CHOIR MEMBERS SOUGHT FOR HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY AT CLERGY-LAITY Joanne Kambouris, who directs the choir at Holy Trinity in Clearwater, Florida, the location for our Metropolis Clergy-Laity Congress June 11-14, is interested in compiling a large choir comprised of people from around the Metropolis for the purpose of singing the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, June 14.

The choir will be singing the music of Kevin Lawrence, an arrangement that is fairly common among our choirs here in the Southeast. George Pappas is the Metropolis Protopsaltis at Holy Trinity. Those interested in chanting will be placed in contact with Father James Rousakis and George to coordinate the chanting activities during the weekend as well.

Joanne`s intention is to have a good solid rehearsal with all singers on Saturday morning to prepare for Sunday, but plans have not yet been finalized. She wants to see how many will be participating for a preliminary count.

Please email her at skambour@knology.net if you are interested in singing for this beautiful and uplifting opportunity to celebrate liturgy together with our beloved Metropolitan Alexios and his fellow clergy.













Director of Music, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Director, Orthodox Youth Choir of Tampa Bay



FROM THE CHANCELLOR'S DESK Dear Reverend Clergy and Beloved Parish Council Leaders:

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

On Behalf of His Eminence, Metropolitan Alexios, I wish to convey our appreciation to all the Parishes listed below who have participated in the Biennial Metropolis Album for the 2009 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference. The album is an important reflection of our Holy Metropolis and the many parishes within it. This year’s theme of the conference, “THE DAY AFTER TODAY: OUR YOUTH” is carried as the theme of the Album, highlighting the glorious work of every parish in our youth ministries.

Annunciation Ft. Myers, FL
Annunciation Mobile, AL
Annunciation Cathedral Atlanta, GA
Christ the Savior Spring Hill, FL
Diakonia Retreat Atlanta, GA
Holy Transfiguration Marietta, GA
Holy Trinity Charlotte, NC
Holy Trinity Clearwater, FL
Holy Trinity Cathedral New Orleans, LA
Holy Trinity Raleigh, NC
Holy Trinity Bluff City, TN
Holy Trinity Orlando, FL
St Andrew Miami, FL
St Barbara Sarasota, FL
St Christopher (Mission) Peachtree City, GA
St Demetrios Ft Lauderdale, FL
St George New Port Richey, FL
St John the Baptist Tampa, FL
St John the Divine Jacksonville, FL
Michael the Archangel Lecanto, FL
St Nektarios Charlotte, NC
St Philothea Athens, GA
St Photios Nat'l Shrine St Augustine, FL
St Sophia Winter Haven, FL
St Sophia Cathedral Miami, FL
Sts Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Cumming, GA

Any parishes that have not yet submitted their entries should immediately contact John C. Tsacrios by email: tagos@aol.com or by cell at 727-741-9710.

As you know the 2009 Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference is being held in Tampa Bay from June 11–14, 2009. We are hoping to see representatives from every parish as well as the proistamenoi at this important event in the life of our Metropolis!

Faithfully yours,
+V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis
Chancellor



IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM DR. TED VLAHOS ALERT!!!!
Rooms for the Clergy Laity are being held only until May 24th! After that, prices may increase or rooms may be sold out.
If you have not yet reserved your rooms, please do so immediately by calling the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay at 1-800-233-1234 or 1-813-874-1234 and ask for the group rate for Greek Orthodox!

Rooms are only $165 per night.


2009 METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY 2009 METROPOLIS OF ATLANTA CLERGY LAITY ASSEMBLY
AND PHILOPTOCHOS CONFERENCE
June `10 – 14, 2009
Clearwater/ Tampa Bay, Florida

“THE DAY AFTER TODAY- OUR YOUTH”

The Metropolis of Atlanta 2009 Clergy Laity Assembly and Philoptochos Conference will be held from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14, 2009 at the
GRAND HYATT TAMPA BAY, in Tampa, Florida, very near the airport.
There is free transportation to and from the airport and FREE PARKING!!!
Hotel reservations may be made anytime until May 15th, based upon availability by calling the Hyatt at (813) 874-1234.
Group discounted rates are available for $169.00 per night by mentioning the group
“Greek Orthodox” or code GREE.

