The Beheading of St. John the Baptist Commemorated on August 29

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis ST. NICHOLAS (636) 527-7843 MONTHLY NEWSLETTER (314) 974-4613cell

Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH (314)909-6999

4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE Office (314)361-6924 ST. LOUIS, MO 63108-1495 (314)395-8704 Fax (314)361-3539 ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER Executive Secretary: Kathy Ellis 12550 SOUTH 40 DRIVE Bookkeeper: Diane Winkler ST. LOUIS, MO 63141 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sngoc.org

August 2017 Volume 21 - Number 8

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist Commemorated on August 29

The Beheading of the Prophet, Forerunner of the Lord, wicked deed had been done. John the Baptist: The Evangelists Matthew (Mt.14:1-12) After the murder of St John the Baptist, Herod contin- and Mark (Mark 6:14-29) provide accounts about the ued to govern for a certain time. Pontius Pilate, governor martyric end of John the Baptist in the year 32 after the of Judea, later sent Jesus Christ to him, Whom he Birth of Christ. mocked (Luke 23:7-12). Following the Baptism of the Lord, St John the Baptist The judgment of God came upon Herod, Herodias and was locked up in prison by Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch Salome, even during their earthly life. Salome, crossing (ruler of one fourth of the Holy Land) and governor of Gal- the River Sikoris in winter, fell through the ice. The ice ilee. (After the death of King Herod the Great, the Ro- gave way in such a way that her body was in the water, mans divided the territory of Palestine into four parts, and but her head was trapped above the ice. It was similar to put a governor in charge of each part. Herod Antipas re- how she once had danced with her feet upon the ground, ceived Galilee from the emperor Augustus). but now she flailed helplessly in the icy water. Thus she The prophet of God John openly denounced Herod for was trapped until that time when the sharp ice cut having left his lawful wife, the daughter of the Arabian through her neck. king Aretas, and then instead cohabiting with Herodias, Her corpse was not found, but they brought the head the wife of his brother Philip (Luke 3:19-20). On his birth- to Herod and Herodias, as once they had brought them day, Herod made a feast for dignitaries, the elders and a the head of St John the Baptist. The Arab king Aretas, in thousand chief citizens. Salome, the daughter of Herod, revenge for the disrespect shown his daughter, made war danced before the guests and charmed Herod. In grati- against Herod. The defeated Herod suffered the wrath of tude to the girl, he swore to give her whatever she would the Roman emperor Caius Caligua (37-4 1) and was ex- ask, up to half his kingdom. iled with Herodias first to Gaul, and then to Spain. The vile girl on the advice of her wicked mother Hero- The Beheading of St John the Baptist, a Feast day dias asked that she be given the head of John the Baptist established by the Church, is also a strict fast day be- on a platter. Herod became apprehensive for he feared cause of the grief of Christians at the violent death of the the wrath of God for the murder of a prophet, whom earli- saint. In some Orthodox cultures pious people will not eat er he had heeded. He also feared the people, who loved food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat food that is the holy Forerunner. But because of the guests and his round in shape on this day. careless oath, he gave orders to cut off the head of St Www . oca. Org John and to give it to Salome. ************************************* According to Tradition, the mouth of the dead preacher of repentance once more opened and proclaimed: Why do we observe the solemnity of John the Baptist be- “Herod, you should not have the wife of your brother Phil- heading by fasting and sobriety. After all, didn‘t this event ip.” Salome took the platter with the head of St John and occur two thousand years ago? gave it to her mother. The frenzied Herodias repeatedly The reason we observe this fast, and every other fast, stabbed the tongue of the prophet with a needle and bur- for that matter, is the same reason we observe the Feasts ied his holy head in an unclean place. But the pious Joan- of our Church. na, wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, buried the head of We are not simply recollecting occurrences that took John the Baptist in an earthen vessel on the Mount of place at one time in antiquity and are over and done. Our Olives, where Herod had a parcel of land. (The Uncover- Church and Her cycles are not “museum oriented”. They ing of the Venerable Head is celebrated (February 24). are cycles of death and Life, which orb around the center The holy body of John the Baptist was taken that night by of Life Himself, Jesus Christ. (cont. on page 4) his disciples and buried at Sebastia, there where the 1

