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The Dormition of the Theotokos

Letter from Orthodox Family Life and Original authors

BOX & SPOON - August 2011

August 2011

Box & Spoon

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Liturgical/Organization Calendar for August 2011 Greek Festival Overview

Dan Jerghiuta

The Dormition of the Theotokos

Celebrated on August 15 (August 28) The Feast of the Dormition or Falling Asleep of the Theotokos commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Christ's mother. To help us in our preparation of the feast, it is preceded by a two week fast. As with the Nativity of the Virgin (September 8/21) and the feast of her Entrance to the Temple (November 21/December 4), the Feast of the Dormition also comes from the Tradition of the Church. There we learn that Mary died as all people die because she had a mortal human nature affected by the corruption of this world. The Church proclaims that Mary needed to be saved by Christ just as all of us are saved from trials, sufferings, and death of this world. Having truly died, she was raised by her Son as the "Mother of Life" and already participates in the eternal life of paradise which is prepared and promised to all who "hear the word of God and keep it." (Luke 11:27-28) Finally, we celebrate the fact that what happens to Mary happens to all who imitate her holy life of humility, obedience and love. It is important to remember that there are no relics of the Theotokos. Their existence has never been mentioned throughout history. At one time in Constantinople there was a center of pilgrimage where the belt and veil of the Virgin were venerated. Adapted from The Orthodox Church, Volume II: Worship, by Fr. Thomas Hopko.

Parish Council Stewardship Greek Festival: Silent Auction Loredana Jerghiuta Greek Festival: Reminders Dan Jerghiuta Youth Team: JOY and GOYA

From the Tradition of the Church

Following the day of Pentecost, the Theotokos remained in the city of Jerusalem, comforting the infant Christian community. She was living in the house of the beloved Apostle John, later the Evangelist. At the time of her death (tradition states she was in her early fifties) many of the Apostles were scattered throughout the world preaching the Gospel. All but Thomas were miraculously brought to the Virgin aloft on clouds.
Panagia of Jerusalem

As they stood around her bedside, she commended her spirit to the Lord and Jesus descended from Heaven, taking up her soul in His arms. The Apostles sang the funeral hymns in her honor and carried her body to a tomb in Kedron near Gethsemane. When a Jewish man tried to interrupt their solemn procession, an angel of the Lord came and punished him by cutting off his hands, which were later healed. The Apostle Thomas arrived on the third day and wished to see the Virgin for the last time. They discovered an empty tomb. Church tradition relates that the Theotokos was resurrected bodily and taken to heaven, the same reward that awaits all the righteous on the Last Day.

About the Icon

The Theotokos is depicted upon the funeral bier. Christ, standing behind the Theotokos, is her Son, Who has come to receive His Mother's soul into heaven; He holds in His left arm an infant in white, symbolizing the soul of the Theotokos reborn in her glory in heaven; Christ also is robed in white and appears in an aureole (elongated halo) depicting the Light of His Divinity. The Apostles are depicted on either side of the bier stand the Apostles; the group on the left is led by St. Peter who stands at the head of the bier; the group on the right is led by St. Paul who stands at the foot of the bier. Below the bier is a figure of Antonius the Jew, who tried to disrupt the procession, was punished, but later repented of his sins and embraced Christianity through Baptism. Taken from The Icon Book, by Boojamra, Essey, McLuckie & Matusiak. Continued on page 2
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
holyanargyroi@gmail.com

Gethsemane, east of the Old City Jerusalem in Israel

The Monastery of the Dormition The stairwell to her tomb Outside her tomb The tomb of the All Holy Theotokos

Greek Orthodox Church 703 West Center Street Rochester, MN 55902 (507) 282-1529 phone (507) 282-1253 fax http://www.holyanargyroi.org

Holy Anargyroi/Sts. Kosmas & Damianos

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Rochester, MN Permit No. 278

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection.

...In thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos.

