Glad Tidings Monthly Bulletin

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2009

Calendar of Services / Events - January 2009

Thursday, January 1 – Circumcision of our Lord ; St. Basil the Great; the New Year. Liturgy of St. Basil at

10:00 a.m. Epistle : Colossians 2:8-12. Gospel : Luke 2:20-21; 40-52; 6:17-23.

Sunday, January 4 -- Sunday before the Baptism of our Lord. Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle : 2 Timothy 4:5-8 Gospel : Mark 1:1-8.

Monday, January 5 – Eve of the Baptism of our Lord. Great Vesper with the Greater Blessing of the Water at 6:00 p.m. (Day of strict fasting) .

Tuesday, January 6 – Holy Theophany . Baptism of our Lord . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle : Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7; Gospel : Matthew 3:13-17. Greater Blessing of the Water.

Wednesday, January 7 – Synaxis of St. John the Baptist . Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. Epistle : Acts 19: 1-8; Gospel : John 1:29-34.

Sunday, January 11 – Sunday after Baptism of our Lord . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle : Ephesians 4: 7-13. Gospel : Matthew 4: 12-17. Sunday School after Holy Communion.

Monday, January 12 – P. C. Meeting at 5:45 p.m.

Sunday, January 18 – 29 th Sunday after Pentecost . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle : Colossians 3: 4-11. Gospel : Luke 17: 12-19 (T he Ten Lepers ). Sunday school after Holy Communion.

Annual General Assembly will convene after Divine Liturgy in the Church of St. Nicholas .

Sunday, January 25 – 32 nd Sunday after Pentecost . St. Gregory the Theologian. Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle : 1 Timothy 4: 9- 15 and 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

Gospel : Luke 19: 1-10 ( Zaccheus) ; John 10:9-18. Sunday School after Holy Communion.

Fridy, January 30 – Three Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 13: 7-16. Gospel: Matthew 5: 14-19.

Looking Forward to February 2009

Sunday, February 1 – 17 th Sunday after Pentecost . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1. Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28 ( Canaanite Woman ). Sunday School after Holy Communion.

This Sunday we will celebrate Papandina and Godparents' Sunday .

Monday, February 2 – Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple. Divine Liturgy at 10;00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 7: 7-17. Gospel: Luke 2: 22-40.

Sunday, February 8 – 33 rd Sunday after Pentecost . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: 2 Timothy 3: 10- 15. Gospel: Luke 18: 10-14 ( The Publican & the Pharisee ). Sunday School after Holy Communion.

Sunday, February 15 – 34 th Sunday after Pentecost . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6: 12-20. Gospel: Luke 15: 11-32 ( The Prodigal Son ). Sunday School after Holy Communion.

Sunday, February 22 – 35 th Sunday after Pentecost . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2. Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46 ( The Last Judgment ). Sunday School after Holy Communion.

Pagina Româneasca

IANUARIE 2009

Joi, 1 Ianuarie - Taierea împrejur al Domnului. Sf. Vasile cel Mare. Sf. Liturghie a Sf. Vasile cel Mare la 10:00 a.m. Aposto l: Coloseni 2:8-12; Evanghel ia: Luca 2:20 - 21 si 40 - 52

Duminica, 4 Ianuarie – Duminica dinaintea Botezului Domnului . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol : 2 Tim. 4:5-8 Evang : Marcu 1:1-8.

Luni, 5 Ianuarie -- Ajunul Botezului Domnului . Vecernia cu Sfintirea cea mare a apei la ora 6:00 p.m. ( post strict)

Marti, 6 Ianuarie -- Botezul Domnului . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. cu Sfintirea cea mare a apei. Aposto l: Titus 2:11 –14; 3:4-7. Evang : Matei 3: 13-17.

Miercuri, 7 Ianuarie -- Soborul Sf. Prooroc Ioan Botezatorul . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol : Fapte 19:1-8; Evanghelia : Ioan 1: 29-34

Duminica, 11 Ianuarie – Duminica dupa Botezul Domnului . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: Efeseni 4:7-13; Evanghelie : Matei 4:12-17. Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie.

