BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED

Transcript

1 Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation The Annunciator Rev. Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean Rev. Fr. Christos P. Mars, Presbyter Elias Lampropoulos, Pastoral Assistant 2500 Clairmont Road N.E. Atlanta, GA Phone (404) Fax (404) Volume 40 Issue 3 office@atlgoc.org July 2013 BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS AND YOU WILL BE SAVED Sermon Preached on June 8, 2013 Epistle Reading, Sunday of the Blind Man, Acts 16:16-34 By Father Paul Kaplanis When Sts. Paul and Silas were traveling together spreading the Good News of Salvation, they faced many difficult situations. They were not only threatened because of the work they were doing for the Lord, but in many instances, those threats were carried out. They were beaten with rods, whipped, stoned, chained, imprisoned and yet, as we read in today s Epistle lesson from the Book of Acts, they continued to praise God. In this particular instance, Sts. Paul and Silas were put into prison in the city of Philippi because they spoiled the livelihood of some men. These men owned a woman who had powers of divination/fortunetelling. She was the Psychic/palm reader of her time and was making a lot of money for her owners. For many days, however, she followed Sts. Paul and Silas declaring them to be servants of the Most High God, proclaiming salvation. St. Paul finally got annoyed and said to the spirit, I charge you to come out of her. It came out of her immediately. The owners, seeking revenge, brought Sts. Paul and Silas to the Roman authorities and accused these Jews of disturbing the city. The two saints were then thrown into the inner prison, (into maximum security), which means that chains were put on their hands, feet and around their necks. In the Book of Acts chapter 16, verse 25, we hear how Sts. Paul and Silas handled their situation. At about midnight, they were praying and singing hymns to God. As the other prisoners were listening to them, there was a great earthquake and the chains fell off them. Instead of running to safety, Sts. Paul and Silas remained in their cell. They were knowledgeable and sensitive to the Roman law, which stated that if a prisoner escapes, the jailer must suffer the penalty the prisoner would have suffered. As the jailer woke up, he panicked. He had been sleeping on the job. He drew his sword and was about to kill himself, when the Saints said, Do not harm yourself, for we are all here. The jailer called for lights and with fear and trembling, he knelt before St. Paul and St. Silas and said, Men, what must I do to be saved? It is as if he already knew that God was the cause of freeing the prisoners. He was sure that the shaking of the earth was not just Mother Nature, but in this circumstance, God shook off the chains from the Saints who were imprisoned. Therefore, when this man says he wants to be saved, he knew exactly what he was asking. He was not fearful of losing his job or his life for being negligent in his job performance, but rather he feared the awesomeness of God. He also knew the consequences of believing and embracing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. Working in the jail, he saw many times over what happened to those who rejected paganism and the Roman Emperor himself. Sts. Paul and Silas, we are told, responded by continuing the Lord s work through their missionary efforts. They taught the jailer about the Lord and shared the scriptures with him. That same night the jailer took the Apostles to his home and washed their wounds. Then, he and his whole family were immediately baptized. After the Holy Sacrament of Baptism, they did what we continue to do today, they all ate together and he rejoiced with all his household that he had believed in God. Many questions come to mind in our lives daily. Most of those questions begin with the words, what, how and why. When this jailer asked, what must I do to be saved? He most likely did not realize the magnitude the answer to his question would take on. Sts. Paul and Silas told him, Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. It sounds simple enough, but there is so much more to the Saints answer to the jailer s question.

2 Understanding salvation amongst all Christians may be the single most dividing issue today. As Orthodox Christians when we hear the word saved or the verse just believe and you are saved, we understand that this requires much more than a verbal acknowledgement. We do not view salvation only as a matter of going to heaven or hell some day. Nor is it instant deliverance or a final binding agreement between us and God in this life. If we view being saved as only a future event at the end of our lives, we deprive ourselves from God continuing to act in our lives in every moment and instance. If we can say right now that our salvation is guaranteed, why would we need God? Why would what we say or do matter? Easy salvation sounds very appealing. We all would prefer a salvation guarantee, but for us Orthodox Christians salvation is a lifelong journey: a journey in which our Faith provides for us all the needs we require along the way. Salvation is a process, which encompasses not only the whole earthly life of the Christian, but also the eternal life of the age to come. It is often described in terms of three stages catharsis (purification), theoria (illumination) and theosis (becoming godlike). We are called to cooperate with God through a life of repentance and participation in the Holy Sacraments. The sole purpose of Orthodox Christianity is the salvation of every human person, uniting him/her to Christ in the Church, transforming him/her in holiness, and imparting eternal life. This is the Gospel, the good news, that Jesus is the Messiah, that he rose from the dead, and that we may be saved as a result. So if we are asked whether or not we have a personal relationship with Christ, our answer must be an emphatic yes!, but our relationship is not isolated from the rest of the faithful. Salvation takes place within the Church. In the Church, we do not exist as mere individuals but as members of the Body of Christ. My life is the life of Christ. What happens to me is essential to what happens to all the members of the Body and what happens to the members of the Body is essential for what happens to me. Their life is my life. Sts. Paul and Silas sang hymns and praised God together as members of the Church. Each did not go into their own corner. We need each other for our salvation and we must believe this is true. In our daily struggles, there are so many things that we need to be saved from now. A few things that come to mind are boredom, emptiness and anxiety. It appears that we have an insatiable appetite for technology. Part of the reason for this is our boredom and trying to fill a void in our minds and our souls. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios pointed this out recently at the Archdiocesan Council Meeting in Boston. He said that too much technology harms us. Our memories diminish. Our language skills weaken. Our personal encounters with each other are reduced and we become trapped in technology. It is said today that if you cannot be Googled you do not exist. Reliance on technology has definitely had a personal impact on me. There was a time when I memorized so many telephone numbers of my 2 parishioners. Now I barely can remember my home phone number. So, how do we balance using the technology of our day and remain fulfilled? If we are experiencing emptiness, boredom and anxiety, we can all receive healing and find inner peace. How is this possible? The Apostle Paul reassures us that God will hear our prayers, he says, Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7). In Romans, St. Paul says, Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39). In addition, Jesus comforts us with His words reminding us, Whoever lives and believes in Me, he will pass from death to life. (John 5:24, read at Orthodox Funeral Service). Our Lord Jesus Christ, through His Church of which He is the Head, can save us from the despair and anxiety of our time. For this to occur, we must acquire an insatiable desire for God. Like the jailer, we must be willing to do what it takes to be saved. We must believe first and be baptized. Beyond the receiving of the Baptismal Certificate, we must continue our spiritual pilgrimage. As parents and Godparents, our responsibility begins by bringing our children to church on a constant and consistent basis. They must learn to love God. We must speak good things to them regarding Orthodoxy and the Church so that they experience the blessings of the available throughout their whole life. It took an earthquake for the jailer to commit himself to Christ. We should not wait for a disaster and then scramble to find God. Each of us must ask the question the jailer asked Sts. Paul and Silas, What must I do to be saved? the answer, when we understand it, in its most complete and full Orthodox meaning is Believe in the Lord Jesus. Amen!

