The Promise - July-Aug 2011

July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

WESTFIELD ^ NEW JERSEY

[email protected] 908-233-8533 holytrinitywestfield.org

PromiseThe

Wait for the promise of the Father

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Lord is my strength

THE REVEREND PETER DELVIZIS

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” [Nehemiah 8:10]

The joy of the Lord is your strength. How beautiful and apropos this statement is for those who love the Lord. The family of

Holy Trinity has much to be thankful for since our strength as a community is found in God.

Over the course of the last few weeks, we have seen many tangible signs of our continued development as a community. We are nearing the completion of the Narthex-Exonarthex project with installation of the exquisite mosaics and icon; we hosted a tremendously successful festival; we have completed another year of faith, and we are currently preparing for the

forth-coming year with the many dynamic and vibrant parish ministries.

I give thanks to the Lord for being the pastor of such a faith-based community and I encourage all to continue in your spiritual development within the context of the Holy Orthodox Faith. When we fi nd the Lord, our joy is complete.

As a parish, we enjoy the choice food and sweet drinks as mentioned by the Prophet Nehemiah. This is symbolic of God’s favor to His faithful stewards. Having encountered His many blessings, now, to fulfi ll this prophecy, we must send a portion of our blessing to those who are in need.

To give is to bring joy to someone’s life. This is why outreach is so important in the life of any church. Think of how you feel when you give a gift. A gift is an expression of yourself – of your love and life. By offering something of your own to another, you draw that person closer to you. As people of faith, we are to bring the joy of the Lord to all we meet. This we

The Paraklesis is a beautiful service that sings the praises of the Theotokos. Its composition is attributed to the monk Theophilos. In its essence, this service seeks the protection, guidance

and comfort (paraklesis) of the Mother of God. We call upon the Panayia for intercession because she is the greatest of all the Saints.Having dedicated her life entirely to the pursuit of holiness and by being the Mother of Jesus Christ, she has acquired the favor of God. She now continually stands in watchful prayer asking her son and our God to grant us salvation.Her constant prayer is quite effective for our salvation because Christ is quick to listen to His mother’s appeal (see the Wedding in Cana, John 2:1-12.) The Panayia always seeks to help those who encounter misfortune by directing them towards Christ. “Do whatever He tells you,” she told the servants at the wedding in Cana. Having run out of wine, a symbol of joy, the Theotokos brought the servants to Christ - the One Who bestows joy. The Lord said to His mother, “my time has not yet come,” teaching us that the fullness of God’s revelation would not come until after His Resurrection. The Theotokos, however, was eager for the attendants of this wedding banquet - who represent all people - to share in the joy that God had brought to her. By interceding to her son, thirty stone jars of water were turned into wine. Her plea was the catalyst that set into motion Christ’s fi rst miracle. We now plead to her to become, once again, the catalyst for our salvation. ^

Pag. 2

What is the Service of Paraklesis?

1

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey2 The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

July - AugustDates in the Life of Our Church

8:15 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

Independence DayOffi ce Closed

8:15 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

St. Euphemia & St. Olga9:30 AM Divine Liturgy12 Noon Baptism3:00 PM Wedding

St. Marina8:15 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy12 Noon Baptism3:00 PM Wedding

St. Mary Magdelene & St. Markella9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

St. Christina8:15 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

St. Panteleimon & St. Paraskevi8:30 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy8:15 AM Orthros9:30 AM Divine Liturgy7:00 PM Paraklesis

9:00 AM Paraklesis

7:00 PM Great Vespers

Holy Transfi guration8:30 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

8:15 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

7:00 PM Paraklesis

9:00 AM Paraklesis

7:00 PM Paraklesis

10:00 AM Baptism

8:15 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

12 Noon Baptism

7:00 PM Great Vespers at Koimisis in Holmdel

The Dormition of the Theotokos8:30 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

8:15 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

1:00 PM Baptism

8:15 AM Orthros

9:30 AM Divine Liturgy

SAT16

SUN17

Pag. 1 - The Lord is my strength

WED27

SAT27

SUN3

MON11

MON15

MON8

SUN7

SUN21

SUN14

WED10

SAT13

SUN24

WED3

MON4

SUN10

FRI22

SUN31

MON1

FRI5

SAT6

FRI12

SUN28

do through our actions and words. When we encounter others, we bless them. When we meet them, we exchange kind words, encouraging them in their life pursuits. By doing these simple things, we draw our neighbor closer to our Lord. This is true outreach.

