Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation - - Volume 42 Issue 3 May 2015 THE FORGOTTEN FEAST DAY By Father Paul A. Kaplanis - - - 1 Continues on page 2

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WHERE NO MEN HAD GONE BEFORE By Father Christos P. Mars Many of the most memorable, most-loved characters in television history originated from the entertainment genre called science fiction. In fact, some of the most successful films and television shows are science fiction. One particularly successful television show in the science fiction genre is Star Trek. Star Trek gives us a way to imagine a world that might exist beyond this world. It shows us what humanity can be like when it puts its petty differences aside and learns to work for the common good. The show takes place in the 23 rd and 24 th centuries. As one would expect, it depicts the heavy use of technology. Some of this technology is futuristic, meaning it has not yet been invented in real life, and some of the technology is common to us today. But one of the most interesting pieces of technology that the sci-fi world of Star Trek introduces to us is the universal translator. This piece of technology allows one person to speak in their language and another person to understand that person in their language. For example, in the television series, Klingons (alien race for those who are unfamiliar with the series) speak a language called Klingonize. Humans don t understand them; but through the use of the universal translator, a Klingon can speak Klingonize and humans can understand them in English (or Greek, or whatever other language that we humans speak). At this point you are probably thinking, Father Christos had one too many drinks last night. A normal reaction, since you may not understand what Star Trek and the universal translator have to do with the feast of Pentecost. Perhaps that s the same way the people surrounding the Apostles felt when the Holy Spirit came down upon them and they started to speak in all the languages of the earth. The fictional universal translator builds a language bridge of sorts -- enabling the Star Trek characters to understand the alien gibberish being spoken, thus opening communication between the different species. Similarly, it was necessary at this point in God s plan for the Word to be communicated to all nations, in all languages. At that time, Jerusalem was a main trade city and merchants from many Roman Empire nations passed through with their goods. Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (Acts 2:9-11) Each one of them heard the Holy Apostles speaking "as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4) in their own mother tongue. But obviously, for all the others that could not understand, it was gibberish. You can appreciate why the crowd erupted in confusion, because everybody understood their own language but not the others. Did they need a universal translator? No because an important thing was happening: Each individual person understood, for himself or herself, the message of the Apostles. Christ the Word, the Logos, was given personally to every person present through the very familiar mean of the mother tongue. This is the moment when it is revealed to the world that Jesus Christ has a new chosen nation. The people of Israel betrayed Him, and now He is preparing for Himself a new nation sharing not one language, but one Holy Spirit. 3

This holy nation of God is the Church, and Pentecost is its birthday. Christ is the Head of this Church and we, His people, are its body. The Holy Spirit is the One that unites humanity with God and men with each other. The nation of God is made not just out of people of Israel, not just of people of the same origin, but of people sharing one baptism and one faith in Jesus Christ the Savior. The Holy Spirit is the One Who continues the works of Jesus Christ in this world; He is the One Who created the Church, and the One Who keeps it together. He is the One Who brings new members into the Church, giving them the light of the faith. Through the Holy Spirit, the Church was formed, lives and grows. Saint Simeon the New Theologian said, "Like the candle, full with oil, and with a fresh wick, does not shed light without being lit with fire, in the same way the soul is extinguished and dark until it is touched by the light and Grace of the Holy Spirit." This is why we need the Holy Spirit in us, so He can plant the seed of salvation and make it grow and shine within us. For this, He has to come down to each of us; He has to humble Himself and come down to our human level so we can be taken up to His heavenly place. However, there s one thing we should remember: the Holy Spirit will not force anyone to become a citizen of the Kingdom of God. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sit with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20) Salvation it is not something that is imposed on us, nor it is predestined. It is our choice. In Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came down upon the twelve Apostles because they were ready to receive Him. They were prepared by the words of Christ. They spread the same words to the nations and, when ready, each nation in turn received or will receive the Holy Spirit. At the sermon of Peter, which happened immediately following the descent of the Holy Spirit, he preached about Christ! He spoke of Him as the Messiah and quoted the books of Psalms and Joel to prove his point. After this sermon, we saw that 3000 people received the baptism of Christ (Acts 2:41). And that was only the beginning. The second sermon of St. Peter saw 5000 people baptized (Acts 4:4). No small feat! And from that point on, there was no stopping the belief in Christ as our Savior, Redeemer, and Benefactor. As mentioned, salvation is personal. It is up to each of us to accept the Holy Spirit and to take up our personal Cross and follow Christ. Christ respects our right to choose -- our free will -- but our free will is not manifested in our power to choose which movie we'll see tonight or which wine we ll order at a French restaurant, or even which sci-fi show we ll choose to watch (although by now you should know which sci-fi show I like best). Our free will is fully manifested in choosing the right path of salvation, revealed to us in the Church by the Holy Spirit. Free will is to freely choose a life in Christ. I know that sometimes following Christ is hard: fasting can be difficult; standing in Church, painful; and praying may feel too long and boring. But I am sure that in those moments when we feel the Holy Spirit filling our hearts with joy, we forget all that is harsh and difficult and remember only the joy of being united with God, even for a brief moment. Science fiction shows, of course, do not fill us with the joy that comes from God, but they can make us think about what our lives could be. If we fill our lives with the Holy Spirit, we can focus on the prize that awaits us at the end of our earthly struggle: entrance into the Kingdom of God. Everything else is irrelevant. Focusing our life on Christ would put the world of Star Trek to shame, for it is a life with Christ that we all aspire to obtain. We should never forget that we always have with us the most powerful ally: the Holy Spirit. He completes everything that is lacking and makes us as perfect, just as our Father in heaven wants us to be. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, everywhere present and filling all things, treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O Good One. Amen. n 4

THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS By Elias Lampropoulos For some people the day comes when they have to declare the great Yes or the great No. It s clear at once who has the Yes ready within him; and saying it, he goes forward in honor and self assurance ~ Constantine P. Cavafy - ; ; αγ - άγιος ; αγ-άπη ( αγ-αθότητα ( αγ-νότητα ( άγιος - ; ; ; ; - ; - ; ; ; 5

Η Εορτή των Αγίων Πάντων Ηλίας Λαμπρόπουλος «Σε μερικούς ανθρώπους έρχεται μια μέρα που πρέπει το μεγάλο Ναι ή το μεγάλο το Όχινα πούνε. Φανερώνεται αμέσως όποιος το χειέτοιμο μέσα του το Ναι, και λέγοντάς το πέρα πηγαίνει στην τιμή και την πεποίθησή του». ~Κωνσταντίνος Π. Καβάφης Σε αυτούς τους στίχους του πολύ Κωνσταντίνου Καβάφη περιγράφεται η γενναία συγκατάνευση όλων εκείνων που επέλεξαν να σπάσουν τα δεσμά της μετριότητας, όπως η ασφάλεια, η κοινή λογική, η κοινή δειλία και να ζήσουν σύμφωνα με το κάλεσμα της καρδιάς τους. Την πρώτη Κυριακή μετά την Πεντηκοστή, η Εκκλησία μας εορτάζει Πάντες τους Αγίους, όλους εκείνους που με το δικό τους μοναδικό τρόπο αποδέχτηκαν και διετράνωσαν το κάλεσμα που δέχτηκαν από τον Χριστό, όλους εκείνους που είπαν το «Μεγάλο Ναι» το οποίο ο Καβάφης εκθειάζει στο ποίημά του, το ίδο «Ναι» με το οποίο ο Χριστός ανταποκρίθηκε στο θέλημα του Πατέρα Του. Την Κυριακή, πριν των Αγίων Πάντων εορτάζουμε την μεγάλη εορτή της Πεντηκοστής, όταν τα Χαρίσματα του Αγίου Πνεύματος δόθηκαν πλήρως στους Αποστόλους και δι αυτών σε όλη την Εκκλησία, όταν η Εκκλησία τελειοποιήθηκε ως «Σῶμα Χριστοῦ». Μία εβδομάδα μετά, την Κυριακή των Αγίων Πάντων εορτάζουμε την επιβεβαίωση αυτής της δωρεάς. Στους βίους των αγίων και στο παράδειγμά τους βρίσκεται η εμπειρία της Θείας Χάριτος αδιαλείπτως από την Πρωτο-Χριστιανική Εποχή μέχρι τις ημέρες μας. Στο βιβλίο του Λευτικού στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη (19:2) διαβάζουμε: «Να γίνετε άγιοι, όπως Εγώ ο Κύριος ο Θεός είμαι Ἀγιος» Από όλες τις δύστροπες εντολές του Λευιτικού, αυτή είναι η μόνη εντολή που παραμένει σε ισχύ, η οποία δεν πρέπει να εκληφθεί απλά σαν μία ακόμα εντολή ή συμβουλή, αλλά κυρίως σαν ένα έντονο κάλεσμα αγάπης. Συχνά, όσον αφορά στην έννοια της αγιότητας επικρατεί μία παρερμηνεία ότι η αγιότητα είναι ένα δύσκολο καθήκον, εφικτό μόνο από μοναχούς ή από ανθρώπους που με κάποιο τρόπο έχουν απαλλαγεί από τον κόσμο και από όλα τα προβλήματα και ζητήματα που όλοι εμείς έχουμες καθημερινά να αντιμετωπίσουμε. Ωστόσο, η αγιότητα δεν είναι επιβράβευση για μερικούς (εκλεκτούς) που έζησαν σύμφωνα με αυστηρούς κανόνες και ολοκλήρωσαν τα πνευματικά τους καθήκοντα, είναι Χάρη που δίνεται σε αυτούς που ενεργά δέχτηκαν το κάλεσμα άνωθεν και είπαν το «Μεγάλο Ναι». Στο Ευαγγέλιο του Ματθαίου (11:28-30) ο ίδιος ο Χριστός στέλνει κάλεσμα σε όλους εμάς λέγοντας: «Ελάτε κοντά μου όλοι εσείς που έχετε κουραστεί και έχετε φορτωθεί με πολλά κι εγώ θα σας ξεκουράσω. Σηκώστε το δικό μου το φορτίο και δέστε πως είμαι πράος και ταπεινός στην καρδιά και θα βρουν ξεκούραση οι ψυχές σας. Γιατί ο δικός μου ο ζυγός είναι εύκολος και το φορτίο μου ελαφρύ». Παρόλαυτα, αν και ο δρόμος για την αγιότητα δεν ζητά τίποτα περισσότερο από μια δεχτική καρδιά, πολλές φορές, στους βίους των Αγίων διαβάζουμε για κατορθώματα μεγάλα και υπερβολικά. Η Οσία Μαρία η Αιγυπτία για παράδειγμα, έζησε στην έρημο σαράντα εφτά χρόνια σε απόλυτη ερημία. Η Αγία Μάρτυς Περπετούα, μόλις είκοσι δύο χρονών κοπέλα, νιόπαντρη και μητέρα ενός βρέφους, διάλεξε να μαρτυρήσει για το όνομα του Χριστού. Ο Ἀγιος Γεράσιμος στην Κεφαλλονιά αρνούταν για πολλά χρόνια να φάει μαγειρευτό φαγητό, αλλἀ έπαιρνε τα φασόλια και