Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr, Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos Sunday, September 22, st Sunday of Luke

Transcript

1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Fr, Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos Sunday, September 22, st Sunday of Luke The Conception of Saint John the Baptist September 23 On this day the mercy, miracles and wisdom of God are celebrated: His mercy toward the devout and righteous parents of St. John, the aged Zacharias and Elizabeth, who all their lives had wished for and begged a child from God; His miracle, that of John s conception in the aged womb of Elizabeth; His wisdom, in the dispensation of man s salvation. God had an especially great intention for John: namely, the he be the Prophet and Forerunner of Christ the Lord, the Savior of the world. Through His angels, God announced the births of Isaac to the childless Sarah, Samson to the childless wife of Manoah, and John the Forerunner to the childless Zacharias and Elizabeth. All of these were those for whom He had special intentions, and he foretold their birth through his angels. How could children be born of aged parents? If someone desires to understand this, he should not ask men about it, for men do not know; nor should he study natural law, for this is beyond natural law. Rather, he should turn his gaze upon the power of the Almighty God, Who created the whole world from nothing, and Who needed no parents old or young for the creation of the first man, Adam. Instead of being curious, let us give thanks to God, Who often reveals His power, mercy and wisdom to us in ways that are beyond natural law in which we would be imprisoned without these special miracles of God, and would fall into despair and forgetfulness of God. Parish Council Members Parish Council Officers: Niko Semertsidis President John A. Trihas Vice President Linsey Anagnostos Secretary Joe Rokas Treasurer Penelope Coutris Aphrodite Ganotis Eleni Karadaglis Michael Manak Kosmas Petratos Tim Tsirambidis John Vianos Sam Zizis

2 Epistle Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 1. Psalm 11.7,1 You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us. Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed. The reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4 Ἀπόστολος Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 1:21-24, 2:1-4 Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. α'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1 Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος. Πρὸς Κορινθίους β' 1:21-24, 2:1-4 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. Ἀδελφοί, ὁ βεβαιῶν ἡμᾶς σὺν ὑμῖν εἰς Χριστόν, καὶ χρίσας ἡμᾶς, θεός, ὁ καὶ σφραγισάμενος ἡμᾶς, καὶ δοὺς τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ πνεύματος ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν. Ἐγὼ δὲ μάρτυρα τὸν θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι ἐπὶ τὴν ἐμὴν ψυχήν, ὅτι φειδόμενος ὑμῶν οὐκέτι ἦλθον εἰς Κόρινθον. Οὐχ ὅτι κυριεύομεν ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως, ἀλλὰ συνεργοί ἐσμεν τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν τῇ γὰρ πίστει ἑστήκατε. Ἔκρινα δὲ ἐμαυτῷ τοῦτο, τὸ μὴ πάλιν ἐν λύπῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐλθεῖν. Εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ λυπῶ ὑμᾶς, καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ εὐφραίνων με, εἰ μὴ ὁ λυπούμενος ἐξ ἐμοῦ; Καὶ ἔγραψα ὑμῖν τοῦτο αὐτό, ἵνα μὴ ἐλθὼν λύπην ἔχω ἀφʼ ὧν ἔδει με χαίρειν, πεποιθὼς ἐπὶ πάντας ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἡ ἐμὴ χαρὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐστίν. Ἐκ γὰρ πολλῆς θλίψεως καὶ συνοχῆς καρδίας ἔγραψα ὑμῖν διὰ πολλῶν δακρύων, οὐχ ἵνα λυπηθῆτε, ἀλλὰ τὴν ἀγάπην ἵνα γνῶτε ἣν ἔχω περισσοτέρως εἰς ὑμᾶς. Artoklasia for the health of the members of the Nafpaktian Cultural Foundation. Αρτοκλασία υπέρ υγείας μελών του Ναυπακτιακού Πολιτιστικού Συλλόγου 2

