Welcome to Saint Nicholas on this Sunday, March 26, Today we commemorate:

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1 Welcome to Saint Nicholas on this Sunday, March 26, 2017 St. Paul's Letter To The Hebrews 6:13-20 Today we commemorate: Sunday of St. John Climacus Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel 26 Martyrs in Crimea Irenaeus the Hieromartyr of Hungary EPISTLE READING Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1 The Lord will give strength to his people. Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20 BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

2 Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20 Προκείμενον. Ήχος βαρύς. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 28.11,1 Κύριος ἰσχὺν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ δώσει. Στίχ. Ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ, ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ δόξαν καὶ τιμήν. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.

3 The Gospel According To Mark 9:17-3 GOSPEL READING At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

4 Ἐκ Τοῦ Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31 Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν ἀλλ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε πιστεύω, κύριε βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται. Welcome If this is your first time to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, we welcome you and look forward to meeting you. May God bless your time with us as we worship God The Father, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. If you are not familiar with Orthodox worship, please ask one of our ushers. If you are in need of spiritual assistance or would like to know how to become an Orthodox Christian, please speak to Father Andrew.

5 Calendar Sun. March 26 4th Sunday of Lent, St. John Climacus, Orthros 9:00 AM, Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Wed. March 29 Fri. March 31 Thurs. April 6 Presanctified Liturgy 7:00 PM Akathist Hymn 7:00 PM Bible Study 7:00 PM Saturday, April 8 Lazarus Saturday After the Liturgy, children are invited to stay in order to make the palm crosses for Palm Sunday. Thursday, April 13 Holy Thursday Your help is needed to make the flowers arrangements for the Epitaphios. Please consider helping us-the more hands the better. If anyone would like to donate money for flowers for the decorating of the Icons and the Epitaphios for Holy Week, please see Vaso. Friday, April 14 Holy Friday After Liturgy, we are requesting help in decorating the Epitaphios. We'd love to have your help for this very special event. Join us at 10:00 a.m. in the church hall. Church Bulletin Announcements Nicole Maverakis is now producing the weekly church bulletin. Please send any announcements to her at nicolemav@gmail.com. Articles should be submitted in text (*.txt) or Microsoft Word (*.docx) formats and pictures in JPEG (*.jpg *.jpeg *.jpe) format for inclusion in the bulletin. St. Nicholas Summer Camp 2017 St. Nicholas Summer Camp: Preparations are beginning for another exciting year of summer camp for our young people! As in previous years, the Metropolis Summer Camp has been able to offer a considerable number of summer camp scholarships (or camperships) to those families who need them. If you are interested, please see Father Andrew. AHEPA Every 3rd Tuesday of the month we will be meeting at the church hall. Both AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope. We welcome everyone to attend the meetings. Our AHEPA Temecula-Murrieta chapter 536 is organizing a San Diego bay 2 hour cruise, on Saturday the 22nd of April. The price per person is $15 and we will go for lunch after the cruise. If you need a

6 ride let us know.for more information Dimitri Thiveos at: or ask any AHEPA or Daughters of Penelope member at the church. Thank you. Bible Study The Bible Study will meet on Thursdays at 7pm beginning in Great Lent. See the dates on the calendar. Catechism Class The Catechism Class is open to anyone who would like to attend. You do not have to be a catechumen or inquirer, but if you would like to brush up on the foundations of your Orthodox Faith, please come! If you have any questions, please see Father Stephen and look in the calendar section of the bulletin each week for the next class. Sanctuary Lights The two Sanctuary Lights on the Holy Altar are replaced every Sunday and burn for one week. You may offer one or both of them for a loved one. Please contact Fr. Andrew if you would like to donate towards one or both. The cost is $10.00 each. Coffee Hour We need people to help us with the coffee hour. It can be as simple as cookies, cake, and coffee! Thank you. Champagne and Chocolate Fashion Show and Luncheon Please consider supporting Kids N' Cancer, by attending the Champagne and Chocolate Fashion Show and Luncheon at Wilson Creek Winery on Saturday, May 6 at 11:00-2:00. There will be a jewelry demonstration, fashions, fun, and vendors. Support a worthy cause. We must receive payment by April 20! Get your ticket today in the church hall! Greek Dance Greek dance presents Luminaries (Lambades) for Good Friday. The dance group will personalize each candle-lit bag in memory of or for the health of. The cost is $10. The bags will be lined around the church along the path of the Epitaphio. There will be a sign up table after church for purchase. Greek Dance Practice schedule: Edvokia ( ages 9-13) April 6:30 pm April 6:30 pm May 5@ 6:30 pm

