this issue BOX & SPOON - February 2011 MONTHLY

Letter from Fr. Mark

February
2011
Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi
Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church Box & Spoon
Liturgical/Organization Calendar for February 2011
St. Nonna’s Ladies of Orthodoxy Announcement
Stewardship Update
Philoxenia House News
Philoptochos News
Youth Team
The Church is a Therapeutic Center - Part 2
Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis
GOYA Clothing Drive
From The Fathers
The Sermon on the Mount - Part 4
Rev. George Mastrantonis
Ladies’ Lunch Hosted by the Philoptochos, February 19th
Saint Haralambos
The Holy Glorious Priest and Hieromartyr of Magnesia
“Don’t Attack the Stick!...”
…is perhaps one the greatest spiritual lessons a Christian can learn and employ in his day to day
life. I would also venture to say that nearly all of us have „attacked a stick‟ sometime in our
lives, many of us have probably attacked one within the last few days, and a few of us might be
launching an attack even as we read this brief letter! Confused…? Good, now that I have your
attention please contemplate the following anecdote:

An elderly monk was walking through the village with a novice and they happened upon of group of
children who were mistreating a dog. The group of youngsters were throwing sticks of all sizes at the
dog and receiving a great deal of entertainment from the poor dog‟s reaction. Every time they threw a
stick the dog would immediately, without thinking, bare his teeth and viciously attack and maul the re-
cently thrown stick. Not once did the dog turn his wrath on the children.

The elder used this common occurrence to instruct his spiritual child:

“see this spectacle, child? We as humans do the same exact thing. We are the dog and those children
represent the demons. The sticks thrown at us by the demons are temptations, which specifically involve
our fellow human beings. The demons tempt us by using those people who surround us; people we love
and are loved by. Instead of attacking the demons, and their temptations that are truly to blame, we turn
our rage and anger on our fellow Christian. My child, don’t attack the stick! Attack the one who threw
it!”
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
What a profound lesson that young novice received that day. Obviously in life, or more immediately in
holyanargyroi@gmail.com the course of one single day, we are presented with extremely problematical and challenging conditions:
http://www.holyanargyroi.org illness, betrayal, slander, infidelity, impudence, scandal. There are as many various „sticks‟ as there are
(507) 282-1253 fax
different individuals on this planet. I often contemplate the various difficult circumstances in my own
Permit No. 278
(507) 282-1529 phone
personal life whether they involve a family member, a friend, a spiritual child, a parishioner, and I try to
recall the image of the mad dog perpetually self condemned to fight a loosing battle against an imaginary
Rochester, MN 55902
Rochester, MN
false foe. How exhaustingly futile! How often do I concentrate my energies toward the false foe? How
U.S. Postage Paid 703 West Center Street
often do I unleash my anger at the stick, i.e. my fellow Christian, as opposed to the one(s) who threw it?
Non-Profit Org. Greek Orthodox Church
Holy Anargyroi/Sts. Kosmas & Damianos
<<continued on page 3>>
The Presentation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple February 2nd, 2011 Hail Virgin Theotokos Full of Grace; for Christ our God the Sun of Righteousness has dawned from you.

