Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Theotokos

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1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH March 25, 2018 Annunciation Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Theotokos The Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on March 25 each year. The Feast commemorates the announcement by the Archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of God, would become incarnate and enter into this world through her womb. The biblical story of the Feast of the Annunciation is found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke (1:26-39). The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, who was living in Nazareth, and said to her, Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you. Mary was perplexed and wondered what kind of greeting this was. The angel told her not to be afraid, for she had found favor with God. He said, You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there will be no end. Mary responded to the angel by asking how this could happen since she had no husband. The angel told her that the Holy Spirit and the power of God would come upon her, and that the child to be born of her would be called holy, the Son of God. The angel then proceeded to tell the Virgin Mary that her cousin Elizabeth had conceived a son in her old age (John the Baptist), and affirmed that with God nothing is impossible. In faith and obedience to the will of God, Mary replied to the angel, Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be according to your word. Upon her response, the angel departed. It is on the Feast of the Annunciation, that Orthodox Christians commemorate both the divine initiative of God, whereby He took on flesh from the Virgin for our salvation, and the human response, whereby Mary freely accepted the vocation offered to her. He elected to become man, and He desired to do this with the willing agreement of her whom He chose as His mother. Mary could have refused, for she was not a passive instrument, but an active participant with a free and positive part to play in God s plan for our salvation. Thus, when on this and other feasts the Orthodox Church honors the Theotokos, the Mother of God, it is not just because God chose her but also because she herself chose to follow His will. Parish Council Members Emmanuel Ermidis President Konstantinos Almiroudis Vice President Jim Ganotis Treasurer Panagiota Petratos Secretary Eleni Karadaglis Michael Manak Irene Scordos Christopher Sheely.Athanasios Anagnostos Sam Zizis

2 Epistle St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:11-18 Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Luke 1: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God m y S a v i o r. Verse: For he has regarded the humility of his servant. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 2:11-18 BRETHREN, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, "I will proclaim thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise thee." And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. Gospel The Gospel According to Luke 1:24-38 In those days, Elizabeth the wife of Zacharias conceived and for five months she hid herself, saying, "Thus the Lord had done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men." In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 2

3 Ἀπόστολος Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 2:11-18 Προκείμενον. Ήχος γ'. Λουκάν 1:46-48 Μεγαλύνει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον, καὶ ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ Θεῷ τῷ σωτῆρί μου. Στίχ. Ὅτι ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν τῆς δούλης αὐτοῦ. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 2:11-18 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, ὁ ἁγιάζων καὶ οἱ ἁγιαζόμενοι, ἐξ ἑνὸς πάντες διʼ ἣν αἰτίαν οὐκ ἐπαισχύνεται ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοὺς καλεῖν, λέγων, Ἀπαγγελῶ τὸ ὄνομά σου τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου, ἐν μέσῳ ἐκκλησίας ὑμνήσω σε. Καὶ πάλιν, Ἐγὼ ἔσομαι πεποιθὼς ἐπʼ αὐτῷ. Καὶ πάλιν, Ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ καὶ τὰ παιδία ἅ μοι ἔδωκεν ὁ θεός. Ἐπεὶ οὖν τὰ παιδία κεκοινώνηκεν σαρκός καὶ αἵματος, καὶ αὐτὸς παραπλησίως μετέσχεν τῶν αὐτῶν, ἵνα διὰ τοῦ θανάτου καταργήσῃ τὸν τὸ κράτος ἔχοντα τοῦ θανάτου, τοῦτʼ ἔστιν τὸν διάβολον, καὶ ἀπαλλάξῃ τούτους, ὅσοι φόβῳ θανάτου διὰ παντὸς τοῦ ζῇν ἔνοχοι ἦσαν δουλείας. Οὐ γὰρ δήπου ἀγγέλων ἐπιλαμβάνεται, ἀλλὰ σπέρματος Ἀβραὰμ ἐπιλαμβάνεται. Ὅθεν ὤφειλεν κατὰ πάντα τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὁμοιωθῆναι, ἵνα ἐλεήμων γένηται καὶ πιστὸς ἀρχιερεὺς τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, εἰς τὸ ἱλάσκεσθαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ λαοῦ. Ἐν ᾧ γὰρ πέπονθεν αὐτὸς πειρασθείς, δύναται τοῖς πειραζομένοις βοηθῆσαι. Εὐαγγέλιον Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 1:24-38 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις συνέλαβεν Ελισάβετ ἡ γυνὴ αὐτοῦ, καὶ περιέκρυβεν ἑαυτὴν μῆνας πέντε, λέγουσα ὅτι οὕτω μοι πεποίηκεν ὁ Κύριος ἐν ἡμέραις αἷς ἐπεῖδεν ἀφελεῖν τὸ ὄνειδός μου ἐν ἀνθρώποις. Εν δὲ τῷ μηνὶ τῷ ἕκτῳ ἀπεστάλη ὁ ἄγγελος Γαβριὴλ ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς πόλιν τῆς Γαλιλαίας, ᾗ ὄνομα Ναζαρέτ,πρὸς παρθένον μεμνηστευμένην ἀνδρί, ᾧ ὄνομα Ιωσήφ, ἐξ οἴκου Δαυΐδ, καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τῆς παρθένου Μαριάμ. καὶ εἰσελθὼν ὁ ἄγγελος πρὸς αὐτὴν εἶπε χαῖρε, κεχαριτωμένη ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ εὐλογημένη σὺ ἐν γυναιξίν. ἡ δὲ ἰδοῦσα διεταράχθη ἐπὶ τῷ λόγῳ αὐτοῦ, καὶ διελογίζετο ποταπὸς εἴη ὁ ἀσπασμὸς οὗτος. καὶ εἶπεν ὁ ἄγγελος αὐτῇ μὴ φοβοῦ, Μαριάμ εὗρες γὰρ χάριν παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ. καὶ ἰδοὺ συλλήψῃ ἐν γαστρὶ καὶ τέξῃ υἱόν, καὶ καλέσεις τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ιησοῦν. οὗτος ἔσται μέγας καὶ υἱὸς ὑψίστου κληθήσεται, καὶ δώσει αὐτῷ Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς τὸν θρόνον Δαυῒδ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ, καὶ βασιλεύσει ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Ιακὼβ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, καὶ τῆς βασιλείας αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔσται τέλος. εἶπε δὲ Μαριὰμ πρὸς τὸν ἄγγελον πῶς ἔσται μοι τοῦτο, ἐπεὶ ἄνδρα οὐ γινώσκω; καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ ἄγγελος εἶπεν αὐτῇ Πνεῦμα Αγιον ἐπελεύσεται ἐπὶ σὲ καὶ δύναμις ὑψίστου ἐπισκιάσει σοι διὸ καὶ τὸ γεννώμενον ἅγιον κληθήσεται υἱὸς Θεοῦ. καὶ ἰδοὺ Ελισάβετ ἡ συγγενής σου καὶ αὐτὴ συνειληφυῖα υἱὸν ἐν γήρει αὐτῆς, καὶ οὗτος μὴν ἕκτος ἐστὶν αὐτῇ τῇ καλουμένῃ στείρᾳ ὅτι οὐκ ἀδυνατήσει παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ πᾶν ῥῆμα. εἶπε δὲ Μαριάμ ἰδοὺ ἡ δούλη Κυρίου γένοιτό μοι κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου. καὶ ἀπῆλθεν ἀπ αὐτῆς ὁ ἄγγελος. 3

