ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcript

1 The ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH October 2019 Annunciator Inside this issue: Father Michael A. Kouremetis Greek Message Calendar President s Corner Donations Parish News Philoptochos News Youth News Church Services Sunday Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 9:45am Weekdays Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am 8:45 9:45 9:00 10:00

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Protopresbyter Michael A. Kouremetis George Stavropoulos, Chanter Heidi Mason, Choir Director Ona Calogrias, Organist PARISH COUNCIL Executive Board Nicholas Babanikas, President George Panagoulopoulos, 1st Vice President Administration William Alexopoulos, 2nd Vice President Maintenance Joanna Stellakis, Secretary Stefania Calogrias, Treasurer Members of the Board Dino Constantinou Tony Iosifidis Ted Ntakoulas Nick Palantzas Leon Papadopoulos Ilias Potsis Evangelia Stavropoulos Kathy Tsianakas Paula Tsitsopoulos Adamandios Zouroulidis PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Executive Board Liz Karolemeas, President Tulla Giannaros, Vice President Chris Potsis, 2nd Vice President Ethel Savas, Recording Secretary Tina Boutas, Corresponding Secretary Lori Stasiewski, Treasurer Members of the Board Erlinda Anthony Haido Barbas Roula Cariofiles Penny Kazis Anna Manos Despina Papadopoulos Aliki Sarantopoulos Eleni Stamboulidis Vicky Syrniotis S Fr. Michael Kouremetis Cell phone: Liz Karolemeas OTHER MINISTRIES Sunday School Julia Constantinou Phyllis Westcott Greek School Ioanna Andreopoulou Tina Boutas GOYA Stefania Calogrias Robin Passias James Theos Paula Tsitsopoulos JOY & HOPE Fanoula Stearns OPA! Group Pegi Ciulla Koliva Ladies Philoptochos Coffee Hour Georgia Babanikas Tina Boutas Basketball Stephen Passias Dance Group Penny Buterbaugh Oratorical Festival Rhoda Economos Bookstore Pegi Ciulla Linda Sakelaris Poole Stephen Savas Joanna Stellakis Webmaster George Theodossiou

3 FROM THE OFFICE OF FATHER MICHAEL The Venerable Saint Hilarion the Great Beloved in Christ, On October 21st the Holy Orthodox Church commemorates the memory of Saint Hilarion the Great. Saint Hilarion was born in the Palestinian Village of Tabatha in 291AD and was educated in Alexandria, Egypt. While studying in Egypt he accepted Christ and was baptized. In his search to learn more about Christ he discovered Saint Anthony the Great, the Father of Monasticism. Hilarion went to the desert with a yearning to study with him and to learn what is Pleasing to God. There, during his stay in the desert, he was filled with the knowledge of the Holy Spirit and he answered the calling of God; he was tonsured a monk by Saint Anthony. Upon his return to his native Tabatha he found that his parents had died. Hilarion distributed his family s inheritance to the poor and went to the desert surrounding the city of Maium in his adoptive Egypt. In the desert the monk struggled intensely with impure thoughts, annoyances of the mind and the passions of the flesh. The devil sought to challenge the Saint with evil spirits and apparitions. While praying, Saint Hilarion heard children crying, women wailing and the roaring of wild beasts. The monk knew that it was the demons who was causing these terrors in order to chase him away from the wilderness and monasticism. The Saint was able to overcome his fear and confusion, which was brought by the master of confusion, with prayer and fasting. With the gift of Grace, he expelled the bonds of many that were afflicted, freely he healed the sick saying that the Grace of God is not for sale. Many people came to Saint Hilarion wanting to save their soul under his guidance. With the Blessing of the Saint many monasteries began to appear throughout Palestine. He traveled from one monastery to another instituting a strict ascetic manner of life as their Spiritual Father. About seven years before his death, Saint Hilarion went to Cyprus where the ascetic lived in a solitary place until the Lord summoned him the Heavenly Kingdom. May Saint Hilarion pray for us. In His Love, Father Michael

