ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

Transcript

1 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Monthly Bulletin MARCH 2017 Inside this issue: From Father Anthony Annunciation Of The Theotokos Greek Message Calendar Donations/Sacraments Parish News President s Corner Philoptochos Youth News Bookstore Church Services Saturday Great Vespers 6:00pm Sunday Orthros 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Weekdays Orthros 9:00am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Μ 6:00 8:45 10:00 9:00 10:00

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Presbyter Anthony Evangelatos George Stavropoulos, Chanter Kristina Yepez, Choir Director Ona Calogrias, Organist PARISH COUNCIL Executive Board Nicholas Babanikas, President George Panagoulopoulos, 1st Vice President Administration William Alexopoulos, 2nd Vice President Maintenance Joanna Stellakis, Secretary Gianna Tiliakos, Treasurer Stephanie Calogrias, Assistant Treasurer Members of the Board Konstantina Boutas Dino Constantinou Ted Ntakoulas Nick Palantzas Leon Papadopoulos Stephen Passias Ilias Potsis Themi Stamboulidis Adamandios Zouroulidis PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY Executive Board Pegi Ciulla, President Tina Boutas, Vice President Penny Kazis, 2nd Vice President Anne-Marie Horne, Recording Secretary Erlinda Anthony, Treasurer Lori Stasiewski, Assistant Treasurer Heidi Barbas, Advisor Members of the Board Ana Manos Despina Papadopoulos Ethel Savas Father Anthony Liz Karolemeas Sophia Terzakis S OTHER MINISTRIES Sunday School Penny Buterbaugh John Nenopoulos Phyllis Westcott Greek School Ioanna Andreopoulou Katerina Tsiantoulas Tina Boutas GOYA Jon Buterbaugh JOY & HOPE Barbara Mantalos Gianna Tiliakos OPA! Group Pegi Ciulla Koliva Ladies Philoptochos Coffee Hour Tina Boutas Shut-In Visitations Ladies Philoptochos Basketball Stephen Passias Dance Group Jon & Penny Buterbaugh Oratorical Festival Rhoda Economos Bookstore Pegi Ciulla Linda Sakelaris Poole Stephen Savas Joanna Stellakis Webmaster George Theodossiou

