The Epistle of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church March 2019 60 years of Faith and Fellowship Pastoral Thoughts :

Raising saints

` By Fr. Andrew Lentz What do you want to be when you grow up? I’ve never heard someone say, “A saint!” We would most likely chastise a child for such a response assuming that they were being silly, and yet, this is an awesome response since it is the entire goal of the Orthodox Christian life. A friend of mine, in explaining what Orthodox Christianity is to someone who never heard of it, told a story of a couple who had lost their infant son. He said that those parents were not in despair for their dead child, but were grateful. They took solace in the fact that they had achieved their purpose—they raised a saint. Those parents offer us a beautiful example of Orthodox Christian parenthood in their deep understanding of our theology and purpose in life. Our purpose in life is to become a saint. Whether we like it or not, we have been charged with the task of achieving sainthood. We accepted this charge at our baptism and we reaffirm it every time we receive Holy Communion. So while it might seem a bit strange to write down “sainthood” under life goals, we really need to start considering it. Sainthood as a life goal doesn’t mean you have to run off to the monastery, but it does mean that you’re seriously thinking about how you’re going to reach that goal with what you do each day. Children invited to bring icons for the procession As we journey through the Great Fast in preparation for Fellowship and refreshments following the service. Pascha, what are we really doing? Are we dieting or are we truly training ourselves to become saints? If all we’re doing is altering our diet, going through the motions of extra church There are no angry saints. None of the saints blamed their services, and acting cranky and tired because of it, just stop. demeanor on a protein deficiency. Our icons don’t depict the The entire purpose of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and extra saints with smiles, but they are not scowling either. They church services is to help us draw closer (in a loving way) to have a serious look because being a saint is a very serious Christ and those around us. If we fast for the wrong reasons, matter—a serious matter that requires our serious attention. If and are miserable because of it, we just push ourselves even we are not striving to become saints and raise our children as further away from God and neighbor. The Great Fast is not an saints, then why are we going through the motions? Now is easy period in the life of an Orthodox Christian, but it is a very the time to think about what we have done with our lives and necessary one. This is the time that we reflect on our life and what we want to do with the rest of our time on this earth. how we live it so that we might reorient ourselves towards God Our time here is short, and just a tiny blip when we consider and becoming one of His Holy Ones. As we pay less attention that we’re going to live on for all eternity. After all that has to regular food, we need to fill that void with more spiritual been taught to us about God and our purpose in life, striving to food. As we pay less attention to all of our activities, we need become a saint and raising our children to be saints, in my to pay more attention to our spiritual activities. As we pay less humble opinion, is the smart life goal. As St. Paul addresses attention to our own needs, we need to pay more attention to the faithful as saints in each of his epistles, so too do I address the needs of others. This last point is a critical one. The more you here. I wish all the saints of our community a blessed and we pay attention to the needs of others, the less irritable we fruitful journey through the Great Fast and a most glorious become of our own. celebration of Pascha! The Epistle is the official publication of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio ~ Phone: (440) 331-2246 ~ www.saintdemetriosrr.org Sunday Services: Orthros 8:20 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Closed for lunch 1:00-2:00 p.m. Publication Deadlines : Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday . Monthly Epistle – The 15 th of the preceding month