3 A Brief History of our Ever-Virgin Mary, our Panagia (The Theotokos) In the New Testament, death is known as falling asleep. For this reason, the Virgin Mary s death is called the Falling Asleep of our Theotokos. When did, however, our Theotokos, fall asleep? The tradition and written accounts which have survived tell us that our Panagia lived eleven years after the Transfiguration of our Lord. For three years after His death she visited the temple. When she was at the age of 49, Christ ascended into heaven. At the age of 60 she fell asleep. She always lived in the Holy Land, where the God-Man our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught the glory of the word for the salvation of humankind and was triumphantly resurrected from the dead. Our Panagia very often visited the Mountain of Olives where our Lord ascended to heaven. There she prayed to our Heavenly Father and to Her Son. Three days before she fell asleep, an Angel came from Heaven and notified her that this event would take place in her life. It is said that the Archangel Gabriel, who had earlier brought her the news that she was to bear Christ, also came to tell of her falling asleep. Our Panagia was told not to be disturbed, but she should accept this with humility and with the new meaning of her falling asleep, as it is followed by a life in heaven together with Her Son. There was no disturbance or sadness to be found in the heart of our Panagia. Instead the opposite was to be found, her heart flooded with happiness and the desire she had to be close to Christ. Before, however, she announced the Holy event, she climbed for the last time to the Mount of Olives so she could say her prayers. It is said that on the way up the mountain she was greeted by the trees having their branches turned downwards as if they were bowing. In the future this would be the explanation that is given, that even the outside world without souls showed respect to the Panagia, who gave her entire life for the life and wishes of our Lord. After she prayed on the mountain, she returned to Jerusalem to begin the preparations for her falling asleep. She lit candles in her house and invited all of her Christian friends, at which time she announced that she would be falling asleep. They all cried at the thought of her leaving them. There, after a short while, many gathered miraculously from all over the world. They were taken by a Holy Cloud, brought to Gethsemane and to the house of the Theotokos. This was done according to the will of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom all is possible. Together with the other disciples of Christ, the Holy Cloud also brought forth to the Holy City Dionysios Areopagitis, Saint Timothy, and other Holy Hierarchs. Since many who gathered began to cry once they learned of our Panagia falling asleep, She said to them: Oh, those who are disciples of Christ and our Lord, do not have sadness at my falling asleep. And in a short time there appeared the inflamed speaker of the Bible, the Apostle Paul, who with much respect bid goodbye to our Panagia and spoke great words of praise for her. At this point, in one moment of atmospheric silence, the Theotokos said goodbye to everyone and asked our Lord for peace in the world. She took her final stance in this life, that is in the deathbed. She showed her inspiration and illumination that she had in her Holy soul that went to heaven. She went to take her position next to the throne of our Lord, close to her Son. Her funeral was a procession in the evening. The apostles held the casket with others leading the pro- 3

4 cession chanting hymns. Above the human hymns there were also heard hymns chanted from heaven. The harmonious voices heard from heaven were from the Angels and the Bodiless powers. The disciples of Judas, the unceasing enemies of Christ and the Panagia, organized themselves against the procession and tried to vehemently throw down the Relics of the Panagia. What occurred at this point was a great miracle. It was not possible for our Lord to allow the Holy Body of His Mother, the Body that bore the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to be tossed to the street by those who were disrespectful. The justice from our Lord saw those who dared to be disrespectful to be blinded. One of the disciples of Judas, who went so far as to try to take the casket, was met with even stronger punishment. Not only was he blinded, he also had his hands cut off and stuck on top of the casket where he had dared to place his hands. This action saw him feeling contrition for his actions, made him believe in Christ and allowed himself to become familiar with the Mother of God. After he sought confession, he was healed. It is said that he received one small piece of the Panagia s clothing, and that through his faith, it allowed him to be healed of his blindness and severed hands. This piece of the Panagia s clothing also healed all of those who consequently were blinded, then believed and regained their sight. This is just a brief history of the last moment of the Panagia s life. To celebrate this great Feastday we must all come together as a Cathedral Parish Family and sing the Small and Great Paraklisis that will take place on the first 15 days of August at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing all of you, and praying that our Most Holy pure blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever Virgin Mary, will intercede for us to her Son and our God. May these 15 days of prayer and fasting, bring us closer to Christ and His Holy Mother. In Christ s Service, Rev. Fr. Christos P. Mars Presbyter 4

5 Women Saints of July The Holy Great Martyr Marina (Margaret) (July 17 th ) This Martyr lived during the reign of Claudius II ( ). She was from Pisidia of Cilicia and was the only daughter of a certain priest of the idols. On being orphaned by her mother, she was handed over to a certain woman who instructed her in the Faith of Christ. When she was fifteen years old, she was apprehended by the ruler of Olmbrius, and when asked her name, homeland, and faith, she answered: "My name is Marina; I am the offspring of the Pisidia; I call upon the Name of my Lord Jesus Christ." Because of this she endured bonds, imprisonment, and many whippings, and was finally beheaded in the year 270. Saint Marina is especially invoked for deliverance from demonic possession. Paraskeve the Righteous Martyr of Rome (July 26 th ) Saint Paraskeve, who was from a certain village near Rome, was born to pious parents, Agatho and Politia. Since she was born on a Friday (in Greek, Paraskeve), she was given this name, which means "preparation" or "preparedness" (compare Matt. 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, and John 19:31, where 'Friday' is called "the day of the preparation"). From childhood she was instructed in the sacred letters and devoted herself to the study of the divine Scriptures, while leading a monastic life and guiding many to the Faith of Christ. During the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, she was apprehended because she was a Christian and was urged to worship the idols, but she answered with the words of Jeremias: "Let the gods that have not made heaven and the earth perish from off the earth" (Jer. 10:11). Because of this she endured exceedingly painful torments, and was beheaded in the year 140. The faithful pray to her for the healing of eye ailments. Mary Magdalene, The Holy Myrrh-bearer and Equal to the Apostles (July 22 nd ) Irene the Righteous of Chrysovalantou (July 28 th ) Saint Mary was from Magdala in Galilee on the Sea of Tiberias, and for this was named Magdalene. When the Lord Jesus cast out seven demons from her, from which she had been suffering, she became His faithful and inseparable disciple, following Him and ministering unto Him even to the time of His crucifixion and burial. Then, returning to Jerusalem together with the rest of the Myrrh-bearers, she prepared the fragrant spices for anointing the body of the Lord. And on the Lord's day they came very early to the tomb, even before the Angels appeared declaring the Resurrection of the Lord. When Mary Magdalene saw the stone taken away from the tomb, she ran and proclaimed it to Peter and John. And returning immediately to the tomb and weeping outside, she was deemed worthy to be the first of the Myrrh-bearers to behold the Lord arisen from the dead, and when she fell at His feet, she heard Him say, "Touch Me not." After the Lord's Ascension, nothing certain is known concerning her. Some accounts say that she went to Rome and later returned to Jerusalem, and from there proceeded to Ephesus, where she ended her life, preaching Christ. Although it is sometimes said that Saint Mary Magdalene was the "sinful woman" of the Gospel, this is nowhere stated in the tradition of the Church, in the sacred hymnology, or in the Holy Gospels themselves, which say only that our Lord cast seven demons out of her, not that she was a fallen woman. "Madeleine" is a form of Magdalene. Saint Irene, who was from Cappadocia, flourished in the ninth century. Because of her great beauty and virtue, she was brought to Constantinople as a prospective bride for the young Emperor Michael ( ); however, as Saint Joannicius the Great foretold, it was God's will that she assume the monastic habit instead. She shone forth in great ascetical labours, and suffered many attacks from the demons; while yet a novice, she attained to the practice of Saint Arsenius the Great, of praying the whole night long with arms stretched out towards Heaven (see May 8). God showed forth great signs and wonders in her, and she became the Abbess of the Convent of Chrysovalantou. She was granted the gift of clairvoyance and knew the thoughts of all that came to her. She appeared in a vision to the king and rebuked him for unjustly imprisoning a nobleman who had been falsely accused. Through a sailor from Patmos to whom he had appeared, Saint John the Evangelist sent her fragrant and wondrous apples from Paradise. She reposed at the age of 103, still retaining the youthful beauty of her countenance. After her repose, marvelous healings beyond number have been wrought by her to the present day. 5

