ONE SOLITARY LIFE Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office.

He never owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He had no credentials but Himself.

While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.

His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying -- and that was His coat. When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.

Over two thousand years have come and gone and I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as that One Solitary Life.

FEAST DAYS and NAME DAYS FOR THE COMING WEEK Dec. 21
Sunday before Nativity
Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
Juliana of Nicomedia & her 630 Companion Martyrs
Themistocles the Martyr of Myra
Saint Peter, Metropolitan of Moscow

Results on Dec. 22
Monday of the 14th Week
Anastasia the Great Martyr
Chrysogonos, Theodota, Evodias, & Eutychianus, the Martyrs
The opening of the gates of the Great Church of God
Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Results on Dec. 23
Tuesday of the 14th Week
Ten Martyrs of Crete
Rememberance of the Founding of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople
Naoum the Illuminator of The Bulgarians
Paul, Archbishop of Neo-Caesarea
Nicholas & John the New Martyrs
Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Results on Dec. 24
Wednesday of the 14th Week
Eugenia the Righteous Nun-martyr of Rome
Eve of the Nativity of Christ

Results on Dec. 25
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ
The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Gaspar, & Balthasar
The Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks and came to see the Lord

Results on Dec. 26
Friday of the 14th Week
Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos
Euthemios the Confessor, Bishop of Sardis
The Holy Righteous Ones, Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, and James the Brother of the Lord
Holy New Hieromartyr Constantine of Russia, Who Struggled in Constantinople (1743)
Constantius the Holy Martyr
Barlaam the Righteous of Valaam
Afterfeast of the Nativity

Results on Dec. 27
Saturday after Nativity
Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr
Theodore the Confessor
Brothers Theophan and Poietus
Afterfeast of the Nativity









































































PARISH LIFE CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL is providing Christmas Food baskets for needy families, and is also collecting canned or boxed supplies for their Food Pantry.

Congratulations to Catherine DiGiorgio, HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA who was selected for membership in The Gold Humanism Honor Society of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation and for receiving an award from Tulane University School of Medicine for “Outstanding and Dedicated Teaching in an Unprecedented Year” for teaching Tulane medical students in Houston, Texas after Hurricane Katrina.

HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC Dec. 20 Orthros & Divine Liturgy, followed by Annual Communion Breakfast sponsored by Philoptochos.

Youth of ST. NICHOLAS, Wilmington, NC, are collecting clothing or donations for a needy family. Girl age 10 likes purple, blue, black, brown Shirt: medium, pants: 10, shoes: 2.5
Boy age 13 Shirt: boys large, pants: regular Khaki, not dress or carpenter pants. Shoes: boys 9.

Risa Poniros, HOLY TRINITY, Raleigh, NC, will be singing the lead role of the Mother in Capital Opera Raleigh's performance of Menotti's opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. This famous Christmas classic is an inspiring story of how faith, charity, unselfish love and good deeds can work miracles. Performances Dec. 19, 7:30PM, Dec. 20, 3PM & 7:30PM, Jones Auditorium, Meredith College.




































































































































































SAVE THE DATE! DECEMBER
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, Tallahassee, FL Philoptochos Dec. 20 Christmas Cruise & Dinner, 5pm

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Sat., Dec. 20 Family Movie Night Vespers 5pm, Fasting Pot Luck, movie “The Kings of Christmas”

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL PHILOPTOCHOS Christmas Luncheon, Sat., Dec. 20, 11am, Field Club of Sarasota

CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL Parish Christmas Party for Children and Adults, with a Special Visitor Sat., Dec. 20, 4PM

ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL Orthodox Christian Neighbors Together- Dec. 21, 5pm. Christmas Candlelight Service with Caroling & Pot Luck Supper

ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Holiday Brunch Dec.21 benefiting IOCC & other charities

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA SUNDAY, Dec. 21 G.O.Y.A. Christmas Party

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA Dec. 21 Orchestra Concert and Christmas Dinner

WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2008, Dec.27–30
Saturday–Tuesday, "The Lord is My Shepherd," Atlanta, GA Atlanta Marriott, Century Ctr.

HOLY TRINITY, New Orleans, LA HOLIDAY SOCCER CAMP Friday, Dec. 26, Saturday, Dec. 27 and Monday, Dec. 29, 9:30am-2:00 pm

ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC Dec. 28 Philoptochos Fundraising Breakfast for Katina Hansen Medical Fund

ST. GEORGE, New Port Richey, FL Annual New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Dec. 31

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA 2009 New Year’s Eve Celebration, Wednesday, Dec. 31, Kosta Kastanis Orchestra

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance Wednesday, December 31, Vesperal Divine Liturgy, 6pm, Followed by dinner 8pm Prime Rib Dinner, Dessert, Wine, favors, Midnight Champagne Celebration Sponsored by AHEPA. Tickets must be purchased in advance. $50/person, $25/children under 12

ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC New Year’s Eve Gala Monday, Dec. 31, Adults/$35, Students/$25, Children 5 & under/free, music by“A Night in Athens” heavy hors d’oeuvres and a carving station!








ST. PHOTIOS SHRINE THE AVERO HOUSE
St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

Noontime Schedule of Services at the St. Photios Chapel


St. Augustine, FL – Rev. Father Nikitas Theodosion, chaplain of the St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine on 41 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida, has announced the schedule of noontime services held each Friday at the St. Photios Chapel.

The Service of Supplication to the Virgin Mary will be chanted Dec. 5, 12, 19; January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 13, 20 and 27. The prayers within this service are specifically for the health and well being of the living. The prayer lists include a compilation of names of loved ones remembered through participants of the Light A Candle program.
On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10:00 a.m., Father Nikitas will hold a memorial service in the St. Photios Chapel. The loved ones who are commemorated include those whose names were submitted through the Light A Candle Program.
The Feast of St. Photios, the patron saint of the National Shrine, falls on Friday, February 6, 2009. Matins and Divine Liturgy will begin that day at 9:00 a.m.


