THE SPYRIDON VOICE APRIL 2012

Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church PO Box 427 Newport, RI 02840 tel: (401) 846-0555, fax: (401) 841-0960 www.stspyridonchurch.org

PAGE 2 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE S AINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH www.stspyridonchurch.org Reverend Dr. George E. Economou [email protected]

Office Hours Priest: Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. —1 p.m. ; For emergencies, call (401) 474-7700 (cell) Church secretary, Ellen Anagnostos: Tuesday & Thursday, 9 a.m.—1 p.m.

Parish Council President: Zoe Adamedes Greek School: Chanters: George Spiratos Eleni Anagnostopoulos Basile Panoutsopoulos Loula Eliopoulos Choir Director: Paul Cotsoridis Thanasi Stefanopoulos Organist: Jane Iandolo Adult Greek School: Basile Panoutsopoulos Religious Education: Marianne Menas VOICE: Aliki Cooper ([email protected]) Stewardship: TBD Philoptochos President: Zinovia Canale Affiliated Organizations Acolytes: Theodore Panoutsopoulos AHEPA President: Michael Sisak GOYA President: Missy Mellekas Daughters of Penelope President: JOY Advisor: Sandy Giannopoulos Penelope Hiotas Soup Kitchen: Sofi Cofield, Penny Hiotas Island of Skiathos Organization: and Jane Iandolo Christina Logothets

SERVICE TIMES Sunday Winter Hours Orthros 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.

Weekday Festal Celebrations: Vespers—7 p.m.* Orthros—9 a.m. Divine Liturgy—10 a.m. * Note: Holy Confession is available by appointment.

The Saint Spyridon Voice is a monthly publication of St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 390 Thames St., Newport, RI 02840

APRIL 2012 PAGE 3 F ROM THE PASTOR’ S COLLECTION Paschal Message The resurrection of constitutes the very heart of the Christian faith, of the Christian “glad tidings.” And yet, in the real life of contemporary and Christians, faith in the resurrection has very little place, however strange this may sound. This faith has become clouded so that today’s Christian, unaware that this is happening and without denying the resurrection, manages somehow to avoid it; he has ceased to live by the resurrection as the early Christians did. Yes, if he goes to church he of course hears the triumphantly joyful affirmations ringing out in Christian worship: “trampling down death by death,” “death is swallowed up in victory,” “life reigns,” and “not one dead remains in the grave.” But ask him what he really thinks about death, and often – alas, all too often – you will hear some vague, still pre-Christian idea about the immortality of the soul and its life in some sort of world beyond the grave. And that is at best….At worst there is simply confusion and ignorance: “You know, I somehow never really thought about it.” Yet to think about “it” is absolutely essential, since all of Christianity hinges upon belief or unbelief not merely in the “immortality of the soul,” (all religions do this, this does not make Christianity unique), but precisely in resurrection, the resurrection of Christ and our own “universal resurrection” at the end of time. If Christ is not risen, then the Gospel is a deception, the most terrible of all deceptions; but if indeed Christ is risen, then all of our pre-Christian explanations and beliefs about the “immortality of the soul” must be radically revised, or rather, they must simply be dropped. Frankly, classical belief in the immortality of the soul excludes any possibility of belief in the resurrection. This is because resurrection – and here is the root of everything – includes not just the soul, but the body as well. Even a superficial reading of the Gospel leaves no doubt at all about this. According to the Gospel account, when the apostles saw the risen Christ, they thought they were seeing a ghost, an apparition. The very first act of the risen Christ was to enable them to sense the reality of His risen body. He takes some food and eats it in front of them. He directs the doubting Thomas to touch His Body to be convinced of the resurrection by touching with his own hand. And once the apostles believed, it was precisely this proclamation of resurrection, its reality, its “bodiliness,” which became the chief content, power and joy of their preaching. The chief sacrament of the church becomes communion of bread and wine as the body and blood of the risen Lord, and in this act, “we proclaim His death, we confess his resurrection” (St. Basil’s Liturgy, cf. 1 Cor 11:26). In this affirmation of resurrection is contained all of Christianity’s faith, all its love, all its hope. And this is why “if Christ has not been raised…your faith is in vain” (1 Cor 15:14). From the Sermons of Fr. Alexander Schmamann

PAGE 4 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE

Please join us for the annual Fish Dinner Hosted by the Daughters of Penelope

Sunday, April 8, 2012 Immediately following Liturgy

$15 for adults and $8 for children under 12 years old

Tickets are now on sale every Sunday in the church hall. Please get your tickets early as seating is limited and once capacity is reached, no one without a ticket can be seated.

