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Newsletter Articles |
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Beloved in Christ:
With the recent theatrical release of The Da Vinci Code, based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel as well as the unearthing of the Gospel of Judas, Christians and non-Christians alike are invited to explore non-Orthodox ways of viewing Christianity. In Brown’s case, through his use of so-called apocryphal facts to support his fictional story line, the intent is obviously to challenge the early Church dogmatic teaching on Jesus Christ. Brown’s anti-establishment viewpoint conveniently comes at a time of spiritual and moral crisis for the Roman Catholic Church, and this likely explains why many Christians are attracted to the elements of suspicion, cover-up, and marriage of Jesus that constitute the heart of the novel. In a similar vein, the ancient Gospel of Judas, based on so-called secret knowledge, may cause the believer to question what is true in the Gospels and the Christian faith.
Simply put, while the supposed intent of both works, ancient and modern, may be to enlighten Christians, the real result is confusion. Because of the potential for confusion of apocryphal New Testament writings, which purportedly forms the basis for Brown’s novel, as well as Gnostic works (in which this “Gospel” finds its roots), the early Church Fathers vigorously condemned them as heresy. St. Ignatius, a first century Bishop of Antioch in Syria, writes to the Church at Tralles in Asia, warning them of the dangers of embracing false teachers who were corrupting the minds of the early followers of Christ: “Flee, therefore, from these wicked offshoots that bear deadly fruit; if anyone even tastes it, he dies on the spot. These people are not of the Father’s planting.” It is the unity of the Church, St. Ignatius taught, which upholds the correct dogmas and keeps the members of the Body connected to Christ, Who is the Head.
Confusion is the condition of fallen man, brought about by God because of man’s arrogance at the Tower of Babel. With our Lord’s Incarnation in the flesh, God revealed Himself to the world, removing the veil caused by sin and spiritual blindness. Fifty days after the life-giving bodily Resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy Apostles received the Gift of the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire, freeing them – and through them, all subsequent believers – from the ancient confusion: “Once, when He descended and confounded the tongues, the Most High divided the nations; and when He divided the tongues of fire, He called all men into unity; and with one accord we glorify the All-holy Spirit” (Kontakion of Pentecost) On Pentecost Sunday, which this year falls on June 11, we celebrate our union with God in the Church, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Trinity is revealed to the world through the life of the Church, we have no reason to seek out popular novels, movies or even spurious ancient texts to know God. For that which is necessary for our salvation, we need look no further than the treasure we hold in the Orthodox Christian Faith.
Love in Christ,
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Sundays: 8:45 am Orthros, 10:00 am Divine Liturgy ~ Religious Education follows Communion |
Weekdays (Unless Noted): 8:00 am Orthros, 9:00 am Divine Liturgy |
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Thursday, June 1/Ascension of Our Lord
Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, May 31, 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 4/7th Sunday of Pascha: Fathers of the First Ecumenical Synod
Orthros: Tone Six (Second Plagal)
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): John 21:1-14
Epistle: Acts 20:16-18, 28-36
Gospel: John 17:1-13
Saturday, June 10/Saturday of Souls
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Gospel: John 21:14-25
Memorial follows Liturgy
Sunday, June 11/8th of Pascha: PENTECOST
Orthros: Festal
Festal Gospel (Orthros): 20:19-23
Epistle: Acts 2:1-11
Gospel: John 7:37-52; 8:12
Kneeling Vespers follows Liturgy
Sunday, June 18/1st Sunday of Matthew: All Saints
Orthros: Tone Eight (Fourth Plagal)
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Matthew 21:16-20
Epistle: Hebrews 11:33-12:2
Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38; 19:27-30
Sunday, June 25/2nd of Matthew: Martyr Fevronia
Orthros: Tone One
Resurrection Gospel (Orthros): Mark16:1-8
Epistle: Romans 2:10-16
Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23
Wednesday, June 28/Ss. Peter and Paul the Apostles
5:00 pm Orthros 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:21-12:9
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
Friday, June 30/Synaxis of the 12 Holy Apostles
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Gospel: Matthew 9:36; 10:1-8
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June 4
Ushers: John Nicholas, George Andrews, Angelo Stamis, George Filios, George Kakavulias, John Matsis
Memorials: Elizabeth Kouris (3 years), Avalon Tsouras (2 years), Carrie Calhoun-Smith (40 days)
Fellowship: Dora Hart, in memory of Elizabeth Kouris
June 11
Ushers: Marina Adamy, John Matsis, Sam Koutsulis, George Andrews, Angelo Stamis, George Filios
Fellowship: Angela Hernquist, in honor of our Graduates
June 18
Ushers: George Nikols, George Kakavulias, Pete Kypreos, Peter Papas, John Nicholas, Kouli Pouridis
Memorial: Anthony (Tony) G. Poulos (40 days)
Fellowship: AHEPA and Daughters of Penelope, in memory of Tony Poulos
June 25
Ushers: Sam Koutsulis, George Andrews, Angelo Stamis, George Filios, Marina Adamy, John Matsis
Fellowship: Senior Forerunners
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Glory to our risen Lord Jesus Christ!
