The of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church DECEMBER 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 2016 Pastoral Thoughts by Fr. Jim Doukas Dear Parishioners:

Now that we have already entered the Advent Period and approaching Christmas Day, it brings to mind a Nice very interesting conversation that I happened to overhear concerning Christmas. This actually startled me. Sun., Dec. 4 Sunday School Pageant & “St Nick” Breakfast and Nameday I heard this young mother telling her friends that Coffee Hour she cannot wait for Christmas to be over because she hates this whole season. She groused about Thu., Dec. 8 Yassou Holiday social having to bake for all her company and mailing so many Christmas Cards. She continued on Sun., Dec. 11 St. Modestos’ Pet blessing mentioning how many more items she needed in order to purchase to complete her grocery list. Thu., Dec. 15 Philoptochos Christmas Auction Then, as she took a deep breath she started listing how many presents she still needed to purchase. Fri., Dec. 16 JOY Gingerbread Party She was very happy though, that her poor husband at least had decorated the outside of the house with Sun., Dec. 18 Choir Concert, lights and put up the Christmas Tree with the kids. Greek School Program, After all of that, she stated: “Have I ever told you GOYA caroling how much I hate this time of year?”

As I heard those disturbing words, I just wanted to hug that mom who was holding an infant in her hands and tell her; “Ma’am, it’s not that bad when you think about the real reason why we celebrate Christmas!” Holy Days 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. There’s nothing wrong in knowing how many St. Barbara- Sunday, December 4 (church) more days of shopping are left before Christmas. St. Nicholas – Tuesday, December 6 (church) Nor how many people will be receiving our cards St. Spyridon – Monday, December 12 (chapel) of gifts, as well as dates to remember about St. Basil– Sunday, January 1 (Church) gatherings of family and friends, as well as the St. John the Baptist – Saturday, January 7 (chapel) menu for Christmas Dinner. What is wrong, is when we forget to allow Christmas Day to remain Nativity Royal Hours - Fri., Dec. 23 , 8:30 a.m. (chapel) Holy. Christmas Eve - Sat., Dec. 24, 8:30 am Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Div. Liturgy (Church; Communion offered) May our Lord Bless you and your family ~6:00 p.m. Vespers (Church; No Communion) throughout this Christmas Season and grant you Christmas - Sunday, December 25 (Church, regular Divine Liturgy) much health and happiness as well as PEACE and HOLINESS. Eve of – Thu., Jan. 5, Royal Hours at 8:30 a.m. (chapel) and 6:00 p.m. Vesperal Divine Liturgy (Communion offered) MERRY CHRISTMAS! Epiphany –Fri., Jan. 6 , 8:30 am Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy The Epistle is the official publication of the Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios

Phone: (440) 331-2246 Fax: (440) 331-8407 Church Organizations’ Contacts Acolyte Coordinator www.saintdemetriosrr.org …………..…Tom Hlepas…216-269-3265 AHEPA …………………………...Costa Petros…440-937-8079 Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Bible Study :……...………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003 Bookstore ……….....……...…….Donna Vassos…440-331-5547 Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks Choir Director/Canto r…..…....Bill Matzorkis…..216-496-4230 Publication Deadlines : Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday Youth Choir …….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068 Monthly Epistle – The 15 th of the preceding month Daughters of Penelope …..………Elisa Demis…440-665-1348 Clergy and Office Staff Greek School Principal Eleni Papouras-Jenks...216-965-8131 Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257 Board of Education Maria Mougianis…….440-835-2888 Fr. Anastasios Athanasiou, Assistant Priest……..412-758-1068 PTO Kiki Poulopoulos …………………..440-979-9293 [email protected] GOYA Advisors Athena Diamantis………………216-469-8607 Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr [email protected] Sophia Tjotjos…...……….…….440-331-4000 Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected] Student President Paolo Diamantis John Stamatiades, Church Accountant…440-331-2246, ext. 4 Hellenic Dancers Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected] Aeraki Beginners Group…….. Maria Coutris…412-915-7838 For a seasonal prayer, call the church and choose extension 7 Kymata Jr. Group ….……...Angelia Szekely…440-724-3807 Parish Council Kyklonas ………………. Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131 James Diamond, President…..……………….…440-725-9636 JOY ………………………….Sally Tsirambidis…440-716-0581 Byron T. Spooner, Vice President…...... ……….440-724-1923 Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray)…...…Ann Carpadis…440-871-8625 Steve Alex, Treasurer……………………………440-823-9595 Becky Giallourakis…440-610-3516 Randy Carpenter, Financial Secretary…..………440-878-0036 Mary Theodore/ Bessie Pappas…..440-331-6180 Eugenia Burpulis, Secretary…...………………...440-356-1746 Library Committee ….………..…...Andie Titas...440-779-8581 Nicholas Giallourakis…………………………....440-773-9931 Philoptochos ……………………[email protected] Andreas Koustis…...…………………………….216-513-8905 President ………Stephanie Zavatchen….440-385-7448 Nikolaos Petousis ………………………....…….440-570-7889 Sunshine Committee ….Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959 Anthony Trakas……...…………………………..440-385-7741 Sunday School ….…………... [email protected] ______Principal Maggie Steffas…….440-871-6362 Endowment Fund ……………Manuel Steffas…440-871-6362 Spiritual Life Committee ...Angie Giallourakis…440-871-2681 Trust Fund ……………...... John Stamatis…440-937-6258 Yassou Club …...…………....Mary Pappadakes…440-799-4821

