Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Transcript

1 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE DECEMBER 2017 Non-Profit Organiz. U.S. Postage Winston-Salem, NC Permit # 168 Christ is born! Glorify Him! We Have to Take the Same Journey One of the many titles given to Jesus Christ is the second Adam. Christ comes and fulfills what the first Adam could not do. The first Adam lived in Paradise. By restoring the fallen image of Adam, Christ shows us the gateway back to the Paradise enjoyed by Adam. In His earthly ministry, Christ retraced all the steps of the Old Testament. Not only did he fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, but He took the journey of the Israelites to Egypt and then back out of Egypt. For those who don t remember, the Israelites went to Egypt to escape a famine in their land that would have brought certain death. After staying as sojourners in a strange land, where they eventually became enslaved, they were liberated and once again went back to the land of Canaan, their original homeland. Christ follows the same journey under the threat of death by King Herod, He escaped to Egypt, where he remained, a stranger in a strange land, until Herod had died and it was safe to return to His homeland. Trusting God in our life journeys is again a theme today. First, the Magi, who had trusted in a star that they followed for two years, believing it would lead to the Christ, again had to trust in God. And Mary and Joseph had to take another leap of faith when they were told by the Angel to go to Egypt until further notice. For their journey to Bethlehem, they only had the possessions they could carry with them. Joseph most likely thought he d return to Nazareth, to his home and his business, after the quick trip to Bethlehem for the census. Now, there was no opportunity for him to go home, his meager belongings would have to suffice for this journey. How would he provide an income? What would happen to his carpentry business after a long absence from home? And yet Joseph and Mary took the journey to Egypt, strangers again in a strange land, and God provided for them because they trusted Him. We are not told how, only that they safely made it to Egypt, safely lived there, and eventually safely returned to Nazareth. Our life journeys also have strange and unforeseen twists and turns in them.. Many times God asks us to take a detour, and sometimes another detour on that. Many times we have to really dig deep to trust in God, for sometimes what he asks of us is daunting. Some of life s journeys can be downright scary. I m sure if you think about it, we ve all had the experience of the flight to Egypt, being strangers in a strange land that might be when we went to college, or relocated to a new town, or started a new job. We all have to take some leap of faith. When we do it with God, and more important, when we do it for God, we always arrive at a safe ending, even though the passage itself might be filled with danger. And most important, even though the ending not be a place where we thought He would lead us. This is very important sometimes the end of the journey is not where we would have wanted it to be. But if we stay faithful to God, and follow the journey to where HE wants it to end, we will find ultimate safety with Him. Christ took the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. We too must pass through our own Egypt on our way to the Promised Land. Borrowed from LET ALL CREATION REJOICE: REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT, THE NATIVITY AND EPIPHANY BY FR. STAVROS N. AKROTIRIANAKIS (available in our bookstore)

