The Voice of the Greek Community MAY/JUN 2016 1

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF COMMUNITY NEWS AND HISTORY VOL. 76 • NO. 550 HOLY GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL • 600 EAST BLVD • CHARLOTTE, NC 28203 • 704-334-4771 www.htgo.org MAY-JUN 2016 Our Vision: With the Grace of God, to provide a loving and caring Community where all belong to , through worship, sacramental life, everyday spiritual discipline, sanctification, education, witness and fellowship.

CongratulationsCongratulations Graduates!Graduates!

Our Mission WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE.... Our Mission is to become faithful Father Angelo - Spirituality ...... 3 followers of Christ

and thus active Greek Father Theodore - Graduation Time ...... 4

Charlotte, NC 28203 NC Charlotte, 600 East Boulevard East 600 Orthodox Christians Construction Update ...... 7 by accepting and

submitting to the Will High School Graduates ...... 8 Father Angelo - Spirituality . . . 3

Permit No. 871 No. Permit

Charlotte, NC Charlotte, of our Lord so that we Father Theodore - Graduation Time . . . 4 PAID Vacation School ...... 11 may realize salvation Construction Update . . . 7

U.S. Postage U.S. and enter into the Remembering Father C and Presvytera ...... 14 High School Graduates . . . 8

Non-profit Organization Non-profit Kingdom of God. Vacation Bible School . . . 11 Remembering Father C and Presvytera . . . 14 2 MAY/JUN 2016 The Voice of the Greek Community

A Message From The Editor Voice Editorial and Business Staff

Hello again everybody, The Voice Staff Cathedral Staff I hope you are having a great summer. At the time Angelo Pete Politis, Editor John Georgopoulos, Youth Dir./ of this writing, Holy Trinity welcomes our new priest, George Zogzas, Deputy Editor Bldg Operations Father Vasileios Tsourlis. Look for a complete biography George Andrews, Business Manager Kathy Xyrafakis, Office Secretary of Father, Presvytera and their family in the next issue of Contributors: Frances Zogzas, Financial Secretary The Voice. Angelo Tatsis, Building Assistant We want to wish Father Angelo and Presvytera Patricia Fr. Angelo Artemas success in their new Parish. Fr. Theodore Ehmer Ministry and Program Directors I also want to congratulate our 12th graders who John Mahairas, PC President’s Mes- Maria Kleto and Cindy Balatsias, graduated in the past month and are featured in this issue. sage Preschool May you always have success in your careers and, more Ministry Writers: Larry Peroulas, Greek School importantly, in family and life. Gloria Kontoulas, Archives Vickie Koskinas, Georgia Harakas, I will keep this Olga Yamalis, Choirs and Amber Tsumas, Sunday School short and sweet, John Georgopoulos, GOYA-Hope/ Lucy Pappadakes, Choir everybody have a Toni Karnazes, First Choir great summer. Joy Larry Peroulas, Greek School Dr. Philip Thevaos, Baritone Choir Until next time, Irina Monzolevskaya, Organist be safe. Stacie Peroulas, HDF Angelo Pete Frances Troupes, Philoptochos Parish Council: Politis Nick Kallelis, Stewardship John Mahairas, President Teresa Meletiou, Sunday School John Tsumas, Vice President Organizations: Despina Kaltsounis, Secretary George Kokalis, AHEPA Pete J. Pappas, Assistant Secretary Eleni Bingham, Daughters of Jimmy Christodoulias, Treasurer Penelope George T. Karres, Assistant George Zogzas, Foundation Treasurer

Council Members: Mitch Christen- Editor Politis greets Fr. Vasileios in his office on July 1. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral bi-monthly publication is bury, Elias Elia, Jimmy Georgiou, published 6 times per year. John Karagiannis, Angelo Kefalas, NotesTelephone: for Page 704/334-4771; 2: Preschool: Margaret Nixon, Dino M. Pappas, Gus A. Pappas, Angelo Spero YIASOU FESTIVAL Official printer of The Voice Updated704/333-4961 submissions schedule located below Masthead The Voice Submissions Schedule for 2016 Thursday - Sunday Mullen Publications Inc. Below is the deadline schedule for submitting articles, photographs, and advertisements to The Voice for inclusion in the remaining issues for 2016. September 8 - 11 www.MullenPublications.com Issue Deadline Highlights JUL-AUG Friday, August 19, 2016 Renovations update Your Help Is Needed Charlotte, NC • 704-527-5111 SEP-OCT Friday, October 14, 2016 New Ecclesiastical and school year; Yiasou Festival NOV-DEC Friday, December 16, 2016 Thanksgiving and Christmas

Resize the Ballas Chiropractic ad (lower left corner) to a 5” X 5” dimension. It should be the same as the Gus’s Tree Service ad. Resize the Official Printer box and/or www.htgo.org to take up slack. The Voice of the Greek Community MAY/JUN 2016 3

spiritual? What is being spiritual? Remarks From By defi nition “spirit” is something that comes from outside the person, not from within the person. The Father Angelo Hebrew word for spirit is “wind.” There is only one type of wind that comes from within the person, and that is not a pleasant wind. Spirit is something that comes from outside and has an impact and an effect on people. That is why there is a spirit in the air at stadiums, ballparks, theaters and other centers. Even alcohol at one time in America was referred to as “spirits” because alcohol came from outside the person and had an imbibing effect on the drinker. If one would argue that they don’t have to go to church to be spiritual, the question to ask is where does the spirit of their spirituality come from? Does the spirit come from the by Father Angelo Artemas newspaper, the television, music, or their friends? Does the Dean of the Cathedral spirit come from their dorm, school, or their car? Does the spirit come from their internal fuzzy feelings about God? St. John of the Ladder writes “He who has himself for his Spirituality spiritual father has a fool for a spiritual father.” Going outside of oneself and joining others has Why do people like to attend sporting events, operas, always been an essential element of spirituality - even in movies, concerts and dances? Perhaps because when monasticism. Many adults feel indifferent, stagnant or even people come together with others with the same interests, bored with religion, but a sure way to revive spirituality is there is a certain spirit in the air. Fanaticism or being a fan to go and join others in worship and fellowship. makes more sense when one is with others. One cannot For too many people, going to the local parish may be considered a true fan if they turn down tickets because seem too familiar or too ordinary, but going is always they would rather stay at home and watch on television an opportunity to reinvigorate our souls and our lives. or listen on a speaker. Worshiping with others has a way of reawakening one’s Most people do not think twice about attending a true spirituality, and can change the way we worship at favorite event with thousands of other people, until they home. are invited to church. Why is it that so many adults will Enough of the frivolous excuses and shallow arguments. argue that they don’t have to go to church in order to be One cannot be spiritual in a vacuum. Go to Church!