APRIL 2012 PAGE 5 F LOWER GIRLS FOR GOOD FRIDAY EVENING Any girls between the ages of 6 and 12 who are interested in being flower girls on Good Friday evening should call Carissa Borodemos at 835-3845 to put their name on the list. Only those girls who attend practice on Palm Sunday, April 8th will be allowed to participate. All girls must wear all white dresses and white shoes.

S OUP KITCHEN NEWS

Dear Friends, Please call or email Sofi Cofield to sign up to help at this month's soup kitchen—this month it is on Monday, April 9th— (401 847 8593 / [email protected] ) Thank you for your help in our Ministry, St. Spyridon Soup Kitchen Team Jane Iandolo, Penny Hiotas and Sofi Cofield

LIST OF ITEMS FOR GREAT LENT, HOLY WEEK AND Following are items needed during the holiest of seasons. Please consider donating one or more items, in order to help defray some of the expenses. All items have been pre- ordered, so please make your check payable to St. Spyridon, noting item on memo line.

Thank you. May our Lord God from Whom all blessings flow, bless you abundantly.

1. Flowers for the decoration of the Icon for the Salutations (5 Fridays) - $25 2. Flowers for the decoration of the Icon of Annunciation—$50 3. Flowers for the Feast of the Veneration of the Holy Cross (Mid-Lent) —Donated 4. Palm Sunday: 6 Palm trees—$150, Vayia, (bay leaves—$100), Palms for Palm Sunday Crosses—Donated 5. Holy Wednesday: Holy Unction items—Donated 6. Holy Thursday: 12 Candles for 12 Gospels and Crown of Thorns—Donated 7. Holy Friday: 4 Candles for the Epitaphio—$20 8. Holy Saturday: Lilies for Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday—18 plants—$15 each 9. Holy Saturday: Paschal Candle; Flowers for the Resurrection Banner—Donated 10. Epitaphios Flowers—This is our largest, single expense; your generous donations would be greatly appreciated.

PAGE 6 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE

APRIL 2012 PAGE 7

GENERAL ASSEMBLY Sunday, April 29th after Liturgy. Please make every effort to attend.

H ELLENIC FEST Hellenic Fest dates have been set for July 20, 21 and 22.

Committee chair people have been set and the enthusiasm of the committees is exciting:

Souvlaki: Steve Mellekas Gyro: Steve Kyriakakis Cultural: Penelope Hiotas and Despina Haralambidis Food: Leah Violet and Maria Johnson Raffle: Dr. James Rozes Taverna: Norman and Ionna Loukoumathes: Mersina Walsh

This year we are also working with a spokes committee made up of the following: Leon Panteleos, Peter Kyriakides, Steve Kyriakakis, Elaine Holder, and Steve Mellekas.

We are still in need of a chairperson for publicity and pastries. We would really appreciate it if you feel you can help us in these two areas. Please call Elaine Holder for further information at 401.864.2225.

A SSUMPTION CHURCH 100TH ANNIVERSARY The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and asks everyone to join them at the Providence Performing Arts Center on May 19th for a live show featuring the return of "Yanni". A block of seats has been reserved so please see the poster in the church hall for all the details including ticket prices and contact information.