ORTHODOX ORGANIZATIONS

IOCC www.iocc.org Pascalis Papouras : [email protected] St. Herman’s House of Hospitality FOCUS Cleveland www.sainthermans.com OCF (Orthodox Christian Fellowship of BWU, CWRU, CSU, JCU, Tri-C)……… Mira Damljanovic: m [email protected] St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach www.stpanteleimon.com OCMC (Orthodox Christian Mission Center) www.ocmc.org Zoe for Life ! www.zoeforlifeonline.org For local Orthodox events: www.orthodoxcleveland.us Speaking of Stewardship … 3 From the President’s Pen : Embrace Your Treasure By James Diamond Over one hundred years ago, my parents were immigrants who journeyed from Turkey to Greece to Ellis Island to Cumberland, in western Maryland. Thirty families of Greek decent settled in Cumberland becoming a close knit group. There was no Greek Orthodox church in Cumberland. The closest church was in Johnstown, PA. The priest would make two visits per year, but never on a holiday. Service was held upstairs above my dad’s restaurant. The pool tabled had to be moved to create adequate space for the service. The same room was also used for the local AHEPA meetings. In our home, we had a small holy room as did many of the other families. A kandili hung from the ceiling along with icons on the walls. Mom changed the kandili wick daily. After lighting the kandili , we recited the Lord’s Prayer in both Greek and English. Mom also had a censor, which she used to bless each room on Sunday and holidays. GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING: Both my parents believed I needed more religious teachings. They SUNDAY, DEC. 4, 2016 at Noon managed to receive permission from the diocese for me to attend the A QUORUM OF AT LEAST 25 MEMBERS IN local Episcopal church, where I attended from the 8th through 12 th grade. GOOD STANDING ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS I also participated in the basketball program, much like GOYA today, MEETING. If Quorum is not met, the meeting until I moved on to play in high school. The local church league played WILL take place on Wed., December 6, at 7:00 on two week nights at the nearby YMCA. Each Sunday I walked p.m. with or without quorum, per the by-laws. approximately three miles to the Episcopal church. AGENDA At that time, on Sunday there were: Presentation of the 2017 Budget • No travel soccer or baseball tournaments Gala report • No spinning classes at 10:00 AM New Business: Home Committee Requests for • No retail stores open for business • Purchase of a 15x15 tent to replace Sundays were devoted to Christ, family, peace and tranquility. • Purchase of security camera system As I moved along with my life after high school, I relocated to • Replacement of heating/air condition units Cleveland where I lived with my sister and her family. I served in the NOTE: The Election originally scheduled for this military, and completed my college education. A few years later, my date has been cancelled due to no candidate sister and I decided it was necessary to have mom and dad relocate to petitions being submitted. Cleveland. They were getting up in years and both had health issues which began to affect some of their simple tasks in a simple lifestyle. Thanks to…. What happened shortly after their arrival was truly a blessing. They Greg & Katherine Stark for donating a Greek flag had a church to attend! This was missing for nearly sixty years. Every for the flagpole in the front. Sunday, every holiday, every vesper, they were in church….here in St. Nick Kariotakis, Harry Giallourakis & Steve Demetrios. Only severe weather or health issues would prevent their Steffas for the pancakes on Stewardship Sunday. attendance. To both mom and dad…..they had found their The PTO ladies who decorated all the trees in the TREASURE…ST. DEMETRIOS. Narthex, hall and St. Demetrios is now our TREASURE. Our TREASURE is need of l lobbies, and to your help. We need a continuance of leadership. Sad to say, but there John & Betty have been three parish council seat vacancies since January. Plus, no Poulos for one has stepped forward as a candidate for this year’s election for an donating the additional six vacancies. poinsettias. How do expect our TREASURE….church, cultural hall, Sunday school, Greek school, GOYA supported by a beautiful gymnasium to continue to operate? How do expect our TREASURE to operate if the funds needed to pay our existing and escalating expenses fall short? I ask each and every steward to step forward and help as much as you can. I ask each and every steward to reach out to your families and Usage Fee Per the decision of the September friends who have become ghosts in our TREASURE to make a new General Assembly, the usage fee for families commitment and fulfill the obligation of stewardship. Thank you for all participating in activities that take place in the that you done for our beloved St. Demetrios and I pray that all of you can classrooms or gymnasium will be raised from $ elevate your commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 350.00 to $ 500.00 effective January 1, 2017. 4 Parish News

Veterans’ Day Blessing (right) On Nov. 13, parish veterans were given a blessing for their service, and also sang the memorial hymn for those who had passed. The beautiful program concluded with the Star Spangled Banner which brought everyone to their feet. At coffee hour, we played a slide show of our men in uniform. Any parishioners who have not yet submitted a photo of a living or deceased veteran of the U.S. armed forces can still do so to be included in a photo collage which we hope to unveil by Memorial Day 2017. Email to [email protected]