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar

2011 Standing Committees
PARISH COUNCIL
Tim Kelly - President
Johnny Mangouras - Vice President
Andru Peters - Secretary
February 2011 Ladies’ Lunch
Dan Jerghiuțǎ - Treasurer Wednesday February 2nd Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple
Diana Orbelo
Tia Maragos
Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:30am
Nick Maragos
Halina Woroncow
Wednesday February 2nd Winter Greek Fest Preparation TBA We Invite You to Come
Ionel Dumitrascu Thurs & Fri February 3-4th 2nd Annual Winter Greek Fest 11am
At the Shops at University Square
STEWARDSHIP Enjoy a Wonderful Lunch, Socialize,
John Maragos – Chair Saturday February 5th Great Vespers 6pm
Ari Kolas Monday February 7th Fr. Mark at Metropolis for Philoxenia Meetings
Johnny Mangouras
Monday February 7th Philoxenia Meeting 5pm
& Learn About Our Philoptochos Organization!
Mark Smith
Monday February 7th NO Adult Religious Education
OUTREACH
Diana Orbelo Wednesday February 9th JOY Faith Formation Night in Church Library 6pm
Saturday, Feb 19th
Halina Woroncow
Thursday February 10th St Haralambos the Priest Martyr 11:00 am
ICONOGRAPHY Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:30am
Diana Orbelo – Chair
Tia Maragos Fri & Sat February 11-12th Metropolis Basketball Tournament Rock Island, IL Broadway Plaza and Suites
Andru Peters
Fr. Mark Muñoz Saturday February 12th NO VESPERS 15 1st St SE
Sunday February 13th Sunday of the Publican & the Pharisee Rochester, MN
BUILDING
Dr. Nick Maragos – Chair *Triodion Period Begins* 3rd Floor
Ari Kolas– Treasurer
NO Fasting any day this week
BUDGET
Dan Jerghiuțǎ – Chair
Sunday February 13th GOYA Clothing Drive for FOCUS starts We will also have a short meeting at the end
Johnny Mangouras Monday February 14th Adult Religious Education 6pm
Fr. Mark Muñoz Wednesday February 16th Parish Council Meeting 7pm Please RSVP by Wed, Feb 16th to
AUDIT Saturday February 19th Philoptochos Meeting / Lunch at Broadway Plaza 11am Denise Mangouras
Aaron Biedermann
Mark Smith Saturday February 19th Great Vespers 6pm 507-261-8512 or
John Maragos Sunday February 20th Youth Bowling after liturgy, see mailing denise@chefmango.com
Monday February 21st Adult Religious Education 6pm
ELECTION BOARD
Presbytera Michelle
Monday February 21st Building Committee 7pm
Holy Anargyroi Philoptochos Society
Chris Brekke
Thursday February 24th St. Nonna Ladies of Orthodoxy Outing 6pm
Saint Haralambos
Chamaidi Belanger

PHILOXENIA HOUSE Saturday February 26th Saturday of Souls Thurs. Feb. 10th
Chamaidi Belanger– Chair Orthros and Divine Liturgy 8:30am
Beth Lechner – Treasurer The Holy Glorious Priest and Hieromartyr of Magnesia
Saturday February 26th Great Vespers 6pm Orthros/Divine Liturgy
GREEK FESTIVAL
Dan Jerghiuțǎ – Chair Sunday February 27th Meat-fare Sunday
February 10th 8:30am
Steve Kereakos – Treasurer Last day of meat consumption until Pascha
Lorenda Jerghiuțǎ – Silent auction This Saint was a priest of the Christians in Magnesia, the foremost city of Thessaly, in the diocese having the same
St. Nonna Ladies of Orthodoxy Announcement
Joe Ferrer – Set-up/Teardown name. He contested during the reign of Alexander Severus (222-235), when Lucian was Proconsul of Magnesia, and he was
Tim Kelly – Outdoor Cooks
Johnny Mangouras – Marketing over 100 years old at the time of his martyrdom.
Ladies Night @ the Rochester Athletic Club
Ari Kolas – Marketing
Penny Kolas – Pastries Apolytikion
Maria Thomas – Pastries
Thurs. February 24th @ 6:00pm (lobby)
Denise Mangouras – Pastries O wise Haralambos, you were proven an unshakable pillar of the Church of Christ; an ever-shining
Presbytera Michelle – Volunteers lamp of the universe. You shone in the world by your martyrdom. You delivered us from the
Martha Voytovich – Market place moonless night of idolatry O blessed one. Wherefore, boldly intercede to Christ that we may be
Andru Peters – Beverages
Mike Brekke – Beer Garden
Larissa Osfeld – Children Area
Activities to include: wine tasting, fashion show, cooking saved.

demos, and fellowship. Kontakion

Mrs. Mangouras – Inside Kitchen
O Priest-martyr, athlete, champion Haralambos, your relics are a priceless treasure of the Church.
For info. Please contact Presbytera Michelle or Kris Brekke Wherefore she rejoices, glorifying the Creator.
The Presentation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple February 2nd, 2011 Hail Virgin Theotokos Full of Grace; for Christ our God the Sun of Righteousness has dawned from you.