4 Apolytikion of the Feast Σήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τό κεφάλαιον, καί τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις ὁ υἱός τοῦ Θεοῦ, υἱός τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καί Γαβριήλ τήν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διό καί ἡμεῖς σύν αὐτῷ, τῇ Θεοτόκῳ βοήσωμεν Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετά σοῦ. To-day is the crown of our Salvation and the manifestation of the Eternal Mystery. The Son of God becometh the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the good tidings of grace. Wherefore let us also with him cry to the Mother of God: Hail! Thou that art full of grace; the Lord is with thee. Resurrectional Apolytikion First Tone Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος ὑπό τῶν Ἰουδαίων, καί στρατιωτῶν φυλασσόντων τό ἄχραντόν σου σῶμα, ἀνέστης τριήμερος Σωτήρ, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τήν ζωήν. Διά τοῦτο αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν οὐρανῶν ἐβόων σοι Ζωοδότα Δόξα τῇ Ἀναστάσει σου Χριστέ, δόξα τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου, δόξα τῇ οἰκονομίᾳ σου μόνε Φιλάνθρωπε. With the stone sealed by Judeans, and the soldiers guarding your undefiled body, you rose, O Savior, the third day, to all the world granting life. For this reason, the heavenly powers cried to you, the giver of life: glory to your resurrection, O Christ, glory to your kingdom, glory to you dispensation, O only true friend of man. Kontakion Τῇ Ὑπερμάχῳ Στρατηγῷ τά νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω Σοι ἡ πόλις Σου Θεοτόκε. Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τό κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω Σοί Χαῖρε Νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε. Your city sings to you a song of victory, and offers thanks to its defender and deliverer, for having spear it from trials, O Theotokos. But because you have the power invincible, from a multitude of dangers liberate us; that we may cry to you: Hail bride who knew no bridegroom. 4

