Martyr Sergius in Syria Commemorated on October 7th

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1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Sunday, October 7, rd Sunday of Luke Martyr Sergius in Syria Commemorated on October 7th The Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus in Syria were appointed to high positions in the army by the emperor Maximian ( ), who did not know that they were Christians. Envious people informed Maximian that his two trusted counsellors did not honor the pagan gods. This was considered to be a crime against the state. The emperor, wanting to convince himself of the truth of the accusation, ordered Sergius and Bacchus to offer sacrifice to the idols, but they replied that they honored the One God and worshiped only Him. Maximian commanded that the martyrs be stripped of the insignia of military rank (their belts, gold pendants, and rings), and then dressed them in feminine clothing. They were led through the city with an iron chains around their necks, and the people mocked them. Then he summoned Sergius and Bacchus to him again and in a friendly manner advised them not to be swayed by Christian fables, but to return to the Roman gods. The saints refuted the emperor s words, and demonstrated the folly of worshiping the pagan gods. The emperor commanded that they be sent to the governor of the eastern part of Syria, Antiochus, a fierce hater of Christians. Antiochus had received his position with the help of Sergius and Bacchus. My fathers and benefactors! he said. Have pity on yourselves, and also on me. I do not want to condemn my benefactors to cruel tortures. The holy martyrs replied, For us life is Christ, and to die is gain. The enraged Antiochus ordered Bacchus to be mercilessly beaten, and the holy martyr surrendered his soul to the Lord. They shod Sergius with iron sandals with nails in their soles and sent him to another city, where he was beheaded with the sword. Parish Council Members Emmanuel Ermidis President Konstantinos Almiroudis Vice President Jim Ganotis Treasurer Panagiota Petratos Secretary Eleni Karadaglis Michael Manak Irene Scordos Christopher Sheely.Athanasios Anagnostos Sam Zizis

2 Epistle Prokeimenon. Mode 2. Psalm ,18 The Lord is my strength and my song. Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely. The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9 Ἀπόστολος Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 11:31-33, 12:1-9 Προκείμενον. Ήχος β'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ ,18 Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος. Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος. Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 11:31-33, 12:1-9 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι από Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Ἀδελφοί, Ὁ θεὸς καὶ πατὴρ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ οἶδεν, ὁ ὢν εὐλογητὸς εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, ὅτι οὐ ψεύδομαι. Ἐν Δαμασκῷ ὁ ἐθνάρχης Ἀρέτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν Δαμασκηνῶν πόλιν, πιάσαι με θέλων καὶ διὰ θυρίδος ἐν σαργάνῃ ἐχαλάσθην διὰ τοῦ τείχους καὶ ἐξέφυγον τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ. Καυχᾶσθαι δὴ οὐ συμφέρει μοι ἐλεύσομαι γὰρ εἰς ὀπτασίας καὶ ἀποκαλύψεις κυρίου. Οἶδα ἄνθρωπον ἐν Χριστῷ πρὸ ἐτῶν δεκατεσσάρων - εἴτε ἐν σώματι οὐκ οἶδα εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος οὐκ οἶδα ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ἁρπαγέντα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἕως τρίτου οὐρανοῦ. Καὶ οἶδα τὸν τοιοῦτον ἄνθρωπον - εἴτε ἐν σώματι, εἴτε ἐκτὸς τοῦ σώματος, οὐκ οἶδα ὁ θεὸς οἶδεν - ὅτι ἡρπάγη εἰς τὸν παράδεισον, καὶ ἤκουσεν ἄρρητα ῥήματα, ἃ οὐκ ἐξὸν ἀνθρώπῳ λαλῆσαι. Ὑπὲρ τοῦ τοιούτου καυχήσομαι ὑπὲρ δὲ ἐμαυτοῦ οὐ καυχήσομαι, εἰ μὴ ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου ἐὰν γὰρ θελήσω καυχήσασθαι, οὐκ ἔσομαι ἄφρων ἀλήθειαν γὰρ ἐρῶ φείδομαι δέ, μή τις εἰς ἐμὲ λογίσηται ὑπὲρ ὃ βλέπει με, ἢ ἀκούει τι ἐξ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ τῇ ὑπερβολῇ τῶν ἀποκαλύψεων ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι, ἐδόθη μοι σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί, ἄγγελος Σατᾶν, ἵνα με κολαφίζῃ, ἵνα μὴ ὑπεραίρωμαι. Ὑπὲρ τούτου τρὶς τὸν κύριον παρεκάλεσα ἵνα ἀποστῇ ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ. Καὶ εἴρηκέν μοι, Ἀρκεῖ σοι ἡ χάρις μου ἡ γὰρ δύναμίς μου ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελειοῦται. Ἥδιστα οὖν μᾶλλον καυχήσομαι ἐν ταῖς ἀσθενείαις μου, ἵνα ἐπισκηνώσῃ ἐπʼ ἐμὲ ἡ δύναμις τοῦ Χριστοῦ. 2