Those that Have Put on Christ Fr. Jim Celebrates 10 Years at St. Demetrios Sun., Nov. 27, St. Demetrios Church was a buzz as parishioners and friends Zacharias “Jackson” Robert George Horiatis , brought plates of food and pastries to contribute to the Celebratory Coffee son of Jack & Kara, was baptized on Nov. 13, Hour in honor of Fr. Jim Doukas. Jim Diamond, President of the Parish 2016. His nona is Helen Garner. Council, presented him a gift from the community, and Randy Carpenter presented Presvytera Goldie a lovely bouquet of flowers. Fr. Jim then greeted Evangelos and George “Owen” Horvath , sons parishioners and friends in the Metallinos Cultural Hall. Thanks to Fr. of Imre & Theonymphi, were baptized on Nov. Anastasios, all of the parishioners, friends and family that attended, each 18, 2016. Their nona is Fophie Pallas. parishioner and every parish organization that prepared, served and cleaned- up, especially Philoptochos and the Parish Council. Asleep In The Lord A special thank you goes out to Stephanie Zavatchen , Katherine Kamples (nee Calogeras), mother Philoptochos President, Operations Manager Nick Hillman of Peter, Georgia (Michael) Kalstrom, and and Eleni Papouras-Jenks -Office Manager, for their James, Grandmother of two, great-grandmother assistance for this event. Axoi to all. of five, passed away Nov. 1, 2016. - Jeanne Burpulis, Parish Council Secretary St. Modestos’ Pet Blessing Sunday, December 11 th at 2:00 pm In the Zapis Activity Center

For tickets, call Estelle Callas (440-779-6981) Bring your furry, finned & feathered friends!

Come and find a place to serve! Sunday, December 18 Immediately following Divine Liturgy

Sunday, December 11 All welcome to remain after Divine Liturgy in church for a program of sacred Join our parish ministries in the and traditional Cultural Hall. Hymns & Carols Grab a coffee and then visit each organization’s booth for a treat and information about what they do. Choir alumni welcome to join the finale! Back to the 80s!

Thanks to our gala committee (above, l-r) Kim Veras, Thea Pappas, Irene Nikolakis, Sophia Tjotjos, Vas Diamantis, Cindy Bountogianis, Stacy Loizos, Despina Matheos and Athena Diamantis, and to everyone who supported our fall fundraiser! Photos: Eleni Papouras-Jenks 6 Focus on Philoptochos

Community Christmas Card

Make your first gift of the season to the ‘friends of the poor” and sign-up for the St. Demetrios Christmas card!

Fill out this form & submit with your donation by December 15 th Name (s): (as you’d like it to appear on the card) ______Address:______Email or Phone: ______The Season of Giving Our local Coping with Grief During the Christmas Season 7 AHEPA Chapter #389 recently donated $1,000 By Angie Giallourakis toward the rebuilding project of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Shrine at Ground Zero in Holidays and anniversaries can trigger painful feelings for New York City. AHEPA meets here at St. those mourning the loss of a loved one. We know that it is Demetrios on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. part of the human condition to mourn the loss of a loved one (below) The cross on the dome was installed just after and one may need some guidance on how to approach Thanksgiving. (source: www.goarch.org ) “feelings of sadness and anxiety”. In fact, people who are “past” the stage of mourning and have “moved on” still experience moments of sadness and sorrow during holidays and anniversaries. Here are some suggestions to consider as you enter the Christmas season: PRAY! As Orthodox Christians we are reminded that we are to pray for the dead. Metropolitan Anthony Bloom (1973) stated, “By our prayer, we bear witness that the dead have not lived in vain. We pray for them with love and gratitude, we remember their presence among us. Our prayer for them must be supported by our lives.” (1) REST . Cut down on Christmas clutter and just get away from the typical, if possible. (2) GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. Don’t expect the holidays to be the same. TALK ABOUT YOUR LOSS . Take time to talk with your family and friends about your feelings. Let them know you Daughters of Penelope need to share your memories and express your sadness. (3) SURROUND YOURSELF WITH PEOPLE WHO DATE TIME EVENTS UNDERSTAND YOU . It’s okay if you want to spend time “American Girl” Doll & Purse with certain relatives or friends who understand you. (4) Sundays, After SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER CONSIDER WELLNESS . Try to eat healthy and get some Dec 4 & 11 church For tickets visit our booth during exercise. Go for a walk. Recite the Jesus Prayer -“Lord have the Ministry Fair. mercy on me a sinner”- as you walk. TALK WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL ADVISOR HOLIDAY DINNER MEETING . Make time Wednesday, 6:30 to talk with your spiritual advisor. He may be able to offer Houlihan’s December 14 p.m. prayers and advice on how to approach the Christmas Season. Detroit Road, Westlake YOU ARE UNIQUE . We all grieve differently. Life won’t Local Orthodox Ministries be the same after the loss of a loved one. Allow yourself time The 25 th annual St. Nicholas Spaghetti Dinner to support St. to adjust to life after loss. Herman’s will be Sun., Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at St. Malachi Parish Hall, 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland. $8/adult; “Blessed is he for whom Paradise yearns. Yes, Paradise $6/senior over 60; $5/child 6-12. Local entertainment. yearns for the man whose goodness makes him beautiful” (St. Ephrem, Hymns on Paradise) (5 ) Sat., Dec. 10, join the Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild at St. Innocent Orthodox Church, 8526 Usher Rd., Olmsted Falls, at Resources: (1) Courage to Pray By Metropolitan Anthony Bloom & 10 a.m.-Noon, when Tara Reidy and Amy Reif will report on Georges LeFebvre (1973) (2) Coping with Grief at Christmas by Stacie Ruth Stoeltine the St. Mary of Egypt Project. Open to all. (11/28/2016) www.cbn.com/familyadvice/coping-with-grief-at- Also, on Dec. 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Holy Trinity Orthodox christmas th Church in Parma, is the 7 annual Cookie Walk to support St. (3) Journeys with Grief: A Collection of Articles about Love, Life, Herman’s & St. Panteleimon ministries. Cookies are $9/lb for and Loss By Hospice Foundation of America (2012) your home, or "sponsor" an order that will be donated directly (4) There is no right or wrong way to grieve after a loss . Caring to St. Herman's House of Hospitality for distribution to the Connections (11/28/2016) www.caringinfo.org people they serve. The cost for those orders is $12 per pound, (5) Inheriting Paradise: Meditations on Gardening By Vigen with $3 being donated to St. Herman's. Visit Guroian (1999) http://www.stpanteleimon.com/2016-holidays to pre-order. Tuesday, Dec. 13, celebrate the feastday of St. Herman of Hospital Visitations Alaska at the St. Mary of Egypt Chapel, located inside Please take note, that due to strict rules, if you want a Annunciation Church, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland. All priest to visit a patient in the hospital, he must be welcome to Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Visitors can should informed by a member of the immediate family. use the side entrance off Fairfield Avenue. 8 Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to Me’… (Matthew 9:14) Sunday School Greek School Sunday, December 4 th Sun., December 18~Christmas Program In the Christmas pageant & hall, following Divine Liturgy. Traditional Kalanta, Breakfast with “St Nick” poems, skits, and the Nativity Tableaux. All welcome. Refreshments to follow, hosted by PTO. Sun., Dec. 25 – Jan. 1– No Sunday School Dec. 20-29 – No classes during Holiday break. classes on Christmas or New Year’s Day. Tue., Jan. 3, 2017 – 2nd semester classes resume. Sun., Jan. 8, 2017- classes resume