5 Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed. You can pay your stewardship contributions with a credit card payment. It s TIME WORSHIP All Sunday Services begin 8:30AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy ************* Κάθε Κυριακή 8:30 π.μ. Όρθρος 9:30 π.μ. Θεία Λειτουργία This Week Monday, March 26th Greek School Lessons 5:30pm Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Tues., and Wed. March 27th & 28st Festival 9-3 am pre-preparation Wed., March 28th Pre-sanctified Liturgy 6:00 p.m. Thurs., March 29th Greek School Lessons 5:30 7:30 p.m. Journey to Fullness 6pm Fri., March 30th Making of the Palm Crosses Retreat for the Saturday of Lazarus Followed by a Lenten Meal Sat., March 31st Saturday of Lazarus Orthros 8:30 a.m. Div. Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Sun., April 1, 2018 Palm Sunday Sunday School students remain after Communion to participate in Procession. Following the Divine Liturgy join us in the Church Banquet Hall For a Fish Luncheon Prepared by our Parish Council Members. Menu: *Fish Plaki, Rice Pilaf, Vegetables, Salad and Dessert Adults $15 Pasta with Marinara Children (under 12 years of age) $5 Coffee/Memorials If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday or donate Coffee Hour Please call the church office Memorial Tray If you would like to order a tray of Koliva please contact: Vivian Kyriazis or Angie Tsigas

6 Annunciation Feast Day Celebration Following the Divine Liturgy today, join us for a Fish Plaki Luncheon sponsored by the Ladies of Philoptochos in the church banquet hall $15 Adults and $5 Children you can purchase tickets at the door The children of the Greek School will celebrate the Greek Independence Day. Σήμερα τα παιδιά του Ελληνικού Σχολείου θα γιορτάσουν την Ημέρα της Ελληνικής Ανεξαρτησίας 6

7 The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone who submitted their pledge cards for Listed below are the pledged cards we have received. If you have not done so yet, please send in your pledge card to the church office. Extra cards are available at the Pangari (Candle Stand). I can do all things in Him Who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Ευχαριστούμε όλους που επέστρεψαν τις κάρτες των οικονομικών εύφορων (stewardship) Εάν δεν τα έχετε στείλει σας παρακαλούμε να τα στείλετε η να τα δώσετε στην εκκλησία για το Η κάρτες βρίσκονται στο Παγκάρι Alex, George & Becky Alex, Stefo & Loula Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Ameres, Kostas & Markia Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Baker, John & Vicky Benicos, Ecaterini Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Boukis, Constantine Boukis, Gary & Mary Boyeas, Mike & Christine Bozas, Pete & Maria Ciolfi, Maria Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Del Vecchio, Giuseppe & Angela Demopoulos, William Diamantis, Arygro Dimarhos, Sofia Dimon, Dean J. & Presvytera Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Geanneses, Antoinette Georgiadis, Debbie Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzis, Kiki Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kakias, Michael & Vicky Kalevakis, George & Vicki Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kamenos, Stella Kanaris, Anna Kanaris, Nick & Artie Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, Chris & Vivian Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Linda Karakostas, Konstantinos & Lisa Karakoudas, Eleni Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karnavas, Sophia Karras, Adam & Jackie Karras, John A. & Ismini J. Katakos, Cynthia Katsantonis, George & Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Klonaris, Joanne Kolidakis, Nikitas & Alessandra Konstantinos, Nikolaos & Vasiliki Konstas, Evangelos & Fani Kontos, Spiros & Areti Kopasakis, John Kosmas, Christos & Chryssa Kostakis, Tom & Eleni Kotsanis, Nicholas & Christina Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Koukouvitakis, Stratis & Argiro Kowalsick, Ruby Kutrubs, Nick Kyriazis, Dimitri Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Thomas Makroglou, Thal & Lisa Manak, Michael Maroulis, Paraskevas & Cassandra Marountas, George & Agnieska Marountas, Nck & Denna Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavrakis, Lefteris & Kleoniki McDonald, James & Anastasia Mitsionis, Athanasios Moshos, Shawn Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Neumeyer, Ryan & Margarita Nickas, Vasiliki Nimorakiotakis, George & Maria Nimorakiotakis, Nick & Antigoni Paliobeis, Irini Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios & Despina Papadatos, Pavlos &Toula Papadopoulos, Alex Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Pappas, Georgia Pappas, William & Susan Paul, Barbara Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Petsas, Dimitri & Deanna Pikakos, Mary Plataniotis, Eleni Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Roff, Jeff & Irene Rokas, Efthihia Rokas, John & Lucy Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salamalekis, Gus & Kristen Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Saridakis, Frank & Anastasia Sboukis, Peter Scordos, John & Irene Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Christopher & Panagiota Shinas, Dean J. Siakantaris, Stella Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skantzos, Emanuel & Evdoxia Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Spano, John Spillas, Christ & Dorothy Stefanopoulos, Sokratis & Ourania Stefou, Antonios & Stella Tasiouras, Evanthia Thanos, Athanasios & Anna Theodore, Neste & Artemis Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsambunieris, Vasilis & Sophia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, Elizabeth Tsardoulias, John & Kurannio Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie Tzagournis, Adam Valsamidis, Chris & Eleni Vangelos, Zenos & Julie Vaselakis, John & Kiki Vassilakis, Freda Vassilakis, George & Irene Vassilaras, Plousia Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Vianos, John & Diamanto Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vitakis, Helen Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Walsh, Edward & Calliope Whitlock, Marie & Adrian Young, Kevin Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zembillas, Antoni & Mikhaila If we have mistakenly left your name off the STEWARDSHIP ROSTER, Please contact the Church Office. 7

