The Epistle St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church APRIL 22909 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 2012 Pastoral Thoughts by Fr. Jim Doukas “Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. “ John 20:6-7 While reading this Resurrectional Gospel passage of St. John, when Peter looked into the tomb and found the grave cloth neatly folded, I kind of focused on the ‘neatly folded’ part. Why was that so special to be mentioned? Why was it so neatly folded? Why wasn’t it just thrown to the side or taken with him? What was the significance of that piece of cloth, folded up so neatly? It’s amazing as we learn about the symbolism and significance of this folded cloth. It’s a custom in the Jewish tradition that when you eat at a friend’s table or any table….that your napkin, if crumpled and thrown on the table, means that you will not be back and that a folded cloth meant that you would be returning….someday! Jesus folded His grave cloth neatly to share with us that He would return, as it says in the Creed; that He is not finished with us; that there are lots of opportunities for us to share in the “Good News;” that we who are followers of Christ are people of agape- love; and that we, as His disciples, must re-affirm that we can live only one way: in forgiveness, humility and love. It’s my hope and prayer that in our hearts, as we experience this Holy Week and Pascha Season, we Our Community is Growing… prepare ourselves in the many opportunities we have to share our faith with others around us. As we Grow with us in a New Directory! journey through Holy Week, we watch Jesus enter the It’s time again to publish an updated parish phone (non-photo) city of Jerusalem amongst the palms. We see Him directory to help keep us all stay in touch. that night in the upper room, the Last (Mystical) Supper. We see Him praying in the garden, being If you are a current member of St. Demetrios Church, your contact arrested, beaten, crucified on the Cross, dying. And information will automatically be included. However, if you have an then placed in the tomb and Risen on Pascha morning, unlisted number or email that you would prefer NOT appear, please as the first light peaks over the mountains. We too run contact Cindy Bountogianis ( [email protected] ) by May 1, 2012, and it to the tomb, look inside that tomb, and see that the will be omitted. grave cloth is neatly folded. And our hearts are filled Or if you are moving or changing any other contact information, with joy, that He lives, that He is among us, and He’s please let us know by the above date, so that it is as accurate as coming back! CHRISTOS ANESTI! possible. The Epistle is the official publication of the CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS’ CONTACTS Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios Adult Catechism ………..…Tom N. Andrews…440-734-6894 Phone: (440) 331-2246 Aesthetics: ……………………Elaine Spooner…440-331-7656 Fax: (440) 331-8407 Bible Study :……………Evangeline Richards…216-221-3003 Bookstore :…..………….Pres. Goldie Doukas…440-899-3257 www.saintdemetriosrr.org Choir Director/Cantor ……....Bill Matzorkis… 216-496-4230 Editor : Eleni Papouras-Jenks Youth Choir …………….…..Diane Matzorkis…440-463-3068 Sunday Services: Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Greek School Principal ..Eleni Papouras-Jenks 216-965-8131 Publication Deadlines : Weekly Bulletin – Wednesday Board of Education …... Maria Mougianis…440-835-2888 Monthly Epistle – The 15 th of the preceding month PTO Co-Presidents ….....Kiki Poulopoulos…440-979-9293 Angela Rokas…440-930-7752 Fr. James Doukas, Priest………………(Home) 440-899-3257 GOYA, Advisors .....Manuel & Maggie Steffas…440-871-6362 Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Office Mgr [email protected] President …Tom Steffas Nick Hillman, Operations Mgr [email protected] Hellenic Dancers Dale Stalnaker, Webmaster …………[email protected] Kyklonas (Sr) Group ...Eleni Papouras-Jenks…216-965-8131 Kymata (Jr) Group ………..Mary Szekely…440-835-5712 PARISH COUNCIL JOY (Jr. Orthodox Youth) …...Stacy Loizos….440-799-4846 Manuel P. Glynias, President ……………...……216-857-3388 Κόλλυβα (Memorial Tray)…….Ann Carpadis…440-871-8625 Steve Steffas, Vice President …….…….……….440-899-7652 Maria Statheros…216-226-1680 David Grubb, Treasurer …..……………..……. 440-835-2118 Library Committee :…………..… Andie Titas...440-779-8581 Eugenia Burpulis, Secretary …………………….440-835-8419 Philoptochos ……………………[email protected] Nikolaos Petousis, Financial Secretary …..…….440-808-9005 President ……………Jeanne C. Paras…440-779-6544 Lia Augoustidis ………………………………... 440-933-0500 Sunshine Committee ………..Elpida Kosmidis…440-779-8959 Cindy Bountogianis……………………………..440-808-0227 Sunday School :……………... [email protected] Angelo Coutris…………………………………..440-333-3674 Principal ………..Tina Hericks…216-970-3737 Linda Glynias…………………………………....216-469-2663 Fay Stamatis…440-937-6258 Ted Loizos…...…………………………………..440-799-4846 Spiritual Life Committee/ Theotokos Fellowship Anthony Trakas……...…………………………..440-799-4409 …..Angie Giallourakis… 440-871-2681 Ageleke Zapis…..……………………………….440-617-0266 Yassou Club …...…………. Mary Pappadakes…440-799-4821 Greg Kolocouris, Legal Advisor ST. DEMETRIOS’ TRUST BOARD OF MANAGERS Other Orthodox Missions John Stamatis, Chairman……..…………………440-937-6258 I.O.C.C. ….Pascalis Papouras, Special Assistant to Executive Constantine Corpas……………………………..440-740-1158 410-243-9820 ; [email protected] Harry Giallourakis……………………………...440-871-2681 O.C.F...... Mira Damljanovic, College Program Coordinator for: BW, CWRU, CSU, JCU, Tri-C Manuel Steffas………………………………….440-871-6362 440-888-6213 or [email protected] Crystal Thomas…………………………………440-356-1032 Donna Vassos…………………………...……...440-331-5547 Fr. Paul Patitsas & the Patitsas family in New Zealand Did you know that the church phone system has a Prayer Line? ……………………[email protected] Anytime, day or night, that you may need a prayer, call For Pan-Orthodox events in the greater Cleveland area go to 440-331-2246 ext.7 and you will hear a seasonal prayer. www.orthodoxcleveland.us Speaking of Stewardship… 3 From the President’s Pen Get Ready for the 2012 Manuel P. Glynias Festival! On behalf of the Parish Council and GOYA, I want to express Cooking Schedule* a big “thank you” to everyone who participated in the GOYA vs. “Grown-ups” exhibition games last month in the Zapis All cooking starts at 9 a.m.; Prep work, if needed, at Activity Center. It was a fun afternoon with true fellowship 8 a.m. across the generations. It also got me thinking of how we are so blessed to have the Thanks to everyone who helped make the pastitsio Zapis Activity Center as part of our church facility. Not only & moussaka! do we have an active community but also a number of spaces to be together : our church, hall, classrooms, and the gym. April 23 Souzoukakia The day was also a fundraising success for GOYA, who raised April 24 Folding napkins/utensils $500 in one afternoon! We look forward to our teens and our parish hosting one of the Metropolis basketball tournaments Apr. 30 -May 1 Spanakopita next year. So, again, thanks to all who supported the event, and the Zapis family and all the original supporters who May 6-7 Tiropita helped make the Zapis Activity Center a reality. May 14 Galaktoboureko And for those of you who May 16 Green beans missed the games, there WILL be a re-match! May 21-22 Lamb Shanks (To see more pictures go June 4 Tsoureki to page 8 or visit the St. .Demetrios Church June 6 Chicken breast & Facebook page.) Koulourakia June 11 Sauces We thank the following people for their donations to St. June 19 Rice Pudding Demetrios Church* in loving memory of: James Apostos+: Alastanos and Doulis families; Angelo & June 20 Leg of lamb & Tourlou Christine Coutris; Diakandru familly; Harry & DianeKollias *Dates subject to change, pending kitchen Deena Alexander +: James M. Butts; Gus & Estelle Callas; availability. Claude & Elaine Campbell; Angelo & Christine Coutris; Steve & Elaine Daniels; Beverly George; Harry & Angie 2012 GREEK FESTIVAL: Giallourakis; Manuel & Linda Glynias; Rena Kachevas; Alexander & Paula Kappos; Nick & Joy Kutrubs; John & JUNE 21-24 Estelle Loizos; Sheldon & Stephanie Ocker; John & Betty Other Festival Preparations: Poulos; John & Mary Powers; Anthony Sarris; Michael & Dorothy Sfeka; Pete & Kay Stamatis; John & Diana Steffas; DESIGN CONTEST Anyone wishing to submit a Katina Steffas; Gary & Crystal Thomas; Emily Vedouras; design or artwork for the Festival Flyer Contest, please Louis Vlahos; Connie Yahn; Xen & Lula Zapis. email Nick Hillman by Fri., April 30 . Winner’s design Frances Dimon +: Walter & Jean Caldwell; Daniel & will be featured on this year’s festival posters, etc. MaryAnn Dzurec; Helen Kariotakis; Tony Kazanas BOOTH SPACE Businesses interested in having a Mike Jelepis +: Angelo & Christina Coutris festival booth, please contact Nick Hillman. Know of Ronnie Kostas +: Mr & Mrs John Fotiou anyone with a business that might be interested? Have them give us a call! Mary Scheral +: Olga Packis See p. 7 for dance rehearsals. *This list does not include those donations gratefully accepted by the Trust Fund or Philoptochos 4 P a r i s h N e w s