Letter from Fr. Mark

<<continued from page 1>>
Saturday of Souls I invite all of us to consider those arduous situations in our life especially the ones
Through the Apostolic Constitutions (Book VIII, ch. 42), the Church of Christ has received the custom to make commem-
where we were quick to pass judgment, condemn, slander, or by any other means
orations for the departed on the third, ninth, and fortieth days after their repose. Since many throughout the ages, because
treated someone who „tempted‟ us just as the dog treated the stick. Let‟s set aside
of an untimely death in a faraway place, or other adverse circumstances, have died without being deemed worthy of the
our copious haughtiness and our infectious self-righteousness and be real, brutally
appointed memorial services, the divine Fathers, being so moved in their love for man, have decreed that a common me-
honest, for one moment. Were we truly justified and in-the-right in all those cir-
morial be made this day for all pious Orthodox Christians who have reposed from all ages past, so that those who did not
cumstances we just called to mind? Was the other party completely to blame and
have particular memorial services may be included in this common one for all. Also, the Church of Christ teaches us that
truly deserved all they had coming? Were our reactions, comments, and attitudes
alms should be given to the poor by the departed one's kinsmen as a memorial for him. Besides this, since we make com-
warranted and Christ-like? I can only speak for myself, but I can confidently and
memoration tomorrow of the Second Coming of Christ, and since the reposed have neither been judged, nor have received
resoundingly answer „NO!‟
their complete recompense (Acts 17:31; II Peter 2:9; Heb. 11:39-40), the Church rightly commemorates the souls today,
and trusting in the boundless mercy of God, she prays Him to have mercy on sinners. Furthermore, since the commemora-
Let those „sticks and stones‟ bounce harmlessly off you, then attack relentlessly
tion is for all the reposed together, it reminds each of us of his own death, and arouses us to repentance.
the one who in reality threw it…+Fr. Mark
Apolytikion