3 Gospel Ευαγγέλιο 1st Sunday of Luke The Gospel According to Luke 5:1-11 At that time, as Jesus was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, he saw two boats by the lake; but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had ceased speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets." And when they had done this, they enclosed a great shoal of fish; and as their nets were breaking, they beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." For he was astonished, and all who were with him, at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men." And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 5:1-11 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἑστὼς ὁ Ἰησοῦς παρὰ τὴν λίμνην Γεννησαρέτ, καὶ εἶδε δύο πλοῖα ἑστῶτα παρὰ τὴν λίμνην οἱ δὲ ἁλιεῖς ἀποβάντες ἀπ αὐτῶν ἀπέπλυναν τὰ δίκτυα. ἐμβὰς δὲ εἰς ἓν τῶν πλοίων, ὃ ἦν τοῦ Σίμωνος, ἠρώτησεν αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον καὶ καθίσας ἐδίδασκεν ἐκ τοῦ πλοίου τοὺς ὄχλους. ὡς δὲ ἐπαύσατο λαλῶν, εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα ἐπανάγαγε εἰς τὸ βάθος καὶ χαλάσατε τὰ δίκτυα ὑμῶν εἰς ἄγραν. καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Σίμων εἶπεν αὐτῷ ἐπιστάτα, δι ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς κοπιάσαντες οὐδὲν ἐλάβομεν ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ ῥήματί σου χαλάσω τὸ δίκτυον. καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσαντες συνέκλεισαν πλῆθος ἰχθύων πολύ διερρήγνυτο δὲ τὸ δίκτυον αὐτῶν. καὶ κατένευσαν τοῖς μετόχοις τοῖς ἐν τῷ ἑτέρῳ πλοίῳ τοῦ ἐλθόντας συλλαβέσθαι αὐτοῖς καὶ ἦλθον καὶ ἔπλησαν ἀμφότερα τὰ πλοῖα, ὥστε βυθίζεσθαι αὐτά. ἰδὼν δὲ Σίμων Πέτρος προσέπεσε τοῖς γόνασιν Ιησοῦ λέγων ἔξελθε ἀπ ἐμοῦ, ὅτι ἀνὴρ ἁμαρτωλός εἰμι, Κύριε θάμβος γὰρ περιέσχεν αὐτὸν καὶ πάντας τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ ἐπὶ τῇ ἄγρᾳ τῶν ἰχθύων ᾗ συνέλαβον, ὁμοίως δὲ καὶ Ιάκωβον καὶ Ιωάννην, υἱοὺς Ζεβεδαίου, οἳ ἦσαν κοινωνοὶ τῷ Σίμωνι. καὶ εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Σίμωνα ὁ Ιησοῦς μὴ φοβοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ἀνθρώπους ἔσῃ ζωγρῶν. καὶ καταγαγόντες τὰ πλοῖα ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, ἀφέντες ἅπαντα ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ. Memorials Nick Zarkanidis George Tsardoulias George Sevastos For the departed Members of the Nafpaktian Cultural Foundation May their memory be eternal Μνημόσυνα Νικόλαος Ζαρκανιδης Γεώργιος Τσαρδούλιας Γεώργιος Σεβαστός Μελών του Ναυπακτιακού Πολιτισμικού Συλλόγου Αιωνία αυτών η μνήμη 3

4 September 22, 2019 Holymartyr and Wonderworker Phokas, Bishop of Sinope (+117); Resurrectional Apolytikion Τόν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρί καί Πνεύματι, τόν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοί καί προσκυνήσωμεν ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ καί θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καί ἐγεῖραι τούς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ. The Word who with the Father and Spirit is co-beginningless, the one born from a Virgin for our salvation, let us praise and worship we the faithfull; for he was pleased to ascend in the flesh upon the Cross, and death for us to endure, and raise all the departed, in his Resurrection glorious. Apolytikion of Holymartyr Phokas Καί τρόπων μέτοχος, καί θρόνων διάδοχος, τῶν Ἀποστόλων γενόμενος, τήν πράξιν εὗρες Θεόπνευστε, εἰς θεωρίας ἐπίβασιν, διά τοῦτο τόν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας ὀρθοτομῶν, καί τῇ πίστει ἐνήθλησας μέχρις αἵματος, Ἱερομάρτυς Φωκᾶ, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τάς ψυχάς ἡμῶν. As a sharer of the ways and a successor to the throne of the Apostles, O inspired of God, thou foundest discipline to be a means of ascent to divine vision. Wherefore, having rightly divided the word of truth, thou didst also contest for the Faith even unto blood, O Hieromartyr Phokas, Intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved. 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 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. 