FROM THE CHANCELLOR`S DESK Reverend Clergy and the Faithful of the Holy and God-protected Metropolis of Atlanta

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we look forward to celebrating the wonderful Feast Day of Pentecost, I know that we are also all eagerly anticipating another event, our Metropolis of Atlanta Clergy-Laity Assembly in Clearwater.

I wanted to take a moment to thank Fr. James Rousakis, the Parish Council and all the Faithful of Holy Trinity, Dr. Ted Vlahos, Mrs. Jeannie Demas and all their committee members for their hard work in organizing what promises to be a truly memorable Clergy-Laity Assembly. I would also like to congratulate and thank all the clergy and laity who are taking the time to gather together as one family of faith and to participate in the discussions and plans that will guide our Holy Metropolis as we serve the Lord and His Holy Orthodox Church.

This is truly an important meeting, and I encourage all our parishes to find a way to send their priest and a representative, so that all the clergy and Faithful are part of the discussions and decisions. Even if, as in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard, you come at the eleventh hour, your participation is both welcome and necessary.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in Tampa!

Faithfully yours,
V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis

CELEBRATION DAYS OF PARACLETOS MONASTERY June 7th is the feast day of Pentecost, which is the feast day of the Paracletos Monastery.


The program will be:
- Saturday June 6th:
7:00 pm Vespers of Pentecost by His Eminence Metripolitan Alexios of Atlanta


- Sunday June 7th:
8:00-11:00 am Divine Liturgy by His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta.
(after Divine Liturgy we will have Lunch for all)


We invite all of you to come in order to celebrate and pray with us at this great day of the descent of the Holy Spirit.


Abbess Pavlina and the sisters.

Paracletos – The Holy Spirit
The Monastery is a place where Christian souls that desire to dedicate themselves totally to God take refuge, occupy themselves constantly with God, pray unceasingly, and glorify His Name while simultaneously they cleanse themselves internally and strive to become holy.
The Monastery is dedicated to the Spirit of the Paracletos. Paracletos was named by Christ the third person of the Holy Trinity. “But when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to Me.”(John 15:26

The Monastery is located just south of Anderson, SC in Antreville. It is located in a peaceful wooded rural setting. It is a place appropriate for prayer. The Monastery was established in 2004 and will soon include a private residence for the nuns, a Cathedral, chapels, dinning hall, a public guest house, a vineyard and winery, farm animals and barn, and workshop for making of religious items such as icons. There will also be numerous small chapels.

PARACLETOS GREEK ORTHODOX MONASTERY, 790 GIN HOUSE ROAD, ABBEVILLE, SC 29620
(864) 348-7545





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


“THE OTHER HOLY LAND ” To Be Rebroadcast on Hallmark Channel June 7, 2009

NEW YORK – “The Other Holy Land” will be rebroadcast on the Hallmark Channel, Sunday, June 7, 2009 from 7 - 8 am EDT and PDT; and 6 am CDT. The hour long beautifully filmed program features four places in Asia Minor: Constantinople, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Smyrna – where it becomes strikingly clear that the history of Christianity in "The Other Holy Land" is also the history of the Greek Orthodox Church.

The documentary was filmed in Turkey and the United States and includes interviews with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios of America and other noted theologians and historians. The use of dramatized voices brings to life primary texts from the early Fathers and Church writers; early texts are juxtaposed with visuals of today’s religious services including a Divine Liturgy celebrated by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Cappadocia .

Participants, in addition to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop Demetrios and include: Bishop Kallistos Ware, Rev. Dr. Robert G. Stephanopoulos; Rev. Dr. Demetrios Constantelos; Rev. Dr. Forrest Church ; Dr. Helen Evans; Dr. Robert Ousterhout; and narrator Robert Aubry Davis.

Produced by Frank Frost Productions in cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Office of News and Information and Greek Orthodox Telecommunications, the program was funded by the Leadership 100 Endowment Fund, The Aegean Free Trade Zone and Faith & Values Media.

DVD copies of this program are available for purchase at $20 each, plus $6 shipping. Call GOTelecom at 1-800-888-6835. For more information and to find Hallmark stations in your area log on to: www.hallmarkchannel.com.


ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE MUSEUM HONORS STEVEN PAPADATOS The St. Photios Foundation will honor architect Steven Papadatos at the opening reception of the 2009-2010 Shrine temporary exhibition "Steven Papadatos: A Retrospective of One Man’s Forty Year Career." Several of Mr. Papadatos’ designs in ecclesiastical structures will be showcased in the Shrine museum from June 25, 2009 through April 30, 2010. These Orthodox ecclesiastical works include: St. George Basilica, Norwalk, CT; St. John Church, Blue Point, Ny; Church of the Resurrection of Christ, Synod Building and Conference Center, Tirana, Albania; SS Constantine and Helen, West Nyack, NY. The design plans and model of the Church of the Resurrection will be the jewel of this exhibit.
St Photios Foundation Vice President Harry Cavalaris and St Augustine City Commissioner Don Crichlow will be among those paying tribute to Mr. Papadatos. Mrs. Paul (GeeGee) Angelopoulos and Mrs. Allan (Leslye) Phillips invite you to attend the program and reception 5:30-7:00PM, Thursday, June 25, at St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine.
The Foundation expresses its gratitude to Papadatos Parnership LLP, Spectrum Films, Inc, Archon Nicholas and Maria Furris for underwriting the transport of the exhibit items, and Patrick Herbert, Jeff Green, Dean Karris and Allan Hillier for insuring safe delivery and installation of the exhibit.
The St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a living memorial to the first Greek settlers on the American continent and to all the Greek Orthodox pioneers whose love of freedom and desire for a better life for themselves and their children brought them to this New World. It is a place where we are called to witness our Orthodox faith and to share our Hellenic heritage.



ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE MUSEUM HONORS STEVEN PAPADATOS con`t Born and raised in New York City, Steven Peter Papadatos is the son of Greek parents who immigrated to Manhattan seeking the American Dream. The Papadatos family proudly joined the millions of immigrants who helped create and shape America.
In 1969, Mr. Papadatos founded his New York based Architectural firm, Papadatos Partnership LLP developing it into an International Award winning practice. To date, Mr. Papadatos and his firm have received forty-two prestigious awards for Excellence in Design. In 1983, after breaking new ground and leading the cause for Green Buildings, Mr. Papadatos was honored by the State of New York with a citation from the State of New York for his contributions to Passive Solar Energy. He has received the Society of American Registered Architects Award for Excellence in International Design. In addition, in 2003, Mr. Papadatos was the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his contribution to Byzantine Architecture in America. He is an authority on Byzantine Architecture and has lectured and written extensively on the subject.
After the World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993, Steven Papadatos was appointed to the World Trade Center Fact Finding Committee -- consisting of leading experts in various professions – to study the effects of the bombing for the purpose of upgrading the New York City Building Code. The mission was to develop new design criteria needed to prevent the incapacitation of entire hi-rise buildings from a single event. Secondly, a comprehensive review of the Building Code, was undertaken particularly in the fire safety areas.
Two of Mr. Papadatos projects have been proclaimed Architectural Landmarks. Presently under construction is the design for an unusually modern Orthodox Cathedral of Albania under the jurisdiction of His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios. The commission was awarded to Mr. Papadatos and his firm upon winning First Place in an International Design Competition where they competed against many firms worldwide.
For 12 years, Mr. Papadatos served as a Board Member of the National Council for Community and Justice, and served on the National Council of the Archons, Order of St. Andrew. Also, he served as the Consultant Architect of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese for 29 years under Archbishop Iakovos of North & South America.
He is married to the former Betty Rusaky and has two sons, Peter an architect and partner in the firm, Thomas an accomplished musician, and a granddaughter, Elli Vasiliki.


PARISH BULLETIN BOARD Shelby Bowden ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC received the Boy Scout Award for Heroism. This is an award at the level of an Eagle Scout (which Shelby received earlier this year). It is given to a few Scouts who have demonstrated heroism and skill in averting serious injury or attempting to save a life. Shelby was honored wi th thi s award for saving the life of one of his troop members on a scout outing. The boat they were on was purposefully tipped over as part of a planned exercise, but the life vest of his partner got caught on the oar lock, trapping him underwater beneath the heavy boat. Shelby dived underneath and unbuckled the life vest freeing him and saving his life.

