August Philoxenia 2021 - Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy ...
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August Philoxenia
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is one of
the oldest Marian feasts in the church. The roots of the
feast go back to Jerusalem, where the apostles and the
2021 Christians of Jerusalem honored and kept alive the
memory of the falling asleep of the Theotokos.
Consequently, quickly, her empty tomb, in Gethsemane,
became a destination for pilgrims from Jerusalem and
the surrounding neighborhoods.
After the dogmatization of the doctrine of the Divine
Motherhood of the Virgin Mary in the third Ecumenical
Council of Ephesus (431), the commemoration of the
falling asleep of the Theotokos became more popular
amongst Christians in the vast majority of the Christian
world.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 11 Race St. In the late sixth century, in the year 588, the Emperor
Charleston, SC 29403 Maurice officially adopted the commemoration of the
Phone (843) 577-2063 Fax (843) 722-2331 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos into the
(419)450-0553frari@gocharleston.org liturgical calendar in the entire Byzantine Empire, and
office@gocharleston.org Web : commanded that it be celebrated on August 15.
www.GOCHARLESTON.ORG
_____________________________________________ In the second half of the seventh century, the feast of the
_____ Dormition appeared in the West under the influence of
the East. It was accepted in Rome under Pope Sergius I
and from Rome it passed over to the rest of Europe.
Up until the end of the ninth century, the feast of the
Dormition of the Theotokos was preceded by two
periods of fasting: FIRST: before the feast of the
Transfiguration (August 1-5) and SECOND: after the
feast of the Transfiguration (August 7-15). In the
tenth century, the two fasting periods were merged into
one, which includes fourteen fasting days beginning on
August 1st through August 14th.
The Narrative of the Feast
The main source of the narrative of the feast of the
Dormition is based on the oral and written Tradition of
the church, which include: the writings of Saints
Dionysios the Areopagite, John the Damascene and
Andrew of Crete; the hymnography and iconography of
the Church, in addition to an apocryphal narrative of the
feast by Saint John the Theologian.
According to the Orthodox Tradition, the Virgin Mary
lived after Pentecost in the house of the Apostle John in
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos Jerusalem. As the Mother of the Lord, she became the
By Archpriest Ayman Kfouf source of encouragement and help for the Apostles and
all Christians.
The Dormition of the Theotokos is one of the Great
Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on August 15. Three days before her death, the Archangel Gabriel
The word "Dormition" is a derivative from the Latin appeared to the Virgin Mary and revealed to her the date
word "dormitio", which means "falling asleep." of her departure into eternal life. Immediately, the
Theotokos returned to her home and prepared herself for
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is the this event through fasting and prayer.
commemoration of the falling asleep, burial,
resurrection, and translation of the Theotokos into On the day of her repose, even though the apostles were
heaven in the body. scattered throughout the world, they were miraculously
transported to be at her side. Exceptionally, the Apostle
Historical Background of the Feast
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Thomas did not arrive on time to bid his final farewell to
The Meaning of the Feast
the Theotokos.
The hymnography and liturgical text of the feast of the
While the Apostles were singing hymns in honor of the
Dormition portrays the feast as mystical, eschatological,
Mother of God, they saw a vision showing Christ,
and paschal in nature.
accompanied by Angels and Saints, coming to escort the
soul of His Most Holy Mother into heaven. With songs 1. Mystical and Eschatological
of praises, the Apostles carried the body of the most pure The hymnography of the feast envisions the Dormition
Theotokos to the grave in Gethsemane to be buried near of the Theotokos as an eschatological event that
her parents. confirms the destruction of hades and the defeat of
death. The Dormition of the Theotokos confirms the
At Gethsemane, the disciples gathered and remained
reality of the transformation of death from a
around her tomb and kept a vigil for three days. On the
fearful enemy into a joyous passage to eternal life.
Third day, the Apostle Thomas arrived and asked to
view for the last time the Most Holy Mother of God. The eschatological nature of the feast of the Dormition is
When the Apostles opened the grave of the Theotokos, evident, not only in the hymnography of the feast, but
her body was not there. The Apostles realized then also in the mysterious gathering of the apostles, who
that she was taken into heaven in the body to be reunited gathered to witness how Christ, himself, comes to escort
with her soul. His mother to the kingdom. They are mysteriously
gathered to witness, again, to the truthfulness
The Liturgical Background of the Feast
of resurrection of Christ and his victory over death.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is preceded
by a two-week fasting period, which referred to as the 2. Paschal
"Dormition Fast." The Dormition Fast starts on August 1 The liturgical text of the Feast of the Dormition depicts the
and ends on August 14th. It is considered to be a very feast as a Paschal event. The hymns of the feast assert that
strict fast, even stricter than both the Nativity and the the Virgin Mary experienced her own personal Pascha by
Apostles Fasts. passing through death and rising to eternal life.
