Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church

IEPOΣ NAOΣ KOIMHΣEΩΣ THΣ ΘEOTOKOΥ

In the year of the Lord

DECEMBER 2013

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church 5761 East Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814-1954 Phone (562) 494-8929 - Fax (562) 985-1379 Email – [email protected]

Rev. Fr. Christos Kanakis, Proistamenos

Voula Michail - Kitsios, Office Administrator Jorge Rivera, Sexton Penny Benetatos, Choir Director George Dorlis, Psaltis

PARISH COUNCIL MEMBERS PHILOPTOCHOS Chris Dolas - President Bobbie Soupos - President David Matty - Vice President Karen Fic - 1st Vice President Jimmy Mentas - Recording Secretary Amelia Ladas - 2nd Vice President Jimmy Eleopoulos - Corresponding Secretary Mary Lofton- Correspond. Secretary Nick Zamvakellis - Treasurer Lia Kakaris - Recording Secretary Board Members Nikki Andrews - Treasurer Kathy Bastas, Dino Syrengelas, Matoula Batshoun, Marilyn Coats - Assistant Treasurer Peter Bouras, Olympia Stapakis, George Stavros, Kathy Bastas - Advisor Nick Monios, Sam Platis Board Members Eftihia Missios, Olympia Stapakis, Andria Salsman, AHEPA Matoula Batshoun, Zoe Falley, Vickie Hennig, Anne Pucket Tasos Papas - President GOYA Bulletin Coordinator President - Christina Karidakis Voula Michail - Kitsios Vice President - Sina Bacol Treasurer - Margo Papacalos Bookstore Corres. Secretary - Dena Bussa Zoe Falley - Administrator Rec. Secretary - Tasia Matty Choir Historian - Christa Demos, Lexi Varonos Pιnιό Benetatos - Director & Organist Advisors - Lucia Papacalos, Karen Fic - President Vickie Demos, Maria Bussa Choir Board Athletic Director: David Matty Email: [email protected] Church School Juliana Augoustatos - Superintendent Greek Cultural Arts and Dance Dina Lioulias - President Daughters of Penelope Maria Georgakopoulos - Vice President Catherine Vackrinos Georgia Alvertos - Corresponding Secretary Sofie Batshoun Dusty Hanson - Recording Secretary Family Night Elene Dalkos - Treasurer

Sam Platis Senior Christians Junior Choir Nick Monios - President

Pιnιό Benetatos - Director Sons of Pericles Karen Fic - Assistant Director Christo Beckas - President

Greek School Stewardship Ministry Kathryn Condaras - Principal Kathy Bastas (Chair) Donna Stavros - P.T.A Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Lofton, Hope/Joy Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri

Maria Georgakopoulos - Advisor Trisagio Ministry Dusty Hanson - Advisor Max & Mary Lofton, Vickie Hennig, Yiota Beckas

Junior GOYA Welcome Ministry Georgi Spirtos Francis - Advisor Kathy Bastas (Chair), Camille Dolas, Max & Mary Tia Kanavos, Vasso Conley Page 2 Lofton, Kay Platis, Cathy Shweiri Christmas Encyclical Pastor’s Message

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” 9:2 Dearly Beloved, Christ is Born! Glorify Him!

The Christmas season is a season of light. We see the decorative lights that brighten the night skies and herald the coming of the light of Christ into the world. The light has returned; the light of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior has shattered the darkness of the world. While natural cycles cause the darkness of win- ter, the real darkness is human pride, cynicism, and isolation which tear apart our relations with God, our neighbor and the world around us. The Nativity of Christ penetrates this darkness in the most unlikely of ways, the birth of a child. We expect God to act dramatically and with might to correct our world, to put things right. In the Church we often sing, “Who is so great a God as our God? He alone does wonders.” But not at Christmas, because in His Nativity, Christ enters the world in humility and poverty, almost unnoticed, except for a great light that draws attention. As a of Vespers for Christmas says, “When the Lord Jesus was born of the Holy Virgin, all the world was enlightened. The shepherds watched in the fields, the Magi adored and the angels praised in song.”

