THE MESSENGER. Congratulations to our High School. Vacation Church School. And College Graduates!!! INSIDE

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1 THE MESSENGER A Monthly Publication of St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church JULY / AUGUST 2015 Congratulations to our High School INSIDE CLERGY REFLECTIONS MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH MONTHLY CALENDAR PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES STEWARDSHIP NEWS UPCOMING EVENTS YOUTH NEWS Vacation Church School And College Graduates!!! More pictures can be found on pages 8 9 of this issue and will be posted to our website. ST. PAUL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4548 Wallings Road North Royalton, Ohio (440) (440) fax address: messenger@stpaulgoc.org A Parish under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh

2 PAGE 2 CLERGY Priest Rev. Fr. Costas P. Keares, Proistamenos Assistant Priest Rev. Fr. Michael A. Gavrilos ECCLESIARCH PARISH COUNCIL President Vice President Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer Michael Alex Anthone Colovas Alex Dadas Thomas Fourmas Arthur S. Karas Bruce W. Trakas Dr. Michael Saridakis John Trihas Kathy Nikolaou Dennis Diamond Christopher Cook Michael Lignos Thalia Marakas Irene Pontikos William Regan Bruce Trakas OFFICE SECRETARY/BOOKKEEPER Elaine Nackowiz CUSTODIAN LEGAL ADVISOR Ken Boukis STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS Bylaws Bruce Trakas / John Trihas Catering / Leasing John Trihas/Tom Fourmas Family Ministry T. Marakas/I. Pontikos Finance John Trihas Home Michael Lignos Human Resources Alex Dadas Membership Thalia Marakas Public Relations Father Costas Keares Stewardship Dennis Diamond Ways & Means Irene Pontikos Real Estate Management Arthur S. Karas SPECIAL COMMITTEE: Vision History Dr. Michael Saridakis John Trihas Bruce Trakas Telephone: (440) Fax: (440) Catering: (440) Website: Office messenger@stpaulgoc.org Fr. Costas frcostas@stpaulgoc.org Fr. Costas Cell: (440) Fr. Michael mgavrilos@stpaulgoc.org 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 Coffee Socials Festival Messenger Editor Welcome Committee Choir Director Cantor Organist Bookstore Stephanie Ocker Pam Sitter John James Michael Lignos Elaine Nackowiz Helen Dadas Vaso Boukis Nicholas Bodle Nicholas Bodle Jim & Karen Sullivan ST. PAUL FAMILY MINISTRY COMMISSION Chairman HOPE / JOY Father Michael Gavrilos GOYA Coordinator Father Michael Gavrilos OCF Maribeth Lekas Altar Boys Father Michael Gavrilos Religious Education Éva Karas Presv. Nicole Keares Bible Study Frank Chirakos Father Costas Keares Women s Study Group Elaine Poulos VCS Amber Rahas Annoula Tsonton Greek School Kathy Glaros Greek Corner Maria Karlatiras PTO Debbie Gemelas Senior Fellowship Maria Regan Hellenic Dance Director Eleni Johnson Deadline for all articles and Organization Minutes is the 1 st of the month. Please keep this in mind! Items can be ed to messenger@stpaulgoc.org. St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church ~ North Royalton OH 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.

3 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 3 Pastoral Reflections by Father Costas The months of July and August bring us into a beautiful season of the year, which is considered the heart of the summer months. It is during this period that many will be traveling to various destinations, near and far, in search of rest, adventure, and an opportunity to simply get away. We all look forward to our summer vacations as a time away from work and our everyday responsibilities, and to enjoy quality time with family and friends. comfortable sanctuary. Orthros begins at 8:15 a.m. and Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. We will do all in our power to have you on your way by 11:00 a.m. so you can enjoy the rest of the day with your loved ones. I look forward to seeing all of you in church! The month of July also brings before us, as a parish, a monumental task ~ our annual food festival. This year it will take place on July Preparations have already been underway for a few months. Chairmen John James and Michael Lignos, and their many coworkers, especially the Monday and Tuesday cooking crew, have been working diligently behind the scenes. Besides all the preparation that is done the weeks and months before the festival, we also need everyone s help on the actual days of the event. Many of you work and were not able to be here during the time of preparation. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage ALL parishioners to set aside the four days of the festival and to come and offer a hand. We must ALL do our part. We must ALL offer our Stewardship of time to our parish. There are various booths and stands that need to be manned during the four days of the festival. There is much to be done behind the scenes to ensure that an event of this magnitude is done efficiently and smoothly. Please take a few moments to fill out the volunteer form which can be found on our website or the festival website ( stpaulgreekorthodoxchurch.volunteerlocal.com/ volunteer/?id=8225) at your earliest convenience. Lastly, be good ambassadors of our community of St. Paul. Spread the word. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, or on any other social media. Tell your friends, your neighbors, your relatives from the surrounding communities to come and enjoy our great food and our warm hospitality. Remember, besides the delicious food and pastries our guests will savor, they will also remember our smile and words of welcome. In closing, wherever your travels take you these summer months, remember that Sunday is the Day of the Lord. Keep it Holy by planning ahead and if at all possible, making every effort to attend services at an Orthodox Church nearby. If you re in town, join us here at St. Paul for the Divine Liturgy, in our cool and Outreach Sunday and Annual Parish Fair Sunday, September 13, 2015 We are asking each of our parishioners to submit to our office contact information (names and addresses, including addresses, if known) of any of our faithful whom we have not seen in church that we can reach out to. Many, who were formerly St. Paul Church members and who were raised in our church, for whatever reason, no longer have contact with the church. It is our hope and prayer that they might benefit from being contacted by us once again. We are not inclined to contact those who may have converted to another faith and are active members in other denomination. It is our intent to invite former parishioners to church for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and to have them exposed to the various ministries our church offers in our Social Hall following the Liturgy. Please advise us of anyone who you think might benefit from reconnection with our parish. "From God every family in heaven and earth is named." (Ephesians 3:15)