2 Sat Dec 2 Sun Dec 3 The Daughters of Evrytania Silver Tea Breast Cancer Benefit at Fellowship Hall 4:00pm HOLIDAY MUSIC, CHRISTMAS CAROLS, SILVER TEA BUFFET, GREEK PASTRIES, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, WINE TASTING AND 5:30PM FASHION SHOW BY NITSA S APPAREL & LIME LOLLIES Donation: $30 Adults, $20 Students, $10 Children under 12 For tickets and information call: Helen Gallins ; Zoe Michael ; Stacey Karagiorgis ; Christina Prentzas Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in a low voice. Special Tray will be passed by Philoptochos for Clergy Education Fellowship Hour is offered by Effie & Nick Kontos, Angela & Jerry Kontos, Olga Kontos, Kelli & Johnny Kontos, Soula & Gus Kontos, Lisa & Steve Kontos and Bessie & John Stabolitis in honor of family namedays. St. Barbara Vespers - Durham, NC 6:30pm Mon Dec 4 St Barbara Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:30am *** Tue Dec 5 Philoptochos Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon 11:00am in the Breezeway. A Fasting meal will be provided. Men s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30 am Philoptochos Board Meeting 6:00pm Wed Dec 6 St. Nicholas Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:30am GOYA Meeting/Discussion 7:00pm-8:15pm. Topic: Sun Dec 10 Regular Schedule STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in a low voice. Regular Sunday School for 3 s, 4 s and grades K-6th grades go to Choir Room for Practice Mon Dec 11 Tue Dec 12 Wed Dec 13 Thu Dec 14 Stewardship Luncheon The Stewardship Committee cordially invites the community to the Stewardship Appreciation Luncheon in the Hellenic Center. The Luncheon is in appreciation of your Stewardship support. A brief Christmas Musical Program will be offered by the Angel Choir and Greek School. Parish Council Elections will take place in the hall at the conclusion of services and will last till 2:30pm. Parish Council Meeting 6:00pm Men s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am St. Spyridon Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45am GOYA Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm - 8:15pm Philoptochos Gen.Mtg. and Christmas Social 7pm at the Home of Effie Davis For ladies only. Please bring your favorite appetizer to share. Please bring a wrapped gift (marked for either a male or female) for the mentally handicapped. Παρ 15 Δεκ Κυρ 17 Δεκ Δευτ 18 Δεκ Τρι 19 Δεκ Τετ 20 Δεκ μοιραστείτε. Για κυρίες μόνο τις 7:00 μ.μ. Προσφέρετε ένα δώρο τυλιγμένο (που έχει επισημανθεί είτε για άνδρες είτε για γυναίκες) για άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες. Αγίου Ελευθέριου Όρθρος / Θεία Λειτουργία 8:45 π.μ. Χριστουγεννιάτικο Πρόγραμμα Χριστιανικής Ακαδημίας Ευαγγελισμού 10:45 Κανονικό πρόγραμμα Κατηχητικό ενηλίκων 9:30 π.μ. Θέμα: Μελέτη της Θείας Λειτουργίας με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στις προσευχές που λέγεται "με χαμηλή φωνή". Ο καφές προσφέρετε από τους Ρωξάνη & Τέρρι Γιαννόπουλος, η Άννα & Θωμάς Γιαννόπουλος, Μαρία & Νίκος Μαθές και η Βούλα & Χρήστος Βλάχος για την υγεία των οικογενειών τους και προς τιμήν των οικογενειών. Χριστουγεννιάτικη συγκέντρωση της GOYA Χριστουγεννιάτικη συγκέντρωση HOPE & JOY 6:00 μ.μ. - 7:15 μ.μ. Συνάντηση Ομάδας Συζητήσεων Ανδρών 6:30 π.μ. Συζήτηση ενήλικων 9:30 π.μ. GOYA Μελέτη Βίβλου και Αγίας γραφής7:00 μ.μ. - 8:15 μ.μ. Πέμπτη 21 Δεκεμβρίου έως - 2 Ιανουαρίου 2018 Η Χριστιανική Ακαδημία κλειστή για τις διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων. Παρασκευή 23 Δεκεμβρίου έως 5 Ιανουαρίου 2018 Το Ελληνικό Σχολείο κλειστό για τις διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων. Κυρ 24 Δεκ Κυρ 24 Δεκ Δευτ 25 Δεκ Κανονικό Πρόγραμμα Δεν θα έχουμε κατηχητικό σχολείο Ο καφές ανοιχτός Χριστουγεννιάτικη Λειτουργία Όρθρος 6:00 μ.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 7:00 μ.μ. Χριστούγεννα κάλαντα στο τέλος της Θείας Λειτουργίας Χριστούγεννα Όρθρος 8:45 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 10:00 π.μ. Σας ευχόμαστε Καλά Χριστούγεννα Τετάρτη 27 Δεκεμβρίου. Παρασκευή 30 Δεκεμβρίου Χειμερινή συνάντηση Νεολαίας Αγίου Βασιλείου στην Ατλάντα Κυρ 31 Δεκ Δευτ 1 Ιαν Κανονικό Πρόγραμμα / Δεν θα έχουμε Κατηχητικό Σχολείο Ο καφές προσφέρεται στην αγαπημένη μνήμη του Κωνσταντίνου Μπομποτσιάρη από τον αδελφό του Σταύρο Μπομποτσιάρη & οικογένεια του. Βραδυνη Λειτουργία του Αγίου Βασιλείου /Όρθρος 8:30 μ.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 μ.μ. Χοροεσπερίδα για την ενίσχυση των τμημάτων για νέους Η νεολαία της GOYA θα επισκεφθεί όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερους ενοίκους, για να τους ευχηθεί ευλογημένο, υγιεινό και χαρούμενο νέο έτος ενώ θα τραγουδήσει τα παραδοσιακά κάλαντα της Πρωτοχρονιάς. Αν δεν θα βρίσκεστε σπίτι παρακαλούμε τηλεφωνήστε το γραφείο και ζητήστε να αποσυρθείτε από τη λίστα. Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος 2018!