Most likely you will mark the coming of the light by decorating your Christmas tree with lights, placing lights in your home, or placing candles in your windows. Each one of these actions remind all who see them that yours is a Christian home and you have important news to proclaim: Christ is Born! and the world glorifies the Sun of Righteousness! The light has come into the world and his name is Jesus born of the virgin. Like the angles in the Gospels we will go to our churches and sing the doxology, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among men” Luke 2:14.

Beloved brothers and sisters, do not let the darkness of our age overpower you. It is easy to be cynical and bitter at this time. The news is filled with ongoing war, financial disasters, endless political gridlock and widespread crime. But because we are Christians we know that God is with us. The Almighty God kept His promise to send a Savior of His people. Christ Jesus is Born. He is Emmanuel; He has entered our world and never left us. We are not alone. We know this in our hearts and we experience this is our churches, we are hopeful people. We can reflect the light of Christ in our workplaces, among our friends and neighbors, in our communities. We no longer live in darkness, because we have seen the light of Christ. We can overpower the darkness of our time through kindness and respect for all people. We can do this by our willingness to be generous stewards and philanthropists in our churches and in our society support- ing the many needs of both.

Parents will, in these days, read storybooks to their children at bedtime. They may attend a Christmas show at a theater. These are wonderful family experiences that will create a lifetime of memories. But do not limit a child’s understanding of Christmas to television specials or sugary spectacles that avoid the real story of Christmas.This year, one night, open the and read the story of Christ’s Birth. Tell your chil- dren you have a beautiful story to share with them, one that changed the world and changes lives. Tell them it is a love story, a story of God’s love for all of us.

May the light of the Star of Bethlehem, the light of Christ, illumine your path and shine in your hearts in these Holy Days of Light.

Wit,h Love in Christ the Newborn King, + G E R A S I M O S Metropolitan of San Francisco Page 3 Greetings Panagia Parishioners! President’s Message

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all of your families!

Wow!!! If you did not attend the Ministries Fair on Sunday, November 17th, you sure did miss a great event. Congratulations to all the Parish Ministries on a very successful event. Many parishioners thor- oughly enjoyed the discussing, signing up and taking their pictures for the Parish Directory. If you and your family were not able to take a photograph for the Parish Directory, look at the weekly bulletins or call the church office for make-up sessions.

Special thanks to Kathy Bastas, Stewardship Char and the Stewardship Committee, you all did an excep- tional job in preparing the Stewardship Letters for Stewardship Sunday.

Again as stated in the November Monthly Bulletin, in order for our Panagia Parish to operate for the next three to five months, we are requesting our members to try and pay their unpaid pledged balances as soon as you possibly can. We are also requesting each and all of you to really pray and put sincere thoughts in increasing your pledge amount for 2014. We are also requesting that as we come to next year, if you are able to adjust your actual Stewardship payment earlier in 2014 rather than later. Remem- ber, this is our Panagia Parish. We all need to take care of our Panagia Parish. We all love, respect and appreciate our church. Please make your best sincere effort in assisting in our Panagia Parish’s need for help! I am confident, by working sincerely and diligently we will make it through these upcoming financial challenges in the next upcoming three to five months! THANK YOU!

Thanks to all for attending and participating in the Fall General Parish Assembly Meeting.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming events: x Parish Council Elections – Sunday, December 8th x New Year’s Eve Party hosted by our Assumption Greek Dance Ministry – Tuesday, December 31st x Epiphany 2014 – Sunday, January 5th

Please look both in our Panagia Bulletin and our weekly Sunday Bulletins for other events!

You can always visit our new web site at www.assumptionlb.org and check the web calendar to see all the church services, ministry events and many more postings.

Our Parish Council is here to serve you and our Panagia Parish. Please do not hesitate to call or ask any of your parish council members or me with any questions! We will provide you with the answers we know and get back to you with the answers we don’t know.

On behalf of the entire Parish Council, we wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for all of your continued support!

