The Epistle. October A Family of Faith

Transcription

1 The Epistle October 2015 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/ A of Faith You can choose your friends but you sho can t choose your family -Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird We have all heard variations of this adage. In fact, when speaking to an old friend about her problems recently, I used it myself. I also mentioned that it is why we have the Church because that is our true family. Now I am not saying that family is bad. Heaven forbid! Rather I think we can choose our family our family of Faith. I was reminded of this rather forcefully almost two years ago. I celebrated services remembering the lives of four people within an 8 day period. While I was close to all four, one was also my step-father making my grief personal. In my 12+ years as a priest, and 14 years of ministry, I have not been to that many funerals is such a short time even when I served a parish with 800+ families. The outpouring of support from within the Orthodox community that I received for my own personal loss strengthened me as I, in turn, tried to support others who had also lost loved ones. I knew, firsthand, that the faithful would be there for those families as well. Ultimately, this is what our Parish is a family. It is no coincidence that the relationship between two of the three Persons of the Trinity is Father and Son. Jesus Christ took on flesh to become one of us precisely so we could become sons of God and like Him, cry out, Abba. Father (Romans 8:15), and pray as He taught us to pray, Our Father (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). The relationship between priest and parishioner is spiritual father and son/daughter, as Saint Paul became the spiritual father of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). Further, the readers of the Church address the people, when they read the Epistle, with the gender-inclusive, Brethren. The fact that we address one another with familial references, however, is only a small witness to the reality that we are a family. The greater witness is when we celebrate together, mourn together, laugh and cry, argue and reconcile, always working together to the glory of God. Saint Paul again explains this way of life, Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:10-12, 15). Our Parish has the characteristics of any typical family. Sure, we occasionally have our spiritual family squabbles and sibling rivalries, but we are also a strong, committed community with members who appreciate one another, spend time together, grow spiritually together, and address challenges together. As a result, we overcome the squabbles and rivalries. This is why I so look forward to our regular Sunday family gatherings. Actually, if you haven t been to one in a while, why don t you join us for the next one? With Love in Christ, Father Simon

