THE SPIRIT OF THANKFULNESS - Holy Trinity Voice/2017/2017_Nove… · two forms of prayer – petition and intercession – are vital. However, the prayer of thanksgiving, ... When

The Monthly Newsletter of Holy Trinity–St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

The Voice Volume : 17 Number : 11 Month : November 2017

It is natural for us to ask help from God in times of trouble and sorrow. It is also natural to plead on behalf of our loved ones. These two forms of prayer – petition and intercession – are vital. However, the prayer of thanksgiving, mentioned so often in Scripture and made so eloquently in many Psalms, must also be an essential part of our lives as Christians.

Are we truly thankful to God for His innumerable blessings and mercies toward us? Do we really feel we even have anything to be thankful for? Perhaps, amid our daily duties and struggles an occasion for gratitude seems hard to find. We may have pressing financial needs. We may encounter urgent family problems, deep personal sorrows, or concerns. We may be only too well aware of the evils of our time, or the sins of our heart. We may feel empty, weary, and isolated. The evening news, or the events in our own neighborhood, may make us feel that talk of thanking God is, at best, simple-minded and, at worst, hypocritical.

In reality, the practice of prayerful thanksgiving is essential to acquiring inner peace. Far from being simple-minded, it requires – and develops – a living faith and humility in the soul. One of the reasons God often seems far from us is simply because we do not – even will not – see Him where He is, in the daily circumstances of life He sends us.

THE SPIRIT OF THANKFULNESS

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Continued on Page 2

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The Voice November 2017

Giving thanks to God for everything in our “ordinary” lives can help us to see, at last, that nothing in our lives is really ordinary. Life is never “ordinary”. It is rather a passage from time into eternity. The circumstances that rise before us, the problems we encounter, the relationships we form, the choices we make, all ultimately concern our eternal union with or separation from God.

If we as Christians truly believe that our lives are lived under the sign of the Cross and in the light of eternity, then we must believe that God is with us in all the changing fortunes of our days. And we must also believe that despite natural disasters and human ills, evil is not finally triumphant and death is not victorious. In our lives there are no chance events, no irrational twists of empty fate, but rather the ever-present workings of a provident God, Who uses all means to lead us into the harbor of Christ.

When we begin to feel, however faintly, the truth of this, we shall find much to be grateful for. The spirit of thankfulness is a necessary part of the spiritual discipline of living in the present moment – with God – and not in the past or the future. We cannot know what will happen tomorrow, or even tonight; we cannot change what has already past. But we can be grateful today for the blessings of today – the blessing of life itself, of communion with God through prayer and the Holy Eucharist, of repentance, the healing of forgiveness. Even the small, seemingly trivial, moments in our day – the sight of a bird in the sky, the greening of a tree, the laugh of a child, the voice of a friend – speak to us of God if only we wish to hear. Everything of beauty, light, and love comes to us from Him.

In such small moments, as much as the dramatic crises in our lives, the headlong rush of time opens upon eternity. If we learn to live quietly, attentively, faithfully, in the “now” which alone truly exists for us, we shall be prepared by degrees for the “everlasting now” which awaits us after death. If we do not find and follow Christ in the present moment, we shall not recognize Him at the end of time.

Let us ask of God a grateful heart, and let us resolve to give thanks each day for the day itself and the presence of Christ in it. We give thanks to Christ Who sustains our life by His hand and gives us courage in our struggles. We offer thanks to our Lord and Savior who gives zeal to our repentance, contrition to our prayer, and stability to our labors. If only we will make the effort, we will find that giving thanks to God – even in adversity – opens our hearts to see blessings we had not thought to find.

“I will give thanks to You, O Lord, with all my heart, For You hear the words of my mouth;

And I shall sing to You in the presence of the angels.”

2017 Metropolis of Detroit Clergy-Laity Parish Honorees from Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas: Helen (Kirkikis) Cimarosti and Gus Siegel

Two members of our Parish family were honored at the recent Metropolis of Detroit Clergy Laity Conference held in Buffalo, NY. Helen (Kirkikis) Cimarosti and Gus Siegel received recognition for their contributions to the life and ministry of Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas. We thank God for their selfless and faithful service to the Parish. The brief synopses about the honorees, presented in the Conference Album, appear below. May God continue to grant them His abundant blessings!

Helen (Kirkikis) Cimarosti

Helen was born and raised in New York, her parents having immigrated from Greece. Her family moved to Shreveport, LA where Helen worked and met her husband, Eugene. Eventually, they moved to Cincinnati. Helen has been a parishioner at Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Church in Cincinnati for nearly 60 years. She was instrumental in starting an important ministry within the Parish, a ministry geared toward the toddler-aged children. Helen initiated and coordinated the nursery program. She would read stories from the Bible, provide snacks, and most importantly, shared the love of Christ. Helen played an important part in the lives of thousands. Her most cherished memory is giving hugs and getting hugs. Even though Helen “retired” from this ministry earlier in the year, she still gives and receives hugs from grandparents of children whom she had in her class so many years ago!

Gus Siegel

Gus is a native of Cincinnati and embraced the Orthodox Faith as an adult. Gus served the Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Parish in Cincinnati as the supervisor of the Acolytes for 17 years. Over that period, he taught and guided countless Altar Boys in how to assist at the Divine Services of the Church. Moreover, Gus provided an example of service and dedication to Christ and His Church. He is beloved and respected by all the Altar Boys who served with him. While Gus “retired” from this ministry at the end of 2016, he continues to serve on occasion.