Contact: Polly Hillier, Director
Tel (904) 829-8205
Fax (904) 829-8707
E-Mail phillier@stphotios.com





ATLANTA AREA ORTHODOX YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Attention Singles
between the ages of 23-40!!!
Orthodox Young Professionals will be meeting for Worship & Fellowship on Saturday, Dec. 20th.
Come join us as we attend the Vespers service at St. Mary of Egypt OCA parish at 925 Beaver Ruin Rd in
Norcross, GA at 6:00 PM. Afterwards, we will head to a nearby Starbucks for fellowship.

Orthodox Young Professionals is a pan-Orthodox group that is designed to connect Orthodox Christians in the At-
lanta Metro area. New members are always welcome.

For more information, please contact:
Maureen Lokos at (404) 545-2917
or email orthodoxyoungprofessionals@gmail.com.


WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2008 Winter Youth Rally
Atlanta Marriott, Century Center

“The Lord is my Shepherd”

December 27 – 30, 2008

(Saturday – Tuesday)

2008 Bible Bowl Challenge

The Acts of the Apostles

& Orthodoxy 101: A Bird’s Eye View

by Fr. Evagoras Constantinides

Study Questions for The Acts of the Apostles Can be found at
http://www.orthodoxyouth.org/acts/

The resource book “Orthodox 101” available from Holy Cross Bookstore

$215 PER PARTICIPANT 1st child fee = $215
2nd child discounted fee = $205
3rd child discounted fee = $195 and so on.

On-Line Registration Forms & Info available http://www.atlanta.goarch.org/youthsite/Winter%20Youth%20Rally%2008/WYR%202008%20Info.htm

Winter Youth Rally co-chairs
+Father john johns agiatrias1@bellsouth.net

Julie Orologas orologas@bellsouth.net

HELP NEEDED during the WYR-Winter Youth Rally 2008!

Arts & Crafts Room:need at least 2 volunteers to help in the Arts and Crafts room at the Marriott.
Dates: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Dec. 27, 28 and 29th....evenings from
5:00 pm-11:00 pm
We have all of the Arts and Crafts, and we will bring them to the room at the Marriott on the 26th!
Your help would be needed in setting up the room with the crafts and staying in the arts and crafts room for those hours so if other advisors bring their GOYANS there, that there would be adult supervision!
You will be at the Hotel during dinner and will be able to eat at no charge!

Meal Serving: Three nights. You may choose to only work one meal!

Please, please email or call Julie or Michelle if you wish to help. We really do need you as this event has reached 587 people and 29 parishes!
Please only sign up if you know for sure you will be able to be there. We will be counting on you.
The event has over 100 adults, however, they are chaperoning their youth and cannot leave them to be in arts and crafts or help with the meals!
Thank you thank you thank you for all of your positive wonderful and loving support of Julie, myself and all of those involved with the Winter Youth Rally!
With much gratitude.....
Michelle and Julie
Julie: orologas@bellsouth.net
Home: 770-578-9118
Cell: 770-630-8595
Michelle: youth@atlmetropolis.org
Office: 404-634-9345 Ext. 19
Cell: 678-472-5187

Please leave detail messages if you are unable to get us on the phone!



OCF COLLEGE CONFERENCE SOUTH Each year, December 27-31, Conferences of Orthodox Christian Fellowship are open to college students, high school graduates and college-age young adults. Conferences will include a variety of enlightening workshops, daily services and many different social events. They aim to promote unity among Orthodox young people and to renew them in their journeys toward salvation.

THEME: A Revolution of Love!
The 2008 conferences will tackle social justice.

DATES: December 27 - 31, 2008

Diakonia Center in Salem, SC - Fr. Nick Triantofilou, President of Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary.
THE DIAKONIA CENTER IS A NEW LOCATION IN 2008!
CONFERENCE FEE: $300* ($100* DEPOSIT REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION)
This fee includes airport transportation, a free T-shirt and other free gifts, 5 days and 4 nights lodging, meals, sessions – workshops and keynote presentations - as well as social activities, social service and a field trip.
*Online service fees are added to the ticket: $2.50 is added to $100 and $7.50 is added to $300.

SCHOLARSHIPS are available up to $175!
The deadline for submitting your scholarship request is December 1, 2008!
College Conference in the South is offering travel stipends!

TRANSPORTATION:
Airport buses are offered for the Diakonia Center*: Flying into Atlanta (ATL) - Vans will leave Atlanta airport on Dec. 27th at 2:00 PM. Buses or rides will arrive back at the airport on Dec. 31st at 1:00 PM. Flying into Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP) - Vans will leave Greenville airport on Dec. 27th at 2:00 PM. Buses or rides will arrive back at the airport on Dec. 31st at 1:00 PM.
* We cannot offer bus service to those who do not arrive in time for the airport run and for those who do not send their flight information before December 15th to info@ocf.net. Please plan to retrieve luggage etc. before scheduled departure times.

To register and for more information, go to: www.ocf.net

or email: +Fr. Anthony Salzman frantonios@ilicons.us



"PREPARE, O BETHLEHEM" AT ST. NEKTARIOS
ST. NEKTARIOS, Charlotte, NC announces "PREPARE O` BETHLEHEM:SACRED AND SEASONAL MUSIC AND DRAMA" directed by Fr. Seraphim Dedes.

Come and enjoy the spirit of the holidays on Sunday, Dec. 21st starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Followed by light refreshments and Greek dance presentations in the fellowship hall.


JOANNE KAMPEZIONES RECITAL IN FLORENCE, SC Local Pianist to Perform Solo RECITAL FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN

(Florence, SC – Dec. 16, 2008) Joanne Kampiziones, DMA, of Coker College will perform a Charity Solo Piano Recital, January 11, 2009, at the Florence Little Theatre in Florence. All proceeds from the recital will benefit “The Naomi Project Inc.”