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired GEORGE DEITZ - President TED POPLOS - Vice President MAGDI WASSEF - Secretary ED MORRISON - Treasurer BILL JOYNER GEORGE KARKATSUGAS ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL DIANE KAVELARAS PETER MELONAS MARIA MOORE NAJI NASSIF HARRY SINIS CHANTERS CHOIR DIRECTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GREEK FESTIVAL GREEK SCHOOL TEACHER PHILOPTOCHOS SOCIETY PRESIDENT ALTAR GUILD ELPIS BOOKSTORE MAKARIA COORDINATOR MORE THAN A MEAL PRAYER CIRCLE SUNSHINE COMMITTEE REAL YOUNG AT HEART PARISH MINISTRIES ANDREW HORVATH STEPHANIE POPLOS EVAN HOOVER TODD BAGATELAS DESPINA KARAS CYNDI DETTY LAURA COULOUBARITSIS ANGELA TOBIAS MARIANTHE PILCHER CYNDI DETTY LUANE SEMOS ZOE FUTRIS ALEXIS MOORE KATHY ZAMBELIS ACOLYTES ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE DIRECTORS GOYA JOY ORATORICAL FESTIVAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR AHEPA PRESIDENT DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE PRESIDENT YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES COMMUNITY PROGRAMS OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA TED POPLOS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH MITCH OBRADOVIC/TED POPLOS/LUANE SEMOS PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS ANDREW & TINA DOUGLAS TBD ANNA PARIS JOHN KAY ANASTASIA TERRANOVA 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 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 September Notices Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Stacy Demos Gore (Health) Eleni Free Holland (Health) Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of) David Huston by Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras Angelina Laskaris by Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas, Vasili & Luane Semos, Maureen Kay, John & Mary Anne Koch, Mike & Maria Moore, Ted & Stephanie Poplos, Tina Liollio, Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras, Albis Samonides, Angelo Liollio by Thomas Roiniotis, John & Maria Manolis, Jean Saxon, James & Nancy Tashie, Jim Ashley, Dr. & Mrs. Robert Ducklo, Maureen Kay, Mike & Maria Moore, Ted & Stephanie Poplos, Mr. & Mrs. Greer Simonton, Mr & Mrs. John Powers, Mr. & Mrs. L.A. Hyde, IV, Cary Chiungos, Sally & Frank Navarra Fund, Loretta Taras, Connie Cotros, Cecile Tashie, Dorothy Huston, Tasia Vergos, Nancy Tashie, Elaine Taras, Nina Leonard, Mrs. William O. Plyler, Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras. Harold & Vivienne Pastrick, Pete & Jan Futris, Emily Capadalis Love, John & Cornelia Koniditsiotis, Ioannis & Elaine Isaak, Joanne B Conway, Katherine Skefos, Nathan & Stephanie Hooker, Annie & John Vergos, Anastasia & Steven Barlow, James Kennedy, David, Katherine, Caroline & Charlotte Evans, Cornelia Varnavas, Malcolm & Julie Saxon, Wesley & Brenda Grace, Larry & Suzanne Busby, John & Mary Anne Koch, Mrs. Van Pritchartt, Jr., Peter & Margaret Toten, Sarkis & Jenny Kish, Sr., Sarkis Kish, Jr., Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas, Nick & Donna Taras, Irene Papanastos, Tom & Emily Capadalis Love, Vasili & Luane Semos, Chris & Shawn Demos Evangeline Vafinis by Bill & Diane Joyner, Maureen Kay. Tina Liollio, Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras Volunteers for October Acolytes: Co-Captains: Kristofer Preza & Nikolas Preza Carlos Britos Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas John Eramo Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Noah Wiggins Jonah Wiggins Ushers 4 Team 2: Diane Kavelaras/Ed Morrison 11 Team 3: Maria Moore/Harry Sinis 18 Team 4: Diane Kavelaras/Ed Morrison 25 Team 5: Bill Joyner & Naji Nassif Greeters 4 Andrew & Tina Douglas 11 Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jameson 18 Pete & Jan Futris 25 Steve & Joy Steckler Prosphoro Bakers: 4 Enosis Touliatos 11 Enosis Touliatos 18 Enosis Touliatos 25 Enosis Touliatos Epistle Readers: 4 Anastasia Terranova 11 Tina Douglas Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 4 DOP hosting Luncheon for Ole Miss Museum 11 Father Simon & Pres. Stephanie for Elpinike 18 Athena Jameson for Michael 25 St. Demetrios & St. Gerasimos Luncheon 18 TBD 25 TBD

