Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan  48103

Telephone (734) 332-8200 Fax: (734) 332-8201

web: www.stnickaa.org   e-mail: Church Office (office@stnickaa.org)

 

 

 

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NEWS & EVENTS  (Archive)
See Home page for the latest news!

Quick Links:      AHEPA SUNDAY   |   GOYA SPORTSMANSHIP Trophy   |   National Church Music Sunday   |   Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor raise the Olympic flag!
Deacon Dr. Peter Bistolarides photos  2004 Clergy Laity Conference wrap-up   |   2004 St. Nicholas Parish Christmas Events  |  Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day
Parish profile in the Orthodox Observer
   |   
Lenten Church Service Schedule   |   Lenten Book Recommendation from our Bookstore   |   Congregation spreading out in Scio Twp

We welcome our new Pastor, the Rev. Father Nicolaos H. Kotsis and Presbytera Sandra to our Saint Nicholas Parish.
We pray for their health and well being as they begin their ministry to the Parishioners of Saint Nicholas.
On Sunday, March 13 a luncheon following Church Services in our Fellowship Hall honoring the formal installation of Father Nick as our Parish Priest by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit was hosted by our Saint Nicholas Parish Council and Philoptochos to welcome Fr. Nick & Presbytera Sandra into our Parish family!

Hey Campers!   The Metropolis of Detroit Summer Camp (Rose City) is still taking applications for campers and counselors.
We hope to get as many campers and staff to go during 4th Week (July 24-30, 2005).  Father Nick will be accompanying us for the entire week as well. Look for more information in the Monthly Newsletter and please log onto
www.detroit.goarch.org/mdsc for more information and pictures of the camp.

The Ann Arbor AHEPA 8th Annual Educational Scholarship Golf Classic Open to take place on Saturday, June 18 at Stonebridge Golf Club, 1825 Clubhouse Drive, Ann Arbor, MI  48108  (734/429-8383);  12:00 Noon Shotgun Start;  Golf, Lunch and Dinner $100.00  (Dinner only - $35.00 per person);  Hole Sponsorship $100.  If you are interested in participating as a sponsor or a player in the Golf Outing, please contact Christos Philippou at (734) 780-8156.

Our Saint Nicholas Spring General Assembly has been rescheduled to Monday, May 16.  Please plan on attending.
The 2005 Metropolis of Detroit Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is being hosted by our Saint Nicholas Parish here on Saturday, May 14, 2005!
Congratulations to our   Saint Nicholas GOYA who returned from Dayton with the largest trophy awarded at the basketball tournament  —  the trophy for SPORTSMANSHIP!   Our Parish is proud of each one of you!

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos will host a Welcome Reception for our new Presbytera Sandra Kotsis at 1:30 p.m. at our Saint Nicholas Church on Saturday, May 7.  This will be a special opportunity to meet and welcome her as Father Nick and she begin their ministry in Christ at our Saint Nicholas Church.  Please come and help us show our love and support for our new priest and presbytera and to share fellowship.  All are welcome to this special event.  (Call 995-4766 for more information.)

Our Saint Nicholas Nursery will be sponsoring the Easter Sunday (Agape Service) fellowship hour.  If any parents of the nursery age children are willing to help sponsor the fellowship hour following the Agape Service on Easter Sunday (MAY 1), please phone Linda Theros at:  734/426-0912.  Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!  Our Saint Nicholas Nursery is open each and every Sunday to all Parishioners.  Please consider volunteering some of your time to help on an occasional Sunday.

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos are currently taking orders for our annual Mother’s Day Flower Basket Sale which supports our May Community Care Ministry:  the philanthropies of the Greek Orthodox Church in South America.  There is much poverty and need for support of our people in South America.  There are many elderly who need assistance and have no support.  Please purchase the flower baskets and help those in need.  The cost is $17 per basket.  Click here to print an order form in PDF.

Our Saint Nicholas Parish is sponsoring a Canned Food Drive:  Please remember to bring in canned goods throughout Great Lent for local charities as prescribed by His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas!

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos will be dyeing Easter eggs starting at 9:30 am on Holy Thursday, April 28.  We will be wrapping the eggs on Good Friday morning , April 29 at 9:30 a.m.  Your help is needed for this important Pascal tradition, so please plan to come on both days.  Dena Petropoulos is our chairperson.

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos will host our annual Palm Sunday Luncheon after Divine Liturgy on April 24.  The fish luncheon is $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 years and younger.  Co-chairs are Vicky Masters, Katerina Roumanis, and Joanna Boustikakis who are currently selling tickets.  Advanced ticket purchase is requested.  Please call Vicky Masters at 971-0788 for information.  Proceeds  to benefit Philoptochos charities.

The Ann Arbor AHEPA Chapter #195 will make available whole lambs as a fundraiser.  The lambs will be purchased at the Manchester livestock exchange, for approximately $2.00 per pound, plus an additional $30 fee for cleaning (per lamb) by AHEPA the week before Easter.  If interested, please contact Christos Philippou at 734/913-4832 BY APRIL 17

The AHEPA and Daughter’s of Penelope Ann Arbor Chapters are pleased to announce the District #10 Order of AHEPA will be awarding their annual Educational Scholarships to high school students who will be graduating in June 2005. Applications must be received on or before May 1. The separate local Educational Scholarship applications are due by May 20.  Any student interested is to contact either Costas Kleanthous: 734/475-2034 or Esther Starnal: 734/327-1065.

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos is sponsoring a used book collection during the month of March and will have their annual Used Book Sale on Sunday, April 17, following Divine Liturgy.  We are now collecting hard cover and paperback books for the sale.  Please donate your used paperback and hardback books by placing them in the red box outside the Church office.  No magazines or text books please.  Proceeds will benefit the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public Libraries.  For more information please call:  528 - 9092 or 668 - 4158.