3 FROM FATHER ANTHONY Beloved in Christ, Last month I wrote about preparing for Great Lent during the first three weeks of the Triodion. My emphasis was on spiritual and physical preparation by heeding the themes presented in the Gospel, and by easing into the strictness of the Fast during the week preceding Lent. So now we have entered the saving and gracefilled Holy and Great Lent. Now is the time we begin the true spiritual and physical work toward our spiritual renewal and joyous celebration of Holy Pascha next month. This can only be accomplished through that which the Church offers us for our spiritual growth during this holy season. The one question we should first ask ourselves, is how much have we actually experienced Great Lent in the past? From a liturgical standpoint, as I ve mentioned many times, simply attending church on the Sundays of the Fast does not truly expose one to Lenten worship. The only differences on the Sundays of Lent are certain hymns added during Orthros, and the celebration of the liturgy of St. Basil instead of that of St. John Chrysostom. The liturgical heart of Great Lent lies in its weekday services. Each Sunday evening of Lent, a service is celebrated known as the Vespers of Contrition or Compunction (Katanyktikos Esperinos). This service is not typically done in most parishes, however here, I always celebrate the first one on Forgiveness Sunday, the day before Clean Monday. This service is the weekly transition into the more somber and penitential liturgical mood of Great Lent. In Rhode Island, our pan-orthodox clergy brotherhood celebrates this service each Sunday afternoon of Lent at a different parish (if anyone is interested in attending, please ask me for details). The two main Lenten services that are celebrated during the week are the Great Compline, which I conduct each Monday evening, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, which is celebrated each Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Only by attending these services would an Orthodox Christian experience the somber and contrite nature of Lenten worship. Another very familiar Lenten service to Orthodox Christians is the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos, which is divided into four sections chanted on the first four Friday evenings, and then in its entirety on the fifth Friday. Although not Lenten in their style and structure, these services have for centuries been part of the Lenten cycle of services. It is only logical that we call upon the Theotokos most fervently for her aid during our spiritual journey through Great Lent. Now that I have reminded everyone of the liturgical structure of Lent, let us move to the subject of fasting. An important reminder must be made at this point that fasting cannot, and should not be practiced without adding increased prayer and charitable works to our Lenten struggle. Solely following the dietary rules of the Lenten fast will be meaningless, and can even be frustrating if not combined with other spiritual disciplines. Fasting, along with prayer and good works will lead us toward repentance, the main fruit of our Lenten askesis (spiritual exercise). It is also important to understand the true meaning and reason for fasting. Here I refer you to articles which I have included in past bulletins that speak to this, specifically, one by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware titled The True Nature of Fasting, from the March, 2015 issue. Go to our website and search other prior year bulletins, both February and March issues, and you will find much edifying material regarding Great Lent for your benefit. Increased prayer during Lent means both in our personal lives as well as communally in church. In the Orthodox spiritual tradition, daily private prayer is part and parcel of the life of an Orthodox Christian, and even more so during Lent. In addition, it has always been the expectation of the Church that we attend services more frequently during Lent. Of course, this presupposes that all forms of entertainment are set aside throughout this holy period. Charitable works during Lent go without saying (review the gospel reading of the Sunday of the Last Judgment as a reminder: Mt 25:31-46). Although this should continually be part of our lives as Orthodox Christians, this time of year more than ever is when charitable works are emphasized. Obviously, this could be anything from financial donations to volunteering one s time and talents to an organization, or on a more personal level. For parents, there is no better example of being a true Christian to their children. These lessons will stay with them their entire life. At this point in my article some may be thinking, Fr. Anthony, you are asking too much of us We have so much going on that we can t attend church more than Sundays Fasting is difficult, we just can t do all that etc., etc. This is when we should remind ourselves that our Church is asking these things of us for our spiritual benefit and growth, as we work toward salvation in Christ. Most of us don t enjoy going to the doctor, only to be told that we need to change our diet and lifestyle if we want to be healthy and live a long life. Knowing the ramifications of not following these guidelines, prudent patients strive to comply as best as possible. The Church realizes that not everyone can be at every service; that we cannot always uphold a strict fast for many weeks, especially if there are health issues; that we may not have sufficient income to be as charitable as we would like, nor have enough extra time to volunteer our services. Of course, this doesn't mean that we should simply ignore all of this without trying to improve where improvement is needed. Those of us raising children lovingly encourage them to try their best in their academic endeavors, and to not settle for less. Our physicians strongly encourage us to improve our health out of concern for our physical well-being. Christ through His Church, continually loves us and shows us His unending mercy and forgiveness for which we are never worthy. Let us therefore do our part in order to store up eternal treasure for the Kingdom of Heaven. With Christ s love for a blessed Lent, +Fr. Anthony

4 FROM FATHER ANTHONY LENTEN REFLECTIONS (The following is taken from Repentance and Confession by St. Nektarios, Bishop of Pentapolis, St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Monastery, Roscoe, NY, 2002.) We Are Obligated to Hasten Toward Repentance Our concern for salvation must be without delay due to the impending danger to our soul s salvation. He who is unconcerned about the salvation of his soul is at risk of twofold danger; he may either be unexpectedly snatched by death or abandoned by the grace of God. In both cases the harm is immense, because the outcome is the death of his soul. This is why Saint John Chrysostom instructs us by saying: Do not delay returning to the Lord, nor wait from one day to the next, lest you are crushed as you wait. The time of death is unknown, and it is unknown for this reason; so that you may always be vigilant Warning that we are obligated to hasten to seek the Lord, the Lord Himself declares: Ye shall seek Me and shall not find Me (Jn. 7:34). Therefore, as long as grace invites us, we are obligated to approach continually. Perhaps when we seek grace we will not find her, because the door will have been shut, and as we cry out, open, open up for us, the Bridegroom will respond to us, I know you not. (Mt. 25:12) The Habit to Sin Brings Death We should be unyielding towards sin, because if it steals our consent even once, it becomes our true master. A suitable example, which exposes the deceitful and tyrannical character of sin, is the method with which Semiramis seized the kingdom and became an empress. Semiramis succeeded through various affectionate gestures to persuade her husband Nino, king of Assyria, to step down from his reign for just one day and to hand over to her the scepter of the kingdom. But what was the empress first action? She commanded that her husband Nino be executed in order to secure for herself life-long power. The depiction is complete, applicable in all aspects. Sin, as Semiramis, struggles through various methods to gain a person s consent. As soon as it accomplishes this desire, it conquers man, it captures and kills logic, it erects its throne upon man s heart and remains in control for the remainder of his life Concerning the Invitation to Sinners by God the Lover of Mankind Through all of the prophets, God has invited all those who have sinned to repentance. Through the Prophet Malachi He summons them thus: Return to Me, and I will return to you, saith the Lord Almighty (Mal. 3:7) God summons us to repentance through the Prophet Joel saying: Turn to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with lamentation; and rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God; for He is merciful and compassionate, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, and repents of evils. (Joel 2:12-13) The Forerunner (St. John the Baptist) was the herald of repentance. The Savior Himself came preaching repentance and forgiveness of sins: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). The divine Chrysostom, interpreting this verse, says: Come, not some person, but everyone who has worries, who has sorrows, who has sins. Come, not so that I may demand accountability, but so that I may loosen your sins. Come, not because I am in need of your praise, but because I desire your salvation, for I will give you rest LENTEN SUPPERS On Wednesday, 3/1, we will have our first Presanctified Liturgy and Lenten supper. There are still openings for hosts on some of the other Wednesdays. We invite our other parish ministries to again host one of the available suppers, which needs to be coordinated through the church office. For our hosting ministry groups, please refer to the Lenten fasting guidelines in this issue to aid you in your meal preparation.

