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ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
24
Next to Heaven There is only... GREECE
METRO TOURS By
Peter Metropolis, Manager
[email protected] Www.metrotours.com
978-535-4000 ext. 110 800-221-2810 Nationwide 978-535-8830 Fax
Tremont Pharmacy Tremont Drug Co. 86 Tremont Street
Peabody, MA 01960
Stephen S. Kalivas, R. Ph. 978 531 1853
St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church 5 Paleologos Street Peabody, MA 01960-4496
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Permit No. 15
Peabody, MA 01960
Return Service Requested
«nameline»
,
ORTHODOX LIFE ORQODOJOS ZWH ● A Publication of
SAINT VASILIOS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 5 Paleologos Street, Peabody, MA 01960-4496 . Tel: (978) 531-0777 . Fax: (978) 538-9522
Web: www.stvasilios.org . E-mail: [email protected]
July/August 2015
(Continued on page 7)
Inside this issue: Fr. Chris’s Message p.1&7
Church Service Announcements p.2&3
Winter Hours p.2
Dates to Remember p.3
Summer Coffee Fellowship p.3
Fr. Kerry’s Message p.4&7
Parish Council News/President’s Message p.5
Pilgrimage to The Holy Land p.6
2015 St. Vasilios Stewardship p.7
Koimisis of the Theotokos p.8
August/September/October Calendars p.9-11
Greek School News p.12-14
Church School News p.15
Philoptochos News p.16-17
Healthbeat p.18
St. Val’s Men’s Club p.19-21
Donations p.22
Panagia’s Garden Camp p.22
Ads p.23-24
Do We Have Self-Control?
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Please note that due to
construction in the church all
services will be in the
Educational Center from
July 27 through
September 6, 2015.
Yesterday as I was searching for
a quote from scripture I stumbled
across a pericope from St. Peter’s
second letter. St. Peter writes:
For this reason, you must make
every effort to support your faith
with goodness, and goodness
with knowledge, and knowledge
with self-control, and self-control
with endurance, and endurance
with godliness… What stuck out
for me was the word self-control, and I wondered if I
have self-control?
Let me illustrate this thought with a story. Two
friends walk to the store to buy a paper. One of the
friends buys his paper and thanks the clerk politely.
The clerk in turn did not even acknowledge it. The
other friend says, “Wow that clerk is a brooding per-
son isn’t he?” The friend with the paper responds,
“Oh, he’s that way every night.” “Then why do you
continue to be so polite to him?” his friend replies.
“Why not,” his friend answers. “Why should I let him
decide how I’m going to act?”
As I thought about this story and the words of St. Peter
regarding self-control, it occurred to me how im-
portant these two words are. The friend who pur-
chased the newspaper acts towards people while most
of us react towards them. The friend with the paper
has a sense of inner balance which is lacking in most
of us. Through his prayer life and relationship with
Christ, he knows who he is, what he stands for and
how he should behave. He refuses rudeness for rude-
ness, because then he would no longer be in command
of his own conduct.
Nobody is unhappier than the perpetual reactor. Their
center of emotional gravity is not rooted in Christ,
where it belongs, but in the world around them. Their
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
2
Funerals The following members of St. Va-
silios have fallen asleep into the
hands of our Lord over the past
months.
George M. Lembidakis
Peter George Sarbanis
Constantina (Kamarinos) Giardina
Phyllis Ethel (Sawyer) Kappotis
Anna (Apostolides) Varinos
May their memory be eternal.
Baptisms
The child of
Michael & Bethany Papacostas
with Godparent
Lia Sandilos Nolan
The child of
Peter & Ana Vasiliou
with Godparents
Evangelos & Panagiota Frangias
The child of
Walter & Stephane Biancuzzo
with Godparents
Patti Fontaine &
Nicholas Fontaine
The child of
Thomas Shevory &
Melissa Davekos
with Godparent
Emily Davekos
Memorials 40–Day
Dimitrios Solomos
James P. Chronis
Solon A. Anezis
William Koulas
1 year
Soula Nikola Joanne Mandragouras
Larry Lekos
2 year
Anthony Koutzoukis
Trisagia
6 month Vasilios Malekakis 1 yr, Charles Karis
3 yr. Anthony Triantafillou
3 yr. George Mavroules
3 yr. Eleni Garabedian
For the electronic version of
ORTHODOX LIFE visit our
website at:www.stvasilios.org
Church Service Announcements
Winter Hours
Please note that winter hours for
Church Services begin on Sunday,
September 13, 2015
Orthros - Greek
8:00 a.m.
