OBSERVER. As we lay to rest our Father

Transcription

1 T H E A N N U N C I A T I O N OBSERVER F E B R U A R Y V O L. 2 9 I S S U E 3 May His Memory Be Eternal! Fr. Demetius T. Dogias Departs this Life A!er 50 years of Service As You ordained a minister of Your Church on earth, Lord, so make him one at Your celestial altar. As You endowed him with spiritual dignity among men, so likewise accept him blameless in the glory of Your angels. You ennobled his life on earth; now make his exit from this life an entrance among Your Saints, and number his soul with those who ha ve pleased You throughout the ages. -Hierarchal Prayer for a Departed Priest Funeral Oration for Father Demetrius Dogias given by Father James Retelas on February 8, the Feast St. Theodore the Commander Today s gospel according to St. Matthew ends with, But he who endures to the end will be saved." As we lay to rest our Father and brother Priest, the Protopresbyter Demetrius, allow me to offer a perspective on life s ebb and flow, and in particular, three dynamics: triumph, trial and tragedy: We certainly express triumph liturgically: Ιερεις του Υψίστου, προσέλθετε. Priests of the Most High, draw near. This is the admonition by the Deacon to the con-celebrating Priests......continued on p. 4 A EULOGY WRITTEN BY FR. JOHN P. ANGELIS, FORMER PASTOR AT ANNUNCIATION I met Fr. Demetrius at the theological from the colder parts of the country and school when we enrolled as students in 1957 were already used to deprivations and cold together with Fr. S. Avramides and Jim C. weather. who would later become a bishop. We were roommates in the Siberia Room. As young students we did not pay attention to the cold. Our desire was to learn and delve into theology. We had come Our theological seminar y was like a monastery then. We all woke up at a certain hour and went to services. We ate together the same food, quite like a large family. And we...! continued on next page! PAGE 1

2 GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION 3022 F Street Sacramento, CA Published Monthly Except for July CLERGY Presiding Priest, Father James Retelas frjames@annunciationsac.org Associate Priest, Fr. Timothy Robinson frtimothy@annunciationsac.org PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT George Dariotis georgedariotis@gmail.com PARISH MINISTRY Annunciation Senior League Bessie Papailias, President ska2lee@surewest.net Bookstore Lou Demas, Manager (916) Chanter Dusan Radosavljevic dushan@annunciationsac.org Greek Education Dimitra Dogias mimidogias@yahoo.com Music and Worship Bill Bobolis, Choir Director boboliswilliam@comcast.net Philoptochos Society Elaine Wright, President joelainewright@hotmail.com Sunday School Patrick Fuss, Principal youtheducation@annunciationsac.org STAFF Parish Administrator Effie Theodor etheodor@annunciationsac.org Admin. Asst./Finances/Communications Maria Mavroforakis mmavroforakis@annunciationsac.org OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fr. John P. Angelis, Continued......went to bed for rest at night at the same hour. The seminary courses were taught then in modern Greek. Those who had come from Greece had an advantage then. But the Greek-American students learned the language quickly. The A s thus superseded the G s as bilingual students now. The blessed Fr. Demetrius was tall, well fed and imposing. He did not like sports and physical exertion as a student. He loved to study by himself a great deal in quietude; and to participate in discussions; he knew a great deal. He was gifted musically, with a strong melodic voice. When he sang, his strong voice verberated. He did not need a microphone to be heard. All heard him perfectly well when he was chanting. Fr. Demetrius was married before he graduated. And he was ordained a Priest in March He served Parishes mainly in the East coast first. He concluded his sacerdotal ministry in Sacramento. He came to Sacramento as permanent Priest in And he remained in Sacramento until his retirement. Two more Parishes were established during his tenure: St. Katherine in Elk Grove, and St. Anna in Roseville. Fr. Demetrius had a fruitful ministry at Annunciation. He performed with piety the Church s Holy Services. Presv. Ellie and their children helped his ministry; The large parish enjoyed his dedicated service. Fr. Demetrius participated in the Metrop. Assemblies. As the pastor of a large parish he helped the Metropolis. Assistant young priests were trained while serving with him. Now they are in parishes serving their faithful parishioners. Sacramento was well known in FDF, which will be held next week. It filled the dancing floor with its many dancing children. Sacramento always participated in it with its junior choir. The children of the Church sang in FDF so melodiously. Fr. Demetrius fell asleep to rest from his earthly labor. May God reward him for his many Godly deeds. May God send His comforting grace upon his family, His children, grandchildren, and all his grieving relatives. Prayerfully, Fr. John P. Angelis (2-6-13)! PAGE 2

