Altar of Mirrors

12 Pages·2016·3.73 MB·English

by  Kim Clewell

T N S . N
HE EWS FROM T EKTARIOS
Volume , Issue
A l t ar of M i r ro rs
Father John Wallace
H ave you ever thrown a party, after Me.” Come after Him where? Are real celebration, not this current thing
perhaps a wedding reception? we playing a game of chase? No, of we call life.
Imagine that you or one of your course not. He means come after Him
What about those who refused to
children is getting married and you into the kingdom of God. This is our
come to the party? The Gospel
invite some neighbors to attend. You invitation to follow Him into the
describes them when it says “For
send the invitations, they respond (or kingdom; to join Him for the heavenly
whoever desires to save his life will lose
not), and you have the celebration. You celebration. He continues, “let him
it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
don’t really know who will attend until deny himself.” This is our moment of
and the gospel’s will save it.” These
the actual event occurs. Suppose you decision. That moment, after receiving
folks prefer this tangible world to the
realize that some don’t come because an invitation, when we actually decide
intangible kingdom. Perhaps they are
they would rather be doing something
successful, rich, powerful, attractive
else. That would be unfortunate and
“But father,” you will say, or whatever. Their cost-benefit
perhaps a little hurtful. Suppose
further, however, that not only do “What is my cross?” analysis does not support the forgoing
of present benefits in the hope (faith)
some others not want to come, but Our cross is other people.
of future returns no matter how great
that they actively oppose your efforts
That’s right.
they may be. What they don’t accept
and decide to throw a counter-party
Other people are the is that this world is first grade recess
on the very day of your party! They
even go so far as to co-opt your music, blessings we accept and compared to the grand wedding
banquet that will be the kingdom of
color schemes, menu and anything the burdens we bear.
God.
else they can think of. In other words,

it is completely intentional and
“For whoever is ashamed of Me
spiteful. That would really hurt whether or not we will attend. For
and My words in this adulterous and
wouldn’t it? Do you realize that Orthodox Christians, it is that moment
sinful generation, of him the Son of
humanity does this to God? we choose between self-denial and self-
Man also will be ashamed when He
indulgence. The path of self-denial is comes in the glory of His Father with
Looking at the Gospel for the
the path Christ walked. If we want to
the holy angels.” Those who are
Sunday after Holy Cross (Mark 8:34-
honor Him, we will try to follow Him
“ashamed” of Christ is another way of
9:1) we see how this plays out. Christ
along this path as best we can. We do
saying those who are opposed to Christ
calls the people and His disciples to
this primarily through church
and His Church. They worship self
Himself and says “Whoever desires to
attendance, fasting, and stewardship.
instead of Christ. They celebrate the
come after Me.” Focus on the “come
The path of self-indulgence, encouraged
passions of the flesh and this world
by the kingdom of this world, is more
I I instead of trying to tame them through
N THIS SSUE along the lines of “Could you super-size
self-denial. What’s worse, they exalt
that for me.”
flamboyance and openly mock those
Focus on our Community 2
who encourage humility and modesty
The Gospel text continues “and take
Leadership 100 2 as if they were unimaginable hardships
up His cross.” This is our RSVP to God;
or simply impossible. They openly
Worship —the Liturgy and more 3 the taking up of our cross in the
rebel against Christ and His Church
conscious emulation of Christ. “But
Adult Religious Education 4 and pose as the true heralds of love and
father,” you will say, “What is my
Safe Sanctuary Presentation 4 cross?” Our cross is other people. compassion. Their altar is made of
mirrors, they worship themselves. How
Miracles in our Midst 5 That’s right. Other people are the
would you feel if someone threw a
blessings we accept and the burdens we
Financial Matters 7 counter-party to your wedding
bear. We encourage them to come to
reception? How do you think Christ
Young at Heart 6-7 the heavenly celebration by our
our God feels when we do it to Him?
example. As Christ gave Himself up on
Philoptochos 8
the Cross for our benefit, so too are we
Which path will you walk; self-
Walking in Faith for a Better to give ourselves up for the benefit of
9 denial or self-indulgence? Your
Tomorrow others. Doing so, we will “follow Him”
decision is your RSVP to God and will
into the kingdom of God. This is the
Youth Ministries 9-11 determine which celebration you
attend. The choice is yours.
Saints of our Faith 12
Leadership 100
Focus on our community