8 It is the practice of our Church to give the name of a Saint to the new born child. By assuming the name of a Saint, we not only honor and express our gratitude to a Holy Person for his exceptional contribution to the Orthodox Faith, but provide the new Christian with an example worthy of emulation. The Saint then becomes the Patron of the child protecting it from all danger. Through his prayers, God will grant the child the necessary illumination to become a zealous member of the Church and an ardent follower of Christ. If by chance we accidentally miss someone's nameday, we ask that you please contact the Church Office so that we may correct our records. We extend our prayers to all those celebrating March Namedays and beseech our heavenly Father to grant them many years.! Χρόνια Πολλά! March 4th St. Gregory Gregory Blake Gregory Giarikos Gregory Glaros Gregory Harrison Gregory Likakis Gregory Michaels Gregory Sdrakas Gregory Sisamis March 17th St. Alexios Alex Asser Alex Papadopoulos Alex Kostakis Alexander Christopher Bodle Alexander Del Vecchio Alexander Kostakis Alexandra Karadimas Alexandra Marountas Alexandra Pappas Alexandria Papadopoulos Alexandros Filipou Alexandros Glista Alexandros Nalmpantis Alexandros Regas Alexandros Velkos Alexia Juliette Rokas Alexia Maria Skantzos Alexia Chacalos Alexia McCammon Alexis Ann Anagnostos March 18th Edward the Martyr Edward Difiore III Edward Erwin Edward Walsh March 19th St. Christodoulos the Righteous Chrysanthe Houchens March 25th The Annunciation Evagelia Filippou Evagelia Tsigas EvageliaTsigas Evangelia Eleni Alex Evangelia Fotini Kotsanis Evangelia Ameres Evangelia Antonaklas Litsa Hoffman Evangelia Kontos Evangelia Koukouras Evangelia Palaios Evangelia Julie Tsirambidis Evangelia Tsambounieris Evangelos Bibidakis Evangelos Finitsas Evangelos Konstas Evangelos Salamalekis Evangelos Sevastos Evangelos Tsambunieris 8

9 MAKING OF THE PALM CROSSES Friday, March 30, 2018 at 5:30 pm Everyone is invited to come and join in the making of Palm Crosses in the church lower level social hall. Παρασκευή 30, Μαρτίου στις 5:30μμ Θα ετοιμάσουμε σταυρούς για την ημέρα των Βαΐων. Παρακαλούμε να έλθετε γιατί χρειαζόμαστε την βοήθεια σας. Please join us following the Divine Liturgy in the Church Banquet Hall. *Fish Plaki, Rice Pilaf, Vegetables, Salad and Dessert Adults $15 Pasta with Marinara Children (under 12 years of age) $5 Please call the Church office: To make your reservation 1 Απριλίου Όρθρος 8:30πμ Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30πμ Γεύμα από το Κοινοτικό Συμβούλιο Ψάρι Πλακί $15 το άτομο παιδιά (κάτω των 12 ετών) $5 επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας η με το Συμβούλιο 9

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13 If you would like to order Tsourekia $8 each and Koulouria $5 for Pascha please call Spyroulla Papakonstantinou Η Κοινότητά μας ετοιμάζει Πασχαλινά τσουρέκια$8 και κουλούρια $5. Για παραγγελίες τηλεφωνήσετε στην Σπυρούλα Παπακωνσταντίνου th Annual St. Photios Awards Banquet Saturday, April 21, :00 pm Hors d oeuvres, 5:15 pm Dinner DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Cranberry 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars, Pennsylvania Reservations: $85/person for adults $25/person for children (under 12) Reservation deadline: April 6 Refer questions to: Mary Doreza ( ) Make Checks Payable to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh Congratulations o this year s awardees: Eugenia Lykos and Theologia Regas Axioi! Ο Εξοχότης Σεβασμιώτατος Μητροπολήτης Σάββας, προσκαλεί όλους τους κληρικούς και λαϊκούς στον εορτασμό της Μητρόπολης του Pittsburgh προς τιμή των εθελοντών βοηθών, στο Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh- Cranberry 910 Sheraton Dr. Mars Pennsylvania , στις 4:00 μ.μ. Κοκταίλς, 5:15 μ.μ. δείπνο. $85/ενήλικοι και $25/παιδιά κατο 12 χρονών,οφέλη της Μητροπολιτικής Benevolent Fund. Επικοινωνήστε με την κυρία Μαίρη Ντορεζα (Doreza) στο τηλ μέχρι την 6 Απριλίου. Συγχαρητήρια στους βραβευθέντες αυτού του χρόνου Ευγενία Λύκου και Θεολογία Ρίγα 13

