One of the modern day Fathers of our Holy Church described the Lenten period as a "Bright Sorrow". This is a most appropriate sense we have when we observe these days preceding Pascha. If we were to be fasting and praying in contemplation of the approaching Resurrection of our Lord, we soon will realize the sorrow of our own sins and transgressions against Him. We see this because we are able to slow down the noise and business of our lives, and finally listen to God's answer to our prayers. How often do we ask "...does God really hear us? ...does he respond to our pleas?...does he care? The Holy Church gives us answers to these questions and more, it even prescribes a formula to follow as a guide towards communication with our Lord. How can we hear God if we are always fussing with everyday concerns of the world? How can we expect God to intervene in our lives when we insist on our own way? When we stay away from church worship, do not read the Bible, or try to understand the fullness of our faith. Why then do we blame God for not answering our prayers? When in fact He does answer, but we do not slow down to listen. I believe a good example of this is when we lose someone very dear to us. All of a sudden nothing else in the world matter, and we are forced to slow down and we are forced to glimpse into our own mortality. Then we see for a moment our dependency on God, and we feel Him close at hand. Lent is somewhat the same. By denying for a time the material world, we are able to grasp the spiritual reality of life. Lent the bright sorrow of standing before the Lord in hope of joyful life with Him. A blessed Lent and Pascha to all.
Yours in our Lord Jesus Christ Father Chris
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010
PRIEST'S MESSAGE:
Dear Faithful,
January 6th is the Great Feast Day of our Church commemorating the Baptism of our Lord in the Jordan River by John who is called the Baptist. This day is called the "Epiphany" or Manifestation of God in human flesh, or we may also call the day "Theophany". We celebrate on this day with a Divine Liturgy combined with the Epiphany service and all the faithful are to attend this most solemn of Holy Days.
As most of you know it is the tradition of our Church for the Priest to come and bless our home: with the very same water that is sanctified during this service. We bless our family, homes, possessions and pets and property, because all these things are blessings from God and by sprinkling and drinking this water we acknowledge Gods grace to come upon us in material form (by water), and we give God due worship and praise for His glory. Jesus on this day began His earthly ministry for the Gospels tell us that when he was Baptized He went to the desert and fasted for forty days then returned choosing His disciples and preaching in the synagogue, performing miracles by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind and straightening crooked bodies and souls. How wonderful a way it is for us also to begin the New Year by also being His disciples and devoting ourselves with proper worship, coming to Church every Sunday, praying and proper fasting and feasting. The Epiphany of Christ is indeed a great and Holy Day and we as Orthodox Christians are to recognize it as such just as we recognize Easter and Christmas. It will be my delight to once again come to your homes and bestow the Lord's blessing upon it and you thus asking for His great mercy for the New Year. May God be with you all.
Paternally Yours in Our Glorified Christ,
Father Chris
Weekly Feb. 28th
PRE-SANCTIFIED DIVINE LITURGY
This Wednesday March 3rd at 7p.m it is our turn to host the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and we encourage all of you to attend. Our Ladies Philoptochos is hosting the meal after the service, and are asking for other ladies to bring a plate that must be Lenten. You may ask loanna Veloudos or any other Philoptochos member what to bring.
LENTEN SERVICE
Tomorrow Monday March 1 - Great Compline, Cancelled
Wednesday 3rd - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy,
Friday 19th -Third Salutations to the Theotokos. All services begin at 7pm and everyone is invited to attend these most beautiful Lenten services
PHILOPTOCHOS - STUFFED ANIMALS The Middletown Fire Poiice are seeking new teddy bear and other stuffed animals that will be given to children as a calming aid during a traumatic incident in their lives. Our ladies have taken up this worthy project and are asking the community to donate. A box will be placed in the hall area. The gift must be new and the ladies thank you for your participation. MEN'S MINSTRY A meeting is to be held this coming Saturday March 6 at 9a.m. At this meeting we will have a lesson on how to use a new AED unit and we are asking all health care people to please attend this meeting. Also, if you are trained in CPR we wish you to attend too.