Donations from HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Philoptochos helped the North Raleigh Ministries Pantry give food to 464 families (1215 individuals) in the first quarter of 2009, a substantial increase over last year. Philoptochos will continue to collect food for the North Raleigh Ministries Food Pantry throughout the summer. Parishioners are asked to bring canned and non-perishable foods every time they come to church. HIV/AIDS Walkathon around Shelley Lake raised $1093 for IOCC’s program to assist AIDS orphans in Ethiopia and to the National AIDS Fund. They will also bee assembling Baby Kits for IOCC to distribute in Gaza.

Congratulations to Daphne Pagonis, ANNUNCIATION, Pensacola, FL who graduated from Spring Hill College with a BA in Communications. Daphne was inducted into Lambda Pi Eta, National Honor Society, Communication Arts and received the prestigious Walsh Memorial Award for excellence in oration.

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC GOYAns participate in “ONCE A MONTH YOUTH SUNDAY” Every 1st Sunday of the month GOYANS assume the duties of the Parish Council, offer the Sermon, read the Epistle Reading, sing in the Choir, and serve in many other ways.

Congratulations to Steven Maurides, ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC, for being Valedictorian of his graduating class at Greenville Sr. High Academy.

Atlanta Area Orthodox Young Professionals will be hosting a BBQ Pot Luck Saturday, June 13,2:30pm at St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Norcross. Grills will be set up for us to cook all the burgers and hot dogs we can handle! If you are single and between the ages of 23 to 40, we would love for you to join us! RSVP by June 6th. For more info. please contact Maureen Lokos at 404- 545-2917
or orthodoxyoungprofessionals@gmail.

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Philoptochos enjoyed an End-of-Year picnic where the blankets they had collected for babies in area hospitals were blessed.





FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK June 7
Pentecost - Trinity Sunday
Theodotos, Bishop of Ankyra
Our Righteous Father Panagis (Paisios) Basias
Tarasios & John the Martyrs
Sebastian the Wonderworker
Zenais the Martyr

June 8
Removal of the Relics of Theodore the Commander
Kalliope the Martyr
Melania the Righteous
Anastasios the New Martyr of Constantinople
Theophanes the New Martyr of Constantinople

June 9
1st Tuesday after Pentecost
Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria
3 Virgin-martyrs of Chios
5 Nuns beheaded in Persia: Thecla, Mariamne, Martha, Mary, & Enmatha
Righteous Father Columba of Iona
Righteous Father Cyril of Belozersk

June 10
1st Wednesday after Pentecost
Alexander & Antonina the Martyrs
Timothy, Bishop of Proussa
Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Assos
Theophanes & Pansemne of Antioch
The Holy Martyrs of China

June 11
1st Thursday after Pentecost
Bartholomew and Barnabas the Holy Apostles
Revelation of the Hymn Axion Estin to a monk on Mt. Athos by the Archangel Gabriel
Chinese Martyrs of the Boxer Rebellion

June 12
1st Friday after Pentecost
Onouphrios the Great
Peter the Athonite
Holy Martyr Antonine
John the Soldier of Egypt

June 13
1st Saturday after Pentecost
Akylina the Martyr of Syria
Triphyllos the Bishop of Nicosia

































































































SAVE THE DATE - June HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Philoptochos end of the year party,Thursday,June 4, 6:30pm, $22/person

ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Last Spaghetti Dinner for the summer, Thursday, June 4, 6-8pm,(Spaghetti Dinners return Aug. 20)

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

HOLY TRINITY, Augusta, GA Philoptochos Attic Sale Saturday June 6

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Name Day Celebration Sunday, June 7, special celebration luncheon after Divine Liturgy, reservations.

Atlanta Area Pan-Orthodox Vespers & Pentecost Picnic, St. Mary of Egypt, Norcross, GA June 7 6pm

HOLY TRANSFIGURATION, Marietta, GA Philoptochos: End of Year Luncheon: Sunday, June 7; 1pm, The Diner at Northpoint, Alpharetta, $16.95.

