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September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 [email protected] 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org “Awake, O Sleeper. Arise from the dead and Christ will give you light!” – Ephesians 5:14

 BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS My dear brothers and was the church. But then I paused say- sisters in Christ, ing to myself, well you’re a priest, that’s CoVid-19 has certainly what you’re supposed to say. played a number on us. It But thinking critically, I came to has utterly changed our the same conclusion. The church is was laid out days before on the pangari. lives in the way we move about, by the definitely the safest place for us to be. I We sit in pews that have been disinfect- things that we do, and with what we wear. mean look at all the places we visit over ed and that adequately provide spacing It has painfully kept us from friends and the course of a week: schools, grocery for us. We wear masks when moving limited our church attendance. It has put stores, restaurants, doctor’s offices, wine about. In my opinion, the safest place us in a trance-like state, not knowing what shops, etc... In these places, not only to be, outside our home, is the church! to expect next from this disease. are we with other people, we touch a That’s why as we begin the month of But now I believe it is time for us to multitude of things recently handled by September, I’m inviting all of you back. wake from the long CoVid-sleep and them. We sit in places where moments Let us shake off that sluggishness that to commune with the Lord, God Al- before another person was sitting or eat- has kept us away and wake from this mighty, to be present in His house of ing. We navigate blocked grocery store terrible dream. Let us receive the breath worship. By way of analytics, it has been aisles trying to get around a person or of God by entering the refreshing and a consolation looking at the number of shopping cart. We fiddle with the pro- joyous abode of God. parishioners and friends of Holy Trinity duce holding it in our hands and pack The Parish Council has implemented who watch services online. But I think our carts with boxes, cans, bottles and measures to make your visit as safe as it’s time to move beyond this and slowly an assortment of cleaning supplies. We possible. The lead verse of my message return to normalcy. We are certainly touch menus and handle utensils set is taken from Ephesians 5:14. “Awake, seeing signs of this as many places are before us at tables just moments before O Sleeper! Arise….” This verse is your opening up, including restaurants, previously occupied. We put our faith in invitation to come to Christ and at- gyms, and our local school districts. the server or other employee who cleans tend church once again. The verse that One evening I was contemplating the the space that is now made ready for us. immediately follows describes how your reopening of these places. I thought Church is entirely different. If you’ve safety will be safeguarded when you which place in our towns is the safest to been recently, you’ll see many controlled come, “see then that [we] walk circumspectly, visit during this present crisis. The first measures implemented to keep us safe. place that immediately came to my mind We handle nothing except a candle that Continued on page 2 

Wait for the promise of the Father 1 Dates in the Life of Our Church September–October 2020

SEPTEMBER 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 6 8:15 AM Orthros 27 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 7 5:00 PM Great Vespers 8 Nativity of the Theotokos OCTOBER 8:30 AM Orthros 4 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Awake, O Sleeper. 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy  Continued from page 1 7:30 PM Parish Council 6 St. Thomas the Apostle 13 8:15 AM Orthros not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, 8:30 AM Orthros because the days are evil.” – 5:15 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy The Corona Virus has displaced and 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 5:00 PM Great Vespers scattered us. It is an evil entity which 11 St. Philip the Apostle has taken loved ones from us and filled 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross us with uncertainties. But just as verse 8:15 AM Orthros 8:30 AM Orthros 15 states, we are wise towards our ap- 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy proach of attending the Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy and dealing with this current predica- 20 8:15 AM Orthros 13 7:30 PM Parish Council ment. As we are cautious and careful, let us take up the mantle of faith and walk 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy 18 St. Luke the Evangelist towards Christ. Let us arise and being 26 Falling Asleep of St. John 8:15 AM Orthros mindful of His Commandments come 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy together as the family of Holy Trinity to receive His light. 

“I am grateful to have met with President Trump and Vice President Pence in the White House and communicated our grave dismay at the re- conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, as well as ongoing security concerns for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and issues of religious liberty. In view of tomorrow’s day of mourning, we persevere in prayer but also bring our struggle to the highest levels of government for action and consideration.”

