ISSUE

St. Mark of Ephesus:

Defender of the Faith
The great teacher and invincible defender of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Saint Mark, was the offspring and scion of the imperial city, Constantinople. Reared by most pious parents, and instructed in secular and spiritual wisdom, he became preeminent in both. Saint Mark lived as an ascetic on the Prince's Islands and later in the monastery of Saint George Magana in Constantinople. He passed through all the degrees of the priesthood, and was finally advanced to the dignity of Archbishop and the lofty throne of the Metropolis of Ephesus.
Feast of St. Mark of Ephesus, Pillar and Champion of Orthodoxy

13
January 2012

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

Box & Spoon

2012 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Tim Kelly Andru Peters Dan Jerghiu Diana Orbelo Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle Halina Woroncow Aaron Biedermann STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Ari Kolas Mark Smith Diana Orbelo Halina Woroncow ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Johnny Mangouras Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Aaron Biedermann Mark Smith John Maragos 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

Thursday, January 19th

Orthros, Divine Liturgy, with Artoclasia 8:30am

At the insistence of Emperor John Paleologos, the Saint was sent to the council of the Latins in Florence, to unite the churches that had been divided for so many years. He astounded the papal teachers with the divine wisdom of his words, and was the only one who did not sign the blasphemous decree of that false council. Because of this, the Holy Church of Christ has ever honored this great man as a benefactor, teacher, sole defender, and invincible champion of the Apostolic Confession. He reposed in 1443. His Feast day is celebrated on January 19th, and is the patron Saint of Fr. Mark.

I do firmly RESOLVE
Its that time of year again when we leave behind the failures, disappointments, and pain of the last year and enter a new beginning of renewal and commitment. The New Year is often marked by the promise and hope for change...positive change on the global, national, and personal levels. Accompanying this anticipation and desire for transformation is a phenomenon known as resolve, or traditionally referred to as the New Years Resolution. Im often asked, and Im sure Im not the only one, whats your New Years resolution, Father? To which I would normally respond, rarely do I willingly set myself up for abject failure! An odd response, indeed. Allow me to explain. A 2009 study showed that 78% of those making resolutions for the New Year fail to realize them primarily because of their impulsive and fleeting nature. Case in point, I made it to the gym for a workout on Jan. 1st and the place was teeming with people I had never previously seen...I guarantee you, by the end of the month a majority of them will have disappeared. I have always believed resolutions were dangerous, immature, clich-ish, and superfluous. I WAS WRONG! Shocking...isn't it? A rather obscure and unknown Saint (to many, I should qualify) by the name of St. Peter of Damascus (largest contributor to the spiritual classic, The Philokalia) instructs us as follows regarding resolutions, If
you want to do something good, do it; and if you cannot do it, then resolve to do it, and you will have achieved the resolution even if you do not fulfill the action itself. Thus a habit, whether good or bad, can gradually and spontaneously be overcome. If this

Box N Spoon Issue 13 Jan. 2012

were not the case, no criminals would ever be saved, whereas in fact not only have they been saved, but many have become conspicuous for their excellence. Think what a great gulf separates the criminal from the saint; yet resolution finally overcame habit.. This

tidbit of patristic insight has left an ineffaceable impression upon me as I begin the New Year. For me personally it reveals both the impetus for spiritual struggle (ascesis) and a sober approach to it. Through an enduring and committed life in Christ the human reality, however disfigured and debased, can be eventually transformed into godliness, purity, and brilliant light. It is my fervent prayer that we usher in 2012 with positive action for spiritual change, and if not action, at the very least the firm resolve to be able to take the first steps in that direction. A blessed New Year to you and yours...
c ons ulting

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

holyanargyroi@gmail.com

Martha Voytovich Market place

Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Larissa Osfeld Children Area

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

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have the unshakable hope, ever vigilant in intercession and protection. John Neither the grave nor death could contain the Theotokos, illumined all the world... The Three Hierarchs: Basil, Gregory,