3 Σάβ 2 Δεκ Κυρ Δεκ 3 Οι Θυγατέρες της Ευρυτανίας «Ασημένιο τσάι για την ενίσχυση του Καρκίνου του μαστού» στην κοινοτική αίθουσα στις 4:00 μ.μ. Χριστουγεννιάτικη μουσική, ελληνικά γλυκά, Χριστουγεννιάτικα ψώνια, Μόδα από τα καταστήματα Νίτσας και Lime Lollies Δωρεά: $ 30 Ενήλικες, $ 20 Φοιτητές, $ 10 Παιδιά κάτω των 12 ετών Για εισιτήρια και πληροφορίες επικοινωνήστε με: Ελένη Γαλλή ; Ζωή Μιχαήλ ; Αναστασία Καραγιώργου ; Χριστίνα Πρέντζας Κανονικό πρόγραμμα Κατηχητικό Ενηλίκων στις 9:30 π.μ. με Θέμα: Μελέτη της Θείας Λειτουργίας με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στις προσευχές που λέγονται "με χαμηλή φωνή". Ο καφές προσφέρεται από τους Έφη & Νίκο Κόντος, την Aντζελα & Ανάργυρο Κοντός, την Όλγα Κόντου, τον Kelli & Γιάννη Κόντος, τη Σούλα & Κώστα Κόντος, τη Ελισάβετ & Σταύρο Κοντός και τον Βασιλική &Γιάννη Σταμπολίτη προς τιμή των ονομαστικών εορτών τους Αγία Βαρβάρα Εσπερινός στο Ντούρχαμ, NC 6:30 μ.μ. Δευτ 4 Δεκ Αγία Βαρβάρα Όρθρος / Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 π.μ. *** Χριστουγεννιάτικο γεύμα για ηλικιωμένους από την Φιλόπτωχο στις 11:00 π.μ. στον διάδρομο της εκκλησίας. Νηστίσιμο φαγητό. Τρι 5 Δεκ Τετ 6 Δεκ Κυρ 10 Δεκ Δευτ 11 Δεκ Τρι 12 Δεκ Τετ 13 Δεκ Πεμ 14 Δεκ Συνάντηση Ομάδας Συζητήσεων Ανδρών 6:30 π.μ. Συνάντηση του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου της Φιλόπτωχου στις 6:00 μ.μ. Άγιος Νικόλαος / Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 π.μ. Συνάντηση / συζήτηση GOYA 7:00 μ.μ. - 8:15 μ.μ. Θέμα: Κανονικό Πρόγραμμα ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ της Οικονομικής Υποστήριξης Κατηχητικό Ενηλίκων 9:30 π.μ. Θέμα: Μελέτη της Θείας Λειτουργίας με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στις προσευχές που λέγεται "με χαμηλή φωνή". Κανονικό κατηχητικό για τις τάξεις τριών και τεσσάρων χρονών και Οι τάξεις Νήπια 6ής Αγγελική χορωδία Πρόγραμμα Οικονομικής υποστήριξης - Η Επιτροπή Διαχείρισης σας προσκαλεί εγκάρδια την κοινότητα στο Γεύμα Εκτίμησης Φροντίδας στην κοινοτική αίθουσα. Το γεύμα εκτιμά την υποστήριξη του Stewardship. Σύντομο Χριστουγεννιάτικο Μουσικό Πρόγραμμα θα προσφερθεί από την Χορωδία των Αγγέλων και το Ελληνικό Σχολείο. Οι εκλογές του Ενοριακού Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου θα πραγματοποιηθούν στην κοινοτική αίθουσα μετα το τέλος της Θεία Λειτουργία μέχρι τις 2:30 μ.