TSOUREKI Orders are now being taken for Easter Bread and you may see Georgia C. or Lori P. The cost has for many years remained at $12 and you may place your order today during the coffee hour.
STEWARDSHIP Please fill out your Stewardship pledge card today if you have not yet done so. All baptized Orthodox Christians are called to be Stewards of His Holy House. Please make your contribution by using your weekly envelopes, and if you can be a "Steward 1000" by donating $20 per week this will assist the church enormously.
COFFEE HOUR Thanks to loanna Veloudos for sponsoring last week's coffee hour. Remember to bring a pound of coffee and paper towels when it is your turn. Also, please come early for preparation, around 9a.m.
In case you missed the Lenten service message the Great Compline scheduled for tomorrow is cancelled, since Father is called out of town on that day.
Week of Feb. 21, 2010
SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Lent that commemorates the restoration of Icons in the church. Hopefully you brought your Icon (s) from home and near the end of the Liturgy we will have a procession around the church. Everyone with an Icon may follow the procession.
VESPER SERVICE Today at 4pm a Sunday of Orthodox service will be held at the Saints Constantine & Helen church in West Nyack, and everyone is encouraged to attend. Fr. Chris will be leaving our parking lot at 2:45 if you wish to go with him. Two more spaces are available.
LENTEN SERVICE
Tomorrow Monday 22nd - Great Compline,
Wednesday 24th - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at Holy Spirit in Wantage, NJ,
Friday 26th - 2nd Salutations to the Theotokos.
All services begin at 7pm and everyone is invited to attend these most beautiful Lenten services.
SAINT BASIL ACADEMY Last Sunday we passed a tray for our Saint Basil Academy of who's only support is the churches in America. A tray will not be passed today, however if you wish to donate the Philoptochos basket is left in the Narthex area for those who did not yet make an offer, or if you wish to give more. The ladies will match the donation given by the people.
STEWARDSHIP Please fill out your Stewardship pledge card today if you have not yet done so. All baptized Orthodox Christians are called to be Stewards of God's Holy House. We are all called to do our share in providing for the needs of the Church. Thank you to all who have sent in your Stewardship pledge. If you sent in your card and you are not listed in the Crossroads please call the church office.
ALTAR BOY MEETING Next Saturday Feb.27th at 10 am in the church. All our boys and those who are ready to be Altar servers and a parent are to attend then we will have lunch (Italian food for Lent). There is no cost for the lunch.
PROSPHORO SEALS The food store has prosphoro seals for sale. It is a good thing for more women to bake this holy bread and offer it to the church for consecration. A recipe will be given to you if this would be your first attempt at baking this bread. Also, it is more so traditional for men to offer the communion wine, and this too is on sale at the store.
CHILDREN'S BIBLE These wonderfully illustrated bibles are now available in the Icon store. Also, we have Holy Week books that allows you to really get into these services with a greater understanding of what is being said. See Sophia V the store manager. For your information all profits go into the building fund.
GIFT CARDS Don't forget to pick-up your Shop-Rite gift cards today. See Lucille K.
COFFEE HOUR Thanks to Depina Mandas for sponsoring last week's coffee hour. Remember to bring a pound of coffee and paper towels when it is your turn. Also, please come early for setup around 9a.m.
Sunday Bulletin Read our weekly bulletin online and keep up-to-date with this week's parish news and events. Register here and create and link to your own parish bulletin online.
Online Chapel Read today's prescribed Epistle and Gospel passages and learn about the saints commemorated by the Church on this day
Orthodox Calendar Our online calendar listing the major saints, feasts, and fasting periods in the Orthodox Church for this month
Featured Video Enjoy a weekly video feature by GOTelecom on our Church's faith and life.
Iconograms Send electronic icon greeting cards to your family, friends or loved ones on their name day or any special occasion.
(You can use the menu items above as a guide, or remove it and create your own)
As a convenience, I have posted the schedules for Holy Week and the coffee hour at the bottom of this page. Please scroll down to view the information. Remember that you can also click on any of the above links for additional information or photos!