1st Divine Liturgy - English
9:00 a.m.
2nd Divine Liturgy - Greek & English
10:30 a.m.
XEIMERINES WRES
Oi xeimerine/c w/rec qa arxi/souv thn Kuriakh,/ 13h Septembri/ou 2015.
‘Orqroc - Ellhnika/
8:00 p.m.
Prw/th Qei/a Leitourgi/a-Agglika/
9:00 p.m. Deu/terh Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Ellhnika/ kai Agglika/
10:30 p.m.
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
23
STEPHEN M. ZOLOTAS Attorney at Law
133 Washington Street
Salem, MA 01970
Tel: (978) 744-5333
Fax: (978) 832-1177
NEW ENGLAND
MEAT MARKET
Charles Silva
62 Walnut Street,
Peabody, MA 01960
978-531-0846
MENIATES FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF
JAMES X. & RENA
MENIATES
METRO CLEANERS
43 FOSTER ST PEABODY, MA
978-532-6337
100 CUMMINGS CENTER
BEVERLY, MA
978-998-3200
ORGETTAS FAMILY
IN MEMORY OF
MICHAEL & RENA
ORGETTAS
C B S
CONSULTING
NIKOLAOS K. KANALOUPITIS Chief Executive Officer
Continental Business Systems
Strategic and Financial Planning and Management P.O. Box 3216 Tel: 978-922-0133 Beverly, MA 01915 Fax: 978-921-0139
Monthly Bulletin Advertising
Reaches 1,200 Families
Ads starting at $325.00 per year
Please contact Irene at
978-531-0777
Bulletin Advertising
Space Available
Please contact Irene
at
978-531-0777
FOFO’S Stefana only $59
Christening Outfits 30% off
Decorated Candles
Religious Items : MATIA
BAPTISMAL GOLD CROSSES
Favors for All Occasions
136 Main Street
Peabody, MA 01960
(978) 977 9141
Tue-Fri 11-5 Sat 11-4
Bulletin Advertising
Space Available
Please contact Irene
at
978-531-0777
In memory of Peter Sarbanis
$25 James Maravelias
$25 Gregory Leonardos
$25 Anna Campagnolo
$50 Evangelia Siakallis
$25 Toni Porter
$100
Alan & Nancy Maravelias, Michael & Alyssa Maravelias,
Jason & Katja Maravelias
$50 Spiros & Patricia Flomp
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
22
Donations $200 Margaret Triantafillou in loving memory of husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather Anthony-3yrs. H/A
$200 Georgia Solomos & family in memory of husband, father, grandfather Dimitrios Solomos
$52 Weekday coffee hour
$100 John & Marilyn Venios in memory of Diane "Soula" Nikola-1 yr.
$100 Katherine Mandragouras in memory of mother Joanne Mandragouras-1 yr.
$25 James Maravelias in memory of James Chronis
$100 In memory of Constantina Giardina
$50 Sandra Soseos in memory of Paul Baliotis
$50 Mrs. Lola Kalivas for good health of Mary Franggos & family to celebrate 90th birthday
$50 Mr. & Mrs. John Petradelis in memory of Nick Thrasivoulos
Sevi Diakogeorge in memory of John Diakogeorge
Vasilios Houvardas in memory of parents Nicholas & Stamatia Houvardas
$25 Mary Nickitopoulos in honor of Mary Franggos for good health & happines for years to come
$25 Statia & Tracy Donovan in memory of Solon Anezis
$25 Statia & Tracy Donovan in memory of Anna Varinos
$100 Thomas & Diane Dooley in memory of George Lembidakas
$25 Gregory & Anastasia Diminiture for good health of Mary Franggos
$50 Charles Partaledis in memory of parents Ernest & Martha Partaledis
$25 Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Himaras in memory of Charles Manolopoulos
$2,000 Theodore Eliott Charitable Trust-H/A fund
In memory of Peter Sarbanis
$25 James Maravelias
$25 Gregory Leonardos
$25 Anna Campagnolo
$50 Evangelia Siakallis
$25 Toni Porter
$100
Alan & Nancy Maravelias, Michael & Alyssa Maravelias,
Jason & Katja Maravelias
$50 Spiros & Patricia Flomp
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
3
Monday, July 20
Prophet Elias
8:00 am Orthros
9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Monday, July 27
St. Panteleimon
8:00 am Orthros
9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Paraklesis
Monday, August 3 7 pm
Vespers—Lowell
Wednesday, August 5 7pm
Holy Transfiguration
Blessing of Grapes
Thursday, August 6th
8:00 am Orthros
9:00 am Divine Liturgy
Paraklesis
Friday, August 7th 7 pm
Paraklesis
Monday, August 10 7 pm
Paraklesis
Wednesday, August 12 7 pm
Vespers—Somerville
Friday, August, 14 7 pm
Dormition
Saturday, August 15
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
St. Phanourios
Thursday, August 27
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Beheading of John Baptist