μ. Συνάντηση Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου Ενορίας 6:00 μ.μ. Συνάντηση Ομάδας Συζητήσεων Ανδρών 6:30 π.μ. Αγίου Σπυρίδωνος / Θεία Λειτουργία 8:45 π.μ. Μελέτη της Βίβλου 7:00 μ.μ. - 8:15 μ.μ. Γενική Συνέλευση Φιλόπτωχου και Χριστουγεννιάτικη συγκέντρωση Effie Davis home. Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας ορεκτικό για να το Fri Dec 15 St. Eleutherios Matins/Divine Liturgy 8:45am Sun Dec 17 Mon Dec 18 Tue Dec 19 Wed Dec 20 Thu Dec 21 - Jan 2 Fri Dec 23 - Jan 5 Sun Dec 24 Sun Dec 24 Annunciation Christian Academy Christmas Program 10:45am Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:30am. Topic: Study of the Divine Liturgy with special emphasis on the prayers said in a low voice. Blessing of Loaves (Artoklasia) and Fellowship Hour will be offered by Roxanne & Terry Gianopoulos, Anna & Tom Giannopoulos, Maria & Nick Mathes and Voula & Chris Vlahos for the health of their families and in honor of family namedays. GOYA Christmas Social HOPE & JOY Christmas Party 6:00pm-7:15pm Men s Discussion Group Meeting 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30 am GOYA Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm - 8:15pm Annunciation Christian Academy closed for Christmas vacation. Greek School closed for Christmas vacation. **Regular Schedule Matins 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am** No Sunday School Fellowship Hour - Open **CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Matins 6:00pm Divine Liturgy 7:00pm A selection of Christmas Carols will be sung at the conclusion of services Mon Dec 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE Matins 8:45am Divine Liturgy 10:00am Wed Dec 27 Fri Dec 30 WISHING OUR COMMUNITY A BLESSED CHRISTMAS St. Basil s Winter Youth Rally in Atlanta Sun Dec 31 Regular Schedule No Sunday School Mon Jan 1 Fellowship Hour is offered in loving memory of Konstandinos Bobotsiares by his brother Stavro Bobotsiares & family. NEW YEAR S EVE SERVICE St. Basil s Liturgy Matins 8:30pm Divine Liturgy 9:30pm NEW YEAR S DANCE IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH MINISTRIES The GOYA youth will visit as many parishioners homes as possible, to wish them a blessed, healthy and happy New Year while singing the traditional New Year s carols (Kalanda). If this is inconvenient, please call the office requesting to be taken off the list. Happy New Year!

