ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH THE FORERUNNER

VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2015

A MATTER OF TIME SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:

Every year people from all over the world  A Matter of Time celebrate the coming of the New Year. Is a time of joy and renewal where everyone's  Church Name Day "eats, drinks and makes marry". Nothing  wrong with that. It is however odd that, as Parish Council Capsule Christians, we celebrate this randomly  Stewardship 2015 chosen day of passing with so much pomp and joy, yet other, maybe more important  Youth Ministries News days, we tend to neglect often than not.  The Theophany icon What days are you going to ask? Well say explained Theophany, or The Ascension of the Lord,  Elder Porphyrios: Ecclesi- or His Transfiguration, or The Annuncia- astical music cures depres- tion of the Theotokos, all major Christian sion Holy Days, important milestones in the salvation of the entire mankind that are left behind, attended by just a few, because most often they fall during the week and we just don't have time for it.  Vasilopita Auction

Ask yourself honestly when was the last time you attended a Weekday Liturgy or a Vespers service? Or when did you come early to attend the Sunday morning service? Or when did you stay to listen to the prayer of Thanksgiving After Communion ast the end of . Or when did you say your morning and evening prayers peacefully, without rushing? We all find excuses: I had to go to work, school, we can blame it on the secular state or business that do not consider our feast days as national holidays, we were tired, busy with many other things etc. Bottom line is if we really (Continued on page 3) INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

COUNCIL CAPSULE

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, COUNCIL CAPSULE 2 I truly hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas time, and had the opportunity to be with family. I was so excited to see as many of you as I did at Christmas Eve and Nativity NEW STEWARD- 4 services. It was wonderful to celebrate the birth of Christ with our Parish family. Of SHIP PAGE course, I would be remiss if I didn't also wish you a happy New Year! YOUTH MINISTRIES 6 The election results for the 2015 Parish Council members has been sent to the Metropolis for ratification, and the Parish Council has been preparing for transition to the new Coun- MUSIC MINISTRIES cil, so there is not much to report. However, let me first express my sincere and heartfelt 8 thanks to Harry Karegeannes, Hope File, & Tim Cline for their years of service on the Par- ish Council! Hope File & Tim Cline both served on the stewardship committee and were CALENDAR 11 instrumental in keeping up with all things related to stewardship including providing monthly reports to the Council and to the General Assembly as well as organizing & pre- (Continued on page 2) PAGE 2 THE FORERUNNER

COUNCIL’S CAPSULE

(Continued from page 1) celebrating this very impor- in a greater effort to be better tant Feast. Planning is under- this year than last year. I en- paring our stewardship way and as soon as date, time, courage you to join me in this drives. Harry Karegeannes and activities are confirmed exercise. Even further, I'm ends his term serving as the further announcements will going to ask each of you to Vice President, serving on the be made. Please plan on at- make a resolution concerning Security Committee, and tending services for our Par- your personal commitment to being the key coordinator for ish's namesake and joining the Parish, and your Parish our coffee hours to ensure with us in celebration. family. I'm specifically asking there is always coffee and for each of you to commit to Finally, I will beg your indul- snacks for parishioners and helping this year with one or gence to speak on an addi- visitors-this is in addition to more reoccurring committee, tional topic. With the new countless other services that activity, or ministry responsi- year upon us I have been are too numerous to mention bilities. We are a growing Par- thinking about my personal here. Please join me in con- ish, and we can do amazing New Year's Resolutions. Just gratulating them on their ex- things together when we all thinking over the course of WE ARE A cellent term of service and pitch in work toward our com- the last year there have been a GROWING thanking each of them for all mon goal. Happy New Year, tremendous number of occa- PARISH, AND WE of their hard work over the and I truly look forward to this sions were I have fallen short CAN DO years! new year with each of you! AMAZING THINGS in my spiritual life, with my TOGETHER WHEN One additional point of busi- Parish responsibilities, with Jeremy Ellis WE ALL PITCH IN ness is our Parish's Name Day family, and with work. I usu- WORK TOWARD Celebration. The Feast Day ally don't formalize my New for St. John the Baptist is on Year's Resolutions, and as a OUR COMMON Wednesday, January 7th. I result few of them actually GOAL. am saddened to say that His come to any success. But, Eminence, Metropolitan this year I am going to try Isaiah will not be with us this something new and actually year, nevertheless, we will be memorialize my resolutions

