Christ is Risen! The Most Joyful Hymn GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC 27104

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1 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED APRIL 2017 Non-Profit Organiz. U.S. Postage Winston-Salem, NC Permit # 168 Christ is Risen! The Most Joyful Hymn The marquee hymn of the Orthodox Church, is the hymn of the Resurrection, known as "Christos Anesti" or "Christ is Risen." This hymn is about twenty words in length, and yet it encapsulates what we believe about the Resurrection and its significance for our lives. The hymn provides history from the past, theology for the present and direction for the future: O Christ is risen from the dead and through death He did trample, trample upon death and thus bestowed upon those in the tombs the gift of life, of eternal life. We will sing this hymn multiple times at every divine service until the Feast of the Ascension. If an Orthodox Christian knows only one hymn, this is the hymn. More important than knowing how to sing it, however, is knowing what it means: Christ is Risen from the dead This is a statement of triumph and one of faith. None of us was there at the Resurrection. We put our faith in the writings of the scriptures, the eyewitness accounts recorded for us in Scripture and Tradition, and we put our faith in the history of a church that for 2,000 years has spread this message of hope. By death trampling down upon death Through His death and Resurrection, Christ destroyed the power of death. He proved that God can have dominion even over death. To those in the tombs He has granted life-to the one who has died, the death is only of a body. The soul inside of that body leaves from the body and goes back to God for judgment, and if the soul has lived in faith, then it goes into everlasting joy, heaven. This beautiful hymn neither praises God, nor asks God for anything. Rather it states for us in very encouraging language, the whole goal of life, which is to live as a person of faith, so that we can conquer death and attain eternal LIFE. We sing it hundreds of times during the Paschal season, so that we can retain its important message. If anyone asks you why the Resurrection is necessary or important, you can answer this complicated question in twenty-one words, the words of this hymn. It is not only this hymn that is front and center to our Paschal observance. We are also supposed to greet one another with the words "Christ is Risen and the response is "Truly He is Risen!" In Greek, we say Christos Anesti, with the response being Alithos Anesti!" From The Road Back to Christ: Reflections on Lent, Holy Week and the Resurrection by Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis

2 Sun April 2 Mon April 3 Tue April 4 Wed April 5 Sat April 8 Sun April 9 St. Mary of Egypt - Regular Schedule Fellowship Hour - Open **Special General Assembly Meeting after services** Velouchi Board Meeting after services Daughters of Evrytania Meeting after services to discuss the upcoming Velouchi Convention. All are welcome. Warm up America Ministry in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Parish Council Meeting 6:00pm Men s Discussion Group 6:30 am Adult Discussion 9:30 am Festival Baking preparation - Finikia 4:00pm Philoptochos Board Meeting 6:00pm Festival Baking preparation - Finikia 9:00am Presanctified Liturgy 6:00pm Please bring your favorite Lenten dish to share after services. Saturday of Lazarus Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am HOPE & JOY Retreat 11:00am - 1:30pm Palm Sunday - Regular Schedule - Regular Sunday School At the conclusion of services, the Ladies of Philoptochos cordially invite all to the traditional Palm Sunday Luncheon. Bridegroom Service 7:00 pm - Confessions will be heard after services. **Please Note: No Greek School and No Hellenic Dance Troupe practices during Holy Week*** Mon - Fri, April Annunciation Christian Academy is closed for Spring Break Mon April 10 Tue April 11 Wed April 12 Bridegroom Service 7:00 pm - Confessions will be heard after services. Men s Discussion Group 6:30 am Bridegroom Service 7:00 pm - Confessions will be heard after services. Holy Unction (for children) 4:30 pm Holy Unction 7:00 pm Πεμπ 13 Απριλίου Παρ 14 Απριλίου Σαβ 15 Απριλίου Θεία Λειτουργία Αγίου Βασιλείου 8:30πμ Θεία Κοινωνία Βάψιμο αυγών 9:30πμ Ακολουθία των Παθών του Κυρίου ( Τα 12 Ευαγγέλια) 7:00μμ Στολισμός Επιταφίου 9:00πμ Ακολουθία της Αποκαθηλώσεως 4:00μμ Επιτάφιος Θρήνος 7:00μμ Θεία Λειτουργία 8:30πμ Θεία Κοινωνία Η Ανάσταση