February 2021 he ine t e m e t r i o s Tr e e k r t h o d o x h u r c h r o w n t r e e t e st o n S . D G O C V, 57 B S , W , MA 02493
Fr. Vinnie’s Message Jesus said, “I am the vine; The Season of Triodion and Great Lent you are the During the months of February and March, we enter into the solemn season of branches. Triodion and Great Lent. It is a time when our Holy Orthodox Church invites all of If a man remains us to renew our faith in Christ, our Savior and Redeemer of the human race, and to renew our love for the Church which proclaims the teaching of Divine Love. in me and I in him, he will bear Since the foundation of the world, the Saints of God, such as the Prophets and Patriarchs, the Apostles, Martyrs, Teachers and Fathers of the Church have lived much fruit.” Christ’s Teaching and bestowed to the world an example of dedication, sacrifice and (John 15:5) obedience to Christ. By their living and holy example, their love for man, unceasing prayer, self-control, fasting, charity, forgiveness and tears of repentance, they sanctified humanity.
Great Lent reminds us of the achievements of the Saints and of their countless struggles while striving to preserve the “image and likeness of God”. In each week of Lent we commemorate holy and historic events in the life of the Church, such as Contents the Sunday of Orthodoxy and the Veneration of the Holy Cross. In addition to the radiant example and wisdom of some of the great saints of the Church, such as St. Gregory Palamas, St. John Climacus, and St. Mary of Egypt, whose repentance and self-denial has inspired many others. Liturgical Schedule...... 2 The Service of the Salutations of the Theotokos also serves to strengthen our faith. Stewardship Spotlight...... 3 We are reminded of our glorious history and also our rich spiritual tradition which nourishes the whole world. During the days of Great Lent we are invited to take the Youth...... 4 & 5 path of these saints. With them we experience within our soul the mystery of our Photos...... 6 unique Faith. We need to follow the example of the Saints, together with the Most Holy Mother of God, to pray unceasingly for the peace of the whole world, for the Photos & Stewardship.....7 stability and reconciliation of all nations, for the prevalence of righteousness in all the earth, and for man’s return to God. With complete faith we must entrust our Calendar...... 8 struggles and concerns to Him who offers us the invitation, “Come, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. News & Events...... 9
Philoptochos...... 10 & 11 Great Lent also invites us to repentance and forgiveness. Let us ask God to pardon our faults and passions returning to God the Father, as did the Prodigal Son. Only Announcements...... 12 then will we be able to find healing of the wounds of soul and body. By doing this we restore to our own life peace of soul and mind. The love of God will prevail in us and overcome so many of the problems, economic and social, personal and national, which plague contemporary society. As it is written in the Triodion, “The spring of abstinence, the bloom of repentance, has dawned. Let us cleanse ourselves, brethren, of every defilement, and let us cry to the Giver of light, saying, ‘Glory to You, only Lover of Mankind’”. Liturgical Schedule
Triodion Begins: Sunday of the Publican Schedule of and Pharisee, February 21 Church Services
Sunday Services Orthros, 8:30; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 February 7- 16th Sunday of Matthew February 14- Sunday of the Canaanite February 21- Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee February 28- Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Midweek Services at St. Demetrios Please note we will not have services on February 2 for the Presentation of the Lord and Paraklesis on February 3rd The name for this Sunday is taken from the parable of our Lord Jesus Christ found in Luke 18:10-14. This February 10- Paraklesis, 6 pm is the story of two men, one a Pharisee, a member of February 17- Paraklesis, 6 pm a Jewish sect known for its diligent observance of the Law, and the other a Publican, a government official February 24- Paraklesis, 10 am charged with the responsibility of collecting taxes.
Both men enter the temple, and the Pharisee stands openly and prays, thanking God that he is not like other men, specifically extortioners, the unjust, adulterers, “or even this tax collector” (v. 11). He then begins to list his religious accomplishments by stating, “I fast twice a week, and I give tithes of all that I possess” (v. 12).
In direct contrast to the pride of the Pharisee, the Publican goes to a place where he will not be noticed by others and beats his breast saying, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” (v. 13).