4 GREEK MESSAGE Απλά και Ορθόδοξα Απλοχεριά, το αντίδοτο της κρίση Β Κορ Για την ελεημοσύνη μάς μιλά ο απόστολος Παύλος εκείνος που σπέρνει με φειδώ, μάς λέει, θα έχει μικρή σοδειά και εκείνος που σπέρνει απλόχερα θα έχει άφθονο θερισμό. Ο καθένας ας δίνει ανάλογα με την προαίρεση της καρδιάς του, όχι από λύπηση ή από ανάγκη γιατί ο Θεός αγαπά εκείνον που δίνει με ευχαρίστηση. Ο Θεός μάλιστα έχει τη δύναμη να σάς χορηγήσει πλουσιοπάροχα κάθε δωρεά, ώστε να έχετε πάντοτε σε όλα κάθε αυτάρκεια και να προσφέρετε περίσσια σε κάθε έργο αγαθό, όπως έχει γραφτεί, ότι εσκόρπισε, έδωσε στους φτωχούς, και η δικαιοσύνη του μένει αιώνια (Ψαλμ ). Ο δε Θεός που χορηγεί τον σπόρο στον γεωργό και τον άρτο για τροφή μας, θα χορηγήσει και θα πληθύνει τον σπόρο σας και θα αυξήσει τους καρπούς της αγαθοεργίας σας, ώστε να πλουτίζουμε με τέλεια απλότητα, η οποία μάς καθιστά όλους ευγνώμονες προς τον Θεό. Το κλειδί της ελεημοσύνης είναι, από όσα μάς λέει ο απόστολος Παύλος, η αγαθή προαίρεση, η δωρεά με χαρά και ευχαρίστηση. Έχουμε μάθει, ως χριστιανοί, ότι η ελεημοσύνη αποτελεί σημαντικό σταθμό της ζωής μας, γι αυτό δεν παραλείπουμε να μιλάμε γι' αυτή. Δεν παραλείπουμε επίσης να δίνουμε ελεημοσύνη, Χριστούγεννα και Πάσχα κυρίως, για να εκπληρώσουμε και τούτο το καθήκον μας απέναντι στο Ευαγγέλιο. Η ελεημοσύνη, όμως, δεν είναι υποχρέωση, αλλά προσμετράτε ανάλογα με την διάθεση της καρδιάς του προσφέροντος. Γι αυτό ο Χριστός καταδίκασε μεν τον φαρισαίο, που έδινε χρήματα στον ναό για να εισπράξει τον έπαινο των ανθρώπων, επαίνεσε δε τη χήρα, η οποία έδωσε από το υστέρημά της μόλις ένα δίλεπτο. Η ζυγαριά του Θεού δεν είναι αριθμομηχανή, αλλά μετράει το μέτρο της αγάπης που υπάρχει στην καρδιά μας. Και η καρδιά μας, δυστυχώς, δεν πλημμυρίζει αγάπη. Μάθαμε να υπολογίζουμε τα υλικά αγαθά, να μετράμε τα χρήματα, να αποταμιεύουμε, να ξαγρυπνούμε λογαριάζοντας, να προγραμματίζουμε τις δαπάνες μας, τις διακοπές μας, τις ανέσεις μας, τη διασκέδασή μας. Χάσαμε το μέτρο, δεν μπορούμε να διακρίνουμε το απαραίτητο από την πολυτέλεια, επικεντρώσαμε την προσοχή μας στην ικανοποίηση των επιθυμιών μας, γίναμε αφιλάδελφοι, ψυχροί υπολογιστές, δύστροποι και ανικανοποίητοι, άνθρωποι δίχως χαρά αληθινή. Ατενίζουμε τους φτωχούς με οίκτο και, όταν δεν τους κατακρίνουμε για τη φτώχεια τους ή για έλλειψη «αξιοπρέπειας», τούς δίνουμε με κρυφή υπεροψία κάποια ψίχουλα, νομίζοντας πως πράξαμε το καθήκον μας, σαν «καλοί χριστιανοί», και πως ο Θεός μάς χρωστάει ανταπόδοση. Και επειδή η ελεημοσύνη μας αυτή δεν αποτελεί έκφραση γνήσιας αγάπης προς τον συνάνθρωπο, αδιακρίτως και με χαρά, γι αυτό κινδυνεύουμε να βρεθούμε στη θέση που περιγράφει ο απόστολος Παύλος στην πρώτη προς Κορινθίους επιστολή: «κι αν ακόμα μοιράσω στους φτωχούς όλα μου τα υπάρχοντά αλλά δεν έχω αγάπη, σε τίποτα δεν ωφελούμαι» (Α Κορ. 13.3). Μιλάμε για «κρίση», και εννοούμε την οικονομική δυστοκία της εποχής μας. Η πραγματική κρίση είναι άλλη, η οικονομική κατάσταση που επικρατεί αποτελεί το αποτέλεσμα αυτής της κρίσης. Η κρίση η πραγματική είναι ότι προ πολλού έχουμε πάψει να μοιραζόμαστε, να προσφέρουμε απλόχερα, με αγάπη, με χαρά. Η προσφορά μας στον πλησίον, στον αδελφό, στον ξένο, ήταν πάντοτε σφιχτόχερη, τσιγκούνικη γι αυτό και τώρα σπέρνουμε ξηρασίες. Οι παλιότεροι από εμάς μπορεί να μην ήξεραν πολλά γράμματα, μπορεί να μη θεολογούσαν, μπορεί να μην είχαν αφθονία αγαθών, ήξεραν όμως να μοιράζονται, από το περίσσευμα της καρδιάς τους, ό,τι αγαθό είχαν ή εργασία ή οποιαδήποτε βοήθεια. Ζούσαν την ανταπόδοση του Θεού στην απλότητά τους, και την εξέφραζαν λέγοντας πως όταν δίνεις παίρνεις, στέλνει πίσω ο Θεός ό,τι χρειάζεσαι κι ακόμα παραπάνω. Έκαναν πράξη όχι μόνο το Ευαγγέλιο αλλά και τους λόγους των Πατέρων, κι ας μη τους είχαν διαβάσει ποτέ, όπως το απόφθεγμα του Αγίου Μαξίμου του Ομολογητού: «Ὁ τόν Θεόν ἀγαπῶν καί τόν πλησίον πάντως ἀγαπᾶ. Ὁ δέ τοιοῦτος χρήματα τηρεῖν οὐ δύναται, ἀλλ οἰκονομει θεοπρεπῶς, ἑκάστῳ τῶν δεομένων παρέχων. Την κρίση που οικτείρουμε μόνοι μας τη δημιουργήσαμε. Αποτελεί απότοκο του «χριστιανικού» πολιτισμού μας, που αντικατέστησε το πνεύμα του Χριστού, δηλαδή της αγάπης που γίνεται θυσία για τον αδελφό, με τον ανθρωποφάγο εγωκεντρισμό. Αντίδοτο της κρίσης δεν είναι άλλο από την απλοχεριά. Ας μη θρηνούμε που δεν έχουμε όσα αγαθά είχαμε στο παρελθόν, ας μη φοβηθούμε να μοιραστούμε με αγάπη τα λίγα που διαθέτουμε. Αν θέλουμε, μπορούμε να βρούμε τρόπους να ελεήσουμε τους συνανθρώπους μας, ο καθένας με ό,τι μέσο διαθέτει. Αν σπείρουμε αγάπη, θα θερίσουμε ευλογία. Αν έχουμε έστω και ελάχιστη πίστη, μπορούμε να μετακινήσουμε βουνά. Αρκεί να αναθερμάνουμε τις καρδιές μας και να τις γεμίσουμε με το πρωταρχικό αγαθό, την αγάπη προς τον Θεό και προς τον πλησίον. Αμήν. π. Χ.Β.