Saturday, August 29
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Nativity of Theotokos
Tuesday, September 8
Orthros 8 am
Liturgy 9 am
Elevation of the Cross
Monday, September 14th
8:00 a.m. Orthros
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
Weekday Services KAQHMERINES IERES AKOLOUQIES
Church Service Announcements
2015 Dates to Remember
St Val’s Men’s Club 39th Annual Golf
Tournament July 27
Panagia’s Garden Day Camp
August 3 -August 7
Attic Treasures August 26 –August 29
Greek School Begins
Wednesday, September 9
Philoptochos Membership Luncheon Saturday, September 12
Winter Hours Begin Sunday, September 13
Church School Begins
Sunday, September 13
International Festival Sunday, September 20
SUMMER COFFEE HOUR
We all enjoy a cup of coffee with
family and friends on Sundays, after
Church. If you are interested in
hosting a coffee hour all you need is
to get two or three friends together
to bring a few goodies for about 40
people. Plate your treats and bring
them to the Parlor Room after 8:30
am. We will furnish the coffee, sug-
ar, creamers, juice and paper goods.
Please sign up at the Pagari and call
Kristi, 781 334 4043, for further
information.
Deute/ra, 20h Iouli/ou Profh/thc Hli/ac 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Deute/ra, 27h Iouli/ou Agioc Panteleh/mwn 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Para/klhsic Deute/ra, 3h Augou/stou 7 mm
Esperino/c- Lowell Teta/rth, 5h Augou/stou 7 mm
H Metamo/rfwsic tou Kuri/ou Hmw/n Ihsou/ Xristou/ Pempth, 6h Augou/stou
8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Para/klhsic
Paraskeuh/, 7h Augou/stou 7 mm
Para/klhsic Deute/ra 10h Augou/stou 7 mm
Para/klhsic
Teta/rth, 12h Augou/stou 7 mm
Esperino/c- Somerville Teta/rth, 14h Augou/stou 7 mm
Koi/mhsic
Sabba/to, 15h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Agiou Fanouri/ou Pe/mpth, 27h Augou/stou
8:00 pm ‘Orqroc 9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Apokomh/ Kefalh/c Prodro/mou
Sabba/to, 29h Augou/stou 8:00 pm ‘Orqroc
9:00 pm Qei/a Leitourgi/a
Gene/qlion thc Qeoto/kou Tri/th, 8h Septembri/ou
8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc 9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a
H /Uywsic tou Timi/ou Staurou/
Deute/ra, 14h Septembri/ou 8:00 p.m. ‘Orqroc
9:00 p.m. Qei/a Leitourgi/a
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
4
Who Am I and Why Am I Here? “I have come that they might have life and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
A few months ago I was invited to speak to a group of young people and the focus of
our discussion was about Christian living in our modern-day society. During a break
in our discussions, a young man came up to me and asked pointedly: “Father, why
are we here on Earth anyway, when life has become so meaningless for so many peo-
ple these days?”
As a priest, I do some personal counseling, the largest amount of which deals with
confessions such as this: “I am looking for meaning and purpose in life. My work is
going well, but not my life. I am looking for something to live for. I have come to ask
you to help me.”
The question for all of us is: Have we a good reason for living? If someone were to ask us, “give me
one good reason for living.” What would you say?
Dr. Viktor Frankl, the eminent psychiatrist said once:
“Today more than ever, the despair over the apparent meaninglessness of life has become an urgent
topic. Our technological society is out to satisfy each and every need, and our consumer society even creates
some needs in order to satisfy them. The most important need however--- the basic need for meaning, re-
mains --- more often than not---ignored and neglected. It is so important because once the will to meaning is
fulfilled, human beings become happy and also become able and capable of suffering…. of coping with frus-
trations and tensions and, if need be, are prepared to give their life….On the other hand, if the will to mean-
ing is frustrated, they are equally inclined to take their life; and they do so in the midst, and in spite, of all the
welfare and affluence around them. ….Woe to the people who have the means to live but have no meaning to
live by!”
