Sunday, December 4, th Sunday of Luke

Transcript

1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Sunday, December 4, th Sunday of Luke During the rule of Maximius, in the year 290 AD, the governor in the Anatolian city of Heliopolis was Dioscuros. He was a wealthy man who was originally from the nearby village of Galassos. He had only one child, a very beautiful girl named Barbara. Her parents were extremely proud of her, not only because of her beauty, but of her virtuosity as well. To protect her, her parents erected a fortress in which they placed Barbara while still young, as was the case with Saint Christina. They supplied her with all her needs; servants, food and clothing. When Barbara came of age, many military officers of Heliopolis asked her father for her hand in marriage, for they had heard of her great beauty and charm. He refused, however, to give his promise to anyone until he conferred with his daughter. Barbara responded by telling her father that if he forced her to marry she would commit suicide. Dioscuros left the fortress believing that in time he could convince her to consent to marriage. Dioscuros, deciding to add a bathing house to the fortress, left the plans with the builders and instructed them to begin work while he departed for another city where he had some pressing business. During her father's absence, Barbara had the opportunity to leave her living quarters and observe the erection of the bathing house. Upon discovering that the building was to have only two windows, she asked the builders to install a third, and that she would assume the responsibility. Our God, who knows everything before it occurs, was extremely pleased with Barbara's innocence and filled her heart with the Holy Spirit and with the love of Christ. While standing by the pool of the bath house, Barbara made the sign of the cross on the marble with her finger. Miraculously, her finger chiselled the cross deeply into the marble. One day, returning from the bath house, Barbara noticed the false gods which her father worshipped and she spat at them. She returned to the fortress, fasting and praying that she would receive Divine Guidance. When her father returned, he saw the third window in the bath house and questioned the builders, who informed him that his daughter had ordered the third window installed. After questioning Barbara whether there was any particular reason for three, she told him that Three Lights guide everyone who walks the earth. Making the sign of the cross with three fingers she said that one signifies the Father, one the Son, and the other the Holy Spirit, and with these three Lights the whole world is guided. These words angered her father and made him forget that Barbara was his daughter. Drawing his sword and threatening to kill her, Barbara fled to a nearby mountain. Reaching the top, she raised her arms and prayed to God for help. The earth parted and swallowed most of her body. In the meantime, her father asked two shepherds whether they had seen his daughter. The first told him that he hadn't, so that she might be spared, however, the other pointed in the Saint's direction. Finding his daughter, Dioscuros forced her back to the fortress and locked her up. He then went to the ruler of the city named Marcius and informed him that Barbara was a Christian. She was then given to Marcius with her father's damnation. Marcius had the Saint stripped and beaten with sticks, then her wounds rubbed with vinegar. She was then imprisoned. Towards midnight a bright light appeared to Barbara and a voice told her not to fear, Christ was always with her. As soon as the words were spoken, all her wounds disappeared. A God-fearing woman, named Julia, who was imprisoned with Barbara, saw the miracle. She praised God with all her heart and decided to martyr for her Christian beliefs. The tortures continued for Barbara. The ruler ordered his soldiers to tear the Saint's body with iron claws, to burn her with torches and to hit her head with a spiked club. Julia, witnessing the torture felt so much sorrow that she began to cry uncontrollably. Discovering that she was also a Christian, Marcius ordered that she be hung beside the Saint to suffer the same tortures. He then had his soldiers cut off the martyr's breasts then taken back to prison. St. Barbara was stripped of her clothing to be marched throughout the city. Seeing though that he could not overcome the Saint with threats and tortures, Marcius ordered his soldiers to behead both Barbara and Julia. Present at all these tortures was Dioscuros, Barbara's father. He felt neither pain nor remorse for what he had done to his only child. When the ruler sentenced them to death, Dioscuros requested that he be permitted to perform the execution of his daughter. Barbara and Julia were taken to the mountain where Dioscuros had previously captured his daughter. He beheaded St. Barbara and a soldier beheaded St. Julia. For several seconds the earth shook. The earth then opened and swallowed the bodies of the two martyrs. God was quick with Divine Retribution to Dioscuros, for as he was descending the mountain, a thunder storm arose. A bolt of lightning descended from the heavens and killed this bloodthirsty tyrant. A second bold of lightning immediately descended and murdered St. Julia's executioner. When Marcius heard of the events which occurred at the execution he became psychologically distressed and soon afterwards died of his remorse. After several days, a pious Christian named Valentios saw in his dream two white robed virgins who instructed him to go to the mountain on which the Saints had been executed and to dig to find their bodies. Valentios immediately arose from his bed and with several other Christians, went to the mountain to carry out the Saint's instructions. After digging for several hours, they found the holy bodies of Sts Barbara and Julia. With great respect and reverence, they venerated the bodies of the Saints. The holy bodies of the martyrs were taken to the village of Galassos where they were entombed with honor. St. Barbara is considered one of the major Saints of our Church and her memory is celebrated on December Parish Council Members Jim Ganotis President Emmanuel Ermidis Vice President Stelios Vitakis Treasurer Panagiota Petratos Secretary Kosta Almiroudis Eleni Karadaglis Thal Makroglou Michael Manak George Marountas Irene Scordos Christopher Sheely Tim Tsirambidis