2 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey THE GREAT CHURCH IN CAPTIVITY TURKISH GOVERNMENT ON THE MOVE AGAINST ORTHODOXY The Great Church of Agia Sophia in Constantinople

6th Century Landmark Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, fines the reason and purpose for which it the spiritual leader of the world's Or- Cathedral and Most Famous was built. Agia Sophia or Holy Wisdom thodox Christians, warned in late June is the Christian name for Jesus Christ, Example of Byzantine that the building's conversion into a the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. Architecture is converted mosque "will turn millions of Christians This church was built for the glorifica- across the world against Islam." tion of Jesus Christ the Wisdom and into a mosque Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, called for Word of God. urkey seems to be determined "prudence" and the preservation of the This grand structure and architec- to erase all forms of Christian "current neutral status" for the Hagia tural wonder is still the majestic symbol culture from their land. Two Sophia, which he said was one of Chris- of Orthodoxy Christianity and the importantT and venerable churches, Agia tianity's "devoutly venerated symbols." actions of President Erdogan is a great Sophia and Christ the Saviour Church U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo in Chora both have been converted insult upon all Orthodox Christians said last month that the landmark into mosques. Add to this the Turkish and people of good will. should remain a muse - provocation by surveying for oil and um to serve as bridge be- natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea in Greek and Cypriot waters, it has be- tween faiths and cultures. come apparently clear that Turkey has His comments sparked contempt for its neighbors. a rebuke from Turkey's Foreign Ministry, which said Hagia Sophia was a On July 10, 2020, Turkish Presi- domestic issue of Turkish dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally national sovereignty. re-converted Istanbul's sixth-century iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque, hours after a high court annulled a 1934 gia Sophia was built decision that had turned it into a mu- Ain 532–537 A.D un- seum. Erdogan signed a decree handing der the direction of the over Hagia Sophia to Turkey's Religious Byzantine emperor Jus- Affairs Presidency and declaring it open tinian I. It served as the to Muslim worship. cathedral of Constanti- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Er- nople and largest Chris- dogan has demanded that the hugely tian church in the world symbolic World Heritage Site should be for nearly 1000 years. It turned back into a mosque despite wide- was the shining example of spread international criticism, including Orthodoxy until the Otto- from the United States and Orthodox man conquest on Tuesday, Christian leaders. The move could also May 29, 1453. The name Turkey wipping Orthodox Chrisitanity from the pages of deepen tensions with neighboring Greece. Agia Sophia, by itself, de- world history.

The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 3 by two support research vessels and several Turkish warships. “The Turkish leadership is unleash- ing, on a near daily basis, threats of war and makes provocative statements against Greece,” Greek government spokesman Stelios Petsas said. “We respond with political, diplomatic and operational readiness, determined to do whatever is necessary to protect our sovereign rights.”

“Solomon, I have surpassed you.”

The Great Monastery of n the day when the Hagia Sophia Christ the Saviour in Chora Obasilica was first opened in 537 is converted into a mosque A.D., the Byzantine emperor Justinian is supposed to have entered the building riginally built in the 4th century, and cried out, “Solomon, I have sur- Othe Church and Monastery in passed you.” The reference in the Bible Chora was comprehensively rebuilt is to the building by King Solomon of a around 1077-81 and again after a partial temple in Jerusalem. collapse following an earthquake early The Great Church, as the Greeks in the 12th century and, like Aghia So- Magnificent Mosaic of Christ “In the Land called the Orthodox Patriarchate of of the Living” and other frescos in the Constantinople, is the spiritual center phia, is a world UNESCO heritage site. Church of Chora Chora, which had been turned into of the Byzantine world. The Church’s the Kariye Museum after WWII and survival during the four centuries of was then extensively restored, is cov- Ottoman Turkish rule which followed nkara is currently facing off against ered with some of the finest Byzantine the Fall of Constantinople bore witness Greece and Cyprus over oil and mosaics and frescoes that likely will be A to its strength and to the unquenchable gas exploration rights in the eastern covered over for Muslim prayers as were vitality of Orthodoxy and Hellenism. Mediterranean. Greece and Turkey those in Aghia Sophia. The Tuesday morning of 29 May, have deployed naval and air forces to The Greek Foreign Ministry in an 1453 was given over to rape, pillage and assert their competing claims in the announcement on Friday characterized destruction. Those that could headed the Turkish authorities’ decision to turn for the harbor where Genoese and Ve- the Monastery of Chora into a mosque netian ships were desperately preparing another provocation against the religious to leave the city. Hundreds of refugees people everywhere in the world and of the joined the sailors and made their way international community that respects down the Bosporus. Those that re - the monuments of the human civilization. mained behind to defend their families were cut down, their houses ransacked, their children sometimes impaled, their wives and daughters raped repeat- edly. Churches were sacked and burned, region. These acts are leading to a icons smashed, and statues torn down. major escalation between Greece The streets ran with blood and would and Turkey. Turkish seismic survey have been slippery from the blood and vessel Oruç Reis has routinely en - bodily parts that littered the streets. tered the south Aegean Sea in the Citizens who had sought sanctuary in area of the Greek continental shelf Hagia Sophia were dragged out, the best Fresco of the Anastasi in the Church of and dropped survey cables in the looking of both sexes were tied up and Chora water. The vessel is accompanied lead away, the poor and unattractive