By being good Stewards of faith, we will certainly hear these kind words of the Father: Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. And what is

a good Steward? The Lord answers this question by indicating outreach: For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.

As you enjoy your summer months, remember that the Lord is your strength and your joy.

†Fr. Peter ^

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5 3

THE REV. ALEXANDER G. LEONDIS

On August 6, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Transfi guration of our Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ took three disciples to Mount Tabor – Peter, James and John, where He was transfi gured.These three disciples represent three important virtues for those on their Christian journey. Peter represents faith, for he was the fi rst to proclaim his faith in Christ as the Son of God. James represents hope, for it was the hope of eternal life in Christ that he was willing to be fi rst to lay down his life for the Lord. John represents love, for he is called the disciple of love, he wrote, “God is love” and lovingly stayed beneath the Lord’s Cross until his last breath.As we focus on these three virtues, faith, hope, and love, we should do some soul-searching within ourselves. Our Lord was transfi gured on a high mountain to teach us two necessary elements of spirituality – asceticism and contemplation. To climb to the heights involves asceticism and work. The heights represent contemplation on God.Our Lord was transfi gured at night, because the dark solitude is

appropriate for prayer and contemplation. At night all the earthly beauty is covered with darkness and the beauty of the starry heavens is revealed. The Transfi guration directs us to set our hearts toward heaven.The Prophets Moses and Elijah appeared

at the Transfi guration in order to reveal that Christ was not simply a prophet, that He was not just a great teacher, but that He was truly God. In Christ, the Law of Moses is fulfi lled. Elijah appears to reveal that in Christ all prophecies of the Old Testament

are fulfi lled.The Lord was transfi gured to show the disciples His divine nature, and by extension to all Christians. Christ allowed the disciples to see Him in His godly nature, in His glory, in uncreated light. This is the height of contemplation and mysticism that the Ascetical Fathers and all Christians should seek.On the day of the Transfi guration, we are called to climb the mountain of Tabor by spiritual labor and by this mountaintop experience, to contemplate on the Lord in His glory. We are called to labor and repent for our sins and passions so that we may experience the light of the Lord’s glory now in this world and in His Kingdom for eternity.In celebration of this event, you are invited to attend the Divine Services for the Transfi guration: Great Vespers, Friday, August 5 at 7:00 PM; on Saturday, August 6, Orthros 8:30 AM and Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM. ^

July - AugustTransfi guration of The Lord

ST. NEKTARIOS OF AEGINA

It is evident that unbelief is an evil offspring of an evil heart; for the guileless and pure heart everywhere discovers God, everywhere discerns Him, and always unhesitatingly believes in

His existence.

When the man of pure heart looks at the World of Nature, that is, at the sky, the earth, and the sea and at all things in them, and observes the systems constituting them, the infi nite multitude of stars of heaven, the innumerable multitudes of birds and quadrupeds and every kind of animal of the earth, the variety of plants on it, the abundance of fi sh in the sea, he is immediately amazed and exclaims with the Prophet David: “How great are Thy works, O Lord! In wisdom Thou made them all.”

Such a man, impelled by his pure heart, discovers God also in the World of Grace of the Church, from which the evil man is far removed. The man of pure heart believes in the Church, admires her spiritual system, discovers God in the Mysteria, in the heights of the theology, in the light of the Divine revelations, in the truths of the teachings, in the commandments of the Law, in the achievements of the Saints, in every good deed, in every perfect gift, and in general in the whole of the creation. Justly then did the Lord say in His Beatitudes of those possessing purity of the heart: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” ^

REFLECTIONS

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey4 The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

Parish CouncilUpdate

THEODORE DEMETRIOU, PRESIDENT

Kudos to the Greek Fest Chairmen Peter Ladas and Mike Savva, and of course to our head chef Agapios Kyritsis! The

weather for our festival was picture perfect.

The ambience was terrifi c and our community was fully engaged in putting on a GREAT SHOW! On behalf of Holy Trinity, I congratulate all those that participated in this great event.

Now that we have hit mid-year, the Parish Council can take a moment to refl ect on the past six months. We are reviewing our performance and planning for the fall season and what lies ahead. What are we working on? Greek Dancing! Our parish looks to enhance the program by making it broader and even more dynamic.

