the news from saint nektarios - St. Nektarios

Writings Of
Saint Nektarios
Of Aegina
“Selected Passages From The
Writings Of Orthodox Saints”
Discovering
God
Compiled by
Father Demetrios Serfes
t is evident that unbelief is I an evil offspring of an evil
heart; for the guileless and
pure heart everywhere
discovers God, everywhere
discerns Him, and always
unhesitatingly believes in His
existence. When the man of
pure heart looks at the World
of Nature, that is, at the sky,
the earth, and the sea and at
all things in them, and
observes the systems
constituting them, the infinite
multitude of stars of heaven,
the innumerable multitudes of
birds and quadrupeds and
every kind of animal of the
earth, the variety of plants on
it, the abundance of fish in
the sea, he is immediately
amazed and exclaims with
the Prophet David: "How
great are Thy works, O Lord!
In wisdom Thou made them
all." Such a man, impelled by
his pure heart, discovers God
also in the World of Grace of
the Church, from which the
evil man is far removed. The
man of pure heart believes in
the Church, admires her
spiritual system, discovers
God in the Mysteria, in the
heights of the theology, in the
light of the Divine revelations,
in the truths of the teachings,
in the commandments of the
Law, in the achievements of
the Saints, in the very good
deed, in every perfect gift,
and in general in the whole of
the creation. Justly then did
the Lord say in His Beatitudes
of those possessing purity of
the heart: "Blessed are the
pure in heart, for they shall
see God." �
T H E N E W S F RO M
SAINT NEKTARIOS
VOLUME 15, ISSUE 10
T HE P R I N C E OF P E A C E -- K I N G OF W AR
A MESSAGE FROM FR. STEVE
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on
him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes
war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He
£ had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a
robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies
in heaven, clothed in £ fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
15 Now out of His mouth goes a £ sharp sword, that with it He should strike the
nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the
winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His
robe and on His thigh a name written:
„KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.‟”
(Revelation 19:11-16)
hen our Lord became W incarnate at His
Nativity, we called Him the
“Prince of Peace.” It seems
strange that in the above
passage at His second coming,
He is shown as a King entering
battle. Why would the Prince of
Peace become a King of War?
The simple answer is that: He is
the King of Kings and the Lord
of Lord’s. He is the supreme
ruler of all things, all nations, all
powers and all principalities. He
brings peace to all. But…, peace
can never be realized unless all
parties desire it. If the kingdoms
of this world are offered peace
and they respond with war, then
the only way to attain peace is
by defeating them first in war.
So we see that it is not
contradictory for the King of
Peace having to go to war in
order to attain peace. This is the
only way against those that hate
peace and desire war.
At His first coming Jesus
brought peace and was treated
with violence. He did not resist
this violence but allowed Himself
to be subject to it. When He
comes again, though, this will
not be the case. For those who
desire violence, He will destroy
violently, not because this is
what He desires but rather what
they desire. He has given all of
us the freewill to choose peace
or violence. To the peaceful He
will bring peace and to the
violent he will bring violence, all
according to what we choose.
“As Christians. . .
should we always be
peaceful or should we
react violently against
violence? “
The question that can now be
asked is: how should we react
as Christians? Should we
always be peaceful or should we
react violently against violence?
The answer is simple, we simply
follow Christ. We follow Him in
pacifisms and we follow Him into
battle. The key word here is
“follow.” Jesus Christ is our
leader and example. For right
now His example to us has been
that of leading virtuous lives
OCTOBER 9, 2011
avoiding conflict and enduring
persecution in a spirit of humility
and love. The time for all out
war has not yet come, but rest
assured that it is coming. At that
time, if it is God’s will, we will
follow Him into battle against the
persecutors of the peaceful.
Until then we must remain
peaceful in our resistance of
those that are violent towards
us.
Remember, the war against
violence cannot be won until it is
declared by Jesus Christ
Himself. Until His second
coming, any efforts we make to
respond to violence, with
violence, will not, and cannot be
successful. So until that day we
must resist violence and
persecution with love and
patients. Always knowing that a
servant can never be greater
that his Master. Our Lord
suffered, and we, His followers,
will also suffer at the hands of
violent men, and patiently await
the day of our Lord’s judgment
when all His followers will be
justified, and all His enemies will
be defeated. �

Prayer
From A Table Prayer Guide
published by Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese, The Center for Family
Care. Available through
familycare@goarch.org.