4 PAGE 4 THE MESSENGER Our Parish Her Life & People Baptism Many Orthodox Christians who are otherwise serious about their commitment to Christ often lose steam during the summer. Did you know that Church attendance and tithing/giving (two of the clearest measures of commitment) usually drop significantly during the summer months? Don t let the summer slump negatively impact your spiritual life! KEEP ATTENDANCE STEADY: If you re not traveling, keep coming to St. Paul every Sunday. We don t take summers off! If you are on vacation over a weekend, find a local Orthodox church to attend at least on Sunday morning! If you need help finding an Orthodox Church near your vacation destination, please let me know and I will help you and your family find one! Also, in the summer months, do not forget to keep up with your Stewardship! God Bless you all and see everyone this Sunday! Fr. Michael A. Gavrilos Assistant Priest/Youth Director June 7 th Kosta ~ son of Stephen and Joanna Marconi Godparents ~ Chris and Maria Mattox Wedding June 20 th Anthony Segedi and Leah Nagy Koumbaro ~ Thomas Nagy April 29 th Anthony Stamopoulos July 1 st Louis Moutsios Funerals May His Memory Be Eternal We would be happy to announce a special occasion in this column. All you need to do is notify the office at messenger@stpaulgoc.org. Nicholas & Niki Celebrezze and family We invite you to join us for the coffee social which follows the Divine Liturgy every Sunday for fellowship. We look forward to meeting you! W e would like to take this opportunity to recognize ALL our advertisers who support the printing of our monthly publication, The Messenger. Please take a moment to see what our advertisers have to offer and patronize their businesses throughout the year.

5 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 5 Youth News HOPE / JOY / GOYA ~ GOYAns who are active in the GOYA program are encouraged to participate in the Metropolis Summer Camp program. Read more about the camp ministry on this page. It is a wonderful opportunity for our children. If you would like more information, contact Father Michael. Our GOYAns will attend the July ~ GOYAns are asked to for a shift or two during our festival. Go to stpaulgreekorthodoxchurch.volunteerlocal.com/ volunteer/?id=8225 to volunteer. Choose the time that works best for you! ~ Recent high school graduates are asked to notify the church office of their snail mail address in order to receive their OCF kit. ~ Youth Paraklesis Service will be held on Friday, August 7 th at. See flyer on this page for more information. ~ Mark your calendar for the Youth Family Picnic to be held on Sunday, September 13 th from 3:00 6:00 PM at Richfield Woods Park in Richfield OH. There will be a meeting held with the GOYAns and also with the parents of HOPE/JOY. Look for more information in the next issue of The Messenger, our website and through s. Stewardship Many thanks to those who are using your stewardship envelopes each Sunday. Please note the special envelopes inserted for each month. Included in your July / August envelope set is: * Missions Offering ~ support a mission priest * St. Paul Grecian Festival Have you submitted your 2015 Fairshare Estimate of Giving card? Are you in arrears with your 2014 pledge? Simply complete the form below or go to our website. I / We commit $ to my/our 2015 pledge I / We submit $ to bring my / our 2014 pledge current Gift cards are available in any denomination and they NEVER expire! These make great teacher, graduation, or other special occasion gifts. Cards may be purchased during the coffee social or by calling the church office at Name Address Phone