2 December 4, 2016 Epistle St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 3:23-29; 4:1-5 Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 67.35,26 God is wonderful among his saints. Verse: Bless God in the congregations. BRETHREN, before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no better than a slave, though he is the owner of all the estate; but he is under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; when we were children, we were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe. But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Gospel 10th Sunday of Luke The Gospel according to Luke 13:10-17 At that time, Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years; she was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her and said to her, "Woman, you are freed from your infirmity." And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and she praised God. But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the sabbath, said to the people, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be healed, and not on the sabbath day." Then the Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to water it? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?" As he said this, all his adversaries were put to shame; and all the people rejoiced at all the glorious things that were done by him. You vanguished death by your cross; you opened to the thief the gates of Paradise; you reversed the lament of the Myrrh-beareres; and your Apostles, to preach you commended them; because you rose, O Christ our God, thus granting your great mercy to all the world. Apolytikion of Great Martyr Barbara in the Fourth Tone Let us honor the holy Barbara for, with the aid of the Cross as her weapon, she crushed the snares of the enemy, and was rescued from them like a bird. Apolytikion of John of Damascus in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone You are a guide of Orthodoxy, a teacher of piety and modesty, a luminary of the world, the God inspired pride of monastics. O wise John, you have enlightened everyone by your teachings. You are the harp of the Spirit. Intercede to Christ our God for the salvation of our souls. To-day is the crown of our Salvation and the manifestation of the Eternal Mystery. The Son of God becometh the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the good tidings of grace. Wherefore let us also with him cry to the Mother of God: Hail! Thou that art full of grace; The whole world is filled today with joy and gladness on the Theotokos's auspicious and resplendent feast, whereon with great voice it crieth out: The heavenly tabernacle is she in truth. 2

