GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC The Theotokos As a Living Temple: An Example For Us

Transcript

1 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 435 KEATING DRIVE WINSTON-SALEM, NC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE MARCH 2018 Non-Profit Organiz. U.S. Postage Winston-Salem, NC Permit # 168 March 25 The Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary The Theotokos As a Living Temple: An Example For Us We are tenants in an apartment of flesh; God is the landlord. He wishes to be Landlord-in-residence, but He will not move in unless and until He is invited. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and sup with him, says Jesus. The human body was made to welcome Jesus, to love Him and to live in Him. That is what our bodies are made for. And that is what life is for. Jesus said it so well: If man loves me, he will keep my word, and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:23). The example, par excellence, of the first one to be saved and to become God s temple is the Virgin Mary. As the image of all of us who are being saved, Mary becomes not the great exception, as Fr. Schmemann used to say, but rather the great example. Her whole life shows how all people must be when they are sanctified by the Holy spirit to become servants and temples of Christ. Like Mary, we are all made to be living temples of God, dwelling places of His glory. Fashioned in His image and likeness, we are created to be living temples of His presence, Jesus Christ was formed in the body of Mary physically and spiritually so that He might be formed in us also (Gal. 4:19). For, as St. Paul so well writes, we are either living vessels of God or we are vessels of wrath (Rom. 9:22). From Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth by Anthony M. Coniaris Today is the beginning of our salvation,* and the revelation of a mystery which was hidden;* the Son of God* becomes the Virgin's Son,* and Gabriel announces the grace of this good news,* let us also join with Him,* to the Theotokos calling;* Hail to you O Lady full of Grace,* the Lord is with you.

2 Fri Mar 2 Sun Mar 4 2nd Salutations 7:00pm Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas - Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:15am. Teaching Liturgy in the Fellowship Hall Τετ 28 Μαρ Σαβ 31 Μαρ Προετοιμασία Φοινίκια για το Φεστιβάλ 9:00πμ Προηγιασμένη Θ. Λειτουργία 6:30μμ Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας φαγητό για να συνδειπνήσουμε Σάββατο του Λαζάρου- όρθρος Θ. Λειτουργία 9:00πμ HOPE &JOY 11:00-1:30μμ. Fellowship Hour - Open Mon Mar 5 Warm up America in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Tue Mar 6 Men s Discussion Group 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30am Philoptochos Board Meeting 6:00pm. Wed Mar 7 Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm. All GOYANS are encouraged to participate. Please bring your favorite Lenten dish to share after services. Thu Mar 8 Senior Citizens Gathering with St. Nektarios Seniors. We will carpool and depart from Annunciation at 10:30am. The Church Van is full and Fr. Costa s van has a couple of seats open. Please meet at the Church and make arrangements to car pool if you don t have a spot on the vans. Reservations should be made by calling the Church Office ( ). Fri Mar 9 Philoptochos Meeting 6:00pm. Religious presentation 6:30pm. 3rd Salutations 7:00pm Sun Mar 11 Veneration of the Cross - Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:15am. K-2 will participate in a special procession of the Cross at the conclusion of services. The flowers used for the service are donated by Nick & Efrosene Samaras. Philoptochos will pass a special tray for Holy Cross. Jr. Division Oratorical Competition Fellowship Hour - Open Pre-sale March 25th Luncheon Tickets in the breezeway after services. Mon Mar 12 Warm up America in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Tue Mar 13 Men s Discussion Group 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30am Festival Baking preparation - Kourabiethes 4:00pm Wed Mar 14 Festival Baking preparation - Kourabiethes 9:00am Mandatory Greek School practice 4:30-6:30 Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm. Please bring your favorite Lenten dish to share after services. Fri Mar 16 4th Salutations 7:00pm

