ST. NICHOLAS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2021 Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis (314) 974-4613
Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH (314) 425-9641 4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE Church/FLC Office: (314) 361-6924 ST. LOUIS, MO 63108 Office Administrator: Gracie Livaditis Bookkeeper: Diane Winkler ST. NICHOLAS FAMILY LIFE CENTER 12550 S. FORTY DRIVE Email: [email protected] ST. LOUIS, MO 63141 Website: www.sngoc.org
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
What is Love? By George Tsongranis, MDiv
“I love your new SUV!” “I love this restaurant!” “I love that movie’s soundtrack.” Countless times, I have expressed these types of sentiments. Perhaps in my eagerness to describe a sincere appreciation for things, I casually say I love them. As innocent as this may appear, I begin to suspect that the careless and repeated misapplication of a word—especially one as foundational as love—tends to dull its rich meaning. Since “God is love” (1 John 4:8), that word should be reserved primarily for my affection for God and neighbor.
In 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, St. Paul delivers one of the most beautiful passages ever offered on the nature of love. Love, he says, is long-suffering and kind. It rejoices in truth and bears all things. It believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends. St. Paul’s message is profound, stirring, and timeless. In a contemporary society that often encourages prideful individualism, love is the corrective measure.
Christ Himself designates love as the identifying mark of His followers: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35). Love, then, is the God-given attribute that creates and sustains existence itself. We innately desire to love and be loved. God’s unfathomable love for us, exemplified through Christ’s death on the cross, calls us to both give love and accept love.
We do not have to abandon our fondness for cars, food, music, or other “stuff.” Indeed, God created matter for our sustenance and measured enjoyment. However, the heart’s greatest desires and concerns should primarily exhibit a relational aspect, indicative of the high priority of our connection to God and others. This is the significance and aim of our love. We are beings, made in God’s image and after His likeness, that will, ideally, not only speak the word love with greater consideration but live by its divine nature as well.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021 St. Nicholas Servants 2021 PARISH COUNCIL Helen Y. Carey, President 314-750-0745 Carol Kamburis, Vice-President Chris Sarantakis, Secretary George Ellis, DDS, Treasurer Pete Stavrides, MD, Assistant Treasurer John Davis Niko Georges Yemane Habtu Jonathan Hartley Marilynn Jemas Amdemariam Keleta William Mastorakos, DDS, MS Bill Nicozisin Joe Palazzola Stephanie Benos Tyler
AUDIT COMMITTEE Mark Vleisides, Chairperson 314-576-2898 Roxana Couteranis
CEMETERY COMMITTEE Janet Hunnius, Chairperson 314-353-3191 Bill Karides 314-422-1968
CHURCH SCHOOL Director Bess Fitzmaurice 314-602-5406
DANCE TROUPE Georgia Johnson 314-832-0061
ELECTION COMMITTEE Mark Vleisides, Chairperson Paul Leara Pat Lekich Demmie Nicozisin
GREETERS COMMITTEE Lyndia Finer, Director 314-960-3384
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Jonathan Hartley 618-520-9569 MEMBERS NEEDED George Papulis
LIBRARY COMMITTEE Please consider joining the stewardship committee chaired by Elaine Coulson, Chairperson 314-991-5033 Chris Zaharias Mary Ann Mastorakos and Demetrios Tsikalas. It is a rewarding
“NEXT 100” committee to be as a member to help move our parish forward. Dan Tarlas, Chairperson 314-713-5500 If you are interested please contact Mary Ann at 636-532-3222 or PHILOPTOCHOS Carol Kamburis, President 314-803-2451 email at [email protected] or myself 314-974-1103 or by email
PHYSICAL FACILITIES -CHURCH [email protected] Dino Pappas, Chairperson 314-707-8118 Jonathan Hartley Thank you and God bless, PHYSICAL FACILITIES –FLC Nick Tharenos, Chairperson 314-576-7011 George Ellis, DDS, Treasurer Demos Argyros Nick Koskolos
PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE Christina Anastas 314-647-4636 Looking for an easy way to help Andrew Galakatos, MD 314-922-4457 Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619 pay down the debt Basil Pappas 314-368-6026 Leon Spanos 314-966-5176 Join the $54-A-Month Club! Chris Varvares 314-374-3647
PRISON MINISTRY Clark Porter, Director 314-518-6747 If enough parishioners were to set up a SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE monthly $54 auto draft from their bank checking account or charge to a Peter Takes 314-503-0358 Amanuel Habtu credit card, we could cover our monthly mortgage payment. Deb Palazzola
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Fr. Doug Papulis YOU can contribute to our monthly mortgage payment, Fr. Michael Arbanas for only $54 a month! Mary Ann Mastorakos
WEBSITE Please contact Diane at the Church office at 314.361.6924 Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
January Parish Council President’s Message
Happy New Year!
May the New Year bring us health and happiness, and may the blessings of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ always be with us.