5 OCTOBER CALENDAR

6 PRESIDENT S CORNER Dear Parishioners, On behalf of Father Michael, and the Parish Council, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to all the volunteers, donors and supporters of this year's 2019 food festival. As a result of your dedicated and tireless efforts working side by side in Christian fellowship over a 4 day period, our church experienced its most successful food festival ever both in revenue and enjoyment. Though our festival was only open for four days to the public, many of our volunteers worked for weeks and even months in advance to make it a huge success. I'm sure you will agree with me that it is gratifying to see so many people give their time, talent and treasure for the benefit of our parish. A heartfelt THANK YOU for a job well done goes out to all the men, women and children of our parish, who dedicated countless hours organizing, preparing, entertaining, publicizing and working our festival. Additionally, I d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank all of the volunteers that were behind the scenes who were truly our unsung heroes, making salads in the gym, driving to procure additional needed product, kitchen team that prepared all the food to be sold and the office group which set up all the registers, recording the sales and making deposits so that our tent volunteers could service those who came to our church home to enjoy the festival. You all are truly the catalyst and the backbone that led to our festival s best results to date. As you may know, the revenues raised in these four(4) days represents approximately 1/4 of our church s yearly income. I d also like to acknowledge the hard work and effort by everyone who assisted with the pre-festival setup, and especially all those who broke down tables, chairs and removing banners and signs and equipment after a long four day endeavor. We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful parishioners giving their all for the good of our church ministry. We should all be proud of the tremendous accomplishments as we welcomed to our church festival over 12,000 guests and provided them a wonderful experience. Last but certainly not least, CONGRATULATIONS for a job well done goes out to our chairman of the festival Jim Mihos, as well as the four captains, George Alexis, Tulla Giannaros and Liz Karolemeas and George Yiotopoulos, who dedicated countless hours preparing, organizing and working our festival that led to our record breaking results. In past bulletins, I have talked about numerous projects undertaken at our church throughout the year. On behalf of Fr. Michael, the Parish Council, and the entire Parish membership, I would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude once again to the Lingos Foundation for their continued support and philanthropy. Thalia, Tasha, Tania, and Tamara, daughters of our late beloved fellow parishioners John and Sonia Lingos, along with their families who ecently made a $19, donation towards the cost of the new sound system that will be installed inside the church the week of October 15, I d also like to thank all the additional donors that contributed funds for some incidentals to payoff the entire $19, cost of this project. Please refer to the section of the bulletin listing all these donations. I am pleased to inform you that yet again another needed project has been completed and paid for in it s entirety thanks to the collective generosity of the Lingos Foundation and all of the stewards who supported and donated to this sound system project. I am certain that as stewards of our parish, we all take pride in this most recent improvement which in turn will provide a long-term benefit to all of us as a community. Fr. Michael, the parish council and I, thank you for the trust you have put in us as well as the financial support allowing us to continue to undertake and complete needed church projects. I am hopeful you will agree that throughout the year(s), together we have been making positive strides in enhancing our church s appearance and at the same time preserving and strengthening the bond among all our parishioners. Important upcoming dates that we look forward to seeing everyone attend : Sunday, November 17, 2019 Fall General Assembly The Parish Council will be providing a complimentary appreciation luncheon where we can all come together in Christian fellowship and enjoy each other's company as we discuss the State of the Church. In order for the Parish Council to properly prepare for this luncheon at the fall general assembly, we ask that you kindly call the Church Office to reserve your seat no later than Monday, November 11, December 31, New Year s Eve Gala. At Lombardo s in Randolph, MA. Please see the office for reserving your table. On a team, it s not the strength of the individual players, but it is the strength of the unit and how they all function together." ~ Bill Belichick ~ Respectfully yours, Nicholas H. Babanikas Parish Council President PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS October 8th November 12th December 10th