Dr. Kampiziones, a native of Florence and a member of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence, is offering the concert as a way of giving back to the community, in particular an organization that helps so many in need. “I am grateful and fortunate to be able to help this worthy charity in any way I can, especially through this concert.” Kampiziones said.

The Naomi Project Inc.’s core mission is to change the lives of families going through domestic abuse after making the choice not to return to their abuser. It is the goal of The Naomi Project Inc. to provide long-term transitional housing coupled with educational, financial, emotional, mental, and spiritual training, which will enable the victim(s) to become self-reliant, self-actualized and self-sufficient.

Six in ten or 60% of homeless head of households have been affected by domestic abuse.
One in four homeless mothers cite domestic abuse as the reason they become homeless.
Almost half of homeless school-age children have witnessed domestic abuse.

A native of Florence, South Carolina, Joanne Kampiziones is highly respected as both a performer and educator. Solo appearances have taken Dr. Kampiziones throughout the Carolinas and beyond to high acclaim, and master classes have brought her to various universities and colleges within the region. Most notable are her workshops on performance-teaching strategies of twentieth-century Greek piano literature, which have been enthusiastically received throughout the country, including national and regional conferences of the College Music Society in California, New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia.

As Assistant Professor of Music at Coker College, Dr. Kampiziones has published articles in “Piano Pedagogy Forum”, an on-line piano pedagogy journal, and serves on the editorial board of “Piano Pedagogy International”, an on-line discussion forum focusing on piano performance, pedagogy and music technology. She is presently on the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Music Teachers National Association as Vice President of Competitions, and additionally serves as Program Director for the Hartsville-Coker Concert Association.

Upcoming appearances include performances and master classes at Georgia Southwestern State University as well as with the Long Bay Symphony Orchestra this spring. Joanne Kampiziones holds a D.M.A. in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Miami and received a M.M. in Piano Pedagogy, B.M. in Music Education, and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of South Carolina.

Tickets for the recital are $20
For more information, call 843-662-5471
Tickets on sale now:
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church
2990 S Cashua Dr
Florence, SC 29501



SAVE THE DATE - 2009 2009
ANNUNCIATION, Winston-Salem, NC GOYA youth will visit as many parishioners homes as possible, on New Year’s Day to wish them a blessed, healthy and happy New Year while singing the traditional New Year’s carols (Kalanda)

ANNUNCIATION, Atlanta, GA PAREA, Monday, Jan. 5, 11:30am Broadway Grill, Parkside Shopping Center Sandy Springs, GA

Pan Orthodox Epiphany Celebration, Saturday Jan. 10, ST. CATHERINE, W. Palm Beach, FL Orthros 9am, Doxology and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy 10am, Procession to the Dock noon, Blessing of the Waters

ST. ATHANASIOS, Gulf Shores, AL GREEK NIGHT 2009, Jan. 10, 2009

ST. KATHERINE, Naples, FL “Razzle Dazzle” Luncheon, Style Show, Auction, Boutiques, Great Entertainment, Friday Jan. 16, 2009, Naples Sailing & Yacht Club Donation $50/person, benefiting Liberty Youth Ranch, Neighborhood Health Clinic,St. Katherine Church. Sponsored by Philoptochos

HDF 2009, Jan. 16-19, Atlanta, GA

GREEK ORTHODOX MISSION OF OCALA, Ocala, FL Greek Festival Jan. 23-24, 2009

HOLY TRINITY/HOLY CROSS, Birmingham, AL annual GOYA volleyball tournament Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2009

HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL Philoptochos Festival of Tables, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, 11:30am

ST. KATHERINE, Naples, FL January 31, St. Katherine Men’s Club Vasilopita Dinner Dance

ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL Philoptochos river ship cruise, Sat. Jan. 31, 3-6pm, fashion show, silent auction, raffle, $65/each, includes meal & beverage benefiting Philoptochos charities

ST. GEORGE, Greenville, SC Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 Godparent Sunday & Luncheon

2009 ST. STEFANOS, St. Petersburg, FL Super Greek Festival Friday, February 6-8

Orthodox Men’s Club of Clearwater, FL Valentine’s Day dance, Carlouel Yacht Club, Friday, Feb. 13, 2009

25th Anniversary ST. BARBARA, Sarasota, FL Annual GREEK GLENDI Feb. 12-15, 2009

ST. KATHERINE, Naples, FL Hellenic Club of Marco Island and the Men’s Club
of St. Katherine are planning a bus trip to Savannah, Georgia, Jekyll Island, St. Simon’s Island and Beaufort, SC on Feb.16-20, 2009, $399/person including transportation, 4 nights lodging, 4 breakfasts & 4 dinners. $75 deposit per person required & final payment due Jan. 10, 2009.

Metropolis of Atlanta Philoptochos 3rd Annual Spiritual Retreat March 20-22, 2009, Diakonia Center


10th Annual GOYA Volleyball Tournament 10th Annual GOYA Volleyball Tournament

“What Matters Most?”

Holy Trinity-Holy Cross

Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Birmingham, AL 35233



January 30-February 1, 2009



EMBASSY SUITES

2300 WOODCREST PLACE

HOMEWOOD, AL 35209

205-879-7400

Online hotel registration

http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/BHMWCES-GVT-20080131/index.jhtml



Double Room 139.00 + tax

(Suite can sleep 4-6)

Deadline for special group rate

December 28, 2008



PARTICIPANT COSTS

$65.00 Per participant – (includes Friday Taverna night, lunch Saturday, dinner & dance Saturday night)

$110.00 For the 1st team: includes t-shirts for each participant



$65.00 For each additional team

(Jr. Goya Team Division 6th – 8th)

(Sr. Goya Team Division 9th – 12th)



Mail Packets & Payments To:

Holy Trinity Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Attn: Fr. Elias Stevens

307 19th Street South

Birmingham, AL 35233-1951

Questions: apappas@holytrinity-holycross.org





REGISTRATION DEADLINE JANUARY 04, 2009



PROTECTING OUR YOUTH SEMINAR Protecting Our Youth Seminar to Be Held at St. Demetrios

Camp Directors, Youth Workers, Administrators, Cabin Staff, and Youth Advisors from all SCOBA Jurisdictions are welcome! Registration is now open!