PAGE 8 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE F ROM THE PASTOR’ S COLLECTION THE PASCHAL SEASON “Having beheld the resurrection of Christ.” It is now the paschal season, forty days of feasting. For forty days, at every service we repeat, like the ringing bell: “Christ has risen from the dead, trampling down by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.” During these forty days, we also greet our fellow Christians with the paschal exclamation. It is the expression of our joy, the sharing of our faith, the assurance that Christ has defeated the death: Christ is risen? Indeed, He is risen! For forty days liturgical vestments and linens remain white, like the robe of the angel announcing the Good News. The epitaphion of Holy Friday remains in the sanctuary during this time, for the death of the Savior is always linked to his resurrection. The Icon of Christ in the tomb covers the altar table, and on it we celebrate the eucharist, for out of the tomb comes life. No one may kneel or bow until . It is no longer the time to fast, but rather to invite all one’s friends, particularly the poor and the lonely, to share the festal meals. This is a privileged time. We feel Christ’s presence in our midst, just as when he appeared to the apostles; in the upper room, on the road to Emmaus, on the mountain in Gallilee, at the shore of the lake of Tiberias, sharing a meal with friends. The week of Pascha is often called “Bright Week.” Indeed, the days become longer, the sun is brighter, warming us and filling us with joy. Spring blossoms, everything is covered with greenery and flowers. “Each spring, nature prophesies the future spring of the whole world.” The feast of Pascha is a foretaste of the day without end, when spring will be eternal. During Bright Week, the liturgical services follow a special ordo, as if each day were Sunday. Instead of singing all the hymns according to a single tone for the entire week, as is done in ordinary time, a new tone is used each day, as if it were eight consecutive Sundays. In Orthodox countries, paschal matins and the eucharist are celebrated each day; there is a daily procession around the church, and water is blessed for use by the faithful. The churches remain open night and day, and the doors of the iconostasis are not closed for the entire week. “In this way is symbolized our free access to the Holy of Holies, which Christ, our high priest, has opened for us through his blood.” APRIL 2012 PAGE 9 Two thousand years have passed since the Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus. How are we affected by this event today? How does the “forgiveness of sins” for which Jesus died upon the Cross become the forgiveness of our sins today? How does the eternal life of the Risen One, who will never die again, become our eternal life? How does Jesus Christ’s victory over death deliver us from death? How can everything that the Lord Jesus did for men whom He loved so much benefit the people of our time? How can the gift of God which He brought be effectively received by us today? How can this mystery of the Cross and Resurrection affect us; how can we appropriate it, make it our own, so that His Resurrection becomes our resurrection, so that His union with the Father becomes our reconciliation with God, so that His Life becomes our life? The answer is given in a short phrase of the Creed: “I believe in one baptism for the remission of sins.” The Death and Resurrection of Christ are made real to us through Baptism. It is through Baptism that we are united to His death so that we may participate in His Resurrection. It is in Baptism that we are “planted together” with the risen Christ; it is Baptism which grafts us onto Him. The great mystery which the Holy Spirit accomplishes in Baptism becomes part of one’s consciousness only through free cooperation or “synergy” on the part of the baptized. In order for the baptized individual to truly attain the image of Christ, to become really a Christian, a whole lifetime is needed during which the action of Christ and the Holy Spirit in free cooperation with the baptized can gradually penetrate into all the nooks and crannies of his heart and soul, his body and spirit.

Excerpts for this article from the book: The “Incarnate God” (The Feasts of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary Vol. II) Catherine Aslanoff, Editor of the French edition, and Translated by Paul Meyendorff. (St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Press 1995)

Your Parish Priest Fr. George, the President Zoe Adamedes and Parish Council Members wish all our Parishioners,

HAPPY EASTER ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ

May the Joy of our Lord's Holy Resurrection abide in your hearts during this Paschal Season and throughout the Year. PAGE 10 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE APRIL 2012 Sunday Winte

SUN MON TUE WED THU

1.StMary of Egypt 2. Titus Wonder- 3. Nikitas Confessor 4. George of Maleon 5.Claudius and Orthros. 9:00 a.m. worker.Theodora of Div. Lit.10:00 a.m. Palestine 10:00 Visit Shut-Ins 10:00 Visit Shut-Ins 10:00 Visit Sh Sun. Sch.Fellowship Office Hours 4:30 p.m. 9th Hour GodParents/Childr. 7:00 p.m.PC Mtg 5:00 pm.Presanctified Office Hou