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Inside this Issue:

The Spirit of Thankfulness.................. 1

Clergy–Laity Honorees........................ 2

President’s Message.......................... 3

Community Christmas Concert........... 3

Pastoral Post-Its................................. 4

Parish Announcements ..................... 4

Transitions......................................... 5

Parish Ministries & Organizations....... 6

Youth Ministries................................. 7

Greek Team Thank You....................... 7

Friends of the Metropolis................... 8

Baking Prosphora............................... 9

Stewardship Message & List .............. 10

Holiday Outreach Ministry.................. 13

Parish Calendar ................................. 14

Church Information ........................... 15

Community Christmas Card................ 16

SAVE THE DATE

FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS

COMMUNITY CONCERT

To benefit the Good Shepherd Pantry Christmas Outreach

Sunday, December 3 - Concert at 7:00 pm

Champagne and holiday dessert reception at 8:00 pm

The concert will be held in our Church sanctuary featuring a Byzantine Brass quintet, a Vocal Ensemble of local professional singers

performing selections from Byzantine and Baroque traditions, and an old fashion Christmas Carol sing-a-long led by our own choir.

This event is free and open to all Church Community members, families, and guests.

In lieu of an admission ticket, we ask that you bring a generous donation of non-perishable canned goods and a free-will offering

to support our Christmas outreach. The following items are particularly encouraged: canned corn, canned green beans, box of

mashed potatoes, canned chicken or turkey gravy, canned cranberry sauce, canned mixed fruit or fruit cocktail, box of corn or

other type of bread.

Parish Council President's Message by Nick L. Sarakatsannis

Dear Parish Family, Happy Forthcoming Thanksgiving! I would like to thank those parish family members for attending the Fall General Assembly meeting. It takes leaders like yourselves to maintain the best interests in running and maintaining our facility (home).

By now everyone should have received their Stewardship packets in the mail. Please take the time to read and fill out as much information as possible. There are so many ways you can fulfill Stewardship needs and become more involved in our Parish and its many ministries. I consider Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church my home, and to those who tirelessly continue to devote their time, talent and treasure, I want to personally thank you for allowing me to have a place I can call home.

THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Hurricane Relief effort. With your help, we raised $5,400 from our parishioners and organizations. The Parish Council has decided to match that donation, raising our parish contribution to $10,800. If you were not able to make a donation during the drive, please visit the IOCC website (www.iocc.org) and you can make a direct contribution.

Sincerely, Nick L. Sarakatsannis

https://www.iocc.org

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Parish Announcements

Benjamin Alexander Pohlmann was born on September 20th, 2017 to proud parents Elliot and Nicoletta (Frankenstein) Pohlmann. Proud grandparents are George and Christine Frankenstein, and proud great-grandparents are Kosta and Tina Petropoulos. To: The Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Parish Family

Recently I was named to be a Parish Honoree at the Metropolis Clergy-Laity in Buffalo, NY. Metropolitan NICHOLAS and the Metropolis Council recognized my service to our Parish at the Grand Banquet on September 29th. I thank Fr. Mark, Parish Council and all involved for their support and recommendation.

Thank you again, Gus Siegel

Pastoral Post - Its The Nativity Fast

The Christmas Advent period is upon us once again, as the Fast for the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ begins on November 15th. During this fasting period, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Incarnation of the Word of God. The Lord Jesus comes to us, taking upon Himself our human nature, to offer us Life. While Jesus remains present today, this period offers a more vivid awareness of this presence. Our awareness of Him does not lie in the holiday decorations, festive gatherings and melodious carols. It shows forth in the hymns and worship of the Church. It shows forth through our spiritual attentiveness to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It shows forth in our daily reading of the Scriptures. It shows forth when we approach, in humility and with a repentant heart, the Sacrament of Confession. It shows forth as we draw near with the fear of God, faith, and love to receive Holy Communion. This season offers us a new opportunity to contemplate on the mystery of His coming. We ready ourselves to meet Jesus, our Savior, at the humble setting of a cave. He lays in a manger among beasts and straw. In this great act, God manifests His great humility and limitless love. We use this season of the Nativity Fast to focus on our spiritual life, emulating as best we are able that humility and love. The Lord is coming to us and for us! Are we ready to meet and see Him? Are we prepared to welcome Him anew into our lives and our very selves? Our joy is not just to “recount” the Christmas story. Our joy emanates from the truth of Christ’s intimate relationship with humanity. God is with us! We prepare our abode (body and soul) for Him to enter! May we embark on the Nativity Fast with a joyful heart, preparing to meet the Lord Who comes to redeem us! Note: The Nativity Fast is not as strict as is Great and Holy Lent. Unlike Great Lent, the Divine Liturgy may be celebrated on Feast Days of the Saints. Additionally, the Sacrament of Marriage may be celebrated through mid-December. The spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving remain a central part of our preparation. Additionally, the Church calls her faithful to the Sacrament of Confession. You may contact Fr. Mark at the church office to make an appointment for Holy Confession. During the Fast, he will be available to make appointments through Friday, December 22nd.

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Transitions

Baptisms:

Neophyte: Judah Henry-Phillip Father: John P. Schomaker

Mother: Suzanne M. (Schoemaker) Schomaker Sponsor: Peter Spanorigas

October 14, 2017

Adult Baptism:

Neophyte: Erin Marie (Irene) Barker Sponsor: Victor Vidas

October 10, 2017

Weddings:

Groom: James A. Betas Bride: Erin M. Barker Sponsor: Paul Misali

October 14, 2017

Groom: Ryan Harner Bride: Melissa Pennell

Sponsor: Nicholas Harner October 21, 2017

Funerals:

† August “Gus” Kurlas, age 93, September 22, 2017 † Alta Photos, age 89, September 25, 2017 † Taxiarhis Tsoras, age 68, October 3, 2017 † Pearl Spyridon, age 91, October 4, 2017

