Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14th

Transcript

1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Sunday, September 9, 2018 Sunday before Holy Cross Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14th Saint Helen, the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, when she was already advanced in years, undertook, in her great piety, the hardships of a journey to Jerusalem in search of the cross, about the year 325. A temple to Aphrodite had been raised up by the Emperor Hadrian upon Golgotha, to defile and cover with oblivion the place where the saving Passion had been suffered. The venerable Helen had the statue of Aphrodite destroyed, and the earth removed, revealing the Tomb of our Lord, and three crosses. Of these, it was believed that one must be that of our Lord, the other two of the thieves crucified with Him; but Saint Helen was at a loss which one might be the Wood of our salvation. At the inspiration of Saint Macarius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, a lady of Jerusalem, who was already at the point of death from a certain disease, was brought to touch the crosses, and as soon as she came near to the Cross of our Lord, she was made perfectly whole. Consequently, the precious Cross was lifted on high by Archbishop Macarius of Jerusalem; as he stood on the ambo, and when the people beheld it, they cried out, "Lord have mercy." It should be noted that after its discovery, a portion of the venerable Cross was taken to Constantinople as a blessing. The rest was left in Jerusalem in the magnificent church built by Saint Helen, until the year 614. At that time, the Persians plundered Palestine and took the Cross to their own country (see Jan. 22, Saint Anastasius the Persian). Late, in the year 628, Emperor Heraclius set out on a military campaign, retrieved the Cross, and after bringing it to Constantinople, himself escorted it back to Jerusalem, where he restored it to its place. Copyright Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. All rights reserved Icon copyright Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. 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 Ἀπόστολος Sunday before Holy Cross Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 2. Psalm 27.9,1 O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18 Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. β'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 27.9,1 Σῶσον, Κύριε τὸν λαὸν σου καὶ εὐλόγησον τὴν κληρονομίαν σου. Στίχ. Πρὸς σἐ, Κύριε, κεκράξομαι ὁ Θεός μου. Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν. Memorials Helene Valsamidis George Plataniotis Μνημόσυνα Ελένη Βαλσαμιδη Γεώργιος Πλατανιότης May their memory be eternal Αιωνία αυτών η μνήμη 2

3 Post-Nativity of the Theotokos; Sunday preceding the Elevation of the Holy, Precious and Life- Giving Cross; Commemorating of Ioakim and Anna, Parents of the Theotokos, Hymn of the Feast Ἡ γέννησίς σου Θεοτόκε, χαράν ἐμήνησε πάσῃ τῇ οἰκουμένῃ ἐκ σοῦ γάρ ἀνέτειλεν ὁ Ἥλιος τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Χριστός ὁ Θεός ἡμῶν καί λύσας τήν κατάραν, ἔδωκεν τήν εὐλογίαν καί καταργήσας τόν θάνατον, ἐδωρήσατο ἡμῖν, ζωήν τήν αἰώνιον. Your nativity, O Theotokos, has brought joy toall the earth's habitations; because from you has shone forth the Sun of the Righteouness, Christ Jesus our God. And having loosened the curse from us, he gave the blessing; and he abolished the power of death, and bestowed upon us, life eternal. Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal Second Tone Ἀγγελικαί Δυνάμεις ἐπί τό μνῆμα Σου, καί οἱ φυλάσσοντες, ἀπενεκρώθησαν καί ἵστατο Μαρία ἐν τῷ τάφῳ ζητοῦσα, τό ἄχραντόν Σου σῶμα ἐσκύλευσας τόν Ἅδην, μή πειρασθείς ὑπ' αὐτοῦ ὑπήντησας τῇ Παρθένῳ, δωρούμενος τήν ζωἠν. Ὁ ἀναστάς ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, Κύριε δόξα Σοι. A host of Angels descended upon your tomb, and those guarding it fell down mortified; and in the tomb stood Mary, bewildered and searching for your undefiled Body. You bounded up Hades, never been hurt by him; you met with the Virgin, and granted life to her. O Lord who rose from the dead, glory to you. Apolytikion of Synaxis of the Holy Ancestors of God Τῶν δικαίων Θεοπατόρων σου Κύριε, τήν μνήμην ἑορτάζοντες, δι' αὐτῶν σε δυσωποῦμεν, Σῶσον τάς ψυχάς ἡμῶ ν. As we celebrate the memory of Thy righteous ancestors, O Lord, through them we beseech Thee to save our souls. 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. 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. Kontakion Ἰωακείμ καί Ἄννα ὀνειδισμοῦ ἀτεκνίας καί Ἀδάμ καί Εὔα ἐκ τῆς φθορᾶς τοῦ θανάτου ἠλευθερώθησαν, Ἄχραντε, ἐν τῇ ἁγία γεννήσει σου. Αὐτήν ἑορτάζει καί ὁ λαός σου, ἐνοχῆς τῶν πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς ἐν τῷ κράζειν σοι ἡ στεῖρα τίκτει, τήν Θεοτόκον καί τροφόν τῆς ζωῆς ἡμῶν. By your holy nativity O most undefiled one, Joachim and Anna were freed from the scorn of childlessness, and Adam and Eve from death corruption. This is the feast now observed by your people, who from the guilt of their errors, were delivered as they cry out to you: the barren one bears the Theotokos, and our life's sustainer. 3

