HERALD - Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

THE
HERALD
ST. DEMETRIOS
Greek Orthodox Metropolis
of New Jersey
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
908-964-7957 UNION, NJ www.stdgocunion.org
Summer 2013
My Beloved Spiritual Children,
“Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere
present and filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of
Life, come and dwell in us; cleanse us of every stain and save our
souls, O gracious One.”
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
The day of Pentecost, usually celebrated in the month of June, is
Father’s Letter
not merely a Church feastday like other ecclesiastical celebrations. It is
President’s Letter
the great day in which the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church
was born and received her baptism! It is also the day in which the Church
Stewards
began Her wondrous mission! A new and dynamic period began with the Church and Her faithful
Philoptochos
members. Those among the first to be filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit were the Apostles.
Rich in grace, this heavenly gift was poured out upon the souls present on that first
Greek School
Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon them as tongues of fire. It is possible for us to
Sunday School
experience this same outpouring of the Holy Spirit today, if we are spiritually ready to receive
Joy/Hope
this gift from our heavenly Father with an open heart and soul.
The Holy Spirit comes and fills the souls and hearts of the Apostles: “And they were all
GOYA
filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:4) The immediate results are miraculous and
PTO
unprecedented! The change in the disciples is radical. Who could have imagined such a change
Father’s Letter (Gr)
taking place? The timid became bold. The uneducated fishermen became wise preachers of God’s
Word. Having hid themselves from others and silent about what they had been taught, they are
Photos
now excited to share the message of the Gospel everywhere! The disciples, who had scattered
Ads
and had forsaken the Lord at the time of His trial and Crucifixion, now lift high the banner of
truth and “Go...as a chosen vessel of His to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the
children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)
The Holy Spirit, however, did not come only for the day of Pentecost! It continues to govern
the Church and guide the faithful. This is what strengthened the martyrs; this is the power that
illumined the Holy Fathers of the Church; the teachers and evangelizers of His divine word.
It is this same Holy Spirit that strengthens us as a Community and Family and which continues to guide our
footsteps as we labor to grow our Parish, rejuvenate its ministries and renovate its facilities. We are emboldened even
more so now to move forward with God’s grace and enlightenment as we seek to do His will and continuously
upbuild His House, which shall remain a beacon of Orthodoxy and Hellenism for many generations to come.
I thank all those who have toiled many long hours and have worked ever diligently to ensure our success as a
vibrant and faithful Community. I thank all of you for your love and support for our holy Church. May the Holy Spirit
illumine and sanctify all of you as we take a respite during these forthcoming summer months. May we come together
once again and be rededicated to the work at hand as we approach September and the New Ecclesiastical Year!
With Love in Christ,
†Archimandrite George Nikas
Proistamenos
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 1
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Upcoming Events
Engagement
Maria Palivou and Konstantinos Tsambounieris
were engaged on
May 23,2013
Baptisms
St. Demetrios Parish Committees
Parish Representatives - Nikos Zavolas, Luke Loukopoulos, Bob Zaphiros
Herald Newsletter – Antonios Drivas (Chairman) Editor
K. Drivas, S. Petses , I. Melachrinos
June 8 Niko Drivas
Memorials
Archimandrite Alexander Kile June 9
Protopresvyter Prokopios Nikas June 9
Of Interest
Greek School starts Septemebr 16th
Sunday School starts September 22nd
Office –
D. Papadopoulos, M. Santos, N. Zavolas,B. Zaphiros
Stewardship –
Bobby Zaphiros (Chairman)
L.Loukopoulos, M. Santos, B. Zois, Fotini Mazis
Web Site –
Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman)
B. Zaphiros, Father George, Fotini Mazis
Register now!
What a great growing year of
wonderful memories for our
church! Thank you to all the
departments for all your hard
work! The Herald
Luke Loukopoulos (Chairman)
Facebook –
Betty Spiropoulos (Chairlady)
M. Drivas, N.Zavolas
Rentals –
J. Papadopoulos/Bob Zaphiros (Co-Chairmen)
Fund Raising Events - Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman)
M.Santos, B. Zaphiros,B. Spiropoulos, S. Petses
Building Maintenance–Demetrios Papadopoulos (Chairman)
Board of Trustees
Pastor
M. Kontos, M. Santos, B.Zaphiros, John Protopapas,
T.Kastis
V. Rev. George Nikas
President:
Nikos Zavolas
Vice President:
Ted Kastis
Lucas Loucopoulos
Secretary:
Irene Melachrinos
Assistant Secretary:
Stephen Petses
Treasurer:
Bob Zaphiros
Assistant Treasurer:
Michael Santos
Board Members
John Agriantonis, Demetrios Papadopoulos,
Tasia Lappas, Michael Drivas, Antonios Drivas,
George Mastorou, Kostas Vasilopoulos, Betty
Spiropoulos, Gary Niec, Barbara Zois,
Kryriakos Galiatsatos
Honorary Members
Steve Zourzoukis, Vasilios Koukoutsis
Church Secretary: Fanny Kontzialis Mazis
Cantor:
George Papasavvas
Sexton:
Petros Voci
Kitchen -
Ted Kastis (Chairman)
B. Zaphiros,J. Protopapas, Leonidas Stathakopoulos,
K. Galiatsatos, D.Stamatiadis
Event Coordinating – Nikos Zavolas (Chairman)
B. Spiropoulos, T. Lappas, D. Papadopoulos, M.Drivas,
G.Nice, B. Zois, G.Scalla, M. Agriantonis, S. Malouhos,
M. Sarris, S. Maladrenias, V.Georgiou, M.Pelardis,
V.Zavolas
Welcoming -
Garry Niec (Chairman)
T. Lappas, S. Zourzoukis, M. Drivas, B. Spiropoulos,
B. Zois, D. Vassilopoulos,
The Herald committee hopes you enjoy this edition of our
newsletter. We wish you happy, safe, and blessed remainder of
the summer.
