Transfiguration of Our Savior Orthodox Church

Youth Ministry at Transfiguration - Fall 2011 Brochure

2011-08-09T12:22:00.000-04:00

The youth ministries of our Church are more than just “kids getting together for fun” since we are more than just a club. Being a Greek Orthodox Church means that every part of our life revolves around our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. To that end, when we minister to the youth, God’s children, we do more than just enjoy fellowship, although fellowship is part of every activity. Total youth ministry means gathering for fellowship, worship, learning and service. Thus our youth learn to lead Greek Orthodox Christian lives. We are very excited about the ministries planned for this fall and invite ALL our youth to participate in as many ministries as they can since no single ministry is able to serve the total person.

As outlined in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Youth Ministries Department, the purpose of youth ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living Church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation.

Wednesday Nights at Transfiguration – NEW!
In conjunction with our youth ministries, the entire church family gathers each Wednesday evening for worship, fellowship and Bible study. This new ministry in 2011 is meant to develop deeper relationships with each other and our Lord Jesus Christ as members of the Greek Orthodox Church. One meeting each month will be designated as “Family Game Night.”

Sunday School – Ages 3K through High School
Sunday School meets for 45 minutes in the classrooms of our community center each Sunday morning following Holy Communion. The curriculum is set by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Religious Education and is designed to teach our youth the basic teachings, customs and practices of our Orthodox faith. Each week a “Making it Real at Home” guide will be sent home with each student for family time during the week.

Greek School – Ages 3K through Middle School
The Greek school meets each week in the classrooms of our community center for history, culture and language skills. Throughout the year, such as for the Annual Greek festival, the Greek school coordinates Greek folk dance for exhibitions and Church gatherings. Tuition for Greek school is $50 per student.

Specialized Ministries
Altar Boys (10 years and older)
Myrrh Bearers (girls 3K and older for Holy Friday and August 15th)
Vacation Church School (summer program for 3K through high school)

Where do the ministries meet?
All weekly ministries meet in the community center classrooms. This year there are two rooms that have been designated for special purposes.

The GOYA Room is reserved for teenage ministries and is available anytime during the week for our teenagers as long as an adult is present.

The Nursery Room is available during each ministry for parents to “take turns” babysitting their children so they too can attend various programs at the Church. The rooms is designed for children 0 – 5K, and an adult MUST BE PRESENT at all times.

Fall 2011 GOYA Schedule of Special Events
For youth in Middle School and High School – Grades 6-12
August 19 End-of-Summer Swim Party at Florence YMCA
September 16 Fireside Chat at Haros Home
September 22-24 29th Annual Greek Festival
October 1 Cross Dive in Wilmington, NC
November 18-20 Metropolis Lenten Retreat at Diakonia Center
December 16 3rd Annual Ginger Bread House Party at Church
December 17 GOYA Service Project
December 27-30 Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta, GA

Fall 2011 HOPE/JOY Schedule of Special Events
For youth in Elementary School – grades Kindergarten – 5th Grade
August 19 End-of-Summer Swim Party at Florence YMCA
September 22-24 29th Annual Greek Festival
October 15 Pimm Farms Corn Maize
November 18 “Lights Before Christmas” at Riverbanks Zoo
December 16 3rd Annual Ginger Bread House Party at Church
December 18 Christmas Program and Luncheon

Youth Ministry Staff
Reverend Father Athanasios C Haros, Pastor
Stacy Bakas, Vacation Church School Coordinator
Karen Davis, Sunday School Teacher
Lula Dewitt, Sunday School Teacher & HOPE/JOY Co-Coordinator
Renee Doulaveris, Myrrh Bearers Coordinator
Presvytera Vassi Haros, Sunday School Teacher
Eula Kampiziones, Greek School Teacher
Niki Kampiziones, Greek School Teacher
Demetri Krasias, Parish Council Liaison
Helen Nikolakakos, Nursery Room Coordinator
Janna Scimanico, Sunday School Teacher & HOPE/JOY Co-Coordinator
Jean Sox, Sunday School Teacher
Jimmy Tassios, Sunday School Teacher
Vivian Vlahos, Greek School Director

Internet Resources for Family and Youth Ministry
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
http://www.goarch.org