6 PAGE 6 Greek School News ~ Kathy Glaros We hope everyone is having a pleasant summer and enjoying some time for fun and relaxation. With great pleasure and honor I d like to announce that on June 6 th, 2015 our school participated at the Greek Language Competition at the Metropolis of Pittsburgh. One of the participants, Alexia Glaros (pictured on the left), was the first prize winner for her Essay Why Learn Greek. She received a trophy and a certificate for her participation at the Art Exhibit. Elina Glaros (pictured on the right) received a certificate for her participation at the Art Exhibit. It was a great event, very educational and I hope next year we will have more students available to participate. The beginning of the school year is just around the corner. Please join us and experience a wonderful year of learning the language, heritage and customs of our Hellenic culture in a nurturing and small class size environment. We offer Greek language classes for both Adults and children (Pre-K 6 th ). Greek School begins in early September and runs through the end of May, every Monday from 5:30 7:30 pm. Both classes offer all aspects of the modern language, including reading, grammar and vocabulary building with emphasis on conversation. Please visit our table at the Parish Fair in September to meet our teachers, view our curriculum and learn more about the program. Registration forms will be available during the Parish Fair and on our website. In order to prepare for the year, we ask that you submit your children's registration forms to the church office or register online as soon as possible. Early registration will help us get started much quicker and more efficiently on the first day of school. Encourage others to join you in having their children become members of our learning community. For further information, please contact the church office at (440) or visit our website at You may also contact me directly at (216) if you have any questions. THE MESSENGER In closing, please enjoy the remaining days of summer. I look forward to seeing many new and familiar faces on our first day of school and to a positive year at St. Paul Greek School. I am confident that we will experience another great year. Below is Alexia s Essay in both Greek and English... Γιατί µαθαίνουµε Ελληνικά ~ Ονοµάζοµαι Αλεξία Γλαρού. Είµαι α ο το Cleveland, Ohio, ο ατέρας µου είναι Έλληνας και η µητέρα µου είναι α ο τον Καναδά. Πηγαίνω στο Ελληνικό σχολείο Άγιος Παύλος στο North Royalton, Ohio και είµαι στην Πέµ τη τάξη. Για µένα η Ελληνική γλώσσα και η Ελληνική θρησκεία έχουν αίξει µεγάλο ρόλο στην ζωή µου. Με έχουν βοηθήσει να µάθω τα ήθη και έθιµα της Ελλάδας, την Ιστορία της και τον ολιτισµό της, και να µ ορώ να καταλαβαίνω τους συγγενείς µου και τους φίλους µου. Η Ελληνική γλώσσα έχει µεγάλη αξία και α ο µελέτες έχει α οδειχτεί ότι ερί ου 25% α ο τις Αγγλικές λέξεις έχουν Ελληνικές ρίζες και όταν ξέρεις αυτές τις ρίζες µ ορείς να µάθεις καινούριες γλώσσες ιο εύκολα. Η ικανότητα να µ ορούµε να ε ικοινωνούµε σε µια δεύτερη γλώσσα µας ε ιτρέ ει να κατανοήσουµε άλλους λαούς και διαφορετικές κοινότητες. Η µελέτη ξένης γλώσσας ροετοιµάζει την καινούρια γενεά του σήµερα. Ε ιστήµες ό ως η Ιατρική, Φαρµακευτική, Φυσική, Αστρονοµία, θεµελιώνονται στην Αρχαία Ελλάδα. Πρέ ει να µιλάµε την Ελληνική γλώσσα, να είµαστε υ ερήφανοι για την Ελληνική καταγωγή µας και ρο άντων να είµαστε υ ερήφανοι γιατί διδαχτήκαµε την Ελληνική γλώσσα. Η γλώσσα των Ελλήνων, µε τον τεράστιον λούτο λεξιλογίου και γραµµατικής κέρδισε τον τίτλο << Η µητέρα όλων των γλωσσών>>. Είναι η γλώσσα του Θεού και του Ευαγγελίου. Για να διατηρήσουµε την µητρική µας γλώσσα χρειαζόµαστε την βοήθεια α ο την εκκλησία, την κοινότητα και την οικογένεια. Το Ελληνικό σχολείο - σαν νευµατικό κέντρο µαζί µε την εκκλησία του, ρέ ει να αραµείνει φάρος φωτεινός και να κρατά στην αγκαλιά του όλα τα