Our May gathering for the 51’s Baseball Game was a huge success. The kid’s carnival was lots of fun and, although the 51’s lost, it was a great evening.
In making plans for summer fun, keep in mind that we will be getting together for a Water Park Fun Play Day on June 14. Look to the Weekly Bulletin for the time and place.
Looking ahead for July, we are meeting every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am for free children’s movies at the Village Square Theater, on the corner of Sahara and Fort Apache.
HOPE and JOY is a youth ministry for children pre-school through 5th grade. We encourage and welcome all families to join. Have a wonderful and safe summer.
HOPE: Christy Vino 228-7657 or Para Pouridis 304-1726.
JOY: Tammy Chomakos 338-4671 or Jen Orlando 370-6195.
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Greetings, Fellow Parishioners:
Summer is here! Graduations are in full swing, the heat is rising and many folks are making vacation plans. But, guess what? The Food Festival is only four months away, so while enjoying the summer, don’t forget to commit to working the Festival to help make it a great success once again. A strong, successful Festival always helps make many wonderful things happen in our Church Community. We all see how beautiful our Church building, Community Center and grounds are, and I remind you that this all happened with good planning and a tremendous amount of effort on the part of our parishioners.
We are now moving into the second phase of the iconography. We have a fund-raising program in place and are hoping to raise the $230,000 needed to pay for the work. Otherwise, we will have to use revenue from the Food Festival. Soon, you will be notified again about how to participate in the iconography funding effort, and you will be given the opportunity to fund the writing of one of the Saints or Angels that will be in the Dome.
The Parish Council is meeting on May 30 to decide the pricing for the use of the banquet facility. We will be considering how best to serve the needs of the stewards of the Church, and the pricing will be directly related to the actual annual cost of running the Community Center, which is in the range of $165,000. Our projected income for 2006 is about $120,000, so although we approach breaking even, we need to close the gap between cost and revenue. When the report is complete, it will be available to all stewards in good standing.
A final thought: When we make a stewardship pledge, we must try to remember that our giving helps lift our souls to the Lord…in this way we can be fulfilled in ourselves, our families and our God.
Respectfully submitted,
Angelo Stamis, Parish Council President
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Dear Friends,
Philoptochos finished our calendar year with an exciting and successful “friend-raising” margarita party. The food, courtesy of Doris and Jose Pina and Nia Pacheco and family, was outstanding! Our bartenders and servers for the evening – Stephen Carabas, Jim Hernquist, John Karas, Rex Nikitas, Alec Orlando, Jose Pina, and Steve Tzelalis – were incomparable!
Also, on May 21, Philoptochos recognized the Teachers in our Religious Education program and our Youth and Adult Choir Directors with gift cards as a token of appreciation for their contributions to our children and our parish. The tireless efforts of these wonderful people are truly a priceless gift to us all.
On behalf of all of the members of Philoptochos, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our graciously supportive husbands, families, and partners in charity who help us in hundreds of ways to do the work of Philoptochos.
Thank you for a great year! Have a very safe and happy summer ~ we’ll see you in September!
