Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

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1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! The Gospel reading of today tells us, "When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week Jesus came (to his disciples) and stood in the midst of them and said "Peace be with you". After showing the disciples the nail marks on His hands and the gash in his side, again He said to them "Peace be with you". Then He started to commission them; this was the beginning of the Great Apostolic mission to the world. "As the Father sent me" he told them, "I also send you". Jesus then told His Apostles, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained". What a great thing happened that day, the power to forgive sins, the authority of judgement was given to the Apostles to pass on, from generation to generation, from Apostle to Apostle. However, where was Thomas, the other Apostle, when all of this was happening? Unfortunately we do not know, perhaps by divine economy he was not there. Nevertheless we do know that as soon as the other disciples saw Thomas they cried out, "We have seen the Lord!" Nevertheless, he was not so easily convinced and probably thought, 'perhaps it was an illusion a ghost of some sort'. Thomas then said to his fellow disciples, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in His hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails, and my hand in his side, I will not believe". Do not misjudge Thomas, for perhaps he remembered the words of his master Jesus Christ, Who once proclaimed, " If anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There He is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time". "So if anyone tells you, 'There He is, out in the desert', do not go out; or, 'Here He is, in the inner rooms', do not believe it. For just as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, this is also how the coming of the Son of Man will be" (Matt 24:23-27). So Thomas probably did not wish to believe until he had substantial proof, in order to keep the word of his master. Within eight days however, Jesus appeared to the disciples again just as suddenly as He did the last time, but this time Thomas was present. Although the doors were all shut and there was no possibility of entry, Jesus appeared to them again, from nowhere, and stood amongst them. Thomas most probably thought 'surely He must be a ghost, a vision, a false Christ'. Jesus then spoke "Peace be with you" and He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe". And Thomas answered with such assurance and conviction, "My Lord and my God!" The Holy Tradition of the Church tells us that Thomas did not touch our Lord, nor did he ever contemplate on doing so after seeing Him, because he quickly realized that it is not only the human senses which are required to discern the Truth but rather, (more importantly) the divine senses of the heart. Yet Jesus said to him, "You have believed because you have seen me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe" (John 21:29). So brethren truly we are blessed if we have not seen and yet we do believe. Have you noticed how many gather together throughout the world and cry out and proclaim every Pascha (Easter) "Christ is Risen!" and "Truly He is Risen!" The scepticism of the Apostles and especially that of Thomas is not detrimental; it is in fact very beneficial, if not vital, for the whole of Christianity. Sound discretion and good judgment are vital for spiritual matters, and the resurrection event of our Lord is no exception. In the secular world Thomas is known as "Doubting Thomas", but in the Orthodox Church he is known as Believing Thomas. For this reason the Apostles had to be 100% sure that Jesus rose from the dead in order to proclaim the FULL TRUTH, which is WITHOUT DOUBT so that we may believe without that "Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing [we] may have life in His name". So that we may be blessed, by having a faith which comes from the heart, the soul -- and not purely from our human senses. Parish Council Members Emmanuel Ermidis President Konstantinos Almiroudis Vice President Jim Ganotis Treasurer Panagiota Petratos Secretary Eleni Karadaglis Michael Manak Irene Scordos Christopher Sheely.Athanasios Anagnostos Sam Zizis

2 April 23, 2017 Sunday of Thomas Epistle Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 146.5;134.3 Great is our Lord, and great is his power. Verse: Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good. The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 ABOUT THAT TIME, Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church. The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, "Get up quickly." And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, "Wrap your mantle around you and follow me." And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, "Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting." Gospel On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them: "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him: "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them: "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in His side, I will not believe." Eight days later, His disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them, and said: "Peace be with you." Then He said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but believing." Thomas answered Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to Him: "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. 2