Luni, 12 Februarie - Sedin Û a Cons. Parohial, 6:00 p.m.

Duminica, 18 Ianuarie – Duminica a 29-a dupa Rusalii . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: Coloseni 3:4-11; Evanghelie : Luca 17:12-19 ( A celor zece leprosi) . Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie. Adunarea Generala a parohiei dupa Sfânta Liturghie.

Duminica, 25 Ianuarie – Duminica a 32-a dupa Rusalii . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: 1 Timotei 4:9-15; Evanghelie: Luca 19:1-10 ( A lui Zaheu) . Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie.

Vineri, 30 Ianuarie – Sfintii Trei Ierarhi: Vasile cel Mare, Grogorie Teologul si Ioan Gura-de-Aur. Sf. Liturghie la ora 10:00 a.m. Apostol: Everi 13:7-16; Evanghelie : Matei 5:14-19.

ANTICIPÂND FEBRUARIE 2009

Duminica, 1 Februarie – Duminica a 17-a dupa Rusalii . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: 2 Corintieni 6:16-7:1; Evanghelie : Matei 15:21-28 ( A Cananiencei) . Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie.Vom sarbatori si Papandina si Duminica Nasilor.

Luni, 2 Feb. - Intâmpinarea Domnului . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol. Evrei 7: 7-17; Evan. : Luca 2:22-40.

Luni, 2 Februarie - Sedinta Cons. Parohial 6:00 p.m.

Duminica, 8 Februarie – Duminica a 33-a dupa Rusalii . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: 2 Timotei 3:10-15; Evanghelie : Luca 18:10-14 ( A Vamesului si Fariseului) . Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie. Incepe perioada liturgica a Triodului.

Duminica, 15 Februarie – Duminica a 34-a dupa Rusalii . Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Apostol: 1 Corinteni 6: 12-20; Evanghelie : Luca 15:11-32 ( A fiului risipitor) . Scoala duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie.

Duminica , 22 Februarie - a 35-a dupa Rusalii . Lasata secului de carne. Sf. Liturghie (10:00 a.m.): 1 Corinteni 8:8-13; 9:1-2; Matei 25:31-46 ( a Înfricosatei judecati). Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie. In cursul acestei saptamâni este dezlegare la oua, peste si lapte.

NOTE SI COMENTARII

Urmând Botezul Domnului (Boboteaza ) si sfintirea apei (aghiasma), de la 6 Ianuarie, Pr. Cornel va fi disponibil pentru sfintirea caselor (in lunile Ianuarie si Februarie). Daca doriti sa aveti casa sfintita va rugam sa chemati la oficiul parohial - si o data va fi stabilita cu preotul, la convenienta dvs.

Dintre beneficiile binecuvântarii caselor mentionam: sanatatea trupeasca si sufleteasca a celor ce locuiesc în casa; iertarea pacatelor mai mici; îndepartarea a tot raul din casa: raul fizic, precum, prin foc, apa, etc. si raul spiritual, precum vraja, neîntelegeri, vrajbe, ispite si pe ispititorul. Si mai presus de toate ajuta la mântuirea sufletelor. Prin sfintirea cu aghiasma, casa devine si o biserica mica, a familiei.

Duminica Nasilor este sarbatorita în acest an Duminica, 1 Februarie. Legata de sarbatorirea Prezentarii la Templu a Domnului Nostru Iisus Hristos (2 Februarie), unde a fost primit în brate de dreptul Simeon si proorocita Ana, este o traditie în Biserica noastra de a sarbatori si a onora nasii, parintii spirituali, care ne-au primit la Botez. Este bine ca nasii împreuna cu finii sa primeasca împartasania împreuna în aceasta duminica.

Adunarea Generala a parohiei noastre se va tine Duminica, 18 Ianuarie dupa Sf. Liturghie, în biserica. Va rugam sa participati.

Ti-ai platit cotizatia? Dorim sa reamintim parohienilor nostri ca numai membrii care si-au platit cotizatia pe anul trecut pot vota sau sa fie alesi în Consiliul Parohial. Dar mai presus de toate, plata cotizatiei la Sf. Biserica este o datorie spirituala, pe care orice crestin ortodox român trebuie sa o faca. Din darul lui Dumnezeu, trebuie sa aducem si noi dar casei Lui.