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 Stewardship 2019 We are grateful for the faith calls us to protect and strengthen the faith 290 that lies FAMILIES within us. that Taking have time pledged to learn to about our Orthodox Christian Faith, praying, and worshiping support with others Annunciation s as the Body of Christ many all ministries. these things protect and strengthen our faith. We have collected 113,992 Pledged 97,900 Goal: 120,000 Thank you for giving According to your God-Given Ability! TIME WORSHIP All Sunday Services begin 8:30AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy ************* Mon., September 23 Greek School Lessons 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. September 25 27, 2019 Fr. Dean will be away at the Metropolis Clergy Laity at Camp Hill Thursday, September 26, 2019 Greek School Lessons 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 29, nd Sunday of Luke Sunday School Lessons Memorials Peter Castros Vasilia (Vaso) Nicholaou Mina Tsambounieris Konstantinos & Markella Castros May their memory be eternal Dance Performance Philoptochos Bake Sale at Tremont Art Fest in Lincoln Park The Georgia Pappas Hellenic Cultural School is seeking a full time teacher for the school year. If you are interested, please submit a brief resume to Julie.tsirambidis@gmail.com or call Julie directly at Help Wanted Family looking for a Greek Speaking woman to babysit 2 little girls 1-2 times per week If interested please call Ένας νεαρός είπε στον ιερέα: -Πάτερ, εγώ δεν θα ξαναέλθω στην εκκλησία. Ο ιερέας τον ρώτησε ποιος είναι ο λόγος. Ο νεαρός του απάντησε: Εδώ βλέπω μία γυναίκα που κουτσομπολεύει μίαν άλλη, ο διπλανός μου κοιμήθηκε, ο άλλος δεν διαβάζει καλά και οι ψάλτες μαλώνουν καμιά φορά. Την ώρα της Λειτουργίας κάποιος άλλος ασχολείται με το κινητό του, για να μην πω για την εγωιστική τους συμπεριφορά όταν φεύγουν από τον ναό... Του λέει ο ιερέας: -Έχεις δίκιο. Πριν όμως εγκαταλείψεις οριστικά την εκκλησία, κάνε μου σε παρακαλώ μία χάρη. Πάρε αυτό το ξέχειλο καντήλι και κάνε τον κύκλο του ναού τρεις φορές χωρίς να χύσεις ούτε μία σταγόνα λάδι. Μετά μπορείς να φύγεις. «Μόνο αυτό;» Εντάξει, είπε ο νεαρός. Έκανε τους τρεις γύρους όπως ζήτησε ο ιερέας. Αφού τελείωσε είπε: -Πάτερ, το έκανα. Ο ιερέας τον ρώτησε: -Όταν έκανες τον γύρω του ναού, πρόσεξες κάποιο άτομο να κουτσομπολεύει κάποιον; - Όχι. -Είδες κάποιον να ασχολείται με το κινητό του; -Όχι. -Ξέρεις γιατί; Ησούν συγκεντρωμένος στο καντήλι για να μην χύσεις το λάδι. Έτσι λοιπόν είναι και στην ζωή μας. Όταν οι καρδιές μας συγκεντρώνονται στον Χριστό, δεν έχουμε χρόνο να κοιτάξουμε τα λάθη των άλλων. Αυτοί που εγκαταλείπουν την Εκκλησία εξαιτίας των συναμαρτωλών αδελφών τους, με βεβαιότητα δεν μπήκαν σε αυτήν για τον Χριστό. 5

6 Today the GOYA officers will receive the oath of office: Co-Presidents: Elias Kapolis Athanasios Tsigas Secretary Niko Gemelas Treasurer Charlie Hliatzos Today s Coffee Social For the departed Members of the Nafpaktian Cultural Foundation Niko Zarkanidis George Tsardoulias in the lower level church social hall. May their memory be eternal. Σήμερα Ώρα Καφέ δίνεται από τα μέλη του Ναυπακτιακού Πολιτιστικού Συλλόγου και τις οικογένειες Ζαρκανιδης -Κανης, και Τσαρδουλια Εις μνήμην του Νικολάου Ζαρκανιδης Γεώργιου Τσαρδουλια Αιωνία αυτών η μνήμη Please join us for our General Membership Meeting on Sunday, October 6th following Divine Liturgy. It is so important that we have input from all members as we plan our upcoming Nameday and Christmas events. All members and all those interested in joining are welcome! Philoptochos is open to all Orthodox women 18 years and older. Meetings are held in a mixture of Greek and English, with consideration and translations provided to accommodate all members. Στις 6 Οκτωβρίου η Φιλόπτωχος θα έχει γενική συνέλευση μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία. Είναι αναγκαίο να παραβρίσκονται όλα τα μέλη της Φιλοπτώχου. Θέλουμε να κάνουμε πρόγραμμα για την γιορτή Κοσμά και Δαμιανού και τα Χριστούγεννα. Όλα τα μέλη είναι ευπρόσδεκτα, η Φιλόπτωχος δέχεται μέλη από 18 χρονών και πάνω. Οι Συνεδριάσεις γίνονται στα Ελληνικά και στα Αγγλικά. Philoptochos will have a booth at the Tremont Arts & Θα λάβουμε μέρος στο Tremont Arts & Cultural Cultural Festival Saturday/Sunday September Festival Σάββατο/Κυριακή 28 και 29 Σεπτεμβρίου. 