4 Gospel Sunday before Holy Cross The Gospel According to John 3:13-17 The Lord said, "No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." Today Join us for coffee and Refreshments in our lower level social hall. Registrations It is that time of year! Please register your student(s) for the upcoming Greek School and Sunday School Year Below you will find a link to the NEW ONLINE registration form. Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 3:13-17 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος καὶ οὐδεὶς ἀναβέβηκεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ. καὶ καθὼς Μωϋσῆς ὕψωσε τὸν ὄφιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, οὕτως ὑψωθῆναι δεῖ τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ' ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. οὐ γὰρ ἀπέστειλεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἵνα κρίνῃ τὸν κόσμον, ἀλλ' ἵνα σωθῇ ὁ κόσμος δι' αὐτοῦ. Σήμερα Ώρα καφές γίνετε στην κάτω αίθουσα της εκκλησίας Εγγραφές για το Ελληνικό Κατηχητικό Σχολείο και για το Χορό Τώρα μπορείτε να εγγραφείτε online: Registration for Adult Lessons please contact Evangelia Koukouras at

5 Christian Stewardship is...learning how to be responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. Goarch.org TIME WORSHIP All Sunday Services begin 8:30AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy ************* SERVICES Fri., Sept. 14th Exaltation of the Holy Cross 8:30 a.m. Orthros 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy On this date please bring Vasiliko to the church. Παρασκευή,14 Σεπτέμβριου «Του Σταυρού» Παρακαλούμε όποιος μπορεί να φέρει βασιλικό στην εκκλησία This Week: Mon., Sept. 10th Greek School Lessons Pre School Lessons Begin 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. BIBLE STUDY 6pm GOYA MEETING 7:30 pm. Thurs., September 13th APL will be using our parking lot from 5:30 a.m. till 7:30 p.m. Greek School 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Parish Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Fri., September 14th Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Sun., September 16th Memorial Kosta Kafantaris Youth Sunday Agiasmos Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival at Lincoln Park The Annunciation Dancers will perform. 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 242 FAMILIES that have pledged to support the Annunciation s many ministries. We have collected 70,509 Pledged 68,897 Goal: 120,000 Thank you for giving According to your God-Given Ability! 5

6 FATHER DEAN S MESSAGE Commit your way to the Lord Trust in Him, and He will act Psalm 37.5 Dearly Beloved in the Lord: The month of September is the month in which our Christian Orthodox Church celebrates the beginning of the New Ecclesiastical Year. In the same spirit in which I send this letter, I extend my prayer to God that the year will be filled with good health, renewed spiritual strength, along with dedicated and inspirational Stewardship. The truths and values of our Faith are our responsibility. These are principles we should continue to cultivate and understand so that we may apply them to ourselves and to our children. Let us never forget that our children look upon us as the example regarding their learning and direction in life. We must view our Church, not simply as a community but as THE EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITY. Jesus Christ, our Divine Teacher, teaches that the holy Eucharist is continuous. Jesus offers His Holy Body and Precious Blood so that He may always be with us and that we may always be with Him. For this reason He said: He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in Him (John 6:56). It is imperative that we walk hand in hand in one unity on the road of Christian Orthodoxy and to live with goodness, righteousness, and truth, enlightened by the Holy Spirit. The beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year is a time to begin this new effort. The effort must be directed toward the spiritual development of ourselves and our children. No one should remain outside of the life of our Parish. We must do something different for ourselves during the New Ecclesiastical Year. We must learn to bring into sharp focus and to have a strong awareness of our Christian conscience, our history, and our sacred Tradition, and our Church. May the Blessing of God always be with you, +Fr. Dean Dimon 6

