Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου

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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 18, 2018 The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: Saint John Climacus This Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, we reflect upon the teachings of St. John Climacus or St. John of the Ladder. In his famous work known as The Ladder of Divine Ascent, St. John writes how our life can be perfected in a union with Christ. He illustrates 30 steps that are necessary to reach Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Through these steps, we make changes in our lives that help us to become Christ-like, to experience Orthodox Christian perfection which is to live just as Jesus did. At work or school, everyone discusses the newest and latest selfhelp books identifying ways in which you can grow rich, put your kids through college, make thou-sands of dollars working at home. However, one of the only books that identifies our daily struggle and work for our salvation is the Ladder of Divine Ascent. The common theme we have heard throughout Lent this year is that we will be judged by our works. As we pass the mid point of Great Lent, let us re-focus our Stewardship efforts on our Time, Talents and Treasures. Pray and consider how we can make a difference and let s remember St. John s guidance that we live just as Jesus did and exercise all of the gifts that God has provided to us. O holy Father John, with rivers of tears you have made the barren de-sert bloom, and with heartfelt sighings of repentance you have made your labors bear fruit a hundredfold. O Saint, pray to Christ our God for the Salvation of our souls. Amen. 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 6:13-20 Prokeimenon. M o d e P l a g a l 4. Psalm 75.11,1 Make your vows to the Lord our God a n d p e r f o r m t h e m. Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel. The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20 BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. Today we welcome baby Sam For his 40 day baby blessing Proud Parents Sam Dallas & Michelle Jones Congratulations! Gospel Sunday of St. John Climacus The Gospel According to Mark 9:17-31 At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days 2 he will rise."

3 Ἀπόστολος Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20 Προκείμενον. Ήχος πλ. δ'. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1 Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν. Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20 τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα είναι απο Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς Σήμερα 40 ημέρων ευλογία Σταμάτης Εὐαγγέλιον Ἐκ τοῦ Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31 Εὐαγγελίου τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν ἀλλ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε πιστεύω, κύριε βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται. Γονείς Σταμάτης και Michelle Jones Να σας ζήση! 3

4 Resurrectional Apolytikion Plagal Fourth Tone Ἐξ' ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ Εὔσπλαχνος, ταφήν κατεδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσης τῶν παθῶν, ἡ ζωή καί ἡ ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι. Apolytikion of St. John the Climacus Ταῖς τῶν δακρύων σου ῥωαῖς, τῆς ἐρήμου τό ἄγονον ἐγεώργησας, καί τῆς ἐκ βάθους στεγναμοῖς, εἰς ἑκατόν τούς πόνους ἐκαρποφόρησας καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τῇ οἰκουμένῃ λάμπων τοῖς θαύμασιν, Ἰωάννη πατήρ ἡμῶν ὅσιε πρέσβευε Χριστῷ τῷ Θεῷ, σωθῆναι τάς ψυχάς ἡμῶν. Apolytikion of the Church 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. 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. From on high you descended most Compassionate; you accepted a three-day burial; so that you would, from the passion free us all, our life and resurrection that you are, glory to you O Lord. With the rivers of your tears, you changed the barren desert into fertile land; and with the sighs from your depths, you made your labors produce a hundredfold; and you became a bright star, shining on earth with your miracles, O John our father righteous; Intercede with Christ our God, our souls to 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 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 Memorials 40 Day Eleni Karadimas 3 Month John Karadimas 1 Year Demetrios Sioulas 1 Year Elias Tsolakis 1 Year Nicholas Paparizos Trisagio Georgios, Diamantis Varlamos and their departed Parents and Siblings Markella and George Farmaka and their departed Parents and Siblings The coffee social will be provided by the Karadimas, Tsolakis, and Sioulas families loving memory of Eleni, John Karadimas, Elias Tsolakis and Demetrios Sioulas May their memory be eternal Μνημόσυνα 40 ημερών Ελένη Καραδήμα 3 μηνών Ιωάννης Καραδήμας 1 Χρόνο Δημήτριος Σιούλας 1 Χρόνο Ελίας Τσολάκης 1 Χρόνο Νικόλας Παπαρίζος Τρισάγιο Γεώργιος Διαμαντής Βαρλάμος Γονέων και Αδελφών Μαρκέλλα και Γεωργίου Φαρμάκα Γονέων και Αδελφών Σήμερα η ώρα καφές δίνεται από τις οικογένειες Καραδήμας, Τσολάκη, και Σιουλας εις μνήμην Ελένης & Γιάννη Καραδήμας, Ηλία Τσολάκης και του Δημητρίου Σιούλας. Αιωνία αυτών η μνήμη 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 easy to download the easytithe app on your smart phone create an account 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 19th Greek School Lessons 5:30pm Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Tues., and Wed. March 20th & 21st Festival 9-3 am pre-preparation Wed., March 21st Pre-sanctified Liturgy 6:00 p.m. Thurs., March 22nd Greek School Lessons 5:30 7:30 p.m. Journey to Fullness 6pm Fri., March 23rd Akathist Hymn 7:00 p.m. Sat., March 24th Greek Independence Day Parade Doxology 12pm Parade will begin at 1pm Great Vespers Artoklasia- 7:00 p.m. Followed by coffee & fellowship in our church banquet hall Sun., March 25th Feast Day of the Annunciation Following the Divine Liturgy Divine Liturgy Artoklasia 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 Greek School Program Coffee/Memorials If you would like to Sponsor a Sunday or donate Coffee Hour Please call the church office

