FROM THE CHANCELLOR`S DESK July 2, 2009

Dear Reverend Vicars, Reverend Clergy, and the Faithful of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Have you ever wondered about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence? They were lawyers, judges, merchants, farmers and plantation owners - mostly well-educated and prominent in their communities. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well what the price of failure would be. Many of them did pay the price - some were captured by the British, had their homes looted and burned, lost children and spouses, property and wealth.

There is a story about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Though they were honorable men and dedicated to liberty, to sign the Declaration of Independence was treason, and the consequences of treason were torture and death. So the debate went on and on, with no resolution in sight. At that point, an elderly man arose to speak, reminding them of all the tribulatons that had brought them to this moment: "They may turn every tree into a gallows, every hole into a grave, and yet the words of that declaration can never die. To the mechanic in the workshop, they will speak hope; to the slave in the mines, freedom. Sign it. Sign, even if the next moment the noose is around your neck, for it will be the textbook of freedom, the Bible of the rights of man forever."

Moved by his eloquence, the delegates signed the Declaration of Independence. When they turned to thank him for his inspirational words, he was not to be found, nor could they find anyone who knew him or how he had come in or left through the locked and guarded doors.

By their courage and sacrifice, and the courage and sacrifice of many ordinary men and women, they bequeathed to us the precious gift of freedom. Sometimes it seems that we take all this for granted...and we shouldn`t.

So, while we are enjoying our 4th of July holiday, let`s take a few moments and give thanks to Almighty God who guided and inspired those brave men on that hot day in Philadelphia, "to pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" in the cause of liberty and freedom.

It`s not much to ask, is it?

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



VOICES OF FREEDOM: On Saturday, July 4th - Independence Day say a prayer in thanksgiving for the courage and vision of our nation’s founders who secured the blessing of freedom for us and let us join in prayer for our brave men and women who defend our freedom.

God Bless America!

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

From the ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL bulletin


NEWS FROM THE ARCHIOCESE FAITH ENDOWMENT SPONSORS NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: “Faith: An Endowment for Orthodoxy and Hellenism” announces a series of academic scholarships and travel fellowships for young people throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America for academic excellence and leadership in 2009.

Faith underwrites merit-based scholarship awards offered by the Archdiocese to the graduating valedictorians and salutatorians of its parochial schools. This year, Faith increased its funding for the scholarship programs to include Greek Orthodox valedictorians of any public or private high school in the United States. For more information and to download an application visit

http://www.goarch.org/special/2009faithscholarships

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRISION MINISTRY CONFERENCE: Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM), the official prison ministry of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) announces its 2009 Convocation, July 28-30 in Denver, Colorado. The purpose of the convocation is to bring together the many Orthodox clergy and laity from throughout North America who are participating in prison ministry or are interested in participating in prison ministry for a time of fellowship, education, encouragement, communal worship and the free exchange of ideas. For details and registration information visit

http://www.ocpm-scoba.org/convocation.html

ORTHODOX MILITARY BIBLE NOW AVAILABLE: The pocket-sized Orthodox Military New Testament and Psalms also includes devotional morning and evening prayers, a page to list the living and the dead for prayer, 8 full-color icon plates, and a devotional piece on the ten commandments and integrity in military service. The New Testament & Psalms for Orthodox Christians Military Edition is developed with the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) for distribution to the Orthodox Christian men and women of the armed services all over the world. Biblical text is the RSV.

For more information and ordering visit

http://www.orthodoxmarketplace.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=19242


DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR FACEBOOK AND iGoogle: The Department of Internet Ministries has launched an enhancement to its Online Chapel service that will now provide Facebook and iGoogle users access to the daily Bible readings and lives of the saints directly from their customized home pages. Visit the Online Chapel at http://www.goarch.org/chapel for more information.

The Department of Religious Education and the National Forum of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians will co-host the 2009 Summer Institute, July 30-August 1 on the campus of Hellenic College-Holy Cross, Brookline, MA. Speakers and worskop leaders: His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas; Rev. Dr. Philip Zymairs; Prof. Despina Prassas; Prof. Bradley Nassif; Prof. Vicki Pappas; Artist Niko Chocheli; Presv. Georget Photos; VCS Creators Barbara Harris, Laura Morton, and Rhonda Webb; Theo Nicolakis. Information about the program, speakers, accomodations and registration information is now available at

http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused

PARISH BULLETIN BOARD Congratulations to Artemis Basilakos, ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC who graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina Honors College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Golden Key, a recipient of a Magellan Grant and an Outstanding Senior Award and is recognized in "Who's Who Among
Students in American Universities and Colleges."