Next edition will take place in the Fall of 2013.
Please contact us at TheHeraldNewsletter@gmail for any pictures,
articles, comments or suggestions.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 2
President’s Letter
Η πρώτη φάση του σχεδίου “ Πρόγραμμα Εκκλησιαστικής Ανακαίνισης”
τέλειωσε. Δημιουργηθήκανε σύγχρονοι χώροι ( λουκουματζίδικο, νέο
Ηλεκτρονικό Ηχοσύστημα, νέα Αποθήκη και 4 σύγχρονα νέα Αποχωρητήρια ).
Η οργάνωση με ηλεκτρονική εγγραφή των μελών είναι γεγονός.
Η Δέσμευση ή Οικονομική Διαχείριση αντί για συνδρομή, αρχίζει και αποδίδει !
Έχουν δοθεί κανόνες συνεργασίας και τηρούνται με τους οργανισμούς ( Σχολική
Εφορία, ΠΤΟ, Goya, Joy & Hope ) δημιουργώντας μια άψογη συνεργασία.
Το νέο πρόγραμμα για την νεολαία ( Καλαθόσφαιρα Νέων Άνω των 18) αποδίδει
και φέρνει την νεολαία κοντά στη κοινότητα μας και αξιοποιείτε και το
Γυμναστήριο προσφέροντας οικονομικό κέρδος στη κοινότητα.
Η εφημερίδα μας The Herald έχει κερδίσει πολλά επαινετικά σχόλια, όχι μόνο για την εμφάνιση, αλλά
και για την ποιότητα της.
Θέλω να ευχαριστήσω τον Πατέρα Γεώργιο δια την σημαντική βοήθεια που μας προσφέρει σε όλα
τα επίπεδα (συμπεριλαμβανόμενα Κατηχητικό Σχολείο, Καλή Παρέα κλπ ) και αρχίζει σιγά-σιγά να
βάζει και τη δική του σφραγίδα.
θέλω να ευχαριστήσω την Φιλόπτωχο για την βοήθεια που μας δίνει πάντα σε όλα τα επίπεδα (
συμπεριλαμβανόμενα Φεστιβάλ, μεγαλοβδόμαδα, κλπ ).
Θέλω επίσης να ευχαριστήσω τα μέλη του συμβουλίου μου, τα μέλη της κοινότητας, τους φίλους, τις
επιχειρήσεις και όλους αυτούς που μας δείχνουν εμπιστοσύνη και συμπαράσταση με την συμμετοχή
τους.
Είμαι πραγματικά υπερήφανος όχι μόνο σαν πρόεδρος, αλλά σαν απλό μέλος, διότι αισθάνομαι ότι
βρίσκομαι σε μια ζεστή οικογένεια ! σας ευχαριστώ για την αγάπη σας και θέλω να γνωρίζετε ότι όλοι
είμαστε υπεύθυνοι και για τις επιτυχίες μας.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Phase One of the “Church Renovation Project” is complete.
We have built modern Facilities (the “Sweet Shop”, new sound system, new storage room, and four
new Modern Lavatories.) The new computerized member’s list is done. The Stewardship Program
(which has replaced dues) is working better than we predicted. There is great collaboration amongst
the various church organizations (Board of Education, PTO, GOYA, Joy and Hope, etc.) creating a
smooth and efficient partnership. The new adult Basketball program (18 and older) has brought the
youth back to our community and has utilized the Gym. It is also offering economic profit to the
community. Our newsletter, The Herald, has gained a lot of appreciative comments, not only on the
appearance, but also on the quality of content.
I want to thank our Father George for all the important help that he offers to us in all the levels and
organizations . His presence has made a great difference. I want to thank our Philoptohos for all the
support that they constantly provide in all our missions. I want also to thank the members of my
council, the members of the community, the friends, the enterprises and all those that show us
confidence and support with their attendance. I am proud, not only as a President, but as a simple
member, because I feel that our church community is one great, warm family! I thank you for your love
and I want you to know that we are all responsible for our successes!
Nikos Zavolas
President of Parish Council of Saint Demetrios, Union NJ
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 3
(As of 6/21/2003)
Kontos, Christos & Toula
Scala, Georgia Ms
Kontos, Emmanouil & Christine Mr & Mrs
Shannon, Stefanie & Ryan
Kontos, Hristina
Sideris, Hariklia Mrs
Kontos, Manolis
Sipsis, Spiros & Eleni Mr & Mrs
Adrianopoulos, Adrian Ms
Kontos, Menelaos & Tsambika Mr & Mrs
Sofianakos, Kostas & Maria Mr & Mrs
Agriantonis, Andrew & Mata Mr & Mrs
Kontos, Nicholas Mr & Mrs
Stavrakis, Thomas & Maria Mr & Mrs
Angelis, Jenny Mrs
Kostis, John & Mary Mr & Mrs
Stergiou, Soultana Ms
Antipatis, Christos & Mina Mr & Mrs
Kotsis, Konstantinos & Ioanna Mr & Mrs
Strobolakos, Anthony & Gloria
Barber, Nikitas & Maria Mr & Mrs
Koufomihalis, Alex & Kalliope
Taverniaris, Emmanuel & Irene Mr & Mrs
Barnat, Peter & Alexandra Mr & Mrs
Koukoutsis, Vasilios & Efrosini Mr & Mrs
Theocharopoulos, George & Natalie
Bougelekas, Evangelos & Athena Mr & Mrs
Kouroupas, William
Tsakiridis, Iordanis
Boutsikaris, George & Chrystal Mr & Mrs
Koutroumbis, Stamatis & Avgi Mr & Mrs
Tsemberlis, Tom
Boutsikaris, Harry & Kalliope Mr & Mrs
Kyriakou, Jason & Zoe Mr & Mrs
Valassis, Theodore & Penelope Mr & Mrs
Bukuvalas, John & Lisa Mr & Mrs
Lambrakopoulos, Kostas & Anna Mr & Mrs
Vasiliadis, Michael & Maria
Caplanis, John & Nancy
Lappas, Kostas & Tasia
Vasilopoulos, Konstantinos & Panorea
Catacalos, Gregory
Lignos, Antonia Mrs.
