The Orthodox Vision March 2025 Vol. 35 No. 3 by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Pastoral Perspective

Father Georgios Livaditis

The Importance of Great Lent for Pascha in the Greek Orthodox Church

Great Lent, also known as the Great Fast, is a significant and transformative period in the Greek Orthodox Church that prepares the faithful for the celebration of Pascha (Easter). This solemn season lasts for 40 days, beginning on Clean Monday and culminating with the Paschal Vigil on Holy Saturday night. Great Lent is not only a time of fasting and abstinence but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal, reflection, and deepening one's faith.

Spiritual Preparation and Repentance

The primary focus of Great Lent is spiritual preparation. It is a time for the faithful to engage in self-reflection and repentance, acknowledging their shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. The Church encourages believers to examine their lives, mend relationships, and cultivate a spirit of humility. This process of repentance is essential as it allows individuals to cleanse their hearts and minds, preparing them for the joy of the Resurrection of Christ.

Fasting and Dietary Discipline

Fasting is a cornerstone of Great Lent, representing both physical and spiritual discipline. The Church prescribes a strict dietary regimen, which typically includes abstaining from

meat, dairy, and other animal products. The purpose of fasting goes beyond mere dietary restrictions; it serves to redirect focus from worldly desires to spiritual growth. By practicing self-control and moderation, believers can enhance their connection to God and develop a deeper understanding of their faith.

Prayer and Worship

During Great Lent, the Greek Orthodox Church places a strong emphasis on prayer and worship. Special services, such as the Pre-Sanctified Liturgies and the Akathist Hymn, are held, providing opportunities for communal worship and reflection. These services are rich in liturgical hymns, readings from Scripture, and prayers that emphasize the themes of repentance, humility, and the hope of salvation. Through participation in these services, the faithful are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God.

Acts of Charity and Community

Great Lent is also a time for acts of charity and service to others. The Church encourages its members to engage in philanthropic activities, helping the less fortunate and those in need. By reaching out to others, believers embody the teachings of Christ and demonstrate the importance of love and compassion in their faith. This spirit of giving further strengthens the bonds of community and fosters a sense of unity among the faithful.

The Journey Towards Pascha

As Great Lent progresses, the faithful are

reminded of the ultimate significance of this period: the celebration of Pascha and the Resurrection of Christ. The journey through Great Lent culminates in Holy Week, during which the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection are commemorated. Each day of Holy Week has its own unique services and traditions, allowing the faithful to engage deeply with the passion of Christ and the hope of His resurrection.

In conclusion, Great Lent is a vital season in the Greek Orthodox Church that prepares the faithful for Pascha. Through practices of fasting, prayer, repentance, and acts of charity, believers are invited to embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and transformation. This period not only highlights the significance of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing call to live a life rooted in faith, love, and service to others. Ultimately, Great Lent is a time of hope, inviting the faithful to embrace the joy and promise of Pascha.

12)! In reality, I don t need them as reminders at all, because the foundation of faith that Sunday School helped to build for me and my classmates is something I (try) to infuse into my daily life. Even when I fail to do so, the Christian way is still always front and center in my thoughts. My understanding of our Orthodox worship, traditions, and symbolism is something I credit to our Holy Trinity Sunday School program’s dedicated group of teachers and volunteers, as well as to Father Constantine Eliades, who was our Parish Priest during my school years.

Aside from the education we received, the memories of Saturday of Lazarus palm making pizza days, spending the day polishing pews in preparation for Holy Week, and the everpresent feeling of belonging to something greater than ourselves, our Church family, are all gifts that we will cherish and keep forever. I encourage all parents of school aged children who are not yet enrolled: do it now. It s the gift that keeps on giving!

served as the Department s first Director, and served in that capacity for many years.

Having no formal books at the time, Father Bill wrote lessons and printed all of the materials to be used by the School. The move to Park Avenue offered far more spacious accommodations and suitable surroundings for the children of the Parish. New books and programs offered by the Archdiocese’s Department of Religious Education were adopted.

Through the years, the Department has made much progress. Children participate in the Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival, as well as the Department’s Vacation Church School.

The Parish has been blessed to have had the following Sunday School Directors over the years:

Presvytera Christine Kehayes, Stella Capiris, Gloria Tallcouch, Evangeline Zarras, and Eva Vaniotis. (written in 2013)

Vicky Andriotis, Editor

What is your organization's most successful program/project and why?

Our Sunday School provides a strong foundation in the Greek Orthodox Christian faith, teachings, and traditions for children from preschool through high school. Through engaging lessons, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities, we help students develop a deep connection to their faith. The program’s success is driven by the dedication of our volunteer teachers, the support of our parish families, and our commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where children can grow spiritually.

How do you fund your missions and projects?

