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Bulletin for
Sunday, February 25th
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
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Parish Council Corner
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with great pleasure to come to you with wonderful news as our year comes to form. First I would like to thank George Koudounas and Richard Forbes for all their support and hard work in assisting the church on finalizing the sale of Brady Ave. We owe them a special thank you for volunteering their services. Neither would accept any commissions or fees.
To add on to this great news, I would like to inform those who were unable to attend church last Sunday, I announced that a member of our community came forward with an offer beyond words of appreciation and gratitude for their love of Christ and St. Nicholas can express. At this time we would like to keep the donor anonymous per their wishes to keep their identity low key at this time. The donor is solely funding construction of a new church on another location to be determined. I have already reached out to the diocese and will keep the community updated as we progress through the process. Words cannot describe the generosity and love this community has been blessed with. This means so much for the future growth to come.
Please pray to the Lord with me for his help and guidance and we move forward.
In Christ,
Dean Komondorea (Parish Council President)
Members Parish Council on Duty
Feb. 25 – Clio Hatziyannakis and Montos Vakirtzis
Mar. 3 - Georgianna Grogan and Fran Vakirtzis
Mar. 10 – Dr. Keith Festa and Peter Spiliotis
Mar. 17 – Dean Komondorea
Mar. 24 – Kim Krueger and Maria Davis
Mar. 31 – Clio Hatziyannakis and Montos Vakirtzis
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Ladies Society Corner
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
A blessed month of February!
Please join me in welcoming our new officers for 2024! During our Holiday Dinner this week, we held elections, and our officers are as follows:
· President - Kim Krueger
· Vice President – Dina Pliotis
· Treasurer – Maria Davis
· Secretary – Athanasia Ragkousi-Balampanis
We look forward to a full and active 2024!
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Ladies Society Meeting Schedule:
1st Tuesday of each month 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall
Upcoming Events:
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Annual Lenten Kitchen / Church Hall Cleaning – Saturday, February 24 - 9:30 AM – Open to all who would like to lend a helping hand – Sign up sheet in Fellowship Hall
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Easter Bake Sale - March 10 – April 12 for Orders
Baking Dates – Tentative:
March – Saturdays – 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
April – Saturdays – 6th, 13th, and 20th
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me 845-527-5057.
If you are not already a member, we would love for you to join us! New members and volunteers are always welcomed!
Yours in Christ,
Kim Krueger
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Community News and Calendar
Feb. 25 – 3-year memorial for George Sialmas
Feb. 26 – Funeral of Andreas “Andy” Chronopoulos at 11:00 A.M.
Mar. 3 – 40-day memorial for Yiannoula Skoufis
Mar. 5 – St. Nicholas Ladies Society 6:30 P.M. in the Church Hall
Mar. 10 – 40-day memorial for Kalliopi (Popi) Chronopoulos
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A sweet blessing for our family was born on the Feast of the Three Hierarchs.
Our newest family member:
Miles Sophocles
born at
11:14pm on Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Parents: Arianna Koudounas & Brendan Roach
Grandparents: Alexis and George Koudounas
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In Loving Memory of
Andreas (Andy) Chronopoulos
March 15, 1933 – February 19, 2024
It is with heavy hearts but with hope in the Resurrection of the Lord that we announce the passing of our beloved longtime community member Andreas "Andy" Chronopoulos, a cherished husband, dedicated father, and loving grandfather. Tragically, Andy succumbed to Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy) only a few short weeks after his beloved wife and life partner of 66 years, Popi Chronopoulos, passed away. Their bond was inseparable in life and, fittingly, they departed this world together.
Born in 1933, Andy grew up surrounded by the beauty of his family village of Kalavrita in the Achaea region of Greece. Andy first came to the United States when he was only 17 years old. He arrived in Hartford, Connecticut, and worked full-time in a restaurant until 1958, when he returned to Greece for a vacation. There, at his sister's wedding, Andy's life would be intertwined with love and commitment when he met the woman who would become his beloved wife, Kalliopi "Popi". Together, they embarked on an adventure, leaving their homeland for America, eventually settling in Poughkeepsie, NY, and later establishing roots in the welcoming Village of Highland Falls.
In 1964, Andy and Popi took ownership of the Highland Falls Restaurant, which became affectionately known as "Andy's." For seven days a week, spanning four decades, the devoted couple cooked, served and entertained, often with help from their sons. They poured their hearts and souls into the establishment, transforming it into a beacon of warmth and hospitality for Highland Falls and the surrounding communities. Andy's devotion to embracing, nurturing, and comforting his patrons with homemade meals, a unique sense of humor, and a kind smile created lasting memories for countless individuals who walked through the doors of Andy's Restaurant.
After Andy and Popi sold the restaurant in 2000, they spent much of their time volunteering and remaining active in their Highland Falls community. Andy was a fixture in the community, known for his giving and kindness. Alongside Popi, he generously volunteered his time and resources to various organizations and events, including hosting the annual community Christmas dinner for over 40 years.
In a 1977 interview, Andy said, "I come from a small town in Greece. We had a large very close family. That's when I learned to have fun with people. The best part of my job is laughing and joking around with the customers. Highland Falls reminds me of my hometown in Greece in many ways. It's small, and the people all know and look out for each other." When asked if he had any plans for the future, Andy said, "I want to stay home and take it easy, and then travel and have a good time. Everybody has those dreams, don't they?"
Andy is survived by sons, Billy and Dean, and his grandchildren, Andrew and Kalliopi "Kalie", named after their grandparents.