HOLY TRINITY, Asheville, NC Name Day Celebration June 7

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

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA High School Graduate Sunday Presentation, June 7

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

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA GOLDEN GROUP Thursday, June 11, 6pm,Pavilion next to the Gym. Hamburgers, Hotdogs & more!

STS. CONSTANTINE & HELEN, Fayetteville, NC Greater Greek Open Golf Tournament, Kings Grant GC, sponsored by GOYA

Atlanta Area Orthodox Young Professionals BBQ Pot Luck, Saturday, June 13, 2:30pm, St. Mary of Egypt, Norcross

ST. SOPHIA, Winter Haven, FL Graduate Sunday Awards Ceremony & Luncheon, June 14

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

CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL Father's Day Blessing & Brunch, June 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. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Bread for Life Banquet, Tue Jun 23 7-10pm

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Tuesday, June 23,6pm-8pm, first of three Estate
Planning Workshops discussing The Fundamentals of Estate Planning: wills, trusts, health care directives, powers of attorney, and other essential estate planning tools; probate and trust administration. Reservations (407) 843-8441. Presented by Matthew A. Tavrides, J.D. Attorney

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Family Prosfora Workshop June 24,10am-12:30

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA, St. Paul’s Day Luncheon, June 28, Lemon Baked Chicken, Roasted Potatoes - Greek Style, Salad,Roll, Dessert Iced Tea & Coffee. $8/person




UPCOMING EVENTS HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Spaghetti Dinner, July 3, 11am-7pm

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Vacation Church School for children 4-12 years old July 6-10, 9am-12:30 pm. “Feasts of the Theotokos”

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. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Vacation Church School Aug. 3-8, 9am-noon

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

ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL Vacation Church School Aug. 10-14

HOLY TRINITY, Orlando, FL Vacation Bible School Aug. 10-14

1st Annual Celebration, Panagiri at the Beach, Aug. 14-16, hosted by ST. JOHN, Myrtle Beach, SC GOYA

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

2nd annual YAL Convention & Basketball Tournament, HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Oct. 9-12, (Columbus Day weekend)

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


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.










































































































































































ST. PHILOTHEA GOLF CLASSIC St. Philothea Golf Classic
Monday September 21, 2009
The Georgia Club
Athens, GA
Tee time 1:30 p.m.

A benefit for
St. Philothea
Greek Orthodox Church
& Bread for Life

www.stphilothea.ga.goarch


FINDING THE INSPIRATION Whenever you hear a talented singer, or see the work of a skilled artist, or read the writing of a gifted author, you can become inspired by their brilliance. Each of us can benefit from inspiration in the various aspects of our life. The reality is, while it can be found in different ways, the ultimate source for all forms of positive inspiration is none other than God Himself.



Whether you are a student or the family’s ‘bread-winner’, obscure or world-renowned, there are certainly going to be moments in your life when you need inspiration. Finding that inspiration, though, can be – at times – a real challenge. Our spiritual life, in particular, requires regular doses of inspiration. If something seems to be ‘missing’ in one’s soul, it is not going to be because the Lord is absent (since He is always present!), but because His presence is being overlooked by the individual. The occasionally occurring, and self-imposed, dilemma comes exactly when His inspiration is needed the most.



Each day, rather than proceeding through our schedule all alone, we are best served when first calling upon the Lord – not because He needs our reminders, but because we need Him! When one is absent-minded of His presence, finding inspiration is impossible. Indeed, our very spiritual survival requires us to walk with Him regularly. When we do, His presence, perceived by us, inspires us!



On Pentecost, the Apostles witnessed the power of the Spirit: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.” [Acts 2:4] Following this divinely-established paradigm, we call upon Him to fill us with His Spirit and speak His words.



