Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 The EPISTLE January 2019 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 573 N Highland Street Memphis, TN Parish Personnel Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron Pastor Emeritus William Kallas Pastoral Assistant Erin Bobbitt de Padilla Administrative Assistant Contact Us At: (901) phone (901) fax annunciationmemphis@gmail.com Sunday Services: Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Church Office Hours: Mon Thurs 8:30 am 4:30 pm Friday 8:30 am 12:30 pm PC Oath of Office January 13 th Following Liturgy The Parish Council will take the oath on Sunday, January 13th. They will also elect officers following the dismissal. MLK Day Observed January 21 st Church Office The Church Office will be closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday. Featured Activities this Month Blessing of the Mississippi River Saturday, January 5 12:00 pm Greenbelt Boat Launch Together with St. John Orthodox Church, we will bless the Mississippi River in commemoration of Christ s baptism in the Jordan River. Following the blessing we will gather at St. John s fellowship hall for lunch. Vasilopita Sunday Sunday, January 6 th Following Liturgy Church Sanctuary The annual celebration of the cutting of the Vasilopita (St. Basil s Bread) will take place in the church. We will honor our ministries and organizations, as well as all who celebrate on the Feast of Saint Basil. Elpis Philoptochos Open House Sunday, January 27 4:00 6:00 pm Home of Stephanie Poplos Please join us for cocktails, coffee, light snacks, and fellowship. Bring a guest! Please contact Stephanie Poplos to RSVP. Epiphany Services Divine Liturgy for the Fore-feast Saturday, January 5 th Orthros, 9:00 am; Divine Liturgy, 10:00 am The Blessing of the Waters will follow the service. The Royal Hours will be prayed at 9:00 am on Friday morning. Divine Liturgy for the Feast Sunday, January 6 th 9:00 am, 10:00 am The Blessing of the Waters and the Vasilopita Service will follow in the Church Sanctuary. Outreach Ministry More Than a Meal Sunday, January 20 3:00 pm Grace St. Luke s Episcopal Church Every month, we feed 100+ people in need here in Memphis. If you would like to help, please join us for this inspiring ministry of our Parish.

2 Hierarchs of the Parish Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople Archbishop Elder Demetrios of America Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit Parish Clergy Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus Personnel William Kallas, Pastoral Assistant Erin Bobbitt de Padilla, Office Assistant Parish Council Ted Poplos President John Kay Vice President Endy Carter Secretary Naji Nassif Treasurer Chris Apalodimas Demie Bitinis Madeleine Donnelly Bill Joyner Diane Kavaleras Vasili Semos Harry Sinis Music Ministry Choir Director & Organist...DoraThea Kastanas Chanter Director...Andrew Horvath Youth Ministries Acolytes..Daniel Shipman Sunday School Director..Anna Paris Pre-K/K.. Anna Paris, Naji Nassif 1-2 Kristine Wagner, Christina George Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman 7-8. Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos Ted Poplos, Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta GOYA Coordinators..Andrew & Tina Douglas JOY Coordinator....Presvytera Stephanie Thomas Oratorical Festival...Kathy Zambelis Athenian Dance Troupe Andrew & Leah Horvath Christmas Program Ken Hoover St. Nicholas Summer Camp Father Simon Young Adult Ministries Young Adult League...Alexis Moore Ole Miss..Blaise Brackett Seniors Ministries Young at Heart Kathy Zambelis Elpis Philoptochos President..Elizabeth Hawkins Vice President...Marianthe Pilcher Secretary..Joanne Gikas Treasurer.Anne Schmitt Committee Leaders: Altar Committee..Laura Couloubaritsis Cookbook Elaine Otto Elpis Bookstore.Angela Tobias & Connie Apalodimas Food Pantry.Anna Paris Makaria Coordinator Marianthe Pilcher More Than a Meal.Cyndi Detty Prayer Circle Luane Semos Sunshine Committee.Zoe Futris Visitation Committee..Kristine Wagner Memphis Greek Festival Festival Director...Todd Bagatelas Greek Language Greek School Teacher Despina Karas Adult Greek Class Father Nicholas Vieron Organizations AHEPA..John Kay DOP...Phani Mitchell Parish Library Docent..Billy Benson

3 The 12 Days of Christmas Greetings in Christ! Whether you are tired of hearing Christmas songs, or lament that all the music stations have resumed their regular programming, we are actually still in the 12 days of Christmas. The period lasts from the Nativity of Christ (December 25) to Epiphany (January 6). This period is of course made popular by the well-known carol of the same name. It is hard to imagine anyone wanting the majority of the gifts: French hens, calling birds, lords a-leaping, pipers piping, etc. The golden rings could be useful, but most of us have no room for 23 birds or 50 people doing various activities. Besides, according to the annual PNC Christmas Index published in November of 2018, the cost of all these gifts would be $39, If you plan on spending that much on your true love, at any time of the year, I recommend buying them a car they ll appreciate it much more. The song was first published in England in 1780, in a children s book called, Mirth without Mischief, but very likely has French origins. There is much debate as to its meaning from pagan mythology to the menu at medieval feasts even a secret coded reference to Christian doctrine. The majority of people believe it was a memory game sung at parties during the Twelfth Night period. An article by Daniel Burke of the Religion News Service states: Leigh Grant, who wrote and illustrated a children s book about The Twelve Days, said the gifts are popular parts of medieval feasts, often held during Twelfth Night celebrations. The birds were eaten while the pipers, drummers, and lords entertained the guests. The five golden rings in the song refer not to jewelry, but to ring-necked pheasants. But the song is also rife with symbolism, Grant said. Partridges and pears, for instance, were considered emblems of fertility during the Renaissance, she said. Likewise, geese and swans were seen as intermediaries between the earth and the sky, and thus humans and heaven. I ve heard a lot of theories about this song, Grant said, and I don t know if any of them are true. But what often happens to songs is that people change them, and so does the meaning people find in them. Whatever the meaning, it can be a fun song to sing. And if you happen to use it as a way to teach or remember some elements of the Faith, (i.e. 4 calling birds for the four Evangelists, 6 geese a-laying for the days of Creation, etc.) that s ok too. With Love in Christ, Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest A live body is not one that never gets hurt, but one that can to some extent repair itself. In the same way a Christian is not a man who never goes wrong, but a man who is enabled to repent and pick himself up and begin over again after each stumble because the Christ-life is inside him, repairing him all the time, enabling him to repeat (in some degree) the kind of voluntary death which Christ Himself carried out. C. S. Lewis Mere Christianity Learn to pray; force yourself to prayer. In the beginning it will be difficult; but afterwards the more you force yourself to pray, the more easily you will do so. But in the beginning it is always necessary to force oneself. St. John of Kronstadt My Life in Christ

