Volume 10 Issue 9 September 2004

The Monthly Newsletter of St. George Greek Orthodox Church www.stgeorgegoc.org

St. Eustathios, The September 20

he holy Martyr Eustathius before his baptism was an T illustrious Roman general named Placidas in the days of the Emperor Trajan. While hunting in the country one day, he was converted to the Faith of Christ through the apparition of an uncommonly majestic stag, between whose antlers he saw the Cross of Christ, and through which the Lord spoke to him with a human voice. Upon returning home, he learned that his wife Tatiana had also had a vision in which she was instructed to become a Christian. They sought out the of the Christians and were baptized, Placidas receiving the name Eustathius, and Tatiana the name Theopiste; their two sons were baptized Agapius and Theopistus. The family was then subjected to such trials as endured. Their servants died, all their goods were stolen, and on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem they were scattered abroad, each not even knowing if the others were still alive. By the providence of God, they were united again after many years, and returned to in glory. Nevertheless, when they refused to sacrifice to the idols—a public sacrifice from which no Roman general could be absent—the Emperor Hadrian, who had succeeded Trajan, had them put into a large bronze device in the shape of a bull, which was heated with fire until they died. When their holy bodies were removed, they were found to be without harm. They suffered martyrdom about the year 126.

Apolytikion—Fourth Tone Kontakion—Second Tone Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee O blest one, since thou didst emulate Christ's sufferings received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life and drankest His cup with eagerness, thou didst become from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed a partaker and joint-heir of His glory, O wise Eustathius; Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly and since He is God of all things, He gave thee divine destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ power from Heaven's heights. God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.

Archdiocese and Diocese News ...... Page 2 Pre Conference Thematic Address Summary ...... Page 11 Stewardship ...... Page 3 Parishioners Namedays, Birthdays, and Anniversaries .....Page 14 Parish Council Meeting Notes ...... Page 4 Book Store News ...... Page 15 Parish News and Announcements ...... Page 5 Youth Update ...... Page 17 Archbishop Demetrios Keynote Address Summary ...... Page 9 Calendar of Events ...... Page 19

Page 2 Glad Tidings September 2004

REGULAR WEEKLY NEW YORK SUPREME COURT JUSTICE DISMISSES OCL LAWSUIT AGAINST GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA SERVICES New York, NY - On February 2, 2004, several individuals brought an action in New York State Supreme Holy Confession Court against the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Archbishop Demetrios seeking to invalidate By Appointment the 2003 Charter granted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Vespers On August 6, 2004, Justice Ira Gammerman of the New York State Supreme Court rendered a decision Saturday 5:00 PM granting, with costs, the motion of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to dismiss the lawsuit. The Justice wrote, (September—May) “I do not think it can seriously be disputed that the Greek Orthodox Church is hierarchical.” The Court relied Orthros on a United States Supreme Court decision, Serbian Eastern Orthodox Diocese for the USA. v Milivojevich, Sunday 8:30 AM 426 US 696 (1976), stating such decision was “squarely on point.” The Court further stated that pursuant to the Milivojevich case, “the courts simply do not have the authority to interfere with the manner in which Divine Liturgy churches organize the titles of their clerics, to determine the eligibility criteria for candidates for Archbishop or Sunday 9:45 AM bishop, to oversee monasteries, or to inject the state judicial authority into other matters raised by this action.” Sunday School (September through May) The Court’s memorandum decision is posted at the Archdiocese website at starts after administration of http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/documents/. Holy Communion

For Weekday Services please IOCC RESPONDING TO VICTIMS OF IRAQI Beginning operations in Iraq in April 2003, check the Calendar of Events CHURCH BOMBINGS IOCC has been distributing food, hygiene, and

included in this bulletin. first-aid parcels through the Middle East Council of The broken stained glass has been swept up, the Churches and its network of churches and mosques. !!! structural damage is being repaired, but the IOCC is the humanitarian aid agency of the Standing

Christian community of Iraq will take a long time to Conference of Canonical Orthodox in the Church Staff and Office Hours recover from the August 1 car bomb attacks. Americas (SCOBA). All of its assistance is Church Office Hours Iraqi Christians, a minority in this delivered solely on the basis of need. Monday through Thursday predominantly Muslim country, have been left Donations may be sent to IOCC, "Middle 8:00AM—3:00PM reeling from the large-scale violence against their East Crisis," P.O. Box 630225, Baltimore, Md. communities in Baghdad and Mosul. International 21263-0225. Donations may also be made Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), a online at www.iocc.org or by calling toll-free 1-877- Presbyter humanitarian aid agency of Orthodox Christians, 803-4622. IOCC has worked in the Middle East (651) 222-6220 is working to meet the immediate needs of those since 1997 and, in addition to Iraq, has programs in Email: [email protected] most affected by the attacks. the Holy Land, Syria and Lebanon. To learn more Yiannis Stamatopoulos Several of the damaged churches in Baghdad about IOCC's humanitarian and self-help Administrative Assistant are part of a local ecumenical network of IOCC programs around the world, please visit www. (651) 222-6220 partners that has been active in distributing food iocc.org. Email: [email protected] and hygiene kits to Iraqis in need over the past year. Ron Adkins Since the bombings, IOCC staff, led by Dr. Saad SCOBA/SCOOCH Statement On Parish Council President Gedeon, have visited the churches and interviewed Iraq Church Bombings (651) 738-1630 their priests and bishops. Email: [email protected] "We are assessing the needs of the families of The hierarchs of the Standing Conference of Reva Adkins those killed or injured by these senseless acts of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas Philoptochos President brutality and IOCC will be providing assistance to (SCOBA) and the hierarchs of the Standing (651) 738-1630 them as we are able," said Dr. Gedeon, program Conference of Oriental Orthodox Churches in Email: [email protected] coordinator for IOCC Iraq. "Christians around the America (SCOOCH) learned with great sadness the Steve Ryan world must stand with those who have fallen victim news that religious edifices were targeted by certain Sunday School Director to this brutal violence, letting them know that we extremist elements in Iraq. (651) 292-9948 are with them not only in thought and prayer, but SCOBA and SCOOCH have been and are deeply Email: [email protected] also in deed, in the days and weeks to come as they committed to interfaith dialogue. In Iraq, citizens of Barbara Bauman work to rebuild." different faith backgrounds have lived together Choir Director Despite the violence and unrest, IOCC peacefully and harmoniously for centuries. “We (651) 415-0556 continues its work in Iraq. Through IOCC's deplore the violent and destructive acts of persons Anna Christoforides distribution network, hundreds of low-income Iraqi seeking to create disharmony and division among Greek School Director families receive food and other necessities. Victims people whose faiths derive from one common (651) 225-8016 of the recent attacks will receive food parcels, Abrahamic source,” stated Archbishop Demetrios, Email: [email protected] hygiene kits, and other forms of assistance, chairman of SCOBA and Metropolitan Philip Saliba, Dan and Jackie Matuska depending on their needs. IOCC is one of four vice-chairman of SCOBA. Glad Tidings Editors implementing partners for the relief alliance Action Archbishop Barsamian, chairman of SCOOCH, (320) 629-2689 by Churches Together (ACT) in Iraq and is added, “We pray for the victims of these divisive Email: [email protected] working in partnership with the United Methodist forces. We pray for the enlightenment of those who [email protected] Committee on Relief. sow division. And we express our love for and solidarity with all persons of good will in Iraq.”

JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 3

Stewardship

is Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, in his encyclical marking the beginning of the New Ecclesiastical year, wrote: “‘Whatever a man sows that he will also H reap’ (Galatians 6:7). Yet the task of sowing and reaping is a work that moves beyond the scope of the personal. Within parishes, the task of sowing seeds of growth takes on a communal and social dimension. More than a physical setting, the parish is a space of sacred communication and unity, defined by the intersection of the person, family, and community into a single body of worship and ministry.

The parish is foremost a spiritual entity, a microcosm of the entirety of the Church, the Body of Christ. It is in the parish where we grow as persons and families through corporate prayer and worship. The beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year accords our communities the opportunity to grow in new, challenging, and ever-expanding directions.” By these [spiritual and physical] labors, we may be assured of an abundant harvest of spiritual fruit, rightfully honoring God’s creation, and we may rest securely in the knowledge that “he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He calls us to serve others by empowering, augmenting and sharing the ancient truths of our Faith in modern times through the ministries of our Church.

Number Over Budget Over Budget of July July or Year-to-Date Year-to-Date or Year Contributors Actual Budget (Under Budget) Actual Budget (Under Budget)

2004 228 $ 8,381.00 $15,206.58 $ (6,825.58) $95,949.19 $106,446.06 $ (10,496.87) 2003 221 9,499.67 14,713.00 (5,213.33) 88,274.20 102,991.00 (14,716.80)

Persons who pledge and give 131

Persons who give but don't pledge 97 Speak Blessed is the one who loves Persons who fill out pledge cards but do not give 14 good and fair words and hates base and destructive speech, because he will not Persons who do not pledge or give 33 become a prisoner of the Evil One. —St. Ephraim the Syrian

Total Members 275 Page 4 Glad Tidings September 2004

Parish Council meeting in September. Parish Council Minutes (DRAFT) August 12th, 2004 • The air conditioner needs to be fixed. An amended motion was St. George Greek made to have Father contact DC Sales and Quality Refrigeration Orthodox Church to ascertain what needs to be fixed, and to authorize the St. Paul, Minnesota expenditure to fix the air conditioner. The motion was seconded (Input not yet corrected and the motion passed.

and approved) Stewardship Committee • It was reported that to date $33,621.00 has been contributed and 1. Secretary's Reports pledged. We need to raise an additional $16,379.00 before the • The June and July minutes were accepted with edits. end of August to get the full $50,000 of the matching challenge.

2. Treasurer's Report was accepted. • Pendy encouraged the eight Parish Council members who have • Year-to-date (through July 31) income is below budget by not yet pledged to contribute, and related that he has solicited $16,646.70. another 18 parishioners who are believed to be good prospects to pledge. • Year-to-date expenses are below budget by $4,342.20. Greek Festival • Given that income and expenses are both below budget, the year- • The Festival plans are proceeding actively, and very well. to-date deficit is $12,304.50. By-Laws Committee 3. President's Report was accepted. • The Committee had its first meeting on July 15th. Issues were • It was noted that we have more than $20,000 in proceeds from identified and discussed. the Art Auctions, and that this money is earmarked for Youth Ministries. • We have also learned that the Archdiocese is amending the current UPR, and that we expect that the Archdiocese UPR 4. Father Rick's Report (Uniform Parish Regulations) will be final in two or three • Vacation Church School was held the first week in August, from months. 9 AM to Noon all week. More than 35 children participated, and it was an excellent program. The Father thanked all the • Since our revised By-Laws will be consistent with the new, volunteers who participated. Denise Smith did an excellent job revised UPR, the Committee cannot complete its work until the of planning and organizing this year's program. revised UPR is published and final.

• The 37th Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress was held in July in Clergy-Laity Update New York City. Father shared some words from Archbishop • A report was distributed of the 37th Clergy-Laity Congress. A Demetrios, and talked about the educational opportunities and summary of the Congress will be presented at the next Parish Committee work that was done at the Congress. Copies of the Assembly. new Charter of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America were passed out. The Charter is available on-line at the Website Committee Archdiocese website. (Web address: http://www.goarch.org/en/ • The Committee is using the new "Web Builder" tool that was archdiocese/documents/) provided by the Archdiocese.

• Our annual Church picnic is Septmeber 12th, and overlaps with OLD BUSINESS St. Mary's Festival this year. • The final financial report of the 2004 Festival of Nations was

distributed. Net profit from this year's Festival of Nations was • Our Annual "Golf Outing" is Sunday September 19th. $13,758.80.

• Three resumes for the Youth Director position have been FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER received to date. No suitable candidates have been identified • This year's Art Auction is on October 16th at the Macalister yet. College Ballroom. The purpose of the event is to sell art, which generates funds for our Youth Ministries. • The Parish Council should encourage greater commitment and participation in the church's Family and Youth programs. • A letter from the University of St. Thomas outlining a training program, from The Institute for Ministry Leaders "Bringing 5. Standing Committee Reports Your Vision to Reality." Attendance in the program by any Parish Council member who is interested was recommended. Building and Grounds • Two bids to repair the roofs of the church, kitchen, social hall, The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 PM with The Lord's Prayer. and entry have been received, and a third is pending.

• A recommendation for fixing the roof will be presented at the JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 5

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL RAISES GOLF OUTING FUNDS FOR PROJECT MEXICO The 4th Annual St. George Golf Outing is scheduled for Many thanks to the Vacation Church School students and Sunday, September 19th at Emerald Greens Golf Course. The parishioners for raising $135.65 for Project Mexico! cost is $75 per person which includes Green Fees, Cart, Dinner, and Prizes; Dinner only $20/adult, $10/child. Proceeds to benefit the Youth Camp Scholarship Fund. To FUTURE CAMP DATES ANNOUNCED register or get more information contact Peter Tountas 612- Family Camp is scheduled for October 15-17, 2005. Winter 708-6597. Camp is scheduled for January 14-16, 2005. Summer Camp

is scheduled for June 12-18, 2005. SYMPATHIES AND PRAYERS To custodian Victor Shuran, whose mother Margarita fell asleep in the Lord and to the family of Clark Smith whose sister, Mary Ann, fell asleep in the Lord unexpectedly. May their memory be eternal!

September Coffee Hour Schedule

September 5 ***OPEN*** September 12 Church Picnic September 19 Philoptochos—Elevation of the Cross September 26 Marina and John Antoniou

Minnesota Eastern Orthodox Christian Clergy Association (MEOCCA) www.meocca.goarch.org Cooperative Catechism

FALL 2004—Tuesdays 7:00-9:00PM DATE TOPIC INSTRUCTOR September 14 Introduction Fr. Richard Andrews September 21 God- Holy Trinity Fr. Paul Wesche September 28 Mankind- Creation, the Fall, Messiah Fr. Jonathan Proctor October 5 Christ I- Incarnation, and Fr. John Mangels October 12 Christ II- His Work and Teachings Fr. Chris Wojcik October 19 Church I- Birth, Mission, Structure Fr. John Mangels October 26 Church II- Councils, Creeds, Bible, and Tradition Fr. Nathan Kroll November 2 Sacraments I- Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Unction Fr. Paul Wesche November 9 Sacraments II- Eucharist, Liturgy, Worship, Prayer Fr. Paul Wesche November 16 Sacraments III- Marriage and Monasticism Fr. John Mangels November 23 NO CLASS November 30 The Goal- Second Coming and Living the Christian Life Fr. Richard Andrews December 7 Conclusion- Orthodoxy in America, Jurisdictions, Q&A Fr. Nathan Kroll Page 6 Glad Tidings September 2004 Church Picnic 2004!