I n 1984, under the guidance of Celebrations, Milestones, Comfort & Support
Archbishop Iakovos, Leadership
100 was created as an endowment
fund of the Greek Orthodox
In our prayers
Archdiocese through which Greek
Kholoud Alyateem Zoe Andrews Helene Antone Pat Baker Ethan Barnard Sylvia Belk Helen T. Beleos
Orthodox leaders were asked to
Victor Bopp Jacob Bower Jodie Boyce Sandy Brewer Marie Callahan John & Sandra Capousis
commit themselves to maintain the Mary Jane Cloninger Chris Chopelas Dee Cockinos Nick Collias Pamela Dizes Shannon Elliott
life-sustaining ministries of the Fr. Jon Emanuelson Michael Flaherty Carol Folaras Ted Gillis Samyah Hilal Freddy Intriago
Church. Leonardo Ivkovic Maureen Kolberg Dean Kondilis Dawna Lawrence Peter Mannering Catherine Manthos
Today, The Archbishop Jack McCullough Maria Arfaras McMahon Michael Christopher Mentavlos Tish Merrill
Calliope Milios Christina Nixon Jamie Ozment Betty Pappas George Pitsilis
Iakovos Leadership 100
Tommy Regoukos Tatyana Semyrog Gus Stamas Teziah Stalling Lilly Trakas Ron Wheatley
Endowment Fund,
Grace & K’Niyah & father
Incorporated, named in (Contact the office to add names for prayers)
recognition of
AND FOR THOSE IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY
Archbishop Iakovos’
Helene Carras Buddy Craft Jordan James Dunn Krassimire Ivanov
vision, is a 501(c) 3
Michael Constantine Mentavlos Zack Millsaps Matthew Millsaps Amanda Moril
endowment fund
Danielle Zervakos Nickolopoulos Anton Savin
corporation that

supports the Congratulations
National Ministries
To Summer Clewell for receiving a Moral Focus Award from her school
of the Greek
for displaying the virtue of “Wisdom” for the month of September
Orthodox

To the Moshonisiotis family on the 40 day blessing of Ellianna Deserea and mom, Marissa
Archdiocese in
ARCHBISHOP advancement of To the Taymasova family on the baptis m of Emilia’s daughter, Katherine Jerls
IAKOVOS
1959-1996 Orthodoxy and To the Jill and Andreas Arethas on the baptism of Anastasia’s brother, Theodore
Hellenism. To the Chris and Kathryn Mason family on th e baptism of Audrey’s brother, Jesse Elias
Members pledge $100,000, which is
To the Jimmy and Louisa Kleto family on the 40-day blessing of Lucas James, and mom
paid over a period of 10 years or less.
To Donna and Henry Dellinger on the birth of their granddaughter, and to Tess Sagos on the birth of
Since its inception in 1984,
her great-granddaughter, Madaline Sellers, daughter of Preston and Jennifer of South Carolina.
Leadership 100 has distributed more

than $46 million in grants. Sympathy
Leadership 100 grants range from
To the Yazbeck family on the passing of Sabha’s father, Abraham Bachawaty in Lebanon
providing scholarship funds for

individuals studying for the To the Karres family on the passing of Gus’ cousin, Gus Matthew Karres

priesthood at Hellenic College/Holy To the Capousis family on the passing of John’s cousin and Bill’s nouna,
Cross School of Theology, to Athena Tizivani Zhang in New York
supporting a variety of National
In Appreciation
Ministries that include Religious and

Greek Education, Youth, Young
(A note from Presbytera Mary on the passing of her mother, Nancy Guthery):
Adult, Family and Marriage services, To Fr. Steve and the Parish Council—”Thank you so much for the beautiful cut flower arrangement…..our St.
Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Nektarios family continues to love and support us through difficult times. Thank you for your love.”
Interfaith Relations, Internet Presbytera Mary Wallace