3 4 Δεκεμβρίου 2016 Ἀπόστολος Εὐαγγέλιον Πρὸς Γαλάτας 3:23-29, 4:1-5 Προκείμενον. Ἦχος δ. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 67.35,26 Θαυμαστὸς ὁ Θεὸς ἐν τοῖς Ἁγίοις αὐτοῦ. Στίχ. Ἐν Ἐκκλησίαις εὐλογεῖτε τὸν Θεὸν. Ἀδελφοί, πρὸ τοῦ δὲ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν, ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα, συγκεκλεισμένοι εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι. Ὥστε ὁ νόμος παιδαγωγὸς ἡμῶν γέγονεν εἰς Χριστόν, ἵνα ἐκ πίστεως δικαιωθῶμεν. Ἐλθούσης δὲ τῆς πίστεως, οὐκέτι ὑπὸ παιδαγωγόν ἐσμεν. Πάντες γὰρ υἱοὶ θεοῦ ἐστε διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. Οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς εἷς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Εἰ δὲ ὑμεῖς Χριστοῦ, ἄρα τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ σπέρμα ἐστέ, καὶ κατʼ ἐπαγγελίαν κληρονόμοι. Λέγω δέ, ἐφʼ ὅσον χρόνον ὁ κληρονόμος νήπιός ἐστιν, οὐδὲν διαφέρει δούλου, κύριος πάντων ὤν ἀλλὰ ὑπὸ ἐπιτρόπους ἐστὶν καὶ οἰκονόμους, ἄχρι τῆς προθεσμίας τοῦ πατρός. Οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς, ὅτε ἦμεν νήπιοι, ὑπὸ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου ἦμεν δεδουλωμένοι ὅτε δὲ ἦλθεν τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου, ἐξαπέστειλεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ, γενόμενον ἐκ γυναικός, γενόμενον ὑπὸ νόμον, ἵνα τοὺς ὑπὸ νόμον ἐξαγοράσῃ, ἵνα τὴν υἱοθεσίαν ἀπολάβωμεν. Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τόν θάνατον ἠνέῳξας τῷ ληστῇ τόν Παράδεισον τῶν Μυροφόρων τόν θρῆνον, μετέβαλες καί τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστέ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τό μέγα ἔλεος. Apolytikion of Great Martyr Barbara in the Fourth Tone Βαρβάραν τὴν Ἁγίαν τιμήσωμεν, ἐχθροῦ γὰρ τὰς παγίδας συνέτριψε, καὶ ὡς στρουθίον ἐρρύσθη ἐξ αὐτῶν, βοηθεία καὶ ὅπλω τοῦ Σταυροῦ ἡ Πάνσεμνος. Ορθοδοξίας Οδηγέ, ευσεβίας διδάσκαλε καί σεμνότητος, τής οικουμένης ο φωστήρ, αρχιερέων θεόπνευστον εγκαλλώπισμα, Ιωάννη σοφέ, ταίς διδαχαίς σου πάντας εφώτισας, λύρα τού Πνεύματος, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών. Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 13:10-17 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, Ην δὲ διδάσκων ἐν μιᾷ τῶν συναγωγῶν ἐν τοῖς σάββασι. καὶ ἰδοὺ γυνὴ ἦν πνεῦμα ἔχουσα ἀσθενείας ἔτη δέκα καὶ ὀκτώ, καὶ ἦν συγκύπτουσα καὶ μὴ δυναμένη ἀνακῦψαι εἰς τὸ παντελές. ἰδὼν δὲ αὐτὴν ὁ Ιησοῦς προσεφώνησε καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῇ γύναι, ἀπολέλυσαι τῆς ἀσθενείας σου καὶ ἐπέθηκεν αὐτῇ τὰς χεῖρας καὶ παραχρῆμα ἀνωρθώθη καὶ ἐδόξαζε τὸν Θεόν. ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ ἀρχισυνάγωγος, ἀγανακτῶν ὅτι τῷ σαββάτῳ ἐθεράπευσεν ὁ Ιησοῦς, ἔλεγε τῷ ὄχλῳ ἓξ ἡμέραι εἰσὶν ἐν αἷς δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι ἐν ταύταις οὖν ἐρχόμενοι θεραπεύεσθε, καὶ μὴ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου. ἀπεκρίθη οὖν αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος καὶ εἶπεν ὑποκριτά, ἕκαστος ὑμῶν τῷ σαββάτῳ οὐ λύει τὸν βοῦν αὐτοῦ ἢ τὸν ὄνον ἀπὸ τῆς φάτνης καὶ ἀπαγαγὼν ποτίζει; ταύτην δέ, θυγατέρα Αβραὰμ οὖσαν, ἣν ἔδησεν ὁ σατανᾶς ἰδοὺ δέκα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη, οὐκ ἔδει λυθῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ δεσμοῦ τούτου τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τοῦ σαββάτου; καὶ ταῦτα λέγοντος αὐτοῦ κατῃσχύνοντο πάντες οἱ ἀντικείμενοι αὐτῷ, καὶ πᾶς ὁ ὄχλος ἔχαιρεν ἐπὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐνδόξοις τοῖς γινομένοις ὑπ αὐτοῦ. 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. Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον, τὸν Προαιώνιον Λόγον, ἐν Σπηλαίῳ ἔρχεται, ἀποτεκεῖν ἀπορρήτως. Χόρευε ἡ οἰκουμένη ἀκουτισθεῖσα, δόξασον μετὰ Ἀγγέλων καὶ τῶν Ποιμένων, βουληθέντα ἐποφθῆναι, παιδίον νέον, τὸν πρὸ αἰώνων Θεόν. 3

