THE PHOS Περιοδικό τῆς Ἐνορίας-Κοινότητος Ἁγίας Ἄννας, Χρυσή Ἀκτή Newsletter of the Greek Orthodox ParishCommunity of St Anna, Gold Coast Apr-May 2014 31 a Crombie Ave, Bundall PO Box 5074 GCMC Qld 9726 (07) 5574 0777, 5574 0434 admin@gocstanna.org If you would like to receive the Phos in colour by email send your email address to admin@gocstanna.org PRESIDENTS REPORT Easter is fast approaching. While we keep our customs and traditions at this special time, we hope you are able to participate in the religious observances and services so beautifully presented to us each year by Father Roman. All our committees are in the preparation phase for Easter and, as always, we look forward to seeing so many of you over the next few weeks. Please refer to the details inside for church services, events and functions over this very significant time of the year. On Sunday the 23rd of March 2014 our community celebrated Greek National Independence Day. A large gathering attended the Divine Liturgy and following the Church service a wreath laying ceremony took place at our cenotaph in front of our Church. After the church service, parishioners and our Greek School teachers and students gathered in our Hellenic Centre for the commencement of the Greek School program with the focus and theme of Greek National Day. Our special guests were from Ahepa - Mr John Elisseos, State Vice- President of Ahepa Qld and his wife Koula and Mr Manual and Joanna Ballandinos. At every Greek National Day our community is always very pleased to welcome representatives from Ahepa. We thank them sincerely for their presence, time and generosity to this community over many years. Our other guests were, Associate Professor of Anatomy (Bond University), Athanasios Raikos; representing the Northern Rivers of N.S.W , Dr Chris Markopoulos, his wife Koralia and their children; and Patricia Gizas and her son. The Greek School principal, Mr Michael Christoforou introduced the program and each student from the Prep to Year 12 level recited their poems and gave their presentations. They provided an excellent and informative program with the focus on the history and heroes of Greek National Day. The students are to be commended on their efforts and we also congratulate the Principal, the teachers and the parents. We thank the Ladies Auxiliary who prepared the Lenten lunch. Our gratitude is warmly extended to all the volunteers who assisted on the day, in particular Spiro Levanes. We wish to acknowledge the work done by John Alexiou for repairing the posts in the back carpark and number signage. Many thanks to John for so kindly offering his time and labour all without charge. We are very grateful to the anonymous donor who so generously assisted us with the materials. We also acknowledge the work carried out by Dimitri and Themor Bourne for tidying the gardens and removing palm fronds and weeds in the church precinct and then laying down the garden mulch. The work took many hours and they transported a huge trailer load to the tip. All this work was done voluntarily. A big thank you to Dimitri and Themor!! Again, we thank the anonymous community member who donated the mulch. Our Community is very blessed to have so many generously spirited men and women who are always there to donate their efforts and time, keeping our community functioning and, at the same time, reducing our community expenses. We thank each and every one of you. Dr Voula Castan, Chairman of the Lexion Alliance in Brisbane has generously donated a number of books written by her late husband, the highly respected intellect, Dr Con Castan. The books, entitled ‘The Greeks in Brisbane – Migration, Arrival, Home’ are for sale at our book and religious stall and we are grateful to Dr Voula Castan for making these volumes available to us. The book is a very inspiring historical reflection of all the elements, including people, that played a role in the Greek life of Brisbane. We are pleased to donate the proceeds of these books to the Bribie Island Retreat. Last week we laid to rest one of our former Committee members, Mr Lambros (Bert) Voukelatos. Our community wishes to our express our deepest condolences to his immediate family and to his extended family. May his memory be eternal. We take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Kalo Pascha. James Nides President Coming up in Apr-May: Apr 12 St. Lazarus Cross Making/ Church cleaning bee Apr 13 Palm Sunday Luncheon Apr 20 Easter Sunday Luncheon May 15 Biggest morning tea CHURCH SERVICES See Inside or go to our website To see the Phos in colour, visit our website at: www.gocstanna.org Page 2 THE PHOS Ladies Auxiliary Report 25TH MARCH COMMEMORATION – On 24th March, light Lenten food and refreshments were made by the Auxiliary for the many people who attended