In the Dormition Fast all kinds of meat, fish, oil and Conclusion
wine are forbidden to eat; with the following exceptions: The Dormition of the Theotokos is a confirmation of
on the feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) when fish the resurrection of Christ and a source of hope for the
is allowed; on Saturdays and Sundays when oil and wine faithful in the promise of their personal resurrection,
are allowed. their personal Pascha. The death of the Theotokos and
her translation into heaven confirms the divine promise
During the Dormition Fast, either the Small
of Christ to His faithful children that they will enjoy life
Paraklesis (Supplicatory Canon) or the Great Paraklesis
eternal in everlasting communion with God.
are celebrated with the following exceptions, the Eve
of the Feast of the Transfiguration and on the Eve of the
Feast of tradition, the feast of Dormition of
the Theotokos.
St. John of Damascus confirms the Paschal nature of the by death, and through corruption gains incorruption,
Feast of the Dormition by calling the death of the and makes her death the source of resurrection." (St.
Theotokos: "The Deathless Death". He calls it the John of Damascus) What a paradox! While this Feast is
deathless death because of the fact that death resulted in called the "Falling Asleep of the Theotokos," it is in
her translation into life eternal, into glorification and reality a celebration of her life and victory over death. It
union with the Lord. is a celebration of her "Passover" from this life into life
eternal!
"O how does the source of life pass through death to
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
life? She dies according to the flesh, destroys death
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This is one of those - - “pinch me, is it real?” moments.
Yes, we are finally on the home stretch for the new Orange Salad with Honey Yogurt
building, which will be completed in August, and we Portokali me Yiaourti
have a Charter School “Compass Collegiate” leasing the It’s easy to make, full of healthy ingredients, and
2nd floor classrooms starting mid-August. it’s SO delicious! Yields 4 servings
This is only the beginning! The building has so many Honey Yogurt Dressing
opportunities for us to expand and grow our Ministries. 6 tablespoons plain yogurt and 1 tablespoon honey
Meetings will be scheduled with Cleo, but the
options/space will be unlimited. I am so excited to be Salad
able to walk through on any given day/evening and see 4 oranges 1/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup water
all our Ministries back in full swing. We have all missed 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 cinnamon stick
the connection and interaction with everyone for so long, Blend yogurt and honey. Set aside. Peel one orange rind,
this will be a blessing. removing white pith. Cut rind into julienne strips and set
And the activities begins! aside. Peel remaining oranges, removing and discarding
September 12th-The Ribbon Cutting after Liturgy and the all the white pith and rinds. Cut oranges crossways into
Banquet that evening – call Cleo before August 13 th for thin rounds and place in a baking dish.
reservations. Combine sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick and
Our 50th Greek Festival!!!!! October 8th, 9th, and 10th orange rind strips in a saucepan. Simmer for 4 minutes.
Cool. Arrange rinds and syrup over orange slices in dish.
Of course, that leads us into the Holidays and the Refrigerate for 2 hours.
opportunity to do everything we were not able to do last
year. Serve with Honey Yogurt Dressing.
I can’t wait to share the future and new memories with Note: This refreshing and colorful recipe can be served
all of you. Con and I have so many memories from the as a dessert rather than a salad.
37 years we have been in this Parish but, the new Variation: Omit Honey Yogurt Dressing. Cut a fennel
memories will be even sweeter and blessed. We have bulb in half lengthwise and thinly slice. Combine with
now become our Parents, Grandparents and Great arugula leaves and toss with a Greek salad dressing. To
Grandparents by building for the future of our serve, spoon a serving of greens on each salad plate. Top
community and family. I am so happy and proud to be a with Orange Salad and garnish with Kalamata olives and
part of that with all of you. ~ Susan fennel sprigs.
ATTEND AUGUST LITURGICAL SERVICES
Paraklesis Monday, August 2 6:00 pm
Paraklesis Thursday, August 5 11:00 am
Paraklesis Tuesday, August 10 10:00 am
Paraklesis Thursday, August 12 6:00 pm
Dormition of the Theotokos Sunday, August 15 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am
BLESSING BOX WITNESS
POPULAR GREEK RECIPES—
Highlights by Andrea Turner
Patrick, one of the regular patrons of our blessing box
rides a rusty old bike. Sometimes, he falls to the
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ground due to the weight of his backpack. Or maybe, it
is the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Patrick suffers from cancer. He suffers from hunger.