Congratulations to Elsie Karatassos, ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA on being chosen for the St. Paul’s Day Award for 2009, and to Alexandra Nichols who graduated Cum Laude from North Carolina State University.

HOLY TRINITY, Charlotte, NC Free Summer Soccer Camp, July 13-15, Hellenic Park, 9am-noon for rising 4 yr. olds until rising 12th graders.

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Philoptochos is involved in a nationwide project collecting "NEW" shoes for orphans all over the world.






FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK July 5
4th Sunday of Matthew
Athanasios of Mount Athos
Righteous Father Lampadus the Wonderworker
Kyprianos the New Martyr of Koutloumousiou Monastery
Uncovering of the Holy Relics of Our Righteous Father Sergius of Radonezh
Holy New Martyrs Elizabeth the Grand Duchess and the Novice Barbara

July 6
5th Monday after Pentecost
Sisoes the Great
Holy Apostles Archippus, Philemon and Onesimus
Loukia the Virgin-martyr, Rixios and the 24 Companion Martyrs
Juliana the Virgin-martyr

July 7
Thomas the Righteous of Malea
Kyriaki the Great Martyr
Akakios of Sinai

July 8
5th Wednesday after Pentecost
Prokopios the Great Martyr & his mother Theodosia the Martyr
Theophilios the Myrrhbearer of Pantokrator Monastery
Appearance of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos of Kazan

July 9
5th Thursday after Pentecost
Pancratios, Bishop of Sicily
Dionysios the Orator
Metrophanes of Mount Athos
St. Patermuthius the Monk
Euthymios of Karelia

July 10
5th Friday after Pentecost
45 Holy Martyrs of Nikopolis, Armenia
Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Assa
10,000 Fathers martyred in Egypt
Apollonios the Martyr
Deposition of the Precious Robe of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Moscow
Righteous Father Anthony of the Kiev Caves

July 11
5th Saturday after Pentecost
Euphemia the Great Martyr
The All-Praised Olga, Equal-to-the-Apostles, Princess of Kiev
Nektarios the New Martyr
St. Nicodemos the New Martyr of Mt. Athos



































































































SAVE THE DATE - July HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Spaghetti Dinner, July 3, 11am-7pm

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA PAREA Monday, July 6, Noon, Evans Fine Foods

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

TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC Friday, July 10 GOYA outing Redwolves Baseball game. Meet at the Church 7PM. $5/ticket (food & drink on your own).

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. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC July 17 Community Cookout

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA GOYA Braves vs. NY Mets Outing Sunday, July 19,6pm,Tickets $18 Outfield Seats

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

ST. CHRISTOPHER, Peachtree City, GA Vacation Church School Open House Kick-off Fri. July 31, 6:30-8pm, Sat., Aug. 1, 8:15am-1:30pm, Toddlers through 6th Grade. "The Ark of Salvation" - the Feasts of the Theotokos.


UPCOMING EVENTS 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

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL, Greek Dance Camp, Aug.10-14,ages 7-15,9am-2pm (aftercare available) $90/camper. Dance instruction, movies/videos, t-shirt, dance competition, costume fashion show, arts & crafts, take-home dvd, snacks

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

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Sat., Aug. 15, 6 pm Dinner Dance sponsored by the Altar Guild. Tickets $10/adults, $5/children under 12

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Sat., Aug. 29 Prosforo Workshop Bring your prosforo seal, apron & 8”-10” spring form, non stick pan

ST. PAUL, Savannah, GA Philoptochos Food and Wine Tasting Sept. 12

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

ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA Golf Classic
Monday Sept. 21, The Georgia Club
Athens, GA, Tee time 1:30pm, benefiting
the Church & Bread for Life ministry

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

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

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Saturday, Sept. 26 Goyans Gone Gray BBQ, Band & Bonfire

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

ST. MARK, Boca Raton, FL Golf Tournament, Boca Greens CC, Oct. 17

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.


