http://www.stdimitrieeaston.org/tidings-01-02-09.htm
Glad Tidings Monthly Bulletin
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March-April 2009
Calendar of Services / Events - January 2009
Sunday, March 1 -- 36 th Sunday after Pentecost . Meatfare Sunday . Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Romans 13: 11-14; 14:1-4 Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21 (Expulsion of Adam from Paradise ). Sunday School after Holy Communion.
Monday, March 2 Great Lent Begins.
Wednesday, March 4 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall.
Sunday, March 8 First Sunday of Lent. Sunday of Orthodoxy. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 11: 24-26; 32-40 Gospel: John 1: 43-51. Sunday School after Holy Communion.
Pan-Orthodox Vespers St. John the Baptist Carpatho-Russian Church (Bridgeport); Mill Hill Ave., Bridgeport, at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall.
Sunday, March 15 -- Second Sunday of Lent. Sunday of St. Gregory of Palamas. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 1: 10-14; 2:1-3 Gospel: Mark 2:1-12. Sunday School after Holy Communion. Special General Assembly after Divine Liturgy.
Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. John the Baptist, St. John the Baptist Church, Broadbridge Ave., Stratford, 4 p.m .
Wednesday, March 18 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 22 -- Third Sunday of Lent. Sunday of the Holy Cross. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 4: 4-16; 5:1-6 Gospel : Mark 8: 34-38; 9:1. Sunday School after Holy Communion.
Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Parck Ave. Bridgeport at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 24 Holy Annunciation . Divine Liturgy at 10:a.m. Epistle: Hebrew: 2:11-18; Gospel : Luke 1:24 -38. Fish permitted.
Saturday. March 28 All-Parish Lenten Retreat: The Significance of the Holy Cross . From 10 a.m. to noon.
Sunday, March 29 -- Fourth Sunday of Lent. Sunday of St. John of the Ladder. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 6: 13-20; Ephesians 5:8-19. Gospel : Mark 9: 17- 32 (Healing of the lunatic); Matthew 4:25; 5:1-12 (Sermon on the Mount, Beatitudes). Sunday School after Holy Communion.
Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. George Albanian Orthodox Church, Main St. Trumbull, at 4:00 p.m.
Looking Forward to April 2009
Wednesday, April 1 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. The Greate Cannon of St. Andrew of Crete.
Friday, April 3 The Akatist to the Mother of God . Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall.
Sunday, April, 5 -- Fifth Sunday of Lent. Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt . Divine Liturgy of St. Basil at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Hebrews 9: 11-14; Galatians 3:23-29. Gospel : Mark 10:32-45; Luke 7:36-50. Sunday School after Holy Communion.
Holy Unction Service at Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Waterbury, at 4:00 p.m. Bishop Nikon will participate.
Wednesday, April 8 Pre-Sanctified Liturgy at 6:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. The Grate cannon of St. Andrew the Crete
Sunday, April 12 Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday. Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9, Gospel: John 12: 1-18. Sunday School after Holy Communion.
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Pagina Româneasca
Martie 2009 - Postul Mare
Duminica , 1 Martie - a 36-a dup | Rusalii. ( Lasata secului de brânza | Duminica iertarii ). Sf. Liturghie, 10:00 a.m. Romani 13: 11-14;14:1-4; Matei 6:14-21 (Izgonirea lui Adam din Rai). Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie
Luni, 2 Martie - Incepe Postul Mare .
Miercuri, 4 Mar. - Liturghia înainte sfinte , 6:00 p.m.
Vineri 6 Martie Pr. Cornel va fi disponibil pentru Sf. Spovedanie de la amiaza pâna la 7:00 p.m.
Sâmbata , 7 Martie - Sf. Teodor . Sf. Liturghie la ora 9:00 a.m. Evrei 1: 1-12; Marcu 2:23-3:5) este urmata de Micul dejun.
Duminic | 8 Martie B Prima Duminica din post , (a Ortodoxiei) Sf. Liturghie (10:00 a.m.): Evrei 11: 24-26; 32-40; Ioan 1:43-51. Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie
B Vecernia pan-ortodoxa la Biserica Ion Botezatorul din Mill Hill Ave., Bridgeport, la ora 4:00 p.m.