4 Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr October 26th The Great Martyr Demetrios the Myrrh-flowing of Thessalonica was the son of a Roman proconsul. Three centuries had elapsed and Roman paganism, spiritually shattered and defeated by the multitude of martyrs and confessors of the Savior, intensified its persecutions. The parents of St Demetrios were secretly Christians, and he was baptized and raised in the Christian Faith in a secret church in his father s home. By the time Demetrios had reached maturity and his father had died, the emperor Galerius Maximian had ascended the throne. Maximian, confident in Demetrios education as well as his administrative and military abilities, appointed him to his father s position as proconsul of the Thessalonica district. The main tasks of this young commander were to defend the city from barbarians and to eradicate Christianity. The emperor s policy regarding Christians was expressed simply, Put to death anyone who calls on the name of Christ. The emperor did not suspect that by appointing Demetrios he had provided a way for him to lead many people to Christ. Accepting the appointment, Demetrios returned to Thessalonica and immediately confessed and glorified our Lord Jesus Christ. Instead of persecuting and executing Christians, he began to teach the Christian Faith openly to the inhabitants of the city and to overthrow pagan customs and idolatry. The compiler of his life, St Simeon Metaphrastes, says that because of his teaching zeal he became a second Apostle Paul for Thessalonica. The Lord also destined St Demetrios to follow the holy Apostle Paul as a martyr. When Maximian learned that the newly-appointed proconsul was a Christian, and that he had converted many Roman subjects to Christianity, the rage of the emperor know no bounds. Returning from a campaign in the Black Sea region, the emperor decided to lead his army through Thessalonica, determined to massacre the Christians. Learning of this, St Demetrios ordered his faithful servant Lupus to distribute his wealth to the poor. He began to pray and fast, preparing himself for martyrdom. When the emperor came into the city, he summoned Demetrios, who boldly confessed himself a Christian and denounced the falsehood and futility of Roman polytheism. Maximian gave orders to lock up the confessor in prison. An angel appeared to him, comforting and encouraging him. Meanwhile the emperor amused himself by staging games in the arena. His champion was a German by the name of Lyaeos. He challenged Christians to wrestle with him on a platform built over the upturned spears of the victorious soldiers. A brave Christian named Nestor went to the prison to his advisor Demetrios and requested a blessing to fight the barbarian. With the blessing and prayers of Demetrios, Nestor prevailed over the fierce German and hurled him from the platform onto the spears of the soldiers, just as the murderous pagan would have done with the Christian. The enraged commander ordered the execution of the holy Martyr Nestor and sent a guard to the prison to kill St Demetrios. At dawn on October 26, 306 soldiers appeared in the saint s underground prison and ran him through with lances. His faithful servant, St Lupus, gathered up the blood-soaked garment of St Demetrios, and he took the imperial ring from his finger, a symbol of his high status, and dipped it in the blood. With the ring and other holy things sanctified by the blood of St Demetrios, St Lupus began to heal the infirm. The emperor issued orders to arrest and kill him. The body of the holy Great Martyr Demetrios was cast out for wild animals to devour, but the Christians took it and secretly buried it in the earth. During the reign of St Constantine, a church was built over the grave of St Demetrios. A hundred years later, during the construction of a majestic new church on the old spot, the incorrupt relics of the holy martyr were uncovered. Since the seventh century a miraculous flow of fragrant myrrh has been found beneath the crypt of the Great Martyr Demetrios, so he is called the Myrrh-flowing.

5 Sunday, October 4th 2 nd Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, October 11 th 7 th Ecumenical Council Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Liturgical Calendar Sunday, October 18th Saint Luke the Evangelist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Tuesday, October 20 th St. Gerasimos of Cephalonia Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, October 25th 6 th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, October 26 th Saint Demetrios the Great Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am STUDIES IN THE FAITH All Classes from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (unless otherwise indicated) Monday, October 12 th The Early Christian Church (33 AD 313 AD) We will discuss the historical development of Christianity from Pentecost until the Edict of Tolerance (Milan). We will introduce the major Saints of the day, the writings that helped to form Christian theology, and the experiences of the early Christian communities. Monday, October 26 th The Scriptures We will discuss the various books of the Old Testament, the Septuagint and Masoretic texts, how they relate to the New Testament, their writers, their meaning, and how they relate to us today. Monday, November 9 th The Seven Ecumenical Councils (325 AD 787 AD) We will discuss the teachings of each of the seven councils, the major players at each, their decisions, and how they can answer many of the questions we have today. Monday, November 23 rd The Divine Liturgy We will walk through the Divine Liturgy, beginning with the preparatory services of Orthros, Kairos, Vesting, and Preparing the Gifts, and finally all the aspects of the Liturgy. Monday, December 14 th The Liturgical Services We will discuss the various services of the Orthodox Church, their meaning, and their historical development, and the importance of corporate worship. Monday, January 11 th Orthodox Architecture and Iconography We will discuss the meaning, history and theology of Orthodox architecture and Iconography and the various materials used, as well as learn how to read Icons so you will never ask Which Icon is this? again. Monday, January 25 th A Cloud of Witnesses We will discuss Saints, the holy men and women who have been glorified by God throughout history, what can we learn from them, and how can we too be found worthy to join their ranks. Monday, February 8 th The Sacramental Life of the Church We will discuss the Sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Chrismation, Unction, Matrimony, etc. Monday, February 22 nd Orthodox Christian Spirituality We will discuss the history of Orthodox spirituality, the history and forms of Orthodox monasticism, and the practical ways in which we can encounter and experience God. Monday, March 14 th The Canons of the Church We will discuss the various Canons (rules) of Christianity as promulgated by the Ecumenical Councils. Some are still practiced to this day, some have fallen into disuse, and some are just plain weird! Bring your 95 Theses, Long Rules, or whatever else you can come up with! Monday, March 28 th (Following Great Compline) The Structure of the Church The Orthodox Church is hierarchical, but who created the hierarchy? We will discuss the role of bishops, priests, deacons, and the laity in the Church. Monday, April 11 th (Following Great Compline) Missions and Evangelism What is the history of missions in the Orthodox Church? Is the Orthodox Church evangelical? We will discuss what the answers to these questions means for us today.

