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ST. NICHOLASMONTHLY BULLETINProistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis(636) 527-7843Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas(314) 909-6999ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH4967 FOREST PARK AVENUEST. LOUIS, MO 63108 -1495Office (314) 361-6924Fax (314) 361-3539sngoc.orgVOLUME 17 NUMBER 3MARCH 2013The Purpose Driven LifeMost of my neighbors are not of my faith. Like mostneighborhoods, we do not see much of each other.Everyone seems so busy, but we do check up on each otherto be sure that everything is alright; and then on some ofthose gorgeous days in late winter and early spring, whena few warm days come and give us a reprieve from theharsh winter, we venture outdoors and then we have agrand time talking. Somehow on one of these days, thetopic of food came up. I said that at this time I wasn’t awarethat the price of meat was sky high because I wasn’t eatingany because of Great Lent. I said that I had not purchasedany for at least two months because I was emptying outmy freezer before it started and would not purchase anyuntil the last week in April because “My” Easter was onMay 5. They were surprised about this. It is disturbingthat although this area has many Orthodox churches,only one neighbor, a former Franciscan, knew that therewas a religion such as Orthodox before they met us.This led me to thinking, where have we gone wrong?Why have we kept this treasure buried and not shared?I have been receiving much literature on “The PurposeDriven Life” and the “Purpose Driven Church.” Over 19million copies in the English language have been sold.There is much to be faulted in the plan but the enthusiasmand commitment it inspires in people for its six-week orforty-day plan bears mention. I was discussing this witha fellow Orthodox who commented that the OrthodoxGreat Lent is 40 days. Have you any comments?Great Lent is a journey. As such, our journey will besuccessful toward our goal—the Glorious Resurrection—as the preparations we make for it. The Church guides us,it provides us with many specific services—the Canon ofAndrew, the Akathists, the Paraclesis, the Pre-SanctifiedLiturgies, the St. Basil Liturgy, the Mission Serviceswhere we meet to strengthen each other on the road, andfor those who live in areas where there are no OrthodoxChurches it can provide lists of books and literature tohelp you with your prayer, study and meditative life. TheOrthodox Church has over 2000 years of experience inthe purpose driven life of the forty-day period we callGreat Lent. However, it does not benefit us if we do nottake advantage of this help and knowledge.I end this with the greeting the “old people” gaveeach other when meeting during Great Lent. “May youhave a good Lent and live to greet the Holy Resurrection.”—Presvytera Nina StroyenEditor of Orthodox Herald
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinSt. Nicholas ServantsParish CouncilGeorge Bude, President314-579-9151Steve Ott, Vice-President636-230-8066Mary Ann Mastorakos, Secretary636-532-3222Demetrios Tsikalas, Treasurer314-481-6879Nicky Antoniou 314-878-7720Michael Ferretti636-458-8577Dr. Andrew Galakatos314-922-4457Yemane Habtu 636-532-4665Alexandra Kavourinos314-862-2866Dr. William Mastorakos314-966-4117Pete Papadopoulos314-721-6599Sakis Salas 636-379-2109Peter Takes 314-862-2866Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700George Zotos636-530-6988Audit CommitteeJanet Pappageorge314-878-3513Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619Peter Lemakis 314-965-6137Mark Vleisides 314-576-2898Stewardship CommitteeFr. Douglas Papulis314-361-6924Teddy Hart, Chairperson314-997-4826George Bude 314-579-9151Michael Ferretti636-458-8577John Koch 636-922-7732Mary Ann