Greek National Day. It was very inspiring to hear the Greek School children’s poems and tributes in honour of our War of Independence heroes. The Auxiliary offers its congratulations to these children, their parents and their teachers for their fine efforts. PSYCHOSAVATA – Again, this year, The Ladies Auxiliary was very pleased to provide the kollyva for the three Saturdays of Psychosavato. Many families availed themselves of this service in memory of their family members who have passed. We would like to thank the volunteers who assisted us in making and decorating the plates of kollyva. May we all live long to remember our departed family and community members. KALO PASCHA - The Ladies Auxiliary extends our warmest wishes to Father Roman and to all for a Holy and blessed Easter. May Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection continue to give all of us strength and to fill our soul with the spirit of everlasting life. UPCOMING REMINDERS & EVENTS EASTER BAKING ORDERS – As we do every year, the Ladies Auxiliary would love to help you with your Easter baking, including Tsourekia and red eggs. Please see the enclosed order form for the list of sweets. Our products are made with the best ingredients with tried and tested recipes. Simply fill in the form, and return to the community, making sure you mark which day you wish to pick up your Easter treats. By allowing us to assist you, you also help the Church. Thank you. ST LAZARUS DAY – Saturday 12 April – After the Divine Liturgy for St Lazarus, all are welcome to gather to make the crosses needed in readiness for the next day, Palm Sunday. Do come and be part of this beautiful morning. No experience is needed for the cross making as it is easy to learn. If you are able to bring a pair of scissors on the day, it would be helpful. PALM SUNDAY – Sunday 13 April – You are all very warmly invited to join us at our traditional Fish Luncheon at Ashmore Seafood Restaurant, Ashmore Rd, on Palm Sunday. The cost of the luncheon is $20 for Adults and $10 for children. Come and be part of this joyous celebration just before we enter the solemnity of Holy Week. EASTER FLOWERS – As you are aware, each year on Good Friday, the sepulchre representing Christs’ tomb, is decorated with hundreds of flowers. If you would like to assist by donating towards the purchase of these flowers, please see any Ladies Auxiliary member of make your donation to Eleni Liopyris in Church on Sundays. EASTER LUNCHEON- If you wish to join us on what is the most joyous luncheon of the year, the traditional lamb on- thespit Easter luncheon, please refer to the enclosed flyer for details. Everyone is very welcome, so bring your family and visitors. Bookings, however, are essential. CANCER COUNCIL’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA – Thursday, 15 May - You are warmly invited to attend our annual Biggest Morning Tea at our Community Centre with all your friends. As well as helping to raise valuable funds for Cancer research, it is a very pleasant morning with a great array of sweets and savouries for your morning tea plus some fantastic raffle prizes to be won. The ticket price is $20. We would love to build on the great efforts made by you of previous years. Please call the office (55740434) or email (admin@gocstanna.org) to make your bookings. MORE DETAILS TO COME DINNER DANCE – July – More information will be sent to you about a planned Dinner Dance to be held in July. Please watch out for this forthcoming information. HIGH TEA – Sat 8th November Details will be given in the second half of the year. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia 4th District of Qld & PNG Church Family Retreat BRIBIE ISLAND 29-31 August 2014 (Date subject to change) For enquiries contact: Fr Dimitri Tsakas: 0413 813 136; Fr Romanos Stergiou: 0414 740 477 or 5574 0777; Dimitri Mavromatis: 3844 3669/0448 199 833; Chris Sakley: 0413 705 543 THE PHOS Photo Gallery Blessing of the Main Committee Page 3 Kollyva Memorials with Kollyva can not be conducted between the Sat. of Lazarus and the Sun. of St. Thomas; on the major feast days of our Lord and the Parish Church nor on the 15th Aug, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. To arrange for Kollyva, contact contact Eleni Paris on 0419 309 417 SPIRITUAL CORNER 25th March Celebrations The Jesus Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. This is prayed repeatedly, throughout the day either mentally or verbally, in times of peace and in times of temptation, when busy or quiet, as one is able. It is prayed in response to evil or disturbing thoughts. This simple prayer leads us towards fulfillment of the directive of St. Paul in I Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray without ceasing." It draws us to continual