A Monthly Publication of St. Paul Greek Orthodox SEPTEMBER 2020
The Messenger INSIDE
CLERGY REFLECTIONS
MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
MONTHLY CALENDAR
STEWARDSHIP NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
YOUTH NEWS
ST. PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4548 Wallings Road • North Royalton, Ohio 44133-3121
(440) 237-8998
E-mail address: [email protected]
www.stpaulgoc.org A Parish under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh
Ministries are Back...via ZOOM Our ministries will be resuming, at least virtually, this month. Check out the events that have been scheduled and participate as much as possible. Look for an email to be sent for each ministry with instructions shortly.
PAGE 2 THE MESSENGER
The following ministries are the lifeblood of our parish and perform many activities to promote the growth of our church. Your participation in these organizations makes our community more spiritually complete.
Philoptochos Rhonee Trakas-Iula Coffee Socials Pam Sitter Festival Michael Lignos John Trihas Messenger Editor Elaine Nackowiz Welcome Committee Helen Dadas Choir Director Vaso Boukis Cantor Nicholas Bodle Organist Nicholas Cantello Bookstore Jim & Karen Sullivan
ST. PAUL FAMILY MINISTRY COMMISSION Chairman Little Angels Erin Kubat HOPE / JOY Father Costas GOYA Coordinator Father Costas OCF / College Ministry Maribeth Lekas Altar Boys Alex Bodle Religious Education Maria Lovejoy Toni Mannarino Bible Study Frank Chirakos Father Costas Keares Women’s Study Group Elaine Poulos Coffee & Conversation Kristine Tartara Jonathan Tartara VCS Keli Paragios Annoula Tsonton Greek School Kathy Glaros Greek Corner Maria Karlatiras PTO Esther Horwath Senior Fellowship Maria Regan Hellenic Dance Director Eleni Johnson
Deadline for all articles and Organization Minutes is the 1st of the month. Please keep this in mind! Items can be e-mailed to [email protected].
Like our PAGE to keep up to date on the
happenings of our parish. Even if you are not on Facebook, you can view our postings on the Home page of our website.
CLERGY
Priest Rev. Fr. Costas P. Keares, Protopresbyter
ECCLESIARCH Bruce W. Trakas
PARISH COUNCIL President Stephanie Ocker Vice President John Elliott Secretary Georgiann Bodle Financial Secretary Treasurer Paul Contoveros
Nicholas Asmis Thalia Markas Chris Bodle Irene Pontikos David Brown Andy Rokakis Alex Dadas Jim Trakas Demetrios Economou Jean Wendland Porter Theodore Kokkas
OFFICE SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER Elaine Nackowiz NEOKOROS Mark Overbaugh LEGAL ADVISOR Ken Boukis
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Bylaws Stephanie Ocker Home / Catering / Leasing John Elliott Nicholas Asmis David Brown Family Ministry Thalia Marakas Finance John Elliott Human Resources Alex Dadas
Membership Theodore Kokkas Public Relations Father Costas Keares Stewardship Georgiann Bodle Andy Rokakis Ways & Means Irene Pontikos Thalia Marakas Real Estate Management Nicholas Asmis Pave the Way Demetrios Economou Property Feasibility John Trihas
Telephone: (440) 237-8998 Fax: (440) 237-4386 Catering: (440) 582-1083 Website: www.stpaulgoc.org Office E-Mail: [email protected] Fr. Costas E-Mail: [email protected] Fr. Costas Cell: (440) 669-1316
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 3
Pastoral Reflections by Father Costas Dear parishioners and friends, As we begin the month of September, I would like to wish all of you a HAPPY
ECCLESIASTICAL NEW YEAR! During this month we begin a new year in the life of our parish ministries. Given that the COVID-19 pandemic is still upon us, we will continue to take precautions to safeguard all of our parishioners, and especially our elderly, who are part of the most vulnerable group amongst us. Since we as a parish are located in Cuyahoga County and under the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh, we need to follow the regulations that both of these entities place upon us. In order to maintain social distancing, and a consistent continuity with the ministries of our parish, we will conduct everything virtually. We will be using the ZOOM platform. This will include all our Youth and Educational Ministries: Sunday School, Greek School, HOPE/JOY, GOYA, weekly study classes, etc. This is something new for all of us. We are experiencing unprecedented times. Going virtual is not our preference but we really have no other choice. The one thing that is so important to me is that we need to make every effort to connect our children to “Church”, to our parish of St. Paul which we all hold as our second home. Equally important, is to make every effort to connect our children to their “church friends”. To that extent, my hope and prayer is that parents will make every effort to make sure their children participate in all these ministries that I mentioned above. Again, this is not the ideal, but we are trying to make an effort to connect our youth to the Christ and His church. I would also like to remind all of you, including parents with younger children, that as long as we are in the “Green Phase”, we can have attendance in church of up to half the capacity of our church. Thank God we have a specious sanctuary and we can accom-modate at least up to 150-200 individuals. As long as we social distance and we wear masks, we need to start coming back to church. Six months for our young children of not attending church is a lifetime for them. We need to make sure that these exceptional times DO NOT BECOME THE NORM. I encourage those of you
who do not have health issues or any symptoms, to consider coming back to church. EVERYONE IS NERVOUS AND ANXIOUS, but our life, yes even our spiritual life, has to go on. We cannot stay away indefinitely from church and her Holy Sacraments forever. Especially with Holy Communion, we need to hear the very command of our Savior when he said, “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood
abides in me, and I in him.” John 3:56. Yes, the days we live in are difficult and very challenging. But we need to remember that our church, in her two-thousand years history, has faced many trying moments. Many more than what we are experiencing these days. We must remember that we serve a Great God, a Merciful and Mighty Lord. We must have faith and trust in His mercy and not totally succumb to the fears that this pandemic brings with it. As I close this message to all of you, remember, on one hand, we must use good judgement and take all the precautions that we are asked to take by our government and church authorities. And on the other hand, remember we must continue to be people of faith. Scripture reminds us that “we are surrounded by
a Cloud of witnesses.” Hebrew 12:1. We continue to seek the intercession of all these witnesses; the Most Holy Theotokos, all the Angels and Archangels and all the saints, that through their prayers our Lord may protect our community and its beloved members.