Now, the question for all of us is: What IS the meaning of life? In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter
10:10, we hear Jesus saying: “I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abun-
dantly.” Here is the meaning of life!
Again we hear Jesus saying: “In the world you have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have over-
come the world.”
Here is meaning, ultimate meaning!
To find meaning for life is to accept Jesus as Lord, to follow Him, obey Him, to live in Him and for
Him as a living member of His body the Church. To find meaning for life is to find our part in the Kingdom
of God and do the work God wants us to do.
As human beings, our quest for meaning has two key questions: “Who am I?” and “Why am I?” Both
questions are answered by the Trinity: “I am loved by God the Father; I am redeemed by God the Son; I am
indwelt by God the Holy Spirit.” That’s who I am! And why I am, is answered by the Great Commandment:
“You shall love the Lord God with all your
mind, heart, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself.”
To sum it all up then, Jesus is the Son of God Who came to reveal to us the height and depth, length
and breadth of God’s love for us. He is the One who makes everything fit. To our most profound questions
about the meaning of life, He offers the most eloquent answer Himself: “I am the Way, the Truth and the
Life.” He assures us that our fondest hopes, our wildest dreams are destined to be fulfilled in Himself. Not
content with urging me to be my best self, He gives me visions of being the kind of person I would never
have dared to aspire to be; namely, God by grace as He is God by nature.
My dear brothers and sisters, if I were to sum up this message in one sentence, I would say, that with-
out God, life has no meaning whatsoever. With God, life has abundant meaning for now and for all eternity.
(Continued on page 7)
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
21
Accessibility Project
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
20
St. Val’s Men’s Club
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
5
Parish Council News PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Pamela Karamas Katsiris, President
June 2015
My kids, like most, just studied for and completed their final exams for the year and have started three whole
months of summer vacation. I enjoyed, much more than they did, reviewing some of the laws of physics with
them. Boyles’ Laws and Newton’s Laws are some of the ones that gave me pause. It made me think about
fascinating science from my past, a change from my day to day work/home thoughts and started me thinking
how to apply some of these principles to life.
“A body at rest will remain at rest unless some force pushes it.” I, of course, am paraphrasing, but what is true
in physical science seems also to be true in people. If you find yourself sitting on the couch on a rainy Satur-
day and in the afternoon the sun comes out, you tend to just stay on your couch. Also, if you have gotten used
to sleeping in on Sunday morning and the thought of getting up, like on a normal work day, and showering and
going to church instead, it seems much easier to “stay at rest” pull up the covers and go no where. Which
leads me to the next law of physics that impressed upon me.
“A body in motion will remain in motion unless stopped or slowed by an outside force.” Things that you make
routines and patterns have a way of keeping you “in motion”. Getting up an hour early to get to the gym be-
fore work, walking the dog right after dinner (because you know if you sit on the couch first you will never get
up to take her out later! -see the first law above!), and going to church every Sunday. These are all habits and
routines that we have to set into motion. Once they have been set (put into motion) it is harder to stop them.
Sometimes the hardest part is the first couple of times, but you have to move forward and remember how good
you feel after the gym. How happy the dog is when she takes a long walk. How much you enjoyed the peace
of church, the sermon and catching up with your friends at coffee hour.
The other part of this time of year is the rush and pressure of finals, banquets, proms and graduations, which
then ends with a LOT of time off. I used to think that three or four whole months (my kids were out on May
8th and June 8th this year and will start again September 8th) are too long. It is not like when the mandatory
school year was first established and the kids needed the summer off to help on the family farm and home-
stead. Why do they really need all this time? Didn’t the administrators think of the law of physics….the kids
will be at rest too long and getting them back into motion will take a lot of “force”. But I thought again, they
are children. They should be allowed that time to BE children: to sleep and grow, to make lasting friendships
with kids in their neighborhood swimming in pools and playing basketball in the driveway, to recharge their
minds and run in the sun. Too short is childhood, and long is adulthood with years of work and responsibilities
in their futures
This is where the people world differs from the Laws of Physics world. An inanimate object doesn’t need to
emotional prepare for its upcoming motion. It doesn’t need a reward or incentive to move. We sometimes do.
