Parish Council Members. Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas March 12, Jim Ganotis Secretary. Stelios Vitakis Treasurer. Emmanuel Ermidis President

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1 Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Reverend Father Dean J. Dimon Proistamenos 2187 West 14th Street, Cleveland, OH Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas March 12, Gregory Palamas, one of the pillars of Orthodoxy, was born in 1296, probably to a noble Anatolian family in Constantinople. He and his brother went to Mount Athos in around 1318, and lived in Vatopedi and Esphigmenou Monasteries. Gregory also successfully persuaded his widowed mother, brothers and sisters to become take up the monastic life. With the encroachment of the Turks, he was forced to flee to Thessalonica, being ordained a priest there in Afterward, he took up the eremetic life at a mountain near Beroea, and eventually returned to Athos in St. Gregory lived in very difficult times, for many heresies were creeping into the Church, and the Ottoman Empire was ever expanding, taking over Byzantine lands. In the early 1300 s he wrote on the nature of the Holy Spirit, showing the errors of the Latin view while living at the hermitage of Saint Savvas on Mount Athos. He became known as a preeminent theologian early in life, due to his many writings and for his beliefs on hesychasm. St. Gregory is known as one of the great defenders of Orthodoxy and is most well known for his defense against the heresies of Barlaam. Gregory was asked to defend the monastic ways of the Holy Mountain from the charges of Barlaam, a monk of Calabria. Barlaam, influenced by the Latin church, believed that philosophy and human thought were the way to know God. He stated the unknowability of God in an extreme form, having been influenced by a reductionist interpretation of the writings of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. Orthodoxy had always known, through the wisdom of the Holy Fathers, that prayer and fasting are the key to knowing God. Barlaam believed that the monks of Mount Athos were wasting their time in their prayers and fasting when they should be studying the great philosophers of mankind. St. Gregory said that the Holy Fathers and the prophets had a greater knowledge of God, because they had actually seen or heard God Himself. He taught that modern ideas about human thought and reason had no place in the Church. When asked how it is possible to have knowledge of the unknowable God, he showed the difference between knowing God in His essence or person and knowing God in his energies or being. It became clear that one could not find God in the logic of this world. He taught the Orthodox knowledge that it remains impossible to know God in His essence or person. However, with sufficient prayer and fasting and turning oneself over to God, through purification of one's soul, anyone can come to know Him in His energies and being. The Barlaam heresies spanned many years and two phases. Due to acts of political power struggles in Constantinople, Gregory was imprisoned to prevent him from speaking the Truth. As the political struggle increased, his accusers multiplied because he would not yield to their heresies, and he opposed the new emperor due to the emperor's acceptance of the heresies. When St. Gregory criticized Barlaam's rationalism, Barlaam replied with a vicious attack on the hesychastic life of the Athonite monks. Gregory's rebuttal was the Triads in defense of the Holy Hesychasts (c. 1338), a brilliant work whose teaching was affirmed by his fellow Hagiorites, who met together in a council during , issuing a statement known as the Hagioritic Tome, which supported Gregory's