4 President s Message January 2019 Happy New Year! As I write my final message as president (You may applaud now), I look back at the three years I have been president and must thank you the community of Annunciation for allowing me to hold this office. I thank you for the trust and belief that you had in your council. I alone could not have done anything with out the officers and council members. So, to my current council members and past council members, I thank you for your work, input and guidance over the past 3 years. I would be remiss in not thanking my family, especially Stephanie, who has had to put up with meetings that seemed to always be on the calendar, went on for too long and meetings that didn t go so well. I think I speak for her and my children when I say that none of us will miss the 2 am calls from the alarm company, or the emergency phone calls from someone needing the church opened, or the ongoing maintenance items that seem to arise at the most inconvenient times. My hope is that you will all support the new council and officers in the coming year and help them keep moving the Annunciation parish forward as we move into the future. Let us all work together to make this parish a progressive and prosperous parish. I know that if we work together, there is nothing that can hold us back. I pray that all of you have a healthy and prosperous new year. In His Service Ted Poplos

5 Annunciation Prayer List Pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16). Prayer is an important resource for those who are in need. Please contact Father Simon or the Church Office to add/remove someone from the list. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Archbishop Demetrios of America Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit Father Simon & Presvytera Stephanie and children Father Nicholas & family Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Nick, Helen, Alec, Maria, Zoe, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Kosta, George, Alex, Nicholas, Vicki, Marcy, Georgia, Jimmy, Sophie, Millicent, Niki, The Bagatelas Family, The Hatzigeorgiou Family Volunteers for January Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty John Donnelly Nick Douglas John Eramo Luke Farris Max Graves Vasili Guigley Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Eli Morris Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Epistle Readers: January 6: Sophia Douglas January 13: Kathy Zambelis January 20: Scott McKee January 27: Andrew Douglas Prosphoro Maker: Enosis Touliatos Ushers: January 6 Team 1: Madeleine Donnelly Bill Joyner January 13 Team 2: Naji Nassif Diane Kavelaras Demie Bitinis January 20 Team 3: John Kay January 27 Team 4: Endy Carter Vasili Semos, Coffee Fellowship Hosts: January 6: Special Coffee Fellowship hosted by Elpis Philoptochos for Vasilopita Sunday January 13: Daughters of Penelope January 20: OPEN January 27: Bagatelas Family for 40 Day Memorial for Cyndi Bagatelas

6 Saint Anthony the Great January 17th Saint Anthony the Great is known as the father of monasticism, and the long ascetical sermon in The Life of St Anthony by St Athanasius could be called the first monastic Rule. He was born in Egypt in the village of Coma, near the desert of the Thebaid, in the year 251. His parents were pious Christians of illustrious lineage. Anthony was a serious child and was respectful and obedient to his parents. He loved to attend church services, and he listened to the Holy Scripture so attentively, that he remembered what he heard all his life. When St Anthony was about twenty years old, he lost his parents, but he was responsible for the care of his younger sister. Going to church about six months later, he heard the Gospel passage where Christ speaks to the rich young man: If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me (Mt.19:21). Anthony felt that these words applied to him. Therefore, he sold the property that he received after the death of his parents, distributed the money to the poor, and left his sister in the care of pious virgins in a convent. Leaving his parental home, St Anthony began his ascetical life in a hut not far from his village. By working with his hands, he was able to earn his livelihood and also alms for the poor. Sometimes, the holy youth also visited other ascetics living in the area, and from each he sought direction and benefit. For even greater solitude, St Anthony moved farther away from the village, into a graveyard. He asked a friend to bring him a little bread on designated days, he then closed himself in a tomb. The devils pounced upon the saint intending to kill him, and inflicted terrible wounds upon him. By the providence of the Lord, Anthony's friend arrived the next day to bring him his food. Seeing him lying on the ground as if dead, he took him back to the village. They thought the saint was dead and prepared for his burial. At midnight, St Anthony regained consciousness and told his friend to carry him back to the tombs. St Anthony's staunchness was greater than the wiles of the Enemy. Taking the form of ferocious beasts, the devils tried to force the saint to leave that place, but he defeated them by trusting in the Lord. Looking up, the saint saw the roof opening, as it were, and a ray of light coming down toward him. The demons disappeared and he cried out, "Where have You been, O Merciful Jesus? Why didn't You appear from the very beginning to end my pain?" The Lord replied, "I was here, Anthony, but wanted to see your struggle. Now, since you have not yielded, I shall always help you and make your name known throughout all the world." After this vision St Anthony was healed of his wounds and felt stronger than before. He was then thirty-five years of age. Having gained spiritual experience in his struggle with the devil, St Anthony considered going into the Thebaid desert to serve the Lord. He went into the desert alone. He found an abandoned fort on the other side of the river and settled there, barricading the entrance with stones. His faithful friend brought him bread twice a year, and there was water inside the fort. St Anthony spent twenty years in complete isolation and constant struggle with the demons, and he finally achieved perfect calm. The saint's friends removed the stones from the entrance, and they went to St Anthony and besought him to take them under his guidance. Soon St Anthony's cell was surrounded by several monasteries, and the saint acted as a father and guide to their inhabitants, giving spiritual instruction to all who came into the desert seeking salvation. In the year 311 there was a fierce persecution against Christians, in the reign of the emperor Maximian. Wishing to suffer with the holy martyrs, St Anthony left the desert and went to Alexandria. He openly ministered to those in prison, he was present at the trial and interrogations of the confessors, and accompanying the martyrs to the place of execution. It pleased the Lord to preserve him, however, for the benefit of Christians. At the close of the persecution, the saint returned to the desert and continued his exploits. The great crowds of people coming to him disrupted his solitude, and he went off still farther, into the inner desert where he settled atop a high elevation. But the brethren of the monasteries sought him out and asked him to visit their communities. People from all walks of life loved the saint and sought his advice. St Anthony died peacefully in the year 356, at age 105, and he was buried in the desert by his disciples.