Miercuri, 11 Mar. - Liturghia înainte sfintita , 6:00 p.m.
Duminica, 15 Martie - Duminica a doua din Post (A Sf. Grigorie Palama) . Sf. Liturghie (10:00 a.m.): Evrei
1:10-14; 2: 1-3; 7:26-28; 8:1-2. Marcu 2:1-12; Ioan 10:9-16. Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie
B Vecernia Pan-Ortodoxa la Biserica St. John din Broadbridge Ave, Stratford, la 4:00 p.m.
Miercuri, 18 Mar. - Liturghia Inainte Sfintita, 6:00 p.m.
Duminica, 22 Martie A 3-a din Post ( a Sf. Cruci). Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. Evrei 4: 14-16; 5: 1-6; Marcu 8:34-9:1. Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie
- Vecernia Pan-Ortodoxa la Biserica St. Nicolas Antiohian Park Ave., Bridgeport at 4:00 p.m.
Miercuri, 25 Martie Bunavestire Sf. Liturghie la 10:00 a.m. (Dezlegare la peste) Evrei: 2:11-18; Luca 1:24 -38.
Sâmbata, 21 Martie Retragere spirituala de la 10 a.m. la 12 noon. Semnificatia Sfintei Crucii
Duminica, 29 Martie A 4-a Duminica din Post ( a Sf.Ioan Scararul ). Sf. Liturghie la ora 10:00 a.m.
Evrei 6:13-20 si Efeseni 5:8-19; Marcu 9: 17-32
(Vindecarea fiului lunatic) si Matei 4: 25; 5: 1-12. Scoala Duminicala dupa Sf. Împartasanie
- Vecernia Pan-Ortodoxa la Biserica St. George Albanian, Main St., Trumbull, la ora 4:00 p.m.
ANTICIPÂND APRILIE 2009
Miercuri, 1 Aprilie Liturghia Inainte-Sfintita la ora 6:00 p.m. Canonul cel Mare.
Vineri, 3 Aprilie Acatistul Maicii Domnului
Duminica, 5 Aprilie a 5-a Duminica din Post (a Cuvioasei Maria Egipteanca) . Sf Liturghie la ora 10:00 a.m. Evrei 9: 11-14 si Galateni 3:23-29; Marcu 10: 32-45 si Luca 7: 36-50 .
- Sfântul Maslu la Biserica Sf. Maria din Waterbury, la 4:00 p.m.
Miercuri, 8 Apr. - Liturghia înainte sfintita , 6:00 p.m.
Sâmbata, 11 Aprilie Sâmbata lui Lazar, Sf. Liturghie la ora 10:00 a.m. Evrei 12:28-31; 13:1-8; Ioan 11:1-45
Duminica, 12 Aprilie a 6-a din Postul Mare. Intrarea în Ierualim a Domnului Iisus (Floriile) . Sf. Liturghie la ora 10:00 a.m. Apostol : Filipeni 4: 4-9; Evanghelia: Ioan 12:1-18. Nu se tine Scoala Duminicala.. Masa traditionala de Peste.
Vecernia Pan-Ortodoxa se va tine împreuna cu Parohia Sf. Nicolae, în Biserica la 6:30 p.m.
De ce sa Postim? In 2 Martie a început postul Sf.Pasti, care este o ocazie de crestere spirituala si de apropiere de Dumnezeu. Crestem spiritual prin abtinerea de la mâncare, bautura, petreceri; prin participarea la slujbele religioase din Sf. Biserica si prin rugaciuni personale acasa; prin facerea de bine catre cei saraci, bolnavi etc, si catre Biserica. Si prin toate aceste fapte crestinesti ne apropiem si de Dumnezeu, în acelasi timp.
Sa folosim deci Postul Mare, ca o oportunitate de a ne îmbogati spiritualiceste si de a ne apropia de Dumnezeu. Sa nu o pierdem, ci s-o folosim pentru a ne pregati pentru cele vesnice caci va veni ziua, pe neasteptate, când vom da socoteala Judecatorului nostru Ceresc pentru faptele si credinta noastra. Sa nu neglijam în timpul acestui post sa primim St. Taine ale Spovedaniei si împartasaniei.