τα μούλιαζε αποβραδίς σε θαλασσινό νερό για να μαλακώσουν ώστε να μπορέσει να τα φάει. Όμως μπορούν αυτά τα παραδείγματα να αποτελέσουν την επίσημη γραμμή της Εκκλησίας; Μα και βέβαια όχι.. Όπως ακριβώς οι μεγάλοι έρωτες που εκθειάζονται παθιασμένα στις σελίδες της Ιστορίας ή των λογοτεχνικών βιβλίων δεν μπορούν να αποτελέσουν παράδειγμα για τις δικές μας καθημερινές συμβατικές σχέσεις. Όταν ο Κύριος ρώτησε τον Προφήτη Ηλία γιατί καθόταν μόνος του πάνω σε μια απόμακρη βουνοκορφή, εκείνος του απάντησε: «Με πολύ μεγάλο ζήλο έχω ποθήσει τον Κύριο των Δυνάμεων» (Γ Βασιλειών 19:14). Με το ίδιο πόθο ο Άγιος Πολύκαρπος Επίσκοπος Σμύρνης απάντησε στο Ρωμαίο Έπαρχο που του ζητούσε να απαρνηθεί την πίστη του: «Ογδόντα έξι χρόνια Τον υπηρετώ και ποτέ δεν με δυσαρέστησε Πως μπορώ να να βλαστημήσω τον Βασιλέα που με έχει σώσει;» (Μαρτύριον Πολυκάρπου 9:3). Το ίδιο κι ο Άγιος Ιγνάτιος επίσκοπος Αντιοχείας, βαδίζοντας προς το Μαρτύριό του έγραφε στους Χριστιανούς στη Ρώμη: «Πιότερο προτιμώ να πεθάνω για τον Ιησού Χριστό παρά να κυβερνήσω μέχρι τις εσχατιές της γης. Αυτόν ζητώ που πέθανε για χάρη μας, Αυτόν ποθώ που αναστήθηκε για το χατίρι μας». (Ιγνατίου Προς Ρωμαίους 6:1). Μολονότι οι τρόποι που οι άγιοι διεκήρυξαν το Χριστό είναι αμέτρητοι, η ομολογία παραμένει πάντα η ίδια. Ήταν η πίστη, η αφοσίωση, το θάρρος και προπαντός ο παθιασμένος έρως που τους ξύπνησαν από τον λήθαργο του συμβατικού τρόπου ζωής και άναψαν τη φλόγα στις καρδιές τους και τους μεταμόρφωσαν σε ζωντανές εικόνες του Χριστού. Η ετυμολογία της λέξης «άγιος» είναι αβέβαιη. Το θέμα της λέξης «αγ» είναι προ-ελληνικό, δηλαδή πριν τον 12 ο αιώνα προ Χριστού και χρησιμοποιείται για να περιγράψει όρους με θετικό περιεχόμενο, όπως «αγ-άπη», «αγ-αθότητα», «αγ-νότητα» κλπ. Επομένως, η λέξη «άγιος» μπορεί να εμηνευθεί ως καθόλα καλός. Στην Ορθόδοξη Παράδοσή μας η τιμή προς τους Αγίους εκφράζεται πολυτρόπως: Καθένας και καθεμία με το Βάπτισμα παίρνει το όνομα ενός αγίου ή αγίας. Με ονόματα αγίων περιβάλλουμε τους ναούς και τις κοινότητές μας. Εξιστορούμε τις μορφές τους σε εικονίσματα. Ζητάμε τις πρεσβείες τους. Τους ορίζουμε ως προστάτες και πολιούχους. Στολίζουμε με τα ονόματά τους, πόλεις, σχολεία, νοσοκομεία και πανεπιστήμια, προπαντός δε εορτάζουμε με μεγάλες τιμές τις εοτρές τους. Ωστόσο, η Εκκλησία πάντοτε μας θυμίζει ότι η πραγματική τιμή στους αγίους βρίσκεται στη μίμηση του παραδείγματός τους. Όμως, πως μπορούμε να μιμηθούμε τους αγίους; Πόσο ρεαλιστική είναι η υπόδειξη αυτή της Εκκλησίας; Παρότι το εγχείρημα φαντάζει ιδεώδες, όσο και ακατόρθωτο, στην ουσία δεν απαιτείται τίποτε περισσότερο από το να αποδεχτούμε το κάλεσμα του Κυρίου Ιησού Χρισατού. Και τα λόγια του Αγίου Ιωάννου Χρυσοστόμου, αποτυπώνουν αυτό το κάλεσμα με τον καλύτερο δυνατό τρόπο: «Εγώ είμαι πατέρας σου, εγώ αδερφός, εγώ νυμφίος, το σπίτι σου, το φαγητό σου, η φορεσιά σου. Είμαι για σένα θεμέλιο. Σε μένα θα βρεις ό,τι επιθυμήσεις, δε θα σου λείψει τίποτα. Εγώ και υπηρέτης σου. Γιατί ήρθα να υπηρετήσω όχι να υπηρετηθώ. Είμαι φίλος σου, οικοδεσπότης σου, κεφαλή, μάνα κι αδερφός για σένα. Είμαι για σένα το παν. Μόνο σε μένα θα βρεις ξεκούραση. Εγώ ζητιάνεψα για σένα, κατάντησα για σένα να πλανιέμαι σαν αλήτης. Πάνω στο Σταυρό πέθανα και θάφτηκα για σένα. Για σένα παρακαλιέμαι στον Πατέρα, για σένα είναι όλες οι προσευχές μου. Είσαι για μένα αδερφός, μαζί θα κληρονομήσουμε (τη Νέα Βασιλεία). Είσαι πάνω από φίλος μου, είσαι μέρος του Σωματός μου. Τι παραπάνω θέλεις;» (Αγίου Ιωάννου Χρυσοστόμου, Ομιλία 76). Ας είναι όλοι αυτοί που τόλμησαν και είπαν το «μεγάλο Ναι», πάντοτε προστάτες και πρεσβευτές μας. 6