As we begin the New Year, our focus will be on increasing our Stewardship for 2021. We love our parish family and we want to share our message, grow our ministries and expand our reach. Although we have not been able to meet in person, our ministries have been modified in order to continue to be strong. Orthodoxy and Beyond, virtual adult education classes, have been very well attended. We are grateful to Father Doug, Dr. Valarie Karras, and Mr. Euripides “Rip” Kastaris for hosting these very informative sessions and sharing their love and passion for Orthodoxy with us. Sunday School continues to meet via Zoom, our families celebrated the feast day of our Church with a St. Nicholas Day Car Parade at the FLC, and even participated in a virtual Christmas Cookie Decorating Party! We thank Father Michael and Bess Fitzmaurice for their hard work and dedication.
In mid-December, we were honored to have been visited by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. He praised us for our diligence and efforts in keeping our community safe and strong.
We continue to monitor our properties and keep up with maintenance. We are working towards going paperless with our filing systems. We offer our sincerest gratitude to Deborah Palazzola for accepting the challenge of updating and maintaining our Parish database. In the mail, you will receive a current profile form, please review this form and make any additions and corrections. Return this form as quickly as possible to church office, so that we may update your information and keep you current in our database.
In closing, I would like to thank everyone this past year that worked tirelessly for our parish family to ensure the safety and viability of our church.
In Christ’s Work, Helen Yiatras Carey
Congratulations again to Michael Ferretti, our inaugural Servant Leadership Award recipient. Due to the pandemic, the Metropolis of Chicago postponed the banquet last May 2020 to honor all of the recipients. We were honored to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago last month, as he presented Michael Ferretti with the Metropolis Bronze Cross Award. AXIOS!
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Historic Ghana Clergy Stewardship Retreat Andrew J. Lekos
Over a period of three days, from Nov. 19-21, history was made in Ghana when eleven local clergy gathered at the Archdiocese center in the capital city of Accra to participate in a virtual retreat on Stewardship conducted by OCMC team members in the United States. His Eminence Metropolitan Petros of Accra noted that this retreat was so important because it supports his clergy, who are on the “frontline” of leading their communities. In his welcoming address His Eminence stated, “The birth of our Lord celebrates stewardship,” reminding the participants of the greatest of all gifts that we receive – our Lord’s birth.
While the COVID-19 restrictions have temporarily halted in-person teams, including an earlier summer Ghana clergy retreat, OCMC has adapted by conducting virtual teams with members from the United States engaging in online instruction with Orthodox faithful overseas through video conferencing platforms. The US team consisted of Fr. Jerome Cwiklinski of Oceanside, CA, Fr. Robert Holet of Troy, VA, and Fr. Paul Jannakos of Orland Park, IL, who presented on the priestly role in Orthodox stewardship.
The concept of stewardship is relatively new to the clergy in Ghana. Fr. Joseph Kwame Labi, the event coordinator, noted, “The clergy need to be informed and motivated regarding stewardship and their role in this ministry. The Church cannot depend solely on external support. The clergy need to understand, ‘Why should parishes support ministers, ministry, administration, projects, etc.?’”
His Eminence also referenced the "gospel of prosperity," acknowledging that “Ghana is very "charismatic" and that certain “prosperity gospel” preachers make a lot of money by preying on the gullibility of poor and naïve people. His Eminence encouraged his clergy, saying that the motives of stewardship should always be gratitude for the gifts God has given us and using those gifts for His work, always with love, compassion and joy.
In Ghana many Orthodox feel isolated because the Orthodox Church is a minority religion, but the presentations reminded the clergy to apply their limited resources to continue offering a witness of the Orthodox Faith. They were reminded that their priestly witness is “in communion” with the Saints and rooted in Scripture.
One participant shared that “stewardship is a gift from God and must be used well, and it is not just for the priest, but for everyone.” Another shared how he now sees stewardship as a “mission of service,” and that he needs to always be ready to offer his service.
Mission Team Director Andrew Lekos joined with Fr. Kwame and thanked the Team members and all the clergy Ghana clergy who participated. Lekos also acknowledged other past team members who donated funds to help pay for the costs associated with this virtual event.
This Virtual Team, and the many others that are taking place around the world, are OCMC’s response to the needs that exist. Contact the OCMC Teams Department for more information about how you can participate on a Virtual Team. (904) 829 5132 ext. 141 or email [email protected]
Note the Holy Metropolis of Accra includes in its jurisdiction the countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso.
------As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618-447-9688, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries. Thank you for your continued support!
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021 ST. NICHOLAS YOUTH & FAMILY
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Epiphany of our Lord January 6
Introduction The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit— were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God.
Biblical Story The Biblical story of the Baptism of Christ is recorded in all four of the Gospels: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-9, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:31-34.
John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus and the one chosen by God to proclaim His coming, was preaching in the wilderness and was baptizing all who would respond to his message calling for repentance. As he was doing this, John was directing the people toward the one who would baptize them with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).