theology. A synod held in Constantinople in 1341 also supported St. Gregory's views, condemning Barlaam. Later, in 1344, the opponents of hesychasm secured a condemnation for heresy and excommunication for Gregory, but the saint's theology was reaffirmed at two further synods held in Constantinople in 1347 and Collectively, these three synods in Constantinople are held by many Orthodox Christians and several prominent theologians to constitute the Ninth Ecumenical Council. Between the latter two synods, Gregory composed the One Hundred and Fifty Chapters, a concise exposition of his theology. In 1347, he was consecrated Archbishop of Thessalonica, but the political climate made it impossible for him to take up his see until During a voyage to the Imperial capital, he was captured by the Turks and held in captivity for over a year. He reposed in 1359, and was glorified by the Orthodox Church in The second Sunday of the Great Fast is called the Sunday of Gregory Palamas in all Orthodox Churches. A full service was composed for his feast day, November 14/27, by the Patriarch Philotheus in St. Gregory s holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. Parish Council Members Emmanuel Ermidis President Konstantinos Almiroudis Vice President Jim Ganotis Secretary Stelios Vitakis Treasurer Eleni Karadaglis Michael Manak Panagiota Petratos Irene Scordos Christopher Sheely.Athanasios Anagnostos Sam Zizis

2 March 12, 2017 Epistle St. Paul's Letter To The Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3Prokeimenon. Mode Plagal 1. Psalm 11.7,1 You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us. Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3 "IN THE BEGINNING, Thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of thy hands; they will perish, but thou remainest; they will all grow old like a garment, like a mantle thou wilt roll them up, and they will be changed. But thou art the same, and thy years will never end." But to what angel has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet?" Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation? Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For if the message declared by angels was valid and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard him. Gospel The Gospel According To Mark 2:1-12 At that time, Jesus entered Capernaum and it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak thus? It is a blasphemy! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question thus in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Rise, take up your pallet and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins"-he said to the paralytic-"i say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." And he rose, and immediately took up the pallet and went out before them all; so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!" The Word who with the Father and Spirit is co-beginningless, the one born from a Virgin for our salvation, let us praise and worship we the faithfull; for he was pleased to ascend in the flesh upon the Cross, and death for us to endure, and raise all the departed, in his Resurrection glorious. Orthodoxy's great star, support and teacher of the Church, the beauty of the Monks, and invincible protector of the Theologians, O Gregory worker of miracles, the pride of Thessalonica, preacher of grace, for ever do you intercede, that our souls may be saved. 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. Your city sings to you a song of victory, and offers thanks to ite 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 2