3 Ἀπόστολος Εὐαγγέλιον Προκείμενον. Ήχος δ'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 146.5;134.3 Μέγας ὁ Κύριος ἡμῶν, καὶ μεγάλη ἡ ἰσχὺς ἀὐτοῦ. Στίχ. Αἰνεῖτε τὸν Κύριον, ὅτι ἀγαθός. Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 12:1-11 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Κατ ἐκεῖνον τὸν καιρὸν, Κατʼ ἐκεῖνον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἐπέβαλεν Ἡρῴδης ὁ βασιλεὺς τὰς χεῖρας κακῶσαί τινας τῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας. Ἀνεῖλεν δὲ Ἰάκωβον τὸν ἀδελφὸν Ἰωάννου μαχαίρᾳ. ΚαὶN ἰδὼν ὅτι ἀρεστόν ἐστιν τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, προσέθετο συλλαβεῖν καὶ Πέτρον - ἦσαν δὲ αἱ ἡμέραι τῶν ἀζύμων - ὃν καὶ πιάσας ἔθετο εἰς φυλακήν, παραδοὺς τέσσαρσιν τετραδίοις στρατιωτῶν φυλάσσειν αὐτόν, βουλόμενος μετὰ τὸ Πάσχα ἀναγαγεῖν αὐτὸν τῷ λαῷ. Ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν ἐκτενὴς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ. Ὅτε δὲ ἔμελλεν αὐτὸν προάγειν ὁ Ἡρῴδης, τῇ νυκτὶ ἐκείνῃ ἦν ὁ Πέτρος κοιμώμενος μεταξὺ δύο στρατιωτῶν, δεδεμένος ἁλύσεσιν δυσίν φύλακές τε πρὸ τῆς θύρας ἐτήρουν τὴν φυλακήν. Καὶ ἰδού, ἄγγελος κυρίου ἐπέστη, καὶ φῶς ἔλαμψεν ἐν τῷ οἰκήματι πατάξας δὲ τὴν πλευρὰν τοῦ Πέτρου, ἤγειρεν αὐτὸν λέγων, Ἀνάστα ἐν τάχει. Καὶ ἐξέπεσον αὐτοῦ αἱ ἁλύσεις ἐκ τῶν χειρῶν. Εἶπέν τε ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς αὐτόν, Περίζωσαι καὶ ὑπόδησαι τὰ σανδάλιά σου. Ἐποίησεν δὲ οὕτως. Καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ, Περιβαλοῦ τὸ ἱμάτιόν σου, καὶ ἀκολούθει μοι. Καὶ ἐξελθὼν ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ὅτι ἀληθές ἐστιν τὸ γινόμενον διὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου, ἐδόκει δὲ ὅραμα βλέπειν. Διελθόντες δὲ πρώτην φυλακὴν καὶ δευτέραν, ἦλθον ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην τὴν σιδηρᾶν, τὴν φέρουσαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν, ἥτις αὐτομάτη ἠνοίχθη αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐξελθόντες προῆλθον ῥύμην μίαν, καὶ εὐθέως ἀπέστη ὁ ἄγγελος ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ. Καὶ ὁ Πέτρος, γενόμενος ἐν ἑαυτῷ, εἶπεν, ῦν οἶδα ἀληθῶς ὅτι ἐξαπέστειλεν κύριος τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐξείλετό με ἐκ χειρὸς Ἡρῴδου καὶ πάσης τῆς προσδοκίας τοῦ λαοῦ τῶν Ἰουδαίων. Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 20:19-31 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Οὔσης οὖν ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ιουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ιησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον. εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ιησοῦς πάλιν εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς. καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς λάβετε Πνεῦμα Αγιον ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς, ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται. Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ιησοῦς. ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί ἑωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω. Καὶ μεθ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ αὐτῶν. ἔρχεται ὁ Ιησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν εἰρήνη ὑμῖν. εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾷ φέρε τὸν δάκτυλόν σου ὧδε καὶ ἴδε τὰς χεῖράς μου, καὶ φέρε τὴν χεῖρά σου καὶ βάλε εἰς τὴν πλευράν μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου ἄπιστος, ἀλλὰ πιστός. καὶ ἀπεκρίθη Θωμᾶς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ Θεός μου. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἑώρακάς με, πεπίστευκας μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες καὶ πιστεύσαντες. Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα σημεῖα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ιησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστι γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε ὅτι Ιησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα πιστεύοντες ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ. 3