The Dormition of The All Holy Theotokos - August 15th, 2011

2011 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Tim Kelly - President Johnny Mangouras - Vice President Andru Peters - Secretary Dan Jerghiu - Treasurer Diana Orbelo Tia Maragos Nick Maragos Halina Woroncow Aaron Biedermann STEWARDSHIP John Maragos Chair Ari Kolas Mark Smith OUTREACH Diana Orbelo Halina Woroncow ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Johnny Mangouras Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Aaron Biedermann Mark Smith John Maragos ELECTION BOARD Presbytera Michelle Chris Brekke Chamaidi Belanger PHILOXENIA HOUSE Chamaidi Belanger Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Steve Kereakos Treasurer Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Ferrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries Presbytera Michelle Volunteers Martha Voytovich Market place Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Larissa Osfeld Children Area Mrs. Mangouras Inside Kitchen

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar August 2011

Saturday Monday Tuesday August 6th August 8th August 9th Feast of the Transfiguration Orthros & Divine Liturgy Paraklesis Service Paraklesis Service Parish Council Meeting 8:30am 6pm 6pm 6pm 7pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am 9:30am 9:30am 9:30am

Rochester Greek Fest Parade The kids did a fantastic job and their patience was very hard tried: a BIG Thanks to all of them!

Wednesday August 10th Paraklesis Service Wednesday August 10th Thursday Friday Monday Monday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Sunday August 11th Paraklesis Service August 12th Paraklesis Service August 15th Dormition of the Holy Theotokos Orthros & Divine Liturgy August 22nd GOYA Wisconsin Dells Outing Festival Prep: Dipping Diples and Melomakarona Festival Prep: Karidopita and Kopenhi Final Festival Prep ROCHESTER GREEK FEST 2011 ROCHESTER GREEK FEST 2011 ROCHESTER GREEK FEST 2011 August 25th August 26th August 26th August 27th August 28th

Wednesday August 24th

The Musical: Annie After an absolute delight the girls had the chance to meet the wonderful cast (Diana, Fernanda and "Saturday's Annie") and the wonderful show director, Connie Maragos: what a treat!!!

The Dormition of the Theotokos

Continued from Page 1 Apolytikion (Tone 1) In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity; in thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Thou wast translated unto life, since thou art the Mother of Life; and by thine intercessions dost thou redeem our souls from death. Church School The Church School teachers of the Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church wish to extend a greeting of joy and love in our savior Jesus Christ and to welcome all students and their families to join us in studying about the love that God has for us all and how we can bring that love to everyone we meet in our daily lives. The classes will start again this year on September 11, 2011. This year Presbytera Michelle Munoz is our Church School Registrar she will approach all church families with school age children for their enrollment. Every Sunday, we encourage our students to join together with their teachers and fellow classmates for the worship. During Holy Communion, the children will approach the chalice at the front of the line and then go to their appointed class areas. The pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st, 2nd and 3rd, and 4th to 6th classes will meet in the designated classes in the basement and mezzanine of the church s hall. The older children 7th to 12th graders will meet in the churchs library. We are very appreciative and want to extend our deepest thanks to all volunteer teacher's efforts, time and talents as well as for the loving care of our children. Please feel free to contact any of our teaching staff with any questions or concerns regarding either customs or curriculum. Our GOYAns will start rekindling relationships with a work day at the church on August 20th, helping with some needed clean up and maintenance. We will, also, enjoy a trip to Wisconsin Dells on the 22nd -- that should offer great fellowship and welcome relief from some of the heat and humidity we have had this summer. Please contact Halina, if you have not already, with your interest in the trip and ability to help drive the group. With love in Christ, Loredana Jerghiuta, Halina Woroncow and Trevor Hamlen - Youth Team Coordinators

Kontakion (Tone 2)
Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. As Mother of life, He who dwelt in the ever-virginal womb transposed her to life.

Terminology
Theotokos "God-bearer", "Mother of God" Aiparthenos "ever-virgin" Panagia "all holy" Dormition "passage through death" Assumption "ascension into heaven" The name "Theotokos" was made official by the III Ecumenical Council (Ephesus, 431 AD) which decreed that the Virgin should be honored by this name which confirms the Orthodox belief in the Incarnation: that Christ was both true God and true man. As so often happened in those days, this action was a response to heretical teachings that needed to be addressed. Thus, once and for all, the Church affirmed her teachings about Christ and Mary.
1997 by Orthodox Family Life and the original author(s).