Having told this story, Jesus affirms that it was the Publican who returned home justified and forgiven rather than the Pharisee. He states, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 14).
The theme of this parable is repentance. Repentance is the door through which we enter Lent, the starting-point of the journey to Pascha. To repent signifies far more than self-pity or futile regret over things done in the past. The Greek term metanoia means “change of mind.” To repent is to be renewed, to be transformed in our inward viewpoint, to attain a fresh way of looking at our relationship with God and with others. The fault of the Pharisee is that he has no desire to change his outlook; he is complacent, self-satisfied, and so he allows no place for God to act within him. The Gospel depicts him as a man that is pleased only with himself who thinks that he has complied with all of the requirements of religion. But in his pride, he has falsified the meaning of true religion and faith. He has reduced these to external observations, measuring his piety by the amount of money he gives.
The Publican, on the other hand, truly longs for a “change of mind.” He humbles himself, and his humility justifies him before God. He becomes, in the words of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3), “poor in spirit.” He acknowledges that he is a sinner, and he knows that salvation is only found in the mercy of God. Here we find an example of true humility, an essential aspect of repentance. A “change of mind” and the transformation of our lives can only happen when we humble ourselves before God, acknowledge our willingness to turn from sin, and receive His grace into our lives.
Our preparation for Lent thus begins with a prayer for humility, the beginning of true repentance. Through repentance, we can find and return to the true order of things, a restoration of our spiritual vision that will guide us in a very difficult and challenging world. By entering Great Lent in humility and repentance, we can attain deeper communion with God as we receive His forgiveness and He blesses by guiding us to greater spiritual heights.
The Vine: February 2021 p. 2 Stewardship Spotlight
Each month we will feature a family as part of our Stewardship section of the Vine. Take a moment and learn more about the parishioners who make the fabric of our community here at St. Demetrios. We hope that you enjoy this new feature. The Parpos Clendenin Family
Tell us about your family. I am the daughter of Argirios and Avra Parpos and I am one of four siblings. Eleven years ago, I received my life’s greatest blessing when I became a mother to my son, Mark Demetrios. At that time, I was living out-of-state. Life’s fragility and bittersweet ways made their presence known when motherhood and divorce simultaneously greeted me. Through God’s grace, my son and I survived our respective childbirth complications. We relocated to Framingham when Mark was 10 months old. ST. DEMETRIOS CONNECTIONS Our family of two grew to three 781-237-5561 | www.stdemetriosweston.org when I bought my son a dog for his 8th birthday. Fr. Vincent Minucci, Proistamenos I have worked in education for Fr. Nicholas Krommydas, Pastor Emeritus 20 years, beginning as a Boston Marianne Kent, Office Administrator Public school teacher to my Nicholas Korderas, Sexton current non-teaching position James Houhoulis, Parish Council President in the Special Education Matina Pappas, Philoptochos President Department for Weston Public Bookstore, Carol Loridas Schools. St. Demetrios Choir, Genie Leussis, Chris Tzellas, Athena Kalyvas One can take the teacher out Faith and Works Ministries Greek Orthodox of the classroom; however, one St. Demetrios Inner-City Outreach, Peter Mitsakos cannot take the teacher out of Church St. Nicholas Angel Tree, Nancy Agris Savage the person. Prior to COVID, in YOCAMA, Jill Kovatsis addition to my job in the public Peace Ministry, Peter Panagopoulos school system, I also proudly IOCC, Andrea Katsenes worked side-by-side with my Habitat for Humanity, David Newkirk, Gina Pagonis mother in the Greek Language Hospitality/Fellowship Hour, St. Demetrios Philoptochos & Cultural School. Serving my