February 2019 Newsletter - Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek ... · Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor. [email protected]. Philoptochos Dear Church Family, Happy New Year! With the new

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The Word - February 2019

the wordSts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church

hearingby the

Word ofGod.

Romans 10:17

Faithcomes

byhearing

and

Andover, MA February 2019

Get news of additional events andannouncements via email. Go tothe church websitewww.andoverorthodox.organd sign up to be on ourLISTSERV.

BIBLE STUDIES THIS MONTH “Pursuing our spiritual life”

Morning MeditationsFebruary 13 - 10:00 AM

Men’s Ministry DinnerFebruary 27 - 7:00 PM

From Focus on the FamilyIntentional parent. It’s a term we often hear yet perhaps not fully recognize and appreciatewhat it means. Of course I’m an intentional parent, we might think. I’m certainly not doingany of this accidentally.Intentional parenting really just means having a plan, prioritizing where you put your timeand energy. Those priorities then guide your day-to-day decision-making and whatcommitments you make.Should we go on this trip? Should I accept that job even though it means I’ll have less timewith my family? Should we buy that used van instead of a new one? Should I work out or gohome and take my daughter for a run? As I face these sorts of decisions every day, I’malways reminded of two inescapable truths: First, time is a precious resource that we nevercan get back. Secondly, the seemingly small day-to-day decisions we make directly shapeour years and ultimately the course of our lives.To be an intentional parent means recognizing that time with our kids is precious andlimited, and that there is a long-lasting impact to how we decide to use that time.Long days, yet the years speed byIt seems like just yesterday that I was holding my baby son to my chest, or playing withstuffed animals with my daughter. They’re now both teenagers, and we’re suddenly talkingabout driving and dating, marriage and sex. So, I’m always asking myself: What am I doingwith the precious opportunities I’ve been given to influence my kids?That focus is the heart of intentional parenting. How are we spending our time together?What are we intentionally teaching and modeling? Are we intentionally imparting godlywisdom and providing spiritual guidance?When Moses instructed the Israelites to teach God’s wisdom to the next generation, herecognized the importance of being deliberate: “You shall teach [Scripture] diligently toyour children, and shall talk of [it] when you sit in your house, and when you walk by theway, and when you lie down, and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:7).Thankfully, good parenting doesn’t demand perfection in these areas or in the areas ofguidance and discipline, but it does require us to be deliberate. So, to be an intentionalparent, we must remember the following:Intentional parenting is relational.Life gets busy, particularly as kids get older and their lives fill with events and milestones.Look for ways to consistently connect throughout the busy seasons of school andextracurricular activities. Find opportunities to have one-on-one time with each of yourchildren. Look for times each day to laugh, play, and talk even if it is just for a few minutes.When time is especially precious, take a few moments to write individualized notes to yourkids, something they can look at throughout the day to appreciate the bond they have withyou. And look for the unique ways your kids seem wired to connect with you. In our home,my son and daughter seem to thrive with constant encouragement. They both look forwardto hearing genuine affirmations and encouragement from me and my wife.By Danny Huerta, MSW, LCSW, LSSW

SAVE THE DATEMarch 2 - Family Glendi

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Fr. Christopher Makiej,Parish Priest