“Lord Jesus Christ, my God,
You have said, “Apart from
Me, You can do nothing.” In
faith I embrace Your words,
Lord, and I entreat Your
goodness. Help me to carry
out the work I am about to
begin, and to bring it to
completion. To You I give
glory, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. Amen”
“Always allow time to bring
your personal concerns and
requests to the Lord. Let
each person in the family
share in this by using
petitions such as:
“Let us pray for” (specific
people and situations)
“Let us thank God for . . . “
“Let us ask God’s forgiveness
for . . .”
Rev. Fr. Anthony Coniaris,
Editor
My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book
Focus on our Community
Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support
2
IN OUR PRAYERS
George Anton Helen Antone Helen Argeros Sandy Brewer Paraskevi Chrisoula
Frank Cockinos Gary Coykendall Maria Crum Archie Defterios Bessie Demas
Mary Lou Elliott Shannon Elliott Ted Gillis Jacqueline Hill Xenny Koinis
Dave Maloney Peter Mannering Kosta Mariotis George Mentavlos Joy Millsaps
Billy Morgan Charlotte Nickolopoulos Christina Nixon Vivian Pann
Barry Dale Price Jr. Cynthia Roos Jane Savage Frances Stamas James Tyree
Irene Vallone Teziah Williams
AND FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
Helene Carras Kosta and Ashley Mariotis
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
To Very Reverend Fr. Grigorios Tatsis on his assignment as Protopresbyter of
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Orleans
To Steve & Christina Bisbikis on the birth and 40 day blessing of Pav’s brother,
Toley Alexander and mom
To Denise & Milton Polemides on the baptism of Yianni’s brother, Nicholas Nektarios
To Olya & Joseph Carlin on the baptism of their son, Kai
To Jill & Andreas Arethas on the baptism of their daughter, Anastasia
To Elkie & Daniel Danieley on the baptism of Demetri’s sister, Penelope
To Jonathan Zared Tabaka on his baptism
To Jeanne & Matt Drexler on the 40 day blessing of Hudson’s sister, Sohayla and mom
To Soula & Sandeep Kalsi on the 40 day blessing of Eleni and mom
To Daniella & Simeon Yilmaz on the 40 day blessing of Valentina Emilia
To Dash & Adriana Babani on the 40 day blessing of Athan’s sister, Elsa Natasha
To Stacey & Derek Rothaupt on the birth of their daughter, Aliana Grace
WITH SYMPATHY
To the family George Karagounis on his passing.
IN APPRECIATION
Charlotte Nickolopoulos thanks everyone for all the cards, prayers,
and best wishes for her recovery
TO DIANE GILBERT AND COPYCAT FOR PRINTING THE CHURCH BULLETIN AND NEWSLETTER
Please contact the church office with information we may share with the
community or to add someone to the prayer list.
Also please contact the office when someone is in need of a clergy visit.
Excerpts from our Church Etiquette Brochure
CANDLES
e light candles as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayers.
W Votive candles may be placed in front of the Iconostasion (Icon screen) by you at the
direction of an usher or by the ushers upon your request. After the Lord’s Prayer, votive candles
will be held in the narthex until the end of the service at which time they will be relocated to the
Iconostasion.
Copies are available at church. �

D r. Anton Vrame, Director of
Department of Religious
Education of the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America and author
of The Educating Icon, visited St.
Nektarios for three days
from Sept. 23rd - 25th. On
Friday evening, he spoke
at our first Speaker’s
Series (“Strictly
Speaking”) event for the
new ecclesiastical year,
on the topic of “Will Our
Children Have Faith?”