Dear Camp Director and Youth Worker,

It is with great joy that I announce the Orthodox Christian Camp Conference and Youth Worker Conference to be held from January 22-24, 2009. This year’s conference will be hosted by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Ft. Lauderdale, FL (home of OCN – Orthodox Christian Network).

Our theme Protecting our Youth will assist camp directors, staff, youth workers, and religious educators in protecting young people, as well as introduce them to the latest policies and procedures in safeguarding our youth. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Jane Hickerson, is the Vice-President of Training and Development for Praesidium Inc., a risk management agency that specializes in sexual misconduct policies for churches.

Participants should schedule their arrival into the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) for the afternoon of Thursday, January 22, 2009. We will not provide transportation from the airport to the hotel on arrival day. On Saturday January 24, there will be a shuttle departing from St. Demetrios to the airport at 1:00 pm, please schedule your flights accordingly.

Registration for the conference will be $95.00 (this includes meals, transportation, activities and workshop materials). Please register by Dec. 15, at www.orthodoxcamps.org. We have secured a group rate at the Bahia Mar Hotel (www.bahiamarhotel.com) of $159.00 per night (single-quadruple occupancy). Please reserve your rooms by Nov. 1, to receive this discounted price (mention “Orthodox Camp Conference”).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at the National Department via email ( youthoffice@goarch.org This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or by phone (646.519.6180).

Looking forward to being together in January, I remain,

With love in Christ,

Rev. Mark A. Leondis, National Director
Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Visit www.orthodoxcamps.org for online registration and other pertinent information


HDF UPDATE Atlanta is hosting the Metropolis Hellenic Dance Festival and Byzantine Weekend (HDF), on January 16-19, 2009.

This spectacular event will take place at the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Atlanta.

The Mission statement for HDF, a ministry of the Atlanta Metropolis, is to develop an awareness and appreciation for our Hellenic and Orthodox culture and tradition. To inspire our young to understand the concept that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. To establish the principle of this Diakonia utilizing the same spirit of Hellenism used for the original Olympics.

To be led by the comments of St. Paul in Roman 12:10, and the pursuit of excellence in God's gifts to all:

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love: preferring one another."

It is our hope that the greater Atlanta Greek Orthodox communities will come forward as volunteers, and join us in hosting the approximate 900 HDF participants from the various cities within our Metropolis.


How can you help?

Sign up for the following committees, and volunteer as much time as your schedule permits: Events, Competition, Audio Visual, Host Committee, VIP Hospitality, Public Relations and Marketing, Vendors and Exhibits, Finance.



As you make your commitment, please keep in mind the generosity and hospitality that has been extended to the groups of the greater Atlanta area, annually, for the past 10 years, by other communities within the Metropolis. We want to reciprocate that philoxenia as best as we can.

Your generosity will be greatly appreciated by everyone and especially our youth.

There will be a table in Carlos Hall at the Annunciation Cathedral for people who want to sign up,

or you can directly contact by phone or email as soon as possible!

The Host Committee

Becky Kanelos: 770-423-7267 beckkan@aol.com

Katerina Ladikos:

Kiki Papadimitriou: 404-634-6050 hkikitsa@aol.com

Maria Sharp: 404-634-3581 sharp_maria@yahoo.com

www.gohdf.org

thank you!

If you need assistance, information, resources or encouragement, to help form, or 'jump-start' your Hellenic Dance Programs,please contact Fran Hadjilogiou: fran@olympichomes.com 321-243-6188

All of the information for the HDF-Odyssey Trip to Greece is on the HDF website: www.gohdf.org http://gohdf.org/HOME.html
or the Metropolis Website: http://www.atlanta.goarch.org

If you have any questions please contact:
John Lulias: lulias@aol.com
Lisa Siokis: lisasiokis@gmail.com
Gerry Clonaris: gclonaris@carolina.rr.com

Sandy Papadaopoulos and the FIT-Team are mailing the packets for the 2009-HDF-Hellenic Dance Festival-2009, (Atlanta, GA )to each Parish of our Holy Metropolis. You will receive by the end of the week.
All of the information will also be on the website.

The Director's Manual consists of general rules and regulations which have been consistent and will remain consistent through out the life of The Hellenic Dance Festival & Byzantine Weekend. In the Atlanta Addendum you will find, among other things, copies of all registration forms, things that are new for HDF 2009, some brief information on The Hyatt Regency Atlanta, and a list of the Festival Implementation Team with their contact info.

Hard copies of the manual and addendum will be sent out October 17 to each parish at the attention of the Hellenic Dance Director/HDF Director.

Please be on the lookout for these as you should be receiving them shortly.

Thanks so much for all your patience and understanding.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding the above.

Kristin Christakis
Email: kristin.christakis@gmail.com
Director of Competition
Festival Implementation Team
HDF 2009-Atlanta, GA
All of the attached may be downloaded from the HDF website:

http://gohdf.org/HOME.html

Thank you to all of you who give so much of your time to teach our young people Greek Dancing.


WINTER YOUTH EVENT 2009 Winter Event-2009

Jesus is the Vine

John 15:5


January 9-11, 2009

Clearwater, FL


Holy Trinity of Clearwater will host the Annual Winter Event from Friday, January 9, 2009 through Sunday, January 11, 2009. This year’s theme is “Jesus is the Vine”. We will learn how Jesus is our source of life and strength. The event will consist of a fun-filled weekend, including a Carnival on Friday evening and a formal dance with the theme “Twilight in Central Park” on Saturday.

