Glad Tidings bi-monthly Bulletin

Counting our blessings: MAY-JUNE 2009

 

LADIES AUXILIARY NEWS

Reported by Anne Nastu

“Christ is Risen!” – Indeed this Pascha Season has been a very special and busy time for our Ladies' Auxiliary Committee. Entering our new church made this Resurrection season feel like a resurrection of our church community.

We thank Audrey Fatsy , and Psa. Louisa Todeasa for offering the Holy Bread in April and Mrs . Chirata Jombur for offering the Holy Bread in May.

On Saturday, April 5, our church held a very well-attended and insightful Lenten Retreat. Father Cornel and Father George were eloquent in their explanation of the Holy Liturgy and how it affects our lives. Many thanks to all attendees and to those who prepared our luncheon, especially to Father Cornel for his excellent leek and potato soup.

Palms for Palm Sunday and flowers for the epitaful were ordered by Bill Balamaci , and the lilies for Pascha by Florence Godin . We thank them for their effort. The two beautiful floral pieces in front of the altar were donated by Mrs. Gina Giavara , and the flowers on the altar table were donated by Mrs. Bea Kolton . Also we thank those who donated money for flowers used to decorate the altar during the Pascha season.

Many thanks to Elefteria Fatsi and her committee for decorating the Epitaph for Good Friday. It looked lovely. We are grateful for all the ladies who brought red eggs that were distributed to the faithful on Pascha. Easter Week was so beautiful due to the many people who volunteered their time, talent, and treasure. We thank the ladies who baked the "five loaves" of bread for each of the "Pre-Sanctified Liturgies" held on Wednesdays during Lent: Chirata Jombur, Letitia Neagu, Cristina Kove, her mother Elena, and Aspasia Margarit .

We encourage all ladies to join our organization for the betterment of our Church. May God bless all our hardworking women who have participated in various capacities with a joyful heart.

Please note : for our Family Church Picnic on June 14, we kindly ask the ladies to bake and donate sweets for sale at the picnic.

The next Ladies' Auxiliary meeting is on Sunday, May 31, after the (M) Divine Liturgy.

---

Youth News

On April 11 th (Lazarus Saturday), members of the Mac-AROY met following the Divine Liturgy to make palm crosses and fill the eggs for the Egg Hunt. On April 19 th (Easter Sunday), Mac-AROY coordinated the Egg Hunt after the Agape Service, which was again a big success. Thanks to Marianne Ocrain for organizing this and to everyone who donated candy and plastic eggs!

We encourage all our youth from 12 years old and up to join our organization.

---

 

Retirees' Update

Reported by Mary Seferi, Secretary

Birthdays
May: Vicki Balamaci, Florence Chanaca, Sam Chiacu, Charles Geambazi, Tom Muzea
June: Nick Cipu, James Pittu, Sophie Pittu, Kay Ziu

Anniversaries:
May : Mary and Sam Chiacu, George and Julie Cipu, Florence and Mike Gachi, Tina and Jim Giambazi
June: Angie and Nondi Balamaci, Despa and Nick Cipu

Hosts:
May: Liz Geambazi and Nikki Kressu
June: Gina Dumitre and Tom Muzea

Events:
March 12: Refreshments were donated by Nikki Kressu for the good health of the family.
March 19: The coffee hour was sponsored by Veta Babu and Psa. Marianna in memory of John Babu, and by Stephanie Bellas in memory of Vasil Bellas.

Memory Eternal !

April 2: We had a delicious pizza luncheon.

Please come and visit us on Thursday afternoons. We welcome new members.

Christ is Risen! This Holy Pascha Season was in many ways very special and different from all of the Paschal Seasons we have had in the past, due to the fact that we had the services in our new, beautiful Church.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who worked hard and with dedication to make our Holy Week and Holy Pascha celebrations again very special this year.

Special thanks to Psa. Marian Coca for beautifully decorating the main Paschal Candle, and for decorating the lovely candles for sale.

We are especially indebted to our clergy Fr. Cornel and Fr. George ; to our Cantors, Constantin Bargiuma, George C. Fatsy, George Cipu, Bill Balamaci , and Dinca Ianus ; the choir, under the direction of Gina Cook and Diane Vieira ; the epitrops; and all the members of the Parish Council who worked so hard! We must not forget the youth who show their dedication to the church: the altar boys for their service and MAC-AROY, for making cross palms and preparing for the Egg Hunt.

Last, but certainly not least, we express our appreciation to all the ladies who, as usual, are mainly working “behind the scenes,” making the eggs and hostessing the Easter Social, along with countless other jobs, all under the able leadership of President Ann Nastu . Most of all , we thank all of you who faithfully participated in the Lord's journey by devotedly attending all of the Holy Week and Paschal services.