The Stewardship/Membership Committee is excited to announce a new digital parish directory! The directory will give you quick access to fellow members of our St. Paul community. After you create an account, you can update your personal information including a profile photo, mailing and email addresses, phone numbers, and more.
Additionally, there is a mobile phone application to have all of this available at your fingertips! Look for more information in a mailing next week, as well as emails and more details throughout the month of September. If you have any questions, feel free to e m a i l t h e M e m b e r s h i p C o m m i t t e e at [email protected].
PAGE 4 THE MESSENGER
Our Parish ~ Her Life & People
Baptisms
August 16th Matthew ~ son of Gregory and Andrea Gefteas Godparents ~ Michael & Connie Haritakis
June 12th Congratulations to Paul and Nikki Saridakis on welcoming their second daughter, Eliana Grace, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. and 19.5 inches long. She joins her big sister, Zoey.
We would be happy to announce a special occasion in this column. All you need to do is notify the office at 440.237.8998 or [email protected].
In order to better serve our community, parish announcements from Father and the office will now look like the image above and come from [email protected]. To subscribe to these announcements, join our mailing list https://www.stpaulgoc.org/news/join-our-mailing-list.
Subscribe to our Email List
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 5
~Toni Mannarino
Sunday School Co-Director
It is our sincerest hope that you have spent the last several months in the best of health and reconnecting with loved ones in a way that has been unprecedented in our lifetimes. It has been an extreme adjustment period for everyone to become familiar with the new normal of life. No one has been more affected than our children. Our Sunday School family regrets to inform you that we due to the current state of the County, we will not be able to hold classes in the normal fashion beginning in September. We are working on a way to reach our children virtually to offer virtual classrooms beginning September 13, 2020. Please understand as with the switch to virtual classrooms in the Spring, this is an undertaking that will need many prayers and most of all grace. If you were registered for Sunday School last year, your family will be getting an email with a ZOOM Code. This code will allow you access to the Sunday School program. It will be the same code each week. Once in the ZOOM, each child will be separated into their grade band “breakout” room class for their 30 minute lesson. The zoom lessons will begin at 11:30 and end promptly at 12:00 for families that have prior commitments. You are more than welcome to sign in early to get placed into your classroom. If you were not registered for Sunday School last year, please email Toni Mannarino at [email protected] with your child’s information for registration. Complete information will be sent in an email closer to the beginning of Sunday School. Sunday School is currently seeking volunteers who are willing to teach our children in all grade levels both in the virtual platform as well as in the classroom once we are able to return to church full time. Please contact Toni Mannarino at [email protected] if you are interested in joining our team. We look forward to reconnecting with all of our children and their families in the fall. These have been trying times. It is humbling to be reminded that our children seek shelter in their faith and their St. Paul community.
Greek School News ~ Kathy Glaros
Greek School Superintendent
It is my hope you and your families had a restful sum-mer break and ready for the new 2020-2021 school year! We are several months into this pandemic and yet it is still a rapidly evolving situation. As we learn more about this coronavirus, we know that it's not only a matter of concern for older adults, young people can and do get sick with the COVID-19. For that reason and for the safety and well being of our students, teachers and all families we are starting our new ecclesiastical year remotely. Whether remote or in person we are committed to provide your children with the best learning experience. At this time, I don't have much information to give you when classes start. Please check frequently our website for more details or call the office at 440-237-8998. We are looking forward to the start of the school year. Thank you for your support. Stay well, stay safe.
Hellenic Dancers ~ Eleni Johnson, Dance Director
As we start the new ecclesiastical year, the deci-sion has been made to keep dance on a hiatus at this time. Our kids are experiencing many chang-es in their academic lives as well as social, but we must remember that all the changes are to ensure the safety of the students and teachers, therefore we hope to be together after the new year. Look for more information closer to the end of the year about our new season. Stay well!
PAGE 6 THE MESSENGER
GOYA Kick-off Meeting on ZOOM and Virtual Ice Cream Social
Sunday, September 13, 2020 4:00 pm
Join Fr. Costas and all your GOYA friends at the first meeting of the year
and welcome all new incoming GOYAns!
Elections Upcoming Activities
Service projects
L o o k f o r a n e m a i l f r o m [email protected] for your ZOOM invitation to join!
Orthodox Study Classes Continue on ZOOM in our Parish
Take advantage of this time of COVID-19 and join in one or more of these classes! Sunday School classes for Kindergarten-12th Grade
11:30 AM—12:00 PM Sunday Adult Catechism with Elaine Poulos Tuesday morning Women’s Study Group with
Elaine Poulos 10:00—11:30 AM Thursday evening Bible Study with Fr. Costas at
7:00—8:30 PM An email will be sent with instructions to login to each of these studies via computer or telephone.