This year’s picnic is from noon to 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 12th at Hidden Falls.

The cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children (12 and under).

Fun, Games, and Fellowship!

“Come Receive The Light” can be heard every Saturday in the Twin Cities at 5:00 PM on 980AM KKMS.

Have Faith in What You Listen To!

September 4th September 18th I Have a Dream—His Eminence Metropolitan PHILIP Purity of Heart in a Sex Saturated Society—Dr. Albert Rossi

The Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America in a Sex sells! Let’s talk about it! Be sure to join Fr. Chris and Emmy when they recent historical event adopted self-rule. This marked a major achievement speak to Dr. Albert Rossi, when he shares his thoughts on how to maintain a in the vision of Metropolitan Philip, head of the Antiochian Archdiocese. pure heart in God’s eyes when living in a time when sex sells everything “This is a new era; this is a new day!” expressed Metropolitan Philipafter from chocolate bars to automobiles. Dr Rossi teaches courses in pastoral the General Assembly of the Antiochian Archdiocese enthusiastically voted theology at Vladimir’s Seminary. He is a member of the SCOBA to adopt self-rule. Join Fr. Chris when he speaks with Metropolitan Philip Commission on Contemporary Social and Moral Issues. Dr. Rossi has about his dream, his vision of the past, present and future of the Antiochian authored numerous articles on psychology and religion including “Can I Orthodox Christian Church and find out what this historical event means to Make a Difference: Christian Family Life Today” every Orthodox Christian in America. September 25th September 11th Called by God to be stewards—Fr. Anthony Scott and Ron Nicola Remembering 9.11—Fr. Stanley S. Harakas Chairman of the Antiochian Archdiocese’s Department of Stewardship

Have we forgotten? Have we learned from our past? Fr Stanley Harakas What is stewardship and why is it important to the life of the church? Fr. joins Fr. Chris and Emmy to speak about the events that followed 9.11. Fr. Anthony Scott, editor of Good and Faithful Servant, Stewardship in the Stanley will further explain what we can do in our everyday lives to stay Orthodox Church and Ron Nicola, Chairman of the Antiochian Archdiocese connected to the realities of our surrounding world today and how we can Department of Stewardship will speak to us on this very important part of understand the issues of peace and war from an Orthodox Christian Orthodox Christianity that is often overlooked. Join Fr. Chris and Emmy perspective. and learn more about why “Stewardship is truly about being devoted and totally committed to serve God and His church morally, spiritually, physically, and financially as an individual and collectively as a family unit.”

Programming Note: “Come Receive The Light” will be aired at 6:00PM on Saturday, September 4th, while AM 980 brings the Twin Cities live coverage of the State Fair activities. JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 7

GOLF OUTING FLYER Page 8 Glad Tidings September 2004

2004 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLIMATE SURVEY REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS, GOALS, AND OBJECTIVES Rev. Frank Marangos, D.Min., Ed.D. Director of Department of Religious Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

1. The spiritual and administrative initiatives of our parishes are often developed and advanced by volunteers. There is a need to develop training resources and to provide educational Support services for them.

2. Adults lament their lack of knowledge concerning their Orthodox Faith. There is a need to develop and promote a comprehensive educational curriculum for parish adults that would address issues of worship, ethics, and how the message of Orthodoxy impacts daily life.

3. A serious problem persists concerning the choice and spiritual maturity of godparents. There is a need to develop an educational program that would prepare as well as provide on-going educational support to adults who have been invited to assume this important responsibility.

4. While most parishes offer "Bible Studies," these educational programs are often based on western models and are not in keeping with the patristic posture of the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church. There is a need to develop and promote educational resources that follow a more liturgical and patristic-based ensemble of scriptural study whose primary objective is not biblical knowledge but the enculturation of participants into the experiential life of the Church.

5. There is a need to develop appropriate educational resources and support services for the members of the Orthodox Church who are suffering from serious pastoral issues such as (a) bereavement, (b) divorce, (c) addiction, and (d) sexual aberrations.

6. There is a need to hire and train salaried parish as well as diocesan religious education directors and youth workers. Research has demonstrated that parishes with strong educational programs for adults are interested in the spiritual development of their youth. While the initiatives of youth work are focused on only a partial segment of parish life, religious education is more comprehensive and produces valuable results in a variety of areas.

7. There is a need to study the issue of the catechumenate. As larger numbers of individuals become interested in converting to the Orthodox faith it will become increasingly important to develop and provide a program with a coherent curriculum for the incorporation of prospective converts.

8. Leadership development is a critical issue facing the contemporary Orthodox Church in America. Our parishes suffer from a lack of knowledgeable and spiritually mature parish council members and leaders. The majority of mainline religious organizations are allocating substantial amounts of financial resources for the design of educational programs and products that will nurture the spiritual development of its leaders. We would do well to emulate their initiatives. Perhaps, this would preclude para-church lay organizations from advocating negative sentiments concerning this issue.

The need to seriously consider establishing educational goals, objectives, and priorities according to data obtained from appropriate qualitative and quantitative research cannot be overstated. Current research on organizational administration of religious institutions has demonstrated that stewardship and other financial revenues increase when ministries and programs are developed to serve the expressed needs of its constituents. JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 9

SUMMARY OF KEYNOTE ADDRESS Synod. Only Autocephalous or Autonomous Churches OF ARCHBISHOP DEMETRIOS have these. Draft of Charter and new Regulations of GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE Archdiocese and Parishes by Archdiocesan Council (80 CLERGY-LAITY CONGRESS 2004 members) is a culmination of five years of hard work. We Building Communities of Faith and Love: can now conclude this process and move on to important work of ministry. After all, the ultimate, absolute and Orthodox Parishes in Worship and Ministry unchanging Charter and Regulations for us, is the Gospel

of Jesus Christ our God and Lord. All the rest is 1. Introduction commentary. It is about time now to engage fully in the

real work demanded by the Gospel. 2. Our Congress in Context E. Composition of Patriarchal Synod—six Metropolitans • Comparison of Upcoming Olympics and Presidential from Turkey (no longer 12) and six new Metropolitans Olympics- common element is competition from around the world (i.e. Europe, America, Australia, • Competition often involves striving for excellence. Asia, etc.) 50% is a radical and positive change that • We are challenged to strive and compete for creates a new participatory formula. excellence in what we are doing as Church. F. Faith Endowment for Archdiocese at $25 million with the • We are aware of huge problems that beset our society, ultimate goal of $100 million. Not so a few can fund the our country and our world today. Archdiocese but they may lead by example to give an • Addressing these problems as the Orthodox Christian open invitation to all members of our parishes for a more Church is our task. substantive participation in the Stewardship of our

