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



DINNER HONORING The Honorable Andreas Psycharis, Consul of Greece His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta
Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, Vicar for Tampa Bay

Cordially invite you to a dinner to honor

Andreas Psycharis
Consul General of Greece
in Tampa

The first Consul General for the Greek Consulate
in Tampa,who will be reassigned.

Saturday, May 30, 2009
Greektown Grill
1230 Cleveland Street
Clearwater, FL
6:00 p.m.

Donation: $30.00

Call the Holy Trinity office for reservations,
727-791-6547


S. FL CALENDAR MEETING CALENDAR CLEARANCE MEETING FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SATURDAY JUNE 6TH FOR:
Clergy
Parish Council Presidents
Philoptochos Presidents
GOYA Advisors
GOYA Officers

PLACE:
St. Demetrios in Fort Lauderdale
TIME:
8:30 Matins
9:00 Divine Liturgy - Saturday of Souls
11:00 am - Meeting with Clergy, Parish Council
and Philoptochos Representatives
1:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm - Meeting with GOYA Advisors and officers
4:00 pm - End of planning Session


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 ST. SOPHIA, Miami, FL Philoptochos is collecting clothing for Women in Transition from welfare to work. These are women from 18 to 60 and are all sizes. They need clothes, shoes. purses, etc.

Congratulations to Marie Newton, ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC, on receiving a Ph.D. in engineering and public policy from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA

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

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 24
Sunday of the Blind Man
Symeon the Stylite of the Mountain
Saint Vincent of Lerins
Meletios the Commander & his Companion Martyrs
Gregory, Archbishop of Novgorod

May 25
6th Monday after Pascha
Third Finding of the Precious Head of St. John the Baptist
Therapon the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Cyprus

May 26
6th Tuesday after Pascha
Carpos & Alphaeus, Apostles of the 70
Alexandros the New Martyr of Thessaloniki
George the New of Sofia

May 27
Apodosis of Pascha
Holy Glorious Hieromartyr Alladius
John the Russian of Evia
Theodora the Virgin-martyr & Didymos the Martyr

May 28
6th Thursday after Pascha/Ascension
Eutyches the Martyr, Bishop of Melitene
Nikitas, Bishop of Chalcedon
Eutechios, Bishop of Mytilene
Helikonis the Martyr
Heladios the Hieromartyr of the East
Zacharias the New Martyr

May 29
6th Friday after Pascha

Theodosia the Virgin-martyr of Tyre
St. Theodosia, Virgin-Martyr of Constantinople
Andrew the New Martyr of Argentes
John of Smyrna the New Martyr

May 30
6th Saturday after Pascha

Isaakios, Founder of the Monastery of Dalmatos
Macrina, grandmother of St. Basil the Great
Barlaam the Monk of Caesarea
Natalios the Martyr































































































SAVE THE DATE - MAY 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

HOLY TRINITY, Columbia, SC May 24 reception honoring high school seniors

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

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Sunday, May 31st Divine Liturgy at Hellenic Park followed by a Community Picnic. Orthros 8:30am and Divine Liturgy 9:30am

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Sunday, May 31 honoring high school & college graduates





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 TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Philoptochos: End of Year Luncheon: Sunday, June 7; 1pm, The Diner at Northpoint; 2355 Mansell Road, Alpharetta, Entrée choices: Grilled Tilapia Filet, Eggplant Parmesan or Greek Chicken Oreganato, includes Sides, Greek Salad, Dessert, Drink, Tax & Gratuity. Tickets/$16.95.

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

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Vacation Church Camp, rising 4 yrs. old thru 5th grade June 15-19

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

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC GOYA Retreat/Beach Trip to Charleston, SC June 22-24, rising 9th–12th graders. $90/person

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. 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.










































































































































































DISCOVER GREECE, DISCOVER THE EARLY CHURCH A private “Go Ahead Tour” designed exclusively by Dr. Nina Lamson and Father Anthony Salzman of St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church, Watkinsville, Georgia.
May 6 – 17, 2010
Departure from Atlanta, GA and arrival in Athens, Greece