Upcoming Notable Church Feast Days and Events DORMITION OF THE BEHEADING OF JOHN THE NATIVITY OF THE EXHALTATION OF THE DORMITION FAST BEGINS HOLY TRANSFIGURATION BAPTIST THEOTOKOS HOLY CROSS Monday August 1 Saturday August 6 Monday August 15 Monday August 29 Thursday September 8 Wednesday September 14

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to have guides or else we will lose our way. If we don’t have a seasoned guide PC President’s Message Remarks From or a good map, we might stumble across Father Theodore pits, bears, or who knows what else that might harm us. This same reality is especially true for us when it comes to our spiritual life which is at the center of our lives whether we acknowledge it or not. How do we make our way through all of the unknowns of life, up an unknown path that can be full of snares ready to entrap us? Ultimately, Christ is the path Himself. He says as much in the 14th chapter of the of St. John when he says: “Ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ὁδὸς.” This is by Father Theodore Ehmer often translated as I am the Way. But by John Mahairas Associate Priest this could also be translated as: I am the Road, or, I am the Path. He is the Way, Thoughts for Graduation Time… the Road, the Path which leads to Truth Greetings Holy Trinity Parishioners, pledge or donation today. We need every and Life. But how do we keep that from I sincerely hope all is well with you parishioner’s participation in this area in With May and June comes the end of just being a vague concept? Well, let and your families. On behalf of all of order to achieve our goal. the school year, otherwise known as the me suggest three important things for us here at Holy trinity I would like to Our Greek festival is quickly best time of the year (or at least it was graduates, and all of us. First, being congratulate all of our Sunday School approaching and as a community we need when I was growing up!) And along close to Holy Scripture is extremely and Greek school graduates. Both of to focus on making this year’s festival a with the end of the school year, we important. It is written in the Psalms, these programs had an outstanding year! huge success. Festival preparations are come to the time of graduation. There “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a We wish you the best in the years to well on their way and I ask everyone to are lots of graduations around this time light on my path.” We need to make a come. Please keep Holy Trinity in your of year: Greek School, Pre-School, contribute their time and talents in order real effort to read the inspired words of hearts and always feel that our church is to have a very successful festival. There High School, College, and many more. the Bible more often. Try to make it a your home. We have been very fortunate to have are many areas you may assist with. daily habit to read a page or even part As most of you are aware construction Everyone is encouraged to come out and many wonderful graduation ceremonies of a page for edifi cation, guidance, and at the Cathedral this spring to celebrate on our renovation project is in full swing. help not just during the festival but also wisdom. Second, it is important to be The contractor has made tremendous with the preparations before the festival. our graduates from our community. close to a guide for our journey. In the Congratulations to all the graduates! progress moving forward with the The weekend before the festival is a very 8th chapter of the , construction. To date, we are on schedule important preparation period. Please Why do we celebrate graduations? we read of the and with our construction timeline. One of mark your calendars from now to come There are a lot of different answers that Philip. The Eunuch recognized that he our main goals with the construction out and lend a helping hand. we might give to this question. To get could not understand the spiritual life project is to have most if not all of the together to commemorate a job well without a guide. We all need guides In closing, I wish everyone a safe, project paid for as soon as possible. joyful, relaxing summer. done for completing something, to give to help us along the Way. We, the Fundraising has gone well so far but we praise to the one who is graduating, priests are here to help with that. And still have a good portion of the project to Yours in Christ, to implore those who are about to go we have those who help to guide us pay for. Please do your part and make a John Mahairas on to bigger things. Really, it is all of along the Way, as well. And fi nally, it these things. It is the acknowledgment is important to be close to the Church and appreciation of reaching a certain where we come into contact with Christ point in life. Our lives are journeys; Himself. We come into contact with they are (hopefully) ascents to bigger Christ thought His Holy Mysteries. The Holy and Great Council of 2016 and brighter things. Each graduation By partaking of the Mysteries: Holy as rePorTeD oN GoarCH.orG is like reaching another plateau of that Communion, Confession, Unction, KOLYMBARI (Chania, Crete), Greece The date of June 19 was the date of journey. and others, we keep in close contact – The work of the Holy and Great Council the First held in Each of these “graduations” marks with Christ through the ways that He of the Orthodox Church convened June 20, Nicaea in 325 AD. This fact was noted by a point on that ascent. Thankfully, ordained for us. The Holy Mysteries 2016, the Feast of the Holy Spirit, at the His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch continually strengthen us for the those close to us, parents, godparents, Orthodox Academy of Crete after almost Bartholomew, as on June 19, 2016 the journey of life. grandparents, etc. have assisted us along a thousand years and despite the decision Holy and Great Council of 2016 AD the way. However, we eventually hit These are just three small suggestions of four Churches not to participate. commenced with the Patriarchal Divine big milestones, such as high school or that I believe can make a big difference His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Liturgy celebration of the Holy Feast college graduation, or even graduation in our lives to help us as we reach new Bartholomew presides over the Council. of Pentecost - calling all in unity. His from singlehood to married life if one plateaus in life. May God always grant The following nine Primates of the All-Holiness posed the question at some could call that a graduation. At this us the wisdom and understanding to Orthodox Autocephalous Churches and point: coincidence or divine providence? point, this is when we begin to venture always be ascending towards greater their respective honorable delegations into the steep accents, the wilderness The topics for discussion included: communion with Him and with one are participating: His Beatitude Patriarch of adulthood, married life, parenthood. • The Importance of Fasting and Its another and to help us towards the Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa, Using the climbing analogy, if we are Observance Today greatest “graduation” of all, that to His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos climbing in an unknown place, we need eternal life! of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Patriarch • Relations of the Orthodox Church with Daniel of Romania, His Beatitude the Rest of the Christian World Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, His Beatitude • Autonomy and the Means by Which it Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, is Proclaimed His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos • The Orthodox Diaspora of Athens and all Greece, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and • The of Marriage and its All Albania, His Beatitude Metropolitan Impediments Sawa of Warsaw and All Poland, His • The Mission of the Orthodox Church Beatitude Archbishop Rastislav of Czech in Today’s World Lands and Slovakia. A website, www.orthodoxcouncil. Absent from the Council are their org, provides background information Beatitudes, Patriarch John of Antioch, on the Holy and Great Council, which Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, Patriarch met in Crete June 16-27 and gathered Neophyte of Bulgaria and Patriarch Ilia representatives from the 14 autocephalous of Georgia, Primates of their respective (internally self-governing) Orthodox autocephalous churches. Churches to discuss issues. The Voice of the Greek Community MAY/JUN 2016 5

FroM THe arCHIVes By GLorIa KoNToULas

Greetings to Fellow Parishioners from the Holy Trinity Archives. In the last issue of the Voice, we recognized past Voice Editor Helen Beleos and her tremendous contribution to Holy Trinity’s archival collection. In this issue of the Voice I have decided to focus on a single piece of memorabilia. During the library renovation two of our volunteers, Jerri Holevas and Kiki Karres, discovered this piece of history while sorting through the archives. It certainly caught their attention. I hope it catches yours! The picture is of a telegram sent by Archbishop Iakovos requesting our Holy Trinity Community for prayers and a special memorial service for President John F. Kennedy at the time of his assassination, followed by an acknowledgment from Lyndon B. Johnson, thanking Archbishop Iakovos for his prayers and support. Please remember the archive collection consists of many different items, and are available for viewing and research. The collection includes: • Copies of Holy Trinity parish directories • A copy of Voice issues since 1947. • Photographs and newspaper articles featuring landmark events, such as Holy Trinity groundbreaking ceremony and the history of the Jones Mansion • Festival memorabilia • History of the Greek Community and Holy Trinity • Charlotte Observer Newspaper articles spanning over fi ve decades of Holy Trinity events. • Father C’s legacy to Holy Trinity • Photos of the pioneering parishioners of Holy Trinity • Sunday School and Greek School history • History and old pictures of the Holy Trinity Choir, Philoptochos, AHEPA, Goya and other ministries of Holy Trinity. 6 MAY/JUN 2016 The Voice of the Greek Community

