The Epistle. June/July Theology and Technology

Transcription

1 The Epistle June/July 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Pastor Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus 573 N. Highland St. / Memphis, TN (901) / fax (901) annunciationmemphis@gmail.com/ Theology and Technology The teachings of the Fathers are despised, the Apostolic traditions are rejected, modern innovations prevail in the Church. People are no longer doing theology, but rather doing technology. One might think that these are the complaints of a modern clergyman, lamenting the downfall of society. Yet, they are the words of Saint Basil the Great in his Epistle 90, written in 372 AD. A popular saying comes to mind: The more things change, the more they stay the same, or as the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes puts it, There is nothing new under the sun (1:9). What strikes me about Saint Basil s comment is that the work of theology is not limited to theologians (i.e. clergy), but that all people are invited to do theology. It is implied that it is almost expected! And by doing theology, what we mean is: The study, or contemplation, of God. Theology, therefore, cannot be limited to Sunday Liturgy. After all, what can you learn of a subject by only studying one or two hours a week? And our contemplation of God must permeate all aspects of our lives, in order to truly understand Him. In doing technology, that is, by studying techniques, methods, and processes, we miss the point that the purpose of this technology is to understand God, or theology. One of the greatest barriers to theology is the technology of language. The Fathers and Theologians of the Church understood this, and it is why the Orthodox approach to theology is apophatic (the knowledge of God obtained through negation), rather than cataphatic (the knowledge of God obtained through positive terminology). Put simply, we come to know God through communion with Him, and not language about Him. Yet, the Fathers also understood that people needed to learn about God, in order to come to know Him. The early Church had a language that was religious words and phrases used only to speak of things divine. Words such as Odos (the Way), Logos (the Word), and Ekklesia (the Church) were adopted to take on a religious meaning. While Theosis (Divinization) and Theotokos (the Birth-giver of God) were created. Even Agape (Divine Love) was almost never used in Greek literature before Christianity. Today, with an abundance of definitions of who Christ is, our language about Him may be more important than ever. Maintaining our Orthodox language may introduce others to a Christ they have never heard of previously. It may be time for us to embrace technology, in order to do theology. As we celebrate Pentecost this year on June 4 th, may that same Spirit that descended upon the Apostles also descend up on us. May we too speak of the wonderful works of God in word and deed, continue steadfastly in the apostle s doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers, so that the Lord will add to the Church daily those who are being saved (Acts 2:11, 42, 47). With Love in Christ, Father Simon

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church TED POPLOS - PRESIDENT NAJI NASSIF VICE-PRESIDENT ENDY CARTER - SECRETARY MARIA MOORE - TREASURER CHRIS APALODIMAS DEMIE BITINIS CHANTERS CHOIR DIRECTOR GREEK FESTIVAL GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT ALTAR GUILD ELPIS BOOKSTORE MAKARIA COORDINATOR MORE THAN A MEAL PRAYER CIRCLE SUNSHINE COMMITTEE VISITATION COMMITTEE REAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP YOUNG AT HEART Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL PARISH MINISTRIES BILL JOYNER DIANE KAVELARAS PETE RUBY ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN VASILI SEMOS HARRY SINIS ANDREW HORVATH DORATHEA KASTANAS TODD BAGATELAS DESPINA KARAS ELIZABETH HAWKINS LAURA COULOUBARITSIS ANGELA TOBIAS MARIANTHE PILCHER CYNDI DETTY LUANE SEMOS ZOE FUTRIS KRISTINE WAGNER ALEXIS MOORE NICHOLAS NELSON (Ole Miss) KATHY ZAMBELIS ACOLYTES ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE DIRECTORS GOYA JOY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR AHEPA PRESIDENT DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES COMMUNITY PROGRAMS TED POPLOS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH TED POPLOS & MITCH OBRADOVIC PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS KATHY ZAMBELIS & PAUL VIERON ANNA PARIS JOHN KAY PHANI MITCHELL OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA CHURCH OFFICE HOURS MONDAY THURSDAY * 8:30 A.M. 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. 12 NOON GREEK ORTHODOX ARCHDIOCESE OF AMERICA * METROPOLIS OF DETROIT