Mastorakos636-532-3222Steve Ott 636-230-8066Michael Pappas636-207-7789Michael Tsichlis314-849-2309Demetrios Tsikalas314-481-6879Chris Varvares 314-374-3674Cemetery CommitteeIrene Schildroth314-845-2434Pat Johnson 314-832-0061William Karides636-281-0727Election CommitteeAndrew Efthim 636-938-6787Jim English 314-355-1372Teddy Hart 314-997-4826Harry Lemakis 314-631-1619Nick Tharenos 314-576-7011Library CommitteeElaine Coulson 314-991-5033Michael Kontominas314-997-1299Michael Tsichlis314-842-1604Physical FacilitiesPat Johnson 314-832-0061Leo C. Pashos314-351-0516Paul Efthim 314-892-9832Physical Facilities Family Life CenterNick Tharenos 314-576-7011George A. Pappas314-569-1890Sam Mezines 314-878-8144Planned GivingJohn Koch, Chairman636-922-7732Voula Francis 314-822-1176Sakis Salas 636-379-2109Dan Tarlas 314-968-5010Peter Vaccaro 314-781-7700Scholarship CommitteeBarbara Corrigan314-576-1576Tina Fakonas 636-394-5339Denise Karras 314-368-4205PhiloptochosChristina Anastas, President314-647-4636St. Irenaeus Orthodox Theological InstituteMichael G. Tsichlis, PhDChurch School Director314-361-6924 Ext 330Jenny Pappas 636-207-7789HandmaidensAlex Kavourinos314-862-2866Rosie Hartley 618-239-9359Dance Troupe - Georgia Johnson314-832-0061GOYA -Helen Carey636-458-5173-Mark & Renee Vleisides314-576-2898JR. GOYA - Mimi Davis636-532-4470-Debbie Palazzola636-458-2133HOPE - Presvytera Caroline Arbanas314-909-6999- Nadina Robinson314-457-8511Our Little Angels/Cherubs- Bess Fitzmaurice636-343-3849- Cynthia Pappas314-365-3131PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEFollowing are remarks I made on “Stewardship Awareness Sunday,” January 27.Due to an inclement weather prediction very few parishioners were in church.Therefore, I am re-stating them.“The Parish Council has seen fit to bestow upon me the honor and privilege ofleading the parish as president for the next year, but with it comes the soberingreality of a mortgage debt of 5.8 million dollars and an expense budget of 1.4million dollars. Thus, we are faced with a daunting financial challenge whichalthough intimidating can be fulfilled and even surmounted.“However, it will require an awareness by each of us to take on his or her “fairshare” of the burden—which brings me to the purpose of my remarks thismorning. The Parish Council and the Stewardship Committee have designatedtoday as “Stewardship Awareness Sunday,” the purpose of which is to focus on therecognition and appreciation of our financial relationship and, yes, our obligationto our Lord and this parish.“What is our fair share of the burden? Twenty-one of our members believe theirfair share is a pledge of at least ten thousand dollars per year for ten years andin recognition thereof they have been designated as members of LeadershipSt. Nicholas. Another 16 members believe their fair share is 5% of their annualincome, indefinitely, and in recognition thereof they have been designated SuperStewards.“There is another stewardship level suggested on the pledge sheet—that being 3%of the pledgor’s annual income. For example, if one’s income is 40,00 per year, his/her fair share would be 1200; 50,000- 1500 and so forth.“Some of you might consider 3% as beyond what is fair or what you think youcan afford. In response I say that many churches suggest or require that theirparishioners “tithe” to the church; i.e., give 10% of their income. 3% is less than athird of tithing and in comparison is certainly not confiscatory. So if you can’t joinLeadership St. Nicholas or become a Super Steward you should at least seriouslyconsider allocating 3% of your income toward stewardship.“This perhaps is a radical departure from the past when 300, 400, or 500 dollarsseemed appropriate. That misunderstood culture has existed in this parish for fartoo long. We cannot sustain our church and family life center on pledges in thoseamounts, This is your parish—not the Priests’ parish or the Parish Council’s parish.The attitude of “let the other fellow do it” is not only misplaced but selfish. Each ofus must “carry his own water,” so to speak.“Please don’t misunderstand. Some of our retired parishioners, who are living on Continued on Page 3 Column 12