28/29! We will be selling pites, bottled water, and assorted pastries. Please consider offering a hand or do- Ζητούμε την βοήθεια από όλους παρακαλώ Θα πουλάμε πίτες, ντολμάδες και γλυκίσματα. nate an item to sell. Please see Despina, Ellie, or Jane επικοινωνήσετε με την Έλλη Σκούτα, Δέσποινα if you d like to help. Σαραντοπούλου, η με την Δήμητρα Σεβαστού. Board: Becky Alex - Linsey Anagnostos - Vicky Baker - Evie Boulas - Stefani Ganotis - Kriti Hatzopoulos -Eleni Karadaglis - Maria Pikakos - Despina Sarantopoulou - Jane Sevastos - Stella Siakantaris - Ellie Skoutas - Evgenia Smith - Ourania Stephanopoulou - Diamanto Tsardoulias Officers: President- Ellie Skoutas, Vice President- Despina Sarantopoulou, Treasurer Jane Sevastos, Secretary Evie Boulas, Membership - Evgenia Smith Advisor Spyroulla Papakonstantinou 6

7 Altar Boy Schedule Team A Team B Team C Jonathan Walsh Angelo Semertsidis (Two boys from this team George Coutris Constantine Ermidis will alternate with Teams Gregory Sisamis Panagiotis Ermidis A & B see below: Dimitri Genin Joe Sheely Dino Agelidakis Dino Kotsanis Constantine Sheely Notis Agelidakis Nasi Kotsanis Charlie Hliatzos Tino Almiroudis George Ermidis Michael Hliatzos Georgio Almiroudis George Ermidis Kosta Kafantaris Dimitri Anagnostos Anastasios Ermidis Victor Kafantaris Nicholas Anagnostos Yianni Tsambounnieris Anthony Michaels September 22 Team B including Tino & Georgio Almiroudis from Team C September 29 Team A including Dimitri & Nicholas Anagnostos from Team C October 6 Team B including Yianni Tsambounnieris Anthony Michaels & Antoni Makris from Team C October 13 Team A including Dino & Notis Agelidakis from Team C October 20 Team B including Tino & Georgio Almiroudis from Team C October 27 Team A including Dimitri & Nicholas Anagnostos from Team C November 3 Team B including Yianni Tsambounnieris Anthony Michaels & Antoni Makris from Team C November 10 Team A including Dino & Notis Agelidakis from Team C November 17 Team B including Tino & Georgio Almiroudis from Team C Altar Boy workshop Saturday, October 5th at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at Crust Pizza 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 had 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 Glory, for to serve Thee is a great and awesome thing, even to the Heavenly Powers. 7

8 THE MNEMOSYNO The Mnemosyno, i.e. calling to memory is a prayer service know in English as the Memorial Service. In the Mnemosyno, we ask God to show mercy and forgive the sins of our deceased loved ones. A tray of Kolyva, i.e. boiled wheat, is prepared for the Service which is later distributed to the worshippers who share in the hope filled sorrow of the grieving family and friends. Our Mother Church uses the boiled wheat to reaffirm literally the comforting words of our Lord in John 12:34 I tell you truly that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains a single grain of wheat, but if it dies it brings a good harvest. GUIDELINES FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY 1, Please do not talk while in the Narthex. It is an extension of the church and not a place to catch up with friends. 2. Please do not talk while coming forward to receive communion. Respect must be displayed to fellow parishioners and to the Lord. 3. Please participate in the Liturgy by singing along with the choir and reciting the Creed, the Lord s Prayer and the Communion Prayers. GUIDELINES REGARDING THE RECEIVING OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST FOR ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS: As Orthodox Christians, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. Those who have prepared themselves by fasting, prayer, charitable works, and repentance of their sins may receive the Holy Eucharist. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Confession is encouraged for all. FOR NON-CHRISTIANS: We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and family disappear, in keeping with Christ s prayer for us that they may all be one (Jn 17:21). Because Orthodox Christians believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the one-ness of faith, life, and worship, the Orthodox Church DOES NOT have intercommunion with other Christian Churches. We earnestly pray for the day when all will share the Holy Eucharist, the perfect symbol of the Unity of the Faith. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, blessed bread known as Antidoron (instead of the Gifts) is distributed to all who did not or were not able to receive. You are most welcome to come and receive a piece of the blessed bread. 8

9 FOR NON-CHRISTIANS: We welcome your presence in prayer at our celebration of the Divine Liturgy. We are all children of our father Abraham, although we have different beliefs about God. While we believe that the Holy Eucharist is the Body and blood of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, Who we believe to be God, we look forward to the day when we can sit at His table and share the love and fellowship which He taught us. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, of the Divine Liturgy, blessed bread known as Antidoron (instead of the Gifts) is distributed to all who did not or were not able to receive. You are most welcome to come and receive a piece of the blessed bread. We ask you to offer your prayers for the peace and unity of the human family. PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION: Every Sunday is a special day. It is the Lord s Day. It is the day when we gather as a family to worship and celebrate Christ s presence among us in the Holy Eucharist. It is when the church as the people of God, the Body of Christ, is truly realized and we become sacramentally what God intended us to be: united to Him in faith and love, and through Him, to one another. It is in love, faith, and worship that we are truly members of the Church. From this standpoint, one can more clearly see that a local parish lives up to its true task and is a most genuine expression of the church when its activity and it life center on the heart of the matter, true membership, expressed in faith, love and worship. This is the ideal, which each parish, and each Orthodox Christina holds before him/her. Orthodox Christians should receive Holy Communion at least four times a year: Christmas, Easter, the Feast of the Holy Apostles June 29), and the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (August 15). In every Divine Liturgy, however, the faithful are always invited to approach and receive the Lord. Christian Orthodox should approach the Holy Chalice and receive the precious Body and Blood of Christ as often as possible following proper preparation, not just a few times a year (see John 6:53-58; Matthew 26: 26-28; 1 Corinthians 11: 17-34). What is the preparation for Holy Communion? The best preparation is spiritual and has to do with our inner self, our soul, and it disposition. Thinking that we are to take Communion is obviously the most important part, accompanied by a sincere effort to examine our life, its goal, values, aspirations, and characteristics: Where am I going? What are my values and priorities? What do I hold most dear? These are some of the questions one should ponder. 9

