IOCC Development Director to Speak at Lenten Enrichment Series
Join us at our Lenten Spiritual Enrichment Series on Wednesday, March 10 for a presentation by IOCC Development Director Louis Zagami. International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond. Louis will discuss IOCC’s worldwide programs, explain how your support makes a life-changing difference and answer questions.
A light Lenten dinner will be provided by the Philoptochos Society following the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (6:00 p.m.). Please contact Pat Mahoney at philoptochos@transchurch.org for more information.
New Lenten Books Available in Transfiguration Bookstore
Visit the Transfiguration Bookstore and browse the new items that are available for purchase during regular office hours or each Sunday after Divine Liturgy. New arrivals include daily meditations, Lenten cookbooks and titles specific for youth.
Orthodox Study Bible: New Testament and Psalms - $25
The Orthodox Study Bible is the only resource Bible with study aids and articles written from an Orthodox Christian perspective - the
New Testament and Psalms are interpreted from the doctrine of the Orthodox Church. For the first time, you can study the
Scriptures with the guidance of respected scholars of the Orthodox faith working within a tradition of biblical interpretation which
goes back to the apostles themselves.
The Jesus Prayer: The Ancient Desert Prayer that Tunes the Heart to God - $17
"The Jesus Prayer has historically been passed on face-to-face, from one Christ-loving person to the next, down the generations
ever since the desert saints. It is learned in a community of fellow believers, all of who are aware of their need and sin, trying daily to resist temptation better and love God more. As you form the habit of saying this prayer, it soaks into you like dye into cotton, and colors the way you encounter every person and circumstance you meet."
The Open Door: Entering the Sanctuary of Icons and Prayer - $15
Discover how icons can become part of your own life of prayer. Encounter twelve of the world’s most significant Orthodox icons
with one of today’s best-loved spiritual writers as your guide.
A Journey Through Great Lent - $9
A journey through Great Lent with Scripture and the Church Fathers. Includes a daily meditation on the scripture reading for the
day, verses from the hymns of the day, inspiring excerpts from the Church Fathers and a brief biography of the saint for each day.
Saint Makrina Orthodox Book Club to Meet on Tuesday Mornings
Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. we will be having our Saint Makrina Orthodox Women's Book Club. This is a beautiful opportunity for women of all ages to explore the rich spiritual tradition of our Orthodox Faith. The first book we will read is "The Precious Vessels of the Holy Spirit." Please e-mail Micah if you are interested in participating in the group.
Annual "Go Red" Philoptochos Meeting Focuses on Heart Health
The annual Philoptochos "Heart Healthy" meeting took place on Saturday, February 6th, after the Saturday of Souls service. Hostesses Deanne Finn and Soula Spaziani provided a delicious array of heart–healthy snacks. Our grateful thanks to our guest speaker, Presbytera Kelley, MD, whose presentation on heart health was very thorough and well appreciated.
To learn more about heart health and how you can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, please download Presbytera Kelley's presentation.
FOS to Sponsor Young Professionals Lenten Retreat
His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios is pleased to invite all young adult professionals from our Metropolis to participate in a Lenten Retreat sponsored by the Forum on Orthodox Spirituality (FOS), a ministry of the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, which will focus on Holy Scripture and Contemporary Culture, examining prodigals from each context. All young adult professionals from the Metropolis of Boston are invited and welcome to attend.
Avatars of Spirituality: Rediscovering the Parable of the Prodigal Son
When: March 12 -14, 2010
Where: St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH
Phone: 603.746.4400
Download Curriculum & Registration Form >>
Transfiguration Family to Host Rachmaninoff Vespers Concert
On Saturday, April 10, Director Anthony F. Antolini and The Rachmaninoff Choir (combining members of Bowdoin College Chorus and Down East Singers) will offer parishioners and friends a special performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Russian Orthodox All-Night Vigil. The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the church hall. Tickets are $15 each, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Haiti Relief. Please contact Susan Pappas at 603-886-4717 or smpappas16@yahoo.com for tickets.
Co-chairs Angela Hastings and Helene Danas are seeking volunteers to help coordinate this event. Please contact Angela at angjefhastings@verizon.net if you would like to assist on any of the following committees: Tickets, Choir Luncheon, Evening Reception, Greeters or Facilitators. Please also feel free to attend the next planning meeting on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:00 p.m.
Topics Available for St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival
The St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides Greek Orthodox teenagers the opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox Faith, Church and Heritage. This strengthens their understanding and appreciation of their identity as Greek Orthodox Christians and cultivates spiritual growth and maturity. Since 1983, the Oratorical Festival has provided thousands of teenagers the opportunity to discover the fullness of the Orthodox Faith.