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017 St. Nicholas Servants

2017 PARISH BOARD Announcements Andrew Galakatos,MD, President 314-922-4457 Carol Kamburis, Vice-President Jonathan Hartley, Secretary Peter Takes PhD, Treasurer Nicky Antoniou, Assistant Treasurer Christine Anastas Time Helen Carey Elizabeth Glynias St. Nicholas Stefan Glynias Time waits for no one—we are al- Yemane Habtu ready in August. Summer is almost Book Group Marilynn Jemas over, but hot days are still around. Bill Mastorakos, DDS Mary Ann Mastorakos The St. Nicholas Book Group Joseph Palazzola Children are getting ready for school will meet Monday, August Kon Vellios where new adventures, new people 7th at 7:00pm to discuss AUDIT COMMITTEE and old friends await them. Grade Mark Vleisides, Chairperson 314-576-2898 school kids just leaving home for the The Muse by Jessie Burton. Roxana Couternais This novel explores the way Peter Lemakis first time and then College kids who Janet Papageorge will be away from home for a long that a work of art—a CEMETARY COMMITTEE time—one item to remember for painting—connects two William Karides, Chairperson 636-281-0727 Pat Johnson school is The Bible. For this book has women over time and Irene Schildroth the most important person to remem- distance. We will meet at CHURCH SCHOOL Co-Directors Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 ber—God. As the month gets busier 7:00pm at the Family Life Despina Hartley 618-447-6548 with the preparation for school and the Center. DANCE TROUPE festival, don’t forget one important Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 place to attend and that is Church ELECTION COMMITTEE PLEASE JOIN US!!! Tina Paradowski , Chairperson 314-781-0781 thanking God for everday you are on Paul Leara this Earth! Pat Lekich EVERYONE is Demi Nicozisin Mark Vleisides This month we have: Welcome GREETERS COMMITTEE Aug 1—Fasting begins for Roxana Couteranis, Director 314-752-0252 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) Dormition DEMETRIOS Tsikalas (Co-chair) 314-323-2838 Aug 6—Holy Transfiguration Jonathan Hartley (Co-chair) 618-520-9569 Aug 15—Dormition of the LIBRARY COMMITTEE Elaine Coulson, Chairperson 405-762-0528 Theotokos Michael Doran Aug 20—Panagyri Brandon Redmann MINISTRY, PRISON Aug 29—Beheading of John the Clark Porter, Director 314-518-6747 Baptist PHILOPTOCHOS Sep 2-4—Festival Carol Kamburis, President 314-803-2451 -Roxana Couteranis PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH Dino Pappas, Chairperson 314-701-8118 Bill Coulson Pat Johnson PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FAMILY LIFE Nick Tharenos, Chairperson 314-576-7011 Mike Kamburis St. Nicholas General Scholarship Fund Nick Koskolos Robert Meyer The St. Nicholas General Scholarship Fund for college students has been Sam Mezines depleted due to the multiple scholarships that have been given by the PLANNED GIVING Scholarship Committee over the past several years. There is currently only John Koch, Chairperson 636-922-7732 Sam Mezines about $100 in the General Scholarship Fund. While the scholarships SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE designated for certain educational pursuits like the priesthood (e.g. , the Fr. Denise Karras, Chairperson 314-368-4205 Nicozisin Fund) and nursing are still well funded (e.g., the priesthood Barbara Corrigan scholarship funds total ~$50,000), currently the opportunity to give general Yemane Habtu Peter Takes scholarships for deserving other academic scholars is in serious jeopardy. To St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological Institute help replenish this fund, please consider a contribution to the General Michael G. Tsichlis, PhD 314-361-6924 x330 Scholarship Fund when donating to St. Nicholas Church in memorial or in STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE celebration of special occasions. Stefan Glynias, Chairperson 314-644-1875 Ted Anastas Abrahatzion Habtu The Scholarship Committee would like to continue our mission of giving up to Yemane Habtu five scholarships per year to deserving college students based upon academic Marilynn Jemas merit and personal need. Your contributions to the future of our children and Mary Ann Mastorakos Steve Ott grandchildren are much appreciated! John Russon Barbara Corrigan, Yemane Habtu, Denise Karras, Peter Takes Please submit all articles by the 10th of month Scholarship Committee Email: [email protected] Thank You Jennifer English, Editor 2

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

PRESIDENT’S NOTES Andrew E Galakatos MD PHONE: 314.922.4457 [email protected]

STREET / CHURCH DRIVEWAY CLOSURE IN AUGUST ΟΛΟΚΛΗΡΩΣΗ ΟΔΙΚΗΣ / ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΗΣ ΔΙΕΥΘΥΝΣΗΣ The information now is that the Street and our Driveway ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ will be completed by the 3rd week in August. However, Οι πληροφορίες είναι τώρα ότι η οδός και το δρόμο μας θα there will be a 3 week period that there will be NO CAR ολοκληρωθεί μέχρι την 3η εβδομάδα του Αυγούστου. Ωστόσο, θα υπάρξει περίοδος 3 εβδομάδων που δεν θα υπάρχει ΚΑΜΙΑ ACCESS to our Driveway ... so that the only way to our ΠΡΟΣΒΑΣΗ στο Αυτοκινητόδρομο μας ... έτσι ώστε ο μόνος Church will be via the BJH PARKING GARAGE ... entering τρόπος για την εκκλησία μας θα είναι μέσω του BJH PARKING & exiting through LACLEDE AVE ... and a walk across the GARAGE ... εισερχόμενοι και εξερχόμενοι μέσω της LACLEDE contiguous lot to the Church front doors. Once again, AVE ... και Μια βόλτα κατά μήκος της γειτονικής παρτέρας στις because of major traffic and parking problems, special πόρτες της εκκλησίας. Για άλλη μια φορά, λόγω των μεγάλων sacrament services, visitations & funerals are encouraged προβλημάτων κυκλοφορίας και στάθμευσης, οι ειδικές υπηρεσίες to be held at the Family Life Center (FLC) ... through των μυστηρίων, οι επισκέψεις και οι κηδείες ενθαρρύνονται να August. πραγματοποιούνται στο Κέντρο Οικογενειακής Ζωής (FLC) ... μέχρι τον Αύγουστο. CHURCH LABOR DAY WEEKEND FESTIVAL CALL FOR HELP ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΗΜΕΡΑΣ ΕΡΓΑΣΙΑΣ ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑ ΗΜΕΡΟΜΗΝΙΑΣ ... ΠΡΟΣΚΛΗΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΒΟΗΘΕΙΑ As per our promotional flyers in the SUNDAY BULLETINS Σύμφωνα με τα διαφημιστικά φυλλάδια μας στα ΚΥΡΙΑΚΑ and the MONTHLY NEWSLETTER, your help, active ΔΕΛΤΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΤΟ ΜΗΝΙΑΙΟ ΝΕΑ ΠΛΗΡΟΦΟΡΙΑ, η βοήθεια, η participation & contributions are always needed and ενεργός συμμετοχή και οι συνεισφορές σας είναι πάντα appreciated. Please contact CHRISTINA ANASTAS απαραίτητες και εκτιμώμενες. Επικοινωνήστε με την ΧΡΙΣΤΙΝΑ 314.647.4636 or CAROL KAMBURIS 314.803.2451 and ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣ 314.647.4636 ή το CAROL KAMBURIS 314.803.2451 ask how you may volunteer in this major Parish Event of και ρωτήστε πώς μπορείτε να συμμετάσχετε εθελοντικά σε αυτήν την μεγάλη εκδήλωση ενορίας του έτους. the year.