6 Η ΚΟΙΜΗΣΙΣ ΤΗΣ ΘΕΟΤΟΚΟΥ Του Ιωάννου Φουντούλη, Καθηγητού Πανεπιστημίου Η εορτή της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου, πού εορτάζει στις 15 Αυγούστου ο χριστιανικός κόσμος, είναι η μεγαλυτέρα από τις εορτές που καθιέρωσε η Εκκλησία προς τιμήν της Μητρός του Κυρίου, τις θεομητορικές εορτές. Ίσως είναι και η παλαιοτέρα από όλες. Τις πρώτες μαρτυρίες έχουμε για αυτήν κατά τον Ε αιώνα, γύρω στην εποχή που συνεκλήθη η Γ Οικουμενική Σύνοδος της Εφέσου (451), που καθώρισε το θεομητορικό δόγμα και έγινε αιτία να αναπτυχθή η τιμή στο πρόσωπο της Θεοτόκου. Για πρώτη φορά φαίνεται ότι συνεστήθη στα Ιεροσόλυμα την 13 Αυγούστου και λίγο αργότερα μετετέθη στις 15 του ιδίου μηνός. Είχε δε γενικώτερο θεομητορικό χαρακτήρα, χωρίς ειδική αναφορά στο γεγονός της Κοιμήσεως. Ωνομάζετο «ημέρα της Θεοτόκου Μαρίας». Κέντρο του πανηγυρισμού αναφέρεται στην αρχή ένα «Κάθισμα», ναός επ ονόματί της, που ευρίσκετο έξω από τα Ιεροσόλυμα στο τρίτο μίλιο της οδού που οδηγούσε στην Βηθλεέμ. Η σύνδεση της εορτής αυτής προς την Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου έγινε στον περίφημο ναό της Παναγίας που βρισκόταν στην Γεθσημανή, το «ευκτήριο του Μαυρικίου», όπου υπήρχε και ο τάφος της. Αυτός ο ναός πολύ σύντομα πήρε τον χαρακτήρα του μεγαλύτερου θεομητορικού προσκυνήματος και η ακτινοβολία του έγινε αιτία η πανήγυρίς του κατά την 15 η Αυγούστου γρήγορα να διαδοθή σα ολόκληρο τον χριστιανικό κόσμο σε ανατολή και δύση σαν εορτή της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου. Αργότερα εξήρθη η εορτή με την προπαρασκευαστική νηστεία και την παράτασι του εορτασμού μέχρι της 23 ης ή και μέχρι του τέλους του Αυγούστου και έγινε όχι μόνο η μεγαλυτέρα θεομητορική εορτή αλλά και μία από τις σπουδαιότερες εορτές του εκκλησιαστικού έτους. Αυτό βέβαια ήταν φυσικό να γίνη, γιατί η Θεοτόκος είναι το προσφιλέστερο και ιερώτερο πρόσωπο μετά τον Κύριο και για αυτό συνεκέντρωσε την τιμή και την ευλάβεια όλων των χριστιανικών γενεών. Αναρίθμητοι ναοί και μονές έχουν κτισθεί προς τιμήν της Κοιμήσεώς της, θαυμάσιες τοιχογραφίες παριστάνουν σε κάθε ναό πίσω από την κεντρική είσοδο σε εκπληκτικές συνθέσεις την ιερά της κηδεία, ύμνοι εκλεκτοί έχουν διακοσμήσει την ακολουθία της και λόγοι λαμπροί και εγκώμια εξεφωνήθησαν από τους Πατέρες και νεωτέρους εκκλησιαστικούς άνδρες κατά την ημέρα της μνήμης της. Ολες οι ανθρώπινες γενεές συναγωνίσθησαν στην προσφορά ό,τι εκλεκτοτέρου είχαν να παρουσιάσουν, για να μακαρίσουν έργω και λόγω την Παρθένο Μαρία. ΤΟ ΕΟΡΤΟΛΟΓΙΚΟ ΠΕΡΙΕΧΟΜΕΝΟ ΤΗΣ ΕΟΡΤΗΣ Για την κατανόηση του εορτολογικού περιεχομένου της εορτής της Κοιμήσεως, όπως και των άλλων θεομητορικών εορτών, της Συλλήψεως, της Γεννήσεως και των Εισοδίων, πρέπει να κάμωμε μία μικρά αναδρομή στις πηγές, από τις οποίες αντλήθηκαν τα θεομητορικά αυτά θέματα. Διαφορετικά είναι αδύνατο να ερμηνεύση κανείς ό,τι συνδέεται με τον εορτασμό αυτόν, τα συναξάρια, την υμνογραφία και την εικονογραφία τους. Οι αυθεντικές ιστορικές πηγές, τά Ευαγγέλια και τα άλλα βιβλία της Καινής Διαθήκης, δεν μας διέσωσαν πληροφορίες για τον πρό του Ευαγγελισμού και για τον μετά την Ανάληψι του Κυρίου βίο της Θεοτόκου. Πρόθεσις των ιερών συγγραφέων ήταν να αφηγηθούν τον βίο και το σωτηριώδες έργο του Χριστού και ό,τι άμεσα συνεδέετο με Αυτόν και όχο να ικανοποιήσουν την ευλαβή περιέργεια ή τα ιστορικά ενδιαφέροντα των αναγνωστών τους. Η παράδοσις όμως της Εκκλησίας διέσωσε από στόματος εις στόμα διάφορες πληροφορίες πού αφορούσαν στον βίο της Θεοτόκου πρό της συλλήψεως του Κυρίου και μετά την Ανάστασί Του. Αργότερα διάφοροι ευλαβείς, κατά το πλείστον, συγγραφείς περιέλαβαν τις πληροφορίες αυτές και τις ανέπτυξαν με την φαντασία τους και για να έχουν περισσότερο κύρος έθεσαν στους τίτλους των έργων τους μεγάλα αποστολικά ονόματα. Η Εκκλησία αερριψε και κατεδίκασε τα βιβλία αυτά και τα ωνόμασε «Απόκρυφα» και «Ψευδεπίγραφα». Σε μεταγενεστέρα εποχή πολλές από τις διηγήσεις αυτές, τουλάχιστον στις βασικές τους γραμμές, έδωσαν θέματα στην διαμόρφωσι εορτών, στην σύνταξι συναξαρίων, στην ποίηση ύμνων και στην εικονογραφία. Εξ άλλου, καθώς προείπαμε, ο πυρήν των διηγήσεων αυτών είχε ως βάσι του παμπάλαιες ιστορικές παραδόσεις γυ ρω από το πρόσωπο της Θεοτόκου. ΑΦΗΓΗΣΙΣ ΤΟΥ ΓΕΓΟΝΟΤΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΚΟΙΜΗΣΕΩΣ Ειδικά το γεγονός της Κοιμήσεως της Θεοτόκου αφηγείται, εκτός των άλλων, και μια απόκρυφος διήγησις, που φέρεται υπό το όνομα του ηγαπημένου μαθητού του Κυρίου, του Ιωάννου. Μια περίληψη του εκτενούς αυτού κειμένου θα παρουσιάσωμε εδώ. Σε κάθε του σημείο ο αναγνώστης του θυμάται αντίστοιχες φράσεις από τους ύμνους και το συναξάριο της εορτής και λεπτομέρειες από την εικόνα της Κοιμήσεως που εφιλοτέχνησαν βυζαντινοί ζωγράφοι. 6

