Parishioner Reflections
“It was Father Chris’ first Palm Sunday at Saint George…. Making our way through the Antidoro line, Father’s face lit up as we neared him. ‘Τα Βασιλοπουλακια!! How are you three doing today? ....Hey Niko and Aleko, why don’t you come to the Altar next week.’ From that day forward…we were able to connect deeply with the Liturgy, while serving the community.”
When asked to write about the community of Saint George, at first we did not know where to begin. How do we condense every aspect of the community that touches us into a single letter? When thinking through the different ministries that we are a part of, a common theme was recurring: connection. Saint George has taught us that connection means more than just “a link between two things” (Merriam Webster.) Connection is making friends through GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth Association), and the GOAL (Greek Orthodox Athletic League); Connection is growing closer to our faith through church services and Sunday School; and Connection is the feeling of comfort every time we walk through the front door.
Of all the memories of GOYA events and basketball games, two stand out among the rest: the city-wide GOYA lock-in, and our basketball game against Saint Demetrios of Chicago.
During the GOYA lock-in last year (a joint event with Saint Demetrios and Saint Andrews), we spent the night playing games, sharing snacks, and getting closer with each other. However, the moment that stuck with us most, was a vespers service at the end of the night. With all the lights off in the church, we stood there each with a single candle in our hands. Standing on the solea accompanied by our friends and the priests; singing the hymns in unison, it seemed as though time stopped.
GOAL has been one of our highlights of being members of St, George. Not only do we get closer with our teammates, but we also get to meet kids our age from the metropolis, and represent our church while doing so. One of our most memorable games was with St. Demetrios of Chicago. This game was the first time we saw the kids since the lock-in. After four quarters of intense gameplay, it came down to the final seconds. We managed to pull off a win with a few final-second shots, however, the real win came off the court. The second the game ended it was as if both teams were wearing the same jersey. The handshake line turned into hugs and laughs as friends remembered good memories. Through GOYA and the GOAL, we have had the opportunity to make lifelong friends.
Though we have been to innumerable church services throughout the past years, there is one that served as the turning point to our involvement in the community. It was Father Chris’ first Palm Sunday at Saint George, and the service had just ended. Making our way through the Antidoro line, Father’s face lit up as we neared him. “Τα Βασιλοπουλακια!! How are you three doing today?” After asking how Presbitera was, and talking about our Yiayia and Pappou, Father said something that changed the way we interacted with the community. “Hey Niko and Aleko, why don’t you come to the Altar next week” From that day forward, we spent every church service helping the priests, and participating in the service like never before. From behind the Iconostasio, we were able to connect deeply with the Liturgy, while serving the community.
We could write endlessly on the anecdotes that have shaped our view of the Saint George community, each experience, in turn, shaping us into the people we are today. From events with our peers like GOYA and the GOAL, to growing in our faith with the help of Father Chris and Father Peter and our Sunday School Teachers; Saint George has shown us the true meaning of ‘connection’. Saint George has become a safe place for us to be true to ourselves, and grow with each other. Within the beautifully painted icons on the walls, we are detached from the chaos of the outside world, and are able to find peace. Each and every time we walk through the doors of our Parish, we feel connected: to the people, to our faith, and to our community.
Niko, Kelli, and Alex Vasilopoulos