PANEGYRI 0N SUNDAY 20 AUGUST at CHURCH ΠΑΝΕΓΥΡΙ 0Ν ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 20 ΑΥΓΟΥΣΤΟΥ @ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ Φέτος θα πραγματοποιηθεί ένα μικρό & περιορισμένο πανηγύρι This year, a small & limited PANEGYRI (Church festive ΠΑΕΓΕΥΡΙ (εκκλησιαστική εορταστική εκδήλωση) στην εκκλησία gathering) will take place at Church following Sunday μετά Κυριακή Υπηρεσία (... και όχι στο Κέντρο Οικογενειακής Service (... and NOT at the Family Life Center - FLC). Ζωής - FLC). Ανατρέξτε στις λεπτομέρειες των φυλλαδίων και των Please see the details in the flyers & notices in the ανακοινώσεων στα ΔΕΛΤΙΑ ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΕΩΝ και σε αυτό το SUNDAY BULLETINS and in this NEWSLETTER. NEWSLETTER.

CONSIDER RUNNING FOR CHURCH BOARD OR A ΘΕΩΡΕΙΤΕ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣ Ή ΜΙΑ STANDING COMMITTEE ΜΟΝΙΜΗ ΕΠΙΤΡΟΠΗ A LETTER with an application FORM will be sent in Μια ΕΙΣΑΓΩΓΗ με έντυπο αίτησης θα αποσταλεί το Σεπτέμβριο September with more specific information. In the interim, με πιο συγκεκριμένες πληροφορίες. Εν τω μεταξύ, παρακαλούμε να λάβετε υπόψη την τιμή και το προνόμιο να τρέξετε για ένα please consider the honor & the privilege to run for an γραφείο και να εξυπηρετήσετε την ενορία σας. Εάν επιθυμείτε office and to serve your Parish. If more information is περισσότερες πληροφορίες @ αυτή τη φορά, επικοινωνήστε με desired at this time, please contact TINA PARADOWSKI την TINA PARADOWSKI (Πρόεδρο, Επιτροπή Εκλογών) @ (Chair, Election Committee) at 314.781.0781 or 314.781.0781 ή chrisparadowski@sbcglobal [email protected].

Planned Giving Committee: Article Series John Koch, Chairman Phone: 636.922.7732 email: [email protected]

Sam Mezines, Committee Member [email protected]

DID YOU KNOW… that if you have appreciated (higher ΓΝΩΡΙΖΕΤΕ ... ότι αν έχετε εκτιμήσει (υψηλότερα αποτιμώμενα ή valued or gained) stock or other real or personal property, you αποκτηθέντα) μετοχές ή άλλα πραγματικά ή προσωπικά περιουσιακά στοιχεία, ίσως θελήσετε να αποφύγετε τον υπερβολικό φόρο may wish to avoid the exorbitant capital gain tax (a federal tax κεφαλαιουχικών κερδών (ομοσπονδιακός φορολογικός συντελεστής rate as high as 23.8%, plus applicable state taxes) on the sale of 23,8%, συν τους ισχύοντες κρατικούς φόρους) Την πώληση αυτών των these assets? περιουσιακών στοιχείων? Instead, consider a gift of this property to St. Nicholas Greek Αντ 'αυτού, θεωρήστε ένα δώρο αυτής της περιουσίας στην Orthodox Church. Not only will you receive a full income tax Ελληνορθόδοξη Εκκλησία του Αγίου Νικολάου. Όχι μόνο θα λάβετε πλήρη deduction for the value of these assets, but you will also avoid έκπτωση του φόρου εισοδήματος για την αξία αυτών των περιουσιακών στοιχείων, αλλά θα αποφύγετε επίσης πλήρως το φόρο κεφαλαιουχικών completely the capital gain tax burden from the sale of this prop- κερδών από την πώληση αυτού του ακινήτου. erty. Ζητήστε από τους οικονομικούς και φορολογικούς σας συμβούλους να Ask your financial and tax advisors to illustrate the savings απεικονίσουν τις οικονομίες που μπορείτε να επιτύχετε από αυτό το είδος you can achieve from this type of donation to our beloved δωρεάς στην αγαπημένη μας Εκκλησία. Οποιοσδήποτε σε αυτήν την Church. Anyone on this Planned Giving Committee is also avail- Επιτροπή Προγραμματισμένης Δίπλωσης είναι επίσης διαθέσιμος για να able to help you. σας βοηθήσει. 3