3 President s Message June 2017 Dear Annunciation, What a couple of months we have had. Pascha in April, the festival in May and to cap it off, we heard the remarkable list of accomplishments of our graduates. Time to slow down and catch our breath. I want to thank Todd Bagatelas who once again chaired the annual event known as the Memphis Greek Festival. I am not sure when he actually sleeps since I get s and texts from him at all hours of the day. He works tirelessly and almost always has a smile on his face. And if running a successful festival from the standpoint of reaching out to the community is not enough, we are projecting a profit of at least $90,000. Not too bad when you factor in a rainy Friday. As a side note, the Memphis Food Bank received 5,081 pounds of food from us this year bringing our 2-year total to over 10,000 pounds which has helped about 9,000 families. About 50 people attended a meal and Q and A session to get more information about the Orthodox faith after attending one of the church tours. See how the ripples keep going into the community? Great job all who helped in any way. Take a rest and remember that the 60 th anniversary is next year about 11 months. To our graduates, I extend congratulations from the Parish council. You are all wonderful and unique young men and women. I feel privileged to know each of you personally. Although you may be leaving town to attend college or begin your career, know that your Annunciation is always here for you and that we would love to see your smiling face and hear of your tales at any time. Please remember that we love all of you and look forward to great things from each of you. I want to wish all the Dads a happy Father s Day. Please make sure that you join us on our special day to be honored in church and celebrate with a brunch in your honor. To all, remember that even though we may be on break from school, or heading out of town for a muchdeserved vacation, the church does not close and needs you as often as you can attend. I look forward to being able to visit with all of you in the coffee hour now that I have a break from Sunday School and GOYA. I ll be looking for you. Have a fun, safe and restful Summer. In His Service, Ted Poplos 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 & Presvytera Bess and children Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Nick, Helen, Diana, Alec, Katherine, Maria, Zoe, Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Sophia, Cornelia, Kosta, George, Sam, Connie

4 Volunteers for June/July Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas John Eramo Max Graves Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Ushers June 4 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis 11 Team 3: Romulus Stoian & Chris Apalodimas 18 Team 4: Endy Carter & Vasili Semos 25 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner & Pete Ruby July 2 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis 9 Team 3: Romulus Stoian & Chris Apalodimas 16 Team 4: Endy Carter & Vasili Semos 23 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner & Pete Ruby 30 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras & Demie Bitinis Coffee Fellowship Hosts: June 4 Daughters of Penelope 11 Open 18 Fathers Day Brunch hosted by AHEPA 25 Open July 2 Hawkins to honor Gabriel Hawkins on the occasion of his 40 Day Blessing 9 Daughters of Penelope 16 Open 23 Open 30 Open Greeters June July Prosphoro Bakers: June 4 Enosis Touliatos 11 Enosis Touliatos 18 Enosis Touliatos 25 Enosis Touliatos July 2 Enosis Touliatos 9 Enosis Touliatos 16 Enosis Touliatos 23 Enosis Touliatos 30 Enosis Touliatos Epistle Readers: June 4 Andrew Douglas 11 Cathe Skefos 18 Maria Moore 25Mitch Obradovic July 2 Richard Tobias 9 Scott McKee 16 Patricia Grantham 23 Kathy Zambelis 30 Ted Poplos Baptisms: Bradley Alan Baird II (Peter), May 20 th Ksenija LaFever, May 28 th May Notices Births: Gabriel Hawkins, Son of Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins, June 1 st, 7 lbs. 12 oz., 21 1/2 long. Deaths: Quennie Kyle, wife of Sam Kyle, passed May 15 th