PARISH REGISTRY As of 04/23/2015 WEDDINGS Mike Tsurutis & Susan Hoy Jonathan Griffin & Maxime Jones ADULT BAPTISM Kyle Davidson Godparent: Nick Zuppas Martenas Godfrey Godparent: Natalie Stadnick CHRISMATIONS Vicki Epp Canakaris Godparent: Presbytera Evi Kaplanis Christian Napoleon Tougas Godparent: Elias Lampropoulos Daniel Jerome Tougas Godparent: Irene Fotos Marek Gabriel Tougas Godparent: Irene Fotos Lauren Rachel Sasinowski Godparent: Elias Lampropoulos BAPTISMS Parents: Stani & Nicole Sullo Baby: Enea Nicholas Godparent: Michael Paxton Parents: George & Kate Koulouris Baby: Thomas Godparents: Dimitrios & Toula Kostopoulos Parents: Theo & Chrysoula Samouris Baby: Glykeria Alexia Godparents: Lee & Smaragda Economy Despina (Deppie) Zakas Eleni Soulimiotis Irene Andreadis GOOFS Breakfast Every other THURSDAY at 9:00 a.m. in the Kafenion. Open to everyone!!! Come join us for a full breakfast and great fellowship! Full breakfast includes fruit, waffles, bacon, sausage and much more! Donation $5 per person. Contact the Cathedral office at 404-633-5870 for the date of the next gathering Hope to see you there! Ways to stay in touch with us Facebook Twitter YouTube Tout Instagram Like, Follow, Subscribe, Watch and See www.facebook.com/atlgoc www.twitter.com/atlgoc www.youtube.com/atlgoc and our website www.atlgoc.org 7

