this issue

Letter from Fr. Mark Liturgical/Organization Calendar for June & July 2011 Greek Festival: Updates and Silent Auction Form Youth Team: JOY and GOYA Philoxenia House Stewardship Parish Council and General Assembly By-Laws The Church is a Therapeutic Center (article ends) Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis The Sermon on the Mount (article ends) Rev. George Mastrantonis

BOX & SPOON - June & July 2011

June & July 2011

Box & Spoon

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

God is wondrous in His Saints " ..."

It is my pleasure to introduce to you one of the most impacting, and least known, Saints to grace the Church in the modern times: St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite who is celebrated on July 14th. This pillar of faith was born in 1749 on the island of Naxos, and at the young age of 26 he arrived at the Athonite Monastery of Dionysiou and was tonsured as a monk. From that moment until his untimely death in 1809 at the age of 60 the Monk Nikodemos dedicated his life to Christ, and His Church, through the promulgation of many and varied theological books and treatises. His divinely-inspired works where a fountain of grace that provided the necessary corrective and rebuttal to a dangerous and insidious heterodox influence that threatened Orthodoxy from the enlightened West: rationalist humanism. What in the world is that? My thoughts exactly when I first encountered the term! It essentially represents an anti-faith philosophy (a la Ayn Rand) spawned by the various European Enlightenment revolutions during the 18th century in which humanity, through reason (i.e. our fallen/passionate mind/nous), has the authority to establish the criterion of Truth. Unfortunately, more often than not the end result of this creed is atheism itself or even worse, the exaltation of humanity as the Divine. In this sticky spider web of diabolical articulacy God did not abandon His Church but rather elevated one simple monk to the heights of divine vision so as to preserve the correct, salvific, and Apostolic approach to life: ascetical spirituality. St. Nikodemos recognizing the potent threat these ideologies presented immediately began to combat them with the weapon par excellence: the quill. We owe many spiritual gems, e.g. Philokalia, Evergetinos, The Rudder, The Exomologetarion, Concerning Frequent Communion, to the hand of St. Nikodemos without which the Church would find herself bereft of indispensable wisdom. Many of us may not have heard of St. Nikodemos much less his writings. For this reason we offer to you a mere glimpse into his spiritual realm of sanctity, boldness, and exactitudethe clarion of the Spirit and teacher of virtue: St. Nikodemos.

The Dormition of Saint Anna, Mother of Theotokos

On the Necessity of Constant Prayer for all Christians in General

by St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain Saying this and much else to his friend Job, the holy prelate added that in obedience to the commands of the saints, we not only should always pray ourselves, but we should teach all others to do the same, all people in general: monks and laymen, the wise and the simple, men, women, and children, and induce them to pray unceasingly. Hearing this, it seemed to the elder Job a new stunt and he began to argue, saying to the saint that to pray unceasingly was only fit for ascetics and monks living outside the world and its vanities, but not for lay people who have so many cares and so much work. The saint brought in new testimonies in confirmation of that truth and new irrefutable proofs of it, but the elder Job was not convinced by them. Then St. Gregory, avoiding useless words and love of argument, was silent, and after that each went to his cell. Later on, as Job was praying in his cell, there appeared to him an Angel sent from God, who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (Tim. 2:4), and rebuking him for having contradicted St. Gregory and opposed an obvious fact on which the salvation of Christians depends, he admonished him in the name of God to attend to himself in the future and beware of saying to anyone anything in disparagement of that soul-saving work, thus opposing himself to the will of God, and that even in his mind he ought not to harbor a thought contrary to this and should not allow himself to think otherwise than St. Gregory had told him. Then the most simple elder Job at once hastened to St. Gregory and, falling at his feet, asked his forgiveness for contradicting him and for his love of dispute, and disclosed to him everything that had been said to him by the Angel of God. Do you see, my brethren, that it is the duty of all Christians, small and great, always to practice the mental prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me! so that their mind and heart may acquire the habit of always uttering those holy words. Let this convince you how pleasing this is to God and what great good derives from it, since He, out of His infinite love for men, sent a heavenly Angel to tell us this, so that no one should have any doubt about it. ~continued on page 3~

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

holyanargyroi@gmail.com

Greek Orthodox Church 703 West Center Street Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 282-1529 phone (507) 282-1253 fax http://www.holyanargyroi.org

Holy Anargyroi/Sts. Kosmas & Damianos

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Rochester, MN Permit No. 278

O Godly-minded Anna, you gave birth unto Gods pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life.