a year’s internship at Central State Donations in lieu of flowers may be Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church. Hospital in Milledgeville, GA. He was made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox The Funeral Service followed at 11:30 Director of Consultation, Education, Cathedral Building Fund. AM in the sanctuary. Burial was in Research and Training at the Mental Arrangements were in the care of Evergreen Cemetery. Health Center on Billingsley Road in Kenneth Poe Services, 1321 Berkeley Peter is survived by his wife, Charlotte. Ave., Charlotte, NC, 704-641-7606. Antonia, his son, His Grace Bishop Harry was a master clinician of , his daughter Pete Foster (1930 - 2016) the highest degree and devoted Peter Dimitrios Tatsis Alexandra P. Tatsis, brothers: Tasos his professional career to helping Tatsis, Angelo Tatsis and his wife, Pete Jim Foster “Panagiotis people live better lives. He had many Peter Dimitrios Tatsis, 84, fell Avgoula; sister in law, Anthoula Dimitrios Fotopoulos”, 85, passed specializations including obtaining his asleep in the Lord on June 6, 2016 Tatsis, all of Charlotte, Reverend away on Wednesday, June 8, 2016. A approved Consultant Status in Clinical surrounded by his family. He was Dionysios Tatsis and Presbytera funeral service was held on Monday, Hypnosis after years of training. born in Asimohori, Epirus, Greece Marianthi, sisters Ekaterina Skourtis 2 pm, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox on August 15, 1931. He immigrated Always a student, Harry supervised and Evthokia Siozos, all of Greece, Cathedral. The family received to the U.S. at age 19 following the many nieces and nephews and his friends thirty minutes prior to the many beginning therapists, and held Greek Civil War and settled in New the highest ethical standards. He Godson, Tommy G. Holevas and a service. Burial was at Gethsemane York City for 5 years. He married very special little boy, Nathan. Memorial Gardens. Arrangements seemed unaware of how either his his wife of 58 years, Antonia, on entrusted to Boston’s Mortuary. direct and personal work with people February 9, 1958. They then settled He was preceded in death by his or his training of others cast a vast in Charlotte, NC. Along with his parents, Reverend Dimitrios Tatsis ripple of healing and helping. So many and Presbytera Georgia, his brother, Harry Gus Karras Ph.D. wife, Peter operated many restaurants have been touched by his caring ways, including the Hutchinson Avenue Nickolaos D Tatsis, sister in law Harry G. Karras, Ph.D passed away and always with an irrepressible sense Grill, Tatsis Restaurant, the Patriot Sophia Tatsis, and niece, Vivian Tatsis early Monday morning, May 16, 2016, of humor and delight. Restaurant, Tasos Restaurant and the Stergiou and a God-daughter, Flora and was celebrated Saturday, May 21, Harry enjoyed his wife of 49 years, Crimson House Restaurant. When he Koulouris. 2016 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Jeanne Pappas Karras, working semi-retired, he became a courier for The family would like to thank Cathedral, 600 East Boulevard, alongside him in his Charlotte First Union Bank in Charlotte. Peter Dr. John Holevas and Dr. Samuel Charlotte, NC. Visitation started at Psychotherapy Clinic from 1972 was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Peretsman and the nurses and staff of 1 PM with the services beginning at until 2003. In retirement, Harry Orthodox Cathedral where he served Novant Health Presbyterian - Main 2 PM. continued to mentor, study and learn. on the parish council and was a choir Intensive Care Unit for all of the care, Harry was born Eleutherios Within the Mecklenburg Psychological member for many years. He was love and support. Kostandinos Karagounis in Agrinion, Association, he was President and Past also a member at St. Nektarios Greek Notes of encouragement and Greece on May 14, 1939, and was President and Chairman of the Ethics Orthodox Church. condolences may be sent to the family by preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Professional Practice Committee Peter had a great love of family. visitingwww.ellingtonfuneralservices. Gus Karras and Lambrini Koltsidas for the North Carolina Psychological He sponsored the immigration of his com. Karras. His early years were deeply Association. siblings and their families to the U.S. impacted by his experiences in German Memorials may be to Holy Trinity His passion was music, and in He stressed the value of hard work Greek Orthodox Church Renovation occupied Greece when his family the early 60’s, Harry was both a and education to everyone. He was survived by hiding in the mountains. Fund, 600 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC performer and a producer of beach a lover of Greek music and dancing, 28203 or St. Nektarios Greek Church Arriving in Concord, NC in 1946, music earning three gold records for especially his beloved Epirotika from building fund, 5108 Kuykendall Road, he became Harry Karras named after songs he produced and published. the Northern section of Greece. In his Charlotte, NC 28270. President Harry Truman. This interest continued all his life. early years, he loved recording super 8 Serving the Tatsis family was movies and videos of family vacations All knew Harry for a scholar as he Harry is survived by the love of his Ellington Funeral Services, “The and significant family events. He quickly learned English and pursued life, his wife Jeanne Karras, and his son, Historic Morehead St. Chapel”, 727 continued to watch these recordings first, physics studies at Duke University Dr. Dean Karras; his wife, Michelle; E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28202. throughout his life. and eventually the doctoral program in four grandchildren, Christopher, Eleni, Family owned since 1944. clinical psychology at the University Sabrina and Tony all of Wilmington, The Tatsis family greeted friends of South Carolina in Columbia, NC and one godchild, Emily Ferguson from 11:00 AM until 11:30 AM, graduating in 1970. He completed of Charlotte, NC. Thursday, the 9th of June 2016 at St. TheThe VoiceVoice ofof thethe GreekGreek CommunityCommunity MAY/JUNJAN-APR 20162016 77