3 Παρ 9 Μαρ Συνεδρίαση της Φιλοπτώχου 6:00μμ Θρησκευτική συζήτητη 6:30 Γ Χαιρετισμοί 7:00μμ Κυρ 11 Μαρ Της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως - Κανονικό ωράριο Κατηχητικό Σχολείο ενηλίκων 9:15πμ Η περιφορά του Τίμιου Σταυρού στο τέλος της Θ. Λειτουργίας από παιδιά Νηπίου έως δευτέρας τάξης. Τα λουλούδια προσφέρονται από τον Νίκο & Ευφροσύνη Σαμαρά Η φιλόπτωχος θα περιφέρει ειδικό δίσκο για την ενίσχυση του Τίμιου Σταυρού Ορατορικό Φεστιβάλ Ο Καφές ανοιχτός Δευτ 12 Μαρ «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Εκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Τριτ 13 Μαρ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών στις 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική Συζήτηση 9:30πμ Προετοιμασία Κουραμπιέδες για το Φεστιβάλ 4:00μμ Τετ 14 Μαρ Προετοιμασία Κουραμπιέδες για το Φεστιβάλ 9:00πμ Προαγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 6:30μμ Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας νηστήσιμο φαγητό για να συνδειπνήσουμε Παρ 16 Μαρ Δ Χαιρετισμοί 7:00 Σαβ 17 Μαρ «Η πορεία του γάμου» σεμινάριο Κυρ 18 Μαρ Τέταρτη Κυριακή των Νηστειών Του Ιωάννη του - Κανονικό ωράριο Κατηχητικό Σχολείο ενηλίκων 9:15πμ 5ετές Μνημόσυνο του Κωνσταντίνου Στόγια 6μηνες Μνημόσυνο της Αναστασίας Καραΐσκου Ορατορικό Φεστιβάλ Ο Καφές προσφέρετε από τις οικογένειες του Κωνσταντίνου και της Αναστασίας προς την αγαπημένη τους μνήμη Δευτ 19 Μαρ «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Εκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Τριτ 20 Μαρ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών στις 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική Συζήτηση Ενηλίκων 9:30πμ Προετοιμασία Κουλουράκια για το Φεστιβάλ 4:00μμ Τετ 21 Μαρ Προετοιμασία Κουλουράκια για το Φεστιβάλ 900πμ Προηγιασμένη Θ. Λειτουργία 6:30μμ Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας φαγητό για να συνδειπνήσουμε Παρ 23 Μαρ Ο Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 7:00μμ Σαβ 24 Μαρ Εσπερινός του Ευαγγελισμού 7:00μμ Ο Καφές προσφέρετε από την Φιλόπτωχο προς τιμή της ονομαστική εορτής της Εκκλησίας Κυρ 25 Μαρ Του Ευαγγελισμού Κανονικό ωράριο Κατηχητικό Σχολείο ενηλίκων 9:15πμ Εορτασμός της 25ής Μαρτίου μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία στην κοινοτική αίθουσα. Το Ελληνικό σχολείο και τα τμήματα του ελληνικού χορού σας προσκαλούν σε γεύμα στην αίθουσα της εκκλησίας όπου θα παρουσιαστούν ένα πρόγραμμα για την Εθνική μας επέτειο. Δευτ 26 Μαρ «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Εκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Τριτ 27 Μαρ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών στις 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική Συζήτηση Ενηλίκων 9:30πμ Προετοιμασία Φοινίκια για το Φεστιβάλ 4:00μμ Sat Mar 17 Sun Mar 18 Mon Mar 19 Tue Mar 20. Wed Mar 21 Fri Mar 23 Sat Mar 24 Journey to Marriage Seminar - Winston-Salem 4th Sunday of Lent - St. John of the Ladder - Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:15am. 5yr Memorial - Gus Stogias 6mth Memorial - Anastasia Karaiskou Senior Division Oratorical Competition Fellowship Hour is offered in loving memory of Anastasia and Gus by their loving family. Pre-sale March 25th Luncheon Tickets in the breezeway after services. Warm up America in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Men s Discussion Group 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30am Festival Baking preparation - Koulourakia 4:00pm Festival Baking preparation - Koulourakia 9:00am Mandatory Greek School practice 4:30pm-6:30pm Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm. Please