Angela Hernquist and the Philoptochos Board
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SENIOR GOYA
No Congratulations to our Senior GOYA Graduates: Rita Nikols, Elizabeth Anthony, Theo Bochanis, Corina Nesbit, Christos Zoitopoulos and Chris Hondros.
Due to the fact that we still are without an advisor our annual summer trip is still not planned. With adult support and teen interest, it can still happen. Any suggestions?
Please support the Senior and Junior GOYA Car Wash on Sunday, June 25 after Liturgy. Tickets are only $10, and your donation benefits Phase Two of our Iconography.
Geo Nikols, President
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JUNIOR GOYA
We will be going to the Adventure Dome at Circus Circus on June 3 at 10:00 am. This high-energy and exciting outing, should be a great end-of-the-year bash, so please join us for lots fun and fellowship.
For more details and to RSVP please call: Effie Lekar 768-5500 or Alexandra Carrico 655-8641. Hope to see you there!
We are happy to announce the GOYA and Jr. GOYA Car Wash on Sunday, June 25. The car wash will benefit our beautiful St. John Church Iconography. Purchase your tickets early from Senior GOYA Advisor Geo Nikols 871-5909, Effie or Alexandra.
The car wash will be during Fellowship and we are asking for a $10 donation. You will enjoy a clean car and help in the effort to complete our 2nd phase of iconography.
Thank you and Love in Christ!
Effie Lekar and Alexandra Carrico
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Orthodox Family Fellowship |
I hope all had a great time at the Baseball game! Summer is upon us full force, and with that in mind we will not have another get-together until possibly August. We canceled our Lake Mead outing due to lack of sufficient response at the deadline...maybe next year.
I would like to have a pool party, if any family is interested in volunteering their home. Please contact me at 491-2713. May God grant each and everyone of you a glorious and safe summer. Tami Stefanatos
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Religious Education Program |
We would like to congratulate the graduating Seniors, students achieving Perfect Attendance and those students who received Participation Awards. Our Commencement Program is a time to not only recognize our students, but to also thank the parents for all their help during the year, as well as a wonderful staff of teachers who dedicate their time to teaching these students so they have a better understanding about their Faith. Presvytera Maria has always added that special something to our Program. All students get the opportunity to sing the beautiful hymns of our Church.
Just a quick note on the Pennies and Prayers Program. The students raised about $709 to be donated to the Greek Orthodox Missions. The class with the most monies collected was the by the 6th – 8th grade, Eileen Koutsulis’ class. Way to go! They enjoyed a Pizza Party for their hard work. The other classes were recognized for their efforts in collecting all that change. They chose from the candy basket! Thanks for all your hard work.
At Commencement, a Religious Education Program Critique was handed out to the parents. Please take a moment and complete. We will review all responses at our annual Strategic Planning Meeting this summer. Your suggestions help us build a better Program. You can either mail your responses to the Church or fax them to 260-9063.
The “Teen Talk” with Father John took place in May. For those who participated, it was a great experience with excellent questions, though the turn-out could have been better. This was a great opportunity for the teens to sit down with Father John and ask those questions that parents may not have the answers, but Father does. It helped the teens understand more about their Faith. We will continue with a series of “Teen Talks” in the near future and also have a class for the younger children. It is important that we support our children and help them understand their Faith.
Thanks to the parents, families and parishioners for supporting our Program every year. A special thank you goes to Father John for always being there for us. He has been a great supporter. We try our best to have classes that your children will enjoy and grow in their Faith.
Registration for the 2006-07 school year will take place in August. More information will be announced in the monthly and weekly bulletins. Also, look for information on our new Vacation Bible School, planned August 14-18.
If you have any questions, please contact Elena Madsen, Director, 287-3030.
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The Children's Choir will take a break for the summer season. We will start rehearsing again in the fall around the beginning of October. I appreciate all the young enthusiastic voices that have been interested in joining this group.
The Youth Choir will chant the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 4 and on Sunday, July 2. Please do your best to be in the front pew by 9:45 am. The Youth Choir will take a break in August. I am very proud of all your hard work this past school year; let's keep that spirit of singing for the Glory of God.