Dormition of St. Anna - July 25th

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of offenses

Synaxis of the Holy Apostles - June 30th

2011 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Tim Kelly - President Johnny Mangouras - Vice President Andru Peters - Secretary Dan Jerghiu - Treasurer Diana Orbelo Tia Maragos Nick Maragos Halina Woroncow Aaron Biedermann STEWARDSHIP John Maragos Chair Ari Kolas Mark Smith OUTREACH Diana Orbelo Halina Woroncow ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Johnny Mangouras Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Aaron Biedermann Mark Smith John Maragos ELECTION BOARD Presbytera Michelle Chris Brekke Chamaidi Belanger PHILOXENIA HOUSE Chamaidi Belanger Chair Beth Lechner Treasurer GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Steve Kereakos Treasurer Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Ferrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries Presbytera Michelle Volunteers Martha Voytovich Market place Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Larissa Osfeld Children Area Mrs. Mangouras Inside Kitchen

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar June 2011

Thursday Saturday Sunday Saturday Sunday Monday Sunday Monday Friday Monday June 2nd June 4th June 5th June 11th June 12th June 13th June 19th June 20th June 24th June 27th Feast of the Ascension: Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:30am Greek Fest: Baklava preparation Visiting Priest / Fr. Mark away (6/3-6/10) Choir Practice Saturday of Souls: Orthros & Divine Liturgy Please bring kollyva with names of departed Pentecost, Kneeling Vespers to follow Liturgy No fasting 6/126/19 Philoxenia Meeting Parish Council Meeting Sunday School Teachers meeting after Liturgy Apostles Fast begins, (ends June 29th) See Archdiocesan calendar for Fasting regulations Orthros & Divine Liturgy Nativity of St. John the Baptist Greek Fest: cookies preparation Orthros & Divine Liturgy Saints Peter and Paul 9:30am 8:30am 6pm 8:30am 8:30am 7pm 7pm

The Sermon On The Mount

Rev. George Mastrantonis (final installment)
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP, 7:15-27 THE TEST OF GOODNESS, 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." "False prophets" of Christianity are dressed with the mantle of hypocrisy and cleverness; they seek to exploit the simplicity of kind people and replace the Gospel of Christ and Christ Himself with temporary manifestations of glory and human accomplishment. They are false prophets who endeavor to forge with shrewdness untruth from the true message of Christ. We should beware of them. The Orthodox Church is the guide to the true meaning of the Gospel and the true mission of Christ by preaching the same Gospel and the same Lord from the dawn of Christianity to today, without deviation or innovation. The believer is urged to be firmly the member of the sacred body of Christ - the Church - to gain nourishment and sanctification. To distinguish the true prophet from the false, Christians should be well informed and alert, learning the meaning of the Gospel, worshipping the True God and helping each other in faith in the realm of the Church Whose Head is Christ. JUDGEMENT AND ITS CRITERION, 7:21-23 "Not every one that saith unto me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?' And then will I profess unto them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Hypocrisy and false prophecy can be hidden from the eye of the believer by pretending to exercise good works and "casting out demons" in the name of the Lord. False prophets can deceive their fellow man; but they cannot deceive the judgment of God. Who will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you evil-doers". Arrogance, hypocrisy and false-witness of God are the weaknesses of humans. Therefore, the believer without a strong foundation of Christian knowledge and humility, may become the prey of evil ones. External gestures and words are not always the sign of the inner spiritual condition and intention. Therefore, the Christian is urged to look into himself with the light of the Gospel to illuminate his conscience in order to pave the wax of obedience and humbleness which leads to communion with God. HEARERS AND DOERS OF THE SAYINGS, 7:24-27 "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house, upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand; and the rain descended, and the floods came and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." The believer faces in life many difficulties, disappointments, misfortunes. Therefore, he should be armed with courage and faith in God to overcome the sorrowful moments of his life, as well as the moments of reluctant faith. The Christian witnesses the rain fall, the floods come and the winds blow; his house-his heart and faith-will overcome their destructive power if his house is built upon the rock, upon a solid and unshakeable rock of knowledge and true worship of God. The wise man lays such a foundation and cornerstone as a strong protector against all destructive and evil powers that threaten him, his house, his faith, his virtuous life. The foolish man builds his house on sand, following the easy-going life without foundation, without solid faith. His house cannot stand the power of destructive forces. The Christian is called to build his house of faith and moral life on the rock which is Christ and His Gospel. His house is a fortress for protection and defense, and for the expansion of the kingdom of God. ASTONISHMENT OF JESUS'S HEARERS, 7:28,29 "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine, "for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." On top of the blessed hill, surrounded by trees and birds, in the tranquility of the environment which mother nature provided for this moment, the disciples of Christ breathlessly listened to the Lord. They accepted His words as precious pearls, from beginning to end. They "were astonished at His teaching", and exclaimed, "that he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes". With this treasure in their hearts, the disciples armed themselves with convictions and courage to immortalize Christ and His Gospel throughout the world so that we today share this inheritance which has shaped the destiny of civilization. The Sermon on the Mount, an advanced companion of the Ten Commandments, is perpetuated in the hearts and activities of inspired and dedicated people who bold the banner of Christ's kingship from generation to generation, heralding the living message of Christ to a living society.