Neophyte: James Aristotle Father: Gregory Wehner

Mother: Eleni (Tassopoulos) Wehner Sponsor: Stacy (Tassopoulos) Weis

September 23, 2017

Neophyte: George Thomas Father: James Donohue

Mother: Eli (Pappas) Donohue Sponsor: Katherine Kostopoulos

September 24, 2017

Neophyte: Walter (Constantine) Father: Brandon Sullivan Mother: Dena Krondilou

Sponsor: Samantha Stafford October 7, 2017

Neophyte: George Father: Michael Bikas

Mother: Anna (Varypatakis) Bikas Sponsor: James A. Betas

October 8, 2017

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Parish Ministries and Organizations

OVER FIFTY CLUB…Ann Jonson

Everyone enjoyed the luncheon at Parkers Blue Ash Tavern. The food was great. We also welcomed another new mem-ber. Welcome Ike Misali! Our sympathy to the family of Alta Photos. She had four daughters, Karen Cook, Kathleen, Kristina and Pauline, and nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was a member of Over 50’s for many years. We lit a candle in her memory. Memory eternal! Our sympathy to Barbara Schooley and family on the loss of her sister, Kay Dardoufas from Richmond, Va. Memory eternal! We lost another past member, Pearl Spyridon, on Septem-ber 26. Our sympathy to her son, Tim (Kim) Spyridon, sister, Anne Chernin and to her grandchildren and great grandchil-dren. She was a member up until the year 2013. May she rest in peace. We lit a candle in her memory. The next time we meet will be at Church for our Thanksgiv-ing luncheon on November 18.

Mothers Club has been very excited to welcome several

new moms to our group this fall. It is exciting to see our

group growing! We would like to thank everyone for your

generous support of our October bake sale and for attend-

ing our Halloween Carnival. The children had a blast with a

juggler, stilt walker, magic show, balloon animals, and other

carnival fun. We have a frappe sale coming up on Novem-

ber 12th, so plan on stopping by for a frappe after church!

PHILOPTOCHOS…Carrie Petrou

Our thoughts and prayers have been with those affected by Hurricane Harvey, Irma & Maria in the aftermath of these powerful Hurricanes. We know our donations have made a difference and we are so thankful to all who have contribut-ed in helping those in need. We need to continue to keep all those impacted by the Hurricanes in our prayers. October was a busy month for Philoptochos. It was “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, the “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” & City Gospel Mission gatherings. I hope you were able to be a part of at least one of these events. Sunday, November 12th, Philoptochos is happy to invite all active duty military and veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces and their families to celebrate Veterans Day 2017. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend Liturgy to be recognized by our Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church family. We appreciate your service, dedication & sacrifice. We hope to see you there.

ST. SOPHIA MOTHERS CLUB…Amanda Kontopos

DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE…Vera Manolakas

Meetings can be more than just business. Our October

meeting was just that. After the brief meeting, we played a

type of trivial pursuit based on the old and new testaments.

It was a lot of fun trying to connect the saints to specific

events or events to names.

We are well underway with our baklava sale. The 7 x 5 trays

are $17; 12 x 9 are $40; 19 x 10 are $80. Orders need to be

in by November 15. You may stop by after church to place

an order; email us at [email protected];

call Vera at 513-247-0011 or Tina at 513-451-8855; or mail

your order to the church to Daughters of Penelope, 7000

Winton Road, Cincinnati, OH 45224. Our pans make won-

derful gifts, as well as one less dessert that you need to

make for the holidays. Thanksgiving delivery will be Novem-

ber 19. Please call Vera if you need to make special arrange-

ments for pickup. As always, we appreciate your support.

We wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving with family and

friends and, for those who will travel, a safe journey.

Our next meeting is November 12th where you can hear more about the upcoming things that are planned. We try to keep our meetings short & sweet – as life gets busy for all of us. Baking sessions are already underway for our Sweet Treat Sale in December. One gets a sense of belonging & purpose - when you take an active role in helping. Our door is always open to welcome you at any time. We’d love to see you at our next meeting.

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Youth Ministries By Mr. Nick Tzetzis

Overflowing with Thanksgiving

There’s a glass sitting on the table, and it’s 50% full of water. Is it half full or half empty? You’ve probably heard that how you see the glass says what kind of person you are. If you see the glass as half-full, you’re an optimist, and if you see the glass as half-empty, you’re a pessimist.

What if we fill that glass all the way? I think we can all agree that it would be full. No one would say it’s “not empty.” But what if we pour more water into the glass when it’s full? What happens then? It overflows, of course. The glass can’t grow itself to hold more water. A glass can’t be 110% full. The extra water pours out over the lip of the glass and onto the table.

Sometimes in life we see our glass as half full when we understand that God has blessed us with so much, and other times we understand our glass as half empty when life is difficult and we’re afraid of the future, but more often than not, our glass is really overflowing. We’re filled with good things throughout our lives – loving families, friends, a close-knit church community, bountiful food and warm homes. Our glasses overflow.

So what can we do with a glass that is overflowing? Pour it out into others, of course. And what does this mean for our lives? It means that when we are filled with good things, we must share those with others.

At this time of year, there are so many opportunities to truly give thanks to God by sharing the gifts we have received with others. The easiest and most obvious is to respond to the call to fill our parish food pantry so that it is overflowing. Right now, there is a need for cold cereals, canned chicken, vegetable oil, flour, sugar, jelly, ready-to-eat meals, canned vegetables, chunky soups and canned fruits as well as frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving.

Giving isn’t just about materials, though. We can truly give thanks by sharing the love of God with others. This is much harder to do, but we can start by getting to know someone who we’ve seen before but never talked to, making up with people we have been fighting with, inviting old friends and distant family to be a bigger part of our lives, and spending more time at church thanking God next to our Church family.

During this season of thanks, let’s truly overflow with thanksgiving for all God has given us.