7 Liturgical Calendar for November Friday, January 4th, Synaxis of the 70 Apostles Royal Hours 9:00 am Saturday, January 5th, Eve of Epiphany Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Blessing of the Waters of the Mississippi 12:00 Noon Thursday, January 17th, Feast of Saint Anthony the Great Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, January 20th, Twelfth Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, January 6th, HOLY EPIPHANY Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, January 7th, Feast of Saint John the Baptist Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, January 13th, Sunday After Epiphany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Thursday, January 24th Orthros 6:00 pm Divine Liturgy for Feast of Saint Gregory the Theologian 7:00 pm Sunday, January 27th, Fifteenth Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Wednesday, January 30th, Feast of the Three Hierarchs Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am December Notices Baptisms: Allison Leigh Vinograd, (Alexandra), December 29, 2018, sponsor Despina Karas Evangelia Grace Vinograd, (Evangelia), December 29, 2018, sponsor Despina Karas Deaths: Cyndi Bagatelas, December 15th, wife of Todd Bagatelas, and mother of Olivia (Jimmy) Beard, and Elena Bagatelas Sarantos Hatzigeorgiou, December 27th, husband of Catherine Hatzigeourgios, father of Sophia & Diana, and brother to Chris Hatizigeorgiou. Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of): Cyndi Bagatelas by: Manuel & Susanna Peters, Nat & Stephanie Hooker, Mimi & Mary Katherine Taras, Michael & Kathy Zambelis, Alexandra Severson & Toni Montgomery, Evangeline Paris, Sarkis & Jenny Kish, Tina Liollio Sarantos Hatzigeourgiou by: Anna Paris, Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis, Demie Bitinis

8 Visitation Committee January: February: March: April: May: June: July: August: 1-15: Need Volunteers 16-31: Jan Futris, Nancy Tashie, & Tina Liollio 1-15: Susanna Peters & Cathe Skefos 16-28: Vicki Hoover & Evangelina Panas 1-15: Elaine Daniels & Maria Wasserman 16-31: Diane Kavelaras & Maria Moore 1-15: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras 16-30: Kristine Wagner & Sophie Theodore 1-15: Need Volunteers 16-31:Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham, & Georgia Karris 1-15: Need Volunteers 16-30: Despina Karas & Angela Tobias 1-15: Need Volunteers: 16-31: Diane Kavelaras & Maria Moore 1-15: Need Volunteers 16-31: Debi Bookas, Linda Nichols, & Anne Schmitt September: 1-15: Susanna Peters & Cathe Skefos 16-30: Need Volunteers October: 1-15: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras 16-31: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner November: 1-15: Need Volunteers 16-30: Need Volunteers December: 1-15: Athena Jamison, Phani Mitchell, & Anastasia Terranova 16-31: Need Volunteers The following members of our parish family have requested visitation. For address and/or contact information please check your parish directory or contact the Church Office. Alec Collis Niki Gikas Maria Hetos Kosta Taras Georgia Smith Jimmy Smith Stella Nichols Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the Visitation Committee, a ministry of the Elpis Philoptochos.