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

(cont. from page 1) There is a catch-phrase today: “to live a Christ- DAILY BIBLE READING GUIDE August 2017 centered life.” What does this mean? In a practical way, it means that we observe the fast of Wednesday because we remember Judas’ betrayal * 1 T Heb 11:33-12:2 Mt 10:16-22 of our Lord on this day. We observe the fast of Friday 2 W Acts 68-15;7:1-5,47-60 Mk 12:1-12 because we remember our Lord’s suffering and cruci- 3 T 1 Cor 14:6-19 Mt 20:17-28 fixion. We observe the Feast Day of every Sunday, because it is the Day of Resurrection, the Lord’s Day. 4 F 1 Cor 14:26-40 Mt 21:12-14,17-20 To live a truly Christ-centered life is synonymous 5 S 1 Pet 1-2:10 Mt 15:32-39 with living a Church-centered life. Our Feasts and our Sun 6 2 Pet 1:10-19 Mt 17:1-9 Fasts are not just “recollections” of historical events 7 M 1 Cor 15:12-19 Mk 9:2-9 which are disconnected from our lives. 8 T 1 Cor 15:29-19 Mt 21:23-27 Our liturgical and ascetic remembrances are actually entrances into the events themselves. Every Sunday 9 W Acts 1:12-17.21-26 Mt 21:28-32 for Orthodox Christians is Pascha because our Lord 10 T 2 Cor 1:1-7 Mt 21:43-46 rose once and for all on this Day— “for all,” meaning 11 F 2 Cor 1:12-20 Mt 22:23-33 He is eternally Risen. His resurrection was in time, but 12 S Rom 15:30-33 Mt 17:24-18:4 now transcends time. In the Divine Liturgy, we enter Sun 13 1 Cor 4:9-16 Mt 17:14-23 that eternal now. Our Lord is eternally offering Himself at the Heavenly Altar as the High Priest who is both 14 M 2 Cor 2:3-15 Mt 23:13-22 the “offerer and the offered”. Our Lord is both the Sac- ** 15 T Phil 2:5-11 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28 rificial Lamb for our Redemption and the Passover 16 W 1 Tim 3:13-4:5 Lk 9:51-57;10:22-24;13:22 unto eternal life. I am the Resurrection and the Life 17 T 2 Cor 4:1-12 Mt 24:13-28 (Jn.11:25). 18 F 2 Cor 4:13-18 Mt 24:27-33,42-51 We join Him, we unite to Him, not just by

“recollection” but by true remembrance. This is what 19 S 1 Cor 1:3-9 Mt 19:3-12 we do in our liturgical worship--no less than break into Sun 20 1 Cor 9:2-12 Mt 18:23-35 Heaven! 21 M 2 Cor 5:10-15 Mk 3:13-21 We become truly Christ-centered when we observe 22 T 2 Cor 5:15-21 Mk 1:16-22 the daily cycles, the weekly cycles, the Paschal cycle, 23 W Phil 2:5-11 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28 the Cosmic Cycle of our Church because Christ is the

center. 24 T 2 Cor 7:1-10 Mk 1:29-35 When we consciously observe the cycles of our 25 F Titus 1:1-5;2:15;3:1-15 Mt 5:14-19 Church, we enter into the very pattern of Divine har- 26 S Heb 6:9-12 Mt 20:29-34 mony and Grace which He has given us. We circle Sun 27 1 Cor 15:1-11 Mt 19:16-26 around Life Himself and cannot help but be drawn 28 M 2 Cor 8:7-15 Mk 3:6-12 close in, and feel the rays of the Sun of Righteousness 29 T Acts 13:25-33 Mk 6:14-30 beaming Eternity into our lives! 30 W 2 Cor 9:12-15;10-17 Mk 3:20-27 In Christ’s love, 31 T Heb 9:1-7 Lk 10:38-42;11:27-28 Fr. Achilles Karathanos *Fast Begins **Falling Asleep of the Theotokos

PARISH LIFE

BAPTISM MEMORIALS

“All you who have been baptized in Christ” th July 9 40 Day Metropolitan Iakovos July 23—BENJAMIN FOLEY July 16th 1 Year Bessie Conis July 23 4 Year Pete Athanas 40 Day Blessing July 30 40 Day John P. Carnasiotis Patti Appel and son Roman Louis Appel 40 Day Panagiotis Panopoulis 4 Year Mary Bude 45 Year Gloria Carnasiotis