Wednesday June 8th

Wednesday June 15th

8:30am 9:30am 8:30am

Wednesday June 29th

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar July 2011

Monday Saturday Saturday July 4th July 9th July 11th Office Closed Greek Fest: Galaktobouriko preparation 10am Orthros & Divine Liturgy 8:30am St. Euphemia the Great Martyr; St. Olga Equal to the Apostles PILGRIMAGE TO CONSTANTINOPLE/HOLY LANDS Fr. Mark Away Greek Fest: cookies 9:30am Greek Fest: cookies
TENDING TO YOUR MARRIAGE
by Rev. Dr. Charles Joanides, LMFT

Monday - July 12th Saturday July 23rd Wednesday July 13th Saturday July 30th

10am

...do not take your marriage for granted. This is not Gods will. Second, just as your children, family and career need attention, your marriage needs attention. Third, marriages come apart over time, so you need to be attentive to them daily. Fourth, if you discern that distance has creeped into your relationship, do something about it before the gap becomes bigger. Fifth, prayerfully ask God to help you broach the subject with your partner, and then talk to your partner about your concerns. Sixth, if this doesnt work, consult your priest. Seventh, if your priest cannot help, ask for his help in finding a couples specialist. Last, but certainly, not least, do not take your marriage for granted and assume your current problems will disappear....

O Godly-minded Anna, you gave birth unto Gods pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life.

Dormition of St. Anna - July 25th

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of offenses

Synaxis of the Holy Apostles - June 30th

The Church is a Therapeutic Center

by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis (final installment)

But what do laymen say? "We are burdened by worldly matters and cares; how is it possible for us to pray unceasingly?" I reply to them that God has not commanded anything impossible for us, but only such things as we can do. Therefore, this can also be accomplished by everyone seeking the salvation of Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me his soul. For if it were impossible it would be impossible for all lay people in general, then we should not find such a large number of persons who have achieved in the world this work of unceasing prayer duly. One of the representatives of a whole line of such people is the father of St. Gregory of Salonica, that amazing Constantine who, although he was leading a court-life, was called the father and teacher of the emperor Andronicus, and daily was occupied with state affairs, besides his household duties, having a large fortune and a troop of slaves, as well as a wife and children, nevertheless was constantly with God and so attached to unceasing mental prayer that he often forgot that the emperor or the courtiers were talking to him about imperial affairs and frequently asked about one and the same thing twice or even more. This disturbed the other courtiers who, not knowing the cause of it, rebuked him for forgetting a matter so quickly and worrying the emperor by his repeated questions. But the emperor, knowing the cause of it, defended him and said: "Constantine has his own thoughts which sometimes prevent him from paying full attention to our affairs." There was also a great multitude of similar persons who, living in the world, were wholly devoted to mental prayer, as is testified in the historical records of them. Therefore, my Christian brethren, with St. Chrysostom I implore you for the sake of the salvation of your souls, do not neglect the work of such prayer. Imitate those of whom I have told you and follow them as far as possible. At first it may seem very difficult to you, but be assured, as from the face of Almighty God, that the very name of our Lord Jesus Christ, constantly invoked by you, will help you to overcome all difficulties and in course of time you will get accustomed to this work and will taste how sweet the name of the Lord is. Then you will know from experience that this work is not only not impossible and not difficult, but on the contrary, both possible and easy. That is why St. Paul, knowing better than we the great blessing that prayer brings to us, commanded us to pray unceasingly. He would not have bound us by such an obligation if it had been extremely difficult and impossible, knowing beforehand that in that case, by not being able to perform it, we should inevitably prove disobedient to him and transgressors of his commandment, and should thereby deserve condemnation and punishment. And this could not have been the intention of the apostle. Besides, take also into consideration the means of prayer, how it is possible to pray unceasingly, namely by praying with the mind. and this we can always do if we want to. For even when we are sitting at some manual work, or what we walk, or take food, or drink, we can always pray with the mind and perform mental prayer, pleasing to God, true prayer. Let us work with our body and pray with our soul. Let our outward man perform his bodily labors and or inward man be consecrated to the service of God, and never slack up in that spiritual work of mental prayer, as the God-man Jesus also commands us, saying in the Holy gospel: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father, which is in secret (Matt. 6:19). The closet of our soul is our body; our doors are our five senses. The soul enters into its closet when the mind does not wander to and fro among worldly matters and things, but remains within our heart. Our senses are closed and remain so when we do not allow them to cling to outward sensible things, and in this way our mind remains free from every worldly attachment and through secret mental prayer is united with God our Father. And thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly, adds the Lord. God, knowing everything concealed, sees the mental prayer and rewards by manifest and great gifts. for that prayer too is a true and perfect prayer which fills the soul with divine grace and spiritual gifts, like myrrh which, the more tightly you stop the vessel, the more fragrant it makes that vessel. So too with prayer: the more closely you confine it within your heart, the more it abounds in Divine grace. Blessed are those who practice that heavenly labor, for through it they conquer every temptation of the wicked demons as David conquered proud Goliath. By it are quenched the inordinate desires of the flesh, as the three youths quenched the flame of the furnace. By this work of mental prayer the passions are tamed, as Daniel tamed the wild beasts. By it, the dew of the Holy Spirit is drawn down into your heart, as Elias drew down rain on Mount Carmel. This mental prayer ascends to the very throne of God and is preserved in gold phials and, like a censer, wafts its fragrance before the Lord, as St. John the Theologian saw in Revelation: Four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints (Rev. 5:8). This mental prayer is a light enlightening the soul of man and inflaming his heart with the fire of love for God. It is a chain uniting God to man, and man to God. O, incomparable grace of mental prayer! It puts man into the position of a constant converser with God. O, truly wonderful and most wonderful work! Bodily you have dealings with men and mentally you converse with God. The Angels have no sensible voice, but mentally they offer constant adoration to God. In this consists all their activity and to this their whole life is consecrated. So too you, brother, when you enter into your closet and shut the door, i.e. when your mind does not wander hither and thither, but enters into your heart, and your senses are confined and isolated from the things of this world, and thus you always pray, then you are like the holy Angles, and your Father, seeing your secret prayer, which you offer Him in the recess of your heart, will reward you openly with great spiritual gifts. And what more do you wish when, as I said, you are mentally always before the face of God and constantly conversing with Him converse with God, without whom no man can be blessed, either here or in the other life. And finally, my brother, whoever you may be, after taking this book in your hands and reading it through, if you wish to experience effectually the benefit which the soul derives from mental prayer, I pray you warmly not to forget when you begin to perform that prayer, by a single outcry: Lord, have mercy! to offer to God a petition for the sinful soul of him who worked a little on the composition of this book and of him who paid for the printing and publishing, for they are in great need of your prayer, so that they may obtain the mercy of God for their souls, as you for yours. From The Life of St. Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, the Wonderworker, by St. Nikodemos of the Holy Mountain. Translation by St Gregory Palamas Monastery, Hayesville,Ohio.