7 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 7 Ελληννό ουλα γιατί η Ελληνική γλώσσα δεν ανήκει µόνο σε µας, αλλά και στις ε ερχόµενες γενεές. Είναι µεγάλη µου τιµή ου είµαι κοντά σας σήµερα και σας εύχοµαι καλή δύναµη και να είστε αξιέ αινοι για την συµβολή σας και ροώθηση της Ελληνικής αιδείας και αράδοσης. Σας ευχαριστώ ολύ. Why Learn Greek My name is Alexia Glaros. I am from Cleveland, Ohio, my father is Greek and my mother is from Canada. I go to St. Paul Greek School and I am in Fifth grade. For me the Greek language and the Greek religion played an important role in my life. They helped me learn the customs of Greece, her history and her civilization and to be able to understand my relatives and my friends. The value of the Greek language is great and studies has shown that about 25% of the English vocabulary have Greek roots and when you know these roots you can learn new languages more easily. The ability to be able to communicate in a second language it allows us to understand other people and different cultures. The study of a foreign language prepares today's young generation. Science like Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Physics, Astronomy have their foundation on the Ancient Greece. We must speak the Greek language, be proud of our Greek heritage and most proud because we were taught the Greek language. The language of Greeks with the huge rich vocabulary and grammar won the title the mother of all the languages. It is also the language of God and the Gospel. To preserve our mother language we need the help from the church, the community and the family. The Greek school as spiritual center together with the church, they must remain the luminous lighthouse and hold in his arms all the Greek children because the Greek language belongs not only to us but to the following generations. It's a great honor for me to be here with you today and I wish you a great strength and congratulations for your contribution and support of the Greek education and tradition. Thank you very much. St. Paul Hellenic Dancers It is so exciting to think that the festival is finally here! The 90+ dancers that make up the St. Paul Hellenic Dance Group have worked so hard all year to ensure some wonderful performances for this year s Annual Festival! A couple of important pieces of information for everyone in the program: Beginner Girl dancers: Please pick up your dancers costume on Sunday, July 12 so you can tack the hem of the skirt to fit your daughter. Additional information and instructions will be given when the costumes are passed out. All three groups will hold practice under the tent the week of the Festival: ο Monday, July 13: Juniors: 5:30, Seniors: 7:00 9:00 PM ο Tuesday, July 14: Seniors 3:00 5:00 PM, Juniors: 5:30 ο Wednesday, July 15: Seniors 3:00 5:00 PM, Beginners: 5:30 6:30 PM, Juniors 6:30 7:30 PM PLEASE NOTE ~ Dancers in the Junior and Senior Groups should be bringing their dance shoes to practice under the tent. Please visit the St. Paul website to sign up to help in the fitting rooms or throughout the festival. Everyone s help is needed! We invite all family and friends to join us under the tent as our wonderful dancers perform dances from all over Greece. See the performance schedule below: Thursday, July 16, 2015 ο 7:30 PM Beginners / Juniors / Seniors Friday, July 17, 2015: ο 5:00 & 8:00 PM Seniors ο 6:00 PM Beginners ο Juniors ο 9:00 PM Young Adults Saturday, July 18, 2015: ο 4:00; 6:00 & 8:00 PM Seniors ο 5:00 PM Beginners ο Juniors ο 9:00 PM Young Adults Sunday, July 19, 2015: ο 3:30 & 5:00 PM Seniors ο Beginners / Juniors / Seniors Eleni Johnson, Hellenic Dance Director

8 PAGE 8 THE MESSENGER Vacation Church School June 22 26, 2015

9 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 9

10 PAGE 10 THE MESSENGER Matthew Boden son of Charles & Desma Boden Matthew graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree in Industrial Design. Vincent Boden son of Charles & Desma Boden Vincent graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Exercise Science. Frank Forde son of Dr. Anthony & Mary Forde Nathan graduated from the University of Cincinnati Medical School. He will complete his residency program in Emergency Medicine at Rutgers in New Jersey. George Saridakis son of Dr. George Saridakis George graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. He is looking to pursue a career as a Perfusionist. Paul Saridakis son of Dr. Manuel & Ruth Saridakis Paul has completed his Family Practice Residency at Riverside Hospital in Columbus OH and has accepted a position with COPC Northwest Family Physicians in Hilliard OH. Alexis Valente daughter of Antoinette Valente Alexis graduated from Brunswick High School with Magna Cum Laude honors. She will attend the College of Wooster to study Biochemistry where she hopes to research medicine to cure cancer and multiple sclerosis.

11 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 11 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT th Sunday of Matthew 12:00 PM Greek Corner Dance Practice Metropolis JOY Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth in Mercer PA 6 7 Home Committee Meeting 8 Parish Council Meeting :00 PM Baptism CHURCH SERVICES All Sundays 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy Sunday School Resumes in September 12 St. Paisios 6 th Sunday of Matthew Dance Practice 19 Sunday of the Holy Fathers 11:00 AM 9:00 PM St. Paul Festival 26 8 th Sunday of Matthew 13 5:30 PM Junior Dance Practice Senior Dance Practice 20 St. Elias 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 27 St. Panteleimon 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy Metropolis GOYA Summer Camp at Camp Nazareth in Mercer PA 14 3:00 PM Senior Dance Practice 5:30 PM Junior Dance Practice :00 PM Senior Dance Practice 5:30 PM Beginner Dance Practice 6:30 PM Junior Dance Practice :00 AM 10:00 PM St. Paul Festival Baptism and parent volunteers participate in Project Mexico Trip 11:00 AM 11:00 PM St. Paul Festival :00 AM 11:00 PM St. Paul Festival 11:00 AM Baptism 3:00 PM Baptism Father Michael along with GOYAns...

12 PAGE 12 THE MESSENGER SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT th Sunday of Matthew 12:00 PM Greek Corner 9 10th Sunday of Matthew 16 11th Sunday of Matthew 3 Paraklesis 10 Paraklesis :00 AM Area Clergy Meeting Home Committee Paraklesis 11 6:00 PM Family Ministry mtg. 18 5:00 PM 2:00 PM Sunday School Sr. Fellowship Teacher Hot Diggity Cookout/mtg. Dog 5 Great Vespers 12 Parish Council Meeting 6 Holy Transfiguration of Christ 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 13 Paraklesis 7 Paraklesis with area GOYAns Great Vespers at Annunciation Cleveland 6:00 PM Rehearsal 8 10:00 AM Summer Pilgrimage at St. Gregory Palamas Monastery 15 Dormition of the Theotokos 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy followed by luncheon 22 4:30 PM Wedding CHURCH SERVICES All Sundays 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy Sunday School Resumes in September 23 12th Sunday of Matthew 30 13th Sunday of Matthew Beheading of St. John (strict fast) 31 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy

13 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 13 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year :30 PM Baptism 4:00 PM Rehearsal 6 14th Sunday of Matthew 2:00 PM Wedding 7 Labor Day Office Closed 8 9 6:30 PM Philoptochos Parish Board meeting Council mtg. 10 Bible Study CHURCH SERVICES 13 Sunday before Holy Cross Sunday School begins Outreach Sunday Parish Fair 3:00 PM Youth Family Picnic 20 Sunday after Holy Cross 14 Elevation of the Holy Cross 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy 5:30 PM Greek School begins 1 st Orthodox Catechism 21 2 nd Orthodox Catechism 15 6:30 PM Philoptochos General mtg GriefShare GriefShare 17 Bible Study 24 Bible Study All Sundays 8:15 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Liturgy Sunday School Following Holy Communion 27 1st Sunday of Luke 1:30 PM Wedding 28 3 rd Orthodox Catechism GriefShare Metropolis Clergy Laity Retreat at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cleveland Hts.

14 PAGE 14 THE MESSENGER Wednesday evenings beginning September 16, 2015 $20 (includes workbook) These 13 week sessions are designed for those individuals who have experienced the pain of losing a loved one. Register today: Call the Church office at the Church office at: messenger@stpaulgoc.org Through our website St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church 4548 Wallings Road / North Royalton OH Orthodox Catechism Join Fr. Costas for a six week session of our faith as we study the book, "Introducing the Orthodox Church, Its Faith and Life", by Fr. Anthony Coniaris. This class is intended for any Orthodox Christian who would like to brush up on the basic teachings of our faith, and for anyone seeking to know more of what this ancient faith has to say. The book can be purchased through our bookstore or on our website for $20. Classes will be held on Monday s from 7:00 8:30 PM beginning September 14 th. Please register on the church website or by calling the church office. Call Fr. Costas with any questions. Yes, I want to volunteer to help during the Festival! Name Phone I am available: Monday, July 13 th Friday, July 17 th Tuesday, July 14 th Saturday, July 18 th Wednesday, July 15 th Sunday, July 19 th Thursday, July 16 th Morning Afternoon Evening I am willing to assist in the following areas: Bussing tables Baklava Sundaes Coffee Booth Drive Thru Food line Gyro Loukoumades Pastries Pizza Stand Silent Auction Wherever needed

15 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 15 AFGHAN PROJECT: AFGHANS FOR OUR COM- MUNITY AND ZOE OF LIFE Our Ladies Philoptochos presents every newborn in our community with a handmade afghan at their 40- Day Blessing. Each afghan donated has a tag that indicates that it was hand-made by Philoptochos and a card with the donor s name as well as the beautiful book, My Forty Day Blessing Book enclosed as a memento of this special occasion. Soon, we will be including the children s book What Do You See at Liturgy written by our very own Kristina Kallas- Tartara! Each baby afghan should be approximately 30 x 36 inches knitted or crocheted in washable yarn. In all, we have collected 128 baby afghans to date! Last month we donated an afghan and 11 adorable baby hats that Alice Lamakos had lovingly crocheted and Maria Lovejoy delivered to Sue at Zoe House (see photo). OCF travel mug filled with delicious homemade koulourakia, as well as other fun goodies for our college students. OCF is the National Campus Ministry Program for Orthodox college students. Greater Cleveland has 4 active OCF Chapters that include students from CWRU, JCU, CSU, BW, and CCC. Cleveland OCF is planning many fun events this summer for local and college students returning home for the summer. Please have your students checkout the OCF Cleveland page on Facebook for events in the Cleveland area this summer. Please forward and college snail mail addresses for any St. Paul college Fall Freshmen, no matter which university they will be attending, as you receive their room assignments and/or to donate, please contact Maribeth or Mbleka@aol.com. Our Ladies Philoptochos is also creating afghans for our homebound parishioners. These lap afghans are given to our homebound parishioners who welcome a visit from our Philoptochos ladies. Last month we anonymously received three beautiful afghans. Many thanks also to Joanna Kokkas and Kristina Kallas- Tartara for their generous donations of yarn. In total, we have collected 62 cozy afghans to date! If you know of anyone who would enjoy such a visit, please let us know. Each lap afghan should be approximately 40x48 inches knitted or crocheted in washable yarn. Afghan Workshops are periodically held at church where patterns and donated yarn are distributed. Monetary donations are also accepted in lieu of hand-made afghans to offset the costs of this project. Please contact Maria Lovejoy or Maribeth Lekas if you are interested in attending future workshops. OCF ~ ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP- START GATHERING THOSE FALL ADDRESSES! Our St. Paul Philoptochos reaches out to our college students by mailing them OCF Connect Kits. Connect Kits are mailed to our St. Paul college freshmen that include an Orthodox Study Bible, reading guides, prayer books, guides for finding a local OCF chapter,