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

Worship: The Cure for Spiritual Depression By Rev. Michael D. Jordan

Have you ever been “spiritually depressed?” Be think about this statement today! I could only envision honest with yourself, take a look deep down inside the suffering that Christ went through, and how He and ask yourself a few questions. When you go to had blessed them so wonderfully. They were forget- church, do you go to socialize with your friends, and ting the Source of the good weather and the blessings leave church never feeling that the Lord has touched of good health which allowed them to have the your soul? Do you fully understand the meaning and strength to play golf. purpose of your worship service? Do you ever feel There’s nothing wrong with getting together as a moved to tears, either for your own sins, or for spiritu- family to play golf. What’s wrong with the statement al JOY during the worship service? Do you bring that they made was the choice that was made: “golf grudges against others with you to church? When you over God!” Attending church is not even the big issue leave the church, do you “park” your Christianity on here, because if these people were forced to go to the steps outside the church and forget it until next church on a fair Sunday instead of playing golf they Sunday? would most likely resent it and the service would not If you feel that you have failed in all of the above do the any good. If you attend church every Sunday five areas, don’t despair, you have a lot of company! without fail, and do it out of habit and really don’t go to Everyone has faults, and failings, no one is without give proper praise and worship to God, you might as sin. Rest assured that you have never committed a well be playing golf! sin that someone else has not committed, or thought Every Christian should think of Jesus Christ as their of. Now that we know we’re not perfect, let’s try to find very dearest friend, because He is! When you attend a way to prevent ourselves from being “spiritually de- church you should do so in honor of this “Dear pressed.” Friend.” Jesus Christ is with you always, everywhere Next time you are preparing to go to church take a you are He can be found; so why do we go to church? few minutes before you leave home to take inventory Remember the words spoken by Jesus: “This is My of your feelings. Ask yourself this question: “Am I go- Body which is given for you; this do in remembrance ing to church today only to get something, or am I go- of Me” (Luke 22:19). Jesus wants us to gather in ing to give something? If you are going to only get Christian fellowship to remember Him, to partake of something, or to just socialize, and don’t expect to the Sacrament of Holy Communion, to hear His teach- give something, go back to bed! The reason you at- ings and Words so that we will be spiritually nourished tend church is to give thanks to the Lord, give honor and able to bear good “spiritual fruit” born of the Holy to the Lord, and offer a sacrifice of praise to Him, Spirit. through devoted worship and remembrance of Him. When you attend church, you should be prepared to Worship will not help you at all if you go with a neg- forgive all others of their trespasses against you be- ative attitude, or if you go just to be seen by your fore going into the Holy Church. “Therefore if thou friends. Remember you and only you are responsible bring thy gift before the altar, and there rememberest for your soul. The greatest gift of all has been gra- that thy brother hath anything against thee, leave ciously given to you by God: the “gift of choice.” When there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be you go to church, or worship God in any way you’re reconciled to thy brother, then come and offer thy giving this “gift of choice” back to God, by freely and gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). In our case, when we come to lovin2jy remembering Him. Attending church is not church our offering is a sacrifice of praise, a contrite enough by itself, we must live Christianity every day of and humble spirit. You cannot stand in the presence the week, following the teachings of Jesus Christ and of Christ with hatred and grudges in your heart. For- applying our Christianity to everyday life. give others of all their trespasses as the “Lord’s Pray- There is nothing on this earth that is more important er” asks us to do. Forgiving others will do two things than the Lord: but how often do we put material things for you. First of all it will help you personally by recon- and earthly feelings before the Lord? I was talking ciling with your brother. Secondly, you will be practic- with some people one day about church services. The ing your Christianity by obeying one of the teachings season was late spring and the weather was just love- of Jesus Christ. ly. A comment was made that made me grieve in my “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love spirit, this is exactly what was said: “You won’t see us one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love in church during the spring and summer unless it one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my rains. On fair Sundays we get together as a family disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34- and play golf!” I had to fight very hard to keep from 35). Strive to clear your heart of bitter feelings and crying! I felt as if they had badly insulted and ridiculed emotions, worry about your own failings instead of me! I still feel a profound sense of sadness when I dwelling on the failings of others. (cont. on pg 6) 5