The Church is a Hospital

Orthodox people view the Church as a spiritual hospital, a clinic, a hospice, a therapeutic center, and a fitness centerall combined in one! The aim of the treatment is to provide spiritual cure, maintain wellness for its patients (faithful members) and lead them to eternal life!

How to Achieve Purification of the Heart

Purification of the heart is accomplished with: 1) The Ascetical life of the Church: Orthodox pathology: overcoming, subduing, controlling and re-directing our passions (cf. lists of passions in Rom. 1:29-31, Col. 3:510, Eph. 5:3-5, etc. Prayer, vigil, study, continence, fasting, quietude, etc. Practicing the virtues, particularly sobriety, humility, obedience, purity of heart, contrition, etc. Obeying the commandments, especially the Beatitudes Keeping the unceasing prayer (Jesus or "noetic" prayer) 2) The Sacramental Life of the Church: Celebration of the divine Liturgy and other services of the Church Sacraments of the Church, especially repentance and confession (to God, before our spiritual father) 3) The Divine Energy of the Holy Spirit. This is always present, acting in the sacraments and prompting all our efforts, leading us to divine illumination and union with God.

Conclusion
The Church is the Portico, where the Pool of Healing is offered to all who come with desire. The Church is the House of Mercy (that's what Bethesda means), where all find cure. Let us keep in mind that even if we think we are healthy spiritually (and some are), we still have to follow a healthy lifestyle, do a periodic "checkup", follow some special "diet", do "exercises", etc. to keep in shape. May we all attain spiritual wellness, through the intercessions of the most holy Mother of God, the holy angels and all the saints. Amen.