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GOYA IS GOING TO SIX FLAGS! Tuesday, May 26 th IF YOU CAN LET US KNOW ON OR BEFORE MAY 17 th YOU CAN GO TO SIX FLAGS WITH GOYA! FOR ONLY $40 (includes van rental and parking fees) (Normal price for General Admission tickets is $63) We will be meeting at the Church and departing at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Fr. Christos if you would like to go! Fr. Christos 404-633-5870 - frchristos@atlgoc.org Back by Popular Demand! 2015 BASKETBALL CAMP JUNE 1 st - 5 th Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 9:00 am 3:00 pm Registration forms available in the Narthex, online at www.atlgoc.org, the Cathedral and Sunday School offices. 2015 SUMMER DAY CAMP Theme: Genealogy of Christ Week 1: June 8 th - 12 th Week 2: June 15 th - June 19 th Registration forms available in the Narthex, online at www.atlgoc.org, the Cathedral and Sunday School offices. Registration Deadline was March 31 st. a $25 late fee will be assessed. 9

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Lent and Holy Week 2015 Sunday School students had the opportunity to participate in several events during Lent and Holy Week. Each Friday of Lent, during the Heretismi Services and Akathistos Hymn, students, by grade, presented flowers to the Theotokos. At the beginning of each of these services, students in 6 th -12 th grades read the Psalms. At the end of each of these services, students in 6 th -12 th grades chanted prayers to the Theotokos and Christ. Thank you to Kiki Papadimitriou and Margaret Stewart for attending the services each week and assisting the children with the flowers. On Sunday, March 1 st, 6 th -12 th grades carried icons in the procession for Sunday of Orthodoxy. On Sunday, March 15 th, PreKC-5 th grades carried handmade, decorated crosses and daffodils in the procession for Sunday of the Holy Cross. On April 4 th, students attended the Divine Liturgy with their families. After the Liturgy, everyone had breakfast in Carlos Hall and made palm crosses that would be blessed and given out the following day. Thank you to Gina Gassert, Mark Gassert, Golfo Pappas & Dean Pappas for making sure breakfast was ready for everyone. On Palm Sunday, April 5 th, 8 th graders served as palm bearers during the procession. Following the Liturgy, 22 students participated in the Holy Week Play during the luncheon held in the Kartos Ballroom. Thank you to Madeline Demos, Athanasios Grivakis and Alexys Grivakis for narrating the play for our younger students. Thank you to Chris Demos, Susan Demos, Vassio Giannakopoulos, Stacey Sapp, Voula Giannakopoulos, Connie Mondore and Ritsa Zaharis for guiding the children. Thank you to Kiki Papadimitriou for getting them all in costume. Thank you to Tommy McBride and George Coumanis for helping with the sound. On Great Friday, 3 rd -5 th grade girls were Myrrophores in the afternoon and evening services. The Myrrophores were the first ones to arrive at Christ s tomb and find it empty. The girls threw rose petals on the kouvouklion to represent the myrrh that was used to anoint Christ s tomb. The 11 th & 12 th grade boys were kouvouklion carriers for the evening service. Overall, Sunday School students and teachers were very busy during this past Lenten Season and Holy Week! St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Our Parish Level Oratorical Festival was held on March 28 th. The following students participated and delivered beautifully written speeches: Alexia Anthony, Arianna Anthony, Mara Anthony, Athanasios Grivakis, Panikos Hadjipanayis, Constantine Katsoudas, Evangelos Katsoudas, Christina Maxouris, Niko Skiouris & Robert Weimar. The top two finalists in each division (junior and senior) also participated in the District Level Oratorical Festival, which was held on March 28 th. Arianna Anthony and Christina Maxouris represented our Cathedral in the senior division. Alexia Anthony and Robert Weimar represented our Cathedral in the junior division. Thank you to our co-chairmen Smaro Economy and Ginnie Roglin. Christina Maxouris and Robert Weimar advanced to the Metropolis Level Oratorical Festival which will be held April 24 th -26 th in Birmingham, Alabama. We wish them well! Congratulations to all of this year s participants! 12