Voci, Preng & Yianna Mr & Mrs
Cocca, Michael & Theoniki Mr & Mrs
Lima, Michael & Athena Mr & Mrs
Volikas, Maria Mrs
Demas, Anastasia Mrs
Loucopoulos, Argyro Mrs
Vouloumanos, Stella Mrs.
Demetrakis, Emmanuel & Sebasti Mr & Mrs
Loucopoulos, Lucas Mr & Mrs
Wilcox, Irene Mrs
Dimitrakakis, Ourania
Lyristis, Panagiotis & Despina Mr & Mrs
Williams, Peter H.
Drivas, Antonios & Katerina Mr & Mrs
Makras, Gregory Mr
Zaphiros, Harry & Argyro
Drivas, Mike & Christine Mr & Mrs
Malandrenios, George and Sophia Mr & Mrs
Zaphiros, Harry & Argyro Mr & Mrs
Economidis, Minas & Yianna Mr & Mrs
Mastorou, George
Zavolas, Nikos & Angie Mr & Mrs
Efstathiou, Bess Mrs
Melachrinos, Dean Mr & Mrs
Zois, Barbara Ms
Ehrhardt, Thomas & Elizabeth
Milonas, Asimina
Zourzoukis, Steve & Paraskeui Mr & Mrs
Emmanouilidis, Emanuel & Evdoxia Mr & Mrs
Nicola, Angela
Erotokritou, Stavros Mr & Mrs
Niec, Gary Mr & Mrs
Frangos, Stelios & Maria Mr & Mrs
Pagratis, Ioannis & Nikoletta Mr & Mrs
Galiatsatos, Kyriakos Mr
Palivos, Maria
Georgallis, George & Michelia Mr & Mrs
Palivos, Tasos & Anna Mr & Mrs
Georgas, Voula Ms
Pallantios, Peter & Harriet Mr & Mrs
Georgiou, Andreas and Sophia Mr & Mrs
Papadopoulos, Demetrios
Georgiou, George & Valasia
Papadopoulos, Nikos & Irene
Georgiou, Kyriakos & Anna
Papasavvas, Christofi & Maria
Givas, Zaferoula & Vasiliki
Papatsambasis, Triantafylos & Argyro Mr & Mrs
Greberis, Azouletta
Papazoglou, Evangelos Mr
Gyftopulos, John & Kalliopi Mr & Mrs
Papazoglou, Nicole Ms.
Hartford, Patrice Mrs
Pazas, Panagiotis & Panagiota Mr & Mrs
Lord as stewards of His creation and
Hilas, George Mr
Pelardis, Irene Ms
members of His holy Body; inviting us
Hrysoullakis, Eugenia Ms
Pelardis, Stathis & Theodora Mr & Mrs
Ioannidis, Socrates & Giselle Mr & Mrs
Petropoulakos Wilcox, Irene
Kalevas, Athanasia
Plagianakos, Tina Ms
Kamnistsis, Christopher
Riginos, Stavrianthi
Kantonidis, Nicholas Mr
Rigos, Georgia
Karaminas, Sophia
Rigos, Irene
Katsikis, Gus
Santana, Douglas & Theano Mr & Mrs
Kizoulis, Nicholas Mr & Mrs
Savvis, Mike & Linda Mr & Mrs
Konstas, Tasos & Maria Mr & Mrs
Savvis, Peter & Despina Mr & Mrs
Thank you for all your support! It is because
of all of YOU that the doors to our beloved
Church remain open!
Above all, we thank Christ
our God,
who taught us sinners the way unto
eternal life. He taught us what it
means to live and work and serve the
to become heirs to His eternal Kingdom.
May our good and loving God bless
all of you, our stewards, who glorify
and worship and witness to His Holy
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Name!!! A blessed summer to all!!!
Union, NJ
Page 4
Philoptochos Adelphotis “St Irene”
of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Dear Members and Friends of St. Demetrios and Philoptochos,
Another successful ecclesiastical year has come to an end. On behalf of the
Philoptochos Board, I would like to extend to all of you, members and friends
of Philoptochos, a heartfelt thank you and appreciation for all your help,
support, and love to our events and activities. It is because of all of this that we
can continue our sacred mission and duty. Thank you! Thank you! Thank
you! We hope and wish to see more of you in September.
Please continue to support your Philoptochos and also become an active member. Your Philoptochos of St.
Demetrios needs your participation. Have a safe, wonderful, happy, healthy, and blessed summer! God Bless
you and your families.