9 Book Review by Billy Benson On Earth We re Just Learning How to Live By Archpriest Valentin Biryukow Published by St Herman of Alaska Brotherhood One of the greatest ways to understand our faith is by example. We learn how to live by seeing how others live. This is why so often we as Christians struggle in our faith is because we haven t truly learned what faith is comprised of. The greater influences of media often leave a greater impact on our lives than that of the examples found in Orthodoxy. Fortunately at this time, we also happen to be living in one of the greatest times of Orthodoxy with the access of biographies and autobiographies to guide us. Theological books can teach us the basis and roots of our faith, but the personal accounts of the faithful give us both the hope and examples to guide us in praxis. This book is somewhat an autobiography but it is much more than that. The author has also given us examples of the personal experiences of others in living the faith under difficult circumstances and times of great persecution. Throughout the book we see the difficulties and struggles the people of Russia endured for the faith, from the uprooting and forced removal from their homes to the wilderness, and the constant threat of incarceration for things as simple as wearing a cross around their neck. The examples of God s faithfulness to His people are beautiful. We are not promised an easy road to travel by living our faith, but we are promised that God is faithful and we will be strengthened through struggle. I found the book to be both easy and a joy to read, much like the story of Father Arseny. It kept me engaged enough to not want to put it down. The accounts are beautifully written and inspiring. We see both the terrible hardship and difficulties under the communist yoke, while seeing a deep faith being lived out no matter the difficulties. God is faithful to His people, His word is everlasting, His strength is our strength, His promises are eternal. It also shows that we who live here in the USA don t fully understand what struggling is. This book will help in developing the love and devotion we need to have to endure the persecution when it comes. As the world grows more brazen in its blasphemy to God and His people, we are called at the same time to grow and depend on HIM. I highly recommend this book to even the casual reader, it will bless and inspire. Archpriest Valentin Biryukow Priest and WWII Veteran

10 Parish Ministries PHILOPTOCHOS, ELPIS CHAPTER #7041 As we roll into 2019 and our neighbors and the shopping centers take down the Christmas decorations, we are reminded that the Twelve Days of Christmas goes right into the new year! We traditionally keep celebrating until Epiphany, the celebration of Christ s baptism, on January 6th. In the spirit of this celebration, we have extended our Christmas charity drive to support St. Basil Academy. We will conclude our collection on Vasilopita Sunday. The Saint Basil Academy is a national not-for-profit philanthropic center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which provides love, shelter, food, edutation, protection and a home for her orphans, children of chronically ill or destitute parents or children from broken homes. The Saint Basil Academy ministers to the whole child: mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to facilitate shelter, protection, love, and education in youth as they grow up to be healthy, wholesome, wellrounded Orthodox Christians, as well as productive members of society with vision and hope. As we remember St. Basil and his generosity, as we remember to give thanks for the blessings in our lives, as we celebrate the season of Christ s birth, please give to those who are less fortunate. January 20th General Meeting & More Than a Meal We will have our first General Meeting of Please meet in the Parish Library following the Divine Liturgy as we discuss our budget, recap 2018 and hear about what s new for 2019! We will later meet at Grace-St. Luke s to serve. January 27th Open House When: 4:00 pm 6:00 pm Where: Home of Stephanie Poplos 195 S Belvedere Blvd. Memphis Please join us for cocktails, coffee, snacks and fellowship! Thank you! Thanks to our volunteers in December. To Connie Apalodimas and Jan Futris who organized the Pet Blessing! We raised $60 for Sunny Meadows, the largest no-kill animal rescue in the Mid-South To Cyndi Detty who graciously opened her home to the Board for our December meeting. To Cyndy Detty and Stephanie Poplos who continue to organize our Christmas Eve reception and offer hospitality to our parish members and those visiting.

11 Thank you to our many members and supporters I am so thankful for the creative ways we have continued to serve this year. At the National Convention, we reflected on the Scripture All Things are Possible to the One Who Believes in Christ, Mark 9:23 We set high goals for 2018 and continue to excel in service. Some highlights include: A new event to raise awareness about and contribute money to prevent human trafficking in the Mid-South A necessities drive to help female students at Central High School Continued commitment to our National, Metropolis, and local programs Increased membership Several coffee hours in which we offer hospitality to the entire parish community Ongoing service with our monthly commitment to the More Than A Meal program Ad hoc donations to the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) to aid in wildfire recovery in Greece and hurricane recovery in Florida Several donations to help parishioners through our social services program Successful fundraising luncheons which highlight our Orthodox heritage and also continue to allow us to serve as the philanthropic arm of the archdiocese; to fulfill our mission to help the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the ages, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisioned, the widowed, those with disabilities and the victims of disasters. We are proud to represent some of the 26,000 members and be one of the more than 400 active chapters nationwide. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America called Philoptochos, an army of nobility and the jewel of our Church. Philoptochos must continue to do what God does by loving people. Please see our full 2018 report included in this mailing.

12 Elpis Philoptochos A Year in Review: 2018 Friends, During 2018 our chapter committed to brighten the lives of women and children in our Memphis community and nationwide. We partnered with many local organizations and found several opportunities to serve. We hope our efforts will continue through the following year and pray we can make a true difference in people s lives. In His Service, Elizabeth Hawkins, President Elpis Philoptochos by the Numbers: 83 Members $8,081 donated to local, national and international charities Philoptochos The Power of Women Making a Positive Change In Our Community. $6,704 donated to members of Annunciation 1200 meals served through More than a Meal and luncheon excess $4,000 donated in scholarships to Annunciation graduates 368 cans of food donated to the Memphis Food Bank 4 Annunciation families received meals as they recovered from surgery or illness

13 Service throughout the year: Sarah Ministry: cards, meals, visitations, prayers to ill Annunciation members More than a Meal: cooking and serving meals to the hungry Elpis Book Store: provides a resource of Orthodox related items for Annunciation members Social Service Fund: assists the community with financial help January Vasilopita Sunday February Girls Night Out Go Red Sunday Sunday of Orthodoxy Reception March Collection for food pantry Lenten Lecture Dinner April Palm Sunday Luncheon Holy Friday Candle Sale May Annunciation Festival Graduation Sunday reception Royal Tea; Metropolis Fundraiser July Clergy Laity Convention IOCC Day August Human trafficking event September Membership Luncheon Auxiliary Fair New this year: Human Trafficking Awareness event Necessities Drive for Central High School Christmas drive for St. Basil Academy October St. Gerasamos & Demetrios Luncheon Necessities drive for Central High School November Coffee Hour honoring Medical professionals Thanksgiving Luncheon Collection for the Food Bank December Community Christmas Card Pet Blessing