Thanks to everyone who supported Youth Choir the PTO 2016 cookie dough sale, Sat., Dec. 3- a.m.-1 p.m. rehearsal in the and to our top sellers in Mrs. chapel. Now preparing for the various Trichonas’ Level 2 class! ( right) Christmas programs. Photo: Angie Rokas

Acolytes PTO/Anna Poulos Scholarships Graduating high school seniors (Class of You may serve on any Sunday but these are 2017) who are also graduates of the Balourdas Greek School may pick up the scheduled dates that you are required to applications in the church office. Submission deadline is Fri., January 13, 2017 . attend to serve: December Awards will be presented at the Greek Letters program on Sun, Jan, 29 , 2017. 4th : Team #1 11 th : Team #2 All-Youth Ministry Cabin Fever 18 th : Team #3 24 th : TBA Fun Day 25 th Team #4 Thursday, December 29 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Activities throughout the day for various ages & interests throughout the facility. Look for the full schedule of events in upcoming bulletins.

Greek Community Night Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 ~ 7:00 p.m. Cavaliers vs Sacramento Kings J.O.Y. Join us as we cheer on the Cavs and Ohio's own Greek son, Kostas Koufos of the Sacramento Kings! Greeks will be located in sections 204, Gingerbread 205 and 100. The first 3 children who purchase tickets from our parish will have the Christmas opportunity to participate in 1 of 2 on court fan experiences. As a part of Greek Community Night, our children will unfurl and hold the court- Party sized American Flag and form a high-five tunnel for the Cleveland Cavaliers players as they enter the court. I will work out the details with Friday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. you and your children at a later date. The deadline in order to be considered for these fan experiences is Monday, December 5. In the Fellowship Room Reserve your tickets now! Reserve by paying in full via PayPal at: http://annunciationakron.org/index.php/news-events/cavsgreeknight. $10/child Tickets will be distributed 1 week prior to the game to your Flash Seats We will also welcome a account. (If you do not have a flash seats account, you must create one plate of cookies from each first at flashseats.com.) Once you have created your account, select the family ☺ section in which you wish to sit and click "Buy Now". You will be given an amount option at the PayPal site. Be sure to complete the Contact Call Sally (216-904-9482) Information section when checking out and use the e-mail address associated with your Flash Seats account. GOYA 9 Girls basketball now practices from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tue/Thu. Boys basketball practice remains 7-9 pm Mon/Wed. Sun., Dec. 4 – staff Pangari; meeting Sat., Dec. 17 – All-Cleveland basketball tournament. Times & brackets TBA. Sun., Dec. 18 – Caroling Dec. 22-23 – Overnight Shut-in Retreat

Sunday, December 18 th GOYA will sing at homes throughout our community, followed by a party. To have our teens visit your home, or to sponsor a Christmas Eve Luminary, sign up during December coffee hours.

On Sunday, November 13, our GOYA sent out three teams on a service mission to rake leaves at parish homes. Thanks to our parent drivers, donors, and the Kopasakis family for hosting the dinner that followed!