bring your favorite Lenten dish to share after services. AKATHYST hymn 7:00 pm Vespers of the Annunciation 7:00pm Fellowship Hour is offered by the Ladies of Philoptochos in honor of our Church s nameday. Sun Mar 25 Feast of the Annunciation Regular Schedule Adult Sunday School 9:15am. Mon Mar 26 Tue Mar 27 Wed Mar 28 Sat Mar 31 Celebration of Greek Independence Day/Luncheon At the conclusion of Services the GPTO, the Greek School and the Hellenic Dance Troupes cordially invite all to the Greek Independence Day Celebration Luncheon and program. Warm up America in the Breezeway 9-Noon. A knitting group for ALL ages. Men s Discussion Group 6:30am Adult Discussion 9:30am Festival Baking preparation - Finikia 4:00pm Festival Baking preparation - Finikia 9:00am Presanctified Liturgy 6:30pm Please bring your favorite Lenten dish to share after services. Saturday of Lazarus Matins/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am HOPE & JOY Retreat 11:00am - 1:30pm

4 SUNDAY, MARCH 4 USHERS Ilias Vlachos, Maria Tsigas, Johnny Kortesis, Sam Gianopoulos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 1 - Tom Giannopoulos, Tony Franzese, Presv. Stacy Shepherd, Paul Anthony MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 2 - Maria Anthony, Zoe Spanos READER - Anthony Whitley 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 Helen Vlasis, Jenny Morris SUNDAY, MARCH 11 USHERS Stan Carroll, Greg Karagiorgis, Paula Christakos, Ted Kazakos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 2 - Chris Gallos, Teddy J. Tsiolkas, Angelic Carroll, Tony Vlasis MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 3 - Ritsa Liaskonis, Maria Shepherd READER - Will Moye 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 Corie Ebert, Paula Manser, Katie Kroustalis SUNDAY, MARCH 18 USHERS George Bambalis, Pete Bobotsiares, Pete C. Strates, Sammy J. Ballas CHURCH SERV COMM Team 3 George Kalamaras, Virginia Moutos, Chris Spinosa, Pete Mastoras MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 4 Mara Kessler, Jackie Nikas, Corina Hellmer READER Chris Lohr 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 Mary Paloumbas, Helen Sialmas, Stella Tsiaras SUNDAY, MARCH 25 USHERS Ilias Vlachos, Maria Tsigas, Johnny Kortesis, Sam Gianopoulos CHURCH SERV COMM Team 4 - Brian McFarlin, Chad Davis, Renee Kortesis, Kim Karahalios MAIDENS FOR CHRIST Team 5 Alexandra Augoustides, Jasmine Marshall READER Dr. Chris Baker 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 Lauren Kazakos, Kelly Kontos, Angela Tsolis Senior Citizens Gathering - We have been invited by St. Nektarios Seniors to join them for Lunch and a program on Thursday, March 8th at their church. We will carpool!! Please join us on a free trip. We will be departing from Annunciation at 10:30. The Church Van is full and Fr. Costa s van has a couple spots open. Please meet at the Church and make arrangements to carpool if you don t have a spot already. Reservations should be made by calling the Church Office ( ). Parents of graduates we will have a meeting on March 6, 2018 at 5 pm in the library. Anyone interested in participating in the Graduation Party please make every effort to attend so we can start planning. The date for the party is June 3, If you are not able to attend and are interested please contact Georgia Demopoulos Παρ 2 Μαρ Β Χαιρετισμοί 7:00μμ Κυρ 4 Μαρ Του Γρηγορίου Παλαμά- Κανονικό ωράριο Κατηχητικό Σχολείο ενηλίκων 9:15πμ Διδασκαλία της Θείας Λειτουργίας στην κοινοτική αίθουσα Ο Καφές ανοιχτός Δευτ 5 Μαρ «Ζεστασιά στην Αμερική» στον διάδρομο της Εκκλησίας 9:00-12:00 Τριτ 6 Μαρ Θρησκευτική συζήτηση της ομάδας των ανδρών στις 6:30πμ Θρησκευτική Συζήτηση Ενηλίκων 9:30πμ Συνεδρίαση του Διοικητικού συμβουλίου της Φιλόπτωχου στις 6:00μμ Τετ 7 Μαρ Προαγιασμένη Θεία Λειτουργία 6:30μμ Παρακαλούμε να φέρετε το αγαπημένο σας νηστήσιμο φαγητό για να συνδειπνήσουμε Όλα τα παιδιά της GOYA παρακαλούμε να συμμετάσχετε.