as Mr. E, Chris was never without kind and devoted son and uncle. He is had a special place in the hearts of each may be made in remembrance of Mr. a word, joke, words of advice or coin survived by his loving mother, Zoi; of his grandchildren as well. He was Mahairas to the Building Fund of Holy trick.Holy His faith, family, Trinity and friends were Greekbrothers: Jimmy, OrthodoxNick and his wife, a life-long Cathedral member of Holy Trinity & Trinity Courtyard Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 600 at the center of his life. Mr. Economides Crystal and his two nieces: Sarah and Greek Orthodox Church and member East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Notes is survived by his devoted wife Patricia RenovationSophia Koutsogoulas all of Charlotte. Update of Adelphotis (JulyArahoviton. 2016) Pete was of encouragement and condolences may Economides; son, Chris Economides He was preceded in death by his father, fortunate enough to have many friends be made to the family by visitingwww. IIIThe and Courtyard wife, Mitzi, and Cathedral of Charlotte, renovation NC; foundationVassilious wallsKoutsougoulas. of the elevator A Trisagion addition itand relates a large to completion and loving inextended preparation family. for walkwaysellingtonfuneralservices.com at the entry to Fr. “C” Hall.. Serving constructiondaughter, is Constance in full swing Economides at our Holy toService our Cathedral. was held Inat addition,7:00 PM, work Monday, has theHis upcoming kind heart festival. and humor will be missed theWe Mahairas appreciate family your is Ellington cooperation Funeral in Trinityof Charlotte, Greek Orthodox NC, her Cathedral.fiance, Chad We begunthe 4th on ofthe April poured 2016 walls at that Holy will Trinity create byFoundation many. He waswork preceded is underway in death at the by refrainingServices, from “The entering Historic the construction Morehead wantedHoward to of take Cornelius, this opportunity NC; and daughterto share theGreek new Orthodox ramp, providing Cathedral, access 600 to East the Chapelhis brothers: addition Sotirios, on the opposite Elefterios side (Terry), of the areasSt. Chapel”, behind the 727fencing. E. MoreheadWe will provide St., withMarian the communityLeclerc and a unique, husband, behind Chris the Cathedral.Blvd. The SteelFuneral is also Service being was set heldin the at CathedralAndrew andand steel Perry; assembly and hiswill follow.father-in- As additionalCharlotte, updatesNC 28202. to the(704) community, 334.6700. fence,of Charlotte, bird’s eye NC; view five of grandchildren:the courtyard walkway11:00 AM, adjacent Tuesday, to the the Cathedral 5th of andApril at welaw make and adjustmentsmother-in-law, for the John crane and location, Eleni asFamily we continue owned sinceto move 1944. forward with renovationRobert Brendle, zone. Isabella Brendle, Zoe the2016, elevator also addition. at the Cathedral. Burial workVastis. will beginHe is on survived the footings by and his planters/ wife construction! Economides,Over the past Avery months Leclerc we have and madeEvan followedThe next photoin Evergreen (right) shows Cemetery. the progress A Dina, children Valerie Athanailos and Spiros Christos Maroulis aLeclerc great dealall of ofCharlotte, progress, NC as and you a sister, will ofluncheon the covered was heldwalkways in the Fatherand rotunda, C Hall husband, Taso; John Mahairas and wife, Spiros Christos Maroulis, 77, passed seeBetty in Yianitsas the images of Houston, below. We TX. have The extendingat Holy Trinity from the following parking lotthe behind graveside the Elaine; Helen Moffat and husband, away on Saturday, April 23, 2016. encounteredEconomides some family weather greeted delays friends during from Cathedral,service. Notesup towards of encouragement the office building and Aaron; six grandchildren: Costa and Spiros was born on September 25, 1938, the10:00 excavation, AM until footing 11:00 andAM foundationThursday, .condolences Structural may be steel sent has to been the family installed, by Peter Athanailos, Peter, Andriana and the youngest of three brothers, to the phasesthe 18th of construction; of February however 2016, Myersat Holy & asvisiting well as www.ellingtonfuneralservices.precast concrete. Work continues Maria Mahairas and Matthew Moffat; late Christos and Spiridoula (Sanoulis) ChapmanTrinity Greek is making Orthodox headway. Cathedral. The photos The alongcom. theServing walkway the fromKoutsogoulas the parking family lot to two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Maroulis in Hriso, Evrytania, Greece. belowTrisagion show and the Funeral progress Service of the followed poured theis officeEllington area, Funeralas it is most Services, time critical, “The as Sam and Matoula Vastis and Perry and He immigrated to the United States in at 11:00 AM. Committal followed Historic Morehead St. Chapel”, 727 E. Niki Vastis; sisters-in-law: Glykeria, 1968 with his family where they resided in Evergreen Cemetery. Memorials Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28202. Bessie, Matoula and Panagiota Maheras; in New York City for 3 1/2 years. He may be made in remembrance of Family owned since 1944. 18 nieces and nephews along with their then moved his family to Charlotte, NC Chris Economides, Jr. to Holy Trinity spouses and all their children. He to raise his children. He was a skilled Greek Orthodox Foundation, 600 East Pete John Mahairas loved his family with all his heart and and very talented subcontractor who Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203 or to Pete John Mahairas, 82, of Charlotte, always wanted to keep them close in enjoyed his career of building homes Novant Health Hospice and Supportive NC, passed away Thursday, the 4th of his life as well. Pete was a courageous in and around the Charlotte area. He Care, P.O. Box 33549, Charlotte, NC February 2016, at Levine & Dickson and unusually strong man that endured was a member of the Holy Trinity 28233. Hospice House - Southminster many adversities in his life one of Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the surrounded by his wife of 52 years which was the need for dialysis due to Evrytanian “Velouchi” Association. George Koutsogoulas and his children. Pete was born the his end state renal disease. He endured Spiros cherished his family more than George Koutsogoulas, 40, of 10th of February 1933 in Karyae, twelve years of treatment but finally anything and the joyous life he built with Charlotte, NC, passed away Tuesday, the Greece to John and Vasiliki Mahairas. let go after almost a month at CMC. his loving wife of 50 years, Alexandra 29th of March 2016, from complications He cherished his childhood village He wanted to thank Dr. Peter Copsis (Mandragonis). Spiros is survived of cancer. George was born the 13th of of Karyae but civil war drove him to and all the wonderful people that cared by his wife, children Chris Maroulis, February 1976 in Charlotte, NC and immigrate to the United States in 1951. for him at the DSI dialysis clinic and Loula Minakakis and husband Larry, was a lifelong resident. He worked at He initially moved to Greensboro then the staff in the ICU at CMC for their Julia Maroulis and his most beloved the Police Department in his younger settled in Charlotte in 1956. Here he care and also their kindness during his of all grandchildren Anna Maria and years and went on to work for the Great met and married his wife, Dina Vastis hospitalization. His family would like Dimitri Minakakis that were his pride Lakes Petroleum where he found not Mahairas in 1963 and they owned and to thank the staff at Levine & Dixon and joy. Survivors also include his two only a job, but a family. Everyone that operated the Quonset Diner and later Hospice House - Southminster. The sisters-in-law, many cousins, nieces knew George has a story to tell that Hermanos Mexican Restaurant until Trisagion service was held at 7:00 PM, and nephews. Spiros was preceded in includes a smile, a hug and likely a he retired in 1995. Gardening was Saturday, the 6th of February, at Holy death by his parents and brothers Sotiri dinner. He had a deep love for people Pete’s passion and he enjoyed working Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The and Ilias Maroulis. Funeral Services and had many, many friends that loved in his yard and being outdoors and Funeral service was held at 11:00 AM, was held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 him deeply, above all he was closest was known for his green thumb. The Monday, the 8th of February 2016, at at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek to his family. He and his brother were only thing he loved more than being Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral Orthodox Cathedral. Spiros was laid to known to talk or most likely see each outside in his garden was being with with the burial following in Evergreen other daily. He was also was a loving his grandchildren and “Pappou” always Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials Continued on page 14

Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service

Nick Ken Bowen Poe

FAMILIAR FACES AT A NEW LOCATION For many years, Ken and Nick have served Holy Trinity families with the compassion and dignity that the community deserves. After many years working for a large, corporate-owned firm, they have opened their own privately owned facility, ready to serve the Orthodox community with care and attention unmatched in Charlotte. Please call Ken or Nick, or visit our new location in Dilworth, and let us share with you how we can save you money while providing the highest level of service. We are also happy to transfer pre-arrangements that may have been made at other funeral homes.