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8 Aftosmes, Mrs. Anastasia Aftosmes, Mr. Steven Aftosmes, Mrs. Thalia Alexiou, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Alexis, Mr. & Mrs. George Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Alexopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Anastos, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Anifantis, Mrs. Eleni Antoniou, Mrs. Sia Argyropoulos, Mrs. Bessie Babanikas, Mrs. Ekaterina Babanikas, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Babanikas, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Badavas, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Badavas, Mr. Sotirios Ballis, Mr. & Mrs. Ioannis Bandis, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Barbas, Mrs. Haido Barrus, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Bartorelli, Mrs. Bessie Bazarian, Mr. & Mrs. David Bellas, Mr. Anthony Bellas, Ms. Athena Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Elias Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Bellas, Ms. Maria Bellas, Dr. & Mrs. Peter Besarik, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Bloumbas, Mr. George Bloumbas, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Bokas, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Boutas, Mrs. Fotine Boutas, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Bulgaris, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Bulgaris, Mrs. Stella Buterbaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Calogrias, Dr. Diana Calogrias, Miss Stefania Calogrias, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Capernaros, Mr. Philip Cariofiles, Mrs. Demetra Cariofiles, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Castle, Mrs. Cleo Cleary, Mrs. Elizabeth Coderre, Mr. & Mrs. Ferdinand Coderre, Ms. Irene Colarusso, Mr. & Mrs. Carl 2019 STEWARDS YTD SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 Conley, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Constantinou, Dr. & Mrs. Chris Constantinou, Dr. & Mrs. Dino Costarellas, Mr. & Mrs. Sotirios Costas, Mr. & Mrs. George Cotter, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Coutsoumbou, Ms. Sophie Covett, Mrs. Helen Covett, Ms. Katherine Covett, Dr. Robert Debaggis, Mr. & Mrs. Romolo Deeb, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Deligeorges, Mr. & Mrs. George Demetriades, Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Demos, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Dinopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Doumousaris, Mrs. Dina Drovatzikas, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Economos, Ms. Irene Economos, Ms. Rhoda Efremidis, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fabian, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Ferguson, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Fields, Dr. & Mrs. Michael Fisher, Ms. Jean Fitopoulos, Mr. Ted Flaherty, Ms. Rayna Fletcher, Mrs. Diane Follos, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Frangakis, Ms. Artemida Gagne, Mr. & Mrs. Robert George, Mrs. Diane Georgeakakis, Ms. Tina Georgeu, Mrs. Phyllis Georgitsis, Mr. & Mrs. Ari Georgitsis, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Giannakoulis, Mrs. Pat Giannakoulis, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Giannaros, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Giannaros, Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Giannaros, Mrs. Toula Giannouloudis, Mr. Tom Giati, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Gifford, Mr. & Mrs. William Ginis, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitri Ginis, Mrs. Evlambia Ginis, Mr. & Mrs. William Gioulis, Mr. & Mrs. Nondas Grantsis, Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Gravel, Ms. Elaine Grier, Mr. & Mrs. Jason Habib, Mrs. Violet Hanley, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hasouris, Mr. Philip Hatzidis, Mrs. Giannoula Hayek Aljamal, Mrs. Jeanette Hickman, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Holevas, Mrs. Helen Howard, Mrs. Caitlin Huser, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Ibrahim, Mr. & Mrs. George Iosifidis, Mr. & Mrs. Tony Jaramillo, Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Jaramillo, Mr. Serafim Jaramillo, Mr. & Mrs. Sergio Joseph, Mrs. Louise Joyce, Mrs. Katherine Juris, Mr. John Kalaitzidis, Mrs. Nitsa Kalivas, Mrs. Eftyhia Kallianaidis, Mr. Milton Kallis, Ms. Maria Kallis, Mrs. Nikoletta Kampanelas, Ms. Paris Kanellopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Karaliolios, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Karanicolas, Mr. & Mrs. CHristos Karavites, Mr. Peter Karolemeas, Ms. Elizabeth Kazis, Mrs. Penny Kearns, Mrs. Vicky Kenis, Mrs. Bessie Kolokotronis, Mrs. Vasiliki Konstantilakis, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Korbas, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Kotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kotsiopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Kouremetis, Fr. Michael A. & Presv. Cyndy Kushta, Mrs. Kassiane Kyranos, Mr. & Mrs. Christos Kyranos, Mr. & Mrs. George Kyranos, Mr. & Mrs. John Kyriakides, Ms. Brittany Lainas, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Lainas, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Lambrakis, Mrs. Sofia Landerholm, Mrs. Stephanie Lapsley, Mrs. Sofia Liapis, Ms. Evangeline J.