Respectfully,
Maria Kostas, President
mdkostas@gmail.com
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 5
Greek School News
A
Our School Year
s we approach the end of our school year we would like
to reflect on some of our achievements:
-Our school’s motto: We Speak Greek Here”
was an inspiration to all our students to keep on speaking Greek
in and out of the classroom.
-Our brand new Pre-K class, where our youngest
students first learn about the Greek language in a fun and
playful way. Thank you to Mrs. Katerina Drivas for making
our 1st ever Pre-K class such a success!
-Our K students this year
utilized both a reading
book and a workbook;
tools which Mrs. Maria
Dagiantis skillfully used
to teach our young
children to read and write,
so that they can be well
prepared for 1st grade.
- In order to assess our
students learning, we instituted a mid-year review and exam
for classes 1st to 6th in addition to our final review and exam
-From our wonderful Christmas Pageant to Greek
Letters Day and Greek Independence Day, all our celebrations
were successful and highlighted not only our students’ stage
talents but also their Greek speaking ability. Bravo to all!
-Our two cultural days –Clean Monday and Easter
Traditions Day were well received and helped our youngsters
learn about Greek customs and traditions in a fun, hands-on
way.
-The publication of “Greek School News,” our
school’s newsletter, which kept everyone abreast of happenings
in our school.
-Our yearbook, a wonderful keepsake containing
pictures of our school life and activities. We are very thankful
to Mrs. Maria Frangos and Mrs. Eleni Demetriou, our
yearbook committee, for their creativity and endless hard work!
-A huge “Thank you” goes to all who contributed to
make our 2012-2013 year a success: Our dedicated teachers,
supporting parents, wonderful students, the PTO-our school’s
right hand- our BOE, Fr. George, and our community president
Mr. Nikos Zavolas.
Our Second Grade
W
hen a student goes from 1st to 2nd grade, it is like
taking a huge leap forward. Everything is suddenly
more demanding; the reading, the
vocabulary, the syntax, the grammar, the spelling. And yet, our
second graders always do very well thanks to the strong
foundation they receive in 1st grade.
In addition to the rigorous reading and more
challenging vocabulary, our 2nd
graders learn how to write a short
paragraph using correct grammar
and syntax, learn the days of the
week, the months, the seasons, the
greetings, the articles, the weather,
and so much more.
Our second grade teacher,
Mrs. Mata Agriantonis, believes
that “Kids learn the best when they
are actively engaged in a fun way” and that is why the last 15
minutes of each lesson are spent playing an educational game,
such as “Vocabulary Bingo,” “Hot Potato,” “Manolis Says,”
“Wheel of Fortune,” “Guess My Number,” etc. These games
are designed to reinforce Greek language learning, especially
new vocabulary.
Our 2nd graders this year, in keeping with our school
motto “We speak Greek Here,” did their best in speaking only
Greek in class. They used a piggy bank in which they would
put in a penny for every English word they would
absentmindedly use. Even Kyria. Mata , had to feed the piggy if
she was caught violating this rule! Happily, as of this writing,
the piggy bank does not contain too many pennies!
This year our second grade girls put our Greek school
on the map in cyberspace by making a video called “Ta
Xefteria,” which was first performed at our Letters Day
celebration in February. We thank Mrs, Maria Dagiantis for
taking the video and Mrs. Gina Plaitakis for putting it on
youtube. Watch it on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhCzRpW_dKY
Upcoming Events & Reminders
6th Grade Graduation and annual PTO picnic
Thursday, June 13, at 5:00 pm.
Mon, Tues, Wed (6/17,6 18, 6/19) (4:30-6:30)
Greek Summer Camp
June 15-July 30 Registration for 2013-2014
school year
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 6
Τα Νέα του Σχολείου μας
Η Χρονιά που Πέρασε
Η Δευτέρα Τάξη
Τ
εταξύ πρώτης και δευτέρας τάξης υπάρχει μεγάλη
διαφορά στη ύλη.
Ξαφνικά όλα γίνονται πιό
απαιτητικά: ανάγνωση, γραμματική, συντακτικό,
ορθογραφία, λεξιλόγιο. Παρ’ όλα αυτά όμως, τα
παιδιά μας πάντα τα καταφέρνουν χάρις στις γερές βάσεις που
παίρνουν στη πρώτη τάξη.
Στη Δευτέρα τάξη τα παιδιά γράφουν προτάσεις
χρησιμοποιώντας σωστό συντακτικό, κλίνουν ρήματα,
μαθαίνουν τις ημέρες της εβδομάδας, τους μήνες, τις εποχές,
τον καιρό, τα άρθρα και άλλα πολλά. Επιπροσθέτως, η
δασκἀλα τους, η Κα Μάτα Αγριαντώνη, χρησιμοποιεί
διάφορα εκπαιδευτικά παιχνίδια για να διδάξει τη καινούργια
ύλη γιατί πιστεύει πως το παιδί μαθαίνει πολύ πιό εύκολα όταν
απασχολείται με κάτι διασκεδαστικό και ευχάριστο. Γι’αυτό,
τα τελευταία 15 λεπτά κάθε μαθήματος, τα παιδιά της δευτέρας
παίζουν ένα παιχνίδι όπως, «Bingo με Λέξεις», «Ο Μανώλης
Λέει» «Καυτή Μπάλα», «Ὁ Τροχός Της Τύχης» και διάφορα
άλλα παιχνίδια.