του Κυρίου. Μεσονύκτια τελετή της Αναστάσεως εξωτερικά του Ναού. Θεία λειτουργία 12:25 και θα τελειώσει 1:30πμ Κυρ 16 Απριλίου Η Ακολουθία της Αγάπης 12:00 Τριτ 18 Απριλίου Τετ 19 Απριλίου Πασχαλινό τραπέζι αναψυκτικά 1:00μμ- 2:00 φαγητό Περισσότερες πληροφορίες στο μηνιαίο φυλλάδιο Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών 6:30πμ Του Αγίου Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου & Ειρήνης-Όρθρος-Θ. Λειτουργία 8:45πμ Προετοιμασία Γαλακτομπούρεκο για το Φεστιβάλ 4:00μμ Προετοιμασία Γαλακτομπούρεκο για το Φεστιβάλ 9:00πμ Συζήτηση Νέων Γυναικών 11:00πμ Παρ 21Απριλίου Της Ζωοδόχου Πηγής Όρθρος-Θ. Λειτουργία 8:45πμ Σαβ 22 Απριλίου Κυρ 23 Μαΐου Εσπερινός Του Αγίου Γεωργίου στο High Point στις 6:00μμ Ιερείς και μέλη των γειτονικών κοινοτήτων προσκαλούνται να παρευρεθούν προς τιμή της ονομαστικής γιορτής της εκκλησίας Των Αγίων Θωμά και Γεωργίου- Κανονικό ωράριο Ο καφές ανοιχτός Δευτ 24 Απριλίου «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Eκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Τριτ 25 Απριλίου Κυρ 30 Απριλίου Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση 9:30μμ Κανονικό ωράριο Τριετές Μνημόσυνο του Γεωργίου Γεωργούλια Εικοσαετές Μνημόσυνο της Νίνας Γεωργούλιας Ο Καφές προσφέρετε στην αγαπημένη μνήμη του Γεωργίου και της Νινας από την οικογένεια τους.

3 Κυρ 2 Απριλίου Μαρίας της Αιγύπτου - Κανονικό Πρόγραμμα Ο καφές ανοιχτός ***Ειδική Γενική Συνέλευση μετα την Θεία Λειτουργία*** Συνεδρίαση του διοικητικού συμβουλίου του Βελούχι Συνεδρίαση των Θυγατέρων της Ευρυτανίας με θέμα την συνάντηση των Ευρυτάνων στην περιοχή μας. Δευτ 3 Απριλίου «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Εκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Συνέλευση του Διοικητικού συμβουλίου 6:00μμ Τριτ 4 Απριλίου Τετ 5 Απριλίου Σαβ 8 Απριλίου Κυρ 9 Απριλίου Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση 9:30πμ Προετοιμασία Φοινίκια για το Φεστιβάλ 4:00μμ Προετοιμασία Φοινίκια για το Φεστιβάλ 9:00πμ Προαγιασμένη Θ. Λειτουργία 6:00μμ. Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας φαγητό για να συνδειπνήσουμε. Σάββατο του Λαζάρου- Όρθρος Θ.Λειτουργία 9:00πμ Hope Joy 11:00-1:30 Κυριακή των Βαΐων- Κανονικό ωράριο Κανονικό Κατηχητικό Σχολείο Μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία οι κυρίες της φιλόπτωχου σας προσκαλούν στην κοινοτική αίθουσα σε γεύμα. Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου 7:00μμ- Εξομολογήσεις μετά. Το απογευματινό Ελληνικό σχολείο και οι ομάδες του Ελληνικού Χορού δεν θα λειτουργήσουν την Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα Δευτέρα 10 Παρασκευή 14 Απριλίου Η ελληνική Χριστιανική Ακαδημία θα είναι κλειστή για ανοιξιάτικες διακοπές Δευτ 10 Απριλίου Τριτ 11 Απριλίου Τετ 12 Απριλίου Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου 7:00μμ /Εξομολογήσεις μετά. Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών 6:30πμ Ακολουθία του Νυμφίου 7:00μμ / Εξομολογήσεις μετά. Ακολουθία του Αγίου Ευχελαίου για τα παιδιά 4:30μμ Ακολουθία Αγίου Ευχελαίου 7:00μμ Thu April 13 Fri April 14 Sat April 15 Liturgy of St. Basil 8:30 am - Communion Service Dyeing of Easter Eggs 9:30 am 12 Gospels (Holy Passion) 7:00 pm Epitaphio Decoration 9:00 am Service of Lowering Christ from the Cross 4:30 pm Service of Lamentations 7:00 pm Pre-Resurrection Service 8:30 am - Communion Service Resurrection of our Lord Matins 11:00 pm Lights Extinguished 11:50 pm Resurrection - Midnight - Outside Divine Liturgy 12:25 Service will end promptly at 1:30 am Sun April 16 Agape Service - Noon Easter Picnic - Open to all. 1:00 pm Social Time 2:00 pm Meal Served (See flyer in bulletin) Tue April 18 Wed April 19 Men s Discussion Group 6:30 am Sts. Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Festival Baking preparation - Galactobouriko 4:00pm Festival Baking preparation - Galactobouriko 9:00am Young Ladies Discussion Group 11:00am Fri April 21 Life Giving Fountain Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sat April 22 Sun April 23 Mon April 24 Tue April 25 Sun April 30 St. George - High Point - Great Vespers & Artoklasia 6:00pm Clergy & Laity from neighboring communities are invited to celebrate the community s nameday. Sunday of Thomas/St. George - Regular Schedule Fellowship Hour - Open Warm up America Ministry in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Men s Discussion Group 6:30 am Adult Discussion 9:30 am Regular Schedule 3yr Memorial - George Georgoulias 20yr Memorial - Nina Georgoulias Fellowship Hour is offered in loving memory of Nina and George by their loving families.