5 FROM FATHER ANTHONY FASTING GUIDELINES FOR GREAT LENT Weekdays of Lent: Strict fast from all animal products including fish (shellfish is permitted), all alcoholic beverages, and olive oil (vegetable/seed oil is permitted). Exception: Fish, wine, and olive oil are permitted on the feast of the Annunciation, 3/25. Special Note: It is also traditional to reduce the quantity of food consumed, as much as possible, on the weekdays of Lent. Weekends of Lent: Same as weekdays except alcoholic beverages and olive oil are permitted on Saturday & Sunday. Special Note: By tradition, there is no limit to the quantity of food consumed on the weekends of Lent. As always, the above guidelines represent the ideal and traditional method of fasting as a starting point. A true and spiritual fast is much more than legalistically following guidelines. Your priest and spiritual father is always available to guide you for your particular situation. The Church in her compassion, always modifies the fast for various health reasons, for growing children, and other special situations. Most importantly, our fasting must be accompanied by intensified prayer, increased church attendance, and charitable works, in order to be a fast pleasing to God. MEETINGS AND EVENTS DURING LENT For planning purposes, we would like to make the following annual request regarding the first week of Great Lent, 2/27-3/4, as well as for the remainder of the Fast. Because of the solemnity of the first week of Lent, there should be no meetings or activities during the day or evening, especially due to the daily services. For the remaining weeks of Great Lent, we ask that there be no meetings or activities on Monday and Wednesday evenings, or on Friday mornings and evenings due to Lenten services. On either Tuesdays or Thursdays, parish ministries should be able to accommodate their needs. Everyone s cooperation with this request is greatly appreciated. May you all have a most blessed Lenten journey, and we hope to see as many of you as possible at our various Lenten services! PREPARING FOR PRESANCTIFIED LITURGIES Because of the heightened spiritual focus during Great Lent, many of the faithful choose to receive Holy Communion at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. For those who plan on receiving at Wednesday evening liturgies, it is permissible to have breakfast and a light noontime meal, and then fast from all food and drink until the liturgy, banning any health issues. For growing children, it may be necessary to offer a Lenten snack after school to hold them (nuts, peanut butter, bread, fruit, etc.). The Church has always shown compassion for those who work or study during the week. Needless to say, whether one is fasting strictly or not during Lent, any meals taken on the day one will commune at a Presanctified Liturgy should be strictly Lenten. For more detailed information on the Lenten fast, please refer to the specific bulletin entry in this issue. CONFESSION SCHEDULE DURING LENT During Great Lent, I will be available for Holy Confession as follows: after Great Compline on Mondays after Salutations on Fridays after Great Vespers on Saturdays (year-round) by appointment during office hours (yearround) Brethren, if we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (St. John s First Universal Letter 1:8-10)