8. PALM SUNDAY 9. Holy Monday 10. Holy Tuesday 11. Holy Wednesday 12 .Holy Thur Orthros:9:00 a.m. Eupsychios Martyr Terrence&Companion 8:00 a.m.Presanctif. 8:00 a.m. Vesp Div.Lit. 10:00 a.m. Vadin of Persia Gregory V.Pat.of Con 3:00 p.mHolyUnction Liturgy of St. COM. LUNCHEON 7:00 .p.m.Service of 7:00.p.m.Service of 7:00 p.m.ServiceHoly 7:00 p.m. Serv Nymphios 7:00 p.mNymphyos Soup Kitchen Nymphios Thursday/Annointing Holy Passion1

15. GREAT/ HOLY 16. Renewal Monday 17. Renewal Tuesday 18.RenewalWednesd. 19. Renewal T PASCHA/EASTER Agape,Chionia,Irene Symeon Bish of Persia John Righteous discip Paphnoutios M 11:00 A.M. AGAPE Martyrs Makarios B.of Corinth of St.Gregory of Deca- George the Con SERVICE Raphael,Nikolas,Irene polis.Ephthimios Office Hou Office Hours Enlightner of Karelia

22. Thomas Sunday 23.Great Mrt George 24.Elizabeth Wonder- 25.Mark Apost/Evang 26. Basil B.of A Orthros: 9:00 a.m. Orthros: 9:00 a.m. Worker.Savvas Gener. Emanuel,Theodore, Glaphyra Righ Div. Lit. 10:00 a.m. Div. Lit. 10:00 a.m. Gregory, Michael and Sun.Sch./Fellowship Office Hours Gregory. New Martyrs Office Hour 7.GrVesp.St.George

29.H. Myrrbearers. 30. James the Apostle GODPARENTS Fr. George will visit Fathers Emer Orthros: 9:00 a,m, Angyra New Martyr. GODCHILDREN the Shut–Ins on 3rd Tel. 401-474-7 Div.Lit. 10:00 a.m. SUNDAY APRIL 1ST 4th and 5th of April. Please use onl SunSch/Fellowship Please strive to be in Please call office and emergencies. O Church this Sunday give names to visit. wise leave mes APRIL 2012 PAGE 11

Upcoming Events inter Hours: Orthros: 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy: 10 a.m. April 3—Daughters of Penelope meeting, AHEPA Housing, 7pm

HU FRI SAT. April 8—Palm Sunday Fish Dinner following Liturgy s and Comp 6. Eutychios of Const 7.Saturday of Lazarus Methodios Enl .Slavs Orthros. 9:00 a.m. April 9—Soup Kitchen it Shut– Ins Div. Lit. 10:00 a.m. Preparations for Palm April 22—Greek Independence Day Hours Sunday. Crosses Parade in Boston, 1pm

Thursday 13.HolyGreatFriday 14Holy/Great Saturday Regular Events Vesp.Div. 8:00 a.m.Gr.Hours. 8:00.a.m. Lit.St.Basil f St. Basil. Décorat.of Epitaphio 11:p.m. Prep.Service Religious Education—Sundays, Service of 3:00 p.Apokathilosis 12:00 ANASTASIS immediately after Holy Communion sion12Gosp 7:00.p.Lamentations 12:30 PASCHAL LIT. Children’s Greek School— wal Thursd. 20. Renewal Friday 21. Renewal Saturday Monday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m. os Martyr Zoodochos Peghe Ianouarios & Compan e Confessor Life Giving Spring Alexandra Empress Adult Greek School— Hours Orthros: 9:00 a.m. Mondays, 4-6 p.m. Div. Lit. 10:00 a.m.

B.of Amasea 27.Symeon Martyr 28. 9 Monk-martyrs of Righteous Eulogios Innkeeper Cyzikos. Memnon the Wonderworker Hours

Emergency Please note changes Blessed and spiritulally 474-7700 of times starting Div. uplifting Holy Week & e only in Liturgies Holy Wed- a Blessed and Joyous cies. Other- nesday,Holy Thurs- Holy Pascha / Easter e message day & Holy Saturd.