The Scriptures tell us that Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. Initially, John would not do this, saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus said to John, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness (3:15). John consented and baptized Jesus.
When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened suddenly, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Bible records that the Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on him. When this happened, a voice came from heaven and said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” This was the voice of God the Father.
Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son.
The theme of “manifestation” or “revelation” is also expressed in Scripture with the symbolism of light. In the hymn of the Feast we sing, “Christ has appeared and enlightened the world.” Thus, January 6 is also known as the Feast of Lights. The Church celebrates on this day the illumination of the world by the light of Christ.
The Orthodox Celebration of the Feast of Epiphany The celebration of this Feast of our Lord begins on January 5, a day known as the Forefeast of Theophany. Depending on the day of the week, this could be an evening service with Vespers followed by the Liturgy of Saint Basil or a morning service with Matins and the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. Following the service on January 5, the service of the Blessing of the Waters is conducted. Prior to the evening or morning service the Royal Hours with the Typika are said.
On January 6, the day of the Feast, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom is conducted preceded by Matins and followed by the second Blessing of the Waters.
The Blessing of the Waters is conducted in the church; however in many places throughout the world services are conducted near open bodies of water. As a sign of blessing as Christ blessed the Jordan, holy water is poured into the body of water. An associated tradition has been the tossing of a cross into the water to be retrieved by divers.
The holy water from the church is given to the faithful to consume and to use in blessing their homes. In the weeks following the Feast, clergy visit the homes of parishioners and conduct a service of blessing using the holy water that was blessed on the Feast of Theophany.
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
ICON COLORING PAGE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church - St. Louis, Missouri Level 3 Guidelines for Attending Divine Services
BEFORE ATTENDING SERVICES
• YOU SHOULD NOT ATTEND CHURCH - If you have any signs or symptoms of COVID 19 as outlined in the CDC guide- lines or have come in contact with anyone showing such symptoms, or if you have come into contact with COVID 19 positive persons within the last 2 weeks.
• Advanced registration is required to attend services. Signup information for JANUARY can be found at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4CAAAD2AA5FB6-divine7 If you need assistance signing up through the online platform, please call the church office .
• Divine Services will continue to be Livestreamed on our YouTube channel for parishioners who are unable to attend.
• Upon entering St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the Family Life Center, you agree to adhere to social distancing and safety guidelines being practiced in accordance to the CDC, St. Louis City, St. Louis County and the Metropolis of Chicago.
CHURCH ATTENDANCE
• ARRIVE ON TIME - To ensure we adhere to all the requirement and guidelines we appreciate you arriving to Church on time.
• MASKS REQUIRED - All parishioners attending Church are required to wear protective face masks. Masks must be worn at all times except when receiving Holy Communion. Please provide your own mask.
• MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE - Please remember to stay a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from others. Refrain from shaking hands or kissing others during the service.
FOLLOW PARISH INSTRUCTIONS • The front wooden doors of the Church will be the only door available for entrance into the Church. All other doors will be locked and access will be limited to restrooms.
• You will be checked in by an assigned volunteer. Please make sure to register in advance through our signup platform.
• You will have the opportunity to light candles which will be handed to you by a Parish Council member. Please have exact change or continue with your online candle donations.
• Hands must be sanitized at specific areas throughout the Church at the provided hand sanitation stations.
• Honor the icons with a reverent bow and making the sign of the cross instead of kissing the icons.
• You will be ushered to your seat. Families may sit together, all others will be seated 6’ apart.
• Divine Liturgy books and parish publications will not be available. Please follow along on AGES digital chant stand app.
• Please follow the instructions by the designated ushers for Holy Communion.
OFFERINGS - Collection baskets will not to be passed. At the end of Liturgy, a basket will be placed in the back and parishioners will be encouraged to leave their donation as they exit. Or you may continue with your online donations.
WORSHIP SERVICE CONCLUDES • At the conclusion of the service, you will be dismissed by the ushers to exit. • There will be no fellowship coffee hour.
*Non-Liturgical Services continue to be suspended*
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
St. Nicholas Cherubs "Mom to Mom Ministry" (For moms of infants to preschoolers)
The virtual book club series has been postponed until after the new year. Stay tuned for more information! For any questions or to get involved, please contact Bess Fitzmaurice [email protected]
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Your Spiritual Home presents Orthodoxy & Beyond Iconography, Windows of Eternity With Iconographer and Artist, Rip Kastaris Virtual Adult Education Series
Join Fr. Doug & your fellow Parishioners for a virtual adult education series for those who wish to deepen their appreciation of the Orthodox faith, worship, and traditions.
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.