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The Clergy and Parish Council offer their sincere appreciation to the following who sponsored the necessary items used during Holy Week. The response to the request for these items was a resounding success! In Memory of Dean (Nick & Catherine Argendeli) In Memory of George & Eleanor Campbell (Mrs. J.L. Harrington, Jr.) In Memory of Demetrios & Katie Kohilis (Mrs. Alexandra Kohilis) In Memory of Howard Lucas & Nicholas Baches (Martha Lucas) In Memory of Frank & Golfo Baches (from their children) For the Health of Michael Marinos (Terisa L. Marinos) In Memory of Thomas & Katina McBride (Kay McBride) In Memory of Lisa Nichols Moraitakis (Peter Moraitakis) In Memory of Martha Panos (Phil Panos) In Memory of John Sacorafos (Mary Sacorafos) In Memory of Anna Sigalos (Nicholas & Jane Sigalos) In Memory of our Parents Sam & Kay Stanton & George & Demetra Tremos (Bill & Cindy Stanton) In Memory of our Parents (Spero & Demetra Vasilakis) Emmanuel & Kathy Anemogiannis John & Karen Boosalis Maria Caras Eula Carlos Helen Carlos & Ron Hilliard Georgia Christenas Norma Creety Joyce Dove John & Jean Economy Lee & Smaro Economy James & Irene Fotos Mary & Ellen George George & Maria Giannokostas James & Lia Gilmer James & Claire Gilmore Stephen & Alyssa Hallick Polly Hasos Spero & Johanna Karas Vickie Klemis Constantine Kokenes Athena Kourtis Mark & Susan Lamas William & Cleo Malires Bill & Audrey Marianes Helga Marinos Alex Panos John & Bess Papadimitriou Angelo & Betty Patellis Jimmie Petkas Victor & Christina Polizos Stasi Portulas Theodore & Chrisoula Samouris Bill & Vickie Scaljon Mimi Scaljon Karen Stamatiades Emanuel Stamus David & Christine Stern Philip & Francine Tague James & Francene Tucker Vasilos & Ourania Tzamos Paul & Ethel Winegar Sotirios & Lea Zervoulias 17

THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 EPITAPHION CONTRIBUTORS! Pat Alexander Christopher & Nicole Adams Mark & Sophia Adams & Family Johnny Ambrocio Mary Beverly Alex Thomas Alexander Lula Alexander Maria Alexander Mr. & Mrs. George Alexander Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Alexander Costa & Sophia Alexandrides Janet Algers Ellen Algers Gary Algers & Family Patricia Anagnostakis Mary Anason Elaine Andrews Vickie Andros Georgia Andros Anonymous Catherine and Nicholas Argendeli Costa & Fotini Babaliaros Ray & Barbara Bailey Mike & Mary Balsamides Marianne Beverly The Biehler Family Van Botsaris Mary Bougas Niki Bouras Helen Burleigh Chris & Maria Callas Mary Campbell Theodora Campbell Ron & Vicki Canakaris Billy & Voula Caras Maria Caras Helen A. Carlos & Ron Hilliard Chris G. Carlos Eula Carlos Fotini Carnegie & Ted Carnegie Connie & Voula Carros Tetyana Chelyshkova Mr. & Mrs. James Coclin Criton & Jennifer Constantinides Irene Constantinides Doty Constantinides Demetrios & Barbara Constantinides Bo & Dina Cook Mr. & Mrs. D.A. Costarides Voula Costarides Mr. & Mrs. Vasili Costarides & Family Nick, Mary & George Coumanis Jerry & Helen Couvaras & Family Mr. & Mrs. Howard Cramer Mike & Norma Creety Lisa Davenport George Demas & Son Bess Dimos Eleni Dodys Nick Dodys & Family Joyce Dove Nick & Angela Economy John & Jean Economy Christina & George Evagoras Athena Fili James & Irene Fotos Al & Kathy Galloway Les & Mary Alice George & Family Stephen & Valine Georgeson Mr. & Mrs. John Giannakopoulos Voula Giannakopoulos Pete & Pauline Giannakopoulos Vassio Giannakopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Tom Giannakopoulos Lia & James Gilmer James & Claire Gilmore Evangeline Gouvas Peter & Linda Grivas 18