Our Saint Nicholas Seniors invite EVERYONE   to an interesting Icon Presentation now scheduled for 12 Noon on Thursday, April 7th, in our Fellowship Hall.  A lite Lenten Luncheon will be served, followed by an informative presentation by Michael Challis regarding Icons and their importance in the Orthodox faith.  Cost: $5.00 per person.
To register, call Penny Bekiares:  734/662-6606  or  Joan Raphael:  734/483-0923.

GOYA Greek dance practice to be announced, watch our Parish website at:  www.stnickaa.org  for more updates.  GOYA is meeting every Saturday until April 9th from 1:00  —  3:00 pm to work on the float for the Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown being held on Sunday, April 10.  Also of importance, the GOYA will be having their annual brunch fundraiser on Sunday, May 22 after Church Services.  All are encouraged to attend!

Our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos will have a Lenten retreat for the women of our Saint Nicholas Parish entitled “Mothers and Daughters” on Sunday, April 3.  It will take place at our Saint Nicholas Church from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.  Fr. Roman Braga and Sister Elaine from Dormition Monastery in Rives Junction will be our special guests and will lead the discussion along with Father Nick.
This is a very important Lenten event that will deal with topics of personal and family spirituality.  This retreat promises to be interesting and enriching.  All women are invited.  (There is no cost for the retreat.  Please call the church office for further information.)

Saint Nicholas Seniors   The Saint Nicholas Seniors will be traveling by rental coach to Chicago, Il. on Monday, March 21st.  We will lunch in Greektown, and then attend the Jackie Kennedy Exhibit currently at the Field Museum.  We will meet at our Saint Nicholas Church parking lot at 8:30 am and be back no later than 11:00 pm.  The cost of the trip is $50 (checks payable to the Church).  This includes the cost of the bus and the museum ticket.  Lunch and snacks will be a personal responsibility.  Money is due by Sunday, March 6th.  Call Penny Bekiares (662-6606) or Joan Raphael (483-0923) if you have any questions.

JOY Bake Sale/Fundraiser   Our JOY group will be holding a Bake Sale Fundraiser on Sunday, March 20
following Church Services and will be donating the funds to our
GOYA to use for their float construction for the
Greek Independence Day Parade in Greektown on Sunday, April 10.

Saint Nicholas Greek School Mardi Gras Dance   Live Rebetico Band — Saturday, March 5th in our Saint Nicholas Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm; Drinks and mezedes at 7:30 pm; taverna style dinner.  Tickets: adults - $30; students and children - $20; children under 5 - free.  Contact - Christina Vlahopoulos at 944-0504.  Only 200 tickets will be sold!

Welcome Father Nicholas   We welcome our new Pastor, the Rev. Father Nicolaos H. Kotsis and Presbytera Sandra to our Saint Nicholas Parish.  We pray for their health and well being as they begin their ministry to the Parishioners of Saint Nicholas.

Church School Teachers will have a meeting with Father Nick on Monday, February 28th at 7:00 pm here at the Church.  Please attend this important meeting!

Altar Boy/Acolyte Retreat will take place on Saturday, February, 26 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm here at the church (lunch is included).  We’ll go over the importance of serving in the altar, processions, reading during the service, and Holy Week requirements.  Please make your best effort to attend.

Saint Nicholas Seniors   Please call to reserve a spot at the Valentine’s Day Luncheon being held on Monday, February 14th at 12:00 Noon in our Saint Nicholas Fellowship Hall.  Cost is $5.00 per person.  Reserve by calling Penny Bekiares (662-6606) or Joan Raphael (483-0923) no later than Sunday, February 6th.

The Modern Greek Program at the U of M is pleased to announce “Haunting Europe:  Some Modernist Uses of Hellenism,” a lecture by Vassiliki Kolocotroni of the University of Glasgow, on Thursday, February 10th at 4:00 pm at 1644 Social Work Building (corner of South U. and East U.).  The lecture is free and open to the public.

Philoptochos Event Today   Today we are holding a “Cardiac Draw” Raffle for kids, teenagers and adults to benefit children who need heart surgery.

GOYAns!!!   Today, Sunday, January 30th, we will have a get-together and pizza night with Father Nick.  Please plan on attending since we will be talking about activities in the next few months!

Saint Nicholas Greek School will host a short program commemorating Greek Letters Day in honor of The Feast Day of Three Hierarchs.  Please stay with us in the Church for the inspiring presentation.