 

Truly He is Risen!

---

From the Choir

We must also congratulate the whole choir for their excellent singing during the many services of great Lent and Pascha. Happy anniversary to our choir, that they celebrate every Holy Pascha. Please join our choir. We need your help.

---

ANNUAL FESTIVAL '09

A Macedo-Romanian Affair

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

It is hard to believe that we will soon start planning our 29th FESTIVAL! The success of all of them is directly attributable to the diligence and hard work of the many members and friends who volunteer their time.

Again, we need your help. Although the FESTIVAL demands a lot of hard work, it is also very rewarding because it is fun and provides an opportunity for community and fellowship with the involvement of everyone.

Please plan to help. The Festival is very important to the progress of our church.

Reserve these dates on your calendar for the biggest social event of the year:

September 18, 19 and 20

Thank you so much

 

Dear Fr. Cornel , Fr. George & the St. Dimitrie Family,

Jim is "home at last".  We extend our heartfelt appreciation for your prayers, support, and generous memorial contributions to Jim's beloved St. Dimitrie Church. We were so deeply touched by your overwhelming response. GOD BLESS you all. He loved you as we do.
Many thanks, Lucy & Barbara Shola

We would like to thank Frank Polke of the Lesko and Polke Funeral Home for donating the wooden candle stands in front of the altar. He also had our old kneeler and another matching kneeler that he donated refinished. God bless you for your dedication to our church!

Fr. Cornel would like to thank Mrs. Zoe Zgura and her family for donating a beautiful set of red and gold vestments. The donation was made in loving memory of her husband George Zgura . Vesnica lui pomenire !

We thank Mr. and Mrs. Cristi Petre for donating the Pasti this year. The good wine used for the P asti was his own “label,” donated in thanksgiving to God, for the good health of the family, and for continued blessings.

We wish to thank Tase & Silvia Fatse for their endowment to St. Dimitrie called the “Anastase Petra Fatse & Silvia Babiana Fatse Endowment Fund.” They have now gone to God. May He bless their souls through eternal life. The fund is set up so that the Church can use the interest income for the purchase of Easter Flowers. The fund now stands at $10,898.73. We remember them well and will continue to remember them and their family in our prayers.

---

Counting Our Blessings

 

St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church gratefully acknowledges the following donations of

time, talent and treasure:

 

Fellowship Hour Donations

Feb. 22 – IMO Robert (Bobby) Cook (5 years), donated by parents John and Gina Cook & family

March 8 – IMO George V. Fatsi (1 year), donated by his wife Elefteria & family

March 22 – IMO Frances (Sue) Giavara (18 yrs.) donated by her husband Arthur & family

March 22 – IMO Vasila Rusu (6 mos.) donated by her family

April 5 – IMO Victoria (Vic) Chanaca (5 yrs.), donated by her family

April 26 – IMO Frank Polke, Sr. (5 yrs.), donated by his wife Goldie & son Frank Jr. and family

May 10 – IMO Ana (6 yrs.) donated by her sister Vica, mother and brother

May 17 – IHO Arthur Giavara on his 85 th birthday donated by his daughter Marie & family

May 17 – IMO Viktoria Cipu (1yr.) donated by daughter Veronica Stilu & family

May 24 – IHO Sam and Mary Chiacu on their 60 th wedding anniversary

May 31 – IMO Ernie Godin (10 years), donated by his wife Florence and sons Frank & Ernie

May 31 – IMO Katherine (Kay) Vanghel (40 days) donated by her family

Altar Candles

-- For the good health of the family: Van and Bea, Janet and her family, Christopher and his family, Georgette and her family (4/19/09)

7 Day Sanctuary Candles

-- In loving memory of Vichia Fatsy, Happy Birthday Muma. We miss you. Love from Marianne, Vito, Audriana, and Christopher Ocrain (5/3/09)

-- In loving memory of Elizabeth Rech, from Nancy, Karen and Janice (5/3/09)

-- In loving memory of Joseph Rech, from daughters Nancy Fraczek, Karen Karker, and Janice Sature (5/3/09)

-- In loving memory of frati George Stavri Yanka, from soara Audrey and George Fatsy. Happy Birthday and Name Day (4/23/09)

-- In loving memory of Nicholas G. Talabac, from his wife Louise and sons Stephen, Michael, and Robert (4/19/09)

5 Day Sanctuary Candles

- For the good health of Stila, Mihaela Florentina and Joita, from Zoe Zgura (2 candles)

--For the good health of Steffie Bellas, from her children

-- In loving memory of Edith, from Mathew and Martha Gelfand (4/5/09, 4/26/09).