CHURCH FEAST DAY CELEBRATION On January 6 and 7, 2015 we Schedule of Events will celebrate the Feast Day of January 6: our Church, The Synaxis of Saint John the Baptist Vigil 6:00 PM with the customary Church January 7: services on January 6 and &. Divine Liturgy 6:00AM The celebration will continue on January 11 with a lunch- January 11: eon immediately following Luncheon following Divine Divine Liturgy. Free will do- Liturgy nations accepted.

VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 1 PAGE 3

A MATTER OF TIME (CONT) (Continued from page 1) can choose to take it away at any you'll put as a priority one like moment. Remember the parable this: I'll make more time to fill the wanted to do it we would have of the rich man that had a good image of God I have been given with done it. If we would have made harvest and how he thought he'll His likeness by committing my entire it a priority we would have been have time to eat, drink and make life to Him. Sounds difficult, I there. But we did not and the merry, and how that very night know, but aren’t we saying that excuse is: no time. the angel of the Lord came to in every Liturgy: “Let us commit take his soul calling him a fool ourselves and each other, and all our After all what are we so busy for believing he is in control of life unto Christ our God “ ? with that we cannot find time for his time? Remember as well the Start with small steps, maybe the most important thing in our five foolish virgins that thought find more time for personal lives: salvation of our souls? In they'll have time to buy oil for prayer , attend a Paraklesis ser- this rat race that we all are they lamps and the Bridegroom vice on a Wednesday, come 30 forced in at this point, we al- came and they were left outside? minutes earlier to Divine Lit- ways complain about time, yet The Scriptures are full of edify- urgy, read a spiritual book, read we waste so much of it. We fight ing example that over and over the Bible. There is so much to for time but time slips in be- show us that by simply worrying do. tween our fingers and vanishes we cannot add one hour to our before we could realize it. We lives. (Mathew 6:27) Train yourself to spend more find time for watching sports, time in God's presence, by gain- our favorite TV shows, play We don't have time to postpone ing consistency in your spiritual "TRULY, TRULY, I Candy crush saga (stop sending because we “do not know the hour life and it will be filled with the SAY TO YOU, AN me invites please!) or catch up when our Lord will come” (Mat grace that comes from the One HOUR IS with our friends on Facebook. 24:42) We can only be watchful you’re spending time with. COMING AND Yet, when it comes to wisely use and be ready in any moment. There is a saying: “Tell me who NOW IS, WHEN it for something that can build us The Gospel warns us that all is your friends are so I can tell you who THE DEAD WILL up for eternity, we fall short and happening now, not later, not you are.” Spend the time and HEAR THE VOICE we start finding excuses and tomorrow, but in this very mo- effort to become Christ’s friend keep postponing. ment : "Truly, truly, I say to you, and you will become Christ-like OF THE SON OF an hour is coming and now is, when yourself. GOD, AND Procrastinating in regards to our the dead will hear the voice of the THOSE WHO spiritual life is a major setback in Son of God, and those who hear will HEAR WILL LIVE”. The time is now my friends. our development as Christians live”. (John 5:25) (JOHN 5:25) just as it is in anything we wish Don’t waste it. Act. This gives our life an acute sense to do: homework, projects, A blessed and spiritually fruitful of immediacy, in which we are financial goals, fitness etc. We New Year to All! to strive to be in the presence of always say: I'll do it tomorrow God not just sometimes, when is and tomorrow becomes today Fr. Vasile convenient for us, but at all and we never get to it. The Fa- times. It pushes us to be ready to thers actually recommend this give account at all times for how technique to push away sin. They we have spent the gift of time say: 'when temptation comes say to entrusted to us. your sinful thought, I'll do it, but not now, later, and later you post- In the end it is not a question of pone again until the thought perishes finding time, the time has been and you are delivered from it.' given to us, we have 60 minutes in every hour, 24 hours in every In regards to the things pertain- day and 365 days in every year. ing to salvation, we should go by We have the time. The real the saying: 'do not postpone for question is are we using it tomorrow what you can do today'. wisely ? Why is this? Because we do not own time. Time is given to us, As we enter in the new year and we borrow it from God and He we all make resolutions, maybe