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection.

...In thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos.

The Dormition of The All Holy Theotokos - August 15th, 2011

There is less than one month left until the Greek Festival! If you have not signed up yet to volunteer please stop by the signup board in the narthex. If you did sign up please double-check the dates and times. Plan to be on site at least 30 minutes early to have time to prepare your area. Also plan to stay past closing time to help cleaning up your work area. Volunteers will receive Festival T-shirts to wear while working. Make sure you come to the fellowship hall after Liturgy to get yours. It can get very hot even at the end of August. We will have free water for the volunteers so make sure you stay hydrated. Everybody will have to pay for food. Plan ahead and get discounted food coupons ($12 value for $10). When things slow down dont forget to take a break, eat, drink and most importantly dance! The committee put a lot of time and care in ensuring that everything is ready. Anyway it is safe to expect chaos during the Festival weekend. Each area has a leader (listed on top of the sign up sheet) who should be able to answer most questions. Once the Festival is over we still need your help to make it better next year. Send us your observations and suggestions or participate in the committee meeting in September. Some ideas take a lot of time to implement so it is important to hear them early. Thank you for your help! See you at the Festival! Dan Jerghiuta djerghiuta@yahoo.com 507-271-7688

The Greek Festival is fast approaching! This is a major fundraiser for our operating budget. We need everybodys help to be successful! Mark your calendars and make sure you will be available the last weekend in August. Join the Greek Dancers of Minnesota in the Rochesterfest Parade on June 24. Contact Larissa Osfeld (larissao@kmtel.com) if you want to participate. It will be a great opportunity to promote our Festival and get some free media coverage Help the Ladies of Philoptochos bake our famous pastries. Many people come every year just to enjoy our baklava. See the schedule below Saturday, June 4 9:30 Baklava Monday, June 27 9:30 Cookies Saturday, July 9 10:00 Galaktobouriko (Prepare) Wednesday, July 13 9:30 Cookies Saturday, July 30 10:00 Cookies Wednesday, August 24 9:30 Dipping Diples and Melomakarona Thursday, August 25 9:30 Karidopita and Kopenhi Friday, August 26 9:30 Final preparing and setup Donate items, baskets or money for the Silent Auction. Contact Loredana Jerghiuta (loredanaj@yahoo.com, 507-271-7688). Do not forget that the Auction is 100% profit - there are no bills to pay in the end. Your gift will have the maximum impact Volunteer. Help is needed throughout the Festival weekend: o Wednesday, Thursday, Friday morning setup and food preparation o Friday morning finish setup and start cooking o Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday cook, serve and dance! o Sunday night - cleanup If you have not been contacted and would like to help talk to Dan Jerghiuta (festival@holyanargyroi.org, 507-271-7688) Sell tickets. Display posters at your workplace or business. Tickets and posters will be printed and available to pick up the first week of June. Mention the Festival dates in your business advertising. Help us gain visibility using the space and time you already paid for! Talk to your friends about the Festival. Remind them the dates. Point them to the Festival web page (greekFestRochester.com) or Facebook page

Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection.

...In thy dormition, thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos.

The Dormition of The All Holy Theotokos - August 15th, 2011

Parish Council
Dear Stewards, A reminder of who the members of your parish council are for the 2011 year: Tim Kelly, President; Johnny Mangouras, Vice President; Dan Jerghiuta, Treasurer; Andru Peters, Secretary; Aaron Biedermann; Nick Maragos; Diana Orbelo; Tia Maragos; and Halina Woroncow. The council met in June and skipped July. The activity of preparing for the festival has been a focus for everyone involved in the leadership of the church. A resounding thank you goes out to Dan and the festival committee for their efforts and leadership in making the festival a success year. We still depend heavily on this event for our operating budget and we need volunteers to help us during the weekend activities on August 26th, 27th, and 28th. Again, anyone who can afford to pay on their pledge is encouraged to do so now. The summer has arrived and it is traditionally a low point for our funding of the operating budget. We also need your continued support of our building fund and our efforts to pay off the loan we have for building our beautiful structure. There are major changes coming to our church that will be coming in the months of August and September. These changes will enhance our experience during the service and will show that we are making progress to fill our church with the Orthodox spirit that we celebrate each Sunday. If you have a specific question regarding the business of the church feel free to contact any one of the parish council members noted above. We are here to serve you. Your Parish Council President

We Need Your Help!