Archdiocese of America Department of Youth Ministry
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/youth/

Archdiocese of America Department of Marriage and Family
http://marriage.goarch.org

Archdiocese of America Center for Family Care
http://family.goarch.org

Archdiocese of America Department of Religious Education
http://www.goarch.org/archdiocese/departments/religioused/

Archdiocese of America Department of Greek Education
http://greekeducation.goarch.org

Father Athanasios’ Blog
http://papaharos.blogspot.com

Online Videos and Sermons from Transfiguration Church
http://papaharos.blip.tv

Holy Week Schedule for 2011

2011-03-25T10:54:00.000-04:00

Saturday of Lazarus
Orthros 9am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Communion Breakfast - Fold Palms and decorate 11:30am
Great Vespers 6pm

Palm Sunday
Orthros 8:45am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Palm Sunday Luncheon – Sponsored by Philoptochos
Confessions 6pm
Orthros - Bridegroom Service 7pm

Holy and Great Monday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
“Our Journey through Holy Week” 12pm
Confessions 6pm
Orthros – Bridegroom Service 7pm

Holy and Great Tuesday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
“Our Journey through Holy Week” 12pm
Confessions 6pm
Orthros – Bridegroom Service 7pm

Holy and Great Wednesday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
“Our Journey through Holy Week” 12pm
Confessions 6pm
Holy Unction – 7pm

Holy and Great Thursday
Divine Liturgy – Last Supper 9am
“Our Journey through Holy Week” 12pm
Confessions 6pm
Crucifixion of Our Lord – 12 Gospels 7pm
All Night Vigil at the Cross of Our Lord

Holy and Great Friday
Royal Hours 9am
“Our Journey through Holy Week” 12pm
Taking Down from the Cross – Apokathelosis 3pm
Confessions 6pm
Orthros – Lamentations and Procession of Epitaphios 7pm

Holy and Great Saturday
Vesper Liturgy 10am
Orthros 11pm
Resurrection Service MIDNIGHT
Community Paschal Meal 2am

Holy and Great Pascha
Agape Vespers – 3pm (Easter Egg Hunt)

Join Father Athanasios in a special program “Our Journey through Holy Week” Monday through Friday at NOON. The program will be a special study on the themes and development of Holy Week in the Orthodox Church. This program is designed especially for those who are able to come to the Church during their lunch break at work and will not exceed 1 hour each day.

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CELEBRATES “A WEEK OF FREEDOM” WITH VETERANS PROGRAM

2011-03-18T12:45:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Rev. Athanasios C Haros, Pastor
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church of Florence
Office: 843-662-5471 Fax: 843-662-9134
TransfigurationFlo@mail.goarch.org
www.FlorenceGreekOrthodox.org

GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CELEBRATES “A WEEK OF FREEDOM” WITH VETERANS PROGRAM

(Florence, SC – March 18, 2011) The Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence invites everyone to join us as we honor freedom with a “Week of Freedom” March 21-27, 2011.

"A Week of Freedom" is planned to honor freedom in all forms as a gift from God. Freedom comes in many forms: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom from sin, freedom from suffering and oppression. Each event during "A Week of Freedom" will focus upon one or more aspect of freedom.

An Interfaith celebration at Veteran’s Park, Tuesday, March 22 at 11am, in honor of those courageous veterans who defended and protected our freedom will kick-off the events of “A Week of Freedom” March 21-27, 2011. The Veteran’s Celebration will include a “Roll Call” of those US Veterans engraved on the Wall of Honor.

Other events for “A Week of Freedom” will include:

Ladies Philoptochos Society Spring Pastry & Food Sale - March 24-25 (11am - 8pm on the grounds of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church - 2990 S Cashua Dr in Florence) honoring the Freedom from Suffering, the annual spring pastry sale raises funds for more than twenty local, regional and national charities.

Florence Mayor, Stephen J Wukela will be present at 6pm on Friday, March 25, during the Spring Pastry & Food Sale to present a Resolution by the City of Florence designating March 25, 2011, as “Greek Independence Day in the City of Florence.”

Divine Liturgy (Worship) for the Feast of the Annunciation - March 25 (8am in the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church) - God has sent His Son that we may live with Him free from the curse of sin.