The next Saint Nicholas Seniors program has been postponed due to sever weather.
It will be a presentation on Icons and their placement in the Orthodox Church.  More information will be forthcoming.
The Rev. Deacon Peter Bistolarides   will be ordained to the Priesthood during the Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m., Sunday, January 16, 2005 at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church in Southgate, MI.
2004 Christmas Ornaments with the picture of our Saint Nicholas Church commemorating our first Christmas in our new Church are now available for $12.00 each.  They make a great Christmas gift!  Get yours today!
New Altar Boy Robes to be purchased soon    Parishioners who wish to donate a robe or two are asked to please contact Father John Paul.  Cost of the robes will be at $220.oo each.  Thank you.
The Annual Cutting of the Vasilopita, sponsored by our Saint Nicholas Philoptochos for the benefit of Saint Basil's Academy in Garrision, New York, will take place on Sunday, January, 9, 2005.  All Parish Departments, Organizations and Parishioners are asked to please consider making a generous donation at that time.  Thank you.
YAL Christmas Caroling    The Saint Nicholas Young Adult League (YAL) will again be Christmas caroling to our Saint Nicholas senior citizens on Wednesday, December 22 at 6:30 p.m.
A Christmas Luncheon for the Saint Nicholas Seniors  is planned for Tuesday, December 14th at 12:00 noon in the Church fellowship hall.  The cost is $5.00 per person.  Please R.S.V.P. by Tuesday, December 7th by contacting either Penny Bekiares: 734/662-6606 or Joan Raphael at 734/483-0923. Thank you.
Junior Orthodox Youth (JOY) is hosting  a "Christmas Movie Night" this Saturday, December 11, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.  Come for fun - make new friends!  This is a great way to begin our Christmas Holiday Season and to get into the spirit.  Parents wishing to help are asked to please call Stacy Garris at:  734/665-5200 or Susan Pagalos at:  734/944-0142.  Thank you.
All ladies of the Saint Nicholas Parish are asked and welcome to join in the celebration of our Lord's Birth with the Philoptochos at their Annual Christmas Party which will be held on Wednesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m.  For more information, contact Chairperson Susan Pagalos at:  734/944-0142.  Thank you. 
Bell ringing for the Salvation Army  will take place on Tuesday, December 7 from 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (one-hour shifts).  Call Helen Garris at:  734/663-0270 to volunteer.  This is a community care project for all Saint Nicholas Parishioners.  Thank you.
Saint Nicholas Feast Day Dance and Silent Auction    We will be celebrating the Feast Day of our Saint Nicholas Parish on Saturday, December 4th in our Fellowship Hall for the first time!  We are again this year seeking donations for the silent auction to be held at the dance.  Thank you.  For more information, click here.
Parish Christmas Card    Our Parish again this year will send a Parish Christmas Card to all our Parishioners.  Please become a sponsor and thus a sender of the Christmas Card.  All that is required is to make a donation of only $25.oo to the Church.  Forms are now available and will also be sent in the mail soon.  Please become a sponsor of our 2004 Parish Christmas Card.
Parish Council Elections for the 2005 Parish Council  will take place today in the Multi-purpose Conference room, following Church services.  Eligible members are asked to please vote.  Thank you.
The Young Adult League (YAL)  will serve the homeless on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25, at Cottage Inn, 512 East William Street, at 10:30 a.m.  For more information, contact Christopher A. Bekiares at:  734/761-9255.  Thank you.
JOY     On Sunday, November 21, the JOY children (Grades 3rd through 6th) are invited to attend their first retreat with Father John Paul.  The retreat starts promptly at 5:00 pm and will end at 7:30 pm.  Dinner will be provided.  Please contact Sue Pagalos at:   734/944-0412 or the Church Office for more information.  Thank you.
Below is a listing of courses for University of Michigan Winter 2005 from the Modern Greek Studies Program:
Modern Greek 102 (second semester beginning Greek) and 202 (second semester intermediate Greek) MTWF 12-1 (102) and MTWTH 11-12 (202), Credit Hours 4 (Language), taught by Artemis Leontis (102) and Despina Margomenou (202).
Modern Greek 318, cross-listed with American Culture 318 GREEK-AMERICAN CULTURE.  "Which forces have shaped American identity?  What is the role of gender and ethnicity in a multicultural society? What is the future of race in a global world?"  MW 1-2:30, Credit Hours 3 (Race and Ethnicity), taught by Professor Vassilis Lambropoulos.  MG 340, cross-listed with Comparative Literature 340 TRAVELS TO GREECE.  What inspires people to travel?  What is the allure of Greece, and what
happens to expectations once people reach this popular destination? Why do people take to the road in the first place?
MWF 10-11, Credit Hours 3 (HU, optional Upper Level Writing) Taught by Professor Artemis Leontis.  For more information, please contact Professor Artemis Leontis
(aleontis@umich.edu).
Saint Nicholas Seniors have scheduled a trip to Frankenmuth on Thursday, November 11.  It is a great time of the year to visit Frankenmuth!  Cost of the bus is $20.oo per passenger.  Each person is responsible for his or her own lunch.  Payment deadline is Sunday, October 31.  For more information please call Joan Raphael at:  483-0923 or Penny Bekiares at:  662-6606.  Thank you.
The Annual Spaghetti Dinner, open to the public, will take place on Thursday, November 4, 2004 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 10 years and under.  Take out orders will be available.  Please let your friends, neighbors and people you work with know about our famous delicious Spaghetti Dinner.  We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance.  Proceeds from the dinner will provide food certificates for those in need.  Thank you.
The Ann Arbor AHEPA and Daughter's of Penelope Chapters  will be hosting the Michigan AHEPA Family District #10 Mid-Year Conference at our Church.  The event will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2004 from 9:00 a..m. to 2:30 p.m.  We are hoping that a large number of delegates from throughout Michigan will have the opportunity to visit our Church.  Breakfast and lunch will be served.  For more information or if you plan to attend, please contact Christos Philippou at: 734/913-4832 or Martha Bowie at: 810/231-3520.  Thank you.
Welcome Students   We warmly welcome the Orthodox College Students to our Church.  We pray that your educational and collegiate endeavors will be successful and your stay in the Ann Arbor area will be pleasant.
Please consider Saint Nicholas Church your home away from home.  The annual 'Welcome Orthodox College Students Dinner,' sponsored by our Saint Nicholas
Philoptochos will be held here at the Church on October 10.
The students will be our guests
.
Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for OXI Day   -   October 28, 2004
An AHEPA-Sponsored Fall Lamb Luncheon   will be held on Sunday, October 31, following Church Services.  Lunch includes roasted lamb, rice, Greek beans, bread and salad.  Proceeds from this event will be donated towards the purchase of a Church bus.  Adults: $10 and children (5-10 years of age): $6.  For information or tickets please contact Christopher A. Bekiares at 734/761-9255 or Christos Philippou at 734/913-4832.  Thank you for your support.