7 Η Παναγία μετά την Ανάληψι του Χριστού καθημερινώς πηγαίνει στο ζωοδόχο μνήμα και προσεύχεται. Μία Παρασκευή ο Αρχάγγελος Γαβριήλ παρουσιάζεται μπροστά της και την χαιρετά: «Χαίρε, η γεννήσασα Χριστόν τον Θεόν ημών. Ο Κύριος άκουσε την προσευχή σου και θα αφήσης τον κόσμο και θα πορευθής εις την ζωήν την αληθινήν και αδιάδοχον». Η Θεοτόκος επιστρέφει στον οίκο της, θυμιά και προσεύχεται στον Χριστό να της στείλη τον Ιωάννη και τους λοιπούς Αποστόλους, για να παρασταθούν στον θάνατό της. Η προσευχή της εισακούεται και πρώτος φθάνει, αρπαγείς από νεφέλη, ο Ιωάννης και σε λίγο επί νεφελών και οι λοιποί Απόστολοι οι διεσπαρμένοι στα πέρατα του κόσμου. Την Κυριακή έρχεται με την απαστράπτουσα δόξα Του και με χιλιάδες αγγέλους ο Κύριος να παραλάβη την ψυχή της Μητρός Του. Εκείνη ευλογεί τους Αποστόλους και τον κόσμο, δέεται για την σωτηρία όλων και αφού λαμβάνει την υπόσχεσι ότι πάσα ψυχή επικαλουμένη το όνομά της ου μη καταισχυνθή, αλλα εύρη έλεος και παράκλησιν και αντίληψιν και παρρησίαν και εν τω νυν αιώνι και εν τω μέλλοντια, παραδίδει την αγία της ψυχή στα χέρια του Υιού της. Οι Απόστολοι περιπτύσσονται το σκήνος και ψάλλοντες μεταφέρουν την κλίνη με το σώμα για ταφή. Ένας εβραίος ονόματι Ιεφωνίας ορμά και επιχειρεί «κατά της κλίνης», αλλα άγγελος Κυρίου με «ξίφος πυρός» αποκόπτει τα χέρια του από των ώμων, που μένουν κρεμασμένα στην κλίνη. Αυτός μετανοεί και κολλώνται πάλι τα χέρια του, ενώ οι Απόστολοι ανενόχλητοι συνεχίζουν την εκφορά. Το σκήνος θάπτεται σε καινό μνημείο στην Γεθσημανή, την Τρίτη όμως ημέρα μετετέθη εν Παραδείσω. Η ΕΚΚΛΗΣΙΑΣΤΙΚΗ ΠΟΙΗΣΙΣ Η εκκλησιαστική ποίησις εξωραϊζει την απλή αυτή διήγηση. Στα τρία στιχηρά του Εσπερινού του α ήχου, το πρώτο αυτόμελο και τα άλλα δύο προσόμοια, του πρώτου, με ένα θαυμάσιο τρόπο εγκωμιάζεται η Θεοτόκος και η Κοίμησί της. Ως υπόβαθρο όμως αναγνωρίζεται εύκολα η διήγησι του αποκρύφου: η Γεθσημανή, οι λόγοι του Γαβριήλ, η παρουσία των αγγελικών δυνάμεων, η μετάστασι από τον τάφο στον ουρανό. Το ίδιο θέμα έχουν και τα τρία στιχηρά των Αίνων του δ ήχου. Στο πρώτο, όλος ο κόσμος, ουράνιος και επίγειος, χαίρεται προπέμποντας την μητέρα του Χριστού και ψάλλοντας σα αυτήν την «εξόδιον ωδήν». Στα άλλα δύο περιγράφεται η έλευσις των Αποστόλων και η επικήδεια ψαλμωδία τους, καθώς και η παρουσία των αγγελικών δυνάμεων και η υποδοχή της αμωμήτου ψυχής της από τον Χριστό. Τέλος θα σταθούμε στο πιο ιδιόρρυθμο τροπαριο της εορτής αυτής, αλλά και όλων των τροπαρίων μας. Πρόκειται για το δοξαστικό του Εσπερινού. Το περιεχόμενό του αντλεί από την σχετική απόκρυφο διήγηση. Η ιδιορρυθμία του τροπαρίου αυτού είναι ότι δεν ψάλλεται, όπως όλοι οι άλλοι έκκλησιαστικοί ύμνοι, σε ένα μόνο ήχο, αλλά και στους οκτώ. Ήχος α Θεαρχίω νεύματι πάντοθεν οι θεοφόροι απόστολοι υπό νεφών μεταρσίως αιρόμενοι, Ήχος πλ. α καταλαβόντες το πανάχραντον και ζωαρχικόν σου σκήνος εξόχως ησπάζοντο. Ήχος β Αι Δε υπέρτατοι των ουρανών δυνάμεις Συν τω οικείω δεσπότη παραγενόμεναι, Ήχος πλ. β Το θεοδόχον και ακραιφνέστατον σώμα Προπέμπουσι, τω δέει κρατούμεναι, Υπερκοσμίως δε προώχοντο και αοράτως εβόων ταις ανωτέραις ταξιαρχίαις, ιδού η παντάνασσα θεόπαις παραγέγονεν. Ήχος γ Αρατε πύλας Και ταύτην υπερκοσμίως υποδέξασθε, Την του αεννάου φωτός μητέρα, Ήχος βαρύς Διά ταύτης γάρ η παγγενής των βροτών σωτηρία γέγονεν, η ατενίζειν ουκ ισχύομεν και ταύτη άξιον γέρας απονέμειν αδύνατον, Ήχος δ ταύτης γαρ το υπερβάλλον υπερέχει πάσαν έννοιαν. Ήχος πλ. δ Διό, άχραντε θεοτόκε, αεί συν ζωηφόρω βασιλεί και τόκω ζώσα, πρέσβευε διηνεκώς περιφρουρήσαι και σώσαι από πάσης προσβολής εναντίας την νεολαίαν σου, την γάρ σήν προστασίαν κεκτήμεθα, Ήχος α Εις τους αιώνας αγλαοφανώς μακαρίζοντες. (Από το βιβλίο «Λογική Λατρεία», εκδ. Αποστολικής Διακονίας, Αθήνα 1984). 7

8 PARISH REGISTRY BIRTHS Baby Boy born to Angela & Edward Scully Baby Girl born to Anthony and Ashely Bagiatis Baby born to Jennifer & Elliot Hardin Twin Boys born to Justin & Christine (Metros) Seymour Baby Boy born to Stanka & Anton Andonova WEDDINGS Dennis Mertzanis & Susan Chang Martin & Elaine Stoner Paul Lundberg & Eliana Marianes Chris Beck & Elizabeth Economy James Morris & Eleni Snider BAPTISMS Parents: Bridgette & Manuel Vargas Baby: Ava Sophia Godparent: Sophia Tzanetou Rippel Parents: Vangeli & Maria Hadjisimos Baby: Stella Godparent: Margarita Dragoumaniotis Parents: Sandy & Niki Papadopoulos Baby: Asimina Godparents: Dimitri & Chrysoula Papadimitriou Parents: George & Kate Koulouris Baby: Anna Godparents: Nick Koulouris & Maria Koulouris Parents: Jason & Kendall Remer Baby: Evangelia Godparent: Christina Pryles ASLEEP IN OUR LORD Peter (Panagiotes) G. Mars (Father of Fr. Christos & Presbytera Mari - Palos Hill, Illinois) Rose Sakel (Sister of Mike Balsamides - Perth Amboy, NJ) Mike Roy Norcross (Father of Kathy Norcross - Islamorada, FL) Demosthenes (Jimmy) Alexander Christine Daley Panayiotis Theofanides George Athens Helen Ferris SPECIAL THANK YOU Thank you to Fr. Paul Kaplanis, Fr. Christos Mars and all the parishioners for the many phone calls and cards for Nick s speedy recovery. ~Nick & Catherine Argendeli Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers during Ryan's surgeries and hospitalizations this year. These were part of the healing process that helped him recover so quickly. ~Susan, Pat & Ryan Marinos Unto You, O God, do we give thanks Psalm 75:1 It is such an honor and a blessing to come together as a family to be able to share the gifts of love that we have with each other. Recently, we lost Fr. Christos father and the love, support and prayers that you all shared were overwhelming. We would like to thank all the members of our Cathedral parish family for your kindness during this time of grief and sorrow. We pray that our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, will reward your generosity a hundred fold, and may he rest the soul of His servant Panagoitis were there is no pain, no sorrow and no lament, but only life eternal. With much love and appreciation in Christ, +Fr. Christos, Presbytera Mari, and John KAFENION Everyone is invited to come enjoy good conversation, Tavli, Prefa, Xeri & Kolitsina, coffee & refreshments and Greek television every Tuesday morning from 9:00 a.m. in the Kafenion located in the Community Center. GOOFS Breakfast Every other THURSDAY at 9:00 a.m. in the Kafenion. Open to everyone!!! Come join us for a full breakfast and great fellowship! Full breakfast includes fruit, waffles and much more! Hope to see you there! Donation $5 per person Contact the Cathedral office for the breakfast dates