Greek Independence Day Luncheon - March 27 (12pm following Sunday worship at the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church) honoring Freedom of Religion and Freedom from Oppression, the modern Greek State, being emboldened by the United States’ Declaration of Independence declared independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821 on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation trusting that God’s gift of freedom could not be taken away.

This event is sponsored by the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church as part of "A Week of Freedom" events held March 21-27, 2011, in conjunction with Greek Independence Day.

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2009 Holiday Service Schedule

2009-12-16T16:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve December 24, 2009 (no services on Christmas day)
Great Hours and Great Vespers 8:30AM
Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8PM

December 27, 2009 – Sunday following Christmas
Orthros 8:45AM
Divine Liturgy 10AM

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2010 – Feast of St. Basil the Great
Orthros 9AM (Veneration of Relic of Saint Basil)
Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 10AM

January 3, 2010 (Vasilopita Luncheon)
Orthros 8:45AM
Divine Liturgy 10AM

January 5, 2010 – Forefeast of Theophany
Great Hours 8AM
Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 9AM (Blessing of the Waters)
Great Vespers for Theophany 6PM

January 6, 2010 – Feast of Theophany – Great Blessing of the Waters
Orthros 8AM
Divine Liturgy 9AM

January 7, 2010 – Feast of St John the Baptist (all services in Myrtle Beach)

House Blessings: Father Athanasios will begin house blessings on January 7, 2010. A member of the Parish Council will contact you to schedule a time to have your house blessed.

Thanksgiving in the Orthodox Church is Open to All!

2009-11-20T12:11:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Rev. Athanasios C Haros, Pastor
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church of Florence
Office: 843-662-5471 Cell: 843-496-4533
Fax: 843-662-9134
TransfigurationFlo@mail.goarch.org
www.FlorenceGreekOrthodox.org

THANKSGIVING WITH THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH – ALL ARE WELCOME

(Florence, SC – November 20, 2009) The Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence invites everyone to join us as we give thanks to God in worship on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day – 9:00am The Divine Liturgy will take place in the Church at 2990 S Cashua Dr, Florence.

Father Athanasios C Haros, Pastor of Transfiguration Church said, “We are really excited about opening our doors to the rest of Florence. People always think they have to be Greek to attend Transfiguration. We are Russian, Lebanese, Filipino, Indian, Native American, Palestinian, Italian, Greek and “good ole Americans” worshiping God as one family.”

The Divine Liturgy is the celebration of the Eucharist in the Orthodox Christian Church and has its roots in Apostolic worship. While only Orthodox Christians will be permitted to receive the Eucharist, all people are invited and welcome to attend to give thanks to God for our blessings. Information about the Orthodox Church will also be available.

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GREEK ORTHODOX YOUTH TO COLLECT FOOD FOR HARVEST HOPE JUNE 15-26, 2009

2009-05-29T10:10:00.000-04:00

2009 Holy Week Schedule

2009-04-02T10:01:00.002-04:00

Holy Week Services

Saturday of Lazarus
Orthros 9am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Communion Breakfast - Fold Palms and decorate Church 11:30am
Great Vespers 6pm

Palm Sunday
Orthros 8:45am
Divine Liturgy 10am
Palm Sunday Luncheon – Sponsored by Philoptochos
Orthros - Bridegroom Service 6pm, Metropolitan ALEXIOS (Lenten Dinner Following)

Holy and Great Monday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
Orthros – Bridegroom Service 6pm

Holy and Great Tuesday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
Orthros – Bridegroom Service 6pm

Holy and Great Wednesday
PreSanctified Liturgy 9am
Holy Unction – 6pm

Holy and Great Thursday
Divine Liturgy – Last Supper 10am
Crucifixion of Our Lord – 12 Gospels 6pm

Holy and Great Friday
Royal Hours 9am
Taking Down from the Cross – Apokathelosis 3pm
Orthros – Lamentations Service and Procession of Epitaphios 7pm

Holy and Great Saturday
Vesper Liturgy 10am
Orthros 11pm
Resurrection Service MIDNIGHT

Holy and Great Pascha
Agape Vespers – 3pm (Easter Egg Hunt)