4 MEMORIALS 40 Day Memorial Lambrini Karadimas 3 Month George Plataniotis Ioannis & Irene Gianakos Parents & Siblings May their memory be eternal ΜΝΗΜΟΣΥΝΑ Λαμπρινή Καραδήμα Γιώργος Πλατανιώτης Ιωάννης & Ειρήνη Γιανάκος Γονέων και Αδελφών. Αιωνία η μνήμη Today, following the Divine Liturgy we ask everyone to join us for refreshments and fellowship in our church hall. The coffee social will be provided by the Karadimas Family in loving memory of Lambrini Karadimas. May her memory be eternal. Ώρα Καφέ δίνετε από την οικογένεια Καραδήμας εις μνήμη Λαμπρινής Καραδήμα. Αιωνία η μνήμη ********************************************* General Assembly General Assembly following Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall. Only members, who have met their financial obligations to the church, will be eligible to vote at the assembly. Σήμερα μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία-Γενική Συνέλευση μόνο μέλη τα οποία έχουν εκπληρώσει πληρώσει τις οικονομικές τους υποχρεώσεις προς την Κοινότητα, μπορούν να λάβουν μέρος. *********************************************************** Divine Liturgy Our Parish celebrates Divine Liturgy Sunday mornings, beginning with Orthros at 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. We kindly ask that you arrive on time the Divine Liturgy ends at 11:30 a.m. That allows plenty of time for you and your families for Sunday activities! Οι Ώρες της Θείας Λειτουργίας είναι 9:30 π.μ. και σας παρακαλούμε να έρθετε στην ώρα σας για τη η Λειτουργία τελειώνει στις 11:30 π.μ. κάθε Κυριακή. 4

5 Ring in the New Year! Order your homemade Vasilopites The Ladies of the Philoptochos are taking orders. Cost $11.00 each To place your orders please call: Despina Sarantopoulou ~ or Jane Sevastos ~ The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone who submitted their pledge cards for As of November 13th: We have received Pledge cards from 48 families. 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 Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Gromek, Stanley & Angie Hatzopoulos, Kriti Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Manak, Michael Marountas, Nck & Denna Panagiotou, Serafiem & Anna Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Paul, Barbara T. Piperis, Fotini Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Sack, David & Katherine Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Scordos, John & Irene Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Sisamis, John G. & Irene Smith, Robert & Eugenia Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsardoulias, George & Diamonto Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Valsamidis, Chris & Eleni Maria Vassilakis, Freda Vassilaras, Plousia & Sophia Vourlis, Antonetta Walsh, Edward & Calliope Whitlock, Marie Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen 5

6 WEEKDAY SERVICES Mon., Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Vespers will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain St. Nicholas, Tue., Dec. 6, Orthros 8:30 a.m. Div. Liturgy; 9:30 a.m. in the church. Please note that those who celebrate this Name Day are welcome to bring something to share for coffee. St. Spyridon, Mon., Dec. 12, Orthros 8:30 a.m.; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. ΛΕΙΤΟΥΡΓΙΕΣ Δευτέρα, 5 Δεκ. Εσπερινός του Αγ. Νικολάου στις 7μμ στην εκκλισια του Αγ. Νικολάου 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain Αγίου Νικολάου, Τρίτη, 6 Δεκ, Όρθρος 8:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 π.μ. στην εκκλησία μας. Άγιος Σπυρίδων, Δευτ, 12 Δεκ, Όρθρος 8:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 π.μ. December 23 ~ 9:30 a.m. Christmas Royal Hours. 23 Δεκ. 9:30 π.μ. Αγρυπνία των Μεγάλων Βασιλικών Ωρών Sat., Dec. 24 Christmas Eve, Orthros 8:30 a.m. ; Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Vespers at 6:00 p.m (No Communion at this service) 24 Δεκ. Παραμονή των Χριστουγέννων, Όρθρος 8:30 π.μ. Θ. Λειτ. 9:30 πμ Εσπερινός 6μμ (δεν δίνεται Θεία Κοινωνία) Sun., Dec. 25 Christmas Day Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Κυριακή, 25 Δεκεμβρίου Τη ημέρα των Χριστουγέννων Όρθρος 8:30 π.μ. Θ. Λειτ. 9:30 πμ 6