We have an entertaining and uplifting program planned for the entire family.
Metropolis Council and Philoptochos Board will meet Thursday morning.
Official opening ceremonies and Grand Banquet will be held Thursday evening.
Philoptochos luncheon will be on Friday.
Friday night we will have a spectacular extravaganza!

For more information and registration forms please see our website at www.atlantaclergylaity.org


PARISH BULLETIN BOARD Besides their precious son Josh, Fr. Gregory Waynick and his family have lost virtually all of their earthly possessions in a house fire. A fund has been established to try to help them carry on. If you would like to contribute to this effort, please send your check payable to St Luke Greek Orthodox Church with "Waynick Fund" written on the memo line to:
St Luke Greek Orthodox Church
PO Box 1513
Mooresville NC 28115

Parishioners of ST. JOHN, Myrtle Beach, SC are collecting paper products (paper plates, cups, towels and toilet paper) for CASA: CITIZENS AGAINST SPOUSE ABUSE safe houses this month.

Parishioners from HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL raised $1006 from the CropWalk.

Orthodox Young Professionals of Atlanta will feed the homeless on Memorial Day, volunteering at the Fish & Loaves ministry St. John the Wonderworker Orthodox Church in Atlanta. Volunteers are needed to help shop for, prepare, and serve the food. If you are interested,
please contact Maureen Lokos at (404) 545-2917 or orthodoxyoungprofessionals@gmail.com



FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK May 17
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Andronikos the Apostle of the 70 & Junia the Martyr
Holy Godbearing Nectarius, the Builder of the Holy Monastery of Varlaam of Meteora
Theodotos the Martyr of Ancyra & the 7 Virgin-martyrs
Athanasios, Archbishop of Christianopolis

May 18
5th Monday after Pascha
Holy Martyrs: Peter, Dionysius, Andrew, Paul, Christina, Heracles, Paulinus and Benedimus
Julian the Martyr
Euphrasia the Martyr of Nicea

May 19
5th Tuesday after Pascha
Patrick the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Proussa and his Companions
Our Righteous Father Memnonus the Wonderworker
Theotima & Kyriake the Martyrs

May 20
5th Wednesday after Pascha
Thalalaios the Martyr & his Martyr Companions
Mark the Hermit
Father Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow

May 21
5th Thursday after Pascha
Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles
Pachomios the Righteous New Martyr

May 22
5th Friday after Pascha
Vasilikos the Martyr, Bishop of Comana
Holy New Martyrs Demetrius and Paul of Tripoli
John-Vladimir, Ruler of Serbia

May 23
5th Saturday after Pascha
Michael the Confessor, Bishop of Synadon
Mary the Myrrhbearer & wife of Cleopas






























































































SAVE THE DATE - MAY ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Greek Festival May 14-17

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Golden Group, Thursday, May 14, 10:30am

ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC Greek Festival May 15-17

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA 20th Annual Marietta Greek Festival May 15-17

ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC Greek Festival May 15-17

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC Greek Festival May 15-17

District GOYA Olympics Florida May 15-17

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC GOYA Car Wash, May 16

HOLY TRINITY, St. Augustine, FL Greek Nite, Saturday, May 16, 6:30pm, St. Augustine Shores, Riverview Club, dinner, music by the Grecian Strings % dancing, $30 donation, benefiting the church

HOLY CROSS/STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Huntsville, AL International Night, May 16

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC May 17 Sunday School/Greek School Recognition with the End of Year Cook Out

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL May 17 1pm GOYA Picnic & Paintball: Fort Red Rock

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos softball "Spring Training Camp" challenge May 17,1:30-7pm