7 May 6:30 pm May 6:30 pm Summer break Ta Pedakia ( ages 5-8) April 10 am April 10 am May 10 am May 10 am May 10 am Summer break

8 Philoptochos Special Services are offered. Memorials: Koliva Small Tray - $30.00 Large Tray - $60.00 Prosfora 3 Loaves - $20.00 Artoklasia 5 loaves - $40.00 Trisagion: For your special requests, please call Vaso Bouras at (951) or Phofy Bachakes at (951) Please call Vaso or Phofy to make arrangements for services or events. Saint Nicholas Bookstore: Visit the St. Nicholas Bookstore in the Church Hall. There are a variety of gifts and books available. Contact Father Andrew to make a purchase or if you have any questions.

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10 STEWARDSHIP CORNER STEWARDSHIP 2017 One must inspire the children themselves to do good deeds. At first one must guide them onto doing good deeds. The most ordinary good deeds in this regard are: almsgiving, compassion, mercifulness, yielding to others, and patience. It s not difficult to teach them to so these things. Opportunities for them occur every minute; one only has to use them. St. Theophan the Recluse Whoever gives a hand to help his neighbor is helped by God s own hand. St. Isaac the Syrian The above patristic sayings are reminders that our Christian Stewardship is not just about finances but by the by true giving of one s self to others! Good deeds are taught to the young by encouraging them to give to the church and those in need of help and assistance. They will learn from the example that you show as you give of your time, talent and treasure to your parish of St. Nicholas.

11 Events Resources News Donate Our Faith Parishes Metropolis Ministries Encyclical for the Feast of the Annunciation 2017 D A T E : M a r c h 2 0, C A T E G O R Y : M E T R O P O L I T A N ' S E N C Y C L I C A L S Metropolitan's Encyclicals A U T H O R : H I S E M I N E N C E M E T R O P O L I T A N G E R A S I M O S His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos Beloved in the Lord, When you are living on your knees, you rise up. This line from the hit musical Hamilton perfectly sums up the spirit of our celebrations for March 25th. The Greek people, who had lived on their knees under oppression for nearly four centuries rose up and began their struggle to create an independent and free nation. As Thomas Jefferson wrote to Adamantios Koraes in 1823, the American people, possessing ourselves the combined blessings of liberty and order, we wish the same to other countries and to none more than yours which is the first of civilized nations... and thus prayed for the success of the Greek struggle for independence.

12 But before the Greek people rose up, they bent their knees before the Almighty God on the Feast of the Annunciation, a Feast with an Apolytikion that begins Today is the crowning of our salvation and the manifestation of the Mystery which is from eternity. Their faith in God and their hope for liberation were connected because they had been taught that the Incarnation of Christ freed humanity from the bondage of death. So, we too, bend our knees in praise of Almighty God who sent the Archangel Gabriel to announce the Good News to Mary that she was to give birth to the Savior. As Gabriel said, He will be great, and will be called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of His father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end. (Luke 1:32-33) And we too, rise up to proclaim the Good News that God, in His love for the world, has sent His only Son to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. (Luke 4:18) We bend our knees before God and remember those who gave their lives for the freedom of others, whether in wars of independence or as martyrs in the face of persecution. And we rise up with the strength to face adversity and to confront those who use bigotry and intolerance as instruments of power. We bend our knees before the Theotokos, who said to Gabriel, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) Like the Angels, we marvel at the Great work of Your incarnation; for they saw the unapproachable God viewed by all as an accessible Man dwelling with us, and hearing from all, Alleluia. (The Akathist Hymn). And we rise up behind her, the invincible Champion, mighty, and unassailable. Beloved in the Lord, whether or not you are of Greek ancestry, this cultural celebration still has meaning for all, because as Americans, we are all heirs of the spirit of liberty that gave birth to our nation. And all Orthodox Christians exult in the Feast of the Annunciation because today we celebrate the inauguration of our salvation, our freedom from the bondage of sin and death. May our Most Merciful God grant you and your loved ones a splendid Pascha; and to those who celebrate their namedays, I extend a special wish for God's abundant blessings upon you. With Love in Christ, + G E R A S I M O S Metropolitan of San Francisco