Chris Dolas President

Page 4 Philoptochos

The Holidays are upon us and WE need your support! This time of the year is always such a hustle, bus- tle time. A time of the year that many are down and out! Families who are desperately in need of help are depending on ALL of US. Think of all the children who do not know the difference between rich and/or poor. They are happy with a hot meal and warm clothes. Unlike our own children who are fortunate to have so much. Please, select a name from the Christmas Tree in the Narthex and fulfill that child’s wish. We accept gift cards all year round for this purpose as well as a check and/or cash. Please, help Philopto- chos make someone’s holidays that much nicer. Let’s make their wishes come true! Thank you!

“Light the Path” was a wonderful event. St. Anthony’s Greek Church did an excellent job of hosting it this year. Next year Assumption Long Beach will host this event. Thank you to all who attended and/or sponsored this year's “Light the Path”.

Lady Vet’s Christmas Party is the 13th of December, 11:30 pm in the Cultural Center. Come meet these ladies and welcome them to the Assumption Family. Lunch will be served.

Philoptochos Christmas Party is the 15th of December, following church services in the Cultural Center. To be catered by TGIS. Always a fun event! Make your reservations now.

Trinity Children’s Christmas Party is Thursday the 19th of December. All are welcome to attend. Ma- toula Batshoun is chairing this event along with Philoptochos, Goya and Maids of Athena. Pizza/Salad lunch will be served. Santa will make his usual appearance.

Vasilopita – Are you planning on baking bread? Would you like to purchase a coin or two? Amelia Ladas is the lady you need to speak with. She has just the coin/s you need.

Our Membership Tea will be held the 23rd of February. Theme this year is “Lights, Camera, Action”. We invite all of you to sponsor a table in your favorite Movie theme, Theatre/Stage Theme. Who are your fa- vorite Actors/Actress’s? It’s always a fun and exciting challenge. A prize will be awarded for best dressed table. If interested please ask any of the Philoptochos Board Members what it’s all about. Love to have your participation! To date we have one table promised. Theme: “Gone with the Wind”. WE would love to share your ideas as well. Won’t you give it some thought? Let us know!

Coffee Hour – Would YOU like to sponsor coffee hour? Maybe celebrate a loved one’s Birthday and/or Anniversary with all of us. What a pleasant way to celebrate an occasion with your friends and family. Give it some thought and let me know.

WE Ladies of Philoptochos wish ALL OF YOU a Merry Christmas and a Healthy, Happy New Year! God Bless Everyone!

“Nothing Great Was Ever Achieved Without Enthusiasm”

Bobbie Soupos President

Page 5 Annual Christmas Tree Wish List Youth Services Sponsored by Philoptochos Organized by Maids of Athena

One of our outreach organizations that we support is Trinity Youth Services in Long Beach. Every day Trinity is helping children and healing families through the foster care pro- gram. Join us as we endeavor to break the cycle and embrace the future!

We need your help in making children’s wishes come true!

Look for our Christmas tree, which is now up in the Narthex, decorated with paper ornaments. On these ornaments, you will see the child’s name, age, gender, and the item she/he has requested.

Trinity has requested the gifts to be unwrapped. Please place the item you purchased in a Christmas bag, unwrapped, and tape/staple the ornament on the item with the child’s name eligible to read. Put presents along the wall behind the tree. Drop gift cards in the Christmas stocking hanging on the tree.

Absolute deadline is Sunday, December 15

Please support our church ministries in helping bring smiles to these children’s faces.

Thank You and Merry Christmas, Philoptochos, GOYA & Maids of Athena

For questions, please contact: Bobbie Soupos, Philoptochos President: (714) 307-1488 Sofie Batshoun, Maids of Athena President: (714) 705-9314 Matoula Batshoun, Philoptochos Assist Treasurer: (714) 705-9316

Page 6 Page 7 In the year of the Lord - Sunday Monday Tuesday Wedne 1 2 3 ­ΙΔ’ Λουκά ­Βαρ 14th Sunday of Luke Barbara th Orthros 8:45 am Or 10:00 am Divine Litu Greek School5:3 8 9 10

­I’ Λουκά. Greek Sch 10th Sunday of Luke 5:30 pm - 7: Orthros 8:45 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Parish Elections