Cum sa postim? Postiti? Aratati-mi-o prin fapte! Cum? De vedeti un sarac, aveti mila de el; un dusman, împacati-va cu el; un prieten înconjurat de un nume bun, nu-l pizmuiti ; o femeie frumoasa, nu gânditi rau asupra ei. Nu numai gura si stomacul vostru sa posteasca, ci si ochiul si urechile si picioarele si mâinile voastre, si toate madularele trupului vostru. Mâinile voastre sa posteasca ramânând curate de rapire si lacomie. Picioarele voastre nealergând la privelisti urâte si în calea pacatosilor. Ochii neprivind cu ispitire frumusetile straine...Gura trebuie sa posteasca de sudalme si de alte vorbiri rusinoase.... Sf. Ioan Hrisostomul
Dintre serviciile speciale ale Sf. Post sunt bune: Liturghia Inainte-sfintita care se va celebra în fiecare miercure din Post la ora 6:00 p.m. Cei care vor sa se împartaseasca pot sa o faca daca nu manânca si bea nimica de la amiaza.
Apoi trebuie mentionata Denia din Miercuri 1 Aprilie si 3 Aprilie, Acatistul Maicii Domnului, la ora 6:00 p.m. Iar Bunavestirea cade în anul acesta Miercuri, 25 martie.
Incurajam pe credinciosii nostri sa participe la Vecerniile de post, care se tin la diferite bisericii din zona în fiecare Duminica la ora 4:00 p.m. Veti cunoaste bisericile si credinciosii din zona. Apoi este frumos când ortodocsii din aria noastra se aduna împreuna la rugaciune.
De asemenea important este Maslul - slujba de sanatate, care se tine în Duminica a 5-a din post (Aprilie 5) la Biserica, Nsterea Maicii Domnului din Waterbery. Episcopul Nikon înconjurat de un mare sobor de preoti si diaconi vor savârsi aceasta slujba de sanatate.
Departarea de Biserica este o functie a credintei
Adeseori mi se scuza unii credinciosi astfel: stau prea departe de Biserica, altfel asi fi venit mai des. Dar argumentul ca sunt prea departe de Biserica pentru ca sa vina Duminica la slujba ei cea sfânta, mi se pare doar o scuza nemotivata, caci nu sta nici o sansa la cercetarea lui Dumnezeu, care vede si cele în ascuns. Acesti oameni, pe de alta parte, conduc masina ore întregi pe zi pentru serviciu, iar la cumparaturi si distractie si mai mult.
Acest subiect de discutie ma face sa-mi aduc aminte de badea din Valea Ciorii. Valea Ciorii era un catun la vreo 5 km. de satul meu natal. Nu cred ca i-am stiut vreodata numele adevarat lui badea din Valea Ciorii iar daca l-am stiut l-am uitat. Dar el ramâne una din amintirile luminoase din tineretea mea. Badea din Valea Ciorii niciodata nu a lipsit de la Biserica, desi trebuia sa parcurga distanta de acasa la Biserica pe jos. Venea pe ploaie, pe zapada, pe caldurile verii. Si nu era tânar, ci parea ca cel mai batrân om din sat. Cu o aratare umila de sfânt, el ajungea înaintea tuturor la Biserica. Si statea pâna la sfârsit. Si ultima data când a venit la Biserica nu a mai plecat. De la Biserica s-a dus direct la Dumnezeu
Ii placea sa citeasca Crezul si îl citea frumos. Eram student, când cantorii, ca sa-mi dea onoare de student teolog, m-au pus pe mine sa citesc crezul. L-am citit de câteva ori, dar am simtit ca badea din Valea Ciorii dorea sa-l citeasca el. Si atunci am renuntat sa citesc crezul în favoarea lui.
Ultima data când a citit Crezul, statea în strana de lânga mine, la dreapta mea. El citea crezul, eu îl ascultam ca tare patruns îl mai citea. Nu sedeam, ci ne rezemam de spatele stranei. Deodata s-a oprit si si-a lasat usor capul pe umarul meu. Nu am stiut ce sa fac. Am continuat eu crezul. Am crezut ca adormise. Abia la sfârsitul slujbei oamenii din Biserica si-au dat seama ca nu dormea ci murea. L-au luat afara din Biserica si l-au întins pe iarba din fata bisericii. Acolo l-am vazut ultima data. Câteva zile mai târziu l-au înmormântat.