The Hellenic Student Association invites you to a "GREEK COOKING EXTRAVAGANZA" on Saturday, October 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at The William Monroe Trotter House at 1443 Washtenaw Avenue, between Hill and South University.  Demonstrations and samplings.  Recipes will be available.  For more information:   www.umich.edu/~hellas or hsa-culture@umich.edu

Dr. Peter Bistolarides has been assigned as the Deacon to Saint Demetrios in Weston, MA.
Pictures taken by Nick Kotsis of Deacon Peter's ordination are available for viewing on the Metropolis of Detroit website.  You can go to www.detroit.goarch.org, click on Photo Gallery, go to Page 2 of the gallery, and click on Ordinations.  You will find the album there.
Click here for photos.
Commemorative Tree Sponsors are being sought for trees that are still being planted on our Church grounds.
If interested in sponsoring a tree, please contact Michael Challis (734/971-6186),
mdchallis@aol.com
Trees may be donated either "In the Memory Of (Name)," or "For The Health Of (Name)."
Each Parishioner's participation is very much appreciated!  Thank you.
The regular Parish General Assembly of the membership will be held on Monday evening, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.  Our Parish's operating budget for the 2005 year is on the agenda.  Please attend.  Thank you.
Each year, on the first Sunday in October, parishes across the Archdiocese of America celebrate NATIONAL CHURCH MUSIC SUNDAY. This commemoration was inaugurated by His Eminence, Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America in 1982, and has been re-affirmed by His Eminence, Archbishop Demetrios of America.   Learn More, Click Here.
"Crete - A Meeting Place of Cultures"   will be the theme of the 3rd annual Platsis Symposium which will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2004 at the University of Michigan, Michigan League.  Talks, which examine antiquity, the renaissance and modern Crete, will take place from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Vandenberg Room.  There will also be a concert of traditional music and dance beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Michigan League Ballroom.  The event, organized by the U-M Modern Greek Program, also celebrates the 75th Anniversary of the Pan-Cretan Association of America.  All events are open to the public and completely free.
Art for All...Art for Art   Fine Art Auction here at Saint Nicholas on Saturday, October 2, starting at 7:00 p.m.  Admission - $5.00 per person.  Proceeds to benefit Philoptochos charities.
The U-M Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) Presents   Federica Mathewes-Green, renowned author and acclaimed commentator, on Thursday, September 30, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Michigan League Henderson Room with the topic, "East, West, East:  A Spiritual Journey," and Friday, October 1, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., at the Michigan Union Anderson Rood D with the topic:  "Decisions, Decisions:  Finding our Talents and a Place for Them" (exploring life and career decisions through the lends of Orthodox Christianity).  Students, young adults and all Parishioners are invited to attend.  For more information:   ocf-board@umich.edu
College Student Sunday, which will be held on September 19, has been designated by SCOBA as a day for the faithful to learn about the Orthodox campus ministry movement happening on colleges and universities across the country.
Greek School classes begin on Wednesday, September 15.
The Eleventh Annual Yassou Golf Outing, sponsored by Philoptochos, will take place on Sunday, September 19, at the Stonebridge Country Club.  Cost is $110 per golfer and includes dinner.  Dinner only is $30 for adults and $12 for children.  Prizes, hole sponsors, donations and volunteers are needed.  Proceeds to benefit our New Church Building Fund.  For more information, contact Helen Garris at 734/663-0270.
A Greek Chicken Broil will be held on Saturday, September 11 in our parking lot, beginning at 12:00 noon.
It will be a drive-thru only.  Please tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about it!
Cost is $8.00 & includes:   1/2 Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Greek Beans, Bread/Butter; Bottled Water
.  Thank you
.
Church School new year begins on Sunday, September 12.   Our new school year will begin on Sunday, September 12, with the traditional Agiasmos Service and Blessing of the Classrooms beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The first GOYA meeting will be on Sunday, September 12, following Church services.
New to the Modern Greek Website, University of Michigan:   You can read "Euro-Soccer and Hellenomania"
by scholar and poet Stathis Gourgouris (Columbia University), an essay exploring that sense of the wonder, the "spontaneous Hellenomania," that filled Greece following Greek victories in the Euro Cup semi-finals and finals.
Exclusively on
www.lsa.umich.edu under Window to Greek Culture:   http://www.lsa.umich.edu/modgreek/detail/
Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor raise the Olympic flag!
Parish profile in the Orthodox Observer of our Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church:   Click Here to view.
Mom's Morning Out and Child Play Group is again meeting Monday mornings, 10:30 a.m. 12:00 Noon.
Moms please come to the Church on Monday mornings for conversation, play and fellowship.
For more information please call Athena Papageorgiou at 663 - 2318.  Thank you.
Ordination to the Holy Diaconate to take place on Saturday, August 14, 2004   The Ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Dr. Peter Bistolarides will take place in our Church on Saturday, August 14, 2004.
His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on that day at 10:30 a.m.
The Orthos will begin at 9:30 a.m.
Our Greek Metropolis Summer Camp at Rose City  is now accepting camper registration and staff applications for this summer.  The camp will operate from July 4 through August 7 for campers ages 7 - 15.  Fee per week is $280 (if enrolled before May 15) and $300 after May 15.  Counselors are also needed.  A teen-week camping session (ages 16-18) will be held from June 27 to July 3.  Please check with our Church Office for applications:    www.detroit.goarch.org/mdsc
The Annual Archdiocese Biennial Clergy-Laity and Young Adult League Conference will be held in New York, NY., July 23 - 30, 2004.  Spiritual programs and social events are scheduled.  Young Adults are asked to please contact Rev. Father John if interested or visit the websites:   http://www.clergylaity.org and http://www.yal.org/2004.html
Help Needed for Landscaping Work Day!   Our next landscaping work day is this coming Saturday, July 17, 2004 and will begin at 8:00 a.m.  Please come to help lay grass sod and continue with the tree and shrub planting.  Please bring garden tools including shovels, rakes and wheelbarrows.  Thank you!
A Greek Chicken Broil will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2004 in our parking log, beginning at 12:00 noon.  It will be a drive-thru only.  Please tell your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers about it!  Cost is $8.00 & includes:  1/2 Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Greek Beans, Bread/Butter; Bottled Water.
Annual Family Parish Picnic  The annual Saint Nicholas Family Parish Picnic will again take place at Delhi Metro Park, on Sunday June 13, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Hamburgers, hotdogs, soda pop and water will be provided.  Please see the flyers at Church or online to view which side item each Parishioner is responsible for.
NO Alcohol please. 
There will be a $4.00 parking fee per vehicle at the Delhi gate.
Ann Arbor AHEPA Chapter  #195 Golf Outing:   To take place at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, June 12, 2004 at the Stonebridge Golf Club.  Cost is $100 per golfer or $35 for dinner-only.  Hole sponsorship is $100.  A portion of the proceeds will be used for the Chapter's Education Scholarship Awards to local High School graduates from our community.
Contact Christopher Bekiares 761-9255 or Christos Philippou 913-4832.
Attention High School Seniors  AHEPA Education Scholarships for college will be made available again this year to high school seniors.  If you are interested in applying for an AHEPA Education Scholarship please contact Dr. Costas Kleanthous here at Church or phone 734/475-2034.
A Landscaping work session  will take place this Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 8:00 a.m.  Volunteers are needed!  Please bring wheelbarrows, gloves and garden tools.  Thank you!
The Annual GOYA Brunch  will be held next Sunday, May 23, 2004 following Church Services.
The Brunch, as always, will be delicious!  This event is organized by our teenagers and proceeds will support the youth program of our Church.  Please get your tickets today!  Adults $8.00 Children $4.00   Thank you!
NOTE:  The Sunday, May 16 Iconography Informational session has been postponed until the Fall.
In it's place will be a demonstration of our new Heart Start defibrillator during the fellowship hour.