Church. 3. Biblical Analysis of Congress Theme

Term "Build" implies a very positive, beautiful and creative 5. Focusing on Three Vital Points action. It enhances, it does not demean, it is not negative A. Education—every parish must have continuous adult A. Faith—What kind of faith? "Jesus said to the disciples, Orthodox education. Education in Hellenism is important 'Truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard also but it cannot be a nationalistic, chauvinistic seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here to enterprise. Children's education through Sunday School there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to and Day/Afternoon School must be a permanent reality you.'" (Matthew 17:20) Strong faith will help us and our but must extend more to address needs of adolescents and communities exhibit the extraordinary power of God. young adults. The Archdiocese will work hard to provide B. Love—What kind of love? (1Corinthians 13:1-8) Each appropriate tools and resources. one of us and our whole parish must exhibit this love, the B. Strong and Healthy Families—these are the building love of God. blocks of our parishes. We must care for our C. Worship—"God is spirit and those who worship Him dysfunctional, healthy, near divorce and divorced, single must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Our parent, priestly, new/beginning, and interfaith. Families worship should reflect the highest, strongest and most are in crisis in our society today. Statistics: Unwed Births refined kind of spirituality. At the same time, our worship 1960 = 224,300, 2000 = 1,374,043; Cohabitation 1960 = must be permeated by the truth of God, that is the person 439,000, 2000 = 4,736,000; Divorce 50% rate; Children of Jesus Christ. in Single Parent Families 1960 = 5,829,000, 2000 = D. Ministry—(Matthew 28:18-20) The main elements here 19,220,000. This next year will be dedicated to family are proclaiming and teaching. care. The goal is to make the families Churches at home

(Romans 16:5). 4. Encouraging Events Between 2002 and 2004 C. Outreach and Evangelism—each parish must have a We meet at Clergy-Laity to discuss and plan dynamic, holy steady effort directed to those outside the Church. CL and noble action for building, with God's help, Communities Theme in 2002 was "Offering our Orthodox Faith to of Faith and Love. We recognize the truly dedicated and often Contemporary America." This is a fundamental function sacrificial work of our people and our parishes. of the parish. There are thousands of nominal Greek A. Building of new churches, community halls, school Orthodox who have been disconnected, lost in the turmoil facilities, summer camps, and renovation of existing ones. of life, and disappointed. We must look for them, extend B. Response to priestly call—2000-2002 we had 18 a hand, embrace them. ordinations to priesthood; between 2002-2004 we had 24

ordinations and five more pending. May the Lord bless us and keep us. May the Lord make his C. New initiatives to help parishes care for families, youth, face to shine upon us and be gracious to us. May the Lord lift develop outreach, and evangelism through our website up His countenance upon us and give us peace (Numbers and other means. 6:24-26). D. New Charter—granted new Metropolises and Eparchial

Page 10 Glad Tidings September 2004

Fr. Rick and Presvytera Jane with Fr. Calivas (Professor Presvytera Jane with fellow staff of Ionian Village 1994 of Liturgics) and Eleni Geanon (Alumni Office) of Holy and Fr. Ted Barbes of Watertown, MA. Cross Seminary.

Fr. Rick with Fr. Jordan Brown of Austin, TX and Fr. Ted Fr. Rick and Presvytera Jane with Anestis Jordanoglou of Dorrance of Portland, OR. the Archdiocesan Religious Education Department.

Archbishop Demetrios speaks to several hundred priests Ground Zero at World Trade Center. at the Clergy Breakfast on Friday.

Fr. Rick and Presvytera Jane greeted Archbishop Demetrios and Metropolitan Panteliemon (Patriarchal View of Times Square from 25th Floor of Marriott Marquis representative) at the Clergy-Laity Congress in New York. Hotel. JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 11

BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF FAITH in love abides in God, and God abides in bonds of faith and love give us strength and AND LOVE: ORTHODOX PARISHES him" (1John 4:16). Our conversations, our joy. actions, our work, our activities, all that we Through our commitment to a life of IN WORSHIP AND MINISTRY do in our parishes is characterized by a love worship, our fellow parishioners see our [Summary of Archbishop Demetrios' pre- that is "patient, kind, not envious or boastful faith in God and our love for them, and Congress thematic address.] or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its others who are not in the community of

Part I own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it believers know that the will of God and our Introduction does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices worship of Him are the primary concerns of All that is done in the parish must be in the truth. It bears all things, believes all our lives. focused on growing faith and increasing in things, hopes all things, endures all love. When this is happening, people of all things" (1Cor. 13:4-7). Communities of Faith and ages will come to Christ through our Love in Ministry worship and ministry, lives will be changed, Part III We respond to anyone in need of the hearts and minds will be strengthened, Orthodox Parishes in Worship basic necessities of life, in need of hope and "until all of us come to the unity of the faith And Ministry salvation, in need of peace and assurance, and of the knowledge of the Son of To build and sustain communities of because our faith affirms and annunciates God" (Eph. 4:13a). faith and love we must focus all of our the blessed truth and promises of God. "For attention, efforts and abilities on doing what you brethren, have been called to liberty; Christ at Center of Parish God has called us to do; to gather together only do not use liberty as an opportunity for It is the presence of our Lord and Savior as believers, offering Him honor and the flesh, but through love serve one Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that brings us thanksgiving through our worship, and to another" (Gal. 5:13). To our brothers and together in our parishes. "For no other serve the needs of one another and others in sisters in Christ we offer sincere friendship foundation can any one lay than that which the love and name of Christ. A community and compassionate fellowship in the bonds is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1Cor.3:11). of faith and love is a parish of Orthodox of faith and love. We labor to strengthen It is our faith in our Lord that is revealed in Christians that knows and understands the and enhance the spiritual lives of others so our worship, in our participation in the Holy priority of worship and ministry. that we are all growing in closer Sacraments, and in our commitment to communion to one another and to God. As conform our lives to His teachings and His Communities of Faith and communities of faith and love we are called holiness. Love in Worship to serve the poor, the hungry, the homeless, Worship is the most important aspect of the sick and the suffering, the prisoner, the Part II our lives as Christians. Through the divine depressed, the grief-stricken, the outcast and Communities of Faith services of the Church we are affirming that rejected. Faith is relational. It leads us to God and He is in our midst, and we are in turn it brings us together. It is critical that offering a witness to the world of His holy Conclusion the worship and ministry of our parishes will and salvation that is offered to all. We must continue faithfully in worship directs lives to the source and perfector of and ministry, acknowledging and teaching our faith, Jesus Christ. Through our witness Our worship is a response of faith. the relevancy and significance of our as communities of faith, we show others in By His presence we are made aware of services, guiding the faithful in prayer, our world the power of faith to save, heal, our sin, and we realize our need for seeking new avenues of service to those in renew, and bring people together in Christ. forgiveness. Through our worship we need, expanding our outreach so that others acknowledge that His promises are true, and may experience our God-given love and the Communities of Love in faith we offer prayer and petitions riches and transformative power of our "So we know and believe the love God seeking salvation and His divine guidance Orthodox faith. has for us. God is love, and he who abides and assistance. In worship, the communal

ARTART AUCTIONAUCTION Featuring Art in All Media and Price Ranges

Sponsored By St. George Greek Orthodox Church

SATURDAYSATURDAY EVENING,EVENING, OCTOBOCTOBERER 16,16, 20042004

at Macalester College Ballroom

For Advanced Tickets and/or to Volunteer Your Services Please Contact: Nanette Gomez (651-735-6632) or Presvytera Jane Andrews (651-695-1436) Page 12 Glad Tidings September 2004

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SAINTS CALLED UPON FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES.