Our Sunday School is primarily funded through the generosity of our parish community. Donations from families, our PTO, and support from the church’s general budget help sustain our program. We also rely on volunteers who give their time and talents to ensure that our mission continues to thrive.

What do you want people to know the most about your organization?

We want people to know that our Sunday School is more than just a religious education program. It is a spiritual family where children learn the values of faith, love, and service. We aim to instill a lifelong relationship with Christ

and the Church, helping our students become active participants in their faith and community.

What would make the greatest difference in helping your organiza-

The greatest support we can receive involvement whether through volunteer teaching, financial contributions, or simply encouraging more families to participate. When parents and parishioners engage with the program, it strengthens our ability to provide meaningful faith education and enriches the spiritual lives of our children.

What

are your organizations goals for this (Ecclesiastical)

year?

This year, we are continuing to work toward the following objectives:

• Increase student enrollment by engaging more families.

• Enhance our curriculum with interactive, hands-on learning experiences.

• Deepen ties between Sunday School and the broader church community through youth participation in liturgical activities and service projects such as altar servers and youth choir.

• Organize family faith activities and events to strengthen the bond between parents, children, and their faith.

• Promote leadership among older students, fostering responsibility and commitment.

Aligned with our “Strong Roots” curriculum theme, we focus on building a strong foundation in the Greek Orthodox faith by nurturing spiritual growth and deepening connections to the Church. Through community service such as volunteering at local soup kitchens, assembling care packages for those in need, participating in holiday gift drives, and supporting senior members of the church, students learn to live out their faith through acts of kindness and compassion, reinforcing their commitment to Christ and His teachings.

Greetings to all from the Choir Loft! On February 1, 2025, the Archdiocesan District Federation of Greek Orthodox Church Musicians had their annual meeting and Vasilopita celebration at St. Michael’s Nursing Home in Yonkers, NY. A few of us were able to attend. We sang a selection of hymns and popular Greek songs for the residents there and had our own Vasilopita cutting ceremony. Our own Ted Pappas won the coin! We wish him many happy and healthy years!

The Lenten season is upon us, and as choir members, we are busy practicing the special hymns that we sing during this most holy time of the year.

The Friday Night “Heretismoi,” or “Salutations” services, are special, beautiful services which are filled with beautiful hymns. These services take place on the first five Friday evenings during Lent and pay honor to the Panayia, who serves as an intercessor for the salvation of us all. One of the hymns sung at this service is “Tin Oreotita”.

words to address you, so awed am I. But I will say what I was commanded: Rejoice, O favored Maiden full of grace!”

We hope the Lenten Season fills everyone with anticipation, faith, love and hope as we await the Resurrection.

Reminders: Our Youth Choir meets on Sundays after services. Please feel free to contact/text our Director, Joanna, at 203-6504204 for info or to have your child join.

All are welcome to join Choir! If you’d like to join us, please contact Joanna at 203-6504204 or see her or any choir member in church on Sundays.

Written by: HELEN YEOTSAS

lean Monday will be celebrated this year on Monday March 3, with Lenten foods, songs, and of course, with famous kites. Bring your own if you have

Our students will participate this year every Friday night at the Panagias Salutations

Greek School Highlights

On Sunday March 23, we will celebrate

On behalf of our Greek School, we thank you and wish you all a Great Lent!

Sunday School Highlights

he 2025 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held on Monday, March 10th at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity, lasting no more than 2 hours. It is open to all 7- 12 graders, and refreshments will be provided during a break. Interested participants should contact Nomiki Patentas, Youth Director and Oratorical Festival Chairperson, or the Sunday School Co-Directors for registration. Students should also bring an extra copy of their essay. Writing support is available before the event. Additionally, Sunday School's Level 1 class celebrated the 3 Hierarchs by making crowns.

Our purpose is to make connections within our Holy Trinity Church through our bi-monthly meetings, which occur on the second and last Wednesdays of the month. As we age, our lives can become more isolating or limited and we encourage any and all Senior Members who are in our faithful community to join us for our activities.

March is holding onto its reputation of coming in like a Lion. We have endured cold winter weather for the past several weeks. It has made it difficult for us to gather for our Monthly Meeting but we are hoping the warmer weather will bring our Seniors together once again. We have the start of Great Lent arriving this Month and perhaps enduring the cold weather is giving us the message of preparing for Lent so that we may endure and have strength during this time. Certainly our Seniors are preparing for the many tasks that come with the 40 days of Great Lent leading us to Pascha.

Our thoughts are with any of our Senior Members who have been ill and we keep them in our prayers for a successful recovery. We wish to extend Happy Birthday wishes (Χρόνια Πολλά!) to any of our Seniors who have a Birthday celebration in March.

As we look forward to the warmer weather and our upcoming Meetings, we are also preparing for

can do alone is remarkable but what many can do together is unstoppable.