Resources
1) The Divine Liturgy and the other services of the Church 2) The Holy Scripture 3) The Lives of Saints and their writings

Books on Spiritual Life

St. Theophan the Recluse The Spiritual Life and How to be Attuned to It (320 pp.) Invaluable counsels, in a form of correspondence, on the principles of spiritual life, and how to fine-tune the heart to God's will. Metropolitan Ierotheos Vlahos Orthodox Psychotherapy (336 pp.) Explains in detail the therapeutic character of Christianity and what does Orthodox psychotherapy consists of. The Illness and Cure of the Soul in the Orthodox Tradition (186 pp.) A sequel to Orthodox Psychotherapy, this small book presents in a dialogical form the Orthodox therapeutic treatment of the soul. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Journey to Heaven, Counsels on the Particular Duties of Every Christian (280 pp.) A collection of short, easily readable essays, of two-three pages each. A book of incomparable spirituality. Georgios I. Mantzarides The Deification of Man (136 pp.) Professor Mantzarides explores and presents artfully the Orthodox doctrine of deification as expounded by St. Gregory Palamas. Orthodox Spiritual Life (166 pp.) A superb and masterful introduction to Orthodox Spirituality based on scripture and the holy Fathers.

O Godly-minded Anna, you gave birth unto Gods pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life.

Dormition of St. Anna - July 25th

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of offenses

Synaxis of the Holy Apostles - June 30th

Parish Council
Christ has risen, A reminder of who the members of your parish council are for the 2011 year: Tim Kelly, President; Johnny Mangouras, Vice President; Dan Jerghiuta, Treasurer; Andru Peters, Secretary; Aaron Biedermann; Nick Maragos; Diana Orbelo; Tia Maragos; and Halina Woroncow. It has been a couple of months since my last update from the parish council, but that doesnt mean that we have been idle. The council met on April 27th, after Pascha, and again on May 18th. The council would like to extend a grateful thank you to everyone who prepared the church for this all important feast day.

The Greek Festival is fast approaching! This is a major fundraiser for our operating budget. We need everybodys help to be successful! Mark your calendars and make sure you will be available the last weekend in August. Join the Greek Dancers of Minnesota in the Rochesterfest Parade on June 24. Contact Larissa Osfeld (larissao@kmtel.com) if you want to participate. It will be a great opportunity to promote our Festival and get some free media coverage Help the Ladies of Philoptochos bake our famous pastries. Many people come every year just to enjoy our baklava. See the schedule below Saturday, June 4 9:30 Baklava Monday, June 27 9:30 Cookies Saturday, July 9 10:00 Galaktobouriko (Prepare) Wednesday, July 13 9:30 Cookies Saturday, July 30 10:00 Cookies Wednesday, August 24 9:30 Dipping Diples and Melomakarona Thursday, August 25 9:30 Karidopita and Kopenhi Friday, August 26 9:30 Final preparing and setup Donate items, baskets or money for the Silent Auction. Contact Loredana Jerghiuta (loredanaj@yahoo.com, 507-271-7688). Do not forget that the Auction is 100% profit - there are no bills to pay in the end. Your gift will have the maximum impact Volunteer. Help is needed throughout the Festival weekend: o Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning setup and food preparation o Friday morning finish setup and start cooking o Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday cook, serve and dance! o Sunday night - cleanup If you have not been contacted and would like to help talk to Dan Jerghiuta (festival@holyanargyroi.org, 507-271-7688) Sell tickets. Display posters at your workplace or business. Tickets and posters will be printed and available to pick up the first week of June. Mention the Festival dates in your business advertising. Help us gain visibility using the space and time you already paid for! Talk to your friends about the Festival. Remind them the dates. Point them to the Festival web page (greekFestRochester.com) or Facebook page

The treasurers report shows that we are hanging in there by a thread. Anyone who can afford to pay on their pledge is encouraged to do so early in the year. The summer is coming a traditionally low income time for the church and we have had some facility expenses hit us hard this year. Equipment is growing older, and there are many items on the facility repair list that still need to be done. Our facilities group is slowly chipping away at the priority items that we can afford to fix/repair. If you can help, either financially or with labor, please contact Joe Forrer, Tim Kelly, or Aaron Biedermann. You may soon see scaffolding again behind the altar this time. Jameel, our iconographer has been work on the finishing touches of the Platytera that will soon adorn the altars large apse space. Diana is working diligently to manage the iconography and the challenges we have encountered while securing this beautiful work. The business of the church continues to be managed by this wonderful council. Trust me, we are faithfully and diligently managing the income and expenses to budget in a conservative manner. If you have a specific question regarding the business of the church feel free to contact any one of the parish council members noted above. We are here to serve you. Your Parish Council President, Tim Kelly