Individual permission forms filled out by each participant, along with the insurance waiver, registration form and fee of $50.00 must be submitted by the deadline of December 18, 2008.

All adults and others who accompany the Goyans need to register; however, their meals will be at cost at the event.

It would be greatly appreciated if a preliminary count of participants were faxed by December 18, 2008, to 727-799-9173, which will help to prepare for the event.

Announcing once again four $250.00 Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who are members of GOYA and participants in the Winter Event. Please encourage the college bound High School Senior Goyans to apply early.

Please be reminded that we expect proper dress for the various events: no see-through or inappropriate shortness of skirts, and tops, or t-shirts with logos not appropriate for a Church sponsored gathering. If you have any questions regarding the Winter Event, please contact any of us.

Rev. Fr. James Rousakis
Leftie Mantzaris
Angelique Boutzoukas


frrous@aol.com leftiem@tampabay.rr.com mboutzou@tampabay.rr.com

727-799-4605
727-443-0296 727-723-7322



http://www.holytrinityclwtr.org/Youth%20Ministry/GOYA/Winter%20Event/Winter%20Event.shtml




Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Atlanta
Metropolis Level-2009 St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival

Saturday, April 4, 2009
(April 3-5th)

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70122
+Father Anthony Stratis
Host Parish Priest
revstrat@bellsouth.net
504-282-0259

Sandy Bouzon-Chairman
nsb@la4th.org
504-304-6955



Metropolis Oratorical Festival
Committee Co-chairman
+Fr. James Berends
Email: frirni@adelphia.net

Joanne Lindholm
Email: jolindholm@yahoo.com


St. John Chrysostom
Oratorical Festival
Topics, Tips, Purpose & Manual
Please go to:
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/sjcof


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:


REQUEST FROM DR. MANUEL TISSURA MSNBC is doing a survey whether the Armenian Genocide should be recognized or not. As of a few minutes ago the numbers showed Yes 20%, No 80% !

The Turks have mobilized a global campaign to shift results towards No but we cant let them. The Armenian Genocide is a historical fact, along with other many other crimes against humanity of behalf of the Turks, and it should be recognized.


Please vote go to the website below and vote ` YES ` and send it to everyone you know.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21253084
(this is not a link, you will have to go to the website itself to vote)


Despina Axiotakis
General Secretary
Cyprus Federation of America
Phone: 201-444-8237
Fax: 201-444-0445
e-mail: cyprusfederation@aol.com
Cell: 201-981-5764



HOLY TRINITY, AUGUSTA, GA, THANKSGIVING MEAL
“When you give a banquet invite the poor, the maimed, the lame and the Blind”
Luke, 14:13

The Church of Holy Trinity at the corner of Green Street and Tenth Street in Downtown, Augusta opened its doors and hospitality by hosting a Thanksgiving Agape Meal- Soup Kitchen on Saturday November 22, from 11am till 1pm.

Holy Trinity Thanksgiving Agape Meal is a ministry under the outreach program of the Greek Orthodox Church that recognizes the vital importance of providing basic nourishment to those who are hungry and less fortunate.
The doors were opened for all people to share a hot nutritious meal till last.

"Through our program and our commitment, we strive to fulfill our mission by providing support, hope and compassion to those in need."

“The poor shall eat and be satisfied. Those who seek the Lord shall find Him. Their hearts shall live forever.”
Prayer Before the Meal


For more information you can reach us at 953 Telfair Street, Augusta, Ga 30901
Tel-1.706.724.1087, Fax 1.706.724.3621, holytrinitygoc@bellsouth.net,
www.holytrinityaugusta.org

Fr. Vasili Bitere


CHRISTMAS DAY Dec. 25, Christmas Day, is the feast day that rejoices in the greatest gift offered to humankind. God humbles Himself and takes on flesh. It is the Incarnation of the Son of God, so that we may be saved. In commemoration of this day, we exchange gifts with each other.
Contemplating the icon of the Birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we realize the great love that God offers to His people through His Son. God loves us so much that He has sent His Son to show us a new way of life. The Birth of Christ is a celebration of joy, for we have been granted eternal life.
The truth that God became man and entered into history is seen in the icon of the Nativity. Wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger is the Christ Child. All the details of the icon relate to the Lord’s presence among us. The icon of the Nativity calls us to praise and glorify the Birth of Christ.
The Orthodox Church’s iconography and hymnology teaches us wonderful lessons about Orthodox Christian stewardship. The following hymn, taken from the Great Vespers of the Nativity, invites us to recognize the offerings made in celebration of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“What shall we bring to you, O Christ, Who, for our sake, was born on earth as man? Every creature brings thanks to You: angels, their songs; the heavens, a star; wise men, gifts; shepherds, amazement, the earth, a cave; the wilderness, a manger, but we give the Virgin Mother.”
All creation acknowledges the Birth of the Redeemer of humankind through the act of stewardship. We, too, must offer our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure so that the Church may continue to glorify Him and confess: “Christ is Born! Glory Him!”
Fr. James Rousakis, HOLY TRINITY, Clearwater, FL