EASTER 2010 HOLY WEEK
March 27th:Lazaros Saturday
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School breakfast and making of the palm crosses after breakfast.
March 28th: Palm Sunday Orthos: 8:30 a.m.
Divne Liturgy and Blessing of the Palms: 9:30 a.m.
Bridegroom Service: 7.00 p.m.
March 29th: Holy Monday
Bridegroom Service: 7:00 p.m.
March 30th: Holy Tuesday
Bridegroom Service (Kassiani): 7:00 p.m.
March 31st: Holy Wednesday
Sacrament of Holy Unction: 7:00 p.m.
April 1st: Holy Thursday
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 a.m.
12 Passions Gospels: 7:00 p.m.
April 2nd: Great Friday:
Royal Hours: 9:00 a.m.
Taking Christ Down from the Cross: 3:00 p.m.
Lamentations at the Tomb: 7:00 p.m.
April 3rd: Holy Saturday:
Divine Liturgy ( Bay Leaves): 9:30 a.m.
Resurrection Service: 11:00 p.m.
April 4th: PASCHA:
Agape Service: 10:00 a.m.
YOU'RE INVITED!
To: A Grand Banquet GIVEN BY: Jesus Christ WHERE: Holy Cross Orthodox Church WHEN: Every Sunday morning at 9:30 am DRESS: Neat and clean PS : Bring a friend
Wow! You're invited to a Grand Banquet! The banquet of all banquets. The Mystical and Divine Liturgy! So, are you going? I know I am.
Very often, we decline invitations given by friends or sometimes even by relatives, because we feel that we may not know anyone there or we just don't feel like going. That is understandable, but this invitation is one which we cannot afford to decline. Why? Well, Christ is expecting you to join Him at His Mystical Supper and invites you to eat and drink with Him.
There are many prayers and concepts in the Divine Liturgy which lead up to this important event which we often remain indifferent to, not understanding their meaning and significance. Because of our lack of knowledge this becomes the obstacle to our full appreciation and understanding of the Divine Liturgy and may be what leads us to decline Christ's invitation.
You may say, how can I attend the Divine Liturgy when I don't understand what is going on? This is a legitimate response but one which will help you to grow spiritually and understand the liturgy better. So, the "CHALLENGE" is how to help. You take this first step in accepting the above invitation and I will promise, through our LOGOS Bulletin, a monthly explanation whose purpose will be to explain and help you understand the meaning and significance behind the mystery of the Divine Liturgy. This coupled with a sincere prayer on your part asking God for patience and enlightenment in understanding the Divine Liturgy, will be adequate and most worthy response to our Lord's invitation.
ENJOY THE BANQUET!!!
LENTEN SERVICES
Great Lent services began on February 15th.lt is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to renew and awaken our faith in the Lord. Come to as many services as you can. Read the bible every day give to the church and the poor. Look at your faults and sins and stop them. See the attached calendars for services and explanation of Lent and want it means. Holy Week schedule is also attached.
LAZARUS SATURDAY This is the day we make palm crosses for the following day Palm Sunday. All our Sunday and Greek school children should attend the Divine Liturgy on this day March 27th at 9:30 am. A Lenten breakfast will be offered then we will make the crosses.
EASTER & FLOWER OFFERING
Enclosed are envelopes for Easter and flower donations. When you make your offering remember to include the names of those who have departed this life that we may offer prayers for them during Liturgy.
TSOUREKI
The Easter bread will be sold again this year. Please put your order in soon so that the ladies know how much to bake. Please call the church office or place your order on Sunday.
HOLY WEEK BOOKS
The Icon store has just received a supply of Holy Week books that are of great benefit for those who wish to follow the services at that most holy time. It is a wonderful book to keep in your library and use throughout the year anytime you wish to read For spiritual inspiration. The cost is $29.99.
PROSPHORA
This bread that is prepared for Holy Communion and is baked by the women of our parish. Everyone is welcome to bake and offer it to the priest. A special seal is used and while baking prayers ought to be offered (Bible reading or other prayers).