To Have a Child For Stone-workers St. Anna, Mother of the Theotokos; St. Elizabeth, Mother of the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus Forerunner; St. Sabbas the Sanctified of Palestine; St. Irene For Soldiers Chrysovolantou Holy ; St. George the Great Martyr; St. Barbara For Safe Childbirth the Great Martyr St. Eleftherios For Spiritual Help, Consolation and Compunction For the Care and Protection of Infants St. Ephraim the Syrian; St. Alexis the Man of God; St. Seraphim of St. Stylianos Sarov For Young People For a Good End to One's Life Holy Great Martyr Demetrios the Wonderworker Holy Archangel Michael; St. Niphon, of Constantinople Delivery from Sudden Death For Captives and Court Cases St. Barbara the Great Martyr St. Onouphrios the Great; St. Peter of Athos; St. George the Great Against Drinking Martyr Holy Martyr Boniface and the Righteous Aglais For Help in Distress, Poverty, Etc. For Travelers St. Nicholas the Wonderworker; St. John the Almsgiver of St. Nicholas: in general, and specifically for sea travel; St. John the Alexandria; St. John of Kronstadt Russian: for transport, auto, busses; St. Niphon, Patriarch of For Finding Things Constantinople: for safety at sea St. Phanourios the Great Martyr; St. Menas the Great Martyr of For Cobblers Egypt St. Eustathius the Cobbler of Georgia For Meeting a Difficult Situation, an Interview, Etc. For Physicians St. the Prophet, Psalmist and King; The Holy St. Panteleimon; The Holy Unmercenaries, Saints Cosmas and Unmercenaries and Healers, SS. Cosmas and Damian of Rome; Damian SS. Panteleimon and Hermolaus; St. Julian the Martyr; St. John of Kronstadt; St. Nectarios of Aegina; Holy Archangel For the Kitchen, Home For Animals and Livestock St. Euphrosynos the Cook; St. Sergius of Radonezh: for baking; Sts. Spyridon and Nikodim of Kievo-Pechersk: Prosphora making St. George: cattle and herds; St. Parthenius of Radovysdius: cattle; SS. Spevsippus, Elesippus and Melevsippus: horses; St. Tryphon: For Trading geese St. Paraskeva For Protection of Crops from Pests For Headaches St. Michael of Synnada Holy New Martyr Demas of Smyrna For the Protection of Gardens Against Pests For Eyes Holy Great Martyr Tryphon: also for hunters and Patron of St. Paraskeva Moscow For Ears Against Demons and Witchcraft St. Spyridon the Wonderworker SS. and Justina; St. Theodore Sykeote; St. Mitrophan of For Teeth Voronezh St. Antipas of Pergamum For Chastity and Help in Carnal Warfare For Hernias and Intestinal Disorders St. John the Forerunner; St. Demetrios the Great Martyr, St. John Holy Great Martyr Artemius; St. Artemius of Verkola the Much-Suffering; Holy Martyr Theodore the Byzantine; Holy For Throat Martyr Ignatios of Athos; St. ; St. the All- Comely; St. Susanna [Old Testament] St. Blaise of Sebastia For Mental Disorders For Finding Employment St. Naum of Ochrid; St. Anastasia; St. Gerasimos of Cephalonia: St. Xenia of St. Petersburg the possessed For Help in Studies Against Plague The Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. , St. St. Haralambos; St. Marina the Great Martyr Gregory the Theologian; St. Sergius of Radonezh; St. John of Kronstadt; St. Justin the Philosopher For Help Against Quick-Temper and Despondency For Church-Chanting St. Tikhon of Zadonsk St. Romanos the Melodist For Workers in Hospitals For Iconographers Holy Unmercenaries Saints Cosmas and Damian; St. Dositheus, of Abba Dorotheus St. Luke the Apostle and Evangelist; St. For Guilelessness and Simplicity For Patient Endurance of Affliction Holy Apostle Nathaniel and St. Paul the Simple St. Job the Much-Suffering; Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebastia: especially in freezing cold weather; Holy Forty-Two Martyrs of For those who cannot sleep well Amorion Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus For Protection Against Thieves For those who have been abused St. Gregory the Wonderworker of Kievo-Pechersk St. Markella of Chios

JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 13

VESPERS SERVICE AT “THE HERMITAGE” What?: Orthodox Vespers Service in the Chapel followed by potluck meal Where?: “The Hermitage” near Prairie Farm, Wisconsin. When?: Saturday, September 25th — 3:00 PM (Vespers and potluck)

You are invited to take a nice one and a half hour country drive, walk in fresh country air, pray, and break bread together as an out of the city experience. Meet at St. George Church at 1111 Summit in St. Paul (corner of Summit and Lexington) at 2:30 PM, to car pool or get a map for directions (if needed) to St. James Hermitage near Prairie Farm, WI. Please RSVP to Rita Kanavati at 651-292-8304 or Presvytera Miriam Paraschou at 651-452-5289.

Follow the Money A torn and ragged one-dollar bill discovered that it was about to be retired from circulation. As it slowly moved along the conveyor belt to the shredder, it Why go to Church? became acquainted and struck up a conversation with a fifty-dollar bill that A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained was meeting the same fate. that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. The fifty began reminiscing about its travels all over the country. "Life has been "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard good," the fifty exclaimed. "Why, I've something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a been to Las Vegas, the finest restaurants in single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are New York, political fund raisers, and just wasting theirs by giving sermons at all." returned from a cruise on the Caribbean." "Wow," said the one-dollar bill, "you're This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much fortunate to have been able to visit all to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this those places." clincher: "So where have you been in your lifetime, my little friend," says the fifty?" "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a "Well, I've been to… single one of those meals. But I do know this...They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given the Methodist Church, me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not the Baptist Church, gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" the Presbyterian Church, the Episcopal Church When you are DOWN to nothing...God is UP to something! the Lutheran Church, the , Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the the Orthodox Church, impossible! the Assembly of God Church, the Brethren Church, Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment! "When the Quaker Church, problems come knocking at your door and you can't find a solution, the Pentecostal Church, simply say, "Jesus, could you get that for me?!!" the Charismatic Church, the Mennonite Church, the United Church of Christ..."

