The Listening Connection Volunteer Listener Days Available Times Available Phone Number Anthe Athas Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30pm-11:30pm EST 802.864.0624 Anne Pappalas Wednesdays 10:00pm-12:00am EST 610.779.7356 Katherine Prassas Mondays and Fridays 9:00pm-11:00pm EST 908.272.8633 We share a unique ministry as wives of clergymen, one which only we can attempt to understand. Each presvytera has a rich story to tell of her parish life, her support to the priest she’s married to, and her personal devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the sharing of our stories we lessen the distances between us, lighten our burdens and increase our joys. This is the spirit behind TLC. We call it The Listening Connection because the ministry employs active listening skills to help enhance communication between two presvyteres, and its acronym TLC reminds us of the tender loving care with which we all like to be treated. Many presvyteres have expressed their enthusiastic support for TLC, as a desired vehicle for fellowship. Our hope is that through TLC friendships will be established in a unique and meaningful way: presvytera to presvytera. TLC lets us know which presvyteres are available for conversation, and that these presvyteres care enough to independently prepare themselves for their gift of time, and their talent of active listening. The TLC Policy has been written to provide a clear understanding of what we hope to accomplish. We welcome any presvytera who wishes to become a volunteer listener to make herself known, and begin the process of becoming that well known friend of another presvytera. Entreating the prayers of our heavenly patrons Saints Mary and Martha, the sisters of Saint Lazaros, We remain, yours in Christ, Kathryn Tina Patitsas and Katherine Prassas, co-chairs Periodic communications will be posted here. May 8, 2004 December 11, 2003 October 31, 2003 May 8, 2004 Dear Sister Presvyteres, I had registered with the International Listening Association in hopes of finding some classes for your TLC volunteers. Although I was not successful in using their resources for thatpurpose, they have made my quest for good quotes a breeze this month. This is what they sent to me. Panaghia be with you all. Enjoy the quotes. ON LOVE A man is already halfway in love with any woman who listens to him. - Brendan Francis Being listened to is so close to being loved that most people cannot tell the difference. - David Oxberg Listening is a primitive act of love in which a person gives himself to another’s word, making himself accessible and vulnerable to that word. - Unknown All the world loves a listener. December 11, 2003 Dear Sister Presvyteres, This month's memo is about empathy. I hope that you will like what you read. The part below is a poem a friend sent to me. It is called "Listen". Reminding you that Katherine OR Anne are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Times and numbers can be found on our web site thanks to Pauline. Excerpt from Listening for Heaven's Sake: Contrary to what you might expect, the greatest causes of problems and conflict in companies, churches, and families often isn't disagreement over answers to basic questions...but a lack of agreement about what the real questions are. This is why the skill of empathy is essential for managers, workers, parents, teachers, and pastors. It is also crucial for effective helpers. Getting to the deep heart issues requires a combinations of peace, self control, and reflective listening that encourages the Seeker to explore the threatening areas of pain or mystery more simply put the nature of the problem....... ....Empathy is patient, kind, and gentle...It develops the tender fruit of the Spirit in our interaction with others. LISTEN Listen brothers, can you hear What the angel voices herald still Did they stop to trumpet sound Because we see no child around? For why did Christ come as a child If mystery were not his style and To listen to one we must recall The child which lives inside us all I ask for your prayers and I hope that you have a blessed and peaceful and silent and joyful holiday. Kathryn Tina Patitsas October 31, 2003 Dear Sister Presvyteres, At the last NSP board meeting we talked about passing along some information about listening skills via e-mail as a way to help our members become more familiar with TLC and the skills that our listeners use when they talk to callers on the phone. Below is an excerpt from a book called Listening for Heaven's Sake.....and.....Perceptive Listening. Katherine Prassas is available on Fridays and Mondays from 9pm - 11pm 908-272-8633. Anne Pappalas is available on Wednesdays from 10pm-midnight 610-779-7356. Enjoy the quotes. From Listening for Heaven's Sake: "As believers, we see the heart of another human being as the 'Holy of Holies,' where the Spirit of God resides. Those of us who dare to draw near must, like Moses, take off our shoes, for we are treading on holy ground. The priest in the temple did not rush into the Holy of Holies, lest he be struck dead. Instead he prepared carefully and slowly to approach. So must we go slowly into the deep heart of a child of God. Don't rush in and disturb....Go gently, bring peace." From Perceptive Listening: 10 misconceptions about listening: listening is a matter of intelligence good hearing and good listening are closely related listening is an automatic reflex daily participation eliminates the need for training learning to read will automatically improve listening learning to read is more important than learning to listen the speaker is totally responsible for success in oral communication listening is essentially a passive activity listening means agreement consequences of careless listening are minimal Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America | Ecumenical Patriarchate   This site is managed by Presvytera Pauline H. Pavlakos. Please send comments about this site to Presvytera Pauline. Page last updated: June 23, 2007