4 SUNDAY, APRIL 2 USHERS Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, Nick Karagiorgis, Ilias Vlachos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 3 George Kalamaras, Virginia Moutos, Chris Spinosa, Vic Pappas MAIDENS FOR CHRIST - Maggie Epes, Katerina Katsiadas READER - Ron Sheppard ALTAR BOYS Team 4 - Vasilios Liaskonis, Patrick Gonzales, Christopher Mathes, Nicholas Mathes, Max Clark, Max Rogatsios, Lucas Hondros, William Nolan, Niko Vlahos, Nektarios Vgenopoulos NURSERY Katie Kroustalis, Kelly Kontos, Stavroula Papakostas SUNDAY, APRIL 9 USHERS Jim Paloumbas, Sammy Gianopoulos, Helen Bambalis, Stan Carroll CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios READER - George Kalamaras ALTAR BOYS Team 5 Thomas Anthony, Travis Liontis, Ian Hellmer, Ralph Shepherd, George Raptis, Marcus Neacsu, Vasili Karagiannis, Michael Ioannou, Matthew Moutos, John Kroustalis, Sebastian Neacsu, Angelo P. Leontaritis, Angelo N. Leontaritis, Harper Satterfield, Harrison Satterfield, Evangelos Paparoupas NURSERY Irene Chamis, Angela Tsolis, Christina Soriano PARISH COUNCIL - ALL TEAMS READER - Anthony Whitley ALTAR BOYS - Open to all NURSERY - Open to all EASTER MIDNIGHT SERVICE SUNDAY, APRIL 23 USHERS Jimmy Chrysson, Pete Bobotsiares, George Bambalis, Paula Christakos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 1 - Tom Giannopoulos, Tony Franzese, Presv. Stacy Shepherd, Paul Anthony MAIDENS FOR CHRIST - Marianna Liontis, Amalia Tsigas READER - Will Moye ALTAR BOYS Team 1 - Teddy Christakos, Michael A. Vlahos, Vaios Demopoulos, Alexandros Kalogeromitros, Yiannis Alexiou, Luke Vlahos, Vasilios Ziogas, Christos Demopoulos, Demetrios Liaskonis, John Stabolitis, John Petropoulos, William Pierce NURSERY Mary Paloumbas, Chrissy McCullough, Robin Knight SUNDAY, APRIL 30 USHERS Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, Nick Karagiorgis, Ilias Vlachos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 2 - Chris Gallos, Teddy J. Tsiolkas, Angelic Carroll, Tony Vlasis MAIDENS FOR CHRIST - Celia Karahalios, Volunteer READER Chris Lohr ALTAR BOYS Team 2 - Stephen Macropoulos, Demetri Hodges, Chris G. Moutos, Nicholas Rizos, Terry Rizos, Kosmas Boutis, Danny Gallos, Demetri Kortesis, Spero Moutos, George Sechrest, Christian Gallos, David Cook, Dominic Scelfo NURSERY Helen Vlasis, Jenny Morris ALTAR BOY ASSIGNMENTS FOR HOLY WEEK Sun April 9 - Evening - Team 1 Thu April 13 - Evening - Team 1 & 2 Mon April 10 - Evening - Team 2 Tue April 11 - Evening - Team 3 Wed April 12 - Afternoon - Team 4 Evening - Team 5 Fri April 14 - Afternoon - Team 3 Evening - All Teams Sat April 15 - Morning - Team 4 Evening - All Teams (On first come basis) 15th ANNUAL BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT OAK VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB THE TRIAD S ONLY COURSE DESIGNED BY ARNOLD PALMER SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2017 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ANNUNCIATION 2017 event host Unbind Him! I like to compare our relationships with our children to Lazarus after Jesus resurrected him and said to his friends, Unbind Him! The friends began removing the grave clothes from Lazarus strip by strip, unwrapping him so he could move and take his place in the world. I like to look upon our children as coming to us all wrapped up. They need to be unbound by loving, caring parents. There are strips of insecurity, self-consciousness, lack of identity; strips of fear, hurt, guilt that need to be peeled away to allow freedom of movement and action as our children proceed from baptism to the goal of theosis, that is, becoming like God in Christ. Our Lord has given us many jobs, but I can think of none more important than that of helping unwrap those precious bundles He sends us from heaven. CHRIST IS RISEN From Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth By Anthony M. Coniaris ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ

5 CHAIRMAN Co-CHAIRMEN GREEK FESTIVAL 2017 Chris Karahalios Johnny Kortesis Pete Bobotsiares Sammy Gianopoulos COMMITTEES Cashiers & Runners Matthew Greene Michael Kangelaris Church Tours Dean Clark Cooking Demo Rita Georgoulias Virginia Moutos Presv. Betsy Vlahos Dancing Lisa Siokis Decorating & Signs Georgia Bobotsiares Dining Room Meal Line Thomas Karathanas Dining Room Super. John Vlachos John Nikas Beverages Jim Toompas Jake Toompas Finance Zack Matzanias Jim Carros Chris Macropoulos Paul Anthony Frappe Preschool Gift Shop/Vendors Litsa Tsiolkas Athena Karahalios Litsa Bouloubasis Haroula Moody Gyro Jim Ballas Harold Doumas Loukoumades Zoe Michael MC Gina Nikitas Meals Pete Bobotsiares Bobby Leloudis Meal Line Cashier Diana Cox Pavilion Super. Nick Karagiorgis Take-out Meals Helene Creson Angela Kalamaras Ike Vlahos Take-out Meals (Inside) Dr. Georgia Olympio Angelic Carroll Meal Tickets (Presale) Gus Kazakos Vi Nichols Stan Carroll Meat Cutting Pete Bobotsiares Sammy Gianopoulos Pastry & Baking Irene Kroustalis Pizza Athena Kroustalis Parking: a. Admission b. Set-up Ody Chamis c. Shuttle Bill Mastoras Greg Ballas Dean Fragakis John Vlachos Publicity/Advertisement Amy Bridges Jennifer Chrysson Purchasing & Supplies Potato Roasted Corn Salad Jim Paloumbas Rodger Dzoba Nick Karagiorgis Chris Kroustalis Mike Georgoulias Set-up & Breakdown Sam Liontis Pete Mastoras Bill Demopoulos Souvlaki Gus Hodges George Katsoudas T-shirts Litsa Tsiolkas HOLY WEEK IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH A brief explanation PALM SUNDAY - On this day, we celebrate Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people met Him with palm branches and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! PALM SUNDAY EVENING - The service of Palm Sunday Evening helps us understand Christ s passage from death to life and how each of us can also become free from sin and death. This evening we commemorate Christ the Bridegroom by singing The Hymn of the Bridegroom, warning us to be prepared for Christ s coming. The priest carries the Icon of the Bridegroom in procession. We behold Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church, bearing the marks of suffering, yet preparing a marriage Feast for us in God s Kingdom. HOLY MONDAY EVENING - Holy Monday services urge us to be spiritually prepared to receive Christ. We should take this time to reflect on The Parable of the Ten Virgins, the maidens who filled their lamps with oil and were prepared to receive the Bridegroom. Those with empty lamps were shut out of the marriage feast. Thus each of us should light our lives with faith and good works and be ready to receive Christ. HOLY TUESDAY EVENING - During this service, we remember the sinful woman who anointed Christ in anticipation of His death. Her repentance and love of Christ is the theme of the Hymn of Kassiani, which is chanted on this night. HOLY WEDNESDAY - The Sacrament of Holy Unction is celebrated on this day when we confess our sins and seek to be reconciled with God. The priest anoints us with holy oil that we may be healed physically and spiritually. HOLY THURSDAY MORNING - The Divine Liturgy of Holy Thursday consists of Vespers and the Liturgy. On this day we celebrate the meaning of what Christ said and did at the Last Supper. HOLY THURSDAY EVENING - The service of the twelve readings narrates the events of Jesus Holy Passion, and His last instructions to the disciples. Following the fifth gospel, the crucifix is carried in