Catechism, Individual, Group & Family portraits sponsored by HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Dance Groups May 17, $20/5x7 or 3/$30, Catechism Group Photos $30/8 x 10

ANNUNCIATION, Pensacola, FL Graduation Sunday, May 17, luncheon honoring all high school & college graduates, adults/$10, children/$5, fundraiser for Sunday School

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL, May 17 ice cream bar during coffee fellowship sponsored by the dance troupes

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Fayetteville, NC Picnic at the Park, May 17

OCMC New Building Dedication, May 21

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC 2nd annual Sts. Constantine & Helen feast day celebration & lunch, May 21 hosted by all the Constantines and Helens

HOLY TRINITY, Augusta, GA Spring Greek Cuisine Event, May 22-23

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA 36th Annual Greek Festival May 22-24

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Council of ministries retreat May 29-30

TRINITY/ST. JOHN, Jackson, MS Greek Festival, May 29-30

ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL 9th Annual Golf Classic, Saturday May 30, Glenlakes GC, Foley, AL, noon start

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Philoptochos end-of-year party,May 31,5 pm,Taverna Agora

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Young Adult Cookout May 31, 5 PM

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC May 31 Community Luncheon Sautéed Sirloin Tips over Rice, Side Dish, Beverage & Dessert, Kids Meal: Chicken Tenders with Mac & Cheese $7/Adults, $4/Kids, benefits St. Nektarios Ministries





UPCOMING EVENTS ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA PAREA, Monday, June 1, noon, Sultan's Restaurant, Parkside Shopping Center; 5920 Roswell Rd NE; Sandy Springs/Atlanta, GA 30328

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Philoptochos end of the year party,Thursday,June 4, 6:30pm, $22/person. Hors d’oeuvres, salad, buffet dinner of Chicken Royal, Pork Tenderloins,grilled vegetables, penne ala vodka,dessert, coffee, soft drinks. Reservations & payment by May 29

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Spaghetti Supper June 5

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Name Day Celebration June 7

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC “Big Fat Grill Off" Sunday, June 7, 5 PM

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL June 8 Feast day of the Holy Trinity, reception to follow Divine Liturgy

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL June 8-9 GOYA year-end trip to St. Augustine

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL annual Greek Week Camp Monday, June 8-Friday, June 12, 9am-2pm

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL VBS June 15-19,9:30am-1pm, Pre-K thru 5th grade

ST. JOHN, Jacksonville, FL VBS, “Walking with God,” June 15-19, 8:30am-noon

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL Vacation Church School June 15-19, full program of worship, instruction, arts and crafts, singing, and recreation

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL Vacation Bible School June 15-19, 9am-noon, pre-K-6th, $20 registration, celebrating Jesus’ love for us through games, crafts, music & more

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC 2009 Vacation church camp Tuesday, June 16-Friday, June 19. “THE FANTASTIC FOUR - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.”

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Vacation Church Camp June 15-19 (Monday-Friday) 9am-1:15pm for 4 year olds till 5th grade

HOLY TRINITY, Columbia, SC VCS June 15-19

ST. JOHN, Tampa, FL Junior Olympics June 19-21

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC VBS June 22-26

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Family Prosfora Workshop June 24,10am-12:30, bring Prosfora seal, 1 bag of either bread flour or all-purpose unbleached flour, apron, 9" cake pan & large mixing bowl

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Council of ministries retreat July 17-18
For all Ministry Directors, Team and Group Leaders, Philoptochos Board Members and all members of the community interested in planning for the community

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Basketball Camp July 27-July 31, ages 5-13

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Missions and philanthropy Ministry Yard sale August 7-8

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA GreekFest 2009 Sept. 19

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL GREEK FESTIVAL Sept. 24-26

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Greek Festival Sept. 25-27

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL 2009 Greek Food Festival Oct. 23-24

National Philoptochos Children’s Medical Fund Luncheon, November 14, Boca Raton Resort and Club, hosted by the Metropolis of Atlanta.


ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE ANNOUNCES CELEBRATE THE GREEK NEEDLE ARTS "Painted With A Needle: Greek NeedleArts Exhibit at St Photios National Shrine "– Closing Reception June 7, 2pm

For the past 9 months the temporary exhibit area of the museum at St. Photios Shrine has displayed an eclectic array of personal items, images and icons. The common “thread” is - they all were designed by Greeks – Greeks in the diaspora, Greeks of mainland Greece, Greeks of the islands, Greeks in Cyprus, Greeks of Constantinople – and, they were all completed with a needle.
This popular exhibit drew hundreds of people of Greek heritage as many of the pieces are more than 100 years old. Many of the pieces were from local natives of Florida’s First Coast who inherited with the many stories of immigrant parents and grandparents, these family treasures that included many applications of this art – needlework, crochet, cutwork, and embroidery, et al.
The public has a final opportunity to see the dowry linens (domestic, practical applications), tapestries (fine art), clothing (representing rites of passage and rituals), and icons (ecclesiastical and personal items of worship).

Marcy Ballis, the project director, said at the September 08 opening, "this journey far surpassed my expectations - the unique legacy and testimony of Greek needle arts spans over 5,000 years, it has been my honor to work on this....” Ballis acquired images from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; The Benaki Museum, Athens; the Textile Museum, Washington, DC and the Museum of International Folk Art, Santa Fe.

Bishop Dimitrios of Xanthos, Presvyteras Argery Talligan and Mary Theodosion, Eleni Gage and 14 parishioners from the Greek Orthodox churches of St. John the Divine in Jacksonville and St. Demetrios in Daytona Beach, FL loaned their family treasures for this event.

Dr. Carmela Lojacano Tardo with Mrs. Connie Gaitanis invite you to join them for the afternoon tea, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, 41 St George Street, St. Augustine, Florida.






ST. STEPHENS CAMP NEWS St. Stephen's Summer Camp-2009 is taking registrations for
Session IV-----August 3-7, 2009
'HOLY GIFTS FOR THE HOLY PEOPLE'
Please do not delay, as all other sessions have filled!


Please send in forms immediately! Registration is not complete by phone or email....forms must be sent in to be registered. They may be scanned or faxed if paying by credit card.



ST. STEPHENS CAMP
Session I: Sunday, July 12 - Saturday July 18, 2009

Session II: Sunday, July 19 - Saturday, July 25, 2009

Session III: Sunday, July 26 - Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009

Session IV: Sunday, August 2 - Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009
Held at
The Diakonia Retreat Center
864-944-6788
www.diakoniacenter.org
455 Quail Ridge Road
Salem, SC 29676

Questions may be addressed to:
+Father Stavros Akrotirianakis-Camp Co-Director-(813)876-8830 frstav@gmail.com
+Father Matthew Carter-Camp Co-Director: frmatthewcarter@gmail.com
Ethel Gjerde-Assistant Camp Director: 404-271-8951 sargepw8@yahoo.com
Michelle Cassimus-Youth Coordinator: 404-634-9345 Ext. 19 youth@atlmetropolis.org

DOWNLOAD ALL FORMS: www.atlmetropolis.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All forms will be on our NEW WEBSITE: www.atlmetropolis.org
by Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009.
You may email us to receive them directly as attachments.
Please do not delay in getting all of your forms mailed immediately!
(Please remember you will not be sending the Priest Recommendation Form. He will send it to us here at the Metropolis.)