3 Gospel 3rd Sunday of Luke The Gospel According to Luke 7:11-16 At that time, Jesus went to a city called Nain, a nd hi s d i s c i p l e s a nd a greatcrowd went with him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a large crowd from the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep." And he came and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise." And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!" Memorial All departed Choir Members and Cantors. May the memory be eternal Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 7:11-16 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐπορεύετο εἰς πόλιν καλουμένην Ναΐν καὶ συνεπορεύοντο αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἱκανοὶ καὶ ὄχλος πολύς. ὡς δὲ ἤγγισε τῇ πύλῃ τῆς πόλεως, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἐξεκομίζετο τεθνηκὼς υἱὸς μονογενὴς τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὕτη ἦν χήρα, καὶ ὄχλος τῆς πόλεως ἱκανὸς ἦν σὺν αὐτῇ. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὴν ὁ Κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπ αὐτῇ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ μὴ κλαῖε καὶ προσελθὼν ἥψατο τῆς σοροῦ, οἱ δὲ βαστάζοντες ἔστησαν, καὶ εἶπε νεανίσκε, σοὶ λέγω, ἐγέρθητι. καὶ ἀνεκάθισεν ὁ νεκρὸς καὶ ἤρξατο λαλεῖν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν τῇ μητρὶ αὐτοῦ. ἔλαβε δὲ φόβος πάντας καὶ ἐδόξαζον τὸν Θεόν, λέγοντες ὅτι προφήτης μέγας ἐγήγερται ἐν ἡμῖν, καὶ ὅτι ἐπεσκέψατο ὁ Θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ. Μνημόσυνο Μελί τις Χορωδίας και Ψαλτών που αναχώρησαν Αιωνία η Μνήμην Today s Artoklasia is given for Good Health of all our Choir Members and Cantors Σήμερα Αρτοκλασία Ύπερ Υγείας για τα μέλι της χορωδίας και τους ψάλτες. Join us for coffee and fellowship in the lower level church social hall Ώρα καφές δίνεται στην κάτω αίθουσα της εκκλησίας 3

4 National Church Musician Sunday; Martyrs Sergios and Bachos (+303); Resurrectional Apolytikion Second Tone Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρός τόν θάνατον, ἡ ζωή ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τόν Ἅδην ἐνέκρωσας, τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος ὅτε δέ καί τούς τεθνεῶτας, ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον Ζωοδότα Χριστέ ὁ Θεός ἡμῶν δόξα σοι. Hymn of Saints Greatmartyrs Sergios and Bachos Οἱ Μάρτυρες σου, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἀθλήσει αὐτῶν, τό στέφος ἐκομίσαντο τῆς ἀφθαρσίας, ἐκ σοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἔχόντες τήν ἰσχύν σου, τούς τυράννους καθεῖλον ἔθραυσαν καί δαιμόνων τά ἀνίσχυρα θράση αὐτῶν ταῖς ἱκεσίαις Χριστέ, ὁ Θεός, σῶσον τάς ψυχάς ἡμῶν. Apolytikion of the Church Σήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τό κεφάλαιον, καί τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις ὁ υἱός τοῦ Θεοῦ, υἱός τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καί Γαβριήλ τήν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διό καί ἡμεῖς σύν αὐτῷ, τῇ Θεοτόκῳ βοήσωμεν Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετά σοῦ. Kontakion Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρός τόν Ποιητήν ἀμετάθετε, μή παρίδης, ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλά πρόφθασον ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τήν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καί σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προσταεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε. When you descended to the realm of death, O life immortal, then Hades did you render dead, by the lightning of you Deity; furthermore, when the dead from the depths of the earth you also raised, all heavenly powers cried in jubilation: O life-giving Christ our god, glory to you. Your loyal martyrs, Lord, while contending for you, the crown of incorruption they earned for themselves, from you the God of all of us; for armed with your might, they defeated the tyrants, and crushed all the demons and their powerless presumtion. Through their intercessions, O Christ our God, we pray to you to save our souls. To-day is the crown of our Salvation and the manifestation of the Eternal Mystery. The Son of God becometh the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the good tidings of grace. Wherefore let us also with him cry to the Mother of God: Hail! Thou that art full of grace; the Lord is with thee. O protection of the unashamable, mediation to the Creator immovable, despise not, the pleading voices of those in sin, but hasten O good one, to the help of all of us, who in faith cry out to you: speed up your intercession, and press on your supplication, O Theotokos who always protect, all those who honor you. 4