Demetrios & Glykeria Hadjisimos Mr. & Mrs. Evangelos Hadjisimos & Family Penny & Alex Halkos Barbara Hall Butch & Margaret Hansen Ken & Kathy Henderson Chris & Katherine Holmes In Memory of Eleni Soulimiotis by Andrew Soulimiotis Family In Memory of John N. Tiliacos In Memory of Presbytera E. Constantinides Nicholas & Celesta Janoulis Joanne Jones Nicholas & Beverly Jones Toula S. Jones Mary Jones Costa & Kiki Kacur Petro & Helen Kacur John & Chryssa Kalinoglou Tom, Stephanie, Emily & William Kantsios Rev. Fr. Paul & Presbytera Evi Kaplanis Karamanolis Family Basil & Sandra Karampelas Dorothy Karandanis I. Pano & Georgia Karatassos Mr. & Mrs. Pete Kardaras George & Christina Karolis Harry & Tasia Katapodis Nick & Frances Katapodis Evangelia Katsoudas Chrysoula Katsoudas George & Eleni Katsoudas & Family Billie Kavadas & Family Robert & Andrea Keenan Vickie Klemis Dr. George & Metaxia Kleris Angelo & Sherry Kliossis Dimitri & Maria Konidaris Niki & Effie Kosmetatos Demetrios & Toula Kostopoulos Mr. & Mrs. Andy Kostopoulos Vicky Kouloumberis Jimmy & Angela Koulouris Mrs. Augustina Kouros Greg Koutrelakos & Family Andrea & Maria Ladikos Art & Tassie Lamas Despo Lamas The Landmark Diner Thomas & Alexandra Larsen The Letourgis Family Thomas & Paula Lekas The Leng Family Maria Linardakis Jim Logothetis Kali Loverdos Catherine Macris William & Cleo Malires Peter & Alexandra Manos & Family Peter & Terri Marcois Michael & Eugenia Marinos Rev. Fr. Christos & Presbytera Mari Mars & John Tony Meloro Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Michaels & Family Mrs. Roula Millas Michael & Kiki Missailidis & Family Scott & Connie Mondore & Family Rita Mookas Nicholas & Effie Moraitakis Pete Moraitakis & Family Jimmy Nakos Mr. & Mrs. Pete Nassos George Nastopoulos Kay, Charles & Christina Nastopoulos Charles Nastopoulos James & Maria Natsios Stacie Nefos Katherine Olympiadis Harry Palles Helen Panos Faye Panos Mary Panos & Family Pete Pantazopoulos Eleni Pantazopoulos The Pantelis Family John & Kiki Papadimitriou Mr. & Mrs. Elias Papanikolopoulos John & Jackie Papapolymerou Tony & Anne Pappadakis 19

Chris & Maria Pappadakis & Family Penelope Pappas Golfo Pappas & Family Louis & Katherine Pataki Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Patellis & Errica Costa & Athanasia Patronis George & Dale Patterson Mr. & Mrs. Solon Patterson Jerry, Mercedes & Michael Paxton Nick & Lynn Petkas Mr. & Mrs. George Petrakopoulos Ted & Betty Petrides Gus & Anna Plagianis Peter Poolos Nella Poolos Stasi Portulas James & Sophia Poulakos Audrey Poulos Dean Poulos Aristides G. & Mary Poulos Mrs. Raleigh Poulos Mr. & Mrs. John Poulos & Family David & Evdoxia Poulos Merrill Mr. & Mrs. George Pribas & Family Ted Pruitt Rob, Ginnie & Peter Roglin Shirley Rumanes Richard & Stacey Sapp Doug & Pam Saunders Bill & Vickie Scaljon Mimi Scaljon Gunter & Maria Sharp & Family Dimitri Shreckengost Richard & Argie Sirmans Thomas Skafidas Dr. George Skardasis George & Calliope Skoufis Maria Slay Spyros & Nota Soteres Mr. & Mrs. Art Soublis & Family Pete Soulimiotis Terry & Shelly Spahr Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Spetseris & Family Karen & Becky Stamatiades Mr. & Mrs. William Stanton Jimmy Stappas Angelo Stappas Ryan & Maria Starks Anthony & Lottie Stefanis Mr. & Mrs. W.E. Stewart Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Stewart & Family Anna Stubbs Mr. & Mrs. Peter Syribeys & Family Philip & Francine Tague Vivian Econom y-takakis Manuel & Elaine Tissura Adalberta Trujillo Jorge Trujillo Stefanos & Sophia Tsiotsias James & Francene Tucker Nickolas & Jane Sigalos Vasilios Tzamos Spero & Demetra Vasilakis Nicholas & Harriet Vasilakis Georgia Vasilos Despina Vastakis Patty Vastakis Stacey, David, Drew & Anthea Walker The White House Restaurant Paul & Ethel Winegar Zetta Xenidis Mr. & Mrs. Tony Yialamas George & Julie Zaharatos & Family Noula Zaharis Mary Zamecki Sandra Zuniga Thank you to the following Philoptochos members of the 2015 Epitaphion Collections Committee: Voula Giannakopoulos, Vassio Giannakopoulos, Despina Vastakis, Niki Kosmetatos, Helen Pantelis, Metaxia Kleris and Anna Johnson 20