4 Resurrectional Apolytikion (St. Thomas) Ἐσφραγισμένου τοῦ μνήματος, ἡ ζωή ἐκ τάφου ἀνέτειλας Χριστέ ὁ Θεός καί τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων, τοῖς μαθηταῖς ἐπέστης ἡ πάντων Ἀνάστασις, Πνεῦμα εὐθές δι αὐτῶν ἐκγαινίζων ἡμῖν, κατά τό μέγα σου ἐλέος. With the tomb sealed securely, O Christ the life, you rose from the grave, and with the doors tightly closed, you came to your Disciples, O Resurrection of all, renewing in us a right Spirit through them, according to your great mercy. Apolytikion of Great Martyr George Ὡς τῶν αἰχμαλώτων ἐλευθερωτής, καί τῶν πτωχῶν ὑπερασπιστής, ἀσθενούντων ἰατρός, βασιλέων ὑπέρμαχος, τροπαιοφόρε μεγαλομάρτυς Γεώργιε, πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τάς ψυχάς ἡμῶν. Liberator of captives, defender of the poor, physician of the sick, and champion of kings, O trophy-bearer, Great Martyr George, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved. Kontakion Εἰ καί ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες, Ἀθάνατε, ἀλλά τοῦ Ἅδου καθεῖλες τήν δύναμιν καί ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστέ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξί μυροφόροις φθεξάμενος, Χαίρετε, καί τοῖς σοῖς ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος, ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων Ἀνάστασιν. Though you descended in the grave, O Immortal one, yet you destroyed the power of Hades; and you rose as victor, O Christ our God ; to the Myrrh-bearing Women you said: Rejoice! And to your Apostles you granted your peace, the One who grants resurrection to the fallen ones. TODAY Join us for coffee and fellowship in our church banquet hall. Parish Oratorical Festival Will be held today after the Divine Liturgy in the church. Please attend and listen to our children. Ώρα Καφέ δίνεται από την Φιλόπτωχο μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία στην αίθουσα της εκκλησίας. 4