Upcoming Youth Events

HOPE & JOY’s schedule for the upcoming months has been announced. Please mark the following dates/topics:

Thursday, November 2: Fruits of the Spirit: Peace Thursday, December 7: Fruits of the Spirit: Patience Thursday, January 4: Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness

GOYA has a meeting on November 5 and their annual International Luncheon on Sunday, November 19.

THE “GREEK TEAM” THANKS YOU

It’s hard to believe, but “The Greek Team” has been a part of the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest fund raiser, The Walk to End Alz-heimer’s, for sixteen years! With your help, this year’s team raised over $3,000, our highest total ever! The Walk is an event that draws thousands of participants, with a goal of raising $1,000,000 locally. Ten enthusiastic Greek Team walkers enjoyed the warm sunshine of a beautiful October morning and a pleasant three mile walk along the river. Your donations help to advance re-search into prevention, treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. For those already affected by the disease, the Associa-tion offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide. The Team would like to thank the ladies of Philopto-chos for their continued sponsorship and all parishioners who donated so generously to this worthwhile cause.

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The Privilege of Baking Prosphora

Of all the things that we can do, the most essential are worshipping God and offering Him our prayer and thanksgiving. Having the opportunity to make Prosphora helps us in a focused way to worship, pray and offer thanksgiving. When we make Prosphora, which means offering or bringing, we are actively offering back to God, that which He has given us; and through the making of the bread we also offer thanksgiving, prayer and worship.

We offer thanksgiving by realizing that everything comes from God. The wheat, the salt, the yeast, the water and everything else we are blessed with, including our utensils, pans and ovens; without which we could not make our

bread offering. We offer thanksgiving for having the willingness, the opportunity, the strength and the forcefulness to make the bread even when we are busy or tired, because it requires our will aligning with God’s will as an intentional, sacrificial response to do so.

We are offering prayer as we are making the bread. “Please Lord, help me to focus on You and what you have offered to me and all of humanity through this bread which will become your Body. Please Lord God, receive this bread from these unworthy hands which struggle to do any good thing on this earth. Please Lord, cover my sins as I am making this bread which will become your sinless Body. Please Lord Jesus, help me to knead in my love for you and that of my family, as we ever more deeply realize our great and endless need for You.”

We worship God through our willingness to glorify Him by preparing our Prosphora and offering it on behalf of ourselves, our family, and our entire church family. We worship God by acknowledging Him as Lord King and God, our Savior and Redeemer, our Light and Life. We worship God through our offering of the Prosphora themselves, because they would not be necessary if it were not for His sacrificial love and outpouring of Himself on the Cross for the salvation of myself, my family, my church family and for all of humanity.

The placing of the Prosphora on the Paten is not just the bread my family is offering on behalf of the entire congregation, it is the bread that will be used for those faithful living and for those departed. The bread that is being offered will be used to offer the Lamb, the Holy Oblation. And, with the Lamb, an offering of the bread for the Theotokos, the Heavenly Host, all the Saints and all of the Kingdom on both sides of this life. The bread we bake and offer becomes the Lord’s Body and with the wine that is offered becoming His Blood, the Holy Chalice will contain our God and our Salvation! The very Body and Blood of Christ, will be given individually, by name, to each person who offers themselves before Christ Jesus as they approach the Holy Chalice.

And finally, the Prosphora we offer will allow the Priest of our Holy Orthodox Church to celebrate the Divine Liturgy; for without the bread we bake and offer, he could not celebrate the Divine Liturgy.

~ A Prosphora Baker

Source: http://stjohngoc.org/resources/parish-cookbook/liturgical-recipes/the-privilege-of-baking-prosphora/

Thank You… To all who attended the funeral and cemetery seminar last month. Your great questions brought helpful answers to those in attendance.

Just imagine trying to plan a wedding in about four days. That’s what arranging cemetery property and a funeral can be like if you don’t plan ahead. With Spring Grove Cemetery and Funeral Homes, I am here to guide your family, and provide them options. Whether you are planning now… so future burdens are not placed on the ones you love, locking in current pricing, or when your faced with a death that forces you to make arrangement right away… let us help.

We have been serving the Greek community for generations. Call me, and let my 26+ years experience be a resource for you, your family, and friends.

“…When it Simply Matters Most” Mike Leaf Advanced Planning, Licensed Family Service Advisor Spring Grover Cemetery and Funeral Homes Oak Hill Cemetery

[email protected] 853 - 1027

http://stjohngoc.org/resources/parish-cookbook/liturgical-recipes/#prosforo

http://stjohngoc.org/resources/parish-cookbook/liturgical-recipes/the-privilege-of-baking-prosphora/

mailto:[email protected]

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Stewardship Message By Justin Bates

Dear Fellow Parishioners, Hopefully you have received in the mail the brochure and letter for the 2018 Stewardship Campaign. If you have not received it, please contact the Church Office, and one will be mailed out to you. We will be having a special Stewardship Sunday on November 19th. Please take some time and make a prayerful consideration of your Stewardship Offering for 2018. If you have not already mailed in your pledge or made a pledge online, please bring your pledge cards (the brochures) with you on that Sunday. We will also have stewardship cards available in church that day. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Mark will invite you forward to place your pledge card in a special basket. We will offer a prayer, as a Parish family, to God, Whom we ask to bless our stewardship offering. Please discuss with your siblings, cousins, children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews the vital importance of Stewardship. We appreciate your continued support of the Parish Ministries by offering your Time, Talent and Treasure. Should you, or anyone in your extended family have any questions, please feel free to contact Fr. Mark or the members of the Parish Council. In His Service, Justin