15 16 17 ­IA’ Λουκά Senior Christians

11th Sunday of Luke Christmas Potluck Greek Sch Orthros 8:45 am 11:30 am Christmas Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 5:30 pm - 7: P. C. Meeting 7:00 pm Philoptochos Christmas Party 22 23 24 ­Προ της Χριστού Γεννήσεως. Sunday before Nativity Christmas Eve Christm

Orthros 8:45 am ­Orthros 5:00 pm Office clo Divine Liturgy 10:00 am ­Nativity Liturgy 6:00 pm (Holy Communion)

Sunday School Christmas Pageant 29 30 31 ­Μετά την Χριστού Γέννησιν. New Year’s Eve Sunday after Nativity ­Orthros 5:00 pm Orthros 8:45 am ­ Divine Liturgy 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy 10:00am Circumcision of Christ & St. Basil

Page 8 Events are subject to change; please refer - December 2013 sday Thursday Friday Saturday 4 5 6 7 βάρας μεγαλ.. Vespers 7:00 pm ­Νικολάου Μύρων he Great Martyr St. Nicholas in Northridge Nicholas the Wonderworker thros 9:30 am Orthros 9:00 am urgy 10:00 am Choir practice Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 7:15 pm At St. Nicholas Chapel at Rose Hills 0 pm - 7 pm 11 12 13 14 ­Σπυρίδωνος. hool St. Spyridon the Wonderworker Philoptochos Luncheon with :00 pm Orthros 9:30 am the Military Ladies 11:30 pm Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Family Night 6:00 pm Choir practice 7:15 pm 18 19 20 21 Trinity Foster Home hool: Christmas party 4pm - 8pm Party

:00 pm Choir practice 7:15 pm 25 26 27 28

mas osed Office closed

Dance School Reaching for the Stars New Year’s Eve Glendi 7 pm

to weekly bulletin for current schedule info Page 9 Panagia’s Stewardship Family as of November 20, 2013

Ala Falanai & Lisa & family Cozakos Nick Hadjimarkos Nicholas & Stemma Alex Helen Critides Anastasius $ Shawnee Hadjioannou Nicole & Arion Alexiou Archimedes Dalkos Bob & Vaso Hanna Jeannette Alexiou Demi Dalkos Chris & Roula Hansen Helen Alexopoulos Christina Dalkos John & Stavroula Hanson Chris & Dusty Amarantos Harriet Dalkos Peter & Elene Hardaway Herman & Pamela Andrade Everardo & Theony Dalpe Arvanitis Toula Haririan Alka Andrews James & Nikki Demos Eleni Hatziris John & Ramona Andrikos Ioannis & Argyro Demos George & Vickie Hennig Fred & Vickie Antoniou Konstantinos & Maria Demos Joanna Herron Craig & Diana Deneff Alkisti Apostle Helen Jordanides Dennis & Giselle Deneff Anthony Apostle Matina Jordanides Timothy & Ria Deneff Peter & Diane Apostle Perry & Rosie Kades Clio Deneff William & Diana Argeris John & Vasiliki Kakaris Telis & Lia Deralas Dean Argyros Dionisios & Irini Kallins George & Bettina Diacoumacos Marya Argyros Phillip & Amy Kallins James & Virginia Diamond Helen Kaltcheva Velitchka Armogida Elaine Dogris Alex & Peggy Armogida Rod & Krista Kanavos Peter & Tia Dolas Chris Karapoulios Angelo & Eleni Armstrong Randy & Janet Dolas James Karidakis George & Diane Bahos kanella Dolas Jim & Camille Karidakis Nick & Jim Balas Louis & Toula Dolas John & Theodora Karmiris Christopher & Christina Bassett Shea & Natalia Dolas Peter Karthas Nicholas Bastas Demetra Douroupis Ioannis & Isabel Kastanas Vassilios & Paris Bastas Nikolaos & Kathy Edwards Nickolas & Pamela Kiapos Alexandra Batsaras Ilias & Yota Eleopoulos Gus & Robbin Kitsios Kostas & Voula Batshoun Christina Eleopoulos Jimmy & Leigh Kokkinides Joyce Batshoun Emil & Matoula Etchepare Anna Konstantinidis Byron & Kaite Batshoun Sofia Exacoustos Stella Kontokanis Dimitris & Maria Benetatos Harry & Penny Ezroj Michael & Christine Kootsikas Coula Berdanis John & Helen Falley Zoe Korakis Michael & Georgia Fattaleh Raja Berovinos Michael & Kimberly Kostallas Tony & Cathy Fattaleh Sabba & Diana Berovinos Tony & Bonnie Koulos Peter & Emily Fenn Brad & Anna Bouras Kathy Kourtis Costa & Cecilia Fiamengo Alexandria Bouras Peter Krebenios Anastasia Fic Karen Bozigian Linda Kyriakos Spiros & Laine Fisher Kathryn Breres Zena Ladas Amelia Foutris Constantine & Christine Brillakis Gus & Nicki Ladas Charlie & Patty Frudakis Katina Brooks Harriet Lafkas Peter & Ada Futris William & Mary Castritis Demetrios & Vivi Lambrakis Spiro & Catherine Galanis Jerry & Marian Chelekis Louis & Vicki Georgakopoulos Mike & Maria Lambros Mary Chioles James & Effie Georgedes Katy Lembesis Ann Choullis Manolis & Sotiria Georges Louie & Penny Lembesis John Jr. & Theresa Chrysanthis Alexandra Georgiadou Vicki Lembesis Nick & Saskia Coats Marilyne Georgoulis George & Anna Lembesis Pendalis & Evangelia Colazas Xenophon & Mila Ghilarducci Walt & Laura Liakos Nicole Condaras Nicolas & Katerina Giannoutsos Tatiana Liarakos George & Dezi Contos Angeliki Gillotti John & Christina Liarakos John & Athanasia Contos Vasilis & Voula Gossen Ryan & Jennifer Tsakou- Liarakos, Dimitrios & Voula Cook Jeffrey & Susan makis Lioulias Sotiris & Dina Cornwell Carlyle & Demetra Gurrola Raymond & Mary Lofton Max & Mary Coromelas Acrivi Gutierrez Ivan & Esther Loizides George & Rodou Thank you for your loving support and commitment to our church.