5 Christian Stewardship is In our spiritual relationship with our creator, we realize that we are called to be good stewards of His creation. And as stewards of His Gospel, we are called to use our material, worldly possessions to meet the needs of others. Goarch.org TIME WORSHIP All Sunday Services begin 8:30AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy ************* This Week: Mon., Oct. 8th Greek School Lessons 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Tues., Oct. 9th Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. in the St. Mary of Egypt Chapel. The feast of St. James the Apostle Thurs., Oct. 11th Greek School Lessons 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Journey to Fullness 6:00 p.m. Sun., Oct. 14th Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council The Nafpaktian Society will host the Coffee Social Artoklasia for the health of the member of the Nafpaktian Cultural Foundation. Memorials For the departed Members of the Nafpaktian Cultural Foundation Vasilios, Ioannis & Anna Koumoundours Memorial Tray If you would like to order a tray of Koliva please contact: Vivian Kyriazis or Angie Tsigas Stewardship 2018 We are grateful for the 266 FAMILIES that have pledged to support the Annunciation s many ministries. We have collected 85,567 Pledged 88,693 Goal: 120,000 (Lk 6: 37-38) Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Thank you for giving According to your God-Given Ability! 5

6 Events Elsewhere CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART - Today, Sun. Oct. 7th at 11a.m. till 4pm International Cleveland Community Day East Boulevard, Cleveland St. Paul Dancers will be performing. ORTHODOX WOMEN IN THE HEALING MINISTRIES Oct. 5-7, at Holy Dormition Monastery, Rives Junction, Mich. For registration & info, go to DEAN PARAS MEMORIAL WALK Sun., Oct. 7, 6 th annual memorial 5K Cross Country Run/Walk at University School in Hunting Valley to raise awareness and research funding for Neuroendocrine cancer. 11 am-3 pm. Contact Jeanne Paras at deanparasfoundation@gmail.com IKARIAN GLENDI at Annunciation Akron - Oct. 20 ~ 8:00 p.m. featuring Stigma with violi by Peter Karnavas. Tickets $20, children 10 and under free. Appetizer buffet included, cash bar available TIMELESS CHRISTIANITY IN TODAY S CHANGING WORLD Sun., Oct. 21, meet Sister Vassa Larin, PhD, host of the online catechetical program Coffee with Sister Vassa at Notre Dame College, Regina Auditorium, 4545 College Dr., South Euclid. Presentation is free and open to all. For more info, contactkivancic@ndc.edu. EASTERN ORTHODOX WOMEN S GUILD Annual Gala Affair at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Parma. Thurs., Oct. 25th 6:00 p.m. See Evangeline Bozikis ( ) for tickets $15 adults / $7.50 children 6-12 / children under 6 free ORTHODOX HOMEFRONT Sun., Oct. 14, join IOCC Orthodox Homefront to prepare for regional emergencies, disasters, etc. Each parish can send 3-5 people to learn how to enhance their capability to respond and network in emergencies. Regional meeting hosted by St. Harlambos Church, th St., NW, Canton, 2-5 p.m. Snacks provided. Contact the church office (sdgoc@ohiocoxmail.com ) if you would like to attend. ST. ROMANOS FALL CHOIR RETREAT Oct , at Annunciation Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron. Guest conductor is composer Kevin Lawrence. Free workshop exploring the recently approved English translation. RSVP by Oct. 1 st to georgiastathopoulos@yahoo.com ST. DEMETRIOS GREAT VESPERS - Thurs., Oct 25th at 7:00 p.m. St. Demetrios Rocky River. ST. DEMETRIOS FEAST DAY Fri., Oct. 26th at St. Demetrios Rocky River; 8:30 a.m. Orthros; 9:30 a.m. Liturgy followed by luncheon BEE-TREAT Sat., Oct. 27 at Annunciation Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, 9:30 am-5 pm for Grades 6-12, parents & youth workers, led by Or- Steve Christoforou. A young adult thodoxy on Tap to follow at 7 p.m. Register at y2am.org/beetreats GREEK CONCERT Sat., Oct. 27, Lefteris Pantazis will headline a concert with openers Vasiliki Dada and Master Tempo at LaVilla Party Center, Brookpark Rd., Cleveland. General admission $90; VIP $130. Call Tommy Karakostas at