Antiochian Village, Bolivar, PA Orthodox college students, join us as we come together OCF’s Real Break is a one-of-a-kind alternative Spring Break program in fellowship and prayer to explore the theme “Come & for Orthodox high school graduates, between 18-25 years old. The Real Break program provides young adults with the opportunity to See” Keynote speaker Fr. Timothy Hojnicki understand the true meaning of seeing Christ in the other – traveling plus an excellent line up of workshop speakers! to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving those in need, $325 ( partial scholarships available but limited .) and cultivating relationships with like-minded peers. www.ocf.net/events/college-conference-east-2016 / Register at http://www.ocf.net/real-break-2017 / 12

In a special ceremony on Nov. 15 th , His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, with the blessings of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, received a rare 9th century Greek manuscript of the complete New Testament (known as “Codex 1424”) from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) to the Greek Orthodox Holy Metropolis of Drama, Greece. There ceremony took place at LSTC’s Augusta Chapel in Chicago. “For the past century, our school has stewarded this book that rightly belongs to your tradition within its original home,” said LSTC President Rev. Dr. James Nieman as he was handing the manuscript to Archbishop Demetrios and continued: “We are thankful for this brief moment it has had in our midst, and now gratefully yet sadly release it for the next part of its journey. May God bless us both through the living word of Christ that it bears, and may God guard you with a safe return and joyful The manuscript, known among biblical scholars as Codex homecoming. In handing this book now to you, let all gathered 1424, was one of many manuscripts taken in 1917 from the here know that it passes from our care to yours, ever for God’s Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa , in the Pangaion glory. Amen.” mountain range outside Drama, in northern Greece, following the Balkan Wars of 1912-13 and World War I. It found its way to a European book dealer and was purchased, in 1920, by Levi Franklin Gruber, who later became president of Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary, one of LSTC’s predecessor schools. Gruber bequeathed the codex to his widow, and the seminary later received his entire rare book collection from her. Earlier this year, the Ecumenical Patriarchate directly and through its representation in the United States, requested the return of the manuscript, to which LSTC voluntarily and readily agreed. Greek manuscripts that contain the entire New Testament are rare. According to biblical scholar Kurt Aland, there are only 60 such manuscripts in world collections. Codex 1424, “Today, in the spirit of …Thanksgiving, our hearts are filled written in the 9th century A.D., is the oldest complete with gratitude to our Lutheran brothers and sisters for this minuscule manuscript (written in cursive script) of the Greek generous and kind gesture” said Archbishop Demetrios. New Testament in the world. Moreover, the order of the books “Nearly a century ago, our faithful lost an integral part of the of the New Testament is unusual. For example, the book of treasures of our Orthodox faith and tradition when the library of Revelation, today located at the end of the New Testament, in the Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa (Kosinitza Monastery) the Codex 1424 precedes St. Paul’s letters. The manuscript was was ransacked and many manuscripts, Codex 1424 included, copied by a monk named Savas, and other monks three were taken. We hope that other collections in the United States centuries later added excerpts from St. John Chrysostom, St. which also possess manuscripts originating from the Monastery Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and others as of Panagia Eikosifoinissa will follow the fine example set by commentaries in the margins of the pages. LSTC and voluntarily return the manuscripts to their rightful Ralph W. Klein, curator of the LSTC rare book collection, home. Our gratitude to LSTC is enormous indeed for adhering said, “Manuscripts like Codex 1424 enable New Testament to the original spiritual intent and moral mandate of the scholars to construct a definitive text of the Greek New manuscript itself.” Testament since none of the original texts has survived and The President of LSTC, James Nieman, said: “For nearly a ancient manuscripts contain thousands of variant readings. We century, we have been blessed to be the stewards of this are indebted to our ancestors in the faith who took such care remarkable document, and today we are blessed again by the that the Sacred Scriptures were preserved for posterity. Codex opportunity to return it to our Greek Orthodox friends and 1424 represents the Byzantine family of manuscripts that strengthen the bond we have together in Christ Jesus.” became the backbone for the Textus Receptus in the 16th Archbishop Demetrios as well as the President of LSTC James century and was the Greek edition used by the translators of the Nieman, visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the Thronal King James Version.” Feast of Andrew (Nov. 30) will then travel to Greece to The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts participate in ceremonies for the return of the manuscript to the has photographed the manuscript page by page, which can be Holy Metropolis of Drama in Thrace. viewed at www.csntm.org/manuscript/View/GA_1424?filter=1 The Church of Panagia Eikosifoinissa is located on Thrace’s Pangaio (right) A page Mountain, along the Serres-Kavala road, south of Drama. The monastery was from Codex founded in the time of Bishop Filippi Sozon, who took part in the 4th Ecumenical 1424 Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. The site was later abandoned and re-founded (below) The by St. Germanos in the 8th century. Today it serves as a convent with 25 nuns. Icon of Panagia There are various versions of how the monastery got its unique name, including Eikosifoinissa, that founder St. Germanos, who originally lived in the Holy Land, in a monastery ‘written’ by St. within an oasis with 20 palm trees (eikosi foinikes in Greek) was instructed by an Luke angel to build a monastery for the , in memory of that location. The monastery played a key role in educating people, with its many books and manuscripts. The church eventually played an important role in preparing the revolt against the Turks by raising the national sentiment and people’s courage. In front, there is a monument to 172 monks who were slaughtered by the Turks in 1507. The church is known for the miracles that are said to have happened there and the icon of Panagia Acheiropoiitos , painted by the Apostle Luke, attracts a great number of Orthodox Christians. Tradition says that a Bulgarian soldier once tried to damage the icon of the Virgin Mary, but he was immediately repelled and died. It is said that the trace of his shoe and his gun are still visible on the marble floor. Getting There The church is accessible by car or bus from Kavala to the village of Nikisiani (through Elefteroupoli) although some pilgrims choose to walk up to the monastery. (source: www.wondergreece.gr )