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KPS_FINAL_1.3 ANDRIANNA STAVROULA DALLIS for community service. Ronald Reagan High School, Pfaff town, NC Eliot’s school accomplishments include: Andrianna AP Scholar 2016 Graduates was a member Four-year A/B Honor Roll student of the National National Honor Society EKATERINI ELIZABETH LIVAS (KATIA) ISABELLA BRENDLE Honors Society and Beta Club Ardrey Kell High School Myers Park High School National National Social Studies Honor Society Katia is Isabella Latin Honors Advanced Chamber Choir the daughter attended Society. Odyssey of the Mind-competed at the World of Lukas and Myers Park She was Finals three times. Loren Livas. all four years. designated a She is a She was a North Carolina Eliot will be attending the University of North member of member of the Scholar and AP Carolina at Chapel Hill. the National FFA (Future Scholar with Honor Society, Farmers of Distinction. DESPINA ZAGANAS She was on the Rho Kappa America) Harding University High School National club all four varsity tennis years and team, captain Despina Social Studies has Honor Society, was selected of History and General Knowledge Academic treasurer her Team, and Latin Club in school. She participated participated and Knights in the Yiasou in Action senior year. in Hellenic Dance Festival and was a member At the end of GOYA. Greek Program Festival as a of her high This summer she will be spending time with where she dancer and school career, family & visiting Greece. completed volunteer over 100 hours of community service. she received Andrianna will be attending University of the Education since she As a faithful member of Holy Trinity Greek North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall. Achievement Award. She played lacrosse for was in Orthodox Cathedral where she attended preschool MPHS for two years, then stopped to focus on kindergarten. and Sunday School, she danced at the Greek her academics. She played basketball for Holy VASILLIOS G. PISTOLIS She attended Festival for 13 years, competed with HDF for 4 Trinity starting at age 6 and fi nishing at age 18. Ardrey Kell High School Holy Trinity’s years and actively participated in GOYA. Sunday She will be spending her summer on a cruise Vasillios Katia has volunteered for JDRF, Hands On School (K- in the Caribbean with her family, visiting her (Billy) is the Charlotte, Ronald McDonald House, Second 12) and Greek godmother in L.A. and getting ready for the life son of George Harvest Food Bank, Urban Ministries, Goodwill, School (K-6) programs. She played basketball ahead of her. and Vivi Loaves and Fishes, Girl Scouts, and Charlotte for the church team (7-12) and participated in Isabella will be attending Appalachian State Pistolis. Mecklenburg Schools. Hellenic Dance Festival competitions. She University to study Business Management. In high After spending the summer in Greece, Katia attended the Winter Youth Rally and was on the school, he will attend the University of South Carolina in championship basketball team in 2014. VICTORIA CONSTANCE KANOS was in the Columbia where she has been accepted in the Despina has been on the A-B Honor Roll in Marine Corps Pre-Pharmacy program. Weddington High School high school and was a member of Communities Junior ROTC in Schools. Victoria is (MCJROTC) ALEXANDRA NICOLE CHOATE the daughter for four years. She will attend Central Piedmont Community of Georgia and Butler High School He was very College this fall and plans to major to become a Deno Kanos. active in dental assistant or a pharmacist. She During high graduated soccer. He school, she played with CHRISTOS PANAGIOTOPOULOS from Butler received her High School Holy Trinity and spent 7 years with CUFC. He Providence High School certification has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and participated with honors. Christos is in Microsoft in several competitions, where he has placed First the son of Bill Alexandra Word and and Second in separate events. was the Excel. She was and Kathy Editor-in- a cheerleader, Vasillios has enlisted in the United States (Makri- Chief of powderpuff Marine Corps and will be leaving for boot camp giannis) the Butler football player, at Parris Island, SC in July. Panagio- yearbook, a member of topoulos. Historian of Key Club and ELIOT C. MCGINNIS In high the Senior a member of South Mecklenburg High School school Board, Family, Career and Community Leaders of Eliot is Christos was Treasurer of America (FCCLA). the son of a member the District She studied Spanish in high school and Cliff and of Future Key Club, graduated from Holy Trinity Greek School. She Elise (Sugar) Business Publicist of took the Ellinomatheia Exams administered by McGinnis. Leaders of the Social the Greek Ministry of Education and received her Eliot has America Advocacy Club, and active member of the certifi cate of attainment in the , attended (FBLA), National Honor Society. She maintained an A which also earned her several college credits. Sunday DECA Honor Roll throughout her four years of high Victoria danced for the Greek Festival since School at and Health school, while also being awarded both the AP Kindergarten. She participated in the St. John Holy Trinity Occupational Students of America (HOSA). He Scholar Award and the Sewanee Award for Chrysostom Oratorical Festival and Hellenic since he was enjoyed playing travel soccer for Atlanta Fire Excellence in Writing. As a Senior Marshall, she Dance Festival. She attended the Winter Youth three years United, lacrosse his junior year and rugby as a graduated in the top 25 of the David W. Butler Rally and St. Stephen’s camp. old. He has senior at Providence High. High School class of 2016. Alexandra graduated also served He was an active member of the Annunciation fi rst in her Greek School class, leading her to She volunteered at the Yiasou Greek Festival in the altar, Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Atlanta – where pass the fi rst two levels of Ellhnomaqeiα with and the annual 5K race. volunteered he was born and now of Holy Trinity Greek honors. She also spent many years dancing at the Throughout her schooling, Victoria actively and danced at Orthodox Cathedral. He served as an altar boy, Yiasou Greek Festival, playing church basketball, worked and helped out her mother with her other the Yiasou Greek Festival. was a volunteer and danced at the Greek Festival. volunteering at need-based charities, teaching siblings after school. He participated in the St. Greek dance at the Holy Trinity Vacation Bible Eliot is an Eagle Scout and has earned three Victoria will be attending the Central Piedmont Eastern Orthodox Religious awards. He has Oratorical Festival. He enjoyed GOYA events: School, and competing and placing at HDF, the Community College for basic courses, then basketball, St. Stephen’s Summer Camp, Winter St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, and volunteered as a climbing instructor at a summer transferring to a university to receive B.S. in Scout camp for the past three years. Eliot has Youth Rally, Norfolk Basketball Tournament, Winter Youth Rally. Alexandra plans to pursue an Dental Hygiene. and the St. Photios Senior trip in Florida this undergraduate degree in Media and Journalism. received the Gold and Bronze Presidential Service Award during his 11th and 12th grades past spring. for community service. He dedicated his time volunteering for Occupations Students of America (HOSA). DANIELLE STAVROPOULOS Eliot’s school accomplishments include: International Orthodox Christian Charities Klimis enjoys participating in all outdoor Charlotte Catholic High School (IOCC), soup kitchen at St. John the Wonderworker activities, especially fishing and camping. AP Scholar in Atlanta, and the local Red Cross. Danielle’s Four-year A/B Honor Roll student He will attend East Carolina University in the summer This summer he is looking forward to traveling fall and major in a computer sciences field. plans National Honor Society and continue working at Harris Teeter. include lots Beta Club Christos plans to attend Central Piedmont ANDREANNA PITTMAN (ANDI) of travel. Community College and transfer to the University National Social Studies Honor Society Ardrey Kell High School She is going of South Carolina to continue his studies. Advanced Chamber Choir to Denver, Andreanna CO to visit Odyssey of the Mind-competed at the World SOPHIA POLITIS graduated family and Finals three times. from Ardrey friends that Eliot will be attending the University of North Hickory Ridge High School, Harrisburg, NC Kell with she met Carolina at Chapel Hill. Sophia is Honors. last year at the daughter She was a the Ionian DESPINA ZAGANAS of Andy and member of Village. She the National is headed to Harding University High School Gwen Politis. Honor Florida in Despina During this summer, Society, early July to has the Tri-M visit other Ionian Village friends, before heading participated Sophia will be helping at a Music Honor to Nevada with her family at the time of the in the Yiasou Society, AHEPA National Convention. Greek music camp. Women’s She will attend East Carolina University in Festival as a She will Chamber Greenville, NC this fall. She plans to transfer to dancer and attend the Honors Belmont University in Nashville, TN to complete volunteer University Chorus, Acapella Club and the Key Club. her studies in music business. since she of South Andi attended Holy Trinity Greek School for 7 was in Carolina. years and graduated with Honors. She continued kindergarten. Her interest DEMI PISTOLIS to volunteer at Greek School for two more years, She attended is in forensic Myers Park High School after graduation, as a classroom assistant. Holy Trinity’s psychology. Demi She has participated in Holy Trinity’s Yiasou Sunday participated Greek Festival Dance Program for 13 years and School (K- LENA POLEMIDES for 8 years on in the Hellenic Dance Festival Competition for 4 12) and Greek Holy Trinity’s Weddington High School years. In her senior year, she joined Holy Trinity’s School (K-6) programs. She played basketball basketball senior basketball team. Over the years, Andi for the church team (7-12) and participated in Lena team, 2 years has participated and volunteered in numerous Hellenic Dance Festival competitions. She graduated of Future church youth activities and trips. Presently, she attended the Winter Youth Rally and was on the with Honors. Farmers of is volunteering as an instructor for the rising championship basketball team in 2014. She was America Kindergarten Yiasou Festival dance groups. She Despina has been on the A-B Honor Roll in a member (FFA), 2 years also volunteers regularly with Socrates Academy high school and was a member of Communities of Honors of part time Charter School with a great love for kids and in Schools. Chorus, work at Harris educations. She will attend Central Piedmont Community Drama Club, Teeter, where Andi was accepted at UNCC, Queens College this fall and plans to major to become a Environ- she recently University and Wingate University. dental assistant or a pharmacist. mental went full time, Club, FFA, She plans to attend Queens University in and other DECA, and the fall with a variety of interests in education, extra-curricular activities. CHRISTOS PANAGIOTOPOULOS participated in psychology, music and biology. Demi will be attending Central Piedmont Providence High School school plays. Community College for two years and transfer Christos is Lena CHRISTOS GEORGE XYRAFAKIS to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte the son of Bill attended Holy Myers Park High School to study Business Management. and Kathy Trinity Greek School for 7 years. She has Chris is the (Makri- participated in the Yiasou Greek Festival Dance CHRIS POULIMENOS giannis) program for 13 years and in the Hellenic Dance son of George Panagio- Festival for 4 years. She was a member of the and Katerina Weddington High School topoulos. award winning Holy Trinity basketball team and Xyrafakis. Alex- In high played for 4 years. She has also participated in In high ander’s school many other church youth activities. This summer, school, Chris achievements Christos was she is volunteering as an instructor for the rising was a member in high school a member kindergarten Yiasou Festival dance group. of DECA, included of Future She will attend Central Piedmont Community Future Farmers membership Business College this fall and transfer after two years to of America in the National Leaders of UNC Charlotte. Her interests are health and (FFA), and Honor Society, Beta Club, America business. played on the (FBLA), Myers Park Spanish Honor Rugby team Society, Future DECA KLIMIS K. PLAKAS and Health his junior and Business Occupational Students of America (HOSA). He Highland School of Technology, Gastonia, NC senior years. Leaders of America enjoyed playing travel soccer for Atlanta Fire Klimis Chris’ church activities included serving in the (FBLA), and United, lacrosse his junior year and rugby as a is the son of altar, participating in the St. John Chrysostom Key Club. He senior at Providence High. Konstantinos Oratorical Festival, attended St. Stephen’s Camp, and also played soccer all four years and was a Plakas was a Yiasou Festival volunteer. He was a dancer He was an active member of the Annunciation member of the varsity team that won the 3A NC and Dina on teams that performed at the Yiasou Festival and Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Atlanta – where State Championship in 2015. he was born and now of Holy Trinity Greek Koutsoupias. competed at the Hellenic Dance Festival. Chris was He was an active GOYA member and played Orthodox Cathedral. He served as an altar boy, He was on the basketball and soccer teams for Holy Trinity. soccer and basketball on Holy Trinity teams. He was a volunteer and danced at the Greek Festival. involved in He was a volunteer for the Vacation Bible School and also danced at the Yiasou Festival and Hellenic He participated in the St. John Chrysostom the computer a member of GOYA for several years and served as Dance Festival. He also volunteered on various Oratorical Festival. He enjoyed GOYA events: engineering its president in 2015-2016. community outreach programs. basketball, St. Stephen’s Summer Camp, Winter program and He will attend Central Piedmont Community Youth Rally, Norfolk Basketball Tournament, a member of College this fall for two years and transfer to He will attend North Carolina State University and the St. Photios Senior trip in Florida this Earth Club North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC in Raleigh, NC starting this fall. past spring. and Health and major in engineering. 10 MAY/JUN 2016 The Voice of the Greek Community National Oratorical Festival comes to Charlotte By George Zogzas