remembrance of God. We ask "mercy" as a word which signifies all that God knows best that we need from the abundance of His "tender mercies." St. Ignatius Brianchaninov (+1867) says: Properly speaking, the Holy Fathers call the prayer which goes thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," the Prayer of Jesus. St. John of the Ladder says of the hesychasts (monastics who practiced this inner prayer in its fullest intensity) that "one of them chants, and devotes the greater part of his time to this chanting, and the others continue in prayer." By "chanting" here we must understand the prayerful recitation of the Psalms, (this practice is continued to this day in the reading of the kathisma in church) for in those days they did not have the other forms of prayers used now (composed prayers from the prayerbook), and by "prayer" we must understand that Prayer of Jesus. The Prayer of Jesus comes in two forms, oral and mental. The ascetic (spiritual athlete) changes from oral prayer to mental himself according to the circumstance, when oral prayer is attentive. The essential requirements for this prayer are: attention, holding the mind within the words of the prayer, being extremely unhurried in pronouncing it and contrition of spirit. Although these things are necessary for every prayer, they are more easily safeguarded and are more necessary in the practice of the Jesus Prayer. In the Prayer of Jesus, the mind is concentrated on one thought: the thought of the sinner being forgiven by Jesus. The activity appears to be the driest of all, but practice in it will show it to be the most fruitful of all spiritual activities. Power and worth are granted it by the allpowerful, all-Holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Page 4 THE PHOS THE PHOS Page 5 Page 6 THE PHOS GREEK SCHOOL REPORT ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ Προς όλους τους Γονείς, Κηδεµόνες και Φίλους , Εορτασµός της Εθνικής µας Εορτής. Με εθνική ερηφάνια γιορτάσαµε την Κυριακή 23 Μαρτίου 2014 , στην Αίθουσα της Κοινότητάς µας, την Εθνική µας Εορτή, την 25η Μαρτίου 1821. Τα αιδιά µας, αν και δεν είχαν αρκετό χρόνο στη διάθεσή τους, αρουσίασαν, ένα εορταστικό, εθνικό ρόγραµµα , ου αοτελείτο αό οµιλία, τραγούδια, διαλόγους και ααγγελίες και χειροκροτήθηκαν αό τον ικανοοιητικό αριθµό, γονέων, αούδων, γιαγιάδων και φίλων ου αρευρέθηκαν. Συγχαίρουµε κι ευχαριστούµε , τόσο τα αιδιά για το εξαιρετικό ρόγραµµα ου µας αρουσίασαν, όσο και τους συναδέλφους και τους γονείς ου τα ροετοίµασαν. Θα ήτο µεγάλη αράλειψη αν δεν ευχαριστούσαµε τις Κυρίες της Βοηθητικής Ειτροής για το ωραίο, νηστίσιµο φαγητό ου ετοίµασαν και τον Πρόεδρο της Κοινότητας, ∆ηµήτρη Nides και τη σύζυγό του Ανθούλα, ου ετοίµασαν την Αίθουσα και της έδωσαν την εορταστική όψη ου αολαύσαµε στη γιορτή Τέλος Πρώτου Τριµήνου Φθάνοντας στο τέλος του Πρώτου Τριµήνου θα θέλαµε να σας ληροφορήσουµε/ υενθυµίσουµε τα ακόλουθα: - Μέχρι της στιγµής έχουν εγγραφεί και φοιτούν στο σχολείο µας άνω των 60 αιδιών, αριθµός ολύ ικανοοιητικός. Οι εγγραφές βεβαίως συνεχίζονται...... - Τα αιδιά των Τάξεων ∆΄, Ε΄, ΣΤ΄ ∆ηµοτικού και Α΄Γυµνασίου ακολουθούν ρογράµµατα, εγκεκριµένα αό το LOTE (Γλώσσα Άλλη Α’την Αγγλική). Η διδασκαλία βασίζεται ερισσότερο στην Ανάγνωση και Κατανόηση, στην Γραφή, στην Ακρόαση και Οµιλία, µε αώτερο σκοό να µάθουν τα αιδιά να εικοινωνούν στα Νέα Ελληνικά. Φέτος, όως και έρσι λειτούργησε και Προδηµοτική Τάξη ( Prep), . -Τέσσερα αιδιά του Λυκείου αρακολουθούν τα Ελληνικά στο Σχολείο µας και τα αοτελέσµατά τους θα ληφθούν υ’ όψη στο «ΟP» ( OP= Ο τελικός βαθµός ου χρησιµοοιείται σαν κριτήριο για εισδοχή στο Πανειστήµιο). Τους ευχόµαστε καλή ειτυχία. -Μία φορά τον µήνα ( για 30 λετά), τα αιδιά αρακολουθούν θρησκευτικά µαθήµατα, τα οοία διδάσκει ο Ιερέας µας, Αιδ. Πατέρας Ρωµανός. -Σας υενθυµίζουµε ως το σχολείο µας λειτουργεί κάθε Τετάρτη αόγευµα αό τις 4.20-7.00µ.µ. µε ένα σύντοµο διάλειµµα, 5.50-6.00µ.µ. -Το ∆ιδ. Προσωικό εργάζεται µε ζήλο κι αινθουσιασµό για να φέρει σε έρας το δύσκολο έργο του. ∆ιακοέςτου Πάσχα ΤοΣχολείο µας θα αραµείνει κλειστό την Τετάρτη 9 Αριλίου και την Τετάρτη 16 Αριλίου, 2014, λόγω των εορτών του Πάσχα. Θα εαναλειτουργήσει την Τετάρτη 23 Αριλίου 2014. Εορτή της Μητέρας: Θα εορτασθεί στο Σχολείο µας την Τετάρτη 7 Μαΐου , στις 6.15µ.