7 The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone who submitted their pledge cards for Listed below are the pledged cards we have received. If you have not done so yet, please send in your pledge card to the church office. Extra cards are available at the Pangari (Candle Stand). I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Ευχαριστούμε όλους που επέστρεψαν τις κάρτες των οικονομικών εύφορων (stewardship) Εάν δεν τα έχετε στείλει σας παρακαλούμε να τα στείλετε η να τα δώσετε στην εκκλησία για το Η κάρτες βρίσκονται στο Παγκάρι Agelidakis, Georgios & Victoria Albino, Carmen & Gabriella Alex, George & Becky Alex, Stefo & Loula Alex, Taso & Eleni Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Ameres, Kostas & Markia Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Baker, John & Vicky Benicos, Ecaterini Benovic, Matthew & Maria Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Boukis, Constantine Boukis, Gary & Mary Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Boyeas, Stelios & Judy Bozas, Pete & Maria Calogeras, Ellen Chacalos, Icaros & Nitsa Chacalos, Stella Cimino, Vincent & Chrisafo Ciolfi, Maria Costaras, William & Natalia Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Del Vecchio, Giuseppe & Angela Diamantis, Arygro Difiore III, Edward & Nicki Dimarhos, Konstantinos & Maria Dimarhos, Sofia Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Filipou, Alexandros & Olympia Foradis, Militsa Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Ganotis, Michael & Stefani Geanneses, Antoinette Gemelas, Themistoklis & Clio Genin, Jason & Cynthia George, Stephen Georgekopoulos, George & Effie Georgiadis, Debbie Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Hadgis, Sidor & Agrio Hallman, Patrick & Kristin Harris, Despina Hatzigeorgiou, Emmanuel & Stella Hatzis, Kiki Hatzopoulos, Kriti Haverty, Lester & Patricia Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Janicijevic, Vladimir & Georgia Kafantaris, Emmanuel & Maria Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kakias, Michael & Vicky Kalevakis, George & Vicki Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kamenos, Stella Kanaris, Anna Kanaris, Nick & Artie Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, Chris & Vivian Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Linda Karakostas, Konstantinos & Lisa Ann Karakoudas, Eleni Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karnavas, Sophia Karras, Adam & Jackie Karras, John A. & Ismini Katakos, Cynthia Katrambas, Peter & Judy Katsantonis, George L. & Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Kellis, Michael Klonaris, Joanne Kolidakis, Nikitas & Alessandra Konstantinos, Michael Konstantinos, Nikolaos & Vasiliki Konstas, Evangelos & Fani Kontos, Patricia Kontos, Spiros & Areti Kopasakis, George & Popi Kopasakis, John & Mary Kosmas, Christos & Chryssa Kostakis, Alex & Irene Kostakis, Tom & Eleni Kotsanis, Nicholas & Christina Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Koukouvitakis, Stratis & Argiro Kowalsick, Ruby Kutrubs, Nick Kyriakidis, Antonios & Christina Kyriakidis, Helen Kyriakidis, Nick & Theresa Kyriazis, Dimitri & Ashley Kyriazis, Vivian Likos, Eugenia Lombardo, Tyler & Matina Madias, George & Maria Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Ilias & Koula Makris, Thomas Makroglou, Thal & Lisa Manak, Michael Maroulis, Kathy Maroulis, Paraskevas & Cassandra Marountas, George & Agnieska Marountas, Nick & Denna Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavrakis, Jon & Rebecca 7