all has truly arrived!!! As you all know, October is breast cancer
F awareness month. Many of you joined me for the Komen for the Cure
walk in uptown Charlotte. Our team - Keep it Moving - had approximately 25
participate in the 3.1 mile walk. Several of you could not attend but
sponsored our team. Thank you for your support!!! It was a very inspirational
day. We saw all ages represented, all affected by this disease in one way or
another. Many were survivors, others were newly diagnosed. Some were
there to remember those lost to the disease....It was a beautiful event. I hope
3
Adult religious education
Special Speaker -- Dr. Anthony Vrame
In an inspiring presentation, Dr. Vrame
addressed the challenges of the
relevancy of faith and beliefs in these
modern times of social options, blended
religious families, and constant media
exposure. He used the metaphor of
how non-rational allegiance to one’s
favorite sports team (the Chicago Cubs
in his case) is an example of how
connectivity to one’s emotional beliefs
works. He pointed out the importance
of creating an environment in which we
can foster similar emotional
connections for our core Orthodox
beliefs and identity, beginning with our
relationships and activities in the
home. As is our
custom, we held a
special reception
following the
presentation.
We extend our
appreciation to all
who came out to
hear Dr. Vrame and to all the committee
members who made this evening very
enlightening.
His workshop on Saturday with the
educators and catechism teachers in our
parish explored ways to cultivate how and
shared teaching methods to deepen that
emotional connection. On Sunday, Dr.
Vrame addressed the congregation
regarding this topic as part of the homily.
For highlights on Dr. Vrame’s workshop
with our teachers, please see the Youth
pages(8-9)�
OCTOBER: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
to do it again next year......
OUR TEAM
My cousin Vivian's son, Elias, walks in
memory of his mom....
If you are over 40, do your annual mammograms and monthly
breast exams...Under 40, do those monthly exams and see your
health care provider for a clinical exam once a year. Get to know
your normal...if you find something that is questionable, get it
checked out. It could save your life!!!!! Remember, 1 in 8 women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. There are
approximately 2.5 million SURVIVORS in the USA....Early
detection is key....Get your mammograms and do those
monthly exams.....
Many of you have approached me about my journey and
experience with this disease. Please know that I am always
willing to talk to anyone about my experience...I will talk about
ANYTHING...no question is too stupid or too personal. I am
always available to answer whatever I can and share what I have
learned....So, please, contact me anytime.
Alex Tatsis
For more information,
be sure to attend the next Philoptochos
meeting (10-19-11 Wed.) where Alex
will be speaking.

Life & family ministry
Community Fun Night
ur community fun Night on Sept. 25 was a HUGE success!!
O Although it rained, about 210 people attended and we made
our own sunshine inside. The kids and there parents enjoyed
games, dancing, and watching Father Kevin attempt the hula hoop.
At the end of the night God blessed us with a beautiful rainbow
stretching across the sky. Come and be part of the fellowship at
future programs and events.
4
Deidre

WORKING IN HIS VINEYARD: MISSIONS AND PHILANTHROPY MINISTRY
“ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:26
Tim Klund and Phyllis Gianakopoulos hard at work for Samaritan’s Feet
Young Adult Ministry
s I packed for Charleston, there were a few things I wished for
A the trip: I wanted to make an impact in the greater-Charleston
community; I wanted to get the chance to make new friends and
strengthen friendships; and I hoped that the temperature and humidity
would be lower than last year in New Orleans.
On Friday, September 23, seven members of the Young Adult Ministry
traveled to Charleston, SC to volunteer our time with Sea Island
Habitat for Humanity. Friday night we joined our friend Christine
Sarmatzis, from Boston- who we met in New Orleans, two of her
friends who traveled to Charleston for the project, and various
members of the Young Adult League of the Church of the Holy Trinity
in Charleston for dinner. We had a great time catching up with
Christine, introducing our Northern friends to Lowcountry cuisine, and
getting to know the people we would work alongside the next day.
Early Saturday we drove to West Ashley where the jobsites were located. The team of 20
-25 was split between two sites to help with pre-build activities. Tasks included
landscaping, layout and placement of insulated concrete forms, and construction of wood
frame components. The weather shifted from cloudy to sunny to rainy and back again
over the course of the day- only raining during lunch and when we departed from the site.
I had a great time getting to know members of the Charleston community throughout the
day and had a tremendous sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when I saw all
the frames we constructed and the layout for one foundation nearly complete.
Saturday night we enjoyed more fellowship over dinner where a puffer fish fell from the
sky (you’ll have to ask about that!). We attended Divine Liturgy Sunday morning at the
Church of the Holy Trinity and had a farewell brunch on Johns Island.