Ministries and Home Mission, as well To the St. Nektarios Community - “With the shared sentiments of my beloved Brother in Christ,
as humanitarian assistance during Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and all the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, I write to you today
national and international crises. to thank you for your valued participation in the rebuilding of Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,
The Leadership 100 Executive the only church destroyed in the horrific acts of September 11, 2001.”
DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America
Committee approves grants

submitted by the Grant Committee Dear Evelyn & St. Nektarios,
after consultation with the We are so blessed by your hospitality and kindness. It is such a joy to have our co-op meet in your church.
Please accept these monetary gifts to help offset the expenses of our group using your space.
Archbishop. The principal of the
Many Thanks,
Endowment Fund remains
Kathy Graham, Epic Homeschool
permanently restricted and

inviolate. Thanks to Diane Gilbert and Copycat for printing the Church Bulletin and Newsletter.
Leadership 100 continues to be a
driving force to seed and nurture new
programs that promote Orthodoxy
and Hellenism.
Copyright @ http://www.l100.org/
2
Worship—
Thanksgiving, Prayers, & Blessings
National Church
Music Sunday

O n the occasion of National
Church Music Sunday,
held on October 2nd, we
recognized our dedicated choir,
chanters and readers for
offering their time and talent in
support of our worship services.
During the recognition, Fr.
John prayed for blessings upon
them.
These women and men have heard and responded to the Lord’s invitation to be church musicians: These people
represent the laity in the liturgical dialogue of our worship services. In glory to God, the Holy Trinity, they commit
themselves to learning the hymns of our Orthodox faith, understanding the sequence of our liturgical worship, and
actively offering their prayers in song to enhance the beauty of our worship.
Special Prayer Service for our College Students

A s summer is winding down, the check lists start to get our youth off to school. At the top of the list the annual Fare-
well Prayers for our College Students. This year’s service on August 7th we offered prayer for protection and wisdom
and guidance for all our youth as they pursue their studies. 
Elevation of the Holy Cross ~ September 14th

In lifting up the Cross before us . . .
 We recognize that an instrument of grace was also an instrument of suffering
and death. We acknowledge the unfathomable burden that was assumed by
our Lord as He took our sin upon Himself as an unblemished offering.
 We look upon it, and we proclaim the power that was revealed. We believe in
the mighty act of redemption that was accomplished by our Lord upon the
Cross. In faith we repent of our sins, receiving God’s grace and
seeking to be reconciled with our Creator.
 We are called by our Lord and emboldened by His Life-Giving Cross to share the
grace of God. From lives that are being transformed and commitment to our commis-
sion to share the Gospel, we demonstrate the power of the Cross to restore life, to re-
new, to heal and to save.
 We offer our lives, our gifts and our resources so that others might come to the
Cross. We stand in the face of persecution and suffering, proclaiming a message of
reconciliation so that others may have abundant and eternal life. .

Excerpts from Sep 13, 2016; Protocol 160/16; September 14, 2016; The Universal Exaltation of The Precious
and Life-Giving Cross by †DEMETRIOS, Archbishop of America