The Oratorical Festival Program begins at the parish level and is divided into two divisions: the Junior Division for students in 7th - 9th grade, and the Senior Division for students in 10th - 12th grade. This year, the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church will be holding its Festival on Saturday, March 13th at 1:00 p.m. Both Fr. Stephen and Youth Director Micah Hirschy are happy to assist interested students with their research and presentations. Please speak with them in person for more information or e-mail Micah at youthdirector@transchurch.org with any questions.
The top speakers in each division will advance to the district level and, if selected, will become one of two finalists in their division to represent their district at their Metropolis Oratorical Festival. The top speaker in each division is then selected to participate in the Archdiocese Finals, which is hosted by a different Metropolis each year.
All eighteen finalists at the Archdiocese Finals participate in a weekend of activities, the highlight of which is the delivery of their speeches on Saturday morning. The Oratorical Festival Scholarship Foundation provides college scholarships in the amount of $2000, $1500, and $1000 to the top three speakers in each division. In addition, those finalists who receive a rank of Honorable Mention are awarded a $500 United States Savings Bond.
Please click to download the 2010 St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival topics.
Scholarship Applications Now Available for 2010 Graduating Seniors
The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church oversees all established memorial and/or honorary scholarships as well as its own scholarship. These scholarships are awarded annually to assist in supporting the post-secondary education of the youth of our parish. Applicants who have met the criteria established by the Scholarship Fund Committee are eligible to receive one $500.00 scholarship.
The Scholarship Program under the auspices of the Ladies Philoptochos Society at the Transfiguration was born decades ago. Though its implementation has been modified, its goal has remained unchanged - to recognize the accomplishments of and financially assist prospective high school graduates who plan to pursue a post-secondary education.
This year's Graduate Sunday program is scheduled for Sunday, June 20, 2010, following the Divine Liturgy. Graduating high school seniors planning to continue their post secondary education may download the Scholarship Guidelines and Application. Please read the guidelines carefully to determine if you are eligible before completing the application. We ask that you send or hand deliver the completed application to the church address no later than May 1.
College and post–secondary graduates will also be honored on Graduate Sunday. Please complete the Graduate Sunday Biographical Form and submit to Melanie Pappas at melanie.pappas@gmail.com by June 1 if you would like to be recognized for your academic achievements.
Parish to Participate in Lowell Folk Festival - July 23-25
The Transfiguration Family will be hosting a Greek pastry booth at this year's Lowell Folk Festival, July 23-25, 2010. Volunteers are needed to help bake koulouria, baklava, kourambiethes and loukoumathes. Please contact Angela Hastings at angjefhastings@verizon.net if you are interested in co-chairing or baking for this event.
For more information on the Lowell Folk Festival, visit www.lowellfolkfestival.org.
Marriage Enrichment Series a Great Success
Fr. Stephen poses with Dr. Phil Mammalakis, who was the guest speaker at the Marriage Enrichment Seminar on January 23rd.
The Religious Education Ministry offered a four– week Marriage Enrichment Series beginning on January 23rd, at which Dr. Phil Mammalakis was asked to speak. The evening began with a buffet dinner and ended with an engaging and insightful presentation from Dr. Phil, a family counselor who is also a professor at Hellenic College. He explained the importance of turning towards your spouse, not turning away.
The series continued for the following two weeks, where couples brought their favorite pot luck dishes to share. Couples watched a very entertaining and humorous DVD called The Tale of Two Brains, created by a pastor, that compares male and female brains. I bet you’re all wondering whose brain consists of the “nothing box!”
Lastly, on St. Valentine’s Day, we honored many couples who have reached their 50–year anniversary with a dinner sponsored by the Men’s Guild. The ‘golden couples’ served as panelists and shared the secrets to their successful marriages. They also seemed to have a lot of fun playing a spin–off of the Newlywed Game.
All in all, the series was a great success; we shared the nights with some new friends from neighboring churches, with some couples who are about to be married in our parish and with a few couples who have been married for many years. Thank you to those who actively participated and made this series a success!
The Giving Tea held on the Feast Day of St. Nicholas
On Sunday, December 6, the Ladies Philoptochos Society hosted its 56th Annual Benefit event, The Giving Tea. More than 200 Transfiguration parishioners, family and friends were in attendance for an afternoon of fellowship, light refreshments and musical entertainment on the holy Feast Day of St. Nicholas.
In the spirit of giving, a portion of this year’s proceeds were earmarked to support The Pajama Program, an organization that provides comfort and love in the way of new pajamas and new books to children in need, many of whom are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Guests of the event were encouraged to donate a new book or set of pajamas in support of this worthy cause. In all, more than 100 sets of pjs and nearly 100 books were collected.