Ladies' Auxiliary News

Reported by Ann Nastu , President

Many thanks to Bea Michaels for offering the Holy Bread in December for the good health of her family. If you would like to make the holy bread for a specified week or a month, please call Florence Marsala at (203) 336-0296.

We also thank Mrs. Florence Godin, who donated the Christmas poinsettias for the altar.

The Ladies' Auxiliary always welcomes new members .  Please join our hardworking organization . The annual membership fee is only $25.00.  With the new church being built in Easton, we definitely need lots of help and fresh new ideas.

The Ladies' Auxiliary would like to give thanks to the Wine Tasting/Silent Auction committee – Karen Jordon, Dria Mallios, and Patti Johnson -- for their hard work and months of planning. The event, held on November 11 th at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, was well attended and extremely successful. We raised over $9,000, which will go directly for the kitchen of our new Church.

The Committee would like to thank the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Committee for a wonderful job. More information can be found in this bulletin.

Retirees Update Reported by Mary Seferi, Secretary Birthdays:
January: Liz Lambro
February: Mary Chiacu, Julie Cipu, Jim Giambazi, Nikki Kressu

February Anniversary : Sina and Dennis Balamaci

Hosts:

December 4 and 11: Florence Godin
December 18: Florence Costulas and Nikki Kressu
January: Florence and Pete Costulas
February: Florence Godin and Mary Chiacu

Events:

Oct. 23 – Veta Babu donated a light luncheon for the good health of the family and to celebrate the birth of her great granddaughter, Isabella.
Oct. 30 – A pizza luncheon was donated by Bill Bileca in memory of his daughter, Brenda Bileca (40 days). Memory Eternal!
Nov. 13 – Mary and Sam Chiacu donated tangerines IMO of Sandy Costa. Memory Eternal!
Nov. 20 – The coffee hour was sponsored by Despa and Nick Cipu.
Dec. 4 – In honor of her birthday, the family of Aspasia Chiacu served crackers, cheese, pastry, fruit, and chocolates.
Dec. 9 – We held our annual Christmas luncheon at Mancuso's Restaurant. The 33 members and guests in attendance enjoyed the delicious food, joined in singing Christmas carols and had a joyful day. Thanks to Florence Costulas for organizing the luncheon.
Dec. 11 – Liz and Charles Geambazi donated the coffee hour for the good health of the retirees.

Choir News

This is the first year since the inception of our choir that the director Gina Cook could not participate. We missed her, but I am sure she missed the church service the most. She loves Christmas and the caroling concert. We are happy she is well and back directing our choir. We were so glad that our choir Assistant Diane Vieira stepped in and did a wonderful job to give us the music for the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. Thank you very much. Also, thanks to Betsy Cipu (our “Assistant-Assistant Choir Director”) for stepping up to direct the Sunday of the snowstorm! Please note: Diana Vieira is a real estate agent, and she promised that if anyone from our community will buy or sell a house through her, she will donate $1000 in their names to the Building Fund. You can find some coupons at the candle stand or just call her at (203) 268-7272 (home) or (203) 260-4889 (cell).

Annual General Meeting Convocation

The Annual General Meeting is called for Sunday, January 18, 2009 in the Church of St. Nicholas, imme-diately after the Divine Liturgy.

A G E N D A

I. Opening Prayer

II. Roll Call

III. Appointment of Parliamentarian

IV. Secretary's Report

V. Treasurer's Report

VI. Building Committee's Report

VI. Report of Delegate to the Episcopate Council

VII. Auxiliary Reports

A. Parish Council

B. Ladies' Auxiliary

C. Retirees

D. Church School

E. MAC -AROY

F. Endowment Fund

G. Choir

H. Parish Deacon

I. Parish Priest

VIII. Old Business

IX. New Business

A. Recommendations from the Parish

Council

X. Election of New Parish Council and

Delegates to the Episcopate Congress

Only members in good standing who have paid their membership for the year 2008 will be allowed to vote or be elected to the parish council. If you are not a member of our parish, we hope and encourage you to become one. These are exciting times for our parish.