"Excuse me," says the fifty, "but what's a 'church'?" Page 14 Glad Tidings September 2004

PARISHIONERS NAMEDAYS, BIRTHDAYS, AND ANNIVERSARIES CARVING OUT A LIVING IN SUMMIT-HILL Namedays Many Years! WqÁmia Pokk‚! When Summit-Hill resident, Doug Trail-Johnson answers the Theoni Giannakis, Athena Keifer, Athena Priest September 1 question, "What do you do for a living?" as a classical woodcarver, Aristea Kontinakis September 3 he usually tells what he doesn't do. He doesn't carve duck decoys or Scott Hoffhines September 5 chainsaw carvings from trees. Such are the images that people often Evanthia Thomaidis September 11 initially think of when they hear the word "woodcarving." Trail- Stavros Haidos, Steve Zeece Jr., Steve Zeece Sr., September 14 Johnson however, has found his life's work producing the classical Stella Treiber woodcarving primarily found in Orthodox Churches around the Shannon Canas September 16 world; and preserving the craftsmanship of older homes. Sophia Frances Boosalis, Sophia Bowman, September 17 The tradition of art in Orthodox Churches harkens back Sophie Canelake, Sofia Creamer, Sophia Demonakos, centuries, to a time when most people were illiterate. Thus, the rich Sophia Flumerfelt, Sophia Mallouk, Sally Pathos, visual depiction of symbols, stories, and theology are found in the Sophia Pathos, Sofia Pitsavas surroundings of the church. Each piece, such as an iconostasis, Steve Hatzis, Stathis Papaconstantinou, September 20 bishop throne, Efstathios Chouliaris chanter stand etc. is Polyxeni Angelis September 23 uniquely designed Mary Chandler September 25 for a particular Presvytera Jane Andrews September 26 church. There is no standard pattern or Birthdays mass production. The purpose of the Marisa Mortari, Dean Tsantir September 2 art in Orthodox Lani Hattling, George Taratsas, Germai Weldu September 4 Churches is Reva Adkins, Justin Dalaska, Fiona Eustathiades, September 5 practical on one Paul Hatjistilianos, Robert Hattling, Michael Tzenis level—a visual reminder of the stories and symbols of Diana Dokos September 9 Christianity—but Trail-Johnson says it also serves as an Melinda Pappas, Elena Pliakas, Tessa Pliakas September 10 enhancement of the worship experience itself. In addition, the art Ken Marks September 11 provides historic continuity and context, giving both the artist and John Georgiades, Hazel Leaskas, September 12 the worshipper a sense of belonging to something bigger than the Tina Marie Willenbring present. In fact, this sense of transcendence between the immediate Mathew Kritikos, Andrea Smith September 13 appreciation for the art and the vitality of its historic connection is Kari Kalogerson, George Tortorelis September 14 part of the reason Trail-Johnson finds his work so fulfilling. Chris Kalogerson September 15 When people see his ornate pieces, or his St. Clair Avenue Shannon Canas September 16 studio smattered with sawdust and over 200 different hand carving Richard Jensen, Andreas Petanitis September 17 tools, Trail-Johnson is often asked how he got into this work. There Kimberly Gounaikis, Stavros Haidos, September 19 is no school one can attend to become a master woodcarver. To John Manesis, Stella Treiber learn the skills needed to carve, he spent over 20 years learning Andrew Nicholas Hattling September 20 from a Greek master woodcarver. First he took carving lessons, and John Antoniou, Katherine Daltas, September 21 then he became an apprentice and then a journeyman before starting Georgia Panopoulis-Bruer his own business in Summit-Hill three years ago. Trail-Johnson's Richard Kanavati September 22 BA in history and his coursework in studio art and art history, George Antoniou, Mary Makredes September 24 however, have been invaluable for developing his strong design Andrea Faches-Chadwick September 25 skills and understanding of the historical context of the work. Alexandros Balasis, Michelle Kritikos Berge September 26 After finishing college, Trail-Johnson worked as a general Matthew Balasis, Michael Mihailidis September 27 contractor remodeling and restoring older homes. So, when he decided to invest in becoming a master carver he thought he would Americo Lopez, Jr., Al Mann, Debra Vrohidis September 28 primarily use his skills for residential restoration work. He has Dionesia Bardwell, Alexander Bisch, Melinda Petrellis, September 29 worked on many Summit-Hill homes designing columns, spindles, Lula Valek, Kleio Vrohidis fireplace mantels, and replicating damaged or missing carved pieces Pendelis Eliou, Joe Weiser September 30 in older homes. While he still welcomes this work, he found that he has become enamored with the carvings of the Orthodox tradition. Anniversaries Trail-Johnson is a 2004 recipient of a prestigious Bush Artist's Soule and Vicky Paraschou September 1 Fellowship from the St. Paul based Bush Foundation. He was one Iakovos and Kimberly Tsoukalas September 2 of three people chosen in the traditional and folk arts category. Georgia and Kyle Bruer-Panopoulos September 3 Trail-Johnson's work can be viewed at his web site: www. Ringo and Angie Cender September 9 tjwoodcarving.corn and he can be reached at 651-228-1332. Anastasia and George Mastrogiorgis September 17 Jim and Liz Georgantones September 18 [From the Summit-Hill Association/Dist. #16 Newsletter #72 Michael and Connie Tzenis September 19 August 2004] George and Jo Ann Leckas September 24 William and Dennis Spell September 29 JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 15