In addition to seeing many of the beautiful sites Greece has to offer, Father Anthony will lead us through early century Orthodox churches and monasteries. We will also enjoy the Greek culture with time in museums, shopping, and eating at local establishments.
Day 1: Flight to Athens
Day 2: Arrival in Athens: A “Go Ahead” representative greets and escorts us to our hotel, then some free time to explore the city.
Day 3: Athens: Guided sightseeing tour, visit the Acropolis, and entry to the National Archeological Museum.
Day 4: Travel to the Byzantine monasteries of Daphni, Osios Loukas, and the Convent of Prophet Elias in the Delphi region. Later in the day, take a stroll along the beach before enjoying an included dinner.
Day 5: Meteora region: Visit two fascinating Byzantine monasteries perched atop 1,000-foot-high pinnacle rocks. Stay overnight in the Meteora Region where dinner is included.
Day 6: Ioannina: Journey to the lakeside town of Ioannina, where its mosque and Ottoman fortress are evidence of its Ottoman past. Continue to the port of Igoumenitsa and board your ferry to Corfu.
Day 7: Corfu: Guided sightseeing tour of the island, visit the Achillion Museum, once the palatial summer residence of the German Kaiser. In the evening we will enjoy dinner and entertainment at a charming, tavern in the picturesque village of Kinopiastes.
Day 8: Lefkada: Ferry to Igoumenitsa, follow the coast to Lefkada Island and the fishing village of Nidri. Embark on an exclusive cruise through the waters surrounding Scorpios, the private island of the Onassis family. Lunch included.
Day 9: Arta: Spend the morning visiting Panagia Parigoritissa, a 13th church built during the reign of the dynasty of Comnenos Doukas. Following the visit you will transfer to Nauplion.
Day 10: Nauplion: An informal sightseeing tour of Nauplion’s Venetian and neoclassical buildings and spend free time exploring modern Greece’s first capital. In the afternoon transfer to Kalamata, a city renowned for its delicious olives.
Day 11: Mystras: Travel to the city of Mystras to explore the monasteries of Perivleptos and Pantanassas, and admire the fine paintings of the "Palaeologue Renaissance.” Later, transfer to Athens to spend your last evening in Greece as you please.
Day 12: Departure: Our “Go Ahead” tour director will escort us to the airport in Athens for our return flight home.

Based on 20 full-paying participants: $3569** (includes: round-trip airfare, transfers to/from the airport and hotel and between destination cities, “Go Ahead” standard hotels (3 or 4 diamond), buffet breakfast daily, 3 dinners, 1 lunch, full-time services of a “Go Ahead Tour” director, all non-optional gratuities

Please visit St. Philothea Greek Orthodox website: http://www.stphilothea.ga.goarch.org/ for additional information as it is released or email Dr. Nina Lamson (nlamson@gsc.edu) or Father Anthony Salzman (frantonios@imageandlikeness.com) to request an application form.


HOLY TRINITY, CHARLESTON, SC CENTENNIAL EVENTS 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.

BE A FOUNTAIN NOT A PUDDLE “But the water than I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4.14)

It is a joy to walk near a fountain on a hot summer day. The mist in the air and the splash from the fountain refresh us in the summer months. In fact, in the heat of the day we are drawn to the fountain for this refreshment and when we find ourselves walking by a fountain we can’t help but be refreshed by the mist coming from the fountain.

The cool refreshing mist is the joy that is Jesus Christ and we are called to be fountains. When we embrace Christ and truly live our faith, our actions become a cool refreshing fountain mist for those around us who are burdened by the heat of life. On the other hand, when we just sit around and allow our faith to stagnate by being selfish or neglecting the needs of others around us, we resemble a sloppy muddy puddle which others go out of their way to avoid.

Wouldn’t you rather be a fountain?