5 Feast of All Saints June 11 th (Varies from year to year) The Sunday following Pentecost is dedicated to All Saints, both those who are known to us, and those who are known only to God. There have been saints at all times, and they have come from every corner of the earth. They were Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, Monastics, and Righteous, yet all were perfected by the same Holy Spirit. The Descent of the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to rise above our fallen state and to attain sainthood, thereby fulfilling God s directive to be holy, for I am holy (Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16, etc.). Therefore, it is fitting to commemorate All Saints on the first Sunday after Pentecost. This feast may have originated at an early date, perhaps as a celebration of all martyrs, then it was broadened to include all men and women who had borne witness to Christ by their virtuous lives, even if they did not shed their blood for Him. St Peter of Damascus, in his Fourth Stage of Contemplation, mentions five categories of saints: Apostles, Martyrs, Prophets, Hierarchs, and Monastic Saints. St Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain adds the Righteous to St Peter s five categories. The list of St Nicodemus is found in his book The Fourteen Epistles of St Paul in his discussion of I Corinthians 12:28. The hymnology for the feast of All Saints also lists six categories: Rejoice, assembly of the Apostles, Prophets of the Lord, loyal choirs of the Martyrs, divine Hierarchs, Monastic Fathers, and the Righteous. Some of the saints are described as Confessors, a category which does not appear in the above lists. Since they are similar in spirit to the martyrs, they are regarded as belonging to the category of Martyrs. They were not put to death as the Martyrs were, but they boldly confessed Christ and came close to being executed for their faith. St Maximus the Confessor is such a saint. The order of these six types of saints seems to be based on their importance to the Church. The Apostles are listed first, because they were the first to spread the Gospel throughout the world. The Martyrs come next because of their example of courage in professing their faith before the enemies and persecutors of the Church, which encouraged other Christians to remain faithful to Christ even unto death. Although they come first chronologically, the Prophets are listed after the Apostles and Martyrs. This is because the Old Testament Prophets saw only the shadows of things to come, whereas the Apostles and Martyrs experienced them firsthand. The New Testament also takes precedence over the Old Testament. The holy Hierarchs comprise the fourth category. They are the leaders of their flocks, teaching them by their word and their example. The Monastic Saints are those who withdrew from this world to live in monasteries, or in seclusion. They did not do this out of hatred for the world, but in order to devote themselves to unceasing prayer, and to do battle against the power of the demons. Although some people erroneously believe that monks and nuns are useless and unproductive, St John Climacus had a high regard for them: Angels are a light for monks, and the monastic life is a light for all men. The last category, the Righteous, are those who attained holiness of life while living in the world. Examples include Abraham and his wife Sarah, Job, Sts Joachim and Anna, St Joseph the Betrothed, and others. The feast of All Saints achieved great prominence in the ninth century, in the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Leo VI the Wise ( ). His wife, the Holy Empress Theophano lived in the world, but was not attached to worldly things. She was a great benefactor to the poor, and was generous to the monasteries. She was a true mother to her subjects, caring for widows and orphans, and consoling the sorrowful. Even before the death of St Theophano in 894, her husband started to build a church, intending to dedicate it to Theophano, but she forbade him to do so. It was this emperor who decreed that the Sunday after Pentecost be dedicated to All Saints. Believing that his wife was one of the righteous, he knew that she would also be honored whenever the Feast of All Saints was celebrated.