3 Ἀπόστολος 12 Μαρτιου 2017 Εὐαγγέλιον Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. α'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1 Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς. Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 1:10-14, 2:1-3 Κατʼ ἀρχάς, Κύριε, τὴν γῆν ἐθεμελίωσας, καὶ ἔργα τῶν χειρῶν σού εἰσιν οἱ οὐρανοί αὐτοὶ ἀπολοῦνται, σὺ δὲ διαμένεις καὶ πάντες ὡς ἱμάτιον παλαιωθήσονται, καὶ ὡσεὶ περιβόλαιον ἑλίξεις αὐτοὺς, καὶ ἀλλαγήσονται σὺ δὲ ὁ αὐτὸς εἶ, καὶ τὰ ἔτη σου οὐκ ἐκλείψουσιν. Πρὸς τίνα δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἴρηκέν ποτε, Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου, ἕως ἂν θῶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς σου ὑποπόδιον τῶν ποδῶν σου; Οὐχὶ πάντες εἰσὶν λειτουργικὰ πνεύματα, εἰς διακονίαν ἀποστελλόμενα διὰ τοὺς μέλλοντας κληρονομεῖν σωτηρίαν; Διὰ τοῦτο δεῖ περισσοτέρως ἡμᾶς προσέχειν τοῖς ἀκουσθεῖσιν, μήποτε παραρρυῶμεν. Εἰ γὰρ ὁ διʼ ἀγγέλων λαληθεὶς λόγος ἐγένετο βέβαιος, καὶ πᾶσα παράβασις καὶ παρακοὴ ἔλαβεν ἔνδικον μισθαποδοσίαν, πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα τηλικαύτης ἀμελήσαντες σωτηρίας; Ἥτις, ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα λαλεῖσθαι διὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐβεβαιώθη. Ἐκ Τοῦ Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 2:1-12 Εὐαγγελίου Τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς εἰς Καπερναοὺμ δι ἡμερῶν καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι εἰς οἶκόν ἐστι. καὶ εὐθέως συνήχθησαν πολλοί, ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον. καὶ ἔρχονται πρὸς αὐτὸν παραλυτικὸν φέροντες, αἰρόμενον ὑπὸ τεσσάρων καὶ μὴ δυνάμενοι προσεγγίσαι αὐτῷ διὰ τὸν ὄχλον, ἀπεστέγασαν τὴν στέγην ὅπου ἦν, καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν κράβαττον, ἐφ ᾧ ὁ παραλυτικὸς κατέκειτο. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς τὴν πίστιν αὐτῶν λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ τέκνον, ἀφέωνταί σοι αἱ ἁμαρτίαι σου. ἦσαν δέ τινες τῶν γραμματέων ἐκεῖ καθήμενοι καὶ διαλογιζόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν τί οὗτος οὕτω λαλεῖ βλασφημίας; τίς δύναται ἀφιέναι ἁμαρτίας εἰ μὴ εἷς ὁ Θεός; καὶ εὐθέως ἐπιγνοὺς ὁ Ιησοῦς τῷ πνεύματι αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὕτως αὐτοὶ διαλογίζονται ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, εἶπεν αὐτοῖς τί ταῦτα διαλογίζεσθε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν; τί ἐστιν εὐκοπώτερον, εἰπεῖν τῷ παραλυτικῷ, ἀφέωνταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι, ἢ εἰπεῖν, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε ὅτι ἐξουσίαν ἔχει ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀφιέναι ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἁμαρτίας - λέγει τῷ παραλυτικῷ σοὶ λέγω, ἔγειρε καὶ ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ ὕπαγε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. καὶ ἠγέρθη εὐθέως, καὶ ἄρας τὸν κράβαττον ἐξῆλθεν ἐναντίον πάντων, ὥστε ἐξίστασθαι πάντας καὶ δοξάζειν τὸν Θεὸν λέγοντας ὅτι οὐδέποτε οὕτως εἴδομεν. Τόν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρί καί Πνεύματι, τόν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοί καί προσκυνήσωμεν ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ Σταυρῷ καί θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καί ἐγεῖραι τούς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ. Ὀρθοδοξίας ὁ φωστήρ, Ἐκκλησίας τό στήριγμα καί διδάσκαλε, τῶν Μοναστῶν ἡ καλλονή, τῶν Θεολόγων ὑπέρμαχος ἀπροσμάχητος, Γρηγόριε θαυματουργέ, Θεσσαλονίκης τό καύχημα, κήρυξ τῆς χάριτος, ἱκέτευε διά παντός, σωθῆναι τάς ψυχάς ὑμῶν. 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. 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. 3