Questions may be addressed to:
+Father Stavros Akrotirianakis-Camp Co-Director-(813)876-8830 frstav@gmail.com
+Father Matthew Carter-Camp Co-Director: frmatthewcarter@gmail.com
Ethel Gjerde-Assistant Camp Director: 404-271-8951 sargepw8@yahoo.com
Michelle Cassimus-Youth Coordinator: 404-634-9345 Ext. 19 youth@atlmetropolis.org


LARRY KING CARDIAC FOUNDATION EVENTS THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO
Join Larry King – America’s talk show legend for Free Heart Health Screenings and Consultations
Monday, June 1st, 10am – 2pm
Location: Georgia Tech Global Learning Center, 84 5th St. NW
Hosted by Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Georgia Tech
To RSVP contact:
Cecil Upchurch, RN - Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
Office: (678) 843-5112 - cupchurch@sjha.org
This is Part of a Major Heart Health Campaign for America’s Uninsured


Join Larry King – America’s talk show legend for A VIP Panel Discussion on Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Monday June 1st from 10-11am
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: Warning signs, Detection, and Prevention
Location: Georgia Tech Global Learning Center
Hosted by Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Georgia Tech
RSVP first come, first serve to ghadjisimos@sjha.org
For more information, contact:
Glykeria Hadjisimos
Saint Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta
Office: (678) 843-6179
ghadjisimos@sjha.org
This is Part of a Major Heart Health Campaign for America’s Uninsured


SUMMER INSTITUTE on YOUTH MUSIC Thursday,July 30–Saturday,Aug. 2
Holy Cross Theological School, Brookline, MA

Anyone interested in developed church music programs for young people is invited to attend.
Workshops will be geared to practical applications and idea sharing. Registration is $100 plus $60 for meals prior to May 30th. June 1st and after, registration is $150 plus $60 for meals.

Anton C. Vrame, Ph.D.
Director
Department of Religious Education
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
50 Goddard Avenue
Brookline, MA 02445
617-850-1218



2009 SFGOCM CONFERENCE, WINSTON-SALEM, NC 33rd Annual Choir Conference
of the Southeastern Federation of Greek Orthodox Choirs and Musicians
Hosted By
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Winston-Salem, NC
July 24 - 26, 2009

Contact Information:
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
435 Keating Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Phone: 336-765-7145
Fax: 336-659-1643
Website: www.wsgoc.org
Virginia Moutos, Chairperson

For Information or Questions Contact:
Scott Marshall Phone: 336-926-9835
Email: scottmarshall@remax.net


Music & Musicians

Liturgy of Peace by Christopher Kypros
To order music, contact Christopher Kypros Phone: 757-617-1484
Email: pherky@cox.net
Adult Choir:Christopher Kypros, Choir Director, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Norfolk, VA

Organist:Elia Nicholas, Organist
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Raleigh, NC

Teen/Youth: Connie Marshall, Organist & Children’s Choir Director
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Winston-Salem, NC

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR MUSIC AND CHOIR ROBE!

Registration, Reservations & Sign-In
Conference Registration Deadline is June 26, 2009
Hotel Reservation Deadline is June 26, 2009
Hospitality & Early Conference Sign-In is Thursday, July 23, 6:00-8:00pm
Conference Sign-In at Annunciation GOC is Friday, July 24, 8:00 am - 9:00 am

FEES

Adults
The 2009 conference registration fee covers all choir refreshment breaks, Friday lunch, Friday Dinner/Dance, Saturday lunch, Saturday Grand Banquet, Sunday Farewell Lunch,
a conference T-shirt, a tote bag, and a CD recording of the liturgy.
$125 postmarked no later than June 26, 2009
$150 postmarked after June 26, 2009 (includes a $25 late fee)

Teens (7th-12th) and Youth (K-6th)
The 2009 conference registration fee covers T-shirt, all meals & activities (Friday-Sunday)

$25 postmarked no later than June 26, 2009
$50 postmarked after June 26, 2009 (includes a $25 late fee)

PLEASE NOTE
Payment must accompany each registration form.
Each attendee must complete the proper forms (Adult, Teen/Youth/Childcare, Guest)
Please make check payable to SFGOCM Conference 2009 and mail with forms to:
Choir Conference 2009
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
435 Keating Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27104


Hotels:

Arrangements have been made to accommodate conference attendees at negotiated rates with two hotels located next to each other: The Hampton Inn & The Sleep Inn.
In order to receive Group Rates, please register by June 26, 2009
Cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to date of arrival to avoid charges.