 Iconography Informational Meetings will take place after the Divine Liturgy on the following Sundays:  March 7 "The History of Byzantine Iconography"; April 18 "Traditional Placement of Icons in an Orthodox Church"; May 16 "A Visual Presentation".  Parishioners are asked to please attend as these presentations will give us all much insight into Orthodox Iconography and its place in an Orthodox Church building.
The Department of Classical Studies is offering a Spring Half Term intensive course in Modern Greek through the Summer Language Institute.  This is a great opportunity to get a head start on language study.  All courses are designed for both undergraduate and graduate students with little or no previous knowledge of the language.  Courses may be taken for credit or for no credit.  You do not have to be a University of Michigan student to enroll.  All applications are processed through the University of Michigan's Summer Language Institute.  A limited number of scholarships are also available from the Institute.  Contact Artemis Leontis, aleontis@umich.edu or 734/994-8834 for more information.
G.O.Y.A. - age youth of the Parish (seventh through twelfth grade) are practicing Greek dancing on Saturdays. 10:00 a.m. to 12 Noon.  A variety of different dances are being learned.  Our young people are looking for teachers from the Parish to teach them the following dances:  Sousta, Ballos, Tik, and Zembeikiko.
If anyone knows these dances and would like to help our young people, please contact
G.O.Y.A. secretary Daphne Lambropoulos or G.O.Y.A. advisor Artemis Leontis at 734/994-8834.
Used Book Collection   Do you have bookshelves bulging with books you no longer need?  Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Public Libraries will benefit from the Saint Nicholas Philoptochos used book collection.  Please bring in your used books and place them in the plastic red box near the Church Office. (Magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks, are NOT needed.)
A Greek School Spring Dance will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2004 in our Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m.  Refreshments will be served and dancing will be to the music of D.J. Dimitrios Michos.  Tickets are $25 for adults; $15 for students over 12; $10 for children 6-12 years old.  All proceeds will go towards Greek School Classroom furnishings and supplies.  For more information or tickets, please contact any Greek School P.T.O. member or Christina Vlahopoulos at 944-0504 or Georgia Porikos at 327-9090.  Thank you.
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children will take place on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004 immediately following the Agape Vesper Service which will begin at 12:00 noon.  Please bring children 8 years of age and under to the hunt.  We look forward to seeing the children!
Mageritsa (Easter Soup) will be served following the midnight Anastasis Divine Liturgy on Easter.  The cost is $8 per adult/student and $4 for youth 12 years and younger.  Please contact a Parish Council member to reserve your tickets A.S.A.P!
A retreat will take place on Good Friday for our Parish young people.  This retreat will give them the opportunity to learn about Holy Week and Easter.  The retreat will begin at 11:15 a.m. and end with their participation in the Apokathelosis Service, which begins at 1:00 p.m.  Parents  -  we ask for your cooperation and hope you will give your children the opportunity to experience this "Journey to Pascha."
The Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon will be held following Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 4, 2004.  Tickets:  Adults $10, Children 10 years and under $5.  Tickets are now available from Philoptochos members.  Benefit:  Philoptochos Charities.
The Annual Daughters of Penelope Tsoureki (Easter Bread) Sale is now taking place.  Order forms are available.  Cost for each Tsoureki loaf is $12.  Tsourekia may be picked up on Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004.
The Metropolis of Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade will take place on Sunday March 28, 2004
in Greektown, Detroit.  A chartered bus will be chartered to transport us to and from the parade.  The cost is $10 per person.  Please contact the Church office to sign up or for more information.
The Annual College Students Lenten Dinner, sponsored by our Philoptochos will take place on Wednesday, March 17, 2004.  Pre-sanctified Divine Liturgy will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the dinner will follow at 7:00 p.m.
Our Parish Y.A.L. (Young Adult League), in a group, will see the movie "The Passion of the Christ" on Saturday, March 6, 2004 at 8:30 p.m. at The Quality 16 Theater on Jackson Road.  This event is open to all Parishioners.
Project Mexico   U-M Orthodox Students (OCF) will be traveling to Mexico to work voluntarily at a mission during their break beginning February 20, 2004.  They will need monetary assistance to cover their expenses.
Anyone wishing to help with a donation, please contact Christina Apostoleris, Father John or the Church office.
GREAT LENT begins on Monday February 23, 2004   Let us keep in mind that we gather as a family on the first evening of Great Lent for prayer and fellowship.  The Compline Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. followed by a Lenten strict-fast meal and a brief program, sponsored by Y.E.R.A.C.  On the first day of Great Lent, we Orthodox Christians begin a spiritual and moral purification through fasting, prayer, meditation, repentance, attending Lenten religious services and partaking of the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion.
Our Parish Y.A.L. (Young Adult League)  wish to thank everyone who supported the 'Souper Bowl Sunday' food collection.  The food, along with $47 collected, was taken to the Ronald McDonald House.
2003 Fourth Quarter (4Q) Water Test Results for new Church Site are now available.
The results show that the water is in
excellent condition!  The tests are now completed for this quarter.
Our Parish Bookstore has a selection of books on Byzantine and Modern Greek history, stories, culture, cooking and language for children and adults as well as Greek-English dictionaries.  Look for the video "ABC's of Learning Greek."  The Parish Bookstore also has religious items, such as icons, cards, items for your home worship center and videos (For a small rental fee) about major Saints.  Mounted icons can be ordered from our icon catalog.  The Parish Bookstore is open during the Sunday fellowship hours following Church services.
If you do not see an item in the Parish Bookstore that you want, please ask for it and the Choir members will order it for you.  Thank you.
Valentines for our Forget-Me-Nots   Philoptochos is offering all of us the opportunity to send Valentine cards and our greetings to our Forget-Me-Nots Parishioners usually out of our sight, but always in out thoughts.  There will be no cost to us as we give the joy of remembrance to so many.  Please check today with Philoptochos President Perry Katsikas for your cards following Church Services, who will have valentine cards for you to send.
The Annual Children's Cardiac Fund Draw   Sponsored by our Philoptochos, will take place Sunday February 15, 2004 following Church Services.  Please bring new toys for the draw.  Proceeds from the Draw will benefit children who need heart surgery.  Please contact Chairperson, Ioanna Ioannou or Philoptochos President Perry Katsikas for more information.  Thank you for your support!