Φέτος, μια που το σύνθημα
του
σχολείου μας ήταν “Ἑδώ Μιλάμε
Ελληνικά», τα παιδιά είχαν και
έναν κουμπαρά στη τάξη για να
ρίχνουν pennieς όταν κατά
λάθος μιλούσαν στα Αγγλικά.
Ακόμα και η Κυρία Μάτα
έπρεπε νά ριξει λεφτά στον
κουμπαρά όταν της ξέφευγε καμιά
αγγλική λέξη. Ευτυxώς, μέχρι στιγμής, ο κουμπαράς δεν
φαίνεται να έχει και πολλά pennies!
Το σκετσάκι «Τα Ξεφτέρια»που παίχθηκε για πρώτη
φορά στη γιορτή των Γραμμάτων από τα κορίτσια της δευτέρας,
έχει γίνει πλέον γνωστό στον κόσμο του Διαδικτύου.
Ευχαριστούμε την κυρία Μαρία Νταγιάντη που πήρε το video
και την κυρία Gina Πλαϊτάκη που το έβαλε στο youtube.
ώρα που τελειώνει η σχολική χρονιά, ας ρίξουμε μια
ματιά να δούμε τι καταφέραμε φέτος στο σχολείο μας.
«Εδώ Μιλάμε Ελληνικά» ήταν το σύνθημα μας
γιά να μη ξεχνάμε ότι στο σχολείο του Αγ. Δημητρίου η
γλώσσα που κυριαρχεί είναι η Ελληνική!
Για πρώτη φορά φέτος λειτούργησε καινούργια τάξη
για τα προνήπια. Ευχαριστούμε τη δασκάλα μας την κυρία
Κατερίνα Δρίβα που δίδαξε στα μικρά παιδιά μας την
αλφάβητο και του ήχους των γραμμάτων καθώς και τις πρώτες
Ελληνικές λεξούλες και φράσεις με ωραίο και ευχάριστο τρόπο
χρησιμοποιώντας τραγουδάκια και παιχνίδια.
Η
εργασία
στο
νηπιαγωγείο μας γίνεται πλέον πιό
εντατική γιατί από φέτος τα παιδιά
χρησιμοποιούν αναγνωστικό και
βιβλίο ασκήσεων. Ευχαριστούμε
την δασκάλα μας, την κυρία Μαρία
Νταγιάντη πού με μεγάλη επιτυχία
διδάσκει
στα
παιδιά
του
νηπιαγωγείου μας να διαβάζουν και
να γράφουν ώστε να είναι έτοιμα
για την πρώτη τάξη.
Από φέτος, για πρώτη
φορά, οι μαθητές της 1ης -6ης τάξης εξετάζονται γραπτώς στα
μέσα της χρονιάς, όπως και στο τέλος. Αυτό γίνεται για να
εκτιμήσει το σχολείο μας όχι μόνο τι έχουν μάθει τα παιδιά μας
αλλά και αν χρειάζεται να προσαρμόσουμε τη διδακτέα ύλη
στις ανἀγκες των μαθητών μας.
Οι γιορτές μας είχαν όλες μεγάλη επιτυχία και τα
παιδιά μας εντυπωσίασαν τους πάντες όχι μόνο με το θεατρικό
τους ταλέντο αλλά και με την ευχέρεια με την οποίαν
χρησιμοποίησαν την Ελληνική γλώσσα στις απαγγελίες και τα
τραγούδια τους.
Τα παιδιά μας πήραν μιά ζωντανή εικόνα πάνω στα
έθιμα της Καθαράς Δευτέρας και του Πάσχα λαμβάνοντας
μέρος σε δύο ωραίες δραστηριότητες που κάναμε μαζί με τη
βοήθεια του PTO.
Κυκλοφόρησε η εφημεριδούλα μας, «Τα Νέα του
Σχολείου μας»προς ενημέρωση όλων για όσα αφορούν το
σχολείο μας
Το αναμνηστικό σχολικό μας λεύκωμα που
επιμελήθηκαν οι κυρίες Μαρία Φράνγκου και Ελένη
Δημητρίου αποτελεί για όλους μας ένα ωραίο ενθύμιο της
χαρούμενης χρονιάς που πέρασε.
Τέλος, ευχαριστούμε όλους εσάς που συμβάλατε στην
επιτυχία της φετεινής χρονιάς: τις δασκάλες μας τους γονείς
και τα παιδιά μας, το Σύλλογο Γονέων που είναι πάντα στο
πλευρό μας, τη Σχολική Επιτροπή, τον πρόεδρο της κοινότητάς
μας, Κο Νίκο Ζαβόλα και τον ιερέα μας, πατέρα Γεώργιο, για
την αγάπη τους προς το σχολείο μας και τη συνεργασία τους.
Μ
Μη Ξεχάσετε…
Τελετή Αποφοίτων / PTO picnic
Πέμπτη, 13 Ιουνίου, 5:00 μμ
Ελληνική Κατασκήνωση
Δευτέρα, Τρίτη, Τετάρτη (Ιουνίου 17, 18, 19)
4:30 - 6:30 μμ
Εγγραφές: Σχολικό Έτος 2013-2014
15 Ιουνίου -30 Ioυλίου
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 7
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 8
1st Annual!
2013 Greek School SUMMER CAMP
Πόσο όμορφο, αλήθεια, είναι να βλέπεις
παιδιά να δημιουργούν και να εξέχουν!