Visitation honoring the vibrant life of Andy Chronopoulos will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at William F. Hogan Funeral Home, 135 Main Street, Highland Falls, NY, with a Trisagion Service beginning at 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 19 Fullerton Ave., Newburgh, NY. Interment will follow at Eagle Valley Cemetery in Town of Highlands, NY. UPDATE: A reception ("makaria") will be held at Andy's Restaurant, 281 Main St., Highland Falls, after interment, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and celebrate Andy Chronopoulos' life and legacy.
As we bid farewell to Andy, let us honor his memory by embracing the virtues he exemplified and continuing his legacy of compassion and service to others. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Andy's memory to St. Basil's Academy in Garrison in support of their children's programs.
Let us remember Andy with fondness and gratitude as we carry his spirit with us always. Reunited with his beloved Popi, may his soul find eternal peace.
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Fellowship Hour Schedule
Feb. 25 – Barbara Komondorea
Mar. 3 – In memory of Yiannoula Skoufis (Angeliki Foundas & Maria Kiamos)
Mar. 10 - Athanasia Balampanis & Dancing Group
Mar. 17 – Parise Northrop and Nicki Panos
Mar. 24 – Kim Krueger
Mar. 31 – Georgea Whitson
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Prosphoro Schedule
Thank you to Ann Marie Festa, who will offer the prosphoron for the month of February, and Nicki Panos who will offer it for the month of March.
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Epistle and Gospel Readings | | |
Epistle Reading
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 3:10-15
Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.
TIMOTHY, my son, you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at lconion, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Κυριακὴ τοῦ Τελώνου καὶ τοῦ Φαρισαίου
Πρὸς Τιμόθεον β' 3:10-15
Προκείμενον. Plagal First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1.
Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος.
Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, παρηκολούθηκάς μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, τῇ ἀγωγῇ, τῇ προθέσει, τῇ πίστει, τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ, τῇ ἀγάπῃ, τῇ ὑπομονῇ, τοῖς διωγμοῖς, τοῖς παθήμασιν, οἷά μοι ἐγένετο ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ, ἐν Λύστροις, οἵους διωγμοὺς ὑπήνεγκα· καὶ ἐκ πάντων με ἐρρύσατο ὁ κύριος. Καὶ πάντες δὲ οἱ θέλοντες εὐσεβῶς ζῇν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διωχθήσονται. Πονηροὶ δὲ ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον, πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι. Σὺ δὲ μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες καὶ ἐπιστώθης, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνος ἔμαθες, καὶ ὅτι ἀπὸ βρέφους τὰ ἱερὰ γράμματα οἶδας, τὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.
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Gospel Reading
Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
Luke 18:10-14
The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Κυριακὴ τοῦ Τελώνου καὶ τοῦ Φαρισαίου
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 18:10-14
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἄνθρωποι δύο ἀνέβησαν εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν προσεύξασθαι, ὁ εἷς Φαρισαῖος καὶ ὁ ἕτερος τελώνης. ὁ Φαρισαῖος σταθεὶς πρὸς ἑαυτὸν ταῦτα προσηύχετο· ὁ Θεός, εὐχαριστῶ σοι ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ ὥσπερ οἱ λοιποὶ τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ἅρπαγες, ἄδικοι, μοιχοί, ἢ καὶ ὡς οὗτος ὁ τελώνης· νηστεύω δὶς τοῦ σαββάτου, ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι. καὶ ὁ τελώνης μακρόθεν ἑστὼς οὐκ ἤθελεν οὐδὲ τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν ἐπᾶραι, ἀλλ᾿ ἔτυπτεν εἰς τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ λέγων· ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ. λέγω ὑμῖν, κατέβη οὗτος δεδικαιωμένος εἰς τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἢ γὰρ ἐκεῖνος· ὅτι πᾶς ὁ ὑψῶν ἑαυτὸν ταπεινωθήσεται, ὁ δὲ ταπεινῶν ἑαυτὸν ὑψωθήσεται.
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Ἀπολυτίκιον τοῦ Ἁγίου Νικολάου. - Ἦχος δʹ.
Κανόνα πίστεως καὶ εἰκόνα πραότητος, ἐγκρατείας διδάσκαλον, ἀνέδειξέ σε τῇ ποίμνῃ σου, ἡ τῶν πραγμάτων ἀλήθεια· διὰ τοῦτο ἐκτήσω τῇ ταπεινώσει τὰ ὑψηλά, τῇ πτωχείᾳ τὰ πλούσια, Πάτερ ἱεράρχα Νικόλαε· πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τὰς ψυχὰς ἡμῶν.
Apolytikion for Saint Nicholas. Mode 4.
A rule of faith are you, and an icon of gentleness, and a teacher of self-control. And to your flock this was evident, by the truth of your life and deeds. You were humble and therefore you acquired exalted gifts, treasure in heaven for being poor. O Father and Hierarch St. Nicholas, intercede with Christ our God, and entreat Him to save our souls.
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Assembly of Bishops Announces New Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals
NEW YORK – The Mental Health Task Force of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America accomplished its first major task by publishing a comprehensive and unified Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals. The Directory includes Eastern or Oriental Orthodox Christians verified to be in good sacramental standing by their parish priest or local bishop. The interactive directory allows users to search by zip code for Orthodox Christian mental health providers licensed to practice in their state. The directory offers useful details about each provider’s area of practice, as well as contact information.
As an ever-growing directory, the Task Force invites mental health providers who are licensed to practice by their state and in good standing in their parishes to apply to be included in the Directory.
The Assembly of Bishops recognizes the value of mental health services and encourages the clergy and faithful to seek help in times of need.
Please find the Directory here:
Directory of Orthodox Christian Mental Health Professionals
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