On that Pentecost, Saint Peter spoke with Spirit-filled authority, more so than ever before, and, “about three thousand persons were added.” The converts not only became Christian through baptism, but then, “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.” [Acts 2:41-42]



On this Pentecost, we must each challenge ourselves by asking: ‘How will I speak?’ While on bended knee, let us open our hearts, offer our prayers, and call upon the Holy Spirit to descend upon us. His positive, dynamic, and inspired direction comes only when we let Him fill us and work through us. In this way, we, too, can devote ourselves to His teaching, to fellowship in His love, to breaking bread, to offering prayers, and even adding to the numbers of faithful.



This Sunday, Pentecost, let us all come together and find inspiration in Him.

God bless,

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



A PENTECOST REFLECTION Peace to all!

As you all know by now, I love music and I love our community and all its members. So to see and hear the members of our community joining together and blossoming forth in song in our Liturgy in the past Sundays, old members and new members, melding together in one harmonic voice, leading our community in the song of prayer, proclaiming “Christos Anesti/Christ is Risen”, has deeply moved me and led me to the following reflections as we approach Pentecost.

As a Parish, in this critical time and period of opportunity and challenge for our church; our Lord, through his Eminence Alexios, has placed in our hands as a Parish the gift, the call, the responsibility and challenge of nurturing a true, full, and lasting Orthodox Church in our areas.

I was thinking, with all this in mind, that in the course of this summer, as a Parish we have a choice. We can either settle down in the usual summer doldrums or we can gather into our sails the Wind and Divine Grace that God is sending and showering on us at Pentecost, filling us with the dynamism and boldness of His Spirit, who tells us that “Fear is useless, what you need is faith!” (in contrast to the fearful servant in one of our Lord’s parables, who buried the talents entrusted to him by his master) --- so opening ourselves to God’s Holy and Pentecost Spirit impelling us further along in tracing the path that God is calling us to in building His Orthodox Church.

Specifically, the thought and question occurred to me, how can we, as a Parish, at this time study and implement here and now in our church religious education for our children, as well as Philoptochos, AHEPA, Youth and Goya, as well as maintaining and developing our adult religious education, along with engaging in ways of compassionate service to those forgotten and in need ---all of which in fact define us and help us to grow and develop as a true and authentic Orthodox church and parish. Pentecost is a time to prayerfully --individually and as a church community-- attend to the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit as He guides us to effectively reflect and act on the vision statement which has been articulated in regards to our particular and concrete parish and community here.

What do you all think? “If not us, who? If not now, when?”

At this time let ours be the ancient prayer of the Church:

“Come Holy Spirit, enkindle in us the fire of Your Love.
O God, send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created.
And Thou shalt renew the face of the Earth!”

With gratitude for all that you all are and have done, and with appreciation for all that you all do and will be doing!

With prayers and blessings for you all, for your families, and for our whole church and community,

+Fr. Anthony Monteleone, HOLY TRINITY, Baton Rouge, LA


PENTECOST The Holy Spirit and the Pentecost
On Pentecost we celebrate the Lord’s bestowal of the Spirit upon His Church. That makes the Pentecost also a feast of Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit - one God in three hypostases (persons). Because of this connection with the Trinity, on the day after Pentecost we celebrate the Holy Trinity. And also, because on this day the Holy Spirit is exalted, the feast is known as the Monday of the Holy Spirit.
What is the Holy Spirit? In the bible the word ‘Spirit’ (in Greek pneuma, in Hebrew rauch), literally means ‘wind’ and signifies the breath of God creating and renewing all things. In the New Testament the ‘Spirit’ is called by many names, as: Holy Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ, Spirit of Holiness, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Life, Spirit of Adoption and Paraclete, which means “Comforter”, “Advocate”, “Guide”. All these names are just aspects of the supernatural power of God at work in the creation, redemption and salvation of mankind.