3 From the Parish Council President One of the main functions of the parish council, along with the pastor, is to maintain the unity of the community. The pastor and parish council must work together harmoniously. They reflect the unity that exists between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Where this is not reflected, there is division, hatred, pride, and jealously. In the words of scripture, A house divided against itself cannot stand! It behooves us, therefore, to cooperate with each other as co-workers in our Holy Orthodox Church. Where there is a common vision, along with cooperation and respect for each other, parishes flourish and grow. That was a message given by a Bishop of the Antiochian Church and epitomizes the importance of working together as a church community and parish council. A prime example of this was the planning, preparation, setting up, and carrying out of Father Demetrius makaria. The spirit of cooperation, love, and respect displayed for each other during this time of sadness was a fitting tribute to his eternal memory. Thank you all for pulling together under difficult circumstances. This parish council will continue to promote unity, love, and respect in all situations with all people. Keeping Christ in the forefront of our thoughts will bring harmony. The vision I am referring to must be a long term one. It must be something that endures long into the future, far beyond ourselves. It must inspire those who succeed us, lasting after the next election, and the one after that. It must be the legacy we leave to our children and grandchildren, one that they will be proud of. This article is dedicated to Father Demetrius Dogias of blessed memory. His life touched our lives in significant ways and his legacy will abide in our hearts forever. May his memory be eternal. Oratorical Festival April 7, George Dariotis Parish Council President The Saint John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is an excellent opportunity for our Greek Orthodox youth to speak out about their beliefs. Through this event, the Church provides a supportive and nurturing environment for children and teenagers to develop public speaking skills and share their beautiful words about our faith. Last year's event was a success with 10 participants, and we hope to see even more this April! All 4th - 12th graders are encouraged to participate. For a list of topics, go to: or contact Koula Fotopoulos at: kgianulias@hotmail.com.! PAGE 3

4 Fr. James funeral Sermon, continued......at the Divine Liturgy to approach the Holy of Holies and to receive the sacrament of sacraments. And without a doubt, every Priest here remembers with awe the day we were ordained, when the ordaining hierarch placed in our hands the amno, the consecrated Host, saying: This is the lamb of God, safeguard it until the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He will demand it of you. For 50 years, the Protopresbyter Demetrius Dogias faithfully safeguarded the Lamb of God and triumphantly celebrated the Sacred mysteries of the Holy Orthodox Church, and I would be remiss if I did not emphasize his service to the Great Church of Christ of Constantinople. After all, he did matriculate and earn a masters degree from Fordham University with an emphasis on Byzantium. And so this Priest of the Most High, even today as we lay him to rest continues to celebrate with us the sacred mysteries. His Priesthood continues because it is subsumed, actually perfected in the Priesthood of the One and only High Priest Jesus Christ. And our understanding, our theology of the Holy Priesthood is the assurance that what we as Priests offer does not depend on the ordained clergyman s innate or acquired charismata. Rather, the Holy Spirit is both the source and vessel for the grace we, all of us receive. And there are also trials: For 50 years, this Priest of the Most High, a soldier of Christ, faithfully served God s people. And how fortuitous it is that he celebrates his last earthly Liturgy on the feast day of a fellow soldier, St. Theodore the Commander and Great Martyr, who before his beheading the year 320, conducted many successful military campaigns in the region of Galatia and Pontus, modern day Asia Minor. And Father Demetrius conducted his own campaign, with much trial, beginning at St. Paul s in Hempstead in 1963, to St. George in Oklahoma City, to Assumption in Danbury, Connecticut, to St. George in Albuquerque, NM, and then 25 years as the Pastor here at Annunciation. And his campaign included nurturing and establishing two new parishes in his own backyard, St. Katherine in Elk Grove and St. Anna in Roseville. But soldiers and Priests never really retire. He then graciously accepted a 90-day assignment as Dean of the Cathedral in Honolulu, and almost two years later he returned to the mainland. So while St. Theodore s military campaigns may have covered a few hundred miles, Father Dogias campaigns extended from New York to Hawaii. I did a Google map and that comes to 5,682 miles. Only God and Presbytera Ellie really know the depth and breadth of the trials of this extensive campaign. And what about that third dynamic of our earthly pilgrimage: We must also reflect on tragedy, our physical death, if for no other reason, to affirm it as an abomination that has no place in God s plan for us. Again as a Priest of the Most High, the Protopresbyter Demetrius guided thousands of souls along the narrow path that leads to life. He proclaimed the joy of Resurrection and surely, along with St. Theodore and a great cloud of witnesses is already beginning to taste the fruit of his earthly labors, 50 years of trials and struggle, 50 years of sanctifying the faithful, 50 years of devotion to his wonderful and fun-loving Ellie. You know our young people had a grand glendi planned for tomorrow night. Pres. Ellie even encouraged us to not cancel but we just didn't have it in us- it just didn't feel right, as one member after another of the dance support group kept saying. They too need time to mourn the tragic loss of this Priest of God and spiritual Father. They too, as with all of us, need to face this tragedy and trial in order to gain the triumph that awaits us. Father Demetrius has finished the race, his last campaign as it were. He has indeed fought the good fight. May he, along with St. Theodore and all the saints, intercede for all of us before the very throne of the Most High. May his memory be eternal.! PAGE 4