procession. This symbolizes Christ s coming to Golgotha to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the world s sins. HOLY FRIDAY - Holy Friday is a day of mourning, fasting and prayer. On this day we commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ, for on this day, Our Lord went to the Cross and died to take away our sins. The power of death and the reality of evil rule the world on this day. Yet, Jesus Christ s death marks the beginning of His and ours - victory over death s power. APOKATHELOSIS - During this service, we relive the death of our Lord and His removal from the Cross. During the Gospel reading, the Body of Christ is removed from the Cross and is wrapped in a white sheet. The priest then takes it into the Sanctuary. THE LAMENTATIONS - The Hymns of Lamentations are sung this evening as we lament Jesus undeserved death for our salvation. With both sorrow and joy we sing the Lamentations to Him who is symbolically buried, yet who we already know is risen. During this service, the Epitaphio is taken in a candlelight procession around the church. The flowers which adorn the tomb are given to the faithful, which are symbolic of the many gifts the Lord has given us, the greatest of which is eternal life.

6 HOLY SATURDAY MORNING - On Holy Saturday morning, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil. This is the Blessed Sabbath, a day of strict and fasting, but a day of hope and waiting. We know that because Christ died, death is no longer the end of life. Christ descended into hell that death itself might be destroyed. Anticipating Christ s victory over the power of death, we sing: Arise, O God, Judge the earth. For to Thee belong all the nations! EASTER SUNDAY - Today we celebrate Our Lord s glorious resurrection. The Resurrection service at midnight begins in a darkened church. As the faithful receive the resurrection light from the priest, a procession is formed to the Narthex. The people hear the good news of Christ s triumph over death from the Gospel. The joyous hymn of Christ s resurrection is triumphantly chanted: Christ is Risen! SERVICE OF AGAPE - At Noon, we gather to celebrate the Agape service and forgive our fellow Christians, in which the Gospel message is read in many languages to illustrate the Christian message going out to the whole world. HOLY CONFESSION During Lent and Holy Week the Sacrament of Holy Confession will be offered for spiritual healing. Please call the office to schedule an appointment with Fr. Demetri. (The Prayer of St. Ephraim, specially used during Lent and Holy Week) O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; for You are blessed to ages of ages. Amen. Christ is risen EASTER Flower - $15 Donation (Deadline Sunday, April 9h) IN LOVING MEMORY OF BY The highlight of the month for ACA was our field trip to the fire house!!thank you Father Costa for driving us safely to the station and back! Evdoksia Vagios ANNUNCIATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY THE PARISH COUNCIL WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE ANNUNCIATION FAMILY A BLESSED RESSURECTION CHRIST IS RISEN O Christ is risen from the dead and through death He did trample, trample upon death and thus bestowed upon those in the tombs the gift of life, of eternal life. Χριστός Ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι, ζωήν χαρισάμενος Forms for the Annunciation Christian Academy Summer Camp are on Fr. Dennis desk. Registration Deadline April 30th IN HONOR OF BY FOR THE GOOD HEALTH OF BY ΚΑΛΟ CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN! EASTER GREETINGS CHRISTOS ANESTI! ALITHOS ANESTI! CHRISTOS VOSKRESE! MASEEH QAM! CHRISTOS A INVIAT! VOISTINU VOSKRESE! HAQAN QAM! ADEVERAT A INVIAT!