PAGE 12 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE RESURRECTION AND ORTHODOXY—A NEW WORLD The Orthodox Church is characterized as the Church of Resurrection. And when we say Church of Resurrection we don’t mean the bright celebration of this event in the Orthodox Churches, rather what Orthodox devoutness believes and the Theological thought states. The Resurrection of the whole world. The faithful person enters into a new condition with the resurrected Jesus, into a new reality. “Yesterday” the faithful felt the drama of the cross. “Today” the faithful arose with Him Who triumphed over death. The faithful Orthodox Christian feels united with Jesus, the Source of life for all. “Yesterday I was buried with You Christ, today I rise with You Who has risen.” “I arise” new; I am a new person partaking mystically through baptism and Holy Communion to the sacrament of His burial and Resurrection. The Resurrection revealed to us Jesus as Victor over sin and death, and the beginning of the renewal of the world is completed that began with the Incarnation of the Word of God. Humanity and the Resurrected God-Man, enters into that reality of the Kingdom of God, which will be fully realized at the end of time, at the Second Coming of God. Yet, humanity already is experiencing and participates in that reality, in God’s Kingdom. The Church as it celebrates the most important events in the life and ministry of our Lord—the Resurrection being the central point of these celebrations—makes accessible to us the reality we call Theosis. The Orthodox Church does not stop at the Crucifixion or see it only as the satisfaction of Divine Justice, instead goes beyond to the Resurrection and sees in this event the confirmation of God’s love for the resurrection, newness and transformation, the Theosis of human nature. The hymn writer addressing the “buried and resurrected” Christ, says, “Thou make new the natives.” You make new, different from what it was before. “The perishable You transformed, it became imperishable”, continues the hymn writer. “Thou make new…” God uses the word “make” when he created man-human nature. As in the first creation, God made man new also with the Resurrection. God makes man new again. He recreates His creation. Jesus through His Resurrection makes us new again, who fell from God and became a slave to sin and subject to death. Human nature, the new man, in Christ becomes Christ-bearer. God dwells in him and he is a God-bearer. In this new creation what do we as Christians play? What is our duty? Our duty is to communicate, to reveal and witness to the whole world the “new life” that gives life the body of Christ, His Church, through the participation in the sacramental life of the Church. The Resurrected Lord defeated death and sin, and through His Resurrection He made it possible for human nature to experience that life of blessedness that was lost. It is up to us to accept or reject that which our Lord’s Resurrection has accomplished for us. We are called to work to bring about this renewal in God, a task that began with Christ and the empty tomb. We are called to become instruments of His love for us, revealed through His Glorious Resurrection. We are called to this mission, as were His Disciples and Apostles, and the multitudes that followed through the centuries. We are called to be witnesses to the world of the Light that is Christ. The Light that shines from the empty tomb. AMEN

APRIL 2012 PAGE 13 G EORGE THE GREAT MARTYR & TRIUMPHANT Feast Day: April 23rd (If April 23 falls on or before Great and Holy Pascha, the Feast of St. George is translated to Bright Monday.) Reading: George, this truly great and glorious Martyr of Christ, was born of a father from Cappadocia and a mother from Palestine. Being a military tribune, or chiliarch (that is, a commander of a thousand troops), he was illustrious in battle and highly honored for his courage. When he learned that the Emperor Diocletian was preparing a persecution of the Christians, Saint George presented himself publicly before the Emperor and denounced him. When threats and promises could not move him from his steadfast confession, he was put to unheard-of tortures, which he endured with great bravery, overcoming them by his faith and love towards Christ. By the wondrous signs that took place in his contest, he guided many to the knowledge of the truth, including Queen Alexandra, wife of Diocletian, and was finally beheaded in 296 in Nicomedia. His sacred remains were taken by his servant from Nicomedia to Palestine, to a town called Lydda, the homeland of his mother, and then were finally transferred to the church which was raised up in his name. (The translation of the Saint's holy relics to the church in Lydda is commemorated on November 3; Saint Alexandra the Queen, on April 21.) Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Kontakion in the Fourth Tone Cultivated by God, you became manifest as an honorable tiller gathering for yourself the sheaves of virtue. For you sowed with tears but reaped with gladness; in the contest you competed with your blood and came away with Christ. By your intercessions, O Holy One, all are granted forgiveness of sins. Reading and Apolytikion © Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA Kontakion © Narthex Press