OUR NEWEST LITTLE ANGELS Theodoros Kenneth, son of Steven & Megan Papandreas, grandson of John & Mary Papandreas, born on March 1, 2012. Attention 2012 Graduates : Alexander Steven , son of Steven & Tina Asimou, grandson of Whether you are graduating from high school, college or Tom S. & Helen Asimou, born on March 9, 2012. post-graduate studies, we want to honor you in the THOSE THAT HAVE PUT ON CHRIST June/July issue of The Epistle ! Please submit: Matthew Nickolaos Diamantis, son of Nickolaos & Irene, was 1) A photo (.jpg or hard copy) baptized on March 11, 2012. His godparents are Peter & Athena 2) A short bio ( your name, school from which you are Diamantis. graduating, activities/honors, and any future plans such as continuing education, work, etc.) ASLEEP IN THE LORD You may email info to [email protected] or drop off in the church office during office hours. Submission Margaret Xenos, mother of Myron (Daryl); deadline is May 1. grandmother two, and great-grandmother of one, passed away on Feb. 29, 2012. She was also a Choir Notes former member of our Philoptochos. Her 40 day memorial is on April 1. Please note that the Holy Eparchial Synod, at the request of James Anthony Apotsos , husband of Mimi, father Church musicians around the Archdiocese, has recently of Tony (Kathryn), Kathy, and John (Karen), approved an official English translation of the Pascal Hymn brother of Agnes Arabian (Allen) and Tony “Christ is Risen.” Beginning this year, the confusion that Apotsos (Carolyn), and cherished uncle of many, existed among parishes in the chanting variations of this passed away on March 24, 2012. Jim was a central hymn of our Church, will give place to the dedicated and long-time Festival volunteer and proclamation of the good news of the Resurrection with the same words and music, as we chant it “with one voice and one fixture of the Wine Booth. He was also a member of the St. heart.” : Demetrios Bowling League, Metro-AHEPA Chapter, Chios Society, and the American Legion Hellenic Post, helping carry Christ is Risen from the dead, by death trampling down the St. Demetrios Epitaphio for decades. upon Death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life . Sat., April 28 – 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MEFGOX District Rehearsal at Holy Trinity Church in Steubenville. We also extend our condolences to Tammy Asimakis on the loss of her mother, and to George Angelato on the loss of his COMING UP… mother. Sat., May 5- we are hosting the MEFGOX Federation Council meeting from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. All invited! St. George’s Feastday Tue., May 15- St. Demetrios will host the MEFGOX district Sunday, April 22 , the eve of this rehearsal. feastday, come celebrate one of the most beloved and popular saints of our church. Families who have a George or Georgia celebrating their nameday are invited to bring a plate of treats to share at the morning coffee hour. Later that evening, join Fr. Jim as he celebrates Great Vespers at 7:00 p.m . in the church , Retired Greek School teachers Vicky Papouras, Stavroula followed by refreshments in the hall hosted by Kostas and Litta Klidas reunited at a coffee hour last month. the Platanos Society Mrs. Kostas moved to Greece many years ago but recently visited St. Demetrios Church. Photo: Eleni Papouras-Jenks THE BOOK BLOTTER FOCUS ON PHILOPTOCHOS 5