PAGE 4 THE FORERUNNER

2015 STEWARDSHIP CHALLENGE IS ON!

When we speak of Steward- that is not all. Aren’t the At St. John’s our ministry ship, most often, we stress the saints our spiritual parents in programs continue to grow importance of sharing the Christ? Aren’t the angels our and Stewardship is the only great gifts of God’s material protectors? Isn’t the Theoto- way to provide the neces- world. But which of God’s kos the mother of all man- sary resources to help sus- gifts is greater than family? kind? As such, the great gath- tain them. Stewardship is an Family is a beautiful and mean- ering happens right here, in opportunity to examine our ingful opportunity to practice the Church, during the Divine priorities and values, to stewardship and to grow in Liturgy, when, on the diskos, express our thankfulness, to our understanding of the bless- Christ sits in the middle as the give of ourselves and to ing of properly using and shar- sacrificial lamb, with the The- grow in God’s grace ing God’s gifts. otokos as His right, the angels strengthening our family. and saints at his left and we, Giving to St. John the Bap- But who is our family? In the living and the departed, tist is a way to thank God resting at His feet. This is our for His generosity. The I ENCOURAGE Christ’s Church our family family reunion that mystically question is not, "How much YOU ALL TO goes beyond our blood rela- tives and extends to all that takes place at every Divine do I give?" We must ask ACTIVELY partake in the Body and the Liturgy. ourselves instead “How can PARTICIPATE IN Blood of Christ from the same I thank God for the blessings OUR GOD’S . Our Parish, our Me- We are called to share this He gives everyday to my WORK AT ST. tropolis, all of our Orthodox gift of family with the entire family?” JOHN’S BY brothers and sisters are our world. We share it by build- PRAYERFULLY family. But as Christ did not ing our meaningful churches I encourage you all to ac- CONSIDERING came to save only His immedi- that invite people to Christ, tively participate in our YOUR ate family, the people of Israel, by adorning them with icons God’s work at St. john’s by CONTRIBUTION so our family extends to all that open windows into heav- prayerfully considering your IN OUR 2015 those who have the image of ens, by serving the Liturgies contribution in our 2015 STEWARDSHIP God in them, the entire hu- and the Sacraments, by teach- stewardship program and PROGRAM AND manity. ing the faiths to our children, beyond. BEYOND. by reaching out in evangeliza- Our family, stretches even tion, by extending our help to With paternal blessings beyond the living into the those in need, by making eve- Fr. Vasile Tudora realm of the Triumphant ryone our family. Church going back to all pious generations before us: our All this beautiful family fathers, mothers, brothers and movement towards God and sisters into the ages. But even towards one another is not possible if we don’t share, if we isolate ourselves, and our gifts, from one another. Con- sider Church as a birthday party where we all take turns to give and receive. Everyone is happy in this exchange of gifts; everyone is lifted up spiritually by the joy of mak- ing our family happy.

VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 1 PAGE 5

STEWARDSHIP 2015

As I reflect on the New Year, should give. Part of me said Greek Orthodox church, I’m happy to confess that I am “oh, I have to give less – too so that we can continue to looking forward to a fresh start. many bills and unforeseen cir- grow our ministries and Like others, I want to put the cumstances.” Then I realized help others, as we are all angst and activities behind us that I have “made it through” all lead to do. and pray for good health, happi- of my trials and tribulations ness and prosperity going into because of my faith and love for I look forward to the New the New Year. I find myself God, our church and our par- Year, fresh starts and shar- hoping for a renewal of sorts – ish. So, I pledged my first ing all of God’s blessings and I know it starts with a spiri- fruits with all of my heart and with each and every one in tual one. I have felt most at pray that everyone feels the the coming year. WE ARE OFF TO peace over the course of the same as me about devoting A GREAT START ! year when I am worshiping in your time, talent and treasure Hope File, WE HAVE our church, enjoying the ser- this year. Stewardship Ministry 74 STEWARDS vices that Father Vasile tirelessly AND $187,522 preaches with patience and We are off to a great start – to PLEDGED kindness and “hope” that I can date (only January!!) we have74 TOWARDS OUR do better this year about renew- Stewards and $187,522 pledged GOAL OF ing my strength through the towards our goal of $304,127. I $304,127. church. I know some share in ask that all of you complete your commitment cards and my thoughts. pledges for 2015 and continue When I pledged to commit to to support St. John the Baptist TOGETHER 2015, I prayed about what I WE CAN DO IT! HOW TO BECOME A STEWARD IN 2015?

How do I become a member ments. Overall true member- people’s circumstances of the parish? ship in the Body of Christ, change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out Membership in the Orthodox involves living daily according of your love for God and His Church begins at Baptism to His word and within His Church. Please do not be con- (Chrismation for some) and Church. cerned if you are unable to continues throughout our life. meet your stewardship com- We are united with Christ Why must I commit to give mitment – we are glad you through the sacraments and a specific amount? are a part of this parish. through our faithful offering of our lives to Christ. We Knowing the amount of your have to distinguish however monetary participation helps How do I submit a Steward- between voting members and our parish plan the activities ship Card? non-voting members. A vot- throughout the year. Your ing member is over 18 years monetary stewardship is kept You can find the card in the old and has turned in a signed in the strictest of confidence. pews in Church or you can fill stewardship commitment one on-line and e-mail it to card (for time, talent and our church office at treasure). The Archdiocese What if I cannot fulfill my [email protected]. stewardship commitment? also requires the voting mem- More info here ber to remain current through During the course of a year, the year on their commit- PAGE 6 THE FORERUNNER

YOUTH MINISTRIES

We are excited to resume your kids to select and re- classes and see our kids fol- search one of the given topics lowing the holiday break. (there are some very relevant ones this year). The GOYA has been busy with caroling and practicing We have extended the dead- for the January Basketball line for the essays – we need Tournament in Dallas. We to receive the rough drafts by Sunday, January 12. This will hope parishioners will support them by attending their games allow time for the presenters the weekend of January 17 to work with coaches who will tweak the essaays, as well and 18. as, help the students with the The Oratorical Festival is presentation.

around the corner – our local competition takes place Feb- Happy New Year! ruary 8. All middle school and high school students have Harriet Blake been given the topics. Youth Ministries Coordinator SUNDAY We would like all students to SCHOOL: write an essay-even if they don’t want to present to the JANUARY 4, parish.

CLASSES WILL RESUME. Parents: Please encourage

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS Church School Families, Thank you to the Barnes fam- form and church school calen- ily for graciously hosting Cof- dar from We had a great turnout for fee Hour in December. They www.stjohndfw.info. our Advent Retreat. Thank put on a fabulous fasting you to all the folks that If you have any questions, friendly array of post-liturgy pitched in and helped make a comments or suggestions, you refreshments. fabulous day. can contact me any time at: Upcoming Coffee Hour hosts: [email protected] Our Christmas Pageant was beautiful once again this year! January 4th-- The Bilbo Family We look forward to a fabu- BIG “Thank You” to Kirsten and Veronica Fisher lous 2015! Shah for donating her time to Thank you to all of the fami- Veronica Fisher our group of performers. We lies who have volunteered to appreciate all of Kirsten’s Church School Coordinator host Coffee Hour on the be- hard work and guidance. half of Church School. We January 4, classes will re- appreciate your kindness. sume. We look forward to We welcome new friends seeing everyone in the New into Church School all year- Year. round. Each classroom has extra forms and you may also download the registration VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 1 PAGE 7