Aamodt, Peter & Karen Adinamis, George & Robyn Akroush, Mike & Kathy Anastasiou, Demetra Andreadis, Paul Andreadis, Sophie S. Andrews, Evan & Terry Apalodimas, Maria Apostolides, Vasso A. Argeros, Aristea Arvanetes, Gregory & Sandra Ashcraft, Nick & Anne Assaley, Lewis & Patricia Bakiri, Keti & Andrew Murray Baloglou, Janet Bates, Justin Batsakes, George P. Batsakes, Stephanie Batsakis, Chris & Lydia Batsakis, Pantelis & Eleni Beish, Andrew Beish, Karen Belitsos, George P. & Peter Q. Wolfe Beltsos, Paul & Jeanna Bender, Christina E. Bender, Robert & Kathy

2017 Stewardship List Through 10-20-17

Berling, Ben & Jennifer Bertok, Christina Betas, Dimitrios & Erin Betas, Jim K. & Stephanie Betas, Maria Bikas, George M. & Anna Bikas, Michael & Anna Bikas, Nick & Nicole Bilionis, Angela Borcoman, Tate & Nicole Borod, Gloria Bottomley, Stephen & Stephanie Boumis, Peter & Kimberly Bouras, Anna Bridges, Herstle & Mena Brown, Mary Brown, William & George-Ann† Bugitzedes, Marian Bujnoch, Digger & Lindsay Caddell, Chris & Eleni Callos, Thomas & Patricia Callos, Triffon & Stacey Campbell, Corey & Stacy Caneris, Adonis & Ana Maria Caneris, Anthony & Antoinette Caneris, Dr. Onassis A.

Caneris, Thomas & Joanna Cantrell, Katerina Cardullias, Dr. Peter & Elaine Carumpalos, Constantine Cassis, Eli & Christine Chachoff, Nada Chantilas, James & Dr. Lydia Chapas, Lefty Charnas, Terry & Koula Christman, Carl & Becky Christofield, Angeliki Christoforou, Mario & Venetia Christon, Angelos & Deanna Christopher, Spiro & Olga Christopoulos, Vassiliki Christos, Mary J. Chryssovergis, Chris & Cara Cimarosti, Helen Claffie, Sean & Angela Colak, Tony & Joan Colyer, Jeff & Laura Colyer, Keith & Diane Condorodis, Anestis J. & Janeen D. Condorodis, Dr. Constandinos J. & Carolyn Cook, Barbara Cook, Karen

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Crawford, Jonathan & Sharon Dalambakis, Chris & Judy Dargis, Melody & David Denas, George & Eugenia Denas, Theodota Diaz, Chris & Stephanie Donohue, James & Eli Doukas, Alexander Dunlap, Andrew Economacos, Demetrios & Christine Economacos, Eleni Economacos, Tom & Jennifer Economakis, Tina Edgington, Paul & Mary Lou Elias, Nick Elias, Tom & Tina Emroll, Fr. Mark & Presvytera Ginny Ernst, James H. & Sue Evangelou, Sofia Favatella, Nathan & Allison Fawcett, Tracy & Jessica Fekkos, Haralambos & Loella Ann Fielden, Brad & Tricia Fillios, Alexandra Fillios, Elias & Mary Fillios, Nicholas & Amy Fillios, Philip & Sherry Firman, Nancy & Jerry Fotopoulos, Christine Francis, Dean & Kathy Frangowlakis, Thomas Frankenstein, George & Christine Franklin, Gari Freeman, Maria Fritz, Christine Furkas, Lisa Furkas, Rebecca Gaier, Dean Gaier, Jeff & Chris Anne Galanes, George Gallagher, Sean & Marina Gardner, Michael & Kara Gaskins, Mark & Kristin Gaz, Georgianne Gaz, William “Buzzy” Gelis, Anna Gelis, James & Kathy Georgakopoulos, Konstantinos & Angeliki Georges, Peter & Anna Georgeton, Bill & Mary Jane Georgeton, Chris P. & Barbara Georgeton, John C. & Ann Georgeton, John P. & Kimberly Georgeton, Peter C. Georgeton, Peter T. & Nancy Georgiou, Dean Georgiou, George & Maria Georgiton, Nick & Kristy Georgostathis, Gus & Connie Georgostathis, Gus & Eleni Georgostathis, James & Lillian Georgostathis, Maria Georgoulakis, Athanasios & Sofia Geromes, Alexander Gerros, Mary Ghiz, Leslie Ghizas, John† Gionnette, Lena & Mike Giovis, Chris A. & Jean M.

Glaser, Brian & Stella Grammas, James & Tasia Grammas, Mary Grammas, Nick & Katherine Grammas, Pam Grammas, Paul & Denise Grammas, Peter & Panagiota Greene, David Greene, Maria Greene, Suellen Gregory, Dean & Hedy Gregory, Matula Gregory, Thomas & Pamela Gregory, Victoria Hackman, Daniel & Kelly Hadzivrettas, George M. & Soultana Haralamos, George & Eleni Haralamos, Mike G. & Akrivi Harner, Ryan and Melissa Pennell Hayden, Jason & Rebecca Herrmann, Stacy & Dennis Hill, Ann “Tasha” Hodges, Nick & Millie Hodson, Thomas Hollister, Carl & Cynthia Humbert, DeDe & Randy Humbert, Stephen Iatrides, Steve & Christina Kutsubu Iliopoulos, Ilias & Vasilia Ioannides, Tasos & Anna Johnson, John & Antigone Jones, Demus J. & Betty Jones, James A. & Jo Ann Jonson, Alexander & Ann Jonson, Chris C. & Loy Jonson, George N. & Sophia Jonson, James G. & Thelma Jonson, Patricia J. Kahle, John & Nickie Kalemanis, Gary & Maria Kalemanis, George & Nikki Kalomeres, Carol Kalomeres, George C.