10 Secondly, heartfelt prayer is an essential prerequisite to preparing for Holy communion. Nothing prepares the soul for receiving Christ as much as sincere prayer, asking God for His forgiveness, and thank Him for all the many blessings and gifts He bestows upon us. This is most effective when accompanied by affirm resolve to live a renewed Christian life. Finally there is fasting, which is meaningless without the first two preparations noted above. Fasting and abstinence are both a means of self-discipline and tangible reminders that one is indeed to receive Christ in Holy Communion. The most appropriate way of preparation is to fast throughout the year on Wednesday, and the day Judas betrayed Christ, and Frida, the day of our Lord s crucifixion, prior to the Sunday Eucharist. The Sacrament of Holy Confession is another way of keeping oneself spiritually healthy and aware in our preparation to receive Holy Communion. Holy Confession is not a prerequisite for Holy Communion, but a sacred mystery, which keeps us spiritually sound. Orthodoxy insists on strict fast before Communion. Nothing can be eaten or drunk after the previous midnight. Even youngsters from ages 5 or 6 can begin to practice this kind of preparation. The sooner these practices are instilled in our children, the easier it will be from them to fulfill them on a regular basis. In cases of sickness or genuine necessity, a Father Confessor can grant dispensations from the communion fast. I VE BEEN AWAY FROM CHURCH FOR A WHILE. SHOULD I RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION? We are pleased that you are with us this Sunday and hope that you will come back to worship and have fellowship with us regularly. Is today a good day for you to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion? It is only by the Grace of God that anyone is worthy to receive Holy Communion, but it is important to remember that sacraments in the Orthodox Church are only for those who are in good standing with the Church. This dose not refer to fulfilling any financial obligation, but rather to your spiritual good standing, because as Orthodox Christians, we approach the sacraments with a sense of awe and respect. You may want to ask yourself...were you married somewhere other than the Orthodox Church? Have you receive a sacrament or served as a sponsor in a sacrament in a church other than the Orthodox Church? If there some aspect of your current lifestyle that would require you to seek Holy Confession before receiving Holy Communion? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then it would be best for you to speak to Fr. Dean Dimon before approaching the chalice. Please see him after church or call for an appointment. 10

11 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) 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 Aboukhaled, Elwood & Martha Agelidakis, Georgios & Victoria Alex, George & Becky Alex, John & Christine Alex, Stefo & Loula Alex, Taso & Eleni Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kalliopei Ameres, Kostas & Markia Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, & Evangelia Asmis, Nick & Tina Atheneos, Demetrios & Susan Baker, John & Vicky Barlow, David & Toula Benicos, Ecaterini Benovic, Matthew & Maria Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Bogeas, Angela Bogeas, Doris Boukis, Constantine Boukis, Gary & Mary Boukis, Peter Boukis, Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Boyeas, Stelios & Judy Bozas, Maria Calogeras, Ellen Ciacchi, Christopher & Maria Cimino, Vincent & Chrisafo Costaras, William & Natalia Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Del Vecchio, Giuseppe & Angela Demopoulos, William Diamantis, Argyro Dimarhos, Konstantinos & Maria Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Dionisopoulos, Eirini Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio El Talla Hallios, Toula Emmets, Jonathan & Sophia Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Erwin, Edward & Vasiliki Foradis, Militsa Foradis, Panayiotis & Angela Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Ganotis, Michael & Stefani Geanneses, Antoinette Gemelas, Themistoklis & Clio Genin, Jason & Cynthia George, Stephen Georgiadis, Debbie Giannakopoulos, Demetrios & Poulia Giovanis, Angelo & Popi Gountis, George Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Hadgis, Sidor Harris, Despina Harrison, Eric Hatzis, Kiki Hatzopoulos, Kriti Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Jacobs, Joshua Janicijevic, Vladimir & Georgia Kafantaris, Emmanuel & Maria Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kalevakis, George & Vicki Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kallas, Cristos & Chrysanthe Kanaris, Anna Kanis, George & Sotiria Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kanis, John & Filitsa Kannavos, Diamantis & Eleni Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Linda Karadimas, Paraskevi Karakostas, Eleftherios & Helen Karakostas, Konstantinos & Lisa Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karnavas, Eleni Karnavas, Sophia Karras, John A. & Ismini J. Kasamias, Demetrios & Hannah Katakos, Cynthia Katsantonis, George L. & Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Kellis, George Kellis, John Klonaris, Joanne Kolidakis, Nikitas & Alessandra Konstantinos,Nikolaos & Vasiliki Konstantinou, Dino & Marigo Konstas, Evangelos & Fani Kontos, Anna Kontos, Michael & Evangelia Kontos, Spiros & Areti Kontoveros, Dimitris Kopasakis, John & Mary Kosmas, Christos & Chryssa Kostakis, Alex & Irene Kotsanis, Nicholas & Christina Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Koukouvitakis, Stratis & Argiro Kozanas, John & Vasiliki Kutrubs, Nick Kyriakidis, Antonios & Christina Kyriakidis, Helen Kyriakidis, Nick & Theresa Kyriazis, Vivian Likakis, Chrisanthi 11

12 Likos, Eugenia Loizos, Chrysanthe Macomber, Jon & Krista Madias, George & Maria Madison, Ryan & Rena Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Ilias & Koula Makris, Thomas Mallis, Mike & Maria Manak, Michael & Emelyn Maroulis, Kathy Maroulis, Pandelis Maroulis, Paraskevas & Cassandra Marountas, George & Agnieska Marountas, Nick & Denna Mastrokostas, George & Eleni Matheou, Dimosthenis & Nicole Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavrakis, Lefterios & Niki Mavroidis, Mavroidis McDonald, James & Anastasia Michaels, Gregory & Vasiliki Moshos, Shawn Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Moulagiannis, George & Efrosini Neumeyer, Ryan & Margarita Nickas, Vasiliki Nikolaou, Nikolaos Nimorakiotakis, George & Maria Nimorakiotakis, Nick & Antigoni Paliobeis, Irini Panagiotou, Serafiem & Anna Panos, Eleni Panos, Pete & Mary Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios E. & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadatos, n & Dawn Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios & Dionira Papagianis, Enrico Nikolaos Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Paparizos, Theodoiti Papas, Efthymios & Youla Paplos, John Parianos, George & Maria Paterakis, Spyros & Katerina Pateras, & Maria Paul, Barbara T. Paul, John Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota Petropouleas, Peter & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Petsas, Dimitri & Deanna Pikakos, Mary Pikakos, Nick & Dawn Piperis, Fotini Plataniotis, Eleni Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Prokop, Joshua & Patricia Rakopoulos, Stella Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Rodopoulos, Evelyn Roff, Jeff & Irene Rokas, Iosefis & Kym Rokas, John & Angeliki Rokas, John & Lucy Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salamalekis, Gus & Kristen Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Saridakis Jr., Frank Saridakis, Frank & Anastasia Saridakis, Stephanie Saviolis, Nick & Chrisoula Sboukis, Peter Scordos, John & Irene Sdrakas, Gregory & Kalliopi Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, Dino & Christine Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Shinas, Dean J. Siakantaris, Stella Sioulas, Katina Sisamis, Anna Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skantzos, Emanuel & Evdoxia Skantzos, Pete & Maria Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Spano, John Spillas, Christ & Dorothy Stavrou, Konstantinos & Effie Stefanopoulos, Eleni Stefanopoulos, Sokratis & Ourania Stefou, Antonios & Stella Tantsios, Vasiliki Thanos, Athanasios D. & Anna Thanos, Dion & Courtney Theodore, Neste & Artemis Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsaftaridis, Dimitrios & Katerina