Classes begin Sunday, September 20, 2020
11:30 AM—12:00 PM via ZOOM
Taught by Elaine Poulos
Our current book is Orthodoxy: A Creed for Today by Father Anthony M Coniaris. The study on the Creed will run from September 20—November 22.
An email will be sent to the community for those who are interested in participating
Classes begin Tuesday, September 15, 2020
10:00 AM—11:30 AM via ZOOM
Taught by Elaine Poulos
Our current book is Confronting and Controlling Thoughts, According to the Fathers of the Philokalia by Father Anthony Coniaris. An email will be sent to the community for those who are interested in participating.
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 7
Philoptochos News ~ Rhonee Trakas Iula, Philoptochos President
BAKED GOODS TO GO ~ Our fabulous team of bakers assembled wonderful, homemade Greek pastries for our first ever drive-through bake sale. Peggy Asmis’ team made over 200 loaves of their mouthwatering sweet bread. Order for your friends, neighbors, and family through PayPal or mail your check to the church c/o St. Paul Ladies Philoptochos. Pick up your orders on Sunday, September 13th and September 20th between 10:45 AM and 12:30 PM. Simply drive to the side door and one of our masked/gloved volunteers will place your bag into your trunk. Here’s what you can order:
Koulourakia - $5 for 12
Kourambiethes $6 for 6
Paximadia - $5/dozen
Saragli (a baklava variation) $5 for 6 pieces
Sweet Bread - $8/loaf
Contact Mary Pagonakis [email protected] if you have questions about this event.
MEN WHO COOK ~ SPECIAL EDITION ~ Do you want great recipes you can try on your friends and family? Your donation of $25, or above, provides you an electronic cookbook and qualifies you for a prize drawing. Start donating to this event today. Donations will be accepted between now and October 17, 2020.
BONUS ~ Every $25 increment provides you a better chance of winning a prize, here’s how it works:
Donate $25 > Get a cookbook > Get 1 chance for a prize
Donate $50 > Get a cookbook > Gain 2 chances for a prize
Donate $75 > Get a cookbook > Gain 3 chances for a prize
Support-A-Chef – Another way you may contribute to Men Who Cook is by donating any amount to your friendly chefs. They will be posting videos to our Face-book page, accessible through the church’s page, be-tween October 11 – 17. Watch their video and use our PayPal button, or send a check to the church, to show them your support. Our chefs will be sharing some won-derful recipes with you so you don’t want to miss out!
Donations may be made by checks (sent to the church c/o St. Paul Ladies Philoptochos) or via our website’s PayPal button. Minimum Donation = $25.
THANKFUL HEARTS ~ Many of our St. Paul Community Members wanted to appreciate the following people who are on the front lines
servicing others during this time. Thank you for your generous donations to our Thankful Hearts Campaign, here’s who was honored:
All good deed acknowledgement donations helped us fund our charities and families in need.
HOMEBOUND CHEER ~ We are calling our parishioners who are unable to leave their homes, hospitals, rehab centers, or assisted living facilities. Thank you to our beautiful members who are letting people know we are thinking about them, praying for them, and keeping them in our hearts.
NEW COLLEGE STUDENT ADDRESSES NEEDED ~ Please send the address of your new college student to [email protected] (Maribeth Lekas) who will send an OCF connect kit to them. Send home addresses even if the students will be commuting or studying remotely!
(continued on page 17...)
Honoree Nominator Honoree Nominator
Alex Rokakis Mary Savas Emily Rokakis Mary Savas / Sophia Loizos
Alex Rokakis Sophia Loizos Evangeline Bozikis
Tessie Lekas
Alexander Bodle
Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Fr. Costas Tessie Lekas
Alexei Rokakis
Mary Savas / Sophia Loizos
Georgiann Bodle
Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Barbara Pateras
Angie Kornelakis/ Clara Daniels / Tessie Lekas
Jean Porter Tessie Lekas
Bodle Family Tessie Lekas Mari Beth Lekas
Jean Porter
Brenda Sarida-kis
Tessie Lekas Nicholas Bodle Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Chris Bodle Rhonee Trakas-Iula
Nick Lekas Tessie Lekas
Dave Brown Tessie Lekas
Somerset County Meals On Wheels, Inc. volunteers/ staff/Board of Directors
Nitsa Karas McClatchey
Diana Smetana Elaine Cooke Steve Lekas Tessie Lekas
Dianne Rokakis
Mary Savas / Sophia Loizos
Tessie Lekas Angie Kornelakis
Dr. Mike Saridakis
Elaine Cooke Tina Cowoski Tessie Lekas
Dr. Ted Loizos Mary Savas
PAGE 8 THE MESSENGER
Virtual Grecian Festival
September 1—30, 2020