6 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) Alex, George & Becky Alex, Stefo & Loula Alexandrou, Angie Allison, John & Nancy Ameres, Kostas & Markia Anagnostos, Athanasios & Linsey Antonaklas, Steve & Evangelia Arabian, Allen & Agnes Baker, John & Vicky 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 & Presvytera Efpraxias, Georgio Ermidis, Christina Ermidis, Emmanuel & Marina Ermidis, John & Yulia Ermidis, Venizelos & Bessie Fourtounis, Emmanuel & Marika Fourtounis, Mark Ganotis, Dimitrios & Aphrodite Geanneses, Antoinette Gountis, Vasilios & Audolina Griveas, Peggy Gromek, Stanley & Angie Harris, Despina Hatzis, Kiki Hlepas, James & Kathy Hliatzos, Peter & Katina Kafantaris, George & Sophia 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 Katakos, Cynthia Katsantonis, George & Sandra Keating, Dale & Helen Kefalos, Panayiotis & Fotini Klonaris, Joanne Kolidakis, Nikitas & Alessandra Konstantinos, Nikolaos & Vasiliki 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. 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 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 Mavrakis, Lefteris & Kleoniki McDonald, James & Anastasia Mitsionis, Athanasios Moshos, Shawn Moulagianis, Vasalios & Stamatia 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 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 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, John A. & Suzanne Tsambounieris, Manoli & Sofia Tsambunieris, Vasilis & Sophia Tsardoulias, Aris & Stella Tsardoulias, Elizabeth Tsardoulias, John & Kurannio Tsiourtsiouris, Maria Tsirambidis, Tim & Julie 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 M 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. 6