CHRIST IS BORN! 2008 has been a difficult year for many around the world, and the hard times have affected most of us here in the United States. We cannot ignore our problems and the problems of those around us. However, the problems and difficulties we face can¬not become the constant focus of our lives; we cannot let the present alone define who we are as human beings and how we react to the realities around us. As human be¬ings, we are shaped by our past, but only truly understand ourselves in light of the future—in view of the second coming of Christ. Living as we do, between Christ’s two comings, the present may be gray, but there is light coming to us from both the past and the future. This light brings to us the great joy of Christ’s gift of eternal life, which is promised to us who endure diffi¬culties on this earth while remaining faith¬ful to Him (cf. 2 Tim. 2:11-12).
As human beings we need to hold onto something joyous—a ray of hope—in times both good and bad. We may know, if we take the time to remember it, that God is always with us (Matt. 28:20), that His love endures forever (Ps. 100:5), and that, although “many are the trials of the righteous, [...] out of them all the Lord will deliver them” (Ps. 34:19). Still, when things get busy or difficult—when we need it most, it can be difficult to remember that God is near us and hears our prayers. At the end of each year, the Church helps us re¬member this as She celebrates the joy that God’s love has brought into the world.
It is Christmas—the time when chil¬dren rejoice at the thought of the gifts and surprises that Santa Claus will bring; when we watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the hundredth time and still can’t help smiling when Clarence gets his wings at the end; when we marvel at the beauty of the carols that speak of the joy and holiness of the season; when we gather together for the Divine Liturgy that proclaims the birth of our Lord, God, and Savior from the virgin Mary. It truly is a time for rejoicing. The hymns that the Church sings in Her Christ¬mas services show that joy which is shared by all of nature in the birth of Christ.
Let us look briefly at two such hymns, the first from from Vespers and the second from Orthros:
Come, let us rejoice in the Lord, as we tell of the present mystery. The middle wall of partition has been destroyed; the sword of flame turns back, the Cherubim with¬draw from the tree of life; and I partake of the delight of Paradise, from which I was cast out through disobedience. For the express Image of the Father, the Imprint of His eternity, takes the form of a slave, coming forth from a Mother who did not know wedlock, not undergoing change; for what He was He has remained: true God; and what He was not He has taken up, be¬coming man through love for mankind. To Him let us cry out: God, born from a Vir¬gin, have mercy on us.
Be glad, you just; heavens rejoice, mountains leap for joy; Christ is born and the Virgin sits like the Cherubic throne carrying in her bosom God the Word made flesh. Shepherds glorify the One Who is born; magi offer gifts to the Master; an¬gels sing praises, saying: Lord beyond un¬derstanding, glory to you!

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


CHRISTMAS LENT MEDITATION FOR DEC. 7 Vesper Service: To what shall I compare you, my soul, for you sink deeper and deeper each day, ceaselessly adding more blows to your wounds. For you do not think of the judge who is to come, before Whom you will appear to receive the recompense of your acts. But repent, kneel before the Virgin and cry out, "All-pure Lady. do not despise your servant because of my offenses against the com¬passionate God, who was born of you for the salvation of mankind in the great tenderness of His heart!"
- O marvel which inspires wonder! You have ineffably given birth, O spotless Virgin, to the consubstantial Word, the Light shining forth from the Father from before all ages. Thus, O Lady, with all the power of the truth, we proclaim your divine maternity. For you are truly the Mother of God. Intercede with your Son for the human race, O Virgin, filled with the glory of God.
Scripture Verse: “Therefore brethren stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
Meditation: You Shall Call His Name Jesus: -The Gospel of Matthew begins with a long list of Hebrew names that give the family tree of Jesus on the human side. As we read these names some two thousand years of history pass in review. At the end of the list we find the name above every name, the name of Jesus. The procession passes through the centuries and comes to rest at Bethlehem. “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21). The whole story of Christmas is wrapped up in that one name: Jesus, the name which means literally God is Salvation, God Saves.
God knows my name and in His grace He has granted me to know His name that I may call upon Him freely and enter into His presence boldly. “Jesus”-the name of my God! “Jesus”- the name of my Savior! “Jesus”- the name by which devils are cast out! “Jesus”-the name that beats in my heart and on my lips: Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me! “Jesus”- the name that forgives and cleanses and restores! “Jesus”-the name that opens the gates of heaven!
from the CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL

CHRIST IS BORN! con`t Both hymns begin with an encourage¬ment directed towards the entire universe: heaven, earth, and each individual per¬son (you and me) to rejoice. We cel¬ebrate a momentous occasion in the history of the universe. The Theotokos brings forth Him Who existed before all time. God Himself enters physi¬cally into history and opens to us the gates of Paradise. It is the beginning of the story which culminates in the feast of feasts, the Resurrection.
The hymns do not speak of the im¬mediate impact of Christ’s birth. In fact, the New Testament repeatedly ac¬knowledges that the difficult times have not ended with Christ’s coming into the world as a baby. However, because of the Incarnation, even our difficulties are given meaning—through them we can learn the fullness of Christian life, loving and serving one another when things are not going well. Because of the Incarnation we also know that our difficulties will come to an end in the kingdom of heaven. In thankfulness, the entire creation offers something to the newborn king: the magi offer gifts, the angels praises, the earth a cave (cf. Christmas kontakion).
Let us join in with all of creation and offer the best that we have—our lives, lived according to God’s com¬mandments—and let us not forget that Christmas is here. Let us rejoice, for Christ is born and we partake of Him Who is life itself. Christ is born; He Who is God becomes what He was not so that we may become like Him and have eternal life in Him. Let us be glad that, in His love for the world, the Father sent His Son to lead us into the kingdom, into the Father’s joy. Let us rejoice and let us glorify Him in hymns and carols, with praise and prayer in our hearts and in our minds.
Happy Christmastide,
Fr. Petros

PET BLESSING AT HOLY TRINITY, BLUFF CITY, TN An Orthodox Blessing of Animals on St. Modestos Day...

In contrast to our Protestant and Catholic brothers and sisters, the Eastern Orthodox Church has constantly maintained that creation itself, matter itself, is inherently good. We often see among Evangelical Christians a distrust of the human body and by extension, the entire material world. For example, how often do we hear of other Christians speaking of the human person as a soul merely inhabiting a fleshly body? Or consider the nineteenth-century doctrine of the rapture that many Protestant Christians espouse whereby people are snatched out of a world that has become corrupt and diminished. This escapist theology assumes that what is substantial and material is qualitatively less than the ethereal and pure spiritual realm. This dualism between matter and spirit characterizes much of contemporary western theology. However, if one examines the attitude of the ancient Christian Church towards this idea, it is radical divergent in its conclusion.