The Parish Council would also like to emphasize what is necessary to vote at Assembly Meetings
Parish By-Laws, Amendment A; Parish Assembly Guideline & Quorum
Per the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR), dated 16 February 2005, amended in 2007, specifies the requirements and guidelines relative to Parish Assemblies, to wit the requirements for a Quorum to conduct parish church business described in Chapter 3 (Parish Administration & Finance), Article 31 (Parish Assembly). This policy confirms and complements the Church Regulations and also provides additional rules pertinent to Holy Anargyroi Greek Church, Rochester, MN. The specific rules applicable to our Parish are: 1. Roberts Rules of Order shall control the order of meeting business. 2. The Stewardship committee will periodically generate, validate and submit an updated parishioners in good standing list to the Parish Council for adoption. This approved list will then be used as the attendance document at regularly scheduled Parish assembly meetings. This list will be reviewed approximately 60 days prior to the holding of a parish assembly meeting. The revised and approved list will be submitted to the Parish Council 30 days prior to the parish assembly meeting. 3. A notice for a Parish Assembly meeting shall be mailed to all parishioners in good standing at least 10 days prior to the assembly meeting. In addition to the mailing, the parish council may use e-mail notifications as well as notations in the weekly Church bulletin and monthly parish newsletter. The notice will include a copy of the proposed agenda as prepared by the Priest and Parish Council. 4. A parishioner in good standing is defined as: a. Those who have met their stewardship obligations to the parish. b. Parishioners in arrears at the time of the meeting notice can still participate by meeting their stewardship obligations on or before the meeting date. c. Parishioners in arrears for more than a year must be current in their stewardship obligations, no less than 30 days before the called meeting date. d. New parishioners may vote providing they have been in good standing at least three months prior to the assembly meeting date. 5. Regular parish assembly meetings will be held at a minimum twice a year as convened by the Priest and parish council. This does not include special meetings. 6. A Quorum of parishioners in good standing must be present to hold and conduct a regular parish assembly business meeting. A quorum is defined as 50% + 1 parishioner per the approved parishioner in good standing list. 7. In the event a quorum is not attained at the regularly called parish assembly meeting, the meeting will NOT be called to order. Only business to be conducted is to identify the possible dates for convening a second meeting. 8. For a second (rescheduled) meeting, per UPR, Art. 31, sec 4 then the secondary parish assembly meeting must be called for within 21 days from the date of the original meeting. This notice requires notification by mail 10 days in advance of the secondary meeting. The window of dates to hold a second meeting is between 11 21 days after the original meeting date. a. A quorum for the secondary meeting is set per parishioners in good standing PRESENT at the meeting. b. At secondary meetings also can discuss and vote on fiscal appropriations as noted on approved published agendas. 9. Meetings in which the agenda item calls for the purchase, sale, or encumbering of parish property will require a quorum of parishioners in good standing. If a quorum is not attained at the first meeting, subsequent meetings will be called per paragraph 8, until a full quorum is attained. Provisions noted in paragraph 8.a., do not apply to this requirement. 10. Special parish assembly meetings may be called in addition to the two regularly scheduled meetings. These meetings will follow the guidelines in this amendment. a. NOTE: one regularly scheduled meeting plus a special meeting does not fulfill the UPC requirements for two meetings. b. A special meeting when called will be the third or subsequent number of meetings called for the parish calendar year.

O Godly-minded Anna, you gave birth unto Gods pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life.

Dormition of St. Anna - July 25th

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of offenses

Synaxis of the Holy Apostles - June 30th

STEWARDSHIP
We would like to thank the 82 Stewards who have returned their stewardship packets. It is truly a blessing to witness firsthand the support our parish receives from her parishioners. That being said, we are still 48 pledges short of our goal for this year. If you havent already done so, we ask that you prayerfully consider what you can give back to God in support of His parish. Additional stewardship packets are located by the Church entrance in the Narthex.

Time & Talents

The Stewardship committee will be disseminating the Time and Talent information to Committee Chairs and Group leaders over the next 2-3 weeks. Please be aware that you will be contacted soon by Parish leaders about getting further involved in the areas where you expressed an interest.

Symeon the New Theologian, Trebnic prayer

Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends, The Silent Auction event is on Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th. Our Silent Auction is a major fundraiser for our church, with proceeds going directly to church operating budget. In order to make our Festival a success this year, we need your help by making a donation. Any donation to the silent auction would be greatly appreciated. Here are a few ideas: items you have picked up in your travels, tickets to athletic events - if you have games you know you will miss, please consider donating those tickets, gift certificates, items for theme baskets are always a popular item and are a fun and creative way to contribute to the auction. Please consider the following ideas: beauty baskets, sports baskets, hobby baskets, baby baskets, back to school, bookworm baskets, gardener baskets, gourmet baskets, coffee baskets - and anything else that you can think of! Be creative! Monetary Donations are also being accepted from donors who desire to adopt an auction item. In addition, you can also donate your item in Memory of or in Honor of a loved one. If you are donating your item in Memory of or in Honor of a loved one, your loved ones name will be displayed with the item as well, therefore allowing you to honor or memorialize your loved one in a special way. Any items you can donate they are greatly appreciated. The Silent Auction committee will be in charge with arranging, grouping the items or creating beautiful baskets. Your generosity will be recognized in our church bulletin.
If you would like to make a monetary donation please fill out the form bellow. Donor Name ________________________________________________________________ Home Phone __________________________________Cell Phone______________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________ In Honor of: or In Memory of: (Circle one) _________________________________________ Item ______________________________ Donation Amount ______________

St John Chrysostom
'Charity is so called because we give it even to the unworthy.'