Only Creator who out of the depths of wisdom lovingly govern all things and upon all bestow what is accordingly best for
them, give rest to the souls of Your servants, for they have placed their hope in You, our Author and Maker and God. Stewardship Update
First and foremost we want to thank the 45 Stewards who have sent in their pledge cards/talent sheets and have started us out on
Koliva the „right foot‟! However, we still need 80 more pledging stewards to reach this year‟s Stewardship goal. Please prayerfully
consider your stewardship role for your parish in 2011 and send in your forms.
Koliva (also transliterated Kollyva) (Greek, κόλλυβα, kólliva; Serbian, кољиво, koljivo;
Romanian, colivă; Bulgarian, коливо, kolivo) is boiled wheat which is used liturgically in 2011 Alphabetical List of Current Pledging Stewards
the Eastern Orthodox Churches. Orthodox Christians consider koliva to be the symbolic of If you‟ve lost your packet or never received one, please pick up a copy in the Church‟s entryway (Narthex); you can also return
death and resurrection, according to the words of the Gospel: Verily, verily, I say unto you, it to the same place as well. This year we plan to develop and offer some very exciting tools for our Parish to use; all of them
Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bring- are aimed at bringing our community closer together through the sharing of our talents for the glory of God and the building up
eth forth much fruit. (John 12:24). Wheat which is planted in the earth and rises in new life of our Church.
is symbolic of those beloved departed who have died in the hope of resurrection, in accord- Andrew Barbes Tom and Sandy Kapellas Dr. Nick and Effie Psimos
ance with the words of Saint Paul: So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in cor- Gust and Jackie Barbes Tim and Calli Kelly Nicholas Psimos
ruption, it is raised in incorruption. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. It is sown Chamaidi and Joel Belanger Steve and Judy Kereakos Angie Rustad
in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body....(I_Corinthians 15:42-44). This
Sam and Maria Benjamin Ari and Penny Kolas John and Jennifer Sakellariou
symbolism has its highest expression in the Saints, whose blessed state in heaven have been manifested to the world. For
this reason, koliva is blessed not only at memorials for the departed, but also in commemoration of saints. Aaron and Lexi Biedermann Nick and Ann Kolas Elelta Sebhatu
Costas and Maria Boosalis Tony and Nereida Lecakis Mary Shabestari
Pete and Angie Chafos Beth Lechner Maximus Smith
St. Theodore and the Miracle of the Koliva celebrated on the Rebeca Chery Bob and Kathy Lytle George and Maria Thomas
Fr. Anthony Coniaris Johnny and Denise Mangouras Martha Voytovich
1st Saturday of Great Lent
Joe and Cindy Forrer John Maragos Ray Ostfeld & Halina Woroncow
Julian the Apostate, knowing that the Christians purify themselves by fasting most of all Helen Grechis Tia Maragos Salah Sedarous & Catherine Weiler
during the first week of the Fast -- which is why we call it Clean Week -- planned to defile
Trevor and Laura Hamlen Daniela Meier
them especially at that time. Therefore he secretly commanded that during those days the
markets be filled with foods that had been defiled with the blood of animals offered in sac- Brad and Erline Holman George and Kathy Murak
rifice to idols. But by divine command the Martyr Theodore (see Feb. 17) appeared during Connie and Gordy Jelatis-Hoke Soula Pampori
sleep to Eudoxius, then Archbishop of Constantinople. The Saint revealed to him the ty- Donald and Elaine Jenkins Maria Pasalis
rant's plan, then told him to call the faithful together immediately on Monday morning and Dan and Loredana Jerghiuta Andru Peters
prevent them from purchasing those foods, but rather to make kollyva to supply their
Carolyn Jukich Dr. Doug and Anne Pflaum
needs. The bishop asked what kollyva might be, and the Saint answered, "Kollyva is what
we call boiled wheat in Euchaita." Thus, the purpose of the Apostate was brought to
nought, and the pious people who were preserved undefiled for the whole of Clean Week, Jan - Dec 2010 Ac- Jan - Dec 2009 Ac- 2010 vs 2009 Dif- Jan - Dec 2010 Actual vs. Budget
rendered thanks to the Martyr on this Saturday, and celebrated his commemoration with tual tual ference Budget Difference
kollyva. These things took place in 362. Wherefore, the Church keeps this commemoration each year to the glory of God Total Income $233,251.03 $222,859.62 $10,391.41 $222,232.92 $11,018.11
and the honour of the Martyr. Total Expenses $236,143.57 $237,968.85 -$1,825.28 $222,946.98 $13,196.59
Net Income -$2,892.54 -$15,109.23 $12,216.69 -$714.06 -$2,178.48
The Presentation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple February 2nd, 2011
Best wishes to the Holy Anargyroi parish and friends of Philoxenia House for a
Blessed New Year filled with love and health
Philoxenia House Mission Statement
The Philoxenia House Ministry demonstrates love for our fellow man which is a pillar of our Orthodox Christian
Faith and hospitality that is representative of our heritage. The Philoxenia House provides a “home away from home”
for individuals and families visiting the Mayo Clinic for their various health care needs. Residents staying in one of
the two houses can maintain, as much as possible, a normal life for themselves and their families. Guests are provided
with living space, at no cost to alleviate their financial strain, within an orthodox environment that provides spiritual
healing and comfort.
In the year 2010 the Philoxenia House continued to be the “home away from home” for many families. We, the Holy
Anargyroi parish, were blessed to welcome and support them as our own families, through their joyous moments and
through their suffering and pain. This mission requires great financial support. We have monthly mortgages, gas, elec-
tricity, water, telephone bills and cable bills like any other household. Volunteers are donating time to do houseclean-
ing, snow shoveling and home maintainance tasks, so that we can reduce some of our costs. In the dawn of the new
year 2011, please consider offering your tax deductible donations and a little of your time to the Philoxenia House.
There is a donation box in the Narthex for offerings. Also, we would welcome any suggestions from our church mem-
bers for fund raising ideas, or improving operations.