1/13 1/20 1/27 2/3 2/10 2/17
~Please contact the Church Office for the Zoom Link~
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
January 2021 - Philoptochos Philanthropy
In December, Jeanne Tompras and Elaine Coulson put together bags of baby blankets, baby hats and face masks for Nurses for Newborns, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER – JANUARY 2021
Happy New Year! Although we were operating “virtually” during most of 2020, the Ladies of St. Nicholas Philoptochos remain steadfast in continuing our mission and ministries. Our heartfelt thanks to the Philoptochos Board, Executive Board, and entire Membership for their continued support, hard work, and countless hours spent serving on committees, in order to meet our Philoptochos commitments – locally and nationally. Thank you for being generous with your time and talents. A special thank you to Father Doug Papulis and Father Michael Arbanas for their continued spiritual support, love, and guidance.
Annual Vasilopita Celebration – Sunday, January 10 - Philoptochos will host its Annual Vasilopita Celebration with proceeds to support St. Basil’s Academy. For more than half a century, St. Basil’s Academy has provided a “home away from home” for Orthodox young people who come from broken homes, or are victims of poverty, abuse or abandonment.
2021 Membership Drive - As we begin the New Year, 2021, with hope, faith, and renewed enthusiasm toward the Philoptochos mission to minister to the underprivileged, we want to invite women of all ages to join the St. Nicholas Philoptochos Society. Being a member of Philoptochos means being a part of something greater than yourself, it means making the world a better place. It is our tradition of philanthropy, our living and practicing Orthodox faith, which enables and encourages us to serve with compassion, dignity and respect. It is now the time to Invite you to offer your talents to our mission. It is now the time to Embrace your ideas of compassion for our fellow man. It is now the time to Involve yourself by offering your talents and ideas for the betterment of our community. Come join us! When making your 2021 pledge, please consider the following: $21.00 of each pledge is used to fulfill yearly commitments to the National & Metropolis Philoptochos. The balance of your pledge supports our local chapter of St. Nicholas Philoptochos. Please mail checks payable to: St. Nicholas Philoptochos to 4967 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Stewardship is due no later than March 1, 2021.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Vasilopita
College Students/Parents of College Students The Ladies of St. Nicholas Philoptochos would like to keep in touch with our college students. Please email Dominica Redman at [email protected] the following information: name, address, cell phone number and email of the college student. Even if you have sent us the information in the past, please send it again so we can keep our records up to date. If the college student is living at home, please still send us all their information so all our college students are included! Thank you!
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
PARISH LIFE FUNERALS † George Kantis fell asleep in the Lord on November 25, 2020. His funeral was on December 1, 2020. May his Memory be Eternal. † Grace Morris fell asleep in the Lord on December 5, 2020. May her Memory be Eternal. † Chrisoula Tomaras fell asleep in the Lord on December 12, 2020. Her funeral was on December 15, 2020. May her Memory be Eternal. † Frieda Maleas fell asleep in the Lord on December 16, 2020. Her funeral was on December 21, 2020. May her Memory be Eternal.
MEMORIALS † 40 Day Memorial for Chrisoula Tomaras on January 17, 2021. † 3 Year Memorial for Tasia Millonas on January 31, 2021.
BAPTISMS Valerie Katerina Mann, daughter of Maria and Austin Mann, was Baptized on December 27, 2020. Her Godmother is Katerina Karas. Congratulations!
WEDDINGS Congratulations to Lia Glynias and Carlos Restrepo who were married on December 31, 2020!
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
CHURCH FUND ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH In Memory of Katherine Ellis RENOVATIONS In Memory of Fay Thavorides -Jim, Terry, Nick & Shelby Demos In Memory of Katherine Ellis -Dr. & Mrs. George Pelican -Pete & Kay Koronis -Mary Volas -Harry & Georgia Pliakos -Bob & Mary Muckler -Anne Thavorides & Family -Emily Yale In Memory of Fay Thavorides -Deno Scoular -Chris Tsichlis -Georgia Doumouras -Dr. Zerdecki -Bill & Fo Shisko -Konstantinos & Georgia Antonopoulos -Olga Salas THE NEXT 100 CAPITAL -Kathy & Terry Livaditis -Mary Vidakis CAMPAIGN -Ron & Elaine Been -Stella Gitchos In Memory of Katherine Ellis -Kurt & Loukia Smith -George O. & Anna Marie Chrissos In Memory of Janine Chohlis -Maria Stamelos -Pat Leontsinis -Mary C. Mastorakos -Harry & Georgia Pliakos In Memory of Fay Thavorides -George & Priscilla Galakatos ST. NICHOLAS GREEK DANCERS -Thimios & Mary Zanetos In Memory of Violetta Papagianis King -Chris & Tina Paradowski In Memory of Chrisoula Tomaras -Catherine King & Michael Krutzsch -Patricia Antonopoulos Parker -Janet E. Papageorge -Christina & Tom Ginos In Memory of Chrisoula Tomaras -David Sewall ST. NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS -Kathy & Terry Livaditis -Mary C. Mastorakos SOCIETY -Bill & Fo Shisko -The Sevastianos Family In Memory of Fay Thavorides -Michael & Jenny Pappas -Ron & Elaine Been -Pete & Estelle Papadopoulos -Connie & Jim Moore -Sam & Maureen Mezines -John Milonas & Robert Ramsey In Memory of Vanka Arbanas -Cynthia Milonas -Thomas Dafnides -George & Diane Ellis -Ann Prstojevich In Memory of Ana Guta -Nicholas & Kathleen Ginos -Anamaria Guta -Pete & Teresa Stavrides -Jeanne Tompras
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Dear St. Nicholas Parish Family,
In an effort to communicate the status of our loan for the St. Nicholas Family Life Center & renovations to St. Nicholas Church, below is a condensed timeline to recap the past 20 years.