BIBLE STUDY We will be hosting the Lenten Lecture meal on Wednesday, April 4. We are also assisting Mother’s Day Celebration with the festival prep on certain Tuesdays this month. Honor your mother, grandmother, godmother, sister, aunt or even a special friend with a gift to Philoptochos. Your THE CATACOMB BOOKSTORE Haven't donation will enable us to continue our work of charitable started your Lenten reading yet? Need a good recom- giving to individuals and families in need, area food banks, mendation? Come into the bookstore where we have a shelters for the homeless, and countless research efforts in the wonderful selection to choose from. While there, make sure battle against cancer and other catastrophic diseases. you secure your Holy Week book. They go fast! On Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13th, 2012, a printed LIBRARY JOTTINGS program will be distributed in Church honoring all individuals, both living or deceased, remembered by loved Book Review: All Too Human By Elaine Spooner ones with a special memorial service honoring the beloved A former New York Times bestseller can currently be loaned Mothers of our community. out of our church library. All Too Human- A Political Education by George Stephanopoulos is a candid and highly readable memoir of the Clinton White House years. Stephanopoulos has tried to show the modern White House at work when he served as a trouble shooter, public relations advisor and crisis manager. A minimum donation of $5 for each honoree listed, please. The author spent some of his adolescent years in the Enclosed is my gift of $______. Cleveland area when his father, Fr. Robert Stephanopoulos, Please Print: served as the priest of St. Nicholas in Lorain and Sts. Constantine and Helen in Cleveland Heights. Prior to that, Your Name______his grandfather also served at St. Nicholas, Lorain, and also Phone ______Email______Annunciation Church in Cleveland. Stephanopoulos currently lives in New York City and is a visiting professor In Honor of: at Columbia University, and a television personality as a Names of Honoree(s) ______political analyst for ABC News. ______

Some Thoughts After Seeing “The Hunger Games” ______By Anton C. Vrame, Ph.D., Director, Dept. of Religious In Loving Memory of: Education, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Names of Deceased______When a movie grosses $155 million (US ticket sales) in one ______weekend, you have to notice. I did not read any of the books, so I can’t comment on how the movie and the books ______connect. The books have been immensely popular and If you have additional names please attach another piece of generally praised by critics. I had heard some concerns paper, making sure to acknowledge living or deceased. about the story line, but I went in pretty cold. Enclose your donation for each name and make 1 check Most parents want to know if they should allow their payable to “St. Demetrios Philoptochos Society” c/o 22909 children to see the film. I leave that decision in their hands. Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116 Parents know what their children can and cannot handle, what kinds of stories and films they like and don’t like. Due to printing deadlines all names must be received by Naturally, parents are concerned about the theme of violence Tuesday May 8, 2012. by teens against teens in the movie. After all, the story, set sometime in the future, is about one girl and one boy being Many Kitchens, One Family chosen by lottery to represent each of twelve districts for a gladiatorial-like, warlike, survival contest, set on a high-tech Buy your copy of the Philoptochos Community Cookbook, forested soundstage manipulated by television producers, including 360 community recipes including your favorite with a simple premise: kill or be killed. The last one standing festival foods are included in this beautifully bound volume. is the victor. These “Hunger Games,” as they are called, The recipes are also available on CD! were established to maintain the peace in a post-apocalyptic $25 per book ~$30 Book + CD~$15 CD only America. (continued on page 15.) Contact Crystal Thomas at 440-356-1032 6 Celebrate Youth! Acolytes GOYA GOYA is again sponsoring its Lenten “Spare Change” fundraiser to benefit St. Demetrios Church. Get a cup from the Narthex and return it, filled with your spare change, before Pascha.

GOYA members who competed at the Volleyball Tournament at Annunciation, Akron, last month . Photo: Eleni Santarelli Fri., April 6 – Palm Folding The Sunday of Orthodoxy Altar Boy team preparing for the COMING UP….Sun., May 6- Elections procession . Photo: JP Jenks Anyone interested in sponsoring a team-building event for the J.O.Y. Holy Friday Altar Boys, please contact Fr. Jim (440-331-2246 x1). Retreat Sunday School Thanks to all the families who shared their icons for the April 13 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. beautiful procession on Sunday of Orthodoxy (photo on p. 12) For Children Grades K-6 (children under 6 Round 1 of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival took must be accompanied by a parent) place on March 18. Eight participants competed in two Divisions, presenting well prepared speeches on various Learn about Christ’s Journey to the religious topics. Resurrection, with crafts & gym time . Congratulations to the Senior Division 1st Place winner Eleni Be sure to pack your child a lunch. Nikolakis, and 2 nd Place Winner Leia Steffas. Thanks also to Andrea Giavroutas and Eleni Santarelli (Honorable Mention) Immediately following the Retreat at 3 for competing. p.m., we invite all parents and their children to stay for the Apokathilosis st Congratulations to Junior Division 1 Place winner Lee Service. Santarelli, and 2 nd Place winner Andrew Giavroutas. Thanks also to Anna Packis and Yianni Petousis for competing. Contact Stacy Loizos at 216-533-2679 or The top 2 winners in each division will present their speeches Despina Matheos 440-309-6752 to sign up. to the congregation on Sunday, April 1, in lieu of a sermon, ______and continue to the District Round on Sat., April 28, at Sts. Constantine & Helen Cathedral in Cleveland Heights. And join J.O.Y. for the 3 rd MYRRHBEARERS FOR GOOD FRIDAY Annual Easter Egg Hunt Girls, ages 6-11, who wish to be “myrrh bearers” at the evening Epitaphio procession on Good Friday, April Join us in the courtyard following 13, should contact Koula Kadras at 216-570-9901 to sign up. the Agape Service on Pascha Each girl needs to have her own all-white dress and white basket; flower petals will be provided. Sunday, April 15 7 Hellenic Cultural School & Hellenic Dancers

Thanks to all the students and families who came out to Please note that there are NO dance rehearsals on Holy Week represent the Balourdas Greek School & St. Demetrios at the Kyklonas Dancers (ages 13 & up) Rehearsals on Thursdays at parade on March 24. Our dedicated banner-holders even made 6:45 p.m. in the hall. April 5,19&26. the Fox8 news that night! Kymata Dancers (ages 7-12) Rehearsals on Sundays, April 22 Our students once again made us proud in presenting poems, & 29, in the Zapis Activity Center during coffee hour. songs & dances at our program on March 25 th . Thanks to the teachers who worked hard to get the kids ready and to the PTO Aeraki Dancers (ages 5 & 6) will be performing at the festival parents for the refreshments following the program. Special in June and will begin rehearsals later this spring. Contact the thanks to the PTO moms who worked with the costumes and office to register so you can be contacted by Eleni Giavroutas made sure our students looked great in their Greek pride! when practices start. Please note that there are NO CLASSES ON HOLY WEEK (April 10 & 12.) Classes resume on Tue. April 17. Καλή Ανάσταση ! -Eleni Papouras-Jenks, Principal

Photos: Eleni Papouras-Jenks & Elisa Demis (above) The Kyklonas Hellenic Dancers & GOYAns proud in blue at the parade. (below) The Kymata Dancers & Greek School students with Fr Peter

(top) Kymata Dancers at the Greek School program (above) 3 rd grade girls reciting their poem

Greek School students at the parade Teddy Poulos as Icaros Kyklonas Dancers at the post-parade performance. 8 Zapis Activity Center

GOYA teams took on the parish (left) Tony Chiviles wins the tip-off against “Grown ups” at good-will Matthew Szekely fundraising exhibition games on (below, left) The Steffas Scorekeepers March 11. (above, left) Fr. Jim leads the prayer for all the players; (top, (below) Betty Poulos taking a foul shot right) Ref John Coutris bribed by “Fr Jim” dollars! The senior teams played & defeated Parish Council & friends, and the junior teams played & lost against the parents. For more photos go to our Facebook page. Photos: Maggie & Kelly Steffas

Dance Alumni Run, Forrest, Run! All St. Demetrios dance “alumni” (of ANY era!) are invited to come & Papandreas Orthodontics’ “Smile For A rehearse for a show on Sunday of the festival. We are also performing for the Lifetime Foundation,” which provides free Centennial of the West Side Market on June 2. orthodontic care to at-risk and under-served children, is raising awareness at the Rite Aid All practices are on Sunday afternoons here at St. Demetrios. Call the office Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K to be put on the contact e-mail list. on Sunday, May 20 .

Kids’ Open Play Sundays 11:30 a.m. The foundation is organizing a group of runners (and joggers and walkers) to lace up and join Open Walk M-F 9:30a.m.-12pm them as they hoof, schlep and otherwise scurry along through points of interest downtown and Men’s Basketball Mon/ Wed/Fri 9:00 p.m. throughout the near west side! For further Exercise with Sophia Tue/ Thu 8:30 a.m. information visit www.clevelandmarathon.com/Registration/ . Soccer Skills with George Fridays 6-8 p.m. Mallias Click on Papandreas Orthodontics Smile For A Lifetime when prompted with the charities’ Participants of the above activities must be members in Good Standing of St. dropdown list on the registration Demetrios Church for the current calendar year. screen. Contact Joyce Papandreas ([email protected] ) with any questions. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 9 HELLENIC BIRTHRIGHT AHEPA & DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation announced its new ~The Thomas A. Stamatis, Metro-Cleveland Chapter and cultural enrichment and educational program Hellenic Birthright , a The Daughters of Penelope, Icarus Chapter #321 are unique immersive experience for Greek American college students. offering graduating High School Seniors whose parents The program connects American students of Hellenic descent with are members in good standing of either AHEPA, their ancestral birthplace through cultural and educational activities Daughters of Penelope OR St. Demetrios Church two that blend academics, art, architecture, and history. A additional $1,000 Scholarships from in memory of Dr. John G. Janas study-abroad component of the program enables students to and Mr. Pete Catavolos. A third $1,000 Scholarship will broaden their education through accredited college courses while be awarded in equal partnership with The Daughters, who they experience everyday life in Greece. The program is being will also offer an additional $500 scholarship of their own launched in collaboration with Anatolia College and their school of to a deserving senior. Deadline: April 15, 2012 . higher studies, the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT ). The five-week program takes place between June 18 - July 20, 2012 ~AHEPA Buckeye District 11 is offering a scholarship to and students will receive up to 6 transferable college credits. students entering college in the fall, or already in an undergraduate program, whose parents are active members The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation will underwrite the study of AHEPA or Daughters of Penelope for 3 consecutive abroad expenses for 15 students at a cost of $5,000 per student. years, including current year. Deadline: April 15, 2012 . Students will be responsible for their airfare, health insurance and incidental expenses. ~National Daughters of Penelope is offering 23 different scholarships of various amounts, for women in undergrad To be eligible for Hellenic Birthright you must: be a college student thru graduate studies, whose families are current members ages 18-25; be of Hellenic descent; have never been to Greece; of DOP or AHEPA. Deadline for submission is May 1, have demonstrated financial need. Students will participate in 2012 . overnight and multi-day excursions, visiting such historical sites in Thessaloniki and Athens, as well as Vergina and Pella, Corinth, ~Daughters of Penelope Zoe Cavalaris Outstanding Delphi, Troy, and more! For more information on Hellenic Female Athlete Award is offered to a young woman of Birthright and to apply please call 312.357.6432 or visit our Hellenic descent who has shown athletic excellence in any website at www.panhellenicscholarships.org/programs.php sport during the school year of Aug. 1, 2011-June 1, 2012. Deadline is June 1, 2012 . COLLEGE CREDIT OFFERED WITH IONIAN CRETAN CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS VILLAGE'S SPIRITUAL ODYSSEY PROGRAM The Hedwig B. Varouh Memorial Scholarship is Participants in this year’ s Ionian Village Spiritual Odyssey: Cyprus offered to graduating high school seniors who are and Constantinople will have the opportunity to earn 1.5 college entering college. credits at their home university in conjunction with Hellenic College in Brookline, Massachusetts. College students may register for the The George Varouh Continuing Education Scholarship Hellenic College course “Introduction to Orthodox Christian is offered to college students currently enrolled in Spirituality” offered by Fr. Christopher Flesoras, PhD. Young adults undergrad or graduate studies. who opt to participate in this course will benefit not only from the Applicants or their parents must be active members in spiritual aspects of the Spiritual Odyssey program but will also be good standing of the George Varouh Cretan Club of challenged to reflect critically upon their experiences through Cleveland. Submission deadline is May 15, 2012 . additional readings, written reflections and discussions, and best of all, earn college credit towards graduation while deepening their All above available in the St. Demetrios Church office faith and learning more about their spiritual heritage. Spiritual ARCHDIOCESE SCHOLARSHIPS Odyssey: Cyprus and Constantinople takes place from May 30th to June 9th and features visits to sites of historical and religious 3 scholarships from the Chancellor’s Office of the Greek importance including the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Orthodox Archdiocese of America, are now available for the 2012-2013 academic year: Registration is currently open online via www.ionianvillage.org . The course option is offered at an additional cost of $750. Hellenic The George & Naouma (Gioule) Gioles Scholarship and College is a fully accredited college and its courses are eligible for The Katina John Malta Scholarship are for transfer anywhere in the United States. Students are responsible to undergraduate studies. determine in advance with their home institution whether this course The Paleologos Graduate Scholarship is for graduate will fulfill their particular graduation requirements. work of a non-theological nature. Interested students can obtain additional information including Applications available on the website of the Greek course syllabus, assignments, and registration details by contacting Orthodox Archdiocese of America: www.goarch.org . the Office of Ionian Village at (212) 570-3536 or Deadline for applying for all three is April 20, 2012. [email protected] . This year’s Lenten Lecture Series presented the complex theme “The Ecumenical Councils and the Repudiation of Various Heresies.” This important aspect of our Ecclesiastic History is often unknown to laypeople, so we were very blessed to have such knowledgeable speakers educate us about the… Decisions of the Ecumenical Councils An Ecumenical Council is a gathering that includes Our second lecturer was Dr. Peter Gilbert, who has a PhD in representative clergy from all canonical churches. In the early Theology and is a professor. He spoke on the Council of years of our Church, seven such meetings were held and Ephesus (431) and the 2 nd Council of Constantinople (553) recognized by the Orthodox Church. At these councils, matters both of which convened to repudiate forms of Nestorianism, a of dogma, teaching, and interpretation were discussed and set Christological heresy that taught that the human and divine down for future generations. In addition, they shut down essences of Christ are separate, and that there are two persons various heresies that arose over the centuries based on (the man Jesus and the Divine Logos) which dwelt in Him. misinterpretations of the Gospels. The Council of Ephesus was Our first speaker was our own Tom resulted from a dispute between Andrews, long-time St. Demetrios Sunday Nestorius, Patriarch of School Teacher and current Adult Catechism Constantinople, and Cyril, instructor. He explained that heresy (from Patriarch of Alexandria. At the the Greek) is an opinion which greatly root was the mystery of the differs from the orthodox or accepted Incarnation and the person of doctrine. It was these various heresies that Christ, and two schools of led to the Schism of 1054 between the thought. Eastern Church and the Church of Rome, The Alexandrian “school”, including Saints Athanasios and and other breaks with the Egyptian and Armenian churches. Cyril, and even Apollinarius, who eventually perpetuated a th The schism from the west in turn led to the 4 Crusade, in major heresy (see previous column.) They focused on the which Catholic knights sacked Constantinople and their fellow Divine nature of Christ. The Antiochian “school” included St. Christians. John Chrysostom, St. Eystathios, and the heretical Patriarch The 1st Ecumenical Council in Nicea in 325 was called Nestorius, who focused on Christ as a man. together by Emperor (later Saint) Constantine over his concern The dispute between the two Patriarchs came about regarding over schismatic teachings, and his hope of setting a standard. the role of the Virgin Mary; Nestorius denied that the divine This council of 318 clergy discussed and, eventually part of Christ was born in a manger and Crucified, and that the condemned, the teachers of a priest from Alexandria, Fr. Mary only gave birth to the human Jesus. As a compromise, he Arius, who was questioning the nature of the birth of Jesus, created the term “Christotokos” (Mother of Christ) which was teaching his flock that Christ was a created being and, condemned, with the Council officially ruling that she be called therefore, not truly the one God. In modern day America, the “Theotokos” (Mother of God.) This council also ruled that no Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons essentially practice a form new creeds be accepted which eventually led to greater of the Arian heresy. disputes when the western Church added the ‘filioque’ clause The council established the original Seven Points of the Nicene to the Creed. Creed, which we recite at every Divine Liturgy to this day. Nestorius’ condemnation left a lasting schism in the Church st Five more points were added to the Creed at the 1 Council of when many of his followers formed their own church and Constantinople in 381 which met to repudiate the teachings of moved east to Persia. Ironically, as Patriarch, Nestorius had Macedonius, whose writings were an off-shoot of Arianism. fought hard against the heresies of Arius and Macedonius, and He preached an ant-Trinity heresy, claiming that though the closed many of their churches. Son was eternal, He was not of one essence (homoiousios ) with the Father, and that the Holy Spirit was not eternal and The 2nd Council in Constantinople in 553 was called by the consubstantial with the Father and the Son. At that council, Emperor Justinian, who hated the political effects of all the they also condemned Apollinarianism, a Christological heresy disputes and schisms in the Byzantine Empire. Here, an edict that taught that Christ had a human body and soul, but not a was issued condemning the so-called “Three Chapters,” clergy human rational mind (nous ) , because the Divine Logos had of the Antiochian school. Among other things, they taught of taken its place. The Orthodox (correct worship) stance on all the pre-existence of souls and that everyone is saved; some of these issues are now clearly in our Creed. these heresies would later appear in certain Protestant sects. Mr. Andrews exhorted the audience to not be weak like Pontius Dr. Gilbert’s very in-depth exploration of these two important Pilate and make stupid decisions by fearing “Caesar” more Councils is available in PowerPoint at the office, upon request. than God. In closing, he suggested that “if we can accept the In closing, he summed up the century long disputes with an dichotomy of God’s good and bad creations this will equal observation, “The Divine Liturgy and Church teaches us how love.” to speak with God in prayer more so than reading tracts.” Fr. Matthew Thurman of St. Luke Orthodox Catherine Fuller spoke on the Mission in Chagrin Falls, referred to the 3rd Council of Constantinople councils as "conversations“ about "who is (680) and the repudiation of Jesus Christ? “ The answer is that there are monothelitism, which is a two sides of Christ: the Divine (God) and heresy that teaches that Jesus Man (humanity and our struggle.) As humans Christ had 2 natures but only 1 we know that we will face our mortality. We will. This is contrary to all will die. Only Jesus can create the Bridge Orthodoxy which teaches that to Salvation. He is the Bridge between man Christ has 2 wills (the human and the divine. and divine) which correspond to his two natures. The chief The Council of Chalcedon (451), which was the 4 th Ecumenical Council, met to reflect on Monophysitisim. A opponent to this heresy was St. Maximos the clergyman named Eutyches believed that before Christ’s birth there Confessor. His adversaries even cut off his hands to were two natures (human and divine) but after His birth there was keep him from writing against them but he prevailed. only 1 nature- the Divine. (Hence the phrase , from the Greek, “mono” She then cited Gospel readings where Jesus Himself = one and “physis”=nature.) Bishop Flavian wanted Eutyches to stop asks listeners who they believe He is. professing these beliefs to his followers but he refused, since Emperor Mrs. Fuller, who is a convert to Orthodoxy and has Theodosios supported him. Pope Leo supported Bishop Flavian but attended many mission trips to the Hogar Rafael Ayau Eutyches ignored the Pope as well. This situation came to head at a Orphanage in Guatemala, then showed a DVD "small" council meeting where Eutyches and his followers beat documentary about the orphanage which was started Bishop Flavian to death! Pope Leo the stepped in and ruled that that by 3 Catholic nuns, who also converted to Orthodoxy. Council wasn't legal. By request of the government, they started the Luckily, when Emperor Theodosios died, his successor wanted to orphanage in one of the worst areas of Guatemala City create a "fair" council and called the Council Chalcedon to re-examine in 1996, starting with 150 kids on the first day. Since the Faith and be objective. They annulled the “Robber Council” where then, nearly 1,000 children have passed through, about Flavian had been killed and deposed Eutyches. This council declared 300 having been adopted by Orthodoxy families. Christ is one person in 2 natures, in one essence with the Father as Unfortunately, a UNICEF led initiative in 2008 put a read in the Creed. freeze on all adoptions from outside the country and so the children currently living there, will most likely Interestingly, the Monophysites , today known as the Coptics (Egypt) be there until they are adults. As the neighborhood has and Oriental Orthodox (Armenia), are in current discussions about continued to get more violent, the nuns are building a "rewording" their creed so they can be in communion with our new orphanage in the countryside and are in the Orthodox Faith.- Angie Giallourakis process of fundraising. (See p. 13 for a local benefit.)

The final talk in this year’s series on Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 p.m. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, followed by 7:00 p.m. Lenten meal, hosted by Bible Study, and Lecture at 8:00 p.m. Gerald Largent of the St. Panteleimon Orthodox Christian Outreach will be speaking on “The 2 nd Council of Nicea (787): Repudiation of Iconoclasm” Iconoclasts erroneously denounced iconography as idolatrous, however, in 787, the Orthodox Church once and for all approved the use of icons in our churches. We celebrate this event each year on the first Sunday of Lent (Sunday of Orthodoxy) with a procession of icons by our Altar Boys and Sunday School students, as pictured above, on Sunday, March 4, 2012. 12 AROUND TOWN Orion Express in Benefit Concert EOWG Hosts 9 th Annual Pan-Orthodox Lunch ORMACO (Ohio Regional Music Arts and The Eastern Orthodox Women’s Guild of greater Cleveland Cultural Outreach) wraps up their World Tour invites all Orthodox women to a multi-cultural luncheon on of Music series on Sat., April 7, at 8pm with Sat., May 5 at 12:30 p.m. at Archangel Michael-Shanty, 5025 Greek band, Orion Express. The concert will E. Mill Rd,., Broadview Heights. Entertainment and chinese take place at the DeLorre and Lily Jean Haddad Broadway Hall auction to follow the lunch. $12 per person by reservation. Auditorium, 144 North Broadway, Medina. Contact Katherine Kartalis (216-831-2263.) Tickets are $18 and are available online at www.ormaco.org or by calling 330-722-2541. Proceeds from the concert will go HPS Hosts Lecture About toward music, arts, and cultural programs for disadvantaged, CMA Icon minority, and rural populations. The Hellenic Preservation Society will host a potluck dinner and talk next Angelopoulos Film Memorial at Cinemateque month entitled “A Newly-Discovered Icon of the Mother of God: Its In tribute to the renowned late Greek Acquisition and Conservation by the filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos, the Cleveland Museum of Art.” Cleveland Cinemateque, East Blvd., Cleveland, will show his 1998 film Eternity The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. on Wed., May 9 at Sts. and a Day on Sat., April 7. Angelopoulos Constantine and Helen Cathedral, 3352 Mayfield Rd., was tragically killed earlier this year while Cleveland Heights, and is free and open to all. Keynote on location, filming most recent movie, when a motorcycle speakers will be Stephen Fliegel, Curator of Medieval Art, and struck him as he was crossing a street in Athens. For details Dean Yoder, Conservator of Paintings, both of the Cleveland on the film or the theater: http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque/ Museum of Art. The iconographer, Angelos Akotantos of Crete (c. 1425-1450) Works of Greek-American Composer Featured will be the topic of this year’s Collis Lecture on September 30. at CIM Concert “Fight for Air Walk” at Nautica The Cleveland Institute of Music’s Sat., May 19 , the American Lung Association is sponsoring its University Circle Wind Ensemble will annual walk at 10:00am at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica . If you perform works by Greek-American or any of your family or friends are interested in walking to composer Nickitas Demos at a concert on support the fight against lung disease, call Elaine Campbell at Sunday, April 22 . (440) 779-0640 by April 23 rd , for more information. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place at 3:00 p.m., at Harkness Chapel, 11200 Bellflower Road on the campus of Case Western Reserve University. The ensemble, including clarinet and alto saxophones, will also perform works by Dahl and Beethoven. Nickitas Demos was born in 1962 in Boulder, Colo., and obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music and CWRU. He credits his musical influences as a blend of Greek folk rhythms, Byzantine chant, and jazz. His music has been programmed at festivals around the world and he has recorded several albums. He is currently a Professor of Composition at Georgia State University School of Music in Atlanta. He is also the Musical Director for the Greek Islanders, an ethnic ensemble he founded in 1982. Visit www.nickitasdemos.com to hear excerpts of his work. 40 th Annual Pontian Dance The Baldwin Wallace chapter of the Orthodox Christian th Sat. April 28 , at the Cretan Party Center, 3853 W. 168 St, Fellowship (OCF ) at a recent meeting. OCF has chapters at Cleveland. 7 p.m.-2 p.m. Live music by local Greek band. most of the colleges in northeast Ohio and is open to all Also performing is guest singer Eleni Nikolakis, musicians on Orthodox college students. Contact Mira Damljanovic for lira & daouli from Toronto, and and folk dance performances. more information at [email protected] $25/adult includes food; $10/ child 10 & up; children under 10 are free. Contact Emmanuel Ermidis (216-323-4092.) Photo: Mira Damljanovic 13 On the Bulletin Board

Friends: I am honored to have been nominated as a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year campaign on whose behalf I will be intensely competing until May 4th, 2012. Man and Woman of the Year titles will be awarded to the individuals who raise the most funds during a highly contested 10-week challenge. I recently had the opportunity to have met Ryley and Ethan, both 5 years old and both inflicted with Leukemia. Their courage, optimism and bravery truly inspired me to help this important cause. I intend to win this competition and contribute to finding a cure for blood cancers. Lymphoma, a cancer of the body’s lymph (white blood cells) system, also hit-home with me recently as a close family member was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. This person remained incredibly optimistic throughout their diagnosis and treatment which ultimately resulted in a bone morrow treatment procedure and thankfully, Please help me with reaching my goal of exceeding $40,000 raised by May 4th, 2012 , on remission. which date the Grand Finale Event will be taking place at the Downtown Key Center Marriott. LLS is directly funding cure-research and is assisting Details and tickets for this event are available through my website. patients and parents of children inflicted with these Please visit my campaign website to make a donation, check the schedule of special devastating diseases. This is an organization that is doing events, buy Grand Finale tickets and to obtain more information; the right things with each and every dollar that is raised http:/noh.mwoy.llsevent.org/jelepis . For additional information re LLS, please also visit while retaining 90% of the funding right here in NE www.LLS.org. Ohio. I am extremely proud to be associated with LLS With sincere appreciation and participating in this competition.

His Grace Bishop Matthias & The Friends of the Hogar Rafael Ayau Invite you to The Walk with Angels Benefit Dinner Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. Featuring Speaker Igoumeni Madres Ines Ayau of the Orthodox Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Orthodox Orphanage Hogar Rafael Ayau Ridge Manor Banquet Center, 4630 Ridge Road, Cleveland Tickets $35.00 RSVP to Carol Schigel: [email protected] or 440-503-0188 14 AROUND THE COUNTRY

Greek America’s ‘Forty Under 40’ Honors Two Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh from Metropolis of Pittsburgh GOYA Spring ReTweet

“ NEW YORK CITY- A St. Demetrios parishioner will be Using Modern Technology for among this year’s honorees at the Greek America Foundation’s Spiritual Benefit & God’s Glory” “Forty under 40” Awards Banquet held in New York City this month. Camp Nazareth in Mercer, PA Barbara Kakiris, 37, (pictured above, left) helped propel NASA Glenn Research Center’s profile to new heights. She was Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22 actually one of only 10 high school graduates in the United Retreat Speaker: His Eminence Metropolitan States to be picked up by NASA fresh out of high school. The first in her family to go to college, Kakiris worked at the center Savas of Pittsburgh throughout her undergraduate and graduate degrees, and stayed $170 for the entire weekend on as a fulltime contractor after completing her Master’s degree. She served the center’s research and program management Online Registration : organizations as a media relations specialist, publicizing accomplishments, including those of women and minorities, in https://pittsbrugh.goarch.org/register the print and broadcast media. In 2004, she received a TGIR Email: [email protected] PH: 412-621-8543 (Turning Goals into Reality) award for her success in educating the public about NASA’s capabilities and accomplishments. Giannoulis at Warren Concert Up until last year, Kakiris was responsible for overseeing as Sat., April 21 , Mathaios Giannoulis will perform his hit song many as five dozen annual conferences and events for a «Αγαπώ Μιά Πιτσιρίκα » and other favorites, at the St. multitude of NASA customers. She also coordinated NASA Demetrios Community Center, 3223 Atlantic St., Warren, Glenn’s external awards process, performed technical writing Ohio. Also featured will be Vasilis Sarantou from Samos on and editing, and served as a reliable consultant to the center’s the violin and Cleveland’s own Stigma Band. $40/person. senior leadership for all of their marketing, outreach, and other Contact Kosta Fantidis (330) 240-3798 administrative needs. Barbara is currently Communications Director for research and technology at NASA Glenn. She is IOCC Rebuilding Devastated U.S. Cities also the recipient of numerous awards, including the United States Congressional Achievement Award (1998). The International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) have announced their destinations for the 2012 Habitat for Also among the 2012 Honorees is Nicholas Chakos, 39, son of Humanity partnership, and are looking for volunteers to travel Fr. John Chakos, retired priest of Holy Cross Church in this summer and help rebuild areas of Houston, Texas, and Pittsburgh. Mr. Chakos was recently appointed Executive Minneapolis, Minn., that were devastated by natural disasters Director of FOCUS, the Orthodox domestic services and last year. charitable agency. He is also currently teaching graduate level courses at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of The cost is $450 per person and includes local transportation, Public and International Affairs. room & board, supplies/tools & site supervision for the week. (Sunday-Saturday.) Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. He formerly worked for International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), where he managed an HIV/AIDS treatment Those interested can sign up at www.iocc.org/actionteam for project in Ethiopia and Tanzania. In Romania, he worked with one of the following teams: the government to find homes for some 3,000 orphaned June 3-9 Minneapolis children. He was bestowed the Patriarch Miron Cross, the highest distinction given by the Romanian Orthodox Church to June 10-16 Houston civilians for outstanding social service to Romania. June 15-21 Minneapolis In addition to being recognized at the event, winners will also July 29-Aug. 4 Minneapolis be featured in an upcoming edition of Greek America Magazine. Aug. 5-11 Houston 15 Greek American Senator Retiring The White House Commemorates Greek WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R- Independence Day ME) announced she would not seek re-election for a WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama and fourth term in the U.S. Senate, after 33 years of service Vice-President Joe Biden welcomed His Eminence to the constituents of Maine. Senator Snowe is the first Archbishop Demetrios of America and members of Greek American woman ever elected to Congress, and the Greek-American community for the Annual also the first woman in American history to serve in Greek Independence Day Celebration on March 22, both houses of a state legislature and both houses of 2012, at the White House. This was the 26th Congress. consecutive celebration of its kind at the White House and honored the 191st Anniversary of the (Hunger Games, continued from p. 6 ) start of the Greek War for Independence of March 25th, 1821. The on-screen violence, I felt, was fairly minimal (the film is rated PG- 13). Most of the killing was off-screen, and rarely in close-up shots President Obama and Vice-President Biden met in forcing you to watch teens kill anyone. There are far more shows with private with Archbishop Demetrios in the Green far more on-screen violence, blood, gore, and horror out there.. And so Room, just prior to the public event in the East will most of the horror films and slasher movies that fill theaters with Room of the White House. National officers of teenagers. AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope were part of the celebration in which the President, Vice President, The film’s themes are troubling and will cause lots of discussion. And and His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios provided they are meant to cause conversation (and repeat attendance for the remarks. (pictured below) The Archbishop pointed sequels – after all, there are two more books). But we have to think of the out “a dramatic change in the life of the Greek film in the literary genre to which it belongs: “young adult literature.” people,” which came about in the last two years and Literature for teenagers regularly focuses on themes about the adult said that “various factors have contributed to the world. I came away from “Hunger Games” thinking along the same lines. creation of a very dismal financial situation with “Hunger Games” could get people talking about an adult world that sends extremely negative consequences on the life of the young people to fight one another in order to control populations in the people of Greece.” He added that in this name of maintaining peace and stability (Is “Hunger Games” really an circumstance “there is an urgent need for substantial anti-war movie?). The twist in the “Hunger Games is that this fight/reality assistance.” show is also done for entertainment purposes. An “elite” population A Presidential Proclamation reflected on the vast attends parties and watches the “show” for entertainment purposes, while contributions of Greece to the world, foremost being the general population is forced to stand and watch (no appetizers or democratic principles and ideals that inspired drinks) what happens to their children. We see an entertainment/political America's Founding Fathers, also looked forward to complex that manipulates the game and its environment to add to the a shared future between allies and friends, stating, in story line, keep them watching, and, most importantly, control the part: population. A second theme that emerged from the film was the humanity of Katniss, the heroine. She is an accomplished archer, and we "Today, on the 191st anniversary of Greece's meet her hunting for the food that feeds her family and provides income. independence, we commemorate that struggle to She volunteers to enter the games, standing instead of her younger sister, restore democracy in its birthplace, renew the bonds whose name had been drawn in the lottery. This is what sets Katniss’s that bring our countries together, and celebrate the story in motion. Hellenic ideals that continue to shape the American experience." Without giving it all away, Katniss struggles to maintain her humanity in the most inhuman of situations. While the others relish in their celebrity, To see the full story and read all the remarks in their Katniss clearly sees the truth of what is happening. She plays by her own entirety go to http://www.goarch.org/news/ rules, but quickly learns to “play along,” if it means victory-survival. The greekindependence2012in-washington- contrast with the other teens is more stark. What we see of the other teens en?set_language=en – and there are too many of them to really show much variety – is a willing embrace of the hunting and killing. Katniss only kills to defend; she is not an aggressor… she strives to maintain her dignity throughout.. Humanity and decency empowers those who are being treated inhumanely. Witnessing it in the context of the “Hunger Games can only cause problems for those who want to control the population. “Hunger Games” will get you talking and thinking. Adults and young people should see the film together and, in the right setting, talk about it. Remember, this is young adult literature on film, looking at our world through adolescent eyes and perceptions. Let them tell you where they want to go, and how they see and understand the story. 16 This month , “ Modern Orthodox Saints,” look s at a Saint who shows us the importance of ‘who your friends are’… St. Savvas the New of Kalymnos (April 7)

St. Savvas was born in He lived in quietness and 1862 in Herakleitsa, asceticism, acquiring a eastern Thrace, the only reputation throughout the son of a very poor couple, island as a confessor and Constantine and Smaragda, spiritual father. He slept only and baptized with a few hours each night, and the name Vasilios. Early in gave away any money that life he desired to become a came to him the same day, monk but could not get his since he believed that it was parents' consent, so when wrong for a monk to have he was 12 years old, he left money in his cell after secretly for Mt. Athos. nightfall. He entered St. Anne’s Skete and it there that he Mother Nectaria McLees learned iconography and wrote in Evlogeite! A Byzantine music. Pilgrim's Guide to Greece that, “His last words of Twelve years later, he counsel to his nuns were, "...love... is the bond of perfection," traveled to Jerusalem, and to the abbess he counseled, "Love, love, love” (Αγάπα , where he entered the αγάπα , αγάπα ). Then he clapped his hands six times, saying Monastery of St George the "The Lord, the Lord, the Lord..." Chozebite and was tonsured a monk, receiving the name of Savvas. In 1903, he St. Savvas reposed on April 7, 1948 (which is the Old Calendar was ordained to the priesthood. From 1907 to 1916, he lived in feast of the Annunciation). Since then, innumerable miracles severe asceticism as a hermit on the banks of the Jordan River. and healings have been wrought through his intercession and he is considered the patron saint of Kalymnos. A striking Due to problems caused by the raids of the Arabs in the Holy example occurred in 1957 when a group of young islanders Land and for health reasons, he eventually returned to Greece were talking about the Saint. One of them, who doubted his and lived in several monasteries there, including the Monastery sanctity, said 'If this lamp breaks I'll believe.' At that moment of St. John on Patmos for a time. In 1919, St Nektarios invited the lamp shattered spontaneously. him to serve as the priest to the convent on Aegina, where Fr. Savvas also taught iconography and Byzantine music to the In 1957, his relics were uncovered in the presence of nuns. This period was one of the most significant events in his Metropolitan Isidoros of Kalymnos, who described them as life due to his friendship with St. Nektarios, who, at this time, "the bones being perfectly joined, and the vestments intact." was at the height of his spiritual development. Fr. Savvas had When the sepulcher was opened, a divine and otherworldly the opportunity to confess and receive counsel from St. fragrance covered the area, even to the outskirts of town far Nektarios during the final year of St. Nektarios’ life. The two below. These are both considered signs of sainthood. held each other in high esteem and considered each other a In 1961, at Abbess Philothei's request, an iconographer of the saint. When St. Nektarios reposed in 1920, Fr. Savvas conducted his funeral service. Skete of Kapsokalyvia on Mt. Athos painted an In the years following icon of St. Savvas St. Nektarios’ repose, (shown above.) The icon people began flocking to arrived by ferry, and as it the monastery in Aegina was being transferred and it was no longer the from the post office to quiet hermitage Fr. the customs house, where Savvas preferred. So in the nuns would pick it up, 1926, he moved to the the convent bell began more remote Aegean ringing by itself and island of Kalymnos, continued ringing until where he spent the the icon was brought to remainder of his life, as the monastery. the spiritual father of the nuns of the Convent of St. Savvas the New Church, as seen today, above the port in Kalymnos. (From abbamoses.com; All Saints. Photo: greeka.com and Orthodox wiki)

SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

CATAVOLOS BERRY FUNERAL HOME 23040 Center Ridge Road, Westlake (Located across the street from St. Demetrios) GEORGE P. CATAVOLOS 216.226.2200 Coyne Catering St. Demetrios Cultural Hall Weddings, Baptisms, Corporate & School Events, Graduations & more! Tricia Coyne: 216-695-1160 www.coynecatering.com The Catacomb Bookstore of St. Demetrios Church

Orthodox books for adults & children, icons, and many items for the Orthodox home. Open on Sundays during coffee hour or by appointment during the week. Located behind the Cultural Hall stage. Place YOUR Ad Here!

Call 440-331-2246 x2 or email [email protected] to place your ad and support Metro Disposal - Cleveland St. Demetrios Church! tel: 1-866-797-9018 Greek Orthodox Community of St. Demetrios 22909 Center Ridge Road Rocky River Ohio 44116

Built in Faith, Sustained by Love

Theodore E. Loizos, M.D. Yurch funeral home Cataract Surgery, Comprehensive Ophthalmology Fairview Eye Center Eye Center of Lakewood NOW WITH FUNERAL HOME CLOSE TO 21375 Lorain Road 16400 Hilliard Blvd ST. DEMETRIOS Fairview Park, OH 44126 Lakewood, OH 44107 440-333-3060 216-228-1800 (216) 398-1010 fairvieweyecenter.com George’s Kitchen Family Restaurant 13101 Triskett Road “Home Cooked Meals” and Take-out orders Phone: 216-671-0430