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9 It started with what I thought was a simple explanation. But he didn t get it. So, I tried again to make it even simpler. And still the quizzical look on this PhD. s face wouldn t go away. He didn t understand what i was trying to say. Frustrated, I told him Your just too educated to understand! With that, he smiled, and asked some questions that helped me a great deal. My grandmother use to say about a particular man in her church that had a lot of education that he was educated beyond his intelligence. So, why is it that a great deal of education can actually hinder understanding? Look at our lesson today in Luke 10:16-21: The Lord said to his disciples, He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me. The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name! And he said to them, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. Our Lord Jesus sends out His disciples to start spreading the news that the Kingdom of God is near! And He tells them that they are His voice. If they are rejected, it s Him that s being rejected and the Father Who sent Jesus in the first place. That s some profound connection, don t you think? Hello Everyone, If you are interested in the significance and meaning of questions such as this, please join us for the first of this season's study group sessions. We will meet on Monday, September 10th, 2018 at 6 p.m. in the media room(most likely), which is accessible through the classroom entrance, on the lower level of the school building. Back on November 2nd of 2015, we started these sessions under the title: From Principles to Practices - An exploration of Orthodox practices as But who are these disciples? They are from the ordinary and the regular people. Jesus didn t choose them from the religious elite. He chose people like me and you. Why you may ask. Because the besetting sin of many of us who think we already know everything we need to know blinds us to our real need for God s mercy and grace. Why do you think people don t come to Church? Don t they know what s going on during liturgy? Don t they know that God Himself has asked them to come and eat His Supper with Him? Don t they know that mercy and grace are being offered to their confused and chaotic lives? Well, maybe they do and maybe they don t know. But that is exactly what s happening when we gather to pray together. We are being invited to be transformed by God s grace. And the only reason I can think of why anyone would purposefully miss this opportunity is that they either don t know about it or they think they don t need it. And yet, God Himself reveals this truth to the simplest among us because they can hear and many times we, who think we know, are deaf to this gracious invitation to mercy and grace. Today, are you willing to hear God s invitation to you to be transformed by mercy and grace, or has your life been cluttered with so much information you can t hear that still, small, Voice calling you home? God s will is to call everyone to Himself, to form them into such a person of life and peace that they take on the very likeness of Jesus Christ. But far too many of us have been educated beyond our intelligence and we so fill our lives with other priorities that we miss this simple invitation from God. No wonder it s so very challenging to be Orthodox on Purpose. understood in the daily Epistle and Gospel readings (of the Church). In those almost three years, I have been blessed to receive great encouragement and deeper understanding of our Faith. I am very grateful for all of you that have participated; I hope to see you there this coming Monday, as we embark on a new Ecclesiastical year of learning and living our Faith. Sincerely, Mike Boyeas 9