1999: Purchased 10 acres in Town & Country for $2,500,000
2003: Retired the land loan for a total of $3,200,000
2010: First St. Nicholas Capital Campaign raised $4,000,000 in pledges and construction began on the St. Nicholas Family Life Center
Total cost to complete construction of the St. Nicholas Family Life Center and major renovations to St. Nicholas Church on Forest Park of $8,500,000
2012: Signed loan documents for $5,855,024
2015: Refinanced to a lower 3% interest municipal bond loan of $5,273,184
2020: Extended our current municipal bond loan for 5 years at the same 3% interest rate and continuing the same amortization schedule.
2020: As of December 10, 2020 our current loan amount is $3,923,960.86 — Our monthly mortgage payment is $25,500
We have made significant strides towards paying off our debt. Thank you for your continued love and dedication to our parish.
Sincerely, George Ellis, DDS, Treasurer
2021 STEWARDSHIP
YOU are the reason St. Nicholas continues to thrive.
You should have received in the mail the 2021 Stewardship Pledge Form. Please remember to fill it out and return in the envelope provided or please fill out the 2021 Pledge Form on the following page and mail to church. Thank you! May God bless and keep you.
Thoughts from Faithful Stewards of St. Nicholas Church
How the Church has helped The Scarpino Family during the difficult times in 2020…
“The church and our faith have been ever so important to us, especially this year. With the increasing pressure and uncertainty of the pandemic, looking to and trusting in our Lord has given us a sense of peace during this difficult time. Although we may not be able to be present at church as much as we would like, the fact that we can gather around the television as a family and still participate in service has been a welcome alternative.” -The Scarpino Family
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
https://bit.ly/37tjgjT
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Stewardship 2020 (As of December 1, 2020)
LEADERSHIP ST. NICHOLAS Leadership St. Nicholas: A minimum financial commitment of $10,000 per year for 10 years. Your contribution is considered to be your annual Stewardship pledge as well as making you a contributor to Paying Down the Mortgage, AND it provides you with a Brick from the Brick Campaign. In addition, you may have scheduled use of the Family Life Center Facility once per year of your membership without a rental charge. If you have an existing outstanding Capital Campaign pledge, you need to fulfill it in a timely manner.
• Demos, Gus • Efthim, Andrew • Galakatos, Andrew • Galakatos, Gregory and JoAnn • Grayson, William and Diana • Hart, James and Theodora • Kalomas, Dean • Millonas, Dean and Michelle • Pulos, Jason and Barbara • Russon, John and Gina • Rutter, Katherine • Sewall, David • Souris, George • Stavrides, Pete D. & Teresa • Tarlas, George and Kimberly • Varvares, Chris and Jill
SUPER STEWARDS St. Nicholas Super Stewards: A minimum financial commitment of 5% of household income or $5,000. Your contribution is considered to be your annual Stewardship pledge as well as making you a contributor to Paying Down the Mortgage, AND it provides you with a Brick from the Brick Campaign. If you have an existing outstanding Capital Campaign pledge, you need to fulfill it in a timely manner.