7 Christmas Flower Donation We are collecting donations for fresh flowers that adorn our sanctuary for the Christmas holidays. Please stop by the Narthex, pick up an envelope or mail your donation to the Church office. Συγκεντρώνουμε δωρεές για τα λουλούδια της εορτής των Χριστουγέννων. Υπάρχουν φάκελα στο παγκάρι και σας παρακαλούμε να δώσετε την δωρεά σας στο παγκάρι. PETE SBOUKIS (Daughter Irene) Diplomat Health 9001 West 130th Street N. Royalton, OH (440) PAULINE DIAMOND Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH Please remember the people of our community that are in assisted living facilities or hospitals. What can you do? Send a card, call them, send flowers, or more importantly visit them. Anything that you can do will mean the world to them. STELLA KAMENOS Mount Royal Villa Bennett Road #211 North Royalton, OH NIKI POULOS Mount Royal Villa Bennett Road North Royalton, OH MARIA ASLAMAZI Transplant House of Cleveland 2007 E 115th St, Cleveland, OH (216) or BLANKETS FOR THE 40 DAY BABY BLESSINGS We are in need of baby blankets for our newborn members. We are asking all talented women who can knit blankets to please bring them to the church office. Thank you! Παρακαλούμε όσες Κυρίες μπορούν να πλέξουν Κουβερτούλες για τις 40 ημέρες τον νεογέννητων 7

8 All are welcome to the Annual $15 per Adult: Menu features Fish Plaki, Rice, Dessert & Coffee Child s Meal pasta with marinara sauce $5.00 per child Philoptochos Christmas Party! Sunday, December 11, 2016 Following the Divine Liturgy LIVE MUSIC! Dance Performances & Christmas Caroling Gift Baskets and a friendly visit from Santa Claus For Reservations, Please Call Despina Sarantopoulou (216) Annunciation Church Office (216)

9 Be the Good Steward Winter will be here before we know it and the Christmas holiday is fast approaching. I pray that everyone has had time to reflect this past Thanksgiving and feel truly blessed by God s love and mercy. It is time now to share our gifts with God and others because of our thankfulness and the happiness they have played a part in our lives. Most of my focus is on thankfulness because my journey in Christian stewardship started when I realized how much God has loved and blessed me. So now, let s understand another aspect of stewardship. During the Christmas holiday we celebrate Christ s humble birth as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy for a savior to mankind. Christ is the king of all mankind; He is our king. When Christ was crucified and raised from the dead, He gave us Christians an awesome responsibility. What is that responsibility? To care for his kingdom until his return. What does this mean? What is His kingdom? His kingdom is the church and all His creation. Christ is asking for all of us to care for his church, the world, and everyone in it. This is a big responsibility; one that should not be taken lightly. It involves everyone to help and do what they can to the best of their abilities. Also understand everyone has their decisions to make on how they live their life; another gift from God. With that being said, reflect on your own life and ask yourself if there is more you can do to help preserve the kingdom of God. Such an effort requires everyone to work together. Some people will decide to accept more responsibility but even if you cannot, I appreciate your efforts. The leaders of the church cannot do this alone. Everyone in the community needs to come together, support each other, and work together for the preservation of the church and the kingdom of God. Michael Manak Stewardship Committee O Χειμώνας θα είναι εδώ πριν να το καταλάβουμε και οι διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων πλησιάζουν γρήγορα. Εύχομαι ότι ο καθένας είχε την ώρα να σκεφτεί την ημέρα των ευχαριστιών την ευλογιά και την αγάπη του Θεού. Είναι ώρα να μοιραστούμε τα δώρα μας με τους άλλους διότι ευχαριστία και ευτυχία είναι μέρος από την ζωή μας. Η προσοχή μου είναι να σας ενημερώνω για της οικονομικές εισφορές της εκκλησίας μας. Γιορτάζοντας την γέννησή Του Χριστού μας ας ευχαριστήσουμε το Θεό για τις ευλογίες που μας έχει δώσει. Με την Σταύρωση Του και την Ανάσταση Του ο Χριστός μας έδωσε μια εντολή, να φροντίζουμε την εκκλησιά μας και τους γύρο μας. Αυτή τη μεγάλη εντολή πρέπει να την πάρουμε σοβαρά και να κάνουμε το καλύτερο που μπορούμε για την εκκλησιά μας, επίσης καταλαβαίνουμε ότι ο καθένας παίρνει τις δίκες του αποφάσεις και ζει την ζωή του όπως θέλει αυτό είναι δώρο του Θεού. Λέγοντας αυτό ας ρωτήσουμε τον εαυτό μας, μήπως θα μπορούσαμε να κάνουμε κάτι περισσότερο? Ελάτε να δουλέψουμε όλοι μαζί μερικοί περισσότερο άλλοι λιγότερο ανάλογα τι μπορεί να προσφέρει ο καθένας. Θέλω να σας ευχαριστήσω όλους για την υποστήριξη σας και την βοήθεια σας. Ο Θεός να σας έχει καλά. Μιχάλης Manak 9