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinSocial Security and a small amount of savings cannot bePLANNED GIVINGexpected to meet the 3% minimum. That holds true for .The Eternal Light Society ofthose of us who have lost their jobs or simply have a verySt. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Churchsmall income and a family to support. However, for therest of us we owe it to our God, our church and to one Announcing the creation of The Eternal Light Society ofanother to see to it that His house is properly cared for St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church! This is the official St.and maintained, and that the ministries of the church, Nicholas Planned Giving Ministry operated under thee.g., our Sunday School, are properly funded so that they St. Nicholas Stewardship Ministry. Our Planned GivingMinistry is headed up by John Koch, with guidance andcan grow and flourish rather than stagnate and wither.resource assistance from group members that include“To date we have received 228 pledges, totaling 448,911 Voula Francis, JD, Sakis Salas, CFP , Peter Vaccaro,which is a good start. Many of you have made generous LUTCF and Dan Tarlas.pledges. A few have doubled their pledge from last year,and many have increased substantially, pledging well over 1,000 up to 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 in three instances.“However, 65 of those pledges are for 400 or less, andmore dramatically, 23 are for under 100. With that kindof response we will not make our budget of 664,000. Westill need 216,000 in pledges,“I am hopeful, however, that we will do better than that.If those of you here today who have not pledged wouldcommit to Leadership St. Nicholas or Super Steward orbecome a 3% pledgor we will have a good chance not onlyto make budget but to exceed it.The Mission is “to educate and inform parishioners of theopportunities available to them to provide a legacy gift to St.Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.” To launch this Ministry,we will host an initial educational presentation on theBasics of Planned Giving, led by Mr. Michael C. Weeks,CELA, Estate Planning Attorney, on Saturday, February16, 2013 at the Family Life Center beginning at 4:00 pm.A second presentation on the same subject will be heldSunday, February 24, at Church, beginning at Noon.The topics to be covered by Mr. Weeks include:·Direct Gift from an Individual RetirementAccount (“IRA”)Bequests·Gift of Appreciated Stock and Other Assets· Charitable Gift Annuity“As to those of you who have already pledged but for less· Charitable Remainder Trust/Charitable Leadthan you think you can afford, I hope that you wouldTrust, andreconsider your pledge and ask for another pledge sheetby calling Katherine Ellis at the church office, 314-361· Much more!6924. How gratifying it would be if some of you recognizeyour obligation and submit a supplemental pledge sheet. These presentations are designed to educate parishionersof all ages about the various opportunities by which“Wouldn’t it be nice to have a total budget surplus at the Legacy Gifts can be made to St. Nicholas Greek OrthodoxChurch. Depending on the situation, such gifts may yieldend of the year instead of a deficit?”valuable tax and other important benefits. The membersof the Planned Giving Ministry are dedicated to helpingYours in Christ,you learn about various gifting strategies, and assist youGeorge J. Budein the event you are considering making such gifts.More announcements will be made about futurepresentations that will focus on one or two types ofPlanned Giving to SNGOC. The Planned Givingmembers will be available to answer your questionson a private one-on-one basis, with the highest level ofconfidentiality.Please visit us at www.sngoc.org3