Kambelos, John P. & Erato Kambelos, Dr. Peter J. Kanaris, Christos Kanaris, Kostantinos & Katy Kanelopoulos, Bill Kanelos, Dino & Julie Kanelos, John K. & Christine Kaniaris, Eleni Kaniaris, John & Idalia Kappas, James P. Karageorge, Dimitri & Athena Karakatsani, Marianthi Karampas, George & Diane Karas, Adrian Karas, Bill J. & Lynn Karas, Ted & Dixie Karras, Giorgio & Erene Kasidonis, John & Tina Katsanis, Claire C. Katsanis, James & Diane Katsaounis, Nick & Fay Kavouras, George & Fran Kehayes, Peggy Kehayes, William & Melissa Kellaris, Dr. James & Janice Kelley, Michael & Pauline Kereiakes, James† & Helen Kessis, Nick Kessis, Paul Kevin, Patrick & Diane Kindle, Jeffrey & Belinda Kissopoulos, Nick & Effy Kladakis, John & Teddi Kontopos, Pete & Katerina Kontopos, Vagelis & Amanda Kontsis, George & Melissa Koros, Kostas & Dina Korvessis, Anthony & Georgia Lydia Koskinaris, Athanasios & Helen Kostopoulos, Christos & Erin Kostopoulos, Dina Kostopoulos, Katherine

12 | Page


Kostopoulos, Nikolaos & Dana Kostopoulos, Tom & Rose Kougios, Michael & Alice Koutsogiannis, Gus & Cathy Kranias, George & Litsa Kranias, Stratos & Amanda Kritikos, Maria† Kunkemoeller, Thomas & Janice Kurlas, Louise T. Kurlas, Peter & Lori Kyrios, Irini Kyrios, Lillian Kyrios, Tassos & Maria Lagos, Tom & Matina Lambrinides, Nicholas & Diane Lambrinides, Ted & Kim Lambrinides, Thomas J. & Mary Ann Landando, James & Yvonne Landers, Lauren Lazares, Gus J. Lazares, John K. & Patricia Leon, Gus A. & Kathryn LesChander, Scott & Alexandra Leslie, Wayne & Peggy Levenderis, Bill & Jill Liston, Robert & Eleni Loukoumidis, George & Stacey Lustig, Elaine & Lowell Lysko, Bob & Stacy Makris, George J. & Katherine Makris, Pete & Haudi Makris, Thomas & Ellen Makrozahopoulos, Dimitrios & Joanna Maleas, Pete C. & Pearl Mangopoulos, Debra & Nicholas Manolakas, Alexander & Vera Marinakis, Bill D. & Evonne Marinakis, George D. & Eleni Marinakis, Panagiota Maris, George & Tricia Masella, Ron & Christine Mavridoglou, Anthony & Janette Mavridoglou, George & Penny Mavridoglou, Konstantinos Mavridoglou, Michael & Laura Mavridoglou, Nicholas & Jessica McCullough, Ryan & Kathryn McGlason, Sophia McHugh, Dustin & Alicia McKay, Betty Jo McKay, Phil & Chris McLeish, David & Kiki McNulty, Robin & Melanie Megois, Lee S. & Stephanie Menkhaus, Alex & Jenja Menkhaus, David & Natalie Merianos, Andy & Lesley Merianos, Ted Meyer, Andy & Maria Mikesell, Marco & Aphrodite Mirkopoulos, Nicholas Mirkos, Marilyn Mirkos, Steve & Edyta Misali, A. J. "Ike" Misali, John P. & Deborah Misali, Mary Jean Misali, Paul J. & Christina Mohler, David & Angel Mokas, Mary

Morgan, Paul & Mary Morris, John & Christine† Mortensen, Danny & Cheryl Moulas, Dean & Catherine Moyer, Gabe & Maria Muennich, Sam & Melissa Murray-Nikias, Stella P. Nakos, Eva Bruhn Nakos, Theofanis Naser, Jacoub & Dina Neuendorf, David & Patricia Neuendorf, Matthew Nicholas, Eugene & Cindy Nicholas, George & Eugenia Nicholas, Nick & Helen Nicholas, Zachary & Nikolia Nichols, Ron & Philanthy Nikias, Charles P. & Vicki Nikias, Vasilia Nitsis, Dimitrius & Leisa Nourtsis, Sam & Alexandra Nyktas, George W. O'Neill, Brian & Stephanie Orphanos, Peter & Angela Pagdadis, Sotiris & Stephanie Palassis, Nick & Maria Paliobagis, Vasiliki Palioyras, George Panagiotidis, Pantelis & Anastasia Panagis, Nick & Maria Panos, Aphrodite Pantel, Nicholas J. Paolucci, Anthony & Angie Papaioannou, Thomas & Mary Papakirk, James & Maria Paparodis, Bess Papas, James & Demetra Papasavvas, Nektarios & Sally Papathanas, Allison Papathanas, Harry & Joyce Papathanas, Katherine Papathanas, Mary Kay Pappas, Steven & Jolene Parsenios, Lewis G. Parthenakis, Dr. Nicholas & Angie Pascal, Betsy† Pascal, James Pastroumas, Evgenia Pavlakis, George & Suzanne Payiatis, Paul & Patricia Perdikakis, Constance Perdikakis, Gus C. Perdikakis, Gus G. & Jo Ann Perdikakis, Lynn Peters, Claire Petkos, Joannis & Christina Petrou, Evey Petrou, James & Carrie Phillips, Joshua & Katherine Pilipovich, George & Cynthia Polen, Stephanie & Joe Politis, Michael & Carmen Polychroniou, Constantine & Christina Poneris, Constantinos & Tara Poneris, Kosta & Christine Poneris, Nikitas & Rena Ponticos, George D. Ponticos, Greg & Pamela Ponticos, Koula