6 SPIRITUAL WISDOM Fasting is wonderful because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower. (St. Basil the Great) If you want to be freed from all the vices simultaneously, renounce self-love, the mother of evils. (St. Thallasios the Libyan) God rests in the saints and even in their very names, in their very images. (St. John of Kronstadt) God our Savior wants all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Grace does not compel anyone. Men have the Godgiven freedom to accept it, and to work with it or to reject it. Those who embrace it are saved and those who withdraw from it are lost. (+Elder Cleopa of Romania) What we gain by fasting is not so great as the damage done by anger; nor is the profit from reading as great as the harm done when we scorn or grieve a brother. (St. John Cassian) If you notice that your mind constantly wanders off to various chores that you have to do, you must realize that you are not doing well spiritually, and this should alarm you because you have distanced yourself from God. (St. Paisios the Athonite) IN APPRECIATION We take this opportunity to sincerely thank Gianna Tiliakos, the chairperson of this year s Have a Heart fundraiser luncheon, her co-chairpersons Stephania Calogrias and Liz Karolemeas, the JOY/HOPE children and Goyans who helped serve, as well as our Paradosi Dance Group which entertained us. Of course there are many others who volunteered their time and talents, as well as the many donors who have underwritten the entire cost of the event. Through their generosity, we were able to turn all proceeds over to the Hellenic Cardiac Fund! We also thank the Babanikas family who once again sponsored the complimentary Stewardship Sunday luncheon in loving memory of Michael Babanikas. It was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, and to discuss the various needs of our parish. FROM FATHER ANTHONY 2017 Floral Needs Following is a list for the decoration of icons on all major feast days of Christ and the Theotokos. This is a blessed way to participate in these major feasts of the Church for the health and well-being of your families, or in blessed memory of a loved one. Please note that the cost for decorating an icon is $60. To sponsor the decoration of one or more of these festal icons, please call the office directly during the week. Also included in this listing are floral needs for Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha. Feasts of Christ & the Theotokos ($60) 6/4 Pentecost 8/15 Dormition of the Theotokos, plus arrangement for large Iconostasis icon, price to be determined 11/21 Entrance of the Theotokos 1/6/2018 Holy Theophany 2/2/2018 The Presentation of Our Lord Great Lent, Holy Week, & Pascha Salutations to the Theotokos, 1 st, 2 nd, & 3 rd Friday $50 each (4 th Friday is Annunciation Vespers) Veneration of the Holy Cross, 3/ stems, approx. $600 Palm strips for Palm Sunday crosses $90 2 palm arrangements for Royal Gate, Palm Sunday $45 each 2 palm arrangements for Soleas, Palm Sunday $55 each Bay laurel leaves for Palm Sunday & Holy Saturday $100 Icon of Nymphios (taken) Icon of Mystical Supper, Holy Thursday $25 Wreath for Cross, Holy Thursday $150 Lavaron (banner) of the Resurrection for Holy Pascha $100 Icon of the Resurrection for Holy Pascha $80 We thank all our donors in advance, and ask God s blessings upon them. Please note that as usual, donors will be acknowledged in the bulletin at the appropriate time. PASTORAL VISIT OF MET. METHODIOS His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will make his annual pastoral visit to our parish on Friday evening, 3/24, to celebrate the Vespers of the Annunciation and Salutations to the Theotokos. Please make it a point to come and honor our Metropolitan, and to celebrate the feast of our church. It would be most appropriate and respectful to arrive prior to the service start time of 7 pm, so that we can all be present to receive Him as he enters the Church. Special note to altar servers: If you are able to help that evening, please make it a point to be at church no later than 6:45 pm. This will allow enough time to receive the Metropolitan's blessing to put on your robe and belt.