STEWARDSHIP 2010
Pledge cards for 2010 have been sent to your homes. The Church is supported by the faithful and we ask you to be as generous as you can. If you are financially blessed enough to be a Steward 1000 or more than please make this offer. Others are asked to give to the best of your ability to God for all He has blessed you with. Your pledge may be paid throughout the year making it easier for most. Ask for weekly envelopes.
EIGHTEEN OR OLDER
If you are 18 or older and not a student then it is time for you to be an independent Steward of the Church. Please fill out your Stewardship pledge card and offer whatever you can to your Holy Cross Church. Remember, if you are not working then you offer less than if you had a job. Do the best that you can, but it is important that you be a Steward of the Church.
25™ ANNIVERSARY DANCE
Our Holy Cross Church will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of incorporation into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. We plan to mark the occasion, but we need your help in order to make the year memorable. If anyone has any ideas and/or suggestions please contact Anthony Vikos our chairman or attend one of the meetings that will be held once a month. Ask Anthony when the next meeting will be held.
DONATIONS
There are still two areas that require donors in the continued effort to complete the building and beautification of our church. First, the building of the bump-out of the "Bishops Throne" to have the church in the shape of a cross, and for an Icon on the Baptismal wall of St. John Baptizing Jesus. The bump-out is $15,000 and the Icon $15,000. If you are spiritual inclined to make the offer please see Father Chris.
COFFEE HOUR
March 7th Sophia Romano March 14th Lori Panagiotopoulos March 21st Stephania Porfyris March 28th Florianna Panteloukas
Please remember no calls will be made to you when your turn comes up, and it is up to you to find someone on the list to exchange dates if you cannot do it. Any questions please call Vaso Giannakouros. We also ask you to bring a pound of coffee and a roll of paper towels. See attached schedule for the rest of the year.
The photos, on this page and the following, are a true testament to Faith. For without the love of the Orthodox Faith, and the sacrifices made, none of this would have been accomplished. Our gold dome and inspiring mosaic and icons were donated by some of the faithful of the Holy Cross Parish.
The wooden doors were handcrafted by a prisoner, acquainted and inspired with the church through the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church prison ministry.
We are hoping to have the building project complete by next year, the 25th anniversary of the Church.
FEBRUARY AUGUST 7th Maria Karasaridis 1st Vaso Giannakouros 14th Despina Mandas 8th Catherine Konstantinidis 21st loanna Veloudos 15th Valerie LaLima 28th Evangelia Whelan 22nd Ann Sandor 29th Barbara Talleos
MARCH SEPTEMBER 7th Sophia Romano 5th Lillian Francis 14th Lori Panagiotopoulos 12th Peggy Feliz 21st Stephania Porfyris 19th Maria Zervakis 28th Florianna Panteloukas 26th Laura Kalogiannis • APRIL OCTOBER 4th PASCHA 3rd Sophia Vikos 11th AnnaSakalis 10th Francis Gallos 18th Constantina Frangiamone 17th Margareta Dedes 25th Nellie Negru 24th Kiki Polizos 31st Nancy Garbis
MAY 2nd Demetra Pavlides NOVEMBER 9th Kathryn Strysko/Nancy Gordon 7th Vaso Salamouras 16th Rose Manouvelos 14th Helena Martakis 23'" Eleni Sanflippo 21st Aspasia Hagelthorn 30'" Eugenia Mitchell 28th Sophia Rodrigues
JUNE DECEMBER 6™ FESTIVAL 5th Laura Veros 13th Denise Psathas 12th Carlie Feeney 20th Paraskevi Farganis 26th Sunday School 28th Christina Anagnostou 26th Christina Skouloudis
Spotlight
We've assembled a great collection of the Web's best Orthodox Christian Web sites and services on our extensive Links Section.
(You can highlight this or any article or section of your Web site!)
Sunday Bulletin
Online Chapel
Orthodox Calendar
Featured Video