9 Mr. Elias Lampropoulos New Pastoral Assistant Elias Lampropoulos was born in Patras, Greece. He lived there until his graduation from the Ecclesiastical High School in He moved to Thessaloniki to study theology at the Aristotle University and graduated with an M.Div. in 2002 He returned back to Patras to work in the family business and teach in the Sunday School of St. Sophia s Parish for three years. In 2005, he joined the Greek Air Force to fulfill his military service, which he completed one year later. From 2007 to 2011 he was the administrative assistant at the Patmos Patriarchical Exarchate and the monastery of St. John the Theologian in Patmos, Greece. At that time he taught Greek as a second language to adults and participated in local educational and cultural committees. He also enrolled in the European Culture Studies Master Program of the Open University of Patras, in which he continues his studies today. His great love of theological studies brought him to the United States in 2012, where he enrolled in the Th.M. program at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theological in Boston, Massachusetts with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios. He will be finishing his master thesis in the coming academic year, focusing on Church History and Patristic Studies, and he will graduate in May He enjoys history, classical literature, theatre and European cinema. Elias is excited to serve the Annunciation Cathedral of Atlanta and is overjoyed at the opportunity to join a community, which he describes as faithful, loving and welcoming. ST. KYRIAKI HANDMAIDENS What are the St. Kyriaki Handmaidens? The purpose of this ministry is to involve the young girls of our Cathedral from 4 th 12 th Grades in our worship of our Cathedral. The Handmaidens Mission Statement: To offer an opportunity on a weekly basis for the young girls of our Cathedral in Grades 4 12 to participate in a meaningful and helpful assisting in the Divine Services of our Holy Orthodox Church. What are some of the duties and responsibilities of being a Handmaiden? Handmaidens will be assigned into four (4) groups and each group will serve every fourth (4 th ) Sunday. They will assist in welcoming visitors, ushering and passing trays, placing red votives in the Sanctuary, putting Kollyva into cups, passing out Worship Guides and the Sunday Bulletins, participate in processions as defined by the Clergy, offer hospitality to visiting hierarchs and dignitaries and much more. Will the Handmaidens assume any of the duties of the Altar Boys? No, our altar boys will continue to serve in the Holy Altar as before. How can I register my daughter(s) as a Handmaiden? The Handmaiden ministry will begin this September. Please Carolyn McBride, coordinator at cb_mcbride@bellsouth.net or call or Fr. Christos at frchristos@atlgoc.org or by calling the Cathedral Office at First Meeting: In the Cathedral, Saturday, August 17 th from 10 AM-12 PM. Lunch will be served following the meeting. 9

10 CO-CHAIRMEN: TED KIPREOS & CHARLIE BURLAND BAKLAVA PREPARATION Wednesday, July 10 th - Friday, July 12 th and continues Monday, July 15 th - Friday, July 19 th at 10:00 am in the Hellenic Center Kitchen! Our goal? 400 pans! No problem! We need your help, ladies and gentlemen! Please bring your lunch (drinks will be provided) and your apron! Even though we work, it is a fun, enjoyable experience. Baklava is our best selling pastry and all hands are needed! Looking forward to seeing you in the kitchen! 10

11 It s hard to believe our school year has come to a close. This has been an incredible year of learning and discovery for our wonderful students! We are so blessed to have the children and teachers that make up our school. On May 10 th, we hosted our 2 nd Annunciation Day School Gala. The event was an overwhelming success! Parents, teachers, and our Cathedral community filled 103 West for an evening that included a fun silent auction and an exciting live auction. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner and delectable desserts followed by spirited bidding on a large variety of incredible auction items. The money raised will help us fund a principal for our elementary school and support the continuing improvement of our classrooms. We would like to thank our committee-chair, Presbytera Mari Mars and the rest of her committee: Ariadne Alexoudis Program Book Designer, Ali Barton, Maria Demos, Leah Stephens Economos, Toula Kostopoulos, Danita Mank, Dimitra Moraitakis, and Elizabeth Spetseris. In addition, we would like to thank Mr. Pano Karatassos for hosting our event and all of our other sponsors for their generosity and dedication to our school. Our Day School also hosted several other exciting events in May. We had Muffins with Mom to remind our mother s how much we love and appreciate them. The children made wonderful artwork and enjoyed a fun breakfast together. Also, the End of the Year celebration was showcased by a play performed by our elementary students and English and Greek songs sung by all the children. Did you know that our Day School Has been open for 11 years and currently has approximately 100 students and 20 faculty members. educates students from 18 months Fourth Grade and that we plan on completing our elementary school by the school year. We are in the process of evaluating expansion for a middle school. Our national school norms for our elementary students IOWA test scores were 96% offers Greek Language and Orthodoxy as part of our standard curriculum. It also has Before Care and After School Clubs available to our students. 11

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14 GOYA Mission Team 2013 back from NOLA! For the second consecutive year, Annunciation Cathedral parishioner Susan Lambros led a team of year old GOYAns on an IOCC USA-based Mission Trip. The group traveled to New Orleans, LA from June 3 rd through June 8 th where they met with IOCC USA representative Dan Christopolos and his intern, Isaac, to work on a Habitat for Humanity home build. There, the Atlanta team, consisting of Julia Chromiak, Gea Lambros, Michael Lambros, Andrew Melissas, Stephen Missailidis and Mrs. Lambros, was joined by an Indian Orthodox team of six young adults. The IOCC USA-based Mission Trips are open to all Orthodox Christians. IOCC partners with Habitat for Humanity in several locations where people are in need, particularly due to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Last year s Atlanta team traveled to Minneapolis, MN in an area that had been tragically affected the previous year by tornadoes. In New Orleans, the team bunked at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Slidell, LA, just over Lake Pontchartrain. Mornings began at 5:45 a.m. with breakfast and preparation of sack lunches for the worksite, followed by morning prayers and departure. Collectively, the entire team worked on four houses being built in the same neighborhood in Abita Springs, LA. All four houses were nearing the final phase before occupancy by their future families. The Atlanta team became professional painters as they worked tirelessly for the first three days applying two coats of primer on every interior surface except the subfloor (although the subfloor was peppered with paint mishaps and drips!). The primer was followed by two coats of ceiling paint and two coats of wall paint. That house did not have air conditioning yet, so the team plugged through the Louisiana June heat and humidity with great spirit and hard work. The final day, the entire team prepared two houses for the upcoming yard landscaping by clearing all debris from the grounds. Next, the team scraped and swept the floors in the house which it had painted all week to prepare the subfloors for tile and laminate floor installation. The team also worked on siding trim, base and shoe molding, unloading kitchen cabinetry as it was delivered and anything else that the Habitat supervisors asked of them. Each work day ended with well-deserved showers at Peace Lutheran, sometimes followed by lively basketball games, rest, dinner, evening prayers and late night Parea which included midnight s 'mores and games introduced by the Atlanta team s new Indian Orthodox friends, such as Signs. The team was blessed to have met and interacted with two women who were working on the home build as they were putting in their sweat equity hours, a requirement by Habitat for Humanity whereby all future homeowners are required to put in hundreds of hours on a worksite (not necessarily their own) as a way to give back and contribute to the process in which their family will be benefitting so greatly. The team also enjoyed two evenings in New Orleans, eating great Boo Fries, local Shrimp, oysters, and other local specialties such as Jambalaya and Gumbo. Both nights were topped off with beignets from Café du Monde. Without exception, every member of the Atlanta team expressed the desire to participate on the 2014 team. Andrew Melissas noted, "Much like my volunteering at the Atlanta Greek Festival, the Habitat IOCC build had the feel of a vacation with the impact of a service project. I enjoyed the attitude of service for others that was fostered by our excellent chaperones: Susan, Issac, and Dan. Making the week even better was the presence of the Indian Orthodox group who I learned from and thus expanded my awareness of our beautiful Orthodox faith." Andrew s reflections were shared by all participants! The entire 2013 Atlanta Mission trip was financed through the extraordinary efforts of one fundraiser, the Chris Nastopoulos Memorial Basketball Game, held in February, 2013 and chaired by GOYAns Michael Lambros and Johnny Demos. Special sponsorships were provided by Athens Pizza, The Lambros Firm and Atlanta Realty Associates/Costa Panos. Additionally, many generous donations were made by members of the Annunciation Cathedral. If you are inspired by these good works and would like to help us build our fund for our GOYA Mission team 2014, please contact Susan Lambros at or send a check to the Cathedral noting GOYA Mission Fund prominently. Your prayers and support are so appreciated. Each of us are Called by God to go out and do something great. Question is...do you choose to answer it? --- borrowed from the Indian Orthodox Missions coordinator. 14