--For good health. May God bless “Teta” Vicki Balamaci, love Nancy, Karen, Janice Rech (5/3/09)

--For the good health of Teta Steffie Bellas, love from Nancy, Karen, Janice Rech (5/3/09)

-- In loving memory of Edith and Arline Gelfand, from Mathew and Martha Gelfand (5/3/09)

-- For the good health of Matthew and Martha Gelfand (5/3/09)

-- In loving memory of Mariana (Marioara) Ghitsa, from Caterina and Andrei Colimitra (3/29/09)

-- In loving memory of Vasila (Vala) Biruinta Rusu, from Caterina and Andrei Colimitra (3/29/09)

-- For the good health of Alyssa Sature, from her mom and dad (5/10/09)

---

Holy Pascha Offerings

 

1,000

 

Thomas Carameta IMO George Shillira

Iulian Sora (Fam. Sora)

 

500

 

Vasile & Elka Geavela

Constantin Carseli

 

350

 

Veronica Lupu

 

300

 

Olympia Malisory

 

250

 

Donna Benedetto, Dr. Hristu Bileca,

Ioana Preda, Alexia, Cyrus & Bardia Asgari

 

200

 

Dan & Lizi Diaconescu, Dumitru Dinescu's Family, Dr. Mihaela Costin, Eugene / Rodica Gall, Mariana, Cristian si Cristi Petre

 

150

 

Costin & Simina Ionescu

Ileana, Peter & Christopher Slavin

 

125

 

Nick & Elsie Fatse

 

121

 

Elena Vartic & The Kove Family

 

120

 

Cezar Filimon

 

$100

Fam. Angelescu; Dr. Adrian Banc and Family; Familia Barba, Costel si Liliana Bica; George & Nicoleta Caraiorgu; Tom & Priscilla Carameta; Helen Celia; Kay Celia; Josephine Chanaca; Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Docu; Familia Mircea si Daniel Docu; Laura & Gheorghe Dodita; Dan & Michaela Ene; Dr. John & Jayne Fatse and Family; George P. & Fevronia Fatse; Tom & Elsie Gartsu; Louise & Andrew Ghitsa; Pandely and Mary Gity; Jeffrey Gombos; Alex & Cristina Ionescu; Gloria, Gregory, Gary & Michael Nastu; Claudius & Gabriela Petrini; Fam. Lucian si Elena Popa; Liviu, Michael, Lenuta, Georgeta si Mitru Popescu; Alan & Jan Rissolo; Andrew & Alexandra Shillira; Constantin & Elena Stroe; Thomas Tanase & Family; Lina, Michael, Greg and Nico Thornberg; Rev. Fr. Cornel & Psa. Louisa Todeasa; Juliana Vasinschi; Zoita Ianca (Fam Zdralea Dumitru)

75

Thom & Daniella Geer

50

Andrei & Mariana Badea; Thomas & Nancy Baratta; Lisa Batsu; Robert & Alexandra Braun; Gloria Caranica; Glenn & Cathy Crowell; Charles & Elizabeth Geambazi; Sofia Jacab; George & Eftimia Kiosse; Virginia Lity; Radu & Melania Masala; Gabriel & Victoria Matei; Catalin & Magda Moisanu; Victor & Anne Nastu; Susan, Bobby & Mark Neal; Dumitru & Daniela Nicola; Marie Nicola; Donna M. Peters; Florentina Petrescu; Carmina si Marius Popescu; Flora Zarcu Power; Joseph & Maria Pusztay; Dimitrula Rich; Lucy Shola; Elizabeth A. Shola; Robert Talabac; The Withstandley Family; Dale Ziem

Under 50

Michael Adam, Anonymous;Vasel & Veronica Atanase; Stella Babiana; Constantin Bargiuma; Robert & Georgeta Blaschke; George & Julie Cipu; Eleftheria Fatsi; Kris Fatsy; Mrs. Nora Hoag; Ileana Jombur & Emil Sipos; Karen & Bob Jordan; Helen Kardos; Charles Kressu; Andronica Kressu; Christine Magistro; Aspasia Margarit; Florence Marsala; Jo Ann Maurer; Tula Michael; Charlene Moran; Elena Olszyk; Helen Pariza; Joy Paschalidis; Ellen Pucci; Justin Karol Pusztay; Ted & Kallie Schuster; Seamon Family; Constantin & Mariana Seri; Nina (Culetsu) Shaw; Amalia Spau; Dora Vasilescu

More Easter Card Wishes From Our Friends

Sofia Jakab

Ileana Jombur & Emil Sipos

From The Nicolas and Olschans

 

Special Donations

Amodex Products Inc ($50)

George & Julie Cipu

Fr. George M. & Psa. Mariana Coca – Stewardship ($200)

Fr. George M. & Psa. Mariana Coca ($35)

Pauline Dionis - "God grant you many years" ($25)

Nick & Elsie Fatse ($25)