Please consider our group if you are a Senior and would like to join us. You may contact Linda Bellas at 203-731-1382 to let us know you are interested in joining our group.

Written by: LINDA BELLAS ELF

Why Grandparent Scams Live On

From the AARP Fraud Watch Network

Criminals will exploit any opportunity to steal your money, and family connections are no exception. The “grandparent scam been around for years; and like many other successful schemes, it's deliberately designed to get targets into a heightened emotional state.

How It Works

icked grandchild or other family member.

•You receive a phone call or text from a pan-

•They say they’re in a timehospitalized after a car accident or jailed for exand beg for immediate

They may hand the phone over to someone they say is a police officer, lawyer or court official who provides detailed instructions for sending money. You may be asked to send mongift cards, wire transcryptocurrency or to provide cash, which someone will pick up from your home.

•Your loved one or the official may also insist

you keep the incident a secret and not involve others.

What You Should Know

•Criminals mine social media and purchase stolen data for personal information they can use to craft believable storylines.

•While these scams have been effective for years, criminals now have the advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) to make voices and images that much more convincing.

•Scammers use our emotions against us, such as fear and panic over the safety of a loved one. These emotions make it hard for us to access logical thinking.

•Anytime an unexpected communication puts you into a state of high emotion and involves urgency, let that be your signal to slow down and think things over because it may be a scam.

What You Should Do

•Adjust privacy settings on your social media accounts so that only people you know can access your posts and photos.

•As hard as it may be in the moment, disengage from a loved one's distress call that seeks urgent financial help. Give yourself a moment to check on the person; call them directly or call a family

member to check things out.

•If you or someone you know has experienced this scam, seek to limit the financial damage—contact your bank if the transaction involved your account, or contact the gift card issuer (see the back of the card) to see if they can help you recover any funds if that was the mode.

•Report the crime to local law enforcement, and press for a written report even if you experience resistance. You will want a record of the crime in the event there is a means for restitution down the road.

Knowledge gives you power over scams.

Submitted by Vicky Andriotis.

The Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. As part of its 100th Anniversary, the Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA will be sponsoring the construction of a handicap ramp at the rear of our church. This is a project that is long overdue and will benefit our community in accessing our church and hall. Anyone who is interested in helping with the construction of the handicap ramp is welcome to offer their time and expertise. We are seeking assistance with the carpentry and masonry work which will be needed to install

the handicap ramp. Please contact us if project. We will also need assistance in rear entrance to construct and install the handicap ramp. Please contact us if you394-8001.

The Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA will also be holding a Fathers Day raffle. Several baskets of cheer prizes will be raffled. Tickets will go on sale soon. Proceeds will benefit the AHEPA scholarship fund.

If anyone is interested in joining the Bridgeport Chapter of AHEPA please contact ahepa@holytrinitybridgeport.org or call 203394-8001. Our monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month from September through June.

e are approaching the Lenten season with hope and continued gratitude. Happy Spring and looking forward to everything it has to bring, as Daughters of Penelope will continue with our charity work.

for us selling tickets after church. These planters are always beautiful and will brighten up any outdoor area. Our drawing will

After a very busy and productive holiday season, we are back with old and new ideas. Our goal continues to be making a difference to a few fundraiser that was very successful.

Our seniors are the backbone of our community, and, thankfully, we have a vibrant group. Happily, we will be treating them with a pizza lunch in early March.

Mid-March, we will participate in providing bagged lunches to Operation Hope in Fairfield. Our GOYAns will help us to prepare lunches on March 13 and deliver on March 14 to be handed out by Operation Hope. If anyone would like to donate towards this cause, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Our annual Mother’s Day planter raffle is underway. Each raffle ticket is $10, and proceeds go towards our scholarship fund. Look

Knitting club continues to grow with several s a nice breakaway from our routines, and everyone has a fun time. Please join us. If d like to donate yarn, we will happily accept it. Thank you. Anyone, at anytime, for any event, is free to join us. Thank you to everyone who supports this fantastic group. Without your help, it would be impossible to do what we do.

DOP meets on the third Wednesday of the month with our next meeting being February 19th and after that, March 19th at 7 pm.

Knitting club meets every other week. Next meeting is Wednesday, February 26th at 6:45.

Many thanks again to you for all your support.

Written by: THEODORA FATIBENE DOP PRESIDENT

"Give me your money," the young man said.

The priest opened his jacket and reached into an inner pocket to remove his wallet, exposing his clerical collar. "Oh, I'm sorry, Father," said the young man, "I didn't see your collar. I don't want YOUR money."

Trembling from the scare, the priest removed a cigar from his shirt pocket and offered it to the young man. "Here," he said. "Have a cigar."