Clergy and Office Staff Parish Organizations Fr. Andrew Lentz, Priest….……[email protected] Acolyte Coordinator …………..…Tom Hlepas…216-269-3265 Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Manager/ Newsletter Editor AHEPA …………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079 [email protected] American Legion …………Spyro Farmakidis…...440-779-8190 Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected] Bible Study :……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003 John Stamatiades, Church Accountant…440-331-2246, ext. 4 Bookstore ……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547 Parish Council Choir Director/Canto r…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230 Lilly Anitas, President.….………………….…..440-734-3440 Youth Choir …….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068 Dimitrios Tsatiris, Vice President…………..…..216-310-5233 Daughters of Penelope ..…….……Elisa Demis…440-665-1348 Kostas Mathiellis, Treasurer.....…..……..……...440-572-1799 Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131 Floyd Trillis, Jr, Financial Secretary ……....…..440-835-6552 Board of Education Maria Mougianis…...440-835-2888 Sarah Kazanas, Secretary………………………..216-409-2532 PTO Kelly Steffas ……………………...440-808-8788 Irene Georgantas ………………………………..585-703-5005 GOYA Advisor , Athena Diamantis………...……216-469-8607 Anna Kachevas……………………………….….563-542-4692 Student Presidents : Manny Katrakazos & Angelia Poulopoulos Andreas Koustis……………………….……..….216-513-8905 Hellenic Dance Groups Evanthia Pallam………………………………….216-402-7646 Aeraki……………………………… Lia Fresty…330-715-1704 Tom Theodore. ………………………………….440-331-1927 Kymata ….……………....Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807 Gary Thomas…………………………………….440-356-1032 Kyklonas ………………. Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131 Anthony Trakas………………………………....440-385-7741 Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray): Sophia Tjotjos, Legal Counsel Christina Carpadis………………..…216-215-4232 Becky Giallourakis……………….....440-610-3516 Orthodox Organizations Legacy Fund …....…………Manuel P. Glynias…216-857-3388 Library Committee ….………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581 For Local Orthodox events ,visit www.orthodoxcleveland.us Philoptochos ……………………[email protected] Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America …www.goarch.org President …………..…Maggie Steffas …440-871-6362 Metropolis of Pittsburgh …….… www.pittsburgh.goarch.org Sunshine Committee ….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959 International Orthodox Christian Charities … www.iocc.org Welfare Committee …………………..Crystal Thomas Orthodox Christian Mission Center …….…. www.ocmc.org Sunday School ….…………... [email protected] Orthodox Christian Network ………...……. www.myocn.net Christina Carpadis Schraff……………………216-215-4232 Orthodox Christian Fellowship ………..………… www.ocf.net Spiritual Life Committee ...Angie Giallourakis…216-387-2681 St. Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland ….. www.sainthermans.com Individuals w/ Disabilities Liaison....Tina Kolas...216-970-3737 FOCUS Friends …………..…Linda Glynias…216-469-2663 St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach www.stpanteleimon.com Zoe for Life ! ……………………. www.zoeforlifeonline.org Speaking of Stewardship… 3

Thanks to those who have already volunteered for one of the 2019 Administrative Committees . Open seats are indicated for those still wishing to volunteer. GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING Sunday March 3, 2019 Stewardship Committee –PC Liaison – Dimitrios Tsatiris This meeting will take place immediately following church in Chair (3 year term)– Byron Spooner; Members (1 year term)– the hall. Please sign in before taking your seats. Kostas Mathiellis, Andy Koustis, Lilly Anitas, Harry A QUORUM OF AT LEAST 25 MEMBERS IN GOOD Giallourakis, Tony Trakas STANDING ARE REQUIRED FOR THE MEETING. If Quorum is not met, the meeting WILL take place on Monday Budget Committee -Chair (1 year term)– Kosta Mathiellis March 4 th @7:00pm with or without quorum per the by-laws. (Treasurer); Members (1 year term)– Floyd Trillis Jr. AGENDA includes: (Financial Secretary,) John Stamatiades (Parish Accountant), • State of the Parish Address – Fr. Andrew Lentz Gary Thomas, (1 spot left) • 2019 Budget Update • Legacy Fund Update Home Committee –PC Liaison – Tony Trakas; Chair (3 year • Nominations for 2019 Board of Auditors term)– Manny Glynias; Members (1 year term)– Harry • Nominations for 2019 Board of Elections Giallourakis, Angelo Karouzos, Bill Pastis, Nick Hillman, • Home Committee Update: Steve Alex • Festival cement pad (safety issue) • Hall floor bids Catering Committee –PC Liaison – Andy Koustis; Chair (2 • Hallway Carpet year term) – Manny Glynias; Members – Nick Hillman (Business manager), Sophia Tjotjos (Legal Advisor), Cindy ELIGIBILITY FOR THIS MEETING “A Parish Assembly Boutoganis, Tom Hlepas consists of the members of the parish who have met their financial obligations to the Parish, in accordance with the Festival Committee –PC Liaison – Lilly Anitas (President); Parish By-laws. A person whose name appears on the Chair – Nick Hillman; Members – Byron Spooner (2 spots left) membership roll, but who is in arrears in payment of his/her stewardship obligations may take part in Parish Assembly by Events/Fundraising – PC Liaison – Sarah Kazanas; Chair – meeting such obligations by the meeting day. New members available; Members – Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Peggy Giavroutas may exercise their vote at Parish Assemblies if they have been members in good standing for at least three (3) months. The Aesthetics Committee –PC Liaison – Vanthe Pallam; Chair – Priest shall be a non-voting member of Parish Assembly.” Ageleke Zapis; Members – Anthony and Helene Santarelli