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinLEADERSHIP ST. NICHOLAS UPDATE(as of February 12, 2013)St. Nicholas Church would like to recognize and thank the followingparishioners who are charter members of our new “Leadership St.Nicholas” stewardship program. Starting in 2013, the 21 Parishionerslisted below have agreed to commit a minimum pledge of 10,000 peryear for the next 10 years.Beyond their very generous financial support, they have agreedto provide leadership and direction to the parish throughparticipation at general assemblies and other important parishgatherings. They will also offer their assistance to Father Dougas our Church Family seeks increased financial support from theSt. Nicholas Community.Please join us in thanking the following individuals:AnonymousGus and Angie DemosAndrew EfthimDr. Andrew GalakatosDrs. Greg and JoAnn GalakatosBill and Diana GraysonJim and Teddy HartDean KalomasJohn and Mary Anne Koch*Bess MillonasSteve and Diana OttFr. Doug and Christina PapulisJason and Barbara PulosJohn and Gina RussonKatherine RutterDrs. David and Martha SewallGeorge and Ann SourisGeorge and Kim TarlasDemetrios and Jackie TsikalasChris and Jill VarvaresTom and Daphne WhaleySUPER STEWARD PROGRAMCOMMITMENTS(as of February 12, 2013)We wish to thank the following parishioners who have committed tothe Super Steward Program beginning in 2013:“St. Nicholas Super Stewards”make a commitment to contributeat least 5% of household income,and pledge to provide leadershipand direction to the church throughattendance at parish meetings. It isunderstood that this pledge coversany Brick Campaign and MortgagePaydown payments already beingmade.George and Mary BudeNicholas ByronTimothy and Christine CameneGeorge and Frances Demetre*Katherine EllisMichael and Georgia FerrettiCatherine JonesMichael & Maria KamburisHarry and Christine Lemakis*Mary Ann MastorakosMary C. MastorakosCynthia Milonas*New CommitmentWilliam and Charlene MitchellPete and Teeshia NezamisTo date the Leadership St. Nicholas and Super Steward Programshave raised 262,810, a terrific beginning to meeting our stewardshipgoal which is to increase stewardship overall by 25%. Our budget goalis 664,000.Won’t you please consider joining the dedicated stewards listed aboveby either pledging 10,000 for ten years or by pledging 5% of yourhousehold income each year. If not, at least consider a pledge of 3%of your annual income which is a third pledge level suggested on thepledge sheet,4Sylvia NicozisinKathrine SharosPeter Vaccaro*Elias Yannakakis*New Commitment
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinST. NICHOLAS STEWARDS - as of February 12, 2013Trifon and Laura AbatgisTom and Stacey AlexanderJulia AmbrozatChristina AnastasGeorge and Patricia AnastasStephanie AnastasMichael and Juliet AngelidesGeorge AngelosSteve AngelosVasso AngelosThomas and Ann AntoniouKonstantinos and Georgia AntonopoulosFr. Michael and Caroline ArbanasCostas and Assimo AzariadisNickolas and Danene BettaBecky BrooksVirginia CalbosDennis and Helen CareyMatina (Stamatina) CassimatisNicholas and Susan CassimatisTed and Stacey CassimatisGus CatsavisAdonis ChakidesGeorge and Jacquenell ChakidesDanae CharalambousHarry CharlesJanine ChohlisGeorge and Anna ChrissosJohn ClonesKatherine CondaxisChristopher & Robyn ConstantinidesFrancis and Stephany CaronaRoxana CouteranisNicholas CowlenMaria CutsoukosAnastasios and Linda DagartzikasGeorge DamosHellen DemmasJames and Theresa