“Top. Men.” (Icon, right) St. Germanos, founder of the original monastery of Eikosifoinissa, from where several manuscripts were stolen by Bulgarian troops occupying Thrace in World War I. (bottom, center) The late Levi Franklin Gruber (1870-1941) who purchased the manuscript in Europe and brought it to the U.S. (below, left) James Nieman, current President of the Lutheran Theological School of Chicago, and Archbishop Demetrios of America who are traveling to the Patriarchate. Archbishop Demetrios noted, “It happened through an exchange of correspondence between our Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago…. the action of the return of this manuscript by LSTC becomes an event enhancing ecumenical relationships.” (far, right) Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will welcome the repatriation of the manuscript.

Chicago

Istanbul 12 Around the World: Spotlight on Polynesia

IOCC / OCMC Reach Out to Fijians HolyTrinity, By Presvytera Vassi Haros Saweni, Fiji Recently I had an opportunity to chat with Presvytera Katerina Patitsas who is serving along with her husband, Fr. Paul, and Photos: their children in Auckland, New Zealand through the support of Pres. OCMC. His Eminence Archbishop Amfilochios, the Kathryn Metropolitan Archbishop of New Zealand had requested aide Patitsas and IOCC had designated some emergency relief money to help people in Fiji after Cyclone Winston last February. It was Was IOCC able to make a difference to the Fijians as they the most devastating weather disaster in recorded history for continued to rebuild their homes after Cyclone Winston? Fiji Islands. If I tell you that a typical village home is a one room house made of corrugated steel and some wood, you might wonder Pres. V: What is Fiji like? what their temporary housing looked like. China had fortified Pres. K: People from all walks of life from around the world many families with tents. Others were living with family come to Fiji for vacation, to relax, to experience the ocean and members making their homes more tent-like. These people were see what’s in it. Ironically most tourists miss the best part which extremely hospitable but stressed. Some were making due with is Fiji’s people. Fijians are islanders in the truest sense; sincere their fallen walls and broken foundations. to smile and wonderful to engage. They are themselves relaxed We had some guidelines to go by so that the aid we were honorable people and humble. They greet you with the word giving could have a positive effect on more families. We tried “Bula.” It means life. As Aloha is used in Hawaii, it is used in to conserve as much money as possible – like when we were many ways. The sound of it is enough to make you smile. negotiating the cost for customs fees by independent customs agents – so that more could go to the people in need. We also What did you do during your visit? conserved what we ate and received a donation of our hotel stay I had been in Fiji for roughly 3 weeks doing some catechism while we were in Savusavu. The Church provided and meeting people at the compound of the St. Tabitha accommodations for us on the large island while in transition to Orphanage and Holy Trinity Church in Saweni in Viti Levu the more remote areas. Mainly for those to whom we were Island. I had traveled alone to Vanua Levu, to meet the family giving, we counted how many lived in the household and gave of Father Barnabas who is the priest of Nicholas and accordingly. Athanasios parish in Labasa. Gracious from beginning to end, this family is bringing many people to the Orthodox Faith. Can you share some of their stories? Father, however, was interested in getting aid to the poorest The stories were wild, like the young family who ran out of of the poor and he worked hard interviewing people to find the their home just as it was sliding down a muddy bank, or the people who were still in need. He is well connected socially and woman who was in the hospital when the cyclone hit and she as a community leader, so he was able to find the people we came home to rubble. In her village, the members kindly were looking for. Father Meletios of the Holy Archangels organized the rubble from her home and she needed to find a Monastery in Levin, NZ was also with us. He had worked with carpenter to put it back together. Another tried to hold down his me on reconnaissance, and preparation. roof while the wind was lifting it away. He did not succeed. Basically, we had divided into three tasks. Father Barnabas scouted for people in need, talking to government officials, What are the benefits of waiting six months to take aid? people in the farmer’s markets, and other businesses. I then It seemed fortuitous that we came to the scene a little late with explained the origin of IOCC and our purpose. I interviewed the our contributions; the storm occurred in February of this year individuals to see what kind of aid we could provide. Father and we were visiting in August. This delay meant that we could Meletios worked with people as I did, and served as a prayerful scout out people who were missed by other aid workers, or who advocate for those in need. He also helped us determine our just slipped through the cracks of care, by missing deadlines, or priorities as they arose. He had done the initial investigations some other mishap. with Father Barnabas as well.