Poplos, Theodore & Stephanie Prasinos, Jim & Nicki Prasinos, Zoe Priest, Daniel & Christina Proffitt, Steve & Laurie Psihountakis, Manouso & Anastasia Psihountas, Mary Quill, Kevin & Mary Raptis, James & Maria Redmon, Fr. William & Presvytera Elizabeth Retzios, Thomas L. & Angela Riber, Sam & Filio Richardson, Josh & Nicole Riemann, Christopher & Blanca Rigas, Athanasios & Aphrodite Ringness, Jeffrey & Angelique Robbins, Jamie Rodish, Peter & Sue Rogozinski, Athena & Wayne Romanos, Michael & Carla Rombes, Maria Rombes, Tom & Angie Rombis, Petros & Sofia Romero, Evangelia & Eric Peck Rose, Marvin & Chrysoula Saba, Youhana Sajkich, Steven Sakellariou, Eleni Z. Sakellariou, Maria B. Sakelos, Irene Sakelos, James Sakelos, John & Kathleen Sakelos, Maria & Mitchell Elliott Sakelos, Timothy & Nicole Sampson, Alexandra & Justin Beck Sampson, Michael G. & Roxanne Sampson, Tony & Mary Ann Sansalone, Anthony & Angeleke Sansone, Craig & Susanna Sarakatsannis, Calista Sarakatsannis, George & Marie Sarakatsannis, Nicholas J. & Vicki Sarakatsannis, Nicholas L. & Carla Sarakatsannis, Panny Sarakatsannis, Spiros N. Sarlis, Nikolaos & Vaseleke Sarros, George H. Sarros, Harry J. Sarros, John H. Scarvelli, Rodney & Melissa Schlimm, Joshua & Katina Schmitz, Thomas & Cathy Schneider, Elizabeth R. Schoemaker, Henry & Georgia Schomaker, Suzanne & John Schooley, Barbara Schuler, Bill & Julie Schulte, Nick & Ianthe Schultz, James & Sarah Schutter, Michael & Lynne Sebastian, Chrisanthy Seremetis, Afrodite K. Seremetis, Cleopatra Seremetis, Stratin & Marjory Siambekos, Steve T. & Laura R. Sias, Georgios N. & Kathy Sideris, Danny & Amy Sideris, Mina

13 | Page


Sideris, Nick & Jane Siegel, August C. Simos, Mary Sims, Penelope & Robert Siouris, Andrea Sittloh, Joel & Paula Snider, Luke & Dacia Snyder, Milan & Elaine Soulas, Angelo & Eleni Soulas, Konstantinos & Patricia Spanorigas, Nicholas & Becky Spanos, Van & Litsa Sparks, Ryan & Sophia Sperelakis, Dolores Sperelakis, Sophia Sperelakis, Thomas A. Spirtoff, John & Vicki Stacey, Christine Stallard, Samantha Stamatakos, Dino & Diamanto Stamatakos, Gus & Vivi Stamatakos, Stratis Stamatakos, Tom & Becky Stanifer, Randy & Eleni Stathis, Angelos & Aspasia Stathis, Lee & Evie Stavrakis, Christine P. Stavros, Cathy Stefanopoulos, Andrew & Carol Stenger, Lauren & Doug Stephan, Charles M. Stephan, George Stephan, Melinda Stephan, Michael Steppe, Greg & Ellene Stergiopoulos, Janis

Stergiopulos, Anna Stergiopulos, Nick & Corey Storch, Mark & Angela Storgion, James & Terry Strain, Richard & Katherine Strike, Louis Stringas, Emanuel Stroplos, Gus Suhar, Sylvia Sullivan, Brandon & Kostendena Krondilou Takacs, Daniel & Evie Tassopoulos, Michael & Ritsa Thomakos, Artemis Toleski, Steve & Tatsa Tremoulis, John N. & Sunday Trennepohl, Mike & Tina Trester, Ron & Maria Triantafillou, Nicholas & Melissa Triantafillou, Tilemahos Triantafilou, Alex & Jennifer Triantafilou, George & Eleni Triantafilou, Nicholas P. & Lenna Triantafilou, Peter J. & Miranda Triantafilou, Rita Trivett, Michael & Matina Tsacalis, William & Marie Tsocaris, Jennifer Turner, Kent & Carolyn Tzetzis, Mr. Nick & Ivey Valcarcel, John & JoAnne Vardaka, Marianna Varnell, Charles & Krista Vasiliou, Demetrios & Gloria Vassil, William J. Vassiliou, Alex & Soula Vassiliou, Helen

Vessey, Lenie Vidas, Angelis & Evridiki Vidas, Cynthia Vidas, Ethel Vidas, Evangelia P. Vidas, Michael T. Vidas, Ted & Zoe Vlahakis, Tom & Carol Vlahopoulos, Helen Vollhardt III, Arthur & AnnaMarie Watson, Douglas & Akrivi Weckenbrock, Michael & Elizabeth Wehner, Gregory & Eleni Weis, Daniel & Anastasia Weisenborn, Cary & Maria Williams, Jay Williamson, Mark A. & Karen Wilson, Wallace & Michelle Witt, Alan J. & Bessie Zaferes, Eleni Zaferes, Katherine (Tina) Zaferes, Patricia J. Zaferes, Patricia P. Zaferes, Peter T. Zaferes, Toula Zagorianos, Emanuel & Eleni Zagorianos, Kristos & Kathy Zaharopoulos, Dimitra Zeilman, John & Anna Zigoris, Mark & Irene Zolotas, Pete & Papy Zulia, Peter & Linda

Holiday Outreach Program

For Thanksgiving, we will distribute frozen turkeys to all of the families that sign up. We anticipate more than 350. As we did last year, we will not distribute a meal package. Our goal for this Ministry is to ensure that anyone who comes in and signs up prior to distribution will receive a turkey. We are asking for parish-ioners to bring in 14-16 lb frozen turkeys. We can start receiving donations now. Our goal is to have at least 350 turkeys in our freezer by Friday, November 17th. Distribution will be on Monday, November 20th. Help is needed on distribution day. If you can assist, please contact the Church Office.