4 Memorials: Anazena Salamalekis, George Plataniotis Trisagio: George and Diamantis Varlamos. The Salamalekis and Plataniotis Families will host the coffee social in loving memory of Anazena and George. May their memory be eternal. Μνημόσυνα Aνεζίνας Σαλαμαλέκη, Γεώργιου Πλατανιώτη, Τρισάγιο Γεώργιου και Διαμαντή Βαρλαμου Οικογένειες Σαλαμαλέκη και Πλατανιώτη θα προσφέρουν το καφέ εις μνήμη της Ανεζινας Σαλαμαλέκη και του Γεώργιου Πλατανιώτη Ο Θεός να αναπάψει τις ψήχες τους αιωνία τους η μνήμη. Today, The Ladies Philoptochos will be holding their meeting following Liturgy. Σήμερα, Φιλόπτωχος Γενική Συνέλευση, μετά τη Θεία Λειτουργία στο διπλανό δωμάτιο της μεγάλης αίθουσας. 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. *See Father Dean following the Divine Liturgy today! For rehearsal and more information. 4

5 Thank you to the following stewards who have sent in their 2017 pledges. We have received 165 pledges. If any names have been mistakenly omitted from this list, please notify the church office and we will make corrections in our next bulletin. Εάν έχει γίνει παράλειψής ονομάτων σ αυτόν τον κατάλογο, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήσετε με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας και θα κάνουμε τις διορθώσεις στο επόμενο τεύχος Agelidakis, Georgios & Victoria Alex, Jerry Alex, Jerry & Kim Alex, Stefo & Loula Allison, John & Nancy Almiroudis, Konstantinos & Kelli Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Bibidakis, Evangelos & Eftychia Boukis, Gary & Mary Boulas, Dimitrios & Evegenia Boyeas, Mike & Christine Bozas, Pete & Maria Castros, Nick & Rosalie Coutris, Stephen & Penelope Croff, Maro Dallas, Maria Davis, Lambrini Demopoulos, William Dimon, Fr. Dean & Presvytera Drosos, Angeliki Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Erwin, Edward & Vasiliki Foradis, Militsa Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Geanneses, Antoinette Genin, Jason & Cynthia Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzopoulos, Kriti Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Jamison, Oliver & Eleni Kafantaris, George & Sophia Kalevakis, Mike & Dora Kamenos, Stella Kanaris, Anna Kanis, Gus & Vaso Kanis, John Kantzios, George & Eleni Kapolis, Thanos & Anthie Karadaglis, Elias & Eleni Karadimas, Chris & Vivian Karadimas, George Karadimas, John & Helen Karadimas, John & Linda Karakoudas, Caliope Karavokirakis, Dimitra Karavokirakis, Gramatiki Karras, John & Ismini Katsantonis, George Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Konstantinos, Nikolaos & Vasiliki Kopasakis, John Koukouras, Nikolaos & Evangelia Kowalsick, Ruby Kozana, Margarita Kozanas, John & Vasiliki Kutrubs, Nick Kyriazis, Dimitri Makris, Bessie A. Makris, Thomas Mallis, Mike & Maria Manak, Michael Maroulis, Paraskevas Marountas, Nick & Denna Mastrokostas, George & Eleni Matheou, Demetrios & Lillian Matheou, Dimosthenis & Nicole Matheou, Georgia Mathews, James & Mary Mathiellis, Paul & Carol Mavrakis, Bill & Zoe Mavroidis, Mavroidis Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia Moulagiannis, Kathy Nakhel, Anis & Maria Nickas, Vasiliki Paliobeis, Irini Panagiotou, Serafiem & Anna Panos, Pete & Mary Pantelatou, Sophia Papadakis, Adamandios & Despina Papadopoulos, Alex Papadopoulos, Dimitrios E. & Dionira Papakonstantinou, Fotios & Spyroulla Papakonstantinou, Rebecca Pappas, Ted Paul, Barbara Petratos, Kosmas & Panagiota Petropouleas, Peter & Panagiota Petsas, Demetra Pikakos, Mary Piperis, Fotini Plataniotis, Nick & Elisavet Rakopoulos, Stella Regas, Alex & Thea Regas, George & Soula Regas, Strates Riedel, Joseph & Popi Rokas, Efthihia Rokas, John & Lucy Sack, David & Katherine Salamalekis, Evangelos Salloumis, Paul Salouros, Paul & Maria Sarantopoulos, Athanasios & Despina Sboukis, Andrew & Marcella Sboukis, Peter & Panayiota Scordos, John & Irene Semertsidis, Niko & Despina Sevastos, George Sevastos, Gust & Jane