7 GREEK MESSAGE Αρχιεπισκοπική Εγκύκλιος της Εορτής του Αγίου Φωτίου - Ημέρα Εθνικού Προσκυνήματος του Αγίου Φωτίου - 6 Φεβρουαρίου 2017 Ἑορτή Ἁγίου Φωτίου Ἡμέρα Ἐθνικοῦ Προσκυνήματος Ἁγίου Φωτίου Πρός τούς Σεβασμιωτάτους καί Θεοφιλεστάτους Ἀρχιερεῖς, τούς Εὐλαβεστάτους Ἱερεῖς καί Διακόνους, τούς Μοναχούς καί Μοναχές, τούς Προέδρους καί Μέλη τῶν Συμβουλίων τῶν Ἑλληνορθοδόξων Κοινοτήτων, τῶν Διακεκριμένων Ἀρχόντων τοῦ Οἰκουμενικοῦ Πατριαρχείου, τά Ἡμερήσια καί Ἀπογευματινά Σχολεῖα, τίς Φιλοπτώχους Ἀδελφότητες, τήν Νεολαία, τίς Ἑλληνορθόδοξες Ὀργανώσεις καί ὁλόκληρο τό Χριστεπώνυμον πλήρωμα τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς Ἀμερικῆς. Προσφιλεῖς Ἀδελφοί καί Ἀδελφές ἐν Χριστῷ, Ἐφέτος, τήν ἡμέρα τοῦ ἐτήσιου ἑορτασμοῦ τῆς Ἑορτῆς τοῦ Ἁγίου Φωτίου τοῦ Μεγάλου, Πατριάρχου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, καί τῆς ἀναγνωρίσεως τῆς μαρτυρίας καί διακονίας τοῦ Ἑλληνορθοδόξου Προσκυνήματος τοῦ Ἁγίου Φωτίου στόν Ἅγιο Αὐγουστῖνο, Φλώριδα, ἔχουμε τήν εὐλογία νά ἑορτάσουμε τῆν 35 η ἐπέτειο ἀπό τῆς καθιερώσεως τοῦ Προσκυνήματος. Ἡ καθιέρωση αὐτή, ἡ ὁποία ἔλαβε χώρα τόν Φεβρουάριο τοῦ ἔτους 1982, ἦτο ἐπιστέγασμα ἐργασίας καί προσφορᾶς πολλῶν Ἑλληνορθοδόξων πιστῶν ὑπό τήν καθοδήγηση τοῦ ἀειμνήστου Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἰακώβου. Ἡ καθιέρωση, τήν ὁποίαν παρηκολούθησαν Ἀρχιερεῖς, κληρικοί καί λαϊκοί ἀπό τήν Βόρειο καί Νότιο Ἀμερική, ὑπῆρξε τεράστιο γεγονός τό ὁποῖο ἐτίμησε τή μνήμη, τούς ἀγῶνες καί τίς ἐλπίδες τῶν πρώτων Ἑλλήνων μεταναστῶν οἱ ὁποῖοι ἔφθασαν στή Φλώριδα τό ἔτος Μετά ἀπό πολλές κακουχίες ὡς μισθωμένοι ὑπηρέτες, αὐτοί πού ἐπιβίωσαν ἐγκαταστάθηκαν στόν Ἅγιο Αὐγουστῖνο καί συγκεντρώνονταν γιά τά θρησκευτικά καθήκοντά των καί τίς κοινωνικές ἐκδηλώσεις των στό κτίριο μέ τήν ἐπωνυμία Avero House. Τό 1966, αὐτό τό ἱστορικό κτίριο ἀγοράσθηκε μέ τήν ἀρωγή πολλῶν προθύμων δωρητῶν καί μετεβιβάσθη στήν Ἀρχιεπισκοπή. Ἔγιναν προσπάθειες γιά τή συγκέντρωση τῶν ἀπαραίτητων μέσων γιά τήν ἀνακαίνιση τοῦ κτιρίου καί τήν ἵδρυση τοῦ Προσκυνήματος καί μνημείου, οἱ ὁποῖες κορυφώθησαν τό 1978 μέ τήν τελετή ἐνάρξεως τῶν ἐργασιῶν καί, ἀργότερα, τό 1982, μέ τήν τελετή ἐγκαινίων. Ἀπ αὐτή τήν εὐλογημένη ἡμέρα στήν ἱστορία τῆς Ἱερᾶς Ἀρχιεπισκοπῆς, τό Ἐθνικό Προσκύνημα τοῦ Ἁγίου Φωτίου ἔχει συνεχῶς ὑπάρξει ὡς ὡραία μαρτυρία τῆς Ὀρθοδόξου πίστεώς μας καί ἔχει διατηρήσει τή μνήμη τῆς Ἑλληνικῆς κληρονομιᾶς μας σ αὐτή τή χώρα. Ἡ καθιέρωση τό 1982 ξανάνοιξε τίς πόρτες στό κτίριο ὅπου ἑκατοντάδες χιλιάδες ἐπισκέπτες εἶδαν τήν ἱστορία τῶν προγόνων μας καί κράτησαν ζωντανή τή μνήμη των. Τό προσκύνημα ἔχει ὑπάρξει χῶρος λατρείας ὅπου πολλοί συνάντησαν τήν ἁγιότητα τῆς πίστεώς μας καί ἔζησαν τήν παρουσία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Μέ τήν γενναιοδωρία χρόνου καί μέσων ἐκ μέρους πολλῶν ἐν Χριστῷ ἀδελφῶν μας, τό Προσκύνημα ἔχει ἀποτελέσει μαρτυρία καί στήριγμα γιά τήν προβολή τῆς πίστεως καί τῆς Ἐκκλησίας μας. Σἐ αὐτή τήν ἑορτή καί ἐπέτειο, ἄς προσφέρουμε προσευχές εὐγνωμοσύνης στή μνήμη τοῦ Ἀρχιεπισκόπου Ἰακώβου καί τῶν πολλῶν δωρητῶν καί εὐεργετῶν οἱ ὁποῖοι ἐξετίμησαν τήν πίστη καί ἐθνική κληρονομιά καί ἐργάσθηκαν γιά νά ἐγκαθιδρύσουν τό Προσκύνημα τοῦ Ἁγίου Φωτίου. Εἴθε νά ἀκολουθήσουμε τό παράδειγμά των καί νά συνεχίσουμε αὐτή τή ζωτική στήριξη μέ τίς προσευχές καί τά δῶρα μας. Καθώς πολλοί ἀπό μᾶς θά συγκεντρωθοῦμε στόν Ἅγιο Αὐγουστῖνο γιά τήν ἑορτή αὐτή, ἄς θυμηθοῦμε τούς ἀγῶνες καί τή θυσία τῶν προγόνων μας, ἄς τιμήσουμε τή μνήμη των στηρίζοντας τό Προσκύνημα καί ἄς ζητήσουμε ἀπό τόν Θεό νά μᾶς χαρίσῃ σοφία καί χάρη καθώς μοιραζόμεθα τήν ὑπέροχη αὐτή κληρονομιά μας μέ ὁλόκληρο τόν κόσμο πρός δόξα καί τιμή Του. Μέ πατρική ἐν Χριστῷ ἀγάπη, + Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αμερικής Δημήτριος