Όσοι παρευρεθήκαμε στο
τριήμερο δραστηριοτήτων του
Ελληνικού μας Σχολείου, δεν
μπορέσαμε
παρά
να
θαυμάσουμε
την
αθρόα
συμμετοχή όλων των παιδιών,
καθώς και το ενδιαφέρον με το
οποίο ασχολήθηκαν σε όλες
τις δραστηριότητες.
Συγκεκριμένα,
από
τις 17 έως και τις 19 Ιουνίου
2013, το Ελληνικό μας
σχολείο διοργάνωσε, για
πρώτη φορά, μια πολύ
επιτυχημένη “κατασκήνωση
δραστηριοτήτων”, όπου συμμετείχαν 52 παιδιά, και είχαν
την ευκαιρία τις 2 πρώτες ημέρες, να δημιουργήσουν
δαυλούς, να μάθουν ελληνικούς χορούς, να σχεδιάσουν
ένα πάπλωμα με την ελληνική αλφάβητο, να
ζωγραφίσουν γλάστρες και να φυτέψουν βότανα, να
φτιάξουν κομπολόγια και βραχιόλια, να ζωγραφίσουν, να
φτιάξουν t-shirts, και να δημιουργήσουν διακοσμητικά
πιάτα με διάφορα σχέδια, ενώ την 3η ημέρα, μπόρεσαν να
συμμετάσχουν σε πρωτότυπους Ολυμπιακούς αγώνες,
όπου μπόρεσαν να διασκεδάσουν και να λάβουν πολλά
μετάλλια.
Συγχαρητήρια σε όλα τα παιδιά που συμμετείχαν,
και σε όσους αφιέρωσαν το χρόνο τους για να διεξαχθεί
επιτυχώς το όλο εγχείρημα!
Ραντεβού του χρόνου!!!
How beautiful is it, indeed, to see children
create and excel in what they do!
All of us who participated in the 3day Greek camp of our Greek School could
not help but admire the great participation
of all the children, as well as the interest
with which they were involved in all of the
activities.
More specifically,
from the 17th until the 19th
of June 2013, our Greek
School organized for the
first time a very successful
Greek camp, where 52
children participated and
had the chance during the
first 2 days to create
torches,
learn
Greek
dances, make a Greek
alphabet quilt, design pots
and plant herbs, make
kombologia and bracelets,
draw, make t-shirts and
create decorative plates
with various designs. On the 3rd day, they took part in
original Olympic games, where they were able to have fun
and win lots of medals.
Congratulations to all the children who
participated, and to all those who dedicated their time so
as for the Greek camp to be successfully completed!
See you again next year!!!
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 9
SUNDAY SCHOOL
To all Parishioners and Parents,
As our ecclesiastical year comes to a close, we are proud of our children who participated and attended our Sunday school.
We have over 55 students registered. Our wonderful dedicated teachers enjoy teaching our church lessons and traditions to
our children along with Father George’s spiritual support and lessons. We now have three classrooms for our children &
rd
th
th
students: Grades: Pre-K to 3 , 4 - 6 , and 7th-12th.
During our Great Lent for Easter/ Pasha, we learned what lent means and the lessons that go with preparing for Easter. Our
children who attend the Greek school also had the opportunity to learn our Greek heritage traditions of making koulourakia and
the coloring of the red eggs.
For Mothers’ Day, the children created a beautiful keepsake craft
for their mothers.
On June 9, 2013, we had our graduation and promotion for our
th
students. This year we had 4 students graduating the 12 grade.
Our curriculum for every Sunday is: discussing the Sunday's
lesson, learning about upcoming saint days, the meaning of the
church holidays throughout the year, reading the Children's Bible
Stories and Bible readings (for the older students). The younger
children are continuing to practice to learn by heart the Lord's
Prayer in both English and Greek.
We appreciate your faithfulness in bringing your children every
Sunday. There is a lesson to learn every Sunday. “Sunday
School makes a difference”.
Here are the flip flops the children bought and decorated
to give to poor Orthodox children living in Haiti.
Your Sunday school teachers are: Katerina Drivas, Julia Petses, Demetria Demoleas, Irene Melachrinos, Sammie Wolz,
Maria Palivou, Katerina Moulinou, Stefano Petses, Antonios Drivas, Joanna Stravelakis and Nicholas Papadopoulos
May God continue to bless our community and enlighten us in our efforts to guide our children on the
right path.
We hope you all have a nice and safe Summer/ Kalo Kalokairi and we will see you at the end of
September.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Papadopoulos
Sunday School Director
nicholaspap@aol.com
Our devoted teachers!
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 10
Sunday School makes a difference!
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 11
&
The JOY/HOPE program occurs every third Friday of the month and activities are planned to bring the
children together to have fun and build lasting friendships.
In February, we celebrated “APOKRIES” together. The
children dressed up in costumes and we made carnivale
masks. For Easter, the children made their own Easter
candle or “Lambatha”. Each child made a beautifully
decorated candle to light at church during the “Anastasi”.
We also held our 2nd annual fundraising event of selling
Easter “Lambathes” that several of the moms decorated.
This was a success and thank you to those that supported us
and purchased the candles.
For our last event of the season, we will be celebrating with
a Zumba fitness party for all the boys and girls! We will then
break for the summer and meet again in September.
I encourage you to bring your children to participate in these fun activities.