7 Prayer List As members of an Orthodox Christian family, we are called upon to pray for each other in time of need. Please pray for: Marina, Anastasia, John, Rose, Olga, George If you would like us to remember you or your loved one in our prayers, please contact our Church office at We will begin with a fresh list of names every month. The Holy Unmercenaries Medical Society (HUMS) Retreat Diakonia Center - Salem, SC May 5-7, 2017 A Journey from Professionalism to Spirituality Retreat leader: Fr. Stavros Kofinas, Coordinator for Pastoral Health Care Ecumenical Patriarchate Cost: $200 (includes room & board) Arrival: Friday by 6:30pm Departure: Sunday by 1:00pm To register or for questions, Dn. Paul Tsahakis ptsahakis@me.com AMMA SYNCLETICA assured us that in the same way bitter medicine purges illness, prayer and fasting purge us of evil thoughts. From By Way of the Desert FESTIVAL 2017 Once again we are actively preparing for our upcoming Festival, scheduled for May 19, 20 & 21. The Executive Committee, Publicity and Baking Committees have been hard at work planning and preparing for the Festival. We are one of the few communities that make all of the festival goods. A great deal of credit goes to our ladies who work hard on Tuesdays at 4:00pm and Wednesdays at 9:00am. Thank you ladies for your hard work and dedication. The men regularly help with product preparation and will be cutting and preparing the meat in May. Thank you men for your hard work. Again this year we will be ing the flyer to all our members to forward to all of their contacts. This helps us publicize our festival, especially in that the city does not allow us to post signs on the city right of way. The Greek Festival Committee list is included in the bulletin. Please help the booth chairperson by contacting them and offering your help. Thank you. The Good Samaritan helpers visited/sent card to Chris this month. WHEN: WHERE: WE WILL PROVIDE: BRING: COST: NEED: COMMUNITY PASCHA PICNIC Easter Sunday, following the Noon Agape Service 1:00 PM Social Time 2:00 PM Meal Served Annunciation Pavilion - Open to all. Lamb, hot dogs & hamburgers, rolls & fixings, plates, cups, napkins, utensils, ice, grill for cooking, tables, tablecloths & chairs Your own coolers with beverages desired, 1 covered vegetable dish and 1 desert (each enough to feed 10 people). None Some help with cooking on Sunday morning. - ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΚΟ Τήν Κυριακή τού Πάσχα έπειτα από τήν ακολουθία τής Αγάπης στό Παβίλιον τής Κοινότητος 1:00 μμ Συνάντηση 2:00 μμ Γεύμα Θά υπάρχουν γιά αυτούς πού θά συμετάσχουν: Αρνί ψητό, χότ ντόξς καί χέμπουργα, πιάτα, ποτήρια, πετσέτες, σκεύη, πάγος, σκάρα γιά μαγείρευμα, τραπέζια, τραμεζομάνθυλα καί καρέκλες. Νά φέρετε: Οτι ποτά θέλετε. Ενα πιάτο συμπληρωματικόν τού φαγητού καί ένα γλυκό (τό καθένα νά είναι αρκετό γιά 10 άτομα). Χρειαζόμαστε βοήθεια γιά τό ψήσιμο τήν Κυριακή πρωί. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE The following items of note resulted from business discussed at the March 13, 2017 Parish Council meeting: Current Maintenance Report: 410 & 440 Keating Drive are both rented. Church HVAC Installation: Both units are set on roof & old units have been removed. Duct work is in the final stages so both units can be operational. Parish Questionnaire results were reviewed. Audit report from Feb 14 was reviewed. Golf Tournament is scheduled for May 3rd. Archangel Michael honors material has been sent out.

8 Spring came early and gave us a taste of the warmth and what is ahead and then it left and snapped us with cold.something some of us didn t want. Dino said this made him think about our Lenten journey.abstaining from food and drink to put more emphasis on God. Denying ourselves of our comforts for a time while we wait to walk with Jesus during Holy Week on his walk to the cross.the sadness and agony; but think of the resurrection when the Light shines bright and we can celebrate and enjoy all the warmth of His love for us and the food bounty that awaits. How is your journey going? Have you slipped a little? Well just get back on track? Have you been perfect? Be careful and don t get prideful. We all have the right intention our eyes on Christ and His love for us with His Father. Our month is full of Lenten services, Palm Sunday lunch, Holy Week, dying eggs, decorating the Epitaphio, the Resurrection Service and then Pascha Sunday! Enjoy your journey it is YOUR journey. In Christ s love.leigh PASCHALIATIKO GLENDI APRIL 22, :30PM DINNER & CASH BAR with LIVE MUSIC BY ENDASI & KLARINO BY LEFTERIS BOURNIAS $25 per person // $10 for 12 and under Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church