14 Για την δόξα του Κυρίου και εις μνήμην των α γ α π η μ έ ν ω ν σ α ς προσώπων, οι δωρεές σας ε ί να ι μια έ κφραση αγάπης, πίστης και εκτίμησης προς τον Χριστό ο οποίος έδωσε την ζωή Του, ώστε ε- μείς να λάβουμε την αιώνιον ζωή. Παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήσετε με τα μέλη του Συμβουλίου ή με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας για τις χρηματικές σας προσφορές, για τα λουλούδια του Πάσχα η για τα κάτωθι αντικείμενα. Lenten flowers Please help defray the cost & expense of Lenten & Easter Flowers enjoyed by all Stewards of the Annunciation during Pascha Season. Please look for flower offering envelopes in your packets or at the Pangari. All donations are tax deductible Weather used for a Lenten icon, Easter flowers, or the Beautiful Kouvoulion Project, funds are dedicated to the beautification of our Church Parish, satisfying any flower needs as they arise. We thank you for your generosity! Please see a Parish Council Member or call the Church office if you would like to donate any of the following items, or any monetary donations towards the flowers for the Epitaphio. Κυριακή των βαΐων Φοίνικες και διακοσμήσεις Εικόνα (Κυριακή των Βαΐων) Κυριακή των Βαΐων εικόνα Νυμφίου Μεγάλη Τετάρτη Μεγάλη Τετάρτη-Εικόνα Μυστικός Δείπνος λουλούδια Μεγάλη Πέμπτη Λουλούδια για το στεφάνη του σταυρού Μεγάλη ΠΑΡΑΣΚΕΥΗ Λουλούδια Επιταφίου Πέταλα λουλούδια για τις μυροφόρες Μύρο για την Μ. Παρασκευή ΜΕΓΑΛΟ ΣΑΒΒΑΤΟ / ΠΑΣΧΑ Φύλλα δάφνης και ροδοπέταλα (2) Εικόνες Ανάστασης με λουλούδια Λαμπάδα Πασχαλινά λουλούδια PALM SUNDAY Palms and decorations Icon (Palm Sunday) floral PALM SUNDAY EVENING TO HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING Nymphios (Bridegroom) Icon floral arrangement Holy Wednesday Mystical Supper Icon floral arrangement. HOLY THURSDAY Icon (Crucifixion) floral arrangement HOLY FRIDAY Epitaphio flowers Rose petals for the Mirophori (Little Girls) Rhandisterion Myrrh Container Sprinkler for Holy Friday HOLY SATURDAY/PASCHA Bay Leaves and Rose Petals Icon (Resurrection) floral arrangement Icon in Narthex (Resurrection) floral arrangement Paschal Candle Easter Lilies 14

15 Other Events: METROPOLIS GREEK LANGUAGE FESTIVAL Sat., April 14 at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedral, Cleveland Heights, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Academic Quiz Bowl, Musical performances, Acting performances, Art Exhibits, booths, food and fun for all! Registration deadline is Thu., March 29 Please see Evangelia Koukouras for details SPAGHETTI LUNCHEON FUNDRAIS- ER Sun., May 6 at Noon in our Cultural Hall, the Society of Platanos is sponsoring a benefit for Joanne Filina (nee Christou), a post bone marrow transplant cancer survivor. $15/adult and $7/child for entrée, salad, roll, dessert and beverages. Wine for adults. 100% of the proceeds will go toward her ongoing medical expenses. For tickets or donations, contact Mary Szekely at IKARIAN DANCE Sat., April 14, Pan- Ikarian Pharos Chapter s Annual Independence Day Dance will be at Annunciation Hall, 2187 W. 14 th St., Cleveland, starting at 8 p.m. Dancing & live music featuring STIGMA plus special guest violi, Victor Mavrogeorgis, $20 donation, cash bar & mezedes available. For more info call: THE RED MONASTERY Sun., April 15, join the Hellenic Preservation Society for a talk about Discovering an Early Byzantine Monastic Church in Upper Egypt at 2:00 p.m. at Sts. Constantine and Helen Cathedra., 3352 Mayfield Rd,. Cleveland Hts. $5; complimentary for HPS members. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AHEPA #36 Annual Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors. Application can be found at Chapter will award the scholarships on a date to be determinded in June LITURGICAL ARTS ACADEMY May 20-26, Chanting and Iconography intensive workshops at the Diakonia Center in Salem, SC, where the Church of the Panagia overlooks a mountain lake. $500 includes week s lodging, meals, materials and instruction from talented artists and instructors. The event is made possible by a grant overseen by the G.O. Metropolis of Atlanta. For more details, go to call , or info@ilicons.us 15

16 WELCOME TO THE LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH CLEVELAND, OHIO Despina Sarantopoulou Cleveland Clinic Children s Cordially invites you and anyone who touched the life of your child to our annual Children s Remembrance Cermony Sunday, April 29, :00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Holiday Inn 6001 Rockside Rd. Independence, OH Program begins at 2:00 p.m. With reception and memory displays to follow Expressive Arts Team will provide creative activities for children. For further information Contact Despina Saranotpoulou Stewards in assisted Living OLGA LAMBROU 11:30 a.m. Home Address: 3001 Somia Drive Parma, Ohio Daughter Eleni Home: (440) Cell (440) PETE SBOUKIS (Daughter Irene) Diplomat Health 9001 West 130th Street N. Royalton, OH (440) STELLA KAMENOS & Niki Poulos Mount Royal Villa Bennett Road #211 North Royalton, OH VALSAMIDIS, CHRIS & ELENI Brighton Gardens of Westlake Center Ridge Road Westlake, OH Friends of those in need For the homeless in our midst; For the child in pain; for the abused; For the sick; for the devastated; For the abandoned; for those in despair, the Annunciation Philoptochos Society Cares and responds. 16