As we make plans for the future of our church, we need to know if St. Dimitrie can count on you. Let us know and become a member. For membership forms or for more information please, contact the church office at (203) 261-1149.

Counting Our Blessings

Fellowship Hour donations

– Donated on December 14 and 21, in loving memory of George Ionescu, by Vica Galen.

– Donated on January 1, 2009 in honor of William (Bill) Balamaci, and for the good health of his family.

Altar Candles

– For the good health of Stila, Mihaela, Florentina, and Joita, from Zoie Zgura (12/14/09).

– In loving memory of Robert Cipu (6 months) from Betsy Cipu (11/9/08).

– In loving memory of Xanthippe Costa (1 year), from Mary and Sam Chiacu (11/9/08).

– Happy Name Day to our son Christopher Michaels, son-in-law Chris McClure, and all our grandchildren who carry the name Christopher, from Van and Olympia Michaels.

5-day Sanctuary

– In loving memory of Stephen Bicki, from Louise and Brenda Bicki (12/26/08).

– For special intentions, Marietta Steggles (101 years old), from her daughter Brenda Bicki (12/26/08).

– For the good health of Matthew and Martha Gelfand (11/23/08).

– For the good health of Father George Coca (on his birthday), with love from Lucy, Jim, and Barbara Shola.

7-day Sanctuary

– For the good health of Fr. George on his birthday, from Fr. Cornel and the family.

Special Donations

– In loving memory of Brenda Bileca, from Andrei and Caterina Colimitra (11/23/08).

– IMO Brenda Bileca, from Sam & Mary Chiacu (11/23/2008).

– IMO Brenda Bileca, from Peter & Florence Costulas (11/16/2008)

– In memoria lui Dr. George B. Ionescu la 6 luni de catre Vica Gallen ($200 on 12/14/2008).

– IMO our Parents from Dumitru & Maria Siriniean ($50 on 11/30/2008).

– From Martha H. Tennant ($25 on 11/2/2008).

– From Elena Seri ($50 on 11/2/2008.

– From Mrs Ann Pandaru (11/16/2008).

– From Elena Radu ($50 on 11/16/2008).

Additional St. Dimitrie Dinner Donations:

Kris Fatsy ($90), JoAnn Maurer ($30)

Christmas Offerings:

$200

Viorel & Daniela Pescaru

$100

Jo Chanaca

Fam. Mircea si Daniel Docu

Florence Godin & Family

Laurentiu & Claudia Ilie

Viorica Neagu

Dumitru Petrescu

Dumitru & Maria Siriniean

$150

Katherine and Elizabeth Becca

$50

Collins Family

Nick & Elsie Fatse

Elizabeth & Charles Geambazi

Valeriu & Doinita Lungu

Carole Maravich

Gabriel & Victoria Matei

Ted & Kallie Schuster

Elena Seri

Mr. Andrew & Mrs. Alexandra Shillira

Nick Stoicescu

Angelo Thanassi

$25 or less

Stella Babiana

Constantin Bargiuma

Andrei & Caterina Colimitra

Jim, Paulina, and Dina Dacoles

George & Audrey Fatsy

Ioan & Steriana Maci

Ion Moiseanu & Family

Elizabeth Andry Shola

Anna Zdru

Other Contributions in Support of St. Dimitrie Church Year-To-Date through December 14, 2008

Your support in 2008 has been gratifying. As we near the year's end, we thank you for your continued support.

Candles $23,778.00

Trays $17,348.00

2 nd Building Fund Tray 11,878.00

Special thanks to the people who have contributed to our Liturgical Fund. The fund is now at $1,483.00 and it will be used for the purchase of religious items for the interior of the Church.

St. Dimitrie Church Completion

See report: December 15, 2008

During Phase 1 of the Building Fund the pledges have amounted to $696,127, as of December1 st . So far $495,518 has been received against those pledges, leaving a balance of $200,609 still to be sent in, Please consider accelerating your payments, where possible, to help us while we are going through the balance of the construction.