PAGE 14 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE IN OUR PARISH Birth Congratulations to Gabi and Lucian Dobrot who welcomed a baby girl, Nicoleta Lucia, to their family on March 20th. Best wishes to the proud parents, big sister Ana and the entire Dobrot family. We wish Nicoleta a long and healthy life!

R ELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS Dear Families, As we approach Pascha, let us review the events this month.. 1. On Saturday April 7th, the making of palm crosses after church service. 2. No Sunday School on Palm Sunday and Pascha. 3. On April 13th, the Good Friday retreat will be held at our church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Marianne

The children of our Religious Education participated in the procession of icons around the church for the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 4th.

APRIL 2012 PAGE 15 J OY/GOYA —PALM CROSSES AND RESURRECTION CANDLES As we do every year, we will be weaving crosses for Palm Sunday on Saturday of Lazarus, April 7th right after Liturgy. This is a good activity, especially for families. We ask that all of you join us on this day. A Lenten lunch will be served. Please contact Sandy Giannopoulos at 667-2984 for more information.

Goyans will be decorating and selling Resurrection candles starting Palm Sunday.

H ELLENIC COLLEGE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Hellenic College Holy Cross will host "75th at the Pops" on Saturday, May 12, 2012, a George Gershwin concert by the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall in Boston. This event is part of the celebration of the school's 75th anniversary. We invite friends and supporters of HCHC to join us on this joyous occasion. This event promises to be a sell out. A limited number of tickets is available. For reservations please contact Mrs. Patricia Dukakis at 508-545-2471. For more information, look for the letter in the church hall or visit http:// www.hchc.edu/hellenic/about/news/news_releases/75_at_the_pops.html .

B OSTON GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE This year all the RI Hellenic-American community groups will participate collectively in the annual Boston Greek Independence Day parade in Boston under one banner. There will be a bus leaving Cranston on the Sunday morning of the parade for the participants. Details will be made available as they are finalized and become available. If you would like to attend on your own, the parade details are:

Sunday, April 22, 2012 (Start Time 1:00 p.m.) Parade Route: Boylston Street to Charles Street, Boston, Mass. Presented by: the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England in Cooperation with The Consulate General of Greece, The Metropolis of Boston and The Mayor's Office of Special Events and Tourism Grand Marshals: City of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, His Excellency Ambassador of Greece Vasileios Kaskarelis.

Annual Celebration at the Boston Common immediately following the Parade For additional information please visit www.fhasne.com