Love in Christ,
Presvytera Maria Hondros
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No entry for this month.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Many questions have been asked regarding Stewardship. This month we will finish up with the general questions and answers. Should you have others, please contact your Stewardship Committee Co-Chairmen. As of May 15, 2006 we have pledges from 409 stewards for a total of $327,565 or 65.51% of our 2006 goal of $500,000. The total gifts received is $159,818 or 48.79% of the total amount pledged to date by the Stewards of our Parish.
8. What if after I make a commitment, sickness, misfortune or loss of job occurs? Our commitment is in the strictest confidence, and is not a legal obligation, but a promise to God. Should it become necessary, a parishioner, by contacting the Church Office or Father John may adjust their commitment.
9. Why should I give more? Can any of us ever offer back to God what He has blessed us with…our lives, our health, our families and friends? Let’s be honest with ourselves…can we ever match God’s gifts to us? There is so much more for us to do! Each year there is a shortfall between the actual needs of the parish and the revenue.
10. What does the Church do for me? The Church exists to help sustain us with Christ our Savior. Without the Church what do we have? Nothing. It is best not to ask what can the Church do for me, but to remind ourselves that Jesus Christ died for us and He rose from the dead for us. He established the Church to help prepare as many people as possible to become like Him and to be with Him forever. By committing as a steward, you help keep the Word of God alive here at St. John and you are supporting the work of our Lord.
11. How should I fulfill my financial commitment? You may choose the manner that suits you best. You can make payments weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, depending on your situation. We recommend weekly or monthly offerings because: it helps us develop a good practice of budgeting and making regular contributions; and it provides the Church with a more balanced cash flow throughout the year; it is easier for most families to manage periodic payments.
12. Can time and talent contributions take the place of financial contributions? It is not right to expect to avoid our offering of a portion of our treasures by contributing more of one’s time and talent. Everyone is in a position to donate some percent of their annual income to the Church. This is all part of making a total commitment to our Lord and to our Church.
13. How about our contributions for candles, trays, fundraisers and other donations — don’t they count toward our financial stewardship? Of course they do! But we need to ask ourselves: “Is this enough?” At tax time add up all your contributions in stewardship pledges, Philoptochos donations, fundraiser contributions, etc. Figure out what percentage that sum is of your total family income? How does it compare to the 10% benchmark of tithing? Are we anywhere near that level? Let’s even stretch things and add all other donations we make during the year. Does this total add up to at least 10%?
14. What is our goal in financial pledge collections? Our 2005 stewardship pledges covered about 47% of the parish budget. Our current challenge is for stewardship pledges to cover 67% of the total budget. Our long-term goal is to meet 100% of our budget through the stewardship pledges. We are realistic — 100% reliance on stewardship will not happen in the next few years. It is a goal to achieve as our Church grows and as we learn to support her from our hearts, with love and trust that God will provide what we need to do His work.
John Matsis (498-6981) and John G. Karas (219-5057), Stewardship Committee Co-Chairmen
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Baptized into Christ
Thomas, son of Achilles and Katherine Manakides,
on May 7, 2006. Godparents: Stephanie Manakides and
Thomas Manakides. Maria, daughter of Theofrastos and Ismini Victoria Georgiadis,
On May 21, 2006. Godparents: Kaliopi Tzelalis and
Efstathios Tzelalis. Theodota, daughter of Theofrastos and Ismini Victoria Georgiadis,
On May 21, 2006. Godparent: Agapi Lekar. Chrismations
Eleni (Erin) Agnos on May 21, 2006.
Sponsor: Jodi Demolas. Stavroula (Linda) Dougan on May 21, 2006.
Sponsor: Tammy Chomakos. Marriages Anthony John Pappas and Bridget Anna McMahon
On April 29, 2006. Sponsor: John Anthony Pappas. Yohannes T. Beraki and Meheret G. Berhe
On May 10, 2006. Sponsor: Mulugeta Haile. Na Zisete!
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No entry for this month.
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St. John the Baptist Bookstore |
Hello from your parish bookstore. When thinking of summer, my thoughts move toward a time of relaxing. With regard to our holy reading, we should never relax. The Church Fathers encourage us to read the Scripture and other holy works everyday. So, when thinking of relaxation for your body this summer, try not to relax too much in mind and soul.