HELP OUR SAINT NICHOLAS PARISH BECOME SOUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!
S U N D A Y , F E B R U A R Y  1 , 2 0 0 4
   On Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004 , team up with our Saint Nicholas Parish’s Young Adult league (Y.A.L.) to help the needy in our community and around the world.
Help our team in the “Souper Bowl of Caring” by bringing one dollar and a canned good with you to Liturgy.
Please support this effort and help our parish become Souper Bowl Champions! 
Internet:   www.iocc.org

A Commemorative Album will be issued in connection with our Thyranoixia - Church Opening Ceremony.  Information and ad forms have been mailed.  All Parishioners are asked to please help in this endeavor by requesting ads from people they do business with, family, friends, relatives, neighbors, etc.....
Our new Church THYRANOIXIA will be held on Sunday February 22, 2004.  The Orthros will begin at 9:00 a.m.  The Thyranoixia (Church Door-Opening) Ceremony will begin at 10:00 a.m.  and will be followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.  His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit will be the Celebrant.
More information will be forthcoming.
G.O.Y.A.   All G.O.Y.A. - age youth (grades 7-12) are invited to play basketball on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at Dexter Mill Creek Middle School gym (7305 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road in Dexter, MI.)  G.O.Y.A. meetings are on the first Sunday of each month after Church Services.  Please visit the Parish Calendar for a complete schedule.
POSTPONED   Tonight's Thyranoixia (Church Door-Opening) Ceremony Committee meeting has been  POSTPONED due to the weather to MONDAY FEBRUARY 2 , 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Church.
Modern Greek Conversation I and II   The Modern Greek program at the University of Michigan is again offering two Conversation courses in Greek during the Winter Semester.  
Modern Greek Conversation II (105, Wednesdays 4-5 p.m.) is a class for beginners or near beginners that helps develop elementary skills to serve a variety of situations.  Modern Greek Conversation II (205,
Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.) helps intermediate speakers take their knowledge of Greek to a new level.
Both classes are organized around speaking and conversation activities.  Auditors are welcome.
Contact Artemis Leontis,
aleontis@umich.edu or 734/994-8834.
Annual Cutting of the Vasilopita Ceremony, sponsored by our Philoptochos for the benefit of Saint Basil's Academy, will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2004.  Organizations and Departments are asked to please give consideration to their donation for Saint Basil's Academy.  Thank you.
Letter of Appeal for the Mudslide Victims of San Bernardino, CA   from   + DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America.
Blessing of Homes   Parishioners who wish to have their homes blessed in connection with the Feast of the Holy Theophany are asked to please contact the Church office no later than Monday January 5, 2004.
AHEPA and Daughter's of Penelope Christmas Party   The annual AHEPA/DOP Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 7:00 at the downtown Cottage Inn.
All members of our Parish are invited and welcome to attend and participate.
The Detroit Metropolis Christmas Pageant will be next Sunday, December 14, 2003 at the Detroit Annunciation Cathedral, at 5:00 p.m.  We are all invited to attend.  Refreshments will be served following the Pageant.  Our Church School will hold practice on Sunday December 14, 2003 following Church Services for our Christmas Pageant, and it will be presented on Sunday December 21, 2003 following Church Services.
Parish Christmas Card  Our Parish again this year will send a Christmas Card to our Parishioners.  Please become a sponsor.  Information  and sponsor form are being mailed.  In order to be a sponsor and to include your name as a sender of the Card, please complete the simple form and mail or bring it to the Church along with your donation of $25 no later than Thursday December 4, 2003.  Thank you.
Church School Donations: Homeless children need your help!  Donations of mittens, scarves, gloves, and hats would be greatly appreciated.
Christmas Wreath Sale Our Philoptochos is having a Christmas Wreath sale.  The proceeds from the sale will go towards providing Thanksgiving Day food certificates for the Ann Arbor area needy.  Than you for your support.
Bell ringing for the Salvation Army will take place this Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the following locations:  Target (Oak Valley), Marshall Fields, J.C. Penny and Kroger's (Maple Road).
Ringing the bell for the Salvation Army is our December Community Care Project sponsored by
Philoptochos.
Please contact Helen Garris at 663-0270 for any additional needed information.
A presentation will be made at our Church this Tuesday, December 9, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. regarding the Alaskan Cruise on August 6, 2004 being offered by our Golden Age Group.  Special group rates will apply for this cruise as it will also be a fundraiser for our Saint Nicholas Church.  Please attend to hear the details.
Philoptochos Christmas Party   The annual Philoptochos Christmas Party will be held in conjunction with their regular monthly meeting Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the Church at 7:30 p.m.
All the ladies of our Parish are invited and welcome to attend and participate.
Parish Elections   Parish Elections for the Parish Council will be held on Sunday December 7, 2003.  Forms to nominate members for the Parish Council have been mailed.  All nominations must be submitted by November 18, 2003.  Information regarding absentee balloting has also been mailed to members in good standing.
Fifty-Fifty Raffle   A Fifty-Fifty Raffle sponsored by our Parish for our Operating Fund will be held on Sunday, November 16th, during the fellowship hour.  Tickets are only $20 each or 3 tickets for $50 or 7 tickets for $100.  Only a small number of tickets will be sold and they are now available from any Parish Council Member.
Thank you for your support.
St. Nicholas Feast Day Dance and Silent Auction.  We will be celebrating the Feast Day of our St. Nicholas Parish on Saturday, December 6th at the IBEW Union Hall on Jackson Road.  Details will be available during the next few weeks.  We are again this year seeking donations for the silent auction to be held at the dance.  Regarding donations for the Auction, please contact Niki Wardner at 973 - 8039.  Thank you.
Seniors Trip to Frankenmuth December 1st, 2003  Our Golden Age Group is planning a day bus trip to Frankenmuth on Monday December 1st.  Cost of the bus is $10 per person.  All are invited to come along.
Please see Penny Bekiares or Joan Raphael to sign up for the trip!
The Philoptochos-sponsored Spanakopita and Baklava sale is just around the corner!
The making of the Spanakopita begins on Monday, October 20 at 9:30 a.m. Please come to help.
The proceeds from the sale will go to our building fund.  Thank you.