5 A THANK YOU FROM PRESVYTERA ELLIE My dear fellow Parishioners of Annunciation, My heart is full of sorrow with the passing of my husband Father Demetrius. It has been your love, concern and respect of him, that lifts my heart. I can not thank you all properly for the many beautiful floral arrangements, flowers, many cards, foods, cake, cake, cake, cookies, cookies, cookies and variety of paximadia. The many people who came to our home and of course the many who filled the Church at both St. Anna and Annunciation for the Trisagion and the Funeral. Your love filled the church together with the beautiful chanting of all the Clergy. A special thanks to Fathers, James Retelas, Timothy Robinson, Christopher Flesoras and Dino Pappademos, who not only prepared him with his vestments, but for their frequent visits and prayers at both the hospital and at home. A very special Thank You to all those who helped with the Makaria and especially the Philoptochos and the Parish Council. On behalf of all my family, Thank You. In Christ, Presvytera Eleutheria Αγαπητοί ενορίτες του Ευαγγελισµού της Θεοτόκου, Η καρδιά µου είναι γεµάτη θλίψη µε την αποβίωση του συζύγου µου, του Πατρός Δηµητρίου. Η αγάπη σας, η µέριµνά σας και ο σεβασµός σας προς αυτόν, ανυψώνει την καρδιά µου. Δεν µπορώ να σας ευχαριστήσω αρκετά για τις πολλές όµορφες ανθοδέσµες/στεφάνια, τα λουλούδια, τις πολλές κάρτες, τα τρόφιµα, τα κέικ, κέικ, κέικ, τα µπισκότα, µπισκότα, µπισκότα και τα διάφορα παξιµάδια που λάβαµε. Ευχαριστώ όλους που ήρθαν στο σπίτι µας και φυσικά όλους που γέµισαν την Εκκλησία, τόσο στην Αγία Άννα όσο και στον Ευαγγελισµό για τα Τρισάγια αλλά και για την κηδεία. Η αγάπη σας γέµισε την εκκλησία µαζί µε την όµορφη ψαλµωδία όλων των Κληρικών. Ένα ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ στους Πατέρες, James Retelas, Timothy Robinson, Christopher Flesoras και Dino Pappademos, οι οποίοι όχι µόνο τον έντυσαν µε τα άµφια του, αλλά και για τις συχνές επισκέψεις και προσευχές τους, τόσο στο νοσοκοµείο όσο και στο σπίτι. Επίσης, ένα πολύ ιδιαίτερο ευχαριστώ σε όλους όσους βοήθησαν µε τη µακαρία και ειδικά το Φιλόπτωχο και το Εκκλησιαστικό Συµβούλιο. Εκ µέρους όλων των µελών της οικογένειάς µου, σας ευχαριστώ. Εν Χριστώ Πρεσβυτέρα Ελευθερία! PAGE 5

6 Income OPERATING FUND 1/1/13 to 2/18/ Budget YTD Pledges $75,893 $71,667 All Other Revenue $11,959 $14,275 Total Revenue $87,852 $85,942 Expenses Total Staff Exp. $53,816 $69,974 Program Services $1,270 $2,595 Other Oper. Exp. $30,306 $25,409 February Milestones 40 Day Blessings Feb.3 - Daughter of Dan & Maria Fotos Baptisms Feb. 9 - Costa Downing Feb Katherine Popescu Feb Khloe de Vere White Funerals Feb. 6 - Jimmy Psihopaidas Feb. 7 - Gus Stathos Feb. 9- Fr. Demetrius Dogias Feb James Kentroti Memorials Feb. 3 - Agamemnon Bourdaniotis (10 yrs.) Feb Nick Voresis (6 m.) Parish Statistics Archdiocese National Ministries $8,291 $16,583 Total Expense $93,683 $114,561 Balance as of 2/28/13 -$5, Pledges as of February 18, 2013 Stewardship Budget $71,669 Pledged to Date $232, ADVERTISING RATES FOR THE OBSERVER 2013 SIZE MONTHLY ANNUALLY Total Amount Received Total Members Pledged $75, Full Page $150 $1,250 Half-Page $80 $720 Quarter Page $45 $375 Business Card $25 $240 Back Page (full color) $150 Not Available! PAGE 6

7 Annunciation ONCD As we complete our first year, the ONCD Team along with Fr. James, Fr. Timothy, Parish Council President, George Dariotis and Office Administrator, Effie Theodore participated in an "Exit Interview" with Fr. Jonathan Ivanoff, our ONCD coach/consultant. We provided an update on the Action Plan, and he expressed favorable comments regarding our progress. 1. Welcoming Newcomers In January, the Welcoming Team and Parish Council were trained to greet parishioners and make them feel comfortable. Every Sunday, members will welcome and invite parishioners for fellowship in the Hellenic Center, where the Welcoming Table has been established featuring church related information including a beautiful "Welcome Folder". Welcoming Cards continue to be included in all pews. 2. Youth Programs Youth Ministry Youth Ministry Team continues meeting to explore the feasibility of a Youth Director. Sunday School students are reading the Epistle in church along with reports on Saints. There s a new effort to revive the JOY program, and a uniform spring registration process is being considered for Sunday School and other youth programs. 3. Structures/Communication Guidelines for scheduling Master Calendar events are being developed. An assessment of communication modes and existing structures is also in progress. 4. Liturgical Concerns All focus group comments and discussion to balance Greek and English were shared with our Priests, and they will use their discretion to meet the needs of our Parish. The church sound system has been adjusted and will be monitored each Sunday. 5. Orthodox Education Monthly Interactive Sermons are underway, along with Learning Liturgies in the Hellenic Center. The team will initiate a "Partner in Prayer Project" involving our Parochial Church Groups. An Educational Religious Retreat is planned for Saturday, October 26, 2013, more information to follow. Please mark your calendars. 6. Outreach A project to make prayer shawls and prayer bracelets (comboskinis) to comfort those in grief or ill, is being developed. Parish Youth will be involved in this endeavor. The next stage will involve selecting 30 active parishioners to take the second survey with the same questions, to evaluate our progress. We will also determine a new ONCD Team for the next cycle. Please reach out with questions, or if you would like to help with this ongoing ministry! Thank you for your continued support and participation. Jane Bardis, Stephanie Bobolis, Jim Chuchas, Emily Coleman, Lou Demas, Marilyn Demas, Koula Fotopoulos, Bernadette Kontos and Gary Leonard Image: The new Welcoming Table! PAGE 7