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.










































































































































































JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU The love of Jesus Christ is powerful and all penetrating. The Holy Apostle Paul tells us that neither death nor life, nor things present or things to come shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.(Rom.8:38-39)

During the difficult moments of life, our focus needs to be on Jesus Christ. He will welcome and embrace us. Self-doubt, fear and trepidation are overcome with the help of Jesus Christ. When we are depressed, Jesus will be the Light to lead us out of the darkness. When dark thoughts cloud our vision, Jesus Christ will restore our sight.

When our souls cry out in hunger, Jesus Christ will be the nourishment to satisfy our deepest needs. In the most painful hours of our lives, Jesus Christ will be the bridge to better days. His Cross reaches across the valleys, which separate us from one another. Our sins will be diminished when we seek His forgiveness.

The message of Jesus Christ is a joyful one. Centuries have not silenced the message of the angel at the tomb exclaiming: “You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here.”(Mk l6:5-6)

The darkness of Holy Friday gives way to the brightness of Holy Pascha-Easter Sunday. In our journey through life, we benefit the most when Jesus Christ is our constant companion and guide. When Christ is alive in our hearts, His image reflects in our actions and our being.

God’s Holy Church is a harbor for us to seek safety from the waves of the sea of life. The Church is a hospital for us to find cures for our soul. The Church is the best school to teach us the timeless truths of the divine.

Jesus Christ will hear us whenever we call. He will listen to all we have to say. He will never be too busy to answer. He will never avoid us or mislead us when we seek to find Him and be with Him.

We may talk to Jesus in different languages. We may communicate with him vocalizing our words or praying in silence. Regardless of our location, He is within reach. Jesus is not restricted by time. We can call upon Him, day or night, any day of the year. His ability to help has never been exhausted.

Seek to make Jesus Christ a permanent part of your every moment. Let Him dwell in your midst whether you are awake or asleep. Thank Him for the good He has done for you. Be grateful for His supreme sacrifice on the Cross. Contemplate the life of Jesus Christ and follow the path He directs for you.

Fr. Andrew Koufopoulos, ST. BARBARA, Durham, NC


INDEPENDENCE DAY Most people in the United States celebrate the 4th of July, but do you know exactly why the holiday is so important to our country. Great Britain kept trying to make the colonists follow more rules and pay higher taxes. The people no longer wanted Great Britain to be able to tell them what to do, so they decided to tell Great Britain that they were becoming an independent country. (To be independent means to take care of yourself, making your own rules and providing for your own needs.)

The Congress met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and they appointed a committee (a group of people working together to do a specific job) to write a formal document that would tell Great Britain that the Americans had decided to govern themselves. The committee asked Thomas Jefferson to write a draft (first try) of the document, so he worked for days, in absolute secret, until he had written a document that he thought said everything important that the committee had discussed. On June 28, 1776, the committee met to read Jefferson’s “fair” copy (he put his best ideas together and wrote them neatly.) They revised the document and declared their independence on July 2, 1776. They officially adopted it (made it theirs) on July 4, 1776. That is why we call it “Independence Day.”

The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper. It is a symbol of our country’s independence and commitment to certain ideas. The signers of the Declaration of Independence wanted the citizens of the United States to have a document that spelled out what was important to our leaders and citizens. They wanted us to be able to look at the Declaration of Independence and immediately think of the goals we should always be working for, and about the people who have fought so hard to make these ideas possible. So every time we look at the Declaration of Independence, we should think about all of the effort and ideas that went into the document, and about the courage it took for these people to stand up for what they knew was right — independence!

God Bless America!

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

FREEDOM….THE GOOD NEWS! “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and
female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27)

What a wonderful gift it is to be created in God’s image and likeness. This means that we were
created to be like God and that His likeness is to be visible in us. At least this is how God planned it to be. God wanted us to reflect His image and likeness forever. But there was one
catch. God is unconditionally free and part of being created in His image means that we also
were given freedom.

Freedom is an undeniable need of all humanity. When we don’t have it, we long for and strive for it. We have willingly given our lives in pursuit of it. We build cultures around it and fight
wars to preserve it. We sing songs about it and measure quality of life by it. Freedom is a beautiful word and a beautiful thing. It is a wonderful gift to mankind from our Creator. It is a
powerful gift but it has also proven to be a dangerous one.