7 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING -AGENDA THURSDAY, JANUARY :00 P.M. Opening Prayer: Father Dean 7:20pm Attendance: Jim G, Pam P, Eleni K, Emmanuel E, Sam Z, Michael M, Tom A, Father Dean Special Guests: Afrodite Ganotis: 7:25pm This Sunday, free will for festival kick-off Equipment has been found for festival from Emmanuelsalad equipment and cooler for Dance Group; Motion by Jim to purchase the items for the Festival from Buy3get1 for $2100; Eleni seconds; Manoli appointed Jim as Chairman and removed himself from the meeting; vote taken; all in favor; motion passed. Manoli came in and resumed his position Cathy from Catering: 7:40pm 32 events this year (possible) Parking discussion Evangelia K: 8:05pm Interviews were done for substitute teacher and to cover for Evangelia while on maternity leave Reading of the Minutes: 8:17pm DEC Panagiota Petratos Secretary Tom motions to accept minutes; Eleni seconds; all in favor Fr. Dean Report: 8:23pm Need to start placing minutes summary in the bulletin Stewardship- Michael Manak 9:15pm 2016 numbers- 307 pledges-$94,254 pledged amount- $104,454 received 2017 numbers- 305 pledges-$85,279 pledged amount- $106,449 received 2018 numbers- 77 pledges; $31,677 pledged, $7,449 received President s Report-Emmanuel Ermidis 9:30pm Outreach (Popi Coutris) is willing to give us the amount needed to replace the windows with glass block; Get two more quotes for glass block Establish a stewardship committee Establish a finance committee Treasurer- Jim Ganotis 9:54pm 2017: loss of $23, New Business 10:24pm Church keys: Motion by Pam for Affie Ganotis to have a master key from January to June 2018; Eleni seconds; all in favor; motion passed 11. Adjournment: Closing Prayer 10:40pm PARISH COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, :00 P.M. Opening Prayer: Father Dean 7:30pm Attendance: Sam Z, Michael M, Irene S, Pam P, Father Dean, Jim G, Kosta A, Emmanuel E, Eleni K 2. Reading of the Minutes: January 18, 2018 Panagiota Petratos Secretary Jim motions to accept minutes from January as amended; Sam seconds; all in favor; motion passed 3. President s Report 7:38pm Buzzer: $215 with installation for the office door; need the other one by Greek School done as well-eleni motions to accept the quote for the buzzer for $215 for each one; total $430; Sam seconds; all in favor; motion passed Glass Blocks: 3 quotes were given; Out reach will give money for Cleveland Glass Block quote for $ Fr. Dean Report 8:07pm Time clock: easier for Treasurer-Sam motions to purchase Time Clock; Irene seconds; all in favor; motion passed New mail box has been approvedapproximately $ Stewardship- Michael Manak 9:05pm Current # 113 pledges; pledged $43176; received $17130 ytd 6. Treasurer- Jim Ganotis 9:45pm Financial Report; Steve Poulos allocation is $55,886; $4657/month 8. Building/Maintenance Kosta and Chris 9:55pm a) Elevator discussion 9. New Business 9:58pm 13-step lifter donated by parishioner-not sure how much the installation will cost Niko Semertsides fixed the bells Date for General Assembly: possible date after the audit is complete-june 11. Adjournment: Closing Prayer 10:27pm Please call the church office if you would like to see the Parish Council Minutes. 7

8 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 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Greek Independence Day Parade Doxology 12:00 p.m. The Parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. (No festivities will follow the parade) A group photograph will be taken on the front steps of the church Great Vespers Artoklasia - 7:00 p.m. Followed by coffee & fellowship in our church banquet hall Sunday, March 25, 2018 Orthros 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy Artoklasia 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 8

9 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 Evangelia Kontos Evangelia Koukouras Evangelia Palaios Evangelia Julie Tsirambidis Evangelia Tsambounieris Evangelos Bibidakis Evangelos Finitsas Evangelos Konstas Evangelos Salamalekis Evangelos Sevastos Evangelos Tsambunieris 9

10 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 10

11 HOW TO CLIMB THE LADDER As we continue on our Lenten journey, I would like to share a few thoughts and reflections on this holiest period of the liturgical year, as well as Holy and Great Week. During the remaining period of Great Lent, there are two particular Sundays on which I would like to focus. The first of these Sundays, which is the fourth Sunday of the Fast, is dedicated to St. John Climacus St. John is commemorated during Lent because of his great spiritual work called The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Although this work was written specifically for the monastic world, the author being a monk himself, St. John s Ladder is a classic work of Orthodox spiritually that speaks to all members of the Church, in all places and in all times. His book presents us with a spiritual ladder ascending to heaven, with each rung representing a particular vice or passion to be conquered in order to proceed upward. The approach is very straightforward and logical, being that going that next step in our spiritual growth necessitates overcoming the sinful obstacles, which have kept us in the state where we presently find ourselves. An important part of understanding our spiritual lives as an ascent, is the possibility of falling down a few rungs, or even completely off the ladder, which is the reality that we constantly face. In fact, the classic icon of St. John and his ladder clearly depicts the successful ascent of those truly holy and spiritually advanced monks, versus those who have succumb to various passions, causing them to fall into the pit of Hades. The following Sunday, the fifth Sunday of the Fast, we commemorate our Venerable Mother St. Mary of Egypt. This former prostitute who sought tearful reconciliation with Christ and became a desert wanderer in order to live out her repentance, is the example par excellence, of the repentant sinner. Her story is quite moving, and very motivating to anyone who is unrepentant and continues to carry the burden of sin. The Church, in Her Spirit-filled great wisdom, places the memory of St. Mary of Egypt on the last Sunday of Great Lent, as a spiritual wake-up call to us to finish the race and accomplish the goal of sincere repentance. If we have truly made some serious efforts during Great Lent, then we hopefully have reached the point of repentance which will lead us to the holy mystery of confession, prior to the celebration of the Lord s passion and resurrection. We must remember that repentance and confession are key components of the spiritual life, because without them there is no true spiritual life, but only a meager attempt, at best. Continued on page