16 PAGE 16 In our Bookstore Be the Bee THE MESSENGER NO MAN EVER SPOKE AS THIS MAN: THE GREAT I AM S OF JESUS Fourteen inspiring and thought provoking lessons on the Great I Am's of Jesus which constitute the foundation of our Christian faith. Archbishop Iakovos writes in the introduction, "We are impressed by the strong devotional flavor of this book....all the things that our Lord is by Biblical evidence are not left up in an atmosphere of metaphysical contemplation but are closely related to situations of everyday living. We are pleased to commend this book." ICONS SPEAK: THEIR MESSAGE A fascinating study of the Twelve Great Feast Days of Orthodox Christianity through the written and visual Gospels (the Bible and the Icon), emphasizing their meaning for us today. This book is a treasure trove of inspiration that flows to us from the Twelve Great Events in the life of our Lord. Includes 24 icons in full-color. The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries (Y 2 AM) began a weekly series of short, informative, entertaining, and spiritually beneficial videos. The series, Be the Bee, is named after a metaphor associated with Elder Paisios of Mount Athos (+1994), and explores ways that we can all focus on what is good and beautiful in our everyday lives. Our Department has been very successful at connecting with people and sharing the Faith through a variety of social media, and we realized that there wasn t much of an Orthodox presence on YouTube, said Father Jason Roll, Director. Our youth are already on YouTube, so why aren t we? It s a natural way to preach the Gospel and spread Christ s unconditional love. Viewers can access the channel by searching Y2AM on YouTube, or going to y2am. Thank God, the response has been very positive so far, said Be the Bee host and Youth Protection / P a ri sh Min istri e s C o o r d ina t o r, St e ven Christforou. Our first episode had over 600 views, and we hope that this series will be helpful to an ever wider audience. New episodes are released every Thursday afternoon. Visit our bookstore every Sunday following Divine Liturgy or call the church office if you would like to come by during the week. We also have gift certificates available in any denomination. These make great gifts! The North Royalton Hunger Food Center is running low on the following items: cereal, peanut butter, jelly, cake and brownie mixes, canned pasta, instant potatoes, and rice and potato mixes. Items can be placed in the basket at the top of the stairs as you enter church. Please be sure to check the expiration date and DO NOT bring any perishable items.

17 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 17 MAY 13, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: President Dr. Michael Saridakis called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. INVOCATION: Fr. Michael Gavrilos opened with singing Xristos Anesti and asked for God s blessing upon the parish council s work. ROLL CALL: Kathy Nikolaou, Secretary Present: Dr. Michael Saridakis, John Trihas, Alex Dadas Kathy Nikolaou, Chris Cook, Anthone Colovas, Bill Regan, Irene Pontikos, Mike Lignos, Thalia Marakas, Mike Alex and Bruce Trakas. Absent: Arthur S. Karas, Tom Fourmas and Dennis Diamond. MINUTES: Kathy Nikolaou, Secretary Minutes of the April 16, 2015 were read and corrected. Tony Colovas moved that the minutes be approved as corrected. Thalia Marakas seconded the motion. Motion passed. FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT: Dennis Diamond and Chris Cook. Chris reported on the current balance sheet by class, reported on current balance in checking account. Discussion on Hellenic Center accounts. Chris reported that after careful study, the recommendation is to go with a new computer company. There will be cost savings and additional benefits including remote DVR and remote access and advanced filtering. The initial cost will be $715. John Trihas moved that we hire EMC Computers for computer and network needs not to exceed $715. Thalia Marakas seconded the motion. Discussion followed. All in favor with one abstention. John Trihas commended Chris on his efforts to find the new computer shop. Chris moved that we purchase a new laptop for Fr. Michael not to exceed $1000. Irene Pontikos seconded the motion. Discussion followed. All in favor. Motion passed. CLERGY REPORT: Fr. Michael reported that the new church website is up and running. Fr. Costas is attending his 25 th anniversary of his graduation from Holy Cross Seminary. This Sunday is the last day for Sunday school and Greek School is ending this Monday. COMMITTEE REPORTS: HOME COMMITTEE: Mike Lignos Mike reported that home committee is waiting on prices for repairing the Portico. The cost estimates and drawing for the arches on altar are due end of next week. Mike reported that he had meetings with Dominion and other gas well people. There are various issues involved. Discussion followed and additional follow up is necessary. Mike Lignos, Festival co-chairman reported that there was a Festival meeting and the following items are needed: 4 gas propane grill, quick recovery fryer, 10 to 20 6 tables (used). The approximate amount needed is $3000 to $4000. Discussion followed. This is for information to the parish council from the festival committee. Mike reported that he had the electrician out today to replace lights on the Hellenic Center sign in front of the church. The electrician attended to other issues such as changing the breaker in the electrical box and ordering a part (solenoid) for the dishwasher. Discussion followed. Mike asked the council for direction on the parking lot. Dr. Michael opened discussion on proposals for the parking lot and the vision of the church. The home committee will meet and present options on parking lot to council. Discussion followed. CATERING & LEASING: John Trihas/Tom Fourmas John Trihas reported that the committee will be presenting an amendment to the basic caterer s contract. Simply stated: asking for a guarantee of no less than $50,000 for the 2015 calendar year. In addition to the guarantee, the caterer shall provide three individuals for clean up during business operations, Friday thru Sunday at the St. Paul Greek Festival. In addition, they are to furnish and install a color flat screen TV no less than 42 which will become property of the church. In addition, snow removal to be paid at a prorated amount, utilities for the first part of the year, due by April 30 and thereafter on a monthly basis. Discussion followed. FAMILY MINISTRY: Thalia Marakas/Irene Pontikos Thalia reported that the Hellenic Dancers Committee wanted to thank parish council for their support in this program. They did ask for $ for additional costumes and accessories, a list of which is attached, that are necessary. They want to utilize the funds