Board of Education–PC Liaison – Gary Thomas Philanthropy Committee* PC Liaison – Irene Georgantas; Members: Polly Furey, Ellie Chrisman (1 spot available ); Hospitality Committee –PC Liaison - Anna Kachevas; Chair – Legacy Board Liaison – Donna Vassos & Crystal Thomas Angie Giallourakis; Members – Elaine Campbell, Becky Leach This is a new advisory committee established by Parish Council to recommend how and when designated distributions Personnel Committee –Chair – Kosta Mathiellis; Members – from the Legacy Fund are spent for philanthropic purposes, as Vanthe Pallam and Anna Kachevas well as meet any cultural, religious and educational objectives as specified in the Legacy Charter. Decisions on how and when Security Committee –Chair – Dimitrios Tsatiris to spend distributions require final approval by the Parish Members – Nick Hillman, Ellie Chrisman (2 spots available ) Council. This is a new advisory committee established by the Parish This committee shall exist as long as there is a Legacy Fund to Council to recommend and help implement the necessary assist with the philanthropic mission. It will be a 5 member measures to ensure the safety of parishioners on church committee. The Committee shall consist of a Philoptochos premises. Decisions on the nature of such measures and how to Officer, Legacy Fund Philanthropy Officer and 3 members at implement them require final approval by the Parish Council. Large. The members shall elect a chair amongst them who will This committee shall consist of 5 members at large who shall serve as chair for 2 years. Duration of membership on the elect a chair amongst them to serve for 2 years. Duration of committee shall be 2 years. It shall report a budget and a membership on the committee shall be 2 years. The committee summary of its philanthropic work to the Parish Council, the is expected to report its recommendations annually to the Legacy Fund Board and the General Assembly annually. The Philanthropy Report should be incorporated in the annual

Parish Council or more frequently if necessary.$89,449 The committee is encouraged to maintain a close relationship with local law Legacy Fund Report to the Community no later than March 31. enforcement and to attend seminars to ensure church security. Members will be elected onto the Philanthropic Committee Members will be elected onto the Security Committee following election by the Parish Council. following election by the Parish Council . 4 Our Parish People Asleep in the Lord The Balourdas Hellenic Cultural School Eftihia Kontos (nee Koustis), mother of invites you to the annual program celebrating Christos, Yannoula Hussey (Sam) and Angelo (Irene); yiayia of Alexandrea (Paul), The Annunciation and Victoria, Christian, Hellene (Richard), Greek Independence Day George (Anita), Andrew (Chelsea), Gregory and Arrin; great-yiayia of Charlie, Henry, Sunday, March 24 Oliver, Jack, Evelyn, William and Isabella, sister of Tom Koustis and Vassiliki Kromydas, aunt of many, passed away February 3, in the Cultural Hall at Noon 2019. Her 40-day memorial will be March 10. Nick Chapler , father of Bill (Leanne), Shelley Tsigas (Jim), Andrea Poulis, and Dean (Tara); grandfather of Evie, Athan, Olivia, Leander, Tabitha (Nick) and Kyle, passed away Feb. 17, 2019. His memorial will be April 7.

Ann Skordelis (nee Carpadis ) mother of Cynthia Yager (Dave) and David (Anne); grandmother of Zachary, Daniel, Adrianna, Alexia and Anthony; sister of Nick Carpadis, aunt of many, passed away Feb. 17, 2019, in Washington, where she had been a resident for some time. Mary Ciolfi (nee Fitros) Saviolis, wife of Naval Battles of the Greek War Thomas, mother of Elaine Smith, and Joanne (Jerry) Bertram; grandmother of Brian of Independence Dancik, Michael (Christina) Bertram, Featuring Greek songs, poems, and dances. Allyssa Bertram and Christopher Smith, great-grandmother of two, aunt and friend of many, passed away Feb. 23, 2019. Mary Special presentation on Nazareth, town of the was a member of St. Demetrios’ Yassou Club Steering Annunciation. committee, and also a member at Annunciation Church, and of Philoptochos. Free and open to all We also extend our condolences to the family and friends of Refreshments to follow, courtesy of the PTO former parishioner Lou Fitros. (left) Avon High School Loukoumades Sale senior and St. Demetrios Sunday, March 3 parishioner Alex Stamatis, son of John and Fay, is a National Merit Finalist, ranking among the nation’s elite. Congratulations!

Photo: Avon City Schools Immediately after Liturgy in the Cultural Hall Sponsored by Daughters of Penelope Proceeds to benefit local scholarships Get Your Pre-Lenten 5 “Booster Shot”

Join instructor Manuel J. Glynias for adult catechism as we head into Great Lent.

Sundays immediately after Liturgy in the Board Room. 100 complimentary tickets courtesy of • March 3: How will I be Father Andy Lentz judged? Am I a sheep or a goat? First come, first served. Carpooling available from the church. • March 10 : “…Have Mercy on Contact Nick Hillman to reserve your tickets us and save us.” (440-331-2246 ext.3 or Do we want judgement or mercy? [email protected] • March 17 : You are an Icon of God…and so is your enemy . Vs. The Senators

Free and open to all

Movie March 18, Screening at 2:00 & 6:30 p.m. Monday Paul, Apostle of Christ

Saul goes from the most infamous persecutor of Christians to Paul, the Apostle of Christ. While imprisoned by Emperor Nero, he is visited by his friend, the physician Luke, who will preserve the Faith for every generation.