The bookstore has many titles to offer that will help you through those lazy days – those days when it is too hot for even leaving the house. Instead of turning on the TV to pass the time, open your Bible and see what the Lord has to say. If you don't have a Bible, stop by.
New icons and crosses are coming in soon, as we will be stocking up for the Food Festival in the next couple of months.
For special orders, please contact me via email at: jszukiewicz@cox.net or by phone at: 558-1387.
In Christ, Justina (Jennia) Szukiewicz |
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If you haven’t already done so, please mark your calendars for September 21 through 24 for our annual Festival, and if you are not committed to volunteering yet, please give some thought as to how you can help.
The first big need for volunteers will be the preparation of the dolmathes and pastitsio and the baking of our delicious pastries. Many hands will be needed for the preparation of these delicious treats for which our Greek Community is famous in Las Vegas. The schedules for all food preparation will be forthcoming, and we look forward to active participation.
Our biggest challenge as sponsors of this event is to be able to bring all of our visitors onto our grounds while minimizing the disruption to our neighbors. Given the scarcity of parking near the Church, it is essential that we utilize more remote parking and augment it with efficient shuttle service. We are working diligently toward this end and will be reporting our comprehensive plan after a meeting with invited neighbors that will take place before the publication of this article.
To repeat a recurring theme, the bottom line net profit to our community is tied to the number of volunteers that we have. Help us keep our labor costs as low as possible by contributing your time and talents to the largest annual fundraiser in our community. Information concerning meetings and pre-festival work activities will be forthcoming, and if you have any questions, you can reach George
Nikols or John Matsis, Co-Chairs, through the Church Office.
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Congratulations to Our Graduates |
Theo Bochanis
Theo is graduating from Coronado High School on June 13. He was a member of the National Arts Honor Society, was active in the school's photography program in which he won various awards, played trumpet in the Coronado Marching Band and French horn in the Coronado Concert Band.
In our Parish, Theo has been in the Religious Education Program since Kindergarten and a dancer in St. John Folk Dance Groups for six years and competed at FDF. He has also been an officer in GOYA.
Theo, son of George Bochanis and Mari Bochanis, was accepted to the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he will major in History.
Elias Pete George
Elias graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and a Minor in Political Science on May 13 from the University of Nevada—Las Vegas. Elias has been active in every youth ministry of our parish and served as Captain of Altar Servers and was tonsured as Reader. Elias is the son of Pete and Georgia George.
John Louis Skandros
John Louis Skandros, High Honors Graduate from Palo Verde High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, has completed his studies at the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cinema - Television. Johnny graduated May 12 at the Commencement and Convocation Graduation Ceremonies at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
Johnny was selected from 5,000 applicants worldwide as one of 40 students accepted to the highly notable Film and Production Program at USC in 2003. He has completed four student films and will complete his first professional production after graduation. He has worked at DreamWorks Studios and did an extensive apprenticeship with Director Robert Zemekis.
Johnny is the son of Stephanie Ann Skandros and is grandson and nephew to Georgia Fotos Skandros and Alexia Skandros Conger, respectively.
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It is not possible that the Gospels can be either more or fewer in number than they are. For since there are four zones of the world in which we live, and four principal winds [in Greek, “four catholic spirits”], while the Church is scattered throughout all the world and the “pillar and ground” of the Church is the Gospel and the Spirit of life;
it is fitting that she should have four pillars, breathing out immortality on every side,
and vivifying men afresh. From which fact, it is evident that the Word, the Artificer of all, He that sits upon the cherubim, and contains all things, He Who was manifested to men, has given us the Gospel under four aspects, but bound together by one Spirit.
...For this reason were four principal [in Greek, “catholic”] covenants given to the
human race: one, prior to the deluge, under Adam; the second, that after the deluge, under Noah; the third, the giving of the law, under Moses; the fourth, that which renovates man, and sums up all things in itself by means of the Gospel,
raising and bearing men upon its wings into the heavenly kingdom.
~ St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapter 11:8
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