The Hampton Inn Kings & Doubles $82
GROUP CODE: GOS (add 12.75% tax)
1990 Hampton Inn Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
RESERVATIONS: (336) 768-9168 or 1-800-HAMPTON
Complimentary Hot Breakfast or On The Run bags, and Evening Cookies.
Pool, fitness center, business center & laundry facility. Hi-speed internet, local calls, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & boards.

The Sleep Inn Kings & Doubles $69
GROUP CODE: 2247 (add 12.75% tax)
1985 Hampton Inn Court, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
RESERVATIONS: (336) 774-8020 Fax (336) 774-1185
Complimentary Breakfast or On The Run bags and Evening Cookies.
Fitness center, business center & laundry facility. High-speed internet, local calls, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & boards.










































































































































































100 YEARS OF ORTHODOX HERITAGE IN THE HOLY CITY By Melanie Mathos

The oldest city in the Carolinas now has another monumental chapter to add to its history books. The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity Church in “The Holy City” of Charleston, South Carolina, will celebrate its Centennial in January 2010, marking 100 years of faith, heritage and culture.

“This joyous occasion commemorates our Holy Trinity parish, our achievements, our involvement in the Charleston community, and our importance in the national Greek-American experience,” said Rev. Father John Johns, presiding priest at the Church. “We are celebrating living in the spirit, with gratitude, faith, and hope.”

The celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Holy Trinity kicked-off in January with an event honoring The Three Hierarchs, patron saints of the Church’s Rev. Nicholas C. Trivelas Library and Bookstore.

It was fitting that the Centennial celebration started in honor of the Library and Bookstore’s patron saints and for the late Reverend Father Nicholas Christ Trivelas, 87, who fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, October 4, 2008, in Charleston, SC. Father Trivelas served as priest of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church from 1948 to 1993, and oversaw the construction of the Byzantine-style Church on Race Street more than a half-century ago. He retired in 1993 and continued to serve Holy Trinity as priest emeritus.

During his 47-year ministry, Father Trivelas was instrumental in ensuring that the sanctuary of Holy Trinity included authentic Byzantine iconography. He helped commission iconographer Photis Kontoglou who is recognized as the greatest master of Byzantine Art in the modern world, and Kontoglou's collaborators, George Gliatas, John Terzis, and Emmanuel Tsirtzilakis. As a result, Holy Trinity has the largest collection of Kontoglou icons outside of Greece.

As you drive over one of the various bridges connecting the peninsular city to surrounding areas, it is apparent why Charleston is hailed as The Holy City—the skyline is not made-up of high rises, but instead, steeples that stand proud in the blue skies. It is written into the City’s building code that church spires, belfries, cupolas, and domes are free from the height restrictions that have kept most buildings in line with historic structures.

The first Greek Orthodox Liturgy was performed in the city in 1908, and in 1910, the Grecian Society was established with seventy members for the express purpose of building a church. The first Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at St. Philip and Fishburne Streets, was dedicated on March 25, 1911. In 1953, construction of the existing church at 30 Race Street was completed and the Church was dedicated. It is the first church in the United States built in the authentic Byzantine style modeled after the Hagia Sophia of the Byzantine Empire.

"The Centennial Anniversary is an occasion for celebrations filled with gratitude for the founders of our Holy Trinity Church as they strived to maintain their faith, values, traditions, and customs when they had the commitment and vision to establish an Orthodox Church in The Holy City,” said Helen “Nitsa” Demos, Centennial chairperson. “Imagine their pride if they were to see us today and the vital part of the Charleston community that we have become."

Demos added, "Our year-long Centennial Events Calendar celebrates 100 years of progress and spiritual growth as we embark on the future."