PHILOPTOCHOS UPDATE

Our Angel Tree was a big suc- This event is a fundraiser for cess this year! St. Basil’s Academy, which we help support. Thanks to Linda Papadimitriou, Chairperson of Adopt-an- Happy New Year to all, Angel Tree Project, and the thoughtfulness and generosity of our parishioners, we were Joannie Ruppel, able to provide food, gifts, and Philoptochos Chapter Presi- gift cards to five families at dent Christmas this year.

Each family was so appreciative of the support and asked that I extend their heartfelt thanks to all of those that made this pos- sible. They felt blessed beyond measure.

Our Vasilopita Auction will be THE held Sunday, January 11, 2015, PHILOPTOCHOS after church in the parish hall. VASILOPITA

Come and bid on a Vasilopita AUCTION WILL to take home for your family. BE HELD SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015, GOYA NEWS

In the past few months one can experience while up with basketball practices GOYA has been involved in they are still of Goyan age! because the tournament is many engaging and educa- really sneaking up on us Recently, we went Christmas tional activities. (January 16th-18th 2015) and caroling and a majority of the all the Goyans are beyond Back in the middle of Novem- carolers were new to the thrilled for this time of the ber, some of us Goyans went whole process, so it was nice year. to the Fall Lenten Retreat at to be able to show those Pine Cove where we were newer Goyans the ropes. We Thank you for all the dona- able to interact and learn with had fun bonding and using tions throughout the year that other Orthodox Christians those rusty pipes of ours, have made our participation in our age. Everyone had a blast while Luca played the violin the Goya Basketball Tourna- meeting new pals and making beautifully, to spread the joys ment possible. It will be a their existing relationships of the birth of our Savior. growing experience for all the with friends deeper and members of our youth group! Some of us Goyans even stronger. We participated in helped narrate for the Christ- group discussions that re- mas Pageant that was per- volved around the scriptures Maria Tudora formed in front of the parish from that day and we also had by the younger children in activities that involved the our church (and if I might add whole camp as well as recrea- it was nothing less than ador- tional time to be with friends. able). All in all, it was a great ex- perience that we hope every- Lastly, we're almost wrapped PAGE 8 THE FORERUNNER

ECCLESIASTICL MUSIC AGAINST DEPRESSION—ELDER PORPHYRIOS Ecclesiastic music sanctifies playing for him from and the de- was saying: man without sacrifice. The mon would leave. When he was ecclesiastical music is indeed overcome by the devil of depres- Ecclesiastical music is very easy an important mean to heal the sion, David was going to him with when the soul loves it. Great is wounded soul of the fallen his and was playing and the the benefit of the harmony that man or the one overcome by demon would run,. Where are brings to the soul! passions. Elder Porphysios those that run all over the place to from Kavsokalyvia says: find out a cure for their depres- The one that knows music and sion? has humility has the Grace of The ecclesiastical music is very Elder Porphyrios God. He is ready to get angry, beneficial to the soul. There If we would learn the ecclesiastical to erupt, but he is afraid to should be no Christian that music and we would see the dark- disrupt the harmony because would not know ecclesiastical ness coming, we will sing a Glory anger and all these sinful states music. We all have to learn it. and the darkness that comes to do not match with harmony. It has a direct link with our overcome us like a sort of melan- souls. Ecclesiastic music sanc- cholia of the soul, we’ll turn into a And in this way, step by step, tifies man without sacrifice. praise to God. I believe this and he starts hating wickedness and Without labor, only rejoicing, with all my heart. you become holy. learns to love virtue, that is harmony. I tell you that a pious musician can Ecclesiastical music is an ex- transform any hard times in a new cellent remedy especially for musical composition or can sing the healing of depression. an existing one. In this way, rather Ecclesiastical music is very than crying and being burdened, efficient, it cures depression he brings a doxology to God. At one time, the Elder says, king Saul has been overcome A healthy person lives in harmony by a demon, and David was and harmony is virtue. The elder

WHAT IS THAT WORD? YPAKOE ?