8 Annunciation Endowment Fund Financial Report for 2012 On December 3, 2012, the Endowment Fund held its last meeting for the year, New officers were elected for 2013: Dr. Nicholas Rotas, chair, and Jim Chuchas, vice chair/secretary. Continuing members for 2012 are Liz Dokimos, Andy Ganetsos, Michael Dariotis, Demetri Romas, and newly elected members are Maria Higdon and Steve Margaris. The Parish Council will appoint a representative to serve a two year term, George Johnson continues to be the Board s financial advisor. The Endowment Fund Board discussed and voted to financially support requests that met the organization s criteria: to promote and support the use of the Greek Language and culture and youth activities that support the ideals of the Greek Orthodox faith in the Sacramento area. The projects approved for 2012 were: Greek School Teacher $6, Scholarships for high school graduates 9, Greek School Program 10, Saint Basil Academy Annunciation Dance Group 3, Oratorical Contest St. Nicholas Ranch Annunciation 5, St. Nicholas Ranch St. Katherine 2, St. Nicholas Ranch Hellenica Exhibit, Greek Festival Special Lighting, Greek Festival Volleyball Tournament 2, Hellenic Studies, CSUS 10, Fr. Dogias Parish Library Fund 2, Greek School Teacher 4, TOTAL EXPENDITURES FROM FUNDS A & B..$57, The Jorgi Nicholau Boom Fund for 2012 included three scholarships at $1,000 each, and a Kids and Cancer contribution of $500 for a total of $3,500. TOTAL AMOUNT THE BOARD EXPENDED FOR ALL REQUESTS: $60, Thank you to those members of the Endowment Board who have fulfilled their terms in office: Stella Dariotis, Penny Kastanis, and George Dariotis. Respectfully submitted, Penny Kastanis, Chair! PAGE 8

9 Orthodox Booknotes We at the Annunciation Bookstore join in extending our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all the beloved friends we have lost this past month in our Church and in our extended Orthodox family throughout the greater Sacramento area. As Orthodox we take solace in Christ and joy in His Resurrection. As human beings, we are very sad. Coincidentally, someone three thousand miles away sent us an I would like to share. One day a farmer went out after a storm and noticed that his barn was leaning. That old barn in fact had weathered many a storm over the years but still had a lot of good left in it so the farmer went out and propped up the leaning side a bit. Now that farmer is old and he too has weathered many a storm and some days more than others he leans a bit. Now he prays, "Prop me up Lord." And, we too pray "Prop us up Lord!" May their Memory Be Eternal! -Marilyn for the Bookstore Orthodoxy 101 and Annunciation Sewing Circle News will return next month. Annunciation Senior League News! Our February meeting was a very special one as we celebrated the 55th wedding anniversary of Georgia and Ron Langley and Georgia s birthday. The luncheon, hosted by the Langley children (Mark, Ronda, Dean) and their families, was catered by Voula Cazanis. A wonderful meal of pastichio, salad, green beans and cake for desert was enjoyed by all in celebration of these wonderful events! Special birthdays this month included Sophia Potiris and Tasi Jones. Hronia Polla! Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the following members and their families: - Dogias family on the passing of Rev. Fr. Demetrius Dogias - Daniels family for the passing of their husband, father and grandfather Art - Psihopaidas family for the passing of their husband, father and grandfather Jim - Stathos family for the passing of their brother Gus - Giranis family for the passing of their daughter-in-law Anne - Kentroti family for the passing of their husband, father and grandfather Jim They will all be missed by their families and the Annunciation, St. Katherine and St. Anna communities. May their memory be eternal! Our next travel excursion is set for March 7th. We will be traveling to Mare Island in the a.m. and the Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in the afternoon. By the time this article reaches you, we are sure that this trip is completely sold out! As before, we welcome any ideas for trips that you may have as we are looking for new places and things to visit and see. Please contact our travel agents if you have any recommendations (Georgia Econome and Tasi Jones)! We extend an ongoing welcome to all seniors to attend our monthly luncheon meetings. Meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month and begin with a small social hour at 11:00 a.m., followed by a short meeting and lunch. Future meetings scheduled for March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4 (remember to pick up your ASL brochure at our next meeting!) See you March 5th! - Bessie Papailias ASL President! PAGE 9