12 So thus, Great Lent comes to a close during the week after the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt. Specifically, Lent ends on the following Friday at the reading of the 9 th hour, immediately preceding the vespers of St. Lazarus, included in the service of the Presanctified Gifts. Many of our faithful do not realize that the forty day fast ends on this particular Friday, and that Holy Week is separate from Great Lent, standing on its own as a solemn week of strict fasting in commemoration of the last days of our Lord on earth. This is important to know, because the focus of Great Lent and Holy Week are different. Great Lent is a time for deep, personal reflection. The entire spirit of the forty day fast, is that of an intense spiritual journey that brings us back to God through our spiritual efforts, in order to be properly prepared for Holy Pascha, the greatest of all feasts. In contrast, Holy and Great Week is totally focused on the Lord and His passion and burial, hence the strict fast. In Holy Week, we follow the Lord during His last days, and hear his final teachings and warnings about the Kingdom of Heaven and His second glorious coming to earth for the final judgment. As we all know and have experienced each year, the darkness of Holy Week gradually gives way to the brightness and joy of the Resurrection. This is most profoundly exemplified in the Orthros of Holy Saturday, popularly known as the Epitaphios Lamentation, celebrated on Holy Friday evening. Beloved in Christ, our Orthodox Church is at its absolute best, so to speak, during Great Lent and especially Holy Week. This is not to say that there is anything inferior about the remainder of the liturgical year, which in reality, is actually a reflection of Holy Pascha, which gives light and life to everything we do in the Church. It is precisely because of the magnitude of the feast of Pascha, that such liturgical beauty experienced through hymnography and ritual is presented to the faithful for their spiritual edification. May we all take advantage of what remains of Great Lent, and thus, be prepared to enter Holy and Great Week with eager anticipation and love for the Bridegroom Christ. This should be the highlight of the year for each and every Orthodox Christian who truly loves the Church. Wishing you a blessed remaining Lenten season leading to a joyous celebration of Pascha, Your servant in His Vineyard, +++Fr. Dean 12

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14 Thank you for being such a great supporter of our Annunciation Church! Your generous donations for our Annual Church Christmas Card were greatly appreciated!! Each donation made such a difference in contributing to the purchase and installation of glass block windows for our basement classrooms. This could not have been made possible without the special help of our Parish council members and each individual who participated in donating. Thank you to everyone! Take a moment to look at the glass block windows downstairs... they look beautiful!! Thank God! May God bless, OutReach Committee 14

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17 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 EASTER LAMBADES SALE One of a kind, handmade Easter Lambades made by Vivian Kyriazis are available every Sunday. The perfect gift for the children in your family. Godparents can purchase for their Godchild. Please see Vivian following the Divine Liturgy 17

18 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 18

19 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. GOSPEL READERS NEEDED. If you wish to read a foreign language for the Agape Vespers please see Fr. Dean. 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. 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. 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 21st 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. For 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 Salutations to the Theotokos Akathist Hymn March 23rd at 7:00 PM ΧΑΙΡΕΤΙΣΜΟΙ Παρασκευή, Ακάθιστος Ύμνος 23 Μαρτίου στις 7 μμ. Όσοι επιθυμήτε να προσφέρετε τις δωρεές σας για τα λουλούδια για την εικόνα της Παναγίας παρακαλούμε καλέστε το γραφείο της εκκλησίας 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. 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 23rd Akathist Hymn 7p.m. March 24th March 31st April 1st April 8th Great Vespers of the Feast Annunciation 7 p.m. Lazarus Saturday Palm Sunday 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. 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. Contact Fr. Dean or Mary Ellen for more information 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. 18 Sunday of St. John Climacus Mon. 19 Great Compline 6:00 p.m. Wed. 21 Pre Sanctified Liturgy 6pm Fri. 23 Salutation to the Theotokos (Akathistos Hymnos) Fish Fry Sat. 24 Great Vespers of the Annunciation 7p.m. followed by Philoptochos Loukoumades 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 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. 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 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