Library, Cindi Dabrowski St. Demetrios community as 57 Brown St. Mailing Ministry, Portia Pantages Orthodox Life Series, James Skedros the Kindergarten Greek School Weston, MA 02493 teacher for 8 years was truly (781) 237-5561 Byzantine Chant Ministry, Demetrios Constantine Philoptochos Care Ministries an honor. As a first-generation (781) 237-8612 (fax) Greek-American, I take the www.stdemetriosweston.org Hellenic Nursing Home, Pam Brody Prayer-Shawl, Elaine Ward responsibility of keeping the Quiltathon, Debbie Morakis Greek language and heritage Visitations, Valerie Wiegel alive, to heart. Prosfora Ministry, Christina Booth Fr. Vincent Minucci Senior Guild, Artemis Martakis How long have you been a Proistamenos Stewardship, Dimitri Georgakopoulos parishioner of St. Demetrios? [email protected] YOUTH I came to St. Demetrios as a Altar Servers, Chris Kourlos high school student in 1994. Fr. Nicholas Krommydas Basketball, Jack Markis Pastor Emeritus Church School, Stavroula Gurguliatos What is the fondest memory [email protected] Church School Music Director, Jane Kourtis you have from St. Demetrios? GOYA, Fr. Vinnie, Jill Kovatsis, Maria Handrinos It’s a tie – the day my son was Office ADMINISTRATOR Jr. GOYA, Fr. Vinnie, Renee Vekiarides baptized and the day I watched Marianne Kent HOPE & JOY, Fr. Vinnie him be, ‘Joseph,’ in the 2018 [email protected] Family First Friday, Pres. Nadia Minucci Christmas Pageant. Greek Folk Dancing, Alexandra Lull Greek Language School, Avra Parpos Young Adults, Demetri and Maria Constantine Continued on page 7
p. 3 The Vine: February 2021 “Don’t let anyone look down on you youth because you are young...
Church School
We hope that you had a wonderful start to the New Year! Here are the dates for this month's virtual Church School Classes. We hope you will join us!
November's class schedule: February 14, 4 pm Feburary 28, 4 pm We encourage Church School families to join us for
GOYA
We had a great time with our annual Christmas party, virtual this year! Many participated in our Secret Santa where gifts were delivered straight to our doors and Mrs. Kovatsis went above and beyond by bringing everyone their own wonder ball to unwrap during the party. We also played Among Us and had a wonderful time. For February, we are working on doing a virtual paint night with our GOYA, please be on the lookout for an email with more information, soon! If you would like to be a part of GOYA please email Jill Kovatsis to get on our email list- [email protected]
GREEK LANGUAGE AND HERITAGE SCHOOL
Even though we are still apart, we are continuing to learn with all our heart. We are so proud of our Greek School students and how they are navigating Greek lessons on Zoom this year and so thankful to our teachers and parents for all they and you do to support this new learning format.
Virutual Greek School Christmas Celebration, December 2020
The Vine: February 2021 p. 4 Youth
p. 5 The Vine: February 2021 PHOTOS Christmas at St. Demetrios
Theophay: Blessing of the Waters- January 6 & Fr. Jonathan Resmini Visiting- November 29
The Vine: February 2021 p. 6 Photos & Stewardship
Installation of iconostasis in the prayer garden & St. Demetrios in the snow
How has the church impacted your life? The church is a safe haven – in God’s House, I find peace and a renewed patience for the answers I have yet to learn in life. Church is a tender reminder that we are never alone – God is always with us. Being physically present in His House to light a candle, receive Holy Communion, to listen to the beautiful hymns being chanted…the hope-filling and strengthening impact of those things can sometimes be underrated; however, I know the incredible significance and the blessing in the aforementioned.
What do you hope to see in the future of our church? I hope in the aftermath of the global pandemic, there is not only a return, but a surge, in church membership and participation. I hope that the generation of parents that I am part of – I hope we succeed in instilling the faith in our children that our parents instilled in us first-generation Greek-Americans. I hope that as the generations move forward, the traditions, the services, the language – I hope they don’t die out.