5 Ελληνικό Σχολείο School Κοινότητος Ευαγγελισμού The Georgia Pappas Hellenic Cultural of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 2187 W 14 th Street, Cleveland, OH (216) Position Available: Principal/Executive Director of the Georgia Pappas Hellenic Cultural School Reports to: Greek School Board of Education Supervises: Greek Language Students and Teachers, Monday and Thursdays evenings, 10 months per year Qualifications: Mastery of the Greek Language; Bachelor s Degree preferred; Experience in the Educational Realm Nature and Scope of Job: The Principal of the Greek School shall be in charge of the central office of the Greek School and shall act under the direction of the Board of Education and the Executive Committee. The Principal is responsible for seeing that the Board s instructions are carried out. The Principal shall recommend plans of work and shall conduct the day-to-day business of the Greek School. The Principal shall evaluate and make recommendations on retaining, hiring, and termination of teachers and aides with the approval of the Board of Education and the Parish Council. Job Functions and Responsibilities: Establish and promote high standards and expectations for all students and staff for academic performance and responsibility for behavior. Manage, evaluate and supervise effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the philosophy, mission, values and goals of the school/church including the instructional program and its discipline systems. Establish the school calendar for instructional sessions, programs, and assessments, ensuring sequential learning experiences. Supervise the instructional programs of the school, evaluating lesson plans and observing classes (teaching, as duties allow) on a regular basis to encourage the use of a variety of effective instructional strategies and materials. Establish procedures for evaluation and selection of instructional materials and equipment, bringing all recommendations to the Board. Supervise in a fair and consistent manner effective discipline and attendance systems with high standards, ensuring a safe and orderly environment that encourages students to take responsibility for behavior and creates high morale among students and staff. Establish professional and respectful rapport with students, staff and parents. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards. Serve as a role model by demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in our school and church. Research, collect and maintain data regarding the instructional levels of students, attendance, and behavior. Keep the staff informed and seek ideas for improvement of the school. Conduct staff meetings as necessary, minimally once a month. Maintain documentation of the agenda, content and attendance of these meetings. Establish and maintain an effective inventory system for all school supplies, materials and equipment. Establish procedures that create and maintain attractive, organized, functional, clean and safe facilities, with proper attention to the visual and acoustic. Maintain high visibility with students, teachers, parents and the Board. Communicate regularly with parents, seeking their support and advice, as to create a cooperative relationship to support the student in the school. Provide quarterly student grade and behavior reports to parents. Post displays in the classrooms and halls that celebrate students achievements to be changed minimally each quarter. Use excellent written and oral Greek/English communication skills when communicating with students, parents and staff. Communicate with the Board regularly about the needs, successes and general operation of the school. Complete all records and reports requested by the Board in a timely fashion. Maintain positive, cooperative and mutually supportive relationships with staff, parents, and the Board. Nurture both students and staff to achieve their greatest potential academically, instructionally, and spiritually. All letters of interest and resumes Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church should be submitted by April 21, 2017: c/o Sofia Tsambounieris, BOE President 2187 West 14 th Street, Cleveland, Ohio

6 Thank you to the following stewards who have sent in their 2017 pledges. We have received pledges. If any names have been mistakenly omitted from this list, please notify the church office and we will make corrections in our next bulletin. Εάν έχει γίνει παράλειψής ονομάτων σ αυτόν τον κατάλογο, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας και θα κάνουμε τις διορθώσεις στο επόμενο τεύχος Agelidakis, Georgios & Victoria Alex, George & Becky Alex, Jerry Alex, Jerry & Kim Alex, Stefo & Loula Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Benicos, Ecaterini Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Boukis, Gary & Mary Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Bozas, Pete & Maria Calogeras, Ellen Castros, Nick & Rosalie Costaras, William & Natalia Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Demopoulos, William Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Erwin, Edward & Vasiliki Foradis, Militsa Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, George & Elaine Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Geanneses, Antoinette Genin, Jason & Cynthia Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzopoulos, Kriti Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Jamison, Oliver & Eleni Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kakias, Michael & Vicky Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kamenos, Stella Kanaris, Anna Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kanis, John Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, Chris & Vivian Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Helen Karadimas, John & Linda Karakoudas, Caliope Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karras, John A. & Ismini J. Katsantonis, George L. & Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Kellis, John Klonaris, Joanne Konstantinos,Nikolaos & Vasiliki Konstas, Evangelos & Fani Kopasakis, John Kostakis, Tom & Eleni Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Kowalsick, Ruby Kozana, Margarita Kozanas, John & Vasiliki Kutrubs, Nick Kyriazis, Dimitri Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Thomas Mallis, Mike & Maria Manak, Michael Markou, Mike & Victoria Maroulis, Kathy Maroulis, Paraskevas Marountas, Nck & Denna Mastrokostas, George & Eleni Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Dimosthenis & Nicole Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavroidis, Mavroidis Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Moulagiannis, Kathy Nakhel, Anis & Maria Konstas Neumeyer, Ryan Nickas, Vasiliki Paliobeis, Irini Panagiotou, Serafiem & Anna Panos, Pete & Mary Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios & Dionira Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Papakonstantinou, Rebecca Pappas, Georgia Pappas, Ted Paul, Barbara T. Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota Petropouleas, Peter & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Pikakos, Mary Piperis, Fotini Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Pyros, Gus & Koula Rakopoulos, Stella Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Rokas, Efthihia Rokas, John & Lucy Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Saridakis, Frank & Anastasia Sboukis, Andrew & Marcella Sboukis, Peter & Panayiota Scordos, John & Irene Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, George Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Shinas, Dean J. Siakantaris, Stella Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Spanos, Niko & Koula Stefanopoulos, Polixeni Stefou, Antonios & Stella Stilianos, Steve & Anna Tasiouras, Evanthia Thanos, Athanasios & 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 Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsikles, Tasos Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie Tsirikos- Karapanos, Nikolaos & Chrysoula Tuleta, Anthony & Elenny Valsamidis, Chris & Eleni Maria Vaselakis, John & Kiki Vasilakes, Mike & Mary Vassilakis, Freda Vassilakis, George & Irene Vassilaras, Plousia Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Verikakis, Georgia Vianos, Constantino Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vitakis, Stelios & Tsabika Voiklis, Asimo Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Vourlis, Rose Vrettos, Bessie Walsh, Edward & Calliope Whitlock, Marie Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zeleniuch, Stefan Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila Zizis, Stamatios & Ellen 6