• Arbanas, Fr. Michael and Pres. Caroline • Mastorakos, Mary • Efthim, Frank and Carol • Mitchell, Bill and Charlene • Efthim, Janet • Papulis, Fr. Doug and Pres. Christina • Ellis, George and Diane • Salas, Sakis & Cathy • Ferretti, Michael and Georgia • Tompras, Jeanne • Jemas, Justin and Margaret • Tsikalas, Demetrios and Jackie • Kamburis, Michael and Maria • Vleisides, Mark and Renee • Koch, John and Mary Anne • *Anonymous • Leara, Paul and Helen • *Anonymous • Lemakis, Harry and Christine
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Stewards 2020 (As of December 1, 2020)
Al-Bussairi, Stephanie Christy, John & Mary Finer, Lyndia Hinely, Andrew & Sophia Alexander, Stacey Chronopoulos, Panagiota Fitzmaurice, Sean & Vasiliki Hinni, Aaron and Kathy Ambrozat, Julia Clemens, Daniel and Vicki Fleshman, Dorothy & Ronald Holt, Zachary and Demetra Anastas, Christina Clones, John Fluchel, Brian and Elizabeth Hotaling, Nicol Anastas, Mary Ellen Cluck, Sophia Forsting, Leonard & Katherine Houseman, John and Stephanie Anastas, Nicholas & Jamie Cornelius, James and Athena Foster, Anthony and Effie Hunnius, Janet Anastasios, Louis & Catherine Corona, Stephany Fotinos, William James, George and Georgia Angelides, Mary Coulson, William and Elaine Fournier, Michael & Pamela James, John and Frances Angelides, Michael & Juliet Couteranis, Roxana Francis, William and Voula Jemas, Noel and Marilynn Angelides, Nicholas & Sarah Crocker, Timothy and Joanna Fridrich, Daniel & Vaso Johnson, Duane and Katherine Angelos, George Cutsoukos, Maria Fryrear, Jennifer Johnson, Pantelis & Georgia Angelos, Steve Dafnides, Antigoni Fryrear, Jim and Stacie Jurgiel, Robert and Stacy Angelos, Vasso Dafnides, Thomas Fryrear, Natalie Kallaos, Irene Antoniou, Vanessa Dagartzikas, Anastasios Gaddis, James and Angelina Kallaos, Tom and Mersine Antonopoulos, Konstantinos Damos, George Gaddis, Nicholas Kamakas, Nicholas & Mary and Georgia Davenport, Scott Galakatos, Christopher Kamburis, Carol Appel, Michael and Patti Davis, Ernest and Elaine and Kimberly Kamburis, Sandra Argyros, Demos and Mary Davis, John and Mimi Galakatos, Krys Kapodistrias, Gus & Dianne Athanasiadis, Christos Dedes, Fr. Seraphim Galakatos, Theresa Karakas, Achilles & Dorothea and Penelope Demmas, Helen Gallo, Bernardo and Francine Karakas, Nicholas Balducci, Angela Demos, James and Theresa Ginos, Nicholas & Kathleen Karides, William and Pam Barton, Richard & Alexandra Demos, Theodore and Helen Georges, Anthony and Sonja Karras, Frieda Been, Rodney and Elaine Dendrinelis, Socrates Georges, Helen Kastaris, Harriet Bendas, Nick and Dianne Devers, Brennan & Alexandra Georges, Niko and Alexia Katsaras, Nicholas Betta, Nickolas and Danene Dillas, James and Stephanie Georges, Patricia Katsiyiannis, Michelle Betta, Steve and Carol Dimza, Elaine Georges, William Kavadas, Jimmy and Brenda Bollis, Alexander and Kathleen Dimza, Eugenia Georgeson, Efrosene Kavanaugh, Phillip and Elaine Bose, Diana Dimza, Ted Germanos, John E. Kazanas, Dan and Anne Botonis, Diane Doias, Theodore and Beverly Germanos, Nicholas Kazanas, Maria Botonis, Dina Doran, Michael Ginos, Naso Kazanas III, Dan Botonis, George Dougherty, David & Stephanie Ginos, Thomas & Christina Kekeris, James and Cleopatra Botonis, Nick and Jamie Doumouras, Georgia Gitchos, Louis Keleta, Andemariam & Measho Boudoures, Kerry Duffy, John and Elizabeth Gitchos, Stella Kerr, Tom and Christina Brown, Jim and Anna Dugan, Deborah Glastris, George Kilper, Charles and Christina Buck, Christine Eck, Dimitri Glikos, George and JoAnn King, Ordie Bude, George Eckert, Ronald and Georgia Glioumas, George & Stephanie King, Tinna Burch, Robert and Cindy Efthim, Christopher & Sabrina Glynias, Alexandra Kirkou, Eugenia Calbos, Virginia Efthim, Elizabeth Glynias, Olympia Kohr, Connie Camene, Timothy & Christine Efthim, Mary Glynias, Stefan and Elizabeth Konczak, Leopold & Cynthia Carey, Dennis and Helen Efthim, Paul and Christina Golfin, Byron and Carolyn Kondis, Nick and Jamie Cassimatis, Carol Efthim, Richard and Dena Grant, Christopher & Georgiana Kontoleon, Ann Cassimatis, Nicholas & Susan Efthim, Stephanie Guarino, James Kontras, Demitra Cassimatis, Ted and Stacey Efthim, Steven Habtu, Amanuel Kontras, Nikki Casten, Christopher Ellis, Katherine Habtu, Yemane & Abrahatzion Koskolos, Nick and Helen Catalano, James and Sarah Elwood, Thomas and Patricia Halley, Demetra Kotis, Jimmy & Anastasia Catalano, John English, Jim and Jennifer Harris, Barbara Koutsogiannis, Bill and Atha Catsavis, Gus Ettel, Linda Hartley, Jonathan Ceno, Mihallaq & Monika Fakonas, Tasso and Tina Hartley, Lee and Generosa Chakides, Adonis Fandos, Alice Hartman, Jeffrey and Polly Charles, Harry Ferretti, Edward Hedgecock, Ronald & Dianne Chrissos, George and Anna Ferretti, Peter and Tonya Heine, Betty