We must be allowed to “be at rest” to get ready for movement. We should look forward to activities with a
clear mind and a revived body. Taking some time off from the gym or church is ok, but we have to get back to
it, newly invigorated and refreshed from our rest. Take a lesson from Physics and from kids this summer. Run
in the sun, rest yourself and then get back into motion. We will be here when you are ready.
Happy Summer! Yours in Christ,
Pamela Karamas Katsiris, Parish President
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
18
HEALTHBEAT
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
7
2015 St. Vasilios Stewardship
(Continued from page 4)
Below is a listing of the parishioners who have pledged
from 6/2/2015 through 7/6/2015
Let me conclude with these beautiful words by a Bishop of the Church:
“God has created me to DO him some definite service; He has committed some work to me
which he has NOT committed to another. I have my mission. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection be-
tween persons. He has NOT created me for nothing.
I shall do good. I shall do His work.
‘Therefore, I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I cannot be thrown away. If I am in sick-
ness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow
may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. He may take away my friends. He may
throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me ---
still He knows what He is about.”
My dear brothers and sisters, May we ALL go through life espousing these same thoughts.
With love in the Lord,
+Father Kyriakos V. Saravelas
(Continued from page 1)
WHO AM I AND WHY AM I HERE?
spiritual temperature is always being raised or lowered by the social climate around them, and they are mere
creatures at the mercy of these elements. Praise gives them a feeling of euphoria, which is false because it
doesn’t last and it doesn’t come from the depth of their soul. Criticism depresses them more than it should,
because it confirms their own secretly shaky understanding of who they are. Snubs hurt them, and the merest
suspicion of unpopularity in any area of their life rouses them to bitterness.
A serenity of spirit can’t be achieved until we acquire faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance and
godliness as St. Peter says. To let another person determine whether we will be rude or gracious, elated or
depressed is to relinquish our faith and trust in God, which is ultimately all we possess. Our only true posses-
sion is our faith and trust in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I pray that your summer is filled with good health and that our Lord blesses you with faith, goodness,
knowledge, self-control, endurance and godliness.
DO WE HAVE SELF CONTROL?
Mr. & Mrs. Kyriakos Andrinopoulos
Mrs. Nina Anezis
Mrs. Jean Brothers
Mr. John Chamatsos
Mrs. Christina Crowley
Mr. & Mrs. Peter Davekos
Mrs. Nicole DeBiasi
Mrs. Anastatia Mclaughlin
Mrs. Gail Everson
Mr. & Mrs. Speros Frangules
Mrs. Connie Frisch
Mr. Petros Gouvousis
Mr. Harris Grevelis
Mrs. Estelle Iacovino
Dr. & Mrs. William Kastrinakis
Mr. Frederick P. Koufos
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Makowski
Mr. Emmanuel Makrogianis
Mr. George T. Mandragouras
Mrs. Niki Nikolouzos
Mr. & Mrs. Agathoklis Papachronopoulos
Mr. Justin Petrovitsis
Mr. & Mrs. William Pramas
Ms. Christina Ruggeri
Ms. Anastasia Santos
Mr. & Mrs. George Scangas
Mr. Robert F. Shay, Jr.
Ms. Amanda Tenedios
Mr Arthur Tsionis
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Velonis
Mr. Theodore Yeannakopoulos
Mr.& Mrs. Ioannis Zaralidis
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
8
On August 15th we commemorate the Koimisis, Dormition, or the Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary. Much
of the Church’s Holy Tradition is given in the book called the Horologion. In this book we read about the
falling asleep of the Theotokos.
As time drew near for the Lord to call His earthly Mother, He sent an angel to announce this to her three days
beforehand. The Virgin Mary then went to the Mount of Olives to pray. This was a prayer of rejoicing, the
joy of return to the Savior. Ever since the Resurrection, death had a new meaning and attitude. Death no
longer meant the end and despair; now it was a new beginning, a hope, a new life. Death was now, in Chris-
tian terms sleep, which Christ would wake us up from and live forever with Him in heaven.
The event of the Dormition is very important in our Church life and it is preceded by a two week fast period.
During this time we conduct the service of the Paraklesis, the Supplication to the Theotokos. During this ser-
vice we ask the Virgin Mary to pray for us to her Son, to help us, to overcome our illnesses, and to assist us in
times of trouble or need. We do this because the Church feels that since she is so close to God that she will
assist us in our prayers to Him.