The Narthex/Exo-narthex project is halfway complete, with the icon and mosaics soon to be installed. Most items have been donated, but if anyone wants to contribute toward fi xtures that will be placed in the Narthex, please speak with Father Peter.

Our church’s 45th Anniversary will be recognized this fall with two events: fi rst a luncheon on October 2nd and second, a dinner-dance on November 5. Summer is when attendance drops off as parishioners go away on vacation. Church expenses, however, do

not take a vacation. I urge you to be vigilant in maintaining your stewardship payments in July and August so that our cash fl ow remains in line with our expenditures.

A Point to Ponder: I have never understood why parishioners park on Gallows Hill Road when ample parking is available in our lot. Even on Sunday mornings heavy traffi c on Gallows Hill exposes you to an accident as you exit or enter your car.

If our parking lot is full I recommend you to park on St. Mark’s Avenue—the little extra walk is great for your health.

Have a healthy, fun summer. ^

PETER A. LADAS

Congratulations to all who made our Greek Fest 2011 a huge success!

Planning for this year’s festival started almost 3 years ago. After tweaking the new template introduced last year and being blessed with great weather, we had the greatest number of attendees ever.

I wish to thank the co-chairs Michael Sava and Agapios Kyritsis, as well as each committee member for donating their time to help plan and execute, not only during, but many months prior to the event. I have treasured the many hours

of planning and friendships developed during the last several years. I ask every parishioner to reach out and congratulate each committee leader for their devotion: Cathy Papadimas, Kassandra Romas, Michael Savorgiannakis, Nina Anastasiou, Chrissy Vasilow, Ted Vagelos, Notis Kotsolios, George Colonias, Aggie Zourzoukis, Dean Constantine, Stephen Ladas, Fran Frigerio, Christina Colonias, John Lopos, George

Youlios, Jim Gianakis, AJ Karanikolas, Dino Genakos, Chris Vasilopoulos of course Ocione Nunes. Additionally, I would like to send a special thank you to my wife Angie, for her love and support.

Also our festival would not have been successful if it were not for all those who made donations, sponsored and advertised in our journal this year. We all thank you.

In conclusion, it was the talents and volunteerism of our parishioners who joined together once again to make this event a reality. The true success of our Festival was in the bridging of the various parish organizations. The young and the old, our new and veteran parish members, united as one church and family.

It was an honor to be General Chairman once again and to work side by side with everyone. My personal experiences and internal growth is something that will last with me forever. I have enjoyed working with everyone and creating new friendships along the way. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful community and the spiritual leadership of Father Peter and Father Alexander represented at Holy Trinity.

Thank you again for your time and hard work. God Bless and see you next year at Greek Fest 2012! ^

Greek Festival 2011

“Our church’s 45th Anniversary will be recognized this fall with two events...”

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5 5

AVI KIRIAKATIS, PRESIDENT

To aid the poor, the aged, the hungry, the needy, and the sick through charitable works performed with discretion, courtesy, and kindness.

On Mother’s Day – May 8, 2011, we honored three deserving women

from our Parish; Special Honoree, Mother and Grandmother of the Year.Our Special Honoree this year is Theresa Kotsolios. One of the most caring and giving ladies in our Church. For the past 35 years Theresa and her loving husband Notis are always present at our Church helping in every way possible. Theresa’s Christian values are present in everything she does, and she embodies and embraces her Christian faith. We thank you Theresa for your dedication and unselfi sh love and ask

God to always bless you!MOTHER OF THE YEAR IS JANET O’SULLIVAN. Member of Holy Trinity Family since its inception. Janet is a loving mother to 4 children, wife to Joe and caring daughter to Bill Zervakos. Dedicated Youth Advisor for over 10 years assists Father Peter with youth religious retreats and directs choral speaking at Sight & Sounds. In addition to all that, this year Janet Co-chaired Philoptochos’ biggest fundraising event, our very successful “Chrysalis” Fashion Show and we thank her for all her hard work – Axia!

GRANDMOTHER OF THE YEAR IS SOPHIE STAPPAS, a loving Mother to Christopher, William, Michael and Grandmother to Lexi and Brielle. Sophie has been involved in many Holy Trinity activities, especially in the Ladies Philoptochos Society. Board member for many years, has chaired the Philoptochos sponsored annual Babies Quilt-a-thon, & volunteers for every function, pitching in wherever and whenever needed. She cooks for and visits the sick and shut-ins

and no matter how busy she is, she always fi nds time to help those in need and never expects anything in return – Axia!