4 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 USHERS Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, Nick Karagiorgis, Ilias Vlachos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 1 Gabriella Ballas, Athena Grisette READER - Ron Sheppard ALTAR BOYS Team 3 - Costa Kortesis, Alexander Marshall, Yanni Petropoulos, Mikie Ioannou, Nicholas Woody, Stavros Karagiorgis, Panagiotis Vgenopoulos, Parker Moye, Angelo Petropoulos, Evangelos Kortesis, Christos Katsoudas, John Spinosa NURSERY Helen Vlasis, Jenny Morris SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 USHERS Jim Paloumbas, Sammy Gianopoulos, Helen Bambalis, Stan Carroll CHURCH SERV COMM Team 1 - Tom Giannopoulos, Tony Franzese, Presv. Stacy Shepherd, Paul Anthony MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 2 - Maria Anthony, Zoe Spanos READER - George Kalamaras ALTAR BOYS Team 4 - Vasileios Karagiannis, Stevie Raptis, Max Rogatsios, Dimitrios Mitropoulos, William Nolan, Niko Vlahos, Nektarios Vgenopoulos, Pavlos Anson, Vasili Johnson, Andreas Kazakos NURSERY Corie Ebert, Paula Manser, Katie Kroustalis SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 USHERS Jimmy Chrysson, Pete Bobotsiares, George Bambalis, Paula Christakos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 2 - Chris Gallos, Teddy J. Tsiolkas, Angelic Carroll, Tony Vlasis MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 3 - Ritsa Liaskonis, Maria Shepherd READER - Anthony Whitley ALTAR BOYS Team 5 - Ralph Shepherd, George Raptis, Marcus Neacsu, Michael Ioannou, Matthew Moutos, John Kroustalis, Sebastian Neacsu, Harper Satterfield, Harrison Satterfield, Evangelos Paparoupas NURSERY Mary Paloumbas, Helen Sialmas, Stella Tsiaras SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Morning USHERS Ody Chamis, Maria Tsigas, George Bambalis, Stan Carroll, Sammy Giannopoulos, Jim Paloumbas CHURCH SERV COMM Team 3 George Kalamaras, Virginia Moutos, Chris Spinosa, Vic Pappas MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 4 Mara Kessler, Jackie Nikas, Corina Hellmer READER - Will Moye ALTAR BOYS Team 1 - Vaios Demopoulos, Alexandros Kalogeromitros, Yiannis Alexiou, Luke Vlahos, Vasilios Ziogas, Christos Demopoulos, Demetrios Liaskonis, John Stabolitis, John Petropoulos, William Pierce, Alex Zades NURSERY Lauren Kazakos, Kelly Kontos, Angela Tsolis SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 - Christmas Eve USHERS - George Bambalis, Stan Carroll, Jim Paloumbas (Open to all) NO CHURCH SERVICES COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS ALTAR BOYS - All Teams NURSERY - Open but not staffed MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 - Christmas Day USHERS - George Bambalis, Stan Carroll (Open to all) CHURCH SERVICES - Open to all ALTAR BOYS - Open NURSERY - Open but not staffed SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 USHERS Jim Paloumbas, Sammy Gianopoulos, Helen Bambalis, Stan Carroll CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 5 Alexandra Augoustides, Jasmine Marshall READER Chris Lohr ALTAR BOYS Team 2 - Demetri Hodges, Nicholas Rizos, Chris G. Moutos, Terry Rizos, Danny Gallos, Demetri Kortesis, Spero Moutos, George Sechrest, Christian Gallos, Jack Nolan NURSERY - Open but not staffed PHILOPTOCHOS Meeting & CHRISTMAS SOCIAL For Ladies Only December 14th 7:00pm Home of Effie Davis 215 Pennsylvania Ave W-S Please bring your favorite appetizer to share! Please bring a wrapped gift (marked for either a male or female) for the mentally handicapped 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, Virginia, Frankie, Stuart, Thespina, Paul, Maria, Pete, Spiro, Demetri and the extended family. 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 Good Samaritan helpers visited or sent cards to the following members of the church: Tom, Emily, Litsa and Virginia. Members to call, if you need a ride to doctors appointments or anything else are: Mary Wnentowski ; Persephone Cortessis ; Martha Dentiste ; Emily Kafant