Dn. Gary KentParish Deacon

Buzz Stapczynski, PresidentJohn Terzakis, Vice President

Jim Panagas, SecretaryCarol DiPietro, Treasurer

Dylan ArchambaultVoula Danas

Bess GormanDorothy HatzikonstantisJimmy Kalogeropoulos

John KarafilidisNicholas MiminosSteven Robinson

Peter SouhlerisJohn Vitale

Anthony WarrenChurch OfficeKaren Davies

Office AssistantDorothy Mastromonaco

PhiloptochosOlga Pithis, President

ChanterTelly Papanikolaou

ChoirPres. Katerina Makiej, Director

OrganistDavid Harvey

Altar Boy Co-Captains Michaelangelo Tsaparlis & Michael Makiej

Sunday SchoolPatty Trant, DirectorGreek SchoolVoula Nikitas

Christian Lending LibraryPatti George, Director

GOYA AdvisorsVoula Danas & Eleni Xifaras

GOYA PresidentJoanna Archambault

JOY AdvisorPatty Trant

YouthChoir/Women’sFellowshipPres. Katerina Makiej

Book Store ManagerElaine Demetroulakos

Internet MinistryGeorge Xifaras

AHEPASteven Pithis

Daughters of PenelopeNancy PantazopoulosCollege FellowshipDn. Gary & Fr. Chris

Young Professionals MinistryNicholas Miminos

FacilitiesGeorge Perakis

ArchonsArthur C. Anton

James LolosTelly Papanikolaou

The WordElizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor

From Left to right: John Karafalidis, Bess Gorman, Steve Robinson, NickMiminos, (Dn. Gary), Jim Panagas, (Fr. Chris), John Terzakis, PeterSouhleris, Carol DiPietro, Buzz Stapczynski, Dorothy Hatzikonstantis, JohnVitale, Anthony Warren

Not pictured: Dylan Archambault,Voula Danas, Jimmy Kalogeropoulos

Parish Council NotesDear Parishioners,

On Sunday, January 13, we celebrated Vasilopita Sunday with the cutting of the Vasilopitabread. Pieces were given to our Parish Ministry leaders to recognize their devotion andcommitment to our parish. We prayed for every good and perfect blessing for them, theirservant leadership during 2019, and our parish family. In addition, Fr. Chris gave the ParishCouncil the oath of office for the new year. As I mentioned in my last letter, we have threenew members of the Parish Council: Steve Robinson, John Vitale, and JimmyKalogeropoulos. Please welcome them!

In September, many of our Parishioner were affected by the gas explosions - some in verydramatic ways and others in smaller ways. I trust those affected are back in their homes andgetting their lives back to normal again. The Church was impacted financially, as we werewithout power and gas for several days and lost food left over from our annual Greek Festival.The Colombia Gas insurance company paid our claim in the amount of $3,850. Thisreimbursed us for our spoiled food and necessary clean up expenses.

As Fr. Chris mentioned at Church on Vasilopita Sunday, we are looking for parishioners whowould like to volunteer to be Service Team members. There are four Service Teams, and therequirement is to be available one rotating Sunday a month to assist in Church and in theNarthex during Divine Liturgy and/or to help with set-up and clean-up for coffee hour. Theinvitation is for women or men. It’s a great way to meet other parishioners and be servantleaders of our wonderful parish!

Finally, I want to thank all those who have made their Stewardship pledge for 2019. Ourbudget is $560K, and we rely on your time, talents, and treasury to be able to provideministries, activities, and services to our parish community.Eftixismeno to neo etos 2019,

Buzz StapczynskiParish Council President

2019 Parish Council

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The WordVolume 20, Issue 2

Published monthly except August and January bySts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church,71 Chandler Road, Andover, MA 01810.Phone 978-470-0919 v Fax 978-470-0239

Periodicals postage paid at Andover, MA.Permit No. 022-997. POSTMASTER: Send address changesto Sts. Constantine & Helen Church.

Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor. [email protected].

Philoptochos

Dear Church Family,

Happy New Year! With the new year comes an opportunity tojoin our Philoptochos. Everyone will be receiving a letterwelcoming you to join. If you cannot joint at this time, or are amale parishioner, there is an opportunity on the letter for you tomake a donation of any amount. All donations go directly tocharities supported by our local, state, and national Philoptochosand those in need.We would like to thank everyone for your support and generosityin helping us to decorate the Church for Christmas. Thepoinsettias are still blooming and look very beautiful. We wouldalso like to thank you for purchasing the sweet bread andvasilopita coin gift packages. We hope that you enjoyed them asmuch as we did.

With sisterly love,Georgiana (Gina) LaFortuneCorresponding Secretary

New Conference Room!We are very grateful to parishioners Nick and Mary KoskoresFamily as the donors of all the furniture, décor, art, and multi-media furnishings of our parish Conference Room!

We are also grateful to parishioners Anthony and StephanieWarren who donated their time and talent for design and layout.

And thanks also to parishioners Nick and Helen Boulos whodonated the re-painting of the entire room.

…to Michaelangelo Tsaparlis and Valerie Skigis ,who received the coins at our Vasilopeta celebration this year.May they receive God’s blessings this year and always.

Sunday School children decorating gingerbreadcookies and making gingerbread houses the Sundaybefore Christmas

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Metropolis of BostonGOYA 2019 Winter CampPresidents' Day weekend, February 15-18, 2019!