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

(cont. from pg. 5) goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to The first step to fixing a problem is identifying it. be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me noth- After the problem is identified the solution can be ing” (I Corinthians 13:1-3). It’s bad enough that peo- applied. Each one of us will experience “Spiritual ple suffer cold treatment in social situations outside depression” at some point in our lives, nothing thrills of church, but to get mistreated, or given the “cold Satan more than this “spiritual depression” because shoulder” at church proves that the person or per- his trickery and evil influence has driven us further sons responsible for this treatment is suffering from away from our “Best Friend,” and Satan’s worst ene- “spiritual depression” and are acting as Satan’s help- my, Jesus Christ! ers. The solution to the problem of “Spiritual depres- A congregation that is hostile to visitors is not only sion” is not very difficult: as in most spiritual prob- blind to the fact that they are destroying their future lems, prayer is the key answer. Try saying this pray- growth, but also inviting the “spiritual death” of that er in addition to your regular daily prayers: particular church! Being hostile to strangers is direct “Dear Lord, hear my prayer this day. Bless me to disobedience to the Lord’s teachings, and causes forgive others that my many sins may be forgiven by those who visit, to feel unwanted, and cast out. “But You. Help me this day to worship You in Spirit and in whoso shall offend one of these little ones which be- Truth. Open my heart to understand Your Teach- lieve in Me, it were better for him that a millstone ings. Write Your Precepts into my heart that I may were hanged about his neck, and that he were walk down life’s pathways with You constantly lead- drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). ing me. Befriend me, cling to me, never turn Your Fight to change the attitude in your church about Face from me. Fill my heart with the Holy gift of Love new faces. Look upon visitors as blessings sent from along with the ability to share this love with others. God. If you see someone return to church that has Send to me the Holy Spirit.” been away welcome them warmly with Christian If you are going to church, on the way to church try love, and don’t make negative comments like to keep as quiet as possible, allow the Peace of God “Where have you been?” or “I haven’t seen you in a to enter into you. The Peace of God will not enter a long time!” Remember the “Prodigal Son,” his father heart filled with earthly cares and woes. Look for the received him without judgment, and with great love! little blessings that happen daily, and usually go un- Your church should be an “earthly glimpse” of what noticed. Be thankful in your heart for all the bless- the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Christians gathering ings that have been so graciously given to you. By together to worship, praise, and adore the Holy Trini- clearing your mind of earthly cares you prepare ty. The congregation is similar to the Angels that sur- yourself to approach the “King of All!” round God constantly singing praises to Him. When you enter the Holy Church, be thankful that Take the time to learn all you can about your the Lord blessed you to arrive safely. If you have a Christian faith. Learn to embrace your faith to its full- prayer book or Bible take it with you and read from it est. Practice your faith and not just on Sunday, but before the services begin. If you happen to see a every day of the week. A Christian has the greatest stranger in church, extend a warm welcome to them, treasure of all, one that no one on earth can take be Sincere, false sentiment is easy to detect. If the away from them. This “treasure” is eternal salvation stranger is not familiar with the church services, stay through Jesus Christ. If you want to fight “spiritual with them and act as a guide to help them during the depression” don’t hide your “treasure” inside, but services. Remember, when you befriend a stranger, share it with others, the supply of this “treasure” is you may be entertaining an angel; for Jesus said, “If endless, the more you share the more you will be you have done it unto the least of My Children, you blessed with! “Spiritual depression” can be healed have done it unto Me!” Think of this next time you with devotion to God, prayer, and Christian love and give a stranger the “cold shoulder!” charity. Always remember, Christian love and charity You can bring “spiritual depression” upon yourself until you give them away! by being “uncharitable” to strangers, especially to those who have made the effort to attend Holy Church. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all myster- ies, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

Orthodox Christian mission Center (OCMC) Corner: "The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture an awareness within our local churches of the need to evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally."

OCMC Missionary Fr. Paul Patitsas Visits the Mission Center to Share a Call for Help by Alex Goodwin

Imagine living far away from everything that you had come to know as “home”. What would compel you to make such a sacrifice? For Orthodox Christian missionaries, it is the call to serve in places where the Faith needs to be shared.

The Patitsas family is a missionary family who has been answer- ing this call for many years. They serve out of New Zealand where Fr. Paul and his wife tend a small parish. New Zealand is home to a small Orthodox community, but they have something very precious to offer their fellow countrymen. New Zealand is, like many other developed countries, very secular. Faith is some- Missionaries like Fr. Paul Patitsas and his thing held by few and downright mistrusted by some. family dedicate their lives to planting the seed of the Faith in the hearts of people around the world. Please support them and The struggles faced by those trying to keep the light of Faith lit, remember them in your prayers. can be trying. How does one confront apathy for, or disbelief in, God - especially when the institutions that have been the vessels for faith have become mistrusted, and the cares of day-to-day life leave room for little else? Missionaries like the Patitsases have dedicated their lives to calling God’s children back home.

In a place like New Zealand, this work looks like keeping the doors of a small parish open with little financial support and living hand-to-mouth, just so people who are facing difficult times or who have questions have a place to go.

Fr. Patitsas sees what his family does as planting seeds. They may never personally reap the harvest that they have sown, but they know planting the seeds must happen. Some Orthodox families in New Zealand support their work, but the community there is small, and the Patitsases need your help.

Recently, Fr. Patitsas visited the Mission Center before embarking on his own journey to raise the much- needed support they will need to continue their ministry. He shared that they have begun taking the Faith beyond New Zealand to Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa as well, where the Church has now been established.

Your support of the Patitsas family is needed now more than ever. Please pray for them and join them in planting the seeds of the Faith by making a gift in support of their work.

To learn more about, or support the work of, the Patitsas family please visit: http://www.ocmc.org/ ThePatitsasFamily.

------As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618-447-9688, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries. Thank you for your continued support!

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

The Maker's Fun Factory: St. Nicholas Vacation Bible School

This was held July 10-14, and what a week of fun, music, interactive adventures and fellowship, helping our kids become familiar with some of the most mean- ingful lessons of the Bible. What a great and fantastic time the children had. Thank you to all the volunteers!

GOYA (9th-12th Grade) Deb Palazzola [email protected] 314-591-7519 c Hellenic Culture Mimi Davis [email protected]

Junior GOYA (6th-8th) Caroline Arbanas [email protected] 314-445-4127 c Camp Stavra Ketchmark [email protected] 314-792-8402 c JOY (3rd-5th) This was a week of learning all about be- Rebecca Christophi [email protected] ing Greek. There was Greek cooking, Georgiana Grant [email protected] 314-420-9159 c Greek history and geography, Greek HOPE (K-2nd) dancing, the language, Art and Jewelry Steph McPherron [email protected] 636-778-0061 h 314-640-0989 c making and Sports. Cherubs (Pre-K) Kimberly Anno [email protected] 713-540-5947 c Family Ministry Sophia Pierroutsakos [email protected] 314-596-1506 c Renee Vleisides [email protected] 314-265-8192 c Youth Choir Diana Ott [email protected] 314-550-1573 c Handmaidens Rosie Hartley [email protected] 618-447-9688 c Altar Boys Father Michael [email protected] 314-425-9641 c Church School Bess Fitmaurice [email protected] 314-602-5406 c 8

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATION – 2017-2018

Parents: Telephone: Email (mandatory): Address: City: Zip: Children must be 3 years of age by August 1, 2017 to enter the 3 year old preschool class. Church school follows the age limits of St. Louis School Districts. Use the back of the form for more than 4 children.

