Saturday of the Souls: Remembering Our Loved Ones As a Community by Father Michael Arbanas

Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis ST. NICHOLAS (314) 974-4613

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas (314) 425-9641 ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE Church/FLC Office: (314) 361-6924 ST. LOUIS, MO 63108 Church Fax: (314) 361-3539

Office Administrator: Gracie Livaditis ST. NICHOLAS FAMILY LIFE CENTER Bookkeeper: Diane Winkler 12550 S. FORTY DRIVE ST. LOUIS, MO 63141 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sngoc.org

March 2019 Volume 23- Number 3

Saturday of the Souls: Remembering Our Loved Ones as a Community By Father Michael Arbanas

When our loved ones die, we grieve because we love them. It’s appropriate, natural and painful. And in our tradition, we mourn together, gathering to pray for the departed and singing with one voice, “May their memory be eternal.”

The Good News of the Resurrection – the goal of the Lenten journey we’re about to begin – is that God’s love is stronger than death. Christ’s Resurrection is the beginning of the resurrection of all humanity, including our departed loved ones and even ourselves.

Our love, when it’s genuine, is an image of God’s love; it, too, is stronger than death. In love, our departed family members continue to be part of our lives, and in the Christian tradition, we express this ongoing connection in our worship.

Every time we receive Holy Communion, we join ourselves with all of our departed loved ones, and all Christians who have received Christ’s Body and Blood, from the very beginning of the Church and throughout the whole world. No barrier – distance, time or even death – is great enough to break this bond of love and faith. The Saturday of the Souls is the most dramatic expression we have that we treasure this connection – that our loved ones’ memory will really be eternal.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, we have a Memorial Service and pray – by name – for all the departed family members and loved ones of the people at the service. How do we know their names? Our parishioners bring lists, with a cross at the top and the first or baptismal names of their departed loved ones below. (Often, they make a small dish of koliva – boiled wheat – and add it to the large bowl of koliva at the front of the church in memory of their loved ones. This is a beautiful custom, and we encourage it, but please don’t hesitate to come and bring your names if you’re unable to make koliva.)

At first, it can seem overwhelming; all these names! But soon, we have a feeling not unlike walking around St. Matthew’s Cemetery after a funeral. We’ve started with the person who’s being buried, but soon we’re stopping by the graves of other loved ones, then reading the names of others from our community buried nearby, and we remember all of them. They’re alive to God and to us.

When we gather for the Saturday of the Souls, we’re expressing a firm faith that our loved ones – here, in Europe or Africa or anywhere else in the world, and through the generations – are part of one community of faith, bound by our love for them, our Christian love for each other in the pews, and God’s love for all of us.

There are three Saturdays of the Souls this month: March 2, 9 and 16. We encourage all of our parishioners to attend at least one of these services. On the first one, March 2, the special hymns in the Liturgy focus on our departed loved ones. On that day, the JOY will sponsor a special explanation after church of koliva (boiled wheat) and its role in remembering our loved ones. Lunch will be provided for the 3rd-5th graders, but everyone is welcome.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019 St. Nicholas Servants 2019 PARISH BOARD Teddy Hart, President 314-914-7711 Carol Kamburis, Vice-President Chris Sarantakis, Secretary *Newsletter Reminder* Helen Carey, Treasurer Please remember if you have something to go in the newsletter, please email all George Ellis, DDS Asst. Treasurer articles to Gracie no later than the 10th of the month at: [email protected] John Davis Yemane Habtu Jonathan Hartley Marilynn Jemas Tinna King, MD Bill Mastorakos, DDS, MS SCHOLARSHIPS Joseph Palazzola  ST. NICHOLAS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: Pete Stavrides, MD Stephanie Tyler The St. Nicholas Scholarship applications for 2019 are now Kon Vellios available! For questions and to apply, please call the Church AUDIT COMMITTEE office or email us! The application is also online at Mark Vleisides, Chairperson 314-576-2898 Adonis Chakides www.sngoc.org Roxana Couternais Peter Lemakis  AHEPA SCHOLARSHIP: The St. Louis AHEPA Scholarship Janet Papageorge CEMETERY COMMITTEE Foundation is now accepting applications for 2019. Please William Karides, Chairperson 314-422-1968 email Basil Pappas at: [email protected] for an Janet Hunnius application. Note the deadline for applications to be Irene Schildroth CHURCH SCHOOL Co-Directors returned with all applicable material is April 15th with NO Bess Fitzmaurice 636-343-3849 exceptions. Preference is given to first time applicants. Despina Hartley 618-447-6548 DANCE TROUPE Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061 ELECTION COMMITTEE Tina Paradowski , Chairperson 314-781-0781 Kathy Forsting Paul Leara Becky Liringis Mark Vleisides GREETERS COMMITTEE Lyndia Finer, Director 314-960-3384 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) Jonathan Hartley 618-520-9569 Demetrios Tsikalas LIBRARY COMMITTEE HOLY WATER BOTTLES Elaine Coulson, Chairperson 314-991-5033 Please return your empty Holy Water Bottles to the Church or Family Life Michael Doran Center Office so we can reuse them for next year! Thank you! Chris Zaharias “NEXT 100” Dan Tarlas , Chairperson 314-713-5500 PHILOPTOCHOS Carol Kamburis, President 314-803-2451 Looking for an easy way to help pay down the debt? PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH Dino Pappas, Chairperson 314-701-8118 Join the $54-A-Month Club! Jonathan Hartley If enough parishioners were to set up a monthly $54 auto draft from Pat Johnson PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FLC their bank checking account or charge to a credit card, Nick Tharenos, Chairperson 314-576-7011 we could cover our monthly mortgage payment. Demos Argyros Nick Koskolos PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE YOU can contribute to our monthly mortgage payment, Christina Anastas 314-647-4636 Andrew Galakatos, MD 314-922-4457 for only $54 a month! Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619 Please contact Diane at the Church office at 314.361.6924 Basil Pappas 314-368-6026 Leon Spanos 314-966-5176 Chris Varvares 314-374-3647 PRISON MINISTRY Clark Porter, Director 314-518-6747 SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Denise Karras, Chairperson 314-368-4205 Barbara Corrigan Peter Takes STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Fr. Doug Papulis Fr. Michael Arbanas Mary Ann Mastorakos WEBSITE Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359 2