Badea din Valea Ciorii desi era cel mai departe de Biserica din sat, a fost de fapt cel mai aproape de ea. Vedeti dumneavoastra, distanta de Biserica nu se masoara în kilometri sau mile, ci în taria credintei noastre.
Ladies' Auxiliary News
Reported by Ann Nastu , President
Many thanks to Tula Michael and Eleftheria Kastanaras for offering the Holy Bread in January for the good health of their families. We also thank Mrs . Audrey Fatsy who made the holy bread for the month of February. Holy Bread for March will be made Priscilla Carameta & Betsy Cipu.
If you would like to make the holy bread for a specified week or a month, please call Florence Marsala at (203) 336-0296.
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 hard work of the Ladies Auxiliary is paying off, especially the last two Wine Tasting/Silent Auction events . The Ladies donated $20,000 for the new kitchen for our church. The kitchen is already being installed. Again the Ladies' Auxiliary would like to thank the Wine Tasting and Silent Auction Committee for a wonderful job. Additional information can be found in this bulletin.
Many thanks to Psa. Mariana who made tasty and beautiful floral chocolates for Valentine's Day that she sold to raise money for the new kitchen.
We thank Mrs. Chirata Jombur and her family for preparing the Papandina, held on February 1 st this year, the same day as our celebration of Godparents' Sunday. It was indeed wonderful to see the godparents coming with their godchildren to partake of communion together.
We thank Mary Tambakis for chairing the Caraga memorial meal after the memorial service.
Thanks also to Mrs. Chirata Jombur who makes pitas for anyone who orders them and donates all the proceeds to the Ladies' Auxiliary's fund for the new church. If you would like to order a pita, please contact the Ladies' Auxiliary president, Ann Nastu, or Mrs. Chirata Jombur. The price is only $40 for one delicious, huge pita that will satisfy your whole family or guests.
ST. DIMITRIE LADIES AUXILIARY
2009 COMMITTEE
President: Anne Nastu
Vice-President: Gina Cook
Secretary: Priscilla Carameta
Assistant Secretary: Betsy Cipu
Correspondence Secretary: Florence Godin
Treasurer: Amalia Spau
Assistant Treasurer, Marie Nicola
Counselors: Sandra Batsu, Florence Costulas, Audrey Fatsy, Bea Kolton, Florence Marsala, Tula Michael, Kallie Schuster, Lucy Shola, Mary Tambakis
Past President: Eleftheria Fatsi
Ex-Officio: Psa. Louisa Todeasa, Psa. Mariana Coca
Big Bake Sale - On March 15 th , the Ladies' Auxiliary will hold a bake sale to raise money for the new church. See the flyer in the bulletin.
Retirees Update
Reported by Mary Seferi, Secretary
Birthdays :
March : Cathy Angelos, Bill Bileca, George Cipu, Tina Giambazi, Florence Godin, Betty Nicola, Helen Sorovacu
April: Louise Bicki, Peter Costulas
Hosts :
March : Nikki Kressu and Stephanie Bellas
April : Julie and George Cipu
Events :
On January 9 th , Nancy Graham donated a delicious carrot cake and brownies.
On January 15 th , the meeting was called off because of inclement weather .
On January 22 nd , the General and Annual meeting was held with the election of officers for 2009.
President: Peter Costulas
Co-Vice Presidents: John Cook, Nikki Kressu, and Tom Muzea.
Treasurer: Florence Costulas
Secretary: Mary Seferi
On February 19 th , an assortment of appetizers, breads, deserts, fruits, and candy was served by Psa. Mariana Coca IMO of her mother-in-law, Victoria Coca (25 years). Memory Eternal!
Choir News
Going forward and expecting to enter the new church by Holy Pascha, the Choir is asking for your support. If you can sing, please join us. The choir loft in the new church can easily accommodate 60 choir members. Please be one of them. We expect, as we move in the new church, to grow, and the music in the church must play an important part in its growth. Please note: Diana Vieira is a real estate agent, and she has promised that if anyone from our community will buy or sell a house through her, she will donate $1,000 in their name 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
The Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday, January 18, 2009 immediately after the Divine Liturgy in the St. Nicholas Church. The reports were given. The building fund report was discussed. The treasurers were congratulated for a job well done.