Lopez Jeff & Georgia Rembuskos Panayiotis & Valerie Syrengelas Toula Makridis Gus & Georgine Rembuskos Steve & Amy Syrengelas Vasili & Maria Manos Andrew & Pamela Richards Dean & Dorothy Talaganis Ernest Mantikas Nick & Katherine Richmond Dan & Doris Talaganis John & Kathleen Marangopoulos Jake & Tammy Roll Fotini Marentis Victoria Roubanis Savvas $ Jodi Talaganis Nick & Amy Markouizos George & Argyro Russos Asimina Tavlarides Angelo & Mary Markouizos Karolos & Georgia Salsman Mel & Andria Tener Theresa Markouizos Nektarios & Lisa Santamarina Jose & Ronnea Teodosiadis Romilos & Melpomeni Matty David & Barbara Seger Clay & Suzan Terzi Popi Mavrovitis Michail & Monica Sehremelis Andy & Leslie Terzis Constantinos & Suzanna Mentas Ann Sehremelis Athena Thermos Gerry & Elli Mentas James & Patricia Sharkoff Donald & Anna Michel David & Vasiliki Sharkoff James & Katherine Thibault Irene Michel David Vasili Shweiri George & Cathy Toulios Spyros & Helen Milonas Dina Siames Faye Toumasis Gerasimos & Koula Missios Basil & Eftihia Silva Robert & Nicolette Triantos Anastasia N. Monios Nick & Linda Simitian Richard & Anna Trigonis Tula Siouris Chris & Yota Montalbano Paul & Maria Trikounakis Tony & Irma Morgan Richard & Valerie Skandalakis Melia Tsakoumakis Stan & Debora Nakai Keiichi & Saki Skaropoulos Eleni Nezis Alice Skourtas Tony & Angelique Tsamous Peter & Helen Okerman David & Elaine Smyrniotis Alexandra Tsimerekis Christos & Christina Panos George Smyrniotis Christos & Mary Tsimerekis Nicos & Anna Panou Vivian Sotiriou Elias Vackrinos Catherine Papacalos George & Lucia Sotiriou Panagiotis & Vasiliki Valaskantjis Nikiforos & Georgia Soultanakis Paul & Trudith Papadakis Colleen Van Der Meyden Dieder & Anne Papadakis Lillian & Andrianna Soupos Tom & Bobbie Vardakis Alex Papadopoulos Evanghelo & Lorraine Spiropoulos Katherine Vargo Douglas & Elefteria Papaggelis Christina Sprague Ronald $ Mary Papakoulos Angie Stapakis Olympia Varonos Alex, Gonzo & family Papas Maria Stapakis Steve & Joanne Varzak Darlene Papas Tasos & Georgia Stathis Robert & Josefa Vasilomanolakis Francine Stavros Andy & Amber Pappas Mark & Shari Vasilomanolakis Mike & Nikki Stavros Bill & Maria Pappas Victor & Christina Veganes Peter Pappas Victor & Tanya Stavros George & Donna Vlachos Dino & Helen Parlapanides Charles & Elenie Stavros John & Gwen Vlahakis Mary Pass Gus & Toula Stavros Louis & Mary Paulos Mary Stavros Ted & Olga Watkins Evangelia Paulos Nicholas Stavros Tom Whalen Christopher &Sara Paulos Todd & Cindy Stergiou Eleni Yakos John & Flora Phillips Crystal Stevenson Gus & Leona Yortzidis Dimitrios & Stacy Phoutrides Neilos & Patricia Stewards Sean & Denise Platis Jim & Kay Sullos James & Vickie Zambos Angie Platis Sam & Laura Sverkos Peter & Natalie Zambos John & Stephanie Pliaconis Alexander & Nicole Syrengelas Andreas & Evdoxia Zamvakellis Nick & Alison Syrengelas Andreas & Niky Polychrones Speros & Dora Zarifes Angie Syrengelas Dino & Dora Popoff Thalia Zimmerman Roseann (Rikki) Poulis John Syrengelas George & Athanasia Zoolakis Anthony & Kari Raptis Maria Syrengelas Michael & Elizabeth Syrengelas Sotiria Zoumberakis Stelios & Stacy Reed Richard & Kyriaki Page 11 Epiphany Save the Date Celebration The Philoptochos Society Of Saint Anthony “OOurur 62nd Year”

