St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
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COMMUNITY NEWS |
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GRADUATES: John Koutroupis, son of Mr. & Mrs. Demetri Koutroupis, will graduate from Ray High School, on May 27, 2006. His maternal grandfather is Mr. Aubrey Keilberg and his paternal grandparents were the late John and Olga Koutroupis. Olivia Chriss will graduate from Ray High School on May 27, 2006. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Bill J. Chriss. Her paternal grandparents are Dr. & Mrs. John Chriss and her maternal grandparents are Mrs. Mercedes Fernandez and the late Dr. Alberto Fernandez. Demetri Karagas will graduate with honors from Calallen High School on May 25, 2006. He will be attending New York University, College of Business, in September. He is the son of Dr. & Mrs. Mike Karagas. His maternal grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Alex Kantralis of Corpus Christi, and his paternal grandparents are Mrs. Lucille Karagas of San Antonio, Texas, and the Reverend James Karagas of Portland, Oregon. Congratulations to all graduates! CATECHISM SCHOOL GRADUATION: Sunday May 21st , 2006, will be the last day of Catechism School for the current school year. Awards will be given out to the Catechism School pupils after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 21st . We would like to thank Catechism School Coordinator, Miss Olga Plomarity and to the teachers: Mrs. Soula Piperis, Miss Sophia Sissamis, Mrs. JoAnn Talarantas, Mrs. Anna Maragakis, Mrs. Maria A. Papakostas; Mrs. Karen Karagas, Mrs. Peggy Paraskevas, Mrs. Maria Louis Sissamis, and Mrs. Natalie Rogen. BAPTISM: On April 15, 2006, George Diakomanolis, son of Mrs. Sofia Diakomanolis of Corpus Christi and Mr. Emmanuel Diakomanolis of Karpathos, Greece., was christened at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, with the Reverend Stelios N. Sitaras officiating. Godparents were his grandfather, George V. Piperis, and Sergio Gatoulis of New Jersey. A lovely and lavish reception was held at the Corpus Christi Country Club following the baptism. Congratulations! RELOCATION OF MEDICAL PRACTICE: In April, Dr. Michael Karagas began teaching residents of the Family Practice Residency Program at Spohn Memorial Hospital; and on April 3, 2006, Dr. Karagas relocated his gynecology practice at a new location: 13725 Northwest Boulevard (FM624), Suite 11 in Calallen. His telephone number is (361) 767-9601. Congratulations! NEW RESTAURANTS: March 27, 2006, Nick P. Sissamis opened his new restaurant, “Niko’s Steakhouse” at 5409 Saratoga Blvd. His telephone number is (361) 992-2333. We wish him the best of luck in his new venture. Congratulations! William C. Hartofilax has purchased the “Small Planet Delicatessen” at 3812 South Alameda ( # 30) in the Lamar Park Shopping Center. We wish him the best of luck. Congratulations? SPEAKER: On April 4, 2006, Mr. Bill Chriss addressed the Nueces County Historical Society on “Greeks in Corpus Christi” and presented a portion of the documentary that he is producing. MOVING: Mrs. Maria Hartofilax and her children: Mr. and Mrs. George Hartofilax and son, Miss Anna Hartofilax and Emmanuel Hartofilax, have recently moved to Lyman, South Carolina to be near her sister and other relatives. We are sorry to see the family leave. Best of luck! Lt. Col. Gary Wolf has been reassigned by the Air Force and will be moving with his family in early summer to Madrid, Spain, where he will be stationed for three years. Gary has served on the Parish Council and has also assisted Father Stelios and the Altar Boys in the Altar. A coffee in his honor will be given by the Parish Council, Delphi Club and the Ladies Philoptochos on Sunday, May 7th. We wish him and the family the best of luck in his new assignment and may God be with them always. In August, 2006, Bill Chriss and his family will be moving to Austin, Texas, where he has accepted an endowed fellowship in American History at the University of Texas while working on his Ph.D. degree in American History. We are sorry to see him leave. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him and his family the best of luck. METROPOLIS PHILOPTOCHOS’ PRESIDENT VISIT: On April 1, 2006, Mrs. Martha Stefanidakis, the Denver Metropolis Philoptochos President visited our Parish and met with members of the local chapter on Saturday afternoon at the Church Hall. After the meeting, she and her husband, George, were honored at a dinner at “Niko’s Steakhouse”. On Sunday, George assisted at the Divine Liturgy by chanting and singing with the choir. We thank both Martha and George for visiting our parish and meeting with the local philoptochos members. SEMINARIAN: One of our parishioners, George Livaditis, who is presently attending Hellenic College and will enter