Father, proceed to sow the seeds of God’s word on good soil for the ST. GEORGE BOOK STORE salvation of your soul. 5) We ought to obey God: Complete obedience to the commandments of God. Follow the straight path which has been charted by our Lord Modern Orthodox Saints: Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Jesus Christ. Today’s path, which is followed by various societies is Irene of Lesvos $8 directed towards sin. The new way of life created by the development of civilization may be different from that prescribed by the Lord. 6) Love your fellow man and forgive him: that is among our religious Chapter: Spiritual Counsels of St. Raphael (pp 145-155) duties. Forgive and pray. Good deeds and love for one’s neighbor will result in a holy end for everyone who inwardly supplicates: “Save me In His parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16 :19 – 31) our Lord my Christ.” Through love and prayer he will be saved. Give each day and Savior Jesus Christ mentions that the rich man died, was buried and his to someone who is poor so they may eat. soul was in torments in Hades (using the Orthodox Study Bible); Lazarus 7) Ask God to forgive you: He knows all the hidden deeds and thoughts died and his soul was carried by the angels to ’s bosom. Heaven which people do not confess. and hell are clearly implied for life after death and the outcome for the soul 8) Cultivate patience: Patience is a heavenly gift…With patience and of the rich man was the result of his hardness of heart and lack of love for your fellow man, you become a victor in life’s continual trials. compassion for the downtrodden. The soul of the rich man asked Father Patience adorns the soul with heavenly diamonds…Patience increases Abraham: Send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that obedience to the Divine words. Patience is love and obedience. he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Exercise patience out of love for your fellow man to benefit your Abraham said to him: THEY HAVE AND THE PROPHETS; soul…When patience diminishes sin increases, evil results…Patience LET THEM HEAR THEM. (We Christians have the above and the New is an invincible weapon, a priceless adornment of man, a blessing of Testament). The rich man’s soul said: No Father Abraham; but if one goes God. to them from the dead, they will repent. Abraham replied: IF THEY DO 9) Have faith: that is unshakable as a rock, so that nothing frightens you NOT HEAR MOSES AND THE PROPHETS, NEITHER WILL THEY BE the happiness of man consists in faith in God and in good acts , which PERSUADED EVEN IF ONE RISES FROM THE DEAD. are done in love. WE CURE THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN US AND COME TO US WITH FAITH. St Raphael did rise from the dead and his soul appeared 500 years after his 10) Cultivate humility: Strive to acquire deep humility. A good Christian death to faithful people in the island of Lesvos. The three Saints revealed loves his fellow man, helps the poor, and is very humble. their life’s story, martyrdom. On the basis of their directions a monastery 11) Keep the ordained fasts: The Great Lent fast is the greatest, one which was unearthed. Healing miracles started and are continuing all over the every Christian must observe without grumbling. A person who world. possesses good bodily health is inexcusable if he does not keep the fast. During the forty day period of the fast a Christian ought to attend Let us pay attention to his spiritual counsels. He is already in heaven. He church regularly must keep the fast of Wednesday and Friday. was sent for a purpose. One of them is for us to pay attention to what he 12) Confess and receive Holy Communion: so long as you practice love said and try to concentrate our spiritual development according to his towards your fellow men and do for them all the good that lies within directions. your power. 13) Read religious books: In all our undertakings of life we should begin The following are highlights. Read the whole book. It is priceless. with a reading of the Gospel. Christians who want to show obedience to the word of God should read regularly and study carefully, word for 1) Christ and us: only where Christ dwells is there blessedness. word the Law of the Gospel, endeavoring to understand it fully. Study the acts of the Apostles. All the heralds of Christ, that is the Apostles 2) The path of Christ: It is somewhat difficult but with patience, will and and the Saints, had wisdom that they acquired through the descent humility one makes progress…it involves tribulation and suffering. upon them of the Holy Spirit. 3) Repentance and Regeneration: We are all in a state of bondage to sin. 14) Pray: Repent and pray. Pray fervently. Various prayers are listed When we come to ourselves and feel that our soul is far from God and from the trisagion, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer. become aware of our sinfulness, and with tears of repentance ask forgiveness from our heavenly Father then our soul gets regenerated. 15) Missionary activity: The compassionate soul loves, consoles, and shares the suffering of an afflicted fellow human being. It works for 4) Care of the soul the spreading of the Gospel, motivated by love for the sinner. We a. When a Christian exercises watchful care, his soul is healed and ought to feel sorrow within our souls for persons who live far away is not allowed to be lost. Read carefully the Gospels, because from God. The stand of the Lord toward Zacchaeus should serve a these are written with the Grace and glory of God. lesson for Christians: Through His stand the Lord showed we ought to b. On days when a Saint is celebrated, Christians ought to pray embrace sinners with our love and not to avoid them. We ought to more ardently. Let us then honor the Saints and invoke their seek the power of God to bring them to the regeneration, which is help (personal note of the reviewer: A wonderful way to honor effected by our Savior Jesus Christ. So let us approach sinners with each Saint is to come to the services offered in the Saint’s love. And if in the end we do not succeed in bringing them close and honor). fully to the path of God, let us even then not cease praying for them. c. A guileless and pure spirit has no badness within it. Badness is Perhaps our fervent prayer will be listened to by the compassionate the characteristic of the evil one. Through wickedness he God and He will grant to them the regeneration of their soul. diverts the soul from the path of virtue and God. 16) Profitableness of the Christian life: Happy is the Christian who studies d. How much care do people exercise to save their soul?… The and follows the teaching of Christ. He is happy in the temporary life Lord has indicated the medicines to protect it: love, warm and in the life after death. YES HE IS HAPPY AFTER DEATH prayer, and humility. Through the help of God, that needs to be BECAUSE THE SOUL DOES NOT VANISH AFTER DEATH, IS sought, sin must be banished from the soul: Greed, excessive NOT PERISHABLE LIKE THE BODY, BUT CONTINUES TO grasping, impatience, and improper imagination. LIVE, TO EXIST. e. Examine yourself; try to adorn it with love, humility, compassion and hope. With fear and love for the heavenly Page 16 Glad Tidings September 2004

who perform abortions and those who have by canon law, such as a marriage between FROM THE sought it are doing an immoral deed, and first and second cousins, or between a are called to repentance. Godparent and a Godchild. The first GLAD TIDINGS marriage of a man and a woman is honored EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH by the Church with a richly symbolic (An excerpt from a statement of the Holy service that eloquently speaks to everyone EDITORIAL STAFF Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox regarding the married state. The form of the Church in America (OCA)) service calls upon God to unite the couple t has been brought to the attention of The current debate over research on through the prayer of the priest or bishop the Editorial Staff of Glad Tidings that embryonic stem cells raises in the starkest officiating. some people in our community are way a crucial moral question concerning offended or concerned that some the ultimate meaning and value of human SAME SEX UNIONS Iarticles are pointedly political in nature life. (From Metropolitan Methodios of Boston) regarding certain social issues. In the From the perspective of Orthodox The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of August issue we printed an article regarding Christianity, human life begins at Boston categorically expresses in the Marriage, as it relates to the traditional conception (meaning fertilization with strongest terms its great disappointment in nuclear family, and an excerpt of an article creation of the single-cell zygote). This the split decision taken by the Supreme regarding Stem Cell Research, as it relates conviction is grounded in the Biblical Judicial Court of Massachusetts to the Pro-life movement. Even though the witness (e.g., Ps 139:13-16; 49:1; sanctioning same sex couple unions. people who wrote these articles were not Luke 1:41,44), as well as in the In faithful accordance with holy Orthodox Christians, and those mentioned scientifically established fact that from in the articles were not Orthodox tradition and scripture, Orthodox conception there exists genetic uniqueness Christians define marriage as a sacred Christians, we felt that the viewpoints and cellular differentiation that, if the portrayed were consistent with church covenant between a man and a woman. We conceptus is allowed to develop normally, are greatly concerned with the far-reaching teaching. It has been suggested however, will produce a live human being. Human because Glad Tidings represents an implications of the Supreme Court decision life is sacred from its very beginning...As which will adversely affect society at large. Orthodox Church, that we print material such, it is...created in the image of God and written by Orthodox Christians. To set the We strongly urge our Massachusetts endowed with a sanctity that destines it for legislators to author and to pass an record straight we would like to take this eternal life. opportunity to print, in this issue, quotes amendment to the Constitution which will from Orthodox sources regarding Abortion, defend the sanctity of marriage between a Stem Cell Research, Marriage, and Same MARRIAGE (www.goarch.com) man and a woman. Sex Unions.. Marriage is one of the sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians who [This statement was read in all Greek marry must marry in the Church in order to ABORTION (www.goarch.com) Orthodox parishes in the Boston be in sacramental communion with the Metropolis. ] The Church from the very beginning of Church. According to the Church canons, existence has sought to protect "the life in an Orthodox who marries outside the What the Orthodox Church teaches the womb" and has considered abortion as a Church may not receive Holy Communion regarding Abortion, Marriage, and form of murder in its theology and canons. and may not serve as a sponsor, i.e. a other social issues can be found at Orthodox Christians are admonished not to Godparent at a Baptism, or as a sponsor at a encourage women to have abortions, nor to Wedding. Certain marriages are prohibited http://www.goarch.org/ assist in the committing of abortion. Those

Visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America on the World Wide Web

at: http://www.goarch.org Jason and Kelly Barbes Elizabeth Stoller 6926 Chicago Ave. 5145 France Ave. S. and St. George Greek Richfield, MN 55423-2521 Minneapolis, MN 55410-2036 Orthodox Church

Steve Hatzis Ted and Jennifer Toso at: http://www.stgeorgegoc.org 1868 Minnehaha 630 Rum River Dr. St. Paul, MN 55119 Cambridge, MN 55008-1086

JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 17

VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL A SUCCESS! Over 30 children enjoyed a great week of Vacation Church School this past week! Many thanks to all the volunteers who gave of their time and talents to make the week successful. This morning, the students will host the Coffee Hour to continue the week’s theme of “Children Helping Children.” The children learned the importance of service to others as well as to their Church. You can help support their service project to aid Project Mexico. A “paper house” is on display in the Social Hall and parishioners can purchase materials to help “raise the roof”! (Bricks are $1, window pieces are $2, door pieces are $5). All proceeds benefit project Mexico. Also, the students will be handing out grocery bags to help Trinity Mission families. Please fill these grocery bags with non-perishable items and return them to the church. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

his year was my third year at camp. It was fun to see old friends i, my name is Kally Fuller. I am 10 years old and I want to tell you T and I also made a lot of new friends. There are so many fun H about my 2nd year of Saint Mary’s Church Camp. activities to do at camp. When I'm at camp, I feel closer to God. It is a Big Sandy Camp of Macgregor MN. It’s a 3 and a half hour bus ride. I made a lot of friends. The first day is when we have Orientation. Andrea Smith It’s where we walk around camp and go to stations with guides that tell you about mountain boarding, mountain biking, archery, swimming, boating, liked the water slide because it was fast and wet. I liked the tubing and skiing. I hydrobikes because they were relaxing. I liked learning about my I had 4 counselors this year and their names were Stephanie, Kristy, religion in Orthodox Life. I thought the wows were funny. I especially Kathy and Fiona. They were all really nice. They let us stay up till liked camp because I had cool counselors. 11:30pm. We go to chapel in the morning at 8:00 and we chapel after dinner at Dino Bowman 6:15. We say prayers, sing, read verses from the Bible. Then on Wednesday we had confession. I had a great time. I hope you can join me his year was my first year of going to camp up at Big Sandy. I was next year!!! T a little nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Once I got there I knew I would have a great time. It was a lot of fun getting to meet amp was an excellent experience for me. This was my first year as a new people and making new friends. I liked having free time at the beach C counselor at Summer Camp and I had a blast. All the kids are with my friends and having camp fires every night with Doria. She was awesome. It amazes me how even though I'm not a camper anymore, I still great. My counselors were a lot of fun. Now, I can’t wait until next year! learn something new every time I'm a counselor. But the best part is seeing how much the campers look up to the counselors, its the coolest thing. Aliki Vrohidis I also love how we have church two times everyday. Camp is the one time where I can go to church and not have to worry about anything that is hurch camp was a great experience. This was my first year so I going on at home. Its so much easier to walk 2 minutes and go to church C didn’t know much about camp or what to expect. When I got to Big than having to drive 30 minutes. But above all, camp is a time for us Sandy I made a lot of friends and had fun in all of the activities. My Orthodox Christians to get together and create bonds with other campers/ favorite things were carpet ball, ping pong, soccer, and the camp fires. I counselors, but also to strengthen our bond with God, that is what makes can’t wait until next year. camp so much fun and worth while.

Aristotle Vrohidis Katerina Kaniamos Page 18 Glad Tidings September 2004

Sunday School 2004

St. George Greek Orthodox Church welcomes back all our young people (preschool through 12th grade) to Sunday School. Please fill out the form below to register your child.

2004 - 2005 Sunday School Registration St. George Greek Orthodox Church

Student’s Name: Grade ___Age____ (Pre-School children)

______

______

______

______

Parent: ______

Phone: ______

Email: ______

Address: ______Mail the form to the Church or give it to ______the Sunday School teacher or Steve Ryan.

______JanuarySeptember 2004 2004 Glad Tidings Glad Tidings Page 19 St. George Greek Orthodox Church 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 "Rev. Father Richard Demetrius Andrews Phone: (651) 222-6220 -- www.stgeorgegoc.org

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Coming up in October… BEGINNING OF October 15—17 Family Camp ECCLSASTICAL October 16 Art Auction NEW YEAR October 23 St. Iakovos 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY FAST DAY October 26 St. Demetrios October 28 Protection of Theotokos FAST DAY OXI Day 6:00 PM October 30 Eau Claire 6:30 PM “Come Receive The Art Auction Meeting Light” Radio Program on KKMS 980 AM

14TH SUNDAY OF NATIVITY OF 5 MATTHEW 6 7 8 THEOTOKOS 9 10 11 9:00 AM 8:30 AM DIVINE LITURGY 12:00 PM ORTHROS MEOCCA 9:45 AM FAST DAY FAST DAY DIVINE LITURGY

6:00 PM 5:00 PM VESPERS “Come Receive The Labor Day 7:00 PM Light” Radio Program Office Closed Parish Council on KKMS 980 AM Meeting SUNDAY ELEVATION ST. ST. SOPHIA 12 BEFORE 13 14 OF HOLY 15 16 17 18 CROSS CROSS 8:30 AM 9:00 AM ORTHROS DIVINE LITURGY 9:45 AM DIVINE LITURGY STRICT FAST DAY FAST DAY

11:00 AM FAST DAY Sunday School Starts 6:00 PM— 7:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM Youth and Family “Come Receive The VESPERS Bible Study Night Light” Radio Program 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM on KKMS 980 AM Youth Ministry Catechism Class AHEPA/Daughters

SUNDAY ST. CONCEPTION OF FORERUNNER ST. THEKLA 19 AFTER 20 EUSTATHIOS 21 22 23 24 25 CROSS 9:00 AM 8:30 AM DIVINE LITURGY ORTHROS 9:45 AM 5:00 PM DIVINE LITURGY FAST DAY FAST DAY “Come Receive The Light” Radio Program 1:00 PM on KKMS 980 AM Golf Outing 3:00 PM 7:00 PM VESPERS AT Catechism Class ST. JAMES HERMITAGE 1ST SUNDAY 26 OF LUKE 27 28 29 30 October 2004 DORMITION OF Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ST. JOHN THE 1 2 EVANGELIST 8:30 AM 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ORTHROS FAST DAY 9:45 AM 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 DIVINE LITURGY 7:00 PM 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Catechism Class 7:00 PM 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Stewardship Committee 31 St. George Greek Orthodox Church Page 20 Glad Tidings September 2004 1111 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota 55105 Non-Profit Telephone (651) 222-6220/FAX (651) 225-9276 Organization WEBSITE: www.stgeorgegoc.org U.S. Postage PAID ______St. Paul, MN Address Service Requested Permit No. 177

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY BEGINNING OF ECCLSASTICAL NEW YEAR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 6:00 PM VESPERS NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 6:00 PM VESPERS ELEVATION OF HOLY CROSS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY ELEVATION OF HOLY CROSS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 9:00 AM DIVINE LITURGY ST. EUSTATHIOS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 5:00 PM VESPERS ST. JAMES HERMITAGE