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

PRESIDENT’S NOTES – Teddy Hart

It’s hard to believe that it’s already March! Hopefully by the time • The gym roof replacement has been delayed by weather! The you read this, the trees have begun to bud and the daffodils and roofers need a sold week+ of good weather in order to start on crocus are nodding their heads and smiling. It’s the promise of the job. It’s prudent to be confident that the removal and spring that renews the spirit, as we prepare to enter into our replacement can be done without incurring inclement weather. wonderful Lenten season and glorious Pascha. • Nursery renovations continue. We apologize for the length of If you have not yet made your 2019 Stewardship pledge, please time it has taken to complete this project, but we are very close do so! Remember that our St. Nicholas Operating Income (which to being finished! We thank our volunteers who have been includes our Ministries) comes from your Stewardship. If you giving their time and talents to brighten and improve our have misplaced your pledge form, you may get another one Nursery and bride preparations area. from the church office. • We addressed several issues regarding our Family Life Center: We held our last Parish Council meeting on January 15. Here are  Reviewed proposals and selected new vendors for our some meeting highlights plus other bits of information since my HVAC and Landscaping services. It’s important that we last update: review our contracted services’ cost and performance • We have several initiatives underway that resulted from a information on a regular basis to ensure that we remain good stewards of our parish’s funds. team-building/brainstorming session held last summer. One of them is reaching out to young adults in the community, ages  Replaced our previously owned old copy machine with a 22 to 36, to find out what they want from their church. The more cost-effective leased machine. goal is to offer ministry programs and services that matter to them. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts, please call  Repaired the peeling paint in the chapel ceiling, and more Stephanie Benos Tyler at 314-496-9090. investigation will ensue to determine the root cause of any additional damage to the ceiling. • Our antiphonal choir setup (two alternating choirs – men’s and If YOU would like to participate in the planning or execution of women’s) has been in place for several months now at church, any of the above listed activities in the future or on an on-going and the Family Life Center Chapel was recently updated to basis, please contact me! include the necessary equipment for the two choirs as well. We are here to serve through the Grace of God and for the • We are forming a new Ad-Hoc Planned Giving committee benefit of our beloved Parish. with the goal of educating our community on how to help ensure financial security for St. Nicholas Parish. You should Yours in Christ, already have received a brochure on this topic. Look for more Teddy Hart information going forward.

Please mark your calendars for the Parish General Assembly Meeting

Sunday, March 17, 2019

St. Nicholas Church Philoptochos Room

We need your participation. YOU are the St. Nicholas Family.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

St. Nicholas Book Group

The St. Nicholas Book Group will meet Monday, March 4th at 7 p.m. at the Family Life Center to discuss Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak. This 2018 novel by the author of The Book Thief recounts the story of five brothers who try to come to terms with the disappearance of their father as one of them tries to build the perfect bridge.

PLEASE JOIN US!!! Dear St. Nicholas Parishioners: *EVERYONE IS WELCOME*

Our “2019 Annual Labor Day Greek Festival” festivities are underway! We are in celebration of “The Next 100” – the future of St. Nicholas. Over the years we have had loved ones who have spent many hours in the St. Nicholas kitchen making our Festivals huge successes. “YOU” can do the same by joining us in making this the best Festival ever. This will be a great opportunity for you to serve your St. Nicholas Community by volunteering your services for a couple of hours or for one day. A delicious lunch will be served by our volunteers. We look forward to seeing you. GRIEF SUPPORT

March – The next meeting for grief support will be on Thursday, March 28th at 6 pm. We will meet at th • Monday, March 18 – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – the Family Life Center. Dinner is provided, all Koulouria for our Easter Ministries are welcome and no charge. This is for any • Wednesday, March 27th – 8:30 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – grief you may be going through (divorce, death, Miscellaneous day for melting butter, making salad dressing, loss of a job, etc.) Please contact Loukoumades and Baklava Sundae bags Fr. Doug with any questions!