Fr. Athanasios Haros, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC


DISCERNMENT “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Cor. 6:12). St. Paul’s words ring as true now as they did almost two thousand years ago. Today, it certainly seems that everything is permissible. The question that needs to be asked is whether we stop to see which of these things which are permissible are also beneficial.
I was reminded of this while listening to the radio on the way to church one day. I usually try quite hard to avoid commercials, switching from station to station when needed. On this particular occasion, however, I was tired and stopped paying attention until an announcement came on: “The views in the following commercial are not necessarily those of this station.” I thought, “Uh-oh, I wonder what’s next.” It was a commercial for a website dedicated to dating for people already in a marriage or relationship.
The ability to distinguish those things which are beneficial from those which are not is called discernment. In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs says: “He that does not do all things with discernment is like a city that is broken down and without walls” (Prov. 25:28). The Fathers of the Church consider discernment one of the most important tools in our journey towards God. St. Peter of Damaskos advises that without discernment and a basis of firm and pure prayer “you should not think, say or do anything without consulting others about it,” and that “[e]verything... demands discrimination if it is to be used for the good.” St. Anthony speaks of discernment as a guide in our lives, guarding us “against both immoderate self control on one hand, and indifference and laxity on the other”. These are just a few examples of the value that our Church Fathers place on discernment.
Since they value discernment so highly, the Fathers also speak about how discernment is to be acquired. The common note among the Fathers is that discernment is not something that stands by itself. St. Maximos the Confessor and St. Theognostos, for example, place self-control and practicing the virtues as precursors to discernment. St. Diadochos of Photiki mentions the struggle again external sins: control of our mouths, and against malicious thoughts as specific practices associated with the road towards discernment. The conclusion is that discernment is a virtue that God grants to us in the midst of our journey towards the kingdom, as we strive to acquire all virtues and avoid sin, that is, as we struggle to live the fullness of Christian life.
And what should we do with this gift of discernment? St. Theodoros the Great Ascetic says that the soul uses discrimination to “[fight] against the hostile powers and [defend] the virtues.” For St. Diadochos of Photiki, discernment helps the soul understand even its slightest faults and opens up the gates for tears of repentance. St. Isaac the Syrian says that discernment brings tranquility and stillness of mind. Finally, St. Maximos the Confessor says that through discernment, the intellect persuades the soul to choose the eternal over the temporal. In this way, man keeps God’s commandments is able to withstand “trials and temptations, sought or unsought” and “eats from the tree of life”.



DISCERNMENT con't This brings us back to where we started. The radio commercial explicitly condones the breaking of one of God’s commandments. And there are many ways in which we can try to justify breaking this —or another—of God’s commandments. At times the justification can be self-pity, at others, it can be anger, or simply losing patience with a particular situation. These are only a few of the more common reasons for doing things we know we shouldn’t do and they have a couple of things in common: they are usually selfish and, just as importantly, they tend to be short-sighted, looking only at the past, present, and short-term future.
Christ presents us with a differ¬ent picture. Speaking about the kingdom of heaven, He says that it “is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45-46). The merchant showed discernment in looking to the kingdom of heaven above all else. That is the end goal of our lives and spiritual discernment keeps us focused on that end goal. It does so by helping us distinguish those things which are of God from those which are not both in blatantly obvious situations (as the one presented by the radio commercial) as well as those where the under¬mining of God’s commandments is rather more subtle.
May our risen Lord help us and guide us on the path to His kingdom and may He reward our efforts and faithfulness to Him with the gift of discernment.
Christ is risen!

+Fr. Peter Andronache, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL

HAVING THE HEART This past Saturday, in the Preakness, “Rachel Alexandra” became the first filly to win this historic horse race in 85 years! She took the lead early on and never let up until the finish. Due to her drive, and her refusal to let up, she withstood all competition, including the late charging, and Kentucky Derby winning, “Mine that Bird.” Rachel Alexandra had the heart to compete against all odds. Even though she was favored even from before the race began, her chances were not that good. Yet, she followed through and won!

In order to succeed in any undertaking, one must have the heart to do what needs to be done. Success never happens without stepping up and accepting the challenge. While there are certainly times when we enjoy inexplicable successes, even then we needed first to have actually accepted our role in the task.

In every church, the need for volunteers who will accept the challenge of assuming the many duties, obligations, and ministries, is without question. It is not enough for one to verbally accept their role, but they must follow through on their responsibilities. Yet, all too often, people hold back. Sometimes one will hesitate because they do not believe they can handle the job; other times, because they do not want the ‘pressure’; still other times because they simply do not believe they have the time to do what needs to be done.

There is a popular saying that when you want a job done right, give it to the busiest person in your organization because they know how to get things done. Regardless of the obligations, or even the odds against you, there are times when we are each called to assume certain duties; times when we, ourselves, must have the heart to accept the challenge.

Saint Paul says, about the gifts that we each possess, “let us use them.” [Romans 12:6] Every one has their roles to fulfill and, as Orthodox Christians, we believe and must be confident in the certainty of the Lord’s strength, support, and guidance whenever we assume them. Such duties are not limited to service in the Church! Still, as we serve the Church, there is no hope for success without first prayerfully turning to Christ.

As we continue to celebrate the Resurrection, let us each seek ways to serve Him, our Church, and one another. Let us motivate ourselves, and encourage one another, through prayerful inspiration from our Savior, to be driven toward success and never let up. Let us each have the heart to take on all odds in assuming the roles we are called upon to undertake.

God bless,

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