4 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey massacred. The priests who continued through the wall went the Liturgy were murdered at the altar. to follow him, but sud- This was just the morning of day one of denly the wall turned the promised and customary three days into stone. Legend says of pillage a victorious army could expect that when the Church after a siege. However, the ferocity of is taken back, this priest the fighting and the fury of the initial will reappear from the orgy had exhausted everyone. Altar walls to finish cel- During the conquest of Constanti- ebrating that Divine nople, the Divine Liturgy was being Liturgy. celebrated in Agia Sophia (the last The Ottoman con- Christian service to be held in the Great quest was the end of the Church). So that the Holy Gifts would Byzantine Empire. But not be defiled and desecrated by falling it was not the end of the into the hands of Muslims who had Patriarchate of Constan- passed through the Church’s doors to tinople, far less the end ransack and pillage, the celebrant priest of Orthodoxy. took the Holy Eucharist and miracu- lously disappeared into the rear apse of Patriarchal Divine Liturgy as celebrated the Altar. Muslims who saw him pass in Agia Sophia

Folk Song Translation of Folk Song Στην Αγιά Σοφιά αγνάντια βλέπω τα ευζωνάκια (2) From Agia Sophia across, I see the Evzones The poor Evzones, dirty from the wars Τα ευζωνάκια τα καημένα στους πολέμους μαυρισμένα Kleftiko dance they dance as they look across. κλέφτικο χορό χορεύουν και τ' αντίπερα αγναντεύουν. And seeing the City [Constantinople] across, they sing Κι αγναντεύοντας την πόλη τραγουδούν και λένε: (2) and say: Τούτοι είν' οι χρυσοί της θόλοι, αχ κατακαημένη πόλη Those are the golden domes, oh poor City να η μεγάλη εκκλησιά μας, πάλι θα γενεί δικιά μας. There our Great Church is, it will become ours again! To our Lady Despina [Theotokos] tell us not to be sad Στην κυρά τη Δέσποινά μας πες να μη λυπάται στις εικόνες να μη κλαίνε, τα Ευζωνάκια μας το λένε.(2) To the icons not to cry, our little Evzones say so And the priest that is hidden in the Holy Sanctuary [who Κι ο παπάς που 'ναι κλεισμένος μέσα στ' Αγιο Βήμα (2) di s ap p e are d dur in g t h e litur gy] w ill s o o n gi ve C o mmuni o n Τά Ευζωνάκια δε θ' αργήσει, νά 'βγει να τα κοινωνήσει to the little Evzones και σε λίγο βγαίνουν τ' Αγια μέσα σε μυρτιές και And in a little bit the Holy Gifts will come out [from the βάγια.(2) altar wall of Agia Sophia] with myrtle and bay leaves.