While my wish for cool weather and low humidity didn’t quite come true, we had a
weekend filled with service and fellowship and
made memories that will last a lifetime.
Participants: Andrew Bahanovich, Ben Dresser,
Sarah Hazlehurst, Crystal Isaac, Elizabeth Kleto,
Tommy Kleto, Peter Maxwell.
-Elizabeth Kleto
5
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY –
CHARLESTON STYLE

TEST YOUR FUND IQ
TRUE OR FALSE
1. THE OPERATING FUND CONSISTS OF
offerings received through stewardship
pledges, candle donations, weekly
offertory/trays, general donations, and
special holiday appeals to support the
operations of the parish. This fund covers
the costs we incur for liturgical services,
salaries, utilities, youth programs, religious
education, and general administrative
expenses. (True)
2. THE MORTGAGE OF THE CHURCH is paid
out of the Operating Fund. (False -- It is paid
out of the Building Fund and from the Capital
Campaign offerings made to it.)
3. BUILDING FUND consists of donations
made to support the building and property
development of the parish. Sources of
donations include Capital Campaign
Pledges, special fundraisers to support the
fund, memorial donations, and general
donations earmarked for the fund. These
funds pay for the capitalized improvements
and development of the property as well as
the interest and principal payments of our
mortgage. (True)
Stewardship as of 10-10-11
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
Stewardship
Budget
Stewardship
Pledged
Financial matters
$220,398
Gap
$592,900 $520,236 $372,502
Stewardship
Rec'd
T
What does Holy Scripture say
about Debt?
Fr. Anthony Scott
o a world, a country, a government and a culture apparently addicted to living on credit
cards, second mortgages and deficit spending, Holy Scripture actually offers sage and
highly relevant counsel. How soon we forget that the answers to all the important questions
and dilemmas of life are to be found in counsel with the Lord. The solution is always spiritual.
Consider this choice passage:
“The borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Whew, right between the eyes. Scripture is not always pleasant to read. Sometimes it’s
downright uncomfortable. Here’s another one that is just as blunt:
“Pay to all what is owed them.” (Romans 13:7)
St. Nektarios is carrying a debt – to the tune of $17,000 per month in interest expense. It’s
the mortgage that was incurred on the beautiful new sanctuary where we worship God
together as a parish family. The parish chose wisely when they built an authentic Byzantine
masterpiece, one that would accommodate a vibrant, growing parish and one that would
appropriately honor God. Yet the task is not yet completed.
Perhaps as a community, we should feel some embarrassment or emotional discomfort
that our beautiful Byzantine sanctuary bears the burden of debt. When the ancient Israelites
built the first temple it was accomplished through the free will offerings of the faithful.
Apparently, no debt was incurred. Is it not true that Our Lord has paid all of our debts
through the perfect offering of Himself to the Father? “And He Himself is the acceptable
sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for those of the whole world.” (I John 2:22) Is
it not incumbent upon us to respond to this precious and saving offering of Our Lord with
humble thanks and faithful obedience in return?
The present debt on the mortgage is approximately $3.4 million. Subtracting outstanding
pledges but including ongoing interest charges, there is a $2.7 million gulf between
anticipated income and retiring the mortgage. By the grace of God, thus far we have
received $927,103 in new pledges from 29 families. Not bad – especially in this economy.
Yet there are another 700 families on the parish mailing list – approximately 500 of these are
stewardship families.
Therefore, retiring this debt is the first objective
in the present capital campaign.
Beyond the mortgage there is the New Ministries Building, sometimes unfortunately and
inaccurately described as “the gym.” It’s a disservice to a building dedicated to ministries – to
serving God and others. It’s true that within the building there will be space for athletic
activities, but that very same space will also accommodate larger gatherings for an evergrowing
parish, such as banquets, lectures, retreats, a shelter for neighbors should
inclement weather threaten and other community service projects such as health and jobs
fairs. Aside from the large meeting/athletic space, there will be a library, dedicated bookstore
space, classrooms, meeting rooms, storage and increased office space – all dedicated to
ministry.