April – • Monday, April 1st – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Spanakopita Assembly • Monday, April 8th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Spanakopita Assembly • Friday, April 12th – 9:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Tsoureki for Easter

May – St. Nicholas Greek Dancers • Monday, May 6th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – *Open to all* Baklava Sundae and Leftover Spanakopita • Monday, May 20th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – • Sunday, March 3rd at CHURCH Galatoboureko Assembly • Sunday, March 10th at CHURCH

June – **ALL PRACTICE IS AT CHURCH** • Friday, June 7th – 1:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Marinade Lamb Shanks – Manpower needed Garagouna Dancers (9-12 years) • Saturday, June 8th – 7:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Time 4:30-5:30 pm Cook Lamb Shanks • Monday, June 17th – 8:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church – Souli Dancers (Adults) Salad Dressing Cups Time: 5:30-6:30 pm

We are very interested in having the youth of our parish Cariatides Dancers (13-18 years) learn the skills of our parents and grandparents. If you need Time: 6:30-7:30 pm “service hours” for school or would like to do an “internship” in learning what takes place in the kitchen for our Annual For more information or questions please contact: Labor Day Festival, please feel free to contact me with any Georgia Johnson at 314.832.0061 or [email protected] questions at 314.647.4636 or [email protected] Thank you to the Greek Dance Assistants: Thanks again for all your continued support, Susan Yannakakis, Lyndia Finer, Tina Paradowski Chris Anastas Welcome our new edition to our group Michael Konidaris

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

2019 LENT AND HOLY WEEK DONATIONS

We extend to you, the beloved Faithful of St. Nicholas, the opportunity to share in making our Great Lent a Holy, inspiring and beautiful event by decoration of our Church. Please call or email the Church office if you would like to donate. Below are items needed during the Holy Season:

• Mid-Lent Veneration of the Cross- • Jonquils for Sunday of the Cross- • Palms for Palm Sunday- • Palm Sunday Crosses- • Palm Sunday Icon Flower Arrangement- • Lilies for Epitaphion- • Hydrangeas for Holy Week and Easter- • Hertisme (Friday night) Candles- donated by Nota Chronopoulos, In memory of her husband Christos • Levane (incense)- donated by Katherine Ellis, In memory of Loved Ones • Altar Candles for Holy Week Services • Palm Sunday- • Monday- • Tuesday- • Wednesday- • Thursday- • Friday- • Saturday- • Flowers for the Icon of the Bridegroom (Nymphios)- • Holy Wednesday Service Holy Unction (Q-tips, baggies, cotton balls & olive oil)- donated by the Kamburis Family, In memory of Tharinos & Kyriaki Patakas • Holy Thursday Icon Flower Arrangement for Divine Liturgy- • Holy Thursday Icon Flower Arrangement for Service for 12 Passion Gospels- • Holy Thursday 12 Gospel Candles- donated by Katherine Siromas Rutter • Holy Thursday Service Wreath- • Holy Thursday Service Candles for Cross- donated by Katherine Siromas Rutter • Good Friday Sheet for Body of Christ- • Good Friday Icon Flower Arrangement for Royal Hours- • Good Friday Icon Flower Arrangement for The Descent from the Cross- • Good Friday Icon Flower Arrangement for The Lamentations (Epitaphion)- • Good Friday Epitaphion Candles- • Good Friday Anthonero (Rosewater)- donated by Rosie Hartley, In memory of her parents • Holy Saturday Icon Flower Arrangement for 1st Divine Liturgy- • Holy Saturday Resurrection Candles for Priests • One Candle- • Two Candles- donated by Anna P. Siromas, In memory of her parents, Efthalia & Pashalis • Holy Saturday Resurrection Icons- • Holy Saturday Floral Cross for Resurrection Service- • Holy Saturday Resurrection Banner- • Agape Service Icon Flower Arrangement- • Easter Eggs- donated by Dino Benos • Olive Oil (for votive lights)- donated by the Kamburis Family • 12 Palm Tree Plants- • Resurrection Lite Meal Donations-

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

March 2019 Sunday School News We had a busy month in February. It began and ended with our annual “Souper Bowl” canned food drive for Focus-our local Orthodox food pantry. We thank all of you who donated items or cash to this very important local ministry.

We celebrated Godparent Sunday on February 3rd! Thank you Philoptochos for generously donating delicious and beautiful cross cookies that were distributed to our Sunday school students. The cookies made the day even more special.

Friday Night Basketball came and went in February. Families enjoyed fellowship, exercise and pizza. This has been a nice tradition for many years and we look forward to continuing it next year! We are looking for volunteers who would like to start a committee and chairperson to take this on. Let us know if this is something you would like to do.

March is here and that means so is lent and it’s a busy month. By now, most of our Sunday school students will have received their OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) Coin Boxes and we ask your families to fill those boxes with spare change (or bills) to help support our fellow Orthodox missionaries who often serve in far away and third world countries. Please return these boxes (hopefully with some money in them) to your teacher at the end of lent. We have been collecting around $200-250 each year. Our goal is $300 this year.

Also this month, our 5th grade class will be making 200 sandwiches for Focus. The class is led by Presbytera Caroline and this has been a wonderful tradition and teaching opportunity of how we can help others in need. If you would like to offer a monetary donation towards the cost of these lunches, please see Presbytera Caroline. We thank all those who support this ministry through donations and help.

On Saturday, March 2nd, we will observe the first Saturday of the Souls with a Divine Liturgy followed by a special luncheon for Sunday School students and their parents. Afterwards, we will learn the loving tradition of making Koliva, by helping make a tray for the next day’s Divine Liturgy. We are thankful to parishioners Georgia Johnson, Chris Paradowski, Pat Lekich and Joann Glikos who will come in to make it each week and will teach this class.

On March 3rd, our Oratorical Festival will take place after Divine Liturgy. Each class up through 5th grade will present a class project to our parish, while the older classes will hopefully have some individual students present individual projects and speeches. We will have a light reception afterwards in the gym in celebration of our students. Please extend your support to our participants. We are thankful for this year’s Festival Chairperson, Mary Bouras along with Mark Vleisides and to all of our judges. Don’t forget to “spring forward” for Daylight Savings Time on March 10th. On March 17th, we will observe the Sunday of Orthodoxy and on the 31st, Sunday of the Holy Cross and Sunday Students through 4th grade will participate in processions to commemorate these holy days.