Dear Parishioners, As you are aware, our annual Festival was canceled this year. While this news is disappointing, let’s overcome this unprecedented obstacle together. These extraordinary times call for us to think of creative ways to conduct our normal activities and events. In an effort to continue with the tradition of having a Festival, we are excited to announce our FIRST VIRTUAL GRECIAN FESTIVAL FUNDRAISER through Facebook. Our hope is to offer an opportunity for you to enjoy our specialties, foods, dance, etc. through a virtually fun atmosphere. We kindly ask you to take a moment to make a donation on our interactive site. Think about what you would have spent over the four days of our festival when making your donation. Check back daily to see what fun fact we have posted. All donations received will help ensure the continuing life of our church and its ministries. The Fundraiser will run from September 1—30, 2020. Don’t have a Facebook account? Not to worry, you don’t need one. There are several ways you can donate:
From a post on Facebook
Directly from a Facebook fundraiser
Directly from our Facebook page https://w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m / S t P a u l G O C N R / ?ref=page_internal
All you have to do is click the DONATE button, enter your amount, select your payment method, then click Donate [Amount]. It’s that simple. We have not forgotten about the businesses that have supported us through the years. In place of the annu-al sponsorship book we’ve found another way to spot-light the businesses that support us. This year we have one sponsorship level: $250.00. Your sponsor-ship will be blasted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In addition, you will be placed on the Festi-val Sponsor page of our website with a link to your business website. More information can be found at:
https://www.stpaulgoc.org/festival/sponsors. See
the example below… All donors will be entered into a weekly drawing to win a $25 gift card to next year’s Festival, which will be held July 15 – 18, 2021. For those who would prefer to write a check, please use the FESTIVAL envelope that is in your weekly offering envelope sets or the one being mailed to your home. You too will be entered into the drawing for a chance to win a gift card. Whether you make a personal donation or if you decide to become a business sponsor, we want to say “THANK YOU” in advance for your generosity. The success of the Virtual Festival depends on all of us. We truly value your support! Sincerely, John Trihas Michael Lignos Festival Co-Chairs
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 9
By now you should have received a letter in the mail regarding the changes to eligibility to vote in elections. Our current Bylaws defines a parishioner in good standing as follows:
1. Must be in ecclesiastical good standing, participating in the Fair Share Stewardship Program of the Parish, and have returned an Estimate of Giving card for the current year. Parishioners’ Stewardship contribution should be the returning to God of their first fruits, and shall be based upon their faith in the Lord, the blessings God has given to them, the blessings they desire from God, their love of St. Paul Parish, the needs of St. Paul Parish and its missions, and upon their ability to contribute.
2. Must have returned an Estimate of Giving Card no later than the date of the first Parish Assembly of the current year and have fulfilled their pledge commitment for the prior year.
Given that the first Parish Assembly meeting of 2020 has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parish Council approved to extend the due date for returning the Estimate of Giving Card to September 30, 2020. Following is a list of individuals who have fulfilled their 2019 commitment and returned a 2020 Estimate of Giving Card. If you do not see your name, please call the church office for clarification.
Aceto, Effie Alex, Angela Alex, John & Christine Alex, Rose Ellen Almaliotis, Aris Anagnostou, George & Katina Anastasakis, Mike Anastasakis, Pete Anastos, James Anastos, Mary Anastos, Thomas Antonaklas, Elias & Elaina Apostolakis, Nicholas Arfaras, Spiros & Joan Asimes, Anna Askins, Christina Asmis, Anthony & Peggy Ayers, Antonia Balis, Odess Barkoukis, Michael & Hope Beechuk, Erin Bishop, Shawn & Megan Blair, Marsha Blinkhorn, Kyle Bodle, Chrisn & Georgiann Bodle, Nicholas Bosinger, Liza Boukis, Christ & Photia Boukis, Gary & Mary Boukis, Kenneth & Packy Boukis, Peter Bozikis, Pete & Evangeline Brown, David & Kathy Bucciere, Alexis Calabrese, Deanna Cameron, David & Ellie Cappas, Samuel Cappello, James & Annie Carvaines, John & Becky Chames, John & Elizabeth
Charnas, Gary & Athena Charnas, Tria Choukalas, Vivian Chrisopulos, Vivian Christian, Angela Cole, Marilyn Colovas, Anthone Cook, Chris & Stacy Cooke, Elaine Contoveros, Paul & Karen Costaras, Irene Cotronakis, Greg & Athina Coundourides, Joyce Crider, Randy & Mary Kay Dadas, Alex Dadas, Helen Dadas, Mike & Georgia Dages, Jennifer Dalakas, Thad & Kyle Dallas, Rose Daniels, Clara Daniels, Cynthia Daniels, Lee Daniels, John & Victoria Daniels, Steve & Elaine Darakos, Liberty Dellaportas, Teresa Demopoulos, Elaine Diamond, Dennis Dimitris, James Dopoulos, Jim & Elizabeth Downing, Christina Dunn, Darren & Mary Eakman, Mark Economou, Jim & Despina Edgar, Billie Emanuel, Eva Emanuel, George Evanich, Michael Evanich, Norm & Katherine