100 YEARS OF ORTHODOX HERITAGE con`t The celebration of the Centennial continued in February with the Scouting Awards Sunday, honoring past members of Holy Trinity’s Troops; with the celebration of Greek Independence Day at the City of Charleston’s Mayor’s office and celebration of The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in March; and a Palm Sunday Lenten Luncheon benefiting Holy Cross & Hellenic College in April.

Celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of Holy Trinity will continue throughout the year with the following events:

Sunday, May 24, 2009 Sunday School Centennial Display recalling 100 years of the Church
Saturday, May 30, 2009 Philoptochos Presidents Brunch honoring past presidents
Sunday, June 07, 2009 Holy Trinity Nameday Reception "Sunday of Pentecost" honoring parish past presidents
June 15 - 19 Through the Centuries with Christ Bible School
Saturday, June 20 Family Picnic in the Park including a centennial time capsule, and tree planting
Saturday, August 15 Old Fashioned Panageri by Hellas Dancers
Saturday, September 26 Reunion Choir Concert in the Park featuring Ann Caldwell and the Magnolia Singers
October 9-10 Spiritual Renewal Seminar—religious retreat featuring leader Rev. Dr. Frank Marangos, Dean of the Archdiocesan Cathedral in NYC
Sunday, November 01 US Armed Services Recognition aboard the USS Yorktown honoring parish veterans
Sunday, November 15 Daughters of Penelope Founders Day Reception honoring the founders and past presidents
Saturday, January 10,2010 St. Basil`s Vasilopeta Luncheon
January 29-31,2010 Centennial Celebration Weekend
Saturday,January 30,2010 Centennial Banquet

For more information on the Centennial events or to learn how you can become a part of the commemorative album, chronicling the 100-year history of Holy Trinity, visit www.holytrinitycentennial.org or call 843-577-2063.

"FOR WE HAVE HEARD OURSELVES" There is a distinction between reading about a historical event and witnessing it for your self. When you are an eyewitness, you have a different, more indelible, perspective. Even if you viewed the event from a distance, you still possess a sense of ‘partnership’ with that event simply because you were there.



We see an example of this fact in this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading. The Samaritans went to Jesus because of the vivid description they heard from the Samaritan Woman; but then they witnessed Jesus for themselves. When they heard Him with their own ears and hearts, their faith in Christ was ignited! So it is with us. Once Christ’s words sink within your heart, you go from ‘being a Christian’ to becoming committed to Christ. There is a difference!



On May 14th, we commemorate Saint Isidore the Martyr of Chios. Isidore was a soldier from Alexandria who steadfastly adhered to his faith in Christ and spent his entire life in fasting, prayer and good works. After he arrived on Chios, as an officer with the Roman fleet, he was betrayed to Numerian, Isidore’s Fleet Commander. When challenged to forfeit the Faith, Isidore boldly professed himself as a worshipper of Christ as God, refusing to worship any other. As a result, he was tormented and beheaded in 251 AD, during Decius’ reign.



For Saint Isidore, faith in Christ was not negotiable! His faith was not based upon a theory, but upon his own hearing, his own witness, of who Christ is. In his day, not everyone held on to the Faith; there were many who lapsed during the persecutions. Similarly, our own faith should be never be negotiable for us! If we truly hear Christ’s teaching, allowing it to take root in our souls, there is no negotiation, no dilution of faith’s power.



Yet, as we look around, we see that there is frequent evidence of negotiated faith. The stench of watered down belief in Christ arises when His teaching is merely observed and not actually embraced. Often, convincing reasons, or even logically sounding excuses, exist that help people justify their stand; but what is the end result?



When other, certainly less weighty, matters assume a higher level of priority over one’s faith in Christ, what is the impact upon that individual’s soul? What is the impact upon those people who are around that individual?



On regular basis throughout our day, we each have the potential of demonstrating firm faith in Christ – but we have to have heard Him, witnessed Him, for ourselves. It is to our advantage to ask ourselves on a regular basis: “How do I measure up?” It is to our advantage to witness Christ for ourselves.