Greek Orthodox Church Assumption Greek Orthodox Annual Christmas Church of Long Beach Benefit Luncheon 5761 E. Colorado Street and Fashion Show Long Beach, CA 90814 “The Gift of Christmas” Liturgy & Glendi / Sunday January 5, 2014 th Saturday December 7 , 2013 10:30 in the morning Hosted by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church The Langham Huntington Hotel

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue 8:45 AM - Orthros Pasadena, California 10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy For Reservations &Information Carpool 11:30AM 12:00 Noon please call Service of the Cross Samantha Malisos & Diving for the Holy Cross*

(626) 824-0393; [email protected] Following the of Church Office (626) 449-6943 the Waters ‘GLENDI’

Page 12 GOYA Basket Ball Greek School Dear GOYANS and Parents, Greek School is in full swing. This year we have We are currently updating our GOYA member- had very good attendance and the teachers are ship list here at the Assumption. We have many very proud of their student's progress. For the new GOYA Parishioners who we would love to month of December. Greek school will be on va- add to the list so they may participate in our activi- cation from December 25th through January 1st. ties and athletic events, and many current GOYA Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 8th, Parishioners who we would love to see more ac- 2014. Merry Christmas, kai Kali Hronia. tive. If you are a new or existing GOYAN (or Parent thereof,) and have not been receiving Katerina Condaras, Principal any Email correspondence from our GOYA, please Email the following information to Dena Bussa at: [email protected]

Name and Age of your Son/Daughter Announcements Email Address of your Son/Daughter Home Phone/ Cell Phone of your Son/Daughter Parent(s) names and Email Addresses Parent(s) Home/Cell Phone number BEST WISHES