8 Mavrakis, Lefteris & Kleoniki Mavroidis, Mavroidis McDonald, James & Anastasia Michaels, Gregory & Vasiliki Mitsionis, Athanasios Moreland, Ryan & Traci Moshos, Shawn Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Nakhel, Anis & Maria Konstas Neumeyer, Ryan & Margarita Nicholas, Irene Nickas, Vasiliki Nikolaou, Nikolaos & Vasilia Nimorakiotakis, George & Maria Nimorakiotakis, Nick & Antigoni Paliobeis, Irini Panos, Eleni Panos, Pete & Mary Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios E. & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios E. & Dionira Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Papas, Efthymios & Youla Pappas, William & Susan Pateras, Steve & Maria Paul, Barbara Paul, John Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota M. Petropouleas, Peter & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Petsas, Dimitri & Deanna Pikakos, Mary Piperis, Fotini Pipinias, Stephan & Koula Plataniotis, Eleni Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Rakopoulos, Stella Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Roff, Jeff & Irene Rokas, Efthihia Rokas, Iosefis & Kym Rokas, John & Lucy Rousakis, Apostolis & Maria Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salamalekis, Gus & Kristen Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Saridakis, Frank & Anastasia Sarris, Tommy & Bessie Sboukis, Peter Scordos, John & Irene Sdrakas, Gregory & Popi Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Shinas, Dean J. Siakantaris, Stella Sioulas, Katina Sisamis, George & Anna Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skantzos, Emanuel & Evdoxia Skantzos, Pete & Maria Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Spano, John Spanos, Kostantina Spanos, Mihail & Dina Spillas, Christ & Dorothy Stefanopoulos, Sokratis & Ourania Stefou, Antonios & Stella Tantsios, Vasiliki Thanos, Athanasios D. & Anna Theodore, Neste & Artemis Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsakon, Hrisafo Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsambunieris, Vasilis & Sophia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, Elizabeth Tsardoulias, George & Diamonto Tsardoulias, John & Kurannio Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie Tsirikos- Karapanos, Nikolaos & Chrysoula Tzagournis, Adam Vangelos, Zenos & Julie Varlamos, Matrona Vaselakis, John & Kiki Vassilakis, Freda Vassilakis, George & Irene Vassilaras, Plousia Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Verikakis, Georgia Verikakis, John Vianos, John & Diamanto Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vitakis, Helen Vitakis, Stelios & Tsabika Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Vrettos, Bessie Walsh, Edward & Calliope M Whitlock, Marie & Adrian Winslow, Brian Yeager Sr., James Young, Kevin Zachopoulos, Katherine Zampunis, George & Kalliopi Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zeleniuch, Michael & Allie Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila Zizis, Stamatios & Ellen If we have mistakenly left your name off the STEWARDSHIP ROSTER, Please contact the Church Office. 8

9 It is the practice of our Church to give the name of a Saint to the new born child. By assuming the name of a Saint, we not only honor and express our gratitude to a Holy Person for his exceptional contribution to the Orthodox Faith, but provide the new Christian with an example worthy of emulation. The Saint then becomes the Patron of the child protecting it from all danger. Through his prayers, God will grant the child the necessary illumination to become a zealous member of the Church and an ardent follower of Christ. Each month we will be acknowledging those celebrating their nameday in our monthly bulletin. If by chance we accidentally miss someone's nameday, we ask that you please contact the Church Office so that we may correct our records. We extend our prayers to all those celebrating October Namedays and beseech our heavenly Father to grant them many years. Χρόνια Πολλά! October 3 Dionysios the Areopagite Dionysi Tsirambidis Dionysia Papadatos Dionysios Thanos October 6 St. Thomas the Apostle Thomas Fourmas Thomas Makris Thomas Lambros Thomas Ashdown Thomas Giuseppe Provenzano Thomas Santiago Tom Hlepas Tom Sarris Tom Kostakis October 7 St. Polychronios Polycronis Papadakis October 18 St. Luke the Evangelist Lukas Chacalos October 20 St. Artemios the Great Martyr & Gerasimos the Righteous Jerry Alex Jerry Alex Jerry Yurch Jerry Alex October 23 St. Iakovos the Apostle James James James Mathews Yeager Sr. Brandt October 26 St. Demetrios the Great Martyr Demetra Karris Demetra Petsas Demetra Sevastos Demetri Stavrou Demetrios Matheou Demetrios Tsigas Demetrios Anagnostos Demetrios Giannakopoulos Demetrios Atheneos Demetrios Kasamias Demitri Tsardoulias Dimetrios Kantzios Dimitra Gountis Dimitra Karavokirakis Dimitra Bibidakis Dimitri Salouros Dimitri Hatzis Dimitri Mavrakis Dimitri Ameres Dimitri Rousakis Dimitri Tataridis Dimitri Galanos Dimitri Genin Dimitri Kyriazis Dimitri Petsas Dimitrios Hlepas Dimitrios Gountis Dimitrios Tsiourtsiouris Dimitrios Boulas Dimitrios Ganotis Dimitrios Tsaftaridis Dimitrios Papadopoulos Dimitris Regas Dimitris Kontoveros Jim Anagnostos Jimmy Kyriazis Jim Boyeas Jim McDonald 9