St Isaac of Syria (7th/8th cent.)

'The person who benefits the poor finds that God takes care of him.'
(Wisdom of St Isaac the Syrian, 16; ed. S. Brock, p. 2.)

Thou, O Christ, art the Kingdom of Heaven; Thou, Oh Christ, art the kingdom of Heaven; Thou, the land promised to the meek; Thou, the meadowland of paradise; Thou, the hall of the celestial banquet; Thou, the ineffable bridal chamber; Thou, the table set for all, Thou, the bread of life; Thou, the unheard of drink; Thou, both the urn for the water and the life -giving water; Thou, moreover, the inextinguishable lamp for each one of the saints; Thou, the garment and the crown and the One Who bestoweth the crowns; Thou, the joy and rest; Thou, the delight and glory; Thou, the gladness and mirth; And Thy grace, the grace of the Spirit of all sanctity, will shine like the sun in all the saints; And Thou, the unapproachable Sun, wilt shine in their midst; and all will shine brightly, according to the measure of their faith, their asceticism, their hope and their love, their purification, and their illumination by Thy Spirit. Amen.

2011 Current List of Pledging Members

Note: this list is not synonymous, nor does it indicate, members in good spiritual and/or financial standing with the parish.

Mary Beth Abraham Andrew Barbes Gust & Jackie Barbes Joel & Chamaidi Belanger Samuel Benjamin Costa & Maria Boosalis Lexie & Aaron Biedermann Mike & Kris Brekke Maria Campbell Gus & Kathy Chafos Peter & Angie Chafos Rebeca Chery John and Nina Cokinos Fr. Anthony Coniaris Ionel and Lucia Dumitrascu Joe & Cindy Forrer Judy Gale Dimitar & Ralitza Gavrilova Helen Grechis Kyle Hafar

Trevor & Laura Hamlen Viorel & Simona Hodis Bradley & Erline Holman Gordy & Connie Jelatis-Hoke Donald and Elaine Jenkins Dan & Loredana Jerghiuta Carolyn Jukich Tom and Sandy Kapellas Phyllis Kapenis Dino & Tricia Kasdagly Martha Karakelides Yanni Kaloumenos Michael & Mondo Katselis Tim & Calli Kelly William Kerakos Steve Kereakos George Kereakos Michelle Kinsley Peter Kolas

Nick & Ann Kolas Ari & Penny Kolas Tony & Nereida Lecakis Beth Lechner Kula Magaritsidis Johnny & Denise Mangouras Dr. Nick and Connie Maragos John Maragos Tia Maragos George & Linda Margellos Jason & Daniela Meier George & Cathy Murak Diana Orbelo Soula Pampori Maria Pasalis Andi Pathoulas Andru Peters Maria and Jacob Peterson Dr. Doug and Anne Pflaum

Marilyn Phelps Dr. Nick & Effie Psimos Nicholas Psimos Angie Rustad Tina Sageotis John & Jennifer Sakellarou Helen Santrizos John Schur Elilta Sebhatu Mogib & Seham Salama Mary Shabestari Ian De Silva Mark Smith Fr. Robert and Nikki Stephanopoulos George & Maria Thomas Carl & Olga Voss Martha Voytovich Troy & Stephanie Miller Ray Ostfeld & Dr. Halina Woroncrow

Write check payable to: Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church. Mail to: Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, 703 West Center Street, Rochester, MN, 55902

Jan - April 2011 Actual Total Income Total Expenses Net Income
$74,550.47 $84,166.90 -$9,616.43

Jan - April 2010 Actual

$70,721.10 $87,826.33 -$17,105.23

2011 vs 2010 Difference

$3,829.37 -$3,659.43 $7,488.80

Jan - April 2011 Budget

$72,440.00 $86,225.00 -$13,785.00

Actual vs. Budget Difference

$2,110.47 -$2,058.10 $4,168.57

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. With Sincere Appreciation,

Loredana Jerghiuta, Chair Silent Auction Committee 507-271-5928 loredanaj@yahoo.com

O Godly-minded Anna, you gave birth unto Gods pure Mother who conceived Him Who is our Life.