Starring James Faulkner as St. Paul and Jim Caviezel as St. Luke Join your Their faith challenged an empire. parish family once a month Their words changed the world. to watch & discuss a film in (2018, Rated PG-13, 1 hour, 47 minutes) St. Demetrios’ GOYA Room. Free and open to all.

No movie will be shown in April. Please join us at the Holy Week services. Film Series will resume in May. 6 Friends of the Poor

Sundays March 17 and 24

Zoe House helps mothers and infants by meeting some of their material and spiritual needs. This pan-Orthodox ministry is located at 5454 State Road, Parma. Thank you to all who have donated in the past! Our gifts of love have been appreciated by many children who would have otherwise gone without. Like us on Facebook ZOE FOR LIFE! *Receipts for all gifts donated will be available *

Feeding the Homeless The first FOCUS Friends Tuesday of each month, Philoptochos takes and serves a meal to St. Thanks to everyone who brought non- Herman’s FOCUS Cleveland. Food perishable food items on Feb. 3rd for drop off and carpool meet up by 4:30 the annual Souper-bowl of Caring p.m. at St. Demetrios Church. If you collection. FOCUS Friends took the are interested in helping, contact over-flowing collection box to St. Maggie Steffas Herman’s during their monthly visit. If ([email protected] ) you would like to help prepare or serve th Upcoming service dates: March 5 , dinner with other parishioners on the nd th April 2 and May 7 . first Saturday of the month, please contact Linda Glynias (216-469-2663.) Thanks to everyone who donated hygiene items for the Norma Herr Upcoming service dates: March 2, Women’s Shelter, operated by the April 6, May 4 YWCA. Philoptochos had been collecting items since the fall, and Thanks to generous donors, St. compiled many individual kits on Herman’s chapel recently received an Sunday, Feb. 17 th . These kits will be update, which includes new lighting distributed to women here in and new flooring. (pictured, left, the Cleveland who are experiencing old tile being covered by the new.) homelessness or transience. SCHOLARSHIP Zapis Activity Center 7 OPPORTUNITIES KIDS’ BASKETBALL Fun/games AHEPA National scholarship is offered to & skills for college students who are members or whose Children in parents are members of AHEPA or Grades 3-7. Daughters of Penelope. Download applications at https://ahepa.org/wp- 1-3 p.m. on content/uploads/2019/01/2019-AEF- March Application.pdf 2, 9, 16, 23 Deadline is March 31, 2019.

AHEPA Buckeye Chapter Walk Away the Winter for students entering college or current 10:00-11:00 a.m. Thursdays, thru March 28 undergrads who are active (or whose parents have been members for 3 Join coach Nick to keep your healthy New Year resolutions, no matter consecutive years) in an Ohio chapter of what the weather is doing. Walk at your own pace to upbeat music and AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Sons of track your progress. No registration required. All welcome. Pericles or Maids of Athena. Applications at www.bsf.buckeyedistrict11.org Deadline is March 31, 2019.

AHEPA #389 / Daughters of Penelope #321 Several scholarships offered to high school seniors whose parents are members of these chapters OR members of St. Demetrios Church, Rocky River. Application available in the church office. Deadline is April 30, 2019.

Joan Lambros Scholarship Offered to women of St. Demetrios planning to attend college or graduate school and pursue a degree in the field of the Sciences. Application in the church office. Deadline is May 1, 2019.

Dr. Komninos S. Fotinos Memorial Scholarship Offered to graduating high school seniors or current undergrad students who are members of St. Demetrios Church pursuing a pre-med or health care related major. Application available in the church office. Deadline is May 3, 2019.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America The George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles and Katina John Malta Scholarships available for the 2019-2020 academic year for undergraduate studies. The Paleologos Scholarship is awarded for graduate work of a non-theological nature. Applications at http://www.goarch.org Deadline is May 3, 2019. 8 Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14) Sunday School Acolytes Youth Choir