5 Olympic Games at ACA!! Christ is risen EASTER Lilies - $15 Donation per lily (Deadline Sunday, April 1st) IN LOVING MEMORY OF BY IN HONOR OF BY FOR THE GOOD HEALTH OF BY 2018 STEWARDSHIP CΟΜΜΙΤΜΕΝΤ PROGRAM 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. Chamis, Gus & Eva Demopoulos, Bill & Georgia Gallins, Athena Gallins, John & Jeannie Giannopoulos, Chris Tom Grigoriou, Andrew & Mary Guthold, Martin & Marilena Hamberis, Mrs. Dean Hamberis, Tom & Stephanie Havelos, Dina Iskander, Dr. Samy & Laurice Karagiorgis, Greg & Helen Katsiadas, Peter & Konstantina Katsoudas, Julia Kontos, Gus & Soula Kroustalis, Alex & Gussie Kroustalis, Nick & Katina Mastoras, Maria Mathes, Jim & Stella McCullough, Chrissy G Mitchell, Ken & Bonnie Pappas, Maria Rizos, Pete & Bessie Strates, Gus & Bessie Strates, Helen Strates, Maria C. Strates, Peter C. Strates, Konstandina "Tina" Strates, Thomas C. Toompas, Ashley Tsiaras, Vasilis & Maria Tsipras, Lampros & Maria Tsitsera, Olympia Tsitseras, Gus & Voula Vlahos, John T & Zoe Weber, Scott & Viola Ziavliakis, Spiro & Helen STEWARDSHIP 2018 Update To date, 239 cards have been returned in support of Annunciation. Our goal is 410. Have you turned in your Stewardship Card?

6 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE The following items of note resulted from business discussed at the February 12, 2018 Parish Council meeting: Review of Godparent & Godchild Sunday as well as Souper Bowl results from IOCC tray. Liaisons for 2018 were established for a Parish Council member to represent areas of church ministry; Preschool Paula Christakos Choir Sammy Ballas Dance Sammy Gianopoulos Greek School Pete Bobotsiares Sunday School Greg Karagiorgis Philoptochos Maria Tsigas Mini bus Ilias Vlachos Maintenance George Bambalis Youth Johnny Kortesis Security training is being researched by Fr. Costa. A preliminary committee will be formed. Pavilion floor has been researched with some new flooring options that may fit our many needs. We will seek firm quotes & further discuss options. Tim Politis recently visited from Denver to propose ideas with costs for improving the interior of our church. Youth Report was shared by Fr. Costa including 2017 Winter Youth Rally. 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: Maria, Gus, George, Connie, Despina, Paul, Stacey, Sotiri, Marina 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/sent cards to the following members of the Church this month: Xanthe, Stacey, Sophia, and Penelope. Members to call are: Mary Wnentowski , Persephone Cortessis ; Martha Dentiste ; Emily Kafant We lost a beloved member, Demetra Dee Beskas, last month. In past years, Dee served on the Board as our Secretary, and was a valued member who will be missed. May her memory be eternal. Thank you to everyone who attended our Tea for 2 last month, and a special thank you to Rita Georgoulias for putting together a night filled with good conversation and tasty treats, while members shared their most memorable moments. To-date, we ve received 36 stewardship commitments. If you intend to join the Society that has been instrumental in helping the less fortune, but haven t yet, please don t put it off any longer. Join today by mailing your commitment to 435 Keating Dr., W-S, NC As mentioned previously, we are the right hand of our church and we are committed to do God s work. Help us meet our obligation to help those in need and those facing temporary hardships. As we are in Lent season, this month will be busy. We will be meeting with Fr. Dino Carros at 6 pm Friday the 9th (before our Salutation Service) and passing the Holy Cross Tray on Sunday the 11th. On March 16th 18th we have the 12th Annual Spiritual Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center, and then we celebrate our Church s Name Day on Saturday the 24th by hosting Coffee Hour after Vespers. As we close out the month, we will be preparing for the Palm Sunday Luncheon on April 1st. Please let me know if you would like to help. In Christ's Love, Kiki Gonzales For with God, all things are possible. LUKE 1:37 Ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στα μέλη που παραυρέθηκαν στη συνεδρίαση του Φεβρουαρίου, Τσάΐ Των Δίο, ιδιαίτερα ευχάριστουμε την Ελευθερία Γεωργούλια που προετοίμασε μια βραδιά γεμάτη με στολίδια και φαγώσιμα αλά και συναλάξαμε χαρούμενες στιγμές. Μέχρι τώρα έχουνε πληρώσει τριάντα-έξι μέλη. Και πάλι παρακαλούμε να λάβετε μέρος στη