Dormition of St. Anna - July 25th

O Holy Apostles, intercede with God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of offenses

Synaxis of the Holy Apostles - June 30th

PHILOXENIA HOUSE
Another year drew to a close at our Church School. JOY had their last Faith Night of the Church School year. We want to thank all the parents for bringing and encouraging their children to attend these classes. The intent is to equip our children with knowledge of the Orthodox Faith and how to apply it in their daily life. After completing their end-of-year Orthodox Jeopardy class review, GOYA faced off against parents and teachers for a final Flag Football match. The hard-fought game played to a tie, and our Pre-K teacher, Connie Jelatis-Hoke, in her first game, was selected MVP. Calling all teachers to join the GOYA parents and students next year! Yannis Vangelatos and Manolia his mother, once again visited our community amidst great uncertainty and worry about his test results. At the end of two weeks he reported to us that, God in his infinite wisdom and love, performed a miracle. Everything seemed to be fine and with great joy and thanksgiving they left for home. Yannis asked people to pray for his spiritual health first, and then his physical health. The outpouring of generosity and support from the Philoptochos Societies, individual people and churches continued in the month of April. Fr. Mark and Johnny Mangouras gave a talk in Chicago which touched deeply many people. Mrs. Skeadas, President of The National Philoptochos Ladies Society sent us on behalf of the Society, a check for $10,000.00. This will enable us to pay the monthly expenses, such as mortgages, electricity, gas, telephone etc. as well as to make necessary repairs and other maintenance work that has to be done in order to have a safe, warm and welcoming place for our guests. Fr. Mark on behalf of the Philoxenia House Committee and the blessing of our Archbishop Iakovos Metropolitan of Chicago, has written a very informative, and compassionate letter to Friends of Holy Anargyroi and the Philoxenia House in all parts of Greece and Cyprus explaining the Philoxenia House Mission, from the inception to the present. Johnny Mangouras and Yannis Kaloumenos were very involved in the translation of the letter into Greek. On Mother's Day weekend Presbytera Michelle and Fr. Mark traveled to Holy Apostles Parish in Westchester, IL (suburb of Chicago) for the annual 5K Benefit Run for the Philoxenia House. For many years Holy Apostles has partnered with the Philoxenia House and is one of our most significant and popular fundraisers for the year. Fr. Mark was very kind to describe with enthusiasm what went on that day. We gathered at the Church bright and early on a beautiful Saturday morning along with approximately 25 runners. This year we had a professional marathon runner, who has participated in major events across the United States, take part in the 5k run. She was so moved by Father's words concerning our Ministry that she volunteered to help coordinate and facilitate the participation of other professional runners next year and in the future. With the support of the Proistamenos Fr. Bill Chiganos, and the associate pastor Fr. Nick Georgiou, several sponsors also contributed to the overall effort and we stand to receive around $6,000 from the event! We thank God for the support and witness of our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Holy Apostles. Graduation Day brought smiles and a couple of tears, as we graduate a single senior this year, Larissa Ostfeld. The GOYA class voted to present her with this years Good Shepherd Award for her contributions to their learning by participation and example. We hope Larissa will still pop in on class from time to time when she visits home on break. Thank you dear friends for purchasing Pascha cards this year. The cards were donated, so all of the money collected went for the upkeep of the Philoxenia House. Many people had very positive comments about the beauty of the cards. Also, they wish we had them for sale a little earlier or at the beginning of Lent. Calli Kelly has graciously volunteered to be the chair of the Philoxenia Newsletter, The St. Iakovos News, to be published in the fall. Johnny Mangouras will be the technical advisor, Chamaidi Belanger and Ann Kolas will be collecting and/or authoring articles, selecting accompanying photos, and Angie Chafos will proofread and edit. Fr. Mark and the Philoxenia committee will be presented with the finished product for final approval. There is a lot of work to be done and Calli has the enthusiasm, tenacity and faith in our abilities. With God guiding our steps we will do it. Later on in the summer, a Youth Volunteer Group from St. Haralambos will visit the Philoxenia House and again help us with the maintenance of the grounds, some light repair work and painting. Our Youth Group from Holy Anargyroi will join in this effort once school and other obligations are over. They are very anxious to start helping under the leadership and guidance of Halina and other leaders of the Goya Group. Our goal is to do some of the work ourselves, so that we can save money for bigger jobs. Trevor will first take inventory of existing supplies, and then we would appreciate if the parishioners donate the rest. Thank you all for your support, Chamaidi Belanger Chair Philoxenia House

Graduation was, also, marked by our first Church School-wide picnic, which was well attended and well received despite the stormy weather. A bountiful table, good company, and some wind, rain, and hail made for a memorable afternoon.

ON HUMILITY
Elder Herman of Mt Athos
'Humility is the only thing we need; one can still fall having virtues other than humility -- but with humility one does not fall.'

St Isaac the Syrian

'The man who endures accusations against himself with humility has arrived at perfection. He is marvelled at by the holy angels, for there is no other virtue so great and so hard to achieve.'