We look forward to seeing all of you and your beautiful children in Sunday school. Please remember that the Sunday school staff are all volunteers and your efforts in bringing your children to Sunday school on time each week is their reward.

Your Sunday School Directors, Bess Fitzmaurice and Despina Hartley

SAVE THE DATES  Vacation Bible School 2019: July 8-12th at the Family Life Center

 Hellenic Culture Camp 2019: July 15-19th at the Family Life Center

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

YOUTH CALENDAR — Spring 2019 St. Nicholas Church’s youth ministries promote faith, fellowship and service to those in need in a respectful, fun and safe setting. They include:

Cherubs: Pre-K Junior GOYA: Middle School HOPE: K-2nd Grades GOYA: High School JOY: 3rd-5th Grades OCF: College campus ministry

 Every Sunday: St. Nicholas Greek Dancers rehearse at church. Different ages practice at different times.  Saturday, March 2: JOY Koliva Presentation—after the Saturday of the Souls Liturgy at Church. Contact [email protected]  Sunday, March 3: Parish Oratorical Festival—in church, with reception following. All grades in Sunday School  Monday, March 18: HOPE Koulouria Making—10 a.m. at the Church. Lunch included. For Info: [email protected]  Saturday, March 23: Cherubs Open Play — Family Life Center Gym from 10-11:30 a.m.  Saturday, April 6: JOY Prosforo Making—10 a.m. at Church. Learning how church bread is made and what it means.  Saturday, April 20: Lazarus Saturday—Youth confessions and pancake breakfast after church.  Friday, May 3-Saturday, May 4: Junior GOYA Retreat at Trout Lodge. Registration is due March 3 to [email protected]  Sunday, May 5: Cherubs at Missouri Botanical Garden Children’s Garden. Casual play after church.  Sunday, May 19: Sunday School Picnic—Noon at the Family Life Center. All families invited.  Friday, May 24-Monday, May 27: Junior Olympics in Chicago. Sports and fellowship for kids ages 7 to 18.

This is a very brief overview of the many youth events and programs taking place in the next few months. For more detailed information, please see the parish website, www.sngoc.org, contact those listed in the specific events or Father Michael at 314-425-9641 or [email protected]

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019 Philoptochos Corner March 2019

Membership Mimosa Brunch – We held our annual Grecian Kitchen Spring Order Form – Treat your family Membership Mimosa Brunch/General Meeting on and friends to home-made Grecian specialties for the Saturday, January 26th at the Family Life Center. Welcome Easter Holiday and summer! We are offering Koulouria, to our new St. Nicholas Philoptochos members! With 50+ Baklava, Spanakopita, Tiropita, Tsoureki, Pastitsio, and ladies in attendance – we kicked off the New Year with much more! Remember we sell our specialties year round. enthusiasm to continue our mission of helping those in Please fill out the order form in this month’s newsletter need. We all enjoyed a delicious brunch catered by Kerry and mail to Dianne Zotos, 1213 Hillcrest Field Drive, Boudoures. Special guests joined us from one of our 2019 Chesterfield, MO 63005. charity spotlights – Missouri Eating Disorders Association. Their mission is to fight eating disorders, Calendar of Events: educate communities and save lives. They are committed Calendar of Events: to providing information, resources and advocacy that 3/1 – Bubble & Blooms (FLC) will change the conversation around eating disorders. 3/11 – Clean Monday Lenten Luncheon (FLC) They strive to bring understanding and support to those 3/17 – Sunday of Orthodoxy (Assumption) treating or affected by this devastating, serious disease. 3/23 – General Meeting (FLC)

3/27 – Pre-Sanctified Dinner (FLC) Godparent/Godchild Sunday: February 3rd – We 4/21 – Palm Sunday Brunch (St. Nicholas) celebrated the privilege of Holy Communion with our Godchildren. We thank Helen Carey for ordering and delivering delicious cookies from Bello’s Bakery to all the Sunday school children and teachers.

GK Pre-Lenten Luncheon Sale: February 3rd – Thank you to Georgia Ferretti and her committee for planning another successful luncheon and bake sale. All proceeds benefited the mission of St. Nicholas Philoptochos.

Bubbles & Blooms: March 1st – Join us for a celebration of spring, food and sparkling wine with special guest David Bovier, owner of Ken Miesner’s Flower Shoppe on Friday, St. Nicholas Philoptochos March 1st – 6:30 p.m. at the Family Life Center. $35 per Invites you to celebrate the person. RSVP to Carol Kamburis at [email protected] or 314.803.2451 beginning of the Lenten period

First Day of Lent/Clean Monday: March 11th – We invite Clean Monday you to celebrate the beginning of the Lenten period at our annual Lenten Luncheon immediately following the “Kathari Theftera” Compline Service at the Family Life Center. Annual Lenten Luncheon

Palm Sunday Brunch: April 21st - Once again th Philoptochos will host its Annual Palm Sunday Brunch. Monday, March 11 Please join us with your family and friends for a delicious 11:00 a.m. Compline Service brunch: Sautéed Lemon fish, Gourmet Omelets, Poached Salmon, Assorted Pastries, Mimosas, and more. A special Luncheon immediately following buffet and entertainment is planned for the children. *St. Nicholas Family Life Center* Please make your reservations as soon as possible. See enclosed flyer for more details. $10.00 per person