It is with great love that we thank our long-time board members; Olga

Emanuel, Maria Halkias and Kelly Manos and thank them for their many years of Stewardship to Philoptochos. It is with much joy that we announce to you the newly elected Ladies Philoptochos Board in alphabetical order:

Kathryn Athanasoulas, Helen (Nitsa) Bruno, Mary Coutros, Mary Demiris, Jean Fountas, Themis Ganifas, Helen Hadzitheodorou, Patricia Kalellis, Joanne Kallerges, Avi Kiriakatis, Cynthia Ladas, Marina LoAlbo, Ellen Manos Athenson, Barbara Manos, Janet O’Sullivan, Penny Pefanis, Mary Skiadas, Evelyn Skorinko, Sophie Stappas, Maria Stevens and Athena Vasiliadis.

Enjoy your Summer! ^

Christ is risen! May we glorify His resurrection.Philoptochos

New Philoptochos Board 2011 - 2013

Mother of the Year Awards

THE REV. ALEXANDER G. LEONDIS

Shortly after the Second World War, a devastated city in England began its work of restoration. In the old city square

once stood a large statue of Jesus Christ with outspread hands. On the base of the statue, the words were carved: “Come unto me.” Master artists and sculptors reassembled the fi gure of Christ except for the hands — no fragments of his hands were found in the area. The artists decided to create new hands.The inhabitants of the city protested saying: “No, leave Christ without hands.” Today, in the public square of that English city, the restored statue of Christ stands without hands, and on its base are not carved the words “Come to me,” but the words, “Christ has no hands but ours.”Truly, “Christ has no hands but ours.” We as Christians, and nobody else, can fulfi ll our obligation to Him and to His Church. We cannot expect Christ to have other hands than those that belong to us “Christ”-ians who bear His name.We are Jesus’ hands on earth. We do His work on earth. We reach out to others with His love. We celebrate the Divine Liturgy

together and receive His sacred Body and Blood. We make His Kingdom on earth a reality, because we are His hands on earth. When we give our Stewardship for the Lord’s Church, we assume our responsibility as Christians. We say individually: “Christ has no hands but mine. No one can take the place of my hands. I must do my share.”“Christ has no hands but ours.” Keep these words in mind as you prayerfully and lovingly continue your generous Stewardship support of Christ’s ministries at Holy Trinity. When we become Christ’s hands, then we can each truly proclaim as the family of God, “Christ is among us.” Your Stewardship giving is an indication of what Christ means to you individually. By your generosity, you say a resounding “thank you, Lord” and become His hands.Stewardship is your way of saying “thank you, Lord Jesus” not only for my health, my family, my job — but also for the peace, joy, and love You give me. Your Stewardship Commitment is your personal way of saying and displaying that “Christ has no hands but mine.” ^

The inhabitants of the city protested saying: “No, leave Christ without hands.” Today, in the public square of that English city, the restored statue of Christ stands without hands, and on its base are not carved the words “Come to me,” but the words, “Christ

reach out to others with His love. We celebrate the Divine Liturgy

together and receive His sacred Body and Blood. We make His Kingdom on earth a reality, because we are His hands on earth. When we give our Stewardship for the Lord’s Church, we assume our responsibility as Christians. We say individually: “Christ has no hands but mine. No one can take the place of my hands. I must do my share.”“Christ has no hands but ours.” Keep these words in mind as you prayerfully and lovingly continue your generous Stewardship support of Christ’s ministries at Holy Trinity. When we become Christ’s hands, then we can each truly proclaim as the family of God, “Christ is among us.” Your Stewardship giving is an indication of what Christ means to you individually. By your generosity, you say a resounding “thank you, Lord” and become His hands.Stewardship is your way of saying “thank you, Lord Jesus” not only for my health, my family, my job — but also for the peace, joy, and love You give me. Your Stewardship Commitment is your personal way of saying and displaying that “Christ has no hands but mine.”