Fazio, Mary Felouzis, Mike & Maria Felouzis, Mike & Maria Filippakis, John Follen, Joelle Fourmas, Ernie & Rita Fox, Joseph & Alexa Frantzis, Alex Gallagher, Georgia Gallas, Steve & Irene Geanneses, Antoinette Gemelas, Faye Gemelas, Sophia Georgalis, Nicholas & Maria Geralis, Bill & Lucia Glaros Bill & Kathy Gousios, Andreas & Barbara Gregory, Jim & Constance Griffin, Era Gugliotta, John & Eleni Haritakis, Michael & Connie Harris, Katherine Harriston, George & Stella Hassel, Martha Hazinakis, Nikolaos Hovanec, Eleanor Hovanec, George Hughes, Diane Ingalls, Christine James, John & Theresa Janack, Anne Johnson, Anthi Johnson, Frank & Eleni Kadras, Effie Kadras, James Kalina, Maria Kaloger, Nicki Kalucis, Chris & Sue Kantzios, Maria Karagiozis, Anthony & Gail
Karas, Chris & Dea Karas, George & Judy Karas, Nicholas Karas, Sylvia Kariotakis, Alex & Frances Karlatiras, Maria Kartson, Nicholas Katsaros, Connie Katsavrias, Jim & Vivian Katzakis, George & Thalia Kathzakis, Gus Katzakis, Nicholas Kavourias, Helen Kavourias, James Keares, Costas, Fr. & Presv. Keares, Peter Knouff, Gary & Myra Kokkas, Demetrios & Irene Kokkas, Theodore & Joanna Konstantinou, Kyriaki Konstantinou, Ted Kontos, Bill & Kim Kornelakis, Angeline Kostantaras, John Kotian, Rakesh & Valerie Koulioufas, Maria Koulioufas, Thomas Koutsoulias, Anastasia Kouvaras, Jason & Wendy Kozanis, Costas & Toula Kreinbrook, Deb Kriaris, Ann Kriaris, Aristides & Olga Kriaris, Gus Kritikos, Joanna Krokos, Mathew & Areti Kubat, Milan & Erin Kyriakides, Anne Kyriakides, Rod & Louise Laios, Alex
PAGE 10 THE MESSENGER
Langos, Frank Langos, John & Susan Langos, Steven Lekas, Stephen & Maribeth Lekas, Tessie Leon, Emanuel Lignos, Elias Lignos, Michael Lignos, Soultana Linz, Joseph & Emerald Loizos, Bill & Athina Loizos, Michael & Sophia Londrico, Linda Loucas, George & Sandra Loucas, Penny Lovejoy, Chris & Maria Lucchese, Marie Makiaris, James Makridis, Chris & Ivanna Makris, Bessie Makroglou, Thal & Lisa Mannarino, Antoinette Manuel, Evangelia Markos, Al & Popie Markos, Kathy Markus, Frank & Lori Maropis, Helen Marquardt, Daphne Mavros, Nick & Georgiana Mazzeo, David & Debbie McClatchey, Jay & Nitsa McGillick, Kathy Mersinas, Marguerite Mellis, Rosemary Moliatu, Robert & Paula Moll, Bill & Becky Montemarano, Julie Moore, Zoe Moraitis, Helen Moundros, Mark & Erika Mount, George Mount, Jonathan & Angela Muehlenkam, Julie Nackowiz, Elaine Nackowiz, Stacey Nakis, George & Ann Beth Neculai, Andre & Francesca Nicholas, Deno & Joyce Nicholas, John & Paige Nicholas, Michael Nichols, George & Annette Nichols, Lee Nikolaou, George & Kathy Ocker, Stephanie Olenik, Mary
Outten, Mary Overbaugh, Mark Page, Gus & Sonia Pagonakis, Joseph & Jody Pagonakis, Mary Palkovic, Franklin & Marie Panagopoulos, Chris & Maria Panek, Stacey Pantaleo, Annette Pantazoglou, Ellie Papadatos, Steven & Dawn Papadopoulos, Eftehia Papanikolaou, Nick & Toni Paparizos, Michael & Christine Pappas, Ermioni Paragios, Andreas & Keli Parianos, Alexandra Paterakis, Ergina Pateras, Barbara Payamgis, George Pearl, Michael & Kathy Paparizos, Mike & Christine Perk, Kathleen Petsas, George & Georgia Phillips, Kirasoula Pimpas, Angelo & Mary Jo Pistiolas, George & Maria Pontikos, Dean & Erin Pontikos, Irene Porter, David & Jean Poulos, George & Georgann Poulos, Gust & Dorothy Poulos, John & Elaine Poulos, Nick & Chong Prinios, Andrew Prinolakis, Ioannis & Olga Psarras, George Pyros, Nick Rackas, John Rahas, Mike & Helen Rassias, Gerasimos & Adreanna Regan, Maria Roditis, Harilaos & Maria Roditis, Steve & Calypso Rokakis, Andrew Ross, Angeline Rossi, Ernest & Betty Rubertino, Frosini Sakellakis, John & Effie Saridakis, Manuel & Ruth Saridakis, Michael & Brenda Sarris, Mathew Savas, Betty Savas, Dennis & Mary Savas, Kathleen Sevastis, Mary Schultz, Terry Sfekas, Sylvia
Shamblin, Brian & Susan Shinas, George Siamidis, John & Haroula Sitter, Pamela Smith, Demetra Sophocleous, Soph. & Valerie Sperellis, Thomas Spooner, Samuel & Mary Ann Stamas, Michael Stavropoulos, Chris & Pauline
Steffas, Diana Steffas, Karissa Steffas, Michael & Renie Steffas, Nick & Renee Steffas, Sophie Steffas, Thomas & Jamie Stergiou, Petros & Mary Sullivan, Jim & Karen Summers, Jay & Heather Tratara, Jonathan & Kristina Tartara, Michael Tartara, Tim & Fran Terovolas, Jason & Gerogia Tetkowski, Conda Theodore, George & Sharon Theodorou, Chris & Kristine Trakas, Bruce
Trakas, James Trakas, Kathy L. Trifon, John & Helen Trihas, Emily Trihas, John & Effie Trihas, Kathy Trihas, Lance Tsigrelis, Constantine & Mary Valantasis, Tom & Rose Varouhas, Emmanuel & Olga Varlamos, Nick Varlamos, Cynthia Vasilakis, Kosta & Eleni Vasilakis, Joe & Roberta Vedouras, Emily Ventrone, Mary Vlahakis, Liberty Vondrasek, Dennis & Diane Vourliotis, John Wendland, Charles & Madalynn
Whitacre, Kyle & Maria Williams, Angela Yeager, Connor & Ava Yeropoli, Sevasti Zampetis, Ted & Ann Zanoudakis, Emmanuel
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 11
* * * ALL EVENTS LISTED BELOW ARE TENTATIVE * * *
2020 St Paul Greek Orthodox Church ~ North Royalton OH
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5
11:00 AM Pet Blessing
12:00 PM Baptism
6
13th Sunday of Matthew
7 Labor Day
Office Closed
8 Nativity of
the Theotokos
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
7:00 PM Home Committee mtg.