6 Saint Panteleimon the Great Martyr July 27 th The Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon was born in the city of Nicomedia into the of the illustrious pagan Eustorgius, and he was named Pantoleon. His mother Saint Euboula was a Christian. She wanted to raise her son in the Christian Faith, but she died when the future martyr was just a young child. His father sent Pantoleon to a pagan school, after which the young man studied medicine at Nicomedia under the renowned physician Euphrosynus. Pantoleon came to the attention of the emperor Maximian who wished to appoint him as royal physician when he finished his schooling. The priest-martyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates, survivors of the massacre of 20,000 Christians in 303, were living secretly in Nicomedia at that time. Saint Hermolaus saw Pantoleon time and again when he came to the house where they were hiding. The priest invited the youth to the house to speak about the Christian Faith. Pantoleon visited Saint Hermolaus every day afterwards. One day the saint found a dead child on the street. He had been bitten by a great snake, which was still beside the child s body. Pantoleon began to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to revive the dead child and to destroy the venomous reptile. He firmly resolved that if his prayer were fulfilled, he would become a follower of Christ and receive Baptism. The child rose up alive, and the snake died before Pantoleon s eyes. After this miracle, Pantoleon was baptized by St Hermolaus with the name Panteleimon (meaning all-merciful ). Speaking with Eustorgius, St Panteleimon prepared him to accept Christianity. When the father saw how his son healed a blind man by invoking Jesus Christ, he then believed in Christ and was baptized by St Hermolaus together with the man whose sight was restored. After the death of his father, St Panteleimon dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate, and the needy. He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ. He visited those held captive in prison. These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds. In a short time, reports of the charitable physician spread throughout the city. Forsaking the other doctors, the inhabitants began to turn only to St Panteleimon. The envious doctors told the emperor that St Panteleimon was healing Christian prisoners. Maximian urged the saint to refute the charge by offering sacrifice to idols. St Panteleimon confessed himself a Christian, and suggested that a sick person, for whom the doctors held out no hope, should be brought before the emperor. Then the doctors could invoke their gods, and Panteleimon would pray to his God to heal the man. A man paralyzed for many years was brought in, and pagan priests who knew the art of medicine invoked their gods without success. Before the very eyes of the emperor, the saint healed the paralytic by calling on the name of Jesus Christ. The ferocious Maximian executed the healed man, and gave St Panteleimon over to fierce torture. The Lord appeared to the saint and strengthened him before his sufferings. At this time the priests Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates were brought before the court of the pagans. All three confessed their faith in the Savior and were beheaded. By order of the emperor they brought the Great Martyr Panteleimon to the circus to be devoured by wild beasts. The animals, however, came up to him and licked his feet. The spectators began to shout, Great is the God of the Christians! The enraged Maximian ordered the soldiers to stab with the sword anyone who glorified Christ, and to cut off the head of the Great Martyr Panteleimon. They led the saint to the place of execution and tied him to an olive tree. While the martyr prayed, a Voice was heard from Heaven, calling the passion-bearer by his new name and summoning him to the heavenly Kingdom. St Panteleimon s servants Laurence, Bassos, and Probus witnessed his execution and heard the Voice from Heaven. They recorded the life, the sufferings and death of the saint.

7 Sunday, June 4 th HOLY PENTECOST Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Liturgical Calendar for June & July Sunday, July 2 nd 4 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, June 11 th Sunday of All Saints Mothers Day Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, June 18 th 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Fathers Day Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, June 25 th 3 rd Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Wednesday, June 28 th Orthros/Divine Liturgy 6:00 pm Sunday, July 9 th 5 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, July 16 th Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, July 23 rd 7 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, July 30 th 8 th Sunday of Matthew Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Friday, June 30 th Feast of the Apostles Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am VISITATION COMMITTEE The following parishioners have requested visitation. Please contact them directly to schedule visitations. For address &/or contact information please check your parish directory or contact the office. Alec Collis Pat Bacopulos Cooper - contact Marianthe Pilcher for visiting arrangements Zoe Nickas Presvytera Bess Vieron Kosta Taras contact Loretta Taras for Visiting arrangements Visitation Committee Volunteers for June: Despina Karas/Angela Tobias July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras August: Stephanie Poplos & friend September: Susanna Peters, Maria Apalodimas & Cathe Skefos October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner November: Connie Cotros, Loretta Taras & Tasia Vergos December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jameson January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio February: Vicki Hoover & March: Linda Nichols & April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham, Emily Love & Georgia Karris Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the visitation committee.