14 E L P I S P H I LO P TO C H O S 2018 Donations National Commitments The National Philoptochos Society requests all chapters participate in these donations. Vasilopita for St Basil Academy - $542 Cancer & Major Illness Fund - $250 Autism Assistance Fund- $250 Saint Photios Shrine - $50 Orthodox Christian Mission Center - $300 Support a Mission Priest - $200 Hellenic College Holy Cross - $100 Sisterhood of Saint Basil Academy - $25 International Orthodox Christian Charities - $100 75th Anniversary Founders Fund - $100 Orthodox Christian Fellowship - $100 Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund - $100 Retired Clergy and Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund - $100 National Emergency Fund - $25 Ecumenical Patriarchate - $376 National Sisterhood of Presvyteres - $25 United Nations International Children's Fund - $25 General Medical Fund - $100 Metropolis Commitments The Metropolis Philoptochos Society requests all chapters participate in these donations. Metropolis Partners in Philanthropy Fund - $250 Metropolis Scholarship Fund - $100 Metropolis Summer Camp Programs - $350 Metropolis Emergency Relief Fund - $100 St. Spyridon Fund - Local (Memphis) Donations Mid-South Food Bank - several boxes of non-perishable food More than a Meal, Meals for the Homeless 1,200 meals served St. Jude Children s Research Hospital- $250 MIFA- $200 Forrest Spence Fund- $200 Other Donations/Service Hospitality to His Eminence Metropolitan visit during his pastoral visit Necessities Drive for students of Central High School

15 E L P I S P H I LO P TO C H O S 2018 Service Committees Altar Committee Laura Couloubaritsis, Chairman Committee Members: Pauline Koplin, Kristine Wagner, Amira Wassef, Luane Semos, Vicki Hoover The altar committee works to maintain the needs of the altar of our church, from cleaning to replacing linens and other items as needed. They assess the needs of the altar and work with Father Simon to recommend when items need to be replaced or repaired. Elpis maintains money within its budget for the needs of the altar and can assist the Altar Committee in soliciting donations if more money is needed than is available. Bookstore Angela Tobias & Connie Apalodimas, Managers This committee runs the bookstore, looking after ordering, maintaining stock and working with Father Simon to ensure that certain books are available to our parishioners. The bookstore is a function of Elpis, both for moneymaking purposes and as a service to the community. It was created in order to enable Elpis to fund their annual scholarship fund. Charitable Giving Elizabeth Hawkins, Chairman The Charitable Giving committee assesses the solicitations for money that Elpis receives in the mail, as well as seeks out new charities that could benefit from assistance from Elpis. Based on criteria that they have formulated (using the advice that has been communicated to us from Father Simon and Metropolitan Nicholas), this committee makes suggestions to Elpis about charities that we should consider when we have money to donate to a worthy cause. This committee also selects a charity to designate as our Christmas Charity. Donations for this cause are collected at our annual Christmas party. Cookbook Elaine Otto, Chairman Committee Members: Angela Tobias, Georgia Karris, Emily Love, Helen Erskine The cookbook committee keeps up with the inventory and the sales of our Elpis cookbook, It s Greek to Me. Proceeds from this cookbook go to Elpis. Therefore, this committee is also responsible for seeking out new opportunities for us to sell the cookbook to the general public. Docent Committee Renee Graves, Chairman Committee Members: Melissa Berretta, Joanne Gikas, This committee works with Father Simon to co-ordinate the Sanctuary Tours during the Greek Festival and ensures that the sanctuary is clean and manned with individuals who can answer questions from visitors in between tours. In addition, it hosts a free informational pasta dinner for visitors who want to learn more about Orthodoxy (usually on the second Tuesday after the Festival). Hospitality Committee Cyndi Detty, Chairman The hospitality committee has the important task of ensuring that events hosted by Elpis are properly set up and sufficient food is provided. This helps fulfill Elpis mission as the hostess of the parish. In the past, this committee organized the coffee hour for Graduation Sunday, a coffee hour on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, and the Christmas Eve Reception at the church, amongst others.

16 E L P I S P H I LO P TO C H O S Bereavement Marianthe Pilcher, Chairman Committee Members: Despina Karas The bereavement committee is on call to help guide a family through the process of organizing a makaria meal following the funeral of a departed loved one. We currently provide fish and a potluck of side dishes and desserts. The committee is responsible for setting up the lunch as well as serving. Membership Stephanie Poplos, Chairman The membership committee works to come up with ideas for increasing the membership in our chapter; from ensuring that dues reminders are sent out, to assisting with membership parties and events throughout the year. More than a Meal Cyndi Detty, Chairman By partnering with Grace St. Luke s Evangelical Church, this committee serves, and sometimes cooks, meals for the hungry in the midtown area. They also create blessing bags containing clothes, food, water and other items to provide to the guests. Poor and Homeless/Food Pantry Anna Paris, Chairman This committee ensures that donation day is set and advertised for the local food pantry and that the food is transported to Highland Heights Methodist Church food bank after it is collected. Highland Heights (on Highland and Summer) is the MIFA-sanctioned neighborhood food pantry that Elpis supports. This committee also delivers leftover food from luncheons to local soup kitchens to feed those in need. Publicity Elizabeth Hawkins, Chairman Committee: Cyndi Detty and Anne Schmitt The publicity committee works to publicize upcoming events and promote our activities. Members of this group send the monthly newsletter, hang flyers and take photographs of events. They are also responsible for our organization s online presence. Scholarship Angela Buchanan, Chairman Committee: Joanne Gikas The scholarship committee collects the applications for the annual Elpis scholarship, blinds the applications in some way (redacting the name from the application), and evaluates the anonymous applications using a specific weighted rubric in order to determine the scholarship winner. Social Services Elizabeth Hawkins Chairman Using monies from the proceeds of the Christmas Card as well as other fundraisers, this committee works with Father Simon who receives requests from members of the parish who are in need of financial assistance during times of crisis Cookbook Elaine Otto, Chairman Committee Members: Angela Tobias, Georgia Karris, Emily Love, Alexia Loughman, Helen Erskine The cookbook committee keeps up with the inventory and the sales of our Elpis cookbook, It s Greek to Me. Proceeds from this cookbook go to Elpis, so it is in our interest to continue to market the cookbook as