DemosTheodore and Helen DemosAlexis DendrinelisSocrates DendrinelisSophia DendrinelisTheodore and Beverly DoiasDavid DoranDimitri EckFrank and Carol EfthimJanet EfthimRichard and Dena EfthimGeorge and Diane EllisJim and Jennifer EnglishAnastassios and Christina FakonasEdward FerrettiLyndia FinerLeonard and Katherine ForstingAgnes FryntzkoJim and Stacie FryrearNicholas and Nancy GaddisChristopher and Kimberly GalakatosTheresa GalakatosCleopatra GeorgesNiko and Alexia GeorgesMichael and Nicholetta GertkenNicholas and Kathleen GinosKathryn GitchoPaul and Stella GitchosGeorge and Stephanie GlioumasByron and Carolyn GolfinLeon and Elaine GolfinChristopher and Georgiana GrantJames and Audrey GuarinoAlexandra GuentherYemane and Abrahatzion HabtuGeorge HarocoposBetty HeineAaron and Kathy HinniAlexandra HowerJustin and Margaret JemasNoel and Marilynn JemasRobert and Stacey JurgielIrene KallaosSavas and Jeraldine KallaosTom and Mersine KallaosMaria KaragianisAchilles and Dorothea KarakasWilliam and Pam KaridesValerie KarrasHarriet KastarisNicholas KatsarasDemetrios and Amy KatsikasJimmy and Brenda KavadasDan and Anne KazanasStephen and Tinna KingJohn and Katina KirbyThomas and Katina KirkkouJames and Denice KnicosJohn and Mary Anne KochLeopold and Cynthia KonczakNick and Jamie KondisConstantine and Ann KontoleonNicholas KontrasStella KrekorianCatherine KrewetTheodore and Susan LamprosChristopher LearaPaul and Helen LearaMatt and Gloria LeeboltPeter and Susan LemakisConstance LewisTerry and Kathy LivaditisMichael and Susan MadduxChrist and Filareti MalamasTom and Jennifer MalamasChrist and Trigona MaleasTom and Frieda MaleasKonstantinos and Eleftheria ManolisJeffrey and Andrea MarkwardtDena MarmigasGlenn and K. Sandy MartinJason and Claire MartinMichael and Dawn MasonWilliam MastorakosJordan and Barbara MavromatisGregory and Cheryl McDermottBruce and Veronica McGregorColin and Stephanie McPherronJames and Fleeda MemosAdamantia MenasAthan and Bonnie MertisChris and Mary MezinesSam and Maureen MezinesIrene MillerRoger and Athena MillerMichael and Tasia MillonasWilliam and Claudia MillonasJohn MilonasRobert and Mary MucklerBenjamin and Betsy MurphyEmmanuel and Gina NakisNick NezamisJoe and Helen NichoaldsList continues on Page 6Please visit us at www.sngoc.org5
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinST. NICHOLAS STEWARDS (Continued from Page 5)Mekonnen OgbeMary O’HaraCarl and Nancy OtsoJoseph and Deborah PalazzolaDimitrios and Cathy PanopoulosPete and Estelle PapadopoulosJanet PapageorgeAlexandra PapanicolaouAndrew PapayDino and Michelle PappasGeorge and Bess PappasJane PappasStephen and Carol PappasChristopher and Christine ParadowskiLeo and Despina PashosAngelo PaspalasGeorge PaspalasVictoria PeppesCharles and Katharine PerkinsFrieda PerkinsAnastasia PetersonMargaret PierroutsakosSophia PierroutsakosEllen PiskosAlexandra PlatipodisNick and Maria PlatipodisClark and Tumica PorterBoris and Georgia PrstojevichMary PulosElizabeth RiethmannScot and Christiane RoemerOlga SalasSakis and Cathy SalasNicholas and Tania ScarpinoIrene SchildrothConstantin and Janet ShamiaRichard and Katia ShasserreThomas and Doloris SkalasByron and Stacy SmyrniotisJames Jr. and Carmen SorbelloJames Sr. and Catherine SorbelloJohn and Hariklia SourisKosmas and Despina SourisLeon and Johanna SpanosMagdalen SpirosJohn and Maria SpiveyPete D. And Teresa StavridesSteven and Michelle StorgionSophia StrickerJames and Anne StrongPeter and Alexandra TakesJohn TanurchisLeonora TaratsasGus TassosJohn TassosMulugheta and Zegge TeferiNick and Becky TharenosTom and Vicki ThavoridesGeorge TheodoreArgyirios and Evangelia TheodorouStacy and Matthew ThompsonJeanne TomprasEvelyn TrakasMary TsichlisMichael and Vasilika TsichlisPenny TsichlisNiki TallimantosCatherine TsimprisJohanna VaheyHarry