10 Liturgical Schedule - February 2013 Altar Guild The following members will be decorating the icons for the month of: March March 8 Marilyn Demas March 15 Liz Dokimos & Kathy Dole March 22 Bessie Pothos March 29 Styliani Galaxidas & Valentina Watts The purpose of this guild is to decorate the icons used during the Sunday liturgies and special Holy Days. If you would like to donate money toward flowers in honor or in memory of a loved one, please contact our Church office at Attend Annunciation s Learning Liturgies! After positive feedback, Annunciation will continue offering "Learning Liturgies" to enhance our understanding of our beautiful faith and rituals. Last year, this special service was conducted in the church hall as a learning opportunity for Sunday School children. We encourage children - and adults - to participate in these services that provide an up-close look and direct participation. The instruction will be divided into 5 services, all begin at 10AM in the Church Hall. Divine Liturgy will be held simultaneously in the Church. Sunday, April 14th: The Anaphora Sunday, May 12th: Communion & Thanksgiving Unless otherwise noted, all services begin with Matins at 8:30 am, followed by the Divine Liturgy. Saturday, March 9th Saturday of Souls Sunday, March 10th Forty Day Memorial Service for Father Demetrius Dogias Saturday, March 16th Commemoration of the Ascetics (Saturday of Souls) GREAT LENT BEGINS Sunday, March 17th 7 pm Vespers of Compunction (Κατανυχτικός Εσπερινός) Monday, March 18th 6 pm Great Compline & Canon of St. Andrew Tuesday, March 19th 6 pm Great Compline & Canon of St. Andrew Wednesday, March 20th 6 pm Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts & Lenten Supper Thursday, March 21st 6 pm Great Compline & Canon of St. Andrew Friday, March 22nd 7 pm Salutations to the Theotokos (First Stanza) Saturday, March 23rd St. Theodore/ Miracle of the Kollyva Sunday, March 24th 7 pm Feast of the Annunciation Great Vespers (Pan-Orthodox) Monday, March 25th Feast of the Annunciation Wednesday, March 27th 6 pm Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts & Lenten Supper Friday, March 29th 7 pm Salutations to the Theotokos (Second Stanza)! PAGE 10

11 Greetings from Sunday School It is with heavy heart that I write this. Father Demetrius Dogias was a tremendously spiritual man and his influence continues into our Sunday School program. When I was new to the Orthodox Church, I sat with the Sunday School kids as Father Dogias sang the basic response hymns with them and gave them a lesson. As an adult neophyte, I learned so much during these lessons. The present Sunday School carries on this tradition that I found so informative and enriching. We wish our kids that are going to FDF in Anaheim the best of luck. This year we have very closely tied Sunday School attendance with participation in the dance group. After FDF, the association with Sunday School continues. The goal we set is 80 percent attendance at Sunday School to the end of the school year. Attendance reports will continue to go to the DSG president. Attendance in our Sunday School has its own rewards. With regular attendance, students learn more, developing both their faith and their fellowship with the other students. Last term, students with outstanding attendance were treated to miniature golf. This term we are planning a board games session with pizza. As we approach the Lenten season, keep an eye out for a trip we are planning to visit the relics of Saint John of Shanghai and San Francisco. I found the experience last year to be truly moving and we hope you can join us this year. If you have not signed up for snacks during the coffee hour, please see Eleni Bourdaniotis. She is doing a great job of coordinating this list. We are also pleased to announce that the JOY (junior Orthodox youth) is starting again after a brief hiatus. Vivian Hamameh is leading this ministry geared towards developing Orthodox Christian fellowship among our kids 6th grade and under. The first meeting is on 02/24. The GOYA group for kids 7th grade and older is being led by Tammy Petsalis and Andrew Ganetsos. This group is going strong as well. Finally, a message from Sunday School would not be compete without a reminder to get the kids in church by 9:50. - Patrick Fuss Sunday School Director r! PAGE 11

12 The Meaning of Stewardship Repentance, Almsgiving, Fasting, Forgiveness, Visiting the sick, Setting a Godly example for your family, Participating in Liturgy, Involvement in parish life. What do all of these virtues have in common? The answer is Stewardship! It's being a wise and faithful steward over God's blessings in our lives. Take a moment now to reflect on how good a job you are doing being a steward (caretaker) of the gifts God has given you. Examine your last week of 168 hours (10,080 minutes) and ask yourself how many of those hours/minutes did you actually devote to God's work? Which of His gifts did you utilize to spread the word to others you encountered last week? What will you accomplish this week or the next several weeks to share your abundant talents to glorify His name and seek salvation? If we procrastinate today we might be sorry tomorrow. Consider doing something now to serve Him, by serving others in need. Continue to be a wise and faithful steward over the precious gift of time allowed us on earth. Use your own unique stewardship calling and make a difference in someone's life. As we enter the period of Great Lent, please remember the pastoral life and contributions of Father Demetrius of blessed memory. May his memory be eternal. Thank you. -George Dariotis Stewardship Co-chair Note: This list only reflects stewardship pledges made between January 17 thru February 19th, Pledge & Giving Detail Thomas & Shirle Adams Milton & Panorea Apostolidis Demetrious & Maria Apostolidis Paul & Elizabeth Arellanes Helen Beaudry Denny Boom Dean Chalios John & Annette Christopulos George & Melinda Chuchas Dennis & Jeanlaurie Corelis Carol Crisp John & Nitsa Dariotis Efthymios & Grammatoula Delis Dorothy Diamond Tom Dicktakes Angelo & Adel Dimitropoulos Elizabeth Dokimos Katherine Dole Elaine Donovan William & Jessaca Downing James & Kiki Econome Philip & Soula Fotopoulos Christos Fotopoulos Constantine & Maude Genigeorgis Christina George Dianna George John & Debbie George Chris & Angie Georgoulias George Giokas Steve Giranis Donald & Elaine Glum Lula Goodwin Lener & Carmie Gousetis George & Eleni Hagios James & Domna Hebenstreit Chris & Maria Higdon Anastasios & Stefanie Hionis Julian & Diane Holt Dino & Meg Jakovas James & Robin Kafouros John & Stella Kakavas Periklis Kalfountzos Christopher & Kristen Kane George Karagianes Terry & Penny Kastanis Bess Kerhoulas Denise Kincaid Nick & Bernadette Kontos Fran Koulos Steve & Anna Labritt Gus & Frances Lambrose Ellie Lane Dean & Diane Langley Maria Lappas Andrea Lendaris Marie Loris Alice Loris-Lyons Chris & Christine Lovett Frank & Nicolette Madrid Chris & Maro Maguire Thomas & Yiota Makris Jim & Julie Mamalis Athanasios & Stella Manolopoulos Antigoni Marcos Steve & Katherine Margaris Jonathan & Ellen Martin Vaso Mayer Sam & Olympia Mercuris Helen Nickolson Frank Nunes Effie Pantelias Bessie Papailias Louie & Voula Pappas Jerry & Catherine Pavlatos Gus & Lillian Petrakos Alin & Marina Podoreanu Dorotheia Pooler Bogdan & Valentina Popescu Karen Poulos-Firth Dusan Radosavljevic Greg & Julie Rausser Demetri & Malamo Romas John & Penny Romas Joan Saetes Leo & Katherine Sampanis Andrew & Daniela Schmidt Frances Sellas Dessie Stamas Maria Stefanou Art & Terre Terzakis Gregory & Mary Theophilopoulos Pearl Thomas Steven Tingus George & Traya Vallas Vasilis & Judy Verrios Loukia Vlahos Richard & Valentina Watts Andreas & Becky Yerocostas Haig & Irene Zeronian Sophia Zogopoulos Stewardship! PAGE 12