Hear the folk song: agiazoni.gr/audios.php?audioid=49548755265746909770

The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 5 Importance of Buildings “Yet only one building, standing out- the Faith of our Fathers. “Even today, stripped side the borders of present-day Greece, of its gold and silver, with its frescoes faded and and Monuments elicits a far deeper surge of wonder, begrimed, there is arguable no building in all the emotion, and nostalgia – the Church world whose interior conjures up such a sense of eople are fixated on their build- of Agia Sophia or “Divine Wisdom.” boundless wealth and mystical power.” ings and monuments. Buildings P “Greeks, like other Orthodox Christians, are “Although Greek tourists travel to Turkey to and monuments help define a nation visit the ‘Museum of Aya Sofya,’ many come and the people who designed and built fixated on their churches, which are not only them. They are oftentimes a source of places of worship but treasure houses of their home unsettled by the experience, and the pride and can possess an identity all material culture that survived the awful centuries overwhelming majority of Greeks cannot bring their own. They capture the history of of Ottoman rule.” As Greeks, we still maintain themselves even to go. ‘The idea of going to our a country, its associated glories, and its an emotional connection to the Great Church of church in what for us was the greatest of Greek victories over oppression. Christ, Agia Sophia, in ways that move beyond cities and seeing those Muslim signs, I cannot tell For the Greeks, we can look to the any other ancient temple. Perhaps because Agia you how it would make me feel. It is something Parthenon or many of the other won- Sophia is a symbol of our Orthodox Faith as well terrible.’”  derful ancient temples or statues as a as our inherited history. It is a symbol of our *Italics quotes from Robert Kaplan’s, source of pride. glory and the painful struggle to stay united in Balkan Ghosts

6 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Parish Council Update

 BY GEORGE COLONIAS, PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Dear Holy Trinity Family return to Holy Trinity, to our second would be remiss if I did not appeal to home, and to our Orthodox family. The everyone to maintain their stewardship hope that you are doing all as well church has persevered. Father Peter has commitment to the church and in fact also as can be expected during these conducted services and has been praying contribute above and beyond; as if monies unprecedented times. In our large for each and every one of us. The church were spent at fundraisers. The church has HolyI Trinity family, we have experienced has followed all safety and cleanliness cut expenses as much as practical, however the full spectrum of impacts from this protocols and parishioners, young and our budget always has a shortfall without pandemic. We pray for those us who old, have attended. We hope to see more the fundraising. Please help us narrow have succumbed to the virus, those who of our Holy Trinity family soon, espe- and eliminate that gap. have been stricken, and for those who cially now with summer passing and the I want to thank everyone; from the are healthy so that they remain that way. ecclesiastical year beginning. Religious folks who have been present and active Most importantly we should always stand Education and Greek School teachers are helping to plan any reopening, to those in prayer for each other. One comment planning for the year to offer classes with who have participated by celebrating the I have heard repeatedly is that although as much in person instruction that we can Divine Liturgy with us from home. It is the dynamics of our lives have changed, safely provide. rewarding to see the number of people our families are spending more time When we return to church, we must who have activated the livestream and it is together and building stronger bonds. respect everyone’s personal space and es- We have been forced to spend more time pecially yield to those who need a bit more gratifying to know that we are all together at home with each other as well as video distance. We are doing our best to stay in this new way. I encourage everyone to calling friends and loved ones. The Parish safe and offer the Divine Liturgy in the call the church office whenever you are Council has strived to bring our second safest possible manner. Our procedures ready to attend in person and register to home of Holy Trinity to you via digital are imposed by both the State of NJ, the come in on Sundays. We ask this so we platforms and we hope that we have been Archdiocese, and the Metropolis. are sure to stay within legal limits and to able to keep you connected from your As we all know, many of our social and have a record of attendees. homes. Now, as the phases of re-opening fundraising events have been cancelled. We will slowly and safely plan our re- are progressing and clear safety protocols The church and the organizations that opening. We thank you for your ideas, have been identified and followed, there run them rely on the funds raised to your patience, your understanding and is opportunity for more of us to physically operate and do their charitable work. I your support. 

HOLY TRINTY GREEK SCHOOL  BY MRS. STAVROULA MERGOUPIS, HOLY TRINITY GREEK SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Beloved parents and guardians, in the school community, which includes as well is paramount. Registration, for our parents/guardians, faculty and staff, student enrollment for this upcoming hope that you have all enjoyed your as well as from the wonderful students. academic school year, has begun. I, along summer vacation, despite our recent We will have to go beyond the norm, be- with the fellow teachers and our parish hardships which have been brought yond our comfort zone, if we would like council, will do our absolute best work in forthI by the Covid-19 pandemic in the to achieve the spectacular! order to ensure that the education of our past months. The autumn season has Our Greek School will have to open children continues to be the best (whether begun and thus we too have slowly be- its arms and embrace our wonderful this is virtual one-to-one instruction, vir- gun entering the academic school season children, in open love and gratitude, with tual group instruction and/or in-person with educational priorities and purpose all the necessary precautions, in order instruction). I wish to all a happy start of learning. This year will undoubtedly to keep our students on the educational to our Greek School Academic Year of be a very difficult transition into the new path, as well as keeping them safe. Most 2020-2021. May the Holy Trinity of the academic school year. There will be many importantly, safety for all the children's Living God bless you all and keep you heartfelt sacrifices from all involved with- health and the health of our teachers safe! 