10 Events Elsewhere : LORAIN FESTIVAL Sept. 7-9, at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church,2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. Fri &Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. TREMONT FARMERS' MARKET Tues., Sept. 4th 4-7pm in Tremont's Lincoln Park. MEN WHO COOK Sat., Sept. 22, 4:30-8 p.m. at St. Paul Hellenic Center, 4548 Wallings Rd., North Royalton. 20 sampling stations of delicious food. Vote for your favorite chef with your monetary donations to benefit St. Paul Philoptochos. Prize presentation at 8:30 p.m. $25 before Sept. 17; $30 after. Call or visitwww.stpaulgoc.org TREMONT THINK & DRINK Mon., Sept. 10th 7pm at Prosperity Social Club KONEVETS QUARTET Fri., Sept. 14, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 6822 Broadview Rd., Parma celebrates their feastday with the male vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia. The quartet will sing the Divine Liturgy for Holy Cross Feastday at 9 a.m. and also present a concert of both sacred and secular music at 7:30 p.m. Free will donations accepted. MONASTERY BENEFIT Sat., Sept. 22, 5 th annual dinner banquet in memory of Gerontissa Taxiarchia to benefit The Sisterhood of the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Monastery Banquet at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Pittsburgh. Vespers at 3:30 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. $100/ticket. RSVP:2018MonasteryBanquet.Eventbrite.com METROPOLIS ONE DAY CLERGY-LAITY Sept. 29 th 9:00 a.m. hosted by Holy Cross in Pittsburgh PA. WALKABOUT TREMONT SEPTEMBER - Fri., Sept. 14th Every second Fri., of the month, all year! 6pm-9pm EASTERN WOMENS GUILD Sat., Sept. 15th at 10am 56th Anniversary - Installation of officers, welcome new members and visitors, fellowship and refreshments IOCC Hygiene project to provice Health Kits where needed. BECOME THE SALT OF THE EARTH Sat., Sept 15, 9 a.m-4 p.m. at Zoe House, in Parma. Work session for volunteers and tour of new facilities. Sign up at TREMONT ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL Sept. 15th & 16thth Saturday 11am - 6pm and Sunday 12pm - 5pm ** Free admission ** Annunciation Greek Dance Performance. AKRON FESTIVAL Sept.20-22, at Annunciation Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron. Thu: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. AUTISM WALK Sun., Sept. 30 at the Great Lake Science Center. Register at AutismSpeaksWalk.org to help create awareness. For information, call Danielle Paterakis-Torok at THE DR. JOHN AND HELEN COLLIS LECTURE Sept. 30th 2 p.m. The Dr. John and Helen Collis Lecture series at the Cleveland Museum of Art presents the Cleveland Saint Luke: The Byzantine Artist as Creator, Bureaucrat, or Copyist by Dr. Antony Eastmond. FREE; reservations required call or engage.clevelandart.org. AKRON IKARIAN GLENDI Sat., Oct 20th - 8:00pm Annunciation Akron 129 S. Union St. Music by Stigma, Featuring Ikarian Violin by Peter Karnavas Tickets - $20 (children 10 & under free) Appetizer Buffet Included, Cash Bar Available Tickets available at the door! Tickets in advance? Call or Lia - lspithas@gmail.com 10

11 The Greek school is asking for donations to help the 4th, 5th and 6th graders purchase a computer program (The Ellinopoula ) the cost of the program is $2,000 for the school year. Students will be able to use the program at school and home. This program will help the students learn about history, culture, and Greek civilization. It is a unique e-learning platform designed to make Greek for kids exciting. In addition, it passes on Greek heritage, through fun games, engaging videos, and thousands of interactive educational activities with Greek mythology, history, and culture. The link for the Ellinopoula Program is following We are also asking for donations for smartboards and projectors for each class. Congratulations to the Students of our Greek School for their outstanding results on their examinations in the Regents degree for the Greek Language. We are excided to announce that all four students scored with grades 94% -96% Stelios Prinolakis, Konstantinos Ermidis, Iliana Sarantopoulou, and Penelope Tsambounieris. Please contact Evangelia Koukouras Το ελληνικό σχολείο του Ευαγγελισμού προσπαθεί να βρει άτομα που θα μπορούσαν να βοηθήσουν χρηματικά ώστε να μπορέσουμε να αγοράσουμε το πρόγραμμα Ελληνόπουλα για τους μαθητές της Τετάρτης, Πέμπτης και Έκτης Δημοτικού. Τα Ελληνόπουλα είναι ένα διαδικτυακό πρόγραμμα που βοηθά τα παιδιά να εντρυφήσουν στην Ελληνική γλώσσα και πολιτισμό, να μάθουν για την Ιστορία και την Μυθολογία, τα ήθη και έθιμα. Το πρόγραμμα κοστίζει 2.000$ και κάθε δωρεά είναι πολύτιμη. Η ι σ τ ι ο σ ε λ ί δ α ε ί ν α ι η ε - ξής. περισσότερες πληροφορίες καλέστε στο Ευαγγελία Κούκουρας. We are very proud of the success you all brought to our Greek School and we wish you all the best for your future endeavors! Συγχαρητήρια στα παιδιά του Ελληνικού Σχολείου μας για την επιτυχία του στις ε- ξετάσεις τους στο πτυχίο Ελληνομάθειας Regents. Αρίστευσαν και οι τέσσερις με βαθμούς 94%-96%. Καλή σταδιοδρομία παιδιά και ευχαριστούμε που μας κάνετε συνέχεια υπερήφανους! Στέλιος Πρινολάκης Στέλιος, Κωνσταντίνος Ερμίδης, Ηλιάνα Σαραντόπουλου και η Πηνελοπη Τσαμπουνιέρη 11