The Philoxenia House is not simply a place to stay, it is an immersion in faith, love, understanding and services
through our Holy Orthodox Faith.
Thank you dear friends for your support
Chamaidi Belanger
Chair, Philoxenia House Committee
On February 19, Philoptochos is hosting a lunch at Broadway Plaza for all our members and to all the ladies of our
church. I think it‟s going to be a great opportunity to have some fun and get to know our Philoptochos organization
better. At the end we will have our February meeting. The event will begin at 11 am. We welcome all the ladies of our
church to attend. Please RSVP to me at 507-261-8512 or email me at denise@chefmango.com.
This month, we will be contribute to the Autism Assistance Fund and to Saint Photios Shrine. The Autism Assistance
Fund helps heighten awareness of autism and provides assistance and support to individuals within the autism spec-
trum. The National Philoptochos also provides financial assistance to the Saint Photios Shrine to preserve it.
We are now collecting dues for 2011. Please get those in to our treasurer, Penny Kolas, as soon as possible. Thanks!
Denise Mangouras
Philoptochos President
Hail Virgin Theotokos Full of Grace; for Christ our God the Sun of Righteousness has dawned from you.
The Sermon On The Mount
PART 4: continued
Rev. George Mastrantonis
Law On Adultery, 5:27-30
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, 'Thou shalt not commit adultery.' But I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a women to lust after her hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and
not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee; for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole
body should be cast into hell."
Adultery was a weakness of the people of the past and still remains as such among the people of the Christian era. In the past,
customs and laws legalized adultery and fornication through polygamy. Solomon with many "wives" was not committing adul-
tery. Jesus stated that adultery is sinful, not only through the actual sexual act, but even through the thought of lust.
Jesus condemns adultery in the heart. The illustration of plucking the eye is not to be taken literally; neither the illustration of
cutting off the right hand. These illustrations suggest the uprooting of evil thoughts from one's heart. In Christian ethics, the
only legal and sacred relation between man and women is their union in wedlock. Every other sex relation and practice is
against the principles of the Gospel.s
The Law On Divorce, 5:31-32
"It hath been said, 'Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement.' But I say unto you that whosoever shall put away his wife, saying for the
cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced cometh of evil."
Jewish men at the beginning of the Christian era had the right to divorce their wives and marry again. Jesus Christ forbids di-
vorce save for the cause of fornication. The Eastern Orthodox Church permits divorce only on the grounds of adultery and rea-
sons such as insanity, abandonment and changing of faith. Under these conditions, second and third marriages are permitted in
the Orthodox Church.
Law On Oaths, 5:33-37
"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, 'Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths.' But I say unto you, Swear not at
all: neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by the
head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, 'Yea, yea'; Nay, nay'; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
Jesus stresses that truthfulness of speech is indispensable for the maintenance of a healthy community. James 5:12 reads,"Let
your yea be yea, and your nay, nay". The Christian. has no right to swear either by heaven or "by your head". Jesus Christ com-
mands, "Swear not at all" (5:34) in private life and enterprises. An oath is required in a court of law. But an individual who
takes the oath to tell the truth invokes God to help him to state the truth and aid the court to pronounce justice.
Law On Revenge, 5:38,42
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' "But I say unto you that ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek,
turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with
him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away."
Revenge is forbidden because it multiplies evils a hundredfold. The Christian should "overcome evil with good". Jesus con-
demns the legalized Jewish custom of "an eye for an eye" (which probably means only an eye for an eye), and commands the
Christian to tolerate the insult if his enemy smites his right cheek. The Christian should tolerate such humiliation because of his
firm faith in God's command; he sacrifices his ego and pride with the intention of winning his enemy to Christ, making him his
friend and creating in him a belief in Christ on whose commandment he is a servant.
Love For One's Enemies, 5:43-48
"Ye have heard that it hath been said, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.' "But I say unto you, 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to
them that hate you, and them which despitefully use you, persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil
and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.' For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do no even the publicans the same? And if ye
salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Christian love is unique in the Gospel. Its root is absolute dedication to God's Will, from which the believer receives the power
and grace not to forget his enemy but to forgive him and remember hope that some day he will win his enemy to Christ. This
needs a deep understanding of sacrifice enriched and nourished ceaselessly by the grace of God. In fact, it is not the faithful
one alone who forgives and loves his enemy, but also God Almighty Who has shielded His servant to convey His love and sac-
rifice for his enemy. Love of intimate friends and relatives is commonplace. What God expects from His believers is love for
people who are either opposed to them or who are without qualities of attraction.
Continued in the March Edition
The Presentation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple February 2nd, 2011 Hail Virgin Theotokos Full of Grace; for Christ our God the Sun of Righteousness has dawned from you.