The afternoon affair was co-chaired by Susan Pappas and Olivia Sintros. Following the invocation by Fr. Stephen, Philoptochos President Patricia Mahoney welcomed the guests and introduced special guest Philippa Condakes, Metropolis Philoptochos President, who then offered a few words.
Entertainment was provided by the Transfiguration Youth Chorale, a talented group of Transfiguration children and young adults formed exclusively for the occasion. Led by Toula Sparages and Melanie Pappas, the singing group performed three Christmas songs and concluded with the special Hymn of St. Nicholas. Later, Berklee College of Music professors and jazz guitarists Curtis Shumate and John Marasco offered a sampling of holiday favorites while the crowd enjoyed coffee and dessert.
The Giving Tea concluded with the popular Raffle and Super Raffle. Special thanks to all raffle sponsors and patrons, as well as to all those who served on the Tea committee and helped to make the event a success.
A Celebration of 85 Years
By Chairperson Angela Hastings
Our church’s 85th Anniversary dinner dance at Indian Ridge Country Club was a great success. I would like to acknowledge and thank the assistance of General Chairperson Elaine Thibault for her support. I also want to thank our parishioners for making this event a great success. I am happy to announce that most of the expenses for the dance were donated by parishioners and friends!
Greeted by Chairpersons Susan Pappas, Olivia Sintros and Carl Maib, guests included many of our parishioners, their extended family and friends, as well as several priests and presbyteras from other Greek Orthodox churches. Chairperson Andrea Garibaldi coordinated the Ta Pethia band for lively music, and our guests danced well into the evening. And what a pleasure to enjoy the company of our young adults!
Guests had the opportunity to mingle and enjoy conversation with Fr. Stephen, parish council members and fellow parishioners. Program Chairpersons Melanie Pappas and Evanthea Vlahakis placed beautifully designed programs and raffle gift lists at each place setting for guests to enjoy. The centerpieces — a glowing candle surrounded by a halo of roses — presented a warm ambiance throughout the room. One lucky person from each table, whose birthday came the closest to our church’s April 10 birthday, took the centerpiece home. Pastry Chairperson Corrine Dubay organized the sumptuous array of pastries at the coffee station — a delicious treat, thanks to our talented parishioners who baked for the occasion.
As Chairpersons George Laganas, Arthur Faneros and Spike Sintros passed out complimentary raffle tickets, each guest was pleasantly surprised and excited for a chance to be a winner. A very special thank you to the families and individuals who generously donated these fabulous raffle gifts.
Transfiguration Philoptochos Sisters Visit Philoxenia House
The Metropolis of Boston Philoxenia House, established by Metropolitan Methodios in 1986, offers hospitality to those who come to Boston for medical treatment. Whether they stay for a few days, a few weeks or a few months, the guests develop a bond with the Greek Orthodox Community of New England which continues to strengthen them through correspondence with Metropolitan Methodios and the volunteers and visitors to the Philoxenia House. Philoptochos chapters help to support this residence.
On Sunday, October 25, Eleni Stavrou, Susan Pappas, Melanie Pappas and Pat Mahoney brought dinner for the Philoxenia House residents (21 adults & 4 children). Reaching out to those whose lives have been interrupted by illness and realizing how much it is appreciated makes one truly realize the importance of giving.
Transfiguration Family Participates in Annual Heart Walk
On Saturday, October 3, The Transfiguration Family joined the Greater Lowell community in the fight against heart disease by participating in the Merrimack Valley Start! Heart Walk. For the third consecutive year, a group of about a dozen parishioners, friends and family walked a 3-mile course along the Merrimack River (despite the gloomy weather!).
Cardiovascular diseases are America’s number one killer and are a leading cause of disability. Millions of Americans of all ages and races have risk factors that increase the odds that they will one day suffer a heart attack or stroke, or develop another cardiovascular disease.
The good news is, there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk. The American Heart Association helps people to learn the facts and shows them how to embrace a healthy lifestyle.
An Interview with Fr. Stephen Lawrence
I have been graciously extended the opportunity to introduce myself through some basic interview questions. I hope to get to know you all one–on–one over the course of the next few months, but until then, here are some basics:
Q: Where were you born?
I was born in Lubbock, TX, a small city in West Texas
that started out as a frontier trading post. My mother,
Lynda, was attending Texas Tech University (go Red
Raiders!) when she met my father, Stephen, who was an
Air Force pilot at Reese Air Force base. I have an older
sister, Elena (in Colorado), and a younger brother, Michael
(in Virginia).
Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up all over, since my dad was in the Air Force. I
lived in Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota, Massachusetts,
and Virginia. Even when I was on my own, I was
still pretty nomadic. I’ve lived in North Carolina, Florida,
Virginia, Japan, Bahrain, Texas, and Massachusetts. Kelley
and I have already moved four times since we were
married six years ago (mostly because of school). So we’re
ready to finally settle down.