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

MEMORIAL DONATIONS

CHURCH FUND In Memory of Georgia Casten (Continued) In Memory of Tina Kavadas In Memory of Helen Julia Everhart -Stephany & Frank Corona -Achilles & Dorothea Karakas -Barbara Shelton -George Theodore -Harry & Christine Lemakis -Maria Theodore -Georgia & Michael Ferretti In Memory of Violetta King -Ordie King In Memory of Maria Efstathianos In Memory of Helene Anagnos -Linda Leonard -Bess Pappas In Memory of Jaquenell & George -Eunice Broome Chakides In Memory of Maria Efstathianos -Seth & Heather Barker -Mary & Robert Wylan -Katherine Ellis -Mary Kay Hays In Memory of George Paspalas -The Fischer Family In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Alexis & Mike Bante -Stacy Neeser -Georgia & Michael Ferretti -John Sioumcas -Andrew Efthim Jr. In Memory of Demetrius Pashos -The 4th & 5th Grade Families of SGM -Katherine Ellis -Nota Chronopoulos -Socrates Dendrinelis In Memory of Tina Kavadas RENOVATIONS OF ST. NICHOLAS -Georgia Prstojevich -Maria & George Kantis In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Maria A. Tanurchis In Memory of Georgia Casten In Memory of Helene Anagnos -Katherine Ellis -Lexie & Tim Walters FAMILY LIFE CENTER In Memory of Maria Efstathianos PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Gus & Angie Demos In Memory of Georgia Casten -Chris & Mary Vlahoplus -Georgia Kalemaris Prstojevich -Ron & Elaine Been In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Leonora Taratsas -Frederick Humphreys -Nick & Susan Cassimatis -Basil & Kathy Pappas THE NEXT 100 In Memory of Georgia Casten -Terry & Kathy Livaditis In Memory of Peter Vaccaro -Mary C. Mastorakos -Steve & Diana Ott -Rob & Lauren Muckler -Connie & Jim Moore CAPITAL CAMPAIGN -Christina Anastas -Dean Millonas In Memory of Alexandra Kamakas -Andrea & Dan Tarlas -Jenny & Brian Andrzejewski In Memory of Georgia Casten -Harry & Christine Lemakis -John & Mary Anne Koch -Hank & Christy Ehrenreich In Memory of Anne Enfield -Allan & Sue Goldschmidt In Memory of Georgia Casten -Eftihia Tompras -Lexie & Tim Walters -Andrea & Dan Tarlas

PARISH LIFE FUNERALS † Maria Efstathianos fell asleep in the Lord on January 30, 2019. The funeral was on February 2, 2019. May her Memory be eternal. † Georgia Casten fell asleep in the Lord on January 29, 2019. The funeral was on February 4, 2019. May her memory be eternal. † Helene Anagnos fell asleep in the Lord on February 3, 2019. The funeral was on February 6, 2019. May her memory be eternal. † Roger Reichert fell asleep in the Lord on February 16, 2019. May his memory be eternal.

MEMORIALS † 1 Year Memorial for Anne N. Souris on March 3rd. † 11 Year Memorial for Father George Nicozisin on March 3rd. † 40 Year Memorial for Froso Maragides on March 3rd. † 42 Year Memorial for Nicandros Maragides on March 3rd. † 54 Year Memorial for Styliani Nicozisin on March 3rd. † 61 Year Memorial for Demetrios Nicozisin on March 3rd † 73 Year Memorial for Efrosine Maragides on March 3rd. † 40 Day Memorial for Maria Efstathianos on March 10th. † 1 Year Memorial for Jim Sorbello on March 10th. † 1 Year Memorial for Ted Anastas Jr. on March 10th. † Memorial for Anastas, Georges and Jackson Families on March 10th.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

In Honor or Celebration of a Loved One St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church The sum of $______is enclosed as a donation to the Please indicate your preference:  Church Fund  The Next 100  Philoptochos Society In Honor or Celebration of (please select one):

 Birthday for (name) ______

 Anniversary for (name) ______

 Good Health (name) ______

 Graduation (name) ______

 Promotion (name) ______ Safe Return Home (name) ______Name of Donor ______Address City, State Zip Code Your note of celebration will appear in the next Monthly Bulletin. Bulletin deadline is by the 10th of the current month to appear in the following month's bulletin.

Stewardship 2019 (As of February 1)

LEADERSHIP ST. NICHOLAS SUPER STEWARDS Leadership St. Nicholas: A minimum financial commitment of St. Nicholas Super Stewards: A minimum $10,000 per year for 10 years. Your contribution is considered to be financial commitment of 5% of household your annual Stewardship pledge as well as making you a contributor income or $5,000. Your contribution is to Paying Down the Mortgage, AND it provides you with a Brick considered to be your annual Stewardship from the Brick Campaign. In addition, you may have scheduled use pledge as well as making you a contributor to of the Family Life Center Facility once per year of your membership Paying Down the Mortgage, AND it provides without a rental charge. If you have an existing outstanding Capital you with a Brick from the Brick Campaign. If Campaign pledge, you need to fulfill it in a timely manner. you have an existing outstanding Capital Campaign pledge, you need to fulfill it in a • Demos, Gus and Angela timely manner. • Efthim, Andrew • Galakatos, Andrew • Arbanas, Fr. Michael and Caroline • Galakatos, Gregory and JoAnn • The Angelo Dendrinelis Family • Grayson, William and Diana • Efstratiadis, Stilianos • Hart, James and Theodora • Ellis, George and Diane • Kalomas, Dean • Kamburis, Michael and Maria • Koch, John and Mary Ann • Leara, Paul and Helen • Millonas, Dean and Michelle • Mastorakos, Mary • Ott, Stephen and Diana • Papulis, Fr. Doug and Pres. Christina • Poulos, Jason and Barbara • Salas, Sakis and Cathy • Russon, John and Gina • Tsikalas, Demetrios and Jackie • Rutter, Katherine • Vleisides, Mark and Renee • Sewall, David and Martha • Souris, George • Stavrides, Pete D. & Teresa • Tarlas, George and Kimberly • Varvares, Chris and Jill