6 Parish Ministries Philoptochos Chapter #4019 Elpis General Meeting - October 11th Join us in the library immediately following the Divine Liturgy for our general meeting. Lunch will be served. Agenda topics will include: fall activities and making a difference in our community during the Christmas holiday. Please plan to attend. Hope to see you there. Demi Bitnis will be leading a workshop on creating beautiful bows and fall flower arrangements. More than a Meal - October 18th We will be cooking and serving dinner to those in need. We will need help in our kitchen after church as well as transporting and delivering the food. Please consider signing up for one element of this service. Sign ups can be made online or on the Elpis bulletin board. Make a Difference Day - Make Homemade Cards for Soldiers in the VA Hospital - October 25th On Sunday, October 25th, we are encouraging our children to take part in "Make A Difference Day." We will be partnering with Philoptochos chapters all over the US and organizations all over the world to create a sea of good deeds from the hearts and hands of our children. As we also commemorate His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios' Name Day (10/26), we remember the beloved warrior saint, St. Demetrios. We invite our children to create "Thank You" cards for the brave men and women who have served in our military. We will then take these cards and distribute them among the VA Hospital. All are welcome to participate. Boxes will be located in the upstairs' Sunday School hallway as well as the Fellowship Hall. Please drop off your cards in these boxes on October 25th. St. Gerasimos and St. Demetrios Luncheon - October 25th Join us for our annual luncheon in the Fellowship Hall immediately after church. Sophie Sousoulas and Zoe Aniston will once again be chairing this beautiful luncheon. Honor your loved ones celebrating their name days by making a donation in their name. All donations will be donated towards the St. Nicholas Shrine in New York City. We sincerely ask you to please be generous Dues We are now accepting 2016 dues. Dues are $35 and include local and national commitments. Members 80 years young and older as well as between the ages of are honorary members. Their dues are complimentary. Please give/send your dues to the Elpis Treasurer, Joy Touliatos, 1555 Cedar Farms Cove, Cordova, TN Save the Date: Girl's Night Out - Cooking Lesson by Loretta Taras and Tasia Vergos - November 12th More than a Meal - November 15th Bookstore Christmas Open House - November 15th Thanksgiving Luncheon - November 22nd ELPIS Bookstore Open every Sunday 11:45 to 1:00 and by appointment. Stop by the bookstore for all of your liturgical and gift purchases. We have a large selection of books - including those recommended by Father Simon! The best single-volume introduction to Orthodoxy in the English language. The Faith is a beautifully written book that truly answers the question, What is it than you Orthodox believe? The Faith by Clark Carlton is the required book in Father Simon's Faith Class this fall.

7 Flu Shots Sunday October 11 Flu will be available on Sunday, October 11 after Divine Liturgy. Your insurance may cover the cost. Please bring your Medicare Card. 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 Host list on the Bulletin Board outside Cotros Hall. If you have questions, please call Erin in the Church Office, Coffee will always be available when there is no host. Thank you for your consideration and hopeful participation. Young at Heart Calling everyone in their 50 s, 60 s, 70 s, 80 s & 90 s! This group is for YOU and we WANT you to JOIN US! YOUNG AT HEART Please join us each month for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and fellowship! If you work, take a moment from your lunch break to join us! We enjoy delicious food, entertainment, games, speakers, and most of all - being together with each other! 11:30 am in Cotros Hall (unless otherwise noted) Lunch $4.00 per person Be sure to check the Epistle s, and Sunday reminders for our upcoming events, We hope to see you at our next event. Come be a part of one of our church s most thriving organizations - and you ll always stay Young At Heart! Schedule October 15 th November 19 th December 15 th (Tues- Chickasaw Country Club Christmas party To be announced) January 21 st February 18 th March 17 th April 21 st May 19 th *Organization co-ordinators: Kathy Zambelis: ,Anna Paris: , Sophie Theodore: Youth Ministries Sunday School The Sunday School Program is for children from Pre-K (age 4 by September 1) through 12 th grade. We meet every Sunday immediately following Holy Communion. 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 The GOYA Ministry at Annunciation is for youth in grades 6 through 12. We will 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 sub-divided into middle school and high school groups. 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).