8 MARCH CALENDAR

9 DONATIONS PARISH NEWS DONATIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2017 MEMORIALS Vasiliki Karalolos $240 Zena Passias $145 Peter, Artomisia & Mary Costas/John & Gertrute Olsen Mr. and Mrs. George Costas $100 Peter, Marie & Christina Mihos Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hebshie $300 OTHER DONATIONS The Demoulas Foundation $5,000 Jeanette Hayek Aljamal $10 Stephanie Stroyen $25 Nikoletta and Maria Kallis Various office supplies MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT DONATIONS Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Bulgaris $100 SACRAMENTS PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS March 9th April 18th May 9th June 13th July 11th August (No meeting) September 12th October 10th November 14th December 12th TWO CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAYS Two of our parishioners have recently reached 100 years of age, the same age as our parish! The first is Marigo Papachronis who turned 100 this past September. Our second centenarian is Ann Hatzis who turned 100 in January. Let us all congratulate these ladies and their families for this rare achievement. May God bless both of them as they enter their second century of life! FUNERALS February 4th February 8th February 18th Vasiliki Karalolos Zena Passias Michael Pappas May their memory be eternal

10 PARISH NEWS 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Lenten Luncheon Annunciation Vespers & Reception Greek School Independence Day Program Oratorical Festival Greek Independence Day Celebration City Hall Spring General Assembly Greek Independence Day Parade Hungry Friends Philoptochos Food Festival Sunday School Graduation Ministry Awards Banquet Greek School Graduation Annual Golf Tournament Annual Food Festival Fall General Assembly Parish Council Elections Election of Officers and Oath of Office Sunday School Christmas Pageant New Year s Eve Celebration Sunday, March 5th Friday, March 24th Saturday, March 25th Sunday, March 26th Monday, March 27th Sunday, April 23rd Sunday, April 30th Thursday, May 4th Saturday May 20th and Sunday May 21st Sunday, May 21st Sunday, June 11th Sunday, June 18th Monday, June 26th Thursday, Sept. 14th -Sunday Sept. 17th Sunday, November 12th Sunday, December 10th Sunday, December 17th Sunday, December 17th Sunday, December 31st SERVICE CANCELLATIONS For those of you who are not on the church s listserv to receive automatic announcements, please remember that you can check for service cancellations using the church s voic system. If you call outside of office hours, please listen to the menu and select #5 for the listing of church services for the current week. This message will always be updated regarding cancellations. Please note that a decision may not be made until late afternoon for an evening service, or early morning for a morning service, so please double-check before preparing to leave for church.