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16 Annunciation Cathedral Holds First Lenten Saturday of Service Annunciation Cathedral members of all ages participated in our church s first Saturday of Service during the Lenten season this Spring. Seventy Greek Orthodox Christians mobilized and went out into the Atlanta-area community to provide support in various charitable organizations while enhancing their Lenten spiritual journey on Saturday, April 20, The event was organized by Susan Lambros as a new outreach program for the Outreach Committee. Participants were cheerfully greeted at 7:45 a.m. in Carlos Hall with a continental breakfast provided by the Outreach Committee, an inaugural Saturday of Service t-shirt and Parea before splitting into groups and heading out into the community to represent our Cathedral in a day of Service. Service project choices included Global Soap Project which recycles donated soap to be shipped worldwide to refugee camps and communities affected by poverty, Habitat for Humanity ReStore which is a store that sells household supplies and items to generate proceeds which help fund Habitat programs, Reece Center which provides equine therapy for Metro Atlanta s physically and mentally challenged children and adults, Medshare which accepts donations of medical supplies to be shipped worldwide, Project Open Hand which prepares and delivers 5500 meals in the Atlanta area every day, and Crossroads Community Service which provides, among other things, sandwiches to the homeless in Atlanta every day. The feedback from the day was tremendously positive. Participants noted feeling that they had performed good, positive deeds in their community. Several families volunteered together and enjoyed working as a family unit, knowing they were helping others. The combination of all age groups provided a great community feel by our Greek Orthodox Christians and let the Atlanta community know that our Cathedral gives back to Atlanta! By virtue of merely volunteering, the participants provided Orthodox Christian outreach. The next Saturday of Service is being planned for Saturday morning, September 21, Join us as we reach out to our community with our Greek Orthodox spirit. Look for information beginning in late August in the church bulletin and your s! 16

17 Congratulations to our 2013 Greek School Graduates, Martha Odenwelder, Gabriel Simmons, Theodore Weimar, and John Xides! Congratulations to all of our Greek School students for a successful Exetasis/End of the Year Program. The event was well attended with students performing various poems and songs to highlight the end of another great year! Greek School Registration is now open! Please visit the church's website or contact Michelle Constantinides, michelle.constantinides@gmail.com for an application. The school year begins Monday, August 26 th with Agiasmo and Open House. Are you interested in teaching Greek School? We are currently looking for qualified Greek School teachers. Please send your resume with a letter of intent to Michelle Constantinides, michelle.constantinides@gmail.com. 17

18 Pascha Passports (new this year) At the beginning of Lent, each student was given a Pascha Passport. During the Journey to Great Lent, the children received stamps for every service they attended. These services included Great Complines, Divine Liturgies, the Sundays of Lent, Lazarus Saturday, Palm Sunday, and all of the services of Holy Week. They also received stamps when they went to confession, and for reciting the Jesus Prayer. We look forward to using the Pascha Passports next year. Heretismi Services & Presentation of Flowers to the Theotokos During each of the Heretismi Services, held on Friday evenings during Lent, Sunday School classes ages 4 through 12th grade were assigned to present flowers to the Theotokos. Each child went up on the solea, kissed an icon of the Theotokos and placed a flower next to the icon. Psalms Readers & Heretismi Chanters At the request of His Eminence Alexios, some of our 6 th -12 th graders did group reading and chanting of the Psalms and prayers during the Heretismi Services each week. Lazarus Saturday & the Making of Palm Crosses A tradition for over 65 years is for all students to attend the Divine Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday and receive Holy Communion with their families. Following the Liturgy, everyone went to Carlos Hall for breakfast and made palm crosses which were handed out on Palm Sunday. Thank you to Gina Gassert, Anna Kostopoulos, Patty Vastakis and Golfo Pappas for setting up the decorations in Carlos Hall on Lazarus Saturday. Palm Sunday Our 8 th grade students, who were not serving as altar boys, served as palm bearers during the procession on Palm Sunday. 18

19 GREAT FRIDAY The 4 th Grade girls served as Myrrophores during both the afternoon and evening services held on Great Friday. Thank You to Linda Gennadopoulos, Brittany Gennadopoulos, Monica Gennadopoulos and Patti Patellis for helping the Myrrophores and explaining the importance of what they were doing. Our 12 th grade boys served as Kouvouklion carriers during the evening service on Great Friday. They carried the Kouvouklion around the Cathedral and then held it over the entrance as all parishioners re-entered the Cathedral. Thank You to Victor Polizos for helping guide the Kouvouklion carriers. SUNDAY SCHOOL END OF THE YEAR The Sunday School year came to an end on Sunday, May 19 th. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, several important milestones took place. Thank You to all of our wonderful, dedicated teachers who work hard each year to teach our children about Orthodoxy and help them create a strong foundation in our faith. We have 33 teachers and 5 office staff who ensure that each week runs smoothly and is the best environment for our students. Holy Week Play performed at this year s Palm Sunday Luncheon 19

20 SUNDAY SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE An old tradition in our Cathedral is for students to obtain Perfect Attendance at Sunday School each year. In an effort to recognize all of the people who had Perfect Attendance over the years, all parishioners were encouraged to wear their attendance pins from their years of Perfect Attendance. We had 9 people who wore their pins on this Sunday to proudly show that they earned their pins during their years of Sunday School. CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAD PERFECT ATTENDANCE THIS YEAR! Eleven students with Perfect Attendance were recognized in Church: 1 Year - Juliana Lamas, Anastasia Lamas, Sophia Pappadakis & Angela Pappadakis 3 Years - Katy Rhena Constantinides, Robby Keenan, Nicolas Keenan & Elizabeth Keenan 4 Years - Nikolaos Constantinides & Phaethon Constantinides 12 Years - Ryan Marinos A special Thank You to all of the parents who brought their children to Sunday School each week and/or visited other parishes to make sure their children attended Sunday School and maintained their Perfect Attendance. SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER SERVICE AWARDS Service Awards are certificates given to individuals to thank them and recognize them for their years of service to the Church, specifically Religious Education. They are signed by Archbishop Demetrios and presented in each parish on designated Sundays. Dr. Victor Polizos was recognized for 10 years of service to our Sunday School Program. Mrs. Kiki Papadimitriou was recognized for 30+ years of service to our Sunday School Program. 20

21 2013 SUNDAY SCHOOL GRADUATES Ryan Marinos gave a speech on behalf of the senior class. He shared how Church is about the people, not the place. The Church became a home for him and his classmates. They have all grown up together and are like family who can depend on each other. They will all be going on different paths next year, yet they will all be able to come home to their Church family whenever they can and they all expect to see each other sitting in their usual seats at Church, just like they have never left. Mark Your Calendars! Summer Sunday School will be again on July 21 st. More information will be ed the week before Sunday School Seniors Anna Davis Florida State University Jamey Gilmore Mercer University in Macon Sophie Hays University of Georgia Michael Lambros Georgia State University Ryan Marinos Georgia State University Tommy McBride Berry College Bess McClure Georgia College & State University Andrew Melissas Georgia Institute of Technology Maria Moraitakis Boston College Peter Pappas Berry College Sky Stephanopoulos Georgia Gwinnett College David Trettel Georgia Southern University Emily Trettel Georgia Gwinnett College Pauline Vastakis Georgia Institute of Technology 21