8 GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos GOYA Activities 2015 Back by popular demand! We are going to support our local University of Memphis Tigers football team as they take on the Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy on Saturday 11/07/2015. We will tailgate before the game. Since the game time has not been announced yet, we have not set the start time for tailgating. More information will follow on those arrangements. But right now, we need to get an accurate count of how many people plan to attend so we can purchase tickets. Please respond by Saturday 10/10/2015 and let me know how many will attend. Parents, siblings, and other family members are welcome to join us. Tickets are $15. Food and fun to be provided by GOYA!!! Hayride/Corn Maze (Tom s Farm or Shelby Farm) October TBD More Than a Meal October 18 th More Than a Meal November 15 th Christmas Caroling December 6 th or 13 th More Than a Meal December 20 th Nashville GOYA Outing TBD Save the Date: 2016 St. Nicholas Summer Camp July Registration will open February/March JOY Outing to Cedar Hill Farm 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 on Facebook at facebook.com/goayoungadults, on Twitter at twitter.com/goa_youngadults, on Instagram at Instagram.com/GOA_YoungAdults or on YouTube at youtube.com/y2am. If you are interested in being a part of REAL, please contact Alexis Moore at or at alexismoore419@gmail.com.

9 Community Organizations AHEPA Chapter 7, Memphis TN The mission of the AHEPA is to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and and Individual Excellence. The AHEPA is a men s group open to those 18 and older. Our chapter in Memphis is currently looking at changing our format for meetings and activities. Please watch the newsletter and announcements for updates and information on meeting times and places along with activities and outings. We encourage you to check out the new version of AHEPA. We think you may in for a pleasant surprise. THANK YOU! We had a wonderful turn out at the AHEPA Picnic on September 20 th. The weather was perfect. The Vergos furnished our wonderful barbeque from the Rendezvous Restaurant and TEAM DINO won the community softball game. Daughters of Penelope The Daughters of Penelope was founded on November 16, 1929 in San Francisco, California. The objectives of the Daughters of Penelope are to promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and & Individual Excellence. The Daughters of Penelope encourages and promotes loyalty to the country in which they live; cultivates the ideals and traditions of Hellenism; promotes opportunities of education; and promotes the spirit of cooperation and works closely and in harmony with the whole AHEPA AHEPA, Daughters of Penelope, Maids of Athens and Sons of Pericles. The Daughters of Penelope is non-partisan and non-denominational. Today the Daughters of Penelope is a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with local chapters in the United States, Canada, Greece and Cyprus. A BIG Thank you! The Daughters of Penelope would like to thank all our Parishioners who came and supported our Semi-Annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction on September 12. Proceeds from the event will go towards our philanthropic commitments, our scholarship being one of them! We hope everyone had as wonderful of a time as we did. Thanks to all the Daughters and their families for all their hard work and dedication to our Sisterhood! AHEPA & DOP October Schedule of Events AHEPA Upcoming events for October: Tuesday, October 6, Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Location TBD. DOP Upcoming events for October: Sunday, October 4, after Liturgy, the Daughters will be hosting a luncheon for our community, with a Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Aileen Ajootian, Chair, Department of Classics, University of Mississippi, speaking on: "My Athens: Past and Present". We encourage guests to attend, including local college students. October 18 Daughters General Meeting,

10 Join us for the Elpis General Meeting Sunday, October 11th after Liturgy Church Library The very sweet and talented Demi Bitnis will be leading a workshop on how to make professsional-looking bows and fall floral arrangements. Lunch will be provided. Hope to see you there!