GOYA includes young teens ages 12 through 19 WEDDINGS years of age. If you are currently on our GOYA 11/16/13 list and have been receiving our Emails, you need Nikos Davilas & Chrysanthi Paxos not respond unless you would like to make any changes to your contact information. Thank Koumbaros: Nicole Hadjioannou you, and we look forward to seeing you at our Na zisete - Congratulations upcoming events!! BAPTISMS & CHRISMATIONS Sincerely, 11/30/13 The Assumption GOYA Board Eirini Chrysovalantou Sophia Proud Parents : Dimitris & Stacie Yortzidis COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD Nonoi: Nick & Andriana Paras The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Choir is Na sas zisei! - Congratulations sponsoring a Community Christmas Card. All the pro- ceeds will go towards the church’s organ replacement WITH SYMPATHY fund. The present organ was purchased used 70 years ago and it is a miracle that it has lasted as long as it has, To Eleni & Tom Dimitropoulos and family for but finally it is giving up. the loss of her mother Maria Mattas on 11/4/13. Please support this effort by entering your family’s May her memory be eternal. name in the card for $25 per line. The card will be mailed to all the families in the community’s mailing list. This will save you money and effort because it can December’s Prosforo replace the individual cards you will send to other Prosforo for the month of December is do- members of our community Please visit the choir table after Sunday services and nated by Mina Russos. Thank you. If you sign up so that your family’s name will appear with all would like to donate our Sunday prosforo the others on this year’s Christmas Card. please call the church office.

Your choir thanks you. Page 13 Ο άγιος Μάμας ΒΙΟΙ ΑΓΙΩΝ Greek Column by Voula Michail (2 Σεπτεμβρίου)

Στη Βασιλεία του Χριστού κάθε ηλικία έχει να επιδείξει τους αντιπροσώπους της. Γιατί κάθε ηλικία έχει προσφέρει σ' Αυτόν ό,τι διαλεχτό κι υπέροχο έχει να παρουσιάσει. Κι η εφηβική ηλικία, που είναι η πιο δύσκολη στη ζωή του ανθρώπου, έχει να προβάλει τους δικούς της. Ο άγιος Μάμας είναι ένας απ' αυτούς. Διαλεχτός στους διαλεχτούς κι ωραίος στους ωραίους αποτελεί μια απ' τις πιο αγαπητές κι ηρωικές μορφές της Εκκλησίας μας των τριών πρώτων αιώνων.

Οι γονείς του Θεόδοτος και Ρουφίνα ζούσαν στη Γάγγρα της Παφλαγονίας και ήσαν χριστιανοί με μεγάλη κοινωνική θέση. Την εποχή αυτή ο αυτοκράτορας Αυρηλιανός κίνησε σκληρό διωγμό ενάντια στους χριστιανούς (270-275 μ.Χ.). Μεταξύ των πρώτων συνελήφθη ο Θεόδοτος κι αφού ανακρίθηκε κι ομολόγησε τον Χριστό, ρίχτηκε στις φυλακές της Καισαρείας. Η σύζυγος του, η ενάρετη Ρουφίνα, σαν έμαθε τη φυλάκιση του συντρόφου της, αν και ήταν ετοιμόγεννη, έτρεξε να τον συναντήσει. Εκεί με παρρησία ομολόγησε και αυτή την πίστη του Χριστού, που φλόγιζε την καρδία της, με αποτέλεσμα να κλεισθεί στη φυλακή.

Δύο αδελφές ψυχές, ευγενικές κι αγαπημένες, ενωμένες στη χαρά και στον πόνο. Μια νύχτα η Ρουφίνα εκεί στη σκοτεινή κι υγρή φυλακή, έφερε στον κόσμο το παιδάκι της. Η καρδιά της σκίρτησε από χαρά. Αλλά μόνο για μια στιγμή. Όταν πήρε το παιδάκι της να το δείξει στον σύζυγο της, τον καλό Θεόδοτο, τον βρήκε νεκρό. Τα μαρτύρια τα πολλά που δοκίμασε για την πίστη και την αγάπη του Χριστού, τον οδήγησαν πρόωρα στον θάνατο. Η πονεμένη μάνα με συντριβή ψυχής έβαλε το παιδί στην αγκαλιά του, γονάτισε δίπλα του κι έκαμε με δάκρυα την προσευχή της. Ύστερα έγειρε δίπλα του για να μη σηκωθεί ποτές. Την ίδια νύχτα παρέδωσε κι αυτή το πνεύμα. Η ψυχή της πέταξε κοντά στον Χριστό, που αγάπησε με την καρδιά της. Τα βάσανα και οι ταλαιπωρίες της φυλακής την οδήγησαν τόσο γρήγορα στον ουρανό, κοντά στον μάρτυρα σύζυγο της.