Freedom gives us choices. These choices are what give freedom its power and at the same time
makes it dangerous. We have been given the freedom of choice; to accept and the choice to
reject. Unfortunately these choices also include the freedom to accept or to reject God. By accepting Him we accept His image and likeness. By rejecting Him we reject His image and
likeness. Adam and Eve rejected God by their actions in the Garden and by doing so they lost His image. By rejecting Him they were no longer “like” Him. By using their freewill to reject God they gave up all of God’s attributes that were given to them at Creation. They were no longer God’s image or likeness. So, the very freedom that they used to reject God with was also
given up. That is to say, they used their freedom to reject their freedom as well as all the other attributes, which made them the image and likeness of God. Being the image and likeness of God is absolutely dependent on acceptance of God. Adam was deceived by Satan to use his God given power to lose his God given power. Satan, because of his jealousy of man and man’s
unique relationship to God wanted to hurt mankind, but couldn’t as long as man was unified with God. Satan had no power over men, except for the ability to convince men to use their own God given power against themselves. This is how Satan worked in the Garden and this is how he works today.

Satan only has power over us if he can convince us to use our own freewill in a way that separates us from God. Once separate from God we are powerless against Satan’s attacks. He
tricks us into using our God given power against ourselves. He makes us our own enemy. We freely rejected God and therefore gave up our God given inheritance to be God’s children created by Him in His image and in His likeness. God’s love for us, however, was far greater than Satan could have imagined. God became a man and showed us His true image and likeness. He was the new Adam, which was not deceived by Satan. He became the very image and likeness towards which each of us must strive. By using His own freedom to accept the will of the Father even unto death, Jesus taught us and showed us that we too can regain the image and likeness of God by accepting Him. By accepting God we accept to be His children. We accept all of His gifts, and we accept our inheritance.

By accepting Jesus Christ we regain our true image and our true freedom. This is our struggle. This is our goal. This is His victory. This is the “Good News.” Let us go to the ends of the earth shouting; Glory be to God always!

Fr. Steve Dalber, ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC


JUST ANOTHER WORD There is a song made popular by Janis Joplin, called “Me and Bobby Mcgee.” In this song is a well-known verse: “Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose.”

With the celebration of Independence Day this coming weekend, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of our freedom. Between heading for the beach, cookouts, games, and fireworks, it might be possible that the initial reason for this holiday may, at times, be overlooked. We enjoy freedom from tyrannical rule because of those who offered themselves, many of whom sacrificed their lives.

As Christians, there is the additional aspect of freedom from the control of the evil one. Here again, a sacrifice was made: by Christ Himself! On the fourth of July, fittingly enough, we commemorate St. Andrew of Crete, who wrote the Great Canon (a hymnographical composition) chanted in Great Lent.

The Canon is primarily in the form a dialogue between a penitent and the soul. The penitent says: “Alas, wretched soul! Why are you like the first Eve? For… you have touched the tree and rashly tasted the forbidden food.” During its answer, the soul says: “I have not resembled Abel`s righteousness, O Jesus. I have never offered You acceptable gifts, nor divine actions, nor a pure sacrifice, nor an unblemished life.”

The soul adds: “I am the one by my thoughts who fell among robbers; and now I am all wounded by them, full of sores. But stand by me, O Christ my Savior, and heal me. … O Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of all, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Your compassion grant me tears of compunction. …It is time for repentance. I draw near to You, my Creator. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin…. All my sins, voluntary and involuntary, obvious and secret, known and unknown, forgive, O Savior, for You are God; be merciful and save me.”

There is much more, but in these words we have a picture of the full message: Our soul stands without cover, without excuse, without any sort of façade, without the pseudo-justifications that come by one’s self-deception; the soul stands before the King and Judge of All, relying solely upon His great mercy.

As we celebrate over the weekend, let us not forget the full importance of freedom, neither the socio-political nor – especially – the spiritual! And let us toss aside those shackles that would negatively and sinfully control our words, our actions, and even our thoughts.

Let us speak to our own, individual souls, with the words of the Kontakion of the Great Canon: “My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God, Who is everywhere present and fills all things, may spare you.”

May God bless and protect you,

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