11 PARISH NEWS PRESIDENT S CORNER Καλή Σαρακοστή Dear Parishioners, On behalf of Father Anthony and the Parish Council, I would like to wish you and your families an uplifting Lenten period as we prepare ourselves spiritually for Easter. This is the period, as you know, where we all conduct a self-examination looking for ways to correct and improve ourselves in our daily lives and with others. As Orthodox Christians, we should always be striving to seek Repentance and Forgiveness for past acts and deeds. As you may know, this past month we had two wonderful events where we as a community joined together in Christian fellowship. The first, was The Have a Heart Luncheon. This philanthropic event was undertaken by all the Youth Groups of our church. Thanks to your participation and support we were able to raise $7, As a result of the hard work and efforts of the committee members reaching out and receiving numerous and generous donations, this event was able to be cost free. This in turn, enabled us to donate 100 percent of the proceeds raised directly to the Hellenic Cardiac Fund at Children's Hospital. These proceeds help provide needed financial assistance to families that have children with cardiac medical issues that require critical care. A special heartfelt thank you goes out to Gianna Tiliakos, Stefania Calogrias, and Liz Karolemeas, for organizing and bringing back this most worthy event. We would also like to thank Mr. George Athas, who donated his time playing the music that was enjoyed by all. Finally, our appreciation goes out to the wonderful ladies, gentlemen and children who volunteered their time and talents by decorating the hall, entertaining us with beautiful Greek dances and preparing and serving the food which was enjoyed by all at the luncheon. The second event, was our Stewardship Sunday Luncheon and State of the Church discussion. We had over 150 Stewards in attendance that gathered in Christian fellowship, enjoying a complimentary meal which was donated in its entirety. As stewards we discussed the financial challenges facing our church going forward and the need for each of us to hopefully increase our stewardship commitment in order to meet the $ 1, per day cost needed to keep our church operational. We also discussed different ways to generate funds such as, renting out the lounge and/or the vacant property to help reduce some of our financial burden. Lastly, we discussed the establishment of a true maintenance reserve program, where we all would commit to making an additional contribution which would be in addition to our stewardship pledges to help defray the cost of needed repairs. A few upcoming dates that we look forward to seeing everyone attend are as follows: SUNDAY, MARCH 05, 2017 The Lenten Luncheon in our Community Center. As you all know, we take this opportunity to thank members of our ministries for all of their hard work and to express a special thank you to the outgoing Parish Council members for their dedication and commitment to our church during their tenure. FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 2017 Annunciation Vespers & Reception at our church, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios will be officiating the Vesper Service. MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2017 Greek Independence Day Celebration. Brockton City Hall at 3:30 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017 Spring General Assembly in our lounge. SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017 The Greek Independence Day Parade. Boston, Massachusetts THURSDAY, MAY 04, 2017 The 225 Hungry Friends Event to be held in our Community Center. We look forward to your continued support and commitment to our Orthodox faith, our church, and our community. "Remember that lent... is not just about putting away the bad things. It is about creating good things and helping the poor and the needy, being kind to people and much more." --Jacob Winters Respectfully yours, Nicholas H. Babanikas Parish Council President

12 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, BROCKTON, MA 2017 STEWARDS YTD February 21st, 2017 Alexiou, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Holevas, Mrs. Helen Sarras, Mr. Nicholas Alexis, Mr. & Mrs. George Juris, Mr. & Mrs. John Savas, Mr. Irakli Anastos, Mr. Nicholas Kallis, Mrs. Nikoletta Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Spyros Anifantis-Ibrahim, Mrs. Stamatia Kazis, Mrs. Penelope Savas, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Argyropoulos, Mrs. Bessie Kearns, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Sharkey, Mr. & Mrs. Babanikas, Atty. & Mrs. Nicholas Lapsley, Ms. Sofia Skenas, Mrs. Jeanette Barrus, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Lenton, Mrs. Maria Smiliotopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Bartorelli, Mrs. Bessie Lingos-Webb, Drs. Tania & Drew Smiliotopoulos, Mrs. Tina Bellas, Mr. & Mrs. Elias Liolios, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Spyropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Besarick, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Lymberopoulos, Mrs. Eleni Stavropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Bloumbas, Mr. George Maranian, Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Syrniotis, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Bloumbas, Mr. & Mrs. Kostas Marathas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Tasho, Mrs. Georgia Bokas, Mr. Charles McAllister, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Theofilou, Mr. & Mrs. Eleftherios Boutas, Mrs. Fotine Mihos, Mr. & Mrs. James P. Theofilou, Mrs. Maria Bulgaris, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Mitchell, Dr. George Thompson, Mrs. Jane Buterbaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Jon Morosas, Mr. Christopher Tiliakos, Ms. Gianna Buterbaugh, Mrs. Niki Mroz, Mr. & Mrs. Marcin Tiliakos, Ms. Ragen Capernaros, Mr. Phillip Nenopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Tsarhas, Mrs. Ourania Cariofiles, Mrs. Demetra Nicholaides, Mr. & Mrss. Harry Twomey, Ms. Thelma Castle, Mrs. Cleo Ntakoulas, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Vintzileos, Mr. James Cleary, Mrs. Elizabeth Odierno, Mr. & Mrs. Randy Yataines, Mrs. Ann Coderre Jr., Mr. Ferdinand Palantzas, Mrs. Vasiliki Yiotopoulos, Mr. Steven Colarusso, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Panagoulopoulos, Mr. George Conley, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Costas, Mr. & Mrs. George Papadimopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Papadopoulos, Dr. Andrea Cotter, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. John Critikos, Athena Papadopoulos, Ms. Maria *ADDITIONAL 2016 STEWARDS* Dalkouras, Mrs. Cleo Papadopoulos, Mrs. Panagiota Corbett, Ms. Leisa Deeb, Paul & Elaine Papadopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Liapopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Christos Evangelatos, Father & Mrs. Anthony Papakonstantinou, Mr. & Mrs. Konstantine Palantzas, Ms. Vicky Fisher, Mrs. Jean Pappas, Mrs. Pauline Gagne, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Georgantas, Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Georgeu, Mrs. Phyllis Giannaros, Mr. & Mrs. Nick Giannouloudis, Mr. Tom Ginis, Mrs. Evlambia Habib, Mrs. Violet Hasouris, Mrs. Alexandra Hasouris, Mr. Phillip Passias, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Petropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Alkie Petropoulos, Mr. & Mrs. George Petropoulos, Mrs. George Phillips, Mrs. Demetra Pishkin, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Potsis, Mr. & Mrs. Ilias Psychos, Mr. & Mrs. Sam Sarantopoulos, Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios

13 YOUTH NEWS GREEK SCHOOL Πρόσκληση To Ελληνικό Σχολείο σας καλεί στον εορτασμό της Επετείου της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης,ο οποίος θα πραγματοποιηθεί το Σάββατο στις 25 Μαρτίου στις 12:00 μ.μ στο Κοινοτικό μας κέντρο.τα παιδιά μας θα παρουσιάσουν ένα πρόγραμμα πλημμυρισμένο με το Πνεύμα και τα Ιδεώδη των ηρώων του Ελάτε να θαυμάσουμε όλοι μαζί τα παιδιά μας!!! The Greek School invites you all to celebration of the Greek Independence Day which will take place on Saturday March 25 th in the Community Center of our Church at 12:00 p.m. Let us all join together our children who will present a program depicting the spirit and ideals of our forefathers in their heroic fight for freedom. Hello GOYANs! GOYA Our Souper Bowl food drive and fundraiser was very successful! We collected numerous buckets of nonperishables, along with nearly $300 in donations. Thank you to everyone who donated! Easter approaches very soon! The first pre-sanctified liturgy will be held on March 1 at 5:30. Following the liturgy, there will be a Lenten supper. GOYANS are asked to participate in the readings early in the service, so please arrive by 5:15. During Great Lent, it is important that we are active in service for our church and community. Just after Easter, on April 22, the GOYA will be attending a community service project event called Comcast Cares Day. We are planning for a bowling trip with the St. Catherine s GOYA soon. Also, we are hoping to again host our Lenten Lock-in the weekend prior to Easter. Our GOYANs look forward to this every year. Our next meeting will be the first Sunday of March, March 5th. Hope to see you there! HOPE/JOY Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Have A Heart Luncheon on Sunday February 12 th. What a success! Also a huge thank you for all of the generous donations. Whether it was goods, money, or helping hands, it is because of our church s solid community and all of your support that we were able to not only meet our goal of raising $5000, but surpass it! On behalf of the Joy/Hope ministry and the Boston Children s Hospital Hellenic Cardiac Fund, we thank you! The next Joy/Hope meeting will be held on Sunday March 26 th after church services. All children and parents are welcome to attend. Lunch will be provided. Please call Gianna at for questions.

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16 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 457 Oak Street Brockton, MA Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Brockton, MA Permit No. 258 Phone Fax We re on the Web! BABANIKAS, ZIEDMAN & KING, P.C Belmont Street Brockton, MA Phone (508) Fax (508) Nicholas H. Babanikas Stephen S. Ziedman John J. King Konstantinos J. Babanikas Thomas J. Dinopoulos* Praven Shenoy Louis debenedictis Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes *Also admitted to Rhode Island and Florida Richard T. Mallen Of Counsel Boston Office 27 School Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA (617) New Bedford Office 355 Union Street New Bedford, MA (508) Concentrating in: Personal Injury Law - Social Security - Workmen s Compensation Wills & Trusts - Product Liability - Real Estate Law