10 Thank you to the following stewards who have sent in their 2016 pledges. Please take the time to make your offering today and enable our Church to continue to enhance the spiritual growth of the Orthodox Christians entrusted to our care. If any names have been mistakenly omitted from this list, please notify the church office and we will make corrections in our next bulletin. Ευχαριστούμε όλα τα μέλοι που επέστρεψαν τις κάρτες των οικονομικών εισφορών (stewardship) Εάν δεν τα έχετε στείλει σας παρακαλούμε να τα στείλετε η να τα δώσετε στην εκκλησία. Η κάρτες βρίσκονται στο παγκάρι Εάν έχει γίνει παραλείψεις ονομάτων σ αυτόν τον κατάλογο, παρακαλούμε αμέσως όπως αποτανθήτε στο γραφείο της εκκλησίας και θα κάνουμε τις διορθώσεις στο επόμενο τεύχος. Adamos, Anna Agelidakis, Georgios & Victoria Alex, George & Becky Alex, Jerry Alex, Stefo & Loula Alex, Taso & Eleni Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Ameres, Kostas & Markia Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Anezinis, Michael Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Asser, Maria Atheneos, Demetrios & Susan Baker, John & Vicky Baltas, Emely Benicos, Ecaterini Benovic, Matthew & Maria Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Blair, Jonathan & Anna Boukis, Constantine Boukis, Gary & Mary Boukis, Peter Boukis, Steve Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Boyeas, Stelios & Judy Bozas, Pete & Maria Calogeras, Ellen Campobenedetto, Scott & Tonia Castros, Nick & Rosalie Ciacchi, Christopher & Maria Cimino, Vincent & Chrisafo Ciolfi, Maria Costaras, William & Natalia Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dagiasis, Michael & Ariadni Dallas, Maria Dashiell, Jeffrey & Elizabeth Davis, Lambrini Del Vecchio, Giuseppe & Angela Demopoulos, William Diamantis, Arygro Difiore III, Edward & Nicki Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Dines, Philipp & Niki Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio Efstathiou, Emmanouil & Irene Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Erwin, Edward & Vasiliki Filipou, Alexandros & Olympia Foradis, Militsa Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Fronimo, Billy & Rebeccah Gallo, Gabrilla Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Ganotis, Michael & Stefani Geanneses, Antoinette Gemelas, Themistoklis & Clio Georgekopoulos, George & Effie Georgiadis, Debbie Giarikos, Gregory & Angela Giovanis, Angelo & Popi Glavin, John & Nicole Glista, Richard & Koula Gonakis, Goldie Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzis, Harry & Kiki Hatzopoulos, Kriti Haverty, Lester & Patricia Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Hoffman, Michael & Litsa Houchens Jr., Jack & Chrysanthe Kafantaris, Emmanuel & Maria Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kakias, Michael & Vicky Kalessis, Ilias & Joanne Kalevakis, George & Vicki Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kamenos, Stella Kanaris, Anna Kanaris, Nick & Artie Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kanis, John Kannavos, Diamantis & Eleni Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, Chris & Vivian Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Helen Karadimas, John & Linda Karakostas, Eleftherios & Helen Karakostas, Konstantinos & Lisa Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karnavas, George G. & Sophia Karras, Adam & Jackie Karras, John A. & Ismini Karris, Demetra Kartson, Marguerite Katrambas, Peter & Judy Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Klonaris, Joanne Kolidakis, Nikiitas & Alessandra Konstantinos, Nikolaos & Vasiliki Konstas, Evangelos & Fani Kontos, Eftihia Kontos, Michael & Evangelia Kontos, Spiros & Areti Kopasakis, John Kostakis, Tom & Eleni Kotsanis, Nicholas & Christina Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Koukouvitakis, Sophia Koukouvitakis, Stratis & Argiro Kowalsick, Ruby Kozanas, John & Vasiliki Kutrubs, Nick Kyriakidis, Antonios & Christina Lambrou, Olga Lavdas, Jason & Olga Likos, Eugenia Lustre, James P. & Irene Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Ilias & Koula Makris, Thomas Makroglou, Thal & Lisa Mallis, Mike & Maria Manak, Michael Markou, Mike & Victoria Maroulis, Kathy Maroulis, Paraskevas Marountas, George & Agnieska Marountas, Nck & Denna Mastrokostas, George & Eleni Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Dimosthenis & Nicole Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Athena Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavrakis, John Mavrakis, Lefteris & Kleoniki Mavroidis, Mavroidis Metrakos, Dena Metrakos, Frieda Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Nakhel, Anis & Maria Konstas Nicholas, Irene Nickas, Vasiliki Nimorakiotakis, George & Maria Nimorakiotakis, Nick & Antigoni 10