Children of Saints Nicholas and Athanasios parish in Labasa Was it hard to find people still in need and to have the 13 proper supplies? Basically, the Church found people. Father Barnabas walked the streets of Savusavu and asked around. He also approached government agencies. He asked how people’s villages were doing and if they knew of anyone who needed help. No one said, “Yes, I do.” Some were quick to say, that everyone in their village was fine. Before departing for our trip, we had heard from Fr Barnabas in Labasa that chainsaws were needed in several villages, as they were still clearing away trees from wooded areas and from atop homes. The city workers were not able to get to them either because it was not their territory, or they were busy still working in common areas. One interesting experience was when we met with the Woman Chief of the Village of Savudrodro in Vanua Levu Fiji. She was a gracious woman, beautiful, around 80 years old. She dressed rather formally to meet us in traditional Fijian dress. We sat on her grass mat and she listened to the story of IOCC (above) Orthodox Church in Fiji; family at service; Fr. and how this aid and the gift of a chainsaw came to her village. Meletios & Fr. Barnabas. We also agreed that anyone who would attempt to use a (below ) Pres. Kathryn visiting a Fijian family and their priest chainsaw that IOCC provided would also watch and discuss a (below, left) Fr. Paul & Pres. Kathryn concluded their summer training video on how to stay safe while operating a chainsaw. mission at the Pacifika Best Logos Graduation. We provided the video. Did IOCC ship the materials you needed? Can you describe their responses? Donations to IOCC made this aid possible. Most materials We expect feedback from the people who were given were purchased on location for this avoiding shipping costs, chainsaws and Father Barnabas and I are going to do follow except for the chainsaws which we bought in New Zealand as up. As for people who received a cash donation to rebuild, they chainsaws in Fiji run about 3 times the cost of them in NZ. were quite pleased. One woman waits for her husband to sell fish that he catches Please describe your experience in Fiji. on his own. He uses whatever extra money that he has to buy More than anything, what I felt from those receiving funds is building materials to rebuild his house himself. By August he one of hope and faith in their fellow man. The IOCC gifts came had only set up a wood frame. She was tremendously grateful. as help that their government could not provide for them and in many cases as an answer to prayer. It was special to see how these people felt remembered and how that touched them. Personally, I worked as a servant of those who donated, and as a servant of those who received. I wanted them to know and feel that I was just as blessed as they were to be on the giving end: something that perhaps I did not earn, but appreciated to the depths of my heart

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN MISSION CENTER Since its inception in 1992, IOCC has delivered $580 million in As the official missions agency of the Assembly of relief and development programs to families and communities in Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States it is more than 50 countries. IOCC is a member of the ACT Alliance, a OCMC's mission to make disciples of all nations by bringing global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in people to Christ and His Church. To learn more about development, humanitarian assistance, and advocacy. To learn OCMC, please visit our website at www.ocmc.org more about IOCC, please visit our website at iocc.org 14 We are now in the midst of the “Nativity Fast”, arguably the least known or observed fast of the 15 ecclesiastic year, and a fitting time to review the stance of the Great Council on … The Importance of Fasting and its Observance Today Fasting is a divine commandment (Gen 2:16-17). The How We Fast Fasting cannot be reduced to simple and Orthodox Church has always proclaimed the great significance formal abstinence from certain foods. “…A true fast is one that of fasting for our spiritual life and salvation. The annual is set against evil, it is self-control of the tongue. It is the liturgical cycle reflects the entire patristic teaching on fasting, checking of anger, separation from things like lusts, evil- the teaching on constant and unceasing watchfulness of the speaking, lies, and false oaths. Self-denial from these things is a human person, and our participation in spiritual struggles. true fast, so fasting from these negative things is good” (Basil Accordingly, the Triodion praises fasting as grace that is full of the Great, On Fasting ). Abstinence from certain foods, but also light, as an invincible weapon, the beginning of spiritual how much to eat, constitutes a visible aspect of this spiritual struggles, the perfect path of virtues, the nourishment for the endeavor. “In the literal sense, fasting is abstinence from food, soul, the source of all wisdom, life imperishable, an imitation but food makes us neither more nor less righteous. However, in of the angelic life, the mother of all good things and virtues. the spiritual sense, it is clear that, as life comes from food for each of us and the lack of food is a symbol of death, so it is When We Fast As an ancient institution, fasting was necessary that we fast from worldly things, in order that we mentioned already in the Old Testament (Deut 9:18; Is 58:4- might die to the world and after this, having partaken of the 10; Joel 2:15; Jonah 3:5-7) and affirmed in the New Testament. divine nourishment, live in God” (Clement of Alexandria.) The The Lord Himself fasted for 40 days before commencing His true fast affects the entire life in Christ of the faithful and is public ministry (Lk 4:1-2) and provided instructions on how to crowned by their participation in divine worship, particularly in practice fasting (Matt. 6:16-18). As epitomized by St Gregory the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Palamas: “When you fast like this you not only suffer with Fasting for three or more days prior to Holy Communion is Christ and are dead with Him, but you are also risen with Him left to the discretion of the piety of the faithful. However, the and reign with Him forever and ever. If through such a fast you totality of the Church’s faithful must observe the holy fasts and have been planted together in the likeness of His death, you the abstinence from food from midnight for frequent shall also share in His resurrection and inherit life in Him” participation in Holy Communion, which is the most profound Since the apostolic times, the Church has proclaimed the expression of the essence of the Church. The faithful should profound importance of fasting and established Wednesday become accustomed to fasting as an expression of repentance, and Friday as days of fasting, as well as the fast before Pascha. as the fulfillment of a spiritual pledge, to achieve a particular There has always been diversity with regard not only to the spiritual end in times of temptation, in conjunction with length of the fast before Easter, but also the number and supplications to God, for adults approaching the sacrament of content of other periods of fasting which became customary, baptism, prior to ordination, in cases where penance is with a view to proper preparation for the great feasts. imposed, as well as during pilgrimages and other similar Following the example of the Holy Fathers, the fasts instances. throughout the year, are Great Lent, Wednesdays and Fridays, the fasts of the Nativity, the Holy Apostles, and the Dormition Inability To Fast The Church, however, has also established, of the Theotokos, the single-day fasts on Holy Cross, the eve with pastoral discernment, boundaries of philanthropic of the Epiphany, and the Beheading of John the Baptist. Thus, dispensation concerning the rules of fasting, in consideration of the indissoluble link between fasting and worship indicates the physical infirmity, extreme necessity, and difficult times. It is a extent and purpose of fasting and reveals its spiritual nature. fact that many faithful today do not observe all the For this reason, all the faithful are invited to respond prescriptions of fasting, whether due to faint-heartedness or accordingly, each to the best of his or her strength and ability, their living conditions. However, all these instances where the while not allowing such liberty to diminish this holy institution. sacred prescriptions of fasting are loosened should be treated by the Church with pastoral care. Why We Fast Fasting is generally prescribed in the New Those who find it difficult to observe the prevailing Testament as a means of abstinence, repentance, and spiritual guidelines for fasting, whether for personal reasons (illness, edification (Mk 1:6; Acts 13:2; 14:23; Rom 14:21). military service, conditions of work, etc.) or general reasons As a spiritual endeavor, the true fast is inseparable from (conditions in certain regions with regard to climate, socio- unceasing prayer and genuine repentance. Repentance without economic circumstances, inability to find lenten foods,) it is fasting is fruitless, just as fasting without merciful deeds is left to the discretion of the local Orthodox Churches to dead. Everyone is called to strive, to the best of his or her determine how to exercise empathy, relieving in these special abilities, to reach the lofty Orthodox standard, which is the cases the “burden” of the holy fast. goal of deification by grace. Maintain the good struggle of the All this should take place within the aforementioned fast, in a spirit of self-reproach and humble recognition, context and with the objective of not diminishing the relying upon God’s mercy for shortcomings. importance of the sacred institution of fasting. Next month, we will conclude this series with the encyclical from the Great and Holy Council regarding marriage. You can also read all the messages in their entirety, at www.holycouncil.org 15 This month, we conclude the 2016 series with the final three “Prophets in our Dome”