And, possibly, from homelessness and lonesomeness.
Yet, Patrick remains grateful. He will smile and tell
you “God Bless You” as he collects items from our free
pantry at 11 Race Street.
We thank you for your faithful contributions to this
worthy mission. And please pray for Patrick.
What Can we Do? Be the Light of the World!
If someone comes along and needs everything we just ANY BOY 3RD GRADE OR 10 YRS OLD ARE
restocked, we feel humbled and glad that the pantry INVITED TO SERVE IN THE ALTAR: Please
model is working. It’s possible that next week, the same contact Fr. Ari. frari@gocharleston.org or 419-450-0553
person might return to the same pantry they took from,
and contribute a few items. This is what it means when
we say “take what you need, give what you can.” When
there are multiple neighbors looking after a location, it
shouldn’t stay empty long. When it does sit empty, it
also sits with an invitation for someone passing to
consider what they may be able to give.
OUTGOING PRES. ALEXANDRA PITTAS: To be
honored on Sat., Aug. 28, 2:30-4:30 at Coleman Public
House 427 West Coleman Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant
Please send $25 check to Holy Trinity Philoptochos and
mail to the Church by Aug. 20. Contact Mary Ann PEGASUS DANCE PRACTICES WEDS. 5:00 PM
Miehe for any questions 848 256-5456 or email: COLLEGE CONNECTION ADDRESSES
HTChasPhiloptochos2021.23@gmail.com NEEDED: Please send your addresses, regardless if you
PHILOPTOCHOS 2021-23 EXECUTIVE BOARD will be at the same address. Please send to Fr. Ari.
Mary Ann Miehe- President frari@gocharleston.org
Effie Meletis - Vice President COLLEGE STUDENTS’ PRAYER SUN. AUG. 15:
Brenda Alvanos- Treasurer Please join us at the Divine Liturgy and receive the
Billie Rubie- Recording Secretary blessings of the Church.
Tia Kontenakos- Corresponding Secretary
SS ENDS ON POSITIVE NOTE DESPITE COVID
2021COSTA PAPPAS SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP With very limited space and virtual Sunday School, we
WINNERS: Helena Jonas, who will attend Clemson made the best of a bad situation, thanks to our teachers,
University in the Fall and Pete Jonas, who also attends support staff, students and parents. We pray and hope for
Clemson University. We wish them continued success. an upcoming year filled with thankfulness, hope and
YOUTH NEWS positive blessings.
GOYA PUTT PUTT & PARAKLESIS MON AUG. 2 We thank Brenda Alvanos for her leadership skills and
Join us for Paraklesis (Prayer Service to the Virgin our teachers: Amy Chiconas, Victoria Klein Cox, Kelly
Mary) at 6:00 pm then Putt Putt at Frankies Ferderigos, Anna Maria Kammeyer, Jim Klein, Panos
frankies.com/charleston. A great way to meet before Kordonis, Mary Ann Miehe, Dena Fokas Moses,
school starts. Andrew Rowe, Magda Skermo and Cali Spyropoulos.
We anticipate our first day of classes to begin Sun., Sept.
19.
GRADUATE AND RECOGNITION SUNDAY
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Each piece of red cedar is installed
With a level to insure accuracy.
2021 High School Graduates
Vageli Tsivelekidis, Thomas Demetre & Gavin Milligan
JULY NEW BUILDING UPDATE 2021
As August approaches, we remain optimistic that View from second floor classroom toward
Our magnificent church.
occupancy is close at hand with a move-in of Compass
Collegiate Academy scheduled for early next month. NEW BUILDING: WE'RE ALMOST HOME!
Site work is actively progressing as sidewalks and Construction is in its final stages. We want you to see
preparation for paving are under way. the progress and will be offering tours on Thurs. and
Suns. Come and see our new home! In addition, here is a
Red cedar siding continues to define the elevations, as
video update to get you excited:
each piece must be level prior to securing. The metal
https://youtu.be/veSxFFurfFs
coping is nearing completion at the roof line, giving
definition to the building profile. CONSTRUCTION CELEBRATIONS
With construction completion and move-in expected in
Inside, the elevator is being installed, acoustical lay- in
August, please plan to attend the celebrations on Sunday,
ceilings are going in, grout in the large bathrooms and
September 12, 2021. Immediately following Divine
pre-function area are being placed, with the gray stone
Liturgy Rev. Father George Tsahakis, dignitaries, and
installation soon to follow.
politicians will hold the Ribbon Cutting for all to attend
Installation of light fixtures and all electrical elements and there will be a light reception to follow.
are progressing. Final coats of paint are being applied
The Celebration Banquet will be held at 6:00 pm the
and soon, LVT and carpet will follow.
same day and invitations have been mailed to all New
Construction Pledge Donors and Stewards of Holy
Trinity. Reservations will be pre-paid only. Seats are
still available, but space is limited, and reservations will
be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. You should
make your reservations as soon as possible.