For more information, contact Stavros Karagiorgis ΖΗΤΩ Η 25η ΜΑΡΤΙΟΥ! Congratulations to all of our Greek School Students for outstanding March 25th performance. You are an amazing group of students. Also a huge thank you to the Hellenic Dance Troupes for their contribution of traditional Greek Dancing. This was truly a celebration and a great way to honor our Greek Heritage. It is our mission to continue these traditions and instill the pride of Ελλαδα into our children for generations to come. None of this would be possible without the help from our Greek School parents and the support of our church community. We are truly blessed and grateful for all of you. Και το χρονο! Ζητο Ελλαδα! -In Christ, Heather Vlachos Amprazis, Hercules Bobocharis, Fotini Canavos, George Carros, Gus & Emily Cox, Kathy 2017 STEWARDSHIP CΟΜΜΙΤΜΕΝΤ PROGRAM As the Father has sent me, so I send you John 20:21 We would like to thank the following Stewards for their support of Annunciation Ministries. The Stewardship list is updated on the 15th of every month. Demopoulos, Kostas & Eleni Elefantis, Harry Fragakis, Dean Fragakis, Leni Fragakis, Vicki Futris, Gus & Afrodity Gallins, Teddy & Helen Giannopoulos, Tom & Anna Harris, Ashton. Hodges, James & Stavroula Ilyasova, Irina Janos, Gus & Maria Janos, Billy Janos, Vivian Karagiorgis, Greg & Helen Katsoudas, Evie Katsoudas, Kosta & Natasa Kazakos, Theodore T. & Eleftheria Kiricoples, V. Rev. Fr. George Kokotos, Dimitrios & Kasiani Kortesis, George & JoAnn Kroustalis, Spyros & Georgia Kurani, Chris and Aleksandra Rakita THE ICONS OF HOLY WEEK HOPE and JOY Saturday of Lazarus Retreat. Saturday April 8th 11:00am-1:00pm For children in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Please call the church office to sign your child up for the retreat by Monday April 3rd. Moutos, Stuart Pappas, John J. and Rommie Pappas, Julia Pappas, Maria Perlegas, Spiros & Vasiliki Poulos, Helen Poulos, John & Beth Rakita, Aleksandra Rogatsios, Dean & Cameron Strates, Peter & Heidi Strates, Peter C. Tsiolkas, Paul & Jackie Tsiolkas, Maria L. Vlasis, John & Helen Vlasis, Mike & Caroline White, Brent & JoAnn Xhaferi, Tani & Albana Zaferatos, Konstantinos & Billie Ziavliakis, Spiro & Helen STEWARDSHIP 2017 Update To date we have received 298 pledge cards Our goal is 410 HAVE YOU TURNED YOUR STEWARDSHIP CARD IN? PLEASE HELP US REACH OUR GOAL

9 Holy Unction Protocol No. 03/17 February 14, 2017 Within the Holy Orthodox Church, many customs and traditions are associated with services. Some of these customs and traditions are kept and even encouraged by the Church to be used and upheld. Unfortunately, some of the customs and traditions are outside of the traditions of the Church, and have distorted the correct and proper teaching. This is especially true with the Sacrament of Holy Unction. Just as we do not give Holy Communion to the faithful to take home, neither do we give Holy Unction so that they would administer it either to themselves or to other family members. As you know, the clergy always administer the Mysteries. It may be that some of the faithful are confused by the similarity of "holy oil" taken from the kandili hanging before certain icons or the relics of saints, which is often given to the pious faithful. This oil is taken home, much like holy water, and is similarly used when a member of the family is ill or troubled. The custom of placing a cotton swab (or anything similar) in a plastic bag to be taken home by the faithful is not appropriate. There is no reason for doing this since the clergy administer the Mystery, and in addition, this cotton saturated with Holy Unction is all too often disregarded or simply thrown away in the trash. We have an obligation to clearly teach the faithful about the difference between Holy Unction and the holy oils received from places of pious veneration. The former should be handled as we do Holy Communion and the latter like holy water. Make every effort to stress to the faithful that the Sacrament WILL NOT be given to "takehome." Please distribute this protocol along with announcements in your mailings, newsletters, weekly bulletins, websites, social media, etc. so that the faithful are fully informed before the sacrament takes place. All Parishioners should attempt to attend the service and be anointed with the blessed oil of Holy Unction. As the Priest anoints the forehead, cheeks, chin, palm and back of hands, we should ask God's forgiveness. For those who are shut-ins, homebound, or infirm, please contact your priest before Holy Week for a visitation and the offering of healing prayers and the Holy Sacraments. Sunday School News