During the first two weeks of August, we will be conducting six Paraklesis services and you are invited to
join us and pray with us for the health and needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Paraklesis Service Para/klhsic Akolouqi/ec All services will take place at 7p.m. /Olec oi akolouq/i/ec qa la/boun me/roc sti/c 7:m.m. Monday, August 3 Deute/ra, 3, Augou/stou Wednesday, August 5-Vespers at Lowell Teta/rth, 5 Augou/stou -Esperino/c sto/ Lowell Friday , August 7 Paraskeuh/, 7, Augou/stou Monday, August 10 Deute/ra, 10, Augou/stou Wednesday, August 12 Teta/rth, 12, Augou/stou Friday, August 14 -Vespers at Somerville Paraskeuh/, 14, Augou/stou –Esperino/c sto/ Somerville
Koimisis of the Theotokos
Please write the baptismal names of those people you wish remembered and return this list to the church office.
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ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
17
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
16
Philoptochos News
Philoptochos Update My beloved Sisters in Christ and friends of the Philoptochos,
A special congratulations to Mary Franggos who was selected to be our Parishioner of the Year 2015. Mrs.
Franggos had many responsibilities at our Church – she mentored many seminarians from Hellenic College,
was a Sunday School teacher, member of the Church Choir, the Philoptochos, PTA, the Daughters of Penelope
and served on various community committees. We wish Mrs. Franggos best wishes and a heartfelt congratula-
tions.
Congratulations to our top three raffle winners from our end of the year raffle. First prize of $1000.00 winner
- Kristi Fadel, 2nd prize of $500.00 - Esther Crowell and our 3rd prize of $500.00 – Heidi Pappas. Congratula-
tions!
Our Attic Treasurers Sale is scheduled for August 27th through August 30th and will take place downstairs the
Greek School class rooms. Our flyer on the next page includes hours and drop off dates. Please support this
important fundraiser as funds will be used towards the Accessibility Project.
The Children's Medical Fund Luncheon began as the Cancer Fund Luncheon in 1989 at the Waldorf Astoria in
New York City and was followed by a second Cancer Fund Luncheon in 1990. These successful events provid-
ed funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital, for the Greek Children's Cancer Fund and for the Kids-n-
Cancer program. In 1991, this event was officially named the Children's Medical Fund Luncheon. Since its in-
ception, the National Philoptochos has raised nearly $3 million for the Children's Medical Fund, and has
awarded over $2.6 million in grants to hospitals and organizations. The remaining funds have been disbursed
for children in need through grants handled by the Social Services department at the National Philoptochos of-
fice.
This year’s luncheon will be at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, Boston, MA. The Chairs of the bi-
ennial event, led by his Eminence Metropolitan Methodios assures an amazing day. Please support the CMF
either by your presence or being a sponsor. Anyone wishing to be a sponsor or would like to reserve a table or
seat, please contact me at 978-532-5782 or email me at [email protected]. Tickets are $125/pp.
As we begin the feast of the Dormition of the Ever Virgin Mary celebrated on August15th, let’s remember this
feast is a feast of hope, Resurrection and eternal life.
With Sisterly Love,
Haritomeni Frangias
Philoptochos President
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
9
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
3 VCS
Paraklesis 7pm
Building Commit-
tee 7:30pm
Men’s club E-
Board
4 Panagia’s
5
Garden
Vespers Lowell
7pm
6 Camp
Transfiguration
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am
Blessing of the
Grapes
7
Paraklesis 7pm
8
9
8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
10
Paraklesis 7pm
11
12
Paraklesis 7pm
13
14
Vespers
Somerville 7pm
15
Dormition
Orthros 8 am
Liturgy 9 am
Philoptochos Coffee
Hour
16 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
17
Parish Council
7pm
18
19
20
21
22
23 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
24
25 26 No Men’s club
Dinner Meeting
Attic
27 St. Phanourios
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am
Treasures
Men’s Club cooks
for Haven from
Hunger
28
29 Beheading of John
Orthros 8 am
Liturgy 9 am
30 31
August 2015
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
10
1 2
3
4
5
6 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy
7
LABOR DAY
OFFICE
CLOSED
Building Committee
7pm
8 Nativity of
Theotokos
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am
9 Greek School
Begins
10
11
12
Philoptochos
Membership
Luncheon 11-3
Frangias
Residence
13 WINTER HOURS 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
Church School
Begins
14 Elevation of Cross
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am Philoptochos
Coffee Hour
Parish Council
7pm
15 Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
16
17
Prep for
International
Festival
18
19
20 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
International
Festival
21
22
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
23
24
Daughters of
Penelope cooks
for Haven from
Hunger
25
26
27 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
Ministry Sunday
28
29
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
30
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
September 2015 ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
15
Church school news
We as Orthodox Christian parents, teach our children
to live their faith. We present them to God when they
are baptized and we give them the first visible symbol
of their faith; their cross. We teach them to light their
first candle, venerate their first icon, and take them to
receive Holy Communion. If we parents and church
school teachers don’t commit our time and energy to
our church and church school, our children won’t ei-
ther. And if our children don’t, their children won’t.