From the perspective of the ancient Eastern Christian Church, the entire material creation is good. Everything that God the Father created through His Word, Jesus Christ, is to be revered and recognized as an icon of the Creator himself. All things- living and non-living, bear the imprint of God`s creative genius. All things bear witness to his operative energies. Most especially, the incarnation of the Word into human flesh confirms that God holds matter in the highest regard. By taking on flesh, Christ`s coming into the world elevates all of material creation to its rightful place. Furthermore, Our Lord continues to act through the material of creation by manifesting His presence through bread and wine in the Eucharist, the waters of Baptism, the oil of Chrismation, and though all human beings, the living icons of God par excellence. Many Christian thinkers have recognized this reality and have rejected the modern western Christian tendency to de-emphasize matter and creation. C.S. Lewis, whose theology was far closer to the Eastern Orthodox Church than either the Protestant and Catholic Churches, said it best when he declared that God loves and adores matter because he created it!

On the Feast of the third-century St. Modestos of Jerusalem, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will be holding a blessing of animals in recognition of God`s Love for creation. In the latter years of his life, St. Modestos` long-time devotion to God’s creation intensified and blossomed, particularly concerning animals. He had a great affection for all animals—he saw them as sublime and mysterious gifts from God. Often he would bless the livestock of the faithful, praying for their health and survival, and glorying in the vastness and beauty of all God made. In fact, he has been known for centuries as our patron saint of domestic animals." Fr. Kevin Millsaps

People were invited to bring their beloved pets to Holy Trinity on the Feast of St. Modestos, Fr. Kevin Millsaps blessed them and offered a prayer for them.

"I pray that we may see this as an opportunity to praise God for bringing these wonderful creatures into our lives to give us enjoyment and abundant blessings. May we continue to see God`s unimaginable Love for us through the enrichment they bring and through all things that result from His hands…" Fr. Kevin Millsaps


BE READY...THE BANQUET APPROACHES In this morning’s Gospel we see many people being left out of the banquet because they were not prepared to attend. They had already been invited, so they were aware the banquet was approaching and still they made other plans. They continued in their sins by making excuses for why they could not attend. The result was they were left out of the banquet.

The banquet my dear brothers and sisters in Christ is in heaven and we have been invited. Each Sunday the banquet is offered and we are called to come in and partake of the banquet. Just as in this morning’s Gospel we already know the banquet has been scheduled and yet we still make other plans. Worse yet, we make excuses why we cannot attend.

We are here today enjoying this wonderful banquet but we shouldn’t let others be left behind with excuses. Invite others to come to the Church for the banquet every Sunday. The results of making excuses are unavoidable….

Let’s all plan to attend. The rest can wait!

Fr. Athanasios C Haros, TRANSFIGURATION, Florence, SC


GOD'S GIFT TO US God has given us a great gift that we celebrate at the end of this month,
namely “Christmas”. But He has given us another great privilege and
honor, the gift of being co-workers with Him. Time, talent and treasures
are the three gifts that we mention when we talk about stewardship. We
know about giving treasures. A tithe was the Old Testament standard for
calculating the minimum amount of our resources that we should dedicate
to God’s work. But we also focus on time and talent. These two acts of
stewardship are less measured when it comes to giving back to God for
His generosity to us. God knows who we are and what talents He has
given each of us, because He knows each of us intimately. We each
understand to some degree the talents that God has given to us.
If we were to mark on our stewardship card in pencil all the gifts that God has given to us, and then
mark those that we are actually exercising for His Body the Church, we may discover new opportunities
for ministry we had not previously considered.
Many people have taken on vital and important ministries within our Church. Those people have blessed us greatly by their stewardship and in return been blessed by the joy of serving. As we look to the coming year and to our vision for the next 5 years, it is critical that we look at the needs of our parish community and our greater community and begin to plan for the future, especially as we face tough economic times. We look to our mission statement to help us decide what direction to go; this
helps make our decisions concrete and to shape us for the future.
Our purpose is to be the Body of Christ in the World. Our mission is to continue His ministry of
baptizing, making disciples of all nations, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and visiting those who are
in prison. All that we do as a community should have these two statements as our guiding principles.
Christ has come to give us life and to give it more abundantly. We try and find it in many different places
but He tells us “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
will find it.” (Mat. 16:25) In other words if we set aside our little opinions and ask God to direct our
paths, then we will be optimally suited for the most fulfilling life we can have. We will have meaning,
purpose, and a fruitful life. But if we ignore God and reject the Holy Spirit moving in our lives then
eventually if we will not obey God freely, then He will obey us and shut the door of His kingdom to us.