the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in September, is participating in the youth mission trip to Mexico in June of this year. Anyone wishing to support this endeavor with a donation to this mission is asked to contact Father Stelios. Your help will be greatly appreciated. George is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Livaditis. ICE CREAM SOCIAL: The Catechism School will host an Ice Cream Social after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 14th in honor of all the mothers. MOTHER’S DAY COFFEE: There will also be a Mother’s Day coffee honoring all mothers on Sunday, May 14, 2006, hosted by the Ladies Philoptochos Society. PARTICIPATION IN THE HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES We would like to thank the following parishioners who participated in so many different ways during this year’s Holy Week and Easter Services: Olga Plomarity for obtaining the palms from the Church of the Good Shepherd and for making the 200 Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday. Our chanters and choir members: Olga Plomarity, Mrs. Poppy Livaditis, Horacio Ortiz, Harry Plomarity, George Paraskevas and Bill Chriss. Lt. Col. Gary Wolf for assisting both Father Stelios and the Altar Boys during the many Holy Week Services. The women of the Parish that helped decorate the Epitafio on Good Friday. The young girls who participated as the Myrofores (symbolizing the three Myrrh-bearing women) during Holy Friday evening Epitafio Services: Sophia Sanchez, Zoe Piperis, JoAnna Vaseliades, Sophia Papakostas and Natasha Rogen. The Parish Council for the extra time they had to devote to their Church during Holy Week. Harry Plomarity for making and donating the Easter Magheritsa Soup after the midnight Resurrection Services, and to all who helped in the kitchen. The Delphi Club for the Easter Breads served with the midnight meal. Olga Plomarity for arranging the lovely Easter Party for the children following the Agape Services Sunday afternoon and to the teachers and parents who brought the candy and plastic eggs for the party. Mrs. Freida Hallick, Mrs. Constance Sanchez and Mrs. Galina Hall and Olga Hall for bringing some very delicious snacks and desserts. All who attended had a nice time. All parishioners who brought red Easter eggs for the blessing. Those parishioners who read the Gospel at the Agape Service in the different languages. Finally, and most importantly, Father Stelios for his dedicated and untiring efforts and services during the Lenten season, Holy week and Easter. HOLY WEEK AND EASTER DONATIONS: We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the parishioners, both local and out-of-town, for their generous Easter offerings. Our thanks also to the following: Miss Olga Plomarity for all the supplies needed for the Holy Wednesday Services. Mrs. Zoe Pollakis for the candles used in the Holy Thursday Evening Service during the reading of the twelve gospels and also for the candles placed on the Cross. Mr. & Mrs. Pete Santikos for the wreath that was placed on the Cross on Holy Thursday evening. Mrs. Sophia Diakomanolis for the white garland that was placed on the Cross on Holy Thursday evening. The donor of the white sheet used during the Apokathelosis Services on Holy Friday afternoon ( donated in memory of Mrs. Diana Theofilos) George and Peggy Paraskevas for the frame of flowers placed around the icon of the Resurrection. Mrs. Marie Crumbly for the Paschal Candle donated in memory of her husband, L. D. Crumly, Jr. and his family, and for Sofia and Nick Manitzas. The following parishioners who contributed money for the Easter lillies. the flowers for the Epitfio and for the other flowers that adorned the church during Holy Week: Mrs. Mary Sherman, Mrs. Helen Kandis, Mrs. Marika Govatos, Mrs. Tasia Hartofilax, Mrs. Petroula Sakeli, Mrs. Sophia Piperis, Mrs. JoAnn Talarantas and Mrs. Marya Mason. HOSPITALIZED: Mrs. Patsy Kandis of Victoria, Texas, has been hospitalized several times recently and we ask that you keep her in your prayers. On March 28th, 2006, Mrs. Tasia Paul fell in her home and was hospitalized for several weeks. We are glad to see her up and around again. Mrs. Frances Sissamis was hospitalized earlier this year following a fall and is still recuperating at home. Let’s keep her in our prayers. Mrs. Viki Zannaras recently fell and broke her arm. We wish her a speedy recovery. Vasile Talarantas, age 5, son of Mr. & Mrs. Mike Talarantas, is recovering from burns received as a result of an accident. Please keep him in your prayers. GENERAL ASSEMBLY: The Spring General Assembly is scheduled for some time during the month of May. You will be notified by mail of the exact day and time. All members in good standing are urged to attend. MEMORIAL SERVICES: On Sunday, April 9, 2006, a three year Memorial Service was held for Mrs. Sofia Halkias, who