9 10 11 12
12:00 PM Baptism
13
Sunday before Holy Cross
11:30 AM Virtual Sunday School begins
Chrismation Service
4:00 PM Virtual GOYA meeting
14 Exaltation
of the Holy Cross
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
5:30 PM Virtual Greek School begins
15
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
16
7:00 PM Parish Council meeting
17
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
18 19
20
Sunday after Holy Cross
21 22
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
23
6:00 PM Stewardship Meeting
24
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
25
6:30 PM HOPE/JOY Virtual Scavenger Hunt
26
Virtual Metropolis Clergy Laity
27
1st Sunday of Luke
28 29
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
30
Virtual National Clergy Laity
CHURCH SERVICES
ALL SUNDAYS: 8:15 AM 9:30 AM
Orthros Liturgy
All Church services can be viewed on our
YouTube Channel
PAGE 12 THE MESSENGER
* * * ALL EVENTS LISTED BELOW ARE TENTATIVE * * *
St Paul Greek Orthodox Church ~ North Royalton OH 2020
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
2
6:00 PM Rehearsal
3
3:30 PM Wedding
4 2nd Sunday of Luke
5 6
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
7 8
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
9 10
11 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council
12 13
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
14
7:00 PM Parish Council meeting
15
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
16
5:00 PM Rehearsal
17
3:30 PM Wedding
18 Luke the Evan-gelist
19 20
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
21 22
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
23
5:30 PM Rehearsal
24
1:00 PM Wedding
25 6th Sunday of Luke
7:00 PM Great Vespers
26 St Demetrios
8:30 AM Orthros
9:30 AM Liturgy
27
10:00 AM Virtual Women’s Study Group
28 29
7:00 PM Virtual Bible Study
30 31
CHURCH SERVICES
ALL SUNDAYS: 8:15 AM 9:30 AM
Orthros Liturgy
All Church services can be viewed on our
YouTube Channel
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 13
Stewardship News by Georgiann Bodle
Have you seen our NEW Online Giving Platform? It’s much easier to use, you can create a secure login to view your transactions given through this site, and you are able to donate to multiple funds all in one transaction. To begin, click on the Online Giving button on our website. This is what it looks like...
You will then be directed to our payment site, which looks like this… Directions follow...
This is where you can complete your Estimate of Giving Card. Copy the link and paste this web address in a new window Enter your email address and password to login if you have created your Online Profile ~ No Profile, follow step 3 If you do not have an Online Profile, create one here ~ you will be able to view all your donations made online This first section is where you would make your stewardship donation ~ either for the current year or the prior year This section is where you can make General Donations or light Candles. PLEASE NOTE: you will have the opportunity to designate for the Health of… or In Memory of… on the next page, if desired. This is where you can make a Memorial Donation. Choose Benevolent or Capital Improvement. Once again you will have the opportunity to designate for the Health of… or In Memory of… on the next page so that the family can be notified. If you would like to offset the ACH fee (if paying from your checking/savings account), you may enter an amount You must choose if this is a one-time donation or if you would like to set your donation as weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. When making a recurring donation, please indicate when you would like to begin. An end date is optional. Click CONTINUE to proceed to the payment page. PLEASE NOTE: All funds you are making a donation for will then become recurring. If you only want stewardship to be recurring, complete that transaction then return to the ONLINE GIVING button to make any other donations.
Once you click CONTINUE, you will be taken to the payment page as shown on the next page...
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PAGE 14 THE MESSENGER
Stewardship Estimate of Giving Form
Have you submitted your Fairshare Estimate of Giving card? Simply complete the form below or go to our website.
I / We commit $ to my/our 2020pledge
Have you fallen behind on your stewardship? Please take a moment to submit your donation today by using the form below or go to our website.
Please apply the enclosed $ t o my 2020 stewardship.
PLEASE REMEMBER: In order to vote / participate in Parish Assemblies and elections, you must have submitted your 2020 Fairshare Estimate of Giving Card AND fulfilled your 2019 commitment in full by the Spring Parish Assembly. Review your first quarter statement mailed in April to determine if you are in good standing. Still have ??? Contact the church office.
I have fallen behind on my 2019 commitment. Please apply the enclosed $ t o m y 2019 stewardship.
Name
Address
Email Phone
This is where you will see a summary of all donations being made with this payment Enter your information in all the required fields After the email address, there will be two more lines asking you to enter name(s) for the health of… or in memory of… if you chose to make a donation for candles, flowers, etc. This is OPTIONAL unless you’re making a memorial donation. We’d like to be able to notify the family of your gift Choose how you would like to pay for your donation ~ Checking / savings account information is entered here Credit / Debit card information is entered here You will see TWO check boxes. The first box allows you to offset the credit card processing fee.