If you would like more information about the JOY/HOPE program or would like to be added to
our distribution list please speak to Julia Petses or Maria Frangos, or send an email to
joyhopestdunion@gmail.com
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 12
ΚΑΛΙ ΠΑΡΕΑ
Η Καλή παρέα δεν είναι μόνο για όσους έχουν πάρει σύνταξη, αλλά είναι και για όλους που
έχουν μερικές ώρες ελεύθερες και θέλουν να βρεθούν με άλλους Ελληνες για ένα μεζέ, ενα
ποτηράκι κρασί και κουβεντούλα. Πάντα περνάμε καλά. Η επόμενη συνάντηση της Καλής
Παρέας είναι στις 4 Ιουνίου στης κ. Παπατσαμπάσης το σπίτι όπου ο κ. Τριαντάφυλλος θα
κάνει BBQ! Ευχόμαστε ένα καλό καλοκαίρι σε όλους, και καλό ταξίδι σε όσους θα φύγουν.
Ελπίζουμε να σας δούμε όλους στο Festival μας, και στην επόμενη συνάντηση μας που θα
γίνει τον Οκτώβρη.
Καλό καλοκαίρι!
Pictured above, the Kali Parea met at Mr & Mrs Papatsambasis’ beautiful back yard for an out of this world
Greek BBQ!!! We want to thank: Mr & Mrs Papatsambasis for hosting the last meeting before the summer at
their home, and cooking all the delicious food; Father for his enlightening conversations; the ladies for all the
delicious desserts; Harry for helping out Mrs Papatsambasis with everything she needed; and everyone for
their wonderful parea. Kalo kalokairi, see you in October!
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 13
of St. Demetrios
As the year comes to the end, the St. Demetrios Goya Advisors would like to congratulate our Goyans on a
remarkable year. Starting with Sights and Sounds, our Goyans won third place in Greek Play. Congratulations
to Asimakis Pagratis, he placed 3rd in the Greek Monologue, and received honorable mention in computer art,
and Mihalia Sarris placed 3rd in flower making. I also would like to congratulate Spiros Lappas for placing 1st
in hand molded ceramics and Irene Sarris, who place 3rd in Greek Monologue, 1st in original design on readymade clothing, and 1st in jewelry making. Our Goyans attended the bowling tournament, on March 3rd in
Farview where Voula Zaphiros won Silver in senior team, MaryEllen Santana won Gold in senior individual,
Nicole Stavrakis won gold and Flora Micheludis won Bronze in the Junior team. Mihalia Sarris won Gold in
Junior for highest average. The Goyans also attended the soccer tournament on April 13th. Thanks to the boys
team for representing our church. The girls team won 1st place in the soccer tournament. Congratulations, we
are proud of you! The year ended by our Goyans participating in the Olympics which took place at Monmouth
University. Our Goyans competed in relays, shot put, softball throw, volleyball and marathon. We all so proud
of them. We would like to congratulate our seniors Voula Zaphiros, MaryEllen Santana, Spiros Lappas, Andrea
Fanos, for their support throughout the years. (MaryEllen will attend Penn State majoring in Finance, Voula
will attend Montclair majoring in Finance, Andrea will attend FDU in Madison, major undecided and Spiro will
attend UCC, major undecided. Best of luck with everything you do!)
We look forward to a new an excited new season in September and would like to welcome and congratulate the
following 2013-2014 Goya board members:
2013 Goya Board Members
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Asst. Secretary:
Irene Sarris
Constantine Zavolas
Georgia Stavrakis
Stephanos Lappas
We always welcome new
members to our Goya family!
Please feel free to email
mariasarris@verizon.net for more
information about events and
membership
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 14
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 15
Greek School
P.T.O.
The PTO would like to thank everyone that supported and helped out this year. We want to
congratulate the graduating class and wish them the best for their future. We also want to wish
the new PTO Board success for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year.
Thank you,
St. Demetrios
PTO Board 2012-2013
For more info, email:
PTO BOARD
President: Stella Malouhos
Vice President: Voula Kartsonas
Treasurer: Maria Pelardis
Secretary: Fotini Mazis
smalouhos@gmail.com
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 16
MARK YOUR CALENDERS!!!
SEPTEMBER:
Greek Festival - Thursday September 5th to Sunday September 8th.
Please sign up to volunteer to make the festival a successful event!
Greek School - every Monday and Wednesday starting September 16th
4:45- 6:30 pm.
Ages 4 to 12. Pre-school to 6th Grade
Εδώ μιλάμε Ελληνικά!
Sunday School - every Sunday starting September 22
following the Divine Liturgy around 11:15
Ages 4 to 18. Preschool to 12th Grade
Sunday School makes a difference!
OCTOBER:
Joy Hope - is the 3rd Friday of each month starting September 20th
5:30-7 pm
ages 4 to 12 years of age
For fun and for building lasting friendships!
Kali Parea - starting again in October 2013
The First Greek Book Festival of New Jersey Saturday, October 5TH
12:00pm to 6:00pm
St. Demetrios Feast & 85TH Anniversary Celebration –
Sunday, Oct. 20th
5:00- 10 pm
NOVEMBER:
Craft Help Project #3 - to help the Orthodox children in Haiti in November
by our devoted teachers in Sunday School with all the classes from preschool to
12th grade. (Operation Christmas Project)
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 17
Christ Is Risen!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Greek School of St. Demetrios of Union, NJ &
The Greek Institute of Arts
presents
Saturday, October 5th
Noon until 6 pm
At St. Demetrios of Union
with books donated by Greek writers from around the world!
All proceeds benefit the Greek School program
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 18
th
85 Anniversary
St. Demetrios Feast
October 20th
Galloping Hill Banquet
with entertainment by DJ Tommy and
the Terpsichoreans Dance group
Order your tickets today!!
"ATTENTION!!! THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU!!!"