Φιλόπτωχος που είναι το δεξί χέρι της εκκλησίας, οργανωμένη να βοηθά φτωχούς και ατυχείς. Είμαστε τώρα στην Μέγαλη Τεσσαρακοστή και πολλά πράγματα είναι σχεδιασμένα. Τον Μάρτιο θα συναντηθούμε την Παρασκευή, 9 του μηνός με τον Πάτερ Κωνσταντίνο Καραγκούνη στις 6:00 μμ προτού την Ακολουθία των Χαιρετισμών. Την Κυριακή 11 Μαρτίου θα περάσουμε δίσκο του Τιμίου Σταυρού. Μαρτίου θα έχουμε την 12ην ετήσιαν Πνευματική Συνεδρίαση εις το Κένδρο της Διακονίας Salem, SC. Βέβαια, Σάββατο 24, γιορτάζει η Εκκλησία μας την ονομαστική εορτή με καφέ μετά την Ακολουθεία Εσπερινού. Κυριακή των Βαϊων Απριλίου 1η έχουμε γεύμα και θα χρειαστούμε την βοήθεια σας. Με την αγάπη του Χριστού. Πρεσβυτέρα Βασιλική Βλάχου UPDATE: Correction to the stewardship commitment communicated last month. The Metropolis Per Capital was increased for 2018 from $7 to $10. We have recalculated the commitment of $27 to fulfill our obligation to the National Per Capital of $15, and the Metropolis Per Capital increase of $10, which then leaves $2 to stay local.

7 Annunciation Christian Academy is Offering One Week-Long Summer Camp for Preschool Students! June Annual March, 25th Celebration Hosted by The GPTO with performances by the Greek School & Hellenic Dance Troupes Sunday March, 25th At The Hellenic Center immediately following Church Services Please make plans to support our youth and their efforts to keep our Greek Heritage alive. This is our only Fundraiser Menu: Adults $10 Salmon Children $5 (12 and under) Popcorn Shrimp March is here!!! This is when the Greek School gets so show off all of their hard work and talents at the Annual March 25th Celebration Luncheon. The GPTO has decided to pre-sell tickets this year in an effort to relieve the pressure at the door. Those who have purchased tickets in advance will be able to proceed into the hall through the pre-sale ticket line. We will be selling the tickets after church on Sundays leading up to March 25th and during Greek School on Wednesdays. We will be holding the 2 mandatory practices during regular Wednesday classes just as we did last year. We will need all students together for these practices. The mandatory practice dates are March 14th & 21st and the time will be 4:30-6:30 for all students. We will need help from parents setting up the hall, tentative date is March 21st during the practice. I will be sending an to confirm details of setting up the hall and also a sign-up genius for Nistisima desserts. We appreciate your commitment and efforts to help make this the most successful March 25th Celebration yet. In Christ, Heather Vlachos 9:00am to 1:00pm Daily Two-Year-Olds Three-Year-Olds Two-Year-Olds Four-Year-Olds/Pre-K Registration Forms on Fr. Dennis desk Camps will Feature Literacy, Math, Arts & Crafts, Music, and Movement Cost Per Camp: $ per child Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2018 Snack will be Provided Daily; Please Send Lunch with Your Child Sunday School News from Annunciation It was wonderful to see the church full with students and their Godparents and/ or special loved ones on Godparent Sunday. Our students also enjoyed a Valentines Day themed craft to take home. Calendar 3/4 Teaching Liturgy in the Hall at 10am-No Sunday School 3/11 Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross Grades K-2 Procession after the Divine Liturgy 3/18 K-3 rd grade Angel Choir 3/25 Regular Sunday School followed by the Greek Independence Day program/luncheon Myrrh Bearing Girls If you have a child in the 1 st or 2 nd grade that would like to participate in the Holy Friday evening service and the Resurrection Service, please contact Zoe Bobotsiares at bobotsiares4@gmail.com or (336) Wishing you all a Blessed Lenten Season! With service in Christ, Fr. Demetri, Fr. Costa & Sunday school coordinators; Zoe Bobotsiares, Helen Karagiorgis, and Heather Vlachos Hellenic Dance Troupes of Winston-Salem Festival Dance 2018 Greetings and Kali Sarakosti! On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, we will commence Greek Dance for this year s festival. Please pay close attention to some very important details regarding this year s events: Dance Practice Times & Locations: Kindergarten/1 st Grade: 6:30pm 7:30pm Downstairs in New Sunday School Building 2 nd Grade/3 rd Grade: 6:30pm-7:30pm Upstairs in New Sunday School Building 4 th Grade-6 th Grade: 6:30pm-7:30pm in Fellowship Hall 7 th Grade-9 th Grade: 6:30pm-7:30pm in Breezeway 