9 Liapopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Lee Lingos-Webb, Drs. Andrew & Tania Liolios, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Livanis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lucas, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Lupo, Mrs. Georgia Lymberopoulos, Mrs. Eleni Maranian, Mr. Stephan Marathas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mathers, Mr. & Mrs. Edmund Mici, Mr. & Mrs. Thanasi Mihos, Mr. & Mrs. Christy Mihos, Mr. & Mrs. James P. Mihos, Mrs. Marlene Mihos, Mr. Peter J. Mitchell, Dr. George Mitoulis, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Morosas, Mr. Christopher Nanos, Mr. & Mrs. Odesseas Nasios, Mrs. Stephanie Nenopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Nickandros, Mr. & Mrs. George Nicholaides, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Nikolakakos, Mrs. Despina Ntakoulas, Mr. & Mrs. Ted Odierno, Mr. & Mrs. Randy Orphanos, Mr. & Mrs. John Palantzas, Mrs. Vasiliki Palioglou, Mr. & Mrs. Iordannis Panagoulopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Panico, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Papadogiannakis, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Papadopoulos, Dr. Andrea Papadopoulos, Mrs. Argyro Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Leon Papadopoulos, Ms. Maria Papadopoulos, Mrs. Panagiota Papadopoulos, Mrs. Paraskevi Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Papadopoulos, Mr. Tom Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Papakonsttantinou, Mr. Konstaantine Papas, Mr. Mathew Papigiotis, Mrs. Alexandra Pappas, Mrs. Pauline Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Nikolaos Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Perdikis, Mrs. Liberty Petropoulos, Mr. Alkie 2019 STEWARDS YTD SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 Petropoulos, Mrs. Georgia Petropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Philips, Mrs. Demetra Pishkin, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Potsis, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Pouliopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Fotios Psikarakis, Mr. & Mrs. Niko Psilekaris, Ms. Theodora Psilekaris, Mr. Tom Psychos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Sakellaris Poole, Linda Sarakiniotis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Sarantopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Sarantou, Mr. Nicholas Sarras, Mr. Nicholas Sarras, Ms. Voula Savas, Mr. Christopher Savas, Mr. Irakli Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Sayers, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sedell, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Sedell, Mr. & Mrs. Tom Sever, Mr. & Mrs. Jospeh Shanahan, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Siamantouras, Ms. Ann Siempos, Mr. & Mrs. Dimitrios Sideropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Anastasios Silva, Ms. Athena Siogros, Mr. Steve Skenas, Ms. Jeannette Skordares, Ms. Laura Smiliotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Elias Spillane, Mrs. Stephanie Spyropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Stamboulidis, Mr. & Mrs. Themi Stasiewski, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Stathakis, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Stavropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Stellakis, Ms. Joanna Sullivan, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Sullivan, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Sutton, Ms. Ariana Syrniotis, Ms. Vicky Targontsidis, Mrs. Nicholas Targontsidis Jain, Mrs. Sonia Tasho, Mrs. Georgia Terzakis, Mr. & Mrs. George Terzakis, Mrs. Sophia Terzis, Mrs. Maria Theofilou, Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Theofilou, Mrs. Maria Theos, Mr. & Mrs. William Thompson, Ms. Betsy Thompson, Miss Eleni Thompson, Ms. Jane Tiliakos, Mrs. Gianna Tiliakos, Mrs. Ragen Tsianakas, Ms. Kathy Tsilis, Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Tsionis, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Tsionis, Ms. Stacy Tsitsopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Tsitsos, Ms. Anna Twomey, Mrs. Thelma Vallas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthoni Veiga, Mrs. Christine Veiga, Mrs. Victoria Velissaris, Ms. Cassandra Velissaris, Mrs. Dimitrios Velissaris, Mr. & Mrs. George Venuto, Mr. & Mrs. James Vintzelos, Mr. & Mrs. James Vlahopoulos, Mrs. Anastasia Vzivzes, Mr. & Mrs. Klearhos Weinberg, Ms. Merri Westcott, Mr. & Mrs. David Whowell Family Yiankos, Mrs. Elizabeth Yiotopoulos, Mr. Steven Yovanos, Ms. Natalia Zouroulidis, Mr. & Mrs. Adamandios Zouroulidis, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantinos Stewardship isn't a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the Christian life. After all, what is stewardship except that God has entrusted to us life, time, talents, money, possessions, family, and his grace? In each case, he evaluates how we regard what he has entrusted to us and what we do with it. Randy Alcorn

10 FOOD FESTIVAL Dear Fellow Parishioners: This past month we successfully hosted our 40th Annual Greek Food Festival. This was our most successful Festival ever, entirely due to the tremendous support we received from so many volunteers. There were dozens of new volunteers that answered our pleas for their help, and together with the volunteers that have been there throughout the many years, we executed to perfection. We set lofty goals and implemented many improvements, yet without the exceptional efforts of the volunteers, we would have been unable to reach new heights as we did this year. Many people thought it was not possible for us, as a parish, to have a 15% increase over last year s numbers, especially after we had just experienced a 20% increase in 2018, but WE DID IT. No individual has to be singled out, nor should they be, because we did it as a team in support of our Church. I know that there were many tired bodies walking around under the tent by Saturday, but the collective sense of accomplishment and pride produced enough adrenaline to get us through to Sunday night. We all did a fantastic job, thus, on behalf of the Food Festival Committee, I want to extend our most sincere gratitude to each and every Volunteer that gave their very best for our Parish. Let this year s Festival be the standard for all our Festivals to come because I know that you will be there well into the future, and next year you will even bring along a friend. Thank you to all! Jim Mihos, Festival Chairman THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUR HARD WORK BEFORE AND DURING THE FESTIVAL RAFFLE (DONORS) WINNERS $1,500 Colleen Williams $750 Wally Peckham $500 Irakli Savas donated back to the church (2) NE Patriots Tickets (Nick & Gus Babanikas) Cecily Kenis