For Christmas, we will distribute a full meal to all of the families that sign up. The meal will consist of the items listed below. We need at least 350 of each item. We will start collecting for Christmas on November 1st. Shelving will be set up in the gym to re-ceive donations. All frozen pies should be put in the walk-in freezer. All hams should be put in the walk-in refrigerator. Please make sure you check the expiration date on all ham donations. The deadline for all Christmas donations is Sunday, December 17th. Distribution will be on Wednesday, December 20th. Help is needed on distribution day. If you can assist, please contact the Church Office.

Ham (8-10 lbs.) – cooked, preferred Boxed mashed potatoes (26 oz.)

Canned turkey or chicken gravy (15 oz.) Cranberry sauce (15 oz.)

Canned mixed fruit or fruit cocktail (15 oz.) Canned vegetables (15 oz.)

Boxes of Jiffy corn bread (8.5 oz)

Frozen fruit pies – pre-baked, preferred

November 2017 For the most updated Calendar, visit www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal

2

6:30 pm JOY/HOPE Activity

3

4

5

8:15 am Matins 9:30 am Divine Liturgy

Philoptochos Mtg. GOYA Fellowship

Daylight Savings Time Ends

6

7

7:00 pm DOP Mtg.

8

The Holy Archangels Michael & Gabriel 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal

9 St. Nektarios the Wonderworker

8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

10

Church Office

Closed

11

Veterans Day

12


Honoring Our Veterans

13

14

6:30 p.m. AHEPA Thanksgiving Dinner

15

Nativity Fast Begins 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal

16

6:00 pm Parish Council Dinner & Mtg.

17

Deadline for Turkey Donations

18

12:00 pm Over Fifty Lunch

19

Stewardship Sunday


Parish Council Election

GOYA International Luncheon

20

9:00 am -2:00 pm Turkey Distribution

21

The Entrance of the Theotokos 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

22


23

Thanksgiving Church Office Closed

24

Church Office Closed

25 St. Katherine the Great Martyr 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

26


27

28

29


30

St. Andrew the Apostle 8:30 a.m. Matins and Divine Liturgy

15 | Page


Clergy Presiding Priest: Rev. Father Mark Emroll

Staff Pastoral Assistant: Mr. Nick Tzetzis

Parish Administrator: Eugene Nicholas

Building Maintenance Technician: Craig Sansone

Parish Ministries and Organizations

Philoptochos Society: Carrie Petrou, President

Parish Choir: Janice Kellaris, Director

Cantors: Louis Kapourales, James Raptis, Philanthy Nichols

Altar Boys: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis

Sunday Church School: Religious Education Team, Peter Aamodt, Chairman

Greek School: Alexandros Laftsidis, Director

GOYA: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick, GOYA Ministry Team

HOPE and JOY Groups: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis,

Ministry Team

Mothers Club: Sally Papasavvas, President

AHEPA: Nicholas L. Sarakatsannis, President

Daughters of Penelope: Patricia Neuendorf, President

Over 50s Club: Ann Jonson, President

Adult Religious Education: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis

Outreach/Samaritan Fund: Father Mark Emroll, Mr. Nick Tzetzis,

Eugene Nicholas

The Good Shepherd Food Pantry: Stephanie Diaz, Maria Freeman,

Mary Morgan, Elaine Snyder, Matina Trivett Agios Demetrios Society: Jim Grammas, Maria Panagis

PANEGYRI: Eugene Nicholas, Chris Chryssovergis

Parish Bookstore: Christina Polychroniou

Office Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Worship Schedule: Matins, 8:15 am; Divine Liturgy, 9:30 am

Other Services as scheduled.

Our Mission

THE VOICE is the official monthly

newsletter of Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas

Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati,

Ohio. Our Parish was founded in 1907

and serves Orthodox Christians

throughout the tri-state area. Our mis-

sion is to reach out to all members of

the Community by providing relevant

information on the religious, spiritual

and cultural life of the Parish; news on

the accomplishments of Parish mem-

bers and organizations, and editorial

points of view.

The next deadline for submitting

news to the "Voice" is

November 5, 2017

Submissions can be dropped off or

mailed to the Church Office or

e-mailed to

[email protected]

Our Church website can be

found at

www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org

THANK YOU

Officers Members

Nicholas L. Sarakatsannis, President Justin Bates

Nektarios Papasavvas, Vice-President Chris Chryssovergis

Jessica Mavridoglou, Treasurer William “Buzzy” Gaz

Karen Aamodt , Asst. Treasurer David Greene

Matthew Neuendorf, Secretary George Haralamos

Bill Kanelopoulos, Asst. Secretary Stacey Loukoumidis

Dimitrios Makrozahopoulos

Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 7000 Winton Road Cincinnati, OH 45224 Tel: (513) 591-0030 Fax: (513) 591-0043 www.holytrinity.oh.goarch.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID CINCINNATI, OH

PERMIT NO. 2118

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD

‘Tis the season to join the members of our Parish in expressing Christmas greetings to one another by participating in our annual COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD.

This is a wonderful way to extend holiday greetings to one another, and a success-ful means of raising funds for our beloved Parish. You can be part of our annual Christmas Card by filling out this form and returning it to the Church Office no later than Friday, December 1, 2017 along with a contribution of $30.00 per family. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated.

Please list my/our family on the COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD as follows:

___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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THE SPIRIT OF THANKFULNESS - Holy Trinity Voice/2017/2017_Nove… · two forms of prayer – petition and intercession – are vital. However, the prayer of thanksgiving, ... When

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