8 Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041 Elpis Board Elections Congratulations to our newly installed Elpis Philoptochos Board and Officers! Elizabeth Hawkins, President Marianthe Pilcher, Vice President Joanne Gikas, Secretary Anne Schmitt, Treasurer General Board Members: Connie Apalodimas Melissa Berretta Angela Buchanan Laura Couloubaritsis Cyndi Detty Georgia Karris Jan Futris Emily Love Stephanie Poplos Sophie Theodore Angela Tobias Joy Touliatos Kristine Wagner More than a Meal - Cooking Team Sunday, June 16 Consider cooking and serving those in need at More than a Meal from 3:00-5:00 pm at Grace-St. Luke's church in Midtown. We will be preparing our meal immediately after services on Sunday. Stop by the kitchen and lend a helping hand. Graduation Sunday Congratulations to our two scholarship recipients. Each received a $2,000 scholarship from Philoptochos. Mia Obradovic graduated from Collierville High School and will be attending Drexel University. Megan Wassef graduated from St. Mary's High School and will be attending Rhodes College. SAVE THE DATE An Evening Celebrating the Theotokos Saturday, August 19 We will be hosting an elegant, catered, seated inner honoring our Mothers, Yiayias, Nounas, Sisters and Friends. The event will raise money to benefit the National Philoptochos Cancer Fund and Other Major Illness Fund. Donors may designate an individual to honor and/or in their memory. Donors will be recognized on the evening of August 19. Tickets will be $75 per person. You won't want to miss this wonderful event. More information coming soon!

9 ELPIS BOOKSTORE Inside the Elpis Bookstore... Summer is a great time to volunteer your time in the Elpis Bookstore! For more information, see Angela Tobias or Connie Apalodimas. Stop by the bookstore and see our new items, including our "Serving the Lord" apron ($15). Young at Heart Young at Heart will be resuming in September! Happy Summer to all! *Organization Coordinators: Kathy Zambelis: , Anna Paris: , Sophie Theodore: Hosting Coffee Fellowship after Liturgy The Parish Council invites members to volunteer to host a Coffee Fellowship Hour in Cotros Hall during this Ecclesiastical Year. The intent is to offer refreshments of your choice that will encourage social interaction among the membership, and opportunities to meet and greet visitors and new members. The coffee, sugar/sweetener, napkins, plates, cups and utensils are provided by the Church. Please bring creamer and juice. This is a great opportunity to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or to honor a loved one. Photos/memorabilia are encouraged for a table display. Families or groups of individuals can cohost as well. Please sign up on the Coffee Hour Board in Cotros Hall or call the Church Office to reserve your date. Diane Kavelaras will be your coordinator for Sunday and can be reached at Coffee will always be available when there is no host. Thank you for your consideration and hopeful participation. Young Adult Ministries We are reviving the Young Adult Ministry here at Annunciation. The program has been re-branded and reformatted as REAL (Representing Emerging Adult Leaders). REAL is the Archdiocese s new young adult ministries program, the successor to YAL. It focuses on young adults ages REAL offers programs and resources based on education, fellowship, service and worship, challenging young adults to not simply be passive participants in the Faith but to truly live Orthodoxy each and every day. Join in the conversation! Check out the podcast, Pop Culture Coffee Hour on Ancient Faith Ministries Radio! On Facebook: GOA Young Adults On Twitter: GOA_YoungAdults On Instagram: GOA_YoungAdults On Blogger: The Ladder On YouTube: YOUTUBE.COM/Y2AM If you are interested in being a part of REAL, please contact Alexis Moore at or at alexismoore419@gmail.com. ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE The Athenian Dance Troupe will resume practice in August. Please check back for registration details.

10 Youth Ministries Sunday School The Sunday School Program is for children from Pre- K (age 4 by September 1) through 12 th grade. Thank you to all the teachers who faithfully taught during the school year. Have a great summer and classes will resume in August. At the present time, there are two openings for a co-teacher for grades 3-4 and 5-6. Please contact Anna Paris at if you are interested in serving our youth. Sunday School Attendance Awards HOPE/JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) JOY is out for the Summer! Watch for upcoming events in the August Epistle and in your s! GOYA (Greek Orthodox Youth of America) The GOYA Ministry at Annunciation is for youth in grades 6 through 12. We seek to provide programming for the entire group and to provide opportunities for our older youth to serve as role models for younger participants. But, owing to the developmental needs of different age groups in the Ministry, certain activities and meetings will be subdivided into middle school and high school groups. During the school year we meet the first and third Sundays of each month at noon in the GOYA Room. Please forward any comments, suggestions for activities, and preferred methods of communication (or to be removed from the GOYA mailing list) to Mitch Obradovic (mitch.obradovic@gmail.com). 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! GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos Summer GOYA News GOYA is out for the Summer. We will resume our meetings in August. Please watch for details here! Other Volunteer/Service Opportunities: 1. Assist with serving and cleanup at luncheons 2. Greek Festival Workshops 3. Greek Festival Ice Cream and Frappe Booth 4. Food Pantry Drive 5. Starry Nights 6. Friends of the Metropolis 7. Project Haiti 8. Ionian Village Recovery Fundraiser