11 Anonymous 5 cases of Dunkin Donuts coffee cups 5 cases of Dunkin Donuts coffee Cape Cod Café 500lbs Feta cheese Cappy s 25 cases of tomatoes Christo s to Go 60 gallons of Christos Salad Dressing Mr. & Mrs. Chris Coutsoumbos 30 cases of water Demakes 5 cases Greek Locanico Kefifm Radio Advertising Luciano s Restaurant Billboard Advertising on Route 24 Market Basket Loukoumades ingredients Mediterranean Cabinet Cabinet for Kafenio Randolph Automotive 42 cases various beers Mr. and Mrs. Kostas Papadogiannakis 35 cases of lettuce Rakis Production Photobooth Ethel Savas 125 Rice Puddings Mr. Irakli Savas 1400lbs of flour Sunnyside Cafe 30 dozen eggs 7 cases of Creamers Sysco (on behalf of Westside) 20 cases red onions 20 cases cucumbers 400 lbs potatoes Eleni Thompson Bar for Kafenio Mr. & Mrs. Chris Tsianakas 200lbs chopped spinach 200 lbs cottage cheese 54 cases green beans Kathy Tsianakas 30 dozen eggs 10 cases of butter Westside 100 trays of rice Sauce for dolmathes FOOD FESTIVAL A heartfelt thank you to the following donors of this years Festival. Without your help, this years festival would not have been the most successful Festival the church has experienced. Mr. & Mrs. George Alexis $100 Mrs. Ekaterina Babanikas $50 Mr. & Mrs. David Bazarian $100 Mr. & Mrs. James Bloumbas $50 Mrs. Stella Bulgaris $200 Mr. & Mrs. Nick Boufides $200 Dr. Diana Calogrias $250 Mr. & Mrs. Tony Calogrias $100 Mr. Carl Colarusso $250 Mr. & Mrs. Scott Conley $50 Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Cotter $25 Dr. Robert Covett $100 Mr. & Mrs. Van Demetriades $100 Ms. Irene Economos $150 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Eonas $100 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gagne $100 Mr. & Mrs. Peter Georgitsis Mrs. Pat Giannakoulis $50 Mr. & Mrs. Nondas Gioulis $150 Mr. & Mrs. George Ibrahim $100 Mr. & Mrs. Jim Jamoulis $200 Mrs. Louise Joseph $100 The Joyce Family $250 Mr. John Juris $100 Mrs. Eftyhia Kalivas $100 Nikoleeta & Maria Kallis $200 Ms. Paris Kampanelas $50 Mrs. Bessie Kenis $100 Ms. Sophie Koutsoumbou $125 Mrs. Kassiane Kushta $100 Mr. & Mrs. George Kyranos $25 Mrs. Tasia Lainas $200 Mr. & Mrs. Lee Liapopoulos $350 Mr. & Mrs. James P. Mihos $8,475 Mr. & Mrs. Odesseas Nanos $75 Mrs. Stephanie Nasios $50 Mr. & Mrs. Leon Papadopoulos $100 Mr. & Mrs. Erik Pedersen $100 Mrs. Demetra Philips $50 Ms. Theodora Psilekaris $100 Mr. Thomas Psilekaris $100 Mr. & Mrs. Sam Psychos $50 Ms. Voula Sarras $100 Mr. & Mrs. Perry Savas $100 Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Savas $250 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Sedell $300 Mr. Steve Siogros $200 Mr. Nicholas Spanos $100 Mr. & Mrs. George Spyropoulos $100 Mrs. Georgia Tasho $100 Mrs. Jane Thompson $50 Ms. Merri Weinberg $50 Mr. James Zaros $100 THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS

12 DONATIONS AS OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2019 MEMORIALS Presbytera Evelyn Kiramarios $600 Elizabeth Cleary Arthur Cleary $500 Peter Giannaros Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Bethoney $100 Ilias Lainas Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Karaliolios $100 James Manos Christine Philipoppoulos $50 James Regas Mr. & Mrs. Steven Michaels $100 FLORAL DONATIONS The Calogrias Family IMO James Pappas Icon of Saint Demetrios OTHER DONATIONS Michelle Brown $50 DONATIONS MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT DONATIONS YTD SEPTEMBER 15th, 2019 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Alexopoulos $500 Mr. & Mrs. Nick Babanikas $500 Mrs. Demetra Cariofiles $50 Mr. & Mrs. Carl Colarusso $100 Mr. & Mrs. Romolo DeBaggis $25 Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Demetriades $100 Rhoda & Irene Economos $100 Mrs. Jean Fisher $25 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Gagne $200 Mr. & Mrs. Nick Giannaros $20,000 Mr. & Mrs. Vasilios Ginis $600 Ms. Elaine Gravel $100 Mr. & Mrs. Henry Huser $1,000 Maria and Nikoletta Kallis $100 Mr. & Mrs. Bill Kotopoulos $500 Ladies Philoptochos $5,000 Lingos Foundation $19,000 Mr. & Mrs. Harry Livanis $275 Mr. & Mrs. Thanasi Mici $300 Mr. Christopher Morosas $165 Pan Macedonian Association $100 Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Potsis $100 Mrs. Linda Sakelaris Poole $50 Mr. & Mrs. Niko Psikarakis $100 Mr. Irakli Savas $1,000 Ms. Vicky Syrniotis $100 Mr. James Zaros $100 SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS Sept. 8th August 24th Evangelia daughter of Brian & Mary Sullivan Godparents: Tim & Elaine Follo WEDDINGS Kyle Freitas & Maria Bellas Sponsor: Athena Silva August 31st John Hutchinson & Irene Nina Coderre Sponsor: Fred Coderre