The National Philoptochos Children's Medical Fund Luncheon will be held this year on November 1st at the Ritz Carlton in Dearborn, Mich. with special guest Nia Vardalos.  The Luncheon will benefit children's charities, among them U-M Mott's Hospital.  More information will follow.

INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES (IOCC) - ORTHODOX NETWORK POISED TO HELP CALIFORNIA FIRE VICTIMS.  Click here for full story.
A Vesper Divine Liturgy, in honor of Saints Kosmas and Damian, patron saints of the Philoptochos, will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios on Friday, October 31, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. at the Saints Constantine and Helen Church in Westland, MI.  His Eminence asks that we all attend.
The regular Parish General Assembly of the membership will be held on Monday evening, October 27 at 7:00 p.m.  Our Parish's operating budget for the year 2004 is on the agenda.  Please attend.  Thank you.
Tile Installer  The New Church Committee (NCC) is looking for a skilled volunteer to install ceramic tile in our new Church.  Please contact NCC Chairperson Chris Patselas at 662 - 8650 or 665 - 7302.

A Parishioner will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his car listed below to the New Church Building Fund:
Mercedes C280 1999 four door, moon roof, Pewter exterior w/Pewter interior leather, fully loaded, 21 thousand miles, clean/like new - asking $26,000.   For further information concerning both cars please call 734-995-5555 or 734-995-2229 after 6:00 p.m.

Parish Chicken-Broil, Saturday, October 11.  Our Parish will host another Chicken-Broil on the parking lot on Saturday, October 11th, from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m.  Let's all turn out to support this event, as net proceeds will go for our Church operating expenses.  Click here for more details.
A Landscaping Work Day will be held on Saturday, October 4, beginning at 8 AM.
Please wear work boots and bring work gloves, shovels, metal rakes and a wheel barrel if you have one.
The regular Parish Assembly of the membership will be held on Monday evening, October 13 at 7:00 p.m.  Our Parish's operating budget for the year 2004 is on the agenda.  Please attend.  Thank you.

2003 Young Adult League (Y.A.L.) National Retreat in Baltimore, Maryland.

New Church Committee October 2003 Report.

Help is needed on September 20 for the Drain Trench Work day and on September 27 for the Landscape Work day.
Boys of the Parish who will be at least ten years of age by December 1, 2003, and wish to serve in the Altar, are asked to please contact Fr. John or the Church Office.

Our Annual Yassou Golf Tournament for the benefit of our Building Fund will be held on Sunday, September 21st at the Stonebridge Golf Courser.  Mark the date and plan to participate!  Thank you.

(click here for a PDF version of the brochure).

New Church Committee September 2003 Report.