Hypakoe is perhaps the Lord, teach me Thy statutes." ) Divine Liturgy. According to most ancient title used by tradition was composed by the Church to denote a The Ypakoë used at one of the the Emperor Leo the Wise piece of composed hymno- Great Feasts will be written in “Before the dawn, Mary and the graphy. the tone of the hymnographer's choice. women came and found the stone In Greek this word means rolled away from the tomb. They "to be obedient," "to hear," The Ypakoë, as its name sug- heard the angelic voice: "Why do "to respond." gests, illustrates the theme of ye seek among the dead, as a mortal man, the One Who is Presently, the Hypakoe is being sent to proclaim the Gos- Everlasting Light? Behold the the particular title of a pel; and in particular the Resur- rection of Jesus by the Myrrh- clothes in the grave! Go, and hymn sung during Resurrec- bearers (Sundays and Pascha) or proclaim to the world: The Lord tional Matins or Feasts. It the theme of the particular Feast is risen! He hath slain death, as varies according to the tone being celebrated. He is the Son of God, saving the of the week from the Oc- race of man." toechos and on Sundays The Hypakoe of Pascha is the comes after the Eulogeitaria one most commonly known. Compiled from various (resurrectional hymns It is sung after the third ode sources which are sung together of the Paschal , during

with the refrain from Ps. the , and again 119: "Blessed art Thou, O after the Little Entrance at VOLUME XXXI NUMBER 1 PAGE 9