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

Stewardship 2019 (As of February 1)

STEWARDS Alexander, Tom and Stacey Gallagher, Sean and Stephanie Panopoulos, Dimitrios & Cathy Anastas, Christina Georges, Niko and Alexia Papadopoulos, Pete and Estelle Anastas, Mary Ellen Georges, Anthony and Sonja Papay, Andrew Angelides, Nicholas and Sarah Germanos, John E. Pappas, Michael and Jenny Angelos, George Ginos, Nicholas and Kathleen Paradowski, Christopher & Christine Angelos, Steve Ginos, Thomas and Christina Perkins, Frieda Angelos, Vasso Glastris, George Peterson, Anastasia Antonopoulos, Konstantinos & Georgia Glynias, Stefan and Elizabeth Porter, Clark & Tumica Argyros, Demos and Mary Guarino, James Prstojevich, Georgia Athanasiadis, Christos & Penelope Hartley, Lee and Generosa Roemer, Scot and Christiane Bendas, Nick and Dianne Heine, Betty Salas, Olga Brown, Jim and Anna Hinni, Aaron and Kathy Schildroth, Irene Camene, Timothy and Christine Kallaos, Tom and Mersine Sears, Katherine Carey, Alexandra Kallaos, Irene Sevastianos, Noel and Evangelia Cassimatis, Ted and Stacey Karras, Frieda Shamia, Constantin and Janet Charalambous, Danae Karras, Valerie Shisko, William and Fotina Charles, Harry Katsaras, Nicholas Sorbello, Catherine Chrissos, George and Anna Kavadas, Jimmy and Brenda Sorbello, James Jr. and Carmen Clemens, Daniel and Vicki Kazanas, Dan and Anne Souris, John and Hariklia Cornelius, James and Athena King, Ordie Souris, Kosmas and Despina Couteranis, Roxana Kirkou, Thomas and Katina Spanos, Leon and Johanna Dagartzikas, Anastasios Kirkou, Eugenia Stamelos, Christina Davenport, Scott Kontras, Nikki Takes, Michael Dedes, Fr. Seraphim Kotis, Jimmy and Anastasia Tanurchis, John Demmas, Helen Lampros, Theodore and Susan Taratsas, Leonora Demos, James and Theresa Livaditis, Terry and Kathy Tarlas, Dan and Andrea Doias, Theodore and Beverly Lockwood, Andrea Teferi, Mulugheta and Zegge Eck, Dimitri Maddux, Michael and Susan Thavorides, Anne Efstratiadis, Stilianos Malek, Ron and Aliki Thavorides, Fay Efthim, Elizabeth Mann, Austin and Maria Theodorou, Argyirios & Evangelia Efthim, Paul and Christina Marmigas, Dena Tompras, Angeline Efthim, Frank and Carol Mastorakos, Mary Ann Trakas, Evelyn Ellis, Katherine Mavromatis, Peter and Kathy Tsimpris, Catherine Fakonas, Anastassios & Christina McDermott, Gregory & Cheryl Van Dyke, Frosene Ferretti, Edward McPherron, Colin and Stephanie Varvares, Mary Ferretti, Peter and Tonya Memos, James and Fleeda Vellios, William and Sophia Finer, Lyndia Mezines, Chris and Mary Vlahiotis, Antonios Fitzmaurice, Sean and Vasiliki Milonas, Cynthia Volas, Mary Forsting, Leonard and Katherine Muckler, Robert and Lauren Walters, Lexie Fotenos, Helen Nakis, Emmanuel and Gina Winter, Don and Susan Fournier, Michael and Pamela Nichoalds, Joe and Helen Woodcock, Mary Francis, William and Voula Nicozisin, Demetra Zaman, Anthony and Karen Fryntzko, Agnes Nicozisin, Sylvia Zotos, Ann Fryrear, Jim and Stacie O'Hara, Thomas and Mary Zotos, George and Dianne Gaddis, Nicholas Orf, Roland and Cynthia Zotos, Katherine Galakatos, Theresa Otso, Carl and Nancy Galakatos, Krys Panopoulos, Pete

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019 THE NEXT 100 THE NEXT 100 is an initiative to lead us into the next generation of St. Nicholas. Our objectives are to sustain and grow our programs, expand our ministries, enhance the communications with our parishioners, increase the utilization of our physical facilities, make capital improvements, continue to reduce our debt, and create an endowment that will serve as a long-term investment of the church.

UPDATE We currently stand at $1.2 million in contributions and pledges.

NEW DONOR WALL We have established a new Donor Wall in our beautiful Family Life Center - to recognize all donors and those who they wish to honor. The Donor Wall was unveiled at our St. Nicholas Day celebration on Saturday, December 8th. As in the last campaign, those who have contributed $50,000 or more are honored with a special individual plaque.