Sheely, Chris & Panagiota Shinas, Dean Siakantaris, Stella Sisamis, John G. & Irene Skoutas, Mike & Ellie Smith, Robert & Eugenia Spanos, Niko & Koula Stefanopoulos, Polixeni Stefou, Antonios & Stella Stilianos, Steve & Anna Tasiouras, Evanthia Thanos, Athanasios & Anna Thanos, Dion & Courtney Theodore, Neste & Artemis Trihas, Ermioni Trihas, John A. & Suzanne Tsakalos, Steve & Vicki Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, George & Diamonto Tsigas, Angie Tsigas, Demetrios & Shelly Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirikos- Karapanos, Nikolaos & Chrysoula Valsamidis, Chris & Eleni Maria Vaselakis, John & Kiki Vasilakes, Mike & Mary Vassilakis, Freda Vassilaras, Plousia Velkos, Joseph & Maria Velkos, Nick & Irene Vianos, Nicholas & Eleni Vitakis, Stelios & Tsabika Voiklis, Emmanuel & Janet Vourlis, Antonetta Vourlis, Rose Walsh, Edward & Calliope Whitlock, Marie Zeleniuch, Christina Zeleniuch, Mary Ellen Zeleniuch, Stefan Zizis, Sam & Ellen 5

6 Rev. Fr. Dean J. Dimon The Parish Council of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Request the honor of your presence at Annunciation Feast Day Celebration Friday, March 24, 2017 Great Vespers - 7:00 p.m. Followed by coffee & fellowship in our church banquet hall Saturday, March 25, 2017 Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Following the Divine Liturgy join us for a Fish Plaki Luncheon sponsored by the Ladies of Philoptochos $15 Adults and $5 Children RSVP: Despina Sarantopoulou: Jane Sevastos: or call the church office If you would like to order Arto from Vivi Kyriazis Please call Η Βιβή Κυριαζή δέχεται παραγγελίες για άρτους Greek Independence Day Parade will follow the Luncheon Flower Donation If you would like to donate the flowers that adorn the icon of the Feast Day of the Annunciation in Loving Memory of your loved one or for the Good Health of your family. Please call the church office. Όσοι θέλουν να στολίσουν την εικόνα του Ευαγγελισμού της Παναγίας για την 25 Μαρτίου για υπέρ υγείας της οικογένειας τους η προς συγχώρεση των αγαπημένων τους που έφυγαν, να ενημερώσουν το γραφείο της Εκκλησίας στο τηλέφωνο και να στείλουν την δωρεά τους για τα λουλούδια. 6

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8 The Changeless Faith in a Changing World WHY WE FAST Fasting is as old as the human race. Fasting was practiced by pagan religions, Judaism and Christianity, and it was generally considered an important element of religious life. In the ancient religions of the East fasting meant a complete abstention from food for a certain period of time usually one or two days. In fact the Greek word for fasting = Νηστεία means a total fast where nothing passes the mouth. The very first commandment God gave to Adam was a type of Fast. God told Adam that he could eat freely of every tree of the garden, but not of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In other words, God instituted fasting in Paradise and from what we read in Genesis (2:8-25), it is clear that fasting existed even before the original sin of Adam and Eve, and that it was not ordered as a cure for their sin. The fasting in Paradise consisted of abstaining of a certain food namely of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which was created by God as well as all other trees in Paradise. God s commandment to Adam and Eve not to eat of the particular fruit was issued as a means for them to advance in the discipline of self-control and for spiritual growth. This means that the first man in Paradise was not perfect, but was good and capable to improve and develop his spiritual and moral personality. By an act of disobedience, Adam and Eve violated the vow of abstinence and broke the living union of love with God. Adam