BAPTISM OF CHRIST | THE THEOPHANY ICON From the first century of the Theophany which literally body is depicted as strong and Christian Church, there has means a “revelation of God” in beautiful, as it is understood always been “The Festival of Greek (Θεοφάνεια; the Rus- classically, and in older icons He Lights”. In the depth of Mid- sian is Богоявление and is naked. Christ appears almost winter, this feast celebrated the means the same). as wide as the river Jordan itself; advent of the Son of God’s indeed: it is as though it is Jesus coming into the world as Jesus The paradox that Jesus Christ Christ, rather than the river, Christ, and His early years up might be revealed as God which cuts a swathe through the to and including His baptism in through an act of submittal to a rocky wilderness on either side. the Jordan, which heralded the mere man, John, is shown well beginning of Jesus’ ministry on in the Icon. Though John is The Icon of the Theophany, as earth. baptizing Christ, it is the for- well as depicting the Holy Trin- mer who is shown bent over in ity, also answers the question of Over the centuries, the various reverence to the latter. In John the Baptist: I need to be aspects of Christ’s early years other icons, John is shown with baptized by You, and are You were separated into individual his face turned toward heaven coming to me? The answer is in Icon of Theophany feasts on different days: His and beholding the miracle of what Jesus does with His hands. Nativity, the Visitation of the the Theophany; either way, Whilst in Western art, like this Magi, His presentation in the despite being the baptizer, he is painting by Da Vinci, Jesus is Temple, and His circumcision. not central to the scene. Near shown as submitting to John’s But the principal event of the to John is a tree with an axe authority, in Orthodox icons Feast of Lights – Christ’s Bap- laid at the root, recalling John’s Christ’s hands are not shown in tism – continued to be com- own preaching to those who prayer, but in a sign of blessing. memorated on the 6th of Janu- came to him: “And now also the Rather than the waters of Jordan CHRIST HAS ary. Why is this event so im- ax is laid to the root of the trees: cleansing Christ, it is Christ APPEARED IN portant? Who cleans the waters. This is therefore every tree which brings THE JORDAN why in the bottom of most The event depicted in the icon not forth good fruit is hewn down, TO SANCTIFY is that described in the Gospels and cast into the fire.” (Matt Theophany Icons, little creatures THE WATERS! of Matthew, Mark and Luke; 3:10). appear to be fleeing from the here is Matthew’s version: feet of Christ. This is a reflection Present in the icon, this shows of the words of the Psalmist Then Jesus came from Galilee to that whilst the Baptizer must regarding the Messiah (Christ): John at the Jordan to be baptized now “decrease so Christ may in- “the sea saw and fled, the Jordan by him. And John tried to prevent crease”, John’s teachings and turned back” (Psalm 114:3). Him, saying, “I need to be baptized role are not done away with by You, and are You coming to now the Holy Trinity has been This is the depth and profundity me?” But Jesus answered and said revealed. On the opposite bank of the Baptism of Christ; the to him, “Permit it to be so now, for to John the Baptist, angels wait feast of lights which revealed the thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all invisibly to receive the newly Holy Trinity, and cleansed the righteousness.” Then he allowed baptized Christ and clothe waters of baptism so that we, Him. When He had been baptized, Him. And so, on the left is the like the fishes shown in the icon, Jesus came up immediately from the forerunner of Christ, John, may swim in pure waters. water; and behold, the heavens with his sermon of repentance Of old, the river Jordan were opened to Him, and He saw represented by the tree and Turned back before Elisha’s mantle the Spirit of God descending like a axe; on the right, the angels at Elijah’s ascension. dove and alighting upon Him. And wait with reverence to accept The waters were parted in two suddenly a voice came from heaven, the newly revealed Son of God. And the waterway became a dry saying, “This is My beloved Son, in In the middle – the moment of path. This is truly a symbol of bap- whom I am well pleased.” revelation itself. tism by which we pass through this (Matthew 3:13-17) Jesus Christ, despite being the mortal life. Christ has appeared in The Jordan (left) and the Sea, This, then, is the Epiphany one submerged in the Jordan, the Jordan to sanctify the waters! which is also represented as a woman wearing a crown, or (revelation) of the Holy Trin- is shown as though standing up Read more here as a monster ity, otherwise known as and staring straight at us. His PAGE 10 THE FORERUNNER

AGELESS WONDERS CATECHISM CLASSES AND LIBRARY PROJECT The Ageless Wonders will meet on Monday, January Catechism and faith En- 12, 2015, at 11:30a.m. at richment Classes, contin- the church hall for a potluck ues into the New year. First luncheon and planning meet- Class into the New Year is ing. We are privileged to January 11. Classes are held

have as our guest speaker on Sunday, after Divine Lit- Retired General Harry Kare- urgy. Join us!

geannes, whose topic will be “My trip to Moscow in Also our parish Library 1991”. Please put the dat on Project is on its way, We

your alendr and plan to come are currently looking for for an informative after- book sponsors. Please con- tact Steve Zabak at noon!! I want to thank eve- ryone who donated to the [email protected] for de- Christmas Gift Card pro- tails. gram. It was great!! I’ll be in touch with everyone soon. OUR PARISH Have a very happy New LIBRARY Year!!! Margaret PROJECT IS ACOLYTE SCHEDULE ON ITS WAY,