17 HOLY WEEK 2018 SCHEDULE OF SERVICES Bring your Holy Week Prayer Book to these services so that you may participate fully. If you do not have a Holy Week Prayer Book, please see a member of Parish Council to purchase one at the Pangari. Saturday of Lazarus, March 31st Divine Liturgy 9:30 am Palm Sunday, April 1st Orthros 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30am Palm Sunday Evening, April 9th Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Monday, April 2nd Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 3rd Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Wednesday, April 4th Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts 9:30 a.m Service of Holy Unction,Efchaileon4:00 p.m. Service of Holy Thursday Matins Sung on Holy Wednesday Evening at 6:30 pm Holy Thursday, April 5th Communion 7:00a.m. ~ 8:30 a.m. Vesper Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00a.m. The Holy Passion of our Lord The Reading of the Twelve Gospels 7:00 p.m. Holy & Great Friday, April 6th Hours of the Holy Passion 9:00 a.m. Apokathelosis 3:00 p.m. Lamentations 7:00 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 7th Communion 7:00 a.m. ~ 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00 a.m. Orthros of the Resurrection 11:00 p.m. Liturgy 12 am Great and Holy Pascha, April 8th Agape Service 12:00 p.m. Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα 2018 Φέρετε το Βιβλίο της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας για να παρακολουθήσετε τις ακολουθίες από το βιβλίο σας. Θα υπάρχουν διαθέσιμα βιβλία αντί μικρού αντίτιμου στο παγκάρι Σάββατο του Λαζάρου, 31 Μαρτίου Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 π.μ. Κυριακή των Βαΐων 1 Απριλίου Όρθρος 8:30 π.μ.. Θεια Λειτ. 9:30πμ Βαΐων το βράδυ της Κυριακής του Νυμφίου 7:00μ.μ. Μεγάλη Δευτέρα, 2 Απριλίου Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7:00μ.μ. Μεγάλη Τρίτη 3 Απριλίου Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7:00μμ Μεγάλη Τετάρτη 4 Απριλίου Προηγ. Λειτουργία 9:00 πμ. 4:00 μμ Τό Ἱερό Μυστήριο τοῦ Εὐχελαίου 6:30 μμ Ἡ Ἱερά Ἀκολουθία τοῦ Νιπτῆρος (Ὁ Όρθρος της Αγίας και Μεγάλης Πέμπτης) Μεγάλη Πέμπτη 5 Απριλίου Θ. Κοινωνία 7:00-8:30πμ Εσπερινός Θεία Λειτ. Αγίου Βασιλείου 9:00πμ Άγια Πάθη, και τα 12 Ευαγγέλια 7:00 μμ. Μεγάλη Παρασκευή 6 Απριλίου Βασιλική Ώρα 9:00 πμ. Αποκαθήλωσης 3:00 μμ. Εγκώμια και Περιφορά του Επιταφίου 7:00 μμ. Μεγάλο Σάββατο 7 Απριλίου Θ. Κοινωνία 7:00-8:30πμ Εσπερινός μετά Θεία Λειτ. Αγ. Βασιλείου 9:00 π.μ.. Παννυχίδα 11:00 μμ. Αναστασιμ. Λειτ. Εσπερινός Αγάπης 8 Απριλίου 12:00 μ.μ. ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY ARE INVITED TO HELP DECORATE CHRIST S TOMB (EPITAPHIO) HOLY FRIDAY 9:00 A.M. Το πρωί της Μεγάλης Παρασκευής παρακαλούμε να έρθετε να βοηθήσετε για το στόλισμα του Επιταφίου 9:00 μμ. 17