When we give our Stewardship for the Lord’s Church, we assume our responsibility as Christians. We say individually: “Christ has no hands but mine. No one can take the place of my hands. I must do my share.”“Christ has no hands but ours.” Keep these words in mind as you

When we give our Stewardship for the Lord’s Church, we assume our responsibility as Christians. We say individually: “Christ has no hands but mine. No one can take the place of my hands. I must

“Christ has no hands but ours.” Keep these words in mind as you

England began its work of restoration. In the old city square once stood a large statue of Jesus Christ with outspread hands. On the base of the statue, the words were carved: “Come unto me.” Master artists and sculptors reassembled the fi gure of Christ except for the hands — no fragments of his hands were found in

England began its work of restoration. In the old city square once stood a large statue of Jesus Christ with outspread hands. On the base of the statue, the words were carved: “Come unto me.” Master artists and sculptors reassembled the fi gure of Christ except for the hands — no fragments of his hands were found in

you individually. By your generosity, you say a resounding “thank you, Lord” and become His hands.Stewardship is your way of saying “thank you, Lord Jesus” not only for my health, my family, my job — but also for the peace,

Truly, “Christ has no hands but ours.” We as Christians, and nobody else, can fulfi ll our obligation to Him and to His Church. We cannot expect Christ to have other hands than those that

Truly, “Christ has no hands but ours.” We as Christians, and nobody else, can fulfi ll our obligation to Him and to His Church. We cannot expect Christ to have other hands than those that

you individually. By your generosity, you say a resounding “thank you, Lord” and become His hands.Stewardship is your way of saying “thank you, Lord Jesus” not only for my health, my family, my job — but also for the peace,

Christ has no hands but oursStewardahip

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey6 The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

Retiring Sunday School Teacher Mary Menakis

18 years of service.

2011 Attendance Awards, Seniors, Scholarships, Father’s Day , Philoptochos, OlympicsParish Life

Father of the YearDean Constantine; Grandfather of the YearGus Minaides; Special RecipientNotis Kotsolios.

IOCC – Houston Home Building Mission Team.

Retiring12th Grade Teacher Jim Gianakis 18 years of service.

Senior Speaker Angeline

Apostolou.

Senior Speaker Christopher “Topher” O’Sullivan.

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5 7

Senior Goya Dinner.

Name Day – Ladies of Philoptochos who made the Parish Feast Day Luncheon a Beautiful Affair.

Name Day – Ladies of Philoptochos who made

Senior Dinner – Advisors, Parents & Fr. Peter.

YHT – Medal winners being awarded.

2011 Attendance Awards, Seniors, Scholarships, Father’s Day , Philoptochos, Olympics

Olympics – Holy Trinity Entry.

Olympics – Team Blue! Go Westfi eld!

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey8 The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

Maria Polichronis5 Upper Commons, Woodbury, CT 06798

Teddy and Angela Prokos42 James Ave., Clark, NJ 07066

Peter & Kirsten Saleh70 Mapes Ave., Nutley, NJ 07110

New Members of the Church

Please enter the full baptismal namesof your loved ones.

(For example: “Nicholas” instead of “Nick” or “Niko.”)

Please return form to Fr. Peter.

MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS, SAVE USΥΠΕΡΑΓΙΑ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΕ, ΣΩΣΟΝ ΗΜΑΣ

SERVICE OF PARAKLESIS TO THE THEOTOKOSἩ Ἀκολουθία Τῆς Παρακλήσεως Τῆς Παναγίας

Please intercede for the health and Healing of the Servant of God:

Ὀνόματα τῶν ζώντων Ὀρθοδόξων γιά τίς Παρακλήσεις εἰς τήν Παναγία

CHURCHINGSSunday, April 10 - Alexander JohnSon of Lexi & Chris Kiriakatis

Sunday, May 1 - Thomas PeterSon of Kirsten & Peter Saleh

Sunday, May 1 - Macy DespinaDaughter of AnnMarie & Terrance Deakyne

Sunday, May 29 - Alana BelleDaughter of Jaime & James Andrews

Sunday, June 19 - Leonidas JonesSon of Erin & Jason Frigerio

BAPTISMSSaturday, May 7 - DeanSon of Susan & Peter Pangis

Saturday, May 7 - Alexandra BarbaraDaughter of Carol & Louis Kotsinis

Saturday, May 7 - ElizabethDaughter of Carol & Charles Tombros

Saturday, June 25 - Michael BahjatSon of Leyana & Socrates Kyritsis, Jr.