PAGE 16 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE

APRIL 2012 PAGE 17

PAGE 18 THE SAINT SPYRIDON VOICE

S T. JOHN ORATORICAL FESTIVAL NEWS The Parish St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival was held on 11 March 2012 in the fellowship hall. In the Junior Division (grades 7-9) Panagiotis Panoutsopoulos earned honorable mention for speaking on Archdiocese Junior Division Topic Four: Discuss one of the Great Feasts of the Church. How has this feast become important to you and your family? : Pascha (the Feast of Feasts). Theodore Panoutsopoulos earned second prize for speaking on Topic Four: Discuss one of the Great Feasts of the Church. How has this feast become important to you and your family? : Elevation of the Holy Cross. Niko Spentzos earned first prize for speaking on Topic Five: In our day, when people’s lives have become more and more scheduled with events, how might we reclaim our understanding of Sunday (the Sabbath) as a day of rest and honoring the Lord? In the Senior Division (grades 10-12) Michael Antonopoulos earned honorable mention for speaking on Archdiocese Senior Division Topic Five: Stress and anxiety seem to be inevitable nowadays, in our every relationship and activity. How are we as Christians supposed to act in times of worry and uncertainty? Parthenia Giannopoulos earned honorable mention for speaking on Topic Two: Discuss the prayers and Biblical references of the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Orthodox Church (James 5:14–15). What does the sacrament tell us about faith, healing, and our relationship with God? Pareskevi Kyriakakis earned second prize for speaking on Topic Three: In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus tells Peter that one should forgive one’s brother not just seven times but “seventy times seven.” Discuss how and why we should forgive wrongdoers, even when something within us cries out for justice—especially if we’re the injured party. Eleni Giannopoulos earned first prize for speaking on Topic One: In Leviticus 19:33, we read, “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.” Immigration has always been a source of growth and change in American society. What should be the attitude of an Orthodox Christian toward immigration and immigrants? Nancy Forest and Thea Mancini from the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Pawtucket, RI, and Anna Wade from St. Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church in Goshen, Indiana served as judges. Lucian Dobrot served as our time keeper. The Daughters of Penelope and the Ladies of the Saint Spyridon Philoptochos kindly provided assistance with the prizes for this year’s festival. And the families of the Religious Education community provided the luncheon refreshments.

APRIL 2012 PAGE 19

Participants in the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival held on March 11. 2012.

AHEPA NEWS Due to Holy Week, our meeting must be changed to TUESDAY, APRIL 3 at the housing community room at 7 p.m. The chapter will discuss AHEPA Sunday, and the District 7 Con- vention here at the Mainstay Inn, May 4-6. We will elect delegates to the convention. On Friday evening of the Convention, May 4, the chapter is again planning an evening at the Newport Playhouse with a sumptuous buffet, play and Cabaret, as we did last year. The community is cordially invited to join in. Contact Steve Jennings for complete details at [email protected] as soon as possible so we may obtain a group discount rate.

D AUGHTERS OF PENELOPE NEWS The April meeting of the Daughters of Penelope will be held TUESDAY, APRIL 3rd at 7 p.m. at the AHEPA Housing Complex. Please note - again - change of our regular meeting date. Plans will be discussed for our hosting the Palm Sunday Fish Dinner on Sunday, April 8th. Tickets are currently on sale at the coffee hour. Adults $15, children $8. Please see Penny Hiotas or Ellen Anagnostos or Joanne Hologgitas to purchase. Seating is limited, so purchase early. Also, participation in the AHEPA District 7 Convention to be held May 4,5,6 at the Mainstay Inn will be discussed. Please contact Penny Hiotas at 847-1807 for details.

APRIL 2012 PAGE 20 Order of AHEPA In loving memory of Mel’s Cafenio Maud Howe Elliott Chapter 245 25 Broadway Gredo Vincent Volpicelli Newport Daughters of Penelope Ares Chapter 49 849-6420

Aquidneck Pizza With compliments of… Breakfast  Lunch  Dinner In loving memory of Dr. Joanne 27 Aquidneck Avenue and Middletown Stelios and Frangoula Mr. C. Gus Hologgitas Take out orders: 849-3356 Christopher Daily 7am-12am, Fri & Sat 7am-2am Astro NIKOLAS PIZZA Construction Inc. CODDINGTON 38 Memorial Blvd West PO Box 522 BREWING COMPANY Newport Portsmouth, RI 210 Coddington Highway (401) 683-9120 Middletown 849-6611 Established 1954 847-6690

Compliments of the A-1 Pizza Rhea’s Bed & Breakfast ATLANTIC 306 Broadway Accommodations with BEACH CLUB Newport jacuzzi’s available! 53 Purgatory Road Free Delivery 120 West Main Road Middletown Middletown 847-2750 849-2213 841-5560

Compliments of Flo’s Drive-In The Mainstay Inn Island of Skiathos Portsmouth Flo’s Clam Shack 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road Organization Middletown Newport Established 1967 Voted Best in Rhode Island! 849-9880

Steve H. Jennings Advanced Planning Associates In loving memory of All American Advanced Tax & College Planning Retirement & Asset Protection Anthony & Dorothea Foods, Inc. 401.247.9882 [email protected] Rozes www.advancedri.com