If you would like to see more information about all the members and officers of our different committees, please go to Administration at our website: www.stdimitrieeaston.org
The following is a list of the members who were elected to the Parish Council at our January 18 th General Meeting.
2009 St. Dimitrie Church Parish Council
President George C. Fatsy
Vice Pres. Alex Ionescu
Secretary William Balamaci
Asst. Sec. Karen Jordan
Treasurer Robert Blaschke
Treasurer Ted Schuster
Asst. Treas. Ovidio Ocrain
Asst. Treas. Patricia Johnson
Auditors: Andrei Colimitra, Cristina Kove
Epitrops: Arthur Giavara, Florence Godin, Ioan Sideri
Ex-officio: Virginia Cook, Anne Nastu
Councilors: Michael Babu, Constantine Bargiuma , Nicolae Breban, Kerry Brosnan, Betsy Cipu, Audrey Fatsy, Kristin Fatsy, Spiro Fatsy, Frank Godin, Steve Kiosse, Florence Marsala, Chris Michaels, Ioan Moiseanu, Daniel Munteanu, Lucy Shola, Sorin Todeasa, Simona Tudor
Only members in good standing who have paid their membership for the year 2008 were allowed to vote or be elected to the Parish Council. If you are not a member of our church, we encourage you to become one. These are exciting times for our parish.
As we make plans for the future of our parish, 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.
Decisions taken at the Annual Assembly Meeting include:
Election of the Parish Council and the delegates to the Episcopate Congress;
Approval of the financial reports and the new budget for the year 2009;
Approval of the Building Committee report
The raising the membership dues to $250 per member or $500 per family.
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP
SUPPORT OF ST. DIMITRIE CHURCH
We are all responsible to provide stewardship of our beloved church in the form of time, talent and finances. It is a system whereby the support of the Church is expressed as a matter of personal commitment, conscience, and the ability of each individual Christian. Our contributions reflect our love of God and the Church and will express our commitment to ensure the present and future of our Church. We are all called on to support the financial needs of the church, especially now as we build our new house of worship to the Lord in Easton.
ANNUAL PARISH EVENTS :
February 1 Papandina, Godparents' Sunday
February 21 Caraga (Mosii de iarna)
March 8 Sunday of Orthodoxy
April 12 Annual Fish Dinner
Palm Sunday
April 19 Holy Pascha (Easter Sunday)
June Festival 2009
June 6 Rusali, Mosii de vara
June 7 Holy Pentecost
October 25 St. Dimitrie Day Banquet
Counting Our Blessings
Fellowship Hour donations
On 11/23/08, donated IMO Victoria Cipu, by daughter Veronica Stilu, husband Tanase, and son Soti
On 11/30/08, donated IMO Horia Hristu by the family
(6 months)
On 12/14/08 and 12/21, donated IMO George Ionescu, by Vica Galen
On 1/1/09, donated IHO William (Bill) Balamaci and for the good health of the family
On 2/8/09 donated IMO Anghelina Mihaltan by Sorin and Codruta Todeasa
On 2/15/09 donated IHO George Fatsy on his 70 th birthday from the family
On 2/22/09 donated in IMO of Vichia Fatsy by her family.