Dear Parishioners and friends, As you probably already know we are well on our way in the preparations for our 48th Greek Festival (August 26th, 27th and 28th). The Silent Auction event part of the Festival is a big percentage of festival profits and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the church s operational budget. We received generous donations from local businesses - but a successful auction depends on the generosity of Holy Anargyroi parishioners. The success of the festival depends on the willingness of everyone to step up and help: that means YOU! If each parishioner donated something, think of the money we could raise for our Church. Please try to have your donations in prior or no later than August 18th: we have to organize and document the items/baskets and bringing your donation at the last minute can only delay this process. If you have any questions, call or email Loredana Jerghiuta at 507- 271-5928 or loredanaj@yahoo.com. Thank you in advance for all of your help! Loredana Jerghiuta Chair Silent Auction Committee 507-271-5928 loredanaj@yahoo.com

Stewardship
We would like to thank the 82 Stewards who have returned their stewardship packets. It is truly a blessing to witness firsthand the support our parish receives from her parishioners. That being said, we are still 48 pledges short of our goal for this year. If you havent already done so, we ask that you prayerfully consider what you can give back to God in support of His parish. Additional stewardship packets are located by the Church entrance in the Narthex.

2011 Current List of Pledging Members

Note: this list is not synonymous, nor does it indicate, members in good spiritual and/or financial standing with the parish.

Mary Beth Abraham Andrew Barbes Gust & Jackie Barbes Joel & Chamaidi Belanger Samuel Benjamin Costa & Maria Boosalis Lexie & Aaron Biedermann Mike & Kris Brekke Maria Campbell Gus & Kathy Chafos Peter & Angie Chafos Rebeca Chery John and Nina Cokinos Fr. Anthony Coniaris Ionel and Lucia Dumitrascu Joe & Cindy Forrer Judy Gale Dimitar & Ralitza Gavrilova Helen Grechis Kyle Hafar

Trevor & Laura Hamlen Viorel & Simona Hodis Bradley & Erline Holman Gordy & Connie Jelatis-Hoke Donald and Elaine Jenkins Dan & Loredana Jerghiuta Carolyn Jukich Tom and Sandy Kapellas Phyllis Kapenis Dino & Tricia Kasdagly Martha Karakelides Yanni Kaloumenos Michael & Mondo Katselis Tim & Calli Kelly William Kerakos Steve Kereakos George Kereakos Michelle Kinsley Peter Kolas

Nick & Ann Kolas Ari & Penny Kolas Tony & Nereida Lecakis Beth Lechner Kula Magaritsidis Johnny & Denise Mangouras Dr. Nick and Connie Maragos John Maragos Tia Maragos George & Linda Margellos Jason & Daniela Meier George & Cathy Murak Diana Orbelo Soula Pampori Maria Pasalis Andi Pathoulas Andru Peters Maria and Jacob Peterson Dr. Doug and Anne Pflaum

Marilyn Phelps Dr. Nick & Effie Psimos Nicholas Psimos Angie Rustad Tina Sageotis John & Jennifer Sakellarou Helen Santrizos John Schur Elilta Sebhatu Mogib & Seham Salama Mary Shabestari Ian De Silva Mark Smith Fr. Robert and Nikki Stephanopoulos George & Maria Thomas Carl & Olga Voss Martha Voytovich Troy & Stephanie Miller Ray Ostfeld & Dr. Halina Woroncrow

Jan - June 2011 Actual Total Income Total Expenses Net Income
$104,579.45 $120,369.93 -$15,790.48

Jan - June 2010 Actual

$98,947.29 $123,067.45 -$24,120.16

2011 vs 2010 Difference

$5,632.16 -$2,697.52 $8,329.68

Jan - June 2011 Budget

$99,670.00 $123,915.00 -$24,245.00

Actual vs. Budget Difference

4,909.45 -$3,545.07 $8,454.52