5 POINSETTIAS ***Deadline*** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 - $15.00 Donation In loving memory of by In honor of by Other CHRISTMAS CARD ***Deadline*** SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 - Donation $10 minimum - Please fill out EXACTLY how you want your names to appear on the card. Name Donation Amount OR OR PARISH COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE The following items of note resulted from business discussed at the November 13, 2017 Parish Council meeting: Nominating Committee presented a slate of 9 names for elections on Dec 10 Updated stainless steel cabinets have been installed in the kitchen thanks to Stavros & Georgia Bobotsiares and Harry & Marsha Gallins. Long range planning committee & Greek Festival committees have met over new driveway to be poured between the new homes on Kinnamon Road. Vicar's Meeting November 9. Fr. Demetri reported about the financial deficits with the Archdiocese. Updates from investigations will be shared in the next few months. Stewardship Sunday will be Dec 10. Recent tree fallings on our property beside the church by the lower lot. Quote was presented from Mike Vlasis. Fr. Demetri is checking with insurance. Christmas services will be: Sunday morning 10 am Divine Liturgy; Sunday Evening Christmas Eve Service 7pm Divine Liturgy; Christmas Day Service Monday 10 am. New Year's Dance: Jimmy Paloumbas will coordinate this as was done last year. Ticket prices $15 & $30. Parish Council Seminar will be held for those running for upcoming elections: Monday Dec 4 at 7 pm. Security of church was discussed. More planning is needed at this time. Key for all is awareness. Join us as we ring in the New Year! NEW YEAR S EVE PARTY Featuring Tasios Christou & Band from Washington, DC December 31 st 10:00 pm THE HELLENIC CENTER PRESALE $30 Adults / $15 Students 12 & Under FREE (Tickets at the door will be an additional $5) Join us for a night of greek & American music, delicious food, and a lot of fun! Champagne toast at midnight Featuring a breakfast buffet Tickets will be sold after church every Sunday for more info call Church office or Jimmy All proceeds benefit youth ministries! Elections for Parish Council will be held on Sunday, December 10th after services until 2:30 in the Hall. The following members of our Church have expressed a desire to serve on the Parish Council. We thank them for their willingness to serve. (listed as they were picked out of a hat) Sammy John Ballas Johnny Kortesis Pete Chris Strates Stephen Karagiorgis Ted Gus Kazakos Gina Nikitas Greg Karagiorgis Sammy Gianopoulos Vicky Russell

6 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. We are still a little short of our goal. Please help us reach it STEWARDSHIP REPORT To date we have received 386 pledge cards Baker, Chris Futris, Rebeka Karagiorgis, Nick & Stacey Kazakos, John & Nia Kazakos, Ted & Maria Nikitas, Panayiotis & Gina Papathanasiou, Louis Skordas, Apostolos Our 2018 Stewardship Theme is: OUR GOAL IS 410 PLEDGES STEWARDSHIP CORNER Skordas, Jimmy & Maria Strates, Helen Tsigas, Christos Wnentowski, Mary Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men Colossians 3:23 STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - December 10 With 2017 coming to an end, we are thankful to all of you, our stewards for your steadfast support and for your love of Annunciation, our Spiritual home. We thank all who have offered their TIME, TALENT and TREASURE in support of many Ministries of Annunciation as well as Ministries of the National Church. Our Stewardship Theme for 2018 is doing things with all our heart. How meaningful it is when we offer ourselves and what we do whole heartedly. This year we will again be asking ALL to offer their Stewardship Cards on Sunday, December 10, 17 & 24, depositing them in special trays by the Solea, in order to Visibly Show that STEWARDSHIP support is A CHOICE, A DECISION, A POSI- TIVE AND A HOLY TASK. As always, the community is invited to a STEWARDSHIP LUNCHEON and program on Sunday, December 10th after services. A special guest will make his annual visit. What a blessing it is to have so many ladies in our community who we can count on, time after time. Thank you, ladies, for another successful Bake Sale, and a special thank you goes out to Angelic Carroll for chairing it again this year. You should all feel good knowing your labor of love will help those in need along with the many organizations who depend on us for financial support. In