12 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 September 2 September 16 September 30 October 14 October 28 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 September 9 September 23 October 7 October 21 Altar Boy workshop Saturday, September 29th details to follow. Dear Parents, Serving in God s Altar is indeed an honor. The Altar is called the Holy of Holies so this is a very sacred place. As Altar boys they will be assisting Fr. Dean, Metropolitan Savas, and any visiting Clergy during Divine Services. The participation of your young boys is invaluable and very important to the smooth practice of the Holy services. Not only do they have a wonderful opportunity to serve the Church, but they are also presented with a unique experience to see the services from a different perspective. This is a very serious commitment and your boys should enter the Altar with faith and the upmost respect. Scripture Readings concerning the Altar. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart, for you know what great things He has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:26 Prayer for an Altar Boy O King of Glory, for to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the Heavenly Powers. 12

13 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 Cimino, Vincent & Chrisafo Ciolfi, Maria Costaras, William & Natalia Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Del Vecchio, Giuseppe & Angela Demopoulos, William Diamantis, Arygro Difiore III, Edward & Nicki Dimarhos, Konstantinos & Maria Dimarhos, Sofia Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Foradis, Militsa Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Geanneses, Antoinette Gemelas, Themistoklis & Clio Georgekopoulos, George & Effie Georgiadis, Debbie Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzis, Kiki Hatzopoulos, Kriti Haverty, Lester & Patricia Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina 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 Karakoudas, Eleni Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karnavas, Sophia Karras, Adam & Jackie Karras, John & 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, Spiros & Areti Kopasakis, John 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, Nick & Theresa Kyriazis, Dimitri Kyriazis, Vivian Likos, Eugenia Lombardo, Tyler & Matina Makris, Bessie Makris, Ilias & Koula Makris, Thomas Makroglou, Thal & Lisa Manak, Michael Maroulis, Kathy Maroulis, Paraskevas & Cassandra 13

14 Marountas, George & Agnieska Marountas, Nick & Denna Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavrakis, Lefteris & Kleoniki Mavroidis, Mavroidis McDonald, James & Anastasia Mitsionis, Athanasios Moreland, Ryan & Traci Moshos, Shawn Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia 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 & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios & Dionira Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Pappas, Georgia Pappas, William & Susan Pateras, Steve & Maria Paul, Barbara Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota 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, John & Lucy 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, 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, Polixeni Stefanopoulos, Sokratis & Ourania Stefou, Antonios & Stella Tasiouras, Dimitra 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, John & Kurannio Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie 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 Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Walsh, Edward & Calliope M Whitlock, Marie & Adrian Winslow, Brian Yeager Sr., James Young, Kevin Zachopoulos, Katherine Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila Zizis, Stamatios & Ellen If we have mistakenly left your name off the STEWARDSHIP ROSTER, Please contact the Church Office. 14