Florica Fieraru ($100)

Sam & Gina Giavara ($1,548.43)

Nora Hoag ($50) and ($30)

Bob & Yvonne Klancko – We miss you at St. Nick's ($25)

Robert & Yvonne Klancko ($50)

Mr. & Mra. Ioan Maci ($50)

Dumitru & Saviana Margarit ($100) 5/10/2009

Charlene Moran ($250) 5/3/2009

Hristu & Gert Nastu ($100) 3/29/2009

Mihai & Steriana Palavra ($200) 3/15/2009

Jeanette Ranucci for Francis Lynch $31 (3/28/2009) and $25 (4/12/2009) and $25 (4/4/2009)

Radu Rusu via United Way of Central & NE CT ($134.19) Nicholas Sorovacu ($100) 5/3/2009

Helen Soter ( $25) 4/12/2009

Martha Tennant ($25) 3/1/2009

Daniela Caliopia Tirziu ($200) 3/1/2009

Sylvia Belba, Linda, Adam and Eric William - IMO Kay Vanghel ($25.00) 5/3/2009

The Carabina Family IMO Bobby Cipu (1 yr) ( $25)

Mary Costulas - IMO Sylvia Fatse 3/22/2009

Mariana Filimon IMO Antonia Buiuca, ($50) 5/3/2009

Mr. & Mrs. George Kiosse IMO Catherine Vanghel

Hristu & Geta Nastu IMO his uncle Dimitrie Nastu

($100) 3/29/2009

St. Dimitrie Retirees IMO Catherine Vanghele

 

New Members

 

We extend a warm welcome to our new members.

 

Mihaita & Adriana Anton Norwalk, CT

John Babu Fairfield CT

Maria Batsu Monroe CT

Iancu Bica Bridgeport, CT

Petre Chirila Easton, CT

Mary Jennifer Costulas Fairfield CT

Ionica Docu Trumbull, CT

Ioan & Theodora Donat Fairfield,CT

Ryan & Stephanie Foley Stratford, CT

Rodovica Gallen Harrison, NY

George Ghitsa Orange, CT

Elena Ivanov Bronx, NY

Leonidas Loukrezis Easton, CT

Val & Olga Luca Fairfield, CT

Ilianna Paschalidis Trumbull, CT

Thomas & Vera Morrison Greenwich, CT

Radu & Firuta Neamu Hamden, CT

Jeanette Ryan Bridgeport, CT

Haralambie & Elena Seri Bridgeport, CT

Emil Sipos Fairfield, CT

Robin Tanase Trumbull, CT

Other Contributions In Support Of St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church

Year-To-Date Through May 2, 2009

We are now in our new church and, as we get ready to move forward, we see an increase in donations and we humbly ask for your continued support.

Candles $11,879

Trays $10,028

Building Fund Second Tray $7,359

St. Dimitrie Church Pledge Status

Phase 1 - $694,927 Pledged - $583,329 Received =

$111,598 Balance Due

Phase 2 - $204,218 Pledged - $132,422 Received =

$71,796 Balance Due

Interior - $134,284 Pledged – $117,684 Received = Furnishings * $16,600 Balance Due

(* Pews, Chandeliers, Windows, Oven, Table Sets, General Furnishings )

Now is the time for Members and Supporters to start some Fundraising Activities on their own for the Church. These are the only ones going on right now that we know about.

Special Fundraisers By Individual & Groups

Tuesday Morning Romanian

Bible Study Class (Coin Jar) $328.00

Candle Stand Large Jug $579.00

Palms Collection Basket $79.00

In Memoriam

Catherine Tanase Vanghel of Bridgeport, wife of the late George Vanghel, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2009. She was 89 years old. Born in St. Louis, MO, she was raised in Manhattan before moving to Bridgeport where she resided for more than 60 years, and worked for the Remington Rand Co. of Bridgeport until her retirement. As a devoted member of St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church, Catherine enjoyed volunteering her time baking and working at the annual Church Festival. She belonged to the St. Dimitrie Ladies' Auxiliary and the Retirees group. Catherine was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting, especially when making afghans for her family and friends. She will be fondly remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved caring for and cooking for her family and tending to her home. She will be greatly missed. Catherine is survived by her sons, Paul Vanghel and his wife, Sharon of Milford and Thomas Vanghel of Bridgeport; her daughter, Elaine Pickup; a brother, Vasel Atanase; granddaughters, Meredith Lugo and her husband, David and Lynsey Flaherty and her husband, Ryan; a great-grandson, Jacob George Lugo; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Nicholas Tanase. The Trisagion Service was held Sunday, April 26 th , in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home. The funeral service was held on Monday, April 27 th , with burial to in Lakeview Cemetery.

May the Lord rest her soul where the righteous repose