Keeping in mind that Saint Isidore proved to be “a great guide for all the world,” let his example help guide us, throughout our day, toward Christ.
God bless,

Fr. Anthony Stratis, HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA



THE ORTHODOX CHURCH CHRISTOS ANESTI! CHRIST IS RISEN!

The Greek Orthodox Church is the Oldest Church!
Her beginnings are traced back to the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. Since that time, established by the Church Traditions, Doctrines and Teachings have been preserved by the Holy Greek Orthodox Church in their entirety and unchanged!

We are the Church of the Councils! The Orthodox Church believes that Jesus Christ is the Head of His Church! There were seven Ecumenical Councils of the Eastern Orthodox Church that developed doctrinal, theological and practical sides of the Church. Full Apostolic succession in faith and ordination is another aspect that makes the Orthodox Church unique amongst various denominations of Christianity.

We have three levels of hierarchical priesthood: bishops, priest (presbyters) and deacons. His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch leads the entire Church of both clergy and laity. All men, women and children of the Orthodox Church recognize their Metropolitan Archbishop as the center of their diocese. The people come together as a community and form a church with the Blessing of their Bishop. The community of believers participate and lead various Orthodox Ministries within parish, diocese or local church.

We need, above all, to see giving as a part of our spiritual life. We must recognize that, like prayer, fasting, Scripture reading, etc., giving is something which contributes to our growth in God’s image and likeness. When we do this we not only grow personally, but we provide our Church with the resources necessary to fulfill the mission which Christ has created it to perform. Go therefore and Baptize all peoples.
United in love, all members of the Orthodox Church work as one body helping each other with the gifts they have received from the Holy Spirit.

The Orthodox outreach Ministry is also taken to every person outside of the Orthodox Faith and can be expressed on the personal level or on the level of Church through different programs and functions. Teaching all non-Greek Orthodox about the true faith and converting them to our true faith.

Fr. Paul Mayernick, ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL


“Mikhail Sergeyevich! Christ is Risen!” Many years ago in the Soviet Union an atheist had just finished giving a lecture on the non-existence of God. After he finished, he asked a priest who was present to prove that God exists. The priest rose, looked at the crowd, and said only three words, “Christ is Risen” and sat down. The response was immediate and thunderous, “Truly, He is Risen!”

Many years later in 1990, the annual May Day parade in Moscow’s Red Square was in progress. Two Orthodox priests together with a group of parishioners were carrying a huge, eight-foot cross along the parade route. Before them had just passed the official might of the Soviet Union: the usual May Day procession of tanks, missiles, troops and salutes to the Communist Party elite.

Behind the tanks surged a great crowd of protesters, shouting up at Mikhail Gorbachev: “Bread…Freedom…Truth!”
As more protestors poised directly in front of Gorbachev, the two priests hoisted the huge cross toward the sky. As it emerged above the crowd, the figure of Jesus Christ obscured the giant poster faces of Karl Marx, Engels and Lenin that provided the backdrop for Gorbachev’s reviewing stand.

“Mikhail Sergeyevich! Christ is Risen!” one of the priests shouted. “Mikhail Sergeyevich! Christ is Risen!”

In a matter of months after that May Day celebration, the Soviet Union was officially dissolved. Christ is risen indeed and with Him is raising the Orthodox Church which the vast might of the Soviet Union had tried for over 70 years to eradicate. Christ is risen indeed, and He is building His Church about which He promised, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

- Taken from Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth by Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris
From the HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Columbus, GA bulletin


WHY DID JESUS FOLD THE NAPKIN? The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.

The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.

She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus
loved. She said, `They have taken the Lord`s body out of the tomb, and I don`t know where they have put him!`

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in
and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn`t go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus` head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!

Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it.

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, `I`m done`.

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........

The folded napkin meant, `I`m coming back!`

from Renee Gahagan