Και το παιδί της; Ορφανό, πεντάρφανο μένει τώρα! Τι άραγε θα γίνει; Την απάντηση δίνει το πνεύμα του θεού! "Ορφανόν και χήραν αναλήψεται". Το ορφανό και τη χήρα τα παίρνει υπό την προστασία του ο Θεός. Και να!

Μια ευσεβής γυναίκα, η Αμμία Ματρώνα οδηγημένη από ένα άγγελο πηγαίνει στη φυλακή. Παίρνει τα λείψανα των μαρτύρων γονιών και τα ενταφιάζει με σεβασμό. Ύστερα παίρνει στο σπίτι και το παιδί κι αναλαμβάνει με προθυμία και στοργή την ανατροφή του. Από τα πρώτα ψελλίσματά του "μάμα-μάμα" του έδωκε το όνομα Μάμας. Κοντά στην καινούργια μανούλα του το παιδί μεγάλωσε με της πίστης τ' άγιο "κι άφθαρτο μάννα". Και το τίμησε. Όχι μόνο ο ίδιος από παιδί αγωνιζόταν να ζει τη χριστιανική ζωή, αλλά και φρόντιζε τα όσα μάνθανε, να τα διδάσκει και στα παιδιά της ηλικίας του. Υπεράξιο παιδί αξίων γονιών, μα κι υπέροχης θετής μητέρας του.

Η διαγωγή αυτή και ο ζήλος του μικρού ιεραποστόλου δεν άργησαν να γίνουν γνωστά. Κάποια μέρα μερικοί εχθροί της πίστεως τον έπιασαν και τον οδήγησαν μπροστά στον σκληρό ηγεμόνα Δημόκριτο. Εκείνος, σαν είδε το παιδί, προσπάθησε με κολακείες στην αρχή κι απειλές αργότερα να τον μεταπείσει από τις αρχές και την πίστη του. Μα δεν μπόρεσε. Όλες του οι προσπάθειες πήγαν χαμένες. Τότες άρχισαν τα βασανιστήρια. Το ξύλο, το πλήγωμα του κορμιού με σιδερένια νύχια, το κάψιμο των πληγών με αναμμένες λαμπάδες και τέλος το ρίξιμο στη θάλασσα με μια σιδερένια σφαίρα δεμένη στον λαιμό. Το αποτέλεσμα; Μηδέν!

Στήν Κύπρο ο άγιος Μαμάς είναι ένας πολύ σεβαστός και δημοφιλής άγιος, Πολλοί ναοί και παρεκκλήσια, μα και χωριά φέρουν το όνομα του (Σ όλη την Κύπρο 66 ναοί περίπου είναι αφιερωμένοι στον Άγιο Μάμα).. Αλλά και πολλές κυπριακές παραδόσεις κυκλοφορούν μεταξύ του λαού γύρω από την άγια μορφή του. Μια τέτοια παράδοση που δημιουργήθηκε, όπως φαίνεται, κατά την περίοδο της Τουρκοκρατίας, δίνει μια πολύ όμορφη ερμηνεία της εικονογράφησης του αγίου, καβάλα σ' ένα λιοντάρι και μ' ένα αρνί στα χέρια. Page 14 Page 15 ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED NON-PROFIT ORG VIRGIN MARY US POSTAGE PAID 5761 E. Colorado St. LONG BEACH, CA Long Beach, CA 90814 PERMIT NO. 344

Worship Services

Regular Schedule Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM

NOTE: Sunday Divine Liturgy starts at 10:00AM year-round.

See enclosed calendar for dates and times of other ser- vices this month.