Greek film and television star Manos Gavras visited with our Greek School students and teachers and autographed copies of his Greek language children’s books. Manos is also well known for his role on the Greek television series “Brusco”.
Fr. Nick was honored this evening with the Spirit of Excellence Award by HOPE Community Services of New Rochelle. The Annual Gala was held this evening in our Social Hall and was catered by our own Manny Louros. Fr. Nick shared his award with all of our community outreach programs here at Holy Trinity.
The Ladder of Divine Assent was the topic of the Sunday School sermon this morning on the Sunday of St. John of the Ladder.
Also, the grandsons of Persephone Papademetriou served today as altar boys on the occasion of their grandmother’s 10 year memorial. They are the sons of Costa and George Papademetriou. May her memory be eternal.
Additionally, Maria Haralampopoulos delivered her speech on the significance of Holy Water to the community this morning at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. Maria represented our Parish at the DAD Oratorical Festival held in New York City last week.
Taking orders for the annual Philoptochos Easter Market!
Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting our rulers to prevail over adversaries, and protecting Your commonwealth by Your Cross.
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.
- 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.
“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
No Meat, Fish, Milk, Dairy Products, Oil, or Oil Products
Shellfish are permitted throughout Great Lent
MARCH 25TH
All day: Fish, Oil & Wine Permitted
Fish, Oil & Wine permitted
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.
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
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.