13 2020 Floral Needs The following is a list of major feast days of Christ, the Theotokos and Saints. Decorating these icons are a blessed way to participate in these major feast days of our church for the health and well-being of your families, or in Blessed Memory of a loved one. To sponsor the decoration of one or more of these Festal icons, please call the office directly during the week. Jan. 1 st St. Basil the Great $60 Jan. 6 th Holy Theophany $75 Jan. 17 th St. Anthony $60 Jan. 18 th St. Athanasios $60 Mar. 25 th Annunciation (small icon) $75 May 21 st Sts. Constantine & Helen $60 May 28 th Ascension $75 June 7 th Pentecost $75 Aug. 6 th Transfiguration $75 Aug. 15 th Dormition of the Theotokos (small icon) $75 Dormition of the Theotokos (large) TBD Nov. 21 st Entrance of the Theotokos $75 Nov. 25 th St. Katherine $ CALENDAR OF EVENTS Fall General Assembly Sunday, November 17th Annual Tree Lighting Saturday, November 30th Parish Council Elections Affirmation of Office/ Sunday, December 8th PC election of Officers Sunday, December 15th Sunday School Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 22nd

14 Dear Sisters, I would like to thank all of the hardworking volunteers who came out to help get us ready for the Food Festival and for those who worked during the four days. This year we sponsored 10 Veterans from the local VA hospital during the festival. Hopefully next year we will have more join us. This month our first meeting is on October 1st. Join us and bring a friend to this potluck meeting! We will be discussing the Walk for Cancer that we are sponsoring on November 2nd along with all of the upcoming events we have during the holidays. We are the philanthropic arm of the church, and through various programs we can make a difference. Join us and can make a difference. Fill out the membership form in the bulletin so we can add you to our ing list. PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS October 1st October 8th November 2nd November 5th November 10th December TBD December 31st January 5th February 4th March 3rd April 7th April 12th May 5th May 15th - 17th June TBD Philoptochos Calendar Potluck Dinner Meeting 6:00 pm Sack Lunches for Homeless 6:00 pm Walk for Cancer General Meeting 6:00 pm Honoring of Veteran s Christmas Party New Year s Eve Dance Vasilopita Potluck Dinner Meeting 6:00 pm General Meeting 6:00 pm General Meeting 6:00 pm Palm Sunday Bake Sale General Meeting 6:00pm Mini Food Festival End of Year Outing Sincerely, Liz Karolemeas Philoptochos President KOLIVA If you are planning a memorial service and would like to order koliva please call the church office. We would appreciate one weeks notice in advance of the memorial service to prepare the koliva. The cost is $100 and checks should be made payable to the Ladies Philoptochos Society.

15 PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS

16 About the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society Simply one woman asking another woman to care. The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc. is the philanthropic arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America that has offered 85 years of philanthropy through a multitude of programs that make a difference in the lives of people in the United States and throughout the world. Philoptochos fulfills its mission to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters through its National and Metropolis Boards and its 26,000 members and more than 400 active chapters, nationwide. Philoptochos responds immediately to needs and crises and its philanthropic outreach extends to each area of the country and throughout the world. Philoptochos provides the opportunity for women who are committed to actively assist those less fortunate and to make a difference. We continue in the steps of our mothers and grandmothers as we support National, Metropolis and local Philoptochos efforts to help those in need. Whether it is a need for ourselves or our community, or to teach others about compassion, we are committed to actively assisting the less fortunate and to making a difference. As women, each of us is simply asking another woman to care. We are reaching out to all women in our community to invite, to embrace and to involve you in all our philanthropic endeavors as a Philoptochos chapter. Be part of a philanthropic movement. Join today and make a difference Annunciation Ladies Philoptochos Society Stewardship Form 2019 Stewardship $30.00 Please note stewardship breakdown: $15.00 National Philoptochos ; $10.00 Metropolis; $5.00 for our chapter Name: Address: Telephone: Kindly return this form with your stewardship to the address below Annunciation Ladies Philoptochos 457 Oak Street Brockton, MA We thank you for your continued support

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20 UPCOMING EVENTS

21 UPCOMING EVENTS ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th, 2019 Immediately following the Divine Liturgy Opening Prayer and Reflection Secretary s Report of: 2019 Spring General Assembly Treasurer s Report: AGENDA Financials: January 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019; 2019 Food Festival results; Vote to approve proposed 2020 budget as presented. Fr. Michael Kouremetis Remarks President s Remarks Old Business: Strategic Planning Committee report by committee chair- Ilias Potsis New Business: Board of Elections Nominations; Board of Auditors Nominations; Discussion with Assembly as to the future needs of our Parish; Transact on any business that comes before the Assembly. Respectfully submitted, Fr. Michael Kouremetis Proistamenos, Nicholas H. Babanikas President, Parish Council