What does stewardship mean to you? To me, stewardship means being part of a collective unit and as a member of that larger unit, each individual has the responsibility to nurture and care for those that comprise the unit with them. p. 7 The Vine: February 2021 Calendar February 2021 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 Greek School Zoom Classes, 4 pm
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Orthros & Divine Greek School Paraklesis, 6 pm Liturgy, 8:30 am, Zoom Classes, Paraish Counsil 4 pm Meeting, 7 pm Philoptochos Board Meeting, 7 pm
14 15- President's 16 17 18 19 20 Day Orthros & Divine Greek School Paraklesis, 6 pm Liturgy, 8:30 am Church Offices Zoom Classes, Church School Zoom Classes, 4 Closed 4 pm pm,
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Orthros & Divine Greek School Paraklesis, 10 am Liturgy, 8:30 am, Zoom Classes, 4 pm
28 Orthros & Divine Liturgy, 8:30 am, Church School Zoom Classes, 4 pm
The Vine: February 2021 p. 8 News & Events
St. Demetrios Bookstore Fr. Manikas Library Take a look at some new offerings from our bookstore. Book of the Month: The Treasured Traditions and Customs There are inspirational books for adults and children, St. of the Orthodox Churches by Mary Paloumpis Hallick Demetri-os crosses, brass votive candles and censers and prosforon baking pans for seasonal gifts. Some suggestions While our dogmas and worship are the same, we are for books include, Prosphoro and Artos: Communion Bread enriched by many different cultural traditions and and Blessing Bread and New Testament & Psalms, Orthodox customs. “An interesting custom in some parts of the Youth Edition, and Everything Tells Us About God. If you Ukraine involves the youngest child of the family. This are interested in purchasing any of these featured items child’s duty is to watch at the window for the evening or anything from our bookstore, please contact the main sky to appear, symbolizing the Three Wise Men going office at [email protected]. to Bethlehem. With the starting of the star, the feast begins.” The book covers differences in architectural design of the Church, the Sacraments, Feast Days, and national observances/holidays. You can find a copy of this book on the Recommendation shelf (or under Catalogue #A) As outlined in the Library Policies and Procedures please fill out both cards and leave the orange card in the metal box. Date is the month and year when you borrow the book. You are welcomed to visit the library when the Church office is opened.
PHILOPTOCHOS AWARDS HONOR PARISH YOUTH FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, SERVICE & COMMITMENT
~ Deadline is April 16, 2021 ~
For the last four decades, the Philoptochos Society has presented more than 130 awards to our community’s young people to recognize their accomplishments across a broad spectrum of involvement from love of the arts, academic achievement, service to others and more.
The scholarship funds were established in recognition of several of our community’s most treasured former members by their families. Each is given with particular emphasis in the areas of life that were important to those in whose name the awards are given.
42nd James Salas/Maria Salas Papoulias Alexander, William, Nicholas, Michaela Widen ~ Academic Performance
35th Nicholas and Effee Voss ~ Leadership & Scholastic Performance
17th Dr. Demetre/Ann Hoty Decaneas ~ Leadership & Community Service
15th Nychis Family ~ Social Justice & The Arts
8th Cynthia Speare Zervas ~ Excellence in Academics & Extra-Curricular
4th Second Lieutenant Ian Thomas McVey USMC ~ Service and Devotion to St. Demetrios, Family and Community
4th Bessie Coclin ~ Devotion to Orthodox Ministries &/or Love of Music
4th Souris & Spencer Families ~ Giving Back to Church & Community
3rd Peter George Liacopulos ~ Commitment to Core Values of Faith, Education & Hard Work
2nd Helen C. Makris ~ Education, Public Service &/or the Arts
Peter James Condakes Award ~ Presented to All Senior Altar Servers
All awards are available to both graduate and undergraduate students and are to be used for any educational expenses. Applicant or applicant’s family must have been members in good standing of our parish for at least the last two years, must be enrolled or accepted into a degree-granting, accredited college/university in the U.S. and must be a U.S. citizen.
The deadline for applications is Friday, April 16, 2021. Awards will be presented during a special ceremony following Divine Liturgy in June. Applications may be obtained: 1) on the Philoptochos page of the parish website by going to Resources/Scholarships at: http://www.stdemetriosweston.org/philoptochos/ 2) by email request to Kathy Hamilton at [email protected] or 3) by calling the church office at 781-237-5561 to have one mailed. Questions may be directed to Nancy Agris Savage at NancyASavage@gmailcom
Nancy Agris Savage, Chair; Jean Speare Canellos, Philippa Condakes, Amalie George, Kathleen Hamilton, Athena Kalyvas, Carol Loridas, Mary Ann Pappanikou, Matina Pappas, Ex Officio
p. 9 The Vine: February 2021 Philoptochos
Philoptochos
Dear Philoptochos Sisters,
Happy New Year! Kali Xronia! May 2021 bring us all peace.