Receive, O Lord, thethou didst not forsake preached God, the pinnacle of Teachers... of The All Holy Theotokos -Hierarchs, Kontakion ...In thy dormition, Sacred Heralds who the world, O Theotokos. The Dormition Synaxis of The Three August 15th, 2011

Liturgical and Organizational Calendar

January 2012
Thursday Friday Saturday Monday Sunday Monday Wednesday Thursday Jan. 5th Jan. 6th Jan. 7th Jan. 9th Jan. 15th Jan. 16th Jan. 18th Jan. 19th **No Vespers Service the month of January** Royal Hours/Vesperal Liturgy/Blessing of the Waters **Strict Fast day** Holy Theophany Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Great Blessing of the Waters (Fast Free) Parish Ethnic Potluck @ Fellowship Hall JOY/GOYA Faith Night: Holy Theophany @ Jerghiuta home Building Committee Meeting @ Church GOYA Snow Outing (weather permitting!) Philoxenia Meeting Parish Council Meeting St. Mark of Ephesus: Defender & Pillar of Orthodoxy Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Artoclasia St. Philothei Project Three Hierarchs: St. Basil/St. John Chrysostom/St. Gregory Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:30am 8:30am 7pm 6pm 7pm after Liturgy 5pm 7pm 8:30am 6pm 8:30am

Philoptochos Society
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, On January 1st, our Philoptochos Society passed a second tray after liturgy for the National Philoptochos Annual Vasilopita Appeal for Saint Basil Academy. Here is a brief history of the Academy and the Philoptochos Societys involvement derived from the Saint Basil Academy website (www.saintbasilacademy): Saint Basil Academy is the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home for children in need. It was founded in 1944 by Archbishop Athenagoras, of Blessed Memory. It is named after Saint Basil, who was the founder of many orphanages, hospitals and homes for the elderly in 4th century Ceasarea in Asia Minor. The National Philoptochos has responded to the needs of the Academy and its resident children for over 60 years, with support of the operating budget through the Annual Vasilopita Appeal and the Sisterhood of Saint Basil for Special Needs. Thank you on behalf of our Philoptochos Society, the faculty, staff and children of Saint Basil Academy for your donation. I would like to thank our Holy Anargyroi Parish for their donations in the two fall second trays that we passed after Liturgy. Thank you for your donations of $450 for Hellenic College Holy Cross School of Theology and $496 for His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Your donations are greatly appreciated. Our Holiday Bake Sale was a big success with proceeds of $1,500!! This is more than double from the $626 we raised last year. We found that seeking outside orders and placing our bake sale order form in the church bulletin and Box and Spoon helped bring in more orders. A big thank you goes to the bake sale coordinator, Penny Kolas, for all her hard work in organizing a successful bake sale. Thank you Penny! A special thank you goes to the women, that not only baked, but also donated their ingredients and because of this loving gesture; EVERY penny we raised goes directly to helping others in need. Thank you to the bakers: Penny Kolas, Maria Thomas, Ann Kolas, Denise Mangouras and Gina Kolas. Also thank you to the ladies that came in to help pack the orders: Penny, Ann and Gina Kolas, Chamaidi Belanger and Terri Mettler. An additional thank you goes to all the parishioners who ordered and encouraged their family, friends, neighbors and coworkers to order. Many of my girlfriends told me this about their orders: My husband is going to be so happy (to have Greek pastries)!! As a good hearted gesture to those men; we will offer a Happy Husband Platter next year! Currently, our members are preparing for the Spring Fashion Show, which will be held on April 29 th at the Barlow Plaza Event Center. Tentatively, the Fashion Show is called: High Tea and Champagne Fashion Show. In order for this event to be successful; we will need to find sponsors, sell tickets and encourage attendance. We appreciate any help parishioners can do to bring this fundraising dream to fruition. Tha nk you. In light of the New Year 2012, as we prayerfully reflect on our lives; let us hold in our hearts what Jesus calls to us in Matthew 22:37 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Calli Kelly Philoptochos President

Monday

Jan. 30th

Update on the Burn the Mortgage Drive

Dear Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church Parish Member or Friend of the Church, We have come an incredible distance from where we started. Our goal is to pay off the existing loan on the church in three years. Please help us by giving to the church a sacrificial gift. We have $615,000 left on the loan balance as of December of 2011, and it is our goal to completely pay off this debt prior to initiating other projects. As of December 13, 2011 we have eight families who have turned in their pledge cards and committed to $69,400 total for the next three years. Eight families committed to an average of almost $8,675 per family! That is wonderful, but only eight families committed? Where are the other ninety plus? Please help us pay this mortgage off an get out from under this debt.