13 St. Nicholas Greek Dance Presents: Good Friday Luminaries (Lambades) Let s light our path around the church with the names of our loved ones who have passed on and our wishes for the health of our family and friends. Our dance group will personalize each candle-lit bag (lambada) with: In the Memory of or For the Health of The bags will be lined around the church along the path of the Epitaphio. Each bag costs $10. Orders can be placed in two ways: Visit our display table after church on Sunday or Write the names on the form below, make your check payable to St. Nicholas Greek Dance. DEADLINE PALM SUNDAY (Please, no more than 2 names per bag) If you need more than two bags, simply write out the information on a separate piece of paper. Ordered by: Ordered by: Phone #: Phone #: Name: In Memory of / For the Health of: (Circle one) Name: Paid by: Cash / Check # Paid by: Cash / Check # Total Paid: In Memory of / For the Health of: (Circle one)

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17 SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS WHO ARE PARISHIONERS OF OUR PARISH Want your Business listed?? All you have to do is contact Father Andrew, it's that simple. ALENA NEWLOGICA PROFFSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY newlogica.com ALL DAY AUTO REPAIR AND SMOG, Via Montezuma, Temecula, ask for George A PLUS ORGANIZATION, LLC (Presv. Karen Lesko), Personal organization for your home, garage, or business, to fit your specific needs kmlesko@mail.com A TO Z BUILDERS & REMODELER, Boris Prohnitchi, General Contractor, Room Addition, Roofing Solution, Decorative Patios, Decks, Paving, Kitchen & Bathroom Flooring and Painting. San Jacinto, pbpgeneral@yahoo.com AVON CALLING! (Eleni Malandrinos) Your Avon representative. Need a Book? Need an Order? emalandrinos@aol.com BARBARIAN BAIL BONDS, Kristi Bartzis, Bail Agent serving So. Cal. With Bail Bonds 24/7 bailagentkristi@gmail.com Off: Cell: BEST FRIEND FINANCIAL TAX & IMMIGRATION SERVICES (Christina Nichols-Wainright, Jefferson Suite B, Temecula, Christina@FFF-Tax.com website BFF-Tax.com DEMIFIED HEALTH & HOME IMPROVEMENTS (Demi and Lawrence Mazzola), Providing health, home and business improvements that are always a work in progress! We also sell vitamins! demi@demified.com CHRYSANTHE PAPAZOGLOU Men's & Women's Alterations, Custom Window Treatments Oasis Resident, Menifee CA CLASS ACT PHOTO BOOTH (Chris Engel), classactphotobooth@gmail.com THE COLOUR PARLOR ( Janna Bozonelos) Clinton Keith Rd.. Suite A-102, Wildomar ELI-COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR (Elias Housein), Your Foreign & Domestic Specialist since 1985, Washington Ave. Unit B, Murrieta ENGLAND FAMILY MORTUARY, INC. Greg England, Funeral Director, Temecula Valley's Funeral Home Madison Ave., Temecula , EnglandFamilyMortuary.com EVEREST TOWN CAR SERVICE (for all your transportation needs), Serving the Temecula Valley Area or acedriver1@yahoo.com FABOZZI & MILLER, APC (Kiki Manti), Attorney at Law Fifth St., Ste. 200, Temecula kmanti@fabozzimillerlaw.com FLORE WHOLESALE (Quality Design and Wholesale Fresh Flower's) Cherry St. Suite F, Murrieta, Stephanie Doehring , florewholesale@yahoo.com HANDYMAN, (David M. Hodges), Broad Oak St., Murrieta, Phone (Cell) and (Fax & Message).