New School year begins Sunday, September 7 (not on September 14th as previously announced) with the traditional Agiasmos Service and Blessing of the Classrooms. The Service will begin at 10:00 a.m.
All Parents are asked to please be in Church together with their children at 10:00 a.m. for the Agiasmos Service.
Church School classes will begin immediately following the Blessing. Watch for further announcements regarding the date and time Greek School classes begin.
Parish Chicken-Broil, Saturday, September 13.  Our Parish will host a Chicken-Broil on the parking lot on Saturday, September 13th, from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 p.m.  Let's all turn out to support this event, as net proceeds will go for our Church operating expenses.  Click here for more details.
Pictures from the Raising of the Crosses event on Sunday, September 14, 2003.
On Sunday September 14, the Feast Day of the Elevation of the Holy Cross, following the Divine Liturgy, the Cross will be elevated and placed atop our new church dome during the Service and Procession of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross.  The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:00 a.m. It will be the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy as His Eminence Metropolitan of Detroit will be the celebrant.
Special Parish Assembly, Sunday, September 7.  A Special Assembly of the Parish Membership is being called for Sunday, September 7, following the Divine Liturgy, in order to authorize additional needed and unforeseen expenditures for the completion of our new Church.
New Fellowship Guidelines.
New Church Committee July 2003 Report.
Ann Arbor News article about our parish:  Congregation spreading out in Scio Twp.
Three videos will be shown on three consecutive Tuesday evenings starting on July 1st, 2003.
Click here for more details.
Honoring our 2003 graduating seniors.
Nick Moniodis receives the National Championship at the Oratorical Festival.
Local AHEPA Chapter #195 awards scholarships to high school graduates for 2003.
The Altar Boys Baseball Game Outing will take place on Saturday, July 12.
Please contact Christopher Bekiares no later than June 19th, 2004.
The Annual Archdiocese Young Adult League Conference will be held in Baltimore, MD., July 3 - 7, 2003.
Spiritual programs and social events are scheduled.  Young Adults of the Parish are asked to please contact Rev. Father John if interested or visit the website:  
http://www.yal2003.org.  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios will attend the Conference.  This year's theme is "The Sign of the Cross: Vision and Victory."
Saturday of Souls is June 14th.  On this day the Orthros and Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by Memorial Services for our deceased loved ones.
The Philoptochos Annual End-of-the-Year Dinner & Meeting will take place on Wed, June 11th at the Mediterrano Restaurant.  Must make reservations by June 4th.
Mom's morning out & child play group will be meeting on Monday's 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Church.  The next two gatherings are June 2nd and June 9th.
Schedule with the Church Office to have your pictures taken for the new Parish Directory as soon as possible.  Time-slots are available on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  for the next two weeks.
Our Parish Picnic will take place on Sunday, June 8, after Church Services, at Delhi Park.  Plan to attend!
Our Parish School Year will end with the distribution of certificates to our Church School and Greek School students on Sunday, June 8th, 2003.
The Month of May Community Care Project sponsored by our Philoptochos is to help victims of domestic violence and their children.
We have moved to our new Church facilities!  We celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in our new hall on Sunday, March 2, 2003.  Orthros begins at 9:30 a.m. and the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.
The Greek School General Assembly and Elections for PTO officers will take place after Church Services this Sunday, May 18 2003.  Plan to attend!
2003 Holy Week Calendar.
Sunday School Communion on Saturday, April 19, 2003 at 9:30 a.m.

March 2003 New Church Committee Report.

2002 Fourth Quarter Water Test Results for new Church Site are now available.  The results show that the water is in excellent condition!  The tests are now completed for this quarter.
Modern Greek Chair at U of M:  Click here for schedules in March 2003 and other information.
OCMC and IOCC to Receive Human Rights Award.
The Detroit Metropolis Greek Independence Day Parade and celebration is scheduled for March 30, 2003.
Sunday School classes have resumed at our new facilities on Sunday, March 2nd, 2003.
Greek School classes have resumed at our new facilities on Monday, March 3rd, 2003.
We are moving to our new Church facilities!  We will celebrate the first Divine Liturgy in our new hall on Sunday, March 2, 2003.  At 10:00 a.m. an Agiasmos Service and the Blessing of our new Hall, Offices and classrooms will take place.  The Divine Liturgy will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by an Artoklasia Service.
Mardi Gras Dance:  The Annual Mardi Gras Dance of out Greek School will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2003 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Knox Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church.
The TRIODION begins on Sunday 2/16/2003.

New Church Committee (NCC) January 2003 Report.  See also Latest Updates.

Greek School  temporary location:  4844 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor (Map and directions).
Sunday School Classes at Pioneer High School  -  Sunday School classes will  be held in three classrooms that will be available at Pioneer while we have Services at Pioneer's Little Theater.
Classes begin promptly at 10:25 a.m.  Click here for
map and more directions.
Sunday February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2003  -  Church Services will be temporarily held in Pioneer High School's Little Theater on the corner of Stadium Boulevard and Main Street in Ann Arbor.  Click here for map and more directions.
Sunday January 12, 19, and 26, 2003  -  Church services will be temporarily held in Ann Arbor Pioneer High School's Little Theater on the corner of Stadium Boulevard and Main Street in Ann Arbor.  Click here for map and more directions.

Wednesday January 1, 2003  -  Happy New Year!  -  Church services for The Feast Day of St. Basil at 9:00 a.m.

Sunday January 5, 2003  -  Last SUNDAY Church services at 414 North Main Street  -  Blessing of the Waters Church service.

Monday January 6, 2003 -  Church services for The Theophany at 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday January 7, 2003  -  Church services for The Feast Day of St. John the Baptist  -  Final Church service at 414 North Main Street

DATE CHANGE!  New MOVING DATE - DECEMBER 28: everyone's help is needed!  Last Church Service at 414 N. Main will be Tuesday January 7th, 2003.  See the New Church Project latest updates for more information.

Get your tickets for the 50-50 Draw!  The drawing has been postponed to December 22nd, 2002.
The Saint Nicholas Christmas pageant is on Sunday December 15, 2002, followed by the annual visit from Santa Claus!
HIS GRACE BISHOP NICHOLAS will visit our Parish next Sunday, Dec 1st, 2002 in connection with our Saint Nicholas Feast Day.  His Grace will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.

Religious Education Series (Oct - Nov 2002)

Father John's Update (April 2002)
Ted Apostoleris receives the Gold Medal of St. Paul (Dec 2001)
2002 Dates to Remember

Home | News/Updates

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