St Hannah (Anna) the Holy Prophet Daniel Prophetess and mother of and the Three Holy the Prophet Samuel Youths Ananias, (Dec. 9) Azarias and Misael th Her story, during the 12 century (Dec. 17) BC, opens the First Book of Their wonderful story is told Samuel. Though barren, she kept all in the Book of Daniel, in the commandments and prayed with which the coming of Christ is fervor that her reproach might be prophesied and prefigured in taken from her, vowing that if God several places. (Large granted her a son she would portions of the book are dedicate him to God's service. missing from the protestant When her prayers were answered, Bible: make every effort to she brought her child Samuel to live obtain and read the full with Eli the High Priest, as soon as version.) he was weaned. Her beautiful song The Song of the Three Youths of praise and thanks (1 Sam. 2:1- in the Furnace has become 10) has become the third Biblical the Seventh and Eighth of the Ode of the Matins Canon. Old Testament Odes of the Today it is only sung in full in Matins Canon, which are monasteries during Lent. sung in full Despite her age, only in God granted her monasteries three sons and during Lent. two daughters. The Three She reposed in Youths’ peace. sojourn in Her icon can be the fiery found in our dome. furnace is prominent in Orthodox hymns Her son, the Holy Prophet Samuel, is and devotions, for their passage through commemorated on Aug. 20. He was the last of the flames unharmed is a type of the the Judges of Israel, and was appointed by God holy Virgin's incorrupt birth-giving: to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and receiving the divine Fire within her . Read the Old Testament book 1 Samuel womb, she was not consumed but for his story. Many believe that he is the author remained ever-virgin. of the books of Judges, Ruth and the first 24 According to the Synaxarion , Daniel chapters of I Samuel. reposed in peace at the age of 80, two years after the return of the Hebrew people from their captivity in Babylon. Holy Prophet King David The Three Youths also reposed in peace. But St Cyril of Alexandria writes that all For the story of David the King, Prophet of them met a martyr's end, by and Ancestor of God, read 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 beheading. According to tradition, these Kings 1-2, and 1 Chronicles 10-29. four were among the righteous dead who He is the primary author of the Psalter, rose at Christ's Crucifixion and were which can be called the foundation of all the seen by many (Matthew, Chapter 27.) Church's praise of God. It was the hymnal of The Three Holy Youths were named, Old Israel, of the Apostles, and of Christ in Hebrew, Hananiah, Azariah, and himself. Every one of the Church's services Mishael; the names given above are abounds with passages from the Psalter. Greek renderings of the Hebrew names. His commemoration on the Sunday after Their captors also gave them Babylonian Nativity is a movable feast day. If no Sunday names, by which they are also called: falls within the range of December 26-31, (as in Shadrach, Abed-nego, and Meshak, 2016) the commemoration of Saints David, respectively. Daniel was given the th Joseph and James is kept on December 26 . Babylonian name Belteshazzar. 16 Around Town

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