The 2016 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held its national finals in Charlotte the weekend of June 10 through 12. The Festival was hosted by St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church with activities for the participants and their families on Friday and Saturday. Aside from the speakers, the highlight of the event was the attendance of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Archbishop Demetrios and of America. The Archbishop arrived Director Vrame talk during a on Friday evening and concluded break between speakers. the weekend by celebrating the Archierarchical at St. Nektarios on Sunday, June 12. Fr. His Eminence delivers the Theodore participated in the celebration opening prayer. Photos by Sam Kleto of the service with His Eminence. There were 9 Junior Division and 9 Senior Division participants, one from each metropolis in the Americas. They delivered their speeches Saturday morning to an audience that included their families and friends, parishioners, and from the surrounding communities. Fr. Angelo and Presvytera His Eminence Archbishop Patricia, Fr. Theodore and Presvytera Demetrios of America arrives for Stacey, joined other parishioners the National Festival. from Holy Trinity on hand to hear the speeches. Division judge. After delivering the opening prayer, All 18 speakers delivered their His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios speeches with confidence, passion for was seated in a chair placed in the their subjects, and engaged the audience main aisle next to the second pew. fully. The presentations were completed This gave him an unobstructed view of in a little over two hours. Afterwards, the speakers, and vice versa. Rev. Fr. the speakers went next door for the Steve Dalber welcomed the participants Awards Luncheon. Fr. Angelo served and attendees, and was followed with as master of ceremonies. brief remarks by Dr. Anton C. Vrame, Though not represented at the finals, Director of the Department of Religious Holy Trinity participants had a very Education for the Archdiocese. successful run in this year’s Oratorical His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, center right with some of the Presvytera Margaret Orfanakos, Festival. On February 28, 2016, our clergy in attendance for the Festival including Fr. Steve Dalber center Chairperson of the Archdiocese local festival culminated with the left, Fr. Angelo, 4th from right and Fr. Theodore, 2nd from right. Oratorical Festival, introduced the selection of two winners each from the judges for the competition. Junior Division (Stavros Boardman and There were separate three judge Mimi Dizes) and the Senior Division panels, one for the Junior Division and (Constantine Boardman and Floriana one for the Senior Division. Rev. Fr. Boardman). Robert Lawrence, the parish priest of The four winners then competed in St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in the district level competition held in Mooresville, NC, served as a Junior Fayetteville, NC. Three of our four Division judge. Paul Tsahakis, MD, of St. Nektarios, served as a Senior Continued on page 12 The Voice of the Greek Community MAY/JUN 2016 11