Although we’ve had to make certain adjustments to the way we support our charities due to COVID, one thing has remained the same, your commitment to Philoptochos. We offer you our sincere gratitude.
Thank you to the following people that graciously chaired events during the months of November, December and January.
November to Remember Veteran’s Drive- Eugenia and Chris Kourlos We raised over $2,400.00 and distributed gift cards to many Veterans.
Cooking Zoom Demonstration with Chef Adam Munroe- Jenn Ramsdell
Engaging our Minds Speaker Series- Barbara Jarvis
Boxwood Christmas Tree Class- Marianne Gigliotti and Taslene Gatzunis
Care Ministry- Valerie Weigel and Susan Denn Wellness calls were made, and beautiful cards with Icons were sent to our shut-ins.
Christmas Card- Pat Liacopoulos
Bake Sale- Kathy Damaskos and Gena Liacopoulos Many thanks to our Bakers: Baklava- Bessie Condakes and Evie Abraham Koulourakia- Georgia Mavro Kourabedes- Nikko Korderas and Gena Liacopoulos Melomakarona- Francesca Callas and Stephanie Skedros Paximathia-Nikko Korderas and Anna Ioannou Tsourekia- Athans Bakery
Christmas Boutique- Pam Brody and Olga Newkirk
Tenderloin Raffle- Kathy Hamilton Congratulations to our 2 winners: Gennie Leussis and Matthew and Caitlin Doukas!
Vasilopita Sunday- Chris Tzellas
Food Drive- Susan Denn
A special thank you to our treasurer, Olga Newkirk, who has gone above and beyond with the addition of Square.
Upcoming Events
Membership Drive You will be receiving your membership letters in the mail soon. We are grateful to our current members for their support and participation. We welcome and encourage new members to join. For more information on our St.
The Vine: February 2021 p. 10 Philoptochos
Christine Chapter, please contact Suzanne Polymeros at [email protected] or Matina Pappas at mpappas@ paphome.com. Come join us!
Agape Gift Card Tree Raffle- Drawing on February 14, 2021 $10.00 a ticket
Enter for a chance to win this great Agape Gift Card Tree. A perfect Valentine’s Day gift! Gift Cards total over $250.00. The drawing will be on February 14 and all proceeds will directly benefit our charities.
Your name will be assigned to each ticket purchased for the raffle. For more details and to purchase tickets online go to: stdphilostore.square.site or by calling Kathy Damaskos at 617-605-5638. Annual Lenten Retreat- Save The Date- March 27, 2021 Cost- $35.00 This year our annual Lenten Retreat will be hosted at our Church. Father Nick will lead us in an inspirational and reflective discussion on “Developing a Sacred Space”. We will adhere to all the same COVID safety protocols as with attending Church. A boxed lunch will be provided.
With Love in Christ,
Matina Pappas President
p. 11 The Vine: February 2021 announcements
Altar Flowers Baptism
Altar flowers were generously donated by the following parishioners: The son of Mark and Sarah Pittenger was baptized on January 8th and named Panagiotis. The sponsors were Jonathan and Jessica Fenerlis. December 6- In loving memory of Anthony from Cindi Dabrowski and Christine Lewis.
December 27- From Debbie Morakis in loving memory of husband, John, and mother, Asemo Stavrinos. Funeral In memory of Nicholas Mandonas.
January 17- Flora (Haniotis) Vekiarides of Natick, December 3 In honor of Claire (Sampas) Paicopoulos and Nicholas Saledas of Framingham, January 9 Spero Paicopoulos, beloved grandparents of Claire
Mitrokostas.
02493 MA , W n o T S e
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C O G D . S h c r u h x o d o h t r k e e r s o i r t e m e t
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