13 Annunciation Choir News The Crocker Art Gallery will showcase the artistic works of our own Greg Kondos from February 24th thru May 19th : A Touch of Blue, showcasing 50 years of Greg s achievements on the occasion of his 90th birthday. As part of the exhibit is a very special concert featuring DIMITRIS MAHLIS, nephew to the Bobolis The Touch of Blue exhibit will be shown thru May family. The Greek inspired jazz from duo Wahid includes Chris Wabich on drums and Dimitri on the oud, an ancient Byzantine instrument similar to the guitar or bouzouki. This unique concert will be held on Thursday, March 21st at 7 p.m. As part of this Greek week inspired event at the Crocker is Icons in Conversation, a retrospective discussion with Greg Kondos about his artistic career. This program is on Saturday, March 23rd at 1 p.m. Mark your calendar! Fr Dogias Kept Me in Line It is well known that Fr. Dogias was a wonderful musician. He had an excellent ear for music, perfect pitch, and sitting next to him during choir rehearsals was always a treat. However, if you made a mistake, sang off key or mispronounced a word, you know about it because you got an elbow to your ribs, and in my case, Kastanis, you made a mistake! Needless to say, I d come home many times with sore ribs! But what a joy it was to have him as part of our Annunciation Choir. - Terry Kastanis Dimitri Mahlis - concert Thursday, March 21st at 7 p.m. Greg Kondos - lecture Saturday, March 23rd at 1 p.m. Also, mark your calendar for the Mediterranean Experience VI, a concert of the combined choirs of the Annunciation Church and Temple B nai Israel on May 19th. Don t forget the annual crab feed sponsored by the Choir, Saturday, March 2,2013. Ephraim the Syrian Ascetical Homilies 27 (trans. John Sanidopoulos) -Terry Kastanis - "In love did God bring the world into existence; in love is God going to bring it to that wondrous transformed state, and in love will the world be swallowed up in the great mystery of the One who has performed all these things; in love will the whole course of the governance of creation be finally comprised." - "Let us not be in doubt, O fellow humanity, concerning the hope of our salvation, seeing that the One who bore sufferings for our sakes is very concerned about our salvation; God s mercifulness is far more extensive than we can conceive, God s grace is greater than what we ask for." - "Sin, Gehenna, and Death do not exist at all with God, for they are effects, not substances. Sin is the fruit of free will. There was a time when sin did not exist, and there will be a time when it will not exist. Gehenna is the fruit of sin "! PAGE 13

14 Philoptochos Notes Philoptochos is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Father Demetrius Dogias. May his memory be eternal. We will keep Pres. Ellie and the family in our thoughts and prayers. The Philoptochos Lenten Retreat date has been changed. Please mark your calendars for the retreat on Saturday, April 13, Presvytera Jeannie Constantinou will be our guest speaker. Please come with family and friends and join us. The retreat will be held in the Hellenic Center. More information will be forth coming. Philoptochos thanks you for your support and donations for Kids n Cancer during the month of February. We had a nice pancake breakfast, thanks to some of our Parish Council members who did the cooking. The Fabulous Cake Raffle was a great success as always. Some of you won more than one cake to enjoy with family and friends. Thank you to everyone who brought cakes for the raffle. Everything is donated for the Kids n Cancer month and all the proceeds will go to support the Kids n Cancer camps in our Metropolis. Our Blessings in a Backpack has been embraced by our community. Your help with this project has been appreciated. We do need help with the pick-up and delivery of the backpacks. If you are able to help with pick up on Thursdays or delivery on Friday. Please let Christine Dariotis know. The Friday delivery is at 10:00 am. It does need a man to help with the lifting of the full bins. If you have a van or large SUV and are able to help on Thursday or Friday once a month please call Christine. Thank you for your continued support for this mission of Philoptochos. Philoptochos will be handing out our Pennies and Prayers cups at the beginning of lent and to be returned at Pentecost. We will have them in the hall during coffee hour to be picked up during the month of March. We collected over $1,000 last lent for our missions. Dates to save: March 12 Philoptochos meeting: March 20 Pre-sanctified service with Lenten supper provided by Philoptochos: April 13 Lenten Retreat: April 27-Dial-a-Baklava pick up: April 28 Philoptochos Palm Sunday luncheon. Next Philoptochos Meeting - Elaine Wright Philoptochos President Date: Tuesday, March 12 Time: 6:30 pm Location: Lower Fellowship Room PLEASE JOIN US & BRING A FRIEND!! PAGE 14