From The Holy Fathers

The Lord says to His disciples, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven' (Matt. 5:16). He
does not say this to urge them to show off, but to urge them to organize their lives
as is pleasing to God. Just as light effortlessly attracts people's gaze, so a way of The weather may be cold but our youth has remained active in their classes and activities.
life pleasing to God draws their minds along with their eyes. We do not praise the Ironwood Springs Ranch was the destination this month as GOYA decided to go snow tubing and take advantage of the
air which shares in the brilliance of the sunlight, but the sun which is the source of excellent snow cover this winter. The cold air was not a deterrent as they raced up and down the hills, enjoyed each oth-
this brilliance and bestows it on us. Even if we do praise the air for its brightness, er's company, and bolstered courage where it was needed. If you can't beat a Minnesota winter, you may as well join it!!
we praise the sun much more. So it is when someone makes the brilliance of the
Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2) visible through his virtuous deeds. As soon as an- GOYA Snow Tubing
yone looks at him, they are immediately led towards the glory of the Father in
heaven of Christ, the Sun of righteousness.
~St. Gregory Palamas,
Homilies Vol. 1, Homily Ten para. 14; Saint Tikhon's Seminary Press pgs. 110-111, 14th century

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble fre-
quently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by
the unity of your faith.
~St. Ignatius of Antioch, Epistle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century Our GOYA class has begun looking at participation in this year's St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival which will be
held after Liturgy on Sunday, March 13th. We thank Presbytera Michelle for heading up this effort! Topics are being
reviewed, and this year, the students can choose from any of four different categories of presentation: speech, essay, po-
“It is not wise for anyone to know how to converse masterfully. Wisdom is to know when to talk and what to say. Appear to be em, or icon. It will be exciting to watch our children grow in faith and confidence as they participate in the event. This
ignorant, in order to save yourselves many pains. He who thinks himself very learned has many fruitless worries. Do not boast of year, also, there will be an elementary division, so we hope to hear from some JOY kids as well!
great learning, for the things which you do not know are more than those which you have learned.”
~Abba Isaias the Anchorite GOYA will be spearheading a clothing drive next month at Holy Anargyroi for FOCUS-MN, the Minnesota chapter of
the Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Service. This agency works to address issues of poverty in the greater
Twin Cities area. We are also planning to help serve a meal at the Center when the clothing is delivered March.
However good prayer, fasting, vigil, and all the other Christian practices may be, they do not con-
stitute the aim of our Christian life. Although it is true that they serve as the indispensable means The JOY group had their January Faith Night on the topic of “The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany)” and the
of reaching this end. The tru aim of our Christian life consists of the acquisition of the Holy Spirit “House Blessings”. Along with the wonderful service of the house blessing conducted by Fr. Mark the children had also
of God. As for fasts, and vigils, and prayer, and almsgiving, and every good deed done for Christ‟s the opportunity to observe via a slideshow traditions from around the world related to the Feast of Epiphany. Parents and
sake, are they only means of acquiring the Holy Spirit of God. Mark my words, only good deeds children had a great time, enjoyed and promoted friendship in a casual and relaxed atmosphere while maintaining the spir-
done for Christ‟s sake brings us the fruits of the Holy Spirit. All that is not done for Christ‟s sake, it of our faith. This group also offers a wonderful opportunity for parents to get to know each other, as well – please par-
even though it be good, brings neither reward in the future life nor the grace of God in this ticipate as schedules allow! JOY Faith Night
life….the acceptability to God of good deeds not done for Christ‟s sake is this: the Creator gives
the means to make them living (cf. Hebrews. 6:1). It rests with man to make them living or not…
If a man like Cornelius enjoys the favor of God for his deeds, though not done for Christ‟s sake,
then believes in His Son, such deeds will be imputed to him as done for Christ‟s sake… Acquiring
the Spirit of God is the true aim of our Christian life, while prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other
good works done for Christ‟s sake are merely means for acquiring the Spirit of God.
~St. Seraphim of Sarov