Child: Baptismal Name: Grade - Fall 2017: DOB: Allergies:

Parents! We need your continued support to make Church school and all of its extra-curricular activities run smoothly. In order for this to happen, we expect you to volunteer for at least one of the events below. This is a great way for you to make a contribution to Church School and take the burden off of our hardworking and dedicated volunteer teachers and Sunday School staff.

Please circle below:

Substitute/Assistant Teacher: If you can’t commit all year long, this is a good way to help out once in a while. September: Ice Cream Social, Teacher Appreciation Gifts, Decorating and helping prepare Sunday school November: Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up and Advent decorating of Sunday school December: St. Nicholas Day Gift Bags, Christmas Pageant, Teacher Appreciation Gifts January: “Souper Bowl” Canned Food Drive, Oratorical Festival Committee February: Teacher’s Meeting Refreshments and set up, Oratorical Festival Refreshment Committee May: Teacher’s Appreciation Luncheon, Teacher’s Appreciation Gifts, End of Sunday School Year Picnic I can help in any way needed: We often need help with myriad of little things including cleaning and organizing Summer Sunday School Teacher/Assistant: We need help with our Summer program that’s offered in June & July for 5 weeks. You can volunteer for one or all five weeks. This is perfect for those wanting to teach and serve but can’t during the regular school year. I can help with decorating and bulletin boards: This is done in September for the commencement of Sunday School, November for Advent and Christmas, January, then in Spring for lent and Easter and then for Summer Photographer: Take pictures as needed, post on website, print as needed for bulletin boards, storage and ar- chive

Registration fees are $10/child April – August. Late registrations will be $20/child in September. We welcome all donations. Make checks payable to St. Nicholas Church (reference check Sunday School) and mail to:

St. Nicholas Church 4967 Forest Park Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017 ST. NICHOLAS GREEK FESTIVAL 2017

ST. NICHOLA S GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4967 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63108

Dear St. Nicholas Family & Friends,

The annual Greek Festival presents a tremendous opportunity for us to unite together as family & friends to share our faith and culture with the St. Louis community. Thanks to our organizers, volunteers, and donors for their continuous support!

In order to help deflate the expenses of the Greek Fes- tival and maximize profits, we are continuing to seek monetary donations to help fund the attached listed items. Each year, we have received an average of $15,000 from you, our parishioners, that directly affects our net income. We hope to surpass this amount this year. It is not necessary to cover the entire estimated cost of an item and you may choose to make a partial donation, or better yet, partner with your family and friends to help cover the cost.

Please make checks payable to St. Nicholas Greek Festival and note your item in the memo box and mail to: Christina Anastas, 1001 Surrey Hills Dr, St. Louis, MO 63117. For any questions or to discuss further, please contact Christina Anastas at 314.647.4636 or Carol Kamburis at 314.803.2451.

Thanks for your consideration and generosity!

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017 GREEK FESTIVAL GUEST CHECK REQUEST FORM

No. of Checks

Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print Name ______Address ______City/State/Zip ______Please Print With the understanding that I will be billed for each dinner check redeemed, please send the number of checks speci- ﬁed in my name to the individuals listed above.

Your Signature ______Print your name clearly ______Address ______14

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 100th Anniversary Commemorative Album Advertising/Memorial Page and Album Reservation Form

Name ______Organization ______Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______Home Phone ______Cell Phone ______

1. Please indicate your Advertisement/Memorial page choice(s). Number Type Price Total Platinum Page – Includes two (2) Anniversary Albums $500 Gold Page – Includes one (1) Anniversary Album $300 Full black and white page $200 Half page $100 Quarter page $75 One-eighth page $50 Total Advertisement/Memorial Pages

2. Please indicate the number of Commemorative Albums you would like to purchase. Number Price Total Commemorative Albums $30

Total Advertisement/Memorial Pages and Commemorative Albums

3. Please select from the formats provided for full, half, and quarter pages. If possible, provide your text in Word. Photographs must be scanned to 300 DPI at final size. Email your text and scanned photographs to: [email protected] (It’s a zero!) If you cannot provide electronic copy: Please attach a separate page with desired text and your photograph(s) or business card. We will scan your photographs, and they will be returned to you.

4. Submit this form with your payment and make checks payable to: St. Nicholas Anniversary Album OR You may pay by Credit Card Below.

5. Credit Card Informaon Credit Card Type Visa MasterCard AmEx Discover Credit Card Account Number Expiraon Date Name as it Appears on Card Signature Date Mail to: Teddy Hart Questions, call: Teddy Hart 1715 Featherwood 314-997-4826 Saint Louis, MO 63146 314-914-7711 DEADLINE is August 6 15

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

WEB PAGE MANAGER

Our Church needs a volunteer parishioner who could manage the church web page.