On a personal note, it has been a joy and a privilege to assist with the development of the
parish. I have pledged to Fr. Steve and to the Parish Council that I and members of the
Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Jim Thomas, will personally contact every
household regarding participating in this project. It’s a privilege to give back to God a
meaningful portion of all the countless blessings we have received from Him. And perhaps
it’s also a duty to retire the debt that weighs upon the sanctuary and constrains our shared
ministry as a parish.
When contacted, please be open to a conversation or a meeting
regarding the project. Every gift will be received with gratitude for
the Lord and the Lord alone knows which gifts are truly sacrificial.
May we together light this candle before the icon of the Lord?
Feel free to contact Fr. Anthony personally if you and your family
are ready to join in this holy effort: Cell (347) 831-1848 Email:
frscottsa@gmail.com
6

Community Luncheon and Newcomer’s Sunday
ver 25 new families were invited by the
O Welcome Team to our Community
Luncheon on October 2. Many who attended
joined the community for a delicious,
complimentary lunch prepared by Pete
Douglas, Ron Wheatley and their crew and
supported by the Hospitality Team. The
newcomers sat with Welcome Team members
and were visited by the Parish Council and
clergy so they could become more familiar with
parish life at St. Nektarios.
All parishioners, new and old, wore nametags so
we could remember and “re-remember” each
other’s name. Fortunately, there will be no test.
The next Welcome Sunday is scheduled for
March 2012.
Theodora Sexstone
Kim & Goran Stojkovich
Sasha and Luka
Theodora Sexstone
and Dee Drobonick
Olesya Golanek
& Jonathan Tabaka
Marina & Volodymir Nagorny and
Kristina
7
The Joyner family
Tory Moss
Tanya & Nick Diamontopoulos
and Mary Demakos
Olesya Golanek, Jonathan Tabaka, Dimetry Loren, Andrew Poulos,
Konstantina & David Oara, Charlie & Heidi Emmanuel visiting over lunch.
Amanda Johnson

Young at heart FOR OUR 55 AND OLDER SET
Y oung at Heart launched their fall session
on September 8th with a wonderful
spaghetti dinner. Thank you to Georgia
Pouler, Steve & Kathy Constantelos, John &
Tina Peroulas, Ted & Madeleine Solomon, Don
& Sylvia Belk, Connie Bellios, John Bellios,
Aphroula Anderson, Pete & Anna Kanelos,
Tony & Morphia Bouboulis, Christala & Costas
Paraskeva for being such gracious hosts.
Speed and agility clinic
The Speed and Agility Clinic was held here by George Marouy who did an excellent job with the
kids. At the end they had a tug of war against George and Dean. The kids were winning until
Angeline Tekin joined George & Dean’s team and brought the win. GIRL POWER!
8
The group surprised Fr. Steve with a cake and
gift in honor of his feast day on Sept. 14th. He
received two pieces of luggage which he’ll be
able to use in his upcoming trip to Mt. Athos in
November. He was quick to point out to
Presbytera Maria that this is HIS luggage.
After a short business meeting and
announcements, the group had fun playing
BINGO. And were there lots of prizes to win!
A reminder goes out to everyone to make their
reservations for the annual
Christmas Dinner which
will take place at the
church on Dec. 8th at
6:00. Contact Steve
Flaherty with your meal
option and payment. �

Greek Language School
nce again, the cheerful voices of our
O children of all ages made the quiet
hallways come alive with joy.
Enthusiastically, all the teachers, students,
parents, and grandparents, participated at
the Ayiasmo service on Tuesday September
20, for the commencement of the St.
Nektarios Afternoon Greek Language
School, and the Play & Learn program.
Ever supportive Fr. Steve blessed the water, and with Fr. Seraphim
chanting "Σώσον Κύριε τον λαόν Σου...” everyone present felt the
blessings and presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Following, the Ayiasmo service, students and teachers went to
their classrooms to begin this year’s lessons.
The classes for Greek Language begin at 4:30 p.m. every
Tuesday afternoon and end at 6:15 p.m. The Play & Learn group
meets every Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The curriculum
includes the study of the Greek language, regional customs of
Greece, geography, religion, and Greek dancing.
I would like to welcome
back our returning
students, as well as our
new students, and wish
everyone a successful
school year.