There will be an Open Bar from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. From
6:00 to 7:00 pm a plethora of gourmet appetizers will be
passed. Trinity Hall doors will open at 7:00 pm for a
seated and served dinner. The first course will be a
South & West elevations showing masonry, red Roasted Peach and Burrata Salad followed by the Surf
cedar & glazing and Turf meal.
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The entrée meal will include: Pan-seared Local White
June 26 – Antonia Juliana Dolenc
Fish with Citrus Beurre Blanc paired with Petit
Daughter of Gabriel & Artemis Dolenc
Tenderloin Filet with Green Peppercorn Jus, Carrot
Godparents: Anthony & Eleni Tsorounakis
Puree, Red Pea Summer Succotash with Basil Oil.
Chrimation
Dessert will be Lemon Matcha Gateaux with Coffee
June 26-Sarah Harlan
Service offered.
Sponsor: Susan Zourzoukis
Make your reservations today to attend this momentous
Funeral
occasion by sending in your reservation card with
June 19-Maxine Bouzianos
payment or calling the Church Office at 843-577-2063
May her memory be eternal!
before August 13.
Trisagion’s
The banquet is not a fund-raiser for the new
construction. The $150 price of the banquet ticket June 6-Mihai Builga 7 Days, Spyridon Petrache 40 Days
covers all of the expenses for the evening—invitations, June 13-Georgia Douros 6 Months
servers, food, open bar, table and chair rentals, linens, June 25-Rosie Durse 40 Days
flowers, music, photography, souvenirs, and many other June 27-Michael Firilis 1 Year
details to make this a momentous occasion. The July 4- Kieth "Nicholas" Lieding 6 months
deadline for reservations is August 13, which is the July 25- Panagioti Fotopoulos 6 Days
deadline date set by CRU Catering. No tickets will be May their memories be eternal!
sold at the door. Wedding
th
50 Annual Charleston Greek Festival. Oct. 8- 10 June 6-Maria Kakazioti & David Leon
There are few Greek Communities that have attained 50 Koumbara: Maria Kakaziotis
years in the US. What better timing than to do so with the UPCOMING AUGUST MEETINGS
arrival of our New Hellenic Center!
NBC Meeting Tuesday, August 10th 5:30 pm
Our festival layout is going to offer so much more and
give us a chance to better utilize the grounds. This year's Parish Ministry Calendar Meeting Thursday, August 12th
band is Georgio & The Grecian Keys. The band 7:00 pm Following Paraklesis
originated in the 70's from Warren, Ohio and was Parish Council Meeting, Thursday, August 16th 6:00 pm
considered one of the top Greek Bands in the US.
We have been granted free parking at the Harborview Festival Meeting, Tuesday, August 24th 5:00 pm
Office Tower thanks to Bennett Hospitality for the Papou Squad Thursday, August 26th 9:00 am Trotters
festival weekend. That helps a lot!
I urge all of us to plan our festival shifts. Labor is going
to be a premium to bring in, the more help we have, the Please Join Us For A Panagyri
less help we will have to hire. (Celebration)
We have a 50th Annual Charleston Greek Festival Tee
Shirt $25.00 that is going to sell out! You can find them In Honor of the
outside of church each Sunday or call Cleo at the church
Falling Asleep of the Theotokos
office and pick yours up. You don't want to be left out
on this! More to come! Yassou Y'all, ~Tom Meletis
PARISH REGISTRY
40 Day Blessings
June 13-Crew Thomas Cunningham parents Kevin & Eleni
Davino Cunningham
June 27-James Collins Gervais Parents Ben & Hannah
Collins Gervais
Baptism’s
June 22- Lucas Neil Hicken
Son of Curtis Hicken & Svetlana Iarkova
Godparent: Katia Ivanova
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Sunday, August 15, 2021
Following the Divine Liturgy
In the AHEPA House
Light finger foods will be served.
Please call the Church Office to make a
reservation (843) 577-2063
Fr. Ari thanks everyone for their get well wishes
and can’t wait to be back soon!
Father, Please Pray For the Living
Servants of God at the Paraklesis Services
(First Names only, please)
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Paraklesis Services
Paraklesis Monday, August 2 6:00 pm Paraklesis Thursday, August 5 11:00 am
Paraklesis Tuesday, August 10 10:00 am Paraklesis Thursday, August 12 6:00 pm
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