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D id you know that risk management is an area of focus in running the parish. We are not concerned just with
keeping the property safe and well-insured. Risk management includes Child Protection, fire evacuation
procedures, food safety, proper record-keeping and more. During these troubling times, the Parish Council invited
the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to present their class on Safety Awareness in July. Our Clergy,
leaders, Sunday Volunteers and members in general were invited to attend. This eye-opening session focused on
what to do if we had an “active shooter” on our property. We gained a greater understanding of these incidents and
learned some techniques to improve our chances of survival. We plan to expand upon safety awareness around the
campus and will offer this session again. We encourage all to attend. 
Adult religious education
“Seeking the Voice of Christ”
Fall Session off to a Delicious Start
T he ovens were on early Sunday
morning to prepare the fresh
baked biscuits. Everyone was in for a
special treat during the Coffee Hour to
kick off our 2016-17 Adult Religious
Education program on September Adult Religious Education Kick-off Sunday
18th. Gerry Clonaris, with his
PowerPoint presentation, introduced
the Parishioners to the many
opportunities to learn about our faith: Sunday morning’s
“Points Well Made” with Fr. Seraphim; Tuesday morning’s
“Our Faith Journey “ with Father John; Tuesday and
Wednesday evening “Growing in Faith” classes with Fr.
Steve and Gerry Clonaris; and “The Orthodox Question Wednesday evening “Growing in
Box” with Fr. Seraphim Dedes. Program overviews and Faith” class with Gerry Clonaris.
notebooks for class materials were distributed literally
showing the 24/7 ways to seek the voice of Christ. Tuesday morning “Our Faith Journey” with
Fr. John Wallace
Adult Religious Education Kick-off Sunday
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Miracles in our midst
Dear Friends, chemotherapy and radiation. He him the following nickname: ‘miracle
Please read the email I received made the courageous decision to man’. Is he cured? No. Is he in a way
yesterday relating a miracle that forego all surgeries/interventions and better state of physical health than he
happened from the Virgin Mary just accept his fate. We did manage to was back in June? Absolutely! The
through the Kardiotissa (Tender talk him into one intervention, though Endocrinologist even reached out to a
Hearted) Icon which visited our …religious intervention. We attended friend at the NIH, National Institute
Church back in June. Glory to God the event…and what an event! of Health in Washington DC who is
for such miracles that happen in our Absolutely amazing. While I was in now at John Hopkins University to
midst! line to venerate the icon, I noticed a see if this has ever occurred before
With love in Christ, priest giving my father an individual and he was told…”No, Never.” He had
+Fr. Luke Veronis blessing in all of the areas I never seen or heard of this in his
mentioned that the cancer had taken career.
Father Luke: up in his body. This particular priest I just wanted to pass that along to
I hope this email finds you well and had travelled from Norwich, you as you hosted the event. Could
in good health! Back on June 17, 2016 Connecticut to participate. you please also pass this email along
my family and I attended the To make a long story short, let us to the priest who attended from
Kardiotissa Icon of the Virgin Mary fast forward to the present. The list of Norwich, CT? My father’s next
event at your church. The primary doctors stunned as to his amazing appointment(s) is in November …
reason we attended was my father, turnaround are as follows: just 2 weeks after his birthday, a
Theodore had been diagnosed with Oncologist, Endocrinologist, celebration we thought we would not
terminal cancer of the Thyroid which Urologist, Nephrologist and Primary have earlier in the year given his
had spread to his lymph nodes, chest, Care MD. Whereas we were told to get cancer diagnosis. God is GOOD!!!
spine and kidneys. For his advanced his affairs in order back in June, they I will keep you updated as to his
age of 82, doctors in Worcester and are now stunned as to his latest result: progress.
Boston were not sure he could survive cancer has been beaten back in all but Respectfully,
the necessary surgery and/or the thyroid. In fact, they have given Harry Tembenis
Financial Matters
You are the Voice
Fall . . . to the Finish
of Christ in a
Changing World

It’s the season to sweep up your “As the Father has sent
me, so I send you” John 20:21
stewardship pledge