Saturday, June 25 - Isabella MariaDaughter of Angela & Teddy Prokos

WEDDINGSSunday, June 26Sophia Aspromatis & Scott Foster

FUNERALSSaturday, May 21 ^ Spiridon RepousisTuesday, May 24 ^ Peter VlahakesSaturday, May 28 ^ Athena LazosTuesday, June 7 ^ Socrates VasilatisMonday, June 20 ^ Theoharis PhilippouTuesday, June 21 ^ Irene T. Vagelos

Sacraments & Rites

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5 9

I have a secret that I would like to share with you. One might call it “an open” secret, but many people have stumbled

because they ignored the truths in this secret. They have led sad, unfulfi lled and many times wasted lives because they didn’t implement the wisdom hidden in this secret.Here’s the secret. Hush; bend your ear close so that you will hear clearly. The secret of a happy, joy-fi lled life is a grateful heart. Without a heart fi lled with gratitude there is never a possibility of a life of happiness.As we celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos, we remember the earth-shaking news that God took fl esh from her. The Second Person of the Trinity, the Son of God, entered the world as one of His creatures, to unite Himself with us, so that we can ultimately be united with God the Father. This great Feast day shows the union of God to His people. Dying in this world brings us closer to the heavenly world.The Dormition stumps the imagination. How? Why? Could God really give life

again? What does this do to us? What does this mean to us? How does it change our future, yours and mine?My Soul Magnifi es the Lord and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour. (Luke 1:46, 47) is a paean gushing forth from a heart fi lled with overfl owing gratitude. It is the opening lines of the Magnifi cat sung by The Panagia, the Mother of God, after hearing the following words from her cousin, Elizabeth:Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, but why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Luke 1:42)The young teenage woman was truly overwhelmed by the message brought to her by the Archangel Gabriel. “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” The Archangel’s reply was both comforting and yet overwhelming. “For, with God, nothing will be impossible.”And Mary’s response was the culmination of humankind’s long effort to accomplish. Mary on behalf of all humans gives the one response that is needed from all of us.Yes, Lord, I want to serve you. I do accept your offer of love. Change me so that I can be a clean vessel carrying you within me. Let the miracle of your birth in time transform mortals into timelessness.Mary’s song of bursting praise is the manifestation of a heart fi lled with gratitude and thanksgiving. As we learn from the Orthodox Study Bible, Mary knew her Scripture. The Bible was her inspiration and guide. “My soul magnifi es the Lord” was a hymn fi rst offered by Hannah who, in her advanced years, uttered this inspired prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10). It was prayed by expectant Jewish mothers for centuries.Her words echo thanksgiving and gratitude:

“He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant;

For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.

For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

And His mercy is on those who fear Himfrom generation to generation.”

Now this was not the only response that Mary could have given to the announcement from the Archangel and the words of Elizabeth.She could have said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” I really don’t want to be a spectacle carrying a child under these strange circumstances.I don’t need all that pressure on me to try to live up to some high standard that will curtail my activities, restrain my play, exercise program and entertainment. I don’t have time to raise a child. don’t have fi nancial means, for I am so over my head in debt already. I didn’t ask for this honor. Give it to someone else!Why is it always ME who is given the diffi cult problems? How come Miss ‘so and so’ gets off so easy and I am the one saddled with a child.I have so much more to experience in life before I need to take on the responsibilities of motherhood? Why poor me?”Yes, Mary could have responded in this or some other negative way, but thankfully she didn’t. She knew intuitively that a life of complaining, dissatisfaction, resentment, jealousy, grumbling and lament never brings happiness. Nor does resignation or indifference.Happiness comes not when we reluctantly accept a new situation, a burdensome challenge or diffi cult responsibility, but when we embrace it and thank God for the opportunity to grow. Mary did not simply resign herself to her fate. She saw God acting, God loving, God offering, and she whole-heartedly embraced the new reality and burst into a song of praise and thanksgiving. She found true happiness in a life fi lled with gratitude.The Theotokos, remains a model for all generations. She is the “Canon”, the Rule of Measure by which all of us are to gauge our lives.She said YES to God’s offer of love. She gratefully worshipped and thanked Him. May we be wise enough to do the same.Amen.^

Do you want to know a secret?My Soul Magnifi es The Lord

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ^ Westfield, New Jersey10 The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5

The Promise • Classifi eds

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OLYMPIANS!Thanks to our coaches for all their hard work and dedication: Mrs. Conti, Mr. John and Mr. Boutsikaris. Thanks too to Mrs. Kallinosis, advisor & Mr. & Mrs. Logus our parent chaperones! Our appreciation to Mrs. Vlahakis for coordinating the snacks! Our thanks to our parents and supporters for joining us at this event! Bravo to the efforts of all our participants but of special note are the medal winners below:

