MEMORIALS: Today we observe the following memorials:
A 40 day memorial for Katherine Mandas, beloved mother of Claire Melissas and the late Arsie Gagis, sister of Agnes Tsakalos, grandmother of Tina, Corinne, George, John and Andrea and their spouses, great-grandmother of Ursala, Paulie, Manoli, Niko, Nickolas, Andrew, Dennis, Jake, Zachary, Arianna and Katrina and aunt of Steven Tsakalos and spouse.
A 1 year memorial for Eleftheria, Koulouri, beloved mother to Irini, Maria and Helen; grandmother of Tom, Panagiota, Nektarios and Eleftherios.
A 19 year memorial for John Epsilantis, beloved son of Dorothy Kambouris.
A 43 year memorial for Steve Epsilantis, beloved husband of Dorothy Kambouris.
A 46 year memorial for Michael Grammatikos, beloved grandson of Dorothy Kambouris.
Eternal be their memory, eternal be their rest. Coffee hour is sponsored by the Melissas family.

MR. & MISS GOYA- CONGRATULATIONS: This past Sunday Goya representatives from throughout the State of New Jersey gathered for the annual Mr. & Miss Goya Recognition Program. Alexandra Svokos and Dimitrios Grammatikos were our representatives from St. Nicholas. We are very proud of both of them. Alexandra Svokos was the second runner up for the Miss Goya program and James Grammatikos won the title of Mr. Goya for the year 2009 – Congratulations to you both!!!

GREEK SCHOOL: Greek School classes have begun. If you are interested in registering your child, please contact Tammy Spyropoulos by e-mail efstathiaspy@yahoo.com. Greek School Classes (K-6) take place every Friday from 4:15pm till 6:30pm.

GREEK LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR ADULTS: The AHEPA Modern Greek Language Program for Adults began on Friday, October 2, 2009, an intermediary Greek II Class will be offered with another Greek I beginner’s class. The program is open to anyone in the community and AHEPA family that is interested in participating. For more details about upcoming classes and registration, please contact Jim Giokas at mbrooklyn48@msn.com or at 201-664-7002.

40th ANNIVERSARY YEAR COMMITTEE: The year 2010 has been designated as a year of celebration – we will be observing the 40th year of the founding of St. Nicholas and the 25th year of the opening of our Church and the 5th year of our new addition. Our first planning committee was held – be on the lookout for news about this milestone celebration. SAVE THE DATES: Sunday, January 10th Family Day, Sunday, March 21st, Kickoff Parish Luncheon, Sat. May 1st, Family Day of Reflection by Bishop Savas, Sat. December 4th, St. Nicholas Gala and Winter Dance, Sunday Dec. 19th, Christmas Concert by Eastern Choir Federation.

KALI PAREA: will meet on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. A brunch will be served and a speaker is planned.

ORTHODOX LIFE 105: This fall we will be introducing an exciting opportunity for all faithful to participate in an enriching experience to deepen their understanding of the treasure of our Orthodox Faith. Professor Peter Salierno will be leading this program. We will be meeting in the Library/Rotunda at 7:15pm every Thursday through the third Thursday in December. This journey will take us into the lives of modern day Orthodox saints with a focus on meeting Jesus Christ in their living witness and applying these insights to our daily experiences. All are welcome to attend.

CHOIR NEWS: Singers/musicians wanted: Do you sing in the car on your way to work, or in the shower? Are you one of the many parishioners who sing along with the choir from the pews week after week? Do you go home after church recalling those sacred melodies in your heart?
The choir and chorale of St. Nicholas are seeking to re-energize and expand our music ministry in a way which is rewarding and meaningful to our entire congregation. We are encouraging members of all ages with musical ability to join us. Contact Father Jim, Andrew Bacalakis, George Corniotes, Ronni Douma, or Melissa Ayvas Manolakakis to discuss any interest you or your children may have in becoming involved.

PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will be arriving in America this week to participate in a symposium in New Orleans dealing with saving the Mississippi River. His All Holiness is a recognized world figure dealing with ecology and known as the Green Patriarch for his concerns over our environment. Patriarch Bartholomew will be visiting New York and Washington after his discussions in Louisiana and be in our area next Sunday evening. You may follow his itinerary by visiting our Archdiocese web-site at www.goarch.org

NEW MINISTRY: Our community is undertaking the development of a new ministry designed to provide counseling, networking, clerical and administrative facilities to parishioners currently seeking employment. This is indeed a vastly critical undertaking, especially in view of today’s difficult economy. We seek much help and assistance to get this program up and running. Parishioners possessing the varied necessary and
required talents, please contact Fr. Jim, George Corniotes or George Kokkinakis.

ST. NICHOLAS PHILOPTOCHOS: will be hosting its first fundraiser at Marcello’s in Suffern, on Saturday, 11/14. An Unforgettable Cooking Demonstration and Class with a luncheon is planned. Tickets are limited so please reserve early. Bring your friends! Please contact May Grammatikos at 201.236.2817 for ticket information.
Food Extravaganza deadline is November 8th. Greek specialties offered include Spanakopita, Tiropita, Tsoureki and tasteful desserts. All food will be available for pick-up on Friday, 11/20 and on Sunday 11/22 during coffee hour following Sunday services. If you did not receive an order form, extra forms are available during coffee hour as well. Contact Alexandra Pflager at 201-327-1807.
Annual St. Nicholas Christmas Card is quickly approaching. A beautiful Christmas card will be mailed to participating families in our St. Nicholas parish. If you would like to participate in this lovely tradition, please submit your Christmas Card Form to Aggie Tsadilas by November 10. A donation of $15.00 is requested. Extra forms will be available during coffee hour after Sunday services. Thank you again for your support! Happy Thanksgiving!!