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Thank you for supporting our Annunciation Day School Gala! You have made a great difference! Father Paul & Presbytera Evi Kaplanis Father Christos & Presbytera Mari Mars Christos & Nicole Adams Mark & Sophie Adams Mike & Beverly Alex Boyd & Jeanne Andrews Constantine & Fotini Babaliaros Barbara & Ray Bailey Jason & Ali Barton Mr. Edward Biehler Bob & Maggie Brinson Ashley Bryant Rob & Vivian Burns John & Deborah Caras Philoptochos Stephen & Maria Chininis Clyde & Jissel Clark James & Georgia Coclin Criton & Jennifer Constantinides Matt & Yvette Corse Costa & Sylvia Costopoulos Basil & Elena Couvaras Howard & Themis Cramer Dorothy Davis & Susan Stegall Fidias & Astrid DeLeon Nick & Maria Demos George & Ada Dritsas John & Jean Economy Lee & Smaro Economy Nick & Angela Economy Lee & Smaro Economy Gregory & Christine Esper James & Irene Fotos Brian & Sandra Gardiner Pete & Pauline Giannakopoulos Alexis Georgeson Stephen & Valine Georgeson Michael & Maria Georgoulakos Adam & Adrienne Gil Sven & Joanna Gordon Timothy & Izmini Grady Alex & Penny Halkos Hunter & Chrissie Henritze Ronald Hilliard & Helen Carlos Stella Hondros Timothy & Sherry Howard Gratia Hursey Daya Jayaraj Augusta Jones Owen & Julie Jones Amelia Karafotias Dr. & Mrs. Karakis Basil & Sandra Karampelas Pete & Eleni Kardaras George Kardomateas George & Christina Karolis Alexander Kessler & Athena Kourtis Pauline Ketsios Vickie Klemis Dr. & Mrs. Angelo Kliossis Andreas & Anna Kostopoulos Jimmy & Toula Kostopoulos Nikolaos & Venus Kostopoulos George & Kate Koulouris Pano & Andrea Koulouris Connie Lamas Mark & Suzy Lamas Tom & Paula Lekas Lee & Victoria Livaditis Leon & Mary Tena Melissas Scott & Connie Mondore Mark & Dimitra Moraitakis Stacie Nefos Alex & Daisy Nicolaides Costa & Vickie Panos Helen Panos Asiemoula Papadopoulos Victoria Pavlopoulos Victor & Christina Polizos Audrey Poulos Melissa & Jon Reading Rob & Stephanie Reid James & Christina Rissler Rob & Ginnie Roglin Dimitri Shreckengost Mike & Anna Sierdzinski Andrew & Vicky Soulimiotis Pete & Eleni Soulimiotis Terry & Shelly Spahr Karen Stamatiades Bill and Cynthia Stanton Christina Statler Anthony & January Stephanopoulos Watche & Mariam Terzian Philip Tague & Francine Topping Nick & Louis Tsismanakis Spyros & Magda Vourtsis Paul & Ethel Winegar George & Julie Zaharatos Despoinoula Zaharis Brian & Pauline Zelis Mission Statement Our mission is to educate our students in an Orthodox Christian environment, to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners through pursuit of academic excellence and individual achievement. We believe it is important to create a learning community built on mutual understanding and respect. Our student body includes not only children of the Orthodox Christian Faith, but also those of other faiths, and reflects the cultural diversity of our entire city. 25

of the Atlanta Greek Festival September 24 th - 27 th, 2015 Co-Chairmen: Michael Lignos & William Simitses Raffle tickets will be on sale in May for the 2016 BMW! Information on Sponsorships and Program Book for this special anniversary will be coming soon. 26

We would like to express our deep appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who spent two weekends on the Cathedral grounds completing an almost impossible task. They labored for hours cutting and removing large trees, overgrown shrubs and debris from the retention pond adjacent to the gym and pavilion area. The hard work completed by this tireless group both young and old -- saved the Cathedral thousands of dollars. We thank them again for their huge efforts to complete this challenge. 27

Paid Advertising:! Enjoy a FREE Gyro wrap on your Name Day! www.greciangyro.com Facebook.com/GrecianGyro TAVERNA PLAKA 216 Cheshire Bridge Rd, Atlanta, GA 30324 Now Hiring! Experienced Host & Wait Staff Exciting Fun Work Environment UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT IF INTERESTED: Call 404-636-2284 or email contact@tavernaplakaatlanta.com TUNE IN NOW!! Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation 2500 Clairmont Road, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329 Phone (404) 633-7358 Fax (404) 633-6018 office@atlgoc.org www.atlgoc.org EDITOR: Fr. Paul A. Kaplanis, Dean (frpaulk@atlgoc.org) MANAGING EDITOR: Fr. Christos P. Mars (frchristos@atlgoc.org) DESIGN: Andrea Koulouris (andrea@atlgoc.org) PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Nickitas Demos (ndemos@gsu.edu) All news can be e-mailed to office@atlgoc.org or put on a disk and brought to the Cathedral office during office hours (Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.) by May 24 th All Cathedral mail goes to the post office on the same day. If you do not receive your Annunciator in a timely manner, please call your post office and notify them. 28