Fr. Anthony Salzman, ST. PHILOTHEA, Athens, GA


CHRISTMAS LENT MEDITATION FOR DEC. 14 Orthros Service: “The holy sayings of the prophets have been fulfilled in the city of Bethlehem within a cave. The whole creation is made rich; let it rejoice and be of good cheer. The Master of all has come to live with His servants, and from the bondage of the enemy He delivers us who were made subject to corruption. In swad¬dling clothes and lying in a manger He is made manifest as a new Child being God from all eternity.”
Vesper Service: “The spotless Virgin, carrying the Lamb in her womb, is com¬ing to the cave in Bethlehem, to give birth in a wondrous man¬ner. She will wrap Him in swaddling clothes as a mortal and place Him in the manger like an infant. All creation celebrates this before the feast, joyfully magnifying the Author of such wonders here below.”
Scripture Verse: “"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Meditation: Other Gifts to Give: In addition to the gift of time, another great gift we can all give is friendship. A little girt said once, “I don't have any gifts. I can't sing. I can't paint, and I know I can't write poetry. I just don't have any gifts!”
“Yes, you do—it shines out all over you,” her mother said quickly. “You have one of the best gifts of all — the gift of friendship. You just seem to know how to be friends with peo¬ple.”
Instead of asking: “How many friends do I have?,” the Christian asks: “To how many people can I be a friend?” People who need people are the luckiest people in the world. I know how much I need people. Let me find the people who need me — my friendship, my love. Let me express this friendship with a thoughtful telephone call or card, or visit, to let them know I care.
The greatest gifts are free. The gift of encouragement, the gift of saying, “I love you” to someone whose love we have taken for granted, the gift of forgiveness, the gift of saying, “I'm sorry” to someone we may have hurt, the gift of under¬standing, the gift of really listening when another speaks to try to get his or her point of view, to try to understand how the other person really feels. We may not have what the psychoan¬alyst calls “the third ear,” but two ears will help if they are really open. People who break down are those who don't have the opportunity to “talk through” their conflicts and stresses because they are unable to find a “listening ear,” because the people with whom they talk are not really hearing what they are saying. To be sensitive to what others are really saying, to give one's whole and serious attention to another person, is a precious gift: the gift of love!

from the CHRIST THE SAVIOR, Spring Hill, FL bulletin


LESSONS FROM JOSEPH THE BETROTHED in the Orthodox Tradition

Joseph “the Betrothed of the Most Holy Theotokos” is an important though secondary figure in Orthodox
tradition. It is unfortunate that he does not get the same kind of recognition in our own tradition that he receives in the Catholic tradition. Though we often see the Theotokos with Christ in our iconographic tradition,
it is rare to see a depiction of the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and Jesus) in the Orthodox tradition. This is a very common and popular image in the Catholic tradition. Even in the Orthodox icon of the Nativity, if he is found at all, it is off to the side being tempted by satan.
While I was in my first parish, I had an angry parent come and complain to me that her child’s Sunday School
teacher referred to Joseph as Jesus’ stepfather. I explained that technically the teacher was correct. I went on to explain the Orthodox tradition regarding Joseph to this parent. You see Jesus was not born into a “traditional” family but a “blended” one. Joseph was an 80 year old widower with 4 grown children when he was betrothed to the 14 year old Mary and, though he wasn’t happy about it at the time, he submitted in obedience to God. Little did he know what he was getting into? Can you imagine what he was thinking when he found out she was pregnant?: “Oh Lord, you want me to raise a baby…at my age?”
"How could it be, this baby in my arms, sleeping now so peacefully, The Son of God the angel said, How could it be? Lord, I know He’s not my own, not of my flesh,not of my bones. Still Father let this baby be the son of my love. Father show me where I fit into this plan of Yours. How can a man be Father to the Son of God?
Lord, for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter. How can I raise a king?" JOSEPH’S SONG, Michael Card.

My maternal grandfather was a carpenter. He was a very pious and faithful man. He felt a special kinship to both Joseph and Jesus because of his profession. All of us who are parents should feel a special kinship with Joseph and Mary. Which of us is truly worthy to raise children for God?



LESSONS FROM JOSEPH con't And yet, this is our highest calling as parents. We can send our kids to
school, help them with their homework, sign them up for sports, dance,
music, theater, etc. but of all the things we need to nurture in them and
train them for, having a heart, mind and soul for Christ is by far the most
important. We all need to seek God’s help in fulfilling this highest and
greatest responsibility. There is both an up and a downside to the financial difficulties many people face this year. Generally, as a society, we had been lulled into rank materialism as a result of our wealth and greed. As Christians, we are now called to “step into the gap” and provide assistance to those who are suffering. This year, requests for assistance with Christmas gifts have doubled over previous years! We have been asked to encourage our people to prayerfully consider adopting foster children into “eternal
families”. Can you imagine what an impact we could have on our society if we could provide solid Christian
homes for these castaways who have never known the love of a parent or the love of God? Even if you are not
able to do this, you could volunteer with Rolling Readers or as a Guardian Ad Litem or in a number of other
ways. At the very least consider helping intact families, whether “traditional” or “blended” with the ability to celebrate our Savior’s Birth.
Joseph is commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity along with his oldest son James (from his first
marriage) and his ancestor, King David. Here is his Apolytikion (Special Hymn) and Kontakion (secondary
usually shorter hymn) from that day:
O Joseph, proclaim the wonders to David, the ancestor of God. You have seen a Virgin great with child; you have given glory with the shepherds; you have worshipped with the Magi; and you have been instructed through an Angel.
Entreat Christ God to save our souls.
Godly David on this day is filled with gladness of spirit; Joseph also joins James in offering glory and praises.
They rejoice, for as Christ’s kinsmen, they have received crowns: and they praise the One ineffably born upon earth as they cry out with a great voice: O Lord of mercy, save them that honor Your Name.
I pray that each of you may proclaim in word and in deed the love of God manifest to us in His Son Jesus
Christ. Choose your gifts wisely. Teach your children mercy and justice, rather than selfishness and greed.
Look for opportunities to bring out the Image and Likeness of Christ in yourself and in your children by
volunteering and helping those in need. These are truly the most valuable gifts we can offer to Christ and to those created in His Image and Likeness.
CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! CHRISTOS GENATE! DOXASATE !
Faithfully, In our incarnate Lord,
+Fr. Demetri Tsigas, ST. KATHERINE, Melbourne, FL

CHILDREN'S ORTHODOX BULLETIN This year's issues will be posted on weekly on the St. Nicholas Orthodox Christian School's web site. You can find this it on the web site or by using the link provided below.

http://www.StNicholasOrthodoxChristianSchool.org/html/childrens_bulletin.asp