11 People Helping People More than a Meal - October 18 We will be cooking, serving and preparing takeaway bags for those in need within the Memphis community. Please join us on October 18th. All are welcome to serve. Cooking Team The cooking team will plan and prepare the meal. They will meet in the kitchen after services on the 18th and help prepare and pack the meal. Serving Team The serving team will transport the prepared food to Grace St. Luke s Church in Midtown and work in the kitchen plating and serving the meal. Take-Away Bag Team The take-away bag team will plan, purchase and put together 100 bags to pass out to the guests. The bags may be put together on the 18th. To sign-up, visit the Elpis Bulletin Board (across from the restrooms)

12 The annual Sts. Gerasimos and Demetrios Luncheon Sunday, October 25 All ticket sales and donations will fund the St. Nicholas Shrine Campaign in New York City Menu: Chicken Riganato, Pilafi, Mimi s Famous Green Beans, Homemade Bread, Apple Cobbler Donate $100 and receive 4 FREE luncheon tickets - Your donation is tax deducible - Tickets: $ 12 Adult; $ 7 Children under 12 Children under 6 - Free Sophie Sousoulas and Zoe Aniston Chairpersons

13 Make a Difference Day 2015 October 25th We salute the brave men and women who fearlessly serve our country. We invite the youth of our community to create homemade Thank you cards for soldiers and veterans hospitalized in the Memphis Area VA Hospital. All are welcome to participate (adults and youth). Boxes will be placed in the upstairs Sunday School hallway as well as the Fellowship Hall. Please bring your cards on Sunday, October 25th. We will deliver them to the hospital in time for Veteran s Day. Thank you for your participating. - sponsored by Elpis Philoptochos

14 DONATE TO COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CARD $25.00 PAYABLE TO ELPIS PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT PARISHIONERS IN NEED PLEASE SEE SOPHIE THEODORE OR MAIL TO 3554 kenwood MEMPHIS, TN DEADLINE NOV. 23

