March 7th 2010

PRE-SANCTIFIED DIVINE LITURGY This Wednesday March 10th at 7p.m we will celebrate the Liturgy at the Saint Dumitru Romanian Monastery in Middletown. Let us show our Orthodox solidarity by attending this beautiful service of which strengthens Orthodox unity. They honored our church last week by attending our Liturgy and let us reciprocate. Fr. Chris will be leaving our parking lot at 6pm if you wish to follow him. Let him know that you are coming.

LENTEN SERVICE

Tomorrow Monday March 8th - Great Compline

Wednesday  10th - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Friday 12th - Fourth Salutations to the Theotokos. All services begin at 7pm and everyone is invited to attend these most beautiful Lenten services. ICONS With the expansion of our church more wall space is available for Icons that beautifully adorn our church. We had two more families who donated Saint Eleutherios (Diakopoulos), and Saint Anastasia (Keriazes) that will be added to the Saints. A suggestion list will be made in the Crossroads, such as, Saints Theodore, Luke, Kyriaki, Agnes, Dionysios, Gregory, Pelagia, Photini, Calliope, Euphrosinios, etc.

 PHILOPTOCHOS-STUFFED ANIMALS The Middletown Fire Police 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.

THANK YOU We thank the ladies of the Philoptochos who organized the Pre-Sanctified meal last Wednesday. It was very well done, and the food was delicious. Also, we thank the other ladies who assisted and those who brought a dish. We and our visitors were well pleased.

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.

25TH ANNIVERARY MEETING Next Saturday at 10am a history of the church for the journal will be held and if you have anything to contribute please attend. Also, at the last meeting it was decided to have a 25th anniversary picnic and that is scheduled for Saturday April 24th. We will have a lamb roast as the main course and children games. The cost is only $5 per person with a maximum of $20, for the immediate family.

STEWARDSHIP Please fill out your Stewardship pledge card today. 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.

FOOD STORE We now have red Easter egg dye available. Remember to purchase some additional packs for you will need for your home and you will be asked to bring a dozen or more for Easter.

DAY LIGHT SAVING TIME Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead next Saturday evening, so that you may not be late for church.

COFFEE HOUR Thanks to Evangelia Whelan 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.

 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.

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.

Week of Feb. 14th 2010

DIVINE LITURGY - SATURDAY OF SOULS :  Next Saturday February 21st we will celebrate the third and final Saturday of Souls Divine Liturgy, and if you haven't submitted the names for your departed loved ones you may still do so today.

CHEESE FARE SUNDAY :  For those who are observing the fullness of the Easter fast today is the last day for eating meat and all dairy products until Easter Sunday.

LENTEN SERVICE  : 

Tomorrow Monday 15th - Great Compline,

Wednesday 17th - Pre-Sanctified Liturgy,

Friday 19th - First Salutations to the Theotokos. All services begin at 7pm and everyone is invited to attend these most beautiful Lenten services.

GRANDPARENT'S SUNDAY    Welcome Grandparents in joining your Grandchildren for Worship If you are prepared for Holy Communion please come up with your grandchild and receive communion together. If you are from another parish and visiting welcome again.

SAINT BASIL ACADEMY    Our Philoptochos ladies make an annual contribution to our children's home Saint Basil Academy, and we too will pass a try for this purpose. Or course, we know the great needs of this wonderful institution of our church and ask you to be as generous as you can Thank you.

PHILOPTOCHOS MEETING    The ladies of the Philoptochos will hold a meeting this coming Tuesday February 16 at 7pm at the Colonial Diner. All ladies of our community are invited to come, and perhaps consider joining the group.

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 BOYS   Fr. Chris is calling an Altar boy meeting for Saturday Feb.27th at 10am in the church. All our boys and a parent are to attend then we will have lunch (Italian food for Lent).

FOOD STORE   The store now has Koliva (Barley wheat) on sale and is stored in the freezer to keep it fresh. Ask Vaso G. and she will get it for you. Also, we now have on sale the Prosphora seals for making the Communion Bread. It is good for all our women to make this offering every-so-often and if you do not know how to bake it we will give you a recipe. The store also has Mavrodaphne wine for Holy Communion for anyone wishing to make that offer.