22 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH SPRING GENERAL ASSEMBLY APRIL 14, 2019 Call to order: 12:55 pm Opening Prayer and Hymn was offered by Father Michael Kouremetis Election of Fall General Assembly Chairman: Nominated to Chairman of the Spring General Assembly was Nicholas Babanikas Motion made by: Leon Papadopoulos Seconded by: Joanna Stellakis Nicholas Babanikas accepts the nomination Nicholas Babanikas elected to be the Spring General Assembly Chairman. SECRETARY S REPORT Secretary s Report: The 2018 Fall General Assembly Secretary s Report was read by Heidi Mason at the request of Parish Council Secretary Joanna Stellakis Correction to the Fall 2018 Secretary s report are the year dates. Should read 2018 and not Motion to accept the Fall General Assembly Secretary s Report with corrections was made by: James Sarantopoulos Seconded by: Dino Constantinou Motion Passed TREASURER S REPORT Treasurer Calograis outlined the following financial reports: The January 01, 2018 to December 31, 2018 year end results: The January 01, 2019 to March 31, 2019 year to date. At this time President Babanikas and Treasurer Calogrias offered a slide presentation of Income and Expenses for the years Motion to accept the Treasurer s Report made by: Steve Passias Seconded by: Kathy Tsianakas Motion Passed. FATHER MICHAEL KOUREMETIS REMARKS Father noted that in 16 or 17 days will mark one year that he has served our community. He thanked everyone for their, support, love and prayers for him and Presvetera Hope, Joy, and Goya are doing well. There was a good turnabout for the parade last week. We had a wonderful basketball season Regarding the Stewardship reach out, Father has a letter going out to former parishioners informing them of our web site, the Pascha schedule and how to reach Father through E mail and phone. With the help of George Theodossiou, the Weekly Bulletin is reaching our List serve Parishioners, informing them of the week s activities. Facebook is also giving events to Parishioners. Good things are happening in our community. There are 2 weddings this coming summer. Holy Week is coming up and I wish God Bless you all with a Blessed Pascha. Father thanked the Philoptochos for all the things that they do. PRESIDENT S REMARKS Nick thanked Father Michael for his leadership and guidance as Spiritual Leader of our Parish and for his insight at Parish Council meetings. Nick congratulated Despina and John Papadopoulos for being nominated to the Diocese Awards to take place on June 9, John Papadopoulos thanked all for their nomination. Next Saturday there will be pancake breakfast sponsored by the Ahepa following the Divine Liturgy. Also, there will be Palm making and decorating of the Church. Nick ask all who could help to come on Saturday. Next Sunday we will have the annual Palm Sunday Luncheon. Nick asked that all people bring their tickets with them in order to have better control on what meals are being served. Nick discussed the budget and year to date figures and that we had been down last year. We have events going forward that will change the figures. The Palm Sunday Luncheon, the Hungry Friends Dinner and the Golf Tournament on June 24, 2019 will help. Stewardship is increasing with 30 individuals last year and 5 new members this year. The message is going out the Brockton is coming together as a community with comradery and fellowship Regarding volunteering. In the packets passed out there are events that you may want to volunteer. At this time, Nick presented a slide of our New Year s celebrations. He had reached out to other nearby Orthodox Churches to join us in planning the event at Lombardo s restaurant. The Braintree Church will join us next year, The Mansfield, Cohasset, Cathedral Churches have not decided. This event would create fellowship among area Churches and to invite our young adults to be part of the celebration. Nick mentioned that we need help with all our events and the new motto is Bring a friend to help.

23 OLD BUSINESS Renovations of upstairs bathroom: Nick Babanikas spoke about the design of the planned renovations which include floor tiles and tiling ¾ of the way up on the walls and colors to complement the tiles. It will have new plumbing fixtures Auditor s Report: Nick announced the report from the Audit Committee in that all financial documents from January 2018 to December 2018 are up to date with no discreptencies. The committee thanked Liz Karolemeas for her assistance with the committee. Report by Strategic Planning Committee: George Alexis reported that an engineering company has been hired to look at the property in back of the Church to see if it is suitable for building. The report will including consideration of the environment and environmental laws that pertain to construction. The committee strongly suggested that we hold off on any major remodeling until we see where we are going with the property. We need to wait for the engineering report. NEW BUSINESS Stewardship Committee, /text reach out communication program: Leon Papadopoulos spoke about the Stewardship program and that we need to have everyone s e mail address to reach all Parishioners. Eva Stavropoulos stated that we are sending out Weekly Bulletins and other announcements each Thursday. She stated that it is not only about money, but time and talent is needed. We need help with all our events. In the plan, the committee will build a Stewardship program for children, working with the Sunday School teachers. There is a plan to be able to text parishioners when there are important timely messages. We have started a Testimonial section in the Monthly Bulletin where people are interviewed about their experience in coming to our Church Renovating the Church Lounge: Nick spoke about the Lounge renovations and noted false report have been circulating. The plan is to knock down a wall to create coat room and a permanent bar. Nick stated that there would not have any bar stools but high tables for standing just like the ones used at the Food Festival bar area. We would be changing the flooring and other cosmetic changes. Iconography Committee: We are still trying to reach out to iconographers to get ideas and plans for iconography. Greek Translation: Tulla Giannaros suggested we have an individual who can translate English to Greek at General Assembly meetings. Motion to adjourn made by: George Alexis Seconded by Ilias Potsis Meeting Adjourned at 1:20 pm Respectfully Submitted, Joanna Stellakis Joanna Stellakis, 2019 Parish Council Secretary.

24 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 457 Oak Street Brockton, MA Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Brockton, MA Permit No. 258 Phone Fax We re on the Web! BABANIKAS, ZIEDMAN & KING, P.C Belmont Street Brockton, MA Phone (508) Fax (508) Nicholas H. Babanikas John J. King Konstantinos J. Babanikas Thomas J. Dinopoulos* Praven Shenoy Louis debenedictis Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes *Also admitted to Rhode Island and Florida Stephen S. Ziedman Richard T. Mallen Of Counsel New Bedford Office 355 Union Street New Bedford, MA (508) Concentrating in: Personal Injury Law - Social Security - Workmen s Compensation Wills & Trusts - Product Liability - Real Estate Law