March 17- Sunday of Orthodoxy . Students Sunday Team Friday, March 8- Rehearsal encouraged to bring their favorite icon from 3/3 1 in the Chapel at 5:00 pm to home for the annual procession. prepare for the Lenten and 3/10 2 Holy Week services. March 31 – St. John Chrysostom Oratorical 3/17 3 Festival. Students in Grades 7-12 that wish to take part, should contact instructor Tony 3/24 4 Hellenic Dancers Apotsos to register and get this year’s topic 3/31 1 options. Kyklonas Dance Group (ages 13 & up, as of Jan.1) Greek School now rehearsing Thursdays, 6:45-7:30 Congratulations to Kosta Ermidis (Class of 2017) who took the Comprehensive p.m. in Examination for Modern Greek last June. He received a 96, and was certified for the hall. Festival Registration closes receiving 3 years of instruction past the age of ten. This exam assesses student April 4th . proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing Modern Greek, by the World Languages Program of the State University of NY and Aristotle Univ. in Kymata Dance Group (ages 9-12, as of Thessaloniki. Students who pass are awarded three credits or more in foreign Jan.1) rehearsing on Sundays, after language studies. Liturgy in the Fellowship Room. This has been a bittersweet semester for our teaching staff, as we bid farewell to Mr. Tom Hlepas in January for a new job, and Mrs. Sofia Trichonas in February as Aeraki Dancers ( ages 6-8, as of Jan.1, she awaits a new baby! But we also happily welcome substitutes Dina Giavroutas, 2019) Practices on Thursdays 6:45 - 7:15 an alumna of our school, filling in for Mrs. Trichonas in the Level Γ class, and Sofia in the gym, starting March 7 th . Katris, recently of Greece, in the Levels Η & Θ class. If your children are in either of these classes, take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome them this semester. Note: The Metropolis Folk Dance In the meantime, we will look to fill two openings in our teaching staff for the Festival has been postponed to a later 2019-20 school year. Qualified candidates must be fluent in both Greek and English, date. More info to follow. with at least a Bachelor’s degree. Teaching experience preferred but not required. Submit a letter of intent and resume to the church office ([email protected] ) by June 1, 2019. –Eleni Papouras-Jenks COMING UP… Thu., March 21 – Rehearsal for March 25 th program. Students will be fitted for costumes throughout that week. Sun., March 24 – Annunciation & Greek Independence Program. After Sunday School, students should pick up their costumes at the PTO closet and dress for the program, which should begin at 12 Noon. PTO is providing refreshments, so please bring some treats already plated. On this day, we are again co-hosting with Philoptochos a “Baby Shower” to benefit Zoe for Life, the Orthodox home for mother’s in need. If you have any baby items (clothing up to 2T or strollers, etc.) please bring them to the program that day. Monetary donations will also be accepted.

On Thu., Feb. 28, we celebrated the approach of Meatfare Sunday with “Tsikno Pempti” Carnivale party with costumes, songs & dancing! Thanks to the Ermidis Photos: Sofia Trichonas; family for donating the pizzas. Irene Dimarhos G.O.Y.A. 9 Over the past few weeks, our GOYA has attended basketball tournaments in Canton, Steubenville and Columbus, Ohio. All of our teams have brought home various trophies from consolation to first place. The senior girls team has won first place in both tournaments! Congrats ladies! The junior girls have brought home a third place trophy in both tournaments, nice work girls! Our junior boys A team have brought home a second and first place trophies, good work gentleman! And finally our senior boys have brought back a second place trophy in the most recent tournament, congrats boys! We couldn't be able to go to these tournaments without the dedication of our advisors, coaches, and parents. We also would like to thank the community for supporting our fundraisers which helps us offset the cost of attending these basketball tournaments. - Manny Katrakazos

COMING UP…

Sun., March 3 – Meeting after Liturgy

Fri., March 8 – Hockey Family Night (see p.1)

Sun., March 17 – Lenten soup sale during coffee hour Lenten Services

This month, we will enter into Great Lent as we prepare for the Resurrection of our Savior. All evening services during the Great Fast will begin at 6:00 pm. In the Orthodox Church, the day begins at sunset with Vespers as the first service. Those desiring to receive Holy Communion at any evening Liturgy should fast from at least noon. Fr. Andrew is available for Confession 1 hour prior to the evening services, or by appointment.

Saturday of Souls , March 2, 9 and 16 . 8:20 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy and Memorials Plates of Kollyva wheat should be brought promptly to church by 9:30 a.m. Please print names of the deceased clearly and with English letters.

Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 10 at 6pm. We’ll begin the Great Fast with this service is full of incredibly important lessons and it's the absolutely best way to begin our Lenten journey as a community, asking forgiveness of one another in understanding that we only achieve our salvation together.

Compline with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of the first week of Lent ( March 11, 12 & 14 .) This personal devotional of St. Andrew, as a dialogue between himself and his soul, has become a part of our corporate worship during Lent because of its beautiful and mystical explanations of Scripture. There is no better way to begin the Great Fast than by attending these services, starting on the right foot, and gaining the support you need to complete the Great Fast!