GIFT CARDS:  Don't forget to pick-up your Shop-Rite gift cards today. See Lucille K.

COFFEE HOUR   Thanks to Maria Karasaridis 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.

Week of Jan. 31st, 2010

DIVINE LITURGY - SATURDAY OF SOULS Next Saturday February 6th we will celebrate the first Saturday of Souls for this coming Lent. If you wish to have names of departed loved ones read please fill out the form that is on the candle stand. Offer the names only once and they will be read at the following two Saturday of souls services as well.

FORTY-DAY MEMORIAL    Today's forty day memorial service is for John the beloved son of Soterios and Donna Lagakos, and sister Anthoula. May his soul forever dwell in God's Kingdom.

 CONFESSION     With Lent approaching it is good to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession. See Father and make an appointment.

KOLYVA      With the Saturday of souls services approaching it is proper to prepare Kolyva (boiled wheat) in memory of loved ones and bring it to the church where prayers are read over them. It is always good to prepare this yourself, however if you are not inclined to make it and wish to have a dish made for you Georgia Chambers will make a dish for $25.00 that will be offered back to the churches building fund. These Saturdays are February 6, 13 and 20.

 HAITI   In the two trays that we passed we collected exactly $1,000. This will be sent to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to use for the aid of the Haitian people. Than! you to all who contributed for this worthy cause.

INDEPENDENT STEWARDS       !f you are eighteen years or older then you ought to be an independent Steward of the church. Please fill out your pledge card and place in the offering tray or, bring it to the church office. If you are a student then you still are under your parents stewardship, if you are working than please be generous to your church by making your pledge from the heart. An offering of $20.00 a week would make you a "Steward 1000" contributor.

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 and you may ask Sophia the store manager for a copy. Also, the Children's Bibles are in for those who ordered them the cost is $24.99 and extras are available.

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). We expect to have a supply of these seals coming in and if you do not know how to bake this bread we will also give you a recipe.

COFFEE HOUR   Thanks to Julie Meade 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

Please note the January and February Crossroads are combined so please save your February calendar.
DIVINE LITURGIES
January 5th Tuesday 7 pm '"Lesser Blessing of the Water"
January 6th Wednesday Orthos 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am
Followed by "blessing of the Water" In
commeration of the Baptism of our Lord.

February 1st Monday 7pm Presentation of our Lord
in the Temple
February 6th,
13th,and
20th Saturday of Souls all at
9:30 am. See calendar for other services.

LENT BEGINS
Lent begins early this year and we ought to be prepared. Please follow the February calendar and follow the days of Lenten services and try to attend as many of them as you can. Lent begins on Monday, February 15

BLESSING OF HOMES
Father Chris will be blessing homes after the Epiphany service on January 6th. If you would like Father to come to your home for a blessing please call the church office or see Father and Arrange a time.

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
In 2010 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.

POINSETTIAS AND CHRISTMAS
We thank everyone for your contributions see
attached for names. All towards the glory of God.

COFFEE HOUR

Jan 3:   Toula Diakopoulos
Jan 10: SamarTawil
Jan 17: Despina Kessler
Jan 24: Julie Meade
Jan 31: Trini Giagiakos
Feb 7: Maria Karasaridis
Feb. 14: Despina Mandas
Feb. 21: loanna Veloudos
Feb. 28: Evangelia Whelan

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.