15 Message from Greek School Greek school is looking forward to the month of March with Clean Monday and the beginning of Great Lent as well as the celebration of March 25th. Looking back, on January 27th we participated in the Three Hierarchs/ Greek Letters Day Celebrations at St. Nicholas of San Jose. Our students participated in the celebration with drawings that were presented to all at the celebration. His Eminence, the Chancellor and the Hellenic Education and Cultural Committee members had the opportunity to view the art work which is currently displayed in the individual Greek School classrooms. Starting in the month of February, all of the teachers of our Greek school are participating in a 6 week seminar focusing on curriculum, methodology and standards in teaching Greek. We will be implementing and incorporating the information taught in our classrooms next year. The seminars are led by Dr. Ioanna Lekkakou, member of the Hellenic Education and Culture Committee with the support of Fr. James Retelas, Fr. Timothy Robinson and the Parish Council. This is an invaluable experience for all of us as we are moving forward into the future and evolving the Greek school experience in our community. I would like to thank the parents as well as the students for their continued attendance and participation in Greek school. Thank you for being there week after week. We the teachers greatly appreciate it. Μήνυµα από το Ελληνικό Σχολείο To Ελληνικό σχολείο προσµένει τον Μάρτιο µήνα, µε τον εορτασµό της Καθαρής Δευτέρας και την αρχή της Μεγάλης Τεσσαρακοστής, καθώς και τον εορτασµό της 25ης Μαρτίου. Κοιτάζοντας πίσω, στις 27 Ιανουαρίου συµµετείχαµε στον Εορτασµό των Τριών Ιεραρχών και της Ηµέρας των Ελληνικών Γραµµάτων, στον Άγιο Νικόλαο στο Σαν Χοσέ. Οι µαθητές µας συµµετείχαν στον εορτασµό µε τις ζωγραφιές τους, που παρουσιάστηκαν σε όλους κατά την διάρκεια της γιορτή. Ο Σεβασµιότατος, ο Πρωτοσύγκελος και η Επιτροπή Ελληνικής Παιδείας και Πολιτισµού είχαν την ευκαιρία να δουν τα έργα τέχνης που σήµερα βρίσκονται σε κάθε τάξη του ελληνικού σχολείου. Ξεκινώντας τον Φεβρουάριο, οι δασκάλες του ελληνικού σχολείου µας συµµετέχουν σε σεµινάριο που διαρκεί έξι εβδοµάδες µε έµφαση στο πρόγραµµα σπουδών, τη µεθοδολογία και τα πρότυπα στη διδασκαλία της ελληνικής γλώσσας. Η εφαρµογή και η ενσωµάτωση των πληροφοριών θα γίνει στο επόµενο έτος. Τα σεµινάρια διδάσκονται από την Δρ. Ιωάννα Λεκκάκου, µέλος της Επιτροπής Ελληνικής Παιδείας και Πολιτισµού µε την υποστήριξη του Fr. James Retelas, Fr. Timothy Robinson και του Ενοριακού Συµβουλίου. Αυτή είναι µια πολύτιµη εµπειρία για όλους µας καθώς προχωρούµε προς το µέλλον και την εξέλιξη του Ελληνικού Σχολείου στην κοινότητά µας. Θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τους γονείς όσο και τους µαθητές για τη συνεχή παρουσία και συµµετοχή τους στο ελληνικό σχολείο. Σας ευχαριστούµε και το εκτιµούµε ιδιαιτέρως.! PAGE 15

16 Blessed are You O Lord... Fr. Demetrius Funeral - An Observer s Account PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF NICK TZANIS By the Grace of God, and the protection of his all-holy and most-pure Mother, the assembly of Orthodox faithful celebrated in February the translation of God s servant Demetrius, the presbyter, to life everlasting. Over the course of two days, approximately two thousand people, including 35+ members of the clergy are said to have paid their respects to this great spiritual luminary, as well as to his family. Having reached his milestone 50th anniversary of his marriage to Presbytera Ellie the day before, Fr. Demetrius fell asleep in the Lord on Monday, February 4th under the prayerful watch of his family and local clergy, in the comfort of his family home. Funeral preparations began immediately and would last the course of the entire week as family, together with faithful from communities stretched across Sacramento, Roseville, and Elk Grove, rushed to prepare for the formal reception of visiting clergy, the interment, and subsequent makaria.! PAGE 16