18 PAGE 18 budgeted for their committee to purchase these items. Thalia moved to allow the committee to utilize the budgeted funds for costumes of $ Mike Alex seconded the motion. Discussion followed. All in favor. Motion passed. Thalia brought up an issue of St. Paul Hellenic dancer costumes being borrowed by outside dance groups. Discussion followed and Thalia will look into the matter and report back to council and possibly set up guidelines. MEMBERSHIP: Thalia Marakas Will meet in the near future. STEWARDSHIP: Dennis Diamond Chris Cook reported that stewardship is currently 345 pledges in with $225,000 collected to date. Report is attached. WAYS & MEANS: Irene Pontikos Irene reported on the upcoming Golf Outing being held on June 8, 2015 at Sleepy Hollow Golf course and at this time there are 37 golfers signed up. She reported that hole sponsorships are needed. Parish council members pitched in to sponsor a hole for the outing. REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT: Arthur S. Karas Lease renewals have been sent out. Currently renters are on a month to month basis. BYLAWS: Bruce Trakas/John Trihas/Tom Fourmas. No report. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Alex Dadas - Alex reported that position of custodian was put out for bid. Two individuals had an interest. One resume was received and the individual was interviewed and deemed acceptable for the position. His name is Antonios Moraitis and would be available with a 2 ½ week notice. He would be hired with flexible work schedule 40 hours per week, $17 per hour and a 90 day probationary period. Bruce Trakas moved that we hire Antonios Moraitis for the position of custodian at $17 per hour with a 90 day probationary period, reporting to Fr. Costas. Irene Pontikos seconded the motion. Discussion followed. All in favor. Motion passed. OLD BUSINESS: Dr. Michael reminded council of the General Assembly Meeting will be held this Sunday at noon. THE MESSENGER Dr. Michael reminded council of the All Church meeting to be held on May 26 at St. Constantine and Helen Church at 6:30 PM with focus on Festival Collaboration. NEW BUSINESS: Dr. Michael asked that council approve the festival committees request to pay $1200 for a deposit) to Stidis Studios to provide rental of cash registers for the upcoming festival total contract is $4875. Tony Colovas moved that we pay Stidis Studios $1200 for rental of cash registers. John Trihas seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed. Dr. Michael asked for the IOCC approval of donation of $1500. Kathy Nikolaou moved that we donate $1500 to IOCC. Bruce Trakas seconded the motion. Discussion followed. All in favor. Motion passed. Dr. Michael reported that the property next door (east of church) is for sale as well as the church next to it. Further investigation will be done. Discussion followed. ROUNDTABLE: The teen room will be set up for the May 17, 2015 General Assembly Meeting. Fr. Michael stated that he is enrolled at John Carrol University in their Master s program for Fund Raising. ADJOURNMENT: John Trihas moved to adjourn the meeting. Bill Regan seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion to adjourn the meeting passed. BENEDICTION: Fr. Michael gave the closing prayer. Meeting was adjourned at 9:41 p.m. Click on the button Make a Secure Donation to Our Parish on o u r H o m e p a g e to make a donation to your prior or current year fairshare pledge. Donations can also be made to the benevolent fund or the capital improvement fund. You also have the ability to make your donation recurrent on a monthly basis. A PayPal account is NOT required to complete your transaction.

19 PAGE 19 Remember the Church in Your Will MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Throughout our life, from birth to death, the Church offers us grace and power by which to live. It inspires us, prays for us, heals us, and teaches us how to confess our sins and how to forgive each other. The Church baptizes those who wish to follow Christ. It blesses our marriages and sends us to our eternal home with prayers and blessings at our death. The Church is the only thing that accompanies us throughout our life and beyond. We support it in many ways and especially through our financial gifts. Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those who benefit from St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church? If so, you may wish to consider a charitable bequest. WHAT IS A BEQUEST? A charitable bequest is a method for parishioners and friends to perpetuate their interest and support for their Greek Orthodox Church. Your will can be drafted to leave either a specific gift or a percentage of your estate to the Church. A specific gift can be a dollar amount, a particular piece of real estate or personal property. A residuary gift is either a specific percentage of your estate or it can be the remainder of your estate after you have provided for your family, or other charitable interests which are important to you. For more information, contact the church office at and leave a message and someone will be in contact with you. Supplication Service Paraklesis Service THE MESSENGER During the first 13 days of August, the beautiful Supplication Service to the Virgin Mary is chanted. At the conclusion of this service, the priest prays for the health and well being of all who are present and reads the names for the living that are submitted. Please take a few moments to complete the form below and return it to the office by August 1 st. PLEASE PRINT the FIRST names of your family members so the priests can pray for them. For the Health of: (PRINT first names only) Memorial Trisagia The Church gives us this opportunity during these services to remember in prayer the names of our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord. When you call the office to schedule a Memorial or a Trisagion service, please be very specific with the names you want the clergy to commemorate. Confusion arises when the clergy receive additional names on Sunday morning than those that were given into the office, and they do not specify if they want these names to be commemorated in the memorial/trisagion service or they simply want the priest to pray for them in the altar during the proskomide preparation. AFTER THE FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR PASSING, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF YEARS. SIMPLY SUBMIT THE NAME. Thank you for helping us be more organized and avoid any misunderstanding.