Volunteers work with students making crafts Break time for the GOYA volunteers Learning to dance as a group

VacationVacation BibleBible SchoolSchool 20162016

2016 Vacation Bible School students and volunteers

By Amber Tsumas Vacation Bible School was held at Holy Trinity from June 13-16th. It was open to children ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. Over 110 children registered and 50 GOYA volunteers assisted with many activities throughout the week. The theme this year was “Our Feast Day Celebration”, which allowed the children to grow closer to Christ and learn about their Orthodox Christian faith, while having some summer fun. The first three days focused on the particular theme that our church, homes and bodies are temples of God. On Thursday the focus was on the actual feast day of the Pentecost. It was a week filled with daily worship, Bible classes, arts and crafts, singing, and a grand finale performance for the children’s families. Success with crafts based on the smiles on the faces Students in the Cathedral listening to Fr. Angelo The dedication of Fr. Angelo, Fr. Theodore, parents, youth and organizers made it a huge success. Thank you all for your support!

Joanna Kakouras leads a class on singing hymns Fr. Angelo leads a discussion on the Major Feast Days Sports activities with the volunteers 12 MAY/JUN 2016 The Voice of the Greek Community

From the Choir Loft By oLGa yaMaLIs News from the loft As the Cathedral choirs come towards upcoming 40th Annual Southeastern the end of another Sunday School year Federation Choir Conference. This and last quarter of the ecclesiastical year, year’s choir conference will be held at St. we know what it takes, it takes faith. On Mark’s Greek Orthodox Church in Boca one side, we face Palm Sunday with dread Raton, FL on July 28-31. We anticipate to and work our way through Holy Week hold regional practices with other choirs On Sunday, June 19th, our Cathedral on-a-stick, rotisserie chicken, Greek all the way to the joyful anticipation of from our metropolis in June/early July hosted the 3rd annual “Panegyri in the potato salad, and horiatki salad. Greek Pascha and His Resurrection. The choirs where we will be chanting The Liturgy of Plateia”. The community gathered in music was playing thanks to DJ Sheltz! brave Holy Week chanting through the Peace composed by Christopher Kypros. celebration of Pentecost, our Cathedral’s Drinks and ice cream were available at alleluia’s, the many responses, the Hymn This year’s conference Guest Conductor name day. This followed the 20 year a separate tent setup just below the steps of Kassiani, the Lamentations, Come is the composer, Christopher Kypros. memorial for Fr. “C” and 4-month at the entrance side to the hall. memorial for Presvytera Kathryn. If Receive the Light to Christos Anesti. The Youth Guest .Conductor is Stacey We want to thank all who helped The Lenten season, Holy Week and Norton of Holy Trinity Orlando, FL. that was not enough, it was Father’s Day. organize, cook, and prepare for this Ascension is invaluable to us all. Thank The Southeastern Federation (SFGOCM) Due to the construction in the courtyard, wonderful event. A very special thank you to all the members of choirs, chanters President is our very own Dr. Philip tables and chairs were setup on the front you to Mr. John Fragakis who arranged and clergy who participated and were Thevaos. More information on the lawn. The food tent, serving many ala for the delicious food and coordinated present--thank you for all you do! conference will follow in the next Voice carte items, was setup in the parking area the volunteers who cooked the food. During our choir’s summertime edition. behind Father C Hall. 18 lambs were A great time was had by all who break between Pentecost (June 19) cooked by many volunteers who brought attended. God granted us beautiful and Assumption of the Virgin Mary Psalm 89:1 I will sing of the mercies their spits from home. Besides lamb by weather for a wonderful community (August 15), our Cathedral choirs and of the Lord forever; With my mouth will the pound, the menu included souvlaki- and family event surrounding area choirs in the Atlanta I make known Your faithfulness to all Metropolis will be preparing for the generations. ALL MERCHANDISE ON SALE NOW!

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Charlotte region for over 65 years. See how Oratorical Festival Continued from page 10

you can reach this important market with winners, Constantine, Floriana and speaking. Holy Trinity’s young people Mimi, advanced to the Metropolis of have benefi ted from Jerri’s commitment affordable advertising. Atlanta Festival in Daytona, FL held to them and the high ideals of the on May 14. Festival. Contact George Andrews, at [email protected] The Holy Trinity Oratorical Festival Here is looking forward to January has been guided by Mrs. Jerri Holevas. 2017 when Holy Trinity’s students once Through the many years that she has led again are presented with the opportunity this effort, her passion and enthusiasm to think and speak about their faith and for the Festival has not diminished. She how they can use it to better the lives has seen what the process can teach its of the community around them. Maybe participants about their Faith as well as one of them will be giving their speech the confi dence they gain from public at the national fi nals in next spring.

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Cathedral Foundation By George Zogzas Philoptochos By Frances Troupes Foundation Gets Behind the Renovations Preparations for the upcoming and we thank Cathy for sharing her Yiasou Festival are underway. The knowledge with us. ladies of Philoptochos along with many Philoptochos helped with preparations parishioners have volunteered many for Easter. We sold over 100 tsourekia hours of their time to make thousands on Palm Sunday, dyed eggs on Holy of dolmades and hundreds of pans of Wednesday, and helped with the flowers galaktobouriko and karidopita. Baking for the Epitaphion. will resume in August. Please consider coming to help prepare baklava ,diples Our annual end of the year picnic was and koulouria. held on Tuesday May 24th, at Latta Park Our general meeting for the month in Dilworth. It was fun to socialize on of March was held on March 8th. We a beautiful sunny day and enjoy each had a delicious meal as we listened to a other’s company. presentation on high blood pressure and Hope everyone has a happy and safe its warning signs from Cathy Tsoulos. summer! It was very interesting and informative

The Foundation confirmed their pledge commitment of $100,000.00. Pastry Preparation Schedule From L to R, Parish Council President John Mahairas, Foundation Chairman Nick Kantsios, Foundation Secretary-Treasurer George for 2016 Yiasou Festival: Zogzas, and Fundraising Committee Chairman John Tsumas. August 8-9 . . . . Koulourakia August 16-19 . . . Baklava The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox $25,000 on May 15, 2016. Added Foundation raised its commitment to the to the $25,000 previously given, the August 24-25 . . . Baklava for ice cream Cathedral’s Renovations project. The Foundation has already given one half August 27-28 . . . Diples Trustees voted to submit a bid for naming of its total commitment. They will fulfill rights for two of the areas designated the remaining portion on or before May September 4-5 . . Packing by the IRRC. The Foundation chose 15, 2018. the elevator and elevator alcove and bid The elevator and the rebuilt ramp Please come help any and all days that you can. We need all $50,000 for each. will provide greater ease of access to parishioners to give of their time to help before, during, and after The Foundation was honored to have the Cathedral for all parishioners and our Yiasou Festival…all men, women, and children! won the bids. The Trustees immediately visitors, helping to eliminate physical confirmed the commitment by giving barriers.