Tsakalos, & Vicki Tsakon, Hrisafo Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsambunieris, Vasilis & Sophia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, Elizabeth Tsardoulias, John & Kurannio Tsardoulias,Diamonto Tsarouhas, Antonios & Linda Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Alexandros & Charikleia Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie Tsirikos- Karapanos, Nikolaos & Chrysoula Tzagournis, Adam & Agapi Vangelos, Zenos & Julie Varlamos, Matrona Vasilakes, Mike & Mary Vasilakis, John & Kiki Vassilakis, Freda Vassilaras, Plousia Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Verikakis, John Vianos, John & Diamanto Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vidoni, Timothy & Vasiliki Vitakis, Helen Vitakis, Stelios & Tsabika Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Vourlis, Rose Vrettos, Bessie Walsh, Edward & Calliope M Whitlock, Adrian & Marie Young, Kevin Yurch, Jerry & Cynthia Zachopoulos, Katherine Zampunis, George & Kalliopi Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zeleniuch, Michael & Allie Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila Zizis, Stamatios & Ellen 12

13 It is the practice of our Church to give the name of a Saint to the newborn 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 prayer, God will grant the child 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 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 their September Namedays and beseech out heavenly Father to grant them many years. ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ! September 1 Sts. Athena, Antigone & Aspasia, the Martyrs Athena Athena Athena Antigoni Mathiellis Maria Alex Stavrou Nimorakiotakis September 5 Zacharias the Prophet & St. Elizabeth Elissa Walsh September 8th Nativity of the Theotokos Despina Despina Despina Despina Despina Debbie Debra Tsabika Sarantopoulou Papadakis Semertsidis Harris Prasinos Georgiadis Alexandrou Vitakis September 13 St. Aristides Ari Aris Aris Aristidis Artie September 14 Elevation of the Holy Cross n n n n Likakis Tsardoulias Dashiell Kriarias Kanaris Hlepas Boukis Boyeas Markovic Pateras Tsakalos Stilianos Soulimiotis Stamatis Alex Papadatos Rakopoulos 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 Kostakis Efstratios Hliatzos Efstratios Maggos 13

14 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2019 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy September 2019 Sun. 22 1st Sunday of Luke - Napaktian Memorial Artoklasia Sunday School Lessons Dance Practice Mon. 23 Greek School Lessons 5:30-7:30 p.m Clergy Retreat Camp Hill Thurs. 26 Greek School Lessons 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sun. 22 2nd Sunday of Luke Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival Dance Performances Philoptochos Bake Sale Greek School Mandatory Meeting Parents, Teachers, BOE, and students. October 2019 Sat. 5 Catering Event Sun. 6 3rd Sunday of Luke Sunday School - Dance Practice Wedding Mon. 7 Greek School Lessons 5:30-7:30 p.m. GOYA Meeting Thurs 10 Greek School Lessons 5:30-7:30 p.m. Parish Council Meeting 7 p.m. Fri. or Sat Tentative Little Angels Fall Event Sun. 13 Sunday of the 7th Ecumenical Council Dance Practice GOYA Tailgate Party in church Parking lot Details TBA Mon. 14 Thurs. 17 Columbus Day NO GREEK SCHOOL Greek School Lessons 5:30 7:30 p.m. Sat. 19 Catering Event Sun. 20 6th Sunday of Luke General Assembly Dance Practice Mon. 21 Greek School Lessons Thurs. 24 Greek School Rehearsal for OXI program Sat. 26 Catering Event Sun. 27 7th Sunday of Luke Greek School OXI Program following Liturgy PTA Bake Sale & Coffee Social Mon. 28 Greek School Lessons Thurs. 31 No Greek School Lessons 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 W eekly Bulletin, & V ision, 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 V ision & 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 A nnunciation Greek Orthodox Church for $ office@annunciationcleveland.net 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 $