17 In accordance with Orthodox practice, Fr. Demetrius was vested on Wednesday the 6th in his priestly garments by his own sons, Thomas and Peter, as well as by the hands of the local clergy, whose communities were fathered and fostered by Fr. Demetrius himself. Appearing as if ready to serve the heavenly liturgy, Fr. Demetrius was clothed with the same vestments used in blessing the marriage of his daughter, Maria. Following the service of vesting, the faithful would pray and observe several additional rites of preparation before the funeral, which was set for that Friday. (ABOVE) Fr. Peter Costarakis celebrating the Divine Liturgy. (BELOW) Priestly procession to the funeral service. On Thursday, Fr. Demetrius was delivered to the faithful of St. Anna s in Roseville at 2 pm in the afternoon. There, Fr. Chris, who Fr. Demetrius served alongside the past several years, led his community in! PAGE 17

18 bidding a final farewell to their spiritual guide and mentor. Trisagion services were prayed every hour until 6 pm. Fr. Demetrius was brought from St. Anna s to the Annunciation in mid-town Sacramento shortly before 8 pm on Thursday. This community, which Fr. Demetrius had faithfully served and helped grow for over 26 years, welcomed him that late evening as a father returning from a long journey. (ABOVE) Metropolitan Gerasimos leading fellow clergy in the service. (BELOW) Fr. James Retelas gathering flowers at graveside. The final trisagion for Fr. Demetrius commenced at 8 pm, with Metropolitan Gerasimos leading the clergy in procession. Vested in black riassa and epitrachilia, nearly thirty priests sang the memorial troparia around the casket of their departed brother. The evening s homily was delivered by Metropolitan Gerasimos and then by the Most Reverend Archimandrite, Fr. Peter Costarakis, who knew Fr. Demetrius from their days at seminary. Following the service was a small reception at the Hellenic Center. Throughout the night, several members from the community as well as local clergy took turns in keeping solemn vigil. During this literal pan-nychida (Grk. all-night), which is an ancient Christian practice originating from apostolic times, the book of Psalms was read continuously both in Greek and in English from the end of the Trisagion to the beginning of matins the next morning. Meanwhile, several dozens of community leaders worked late into the night readying the hall and premises for the next morning s events. With preparations continuing early into the morning, matins began at 8 am on Friday, commemorating St. Theodore the General. Following the Great Doxology, the Divine Liturgy! PAGE 18

19 began promptly at 9 am and was served by Fr. Peter Costarakis and Fr. James Retelas, the latter who delivered the liturgy s homily and currently serves as Fr. Demetrius successor at the Annunciation. The Annunciation Choir, led by Bill Bobolis, joyously sang Resurrectional responses. After a short break following the Divine Liturgy, during which the 17th kathisma of the Psalter was read, nearly a thousand clergy, monastics, and faithful participated in the funeral office. Presiding was His Emminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the (ABOVE, RIGHT) Metropolis clergy carrying Fr. Demetrius. (BELOW) Presbystera Ellie together with Abbess Markela from the Holy Monastery of the Theotokos, the Life-Giving Spring in Dunlap, CA. Very Rev. Archimandrite Petros Costarakis, the Very Rev. Archmandrite Apostolos Koufalakis, and fellow clergy: (in alphabetical order): Fr. James Adams, Fr. Paul Baba, Fr. Photios Dumont, Fr. Christopher Flesoras, Fr. Miladin Garich, Fr. Stephen Howell, Fr. John Kocolas, Fr. Gregory Koo, Fr. Steven Kyriacou, Fr. John Kuehnle, Fr. Ian MacKinnon, Fr. Jon Magoulias, Fr. Aris Metrakos, Fr. Nebojsa Pantić, Fr. Dino Pappademos, Fr. Tom Paris, Fr. Dane Popović, Fr. Michael Previs, Fr. Nectarios Razedilla, Fr. Thomas Renfree, Fr. James Retelas, Fr. Basil Rhodes, Fr. Timothy Robinson, Fr. Peter Salmas, Fr. Peter Sotiras, Fr. Marin State, Fr. Simon Thomas, Fr. Paul Volmensky, Fr. William Weir, and Fr. Thomas Zaferes The homilies were delivered by Fr. Peter Costarakis and Fr. Chris Flesoras. After offering a final kiss to the departed, the clergy processed with Fr. Demetrius body to East Lawn Memorial Park for the concluding trisagion and interment. Singing Christos Anesti, the occasion was met with joy instead of sorrow.! PAGE 19

20 Returning from the cemetery, the makaria for Fr. Dogias was held in the Hellenic Center. His children, Tom and Amy, rose to the occasion to honor of their father s memory with kind words. A hand-painted icon of Christ the High-Priest was presented to the family to commemorate the priesthood of Fr. Dogias, which had approached its 50th year of service to Christ, the High Priest. -Dušan Radosavljević (ABOVE, LEFT) Icon of Christ, the High Priest. (BELOW) Flowers and clergy at gravesite.! PAGE 20

21 ! PAGE 21

22 ! PAGE 22 PHOTO FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH - Simonopetra, Mount Athos by: Dimitrios Sotiropoulos

23 March 2013! PAGE 23

24 Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation 3022 F Street Sacramento, CA TIME DATED MATERIAL Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 700 Sacramento, CA Place label here Μετέωρα, το µαγκάνι, 1908 Meteora, the crane, 1908 SOURCE: Του φιλέλληνα φωτογράφου των αρχών του 20ου αιώνα Φρεντ! PAGE 24