WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
On Sunday, September 15 we will welcome back our community from their summer vacations and inaugurate the Ecclesiastical new year with Registration for our Youth and other Ministries.
A "Welcome Back" Luncheon will be offered after Church.
Sophia's Project
This summer one of our younger parishioners, Sophia Garefis, approached me asking my support for an idea she had- to collect socks. SOCKS?!? What a wonderful idea!
This past Christmas our parish adopted a family to bring some Christmas joy to them. On their individual lists each child wanted socks. It was brought to my attention at the Parish Council meeting recently that the number two request of homeless people, other than food, are socks.
We may not be able to change the world but we can make a difference in the lives of others. I am proud that a younger parishioner wanted to do something for others. I encourage others who have similar ideas to voice them
Please support "Sophia's Project" by bringing socks (preferably new) and placing them in the box located in the Narthex. The more socks we collect, the more comfort we can offer people who need it the most!
Any socks, any color, any size, for adult or children, male or female!
Fr John
Sunday School
Teachers needed! We are in the processof planning a new exciting year and are needing motivated volunteers who want to engage our youngsters in the faith.
As in the past few years we are asking for people to commit a few Sundays throughout the year. The lesson plans will be provided to you.
Contact Nikki Frousakis at sgyc.chair@gmail.com
Greek Dance Program
Welcome Back Dancers and Families.
We are excited to offer the following dance groups this year.
The Dance Board invites you to Youth Registration Day on September 15th .
Come and register your child, meet the directors and learn more about what each group will be doing this year.
PRACTICE DAYS AND TIMES
TODDLER (2-4yrs*) Monday - 4:00pm – 5:00pm-direted by Georgia Covell
PERIFANIA (5-7yrs*) Monday - 5:00pm – 6:00pm-directed by Georgia Covell
YITONOPOULA (8-11yrs*) Monday - 5:00pm – 6:30pm-George Zoumberakis and Eliana Mariolis
ELLINIKI PSIXI (12-17yrs*) Wednesday - 6:00-7:30 -directed by Deena Ikonomou and Alexia Condaras
VERYINA (18 yrs+*) Wednesday - 730 –9:30-directed by Georgia Garefis and Spiro Vovos
* Unless dancer has previously danced with the group.
GENERAL ANNOUNCMENT
The Archdiocese of America is implemeting new policies that affect ALL persons involved in youth programs and ministries. These policies include parents within the framework of the youth protection manual.
We are waiting on the promulgation timeline from the Metropolis. Once this is in place. Without exception ALL who are involved in youth ministry and programs will undergo training and background checks (Priests included).
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Archdiocese Unveils New Youth Safety Videos & Resources
NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is announcing a new ten-episode video series introducing the faithful to the new Policies for the Safety of Children and Youth. These new resources also include step-by-step checklists designed to help parishioners and communities follow the new guidelines.
“The new Policies are an important achievement. Implementing them across our Archdiocese will be a valuable gift we give to our children: the gift of encountering our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a healthy, Christ-centered environment. This is an significant priority, not just for me, but for all of the faithful of this Archdiocese,” said His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
These new Policies will govern all youth ministry programs and events across the Archdiocese. The Policies were endorsed by the Holy Eparchial Synod and unanimously approved by the Archdiocesan Clergy Laity Congress in 2018.
The Policies themselves, including the videos and checklists mentioned above, can be found at goarch.org/safety.
For more information please contact Father Earl Cantos, the Archdiocesan Youth Safety Compliance Officer, at 480.440.2277 or by email at youthsafety@goarch.org.
Parishioner Services
Parishioner Services Chairperson: Sasha Vithoulkas
Cell—(562) 714-5324 Home—(562) 869-3533
Memorial Services must be booked by calling the office and scheduling the date with Father John. After Father John approves the date, then arrangements for the event may be made through the Parishioners Services Chairperson Sasha Vithoulkas. Makaries, Altar- flowers, and koliva please contact Sasha Vithoulkas directly.
Ladies who wish to make prosfora please contact Soula Katsenes (562) 372-7776.
Use of the hall FOR WHATEVER REASON must be coordinated through the Church Office.