15 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. SEPTEMBER 1 IS THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR. 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 September Namedays and beseech our heavenly Father to grant them many years. September 1 Sts. Athena, Antigone & Aspasia, the Martyrs Athena Mathiellis Athena Glista Athena Maria Alex Athena Stavrou Antigoni Nimorakiotakis September 5 Zacharias the Prophet & St. Elizabeth Elissa Walsh September 8th Nativity of the Theotokos Despina Sarantopoulou Despina Papadakis Despina Semertsidis Despina Harris Despina Prasinos Debbie Georgiadis Debra Alexandrou Tsabika Vitakis September 13 St. Aristides Ari Likakis Aris Tsardoulias Aris Dashiell Aristidis Kriarias Artie Kanaris September 14 Elevation of the Holy Cross Steve Hlepas Steve Boukis Steve Boyeas Steve Markovic Steve Pateras Steve Tsakalos Steve Stilianos Steve Soulimiotis Steve Stamatis Steven Alex Steven Papadatos Steven Rakopoulos Steven Alex Loula Alex September 15 St. Nicetas the Martyr Nikitas Kolidakis September 17 St. Sophia & her Daughters Faith, Hope, & Agape Sofia Skantzos Sofia Tsambounieris Sofia Dimarhos Sophia Karnavas Sophia Madison Sophia Marountas Sophia Pantelatou Sophia Semertsidis Sophia Sisamis Sophia Tsambounieris Sophia Tsambounieris Sophia Koukouvitakis Sophia Sedely Sophia Tsambunieris Sophia Kopasakis Sophia Kafantaris Sophia Kafantaris Sophia Filippakis Sophia Kyriazis Sophia Annalise Rokas Faye Asser September 20 St. Efstathios Efstathia Efstratios Efstratios Kostakis Hliatzos Maggos 15

16 Ladies of the Philoptochos Chapter 6007 Dear Ladies and Friends of Philoptochos, In September we celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. What a wonderful way to show appreciation for our Lord s ultimate sacrifice than committing to one of our church s ministries. Come and learn about our popular programs, take part of this the remarkable achievements. Welcome back from your summer holiday! I hope you all had a wonderful summer. September is the beginning of our new ecclesiastical year. May we all renew our dedication to philanthropy through the efforts of the Annunciation Philoptochos. I encourage women of all ages to become involved and join this amazing organization. Do not miss the opportunity to share in the philanthropic endeavors that we undertake. Philoptochos is the second largest women s philanthropic organization. Established 80 years ago, we are the philanthropic arm of the church. We perpetuate the values of our faith by our actions in helping alleviate human suffering. Please join us and help make a difference. Bring your skills and talents and help us grow. Our mission statement is simple: to aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of national disasters, to undertake the burial of impoverished persons and to offer assistance to anyone who may need the help of the church through our fundraising efforts. (Taken from the Mission Statement of the National Philoptochos.) We are Philanthropy; we are Fellowship; we work hard and we have fun and WE NEED YOU! With Love and Appreciation, Despina Sarantopoulou and the Philoptochos Board of Philoptochos Bake Sale Annunciation Dancers will be performing at the TREMONT ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL September 15th & 16th The Ladies of the Philoptochos will be baking for the Tremont Arts Festival September 11th and 12th from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. They are asking for volunteers to come prepare baked goods for the Festival. 16

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18 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2018 September 2018 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy Sun. 30 2nd Sunday of Luke Sunday School Lessons Sun. 9 Mon. 10 Thurs. 13 Sunday before Holy Cross Greek School Bible Study 6:00 p.m. GOYA Meeting 7:30 p.m. The APL Telethon will be using the church parking lot from 5:30 a.m. 7:30 p.m. Greek School Lessons Journey to Fullness 6:00 p.m. Parish Council Meeting 7pm October 2018 Sun. 7 3rd Sunday of Luke Sun. 14 7th Ecumenical Council Sun. 21 6th Sunday of Luke Sun. 28 7th Sunday of Luke OXI DAY November 2018 Sun. 4 5th Sunday of Luke Sun. 11 8th Sunday of Luke Sun. 18 9th Sunday of Luke Sun th Sunday of Luke Fri. 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sun. 16 Sun. 23 Sunday after Holy Cross Sunday School begins. Agiasmos for all youth ministries. 1st Sunday of Luke Sunday School Lessons December 2018 Sun. 2 14th Sunday of Luke Sun. 9 10th Sunday of Luke Sun th Sunday of Luke Sun. 23 Sunday before Nativity Mon. 24 Eve of the Nativity of Christ Tues. 25 Holy Nativity Sun. 30 Sunday after Nativity 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: 18

19 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 19

20 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 $