µ. Παρακαλούνται τα αιδιά, να φέρουν ένα ιάτο µε γλυκά ή αλµυρά για να µοιραστούµε . Σας Ευχόµαστε ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! ΚΑΛΗ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ ! ΚΑΛΕΣ ∆ΙΑΚΟΠΕΣ ! Εκ της ∆ιευθύνσεως του Σχολείου To all Parents Guardians and Friends Greek National Day Celebrations With considerable pride and festive pomp we gathered in our community hall to celebrate our Greek National Day of 25th March 1821. Despite limited presentation time students presented a wonderful, celebratory, national program consisting of speeches, songs and recitations. Parents, grandparents and friends were clearly delighted given their enthusiastic applause throughout our various performances and presentations. Congratulations and thanks are extended to students for their great efforts, their teachers for their consistent hard work and their parents who provide the vital support which is essential for the success of these events. Well done to all. We would be remiss if we did not thank the Ladies Auxiliary for the much appreciated lenten meal and the President James Nides and his wife Anthoulla who worked to decorate and prepare the room to create a festive, noticeably ethnic appearance. End of Term Upon reaching the end of first term we would like to inform/ remind you of the following: Enrolled and attending our school children total over 60 in number which is very pleasing. Enrolments are continuing. Children in grades 4, 5, 6 and 7 are participating in programs accredited by the LOTE (Language Other Than English). The teaching framework is centred on Reading Comprehension, Listening and Speaking and How to Communicate in Greek. The preparatory class is in full swing with an encouraging number of our youngest students. Four students are enrolled in our OP program and their results will be taken into account in their final year. (OP = the final grade is used as a criterion for admission to University). We wish them every success. Once a month (for 30 minutes), the children attend religious classes, which are taught by our priest, Rev. Fr. Father Romanos. Please remember that the school is open every Wednesday evening from 4.20-7.00pm with a short break between 5.50-6.00pm. Our professional teaching and administrative staff work with much zeal and enthusiasm to deliver an engaging core curriculum for the benefit of all students. School Holidays Our school will be closed on Wednesday, April 9 and April 16 for Easter holidays. Lessons will resume Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Mother’s Day Celebrations Our students are very excited to celebrate this special day on Wednesday 7 May. The celebration will take place at our school hall at 6.15pm. Students (with the help of their parents) will provide a savoury or sweet treat to share with all the guests. Happy Easter! Happy Holidays ! From The School Administration THE PHOS An activity of The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia BRIBIE ISLAND RETREAT AND RECREATION CENTRE The Board of Governors and Management Committee of the Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre have been working tirelessly to bring the Retreat to a position where it can receive its first residents. This has involved the need to employ a Coordinator, make the Retreat and its facilities fully compliant with local government requirements, establish rental tariffs and associated agreements and develop cash flows and budgets. The aim is to bring the Retreat to a position where the facilities and programs to be offered will be second to none. As an update we provide the following: COORDINATOR: The position of Coordinator was advertised on SEEK and also in the VEMA Newspaper. A total of 83 applicants applied for the position and after a short listing and interview process a successful candidate has been selected for the position. We are currently in the process of formalising employment contracts but we are hopeful that the successful applicant will be able commence employment in the very near future. BRIBIE ISLAND PANIYIRI 2014: Page 7 Because the Retreat is recognised as a Public Benevolent Institution through its association with St Andrew’s Theological College, we are able to receive general donations as well as donations that are tax deductable to the donor. It is up to the donor to state whether they wish to make a general donation or a tax deductible donation, however, it is important to understand that tax deductable donations can only be applied to the buildings and building related costs. All operations costs are to be covered from general donations, rental income, church collections and fund raising events such as the forthcoming BRIBIE Island Paniyiri on 6 July, 2014. In some instances the donor may wish their donation to go to a specific purpose. It is important that all parties clearly understand what can be tax deductible and what can not. If you wish to make a donation and are uncertain how this should be made, please speak with myself, Father Dimitri Tsakas, Mr Stathi Efstathis or any member of the Board of Governors or the Management Committee. They will be able to help you or direct you to the appropriate person to speak with. We are in urgent need of funds to allow for specific items of plant and equipment to be purchased. EMANUEL KALLINICOS