17 E L P I S P H I LO P TO C H O S much as possible. Therefore, this committee is also responsible for seeking out new opportunities for us to sell the cookbook to the general public. St Sarah Ministry Stephanie Poplos, Chairman In order to create a cohesive process, the St. Sarah Ministry allows members of the service organizations to communicate with each other to best serve those in our community who are sick, lonely or troubled. Prayer Circle Luane Semos, Chairman The prayer circle works with Father Simon to establish a calendar for a monthly Paraklesis Service to be prayed on behalf of those who submit their names for prayer. The committee also prays for those on the prayer list. Visitation Committee Kristine Wagner, Chairman The visitation committee ensures that those parishioners who are ill, infirm, bed-ridden or hospitalized receive regular visits from members of the community, thus brightening their day and letting them know that we still remember and love them. The chairperson works with Father Simon to establish the list of those to visit to add someone to the visitation list, please contact Fr. Simon. Take them the Meal Committee Cyndi Detty, Chairman We are looking for several members to kick-off a program within our church community that delivers meals to the home-bound, sick, troubled or lonely. Meals may be delivered monthly or occasionally depending upon the availability of the committee members. Youth Mentoring Committee Stephanie Poplos, Chairman The Youth Mentoring committee creates events in which Elpis can meet and work with our youth (especially the young women of the parish), by giving them an opportunity to learn how to provide service to the parish as a whole. We also look for ways pass on the traditions of parish life as well as being present in the youth s lives Event Committees Auxiliary Fair Elizabeth Hawkins, Chairman Blessing of the Pets Connie Apalodimas & Jan Futris, Chairman Christmas Card Sophie Theodore & Joy Touliatos, Chairman Christmas Party Phani Mitchell & Elizabeth Hawkins, Chairman Dormition Reception Angela Buchannan, Chairman Epitaphio Candles Joanne Gikas and Joy Touliatos, Chairman Flu Shot Project Stephanie Poplos, Chairman Membership Luncheon Sophie Theodore, Chairman Palm Sunday Luncheon Dennis Patrikios and Elizabeth Hawkins Chairman Saint Gerasimos and Saint Demetrios Luncheon Sophie Sousoulas and Zoe Anaston, Chairman Sunday of Orthodoxy Elizabeth Hawkins, Chairman Thanksgiving Luncheon Gabriel and Enosis Touliatos, Chairman

18 ELPIS PHILOPTOCHOS Photo Gallery

19 E L P I S P H I LO P TO C H O S Elpis Chapter Executive Board The Elpis Philoptochos Executive Board consists of 17 women who dedicate their time and talents to our organization. The Board meets regularly and coordinates and plans the activities of the group. It is our pleasure to represent and continue the traditions of the women who serve our parish Philoptochos Board (through May 2019) Elizabeth Hawkins, President elizabeth.r.hawkins@gmail.com Marianthe Pilcher, Vice President marianthe.pilcher@yahoo.com Anne Schmitt, Treasurer anne.m.n.schmitt@gmail.com Joanne Gikas, Secretary jgikas@gmail.com Father Simon Thomas, Spiritual Advisor Connie Apalodimas Melissa Berretta Angela Buchanan Laura Coularabaritsis Cyndi Detty, Advisor Jan Futris Georgia Karris Emily Capadalis Love Stephanie Poplos Sophie Theodore Angela Tobias Joy Touliatos Kristine Wagner

20 E L P I S P H I L O P T O C H O S C H R I S T M A S C O L L E C T I O N B E N E F I T T I N G St. Basil Academy W E W I L L C O L L E C T M O N E T A R Y D O N A T I O N S A N D G I F T C A R D S ( S T A P L E S, S E A R S, L O W E S, W A L M A R T, T A R G E T, & H O M E D E P O T ) T O S U P P O R T S T. B A S I L A C A D E M Y, A M I N I S T R Y O F O U R A R C H D I O C E S E. D O N A T I O N S A C C E P T E D T H R O U G H O U T D E C E M B E R A N D O N V A S I L O P I T A S U N D A Y, J A N U A R Y 6, The Saint Basil Academy is a national not-for-profit philanthropic center of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which provides love, shelter, food, education, protection and a home for her orphans, children of chronically ill or destitute parents or children from broken homes.

21 PHILOPTOCHOS OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 TH PM 6PM PLEASE JOIN US FOR COCKTAIL, COFFEE, LIGHT SNACKS, AND FELLOWSHIP! At the home of Dr. Stephanie Poplos 195 S Belvedere Blvd, Memphis RSVP: call or text (901) PLEASE BRING A GUEST!