TRACK & FIELDSB 800M - SILVER - Gus Exarhakos JB 800 M - SILVER - Michael Anastasiou JG Mile - GOLD - Lauren TenczaSG 4 x100 Relay - SILVER - Elena Baurkot, Vickie Zourzoukis, Dina Savva, Helen Daifotis JB 4x100 Relay - SILVER - Michael Anastasiou, Andreas Vlahakis, Nikolas Karsos, Jonathan Savorgiannakis

JB 4 x 400 Relay - SILVER - Andreas Vlahakis, Chris Boutsikaris, George Leichtling, Nikolas KarsosMixed Relay - 4x200 - GOLD - Christina Daifotis, Jonathan Savorgiannakis, Helen Daifotis, Gus ExarhakosJG Softball Throw - GOLD - Diana Kallinosis

SWIMMINGNick Constantine SILVER – in 3 categories: SB 50 Freestyle, SB 50 Backstroke, SB 50 Butterfl y and a BRONZE in the SB 50 Breaststroke

On Monday, June 6 a senior send-off dinner was held at Chili’s in Clark. Our group had seniors and supporting youth members as well as Father Peter, parents and advisors. We laughed and reminisced, as many memories swept through all of us thinking of the journey the seniors have had through our program. The gradutates are happy, sad and excited all at the same time.

The seniors were presented with an icon to take with them as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

On Sunday June 12, the Youth held their annual 6th Grade and new member Orientation. This is an opportunity for prospective members and their parents to hear and discuss our Youth program. Thanks to Christina Kallinosis, Yiana Leichtling and Julie Exarhakos for their heartfelt thoughts and remarks about YHT.

Sunday, June 12 also began YHT and athletic team registration for the 2011 -2012 year. Please contact an advisor for the paperwork which we would like as soon as possible so the advisors can begin planning for the year.

Thanks to our youth members and the parents whose support this past year make our youth program very successful! ^

From the Advisors:

YHT

The Promise ^ July-August 2011 ^ Volume 35, Issue 5 11

PinnacleDespina (Debbie) Martin

REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®

318 Rt. 202-206, PO Box 45Bedminster, NJ 07921

Of. (908) 306-9600 x 415Fax: (908) 306-9666

Toll Free: (800) 854-3771Cell. (908) 586-1594

[email protected]

Each Offi ce Independently Owned & Operated

PARAS & PARASMETRO APPRAISALGEORGE PARAS, S.C.G.R.E.A.Appraisal/Consulting

e-mail: [email protected]

340 Main StreetMadison, NJ 07940

Tel.: 973-236-0100Fax: 908-277-3050Cell.: 201-681-5366

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Non Profi t Org.US postage

PAIDRahway, NJ

Permit No. 654

The Promise: Volume 35, Issue 5

10 issues published annually. No subscription fee.Article deadline - 10th of the preceding month

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox ChurchMetropolis ofNew Jersey

Schedule of Services

Sundays Weekdays

Orthros 8:15 AM 8:30 AM

Divine Liturgy 9:30 AM 9:30 AM

Ministries

Parish Council Ted DemetriouPhiloptochos Avi Kiriakatis

Religious Education Louis MartinEleftheria Wolff

Greek School Rita FitanidisTrinity Circle Athena Manos

TAG Barbara ArbesYouth (GOYA) Christina Philippou

JOY / HOPE Kathy MaglarasYiana LeichtlingSandy Boutsikaris

TOTS Joanne ParasBookstore Sandy Mouratoglou

Cultural Barbara ManosGreek School PTO Irene Cohen

Worship

Psaltis Pascalis KuvalakisChoir Director Kathryn Athanasoulas

Organist Phyllis VerenesHead Acolyte Chris Wolff

Office Staff

Administrative Assistant Irene PanagakosAccountant Diana R. WaltsakCaretaker Ocione Nunes

250 Gallows Hill Road ^ Westfi eld, NJ 07090Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Wait for

of the FatherPromiseThe

Contact Information

Mailing Address 250 Gallows Hill Rd.Westfi eld, NJ 07090-1109

Phone 908-233-8533

Fax 908-233-0623

E-mail [email protected]

Web site holytrinitywestfi eld.org

Presiding Priest Rev. Peter Delvizis

Priest Rev. Alexander G. Leondis

Change Service Requested