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly Newsletter January 2021
Stewards 2020 (As of December 1, 2020)
Lampros, Susan Murphy, Ian and Lexi Rigas, Jim Thavorides, Tom and Vicki Lange, Daniel & Sarah Nakis, Emmanuel and Gina Roemer, Scot and Christiane Theodore, George LaPasso, Leonard & Alexandra Natsis, Stavroula Rogers, Kyle Theodorou, Argyirios Lazorchak, Tula Nezamis, Peter and Anastasia Rogers, Ronald and Katherine and Evangelia Leara, Christopher Nichoalds, Joe and Helen Salas, Olga Theodorou, George and Debra Leebolt, Matt and Gloria Nicozisin, William and Linda Sarantakis, Chris and Tina Thompson, Kyle and Cecily Lekich, David and Patricia Nicozisin, Demetra Schaaf, John & Stephanie Tomaras, Chrysoula Lemakis, Peter Nicozisin, Pres. Sylvia Schabelski, Benjamin & Kathleen Tompras, Anthony Limberatos, Paraskevi O'Hara, Thomas and Mary Schildroth, Irene Trakas, Evelyn Liringis, Elizabeth Orf, Roland and Cynthia Schriedel, Jesse and Kristina Triantafillou, Christos & Randi Livaditis, Terry and Kathy Otso, Carl and Nancy Sears, Katherine Tsiaklides, Michael and Vickie Livaditis, Dino and Grace Ott, Stephen and Diana Sevastianos, Noel and Evangelia Tsichlis, Penny Lockwood, Andrea Palazzola, Joseph and Deborah Shamia, Constantin and Janet Tsilimantos, Niki Lynch, Robert and Janice Panopoulos, Dina Shasserre, Richard and Katia Tsimpris, Catherine Macheras, Clara Panopoulos, Dimitrios & Cathy Sheridan, Robert and Georgine Tsiopos, Kalliope Maddux, Michael and Susan Panopoulos, Kosta & Chrysoula Shisko, William and Fotina Tsoukas, Sophia Malakelis, Theodora Panopoulos, Louis and Jo Ann Silvestri, John and Anne Tsoulis, Nick and Stella Maleas, Trigona Papadopoulos, Christos Siromas, Anna Tuttle, William and Athena Malek, Ron and Aliki Papadopoulos, Pete & Estelle Skalas, Doloris Vahey, Joanna Mandis, Nicholas and Olga Papageorge, Janet Skubic, Gerald and Diana Vainalis, Constantine Mann, Austin & Maria Paparigopoulos, Basilios Smith, Adam & Joanna Dalakos and Alexandra Manolis, Christos and Janice and Elizabeth Smith, Cassandra and Ryan Van Dyke, Frosene Martin, Jason and Claire Papay, Andrew Smith, Kurt and Loukia Varsam, Florence Mastis, Frank Pappas, Basil and Kathy Smith, Kyle Varvares, Mary Massad, Leslie and Sylvia Pappas, Bess Smyrniotis, Byron and Stacy Vazopolos, Nicholas Mastorakos, Mary Ann Pappas, Michael and Jenny Sorbello, Catherine Vellios, Kon Mastorakos, Steven & Kathryn Pappas, Stephen and Carol Sorbello, James Jr. and Carmen Vellios, William and Sophia Mastorakos, William Pappas, Tim and Ifigenia Souris, John and Hariklia Vellios, William Mavromatis, Peter & Katheryn Pappas, William Souris, Kosmas and Despina Vidakis, Mary McCullison, Joseph & Anastasia Papulis, George Spanos, Christina Vlahiotis, Antonios McDermott, Gregory & Cheryl Papulis, Peter and Mary Spanos, Leon and Johanna Volas, Mary McPherron, Colin and Stephanie Paradowski, Christopher Spivey, John and Maria Walters, Lexie Menghesha, Rediet & Senait and Christine Stamelos, Christina Westfall, Kory & Kayla Memos, James Pashos, Leo and Despina Stamelos, Maria Westfall, Mark & Sophia Menos, Kevin Patakas, George Stavro, Mark and Jackie Winter, Don and Susan Meyer, Clayton Peppes, William Stevens, Mitchell Wolfmeyer, William & Yolanda Meyer, David and Carol Perkins, Frieda Storgion, Steven and Michelle Woodcock, Mary Mezines, Anthony & Jennifer Perkins, Stan Stratos, Vasiliki Xenakis, Paul Mezines, Chris and Mary Peterson, Anastasia Strong, James and Anne Yannakakis, Andrew & Karen Mezines, Sam and Maureen Pierroutsakos, Margaret Takes, Michael Yannakakis, Elias and Susan Millonas, Michael Platipodis, Alexandra Takes, Peter and Alexandra Zaman, Anthony and Karen Milonas, Cynthia Pliakos, Harry and Georgia Tanurchis, John Zanetos, Thimios and Mary Milonas, John Politis, Demetrios Tanurchis, Maria Zias, Dina Mitchell, Roger and Deborah Politis, Louis and Theone Taratsas, Leonora Zotos, Ann Molleston, Jerome Politis, Vlasios Teferi, Mulugheta and Zegge Zotos, Bess Monolo, Timothy and Mary Porter, Clark & Tumica Tekle, Bekuretsion & Alganesh Zotos, Diane Moore, James and Connie Potsou, Anastasia Tekle, Ocbai Zotos, George & Dianne Morris, Scott and Victoria Prstojevich, Georgia Tetradis, Mike and Kathleen Zotos, Katherine Muckler, Robert and Lauren Psaris, Dianna Tharenos, Nick and Becky Zotos, Magdalene Muckler, Robert and Mary Psaris, Nicholas Thavorides, Anne Zotos, Thomas Mullen, Vincent and Stacie Reichert, Valerie Thavorides, Elizabeth Murphy, Benjamin and Betsy Riethmann, Elizabeth Thavorides, Nick
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SATURDAY
Three Holy Hierarchs Holy Three
16 2 9 23 30
Familyat Divine am Liturgy 9:30 Chapel Center Life
FRIDAY
Happy New Year!