PRESIDENT BOARD OF GOVERNORS BRIBIE ISLAND RETREAT AND RECREATION CENTRE Please put in your diaries that the Bribie Island Paniyiri will be held at the Retreat on Sunday 6 July, 2014. The event will operate from 9.00 am until 5.00pm and will involve a morning service in the Chapel and then traditional Greek food and sweets, fun and entertainment. A sub-committee has been put in place to plan the event and further details will be announced in the next edition of LOGOS. GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIONS AND MEETINGS: We will be arranging a number of meetings with Local, State and Federal Government Representatives for their assistance. The first of these was held recently on 24th February, 2014 where we met with Councillor Allan Sutherland, Mayor of Moreton Bay Regional Council as well as Councillor Gary Parsons, Division 1 Moreton Bay Regional Council. Given their busy schedules, we are extremely grateful to both Councillors for the time set aside to meet with us. The meeting was attended by myself, Father Dimitri Tsakas, Mr Stathi Efstathis and Mr Peter Cassimatis and discussions were very beneficial in the advice and assistance offered. DONATIONS: The Bribie Island Retreat and Recreation Centre will be income generating in the very near future, however, to be self sufficient will not happen immediately. At this point in time, Stages 1 (Chapel) and Stage 2 (Auditorium and 8 Accommodation Cabins) have been completed, however, there is still Stage 3 involving the remaining cabins, grounds infrastructure and Sporting Fields to be completed. To date the facilities on site have been made possible from not only a substantial Federal Government Grant but also through the generosity of many individuals and organisations. We have also been fortunate to have received a number of bequests and we are extremely grateful for this financial assistance. To book contact:: Chris Sakley 0413 705 413, Sally Cominos Dakin 0411 095 220 or James Nides 0414 641 272 Page 8 THE PHOS Senior Citizens We meet at our Hall at 10.30 am on Tuesdays. BYO Food Θά συναντηθούμε στο χώλ μας 10,30 π.μ. με τα φαγητά μας Providing Home Care Packages: • • Providing in home services for ACAT approved seniors Supporting your lifestyle needs and helping you stay in your home longer. For Enquiries contact Elizabeth Thomas or Kellie Burr on (07) 5574 3920 Mon – Fri. GOC Care Day Respite Centre for adults: ° 60 to 65years, with disabilities (chronic pain, vision or hearing loss, chronic illness etc) ° over age 65 years who are frail, have chronic conditions or are socially isolated ° caring for spouses or adult children with disabilities • Mondays or Thursdays; morning tea and lunch provided. Based in community Hall, with regular outings. • Older Men’s Group meets alternate Mondays: active, excursion group. Members meet at community Hall. On the 21st March the Senior Citizens were invited to the Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast office in Ashmore to join with other communities to celebrate Harmony Day. Many of our regulars went along and a wonderful time was had by everyone with a lunch and entertainment provided . We had such a good time we would really like to have more Harmony Day’s throughout the year! The Senior Citizens celebrated the 25th March with a fish luncheon and songs to commemorate Greek National Day. For Enquiries contact Joanne or Rebecca: 5574 3920 or 0438 443 666, Mon and Thurs only. The members and staff of GOC Care Day Respite Centre Gold Coast enjoyed a gourmet standard lunch for Clean Monday 3 March, as shown in the photos. Volunteer Chef Spiro Levanes created Roasted Vegetable Stacks from carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchinis, potatoes, red and yellow capsicums and accompanied the spectacular dish with fresh homemade coleslaw. There was eggplant in there too! And topped with a whole Roma tomato. The delicious dessert featured fresh fruits and a taste of rich Filippino vegan sweet potato and coconut pudding, to celebrate Harmony Day. On Monday 17 March (which was St Patrick's Day, Holi in the Hindu calendar and Purim in the Jewish calendar - the DRC attendees include all three faiths), the St Anna's kitchen was visited by a friendly Mr Mouse - carved by Mr Levanes from a large lemon! With whole cloves for his eyes, and using the green twig stripped of its leaves for the tail, Mr Mouse said Hello to the diners from his comfy position of the fresh fruit platter served for dessert. Enquiries about GOC Care services are always welcome; please see the ad on this page. Father Romanos Stergiou—Parish Priest Email: father@gocstanna.org Phone: 07 5574 0777 Mobile: 0414 740 477 Fax: 5574 2287 Office Hours: by appointment please call directly
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