11 Pagonis, Konstantinos & Paraskevi Palaios, Emmanuel & Evangelia Paliobeis, Irini Panagiotou, Serafiem & Anna Panos, Pete & Mary Panos, Polykarpos Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios E. & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios E. & Dionira Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Paparizos, Nikolaos & Theodoiti Papas, Efthymios & Youla Pappas, Georgia Pappas, Ted Pappas, William & Susan Parianos, George & Maria Paterakis, Spyros & Katerina Pateras, Steve & Maria Paul, Barbara T. Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota M. Petropouleas, Peter & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Petsas, Dimitri & Deanna Pikakos, Mary Pikakos, Nick & Dawn Piperis, Fotini Plataniotis, Emmanuel & Tricia Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Provenzano, Joe & Kelly Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Rodopoulos, Evelyn Roff, Jeff & Irene Rokas, Iosefis & Kym Rokas, John & Lucy Rousakis, Apostolis & Maria Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salamalekis, Gus & Kristen Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Sardis, Frank Saridakis Jr., Frank Saridakis, Frank & Anastasia Sarris, Tommy & Bessie Saviolis, Nick & Chrisoula Sboukis, Andrew & Marcella Sboukis, Peter & Panayiota Scordos, John & Irene Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, George Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Shinas, Dean J. Sioulas, Demetrios & Katina Sisamis, George & Anna Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skantzos, Elias & Metaxia Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Soulimiotis, Steve Spano, John Stavrou, Konstantinos & Effie Stefanopoulos, Sokratis & Ourania Stefou, Antonios & Stella Stilianos, Steve & Anna Thanos, Athanasios D. & Anna Thanos, Dion & Courtney Theodore, Neste & Artemis Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsakalos, Steve & Vicki Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, George & Diamonto Tsardoulias, John & Kurannio Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsikles, Tasos Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie Tsirikos- Karapanos, Nikolaos & Chrysoula Tsolakis, Elias Tzagournis, Adam Valsamidis, Chris & Eleni Maria Vangelos, Paris Vangelos, Zenos & Julie Vaselakis, John & Kiki Vasilakes, Mike & Mary Vassilakis, Freda Vassilakis, George & Irene Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Verikakis, Georgia Verikakis, John Vianos, John & Diamanto Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vitakis, Helen Vitakis, Stelios & Tsabika Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Vrettos, Bessie Walsh, Edward & Calliope M Whitlock, Marie Young, Kevin Yurch, Jerry & Cynthia Zachopoulos, Katherine Zampunis, George & Kalliopi Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zeleniuch, Michael & Allie Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila Zizis, Stamatios & Ellen 11

12 Come join us for The Little Angels Christmas Party Saturday, December 10 th 1:00 4:00 Annunciation Church (downstairs hall) Pizza and Drinks will be provided (please bring a side dish or dessert to share) Children will be making gingerbread houses along with other activities. (graham crackers and frosting will be provided, please bring assorted candy to decorate the gingerbread houses) For questions see: Despina Semertsidis, Katina Hliatzos, Pam Sheely, or Popi Almiroudis Little Angels is Collecting Donations for: ZOE for Life November 28th December 18 th Zoe for Life is an Orthodox Charity that helps new parents with necessary items for babies (newborn - 2 years old). Items needed are written on the ornaments decorating the Christmas tree in the hallway between the church and hall. Donated new items can be placed under the Christmas tree. Please do not wrap gifts For questions see: Despina Semertsidis, Katina Hliatzos, Pam Sheely, or Popi Almiroudis. 12