15 1 8 22 29 at Family Life Center 10 am Divine Liturgy Chapel
divine7
-
THURSDAY
St. John the Baptizer the John St.
14 7 21 28
10 am Divine Liturgy amLiturgy 10Divine Center Family at Life Chapel
- - - -
via Zoom via Zoom via Zoom
- - -
Epiphany
WEDNESDAY
13 6 20 27
7 am Men’s Fellowship via Zoom 10 am Divine Liturgy & Blessing of the WatersFamily at Life Center Chapel 7 am Men’s Fellowship via Zoom 7 pm “Orthodoxy & Beyond” 7 am Men’s Fellowship via Zoom 7 pm “Orthodoxy & Beyond” 7 am Men’s Fellowship via Zoom 7 pm “Orthodoxy & Beyond”
January 2021
TUESDAY
Forefeast of Epiphany of Forefeast
12 5 19 26
10 am Divine Liturgy amLiturgy 10Divine the of &Blessing WatersChurch at
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4CAAAD2AA5FB6
If you need assistance signing up through the online platform, please call the church office. office. church the call please platform, online the through up signing assistance need If you
MONDAY
Advanced registration is required to attend services. Signup information for JANUARY Services can be found at: found be can Services JANUARY for information Signup services. to attend required is registration Advanced
11 4 18 25
viaZoom viaZoom viaZoom viaZoom
- - - -
St. Anthony St.
SUNDAY
VasilopitaSunday
10 3 17 24 31
am & Orthros 9:30 am 8:15 Church at DivineLiturgy School NoSunday am & Orthros 9:30 am 8:15 Church at DivineLiturgy School Sunday am & Orthros 9:30 am 8:15 Church at DivineLiturgy School Sunday am & Orthros 9:30 am 8:15 Church at DivineLiturgy School Sunday am & Orthros 9:30 am 8:15 Church at DivineLiturgy School Sunday
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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
A Prayer for the Coming New Year
O Lord our God, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Creator of time, existing before time and outside of time, the same yesterday, today and forever. You are the Pantocrator, the absolute Ruler who exercises sovereign authority over the entire universe and its laws. You are not limited by any natural events and occurrences, or by our action or inaction. The world is not driven by blind forces, but is governed wisely and lovingly by Your divine Providence.
You, O King and Master of the world, govern by Your almighty will the world You created as a captain governs his ship. We have nothing to be afraid of, as long as You are at the rudder. The very elements of nature obey You. Nothing happens by chance. What happens to us does not happen at random. Not a single hair from our heads falls to the ground without Your powerful will. We are in Your hands. What we are, whatever good we have in us, comes from You, the source of every goodness.
We ask You humbly, our Savior, as we enter this New Year of our salvation, to bless us all; to bless our endeavors, and everything we do. We ask You, O Lord, to bless the time You give us, that we may pass this new year of Your grace and the lifespan You have given us in repentance, forgiveness, patience, tolerance, peace, the fight against our passions, the practicing of the virtues, in doing Your will, not ours, and in accepting it cheerfully, without groaning or complaint.
Grant us, O Father Almighty, sincere faithfulness, wakeful preparedness and active witness, to be strong and grow in faith and love for You, and work diligently for the establishment of Your Kingdom, a Kingdom of peace and justice. Instill in us the longing for the establishment of Your heavenly Kingdom, a Kingdom of everlasting life, peace and joy.
We also beseech You, O Lord, to bless the entire world, and all Nations. Guide them to You, that they may come to know You, the only true God, and to do Your Holy Will. And protect, O Lord, Your Holy Church, everywhere, so that with one voice and one heart we may all praise and glorify Your most Holy and magnificent Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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