11 METROPOLIS ORATORICAL FINALS We had a great time in Buffalo, New York. All of the speakers did a nice job. Margaret Couloubaritsis received Honorable Mention. Thank you for all of your help. For more pictures from the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Metropolis Finals please visit CHRIS DOUGLAS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Congratulations to the recipients of the Chris Douglas Scholarship! Matthew Hoover earned the scholarship for Continuing College Students & Mia Obradovic earned the scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors.

12 ST. NICHOLAS SUMMER CAMP REGISTER NOW for the 2017 St. Nicholas Summer Camp season. All youth ages 8-18 are invited to join us for a week of faith, fellowship, and fun! Also, stay tuned! Mrs. Eva will be sharing photos and video on the website of our new camp home, Camp Loucon! St. Nicholas Camp Staff Needed: CHRIST IS RISEN! First of all, I want to thank all those who've already contacted me and have started your online application! 1) If you've already spoken to me and/or plan on applying, please do so ASAP. 2) If you've started your application, please finish it ASAP. I cannot begin reviewing your application until it's completed (minus medical information which can be submitted later). 3) If you are unable to join us this year, please let me know so that I can stop pestering you... at least for this year. Please me at snsc@detroit.goarch.org and let me know either way regarding your intentions to apply for SNC Staff A few things you should know... 1) NEW FACILITY: As you might have heard by now. St. Nicholas Summer Camp has a new home. We will now be holding our program at Loucon Training and Retreat Center ( located in Leitchfield, KY (1.5 hrs SW of Louisville). Loucon is pretty amazing. Huge facility, many of the same amenities we've come to enjoy at NaCoMe, and a few new/exciting things. 2) WE NEED EARLY COMMITMENT AND MORE STAFF: We are anticipating 100 campers this year. We had 75 last year and could easily go up by more. We already have almost 30 registered for camp this year... nearly half are NEW campers! So we need you all to make an EARLY commitment to be on staff. I know that many of you work. However, we cannot do this without you. Especially in this transitional year, it is crucial to have plenty of staff. Please do what you can to make yourselves available, and to recruit quality individuals to apply. The online staff application system is up and running! 3) STAFF TRAINING - ONLINE AND ON SITE: - Mandatory Onsite Staff Orientation on Saturday, July 22, 2017 to familiarize ourselves with our new campsite AND their policies/procedures. - Mandatory Video Staff Meetings to review policies and staff assignments at least a week prior to camp. All staff will be required to attend one of the two meetings. Dates TBD. In Christ, Eva

13 Community Organizations Men s Group/AHEPA On May 21 st, Graduation Sunday, AHEPA awarded 2 scholarships to Megan Wassef & Mia Obradovic. Congratulations! On Sunday, June 18 th, we will have our Fathers Day Pancake Brunch. Donations will go towards scholarship fund. Daughters of Penelope JUNE and JULY 2017 The Daughters of Penelope, was founded in 1929, in San Francisco, California. It was the realization of Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld s dream to create a women s organization comparable to her husband s membership in AHEPA. The Daughters is the women s organization of AHEPA. We share our Mission Statement: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. Once again, it was time for our Sunday School Graduation and the opportunity to honor and recognize our graduates from high school and college. With your support at our various function we are honored to present a $2, scholarship to a worthy high school graduate. This year, we were proud to present Mia Obradovic with this scholarship.