9
Vivian Pitsikoulis

Of course there was food
and fellowship!
The Youth Advisory Board
10
Dr. Vrame
Informing, Forming
& Transforming
More than 20 members of our YOUTH
CATECHISM MINISTRY met for most of
one Saturday to hear from Dr. Antone
Vrame on the topic of youth catechism.
We discussed the sacramental nature of
catechism, the importance of not merely
teaching about God, but to offer the experience
of God in the time, place and
presence and communion of Catechism.
Youth Director Elaine Miller spent three days at the Metropolis meeting with other youth directors at a
conference led by Metropolis Youth Coordinator, Presbytera Mari Mars. We discussed: the meaning of
holiness for our children, how to find and keep
committed volunteers, having a clear vision of the goals
of youth programming, being relevant, the over
scheduled child, youth budgeting, and the challenges
of “family night.” His Eminence joined us to offer his
inspiration and insight and share his dreams for our
children. It was an edifying conference.

11
PARENTS—For safety reasons, NO drop-off
or pick up at the lower entrance.
Only behind the sanctuary on upper level.
OCTOBER 2—We had a great time at our first session of O-Life with 17 attending,
from 12th grader Whitney Maloney down to newcomer 6th grader Anna
Tefakis. With 10 girls and 7 boys, it was a diverse and very active group. We
even had a friend from St. Luke – 7th grader Holly Arnold – join us! After a prayer for the coming week, we sat in a circle for our ice breaker, sharing
our “earliest memories.” We had some great stories: drinking Windex, riding bikes into mailboxes, Halloween braids and running through the airport
eluding Yiayia, plus much more. We divided into groups with each group picking one memory from their group to dramatize. After we watched these
excellent presentations (LOL!), we talked about intentional actions, unintentional actions and the consequences of each. As usual, we ended with
FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP. Over the next few weeks we will continue our conversations about living our lives intentionally, choosing the right path to
become the people God calls us to be. Which, let’s hope, does not include drinking Windex!!!
OCTOBER 9—After our prayer for the coming week, we did individual surveys – “When I was a child…”
– trying to remember some details about our families and our earliest years. Then we played “Who
Matches Me?” trying to find as many matches as possible. “Who else had a grandfather named Harry?”
“I did!” “No way!” “Anyone on a swim team?” “Me! Were you too?” “Who loved RUG RATS? Anyone?
Anyone?” Some people had lots of matches – 12 out of 24 was the highest.
Next we talked about the things on our list which we actually got to choose ourselves: first friends, first
sports, television shows SOMETIMES. And those things we had little choice in but would probably choose
anyway: grandparents, parents, where we live and go to school.
Finally, we reflected privately on those things we choose to do to draw closer to God and made a note, for the Private Journals we began
tonight, of the thing we would try to do this coming week to draw closer to God. As always, we ended with food and fellowship.

DEMETRIOS THE MYRRHBEARER
& GREAT MARTYR OF
THESSALONIKI
OCTOBER 26
aint Dimitrios was a S Thessalonian, a most pious
son of pious and noble parents,
and a teacher of the Faith of
Christ. When Maximian first came
to Thessalonica in 290, he raised
the Saint to the rank of Duke of Thessaly. But when
it was discovered that the Saint was a Christian, he
was arrested and kept bound in a bath-house.
While the games were under way in the city,
Maximian was a spectator there. A certain friend of
his, a barbarian who was a notable wrestler, Lyaeus
by name, waxing haughty because of the height and
strength of his body, boasted in the stadium and
challenged the citizens to a contest with him. All
that fought with him were defeated. Seeing this, a
certain youth named Nestor, acquaintance of
Dimitrios', came to the Saint in the bath-house and
asked his blessing to fight Lyaeus single-handed.
Receiving this blessing and sealing himself with the
sign of the precious Cross, he presented himself in
the stadium, and said, "O God of Dimitrios, help
me!" and straightway he engaged Lyaeus in combat
and smote him with a mortal blow to the heart,
leaving the former boaster lifeless upon the earth.
Maximian was sorely grieved over this, and when
he learned who was the cause of this defeat, he
commanded straightway and Dimitrios was pierced
with lances while he was yet in the bath-house, As
for Nestor, Maximian commanded that he be slain
with his own sword.