Fr. Vasile Mihai, ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA


PENTECOST: THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT In the Old Testament Pentecost was the feast which occurred fifty days after Passover. As the Passover feast celebrated the exodus of the Israelites from the slavery of Egypt, so Pentecost celebrated God’s gift of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai.
In the new covenant of the Messiah, the Passover event takes on its new meaning as the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection, the “exodus” of men from this sinful world to the Kingdom of God. And in the New Testament as well, the Pentecostal feast is fulfilled and made new by the coming of the “new law,” the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples.
“When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed as resting upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… (Acts 2:1-4).
The Holy Spirit that Christ had promised to His disciples came on the day of Pentecost. The apostles received “the power from on high,” and they began to preach and bear witness to Jesus as the risen Christ, the King and the Lord. This moment has traditionally been called the birthday of the Church.
In the liturgical services of the feast of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit is celebrated together with the full revelation of the divine Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The fullness of the Godhead is manifested with the Spirit’s coming to man, and the Church hymns celebrate this manifestation as the final act of God’s self-disclosure and self-donation to the world of His creation. For this reason Pentecost Sunday is also called Trinity Day in the Orthodox tradition. Often on this day the icon of the Holy Trinity – particularly that of the three angelic figures who appeared to Abraham, the forefather of the Christian faith – is placed in the center of the church. This icon is used with the traditional Pentecostal icon which shows the tongues of fire hovering over Mary and the Twelve Apostles, the original prototype of the Church, who are themselves sitting in unity surrounding a symbolic image OF “cosmos,” the world.


PENTECOST: THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT con't On Pentecost we have the final fulfillment of the mission of Jesus Christ and the first beginning of the messianic age of the Kingdom of God mystically present in this world in the Church of the Messiah. For this reason the fiftieth day stands as the beginning of the era which is beyond the limitations of this world, fifty being that number which stands for eternal and heavenly fulfillment in Jewish and Christian mystical piety: seven times seven, plus one.
Thus, Pentecost is called an apocalyptic day, which means the day of final revelation. It is also called an eschatological day, which means the day of the final and perfect end (in Greek eschaton means the end). For when the Messiah comes and the
Lord’s Day is at hand, the “last days” are inaugurated in which “God declares:..I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh.” This is the ancient prophecy to which the apostle Peter refers in the first sermon of the Christian Church which was preached on the first Sunday of Pentecost (Acts 2:17; Joel2:28-32).
The Great Vespers of Pentecost features three long prayers at which the faithful kneel for the first time since Easter. The Monday after Pentecost is the feast of the Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Church, and the Sunday after Pentecost is the feast of All Saints. This is the logical liturgical sequence since the coming of the Holy Spirit is fulfilled in men by their becoming saints, and this is the very purpose of the creation and salvation of the world. “Thus says the Lord: Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I your God am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44-45; I Peter 1:15-16).
- Taken from “Worship” (volume ii) of The Orthodox Faith
by Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko


PASTORAL REFLECTION FROM FR. GEORGE: This past Thursday and through this Friday, we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ - both His physical departure from the world and His glorification with God the Father. Having completed His earthly mission of bringing salvation to all people, Jesus physically was lifted up from this world into Heaven. In ascending to the Father, He raises earth [you and me] to Heaven with Him. As the Kontakion hymn for this Feast expresses: “When You [Jesus] had joined earth to heaven and fulfilled Your plan of redemption, You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, while remaining in our midst. For You assured us who love You that no one can prevail against us since You Yourself are with us.”
Indeed, as Orthodox Christians, we affirm a belief in the Son, Jesus Christ and His mission of redemption of humankind. We say that God took on human form, came and lived among us, suffered the same trials that we suffered, and experienced the same feelings that we experienced. Jesus was purely human and purely divine. Jesus is God incarnate.
Soren Kierkegaard, the great Danish philosopher and theologian of the nineteenth century, tells a story of a prince who wanted to find a maiden suitable to be his queen. One day, while running an errand in the local village for his father, he passed through a poor section. As he glanced out the windows of the carriage, his eyes fell upon a beautiful peasant
maiden. During the ensuing days, he often passed by the young lady, and soon fell in love. But he had a problem. How would he seek her hand?
He could order her to marry him. But even a prince wants his bride to marry him freely and voluntarily, and not through coercion. He could put on his most splendid uniform and drive up to her front door in a carriage drawn by six horses. But if he did this, he would never be certain that the maiden loved him or was simply overwhelmed with all of the splendor. The prince came up with another solution. He would give up his kingly robe. He moved, into the village, entering not with a crown, but in the garb of a peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language. In time, the maiden grew to love him for whom he was, and because he had first loved her.
This very simple, almost child-like story explains what Christians mean by the incarnation of our Lord. God came and lived among us. We can be glad that this happened for two reasons. One, it shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is with us, that He is on our side, and that He loves us. Secondly, it gives us a first-hand view of what the mind of God is really all about. When people ask what God is like, we as Christians point to the person of Jesus Christ. God Himself is incomprehensible. But in Jesus Christ, we get a glimpse of His glory. In the person of Jesus, we are told that God created the stars and the universe, that God is willing to go all of the way, even to a cross, so that each of us, and indeed, all of humanity may be saved.
Glory to God always! Today, may we worship our Ascended Lord with the words: “God has risen with a loud cry, the Lord, at the sound of the trumpet. Save us, O Son of God, Who rose from our midst, to the heavens in glory, as we sing to You: Alleluia!”