from the Annunciation April 2017 We hope you have thoughtful and peaceful Lenten season. We want to thank the students who participated in our Icon procession for Sunday of Orthodoxy and in the procession for Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. Saturday the 18th was a very special day at Annunciation as we hosted the District Oratorical Festival. It was wonderful to see and hear so many eloquent and powerful speeches by the District youth in the Jr. and Sr. levels. Six parishes had youth representing them in one or both categories. The Annunciation was represented by Victoria Augustides, Marianna Liontis, Mara Kessler and Jackie Nikas. Jackie will be representing our community in the Metropolis level which will take place in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Our thanks to Fr Costa, Bessie Epes and Ted Kazakos for chairing the event. Our thanks to Sammy Gianopoulos for cooking for our guests. Myrrh Bearing Girls - Young girls in 1st & 2nd grades interested in participating are asked to contact Zoe Bobotsiares at Calendar for April April 2 Regular Sunday School April 9 Palm Sunday - Regular Sunday School April 14 Myrrh bearing Girls participate in Holy Friday Evening Service April 15 Myrrh bearing Girls participate in Holy Saturday Resurrection Service April 16 HOLY AND GREAT PASCHA April 23 Regular Sunday School April 30 - Regular Sunday School Maidens for Christ April 2 - Maggie Epes and Katerina Katsiadas April 9 - Palm Sunday-Volunteers April 16 - Pascha-Volunteers April 23 - Marianna Liontis and Amalia Tsigas April 30 - Celia Karahalios and Volunteer Coming in May May 7 - Regular Sunday School May 14 - Angel Choir Grades K-6 Sings Divine Liturgy (practice 9am) Mothers Day- Regular Sunday School May 21 - No Sunday School- Festival June 4 - Last day of Sunday School & Graduation Sunday With service in Christ, Fr. Demetri & Sunday School Coordinators--Bessie Epes/Athena Karahalios/Tina White-Kennedy

10 April Events March 31st-April 2nd: GOYA Lenten Retreat at Diakonia Retreat Center Wednesday April 5th: Presanctified Liturgy 6:00pm all youth are encouraged to attend. Lenten covered dish meal after service. Saturday April 8th: Saturday of Lazarus HOPE & JOY Retreat The Icons of Holy Week 11:00am to 1:00pm. Please register your child by calling the church office in order to plan for supplies. Sunday April 9th: Palm Sunday and luncheon following services Monday April 10th through Saturday April 15th: HOLY WEEK Sunday April 16th: GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA. CHRISTOS ANESTI!!!! Wednesday April 19th: GOYA meeting and discussion in the breezeway at 7:00-8:15 festive meal provided. Wednesday May 3rd: Annual Benefit Golf Tournament proceeds to benefit Annunciation Youth Programs and local charities. Stay tuned for opportunities to help. FR. COSTA ANNUNCIATION YOUTH NEWS APRIL 2017 VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL 2017 SAVE THE DATE June 19th June 23rd Monday through Thursday : 9:00am-11:30am Friday :Teaching Divine Liturgy followed by Picnic Our theme this year is The Divine Liturgy Ages 3yrs. old through 5th grade (Must be 3 years of age by April 15th 2017, not in diapers; 5th graders are those who just completed 5th grade) Registration will begin in May and go through June 14th in order to have time to order supplies. Parents and GOYANs are strongly encouraged to help. We need people to help with teaching, arts, crafts, refreshments and games. Please open your hearts and offer your time and talents to this ministry of the Church. Those interested in helping contact Fr. Costa It is that time of year! ST. STEPHEN S SUMMER CAMP Online registration for St. Stephen s Summer Camp 4:00pm Tuesday March 28th. Summer Camp is for those rising 7th graders thru rising 12th graders. There are 5 one week sessions of SSSC: Week 1 6/25-7/01 Week 2 7/02-7/08 Week 3 7/09-7/15 Week 4 7/16-7/22 Week 5 7/23-7/29 Cost is $400 per camper (some assistance is available) Spaces fill fast so plan now. Fr. Costa will be the camp director for week #4 CHANGE FOR CHANGE YOUTH STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM We are continuing our Change for Change program. All money collected through Palm Sunday April 9th will go to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center. Our Sunday School youth are asked to continue to bring their spare change or a dollar to donate every Sunday as they are going to Sunday School. The money collected will be given directly to a local or Orthodox charity on a quarterly basis. We hope this effort will help develop a spirit of giving in our youth and also to help affect positive change in our community.