USHER SCHEDULE 1st Sunday: Jackson Wright, DONATE A Alex Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca Tudora COFFEE HOUR HOST BOOK 1st Sunday: Tim Cline, Nancy 2nd Sunday: Michael Beebe, TODAY. Medvic—8/3, 10/5, 12/7, Jeremy Forcum—9/7, 11/2 John Molhoek, Alex Shah, Chris Eftimie, Joseph Berca 1st Sun: Sunday School 2nd Sunday: Hope File, Mi- chael Eftimie 3rd Sunday: James Seals, Alex 2nd Sun: Parish Council Genovezos, Caleb Ellis, Luca 3rd Sunday: Jeremy Ellis, Tudora, Matei Tudora 3rd Sun: GOYA Olympia Genovezos 4th Sunday: Michael Beebe, 4th Sun: Philoptochos 4th Sunday: Olga Papadopou- John Molhoek, Alex Shah, Chris 5th Sun: Parish Council (if lou, Chris Geil Eftimie, George Manos applicable) 5th Sunday: Kirsten Shah, 5th Sunday: Michael Beebe, Harry Karegeannes—8/31, James Seals, Alex Genovezos, 11/30 Alex Shah , Luca Tudora

COFFEE HOUR DUTIES fore going into church. The instructions are in the kitchen. CLEAN UP SETUP Prepare a tray with sugar, Wash all dishes soiled, including Arrange pastries/food in a desir- creamer, sugar substitute, mix- coffee pots. able manner on the appropriate ing straws, a few spoons. Set tables in the parish hall. with trash bucket. Return sugar tray to kitchen and replenish it. You are responsible for making Put donation basket out with the coffee. Make two pots: one appropriate sign. Wash off hall tables and kitchen regular, one decaf. Plug in be- counters. Thank-You St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church JANUARY 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 3 Fasting Symbols

Strict Fast New Year’s Day Pope Sylvester St. Basil Komas Patriarch Of Wine/Oil the Great Constantinople Allowed Circumcision . of Christ

Fast Free Great Vespers 8:30 5pm Fish Allowed Divine Liturgy 9:30am

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Sunday Before Theophany Eve of Theophany George Gregory of Nyssa Holy Theophany Synaxis of Martyr Polyeuctos Dometian, Bishop of the Chozebite John the Baptist Eustratios the Melitene Orthros 8:30 am Dominica Orthros 5:00 am Wonderworker Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Vesperal Liturgy and the Righteous Divine Liturgy & Great Small blessing Blessing of the Water Divine Liturgy 6:00 of Waters 6:00 am Great Vespers 5pm am 6:00 pm

Vigil 6:00 pm

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Sunday After Theophany Holy Martyr Tatiana Hermylos & Stratonikos Paul of Thebes Martyr Mertios Maximos the Righteous Apodosis of Theophany John Veneration Anthony the Great Fathers Slain at Sinai the Cave Dweller of the Chains of the Anthony of Beroea Orthros 8:30am Divine Liturgy 9:30am & Raith Apostle Peter Makarios Kalogeras Divine Liturgy 6:00 am Vespers 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy 6:00 of Patmos Great Vespers 5pm Church Name Day am Luncheon

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

12th. Sunday of Luke (Ten Lepers) Makarios Euthymios the Great Maximos the Confessor Timothy of the 70 Hieromartyr Clement Xenia, Deaconess of Rome the Great of Egypt Zacharias Martyr Neophytos Martyr Anastasios of Ancyra Hieromartyr Babylas the Persian Orthros 8:30 am Mark of Ephesus New Martyr of Patra Martyr Agathangelos

Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Paraklesis 6pm Great Vespers 5pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

15th. Sunday of Luke Unmercenaries (Zacchaeeus) Xenophon & His Compan- Translation of the Cyrus & John Translation of the ions Ephraim the Syrian Relics of Ignatius The Holy Three Martyrs Theodote, Symeon the Elder Relic of John Chrysostom Isaac the Syrian the Godbearer Orthros 8:30 am Peter Hierarchs Theoctiste & Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Laurence of the Hippolytos of Rome Eudoxia the Righteous of Egypt Kiev Caves

Paraklesis 6pm Vigil 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy 6:00 Great Vespers 5pm am

NONPROFIT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 303 Cullum Dr. Euless, TX 76040 Tel 817 283-2291

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THE FORERUNNER

Vol. XXXI No. 1 January 2015

TheHoly Theophany

January6, 2015