The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 7 Sacraments & Rites August 2019–September 2020

BAPTISMS (continued) FUNERALS WEDDINGS (continued) 8/6/19 +Thomas Pagoulatos 10/19/19 Alexandra A. Apruzzese 11/9/19 Oliver Michael Sharma, son of Nicole Kounalakis and 10/3/19 +John Fotios Sipsis and Bradley W. Butkowski, Ashis Sharma, Godparents 10/28/19 +Dimitrios Zafiriou Dana M. Apruzzese as sponsor. are Michael and Catherine 11/21/19 +Helen D. Mavraganis Mantinaos 12/15/19 +Fotini Mavros 6/27/20 Jessica M. Rios and Lucas 12/13/19 +Panagiotis Vassopoulos J. Kallinosis, Diana and 11/9/19 Nicholas Santino Rentas, 12/23/19 +Andrew H. Philippou Christina Kallinosis as son of Maria Barberi 1/2/20 +Euphrosyne Levas sponsors and Nicholas J. Rentas, Godparent is Nikki Murale 1/28/20 +Loretta M. Garo 1/29/20 +Christine Kyritsis 8/16/20 Lauren Micchelli and Scott 11/16/19 Patrick Kevin Fontana, 3/5/20 +Costas Paisis Sperone, Christina Miccelli Young as sponsor. son of Andrea Yeager and 3/12/20 +Evelyn Skorinko Kevin Fontana, Godparent 3/19/20 +James T. Baboukis CHURCHINGS is Diane Hiotakis Narvaez 3/27/20 +Stavroula Grafas 8/18/19 Katherine Sophia, daughter 4/9/20 +James Dokas of Ioanna and Gerry 11/24/19 William (Liam) A. Faella, 4/9/20 +Barbara M. Manos Kitsopoulos son of Stacey O’Sullivan 4/16/20 +Joseph Conti Jr. and Jude Faella, Godparent 4/24/20 +Mary Coutros 10/13/19 Katerina Dale, daughter is Christopher O’Sullivan 4/28/20 +Peggy Demas of Andrea Roscoe and Jon 5/5/20 +Dorothy Greberis Quintanilla 11/30/19 Kylan Alexander Kiprotich, son of Elizabeth Kyriakoulis 5/18/20 +Petros E. Litos and Ronald Kiprotich 5/18/20 +John Hadzitheodorou 10/19/19 Anastasia, daughter of Athena Danalakis and 7/21/20 +Constantinos D. David Burke 11/30/19 Anthony James Gavakos, Xarhoulakos son of Marguerite Porfiris 7/22/20 +Mary Thomas 3/1/20 Emilia Jade, daughter of and Antonios Gavakos, 8/5/20 +Sylvia T. Lucarelli Ariana Banos and Blake Godparent is Depina 8/7/20 +Frieda Anast Anderson Gavakos

11/30/19 Billy John Gavakos, son WEDDINGS 8/7/20 Ella, daughter of Carolyn of Marguerite Porfiris 8/17/19 Daniela R. P. Weiner Roscoe and Joshua Navikonis and Antonios Gavakos, and Thomas V. Godparent is James Porfiris Karathanos, Evangelia Spyrou as sponsor. BAPTISMS 1/11/20 Nicholas Theo and 8/4/29 Remington George Nicholas Emmanuel 9/28/19 Caitlin J. Harmon Christou, son of Jodi Liakas, twin sons of and Andrew M. Rose, Raslowsky and George Irenise Hernandez and Kaliope M. Rose and Christou Jr., Godparent is Nicholas Emmanuel Liakas, Michael Triantafellou as Madelyne Viera Godparent is Stephen sponsors. Liakas

8 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey August 2019–September 2020