s fall was his free will; That is, he held in scorn the heavenly obligations of prayer and fasting by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Lack of abstinence, then, was the cause of the Fall and because of this original greed, the soul became dimmed, and was deprived of the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Adam lost Paradise through gluttony, but now through fasting, through obedience to the rules of the Church regarding the use of spiritual and material goods, we may return to the life in Paradise, a life of communion with God. Fasting therefore, is a means of salvation, this salvation being a life we live in accordance with the Divine will, in communion with God. Fasting goes hand in hand with repentance. Fasting understood in this way was practiced both 8

9 Your help is GREATLY needed for this Festival to be a great success, we would love to have as many of you as possible to come help in the preparations, even if you have no experience. The gracious women of wisdom as we call them, will be glad to show the younger generation how to prepare these foods. Men and women are welcomed. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our parishioners, young and old to get to know each other and show these fading skills. We ask if you would come and help prepare for the festival from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Every Tuesday and Wednesday. Προετοιμασίες για τα φαγητά του φεστιβάλ γίνονται κάθε Τρίτη και Τετάρτη από τις 9πμ μέχρι τις 3:00 μμ. Σας παρακαλούμε ελάτε να βοηθήσετε. Χρειαζόμαστε τη βοήθεια σας. 9

10 Οur Lenten Journey. Monday, March 13, 2017 with the Great Compline Service/Bible Study Please join us at 6:00 PM Δευτέρα, Μέγα Απόδειπνο 6:00μμ. 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 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. Salutations to the Theotokos March 10th, 17th, and the Akathist Hymn March 31st at 7:00 PM The floral decorations that adorned the Panagia s icon during the Salutations to The Theotokos are generously donated. Please contact the church office if you would like to make a donation. ΧΑΙΡΕΤΙΣΜΟΙ Παρασκευή, 10, 17, Μαρτίου, και Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 31 Μαρτίου στις 7:00 μμ. Όσοι επιθυμήτε να προσφέρετε τις δωρεές σας για τα λουλούδια για την εικόνα της Παναγίας παρακαλούμε καλέστε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας

11 Για την δόξα του Κυρίου και εις μνήμην των αγαπημένων σας προσώπων, οι δωρεές σας είναι μια έκφρασης αγάπης, πίστεως και εκτίμησης προς τον Χριστό ο οποίος έδωσε την ζωήν Του, ώστε εμείς να λάβωμε την αιώνιον ξωήν. Παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήσετε με τα μέλοι του Συμβουλίου η με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας για τις χρηματικές σας προσφορές, για τα λουλούδια του Πάσχα η για το κάτωθι αντικείμενα. For the glory of God and in loving memory of a loved one, your donation is an expression of your love, faith and appreciation to Christ who gave His life so we may obtain eternal life. 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. Λουλούδια για το ραντηστήριον που έχει το Μύρο για την Μ. Παρασκευή Κερί Αναστάσεως Λουλούδια για την Εικόνα των Βαΐων Λουλούδια για την Εικόνα της Αναστάσεως Βάγια για την εορτή των Βαΐων 12 Κεριά για την Μ. Πέμπτη Λουλούδια για την Εικόνα του Λαζάρου Λουλούδια για την Εικόνα του Νυμφίου Στεφάνι για το Σταυρό της Μ. Πέμπτης Στεφάνι για τη Μεγάλη Πινακίδα για τη Ανάσταση Rhandisterion Myrrh Container Sprinkler for Holy Friday Easter Candle Palm Sunday Icon Resurrection Icon Palms for Palm Sunday 12 Candles for Holy Thursday Flowers for the Icon of Lazarus Flowers for the Icon of Nymphios Wreath for the Cross for Holy Thursday Wreath for the