20 PAGE 20 THE MESSENGER

21 JULY / AUGUST 2015 PAGE 21 Ε Λ Λ Η Ν Ι Κ Η Γ Ω Ν Ι Α κεράσουν γλυκό Σαµιώτικο κρασί. Φίλες και φίλοι καλός ήλθατε και αυτόν τον µήνα σ' άλλο ένα µας ραντεβού. Η σηµερινή µας γαλάζια α όδραση θα µας άει στο Ανατολικό Αιγαίο και ιό συγκεκριµένα στο '' ευλογηµένο'' νησί της Θεάς Ήρας, στην ωραία Σάµο... ύο λιµάνια δύο ολιτείες (το Βαθύ και το Καρλόβασι). ύο βουνά, το ένα στα δυτικά φαλακρό, µε ανύψηλες κορυφές, α ότοµα φαράγγια, σ ηλιές και µοναστήρια, το άλλο στα ανατολικά γεµάτο αµ έλια και ρεµατιές (ο Κέρκης και ο Άµ ελος). ύο ρόσω α του 6ου αι..χ. ο ένας φιλόσοφος και ο άλλος ολυµήχανος τύραννος (ο Πυθαγόρας και ο Πολυκράτης). Ενα νησί α ό τα βάθυ των αιώνων γεµάτο µύθους ου µιλούν για τέρατα ου κατοικούσαν κά οτε και για καράβια ου έτρωσαν στην θάλασσα αντίκρυ στο ιερό της Ηρας. Ενα νησί ου ρέ ει να µυρίσεις το άρωµα, αυτό ου κρύβεται σε άγνωστα µονο άτια, ξωκλήσια και µοναστήρια καθώς το ντό ιο κρασί για το άρωµα του και το χρώµα του. Στην υγεία µας φίλοι µου. Νάστε όλοι καλά και τον άλλον µήνα άλι εδώ στην ιδια γωνιά, µε µιά νέα γαλάζια α όδραση. Με αγά η Μαρία Καρλατήρα (Μαράκι) Ελάτε να τα ούµε και α ο κοντά κάθε ρώτη Κυριακή του µήνα! Το Καρλόβασι είχε ανε τυγµένη βυρσοδεψεία, κοµµάτια µιας άλλης ε οχής, ό ου οι µυρωδιές α ό τα δέρµατα γέµιζαν τις συνοικίες, ε ίσης εργαστήρια αγγειο λαστικής, καρνάγια, εκκλησίες ετρόκτιστες µε γαλάζιους τρούλους ολλά εύκα και ελιές. ιασχίζοντας φθάνουµε, στο καταφύγιο για τις φώκιες Μονάχους-Μονάχους, και στους καταρράκτες. Εντυ ωσιακό το σ ήλαιο της εκκλησίας Σαραντασκαλιώτισσας καθώς το φαράγγι και οι σταλακτίτες του σ ηλαίου του Κακο έρατου. Πάµε και στο Βαθύ για να γνωρίσουµε και την ανατολική λευρά. Σ ίτια αραδοσιακά µε αράθυρα ολύχρωµα ου αγναντεύουν το Αιγαίο. Χωριά µε αραδοσιακές αρχιτεκτονικές, εντυ ωσιακά µοναστήρια και εκκλησίες, χ, της Μεγάλης Παναγιάς µε ηλικία 400 ετών µε ολλές τοιχογραφίες, αρράλληλα φαίνεται το Πυθαγόρειο και το θεώρηµα του µας καλωσορίζουν. Σε α όσταση βρίσκεται το αρχαίο θέατρο, και στα νοτιοδυτικά του, α λώνεται το Ηραίο, ε ίσηµο ιερό της Σάµου. Τώρα όσο για τις αραλίες της, όλες ιδανικές µε καθαρά κρυστάλλινα νερά για κολύµ ι και ξεκούραση. Το το ίο διατηρεί την φυσική οµορφιά του και σε αρκετό βαθµό το αραδοσιακό χρώµα του. Μήν αραλύψεται στις ακτές τις ψαροταβέρνες ου είναι άνω στο κύµα µε τα νόστιµα και ολύ φρέσκα καλούδια τους. Ολοι οι κάτοικοι φιλόξενοι άντα µόλις σ'ανταµώσουν θα σε

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