The amount will be calculated and added to your total. The second box can be checked if the name / billing address on the card matches the infor-mation entered in #1 of this section If you would like to save your profile before continuing, click SELECT PASSWORD, or else proceed Check this box for security purposes then click PROCESS to complete your transaction. A receipt will be sent to your email address immediately.
As always, feel free to give the office a call with any questions or if you need assistance.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 15
PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 15, 2020
CALL TO ORDER ~ The online meeting via Zoom was called to order by President Stephanie Ocker at 7:07 PM.
INVOCATION ~ Given by Rev. Father Costas P. Keares, Protopresbyter.
ROLL CALL
Visitors: John Trihas, Mike Lignos
FESTIVAL (John Trihas, Mike Lignos) ~ The Festival chairs John Trihas and Mike Lignos provided a Festival update: ▪ Survey – 92 people responded with 65 indicating
they could volunteer, but not every day; not enough volunteers to be able to hold a full or modified Festival this year.
▪ Considered drive through only – last year was the best year for the drive-through, $40,000 in 4 days. Many of the younger people typically available in the Summer would not be available in September.
▪ Due to COVID-19, older parishioners cannot come to cook and bake ahead of time.
▪ Reviewed COVID-19 protocols; Cuyahoga County in red zone and may go to purple. No guarantee we would be able to obtain a permit.
Chris Bodle moved we cancel the Festival in 2020; John Elliott seconded. Approved with one abstention. John and Mike shared a draft of a letter to the Parishioners announcing the 2020 Festival will be canceled.
MINUTES ~ Dave Brown moved to approve the June 10, 2020 Parish Council meeting minutes as presented. Alex Dadas seconded. Approved.
CORRESPONDENCE ~ None. FINANCIAL SECRETARY Report (Chris Bodle) ~ May financial statements still need to be updated for certain
assets that were expensed but should have been capitalized. Cunningham created journal entries and they are in the process of being posted.
Draft financial statements have been updated through June 30, 2020.
Revenue $379,494 vs. $396,825 budget. Stewardship, parking lot donations, rental income, benevolent income and memorial donations resulted in favorable variances in revenue; MEFGOX convention, candles and tray, catering & utilities reimbursement and golf tournament were lower than budget; netting to $17,331 unfavorable to plan.
Expenses $417,363 vs. $816,184 budget. Under budget on facility capital improvement, parking lot expense, comp and benefits for open positions, landscaping, liturgical expenses, festival and choir; over budget on repairs & maintenance, depreciation, occupancy and supplies due to COVID; netting to $398,821 favorable to plan.
Net income variance $381,490 favorable.
Cash position = $646,913 (includes $128,513 restricted cash).
Accounts Receivable $680 (includes $260 greater than 90 days past due.) Normal range.
Accounts Payable $29,096 (includes $2,352 item 61-90 days related to snow removal vendor that caused damages to our property. We paid for the damage, vendor issued a credit in July, should be resolved in July.) Normal range.
Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) – annual payroll true up process was performed – owe BWC $53. Will receive refunds and rebates in the Fall.
Chris will review Home Committee items with John to evaluate what can be deferred to next year.
CLERGY REPORT (Father Costas) ~ This Sunday, July 19, 2020, back to the “yellow” phase. Had close to 100 people last week. Honored the graduates.
Still communicating with parishioners who are sick or in the hospital – keeping in contact via phone. Virtual catechism classes have been held, scheduling Chrismations and Baptisms.
COMMITTEE REPORTS BYLAWS COMMITTEE (Stephanie Ocker) ~ No report.
ELECTION PROCEDURES SPECIAL COMMITTEE (Chris Bodle) ~ Chris presented Parish Council Election
☒ Father Costas Keares ☒ Elliott, John
☐ Asmis, Nicholas ☒ Kokkas, Ted
☒ Bodle, Chris ☒ Marakas, Thalia
☒ Bodle, Georgiann ☒ Ocker, Stephanie
☒ Brown, Dave ☒ Pontikos, Irene
☒ Contoveros, Paul ☒ Rokakis, Andy
☒ Dadas, Alex ☒ Trakas, Jim
☒ Economou, Jim ☒ Wendland Porter, Jean
PAGE 16 THE MESSENGER
Procedures and Board of Election Procedures which he emailed to Parish Council July 5 for review. Dave Brown moved to approve; Jim Economou seconded; approved.
Other procedures in process: Nominating Committee Process (Chris), Parishioners in Good Standing List (Elaine) and Election Ballot Creation (Elaine).
Reminders to parishioners should be sent soon to explain being in good standing (financial) and Dave Brown suggested sending guidelines on ecclesiastical good standing. Chris to discuss offline with Stephanie and ecclesiastical with Father Costas.
FAMILY MINISTRY (Thalia Marakas) ~ Greek School – Kathy Glaros does not feel comfortable returning to in-person classroom setting in the Fall and would prefer to have virtual classes. Revisit in August.
FINANCE (John Elliott) ~ Capitalization/Depreciation Policy – reviewed and approved by Finance Committee. Jim Trakas moved to approve the Capitalization/Depreciation Policy; John Elliott seconded. Approved.
HOME COMMITTEE/REAL ESTATE (John Elliott) ~ Email vote - on June 17, 2020, John Elliott made a motion via email to approve Maverick Restoration, Inc.’s proposal to complete the ceiling tile installation and paint ceiling grids in 1st and 2nd floor hallways and restrooms as outlined in Proposal #20157.01 for $2,100. Motion passed via majority email vote on June 18, 2020.