Altar Candles
For the good health of Martha Tennant (Nanty) on her birthday, from Fr. Cornel Todeasa
In loving memory of Gheorghe Zgura from the family (1/3/09)
5-day Sanctuary
In loving memory of James Mitica Shola (40 day memorial) from Lucy, Barbara, and Family (1/18/09)
In loving memory of Sophie Moran (2 year memorial) from sister Florence Marsala (1/8/09)
For the good health of the family, from Matthew and Martha Gelfand (2/8/09)
7-day Sanctuary
"In Loving Memory of Rev. Fr. Hrista and Psa . Alexandra Vasilescu" from their daughter and grandchildren (2/8/09)
In loving memory of Vasila and Dhimitri Shola. Miss you Maia! From Audrey and George Fatsy (2/8/09)
Special Donations
In loving memory of Elizabeth Carameta from Victoria Balamaci ($25 on 1/4/2009)
In loving memory of Elizabeth Carameta from Gina Dimitre ($20)
In loving memory of Nicholas Talabac from Marie Nicola ($50)
In loving memory of beloved parents Maria and Ioan Campean from Marie Marinesco and Charlotte and Lucian Steclaci ($1.000 on 2/21/2009)
Happy First Wedding Anniversary for Stephanie and Foley with love from Mom and Dad
In loving memory of Nicholas Talabac from Elena Olszyk ($50)
In loving memory of Gheorghe Ionescu from Vica Galen ($500)
In loving memory of Spiro Tanacea, our Brother and Uncle from Gina, Sam, Ken, Jason, Neal & Stephanie Giavara ($50)
For the good health of Martha Tennant and in honor of her 87 th Birthday from Fr. Cornel & Psa. Louisa Todeasa and Family ($50 on 1/25/09)
Ionut Bogdan Anton and family ($200 on 1/25/09)
Constantin Bargiuma for prayers for the Good Health of Bill Balamaci & Simona Tudor ($30 on 1/25/09)
Cristian & Stela Dima and family ($500 on 12/25/08)
Decabel & Susan Hristu and family ($500 on 1/30/09)
Frank Lynch ($25 on 1/25/2009 and on 2/8/09)
Dumitru & Daniela Nicola ($100 on 12/25/08)
Marioara Roibu ($200 on 12/25/08)
Claudia Epure ($50)
Radu Rusu ($540 on 12/21/08)
In honor of George Fatsy's 70th birthday from Nadia Murad ($20)
Dumitru and Daniela Nicola ($100 )
Juliana Vasinschi ($1,000 on 1/18/09)
Dr. Iulian Sora ($100, in honor of their new baby Alexander on 2/14/09)
Martha Tennant ($25 on 2/15/09)
Sorin and Codruta Todeasa ($500 on 2/8/09)
Gina & Sam Giavara - Restoration of Pantocrator icon
($500 on 2/21/09)
Gina & Sam Giavara - mirror, vanity, and sink for new church ($930 on 2/8/09)
Gina & Sam Giavara - sink for new church ($267)
"In Loving Memory of Rev. Fr. Hrista and Psa . Alexsandra Vasilescu" from their daughter and grandchildren. ($100 on 2/8/09)
Nora Hoag ($25)
for the good health of the families who accepted him to bless their homes from Fr. Cornel ($300 on 2/15/09)
Additional Wine Tasting/Silent Auction Sponsors
We would like to thank the following additional sponsors for the November 13, 2008 Wine Tasting/Silent Auction fundraiser:
$25.00
Barbara & Charles Kressu, Nikki Kressu, Michael Long, Van & Bea Michaels, Mr. & Mrs. Ian Moiseanu, Anne & Victor Nastu, Susan Neal, Marie Nicola, Ovidiu & Marianne Ocrain and Family, Robert N. Talabac, Rick & Elaine Turek, Alexandria Yanka.
Other
Anonymous, Nondi & Angelina Balamaci, Gloria Caranica, Sylvia Culetsu, Elsie Fatse, Kris Fatsy, Patti Johnson, Eleftheria Kastanadas, Florence Marsala, Tula Michaels, Marge Michaels, Betty Nastu, Michael Nastu, Maggie Shawah, Mr. & Mrs. Marius Velicu.
Other Contributions in Support of
St. Dimitrie Church
Year-To-Date Through February 22, 2009 : Your support in 2008 was very gratifying. As we begin our 2009 year and we get ready to move into our new Church we ask for your continued support.
Candles $3,372
Trays $2,194
2 nd Tray-Bldg. Fund $2,244
Early Mortgage Payoff $800.00 - at 488 Sport Hill Rd.
St. Dimitrie Church Pledge Status
Pledged Received Balance Due
Phase 1 $694,277 $540,474 $153,803
Phase 2 $116,162 $69,966 $46,196
Pews v $60,000 $12,495 $47,505
Church Pews
It was announced at the Annual General Assembly on January 18, 2009 that pews would be available for families to sponsor at $2,500 per pew. We are pleased to report that there has been a very good response. Out of the total 38 pews, 29 have already been spoken for and 9 are still available.