This 3-day retreat is hosted at the St. Methodios Faith andHeritage Center for all GOYAns!

Don't Miss Out On:

WINTER ACTIVITIESFAITHCULTUREFELLOWSHIPCAMP WIDE ACTIVITIESCABIN SESSIONSSUNDAY OUTING TO PAT'S PEAK SKI RESORT

For more info, go to www.metropolisofbostoncamp.org/winter

Thanksgiving food basket making

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Christmas pageant

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The Great and Holy Lenten Season is coming up. Below is a list of items needed for the additional services that are held during this season. Shouldyou wish to offer any of the items below “In Honor of” or “In Memory of”a loved one, please contact Karen at the Church office978-470-0919.

SALUTATION SERVICES (five Fridays):Checks made payable to SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church.2 Vases and Icon Frame −$75.00; 2 Vases only: $60.00; Icon only: $50.00Friday, March 15:Friday, March 22:Friday, March 29:Friday, April 5:Friday, April 12:

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY – March 17Narthex Icon: $50.00

THIRD SUNDAY of LENT ELEVATION OF THE HOLY CROSS – March 31Narthex Icon: $50.00:700 Jonquils or Daffodils $150.00:

SATURDAY of LAZARUS – April 20Narthex Icon of Lazarus: $50.00:Daughters of Penelope sponsored Communion Breakfast

PALM SUNDAY −April 21Palms: $500.00Narthex Palm Sunday Icon $50.00:

SUNDAY EVENING BRIDEGROOM SERVICE −Sunday, April 21; Monday April 22; Tuesday, April 23:Bridegroom Icon: $50.00:

HOLY WEDNESDAY (Holy Unction) −April 24Narthex Icon: $50.00:1 Bottle Extra Virgin Olive Oil200 Ziplock snack bags200 Q-tips200 cotton balls

HOLY THURSDAY – April 25Narthex Icon: $50.00:Crown of Thorns: $35.00:Plant at foot of Crucifix: $30.00:

GREAT and HOLY FRIDAY− April 26Morning Service – Nothing Needed3:00 pm Service – Philoptochos sponsors a special floral appeal for the “Kouvouklion”decoration!Rose Water:Narthex Icon: $50.00:

HOLY SATURDAY MORNING – April 27Narthex Icon: $50.00:

MIDNIGHT RESURRECTION SERVICE −PASCHANarthex Resurrection Icon: White Lilies $60.00:White Lily Resurrection Wreath: $75.00:25 Lily Plants: Stephanos and Meni (Iraclidis) Frangias and Family

600 Red Easter Eggs: Please make an extra dozen for the Church and bring to Thursday or Friday Services.

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February 2019SAINTS CONSTANTINE & HELEN

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2Presentationof Our Lord

9:00 AMOrthros

9:30 AMLiturgy

3Orthros9:00 AMLiturgy

10:00 AM

4 5

Greek School4:30 PM

6 7 8 9

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10:00 AM

GOYAMeeting6:00 PM

11 12

Greek School4:30 PM

13Morning

MeditationsBible Study10:00 AM

14 15 16


10:00 AM

18

MassachusettsSchool

VacationWeek

PresidentsDay

19

NO GreekSchool

20 21 22 23Baptism

11:00 AM(Nightingale/

O’Leary)


10:00 AM

JOY Meeting12:15 PM

25 26

Greek School4:30 PM

Parish CouncilMeeting7:15 PM

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Men’sDinner

7:00 PM.

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Periodical

Music ~ Dinner ~ DancingM A R C H 2 , 2 0 1 9 | 6 : 3 0 P M - 1 1 : 0 0 P M

F A M I L Y L I F E C E N T E R | 7 1 C H A N D L E R R O A D

A D U L T S $ 4 0 C H I L D R E N 1 2 A N D U N D E R $ 2 0

A N D O V E R G O Y A @ G M A I L . C O M

S T S . C O N S T A N T I N E A N D H E L E N

A N D O V E R G O Y A

F A M I L Y G L E N D I

G l e n d i

Documents

February 2019 Newsletter - Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek ... · Elizabeth Xaros Bigelow, Editor. [email protected]. Philoptochos Dear Church Family, Happy New Year! With the new