Contact Director Now you see it . . . Now you don’t Larry Peroulas for information on registering for Greek School classes that begin September 2016

Late in June, the building at 712 East Boulevard was demolished and the debris removed from the site by John E. Jenkins, Inc. The structure was commonly referred to as the old “AHEPA House”. That is because AHEPA Marathon Chapter #2 owned the building before selling it to Holy Trinity in the mid-1990s for $125,000. The total cost to demolish was $11,075. 14 MAY/JUN 2016 The Voice of the Greek Community

sTeWarDsHIP CorNer By NICK KaLLeLIs Time Talent Treasures. A good way a reserve for capital expenditures, to apply these stewardship needs is emergency fund, and to increase to participate in the Yiasou Festival community service to Holy Trinity and which is the major fund-raiser of the Charlotte community. We have our church. We are grateful to our too long depended upon non-church parishioners who generously commit members of Charlotte to help pay our time, talent, and treasures from May expenses. through September. In spite of our Thanks to all that have supported many volunteers the festival committee our stewardship efforts. We can never has sufficient personnel to fulfill be proud of the support for our the needs of the festival. current construction. Improvement A comment frequently made is, “I festival with their families. extensive hours. If we had more parish of our overall stewardship program is a reflection of our continuing want to spend time at the festival with Last year was one of the most members volunteer, we would be able commitment. Let’s all do our part my family.” Consider devoting time successful festivals both in attendance to eliminate hiring outsiders to fill giving of our time, talent and treasure prior to or after the festival dates. and financially. This was the result these shortfalls in manpower. to show our support of the festival During the festival if only a couple of excellent planning, improved cost Our goal is to have a budget free of committee and the loyal dedicated hours of your time are available, control and the extensive work hours festival income. This is necessary to volunteers who make the festival a volunteer for those hours. Let’s give of our generous volunteers. However, prevent a financial catastrophe should success. relief to those working the entire the number was short of what was the festival be rained out. It would festival and a chance to enjoy the needed and most volunteers worked also give us the opportunity to build Your Stewardship Committee

IN MeMorIaM FaTHer PHaeTHoN aND PresVyTera KaTHryN T. CoNsTaNTINIDes

Editor’s Note. Holy Trinity Cathedral held a memorial service at the end of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday June 19, 2016 in remembrance of Reverend Fr. Phaethon Constantinides and marked the 20th anniversary of his passing. The community also honored Presvytera Kathryn Constantinides who passed away February 13, 2016. Nearby is the photograph and text from the handout.

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PresCHooL By PresCHooL sTaFF program, to the Preschool Board for Whooo’s in their all their guidance, help and support the News at in everything we do, and to the Parish the Preschool? Council and the Holy Trinity community for their constant support of the preschool program and our fundraising projects. One of those fundraising projects was the Holy Friday Luminaries purchased “in Christos Anesti! Memory of” or “In Honor of” a loved that lined the walkway during the procession. It is hard to believe how quickly this This fundraiser was a huge success and we year has gone by and that summer is here. thank all parishioners who participated. We May is always a very busy month as we would also like to extend a special thank wrap up the school year while trying to you to the Order of AHEPA Marathon squeeze in as much learning, fun and Chapter #2 for their very generous donation fellowship as we can before the year of $75,000 towards a new playground comes to a close. In addition to the spring as part of the Courtyard and Cathedral themes, the last month of preschool is a renovation project. As one of the ministries time for reviewing everything the children about the spring and summer seasons, and to hear all about their new schools and the that will be enjoying the new playground learned throughout the year to make sure practiced for our Graduation and End of Kindergarten experience. We love them area, we wanted them to know how much they are ready to move on to the next Year Celebration Program. After Easter and we will miss them! it will be appreciated by the preschool staff grade level. The children always eagerly on May 3rd and 4th, the classes held their As June arrives and preschool is out for and children. Thank you to everyone for and enthusiastically approach each new Easter Parties and Easter Egg Hunt. It is the summer, it is time for the teachers to supporting our preschool program!!! challenge and we are very proud of them amazing how quickly the children found pack up their classrooms, put away all the If anyone needs information regarding and all they have accomplished. It was all the hidden Easter Eggs. On May 12th fun and educational materials and to begin the preschool, please contact the preschool such a joy to watch them learn and grow and 13th for Mother’s Day, we invited our preparing for the coming year. We are very office or the co-directors. If you are throughout the year. preschool Moms and Grandmothers to their grateful and fortunate to have a group of interested in registering your child, we During the month of May in addition to children’s classrooms for a special “Mom’s very caring and dedicated teachers in our want to remind you that spaces are limited. reviewing what the children have learned, Morning” coffee hour. We had a great preschool program. We appreciate their During the summer, the co-directors are we celebrated the Easter Holiday, honored turn out and the children enjoyed sharing hard work, the countless hours they spend not in preschool offi ce on a daily basis but our Moms and Grandmothers, learned that special time together with Mom and Yiayia. Happy Mother’s preparing for their classes, Day to all our moms in our and for all they do for our preschool and church family. children and the school. A The children also worked Big Thank You to our 2015- very hard practicing for the 2016 teachers… Presvytera Graduation and End of Year Stacey Ehmer, Mrs. Dimitra Celebration program that Forniotis, Mrs. Lisa Giotis, was held on Friday, May Mrs.Angelina Korinis, Mrs. 27th. It was a special day Anna Koufaliotis, Mrs. to honor all of our preschool Andrea “Mahe” Politis, Mrs. students and a time to Athina Politis, and Mrs. celebrate the graduation of Stasy Skarlatos. our four year olds class. As At HTGOP, we are always, all the children did truly blessed to have such an excellent job entertaining wonderful parents in our us with a medley of songs in preschool family. We Greek and English. Great job appreciate all they have preschool children! done for the school and The end of each school year for supporting all of our is bitter sweet as preschool programs, activities and comes to an end. We will fundraisers. The parents are miss all of our children over a huge part of what makes the summer but look forward our school so successful. On to seeing our returning and behalf of the staff, we want new students when preschool to thank the children and starts back in September. their parents for the many We will also miss our rising thoughtful things they have kindergartners as we bid done for us throughout the them goodbye and wish year, the delicious lunch they them many blessings as they provided the staff for Teacher begin this new journey to Appreciation, and all the gifts they have given us throughout the year. Most of all, can be reached on their mobile numbers Kindergarten and beyond. It listed below. was very rewarding to have we are grateful to our parents for allowing shared in the early stages us to share in the academic, social and Again, thank you to our parents for of their development and spiritual development of their children. sharing your children with us, good luck education. Our preschool Sharing your children with us was the to our rising Kindergartners and we look program strives to provide most precious gift of all. The children and forward to seeing our returning and new each child with a solid their families will always have a special preschool families in the fall. May God foundation to build upon place in our hearts. There are many other continue to bless our preschool children and as they transition from people the preschool also needs to thank. their families, and the entire Holy Trinity Preschool to Elementary Thank you to Fr. Angelo and Fr. Theodore community. Have a good summer… Kalo School. We are proud to know for their spiritual guidance and for teaching Kalokeri! that our rising kindergartners our children in our bi-monthly “Our Faith with Father” sessions, to Joanna Kakouras Preschool Office: 704-333-4961 or are well prepared to move on [email protected] to “big school”. We hope for volunteering her time to do music with they will come back to visit the children on a monthly a basis and for Co-Directors: Cindy Balatsias 704-502- us and we anxiously await helping them prepare for the graduation 3859 or Maria Kleto 704-564-5842 

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