BAPTISMS (continued) NEW MEMBERS (continued) NEW MEMBERS (continued) 2/22/20 Katerina Dale Quintanilla, Pennie Anast Nikos and Sophia Saketos daughter of Andrea Roscoe 130 Winding Hill Rd. 68 Ellisen Road and Jon Quintanilla, Hacketstown, NJ 07840 Watchung, NJ 07069 Godparent is Penelope Malakates. Stephen and Michelle Voice Ioannis Sasopoulos 1742 Florida St. 310 East 44th St. Apt. 1120 Westfield, NJ 07090 New York, NY 10017 7/12/20 Emilia Jade Anderson, daughter of Ariana Banos and Andrew and Caitlin Rose Richard and Karen Roscoe Blake Anderson, Godparent is 330 Mt. Kemble Ave. 19 Magnolia Terrace Cassandra Shepard Morristown, NJ 07960 Springfield, NJ 07081

8/23/20 Tyler David (Gregory), son Joseph and Angela Fisher Dean and Fotini Handrinos of Christian and Michael 6 Heritage Ct. 114 Glenmere Drive Bohmerwalk, Godparent is Randolph, NJ 07869 Chatham, NJ 07928 Gail Cavallaro Christopher O’Sullivan Chris and Anna Georgiou 232 Kings St. 330 Rolling Rock Rd. 9/5/20 Jackson (Stylianos) Ford, Mountainside, NJ 07092 son of Jason and Jessica Mountainside, NJ 07092 Wacker Lohner, Godparent James Porfiris Phillip and Maria Gaito Zachery Wacker 28 Greenwood Drive 219 Greenbrook Rd. Millington, NJ 07946 Greenbrook, NJ 08812 9/6/20 Zacharias and Georgios, Anthony and Alexa Ciccone twin sons of Paul and Alyssa Sophia Baurkot Gentile Salvesen, sponsors 27 Deer Path Circle Green Brook, NJ 08812 28 Flintlock Ct. are Thomas Andresakes and Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 Andrea Roon Stephanie Bosco Stephen and Vivian Herd CHRISMATION 65 Price St. Denville, NJ 07834 82 Briarheath Ln. 2/23/20 Allison Arethas; sponsor Clark, NJ 07066 Lauren Karanikolas Harry and Amanda Hatzikyriakou 2/23/20 Mary O’Brien 28 Cedar Rd. John Koulouthros Carayannopoulos; sponsor Watchung, NJ 07069 625 Chandler Ave. Kim and John Mellas Roselle, NJ 07203 2/23/20 Audrey Lowe, sponsor Lia Paraskevi Vlassopoulos Lewis 900 South Ave. W #11 Christina Kallinosis Westfield, NJ 07090 479 Sampton Ave. NEW MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH South Plainfield, NJ 07080 Nikki Murale Nicholas Emmanuel Liakas 57 Manitou Circle 2459 Stuart St. Diana Kallinosis Westfield, NJ 07090 Brooklyn, NY 11229 1065 Madison Ave. Rahway, NJ 07065 Tom and Alexis Bannos Christos and Sophia Koutzoulis 110 Lawrence Drive 234 Myrtle Ave Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 Garwood, NJ 07027

The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 9 WHAT CAN WE LEARN from the CoVid Pandemic

ur world has been turned people. The changes it has brought have forward in the light of this experience upside down, but this time led us to a greater awareness of the lack and the lessons it can teach us, should we has led many of us to realize of control we have over our lives. persevere in familiar habits and patterns importantO life-changing truths. This disruption reminds us that of life, or commit ourselves to a change The coronavirus has destabilized the something very small and invisible can of course? economic, political, and social life of make us vulnerable, and it forces us to Here are some symbols that reflect the many countries around the world and think about where we stand and how experiences of this period, which can has affected the way of life of millions of we’re facing this challenge. Looking point to lessons for our future.

