Last Night's Soup Run
by Despina Kartson
Hot meals, clothing, shoes and toiletries were distributed in record time to the more than 100 guests we served on 33rd Street in Manhattan during last night's soup run. We arrived at our location to be greeted by a long line of people who had been patiently waiting for us for nearly an hour. Lemon chicken, rice and vegetables along with snacks, fruit, coffee and the ever-popular hot chocolate with whipped cream were on the menu.
Our bins were overflowing with coats and other clothing and it seemed as if it took only 30 minutes to give away all that we had. Volunteers also provided underwear, socks and several bins of men's shoes and sneakers - every single item was accepted with sincere appreciation.
The evening was lively and busy, with many volunteers giving out food, listening to and talking with our guests. We were particularly touched by Collette, an elderly woman from Brooklyn. She was introduced to us by a formerly homeless guest who now serves with us every month. Collette quietly told us that she has an apartment but has no furniture and has been sleeping on the floor for months. She asked if we have any furniture, particularly a bed, that we could give her. We promised to bring her an air mattress, pillow and linens next month. Asking Collette to hang in there and sleep on the floor for another month was a difficult conversation but she is appreciative and happy to know that we will be there for her next month.
As our monthly outreach continues to grow, we were honored to be joined last night by Philoptochos members from The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church (NYC), parishioners from St. George Greek Orthodox Church (NYC) and business colleagues of our volunteers. A special group of parishioners and the minister of New Bethel Way of the Cross Church (Harlem) brought numerous purses and backpacks filled with toiletry items earmarked specifically for our women guests. The generously filled bags were assembled during the church's "Purses for a Purpose" drive and they were so very much appreciated by the women.
Thank you to the many in our community and beyond who so generously support, through their actions and their offerings, the mission of the Soup Run. This month's outreach was made possible by:
Claud Karram for sponsoring
Manny Louros and Zachary Karounos for preparing the meals
Minos Samoladas for his donation which enables us to purchase much-needed socks and underwear
Denise Bendo for supporting the Blue Door Thrift shop in Mt.Vernon, and purchasing several large bags of clothing
Phoebe Malles of Lippe Taylor Integrated Marketing Communications Agency for hundreds of women’s toiletry items
The Philoptochos of Annunciation, New York City for their donation of socks and men's underwear
The parishioners from New Bethel Way of the Cross Church in Harlem for purse donations from their "Purses for a Purpose" drive
Irene Drivas tote bags and clothing
John Dos Santos and Charles Calomiris for bins of men's shoes
Constance and Georgeann Mavrovitis and Cynthia Herzegovitch for organizing the clothing and toiletries
The Philoptochos and the Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, community
Please join us next month on April 18th (schedule change due to Easter). All are welcome and donations of seasonal clothing, tote bags, socks and underwear are appreciated.
Guidelines for Fasting
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and fasting with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ.
- St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians
The fast for the forty days of Lent is indicated below, though many are not able to hold to the strict fast.
We offer the following guidelines to be considered prayerfully with the guidance of your spiritual father and in consideration of any medical conditions or dietary requirements.
One key to a more fulfilling life is prayer. For Orthodox Christians, the aim of prayer is to enter into conversation with God. Prayer is sometimes referred to as dialogue with God. Often it is a waiting on God in silence. In the church it is defined as the lifting of the mind and heart to God, and also as walking in the presence of God. We turn our mind and thoughts towards Him. We mentally gaze at Him and speak with Him in reverence, fear, and hope. At times we speak to Him with words and at other times we stand in reverent silence. Saying nothing, but being aware of His presence. In this dialogue with God we praise Him and thank Him. We ask Him for what we need. Our mind and our hearts are open to Him. Prayer is not only repeating words, it is trust in God that he hears and directs us in His Way involving spiritual growth and development.
Jesus’ Instructions on Fasting
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you do not appear to men to be fasting but to your father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Gospel of Matthew Chapter 6:16-18
Strict Fast
No Meat, Fish, Milk, Dairy Products, Oil, or Oil Products
Shellfish are permitted throughout Great Lent
FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
MARCH 25TH
All day: Fish, Oil & Wine Permitted
Palm Sunday
Fish, Oil & Wine permitted
The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
Read each weekday during Great Lent
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth,
despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions,
and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages.
Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Present in all places and filling all things, The treasury of blessings and Giver of life: Come and abide in us.
Cleanse us from all impurity, and save our souls, O Gracious Lord
ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ON FASTING
Do you fast? Give Me Proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him.
If you see a friend being honored,
do not envy him.
Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands
and all the members of our bodies.
Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast,
By disciplining them not to
glare at that which is sinful.
Let the mouth fast from foul words
and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers? May He who came to the world to save sinners strengthen us to complete the fast with humility, have mercy on us and save us.
The Holy Trinity Philoptochos bids farewell to Kathy Baeff
The Holy Trinity Philoptochos bids farewell to Kathy Baeff and thanks her for years of generous service and dedication to the community. May God Bless her on her journey to be closer to her family.
Congratulations to the 2019 CEOBL Junior Varsity Champions!
Congratulations to the 2019 CEOBL Junior Varsity Champions! Holy Trinity New Rochelle defeated Waterbury in the championship game on March 9th and were acknowledged along with their coaches, Dean Curtis and Jimmy Resvanis, in Bridgeport yesterday at the league’s All Star Game. Luke Curtis and Johnny Papademetriou were awarded all stars for HTNR and Ari Bournazos was recognized as the league’s MVP, what an honor! A special day for a great group of kids! Special thank you to the coaches Jimmy and Dean who led the team to victory and to the parents who always lend a hand when needed.
Missing from the photo: Eliana Kaufmann, Andreas Mulder, and Harry Russon
JV Team:
George Benekos
Ari Bournazos
Chris Costakos
Luke Curtis
Daniel Damascus
Eliana Kaufmann
Evan Kaufmann
Jacob Kaufmann
Andreas Mulder
Johnny Papademetriou
Alexander Resvanis
Harry Russon
Vespers were held at the Church of The Annunciation
Vespers were held at the Church of The Annunciation in Manhattan for tomorrow’s double feast - Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and the 198th anniversary of Greek Independence.
Four Holy Trinity Boy Scouts became Eagle Scouts
Four Holy Trinity Boy Scouts became Eagle Scouts this afternoon at a Court of Honor held in the church. They are Michael Dallaris, Nikolas Diakolios, Alexandros Kerwick and Alexander Karras. Congratulations to all!
Holy Trinity Greek School presented its annual March 25th Program
Holy Trinity Greek School presented its annual March 25th Program - in celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation and Greek Independence Day.