addition, please join me in thanking Rita Georgoulias and Virginia Moutos for once again chairing the Christmas decorations of our church, Presbytera Olga for handling the Christmas gift buying for a needy family, Virginia Moutos and Bessie Strates for translating the Monthly Bulletins into Greek each month and Kathy Cox for chairing another Senior Citizens Luncheon, on Monday, December 4th. Their willingness to step up to the plate and tackle whatever needs to be handled makes my job a lot easier and I hope each of you appreciates them as much as I do. Our December General Meeting will once again be combined with our Christmas Social at Effie Davis home (215 Pennsylvania Ave, W-S) on Thursday at 7 PM, December 14 th. If able, please bring a wrapped gift, labeled for a male or female, for the mentally handicapped, and an appetizer to share. The wine will be provided by the Board Members. I look forward to seeing you at our next event and wish you and your families the happiest of times this Holiday Season. For with God, all things are possible. LUKE 1:37 In Christ's Love, Kiki Gonzales Τι ευλογία είναι να έχουμε τόσες πολλές κυρίες στην κοινότητά μας, στις οποίες μπορούμε να βασιστούμε, ανά πάσα στιγμή. Σας ευχαριστούμε, κυρίες, για μια ακόμη φορά για την βοήθεια σας στο Bake Sale! Ιδιαίτερα ευχαριστούμε την Angelic Carroll για την προεδρία της για μια ακόμη χρονιά. Θα πρέπει όλοι να παίρνουμε ιδιαίτερη ικανοποίηση γνωρίζοντας πως αυτή η εργασία αγάπης θα βοηθήσει όλους εκείνους που έχουν ανάγκη. Και μαζί μ αυτους και τις πολλές οργανώσεις που εξαρτώνται από εμάς για οικονομική υποστήριξη. Επιπλέον, ευχαριστούμε την Ρίτα Γεωργούλας και την Βιργινία Μούτος που έχουν αναλάβει την ευθύνη για την διακόσμηση της εκκλησίας για τα Χριστούγεννα, την πρεσβυτέρα Όλγα που έχει αναλάβει τα δώρα για τις οικογένειες που έχουν ανάγκη, την Βιργινία Μούτος και τη Μπέσυ Στράτες για τη μετάφραση του μηνιαίου ανακοινωθέντος στα ελληνικά, και την Kathy Cox για την οργάνωση ενός άλλου γεύματος για τους ηλικιωμένους, τη Δευτέρα, 4 Δεκεμβρίου. Η προθυμία τους και ο ζήλος τους να αντιμετωπίσουν ό,τι χρειαστεί,κάνει τη δουλειά μου πιο εύκολη και ελπίζω ότι ο καθένας από εσάς να τις εκτιμά τόσο όσο και εγώ. Η γενική συνέλευσή μας το Δεκέμβριο θα συνδυαστεί για άλλη μια φορά με το Χριστουγεννιάτική Γιορτή στο σπίτι της Effie Davis (215 Pennsylvania Ave, W-S) την Πέμπτη στις 7 μμ., στις 14 Δεκεμβρίου. Προσερχόμενοι στη γιορτή, παρακαλείστε να φέρετε μαζί σας ένα τυλιγμένο δώρο, το οποίο να αναγράφει στη ετικέτα εαν προορίζεται είτε για άνδρα είτε για γυναικά με νοητική υστέρηση.φέρετε επίσης ένα ορεκτικό ενώ το ποτό θα το προσφέρουν τα μέλη του Διοικητικού Συμβουλίου. Ανυπομονώ να σας δω στην επόμενη εκδήλωση και να ευχηθώ απο καρδιάς σε εσάς και τις οικογένειές σας ευτυχισμένες γιορτές. Εν Χριστώ αγάπη, Κική Γκονζάλες

7 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Annunciation Christian Academy As we find ourselves in the middle of the Nativity Fast, I want to take this opportunity to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and each of you for the holy privilege of serving His Church as a member and president of our Annunciation Parish Council. I thank Father Demetri and our two Father Costas for guiding and assisting me throughout my tenure. Thank you, the parish, for your love, support and prayers over the years. It truly has been a humbling experience to observe our parish s Christ-centered desire to serve not only our church and its members but also Winston- Salem and the greater community as a whole. My prayer for all of us is that God will continue to give us the opportunities to reflect His love in everything we do. Continue to visit the sick and suffering; help those in need; encourage those in despair; pray for God s will to be revealed to us; forgive each other; go to Holy Confession; receive Holy Communion and work together for the peace and unity of our Church, our nation and the world. As the book of Ephesians instructs, we must continue to use the gifts that Christ has given us to build up His Church (the body of Christ) and to speak the truth in love to reach full maturity in the body of Christ. CHRIST IS BORN, GLORIFY HIM! With faith, hope and love, I remain yours in Christ, George Bambalis Thank