 Staying at home: Returning to the intimacy of family life. By staying at home, we’ve regained the courage to look inward, to share more with our loved ones and to live the sacrifice of being part of a greater good as a family. It’s helped us to understand that there’s a whole universe to be discovered in the intimacy of our homes and within ourselves, a universe that we could easily ignore before because of our busy daily routines.  Face masks: Learning to keep silent. Spending more time at home could motivate us to talk more, but face masks help remind us to keep our mouths closed. Instead of rushing to talk, interrupting or ignoring others while pretending to listen, we’re being invited to practice a little silence. Being silent gives us the opportunity to discover and understand other people’s point of view. Listening more closely takes us away from our own egos to let in the hearts and minds of others.  Places transformed into hospitals: Making room for everyone. This period has been a time of change in favor of common objectives. Buildings such as schools and hotels have been transformed into hospitals, providing space to help others. We learned that we need to cultivate mutual help and practice solidarity in order to take care of each other and assume more responsibility. It’s helped us, in a way, to see that loneliness is inhuman and destructive, and that we are more than a set of random individuals; we are a society, a human family. Our personal good is inseparable from the common good; we cannot really progress if each one of us seeks solutions totally independently and without regard for the whole community.  Deserted streets and famous places: Leaving aside the superficial. The virus has brought down many of our plans, programs and scheduled trips. We’ve had to abandon some pleasures we were used to: comforts, places and spaces with which we filled our lives, but which in the end offered us nothing that would last. Stay-at-home orders have been an occasion to abandon the bad habit of making plans as ends in themselves, and to free ourselves from “doing for the sake of doing” without finding the true meaning of things. It’s taken us away from distractions, and has helped us to put the focus back on what really matters. This brings us closer to understanding the true purpose and value of things.  Fewer cars on the road: A moment of rest on the way. The period of staying home seems to have taught us that when we stop for a moment on the journey of life, it can serve as an opportunity to reflect and renew our plans for the future. There are benefits in breaks!

10 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey GOYA Update

 BY ARIANA TARHANIDIS, GOYA PRESIDENT t’s summertime! Remember back The majority of our GOYA respon- we’ve all become zoom experts - we’ve in March, when time was mov- sibilities and activities are carried out held several zoom calls to have meetings ing as slow as molasses and the in-person. Although Covid-19 cancelled and elections, and I think we all really uncertaintyI of what was to come in the the end of our year, our Olympics - in enjoyed getting to see and talk to each months ahead convinced us summer addition to other events such as our other, for being separated so suddenly 2020 was doomed? Flash forward to Sights & Sounds Post-Show - we man- after Sights & Sounds. the present; I hope everyone enjoyed the aged to find new ways of doing what we As I mentioned earlier, we held elec- beautiful summer by practicing social do best with the help of modern tech- tions during our meetings and here are distancing. nology. Firstly, I’m sure I can say that the results:

President: Thomas Savorgiannakis Outreach Coordinators: George Leunes & Lia Ioannou

Vice President: Julia Love Outreach Committee: Catie Carayannopoulos, Nadia Tarhanidis, Maria Vitoroulis Treasurer: John Colonias Mr. Westfield Goya: Nicholas Zotos, Recording Secretary: Francesca Kastanos Miss Westfield Goya: Despina Tarhanidis Corresponding Secretary: Despina Tarhanidis Divers: Jr. Girl - Catie Carayannopoulos, Sr. Girl - Molly Board Members: Athena Ioannou, Bobby Liberatos, Love, Jr. Boy - Bobby Liberatos, Sr. Boy - Thomas Molly Love, Matt Sales, Niko Skalkotos, Alex Tauber, Savorgiannakis Alexandra Vasilopoulos, Maggie Vasilopoulos