Banner for Holy Pascha Ηoly Week Books are available for purchase at the Pangari for $25.00 each Τα βιβλία της Mεγάλης Εβδομάδας είναι $25 βρίσκονται στο παγκάρι CONFESSIONS Fr. Dean will be available for confessions either before or after scheduled Holy Week Services. Please contact Fr. Dean directly the church office to schedule an appointment. Ο πατήρ Κωνσταντίνος θα είναι διαθέσιμος για εξομολογήσεις πριν η μετά τις Ακολουθίες της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδος. Παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήσετε κατ ευθείαν μαζί του η με το γραφείο της εκκλησίας. 11

12 HOLY WEEK 2017 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. Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα 2017 Φέρετε το Βιβλίο της Μεγάλης Εβδομάδας για να παρακολουθήσετε τις ακολουθίες από το βιβλίο σας. Θα υπάρχουν διαθέσιμα βιβλία αντί μικρού αντίτιμου στο παγκάρι Saturday of Lazarus, April 8th Div. Lit. 9:30 a.m. Palm Sunday, April 9th Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy 10:00 a.m. Palm Sunday Evening, April 9th Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Monday, April 10th Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 11th Service of Nymphios 7:00 p.m. Holy Wednesday, April 12th Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts 9:00 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 13th Communion for Workers 7:00 a.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 14th Hours of the Holy Passion 9:00 a.m. Apokathelosis 3:00 p.m. Lamentations 7:00 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 15th Communion for the Workers 7:00a.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 16th Agape Service 12:00 p.m. Σάββατο του Λαζάρου, 8 Απριλίου Θεία Λειτουργία 9:30 πμ Κυριακή των Βαΐων 9 Απριλίου Όρθρος 8:30 a.m. πμ. Θεια Λειτ. 10πμ Βαΐων το βράδυ της Κυριακής του Νυμφίου 7:00μ.μ. Μεγάλη Δευτέρα, 10 Απριλίου Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7:00μ.μ. Μεγάλη Τρίτη 11 Απριλίου Ακολουθία Νυμφίου 7:00μμ Μεγάλη Τετάρτη 12 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 13 Απριλίου Θ. Κοινωνία για τους Εργαζόμενους 7:00-8:30πμ Εσπερινός Θεία Λειτ. Αγίου Βασιλείου 9:00πμ Άγια Πάθη, και τα 12 Ευαγγέλια 7:00 μμ. Μεγάλη Παρασκευή 14 Απριλίου Βασιλική Ώρα 9:00 πμ. Αποκαθήλωσης 3:00 μμ. Εγκώμια και Περιφορά του Επιταφίου 7:00 μμ. Μεγάλο Σάββατο 15 Απριλίου Θ. Κοινωνία 7:00πμ -8:30 π.μ. Εσπερινός μετά Θεία Λειτ. Αγ. Βασιλείου 9:00 π.μ.. Παννυχίδα 11:00 μμ. Αναστασιμ. Λειτ. Εσπερινός Αγάπης 16 Απριλίου 12

13 Επιτεύγματα Εκκλησίας μηνός Φεβρουάριος 13. Παραλάβαμε ντουλάπι για την το ποθέτηση υπολογιστών με 28 ράφια και ρόδες για την βιβλιοθήκη. 14. Τοποθετήθηκε νέο ταχυδρομικό κουτί 15, Τοποθετήσαμε νέες λαβές κλεισίματος εσωτερικώς για τις πόρτες του ασανσέρ. 16. Επισκευάστηκε ο νεροχύτης στο ιερό 17. Επισκευάστηκαν οι πόρτες του γραφείου που εκτίθεντε στον ήλιο 18. Εγκαταστάθηκε το Internet για τα κομπιουτερ σε όλα τα δωμάτια και βιβλιοθήκη. 19. Οι Αεραγωγοί κλιματισμού και υδρορροές έχουν καθαριστεί στη αίθουσα της Εκκλησίας και στην οροφή. 20. Τα δωμάτια του σχολείου έχουν εξοπλιστεί με νέες περσίδες (κουρτίνες) Events Elsewhere: USING YOUR SPIRITUAL COMPASS March 17-19, College student and young adult retreat at Camp Nazareth. Keynote speakers Very Rev. Dr. Edward Pehanich and Nick Lionas. Registration $95 (financial need scholarships available.) Register at pittsburgh.goarch.org GREECE YEAR ZERO Sat., March 25th, at the Canton Palace Theater, 605 Market Ave N., Canton, AHEPA #59 presents a documentary film by Dannis Koromilas about Greece s untold story in the last century. Pre-show performance by Hellenic Dancers at 6:30 p.m. Showtime at 7 p.m. $20/adult; $10/student 18 & under. $50 VIP ticket includes