LOCAL PIANIST TO PERFROM SOLO RECITAL TO BENEFIT ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN

2008-12-16T11:41:00.003-05:00

For Immediate Release:

Contact:
Rev. Athanasios C Haros, Pastor
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church of Florence
Office: 843-662-5471 Cell: 843-496-4533
Fax: 843-662-9134
TransfigurationFlo@mail.goarch.org
www.FlorenceGreekOrthodox.org

LOCAL PIANIST TO PERFORM Solo RECITAL TO BENEFIT ABUSED WOMEN AND CHILDREN

(Florence, SC – December 16, 2008) Dr. Joanne Kampiziones will perform a Charity Solo Piano Recital, January 11, 2009, at the Florence Little Theatre in Florence. All proceeds from the recital will benefit “The Naomi Project Inc.”

Dr. Kampiziones, a native of Florence and Assistant Professor of Music at Coker College and a member of the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence, is offering the concert as a way of giving back to the community, in particular an organization that helps so many in need. “I am grateful and fortunate to be able to help this worthy charity in any way I can, especially through this concert.” Kampiziones said.

The Naomi Project Inc.’s core mission is to change the lives of families going through domestic abuse after making the choice not to return to their abuser. It is the goal of The Naomi Project Inc. to provide long-term transitional housing coupled with educational, financial, emotional, mental, and spiritual training, which will enable the victim(s) to become self-reliant, self-actualized and self-sufficient.

Six in ten or 60% of homeless head of households have been affected by domestic abuse.
One in four homeless mothers cite domestic abuse as the reason they become homeless.
Almost half of homeless school-age children have witnessed domestic abuse.

Tickets are $20

For more information, call 843-662-5471

Tickets on sale now:
Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church
2990 S Cashua Dr
Florence, SC 29501

Holiday Service Schedule Announced

2008-12-12T09:34:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve December 24, 2008 (no services on Christmas day)
Great Hours and Great Vespers 8:30AM
Orthros followed by Divine Liturgy 8PM

December 28, 2008 – Sunday following Christmas (no Sunday School)
Orthros 8:45AM
Divine Liturgy 10AM

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2009 – Feast of St. Basil the Great
Orthros 9AM
Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 10AM

January 4, 2009 (Vasilopita Luncheon) (no Sunday School)
Orthros 8:45AM
Divine Liturgy 10AM

January 5, 2009 – Forefeast of Theophany
Great Hours 8AM
Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 9AM (Blessing of the Waters)
Great Vespers for Theophany 6PM

January 6, 2009 – Feast of Theophany – Great Blessing of the Waters
Orthros 8AM
Divine Liturgy 9AM

January 7, 2009 – Feast of St John the Baptist (all services in Myrtle Beach)

LOCAL GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH LAUNCHES HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORTS

2008-08-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

(Florence, SC – August 22, 2008) In cooperation with International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), on Sunday, August 24, 2008, the Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox of Florence will launch local efforts to collect funds to assist with emergency food and hygiene supplies for people who were displaced due to the conflict between Georgian, Russian, and South Ossetian forces.

IOCC’s latest distribution on Wednesday, August 20, provided one-week rations of pasta, rice, buckwheat, canned fish and tea to 340 individuals who have taken shelter in a children’s summer camp near Tbilisi. IOCC Georgia Program Manager Darejan Dzotsenidze, says the displaced families include South Ossetians, ethnic Russians, and Georgians. Most of the displaced Georgians fled heavy fighting in the western town of Gori. More than 127,000 people have been displaced from their homes in Georgia and the region of South Ossetia since the conflict began on August 8.

The Rev Athanasios C Haros, Pastor at Transfiguration Church, said, “We cannot sit comfortably in Florence while others in the world are suffering. This is only the beginning of our efforts to help them. As Orthodox Christians we take our calling to minister to people throughout the world seriously. We will continue to support IOCC in efforts in the United States and throughout the world.”

IOCC efforts in the United States have included the tragic events of 9/11, the tragedy at Virginia Tech, Hurricane Katrina, substance abuse programs in Alaska, California mudslides of 2004, and Habitat for Humanity among others.

Donations can be made to:

Transfiguration of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church Benevolent Fund
2990 S Cashua Dr.
Florence, SC 29501

or directly to the IOCC on their website at IOCC.org