18 The Resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Holy Pascha, the Feast of feasts. 12:00 A.M. (Midnight) Paschal Procession and Matins, and Paschal Divine Liturgy. The brightest, most joyful experience in the life of Orthodox Christians. Following Liturgy: Join us for a Magiritsa Potluck Breakfast in the lower level of our social hall. All are welcome, if you are able to, please bring a prepared side dish to share. Please contact Mike Boyeas or at: mboyeas@ .com or call the church office to let us know if you plan to attend. Wishing you a blessed Pascha, filled with the light, the life, and the Joy of our Lord! Η Ανάσταση του Κυρίου, και Σωτήρα ημών Ιησού Χριστού. Η Νηστεία των Νηστειών. Η μεγαλύτερη ημέρα της χριστιανοσύνης Λειτουργία 12:00 π.μ. Τα μεσάνυχτα Μετά την Θεία Λειτουργία Θα έχουμε μαγειρίτσα στην αίθουσα κάτω από την εκκλησιά και όποιος θέλει να προσφέρει κάτι ανάλογο για το τραπέζι αυτής της ημέρας. Επικοινωνήσετε με τον Μιχάλη Μπογεά mboyeas@ .com η με το γραφείοτης εκκλησίας Σας ευχόμαστε Καλό Πασά και Καλή Ανάσταση! 12:00 PM Agape Vespers Gospel Readers Νeeded. If you wish to read The Gospel is read in a foreign language please see Fr. Dean or call the church office. The passage is: John 20: μμ Το απόγευμα της Κυριακής Εσπερινός της Αγάπης Αν θέλετε να διαβάσετε το Ευαγγέλιο σε άλλη γλώσσα, επικοινωνήσετε με το Πάτερ. Κωνσταντίνο ή με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας. Ευαγγέλιο: Ιωάννης 20:

19 HOLY FRIDAY APRIL 6TH All students should be excused from school on Holy Friday to participate in the retreat for the day! For more information, or if you need a letter for your school, please contact the church office at Sunday School and Greek School Students, JOY, GOYA, Young Adults, and the entire Annunciation Family are invited to join us on these days. For more information, please call the church office at YOUTH RETREAT For Grades 1 High School 9:00 AM Service of the Royal Hours 12:00 PM Retreat (includes Lenten Lunch) 3 PM Apokathelosis Service All students should be excused from school on Holy Friday to participate in the retreat for the day! For more information, or if you need a letter for your school, please call the church office. GOOD FRIDAY MYRRH-BEARING GIRLS FOR ALL GIRLS AGES: 5 TO 10 YEARS OLD GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION LAMENTATIONS Contact Despina Sarantopoulou For your girls to participate 19

20 A DAILY LENTEN PRAYER The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian Lord and Master of my life, Take from me the spirit of laziness, idle curiosity, vain talk and lust for power. Give me instead a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. Yes Lord and King, help me to see my own faults, and keep me from judging what others do. You are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen. Eυχή του Αγίου Έφραίμ του Σύρου Κύριε καὶ Δέσποτα τῆς ζωῆς μου, πνεῦμα ἀργίας, περιεργείας, φιλαρχίας καὶ ἀργολογίας μή μοι δῷς. Πνεῦμα δὲ σωφροσύνης, ταπεινοφροσύνης, ὑπομονῆς καὶ ἀγάπης, χάρισαί μοι τῷ σῷ δούλῳ. Ναί, Κύριε Βασιλεῦ, δώρησαί μοι τοῦ ὁρᾶν τὰ ἐμὰ πταίσματα, καὶ μὴ κατακρίνειν τὸν ἀδελφόν μου, ὅτι εὐλογητὸς εἶ, εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. Ἀμήν Let my prayer rise as Incense, before You... And the lifting up of my hands, as an evening sacrifice. Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Wednesday, March 28th at 6:00 p.m. Lenten Pre-Sanctified Liturgy. All are invited to join in prayer as we continue our journey of Great and Holy Lent. Fasting & Health It is puzzling why fasting has fallen into disrepute, says Dr. Claude Miller, a New York psychiatrist who specializes in weight problems. From a medical point of view, fasting can be very beneficial. Not only from the weight loss aspect, but spiritually and psychologically. Of course, few people can endure a total fast - not eating anything and drinking only water - or even a near total fast. This total fasting incidentally, like that of the saints, produces in the terminology of our times, a natural high. In the initiation rites of some Indian tribes, the young braves used to fast to the point of euphoria and ex-panded consciousness. But the average person who is five to ten pounds overweight and wants to lose it fast can benefit by a far less ascetic fast. The Lenten season is a traditional time of fast-ing for Christians all over the world. A practical and effective fasting diet could be to eat one meal a day, or to limit your intake to 1000 calories per day. The bene-fits of fasting are many. It is good for your digestive system. It helps to lower your blood pressure. It can create an aliveness when you stop using food as a tranquilizer. Dr. Miller says contemporary Americans have tried to actualize the myth every day is a happy day and every hour a happy one. This is absurd for without contrast, life de-teriorates into a pattern of boredom. Fast-ing is good for the body and the soul. 20