The families who participate will receive recognition on a prominently placed plaque or on the pew itself (still to be determined). If you have any interest, please contact Karen Jordan.
PLEASE NOTE: IRS Law Extension
Direct donations from an IRA to a church are still tax free withdrawals for 2009. Please consider making 2009 charitable donations from your IRA to benefit the church!
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows IRA owners age 70½ and older to direct gifts from IRA accounts directly to public charities. The qualified gifts count as required minimum distributions from an IRA and are excluded from taxpayer income tax.
However, we cannot dispense tax advice. It is imperative that you consult with your tax advisor to find out all of the details and to see if this pertains to you.
At the General Meeting on January 18, 2009, Bob Nicola brought up the subject of an early pay-off on the mortgage for the property that we own next door to the church. This is for those who may have missed the meeting. So far five people have joined with Bob in this endeavor.
Here's how it works. Each person who joins the group sends in a check on a monthly basis. The money is accumulated and sent to our mortgage holder, Fairfield County Bank, to be applied to the principal balance. These payments reduce the total amount that we owe the bank and save us quite a bit of interest that we would have otherwise had to pay to the bank. The normal loan payment is sent in as usual so this is an extra payment to the bank.
The people who have joined the group currently are contributing either $100 or $200 per month. They have committed from 1 to 4 years for these monthly contributions. With the current commitments we will be able to pay off the loan 55 months earlier than the full 300 month (25 years) timeframe called for in the loan.
The power of compounding interest will save us $121,000 in interest with just these amounts pledged. Any amount that you pledge for this early loan pay-off will be added in with any donations that you pledged in Phase 1 and Phase 2 and counted towards the amount required for each level on the plaque (Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc.). If you would like to join us and help reduce our debt, please see Ted Schuster, (203) 264-9409, or Karen Jordan (203) 268-8439. We will be glad to add you to our Early Payoff group. The amount and the number of months to which you want to commit are up to you.
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 (Psalm 121:2-3).
St. Dimitrie Church Construction Progress
Report No. 6, February 5, 2009
From: Sam Giavara, P.E.
With only two months remaining to complete the church we are now in over-drive mode and working weekends when necessary. Our cost to finish will end up in the $ 3.8 mil range which coincides with my first estimate submitted on April 18, 2008. Re-work costs have escalated to the $ 900,000 range. Even at this late stage in construction we encounter additional rework items that drive up the costs and impact our schedule. For your information the total project cost including the previous contractor's payment is estimated at $ 5.3 mil.
SITE & EXTERIOR BUILDING WORK REMAINING:
- Final site paving (complete in late March weather permitting)
- Stair railing (complete in March)
- Miscellaneous items (complete in March)
INTERIOR BUILDING WORK REMAINING:
- Walls and ceilings (complete in February)
- Elevator installation (complete in February)
- Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, fire protection & electrical systems (complete in early March)
- Finishes: painting, stucco, trim, doors, floors, ceilings, lighting etc (complete in March)
- Pews, carpeting, tile, etc, (complete in March)
- Kitchen (partial completion in March or after occupancy)
- Certificate of Occupancy (obtain in early April)
I HAVE CLOSED THE SITE DURING WORKING HOURS (7AM TO 4PM) MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS TO ALL PARISHIONERS AND CHURCH OFFICIALS. WITH THE MANY TRADES RUSHING TO FINISH THE JOB SITE ISN'T SAFE AND IN ADDITION WE JUST CAN'T TOLERATE ANY DISTRACTIONS AT THIS CRITICAL TIME. HOWEVER, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED TO VISIT THE CHURCH AFTER WORKING HOURS OR ON SUNDAYS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!
A Special General Meeting is called for Sunday, March 15, 2009, immediately after the Divine Liturgy.
A G E N D A
I. Opening Prayer
II. Roll Call
III. Appointment of Parliamentarian
IV. Treasurer's Report
V. Building Committee's Report Treasurers
Parish Council President
Parish Priests
VI. Old Business
VII. New Business
VIII. Recommendations from the Parish Council
Only members in good standing who have paid their membership for the year 2008 will be allowed to vote.
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.