Phase 2 (Construction Phase) pledges have amounted to $82,658 with $39,311 received through December 1st. By now you must have received a pledge form for Phase 2. For those of you who have not pledged yet, now is the time to give. The Church needs it. Our new Church will be a beautiful tribute to God and your support is so necessary.

The Wine Tasting & Silent Auction committee would like to thank those who baked and donated food for the event: Psa. Marian Coca, Psa. Louisa Todeasa, Simona Tudor, Christinia Ionescu, Gina Cook, Florence Costulas, Priscilla Carameta, Elefteria Fatsi, Caterina Colimitra, Eftimia Sideri, Chirata Jombur, Lucy Shola, Audrey Fatsy, Anne Nastu, Elsie Fatse, Eugenia Babu, Stella Dima, Maria Pusztay, Vasilica Stilu, and Frances Dimartino.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for the Wine Tasting / Silent Auction fundraiser:

$150

Pamela Boker

$100

Florence and Mary Jennifer Costulas

Gina Giavara and Stephanie Giavara Foley

Bob and Diane Nicola

Fr. Cornel and Psa. Louisa Todeasa

VP Realty, Inc.

$75.00

Alice Bullard

$70.00

Florence & Frank Godin

Michelle Tiganila

$50

Dr. Dom and Marie Agostin

Sandra & Vasil Batsu

Josephine Chanaca

Thomas Chanaca & Nilda Irizarry

DeNitto Builders, LLC (Jeffrey DeNitto)

Honoring Silvia B. Fatse

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fatsy

Highlands Heating & Cooling (Christopher DeNitto)

New England Heating Supply, LLC (Joseph DeNitto)

Donna Peters

Doxie Scinto

Lauren Tumm and Curves of Trumbull and Bridgeport

Dale C. Zeim

$35.00

Karen & Joe Cubbelloti

$25.00

Stella Babiana

Brenda Bicki

Gregory Boboc

Cynthia Cashavelly

Stella & Al Chapar

Fr. George and Psa. Mariana Coca

Anastasia T. Coe

Rick Fekete (IMO Gary Fekete)

Nora Hoag

Funeral

James (Dimitrie) G. Shola , age 93, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Lucy Babu Shola, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, December 14, 2008 . Born in Korce, Albania, Jim came to the U.S. when he was 5 years old. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Shola worked as a waiter for Mama Leone's of NYC, Manero's, LaChambord and for the Ocean Sea Grill.

He was a longtime member of St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church , a past Church Treasurer, and belonged to the Society Farsarotul. A loving husband and father, Jim was devoted to his family, church and friends. He will be lovingly remembered as a good and humble man and will be greatly missed. In addition to Lucy, his devoted wife of 60 years, he leaves behind his daughter, Barbara Shola; sisters, Flora Marcello, Elizabeth Hadfield, and Helen Wiegand; a brother, Thomas Shola; as well as many nieces and nephews . Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church . Burial followed in Lakeview Cemetery. Calling hours and the Trisagion Service were held on Tuesday at the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home in Fairfield. The family requested that memorial contributions be made to the St. Dimitrie Church Relocation Fund. Jimmy (Dimitrie) was “home for Christmas” in Heaven.

Helpers or Honkers?

A woman driver had the misfortune of having her car stall in heavy traffic. Furthermore, she could not get it started. A man in the car behind her expressed his impatience by blowing his horn every few seconds. Finally, the perturbed and shaken lady got out of the car, walked to the honker's car and said, “I am having difficulty starting my car. I'll make you this proposition: if you try to start my car for me, I'll honk your horn for you.”

There are a lot more honkers than helpers. The reason – it is easier to honk than to help, to talk than to work, to criticize than to assist.

If you really want to help your fellow man, lift a hand – and that includes off the horn.

When we are stalled out there on life's highway, we are indeed thankful that God does not blow a horn at us. Intead, He helps us. In recognition of His help, the Psalmist said, “My help cometh from the Lord, which made Heaven and Earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that helpeth thee will not slumber” (Psalms 121:2,3).