SAVE THE DATE! PARISH ETHNIC POTLUCK

January 7th, 7 PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

This will be a THREE year pledge starting January 1, 2012, and ending December 31, 2014. Please have your pledge commitment submitted by no later than January 31, 2012.

Detach Pledge Card Below

Name:_____________________________________________Phone:_____________________________ Total Amount Pledged: To be given in: ___ ___ ___ ___ Monthly donation of: Quarterly donation of: One time donation of: _$__________________ _$__________________ _$__________________ ___ Automatic Withdrawal Requested _$________________________
Celebrate our unique, multicultural parish family by sharing a favorite dish from your heritage. Invite your friends and family and prepare for a gastronomical treat!!

Stewardship
We would like to thank you for your 2012 Stewardship pledge of treasure, time, and talent. We are excited for the future, and honored to be growing our community together with you.
Jan - Nov 2012 Actual Total Income Total Expenses Net Income $228,925.03 $220,191.75 $8,733.28 Jan - Nov 2010 Actual $215,998.03 $217,479.31 - $1,481 2011 vs 2010 Difference $12,927.00 $2,712.44 $10,214.56 Jan - Nov 2011 Budget $260,190.00 $223,598.00 - $17,408.00 Actual vs. Budget Difference $22,735.03 - $3,406.25 $26,141.28

Annual donation of: _$__________________

___ I would like to sit down with a member of the building committee or Father Mark to discuss a pledge to this program. Please call me before January 31, 2012.

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all the world...

The Three Hierarchs: Basil, Gregory, John

Receive, O Lord, the Sacred Heralds who preached God, the pinnacle of Teachers...

Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs, Kontakion

On Sunday, December 18th, our Church School children offered a Christmas Program to the parish after Liturgy. The Nativity story was re-enacted by enthusiastic shepherds, angels, magi, and a variety of animals who found their way to the cave that sheltered the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child. Many Thanks to Connie Jelatis-Hoke for another touching Christmas program!

Philoxenia House News

To all the parishioners and friends of the Philoxenia House Our best wishes for a blessed 2012! The Philoxenia House Committee 2011 has been a very good year! We are thankful to God for the wonderful gifts He has given us and to Holy Anargyroi. To old friends who have continued to support us throughout this year, and to new friends who have been very generous and kind to our Ministry. Over 1,000 Philoxenia House Newsletters were sent out in January and November to Philoptochos Societies, Ahepa and Daughters of Penelope, Churches, individuals, organizations and foundations. Their positive responses and encouragement left us in awe and touched our hearts. The Philoxenia House had some major expenses this year. The roof in the White House was re shingled and a new washing machine was needed when found to be beyond repair. A new water heater at St. Iakovos House was installed when it burst flooding the basement. Through the generosity of our supporters we were able to pay our normal and unforeseen expenses, and to save enough money to demolish the uninhabitable house in the near future and prepare the lot for our planned the future Philoxenia Village. Refinancing of the mortgages has been the most encouraging news of the year. We are now in the position to reduce our monthly costs and pay more money toward the principal of our mortgage loan. We are very grateful to the Eisenberg Foundation for awarding us a grant again this year, and for encouraging us to continue to provide a much needed service to our community. The Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos Society and the National Ladies Philoptochos in New York for their generosity and love. Mr. and Mrs. Anagnos of Illinois have made a very generous contribution to the Philoxenia House. The Holy Apostles Goya held the 5K run which has become such a wonderful event. Every year the whole church community finds satisfaction, joy and love in participating for such a worthy cause. We are grateful to all our contributors regardless of the amount. Their love and kindness is making this mission possible. We are grateful to our Philoxenia House guests who, regardless their pain and suffering, have send us such supportive letters and beautiful gifts to use in the house. Thank you to all the parishioners for their love and generosity in making the Albanian family's stay here a little less painful and worrisome. Katerina, the daughter, could not find words to express her feelings of appreciation for such an outpouring of love and kindness. George and Nomiki Kritikos have sent a generous donation to Philoxenia House. In addition, they wish to offer a luncheon in memory of their beloved son Antonis as token of appreciation for the support and love they received while their son was a guest at the Philoxenia House.