AJesus"Oh, no, I can't do that," the young man replied, "I gave them up for Lent."

burglar had forced entry into a residence when he heard a voice saying "Jesus is watching you." He looked toward the sound of the voice and noticed a parrot roosting in its cage. At this time the parrot said, "Hello, my name is Elvis." The burglar rhetorically asked, "What kind of an idiot would name a parrot Elvis?" To his surprise, the owner of the home replied from the darkness of the room, " The same idiot who named this Rottweiler Jesus."

what you see". Watson said: "I see millions and millions of stars".

Holmes: "And what does that tell you?"

Watson: "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Theologically, it tells me that God is great and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it tells me that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell you?"

Holmes: "Somebody stole our tent".

Submitted by Vicky Andriotis.

Submitted by Vicky Andriotis.

The disheveled

stranger

The parking lot filled rapidly on Sunday morning as members of the large church congregation filed into church. As usually happens in a church that size, each member had developed a certain comfort zone - a block of space within those four church walls that became theirs after the second or third sitting.

It was as much a part of their church experience as the recliner was to the television at home. Some of the older members had been sitting in the same row on the same side for several decades. A team of oxen could not have moved them to the opposite side of the church.

One morning a stranger stood at the edge of the parking lot near a dumpster. As families parked cars and piled out, they noticed him rummaging through the trash. "Oh no! I don't believe it," whispered a lady to her husband. "That's all we need a bunch of homeless people milling around here."

One worried little girl tugged on her dad's

sleeve. "But Daddy..."

Daddy was busy sizing up the bearded stranger, whose baggy, outdated trousers and faded flannel shirt had dusted too many park benches.

"Don't stare at him, honey," he whispered, and hurried her inside.

Soft music filled the high-ceiling sanctuary as churchgoers settled into their usual spots. The choir sang an opening chorus, "In His presence there is comfort ... in His presence there is peace...".

Sunlight suddenly flooded the center aisle. The double doors swung open and the homeless man, sloppy and stooped, headed toward the front.

"Oh no, it's him!" somebody muttered.

"What does he think he's doing, anyway?" snapped an incredulous usher.

The stranger set his bagful of dumpster treasures on the very first pew which had been upholstered in an expensive soft teal fabric just three months ago. The music stopped. And before anyone had a chance to react, he ambled up the stairs and stood

behind the fine, handcrafted oak podium, where he faced a wide-eyed congregation.

The disheveled stranger spoke haltingly at first, in a low, clear voice. Unbuttoning and removing his top layer of clothing, he described Jesus, and the love He has for all people.

"Jesus possesses a sensitivity and love that far surpasses what any of us deserves."

Stepping out of the baggy old trousers, the stranger went on to describe a forgiveness that is available to each and every one of us...without strings attached.

"Unconditionally He loves us. Unconditionally He gave His very life for us. Unconditionally and forever, we can have the peace and assurance that no matter who we are, where we've come from, or how badly we may have mistreated others or ourselves, there is hope."

"In Jesus, there is always hope."

"You see, my friends, it is never too late to change," the man continued.

"He is the Author of change, and the Provider of forgiveness. He came to bring new meaning to 'life'."

Men and women squirmed as reality hit them like an electrical current. The stranger tugged at his knotted gray beard, and removed it.

"I'm here to tell you that we are loved with a love far beyond human understanding, a love that enables us to accept and love others in return." Then tenderly he added, "Let's pray together."

That wise pastor - under the guise of a homeless "nobody" - did not preach a sermon that day, but every person left with plenty to think about.

“

When I was

5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

― John Lennon

Fast Foods

Herbed orzo with chickpeas

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 15 minutes

Total time 25 minutes

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 421 cal

Equipment

medium sauce pot

mixing bowl

Ingredients

1 cup orzo

1 tsp salt

1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp chopped fresh mint

1 tbsp chopped fresh chive

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed salt and pepper to taste

Add 1 teaspoon salt to a pot with 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, add the orzo and cook according to the package directions.

1 cup orzo

Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl combine the chopped herbs, the olive oil and the lemon zest.

1/3 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley,1/3 cup chopped fresh basil,1 tbsp chopped fresh mint,1 tbsp chopped fresh chive,1 tbsp olive oil,1/2 tsp lemon zest

When the orzo has cooked, drain well and then add it to the bowl with the fresh herbs.

Pour the lemon juice over the orzo and mix well until all of the ingredients are combined.

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Add the chickpeas to the bowl with the orzo and mix well. 1 cup canned chickpeas

Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

Kids’ Corner Color Me

March 25th

TheAnnunciation

Mary was busy knitting yarn with a special tool in her hand. She looked up and was very surprised to see the Archangel Gabriel. The angel told her that God wanted her to be the Mother of Jesus Christ because she was such a good and holy person. She told the angel that she only wanted to do what would make God happy. We celebrate the day that the Angel Gabriel came to see Mary on March 25th every year. Will you come to Church on March 25th to celebrate too? ~from goarch.org

Memorials

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

4070 Park Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

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