18 HOME SMART REAL ESTATE, (Bogdan Sofian), Real Estate Consultant. BRE# Phone Cell: Office: M AND D FIELDS BAKER (Melinda Fields), Cookies-Breads-Cakes (Baking with a Passion) Adelfa, Lake Elsinore, MandDFieldsBakery@live.com THE KHAN LAW FIRM Specializing in Immigration Law, Business Law and International Law Contact Nasir Khan MANDEL JEWELERS (Linda Mandel), Fine Jewelers since E. Imperial Hwy, Ste 148, Brea, CA MARIAN ELLIS, hair designer, Those who seek beauty, will find it Old Town Front Street Suite 235, Temecula rylinashleesalon@hotmail.com MASSAGE THERAPIST, call Roma or roma-luka@hotmail.com MEGA TOM'S, Gourmet Fast Food Restaurants, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, Madison Ave, Murrieta, NICOLE MAVERAKIS, Electronics Consultant, extensive knowledge of computers, audio and video systems. If you need help with those fields contact nicolemav@gmail.com OLD MARKET GRILL, Fresh Mediterranean Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, Clinton Keith Rd., Wildomar, Dine in Take out Call in Drive Thru OPA TRAVEL (Eleni Skaropoulos), Greece air tickets is my specialty. Also tour packages anywhere plus bus tour organizer. Call PANGAEA RESTAURANT (Owned/Operated by the Zachos Family). Authenic Greek and Italian Cuisne fresh cooked to order! Dine In, Carry Out, Catering, Banquets Jefferson Ave. #17, Temecula Private Parties or Business Meetings! Like us on Facebook PAX PRINTER REPAIR, Peter Rekatsinas, 108 N. Kalmia St., Escondido, , PIANO LESSONS/RUSSIAN LANGUAGE LESSONS, Inna Hayek, Private Tutor, All Ages and All Levels (Adult care, Child care and Crafts). PAISANO SMOG CHECK, Test only station, Vehicle Registration Transfer of Ownership Registration Renewals Lien Sales, Collier Ave. Ste. B, Lake Elsinore, PLUMBING, Bisharah al shaer, bishara.shaer@yahoo.com VERONIKA HUGGINS, Concert Pianist Accordion Player, All forms of music for venues large or small Lessons Available nikahuggins@msn.com SIGGYS RESTAURANTS Simply the best since 1956, Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner, serving Murrieta and Temecula Jefferson Ave., Murrieta ll9 and Highway 79 South, Temecula, TAXES: J.C. H. TAX GROUP (John Hadjis, Chris Hadjis, Andrea Nissim) Temecula , also in Lake Elsinore TEKTON INVESTMENTS, INC. - Real Estate Division (George Tektonopoulos) Broker-Realtor, Jefferson, Suite C, Murrieta, tekton@ez2.net SOLAR: EARTHWISE SOLAR (Elliott Nissim)

19 THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL (Christine Hodges), Resource Specialist ELS- Citizenship teacher, The choice is always yours Free helps! Have questions on Special Education or services. Need help becoming a United States Citizen? YELLOW BASKET, Family Restaurant Haun Road, Menifee, , Winchester Road, Temecula, , ---coming soon Wildomar--- wwwyellowbasket.com WINE BY DESIGN, Express & Impress (Evan Vassilakis), The creator or Blouzo brings you superb wines from Lodi and Napa We specialize on private label creations for both business, restaurants, and events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday reunions, fund raising and special occasions vevass@yahoo.com