The Origins and Meaning of Halloween Halloween has its origins in the Celtic pagan culture and was both a secular holiday which marked the end of the old year and a religious holiday which was characterized by chaos and confusion and the breaking down of the barriers of the natural and supernatural world. When Christianity came to the British Isles, much of the religious nature of the holiday fell by the wayside, but secular culture perpetuated the ritual celebration as what we would consider a New Year's Eve Party. It was an occasion in which society allowed people to lose their inhibitions. Halloween made its way to the United States in the 1850's after Ireland's second potato famine, a time in history when immigration from Ireland to the United States was at its peak. A primary characteristic of today's celebration of Halloween is dressing up in costumes. A costume as something one puts on in order to be something one is not. The Church teaches us that God created us all as good and that we should seek to keep clean that white garment which we received at our baptism -- that is to say, we should try to be what we are called to be good Orthodox Christians and not something which we are not. The Church also teaches us that even if we try to trick others by the costume we wear, we cannot fool God as we will always be accountable for our actions.

FR. MICHAEL TO BE AWAY With the permission of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos, Fr. Michael will be traveling to New Jersey from October 5-9 to visit with his father who has been ill. Fr. Demetrios Dogias will be celebrating the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity on October 8, 2006.

METROPOLITAN GERASIMOS’ NAME DAY Our Holy Trinity Family extends it’s heartfelt best wishes to our beloved Metropolitan Gerasimos on the occasion of his Name Day. His Eminence will be celebrating the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity on the feast of St. Gerasimos, Friday, October 20, 2006. Orthros begins at 9:00am and the Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. A light reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to share in the joy of this special day.

MAKING HISTORY BALL Invitations have been mailed and responses are coming in for Holy Trinity’s annual dinner dance. As we begin our second hundred years of history, this year’s gala is being touted as the MAKING HISTORY BALL. The MAKING HISTORY BALL will held on Sunday, November 5, 2006, at the Westin Hotel in Millbrae, CA. As this is our parish’s chief fundraiser we are asking all of our parishioners and friends to join in what promises to be a joyous evening of sumptuous food, fellowship and dancing to the music of the incredible band FOTIA! Seating is limited so PLEASE mail your responses ASAP! A special child’s meal has been added for $45 for those with children 12 and under who wish to attend.

ARE YOU PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION? How often have you had a great idea and wanted your voice heard when it comes to the good of the parish? How often have you been more inclined to criticize than to create? The opportunity to become a part of the solution rather than part of the problem is here! Consider running for the Parish Council and make a difference. Christ is calling you . . . will you answer the call? Nominations for candidates will be taken through the November 19, 2006 General Assembly and Elections will be held November 26, 2006. The Uniform Parish Regulations (UPR) of the Archdiocese requires that a seminar outlining the duties and responsibilities of Parish Council Members be held in advance of the election. Fr. Michael will offer this seminar for interested candidates on November 23rd at 7:00pm. Candidate Petition Forms will be, included in the next issue of The Familian and will be available in the Church Office for parishioners interested in serving on the Parish Council.