HOW TO MAKE A DONATION/QUESTIONS? All donors must complete a donor card, which can be found on the St. Nicholas website. You can also find more details on the St. Nicholas website. If you have questions, feel free to contact Fr. Doug, Fr. Michael, Dan Tarlas (314-713-5500) or Chris Anastas (314-647-4636). THE NEXT 100 DONORS

Ms. Julie Ambrozat Mr. & Mrs. James Hart Mrs. Georgia Prstojevich Mrs. Christina Anastas Mr. & Mrs. John Hoffman Drs. Roger & Valerie Reichert Ms. Mary Angelides Mr. & Mrs. William Jackson Mrs. Elizabeth Krekorian-Riethmann Fr. Michael & Presvytera Caroline Arbanas Mr. & Mrs. George James Ms. Katherine Rutter Mr. Christos Athanasiadis Mr. Dean Kalomas Saint Nicholas Philoptochos Society Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Been The Kamburis Family Chris & Tina Sarantakis Ms. Diane Botonis Mr. & Mrs. Achilles Karakas Mr. & Mrs. Byron Smyrniotis Mr. & Mrs. Nick Botonis Mr. & Mrs. Dan Kazanas Mr. Nicholas Smyrniotis Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Carey Dr. Ordie H. King, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. George Souris Ms. Dede Catsavis Dr. Tinna King Mr. & Mrs. John Souris Mr. Adonis Chakides Mr. & Mrs. John Koch Mr. & Mrs. Kosmas Souris Mr. & Mrs. William Coulson Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Lampros Mr. & Mrs. Leon Spanos Dr. A. K. Dagartzikas Mr. & Mrs. Leonard LaPasso Mr. & Mrs. Pete Spanos Mr. & Mrs. John Davis Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leara Mr. & Mrs. Pete Stavrides Mr. & Mrs. James Demos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lemakis Mrs. Cleo Tarlas (*) Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Demos Mr. & Mrs. Terry Livaditis Mr. & Mrs. Dan Tarlas Angelo Dendrinelis Family Mr. & Mrs. Dale Lockwood Mr. & Mrs. George Tarlas Mr. Socrates Dendrinelis Mr. Alexander S. Magdalinos Mr. Lindsey Tarlas Dr. Stilianos Efstratiadis Mrs. Theodora Malakelis Mrs. Chrysoula Tomaras Ms. Elizabeth Ann Efthim Mrs. Mary C. Mastorakos Mrs. Jeanne Tompras Mr. & Mrs. Paul Efthim Mr. & Mrs. Peter Mavromatis Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas V. Tompras Dr. & Mrs. George Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Greg McDermott Mrs. Evelyn Trakas Mrs. Katherine Ellis Mr. & Mrs. Colin McPherron Elaine, Allison & Anna Tripolitis Mr. & Mrs. Tassos Fakonas Mrs. Andrea Mendia Ms. Stephanie Tyler Mr. & Mrs. Thanasi Fakonas Mr. & Mrs. Sam Mezines Mr. & Mrs. Dino Vainalis Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fandos Mr. & Mrs. Dean Millonas Mr. Nicholas Vazopolos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ferretti Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mitchell Mr. Kon Vellios Mrs. Katherine Forsting Mr. & Mrs. William Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Don Winter Mrs. Helen Fotenos Mr. & Mrs. Ben Murphy Mrs. Mary Woodcock Mr. & Mrs. Bill Francis Mr. & Mrs. Steve Ott Mr. & Mrs. Mark Wunderlich Ms. Agnes Fryntzko Mr. James Panopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Yiatras Dr. Andrew Galakatos Mr. & Mrs. Basil Pappas Mr. & Mrs. Thimios Zanetos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Galakatos Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Pappas Ms. Marybeth Thavorides Zerdecki – Drs. Gregory & JoAnn Galakatos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Papulis Donations from the families of Ms. Theresa Galakatos Mr. & Mrs. Chris Paradowski Zerdecki, Thavorides and Corrigan Mr. Nick P. Gartelos Mr. & Mrs. Leo Pashos Mrs. Dena Konstandina Zias Mr. & Mrs. Tom Ginos Ms. Margaret (Peggy) Pierroutsakos Mr. & Mrs. Yemane Habtu Mr. Vlasios Politis (*) Deceased

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Bulletin March 2019

Annunciation of the Theotokos March 25 Introduction The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on March 25 each year. The Feast commemorates the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would become incarnate and enter into this world through her womb.

Biblical Story The biblical story of the Feast of the Annunciation is found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke (1:26-39). The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, who was living in Nazareth, and said to her, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you.” Mary was perplexed and wondered what kind of greeting this was.

The angel told her not to be afraid, for she had found favor with God. He said, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

Mary responded to the angel by asking how this could happen since she had no husband. The angel told her that the Holy Spirit and the power of God would come upon her, and that the child to be born of her would be called holy, the “Son of God.”

The angel then proceeded to tell the Virgin Mary that her cousin Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age (John the Baptist), and affirmed that with God nothing is impossible.

In faith and obedience to the will of God, Mary replied to the angel, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be according to your word.” Upon her response, the angel departed.

It is on the Feast of the Annunciation, that Orthodox Christians commemorate both the divine initiative of God, whereby He took on flesh from the Virgin for our salvation, and the human response, whereby Mary freely accepted the vocation offered to her. He elected to become man, and He desired to do this with the willing agreement of her whom He chose as His mother. Mary could have refused, for she was not a passive instrument, but an active participant with a free and positive part to play in God’s plan for our salvation. Thus, when on this and other feasts the Orthodox Church honors the Theotokos, the Mother of God, it is not just because God chose her but also because she herself chose to follow His will.