15 2015 List of Stewards Thank you to the following 166 families who have submitted their pledge card for 2015! Your stewardship supports the ministries of the Annunciation. Stewardship Cards can be obtained from the Church Office. Abraham, Katherine Allphin, Robert Al-Qawwas, Iskander & Anaston, Zoe Angelakis, Speros Apalodimas, Chris & Connie Apalodimas, Maria Arcamuzi, Michael & Argol, Nick & Anne Avgeris, John & Diane Bagatelas, Todd & Cyndi & Bitinis, Demetra Bookas, John & Deborah Boosalis, Inga Boosalis, Janet Branum, Shawn Buchanan, Angela Bullard, Tim Buring, Jacob & Michele & Caldwell, Richard Capadalis, Emily Carayiannis, Dean & Vickie & Carter, Endy Chagaris, Mary Chelsoi, Catalin & Anca Chiungos, Cary Chulos, John Cotros, Charles & Connie Couloubaritsis, George & Laura & Couloubaritsis, Jerry & Julia & family Dedic, Jasmin & Brymer, Bibiana Deitz, George & Wagner, Kristine & Demas, Helen Demos, Chris & Shawn Dendrinos, George & Bonita Denton, Anna Detty, Greg & Cyndi & Douglas, Andrew & Tina & Drosos, Yiannis Drumea, Ioana Erskine, Bruce & Helen Farrell, Linda & Farris, Phillip & Kellye & Fox, Nick & Marty Fox Futris, Steve & Zoe Futris Jr., Pete & Jan Gallagher, Evangelia Gikas, Bill & Niki Gikas, Joanne Gogonelis, Alex Grantham, Ronald & Patricia Graves, Alan & Renee & Grayes, Theodore Guigley, Kevin & Pannay & Hawkins, Charles & Elizabeth & Herbei, Laurentiu & Mihaela & Herbert, Sandy Hetos, Maria Hong, Tony & Ramona & Hooker, Nathan & Stephanie & Hoover, Ken & Vicki & Horvath, Andrew & Leah Hristopoulou, Koula Jameson, Athena Jennings, Al & Tina & Johnson, John Joyner, Bill & Denise Karas, Jim & Despina Karaziotas, Antonios & Karkatsugas, George Karris, Georgia Kavelaras, Diane Kay, John & Nancy Kay, Maureen & Erin Kennedy, James Khalaf, Nader Kish, Sarkis & Jenny Kollias, Marcy Kolopanas, Bessie Koplin, Jonathan Kronfel, George Lefes, Kalliope Letsou, Peter & Felicity & Liollio, Tina Louza, Samya Maragos, Pete & Amelia & Mavraganis, Gus & Helen McKee, Scott & Weilin Xi and Melonas, Emily Melonas, Peter & Kathryn Meng, James & Susan & Mims, Allen & Lydia & Montgomery, Toni & Moore, Alexis Moore, Michael & Maria Moore, Michael Tommy Morrison, Robert & Kathryn Mosby, Michael & Valerie & Nash, Kathy Nassif, Naji & Rebecca & Nelson, Joanna Nichols, Nick & Linda Nix, Michael & Linda Obradovic, Mitch & Linda & Ogbasion, Asmelash & Asmeret & Otto, Greg & Elaine & Owen, Sterling IV & Papastefan, Demetri Pappas, Alexandra & Paris, Anna Paris, Dorothy Paris, Evangeline Peters, Manual & Mary Beth Peters, Manuel & Susanna Poplos, Ted & Stephanie & Preza, Chrysanthe & Valdimarsson, Einir & Reed, Scott Ruby, Pete Schmitt, Eric Semos, Vasili & Luane & Shipman, Daniel Sinis, Harry & Magda & Sinis, Tom & Susan Skefos, Harry & Catherine Skefos, Katherine Skoutakis, Vasilios & Eleni Smith, Jimmy & Georgia Smith, Sheilia Sousoulas, James & Sophia Stamson, Jerry Joseph & Tiffany Stamson, Pandora Steckler, Steve & Joy Stergios, Frances & Martha Taras, Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras, James Taras, Kosta & Loretta Tashie, David & Christine & Tashie, George & Cecile Tashie, James & Nancy Tashie, John & Tashie, Judd & Debbie & Terranova, Anastasia Theodore, Lee & Yiota Thomas, Fr. Simon & Pres. Stephanie Tingle, Greg & Lorrie & Tobias, Richard & Angela Topolewski, Kimberly Touliatos, Sarah Trif, Maria Varnavas, Cornelia Vergos, Alex Vergos, Anastasia Vergos, Tasia Vergos, Theodore Vieron, Ann Vieron, Fr. Nicholas & Pres. Bess Vieron, Lee Wassef, Magdi & Amira & Wasserman, Maria Wheeler, Helen Whitten, John & Vasiliki Williams, James & Melinda & Zachary, Nina Zaharopoulos, Nick & Georgia Zambelis, Kathy & Zdancewicz, William & Julie & If we have mistakenly left your name off, please contact the Church Office!

16 OCTOBER 2015 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Wedding 4 2 nd Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday School 11:00am GOYA Meeting 12:00 pm DOP hosts Luncheon & Speaker for University of Mississippi Museum Greek & Roman Antiquities Collection 5 6 AHEPA Meeting 6:30pm ELPIS Board Meeting 6:30pm th Ecumenical Council Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday School 11:00am Coffee Hour hosted by Father Simon & Presbytera Stephanie in honor of Elpinike s 9 th Birthday Elpis General Meeting following Coffee Hour 12 Studies in the Faith Classes 6:00pn Young At Heart Luncheon 11:30am Saint Luke The Evangelist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday School 11:00am Coffee Hour Hosted by Athena Jameson in Memory of her husband Michael GOYA Meeting 12:00 pm Flu Shots available today DOP General Meeting following Coffee Hour More Than a Meal 3:00pm 19 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm 20 St. Gerasimos of Cephalonia Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00am th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am St. Gerasimos & St. Demetrios Luncheon 12:00 noon 26 St. Demetrios the Great Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00am Studies in the Faith Class 6:00pm OXI Day