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy will be served. on the six Lenten Wednesdays, at 6 p.m. Following each service, we will welcome a guest Homilist speaking on The Weekly Themes of Lent : March 13 Sunday of Orthodoxy Speaker TBA March 20 No service due to Clergy retreat. Those wishing to receive Holy Communion on this date, can attend the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at St. Mary (on Warren Rd) or St. Theodosius (in Tremont ) March 27 Veneration of the Holy Cross Manuel J. Glynias April 3 St. John of the Ladder Ted Cherpas April 10 St. Mary of Egypt Sister Anastasia April 17 Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem Paul Finley

Salutations to the Theotokos are on Fridays, March 15, 22, 29, April 5, with the Akathist in its entirety on the Fifth Friday of Lent, April 12 . Those who are able and wish to read the prayers before the Virgin Mary and Christ icons, and anyone wishing to decorate or donate flowers to the icon of the Panagia for the Salutations on March 22, 29, or April 5, please contact the office.

12 Around Town New Location for East side Orthodox Parish BAINBRIDGE- St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church, with the blessing of their Metropolitan Joseph, purchased an existing church building on 12 acres of property in Bainbridge (just east of Solon). The parish closed on the agreement at the end of January, after obtaining hierarchical approval and securing the financials. For the past several years, the parish had been meeting to worship in a rented space in Chagrin Falls. On Feb. 6th , feastday of St. Photios the Great (patron saint Their priest, Fr. Matthew Thurman, noted that, “We still of our Metropolis) the Northwest Region’s clergy gathered have much work to do in the building before it will be ready at Archangel Michael Church in Campbell, OH, for Divine for our first Divine Liturgy, but our tentative plans are that Liturgy and a meeting. Photo courtesy of Fr. Steve Denas we will be in in time for Holy Week and Pascha.”

Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral 3352 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights welcomes guest speaker Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis .

Photo: Eleni Gugliotta

Friday, March 8 5:45-6:15 p.m. - All Cleveland Sunday School teachers invited for a learning session with Fr. Stavros, camp director at the Metropolis of Atlanta Fish fry dinners will be on sale for those interested. 6:30-8:00 p.m. – All Cleveland GOYAns invited to join Fr. Stavros to discuss Teen Relationships RSVP by Wed., March 6 th to [email protected]

Saturday, March 9 Retreat: “Encouraging Faith in One Another” Divine Liturgy Saturday of the Souls 8:30-9:45 a.m. 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Lenten Retreat with with Fr. Stavros. Contact Anna Warren (216-287-6890) Checks to: Sts. Constantine &Helen Cathedral/ ”Retreat” in memo To join Fr. Stavros prayer team , go to Greekorthodoxchurchtampa.com/the-prayer-team 13

2187 W. 14 th St., Cleveland

20 th Annual 14 Around Our Metropolis

Deacon George Athanasiou, former youth director at the Cleveland parishes of Sts. Constantine & Helen and St. Paul, was ordinated to the Deaconate on Feb. 18, 2019, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Pittsburgh, Penn., by the laying of hands of His Eminence Metropolitan Savas of Pittsburgh, and in the presence of many Priests, monastics, and family. Deacon George has been assigned to assist Fr. George Livanos at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Canonsburg, Penn. Axios! Photo courtesy of Deacon George The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Society and Saint Haralambos Philoptochos present The Daffodil Luncheon Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. Alex D Krassas Event Center, 251 25th Street, NW, Canton, Ohio 44709

Donation - $60 per person. Proceeds to benefit The Ronald McDonald House of Akron and The Metropolis of Pittsburgh Social Services Fund For reservation, call: Fran Armatas (330) 327-9841 Deadline for Reservations is March 1, 2019 Around The World 15