As restrictions eased, we were also Family Care and the Food Bank Net- important that we remember those who able to surprise Mr. Ron Cerini by work of Somerset delivering to Cran- are struggling - those who started re- presenting him with the Good Friend ford, Bound Brook, North Plainfield cently or who have been for a while - and Award on May 20th. The Executive and Bridgewater areas. It was a huge give back in any way we can, whether it Board and Advisors gathered in the success - we received $843.53 that will be by volunteering or making monetary Cerini’s backyard, where Stamati An- be used for the 2021 Mission Trip. Safe or material item donations. We thank gelides and John Colonias presented distancing was practiced and everyone those who donated and those who Mr. Cerini with the plaque that would was happy to reconnect with some of helped us hold these successful, social- have been presented to him at our Sights our Church family! distancing style events! and Sounds Post-Show in March. We On June 4, GOYA delivered $340 As this is my final Promise article, I thank you Mr. Cerini for all of your worth of frozen food and diapers to the would like to take a moment to reflect hard work and contribution to our Holy Trinity Catholic Church Food and share my gratitude for leading this GOYA; especially with our band and Bank in Westfield, NJ. They were very exceptional GOYA. I am proud of what in the kitchen, putting smiles on our appreciative. Due to the high volume we have accomplished under these dis- faces and keeping us well-fed with your of people that are in need now, they tressed times. I am humbled by being delicious food. are having a hard time keeping up with around a community that is so sup- On May 9, our GOYA held a Cloth- inventory. We also donated $500 to portive and will help me and my fellow ing and Food Drive. The clothing ASP ( Appalachia Service Project). This seniors in our future endeavors. I hope (including bedding, blankets, sheets, money will be used to help ASP com- to see our GOYA flourish under new towels, shoes and toys) will go to people plete some of their more critical home leadership next year and continue to who are in need, and the food that was projects in West Virginia. build on the foundation of the GOYA collected was delivered to The Cranford During these troubling times, it is mission. 

The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 11 Senior Speakers Sophia Carayannopoulos, left Christian Agathis, right 2020 Holy Trinity Graduates, below

12 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 13 Tremendous Thanks  BY REV. FR. PETER DELVIZIS

I would like to commend all those through prayer. When we pray to conducted and live-streamed. faithful individuals who selflessly our merciful Lord asking for His It would do us well to thank our have given of themselves in ser- grace, not only are we protected chanters, parish council mem- vice to the church during this by His care but also are mysti- bers, and faithful parishioners CoVid-10 Pandemic. While the cally connected to each other. who have been here filling the chanters and I have not missed The very definition of the Church church with their love and com- conducting a single service in face is the Body of Christ - each of us mitment. of this disease, these key figures connected to one another and the Additionally, many of these also have been constantly here whole body connected to Christ same people helped me develop ensuring that you, the faithful, do as the Head. The Church uses procedures that adhere to state not miss any service celebrated the imagery of a Bridegroom and and federal guidelines for re- at Holy Trinity. Even in the early the Bride to illustrate this intimate opening. Currently now that the days of this pandemic they braved and joyous relationship. This is the church is open, they help guide the uncertainty of this virus and Eucharistic Assembly. the faithful when attending ser- were present in church doing their The divine services use prayer vices, maintain logs and registra- Christian duty undeterred. to keep us united. In recent tion platforms, in addition to their It is important that we stay con- months, the faithful were unable regular responsibilities. Each of us nected with each other during to attend services. I cannot thank are indebted to them and thank these difficult times. And there these people for stepping forward them profusely for their faithful is no better way to do this than to make sure every service was works. 

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church CLASSIFIEDS Contact the Church Office if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Promise! 14 Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey Ioanna Tsolaki, DDS, DMD, MS Board Certified Periodontist

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The Promise ^ September 2020 ^ Volume 44, Issue 4 15 Non Profit Org. US postage PAID Rahway, NJ Permit No. 654

Contact Information Office Staff Ministries Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd. Office Manager Diana R. Waltsak Parish Council George Colonias Westfield, NJ 07090-1109 Admin. Assistant E. Joy Daniledes Philoptochos Ellen Manos-Athenson Phone 908-233-8533 Caretaker Madalena Czachor Religious Education Anthony Bosco Fax 908-233-0623 Greek School Stavroula Mergoupis Worship E-mail [email protected] Greek School PTO Melissa Krikos Web site holytrinitywestfield.org Lead Psaltis Pascalis Kuvalakis Youth (GOYA) Ariana Tarhanidis Choir Director Kathryn Athanasoulas JOY / HOPE Presiding Priest Rev. Fr. Peter Delvizis Kathy Drivas Organist Phyllis Verenes TOTS Valerie Comprelli E-mail [email protected] Head Acolyte Elias Carayannopoulos Bookstore Sandy Mouratoglou Cultural Celia Kapsomera, Co-chair Nitsa Bruno, Co-chair Schedule of Services The Promise: Volume 44, Issue 4 Trinity Circle Avi Kiriakatis Sundays Weekdays 10 issues published annually. Fellowship Lauren Karanikolas Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM No subscription fee. Article deadline - 10th of the preceding month 16 Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM