Contents: Parish News, Meeting and Events, Orthodox News, Outreach News, Articles, Services
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Vol XXI vol16
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Path to Salvation: Orthodox Way of Life
In addition to the commandments God expects us to live by, we often read in Scripture about light. Have you ever thought about what was meant when this term was used and why it is used so often? When Jesus says, let your light shine and do not hide it under a bushel basket, what is this light? Or when Christ went up on Mount Tabor and a light so bright shone from Him that the three disciples who accompanied Him were thrown to the ground in awe. What was this light? Scripture also says that we are a temple of God and that God is within us. What does this mean? These are all elements of the important mystical aspect of Orthodoxy. We will be exploring these topics and more in our fall course series on Wednesday night titled Path to Salvation.
As Orthodox Christians we are called to know this light that is within each o f us. It is given to us by the grace of God. Like all things God gives to us, we must prepare ourselves to be able to accept them and to transcend the physical nature of our way of seeing this world. This is important for our Salvation.
We all hope for eternal life. This is not something we can wait to know about until we are laid out in a casket. For we must be confident in our knowledge of the energies of God. We can never know God’s essence, but we are expected to know His energies and have an intimate relationship with Him.
The Church has provided for us a very clear path to salvation with its liturgical activities, its teaching about oral, mental and noetic prayer, by its periods of fasting, and by its sacraments, especially the sacraments of Communion and Confession.
Salvation for Orthodox is not a one time event or simply based on a belief. It involves a true relationship with God.
Each Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30pm, beginning Sept 10th, we will be exploring this Path to Salvation the Orthodox Church has given to us.
Let those in your family and your friends know about this new series. There is nothing more important than your Orthodox faith and its way of life. All are encouraged to attend. We welcome the spouses of Orthodox members who have not yet decided to convert to Orthodoxy and all other non-Orthodox who want to learn more about our faith as well. The series is designed to help all Orthodox Christians deepen the practice of their faith. Just call the church office so we know how many to prepare for (233-8531).
The spiritual life of the Christian is unknown and incomprehensible to the greater part of contemporary society. They do not know even the alphabet of the life of the spirit, let alone its higher wisdom. For the most part they live only on he lowest plane of the bodily senses.
The final goal of man is communion with God. The path to this communion has been precisely defined: faith, and walking in the Commandments with the help of God’s grace.
Saint Theophan the Recluse
Parish News
Baptisms
Amerah and Maher Hanna’s son was baptized on Saturday, August 16 at Saint George Cathedral. Godparents are Susie Hanna and Issa Sakhouri.
Weddings
Kyla Deon and James Sfiris were married August 23, 2008.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. Kenneth F. Deon of South Burlington, VT and Mrs. Karen Leggett of Seneca, SC. Kyla is a graduate of Western Carolina University where she received a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sfiris of Greenville, SC. James is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where he received a Master's in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. They are both employed with KPMG, LLP in Greenville, SC.
A. J. Theodore, III, served as the Koumbaro.
Deepest Sympathy
...to Deanna and John Palmer and family whose beloved mother, Zographia Kanellos of Atlanta, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, August 9th after a valiant fight with pulmonary hypertension. We pray for God’s strength and peace upon the family as they mourn their loss. May God keep her in His embrace. May her memory be eternal.
...to Dr. Greg and Jamie Tarasidis and family whose beloved father, Dr. George Tarasidis fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, August 14. We pray that God grant him eternal repose and patience be granted to the family he leaves behind. May his memory be eternal.
...to the family of Connie Conits, beloved daughter of the late Tom and Angie Conits, sister of Stephie and John Blackstone, who fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, August 18th. We pray that God will grant her eternal repose, and will bless the family that she leaves behind. May her memory be eternal.
...to the family of Katherine Vrahnos, beloved mother of Steve and Helen and sister of Pete Kalatges, who fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, August 27th in Mytilini, Greece. Contact the family in Greece at Agia Paraskevi, Mytilini, Lesvos, Greece 81102. May God keep her in His embrace. May her memory be eternal.
Maids of Athena
Any unmarried girl between 14 and 24 years of age is invited to join the Maids of Athena. Please contact President Alex Thermos, 884-1595, Vice President Katie Chulkas, 288-4611, or Advisor Patti Kolokithas, 834-8572 for more information. To find out more about the Maids of Athena please go to AHEPA.org.
From Father Tom:
Hospital Visits
IF YOU ARE IN THE HOSPITAL, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE IF YOU WANT FR. TOM OR FR. CHARLES TO VISIT YOU OR A LOVED ONE.
We have learned lately that a couple of our parishioners were in the hospital and they thought the hospitals contact the Church office to let us know. FOR THE PAST 17 + YEARS, ALL HOSPITALS HAVE NOT CONTACTED ANY CHURCH IN GREENVILLE TO LET US KNOW IF A MEMBER IS IN THEIR FACILITY.
Because we want to serve you the best we can, and because WE WANT to visit our members when they go into any of our hospitals, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE TO LET US KNOW. Telephone number: 233-8531.
ALTAR BOYS NEEDED
We are compiling the new list for the altar boys for this coming year. The young man must be 10-18 yrs. old (or senior in high school). Even though he may have served this past year, I ask that he call the church office to be placed on the new altar boy list. I greatly depend on these young men to help during our church services, and I ask them to recommit their desire to serve every year. This is a very important ministry to our church and our community. I appreciate each of these young men and their desire to help. Please call the church office (233-8531) to place your name on the new altar boy list for this coming September.
Bible Study
Adult Bible study will resume on Sept 10th at 10:00am. All are welcome to join this group where Fr Tom leads a discussion on sections of the Bible. We meet in the Library near the Church office.
Sunday School
Begins Sunday, September 14th. Teachers are needed. Call Francis Pappas if you are interested in helping.
Thank You - Thank You
The officers and directors of AHEPA 242 Inc. would like to thank the community for their generous response to the plea to donate books, exercise equipment, computers, and lawn furniture to the AHEPA house for the Elderly. The response was wonderful and we still have need for more books. Any questions please call Chris Kapetanakos. 864-467-0355.
2008-2009 Nursery Schedule
The schedule is being finalized. Any new church families with children ages 3 years and younger, if interested, please contact Renee Kakaras to include your name as a helper. Thank you.
Attention to all Dancers and Parents:
On Sunday, September 7, 2008, immediately after church there will be a mandatory meeting in the small hall for all interested dancers from age 3 - adults that would like to dance for the HDF and the Festival. Registration will take place on this day and also our programs and schedules for the new year will be discussed. Registration is $20.00 per person.
It is important that all parents and dancers are present at this meeting especially the participants of HDF. We have a few changes this year that we need to discuss with the parents. If you cannot be at this meeting please contact Haido Pourlos at 354-3269.
AHEPA/AJ Theodore Scholarship Recipeints
Eleanor Boulos,Chris Koutsoukos, Tony Cheros, Dimitri Kyriakou, Valerie Garilas, Athanassios Paraskevas, Chris Georgiades, Alex Taylor, Rosie Kolokithas, Emilie Tollison
AHEPA
Ahepa meeting is Tuesday, September 9th at the Ahepa 242 HUD apartments. Food at 7 pm followed by a meeting. Our golf tournament is October 12th open to all.
United Ministries - Help
We are beginning a new food drive for United Ministries. Needed items are peanut butter, canned foods, diapers, etc.
Drive Out Prostate Cancer!
Free Screenings
Every five minutes, two men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Risk for developing this disease increases significantly after age 50 for white men and after age 40 for African Americans.
Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center and our partners invite you to step up to the plate and schedule a free prostate screening at one of these locations:
Saturday, Sept. 20 • 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Haywood Mall
This screening is part of Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day. Screenings will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis on the Drive Against Prostate Cancer bus located outside the mall near Macy’s.
Tuesday, Sept. 16 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.
North Greenville Hospital
Thursday, Sept. 25 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hillcrest Memorial Hospital
Tuesday, Sept. 30 • 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Greer Memorial Hospital*
For more information or to schedule a screening, call 1-877-GHS-INFO (447-4636). With prevention and early detection, we can make prostate cancer an easy out.
2008 Staley Lectures at Davidson College
This year's Staley Lecturer. Professor Vigen Guroian, will explore the theme The Melody of Faith: Theology in an Orthodox Key, through two lectures: The Litany of Creation, on Sunday, September 21 and The Rhythm of Resurrection, on Monday, September 22. Both will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Smith 900 Room at the Alvarez College Union. Professor Guroian, an Armenian Orthodox theologian and ethicist, will reflect on the distinctive insights of Orthodox Christianity to Christian faith through a multi-media exploration of the doctrines of creation and resurrection using the incarnational artistry of Orthodox icons and liturgy.
Special Event
Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta is looking forward to greeting our Saint George parish, along with other SC, NC, and GA parishes at the Paracletos Monastery on SUNDAY, NOV 9th, in the late afternoon. A special icon of the PANAGIA brought from a monastery in PONTOS, GREECE, is being brought by a bishop from there, and it will be dedicated by Metropolitan Alexios, the visiting bishop, and by all of us present as it is placed in the PARACLETOS MONASTERY. It promises to be an eventful and historic program.
On the Lighter Side
Beauty of Mathematics !!!!!!!
1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 1111111111
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888
Brilliant, isn't it?
Now, take a look at this... 101%
From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%?
What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?
Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?
How about ACHIEVING 101%?
What equals 100% in life?
Here's a little mathematical formula that might help.
Answer these questions:
If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Is represented as: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
If: H-A-R-D-W-O- R- K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%
And: K-N-O-W-L-E- D-G-E
11+14+15+23+ 12+5+4+7+5 = 96%
But: A-T-T-I-T-U- D-E
1+20+20+9+20+ 21+4+5 = 100%
THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:
L-O-V-E-O-F- G-O-D
12+15+22+5+15+ 6+7+15+4 = 101%
Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, It's the Love of God that will put you over the top!
Orthodox News
Legal Status of Patriarchate affirmed
Istanbul (AsiaNews) - With a unanimous verdict (7 votes out of 7, including that of the representative from Turkey), the supreme court of Strasbourg for human rights has condemned Ankara for improperly occupying an orphanage on the Princes' Islands of Buyukada, in the Marmara Sea. The verdict grants the appeal by the ecumenical patriarchate, recognising its ownership of the orphanage. The verdict is of the highest importance because it gives international recognition to the legal status of the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople, always denied until now by the Turkish government. Religious minorities in Turkey are not recognised as legal personalities, and therefore cannot own property. With this verdict, the patriarchate not only can own property in Turkey, but its rights are now safeguarded by the court of Strasbourg, to which Turkey also belongs. The verdict is also a response to those in Turkey who continue to deny the historical and spiritual role of the see of Constantinople, which the international community has always acknowledged.
Conflict in Georga
At a Russian Orthodox church in Tbilisi, Brother Mikhail blesses the Russians and the Georgians who come to pray that their conflict will come to an end and the two peoples live in peace. "We have always lived well together here. The problems, the war are created by the politicians on both sides," said the monk, whose mother is Russian and father is Georgian. Some 45,000 Russians live in Georgia and mixed marriages have always been common, a legacy of the Soviet Union which constantly promoted love and brotherhood between its constituent republics. Like most ethnic Russians, Georgians follow the Orthodox branch of Christianity. Although there are differences in rite and practice they are relatively slight.
Conflict Brewing in Ukraine
The head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, will attend a service in Kiev on Sunday despite threats by the Russian Orthodox Church that it could split from the Ecumenical Patriarchate over possible recognition of the Ukrainian Church. The service in Kiev, held to mark 1,020 years since the Christianization of the Russians, has taken on an air of controversy after Russian Patriarch Alexy II launched a verbal attack against the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.
Cremations to be legalized in Greece
A new law that would allow cremation to take place in Greece has been submitted to the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, for approval. According to the presidential decree, families can cremate their dead by obtaining a permit from the local mayor or community leader 60 hours after the death of their relative, Greek newspaper Ekathimerini reported.
There are no crematories operating in Greece as the Greek Orthodox Church opposes cremation. As more Greeks choose to be cremated, Bulgaria has become a preferred destination for cremation of the dead during the last years.
Conflict in Cyprus
Archbishop of the Church of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, has said that the international community has to do more to solve the Cyprus problem. The Archbishop said that Europe and the US remain “cold hearted” as regards the impingement of the human rights of the people of Cyprus, the Turkish occupation of 37% of the island’s territory and the destruction and looting of Christian Orthodox Churches in the occupied part of the country.
Since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus about 550 churches have been desecrated and 15,000-20,000 icons are missing, believed to be stolen or sold on the black market. Some Orthodox Churches situated in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus have been converted to mosques, military camps, barns, mortuaries or silos.