You For the world so sweet. Thank You For the food we eat. Thank You For the birds that sing. Thank You GOD For everything. ----Amen Sunday School News from Annunciation Sermonette Theme: Words of Life and Faith We hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a day to count our blessings and all things that we are grateful for. Thank you to all who participated in the Charity Food Drive. Your donations were delivered to the local food pantry to help individuals in need. We appreciate your generosity! Additionally, Orthodox Study Bibles were gifted to 6th and 7th graders. If you have not received one, please let one of the Sunday School Coordinators know. Finally, on December 10th, will be having our Stewardship Sunday and Christmas Program. All students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade will meet in the choir room to begin practicing for the program that will take place after church in the fellowship hall. Students will sit with their parents for the meal before the program begins. There is regular Sunday School for 3 and 4-year-olds and grades 7th through 12th. ****If you aren t following us on Instagram yet, you can to get reminders about our Calendar and events.**** December Calendar: 12/3/17 Regular Schedule 12/10/17 Stewardship Sunday & Christmas Program 12/17/17 Regular Schedule 12/24/17 Christmas Day - No Sunday School 12/31/17 No Sunday School With Service in Christ, Fr. Demetri, Fr. Costa & Sunday School Coordinators; Zoe Bobotsiares, Helen Karagiorgis, and Heather Vlachos Greetings Greek School Families, As 2017 comes to a close we are reminded of our blessings.our Greek School students have blessed us with their talents and eagerness to learn about their Greek heritage. We look forward to their final performance of 2017, singing the Kalanda at the Stewardship Luncheon. The GPTO will be hosting the Greek School Christmas party. Information will be coming soon. Lastly please consider ringing in the New Year at the New Years Eve Party Hosted by the Parish Council. It is great fun and all proceeds benefit the youth ministries within the church including the Greek School. On Behalf of the GPTO we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. In Christ, Heather Vlachos

8 ANNUNCIATION YOUTH NEWS DECEMBER 2017 CHRIST IS BORN!!! GLORIFY HIM!!! CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday December 6th : GOYA Meeting and discussion topic is TBA 7:00pm- 8:15pm Sunday December 10th: GOYA help serve at the Annual Stewardship Luncheon after services in the Hall Wednesday December 13th Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm-8:15pm Saturday December 16th: GOYA Christmas Gathering at the home of Gabby and Veronica Ballas 6:00pm to 8:00pm Monday December 18th: HOPE & JOY Christmas meeting at Church 6:00pm-7:15pm Wednesday December 20th: Bible Study/Bible Bowl 7:00pm-8:15pm Wednesday December 27th: GOYA meet at church at 8:30am to depart to Atlanta for Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally Friday December 30th: GOYA returns from Atlanta Winter Youth Rally Monday January 1st: HAPPY NEW YEAR! GOYA to meet at church at 1:00pm for Annual tradition of the Kalanda (parent driver volunteers needed) GOYA CHRISTMAS GATHERING The Annual GOYA Christmas Gathering will be held on Saturday December 16th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. This year our gathering will be at the home of Gabby and Veronica Ballas at 2406 Wellsburg Court Clemmons, NC GOYANS are asked to bring a donation of a Gift Card from a store such as Wal-Mart, Target etc. to be given to support those who affected by domestic violence and homelessness during the holidays. All GOYANS 6th-12th grade are invited. LET US ATTEND WINTER YOUTH RALLY 2017 Our GOYA will again be traveling to Atlanta to participate in the Metropolis of Atlanta Winter Youth Rally. Attendees will take part in various activities such as Ladies Volleyball, Young Men s basketball, and BIBLE BOWL. The GOYA that are registered to attend will need to meet at the Church on Wednesday December 27th at 8:30am and we will depart as soon as everyone is present and we can get loaded. Please remember to keep all the GOYA, their parents, chaperones, and clergy in your prayers as they travel.