22 The Clergy and Parish Council offer their sincere appreciation to the following who sponsored the necessary items used during Holy Week. The response to the request for these items was a resounding success! For the Health of Fr. Paul Kaplanis & Fr. Christos Mars and their families (The Hallick family) Health of Niki & Angela Economy (James & Claire Gilmore) In Memory of Spero Cassandras (Randy &Vickie Cassandras Kindred & Christo Kindred) In Memory of John & Eclecte Alexander (Pat Alexander) In Memory of Effie Alexander (Pat Alexander) For a Growing Healthy Family (Ned & Olga Biehler) In Memory of Frank & Golfo Baches (From their Children) In Memory of Helen & George Vacalis (Georgia & James Coclin) In Memory of Priscilla &William Coclin (Georgia & James Coclin) In Memory of Dimitrios Kohilis & Katie Kohilis (Alexandra Kohilis & Andrea Kohilis) In Memory of Paul Emanuel (David & Christine Stern) In Memory of our Deceased Family (Nicholas & Catherine Argendeli) In Memory of Howard Lucas (From his Wife Martha Lucas) In Memory of John & Sophie Tuntas (Costa & Sylvia Costopoulos) In Memory of Rosemary Underwood (Patty Vastakis) In Memory of Manoli Vastakis (Pete & Pauline Giannakopoulos) Patricia Anagnostakis Elaine & George Andrews Kathy Anemogiannis Mark & Rose Barton George & Penny Betros John & Karen Boosalis Niki & Vasiliki Bouras Doty Constantinides Pres. Kathryn Constantinides Catherine Christ John & Demetra Costopoulos Vickie Costopoulos Norma Creety Rocky & Helen Demopoulos 22 John & Jean Economy Lee & Smaro Economy Andy & Georgia Ekonomou James & Irene Fotos Stephen & Valine Georgeson Glenzes Family Victor Hamby Pantelis & Polly Hasos Octavian & Adriana Iozchimescu Joanne Jones Vickie Klemis Andy & Anna Kostopoulos Athena Kourtis Peter & Despina Lamas Tom & Kay McBride Joanne Mertzanis Zaharoula & Demetry Millas Angelo & Betty Patellis John & Bess Papadimitriou Tony & Anne Pappadakis George & Mary Pappas Phil Panos Pierre & Alexandra Panos Vickie & Costa Panos Victoria Pavlopoulos Tassie Portulas Martha Poulos Christina & Victor Polizos John & Mary Sacorafos Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scaljon Mimi Anna Scaljon Bill & Vickie Scaljon Nick & Jane Sigalos Thomas & Sylvia Skafidas Maria Tsagaris Starks Philip & Francine Tague Ourania Tzamos John Underwood Georgia Vasilos & Family Paul & Ethel Winegar Aristidis & Catherine Zachas Sotiri & Lea Zervoulias

23 THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 EPITAPHION CONTRIBUTORS! Michael & Demetra Abdalla & Family Christo & Nicole Adams & Family Van & Becky Aggelakos Mike & Beverly Alex Stephen & Celeste Alexander & Ian Mrs. Lula Alexander Catherine P. Alexander Mr. & Mrs. George T. Alexander Thomas Alexander Dr. Margo Alexander Alec Alexander Stephen A. Alexander Patricia Alexander Maria Alexander Steve & Debra Alexander & Family Costa & Sophia Alexandrides Janet R. Algers Mary V. Anason Bessie Andros Vickie Andros Georgia Andros Nicholas & Catherine Argendeli Athens Pizza Dr. & Mrs. Constantine Babaliaros Marika Bagios Ray & Barbara Bailey Mike & Mary Balsamides Mark & Rose Barton Marianne Beverly Olga & Ned Biehler & Family Van Botsaris Michael G. Boulegeris Niki Bouras Theodora Campbell Mary Campbell Ron & Vicki Canakaris Maria Caras Elaine & John Carlos Chris G. Carlos Helen A. Carlos & Ronald Hilliard Eula Carlos Mr. & Mrs. James A. Carlos Fotini Carnegie Ted Carnegie Connie & Voula Carros Nitsa & Kosta Cassandras Dr. & Mrs. Milton Chacholiades James & Georgia Coclin Irene Constantinides Criton & Jennifer Constantinides Demetrios & Barbara Constantinides & Family Doty Constantinides & Family Panos & Michelle Constantinides & Family Mr. & Mrs. James Cook & Family Mr. & Mrs. Demetrios Costarides 23 Mr. & Mrs. Taso V. Costarides Vasili & Vasso Costarides Mrs. Voula Costarides & Family Dr. & Mrs. Anastasios Costarides & Sophia Costa & Sylvia Costopoulos Vickie Sophia Costopoulos Nick, Mary & George Coumanis Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Couvaras & Family Themis P. & Howard Cramer Mike & Norma Creety Gregory Daglis Barbara Darby Diane & Read Davis & Family Kathy, Charles, Cole & Christopher Day Mr. & Mrs. George Demetriades Josee P. Demetry & Daphne Tom & Natalie DeVries Bess Dimos Eleni Dodys Soterios Steve Dounis Joyce Dove Nick & MaryAnn Economos John & Jean Economy Nick & Angela Economy Nikita & Christina Economy Christina Evagoras & George Athina Filis Nick, Cheryl & Nicole Forleades Mr. & Mrs. James D. Fotos & Family Mrs. Nini Frangis & Stephen Raphael F. Franze Mike and Frances Galifianakis Alvin & Kathy Galloway Mark & Gina Gassert & Family Vicki & George Gavalas & Family Mrs. Mary & Ellen George Les & Mary Alice George & Family Stephen & Valine Georgeson Maria & George Giannacostas John & Theoni Giannakopoulos Pete & Pauline Giannakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Giannakopoulos Voula Giannakopoulos Perry Giannakopoulos Petro J. & Rosi Giannakopoulos Vassio Giannakopoulos Lia & Jim Gilmer Mrs. Lillian Glenzes Evangeline Gouvas Peter & Linda Grivas Mr. & Mrs. D. Hadjisimos Dr. & Mrs. Alex Halkos Bobby, Olga, & Melina Haralabakis Vickie Henson Chris & Katie Holmes & Ruby

24 International Bakery Ioannides Family Anna L. Johnson Kathryn Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Nick Jones Joanne Jones Mary Jones Toula S. Jones Paulina D. Jordanov Petro & Helen Kacur Costa & Kiki Kacur Thomas & Stephanie Kantsios Rev. Fr. Paul & Presbytera Evi Kaplanis Karafotias Realty Co. Pano & Georgia Karatassos Pete, Eleni & Paraskevas Kardaras Maria Kalou Kardomateas Harry & Tasia Katapodis & Family Kelli Holevas Vickie, Randall & Christos Kindred Ted Kipreos & Family Vickie Klemis Dr. & Mrs. George S. Kleris & Renee K.A. Kliossis Angelo, Sherry Kliossios & Family Chris Kliros Demetri & Maria Konidaris Kariofilis Konstadinidis Niki & Effie Kosmetatos Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Kostopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andreas Kostopoulos & Family Vicky Kouloumberis Dimitrios & Angela Koulouris Augustina Kouros Despo V. Lamas Cissy & Ted Lamas Mr. & Mrs. Tom Lambrou & Family Lia & Hilmar Leng The Lignos Family Martha Lucas Catherine Macris Mr. & Mrs. William Malires Alexandra & Peter Manos Mr. & Mrs. Peter Marcois Mike & Gigi Marinos Pat, Susan & Ryan Marinos Rev. Fr. Christos & Presbytera Mari & John Mars Janet Martin Demetrios Mazacoufa Joanne & Michael Mertzanis Zacharoula Millas Maria S. Mokas Mark, Dimitra, Eli, Erini, and Nicoletta Moraitakis Mike & Christine Moraitakis Nicholas & Efrosyne Moraitakis Pete Nassos & Family Charlie C. Nastopoulos George Nastopoulos Kay, Charles & Christina Nastopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Jim Natsios Stacie Nefos Jerry & Golfo Odenwelder & Family Katy Olympiadis Harry Palles Anastasia Panayiopoulos Aris & Mary Panos Faye Panos Eleni Pantazopoulos Panagiotis Pantazopoulos Chris & Courtney Pantelis Helen Pantelis John & Kiki Papadimitriou Sandy, Niki & Asimina Papadopoulos Elias, Katherine, Panos & Nikos Papanikolopoulos Anthony & Anne Pappadakis Chris & Maria Pappadakis & Family Gregory & Golfo Pappas Penelope Pappas Helen Pappas John G. Parasho Louis & Katina Pataki Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Patellis & Erica John & Vicky Patronis Mary Katherine Patronis Kostas & Athanasia Patronis George & Dale Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Solon P. Patterson Jerry & Mercedes Paxton & Family Smaro Pefines Dr. Spero & Stephanie Peppas Nick & Lynn Petkas Mr. & Mrs. George Petrakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Harry Petrides Ted & Betty Petrides Gus & Anna Plagianis Peter & Kimberly Poolos Nell Poolos Tassie, Staci & Vicki Portulas Sophia Poulakos Theotokis Poulokefalos Audrey A. Poulos Mr. & Mrs. John Poulos Martha P. Poulos Victor & Eilleen Poulos Pete J. Poulos Lula Poulos George & Carrie Pribas & Family Helen Regas Eugene & Stephanie Reid & Family Theodora Retsina Rob, Ginnie & Peter Roglin Pat & Jimmy Roney Shirley E. Rumanes Richard & Stacey Sapp Mr. & Mrs. Pike Sarris Dr. & Mrs. William Scaljion Gunter & Maria Sharp & Family Dimitri Shreckengost Nick & Jane Sigalos Eleni Simmons Ric & Argie Sirmans & Family Thomas & Sylvia Skafidas 24