22 PET BLESSING PARISH CHRISTMAS EVE RECEPTION HOSTED BY ELPIS ELPIS/DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

23 "Young at Heart" January Luncheon Jan. 17th at 11:30am in Cotros Hall Join us for a fun time with yummy Soup and Sandwich followed by BINGO and Prizes! If you haven t joined us before please come join us for great FUN, FOOD and PICS FROM OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FELLOWSHIP! This strong church ministry needs and wants YOU! SO if you are in your 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s + - come take a little time out once a month and join us. WE D LOVE TO SEE YOU! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019! I I

24 YOUTH MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the students, and teachers! The Sunday School classes presented a wonderful program of the Nativity. Classes will resume on Jan. 6th. Congratulations to the following students with perfect/excellent attendance for first semester! Austin Detty, Jackson Detty, Nick Douglas, Katherine Hoover, Zoe Johnson, Vasili Johnson,Abi Moynihan, Gracie Moynihan, Kaleigh Moynihan,Diana Popa, Demetri Thomas, Elpinike Thomas and David Wassef. Teachers Pre-K /KK Anna Paris, Naji Nassif 1st/2nd Kristine Wagner, Christina George 3rd/4th Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley 5th/6th Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman 7th/8th Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos 9th-12th Ted Poplos, Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta Note from Father Simon: It is important that the children and their teachers receive Holy Communion first, so they may have as much time as possible to learn about our precious Faith. Parents, since we are now saying the Prayers Before Holy Communion together, please wait until these prayers have been completed before taking your children to the Narthex to line them up for Holy Communion. Once our youth have received, the ushers will dismiss the faithful row by row. Thank you for your assistance! HOPE/JOY Welcome to all the HOPE/OY families at Annunciation! HOPE & JOY are the children s ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. HOPE is the ministry for the Kindergarten through 2nd grade children, & JOY, the Junior Orthodox Youth, is the ministry for the 3rd through 6th grade children. Since HOPE & JOY are ministries, the programs reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life. JOY 2019 Calendar: January TBD- Need Host Family and Activity Suggestion? February TBD- Making Valentines, Anne Schmitt host March TBD- Painting Rocks for St. Jude - Service Activity, Madeleine Donnelly host April 20th- Saturday of Lazarus (Divine Liturgy, breakfast, folding palm crosses, church cleaning) April 26th- Youth Retreat following Royal Hours (get a letter for excused absence of Religious Holiday from Fr. Simon) May TBD- Need Host for End of the Year Party! Questions, or want to sign up to coordinate/host an activity in one of the months available above, please contact Presvytera Stephanie Thomas. Her is s_c_thomas@yahoo.com and her cell is

25 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SUNDAY SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE

26 What s happening in GOYA? GOYA is open to all youth in grades 6 th through 12 th. We focus on fellowship, service, and how to bring our Orthodox teachings into our daily life. All are welcome! Upcoming Activities Saturday, February 9 Grizzlies Game, 7pm Join us for our annual Grizzlies game at the FedEx Forum. We will enjoy a night of basketball, entertainment and fellowship. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Please see Andrew and Tina Douglas for details. December Recap We celebrated the Christmas season by caroling to local shut-ins and participating in the community Christmas program. If you are not on our list please let us know! Adoug867@yahoo.com.

27 An Amazing Opportunity to Explore your Greek Heritage Heritage Greece Program June 7 24, 2018 The Heritage Greece Program is an unforgettable journey to Greece that connects American college students of Hellenic heritage with their Hellenic roots through a cultural immersion experience. The Program, developed by the National Hellenic Society (NHS) and hosted by The American College of Greece (ACG), is a gift from the NHS to the selected candidates. The Heritage Greece Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for participants to explore their Hellenic heritage, culture, and identity with a peer group of students from the United States and Greece. Participants acquire Greek language skills within the context of modern Greece, and travel to important archaeological and historic locations. Visits to spectacular and interesting locales, along with exciting activities, facilitate strong connections with the students Hellenic roots. Each student earns a transferrable college credit. The Heritage Greece Program experience continues beyond the trip to Greece. The program s alumni discover new opportunities to develop professionally as part of the National Hellenic Society network and through NHS programs. Experience Hellenic heritage, tradition, and culture first-hand Tailored and transferrable one-credit language and culture course Exciting and fun-filled trips with experiential learning in the field Modern and spacious housing at ACG s state-of-art student residences Tuition, meals, and transportation are covered while in Greece Classroom materials are covered To be eligible, applicants must: Be years of age Be currently enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students Be Americans of Greek descent* Preferably have never, or seldom, been to Greece in the past Have a GPA of 3.0 or above * Greek descent is defined as having one or more parents, grandparents, or great grandparents born in Greece. Please note that siblings or first cousins of past and/ or current participants, who meet the program s eligibility criteria, may participate in Heritage Greece 2018 on the condition that they reimburse NHS for all expenses related to their participation. Apply Online by March 15, 2018 Information: heritagegreece@acg.edu Call: ext National Hellenic Society

28 YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE Since 2013, we have been on the forefront of creating and shaping Christ-centered, Kingdomoriented ministry that's been helping generations of Orthodox Christians around the world. Our Mission Y 2 AM helps introduce youth and young adults to Christ. Y 2 AM inspires them to live out their relationship with the Lord and His Church on a daily basis. We are a ministry team of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Take some time and listen to our Pop Culture Coffee Hour Podcasts at Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez talk about pop culture, theology, and whatever else is on their minds. They might even make you laugh. Maybe. Pop Culture Coffee Hour is a joint production of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Ancient Faith Radio. Other Y 2 AM great resources: The YouTube Channel series: The Trench The Ladder: a Blog Please follow us on our Facebook page to find out what we ve been up to and what s coming next! O C P! T A M C P D 15.