7 Matter of the heart I hope everyone had a joyous Lenten and Paschal journey this year. Perhaps though it left you wanting still. With so much emphasis on the mind these days, it s not surprising to see people with their hearts being sick or not properly being cared for. Let me explain; I m not referring to the physical heart but the heart from which agape comes from. In this world we are taught to achieve, to strive for a better life, and to test the boundaries of nearly everything we possibly can. Much of this emphasis is about the mind. It is an individual or selfish effort. While there is nothing wrong with achievement, merely focusing on achievements of the self can make our hearts weak. How many people in this world are lonely, depressed, and anxious? The heart is weak. If we just focus solely on the heart, we may leave talents unrealized or untapped potential that could have been used to serve the community better. We have potential in us that none of us can really realize unless we put our minds and our hearts into it. If we don t grow as individuals, what is the credit in that? An underdeveloped mind is also a waste. Recall the parable of the talents. People were given varied talents. We were to grow those talents, not bury them or keep them the same. Once matured, these talents could be shared. The heart is about community, it s about others. When we develop our talents to share with others, we engage the mind and the heart. Remember the short story I told once of the rich man that never felt better in his life until he started giving away what he had accumulated all his life? This man was able to have balance after focusing so much on his own self for so long. Share what you have been given and realize a healthy life. Michael Manak - Stewardship Committee 7

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9 Yes, I/we will come to celebrate with Father Dean on his 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood. Number of guest: Adults ($50): / Children (4-10, $25) / Children under 3 (free) Name(s): Address: Phone number: Check Amount: Please make check payable to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, and reference Fr. Dean s 25 th Anniversary. Mail checks to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2817 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Donations to the Beautification Fund of the annunciation Church are greatly appreciated. If you wish to donate to the beautification of the narthex, altar and solea, please write a separate check to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and reference the Beautification Fund. Mail checks to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Name: Check Amount: Address: Phone number: I understand my donation could be tax deductible and will consult my tax advisor. 9

10 We wish to thank all the parishioners for their donations: The Flowers for the Icon of the Panagia, Paschal Candle Oil for the Candeli (Holy Wednesday), Wreath and the 12 Candles (Holy Thursday) Resurrection Icon Flowers, Three Candles for Cross, Rhandisterion (Myrrh container sprinkler), Epitaphio Flowers, White Sheet for the Crucifix Easter Eggs, Icon of the Nymphios, Resurrection Icon Flowers, Easter Lilies Thank you to all the Youth Ministries and everyone who helped make the Palm Crosses. Thank you to Tom Anagnostos, Niko Semertsidis and all those who helped prepare the Palm Sunday Luncheon. Thank you to all the Ladies who helped decorate the Epitaphio. Thank you to all the people who baked the Easter Bread Wishing you a blessed Pascha, filled with Τhe light, the life, and the Joy of our Lord! Θα θέλαμε να ευχαριστήσουμε όλους τους ενορίτες για τις δωρεές τους: Ευχαριστούμε τον Κοσμά Πετράτος, Ηλίας Μακρής και Νίκο Σεμερστιδής και όλους όσους βοήθησαν στην ετοιμασία των Σταυρών της Κυριακής των Βαΐων και στο επίσημο δείπνο που παραχωρήθηκε από τα Παιδιά της κοινότητας Ευχαριστούμε όλες τις κυρίες που βοήθησαν στο στολισμό του Επιταφίου. Ευχαριστούμε όλους που ετοίμασαν τα τσουρέκια για το Πάσχα. Σας ευχόμαστε ευλογημένο Πάσχα, γεμάτο με το φως A warm Easter to all of the parish members, to your friends and relatives. May you be together with joy, health and happiness and have time to Visit the Mother Church of the Annunciation. May God shine on all of you this special time of the year. We would also like to thank every one for donations of flowers for all the icons and Panagias. Emmanuel Ermidis 10