Q: How old are you?
I should take a poll before I answer that. Most people
think I’m either much younger than I am or much older.
At seminary some of the other students called me Papou
since I was one of the oldest students in the dorm, but
when I moved into married student housing, I was one of
the younger students. I’m actually just staring down the
barrel of a mid–life crisis at 39.
Q: What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Studies from Duke
University in Durham, NC. I spent my junior year in
Greece studying in Athens and then working on an excavation
in Mochlos, Crete. I have a Master’s degree in Divinity
from — where else — Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology.
Q: What is your professional background?
I have had the misfortune of applying for jobs that take
years for the application process. So, in the meantime, I
have worked a lot of different jobs. I have waited tables,
worked for a television production company and a marketing
company, sold things, and taught from kindergarten
to high school. But my previous vocation was as an
Intelligence Officer in the United States Navy (took a little
over a year for that application!). I served as an Air
Intelligence Officer and Tactical Air Reconnaissance Officer
for an F–14 squadron out of Japan. I spent about 15
months at sea with them over the course of my tour of
duty. Then I served as a Human Source Intelligence Officer
(yep…a spy) in the Middle East. It’s not nearly as interesting
as it sounds, though.
Q: Tell us about your family.
I traded up when I got married and tricked an amazing
woman — who could do much better than me — into marrying
me before she knew what she was getting into. Kelley
was born and raised in North Carolina. Her parents
are both retired teachers and she comes from a wonderful
little town in the mountains. She graduated from the University
of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with a degree in
Linguistics. For her senior honors project she lived in a
rural Mexican village among the Mixtec people and designed
a written form for their traditional language
(which never existed before). Seriously, how amazing is
that? She also attended UNC for Medical School and is
now in her Residency at the Greater Lawrence Family
Health Center. We have two sons. Alec will be four on
Aug 29th, and shortly thereafter, his little brother will be
born sometime in September. Our newest little one will
most likely be named Zachariah, but Alec likes to call him
“Jellybean.”
UPDATE: Alec Lawrence would like to announce his new little brother, Zachariah Vance Lawrence, was born September 19th, 2009, at 1:40 p.m. He tipped the scales at a whopping 5 pounds and measured 19 inches. “Jellybean” was born at home in his room (about two steps from his crib). Presbytera Kelley was attended by two wonderful midwives. Both mother and baby are doing extremely well and are enjoying getting to know one another. Alec loves to watch over his little brother and keep him safe. Thank you all for your well–wishes and prayers.
Q: What were some of your personal accomplishments at
your previous parish?
I won the clergy push-up competition. This is of great importance,
since the deacon in Raleigh is a former Marine.
So, I kept up bragging rights for the Navy! But that’s
probably not what you were getting at.
I was primarily responsible for youth and young adult
programs. So, some of my most treasured accomplishments
were with the youth. While I was there we started
a monthly service project at the homeless shelter, as well
as increased and expanded meetings. We had camp–outs
and lock–ins (overnight retreats at the church) and attended
several retreats each year. But the thing that I
was most pleased by was that I knew all the children in
the parish by name and was even able to attend some of
their school sporting events. It was very fulfilling to me to
be invited to be part of their lives.
Q: What are your thoughts as you prepare to become pastor
of a new parish?
“Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy!” I am overwhelmed by
the responsibility and trust placed in me by the Metropolitan
and by the Parish Council. My one overriding
thought is that my ministry here cannot be just about the “busy–ness” of the parish or the ministries and activities
of church life. I am here to tend, heal, and nurture the
souls of those entrusted to me in Christ. All the “stuff”
that we do as a parish has to, at some point, always come
back to our life in Christ. So my primary responsibility is
to intercede for all of you in prayer and to love, care,
guide, and protect you spiritually. There will be many
programs and events, but our life together will always, at
its heart, be about our life together in the Kingdom of our
Risen God.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish here?
In all honesty, I hope to accomplish nothing here myself. I
hope that my personality fades into the background as we
move forward toward Christ’s Kingdom. Rather, I hope
that God lifts us up and nurtures us in His life so that the
faithful of the Church begin to grow in their Christian
witness and that you, the parishioners, accomplish God’s
work. I pray that Lowell learns to look to the Holy Transfiguration
for hope, comfort, and inspiration. The greatest
accomplishment we all should pray for is that we become
a radically faithful witnessing community to God’s love,
mercy, and the liberation and freedom that He offers in
His Church. I would just like us to take seriously the
question, “What if God is Who He says He is?” What if all
these promises in the Scriptures are true? What happens
if we stubbornly, ferociously cling to the things of God and
seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness? What will
Holy Transfiguration become? Can you imagine? May God
grant us to see His Glory!