10 th Grade-12 th Grade: 7:30pm-8:30pm in Fellowship Hall Important Dates: March 25 th Greek Independence Day Performance: March 25 th, 2018 after services Holy Tuesday (NO DANCE): April 3 rd, 2018 Greek Festival: May 18 th -20 th, 2018 Registration: All dancers should have registered online to participate in dance for this year. If your child has not registered, please register your child prior to practice by visiting the church website ( or visit Helen Sialmas in the Breezeway on the first day of practice. Parking and Drop-Off: As a reminder, please follow the church rules regarding parking and drop-off. At dismissal, please park in the back parking lot and come in to pick up your child. We look forward to working with your children this year. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stavros Karagiorgis ( ) or Lisa Siokis ( ).

8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday March 4th, Teaching Liturgy for Sunday School in the Hall Wednesday March 7th Pre-Sanctified Liturgy GOYA attend as a group to worship together and stay for Lenten cover dish. Saturday March 31st HOPE & JOY Saturday of Lazarus Retreat ANNUNCIATION YOUTH NEWS MARCH 2018 SOMETHING FOR PARENTS Frequently parents express to me their concerns about how we keep our youth involved in and connected to the Church. Below I have included some excerpts from Abbot Tryphon s book The Morning Offering available in our Church bookstore. What Do We Do about Our Youth? HOPE & JOY SATURDAY OF LAZARUS RETREAT K thru 5th grades SATURDAY MARCH 31st 11:00am - 1:30pm THE ICONS OF HOLY WEEK We will be discussing the Icons of Holy Week and also several of the traditions and symbols of Holy Week. Please Fr. Costa at kostashep@gmail.com by March 18th to register in order that we can order enough supplies Young people are filled with ideas, dreams, and goals, and their youthful exuberance is full of hope and vitality. When they bring this to the table, they begin to replace the present generation as leaders of this world. What will they receive from us that will enable them to be the very best leaders of the future? I believe that the most important gift we can impart to them is the gift of faith. And the best way to impart this gift is by loving them, respecting them, and, most importantly demonstrating the truth of our faith by living it. If they don t see Christ in us, but only posturing, they will see nothing they want. They must see us as a people changed by our relationship with Christ. They must see Christ in us, loving them, and reaching out with respect and hope. They must see us as prayerful people. It is not enough to be regular church attenders. If our Orthodoxy does not extend beyond the door of the temple, we will fail our youths. If our Orthodoxy is no more than an ethnic preservation society, they will not want what we have. The day of reckoning is upon us, and we must step up to the challenge. Nothing new is happening in our present age that has not happened in ages past. And, just as men and women brought past generations out of darkness and despair, so too this older generation must come forth with hope and faith, bringing the light of Christ to an age that is fast losing hope... They must see hope in us. The only hope for this world is to be found in Christ, so now is the time for a new age of faith. Only in Christ will the world find true wealth and lasting peace. Let the light of Christ shine throughout the world in us! Let our young see the joy of Christ in us, lighting the way to true happiness and everlasting prosperity. Let them see hope in us. The best way for us to keep our youth connected is by our example, of living the faith, setting our priorities correctly and participating fully in the life of the church. May we use the time of Great Lent to help us to focus on these efforts. God s blessings for a beneficial Great Lent. Fr. Costa SOUPER BOWL RESULTS We may all know the results of the big game (sorry Fr. Demetri) but I wanted to update everyone with our SOUPER BOWL results. Through your generosity we were able to collect over two barrels of non perishable food items that were donated to the Rescue Mission and also some food was donated directly to some families and individuals that needed a helping hand. We were also able to send $ to International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) for their mission around the world. Thanks to all those who donated!!