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Jan. 24th 2010

HAITI RELIEF FUND: We passed a tray last Sunday for this much needed effort for the people of Haiti. Today we will also pass a tray mostly for those who were not present last week. If you wish to give more than a cash offering you may make out a check where we will leave the tray at the back of the church (Narthex) area. Please be as generous as you can be.
GOYA RECRUITING: Our GOYA is looking for more kids to join them. All kids 12 to 17 are welcome to find out more about this group simply by saying hello to the GOYANS who will be sitting at the back of the coffee hour waiting for you. Come and ask them the questions that always wanted to ask about the group. Come join the GOYA.
TRIODION BEGINS :This special period of our church begins today of which Father will explain today. Also, this there is no fasting at all where Wednesday and Friday we are permitted to eat all foods.
Remember no fasting all week.
KOLYVA: With the Saturday of souls services approaching it is proper to prepare Kolyva (boiled wheat) in memory of loved ones and bring it to the church where prayers are read over them. It is always good to prepare this yourself, however if you are not inclined to make it and wish to have a dish made for you Georgia Chambers will make a dish for $25.00 that will be offered back to the churches building fund. These Saturdays are February 6, 13 and 20.
STEWARDSHIP: Please make your 2010 pledge today. We thank those who already made your pledge and we ask you to be as generous as you can be. If you are blessed with much then much is required, and if you can be a "Steward 1000" donor by offering $1,000 or more for the year then that be a blessing to you and the church.
PAINTING : We thank very much Taso Gallos who has been preparing the walls ceiling with primer and paint, and Emmanuel Skouloudis who has been supplying the materials. This is what Stewardship means to give of our resources, talents and hard work for God's Holy House.
GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS: As the year progresses we will be taking pictures of all our church groups, and enough time be given to each so that all may attend for the photo. We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary and we expect to use these photos for the album.
COFFEE HOUR :  Thanks to Despina Kessler for sponsoring last week's coffee hour. Remember bring a pound of coffee and paper towels when it is your turn. Also, please come early for preparation, around 9 a.m.

Jan. 17th, 2010

MEMORIALS: Today's forty-day memorial is for Philip the beloved brother of Mary Goolsby,and annual memorial for Saleem, Rafik and Margaret the father, uncle and aunt of Jacob Tawil. May their souls forever dwell in God's Kingdom.
HAITI RELIEF FUND: We have been asked by our Archdiocese to pass a tray for the people of Haiti. The devastation is enormous and they deserve the help of each one of us. Please be as generous as you can. Also, you may make out checks and leave them in the basket that will be left in the Narthex after the initial collection. For your further information the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) was one of the first organizations to respond to this disaster and we may feel proud of this assistance by the Orthodox Church.
GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS: As the year progresses we will be taking pictures of all our church groups, and enough time be given to each so that all may attend for the photo. We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary and we expect to use these photos for the album.
SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS: We have some kids in the hallway, or even getting refreshments when they ought to be in their classrooms. Parents and our parish council are asked to direct the children to their classes as soon as they are dismissed
STEWARDSHIP: Please make your 2010 pledge today. We thank those who already made your pledge and we ask you to be as generous as you can be. If you are blessed with much then much is required, and if you can be a "Steward 1000" donor by offering $1,000 or more for the year then that will be a blessing to you and the church.
ORTHODOX CEMETERY PLOTS:   We wish to remind you not to wait until tragedy strikes then you need to make difficult decisions when in grief. It is always best to have most of your plans taken care of before, of which also divides the expenses during a stretch of time. Call the church office for further information.
COFFEE HOUR TIME:   Some are going for coffee and food before the Liturgy has ended, and unless you have a medical need we ask you not to go before the ending of services. If you wish to be first on line during coffee hour then we suggest you sit up front during the service so that after you receive your antidoron (bread) you will be one of the first on the coffee line.
COFFEE HOUR:   Thanks to Samar Tawill for sponsoring last week's coffee hour. Remember to bring a pound of coffee and paper towels when it is your turn. The 2010 coffee hour list has been made up and if you are not on the list and wish to be please see Vaso G. Also, please remember that we do not call to remind vou when vour turn is UD.

CHURCH E-MAIL:     The church now has an E-mail address and direct fax number. They are holycross333@yahoo.com and Fax # 845-695-1977.


ICON STORE: We thank Veronica Yancewicz for managing the store for so many years, and she now hands it over to Tanya Sophia Vikos. Please browse and see if you wish to purchase an Icon. It makes for a great gift, especially when someone is named after a Saint. Even many non-Orthodox love getting Icons.

GIFT CARDS: Shop-Rite and Hannaford gift cards are available. Remember these cards do not cost youanything to use, however these store give 5% to the church, and it is a good fund raiser for all of us. You give $100.00 and yet get $100.00, and it is used as you would a credit card. Help the church by getting your groceries with these gift cards. Today you may see Julie Meade for the cards.
EMPTY CANS: Bring in you empty deposit cans and leave in the narthex area. We will deposit them as a
fund raiser for the building fund.
COFFEE HOUR: Thank you to all that host the weekly coffee hour!

Take a look at the local parish and general Orthodox calendar.