10 The 2018 Metropolis Clergy-Laity & Philoptochos Assembly was held at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon on Sep. 29th The two Parish Council members that have attended are Emmanuel Ermidis and Jim Ganotis. Congratulations to our Ladies Philoptochos Our Ladies Philoptochos was presented with an Award of Excellence for a two year 100% participation and commitment to the National Philoptochos ministries. Congratulations to our chapter! Philoptochos General Meeting Sunday, October 14th following the Divine Liturgy in the library Την Κυριακή, 14 Οκτωβρίου- Φιλόπτωχος Γενική Συνέλευση, μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία στην βιβλιοθήκη. 10

11 TEAM A TEAM A TEAM B TEAM B Anastasios Ermidis Panagiotis Ermidis Simon Skoutas Athanasios Kotsanis Demetri Anagnostos Kosta Kafantaris Victor Kafantaris Dimitri Genin Constantine Kotsanis Dimitri Rousakis George Sisamis Nikolaos Anagnostos October 14 October 28 November 4 November 18 December 2 December 16 December 30 Konstantinos Ermidis George Ermidis Efstratios (Charlie) Hliatzos Michael Hliatzos Joey Sheely Constantine Sheely Jonathan Walsh Angelo Semertsidis George Skoutas George Coutris Gregory Sisamis Antoni Makris Yiannis Tsambounieris Anthony Michaels October 7 October 21 November 11 November 25 December 9 December 23 Dino Agelidakis Scripture concerning serving in the Altar: Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. John 12:26 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Psalm 26:6-8 Prayer of an Altar Boy: O King of Glory, For to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the heavenly powers. Contact Fr. Dean get involved in this ministry. 11

12 GOYA NEWS Sunday, October 14th GOYA Students will assist with the Pangari, or Candle Stand The GOYA board will take the Oath of Office Sunday, October 21st The GOYA will be attending the Cleveland Art Museum to view the Byzantine Art section with Fr. Dean details to follow. Saturday, October 20th at 11:00 a.m. The Regional Metropolis Athletic Seminar Annunciation Cleveland. November the youth will be assisting the St. Mary of Egypt food bank 12