11 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2017 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy APRIL 2017 Sun. 23 Sunday of Thomas 29 District Oratorical Festival & Greek Language Sun. 30 Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing women May 2017 Mon. 1 Greek School Last day for Stewardship Contributions GOYA MEETING 7:30 P.M. Thurs.4 Greek School PTA Meeting 6:00 pm Fri. 5 St. Irene Orthros 8:30 - Div. Lit. 9:30am 6 GOYA VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE ANNOUNCED Sun. 7 Sunday of the Paralytic Thurs.11 Parish Council Meeting Sat. 13 Metropolis Oratorical Festival Pittsburgh Sun. 14 Sunday of the Samaritan woman Mon. 15 Greek School Final Exams 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs.18 Greek School Practice for the Year End Program 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sat. 20 YOUTH PICNIC Lakewood Park Sat. 20 Sts. Constaintine & Helen Vespers at St. Constantine Sun. 21 Sts. Constantine & Helen Feast Day Sunday of the Blind Man Following The Divine Liturgy Greek School Year End Program & Graduation Thurs. 25 Ascension Thursday JUNE 2017 Fri. May 26 - Mon. May 29th TREMONT GREEK FEST Sat. 3 Saturday of Souls Sun. 4 Sunday of Pentecost Mon. 5 GOYA MEETING 7:30 PM Thurs.8 Parish Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. Sun. 11 Sunday of all Saints 13 Cedar Point Day Sun. 18 2nd Sunday of Matthew Wed. 28 Vespers of St. Peter & Paul in North Royalton Thurs.29 FEAST DAY Saints Peter & Paul in North Royalton Fri. 30 Synaxis of the Holy Apostles JULY 2017 Sun 9 3rd Sunday of Matthew Sun 16 Sunday of the Holy Fathers Sun 23 5th Sunday of Matthew 25 Kennywood Sun 30 6th Sunday of Matthew AUGUST 2017 Tues. 1 Parakelesis to the Theotokos 7:00 pm Wed. 2 Paraklesis to the Theotokos 7:00 pm Fri. 4 Paraklesis to the Theotokos 7:00 pm Sat 5 Great Vespers for the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration 7:00 pm Sun 6 Holy Transfiguration Mon 7 Paraklesis to the Theotokos Wed 9 Paraklesis to the Theotokos Thurs 10 Parish Council Meeting 7:00 pm Fri. 11 Paraklesis to the Theotokos Sun 13 10th Sunday of Matthew Mon 14 Great Vespers for the Dormition 7pm Tues 15 Feast Day of the Dormition 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. Please visit our website: 11

12 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 $ Dino Sevastos Agent AUTO.BUSINESS.HOME. LIFE 500 W. AURORA RD STE 115 SAGAMORE HILLS, OH Tel Fax csevastos@farmersagent.com Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH (440) Diples Pastries Bread Koliva Contact: Vivian Kyriazis HARSOULAS GARAGE DOORS Service & Installation Garage Doors & Openers Saki Harsoulas