“O ne day, a person complained to his
priest that the Church and
Christianity is one continual “give, give,
give.” To which the priest replied, “Thank
you very much for the finest definition of
$182,953 Christianity I have ever heard. You’re right,
Christianity is all about a constant “give,
give, give.” God giving His only Son to the
world to show His unconditional love. His
$542,811 Son Jesus giving His life on the cross to
forgive our sins and destroy death. Then our
Lord’s disciples giving all they had to make
sure God’s Good News of love was preached
to all people everywhere. They not only gave
away their homes and businesses, but even
gave up their lives as martyrs in gratitude to
God! It is by offering our blessings back to
God that He will be able to continue His
forgiving, healing, liberating, empowering,
2016 Stewardship Goal is $724, 765 transfiguring, loving ministry through the
Church. For God, Infinite though He be, has
As of Oct. 22, $542,811
chosen to work through us, through our
in Stewardship Received gifts, to continue His saving work in the
world today.”
$182,953 to the Finish
Fr. Anthony M. Coniaris From Goarch.org
5
F o r o u r 5 5 a n d o l d e r members
T he Young at Heart met on
Thursday, September 8th for
our first meeting of the new
Ecclesiastical year. We were served
a delicious dinner by our gracious
hosts, Aphroula Anderson, Connie
Bellios, John Bellios, Morphia
Bouboulis, Aliki & John Bugg, Kathy
& Steve Constantelos, Anna & Pete
Kanelos, Christala & Costas
Paraskeva, Tina & John Peroulas,
Georgia Pouler & Diane Rogers.
Our Team Leader was Christala
Paraskeva.
To start the night we had
Name Tags with ICE-Breaker
Stickers. Each Young at Heart
member had a different flower on
their sticker and were asked to
meet someone else with the same
type of sticker and find out
something about them.
Ritsa Neary, assisted by
Evelyn Klund and Christina
Gionis conducted a “Million
Dollar Legs” Contest.
Fourteen willing participants
hid behind the stage curtain
showing only their legs. With
the hooting and laughing, the
rest of the Young at Heart
members voted for
their favorite legs.
After narrowing it
down to three finalist,
our winner was Spiro
Hondros. The runners
up were George Velonis
and Perry Diamaduros.
All received a medal for participating. Ritsa Neary
crowned our winner and then described to the
group the gifts he had won including a “million
dollar bill.”
As is our monthly tradition, we had a special
birthday cake for all who shared an August and
September birthday. Father Steve was also
presented with a special cake in honor of his Feast
Day.
6
F o r o u r 5 5 a n d o l d e r members
O ur gathering
on October
13th was a western
theme night. About
125 members were
able to attend that
night! We were
treated to a delicious
baked chicken
dinner prepared by
Pete Douglas and
his kitchen crew.
Thanks go out to
Pete and our hosts,
Mary Alexis, Lula
Andrews, Toula &
Andrew Boukidis,
In the process we hope to have some
Joan Davis, Helen & Pete Douglas,
fun. We are the YOUNG at HEART,
Florence Hatzis, Pitsa & Gus Karres,
who can, want and would like to have
Maria & Sam Kleto, Helen Kontoulas,
fun. We encourage everyone to get
Georgia & Steve Mantekas, and
into the spirit of whatever event is
Demetra Stamatakos.
planned for them and have an
A couple of announcements were
enjoyable time.
made by the current co-president
If you have any suggestions or
Kerry Gionis. The first, reminding all
ideas that you would like to share for
that today was the last day to sign and
future events, please let our
pay for the Christmas Get Away trip to
organizing committee know.
Myrtle Beach. Tim Klund spoke about
In November, we suspend our
the upcoming Gala to take place on
monthly session to celebrate our
Saturday, November 5th, 2016. The
church Feast Day. We hope to see
benefits from this gala go to help the
everone at either or both Tuesday
Missions and Philanthropy Ministry
Night Vespers and reception and then
and Kenya Child of God Academy.
at Wednesday Liturgy and luncheon.
Before dessert was served, those
Our next gathering will be December
who have a birthday in October,
6th Christmas Dinner Party. Sign-up
gathered for a photo and were
flyers will be available soon. 
serenaded and congratulated. The

evening combined square dancing,

line dancing, Greek and Arabic
dancing. Patty Greene was our special
guest “caller” for the square dancing.
Presbytera Mary, Ellie Kontos, and
Roula Poulos were among those who
got into the spirit of the evening
wearing their western attire.
As we say in our mission
statement, our goal is to offer a social
and supportive network to foster
relationships among our senior
members 55 and older.
7
Philoptochos
C harlotte Café was
the site of our
September Dinner
meeting to launch the
new Ecclesiastical
year. Jimmy and
Mary Roupas were so
kind to reserve the
whole restaurant for
us. And did we need
all the space! We had
a very nice turnout
with 40+ attending.
Maria Wheatley
welcomed everyone
and conducted the
short business meeting. Upcoming Events

