By Sally Peponakis, Chair

About three years ago, Mary Caloir suggested that we start ‘Kali Parea’, a group that would meet regularly with no set agenda but that would foster fellowship. Mary got the group going and now, as we enter our fourth year, we are pleased that as more people hear about us, the more they have come to join us.

We really do enjoy ‘Good company’ (Kali Parea) and fellowship at our monthly meetings and have varied discussions on church related and other matters. We are now planning to have speakers this year to talk about issues that concern us and suggestions for possible subjects or speakers would be very welcome.

During last year, we visited the Bronx Botanical Gardens for the Christmas Train show and also visited All Saints Orthodox Monastery in Calverton. Last summer we all gathered at Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays for a picnic. More than thirty people came along and some brought their grand children who were visiting them. Everyone brought something to eat and drink. It was a very hot day but we had good shelter in the park’s pavilion and so were very comfortable. We ate, laughed and spent an enjoyable and relaxing afternoon together and we plan to repeat this again during the summer.

We also always do enjoy a nice meal and dessert at our meetings. The food is usually cooked by some of our members and on occasions Father Constantine has shown that he is a pretty accomplished man in the kitchen as well!

In August we skipped our normal meeting because we were all busy preparing for ‘Panayias’ and ‘Thyranaxia’, (the opening of the doors), on August 15th., of our new church by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios. What a glorious day it was and everyone who was there surely will have everlasting memories of this day of celebration.

In September, we decided to have a ‘Pizza party’ and ordered in from ‘Crust’, a restaurant just down the road from the church. We also had a cake to celebrate all those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, Needless to say, this was another great afternoon that everyone enjoyed.