Don't let the flame go out as it did 6 years ago! The future existence of seeing and hearing our
choir chant and participate during church services is entirely up to you. Please consider this
a very serious matter: if we want to have a choir at St. Demetrios, then we need the voices
and participation of at least 15 choir members (men and women). Anyone interested in
joining the choir should email(gnikas@mail.com) or call (732-232-1036) Father
George no later than August 1, 2013, and leave your name and telephone number. Don't
let the choir be a thing of the past! We look forward to seeing and hearing from you as soon as
possible. Our first short rehearsal will be Sunday, August 18, 2013, and continue for the
following Sundays after church services through Sunday, September 15, 2013. At that time, additional
rehearsals and information concerning the choir and it's participation during the new Ecclesiastical Year of
2013-2014 will be discussed. Please help keep this important organization alive and growing for years to
come!
Η χορωδία μας χρειάζετε τη φωνή σας!
Το θέμα είναι πολύ απλό: Για να έχουμε επιτυχημένη η χορωδία στον Αγιο Δημήτριο χρειαζόμαστε
τουλάχιστον 15 ανδρικές και γυναικίες φωνές, αλλιώς δεν προβλέπουμε να συνεχιστεί η χορωδία μας. Οι
ενδιαφερόμενοι παρακαλούνται να καλέσουν τον πατέρα Γεώργιο στο (732-232-1036) ή να στείλουν μήνυμα
στη διέυθυνση gnikas@mail.com με το όνομά τους και το τηλέφωνό τους, μέχρι τη 1η Αυγούστου. Η πρώτη
πρόβα της χορωδίας μας θα λάβει μέρος τη Κυριακή, 18 Αυγούστου και θα συνεχιστεί για κάθε Κυριακή μετά
τη Θεία Λειτουργία, μέχρι και τη Κυριακή 15 Σεπτεμβρίου, όπου και θα συζητηθούν τα επόμενα βήματα για
την χορωδία μας. Παρακαλούμε ΟΛΟΥΣ EMΑΣ να κάνουμε ό,τι μπορούμε για να ακούμε την ωραία
χορωδία μας κάθε Κυριακή στον Αγιο Δημήτριο.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 19
FATHER OF THE YEAR.
With poem by Nikos Zavolas
He has the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun. the calm of a quiet sea.
The generous soul of nature, the wisdom of the ages (and he still young).
The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning spring,
The depth of a family need.
The magic smile, He always smiles, no matter what he is doing.
Whether he is winning a championship game as a coach with Goya,
When he is always asking: ‘How can I help?’
Or whether he faces uphill battles in his life.
Έχει τη δύναμη του βουνού, την μεγαλειότητα του δέντρου,
την ζεστασιά του θερινού ήλιου, την ηρεμία της θάλασσας,
την γενναιόδωρη ψυχή της φύσης, την εμπειρία των χρόνων, κι ας είναι
πολύ νέος.
Το δυνατό ξεπέταγμα του Αετού, τη χαρά του ανοιξιάτικου πρωινού,
και την βαθιά βοήθεια για την οικογένεια. Πάντα χαμογελάει, ότι κι αν
κάνει.
MOTHER OF THE YEAR.
Mr. Douglas Alves Santana
A Mother’s love is something that no one can
explain,
It is made of deep devotion and of sacrifice
and pain,
It is endless and unselfish and enduring come
what may,
For nothing can destroy it or take that love
away . . .
It is patient and forgiving when all others are
forsaking,
And it never fails or falters even though the
heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing when the world
around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest,
brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining, it defies all
explanation,
And it still remains a secret like the mysteries
of creation . . .
A many splendored miracle man cannot
understand . . .
Argyro Papatsambasi & Maria Tsekeridis
And another wondrous evidence of God’s tender guiding hand.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 20
Honorees of the 2013 Clergy-Laity Meeting
(held at the Venetian on May 13th, 2013)
GOYA:
Parish Council:
Community:
Sunday School:
Philoptochos:
Andrea Fanos
Congratulations!
Nikos Zavolas
Antonios Drivas
Nicholas Papadopoulos
Voula Georgas
To our Greek School and Sunday School Graduates:
God has truly blessed you with unique
talents and abilities and you have used
His gifts extremely well.
Your positive attitude, your willingness to
try new things, your dedication and your
caring ways –
All this shows how much you have done
with His gifts.
As we celebrate your accomplishments,
remember that you are an important part
of God’s wonderful plan.
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 21
The Greek Independence Parade
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 22
A Glimpse
of Our
Beloved
Community
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 23
Galloping Hill Caterers
Your Host: George Thomas
325 Chestnut Street, Five Points, Union, NJ 07083
Tel: (908) 686-2683 • Fax: (908) 688-2376
Website: www.gallopinghillcaterers.com
Email: gallopinghill@comcast.net
Tom Stavrakis
President
67 Newark Way
Tel: 973.763.4036
Maplewood, NJ 07040
Fax: 973.763.6128
macmenu@aol.com
1.800.622.MENU
908-647-2193
973-763-4036
BMW of Morristown
Angelo Filippatos
GRILL
New Vehicle Client Advisor
111 Ridgedale Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960-4267
Phone 973-796-3053
Fax 973-352-6663
Angelo.filippatos@openroad.com
973-796-3053
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
201-401-5559
Union, NJ
Page 24
908-233-0052
917- 833-9120
908-233-0052
908-688-8060
917- 833-9120
www.spconstructionandson.com
michaelmortgage.com
Please support our sponsors who have
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St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 25
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church
Union, NJ
Page 26

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