died April 11, 2003, in Karpathos. Spoa, Greece. She was the mother of Mrs. Irene Piperis. The coffee hour following the Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service was given by Mrs. Piperis and her daughter, Sofia Diakomanolis. May her memory be eternal. On May 21st, 2006, a Memorial Service will be held for Dr. Pat Hrissikopoulos, husband of Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos and father of Dean and James Hrissikopoulos and Helen Pool. The Memorial Service will also be held for Charles and Nafsika Hrissikopoulos, parents of the late Dr. Pat Hrissikopoulos; for Homer and Helen Cazamias, parents of Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos; for Helen and Paul Kairis, aunt and uncle of Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos; for Steven Pool, brother of Butch Pool; and for Christina Papadopoulos, aunt of Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos. The coffee hour following the Memorial Service will be hosted by Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos and Mrs. Helen Pool. May their memories be eternal. On May 28, 2006, a one year Memorial Service will be held for Mrs. Betty Whitaker who fell asleep in the Lord on May 24, 2005. She is survived by her husband, Troy Whitaker of Houston, Texas; her sons, Mark Whitaker of Houston, Texas, and Martin Whitaker of Dallas, Texas and grandchildren, Christina, Martin, Priscilla and John Whitaker. The coffee hour will be hosted by the Whitaker family. May her memory be eternal! Also, on May 28, 2006, a one year memorial service will be held for Nick Shibylo. Mr. Shibylo fell asleep in the Lord on May 19, 2005. He is survived by his wife Ann. May his memory be eternal! CONDOLENCES: Horace Alexander, 72, of Yorktown, Texas, husband of the late Marian Adams Alexander, fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, April 17, 2006. Funeral Services were held in Yorktown on Thursday, April 20. Survivors include C. Gus Adams, Georgia Davis and Paulette Wilson, bother and sisters of the late Marian Alexander. WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES: We wish everyone who is celebrating a wedding anniversary in May, a Happy Anniversary. Adam and Yolanda Valverde May 7, 1997 Christopher and Georgia Butta May 20, 1989 MAY COFFEE HOUR: Parishioners wishing to host the “coffee hour” after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays should sign up on the poster in the Church hall. Please help by volunteering to host the coffee hour. The “Fellowship Coffee” provides us the opportunity to meet our visitors and to visit with each other. Please sign up. Schedule for May is as follows: May 7 Coffee in honor of Lt. Col Gary Wolfe hosted by the Parish Council, Delphi Club and Ladies Philoptochos May 14 Mother’s Day, hosted by Ladies Philoptochos and Catechism School May 21 Mrs. Katherine Hrissikopoulos and Mrs. Helen Pool May 28 Whitaker family and Mrs. Ann Shibylo BIRTHDAYS: Best wishes to the following who will be celebrating a birthday in May: Anna Minas Talarantas May 6th Daniel Marion Eliades May 7th Eric Hamauei May 8th J. R. Stendeback May 15tk Mrs. Diane Hamauei May 16th Dr. Nicholas T. Hallick May 18th Alleynah Cofas May 18th Alexis Chrissy Karagas May 19th Mrs. Melody Vogel May 20th Christina Sissamis May 22nd Mrs. Mariam Psimaris May 24th Katherine Jane Butta May 28th Tiffany Wolfe May 29th James Davis May 31st IN LOVING MEMORY: Each month we will mention our loved ones who have fallen asleep in the Lord during the particular month. If I have omitted anyone, please let me know so I can include them in the future. Mrs. Ethel James Pothitakis May 1, 1987 Mrs. Isamaro Baklajoglou May 2, 1979 Mrs. Cleo Hartofilax May 2, 1991 Constantine G. Meles (Port Lavaca, Texas) May 2, 1961 Mrs. Helen Cazamias May 2, 1997 Agnes Aboud May 3, 1967 Jack Lymberry May 3, 1954 Demetrios Cazassis May 4, 1956 Mrs. Jane Hrissikopoulos Mays May 4, 1993 Mrs. Anastasia Stoilis May 4, 2000 Christ V. Hartofilax May 5, 1994 Katy M. Glaros May 5, 1976 Mrs. Marika Eliades May 8, 2001 Jack M. Glaros May 9, 1983 John Gilson (Raymondville, Texas) May 9, 1967 Mrs. Maria H. Sissamis May 9, 1980 Emmanuel Argyros May 11, 1975 Mrs. Jo Ann Comnas May 11, 1998 Mrs. Panagiota Tahinakos May 12, 1989 Mrs. Darleen Stoilis May 14, 1987 Mrs. Fofo Giannukos Sfiris May 15, 1990 Mrs. Louise Lymberry May 17, 1990 Mrs. Marina Roussakis May 18, 1992 Nicholas (Nick) Shibylo May 19, 2005 Dr. Pat Hrissikopoulos May 20, 2003 Panagiotis Sofronas May 21, 1955 Marcus C. Karides May 21, 1961 Mrs. Maria Spentzos May 21, 2000 Gallo Estefo May 22, 1987 Betty Whitaker May 24, 2005 Billy Louis Whitaker May 25, 2000 Michael Sotiriades May 28, 1970 Mrs. Lula Morrean May 29, 1990 Philip Benson May 29, 1988 John Sedar May 30, 1976 Mrs. Helen Gatoura May 30, 1992 Mr. Nicolaie Nicolau May 30, 1998 May their memories be eternal! |