US Senator takes stand to help Ecumenical Patriarchate
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has introduced legislation to urge the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Christian Church.
"For a government to treat a revered religious institution and leader in such a discriminatory manner is an affront to human and religious rights and shows disrespect to the hundreds of millions of Orthodox Christians," said Senator Menendez. "There must be fairness and freedom when it comes to the Turkish government's treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. As Turkey appeals to the European Union for membership, I would expect its treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to be a prime topic that must be addressed."
Senator Menendez's resolution, which is co-sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Benjamin Cardin (D-MA), urges the Government of Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Orthodox Christian Church. It calls on the Turkish government to immediately:
• recognize the right to the title of “Ecumenical Patriarch'';
• grant the Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition and ecclesiastic succession;
• grant the Ecumenical Patriarch the right to train clergy of all nationalities, not just Turkish nationals; and
• respect property rights and human rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Persecution in Egypt
An Egyptian police reportedly struck three women while trying to stop them from repairing the only church in the area, a human rights group said. The three Coptic Christian women were taking sand into the Archangel Michael Church in the village of Deshasha, south of Cairo, to fix the church’s cracked floor when the policeman assigned to guard the church hit them.
According to Egyptian rule, an existing church does not need permission to repair its facility, but only needs to give written notice to local authorities.
The church officials say the State Security Intelligence has prevented any repairs to the old church for the past 11 years. Church officials say the Archangel Michael Church is the oldest church in the district, built in 1895 and last renovated in 1930.
Egypt is home to the largest Christian population in the Middle East, accounting for an estimated 6 to 10 percent of the country’s 76 million people.
Capital Campaign
Progress Report
In the last meeting of the Capital Fund Campaign Committee there was much progress reported on all fronts - Chairman George Stathakis reports that we have received new pledges amounting to $800,000 from 31 pledges. Members are seeing this next phase as more than a gym, he says. It is being viewed as an essential part of completing a larger project that includes the education center. Many see the gym as a springboard for the education building. It is generally agreed that we need to consider how our Church facilities can support the Orthodox way of life, especially for our youth. Our youth today face incredible pressures from our secular society. The proposed facilities will enable our youth to play and work together. They will be encouraged to make friends with other Orthodox Christians. They will be encouraged to continue to participate in a spiritual community which is most important as it is in a worshiping community that we are all saved. As our youth stay involved our community will continue to grow. We will be seeking the support of the entire community.
Steve Trakas reports that the Gym final documents are finalized.. Construction bids are expected to be due by the end of September. Things are moving rapidly so we can begin this important project soon.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the goals of the capital campaign?
Phase II
Construct a new, modern, state-of-the-art gymnasium, which includes a regulation sized court and bleachers.
Renovate the present Hellenic Center into a formal banquet facility
Estimated Cost: $3,500,000
Phase III
Expand the Hellenic Center with new classrooms to meet the growing educational needs of our Sunday School and Greek School.
Create dedicated space for our parish organizations.
Develop a Day Care Center for our parish family
Expand our kitchen to improve efficiencies for banquet events and festivals.
Estimated Cost: $5,000,000
What is the calendar for construction?
Allowing for five-year pledges, the present plan is to receive 1/5 of the funds in 2008 and the second 1/5 of the funds in 2009. Together with yet another successful Festival, the plan is to begin construction at the end of the second quarter of 2009.
Thank You!
Shelby Bowden would like to thank all those who donated money and physical work to his Eagle Project. With the help of his scout troop and a few people from the church, he built 3 benches and a pond at the Paracletos Monastery in Abbeville County. He received more than enough funding for his project, and the remainder of the money he donated to the Monastery.
GOYA Winter Retreat
November 14-16:
Friday – Sunday
The Diakonia Center,Salem, SC
GOYANS: 6th-12th grades
Living Orthodox in Our Contemporary World.
Facilitator: +Father Grigorios Tatsis
Registration is on a first come- first serve basis. We have 96 spaces for GOYANS and 24 spaces for Youth Workers/ Youth Advisors
Registration begins: September 1st, 2008. Registration Ends: Friday, November 7, 2008, or when all spaces are filled.
All forms may be downloaded from www.atlanta.goarch.org
For more information please email or call: Michelle Cassimus: 404-634-9345 ext.19. or youth@atlmetropolis.org
Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
406 N. Academy
Greenville, Sc 29601
233-8531
www.stgeorgegreenville.org