13 2016 Annunciation Church Christmas Card Annunciation Church is collecting donations for our annual Christmas Card. If you choose to participate fill out the flyer below with your family name included. ALL proceeds will be going directly into our Building Fund. Donate whatever you feel appropriate. Please return the completed form and donation by either: dropping in the designated box for Christmas Cards in the Narthex OR- hand to Popi Coutris -OR- mail to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Attention: Christmas Card, 2187 W.14 TH Street, Cleveland, OH Deadline is Sunday, December 4 th Family Name **For questions, please call or see Popi Coutris ( ). Checks payable to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 13

14 ipad Missing The Church ipad is missing. We have searched all over the building and asked several people about it, and we cannot locate it. We are asking if someone has it to please return it to the church office. This ipad has been used for Greek School, Sunday School, and other events that the church holds. The church cannot afford another one. So please return it to the church office. No questions asked! OPA-CIZE Greek Style dance & fitness for men & women of all ages. Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain and Fridays at 7:45 p.m. at Middleburg Heights Rec Center, Bagley Rd. No previous experience necessary. No registration required. $10 / class drop-in; $40 for a 5-class pass; kids under 13 are $5/class. First class free! LOSING OUR RELIGION Thu., Dec. 8, lecture by Seraphim Danckaert of St. Tikhon s Seminary on Why Young People are Leaving the Orthodoxy Church and What to do About It, at St. Michael Woodside, 5025 E. Mill Rd., Broadview Heights. Meal at 6:30 p.m.; Lecture at 7 pm. $15 donation. RSVP at info@stmichaelscleveland.org or ST. MARY OF EGYPT PROJECT Sat., Dec. 10, the Eastern Orthodox Women Guild is meeting from 10 a.m.-noon at St. Innocent Church, 8526 Usher Rd., Olmsted Falls to hear about the state of the St. Mary of Egypt project. Speakers Tara Reidy & Amy Rief. Open to all. PAN-ORTHODOX NATIVITY CONCERT Sun., Dec. 11, 5:00 p.m. at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2587 W.14 th St., Cleveland (just west of Annunciation.) Beautiful choral music from the various Orthodox traditions, free and open to all. Free will donations to support the charitable works of the Greater Cleveland Council of Orthodox Clergy. NEW YEAR S EVE PARTY Sat., Dec. 31 at St. Paul Hellenic Center, 4548 Wallings Rd., North Royalton. Prime rib dinner, open bar, dancing to the music of Stigma. $75 / adult (ages 21-64); $50 / adult (50+) and teens (13-20); $25 /child 6-12; 5 & under free. Reservations must be made by Dec 22. Call or at 14

15 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy DECEMBER 4 4th Sunday of Luke St. Barbara General Assembly ZOE FOR LIFE LITTLE ANGELS DONATIONS 5 Vespers St. Nicholas Lorain GOYA MEETING 7:30 P.M. 6 St. Nicholas 9 Tremont Brew Ha-Ha - DANCE GROUP FUNDRAISER 10 Little Angels Christmas Party 1 pm - 4 pm. 11 Parish Council Elections Philoptochos Christmas Party 12 St. Spyridon the Wonderworker 15 Sunday before Nativity followed by Greek School & Sunday School Christmas Program Greek School Christmas Break December 23rd - January 4 See Page 6 for Christmas Schedule: 23 Christmas Royal Hours 24 Nativity Eve 25 Holy Nativity (CHRISTMAS) JANUARY New Year s Day St. Basil the Great -Circumcision of Christ 5 Eve of the Epiphany Vesperal Liturgy 7pm 6 Holy Theophany 7 Synaxis of John the Baptist 3PM 5PM THROWING OF THE CROSS LITTLE ANGELS AT SEVEN HILLS REC. CENTER MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW 8 Sunday after Epiphany Cutting of Vasilopita & Brunch Sponsored by Philoptochos 9 GOYA MEETING 7:30 P.M. 12 Parish Council Meeting 13TH - 15TH GOYA TOURNAMENT 15 12th Sunday of Luke 16 Martin Luther King Day NO GREEK SCHOOL LESSONS 22 GODPARENT SUNDAY 29 Greek School Letters Program/Open House/Luncheon 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. Σας ευχαριστώ. 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 $ C. Dino Sevastos Agent LIFE AUTO HOME BUSINESS 153 Aurora Rd. Northfield Center, OH Tel Cell Fax csevastos@farmersagent.com Contact: Vivian Kyriazis Diples Pastries Bread Koliva Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH (440) HARSOULAS GARAGE DOORS Service & Installation Garage Doors & Openers Saki Harsoulas