They will have lost a living relationship with their Or-
thodox faith and with their St. Vasilios community.
By coming together, parents and teachers can build the
next generation of strong Orthodox adults.
‘Teach’, the word is translated from the Greek word,
matheteus, which literally means ‘make disciples’.
Church School teaching is one of the greatest opportu-
nities in the world to serve God. St. Vasilios Church
School is in need of volunteers. You don’t need any
special talents, as one of our very wise teachers once
said, “All you need is the love of God, the love of
church and the love of children to teach church
school.” If you are interested in teaching, co-teaching,
or helping out in other ways, or have any questions,
please contact either Sophia Hennessey (781-334-
4686) or Pam Gruntkosky (978-210-5818).
St. Vasilios Church School calendar for the month of
September: September 13, 2015 is the first day of
church school, as well as the blessing of the students
and teachers in church at the conclusion of the first
Divine Liturgy. We have tentatively scheduled a visit
to the Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline on Septem-
ber 27th for all interested students from grades 3 and
above. More information regarding this trip will be
given to students on September 13th.
Welcome letters will be mailed out in August. If your
child is new to St. Vasilios or is a returning student
please come to the church school office to fill out a
registration form. Your child’s teacher will also have
registration forms in class. Please know we are
thrilled to have you. On Sunday, September 13th,
classroom assignments will be posted on a board in
the foyer of the Educational Center. Please make sure
to check your child’s classroom location as many have
changed. Because of a decline in attendance and lack
of volunteer teachers, we will be starting church
school at the kindergarten level, for children who turn
5 years old on September 1, 2015. We have also de-
cided to combine grades 3 and 4 into one class. We
will reevaluate these decisions at the end of the 2015–
2016 school year.
It is our responsibility as teachers to promote the spir-
itual growth and transformation of the children of St.
Vasilios. In addition to learning about their faith, clas-
ses provide an opportunity for the children to socialize
and share a sense of community with others. Faith,
fun and friendship won’t happen unless your child
comes to class! We pray you’ve had a great summer
vacation and look forward to seeing you in September.
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
14
Greek School registration 2015-2016 Our Greek school is open to students of other communities as well as to those of the greater community.
The St. Vasilios Greek School has functioned continuously since the founding of our parish. The Greek School
is the oldest educational program within the church. The school offers the youth of our community knowledge
of the Greek language, a love for the Orthodox Faith, and an appreciation for the culture and history of the
Greek people. Our students build strong bonds with their classmates that last a lifetime.
We will have an open registration this year, you can visit the church website www.stvasilios.org to download
the registration form and bring it to the office at your convenience.
Greek School consists of 8 grades Introductory 3-4 year olds through 6th, open to students age 3 through 7th
grade in American School.
Please note children must be 3 years old by September 1st in order to enroll in the Introductory Class.
Children age 3 can enroll in the Introductory class (3-4 year olds) and students entering Kindergarten can en-
roll in the Pre-School class. The Introductory class will meet every Wednesday. Pre-K through 6th grade will
meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:30-5:00
Our highly qualified and experienced teaching staff comes together to provide our community’s children with
knowledge of their heritage and Greek language. The staff adjusts the curriculum to the needs and abilities of
our children who come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our curriculum consists of conversational skills,
culture, reading, religion, writing and dance. In addition to this students perform dance at a number of church
and city events throughout the school year.
The first day of Greek School for the 2015-2016 school year will be
Wednesday, September 9th.
A Message to Parents
As members of the St. Vasilios Greek Ortho-
dox Community, we are blessed with the many oppor-
tunities the parish provides that help enrich the quality
of our lives and the lives of our younger generation,
spiritually, morally. socially and intellectually.