14 We held Elections of our officers for the upcoming year: President: Phani Mitchell Vice President: Maria Moore Secretary: Anastasia Terranova Chairman: Decoration of Events & Flyers: Penny Bichi Treasurer: Vicki Hoover Chairman of the Board Emeritus: Kathy Zambelis Board of Directors: Connie Apalodimas The Daughters will be taking a break from meeting during summer so we can renew our energy. Though, that is not 100% true as we will be working on our upcoming Greek Themed Fashion Show and luncheon being held September 16. Please save the date and mark your calendar for this wonderful and exciting event. You will be hearing more information on the Fashion Show in the near future. Another future event that will be taking place January of next year. We have invited the author, Karen Batshaw, MSW in January for a talk to our Church and we will extend an invitation to the Memphis Community. A synopsis: Documenting the terrible brutal occupation of Greece by the Nazis, Hidden in Plain Sight shines a light on the plight of Greece s Jews and the brave attempts of the Archbishop of Athens to protect them. Carefully researched and expertly plotted, this novel s attention to detail and compelling characters will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those of Jewish faith or Greek heritage. We will be unable to participate in the Germantown International Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 26, at the Agri-Center. This new location, will relieve the crowding at the Great Hall in Germantown. Though we cannot participate this year, please try and attend and support this event. There will be approximately 30 countries participating where else can you see so many cultures, for free, under one roof!!! Preliminary Festival Report Thank you to everyone for a successful festival again this year. Despite the rain on Friday, the preliminary numbers are looking good. We will send out a more detailed report in the near future.

15 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 *Robert Allphin *Nigisti Amdetsion & Aklilu Maasho & Zoe Anaston Chris & Connie Apalodimas Maria Apalodimas Michael & Annie Arcamuzi & John & Diane Avgeris *Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & Steven & Anastasia Barlow & *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas *Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacob & Michele Buring Dean & Vickie Carayiannis & *Endy Carter Brianna & Conan Castellucci *Mary Chagaris *Cary Chiungos *John Chulos Alec Collis Pat Cooper *Charles & Connie Cotros * Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & *Elaine Daniels *Alexander & Sangeeta Deitz *George Deitz & Kristine Wagner *Helen Demas *Chris Demopoulos Chris & Shawn Demos George & Bonita Dendrinos Alexander Denton Anna Denton Greg & Cyndi Detty & Andrew & Christina Douglas & *Vasilios & Georgia Douklias Yiannis Drosos *Bruce & Helen Erskine Linda Farrell Phillip & Kellye Farris & *Nick & Marty Fox *Pete & Jan Futris *Steve & Zoe Futris *Evangelia Gallagher *Christina George Kalovan Getev *Bill & Niki Gikas *Joanne Gikas *Alex Gogonelis Ronald & Patricia Grantham & *Alan & Renee Graves & Kevin & Pannayiota Guigley & *Maria Hallas *Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & Laurentiu & Mihaela Herbei & *Sandy E Herbert *Maria Hetos Monica & Evan Hinson Spence Holland & Nathan & Stephanie Hooker & *Ken & Vicki Hoover & Tina Horne Andrew & Leah Horvath & Koula Hristopoulou *Marcus & Cristina Hunter & Dorothy Huston *Athena Jameson *Al & Tina Jennings *Bill & Denise Joyner Vasilios & Stavroula Kakales Jim & Despina Karas *George Karkatsugas Georgia Karris *Diane Kavelaras *John & Nancy Kay John & Jennifer Kay, Jr. Maureen Kay *James Kennedy Nader Khalaf *Sarkis & Jenny Kish Regina Kolaitis Bessie Kolapanas *Marcy Kollias *Ksenija LaFaver *Kalliope G Lefes George Limberakis *Tina Liollio Kevin & Alexia Loughman Samya Louza *Tom & Emily Love Irini Manousakis Pete & Amelia Maragos & Yolanta Matika *Gus & Helen Mavraganis *Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & *Bobby & Nicole McNulty *Emily Melonas Peter & Kathryn Melonas *James & Susan Meng