Historic Visit to Shuttered Seminary HEYBALIADA, TURKEY- Last month, the Prime Minster of Greece, Alexis Tsipras, made an historic two-day visit to Turkey, including a visit to the Halki 2019Missions Theological Seminary on This month, we mark Missions Sunday, and pray Feb. 6, feastday of St. for those who are changing lives and saving souls Photios, with Ecumenical around the world. Patriarch Bartholomew. Located on Heybeliada Island in the Sea of Marmara, this was the original site of a In addition to long-term missionaries, there are 17 monastery founded by St. Photios the Great. The school was short-term mission trips (7-10 days) this year from founded in 1844, and for more than 100 years, it served as a June to December, in 10 different countries: U.S. seminary that trained Orthodox leaders, including our current (Alaska), Albania, Colombia, Ghana, Guatemala, Patriarch. The Turkish government closed the school in 1971, when Turkey’s Constitutional Court ruled that all private Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, and Sweden. higher education had to come under state control, and be tied Needed skills are as diverse as teaching to health ether to a Turkish state university or an Islamic religious care to construction. faculty. They have denied repeated calls to reopen the school. Tsipras is the first sitting prime minister to visit the site, Go to www.ocmc.org for details on the trips raising hopes that the Turkish government would allow it to be re-opened. Following the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by the Patriarch, Mr. Tsipras visited the school’s famous library, which includes 12 th century manuscripts, and planted a tree on the grounds. PM Tsipras also met with Turkish President Recept Tayyip The Greek America Foundation is proud to partner with Erdogan in Ankara, but no progress was announced on the METAdrasi on the Greek island of Chios for our 2019 Summer many disputes between the countries, including the issue of Service Learning Program. This month-long experience Halki and Cyprus. (source: NY Times; Getty Images ) includes volunteering with vulnerable groups, including refugee children and unaccompanied minors, in partnership with a respected Greek non-profit organization with years of experience in this field. Sixteen scholarships will be offered to North American college students and young professionals, aged 18-25. Greek heritage is not a requirement but a passion for service, volunteerism and working with young people from various cultural backgrounds is. Participation in this program includes lodging, program Clevelander Honored at L100 Anniversary expenses including cultural excursions on weekends, BOCA RATON, FLA. - George Veras, Chief Operating transportation within Chios and most meals. Officer & Executive Producer of the Pro Football Hall of Five additional spots are available for students who are selected Fame and St Demetrios parishioner, gave the keynote to participate but do not require the financial assistance of a address at the 28th Annual Leadership 100 Conference, held scholarship. at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The application deadline is March 7, 2019. L100 celebrated its 35th Anniversary in February, with the All details, including requirements and an online application inaugural worldwide livestreaming of its conference and its https://greekamericafoundation.org/service-learning-program-2/ first time ever partner, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, whose channel has over 1 million worldwide followers. Veras, a “Journey to Greece” Program 10-time National Sports Emmy Award winner and Producer June 23-July 20, 2019 of seven Olympics, spoke on Friday at the Business Forum. AHEPA in partnership with Webster University He was honored with the Archbishop Iakovos Leadership will select 20 qualified college students to travel to various 100 Award for Excellence at the Grand Banquet (pictured, locations in Greece while earning college credit. Submission above) by John A. Paviavlas, His Eminence Archbishop Deadline is April 20, 2019. Demetrios and Argyris Vassiliou, Chairman of Leadership For application and information, go to https://ahepa.org/jtg/ 100. – Pres. Goldie Doukas 16 In this issue of “Byzantine Era Saints,” we commemorate monastics and martyrs who battled enemies of the Faith, both foreign and domestic….