25 Dr. Lee Skandalakis Dr. George Skardasis Mr. & Mrs. George Skoufis Jim & Maria Slay Mike & Joanna Snider Spyros & Nota Soteres Pitsa Soteres Panagiotis Soublis Maria, Art, Katherine & Leo Soublis Mr. & Mrs. Pete Soulimiotis Terry & Shelly Spahr Mr. & Mrs. William Stanton Jimmy Stappas Lottie & Tony Stefanis Dimitrios & Denise Stephanopoulos Margaret & Jerry Stewart & Family Ed & Jo Ann Stewart Mrs. Connie B. Stratigos Heather Stubbs Maria Tagalos, Victoria & Spiro Vivian Economy Takakis Harry & Georgia Tassopoulos Dr. & Mrs. Manuel N. Tissura Jorge Trujillo & Sandra Vasilis Tzamos Nick & Marsha Tzavaras Ted Tzavaras Spero & Demetra Vasilakis George & Pamela Vasilos & Family Georgia P. Vasilos Mr. & Mrs. Nick Vasilakis Nick & Georgia Vastakis Patty, John, Despina & Pauline Vastakis Joshua & Lucy Venkorff Stacey, David, Drew & Anthea Walker White House Restaurant Mr. & Mrs. AJ Williams Paul & Ethel Winegar Zeta Xenidis Voula & Tony Yialamas Zesto Chubby Decker, Inc. Sub Deacon Joseph & Catherine Zurmuehl THANK YOU TO OUR 2013 EPITAPHION DONORS! Pictured above are the members of the Epitaphion Collections Committee presenting the proceeds benefiting the Cathedral: Fr. Paul Kaplanis, Fr. Christos Mars, Fr. Ken Anthony, Stephen Georgeson-Parish Council President, Joanna Snider-Philoptochos President, Mary Campbell, Voula Giannakopoulos, Anna Johnson, Metaxia Kleris, Mary Katherine Patronis, Vicky Patronis Not Pictured: Theodora Campbell, Helen Demopoulos, Georgia Vasilos Our Cathedral family offers it s deep appreciation to the dedicated members of the Philoptochos Epitaphion Collections Committee. 25

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27 Golden Group THE GOLDEN GROUP IS ON VACATION! SPRING EVENTS: The Golden Group is on summer vacation. We finished April and May with fun events in order to make up for the three-month summer hiatus. In April, we invited back Walter Reeves, The Georgia Gardener, to speak at our luncheon. As usual, he is an entertaining guest. Walter talked to the group about gardening, while he kept us laughing at the same time. A delicious Lenten luncheon was sponsored by the Philoptochos Society. Also in April, we traveled to the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville. The Museum opened in 2003, and houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country. The Galleries feature contemporary Western American art, historic Western art, Civil War art, Presidential portraits and letters, Western movie posters, and Western illustration. Everyone was overwhelmed was the museum. In May, instead of the usual luncheon, we hosted an evening picnic at the Cathedral pavilion. As a bonus, Tassie Portulas and two musicians performed familiar Greek songs. Everybody joined in a sing-a-long. A delicious barbecue picnic was sponsored by the Laconian Society. The Saturday after Easter, thirty-seven Golden Group members rented a bus to travel to the Metropolitan s annual Pascha picnic at the Diakonia Center in Salem, South Carolina. It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed a delicious Easter meal and good fellowship. After lunch, some of the group toured the grounds. We visited the new candlemaking room, we saw the vineyards and had lunch under the veranda overlooking the lake. There are many more beautiful things to see there. Hopefully, we can return next year and take a larger group to the picnic. GOLDEN GROUP SPONSORS: The Golden Group needs sponsors for two of our luncheons next year. If anyone would like to volunteer as a sponsor, or in memory of a deceased love one, contact Mary Anne Chanos at GOLDEN GROUP TRIP: Mark your calendar for October The Golden Group will be traveling to Charleston, SC. Watch out for more information in the near future. The Golden Group would like to thank all of the organizations and people who have donated the meals that were served this year: October - Danaos Society November - AHEPA December - the Parish Council January - Evrytanians February Daughters of Penelope March Kathara Theftera - pot luck April the Philoptochos Society May the Laconian Society 27

28 WALTER REEVES, THE MASTER GARDENER, SPEAKER AT THE APRIL GOLDEN GROUP LUNCHEON Eleftheria Moraitakis and Father Paul pose with the Master Gardener, Walter Reeves, our speaker for April at the Golden Group luncheon GOLDEN GROUP VISITS THE WESTERN ART MUSEUM Front row (seated): Themis Cramer, Aristides Poulos, Mary Poulos, Michael Tsurutis Manuel Petkas and Mike Tsurutis relax and study the bronco rider at the Booth Museum Back Row: Eugenia Petrakopoulos, Maria Linardakis, Ethel Winegar, Anna Sigalos, Ourania Tzamos, Mary Anne Chanos, Manuel Petkas, Bess Dimos, Marina Kuluberis, Howard Cramer, Joanne Jones, Shirley Rumanes, Ted Carnegie Not pictured: Mary Jones 28

29 GOLDEN GROUP PICNIC AT THE CHURCH PAVILION The Laconians provided a barbecue dinner Everyone was relaxed and sang their favorite Greek songs. There s a lot of catching up to do! GOLDEN GROUP TRIP TO THE DIAKONIA CENTER AGAPE PICNIC 29

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31 15% Discount with this coupon. Valid dinner only. Expires September 1, 2013 One coupon per table. Not valid with other offers. Ways to stay in touch with us Facebook Twitter YouTube Tout Instagram Like, Follow, Subscribe, Watch and See and our website 31

32 Locations in: 855 Virginia Ave, Hapeville Lawrenceville Hwy, Tucker Old Dixie Hwy, Forest Park Medlock Bridge Rd #50, Johns Creek Coming Soon Once A Week Go Greek!! Home of Atlanta's Best Gyro 4468 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody Visit the website: for our full menu. Live Spring Lambs Spiros P. Kuluberis 2229 Calhoun Falls Highway Elberton, Georgia EDITOR: Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean (frpaulk@atlgoc.org) MANAGING EDITOR: Fr. Christos P. Mars (frchristos@atlgoc.org) DESIGN: Andrea Koulouris (office@atlgoc.org) PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Stephen Georgeson Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation 2500 Clairmont Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia Phone (404) Fax (404) office@atlgoc.org 32 All news can be ed to office@atlgoc.org or put on a disk and brought to the Cathedral office during office hours (Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) by July 26 th All Cathedral mail goes to the Post Office on the same day. If you do not receive your Annunciator in a timely manner, please call your Post Office and notify them.