16 Tamara Miller Allen & Lydia Mims & Tom & Phani Mitchell Mary Toni Montgomery & *Alexis Moore *Mike & Maria Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Robert & Kathy Morrison Michael & Valerie Mosby *Naji & Rebecca Nassif & Nick & Linda Nichols Michael & Linda Nix *Mitch & Linda Obradovic & Asmelash & Asmeret Ogbasion & Gregory & Elaine Otto Sterling & Trish Owen, IV *Evangelia Panas *Demetri Papastefan Alexandra Pappas Maria Pappas *Anna Paris Dorothy Paris *Evangeline Paris Dennis & Odette Patrikios Steve & Nancy Patterson Basil & Bethany Paulus * Manual & Mary Beth Peters Manuel & Susanna Peters Derek & Marianthe Pilcher *Ted & Stephanie Poplos & John & Maria Poulos *Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson & Elizabeth Ramage Melissa Ramage * Scott Reed *Pete Ruby Albis Samonides *Eric & Anne Schmitt & *Vasili & Luane Semos & Daniel Shipman & Ala Simonchyk & Stephen Fafulas Harry & Magda Sinis & Tom & Susan Sinis *Harry & Cathe Skefos *Katherine Skefos Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis *Jimmy & Georgia Smith *James & Sophie Sousoulas Thomas & Stasia Spentzas & Pandora Stamson Steve & Joy Steckler Romulus & Camelia Stoian Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras James Taras *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie *George & Cecile Tashie *James & Nancy Tashie *John Tashie Judd & Debbie Tashie Rick Taylor *Anastasia Terranova Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion & *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Sophie Theodore *Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & John & Helen Thompson Gregg & Lorrie Tingle Richard & Angela Tobias Kimberly Topolewski Sarah Touliatos Maria Trif Petrisor & Angelita Tudor & Cornelia Varnavas *Alex Vergos *Annie Vergos John & Ellen Vergos *Tasia Vergos Theodore Vergos Lee Vieron Fr. Nicholas & Bess Vieron *Magdi & Amira Wassef & *Maria Wasserman *Vasiliki Whitten James & Melinda Williams & Matthew & Michelle Wilson *Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos *Michael & Kathy Zambelis William & Julie Zdancewicz & As of May 31, 2017: 2017 Stewardship Cards 91 Stewards 191 Amount Pledged $191, Amount Received to date 108, Amount Received in May $20, As of May, Stewardship Cards 91 Stewards 187 Amount Pledged $195, Amount Received to date $149, Amount Received in May - $61,231.00

17 JUNE 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am 4 HOLY PENTECOST Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by Daughters of Penelope Father Simon - 5 Father Simon - 6 Father Simon - 7 Father Simon - 8 Father Simon - 9 Father Simon - 10 Father Simon - 11 Sunday of All Saints Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - OPEN Father Simon - 12 Father Simon - 13 Father Simon - 14 Father Simon - 15 Father Simon - 16 Father Simon - 17 Father Simon - 18 Second Sunday of Matthew Fathers Day Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am 12:00 Noon Fathers Day Brunch hosted by AHEPA Father Simon - 25 Third Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 AM Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - OPEN 19 Father Simon - 20 Father Simon - 21 Father Simon Orthros/Divine Liturgy 6:00 pm 22 Father Simon - 29 Feast of Saints Peter & Paul 23 Father Simon - 30 Feast of the Apostles Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am 24

18 JULY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDA THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Fourth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - OPEN 3 4 Independence Day Office Closed Fifth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by Daughters of Penelope Sunday of the Holy Fathers Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am 12:00 Noon Coffee Hour - OPEN 17 Parish Council 6:15 pm Feast of the Prophet Elijah Seventh Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 AM Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - OPEN St. Nicholas Summer Camp 30 Eighth Sunday of Matthew Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - OPEN 24 St. Nicholas Summer Camp St. Nicholas Summer Camp 26 St. Nicholas Summer Camp 27 St. Nicholas Summer Camp 28 St. Nicholas Summer Camp 29 St. Nicholas Summer Camp