George and Nomiki Kritikos Luncheon

Date: January 15, 2012 Place: Holy Anargyroi Fellowship Hall. Everyone in our parish is invited

The Work of Patience and Humility

Often, when we are overtaken with boredom regarding our spiritual practices, we will also find we are easily overtaken with despair when confronted with events that do not go as we desire. This is an indication of our spiritual immaturity. We need both patience and humility because they are important works in our spiritual life. Saint Seraphim says, A lofty and sound soul does not despair over misfortunes, of whatever sort they may be. Our life is as it were a house of temptations and trials; but we will not renounce the Lord for as long as He allows the tester to remain with us and for as long as we must wait to be revived through patience and secure passionlessness! All the trials of this life are opportunities for our spiritual growth. Even the most difficult situation provides a chance to demonstrate our love and gratitude for all God's works. This is how we learn to practice patience. Saint Seraphim tells us, One should always endure any trial for the sake of God with gratitude. Our life is a single minute in comparison with eternity. Saint Paul says, The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom 8:18).

We send you warm greetings of this Nativity season and our wishes for many blessings in the New Year! Youth Team Coordinators, Loredana Jerghiuta, Halina Woroncow and Trevor Hamlen

Saint James says, M " y brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."(James 1:2-4 NKJV Humility goes with patience. It is about our willingness to accept whatever comes our way, instead of holding on to the notion that the life of this world should operate by our own ideas or standards. When we are demeaned by others challenging our personal honor we should make an effort to forgive them. We should consider that we are unworthy of this honor we think we possess. It is our work to learn to humble ourselves always. Reference: Little Russian Philokalia, Vol 1, pp 34 - 37

The three most great luminaries of the Three-Sun Divinity have illumined all the world...

The Three Hierarchs: Basil, Gregory, John

Receive, O Lord, the Sacred Heralds who preached God, the pinnacle of Teachers...

Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs, Kontakion

Youth Team Report

Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Our youth enjoyed a busy, fruitful month. We sent off our annual Christmas package to the boys as St. Innocent Orphanage. Shirts of many colors, soccer equipment, remote-controlled cars, Nerf guns were received by 30 boys thankful to find themselves in the loving, Christ-centered home of Project Mexico. We look forward to meeting the new additions to the orphanage when GOYA volunteers there, again, in 2013. GOYA enjoyed its monthly Faith Night with Father Mark, this month centered on the Nativity.

After the hospital visit we went to Shorewood Senior Center seniors were so grateful that young people can think of them during a busy holiday season. Of course, the joy is all ours in sharing this experience.

We considered some hymns of the season, and explored the practice of exchanging gifts at Christmas, reflecting upon the significance of the gift of the Savior, the gift of the angels appearance to announce Christs birth, and the gifts of the magi. On Thursday, December 15th, GOYAns gathered to help make a weeks worth of meals for the womens shelter, participating in the St. Philothei Project.

Many hands diced.. .grilled. .sliced. and stirred The GOYAns worked really hard to produce several, delicious dishes for the shelter. Thanks to all who were able to attend. December is not complete without our annual Christmas caroling gathering. On Saturday, December 17 th, we had 26 singers in attendance, spanning all age ranges! We first went to Saint Marys Hospital where we had a route to follow on multiple floors and areas, including Pediatrics and ICU. It is always so heartwarming to see the appreciation in the eyes of the hospitalized patients who are happy to sing along to break up a long day, their families who look for hope in the verses we sing,

The carolers met for pizza and a gift exchange afterwards. A great day was had by all.