and Florence VarsamMary VararesKon VelliosMark and Renee VleisidesMary VolasLoretta WackerMark and Sophia WestfallDon and Susan WinterMary WoodcockChris and Nicole WoodromeMark and Patricia WunderlichAndrew and Karen YannakakisPeter and Suzanne YannakakisAlexandra ZahariasAnthony and Karen ZamanAnn ZotosGeorge and Dianne ZotosKatherine ZotosSchnucks eScripSchnucksoffersaprogramthat rewards customer loyalty bycontributing a percentage of purchasesto your chosen non-profit group thatsupports the education, developmentand betterment of youth. St. Nicholasis now a registered beneficiary of eScripin partnership with Schnucks. Throughyour patronage of Schnucks and the useof the Schnucks eScrip Community Card,you can help St. Nicholas earn dollars.Here’s how the eScrip programworks. Pick up a card at Church or atyour Schnucks and register the card foruse in the St. Nicholas program. Youcan register online community stl.jsp) or call 800-9316258 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT,Monday through Friday. There are anumber of organizations with similarnames registered throughout thecountry, so you could use St. NicholaseScrips Group ID (164502657) or our zipcode (63108) to locate and select theright organization. Then, all you needto do is present your card to the cashierwhen you purchase your groceries atSchnucks and St. Nicholas will receivea contribution based on the followingformula:1% on monthly purchases between 0 and 300, plus2% on monthly purchases between 301 & 600,plus3% on monthly purchases between 601 & 999.If 200 parishioners spent, on average, 500 per month at Schnucks and usedtheir card, they would generate 24,000in gross contributions annually. eScripcharges a 15% fee and so the net annualproceeds to St. Nicholas in this examplewould be 20,400.This is such an easy way to earnfunds for our St. Nicholas Community!6
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinBEGINNING OF HOLY LENT 2013February 25-March 2This is a fast-free week. Meat is eaten even on Wednesdayand Friday. By remitting this rule, the Church stresses thatthe true humility of the Publican is the true trait of theChristian heart rather than merely external mortificationthat generates pride as it did in the heart of the Pharisee,who boasted that he fasted twice a week.begins. The gospel admonishes us to forgive men theirtransgressions. It is customary at the vespers of this dayto ask and receive mutual reconciliation. This custom isfounded on the words of Jesus heard today: “For if youforgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Fatherwill also forgive you.” The altar cloths are dramaticallychanged from light to dark, as are the vestments of thealtar servers during this touching service. The musicalso changes to special minor Lenten modes In a pensivemood; we go forth into the world prepared for the fasting,prayer and repentance of Lent.Sunday, March 3This is called the Sunday of the Prodigal Son from thereading for the day—Luke 15:11-32. This reminds usthat we must repent before we can hope to return to theFather. “I have recklessly forgotten Thy glory, O Father,and among sinners I have scattered the riches whichThou gave me. And I now cry to Thee as the Prodigal: Ihave sinned before Thee, O merciful Father, receive meas a penitent and make me as one of Thy hired hands.”Monday, March 18—Clean MondayThis is the beginning of Clean Week, the First Week ofLent. Moving hymns and prayers that were composedby such holy men as St. John of Damascus, Cosmos ofMaium, St. Andrew of Crete and others distinguish theservices of Lent. Added to the prayers of the Church andour own daily prayers is the one composed by St. Ephraim.The prayer sums up all that is essential in spiritual life.Even meditating on the first few words “O Lord andMaster of my life” would help one to more deeply enterinto the relationship and one’s soul.