Bathroom remodeling should be done this week.
Sound System/Camera System – installed new speakers (connected to the old wiring and audio system). Mounting camera bracket this week. New speakers in the hallway.
Parking lot mostly completed today—just doing striping; had to fund a fire hydrant.
HVAC Replacement Project – shared two bids to install four new HVAC systems. One was over $70,000; other was $41,474. Could not secure a third bid. Home Committee recommends $41,474 bid, which includes pouring the pad which will be behind the church on the eastbound side. John Elliott made a motion for $41,474 to be paid to Total Line Refrigeration, Inc. to install new HVAC Systems in our Church; Dave Brown seconded. Approved.
Sealing completed
Gate - should be fixed this weekend.
Rental Homes – met with excavator to begin work on the house, need to clear some areas to waterproof foundations. Starting this week.
Catch Basin – maintenance required, cattail weeds need to be removed.
CATERING & LEASING (Dave Brown/John Trihas) ~ Wishing Well Preschool – rent was behind but now current. Efflorescence in office storage room wall being repaired (scraped and painted) by Mark Overbaugh.
Brennan’s – first event is August 2, 2020. 2020 projected: 31 events/projected revenue $31,315 2021 projected: 6 events/projected revenue $20,000
HUMAN RESOURCES (Alex Dadas) ~ Performance Review process, need to establish HR Committee. Jim Trakas volunteered to be part of the HR Committee. Stephanie to provide names of parishioners with HR experience. Checked with other Churches as to how they handle their Performance Review processes.
PAVE THE WAY (Jim Economou) ~ $262,216 collected to date; $9,440 in unfulfilled pledges.
Virtual Golf Outing - $3,325 collected.
STEWARDSHIP / MEMBERSHIP (Georgiann Bodle/Andy Rokakis) ~ The Stewardship/Membership Committee met on June 24, 2020 via Zoom and discussed the following:
2020 YTD Stewardship Report – 372 pledge cards received, $372,078 pledged and $245,359.77 received. Total pledges are >$40,000 ahead of last year at this time.
Calls to parishioners – list of 40 names – committee members are making calls to check in, tell people we’re thinking of them, ask them how they are and if they need anything.
E-giving and donation kiosk – Georgiann corresponded with Vanco sales rep who provided overview of the product, presentations and reference materials and customized application link and all info required to initiate the process and purchase the kiosk. Services and benefits include:
Kiosk uses a debit or a credit card
Can determine 3 pre-selected amounts to have on the screen or parishioner can enter any amount
Can have receipt emailed or can print onsite, or get a ticket to put in the basket
Can use our own logo and color scheme to
SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 17
(continued from page 7)
customize the Kiosk screens
Can import donations into our software – Vanco would send us a file once a week to automatically post transactions to parishioners’ accounts without any manual keying by the office
Can use for event payments too (ex. luncheon tickets)
Box to check to cover the transaction fee (optional)
Text giving -–put app on your phone, donate to a text number designated for giving to our church
Offer marketing materials – educational materials for parishioners, inserts for the bulletin, posters
Parish Directory Sub-Committee set up free 30-day trial membership to Instant Church Directory for the Church. Committee members will handle uploading data. Created Editors for the account: Andy Rokakis, Presvytera Nicole and Manny Zanoudakis. Next sub-committee meeting Monday, July 20, 2020.
Next Stewardship/Membership Committee meeting August 6, 2020 at 6:00 PM.
PROPERTY FEASIBILITY STUDY SPECIAL COMMITTEE (John Trihas/Chris Bodle/Stephanie Ocker) ~ No report.
WAYS AND MEANS (Irene Pontikos/Thalia Marakas) ~ No report. OLD BUSINESS Brokerage Account for Brokered CDs – as mentioned in the June 10, 2020 meeting, to ensure that the church’s cash position is protected and insured via the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) without the complexity of dealing with multiple banks, motion made via email on June 25, 2020 by Paul Contoveros to approve the opening of a brokerage account at PNC with the purpose of obtaining brokered Certificates of Deposit (CDs) on a no-fee basis. Seconded by Chris Bodle. Motion passed unanimously via email vote June 29, 2020.
Parish Assembly Meeting – Father Costas said some parishes are meeting via Zoom, have people pre-register, secure. Jim Trakas suggested having a moderator, panel on the side to ask questions. Can give a 5-minute training ahead of time (how to raise hand, answer questions, etc.) Father will determine some potential dates.
Hiring of open bookkeeper/assistant secretary posi-tion – no updates.
NEW BUSINESS ~ N/A
ROUNDTABLE ~ N/A
ADJOURNMENT AND BENEDICTION ~ Jim Trakas moved to adjourn; Thalia Marakas seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:47 PM.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at 7:00 PM.
PHILOPTOCHOS VIRTUAL CONVENTION ~ Kathy
Nikolaou, Eleni Gugliotta, and Rhonee Trakas-Iula attended the very first virtual Philoptochos Convention. Along with the regular business meetings speakers discussed current issues like COVID-10, opioid abuse, and vaping. Our very own Sophia Gugliotta interviewed several young people about the vaping addiction that is being realized in our country. What a proud moment for Eleni and our chapter.
AFGHANS ~ We are continuing to make afghans for our afghan ministry. A warm thank you to Evangeline Bozikis for her generous donation of yarn.
PAGE 18 THE MESSENGER
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