COSMAS & DAMIANOS THE HOLY
UNMERCENARIES & THEIR
MOTHER THEODOTA
NOVEMBER 1
hese Saints were from Asia
T (that is, Asia Minor). After the
death of their father, their Christloving
mother Theodota reared them
in piety and in all manner of virtue,
and had them instructed in every
science, especially that of medicine. This became
their vocation, and they went about healing every
illness and malady, bestowing healing freely on
both men and beasts alike; because of this, they
are called "Unmercenaries." And thus, having
completed the course of their life, they reposed in
peace.
http://www.goarch.org
DIRECTORY SUNDAYS AT
Church Office: 704-708-4669
Church Fax: 704-846-6094
Email: office@stnektarios.org
Website: www.stnektarios.org
5108 Kuykendall Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28270
Father Steve Dalber, Protopresbyter
Home: 704-708-4638
Cell Phone: 704-451-6524
Email: frdalber@stnektarios.org
Father Kevin Millsaps, Presbyter
Cell: 704-779-4973
Email: frmillsaps@stnketarios.org
Father Seraphim Dedes
Music Ministry
Phone: 704-719-3074
Email: frdedes@stnektarios.org
Father Stephanos Potter, Deacon
Father Paul Tsahakis, Deacon
Parish Council
President: John Lowen
Vice President: Kellie Karavokiros
Secretary: Stavroula Koutsoupias
Treasurer: John Tsefrikas
Ass’t Treasurer: Emile Khuri
Members: Andrew Asimos,
Steve Flaherty, Dennis Kokenes,
Deidre Lepkowski, Dan Medvid, and
Tommy Williams
Parish Administrator
Evelyn Klund
Administration Staff
Kim Clewell - Membership
Carol Jelush - Publications
Madalina Barladeanu - Bookkeeping
Director of Youth Property
Ministries Manager
Elaine Miller Dena Kondilis
Philoptochos Board
President: Bessie Vrettos
1st V P: Maria Wheatley
Rec. Secty: Renee Tsefrikas
Corr. Secty.: Thalia Fergione
Treasurer: Dee Drobonick
Ass’t Treas.: Charlotte Nickolopoulos
Board Members: Pitsa Karres, Evelyn
Klund, Ritsa Neary, Tina Tritel
Advisor - Cristi Carras
12
SAINT NEKTARIOS
Worship
Orthros: 8:15 a.m.
Divine Liturgy: 9:15 a.m.
Youth Catechism:
Following Holy Communion.
Fellowship Coffee:
Following the Divine Liturgy.
Prosfora
Please contact the church office or
Christie Asimos at 704-542-6729 if you
would like to provide Prosfora.
Coffee Hour
Please contact the church office or Mike
Neary at 704-845-6229 if you would like
to host or co-host a Coffee Hour on
Sunday. Your Stewardship pays for the
coffee hour refreshments provided by the
Hospitality Ministry Team.
Flowers
You may donate flowers in honor of a
family member’s feast day, in memory of
a loved one or friend, on the occasion of
a holiday, or simply as a gift to the
community of St. Nektarios. To donate
flower arrangements to be placed at the
Iconostasis or in the Narthex for Sunday
Services, please contact the church office
to reserve a Sunday.
Sacramental Wine
& Pure Olive Oil
You may make a financial gift to help
defray the cost of the sacramental wine
that is used for Holy Communion. Please
note on the memo line of your check or
on the envelope “Communion Wine”.
You may also donate a bottle or can of
pure olive oil which is then blessed at the
Shrine of St. Nektarios and is offered in
the anointing kits. Please feel free to
bring this with you to any of our services
and give to an usher on duty.
For additional information contact:
Kellie Karavokiros at 704-543-0208.
UPCOMING DEADLINE
Community Bulletin & Newsletter:
Information Due: November 1, 2011
Published: November 8, 2011
OUR MISSION:
St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church is dedicated to the continuation of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ’s ministry of salvation through the proclamation and
teaching of the Gospel; through Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit; and through loving service to God and to mankind.
OUR VISION:
The community will provide a loving, caring and welcoming environment where all
belong and grow in the faith through worship, service, witness,
and fellowship .