—Orthodox HeraldSaturday, March 9This is the first Soul Saturday or “Ancestors’ Saturday.” Onthis day and the following Soul Saturdays, we rememberall those who in the faith have fallen asleep in the Lord.We pray for all deceased forefathers, parents and relativesfor whom the time of repentance is past, and who canobtain mercy of God through the prayers of us, the living.We pray for the souls of all the faithful who are awaitingthe Last Judgment. We should give a list of all whom wewish to be prayed for by name to the priest.ON THE SAINTSSt. Eubuia - March 30She was the wife of the fanatic idol-worshipper Eustorgius.She endured his evil ways courageously for many years.She was from a Christian family, and showed greaterzeal for the Orthodox faith than her husband did in hisservice to falsehood. She was the mother of the GreatMartyr, Panteleimon, and cared more for his soul thanfor his body. She reposed while her son was still young,but in peace, for she had nourished him upon the watersof Christ. She was not afraid that his orphanhood or themania of his father would lead him astray and her faithwas not mistaken. From heaven she saw the victories andcrowns of her son. (Nicomodia, Asia Minor, 3-4th C.)Sunday, March 10Meatfare, or Last Judgment Sunday, Matthew 25:31-46.The services for today are interwoven with fear of eternaldamnation and a firm resolution to reform. At vespers isread: “O my soul, beware before the end, and cry out ‘OGod, my God, save me once again, for Thou alone are themerciful One!” This is the last day on which meat is eatenuntil Pascha/Easter.Sunday, March 17This is known as Cheesefare or Forgiveness Sunday.Matthew 6:14-21. This is the last day before Great LentPlease visit us at www.sngoc.org7
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinDAILY BIBLE READING GUIDEMARCH 2013PARISH LIFEBAPTISMS“All you who have been baptized in Christ”MASON JAMESSon of Matthew & Gloria LeeboltGodparent: Heather WestfallAUSBY MICHAELSon of Evan & Catherine SotiriouGodparent: Demetra SotiriouFUNERALS2S 1 Tim 6:11-16Agnes BotomleyChristine VazopolosMary G. CoukoulisGeorge A. OttAlexandra NesbitGeorge P. CassimatisGeorge KrekorianCleopatra GalakatosGeorge P. CassimatisAndrew P. CassimatisNikolaos S. BotonisLk 20:46-47;21:1-41 Cor 6:12-20Lk 15:11-32Mk 11:1-114M 1 Jn 2:18-29;3:1-856T 1 Jn 3:9-22W 1 Jn 3:21-24;4:1-11Mk 14:10-42Mk 14:43-72;15:17T 1 Jn 4:20-21;5:1-21Mk 15:1-158F Heb 12:1-10Mt 20:1-16*9S 1 Thes 4:13-17Lk 21:25-27,35-361 Cor 8:8-13;9:1-2Mt 25:31-4611 M 3 Jn 1:1-15Lk 19:29-40;22-7-3912 T Jude 1:1-10Lk 22:39-42,45-71;23:113 W Joel 3:12-2114 T Jude 1:11-2515 F Zech 8:7-17Zech 8:19-23**16 S Gal 5:22-6:2Mt 6:1-13Joel 2:12-26L 23:1-31,33,44-56Rom 13:11-14;14:1-4Mt 6:14-21 18 M Gen 1:1-1319 T Gen 1:14-23Prov 5:1-15;Is 5:2-1620 W Gen 1:24-31Prov 2:1-1221 T Gen 2:4-19Prov 3:1-1922 F Gen 2:20-3:20***23 S 2 Tim 2:1-10Sun 24MEMORIALSMk 14:3-9Sun 17“Where the Righteous Rest”1 Year40 Day4 Year6 MonthF 1 Jn 2:7-17Sun 10BETELIHEMDaughter of Mogos & Himeret AbrahaGodparent: Mezan OqbeMarch 3rdMarch 10thMarch 31st1Sun 3THOMASSon of Andrew and Alexandra GuentherGodparent: Sarah WhaleyJanuary 17thJanuary 19thJanuary 22ndJanuary 25thFebruary 5thFebruary 6thFebruary 11thProv 1:1-20Prov 3:19-34Mk 2:23-28;3:1-5Heb 11:24-26;32-40Jn 1:44-5225 M Heb 2:11-18Lk 1:24-3826 T Gen 4:8-15Prov 5:1-1527 W Gen 4:16-2628 T Gen 5:1-2429 F Gen 5:32-6:8Prov 6:20-7:130 S Heb 3:12-16Mk 1:35-44 Sun 31Prov 5:15-23;6:1-3Heb 1:10-14;14;2:1-3* 1 Saturday of the Souls** 2ndSaturday of the /Souls Great Holy Lent Begins (Clean Monday)***3rd Saturday of the Souls Celebration of Books WeekstMay their memory be eternal.8Prov 6:3-20Mk 2:1-12