V. Rev. Fr. George Tsahakis, ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA

PENTECOST Fifty days after the Resurrection, on
the excising Jewish feast of Pentecost, while the disciples and many other followers of Jesus Christ were gathered together to pray,the Holy Spirit descended upon them in the
form of "cloven tongues of fire," with the sound of a mighty rushing wind, and they began to speak in languages that they did not know. There were many visitors from the Jewish diaspora to Jerusalem at that time for
the Jewish observance of the feast, and they were astonished to hear these untaught fisherman speaking praises to God in their alien tongues. This account is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2.
The number fifty, as in the fiftieth day after Pascha, stands for eternal and heavenly fulfillment, seven times seven, plus one.
Feast of Pentecost The Orthodox Church sees Pentecost as the final fulfillment of the mission of Jesus
Christ and the first beginning of the
messianic age of the Kingdom of God,
mystically present in his Church. It is
traditionally called the beginning of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Besides celebrating the coming of the
Holy Spirit, the feast also celebrates the full revelation of the divine Trinity, Father, Son,and Holy Spirit. Hymns of the Church,celebrate the sign of the final act of God's self-disclosure to the world of His creation.
To Orthodox Christians, the feast of
Pentecost is not just a celebration of an event in history. It is also a celebration their membership in the Church. They have lived Pentecost and received "the seal of the gift of
the Holy Spirit" in the sacrament of
chrismation.
Three angelic figures who appeared to
Abraham For the feast of Pentecost the icon of the Holy Trinity, the three angelic figures who appeared to Abraham, is placed in the center of the church for veneration. This icon
is used with the traditional Pentecost icon.
The church building is decorated with flowers and the green leaves of the summer to show that God's divine breath comes to renew all creation. Green vestments and coverings are
also used.
In many parishes the feast is celebrated starting the evening before with Great Vespers. Some parishes also serve Matins on the morning of the feast before the Divine Liturgy.
The Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom
with special hymns replacing the standard Antiphons. The hymns 0 Heavenly King and We have seen the True Light are sung for the first time since Easter, calling the Holy Spirit
to come and abide in us, and proclaiming that we have received the heavenly Spirit.
The Great Vespers of Pentecost,
which in many Greek Orthodox Churches is celebrated at the conclusion of the Sunday Divine Liturgy three long prayers at which the faithful kneel for the first time since Easter. Through these prayers the faithful
pray that God will endue them with the Holy Spirit even ass he endued His diciples on the “first” Christian Pentecost.
The Monday after Pentecost is the
Feast of the Holy Spirit in the Orthodox Church, and the Sunday after Pentecost is the Feast of All Saints.
Even though the start of the Church
year is considered to start in September, the liturgical center of the annual cycle of Orthodox
worship is the feast of Pascha, preceded by Great Lent, and pre-lent, and followed by the fifty days of paschal celebration until the
feast of Pentecost. Until the start of the next Great Lent, the Sundays and weeks following Pentecost, are numbered from Pentecost.
Liturgical readings and hymns will be based on the "weeks after Pentecost" as listed in the Octoechos, Apostolos, and Lectionary arranged Gospel.
from the HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL, Birmingham, AL newsletter