As we now face the challenges of a changing
society and a globalized world where business, indus-
try, technology and education have become part of an
international economy, many companies and corpora-
tions prefer to hire college graduates who are profi-
cient in more than one language Special consideration
is also given to those with experience and a back-
ground in a unique foreign language such as spoken
Modern Greek.
Having had experience in reviewing college
applications, rest assured that knowledge of the
Greek language stands out as an asset to your son's or
daughter's college application. You are therefore en-
couraged to take advantage of our St. Vasilios Greek
School by enrolling your child in the afternoon pro-
gram , Grades: Pre-K through 6. This experience will
give your child a foundation in the Greek language,
its culture and tradition which will lead a student to
better identify and appreciate his/her heritage.
Your children should also be encouraged to
continue with their Greek studies at Peabody
High School which is a great plus for the residents of
Peabody, who should take advantage of this great op-
portunity. Peabody High School offers a four year
program in Greek as a world language. This credential
counts as a language requirement for High School
graduation. It can stand out remarkably in strengthen-
ing your child's application in seeking admission to
the good colleges and universities which prefer stu-
dents with strong credentials.
Phyllis J. Dragonas, Ph.D.
On behalf of St. Vasilios
Church Council Education Committee
Greek: An Asset to College Applications
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
11
1
2
3
4 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
5
COLUMBUS DAY
OFFICE
CLOSED
Parish Council
7pm
6
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
7
8
9
10
11 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
12
13
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
14
15
16
17
18 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
19 Prophet Elias
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am
20
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
21
Philoptochos
Meeting 6pm
Investment
Committee
7:30pm
22 Parish Council
cooks for Haven
from Hunger
Vesperal
Liturgy 6pm
St. Iakovos
23
24
25 8 am Orthros
9 am 1st Liturgy 10:30 am 2nd Liturgy
26 St. Demetrios
Orthros 8am
Liturgy 9am
27
Orthodox Life
3:30pm
Inquirer’s 7 pm
28
29 30 31
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
October 2015
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
12
Greek School news
Greek School News
The 2015 Greek School Graduates
The following students graduated from Greek School this year:
Μαρία Λαντζάκη
Maria Lantzakis
Γεωργία Λέων
Georgia Leon
Χρυσοβαλάντης Χριστοφόρος
Valantis Christoforos
Βραβεία της 6ης
Τάξεως 6th
Grade Awards
Βραβείο Πατήρ Χρήστου Φουστούκου
Father Chris Foustoukos Award
Χρυσοβαλάντης Χριστοφόρος
Valantis Christoforos
Αριστείον για Εξαιρετική Μάθησης Πρώην Διευθύντρια Δεσποινίς
Hμερομίστη
Despinis Emeromistis Highest Honors Awards
Χρυσοβαλάντης Χριστοφόρος
Valantis Christoforos
Βραβείο Πρώην Αποφοίτων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου
Greek School Alumni Award
Γεωργία Λέων
Georgia Leon
Βραβείο της Φιλοπτώχου Αθηνά
The Philoptochos Athena Award
Maria Lantzakis
Μαρία Λαντζάκη
Βραβείο Γονέων Aποφοίτων του Ελληνικού Σχολείου
Former Greek School Graduates Award
Κωνσταντίνα Λέων
Tina Leon
Δήμητρα Λαντζάκη
Demi Lantzakis
Γεωργία Χριστοφόρου
Georgia Christoforos
A Special Thanks to parents, PTA, Philoptochos, Greek School Alumni, Former Principal Despιnis Emeromistis, Father Chris,
and Greek School Staff!
All of the students of the graduating class received a Greek to English/English to Greek Dictionary by the PTA, a St. Vasilios Cen-
tennial Book and icon by the Greek School Alumni, and a Greek School T-Shirt, by the Greek School. Students and their families
were treated to a breakfast immediately after graduation, compliments of the PTA. Thanks to Chris and Speros Venios for preparing
the delicious breakfast!
ORTHODOX LIFE - July/August 2015
13
End of the Year Program Grades Intro through 5th
The end of the year program for grades Intro- 5th grade was held on Wednesday, June 10th at 3:30 pm in the Rev. Andrew J. De-
motses Educational Center. Students performed songs, poems and skits. Students were awarded prizes for perfect attendance and
top student.
SAVE THE DATE:
Students will be performing at the Peabody International Festival on
Sunday, September 20th time TBA