(Source: https://www.goarch.org/en/annunciation)

2 9

16 23

Saturday of Souls of Saturday

11:30am CHERUBS CHERUBS 11:30am

SATURDAY

9:30am Divine Liturgy at at Liturgy Divine 9:30am Chapel Center 9:30am Divine Liturgy at Liturgy Divine 9:30am Church Presentation Koliva *JOY Liturgy after Pro-& Scrapbooking 10am Center Life Family at Dayject Life Family at Vespers 5pm Chapel Center Center Life Family Life Family at Vespers 5pm Chapel Center at Liturgy Divine 9:30am Church Life Family at Vespers 5pm General Philoptochos 10am Center Life Family at Meeting 10am Life Family at Play Open Center Life Family at Vespers 5pm Chapel Center Life Family at Vespers 5pm Chapel Center

15 22 29

FRIDAY

Center Life Family at Philoptochos 6:30pm at Blooms & Bubbles Center Life Family Service Salutations 7pm Chapel Service Salutations 7pm Church at Service Salutations 7pm Center Life Family at Chapel

14 21 28

v v

Καφενείο

THURSDAY

at Liturgy Divine 10am Apartments AHEPA 10am Center Life Family at Support Grief 6pm Center Life Family

13 20 27

Hosted Hosted

March 2019 March

Hosted by Parish Council) Parish by Hosted Hosted by Philoptochos) by Hosted

WEDNESDAY - -

7am Men’s Fellowship Family Family Fellowship Men’s 7am follow Family Fellowship Men’s 7am Center Life Family Fellowship Men’s 7am Center Life at Liturgy Presanctified 6pm to (Dinner Center Life Family Family Fellowship Men’s 7am Center Life at Liturgy Presanctified 6pm follow to (Dinner Church Dancers) Nicholas St. by Center Life Church at Prep Festival 8:30am at Liturgy Presanctified 6pm to (Dinner Center Life Family follow

12 19 26

TUESDAY

Faith Women’s 10am Faith 10amWomen’s Life Family at Group Center Life Family at Group Center

11 18 25

Clean Monday Monday Clean

Annunciation Annunciation

MONDAY

Day Independence Greek Book Nicholas St. 7pm Cen- Life Family at Group ter at Service Compline 11am (Annual Center Life Family follow) to Luncheon Easter for Koulouria 8am Church at Ministries Koulouria HOPE 10am Church at Making at Liturgy Divine 10am Chapel Center Life Family

10 17 31

Sunday of Orthodoxy Orthodoxy of Sunday

SUNDAY

Sunday of the Holy Cross Cross Holy the of Sunday

Orthros Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy Divine Orthros Liturgy Divine

------

Orthros 7:30pm Learning Greek Dancing Dancing Greek Learning 7:30pm Orthros Dancing Greek Learning 7:30pm Orthros

- - - - -

8am welcome) are (all CHURCH at 8:00am 9:30am Pashos Despina &Leo Greeter: Festival *Oratorical 4:30 arewelcome) (all CHURCH at 8am 9:30am Palazzola Debbie &Joe Greeter: 4:30 8am 9:30am Mezines Maureen & Sam Greeter: ASSEMBLY *GENERAL at Vespers Orthodoxy of Sunday 5pm Church Orthodox Greek Assumption follow) to (dinner 24 9:30am Paradowski Tina Greeter: 8:00am 9:30am Finer Lyndia Greeter: 18

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

Please visit us at www.sngoc.org

Philoptochos Philanthropy PHILANTHROPY REPORT: March 2019

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord and He will repay him for his deed” -Proverbs 19:17

We are pleased to report that we continue to assist our people in our FOOD BAGS for the HUNGRY Confidential Program and we thank you for your support when we need your help.

March 2019 We hope that you will continue to keep us in your prayers. These are difficult times for many people and your donations of clothing, furniture and financial assistance have allowed us to help our own Corned Beef parishioners & those in our outreach programs. Thank you. Green Beans We are currently in need of furniture for a family. They are most in need of a kitchen table, dressers, Fruit Cocktail microwave, toaster and potentially beds for her and two toddlers. If you have any of these items, Cornbread Mix please contact Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667. Thank you. Baby Wipes CLOTHING FOR FOCUS Gentle Washing Machine Detergent We have a new need for clothing for men, women and children – We have started a drive for FOCUS. They have requested our help to collect clothing for their outreach program -- Please gather any

gently used clothing for men, women or children and bring to St. Nicholas – Please ask for Chris

Paradowski so he can assist you in putting the clothing in a specific place for storage until FOCUS April 2019 can pick it up. Hormel Chop Ham Please continue to fill your food bags. Our need for this ministry has grown and is very much Sweet Potatoes appreciated by our charity organizations, our clergy and our outreach projects. Please see the Kidney Beans suggested menu next to our message IMPORTANT TEMPORARY CHANGE IN OUR MENU- We Pineapple Rings are currently asking that you not send powdered milk with your donations until we contact you. We Bathroom Tissue have a good supply of this item… you may add other suggested items. We appreciate your help and appreciate all that you do for this ministry.

If you have any questions please contact Johanna Spanos (314) 966-5176, or Jeanne Tompras (314) 994-7667 or Kim Tarlas (314) 740-0955… We are grateful for your support. Thank you.