The mysteries of our Faith are unknown and not understandable to those who are not repenting.
~Archpriest Nicholas Deputatov, „Awareness of God‟ in the Orthodox Word Magazine, July-August 1976

Let us not render evil for evil, and we shall not receive our due for our sins. For we find the forgiveness of our
trespasses in the forgiving of our brothers; and the mercy of God is hidden in mercifulness to our neighbor.
Therefore the Lord said, "Forgive, and you shall be forgiven," and, "With what measure you mete, it shall be
measured to you again." See how the Lord bestowed on us the method of salvation and has given us eternal pow-
er to become sons of God!
The Presentation of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple February 2nd, 2011 Hail Virgin Theotokos Full of Grace; for Christ our God the Sun of Righteousness has dawned from you.

The Church is a Therapeutic Center

by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis
Part 2

Patients with AEDS

The Church is a Hospital
Orthodox people view the Church as a spiritual hospital, a clinic, a hospice, a therapeutic
center, and a fitness center—all combined in one! The aim of the treatment is to provide spir-
itual cure, maintain wellness for its patients (faithful members) and lead them to eternal life!
CLOTHING
DRIVE
We are all familiar with AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Vi-
rus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections.

In the spiritual realm there is a similar syndrome, which we will call AEDS (Acquired Evil Disposition Syndrome), caused by a
virus we will call HEV (Human Ego Virus), which like HIV is passed on in the procreation act. HEV, if not treated, attacks the
soul and destroys its ability to resist evil and fight off sin.

Unlike HIV, which has infected only a (growing) segment of the population, HEV is truly a worldwide epidemic which has
spread to every human soul.

Correct Diagnosis
Just as people diagnosed with AIDS may acquire life-threatening diseases caused by HIV, similarly people with AEDS acquire
FEBRUARY 13 – MARCH 13
passions that threaten body and soul and everything around us, such as spiritual sins (e.g., pride, hatred, jealousy, envy, etc.), sins
of the mind (e.g., evil desires, fantasizing, etc.), bodily sins (e.g., lust, gluttony, drunkenness, possessiveness, etc.), and "creation-
destructive" sins (e.g., harming nature, exhausting the natural resources, abusing the ecological balance, etc.).

As with people infected with HIV, people infected with HEV are not easily detectable. Severe symptoms of HEV may not appear
externally. It requires a thorough examination by a specialist to detect HEV. However certain symptoms are discernable, such as
anger, irritability, depression, talkativeness, violence, etc. Whether any symptoms are present or not, consult with your spiritual
New and gently used
therapist for a thorough check up, especially during Lent. You'll be glad you did!

Seeking the Cure

Clothes Shoes Jackets
The decision to get well is entirely ours. If we feel we are healthy and refuse to see a physician or therapist of the soul (priest), we
are in grave danger. Our immune system is attacked by HEV, which infests the mind with information that there is nothing wrong
with us. We are particularly vulnerable, because HEV blocks all attempts to make us see our illness. It is imperative to see a thera-
for men, women, children
pist (priest) at once and accept the therapy he prescribes for us without objection.

Choosing a Doctor/Therapist
Choose a healthcare provider or doctor (priest) who is experienced with the treatment of HEV and can prescribe the correct medi-
cations and therapeutic treatment (prayer rule, sacramental and ascetical life). Usually this will be our parish priest, but if the case
requires the attention of a specialist (elder) he will recommend one to us.
GOYA will deliver to FOCUS in
If the parishes are the hospitals and clinics of the soul, the monasteries are the "intensive care units" of Orthodoxy! If the priests
are the doctors, the monks are the specialists! In order, however, to see another therapist we should first obtain our personal thera-
pist's referral.
MPLS in March. Help us to
We should approach our therapist with full confidence and develop a close, trusting relationship with him. He has been certified
by the highest medical authority (Christ) to practice everywhere (Church).
help those less fortunate.
Continued in the March Edition