brother of Connie Yahn, can be borrowed from our Parish Library; Images from mystagogry.com

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Thanks to those who donated to St. Demetrios Church in loving memory of: Harry Kollias+ Christine Janas Michael & Irene Steffas Michael & Megan Ambrosia Margaret Kacludis Diana Steffas Theresa Andrews George & Laura Kappos Faith Studeny John & Lilly Anitas Alex Karabogias George & Sharon Theodore Plato & Mary Anton Sylvia Karas Mike & Andie Titas Jim & Mary Apotsos Alex & Fran Kariotakis Peter Titas Tony & Kathryn Apotsos Helen Kariotakis Ronald & Nancy Todd Mimi Apotsos Vera Karydes Michael & ElaineVoinovich Allen & Aggie Arabian J. Kawkabani Dennis & Diane Vondrasek Jim & Maria Asimou Bob & Athena Kollias Robert & Carol Weitzner Tom & Helen Asimou Demetrios & Irene Kollias Fred & Mary Westbrook Tom & Helen Asimou Christos & Georgia Kollias Sts. Constantine & Helen Library Committee Aspasia Athanasiou Andrea Korogianos Stefanos & Irene Becharas Bob Kuval Olympia Rousos + Boss Family Pauline Latkovic Maria Tzanakis Dick & Linda Busanus Antonios & Maria Manolias Steve & Irene Steffas Artemis Calamitsis Rodolfo & Kathleen Mendez Estelle Callas David & Nancy Merrill Esther Rozakis+ Angelo & Sophia Chakeres Deno & Joyce Nicholas Jim & Mary Apotsos Chris Chase Evanthia Pallam Allen & Aggie Arabian Andrew & NicoleClements Vicky Papouras Jeffrey & Lisa Brady Dessey Corpas Linda Parkis George & Paula Diamond Gus Corpas John & Esther Pasalis Helen Drapos Bill & Mary Costakis Barbara Pasalis Michael & Lynne Gold Kristin Dabbieri Gus & Maria Paterakis Angelo & Joan Karouzos Clara Daniels Donald & Penelope Pierson George & Joan Melinelli Argie Demas George Pistiolis Anthony & Kimberly Murdoch Steve & Judy Dobo Toula Pyros Olga Packis Donald & Priscilla Durlak Nick Reppas Antonio &Jeanne Paras Connie Ebaugh Larry Sakai Mike & Ann Petrakis Jim & Despina Economou Gary & Jean Scothon Tom & Lena Sattler Marianne Eggett Rich & Jewel Sellers Ryan & Kristen Sattler Andy & Toula Georgepoulos Jeanette Shaner Mike & Andie Titas William & Carol Gilroy Joseph & Marti Skarupa Larry Griggs David & Linda Slack Georgia Verikakis+ Gary & Anne Gross Park & Carol Stafford Estelle Callas Catherine Hillman Tom & Angela Stauffer John & Mary Manos Regina Hughes Stella Steffas Christmas Is Coming! Stop by The Catacomb Bookstore to purchase gifts for the special people in your life. Remember, orders take time for delivery. Now located within the Library Open Sundays after Liturgy & weekdays during office hours Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios 22909 Center Ridge Road Rocky River Ohio 44116

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