Hieromartyr Theodoretos (March 3, 362) St Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem (March 11, 638) Theodoretus was a priest at the great cathedral in Antioch, He was born in Damascus to an eminent family, and was well known as 'the golden church' for its beauty. When Julian the educated in his youth. He entered monastic life in the monastery Apostate came to the throne, he launched a persecution of of St Theodosius, where he became the lifelong friend and Christians, and sent his uncle to Antioch to prosecute them. disciple of John Moschos. Together they visited the monasteries The church was plundered and Fr. Theodoretus put on trial, to and hermitages of Egypt. They later wrote of their discoveries in deny Christ. The faithful priest confessed Christ fervently and the classic Spiritual Meadow . St Sophronios is also the author of rebuked the Emperor. Out of spite, the imperial judge urinated the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt , and wrote the service of the in the church, for which the priest prophesied that he would Great Blessing of the Waters. After the death of his teacher, St die a terrible death. St. Theodoretus was beheaded, but the Sophronius traveled to Jerusalem, which had just been liberated judge was seized with terrible abdominal pain from the from the Persians. He was there to see the Precious Cross moment he defiled the church until he died in torment. returned from Persia by the Emperor Heraclius, who carried it into Jerusalem on his back. In 634, St Sophronius was elected St Theophylactos, Bishop of Nicomedia (March 8, 845) Patriarch of Jerusalem, serving his flock wisely for three years. "Theophylact was a close friend of Tarasius, who became He was zealous in the defense of Orthodoxy against the Patriarch of Constantinople (Feb. 25) and made his friend Monothelite* heresy, even traveling to Constantinople to rebuke Bishop of Nicomedia. After St Tarasius’ death, his successor Patriarch Sergius and Emperor Heraclius, who had embraced Nicephorus (June 2) called together some Bishops to help him that heresy. The years of peace were few for the Holy Land, fight the iconoclasm of Emperor Leo the Armenian. Among and the Muslims of Arabia re-conquered most of North Africa them was St. Theophylact, who boldly rebuked Leo to his and the Middle East in a few years. The Saint was so grieved by face. For this, he was exiled to the fortress of Strobilus in the capture of Jerusalem, in 637, that he begged God to take him, Karia of Asia Minor, where after 30 years of imprisonment so that he might not live to see the desecration of the holy places. and hardship, he gave up his holy soul about the year 845. His prayer granted, he reposed in peace less than a year later. Leo the Armenian, according to the Saint's prophecy, was slain in church on the eve of our Lord's Nativity, in 820." St. Christodoulos, Wonderworker of Patmos (Mar.16, 1111) (Source: Great Horologion ) He was from the region of Nicaea, and was named John by his parents Theodore and Anna. He took up the monastic life at an Our Holy Mother Anastasia (March 10, 563) early age, and was renamed Christodoulos (‘Servant of Christ.') She was a noble lady at the Imperial court under the Emperor After going far in the ascetical life, he was given permission by Justinian and Empress Theodora. When she was widowed, the Emperor Alexis I (1081-1118) to establish a church and she left Constantinople and all her privileges, and fled to the monastery on the island of Patmos, dedicated to St John the Egyptian desert. There Abba Daniel tonsured her and, at her Evangelist. Both the church and the monastery stand and request, presented her to the brethren as the eunuch continue in use to this day. When Patmos was attacked by the “Anastasios,” so that she might avoid discovery by imperial Arabs, he and his disciples fled to Euboea, where he reposed. investigators. She closed herself in a small cell, where she The Saint's disciples brought his relics back to his own spent 28 years in prayer and labors. Shortly before her death, monastery, where they continue to work miracles today. her elder Daniel saw her face shining like the sun. Monks of St. Sabbas the Sanctified Monastery (March 20) St. Basil of Ancyra (March 22, 362) The holy Monastery of St Sabbas (still in existence today) has St Basil was bishop who labored for the Church during the been plundered several times in its history. Once, it was attacked reign of Julian the Apostate, who briefly attempted to return by Arab raiders, and the monks considered fleeing. However, the Roman empire to paganism after the reign of St their Abbot Thomas encouraged their martyrdom, so the monks Constantine. Basil openly denounced the Emperor's anti- agreed meet their attackers unarmed. The Arabs killed some Christian policies, for which he was tortured and thrown in with arrows, and shut some in a cave, lighting a fire at the prison. When the Emperor went to Ancyra, Basil was brought entrance to suffocate them with smoke. The whole company of before him, and Julian urged the bishop to renounce the Faith, monks were thus privileged to give their lives for Christ's sake. It promising him wealth and position, if he would do so. Basil was either the year 633 or 796. foretold a dire fate for the Emperor, and the Julian ordered that seven strips be torn from Basil's body every day, a torture *Monothelitism (Greek for "one will") is a heretical teaching which was carried out for seven days. When the Saint was that Jesus Christ had two natures but only one will. This is once again brought before the Emperor, he tore off a strip of contrary to Orthodoxy, which teaches that Jesus has two wills his own flesh and threw it to Julian, saying 'Take this and eat (human and divine) corresponding to his two natures. it, Julian, if such food is sweet to you, but Christ is life for Monothelitism was a development of the Monophysitism me.' At this the Emperor ordered that red-hot iron spits be (Greek for “one nature”) heresy that enjoyed considerable driven through Basil; and thus the holy bishop at last received support in the 7th century before being rejected at the Sixth the crown of martyrdom. Ecumenical Council in 680. (source: Orthodoxwiki)

Sponsors & Supporters To place your ad in this section, contact the office: 440-331-2246 ext. 2 or [email protected]

60 th Anniversary Throwback : The list below appeared in the 1960 American Hellenic Community of Greater Cleveland celebration of Greek Independence Day noting the original 1959 contributors to the new west side parish.

The Catacomb Bookstore

Open Sundays after Liturgy & weekday office hours Now located in the Parish Library Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios 22909 Center Ridge Road Rocky River Ohio 44116

Built in Faith, Sustained by Love

Now with location close to St. Demetrios (216) 398-1010 LEGAL SERVICES IN GREECE ILLIANA KALLIOPI KOKOTINI, L.L.M. Member of the Athens Bar Association (2014) Civil and Criminal Law: Real Estate. Inheritance Law. Parental Donations. Greek Citizenship/Greek Passports. Languages: Greek & English Address: Koniari 45, Athens, Greece Avie Kalbouridis Sabol Contact Info: [email protected] It’s Time To Take Care Of You Phone: +30 6970126662