It is our tradition to use
Thursday, October 27 at 6:30 p.m.
the outing as a service project Grandma, Mom and Kid’s Night
opportunity. We asked all General Meeting & Service Project;
the members to bring Assembling snack packs for the
something needed by Neighbors of St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen
residents of the Dove’s Nest.
Sundays in November — Angel Tree
Penny Hefner was our
Sunday, November 6
keynote speaker who shared
Pass second tray to benefit the
with us the important work
Patriarchate
that goes on there. Dove’s
Penny Hefner, Fr. Steve Dalber,
Tuesday, November 8 — Host the St.
Nest is a non-profit
Maria Wheatley and Fr. John Wallace
Nektarios Feast Day Vespers
organization and is the women’s
Reception
program of Charlotte Rescue Mission;
assisting in the rehabilitation of drug- Sat, Nov 19 & Sun. Nov. 20
Bake Sale Pick-up
addicted women.
Father Steve and Father John Wednesday, November 30
Deck the Halls Party— decorate the
blessed the blankets (made by our own
hall for Christmas
ladies) that will be taken to the neo-
natal unit at CMC hospital.
“The Men’s Table” Saturday, December 3
Annual Christmas Fashion Show and
Please Fr. John, Fr. Steve and Jimmy Roupas
Breakfast at Marriott South Park
stop by the sat in an adjacent booth.
information Sat, Dec. 10 & Sun. Dec. 11
table next Sunday to see what your ladies’ Holiday Greek Pastry Sale
Philoptochos has planned for this Holiday
Sunday, January 1
season and to place your pastry order or buy
Vasilopita Sunday, Second tray for St.
your brunch ticket.
Basil’s Academy & New Years Day
Remember, we are always accepting Brunch to benefit the Altar fund
membership renewals and new members. 
Sunday, January 29
Membership Tea hosted by Terry Key
Blessing of the blankets
8
Walking in Faith for a better tomorrow
H ello Everyone!!
Fall has arrived, the leaves are
changing colors and it is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month!!! On October 1st,
the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure
took place in uptown Charlotte. It was a
beautiful Saturday morning. The
weather was awesome and the sea of
participants was amazing. It was truly a
day filled with inspiration, awareness and hope.
Approximately 20,000 people gathered together to
support those presently fighting the disease, to
celebrate the survivors and to remember those
who have lost their battle to this disease. Team
"Keep it Moving" participated for the 6th year. We
had a great time completing the course. I want to
thank all who have supported the team over the
years!! Your support of me during my journey is
something I will always remember. I am truly
blessed and grateful. Thank You!!!!
Photo to the left shows Alex

KEEP IT MOVING.... Tatsis’ bracelets worn each year
Alex
that she remains cancer free

Charlotte
CROP
Hunger Walk
I t was a beautiful day for a walk. Lacing
up their shoes and donning the
sunglasses, they were off. Among the
thousands of walkers, were our eighteen
from St. Nektarios ready to go. The 38th
Annual Charlotte CROP Walk was held
on Sunday, October 16 in the afternoon.
Kate Caltis and Helen Clonaris organized
our participation and rallied our troops.
Proceeds from the Charlotte walk,
“still the largest and most generous of
the country’s 1,300 CROP walks, will go to three local agencies – Loaves &
Fishes, Crisis Assistance Ministry and Second Harvest Food Bank of
Metrolina –as well as to global projects to feed hungry people and help
refugees and others in need.” Charlotte has raised over $8 million in its 38 years walking.
“Since the last crop walk, Crisis Assistance Ministry helped over 20-thousand families
keep their homes and keep the lights on. Loaves and Fishes fed over 78-thousand people,
that's enough to fill Bank of America Stadium... And Second Harvest Food Bank
distributed over 10 million pounds of food and household items in Mecklenburg County,”
said Executive Director Shay Merrit after the 2015 walk.
St. Nektarios has a long history of supporting Charlotte CROP Walk, from our very
earliest years. This year our team raised over $1,900 in online donations and $200 in cash
donations to contribute the ZERO HUNGER goal. Thank you St. Nektarios walkers and
supporters! Let’s set a goal for next year’s walk of 25 walkers and $2500 in donations.
9
OUR WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP, which we call
Orthodox Life, or O-Life for short, brings
together our 6th—12th graders for an
evening of faith, food, fellowship & fun!
This year at our kickoff on October 9, we
had an all time high of 44 O-LIFERS in
attendance!! We divided into teams for
SPEED FRIENDING, then covered the cam-
pus on a scavenger hunt , finding some
“icons” of our faith. For our 2nd session,
we had a NIGHT OUT at Smashburger, with
a lesson and activity on “to everything
there is a season,” led by our wonderful
GOYA Advisor, Michaelina Antahades, or
Micha for short. JOIN US FOR THE FUN!!
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