21 Altar Boy Schedule TEAM A TEAM A TEAM B TEAM B Anastasios Ermidis Panagiotis Ermidis Simon Skoutas Athanasios Kotsanis Demetri Anagnostos Kosta Kafantaris Victor Kafantaris Dimitri Genin Constantine Kotsanis Dimitri Rousakis George Sisamis Nikolaos Anagnostos Georgio Almiroudis March 25 April 29 Konstantinos Ermidis George Ermidis Efstratios (Charlie) Hliatzos Michael Hliatzos Joey Sheely Constantine Sheely Jonathan Walsh Angelo Semertsidis George Skoutas George Coutris Gregory Sisamis Antoni Makris Yiannis Tsambounieris April 15 April 22 The following service are open to any altar boy who wants to serve: March 31st April 1st April 6th April 8th Lazarus Saturday Palm Sunday Holy Friday Great and Holy Pascha Please join us for this beautiful Lenten and Paschal season in the Choir Loft! New members are always needed and welcomed. If you have had even a little choral experience, we d love to have you with us. And, if you simply love to sing the beautiful hymns of our church, then you are already one of us! If you are thinking of joining the choir, then this is the best time to do so in time to sing the beautiful hymns of Lent, Holy Week and Pascha. To a new singer though, the thought of singing with us may seem like a daunting task, particularly if you are unable to read music. Learning to sing with others is a skill that makes the experience all the more rewarding. While the ability to read music is helpful, it is not required we will teach you everything you need to know. And you will learn more about your faith through the hymns that we chant. Some Things to Remember: Choir contributes to the understanding of God and the experience of our faith Choir gives us the opportunity to be worship leaders Choir fulfills the Biblical admonishment to sing to our God. Choir focuses on DOING rather than OBSERVING Choir allows praise with body, mind, spirit, and voice Choir is a gift that will last a lifetime. 21

22 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2018 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy March 2018 Sun. 25 Feast Day of the Annunciation Philoptochos Luncheon Greek School Independence Program Mon. 26 Great Compline 6:00 pm Wed. 28 Pre Sanctified Liturgy 6 pm Fri. 30 Preparation of the Palms 5:30 p.m. followed by a GOYA Lenten Meal Final Fish Fry Sat. 31 Saturday Lazarus April 2018 GREEK SCHOOL RECESS April 2nd - April 11th (Classes Resume April 12th) Sun. 1 Palm Sunday Bridegroom Service 7pm Mon. 2 Holy Monday Bridegroom Service 7pm Tues. 3 Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Service 7pm Wed. 4 Holy Wednesday: Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts 9:00 a.m. Service of Holy unction, Efchaileon 4:00 p.m. Service of Holy Thursday Matins/Efchaileon Thurs. 5 Vesper Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00 a.m. The Holy Passion of our Lord the Reading of the Twelve Gospels Fri. 6 Holy & Great Friday Royal Hours of the Holy Passion 9:00 a.m. Youth Ministries Retreat 12:00 p.m. Apokathelosis 3:00 p.m. Lamentations 7:00 p.m. Sat. 7 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 8:00 a.m. Orthros of the Resurrection 11:00 p.m. Sun. 8 Great Holy Pascha Agape Service 12:00 p.m. Thurs. 12 Greek School Lessons Resume Celebration of Pascha Party Fri. 13 Renewal Friday Orthros 8:30 Div. Lit 9:30 Sat. 14 Metropolis Greek Language Festival Sun. 15 Sunday of Thomas Mon. 16 GOYA Meeting 7:30 p.m. Sun. 22 Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women Mon. 23 St. George Orthros 8:30 Div. Lit 9:30 am Sun. 29 Sunday of the Paralytic Mon. 30 Greek School Last day for Stewardship Contributions to the Church May 2018 Thurs. 3 Greek School PTA Meeting 6:00 pm Sun. 6 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman GOYA VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE ANNOUNCED Thurs. 10 Parish Council Meeting Sun. 13 Sunday of the Blind Man (Mothers Day) Mon. 14 Greek School Final Exams 5:30-7:30p.m. Thurs. 17 HOLY ASCENSION Greek School PTA Meeting If you have not been receiving church material/mailing /phone messages or s, please contact the church office at or office@annunciationcleveland.net. Thank you. Αν δεν λαμβάνετε τις επιστολές η ότι ενημέρωση της εκκλησίας έχει για σας ή τηλεφωνικά μηνύματα, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας στο ή στο office@annunciationcleveland.net. Please visit our website: 22

23 Dear Friends of the Community, In an effort to defray the cost of publishing our Weekly Bulletin, & Vision, the Parish Council would like to invite anyone who wishes to support the Community to offer a small donation of $ for a business card sized ad which will be placed on the back inside pages of each publication for the calendar year, We generally publish a Weekly Bulletin as well as a Quarterly Newsletter, and with this program, hope to cut our publication cost in half by gathering 36 ads which will take up the last four pages of the Vision & Bulletin. If you are interested in this program, please send a business card that we will reproduce. Please also enclose a check made out to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for $

24 Dear Friends of the Community, In an effort to defray the cost of publishing our Weekly Bulletin, & Vision, the Parish Council would like to invite anyone who wishes to support the Community to offer a small donation of $ for a business card sized ad which will be placed on the back inside pages of each publication for the calendar year, We generally publish a Weekly Bulletin as well as a Quarterly Newsletter, and with this program, hope to cut our publication cost in half by gathering 36 ads which will take up the last four pages of the Vision & Bulletin. If you are interested in this program, please send a business card that we will reproduce. Please also enclose a check made out to The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church for $ office@annunciationcleveland.net HARSOULAS GARAGE DOORS Service & Installation Garage Doors & Openers Saki Harsoulas