MARCH 2013St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Monthly BulletinHARNESSING THE TALENTS OF A GREAT PARISHMarch Stewardship ReportWho Are We, And Where Do We Go From Here?Part 2—who are we—as friends,especially friends in christ?moved into town. These men are deepening their bondsto the parish. But the common denominator in everyoneis Christ.We have, through this deeper relationship, the uniqueability to take someone not born of this parish andliterally adopt him or her—right into parish life—rightinto pareia—right into everything that we stand for—inChrist. Just being Greek won’t do it, but being Orthodox,enriched by the traditions that come with it will. AsOrthodox we have the most consistent theological basisupon which to worship that is possible. Admittedly it’sa bit complicated sometimes, but we have two willingpriests and others knowledgeable in the religion willingto explain. All we have to do is want it. If this parish is togrow, we must invite others to want it as well. We can takecare of the “adoption.”The numbers over the last few decades tell a realstory—many from that core that we grew up with havedied, some have moved away, and some have gone to otherreligions. In order to survive and indeed thrive goingforward, we must—we must—invite those not originallyin our parish into it with open arms and give them thechance to take ownership in the Orthodox— enriched bythe Greek experience. Whether we realize it or not, goingforward we’ll be more and more identified as Orthodox,enriched by our ethnic heritage. It is a rich heritage, andit is naturally inviting to others. Let’s make it so.And yes, this is perhaps an ultimate form ofstewardship.If you would like to discuss stewardship, please callMichael Pappas (636-207-7789 at home or 314-9737799 at work) or the church office.The Wednesday morning Men’s Group had an incrediblypowerful session several weeks ago, and with a recordgathering of 18. That may not sound like many, but theroom was at capacity, and the feeling of connectionwas unmistakable. The discussion was real and genuine.Through this ministry, men are doing what men have hadso much trouble doing historically, expressing their faithand admitting their vulnerability before the Lord. Therewere men born into the Orthodox faith and men whohave married into it. Papous, and men with newborns.Father Michael’s topic was friendship, and as he alwaysdoes, he referenced Christ in Scripture. To a man, it canbe said that each was humbled, open and honest, andenergized.Friendship is commonly misunderstood. We have“friends,” but often they are actually acquaintances, suchas at work, with whom we are friendly, but without thatsetting we would have no connection. We all have hadpeople we thought were friends, but who effectivelyterminated the relationship once they got what theywanted out of us. Who are our real friends, upon whomwe can depend when the chips are down? Who wouldnever in a million years take advantage of us? Who wecould turn to for anything, anytime?We all agreed that many of us have childhoodfriendships that have lasted to this day, and they are quiteprobably not fellow Orthodox. We have true friends fromother settings than childhood. But one man put it bestthat morning—he made the distinction between theON THE BIBLE—Faithfulnessword “friend” and a word with a much deeper meaning,Scripture gives us many examples of people who were“brotherhood.”At Church, and especially a parish where generations faithful to God, teaching us tha
ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 4967 FOREST PARK AVENUE ST. LOUIS, MO 63108 -1495 Proistamenos: Fr. Douglas Papulis (636) 527-7843 Parish Priest: Fr. Michael Arbanas (314) 909-6999 Office (314) 361-6924 Fax (314) 361-3539 sngoc.org The Purpose Driven Life Most of my neighbors are not of my faith. Like most neighborhoods, we do not see much .