The page for the most part is up-to-date and provides extensive informaon.

However there are always changes in chairpersons, photos, schedules, etc.

NEEDED 1. MONITOR ACCURACY of INFORMATION 2. ADD DESIGN/GRAPHICS/PHOTOS 3. ADD CONTENT

For further informaon or to volunteer please contact: Jonathan Hartley [email protected] Or Mary Ann Mastorakos [email protected]

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin August 2017

SAVE THE DATE for the IOCC St. Louis Metropolitan Committee’s

15TH ANNUAL IOCC BANQUET & 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sunday, November 12, 2017 Vespers 5:00 | Banquet 6:00

Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX

CHRI STIAN CHARITIES

SATURDAY

FRIDAY

at Church at

8am Pastry Preparation Pastry 8am

Καφενείοv Καφενείοv

THURSDAY

at Church at

8am Chicken Preparation Preparation Chicken 8am

9am-12pm @ Family Life Family @ 9am-12pm 9am-12pm @ Family Life Family @ 9am-12pm

AHEPA Apts AHEPA

10am Divine Liturgy at Liturgy at Divine 10am

WEDNESDAY

Family Life Center Life Family

7am Men’s Fellowship Men’s 7am

at Church at

8am Festival Preparation Preparation Festival 8am

Family Life Center Center Life Family

7am Men’s Fellowship Men’s 7am

Family Life Center Life Family

7am Men’s Fellowship Men’s 7am

Family Life Center Life Family

7am Men’s Fellowship Men’s 7am

Family Life Center Life Family

7am Men’s Fellowship Men’s 7am

TUESDAY

at Church at

8am Festival Preparation Festival 8am

Assumption Church Assumption

Birthgiver of God of Birthgiver at

10am Assumption of the the of Assumption 10am

Preparation at Church at Preparation

8am Syrup 8am and other

MONDAY

Center

Group Life Family at

7pm St. Nicholas Book Book Nicholas 7pmSt.

Church Church

8am koulouria 8am at Baking

Church

Vespers at Assumption at Vespers

6:30pm Assumption 6:30pm

Church

8am Kourambiedes 8am at

Church

8am Finikia Baking at at Baking Finikia 8am

boxes at Church boxesat

8am Assemble Pastry Pastry Assemble 8am

SUNDAY

Transfiguration

ley

Greeter: Hart- Christina Greeter:

9:30am-Divine Liturgy 9:30am-Divine

8:00am-Orthos

Pashos

Greeter: Leo & & Leo Dessie Greeter:

9:30am-Divine Liturgy 9:30am-Divine

8:00am-Orthos

CHURCH

11:30am Panayeri AT AT Panayeri 11:30am

Palazzola

Greeter: Debbie & Joe Greeter:

9:30am-Divine Liturgy 9:30am-Divine

8:00am-Orthos

Mezines

Greeter: Sam Maureen & Greeter:

9:30am-Divine Liturgy 9:30am-Divine 8:00am-Orthos

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church NON-PROFIT ORG. 4967 Forest Park Avenue U.S. POSTAGE PAID St. Louis, MO 63108 ST. LOUIS, MO PERMIT NO. 1029 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Philoptochos Philanthropy

PHILANTHROPY REPORT August 2017

FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY “Blessed is he who understands the poor and the needy” Psalm 40.1 We are pleased to report that we continue to assist our people in our Confidential Program and we thank you for your support when we need your help. August 2017 Tuna We would like to thank you for your wonderful response to our request for clothing & furniture for several families we Macaroni and Cheese were assisting. We hope that you will continue to keep us In your prayers . These are difficult times for many people Beets and your kind help is so very much appreciated. We continue to need a refrigerator and electric stove. We can also use men’s clothing, gently used slacks, shirts, suits, shoes and coats. Please drop off at church and Plums mark the clothing to the attention of Johanna, Jeanne or Kim. We always welcome gently used children’s clothing, Whole Wheat Crackers shoes, boots, and please mark whether the clothing is for boys or girls and infant, toddler. or teen. This is very helpful Powdered Milk (Oponal) and appreciated………..Your response has been heartwarming. Thank you! Hand Loon (Oponal) If you are donating small appliances, microwave ovens, kitchen utensils, etc., please deliver to Church – most of our charities pick up the donations at church because we do not have anyone to pick up these items from your homes. If you are donating furniture, please contact us first, or send an email giving us the list of items and how soon September 2017 they need to be picked up. We will try to place your items with our charities and notify you if we can use them Ravioli and when we can pick up your furniture. We will be pleased to send you a tax form for your records. If you have Spinach access to a computer, please send info to [email protected] . Be sure to include a telephone number & your ad- Fruit Cocktail dress. This will expedite the handling of your donation. Cornbread Mix Thank you so much for continuing to fill the food bags, a suggested menu is next to this message. These are difficult times for many people, and we are pleased to share our food items with Focus and Haven of Grace plus people Baby/Children’s Shampoo who might walk in and are in need. With Larry Rice closing his door, we have many more homeless people living on the Hand Sanizer/Liquid Soap (oponal) street. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176 or Jeanne Tompras Mary Mezines, (314)994-7667, or Kim Tarlas (314)740-0955 If you cannot reach us, please contact Kathy Ellis at church who will put Food Bag Chairperson you in touch with a person who will handle your donation. We are grateful for your support. Thank you.