post-movie reception at Basil Asian Bistro. Proceeds will also benefit St. Haralambos & Holy Trinity Churches. For tickets, call or go to WHAT MATTERS? March 31-April 2, the GOYA Spring Retreat at Camp Nazareth welcomes Keynote Speaker Fr. Alexandros Petrides to discuss Exploring our Relationship with God s Creation. Registration fee is $165 (scholarships available.) Register at pittsburgh.goarch.org HERITAGE GREECE June 8-25, educational and cultural program for Greek-American college students to study at the American College of Greece in Athens. The program includes a customized one-credit language course and field trips of archaeological sites. Participants bear a $1,000 portion of the airfare expense to Greece; remaining expenses are borne by the National Hellenic Society. Application deadline is Mar. 15, OCMC MISSIONS The 2017 mission teams around the world are now looking for volunteers in areas such as youth outreach/teaching, healthcare, construction and women s ministry including in Alaska, Albania, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, and Mexico. DAFFODIL LUNCHEON Sat., April 1, hosted by Philoptochos of Annunciation Cathedral, 555 North High St., Columbus, Ohio. Reception 11 a.m., lunch at noon. $75/person. Proceeds benefit the Metropolis of Pittsburgh Philoptochos Social Services and OSU Start House. RSVP by March 6 to Mary Alatsis ( ) LAUGH OUT LOUD WITH BASILE Fri., April 21, the Greek-American comedian returns to northeast Ohio with a show at St. Nicholas Zahar Hall, 2000 Tower Blvd., Lorain. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.; show begins at 8:30 p.m. Pre-sale adult admission $35; 18 & under $25. For tickets hilariousgreek@gmail.com 13

14 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Event/Liturgy Calendar 2017 All Sunday & Week Day 8:30 AM Orthros / 9:30 AM Divine Liturgy March 2017 Mon. 13 Wed. 15 Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Pre Sanctified Liturgy Lecture 6:00 p.m. Fri. 17 3rd Salutation to the Fish Fry Sun. 19 Veneration of the Holy Cross Sunday School Students remain in the church following Holy Communion. Wed. 22 Pre Sanctified Liturgy /Lecture Lenten Meal Fri. 24 Great Vespers of the Annunciation 7:00 p.m. followed by Philoptochos Loukoumades Sat. 25 Feast Day of the Annunciation Philoptochos Luncheon Sun. 26 Sunday of St. John Climacus Following the Divine Liturgy Greek School Independence Program Mon. 27 Wed. 29 Great Compline 6:00 pm Pre Sanctified Liturgy /Lecture Lenten Meal 6:00 pm Fri. 31 Salutation to the Theotokos (Akathistos Hymnos) 7:00 pm Fish Fry 31ST APRIL 2ND GOYA SPRING RETREAT APRIL 2017 Sun. 2 Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt Mon. 3 GOYA MEETING 7:30 P.M. Wed. 5 Pre Sanctified for the Wednesday before Holy Week Fri. 7 PREPARATION OF THE PALMS 5:30 P.M. FOLLOWED BY A GOYA LENTEN MEAL FINAL FISH FRY Sat. 8 Saturday Lazarus Sun. 9 Palm Sunday Mon. 10 Tues. 11 Wed. 12 Thurs.13 Bridegroom Service 7pm Holy Monday Bridegroom Service 7pm Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Service 7pm 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 Vesper Liturgy of St. Basil 9:00 a.m. The Holy Passion of our Lord the Reading of the Twelve Gospels Fri. 14 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. 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. Σας ευχαριστώ. Please visit our website: 14

15 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 $ Dino Sevastos Agent AUTO.BUSINESS.HOME. LIFE 500 W. AURORA RD STE 115 SAGAMORE HILLS, OH Tel Fax csevastos@farmersagent.com Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH (440) Diples Pastries Bread Koliva Contact: Vivian Kyriazis HARSOULAS GARAGE DOORS Service & Installation Garage Doors & Openers Saki Harsoulas