13 Our Holy Mother Pelagia the Righteous October 8 Saint Pelagia lived at Antioch in the second half of the fifth century, where she was the best-known harlot of that great city. Her devotion to dancing and unchaste pleasures made her a great fortune that she spent entirely on adorning her body with costly raiment and voluptuous perfumes, in order to attract new victims into her net. She had many slaves and servants who escorted her whenever, seated in a luxurious chariot, she went about the city. One day, the Archbishop of Antioch invited Nonnus, the holy Bishop of Edessa (10 Nov.), to address some of his bishops in the Church of St Julian, for he was a man of inspired utterance, able to bring those who heard him to repentance and love of virtue. It so happened that Pelagia, with her usual retinue, passed by the doors of the church near where Nonnus was speaking. While the other bishops and pious folk averted their eyes, Nonnus looked upon the women and wept, saying to them, Woe unto us lazy and careless people, who will have to give account at the day of Judgement for not having been as zealous and careful to please God as this poor women has been to adorn her body for fleeting pleasure! And he prayed fervently to the Lord for her conversion. Pelagia was among those who listened to Nonnus as he preached on the holy Gospel at Divine Service the next day. What he said about the last Judgement and everlasting punishment struck her like a rapier thrust to the heart and awoke in her a love for the heavenly Bridegroom, which is the only true love. On her return to her palace, she wrote to the holy Bishop asking him to receive her and not to scorn her for her depravity, if he were a true disciple of Him who came to call, not the righteous but sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:13). Nonnus answered that if she had truly resolved to repent, she should come to church and confess her offences before the whole congregation of clergy and people. Pelagia seized the opportunity and hastened to the church, forgetful of all her pride and pomp. She threw herself at the feet of the Bishop and begged him for regeneration to eternal life in holy Baptism, lest the Devil and habit draw her back again to sinful ways. The whole city of Antioch rejoiced at the baptism of Pelagia. A nun called Romana undertook to guide her first steps in spiritual warfare and the life of repentance. And so, by prayer and the sign of the Cross, Pelagia overcame the temptations to return to her sinful life, that were not slow to make their appearance. Some days after her baptism, she gave away all her wealth to the poor and freed her slaves. Then, free of every worldly tie and clad like a poor man in rough clothing, she departed for the Holy Land, unknown to all, to lead the ascetic life on the Mount of Olives. She remained for many years in a little cell, struggling each day against the passions that were deeply rooted in her body, and devoting all the care she had once taken over her outward appearance to adorning her soul for everlasting life. Despite her solitary life, Pelagia s valiant spiritual struggle became well-known to the other ascetics of Palestine; they did not know, however, that she was in fact a woman. When the holy penitent gave up her soul in peace to God, all the monks thereabouts gathered to venerate her holy relics. And they gave great glory to God when a disciple of Nonnus told them the true story of Pelagia s life, for it teaches all who are engulfed in the darkness of sin not to despair, but to set out courageously on the road of repentance. Source: The Synaxarion: The Lives of the Saints of the Orthodox Church. Volume One, Introduction, September, October. Holy Convent of The Annunciation of Our Lady, Ormylia (Chalkidike),

14 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2018 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy December 2018 October 2018 Sun. 7 Sun. 14 Sun. 21 Sun. 28 3rd Sunday of Luke 7th Ecumenical Council GOYA will work the Pangari and Pass basket 6th Sunday of Luke 7th Sunday of Luke OXI DAY Sun. 2 Sun. 9 Sun. 16 Sun. 23 Mon. 24 Tues. 25 Sun th Sunday of Luke 10th Sunday of Luke 11th Sunday of Luke Sunday before Nativity Eve of the Nativity of Christ Holy Nativity Sunday after Nativity November 2018 Sun. 4 Sun. 11 Sun. 18 Sun. 25 5th Sunday of Luke 8th Sunday of Luke 9th Sunday of Luke 13th Sunday of Luke If you have not been receiving church material/mailing /phone messages or s, please contact the church office at or office@annunciationcleveland.net. Thank you. Αν δεν λαμβάνετε τις επιστολές η ότι ενημέρωση της εκκλησίας έχει για σας ή τηλεφωνικά μηνύματα, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας στο ή στο office@annunciationcleveland.net. Please visit our website: 14

15 Dear Friends of the Community, In an effort to defray the cost of publishing our Weekly Bulletin, & Vision, the Parish Council would like to invite anyone who wishes to support the Community to offer a small donation of $ for a business card sized ad which will be placed on the back inside pages of each publication for the calendar year, We generally publish a Weekly Bulletin as well as a Quarterly Newsletter, and with this program, hope to cut our publication cost in half by gathering 36 ads which will take up the last four pages of the Vision & Bulletin. If you are interested in this program, please send a business card that we will reproduce. Please also enclose a check made out to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for $ office@annunciationcleveland.net HARSOULAS GARAGE DOORS Service & Installation Garage Doors & Openers Saki Harsoulas Dino Sevastos Agent SEVASTOS INSURANCE AGENCY 8550 Pearl RD STE E Middleburg Hts., OH Tel Fax CSEAVASTOS@FARMERSAGENT.COM 15

16 Dear Friends of the Community, In an effort to defray the cost of publishing our Weekly Bulletin, & Vision, the Parish Council would like to invite anyone who wishes to support the Community to offer a small donation of $ for a business card sized ad which will be placed on the back inside pages of each publication for the calendar year, We generally publish a Weekly Bulletin as well as a Quarterly Newsletter, and with this program, hope to cut our publication cost in half by gathering 36 ads which will take up the last four pages of the Vision & Bulletin. If you are interested in this program, please send a business card that we will reproduce. Please also enclose a check made out to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for $