29 PARISH NEWS & EVENTS BLESSING OF THE WATERS Feast of the Epiphany Weekend services: Friday, January 4th: Royal Hours 9:00 am, Saturday, January 5th: Orthros 9:00 am, Divine Liturgy 10:00 am, Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am, at Annunciation, followed by the Blessing of the Mississippi River 12:30 pm at the boat launch of the Greenbelt Park at Harbortown. Barbeque lunch & fellowship will be held at St. John Orthodox Church afterwards. CHOIR COME JOIN US! We welcome ALL to choir rehearsals! No auditions required - only your spirit and willingness to sing! Also, There is no obligation to sing in the loft; your voice can be useful in the congregation. Therefore, If you want to simply learn how to improve your knowledge and vocal skill about our hymn setting, we would be happy to have you at rehearsals! If you have been thinking about joining the choir, rehearsals are a great way to become familiar with our music and how your voice works with others. Reading music notation or Greek language is not required. Again, this is open to all! Let us Sing in praise and worship together! REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD ON THE FOLLOWING THURSDAYS AT 6:30 PM: JANUARY 10 & 31, AND FEBRUARY 7 & 28. BYZANTINE CHANT CLASS: No Experience Necessary! We will begin learning the Lenten Hymns. Please bring your friends! Classes will be held in the Library. See William Kallas for any questions. Wednesday, January 9th 5:30 pm 6:30 pm Sunday, January 13th 12:30 pm 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 16th 5:30 pm 6:30 pm Wednesday, January 23rd 5:30 pm 6:30 pm Thursday, January 24th 5:00 pm 6:00 pm Wednesday, January 30th 5:30 pm 6:30 pm ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ORATORICAL FESTIVAL WORKSHOP SCHEDULE All participants of the 2019 St. John Chrysostom Festival are encouraged to attend two workshops, to be held after Sunday School classes in the Parish Library. Contact William Kallas for more details! Sunday, January 20th Sunday January 27th Sunday, February 3rd Sunday, February 10th Sunday, February 17th Sunday, March 3rd HOUSE BLESSINGS Houses Blessings: Please sign up for your House Blessings now. The last day for House Blessings will be Friday, March 8th. You an find the House Blessing form at on our Facebook page, in the January and February 2019 Epistles, in the Narthex or have one ed to you.

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31 BLESSING OF HOMES FOR THEOPHANY 2019 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE: WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? (If possible, please try to schedule times during the day) (Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)

32 COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AHEPA/MEN S GROUP Welcome to AHEPA! AHEPA Mission statement: To promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, integrity, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE The Daughters want to thank everyone who supported our annual Christmas Bake Sale this year! Because of your loving support, it was another successful event and we were able to raise half the amount for our local scholarship which will be given out in May! Our Chapter would like to thank our Sisters Linda Nichols and Elaine Otto for their continued support and by organizing the workshops for our Bake Sale. Our Christmas Luncheon with Elpis was such a beautiful event at Ridgeway Country Club. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food, lovely setting as well as the fun fellowship and ornament exchange. Such a wonderful event our two organizations share together each year. In January will look forward to our monthly meeting to kick off Details will be forthcoming. In February we will be hosting the Apokreas Talent Show with the AHEPA - so it's not too early to get your Talent Act together on what you want to perform! Our sisterhood is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own, our precious Cyndi Bagatelas. Cyndi had been a Daughter for many years in our Memphis Chapter. She brought light and excitement to a room as soon as she entered it and we shall always feel her light shining down on all of us! May her memory be eternal!

33 HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!!!

34 Stewardship Report Our Archdiocesan Regulations and Parish By-Laws define Stewards as those who participate regularly in the life of the Parish, as well as contributing towards the financial well-being of the Parish by offering stewardship and/or filling out a Stewardship Card. Below is a list of all Stewards of the Annunciation. Those denoted with an (*) have submitted their Stewardship card to the Stewardship Committee. If you have not submitted a Stewardship Card, please contact the Stewardship Committee or the Church Office List of Stewards *Frank & Penelope Bennett *Billy & Carri Benson *Demetra Bitinis *Deborah & John Bookas *Endy Carter *Mary P. Chagaris *Elaine Daniels *Helen Demas *Evangelia Gallagher *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins *Ken & Vicki Hoover *Athena Jameson *Georgia Karris *John & Nancy Kay *Maureen Kay *Jim Kennedy *Sarkis & Jenny Kish *Tom & Emily Capadalis Love *Aklilu Maasho & Nigisti Amdetsion *Scott McKee *James & Susan Meng *Gus Michalas * Ed & Kathy Morrison *Mike & Maria Moore *Evangelia Panas *Evangeline Paris *Manual & Mary Beth Peters *Derek & Marianthe Pilcher *Vasile & Maria Popa *Theodore & Stephanie Poplos *Vasili & Luane Semos *Harry & Catherine Skefos *Charles & Emily Smith *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Chrissie Tashie *Anastasia Terranova *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Alex P. Vergos *Magdi & Amira Wassef *Vasiliki Whitten As of December 30, Stewardship Cards: 89 Stewards: Amount Pledged: $241, Amount Received to date: $ Amount Received in December: $33, *Matthew & Michelle Wilson *Nina Zachary As of December 31, 2017: 2017 Stewardship Cards: 97 Stewards: 210 Amount Pledged: $192, Amount Received to Date: $311, Amount Received in November: $21,491.00