The Epistle. January Christ, the Good Shepherd

Transcription

1 The Epistle January 2016 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/ Christ, the Good Shepherd Shrek, a male Merino sheep from New Zealand, gained some fame back in 2004 for eluding capture and sheering for 6 years. He was finally caught on April 15, 2004 (no, the IRS was not involved) and shorn of the 60 lbs of wool he had accumulated (enough to make suits for 20 men). He was carrying around 5 to 6 times the regular weight of his fleece, simply because he was avoiding his shepherd. This reminds me of the passage in Saint John s Gospel, which we read when we celebrate Saints who were bishops in the Church: The Lord said, Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. -John 10:1-16 Christ is the Good Shepherd. We carry around all the weight of our sins - the troubles of life, our problems and difficulties and because these things build up slowly, we don t even realize that they are there. Then, when we enter the Church and we return to Christ, we are relieved of these burdens! Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29). When Shrek was finally shorn, it only took 20 minutes to free him of his fleece. No matter how small or great our spiritual fleece has grown, when we come to the Church, the Good Shepherd relieves us of our burdens in a very short time. With Love in Christ, the Good Shepherd, Father Simon

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired BILL JOYNER DIANE KAVELARAS PETER MELONAS MARIA MOORE ED MORRISON ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL NAJI NASSIF TED POPLOS PETE RUBY ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN VASILI SEMOS 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 ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 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 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 OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA TED POPLOS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH MITCH OBRADOVIC/TED POPLOS/LUANE SEMOS PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS ANDREW & TINA DOUGLAS 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 Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Edna & George, Queenie, Katherine, Dick, Irene, Helen, Katherine, Ed, Pat & Don, Nicholas, George & Virginia, Katherine, Evangeline, Sam, Jim, Angus, Daphne, Weilin, Araceli, Dorothy, George December Notices In Honor of Father Vieron by: Dr. John & Diane Avgeris, Dr. Robert & Kathryn Morrison, James & Susan Meng, Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of) Angelo Liollio by Camille M Norris, Dr. & Mrs. Lloyd R. Thomas, Sarah Touliatos, Ronni Z Kirsch Danny Choukalas by Choukalas Design, LLC. Bequests from: The Estate of William Fisher III Memorial Services George Laskaris December 6 Jerry Stamson December Day Blessing Twin siblings, Vito and Sophia, children of Conan & Brianna Kay Castellucci Falling Asleep in the Lord George Nickas December 22 Elias Collins December 26 Volunteers for January 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 Ushers 3 Diane Kavelaras, Maria Moore 10 Naji Nassif, Harry Sinis 17 Vasili Semos, Romulus Sala-Stoian 24 Bill Joyner, Peter Melonas 31 Diane Kavelaras, Pete Ruby Greeters 3 Sarkis & Jenny Kish 10 Steve & Joy Steckler 17 Eric & Anne Schmitt 24 Athena Jameson & Anastasia Terranova 31 Pete & Jan Futris Epistle Readers: 3 Scott McKee 10 Cathe Skefos 17 Paul Vieron 24 Tina Douglas 31 Endy Carter Prosphoro Bakers: 3 Enosis Touliatos 10 Enosis Touliatos 17 Enosis Touliatos 24 Enosis Touliatos 31 Laura Couloubaritsis Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 3 Elpis Philoptochos for Vasilopita Sunday 10 Daughters of Penelope 17 TBD 24 TBD 31 The Couloubaritis and Touliatos in Memory of Elias (Lee) Collins

4 Saint Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa January 10 th Saint Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, was a younger brother of Saint Basil the Great. His birth and upbringing came at a time when the Arian disputes were at their height. Having received an excellent education, he was at one time a teacher of rhetoric. In the year 372, he was consecrated by Saint Basil the Great as bishop of the city of Nyssa in Cappadocia. Saint Gregory was an ardent advocate for Orthodoxy, and he fought against the Arian heresy with his brother Saint Basil. Gregory was persecuted by the Arians, by whom he was falsely accused of improper use of church property, and thereby deprived of his See and sent to Ancyra. In the following year Saint Gregory was again deposed in absentia by a council of Arian bishops, but he continued to encourage his flock in Orthodoxy, wandering about from place to place. After the death of the emperor Valens in the year 378, Saint Gregory was restored to his cathedra and was joyously received by his flock. His brother Saint Basil the Great died in 379. Only with difficulty did Saint Gregory survive the loss of his brother and guide. He delivered a funeral oration for him, and completed Saint Basil s study of the six days of Creation, the Hexaemeron. That same year Saint Gregory participated in the Council of Antioch against heretics who refused to recognize the perpetual virginity of the Mother of God. Others at the opposite extreme, who worshipped the Mother of God as being God Herself, were also denounced by the Council. He visited the churches of Arabia and Palestine, which were infected with the Arian heresy, to assert the Orthodox teaching about the Most Holy Theotokos. On his return journey Saint Gregory visited Jerusalem and the Holy Places. In the year 381 Saint Gregory was one of the chief figures of the Second Ecumenical Council, convened at Constantinople against the heresy of Macedonius, who incorrectly taught about the Holy Spirit. At this Council, on the initiative of Saint Gregory, the Nicean Symbol of Faith (the Creed) was completed. Together with the other bishops Saint Gregory affirmed Saint Gregory the Theologian as Archbishop of Constantinople. In the year 383, Saint Gregory of Nyssa participated in a Council at Constantinople, where he preached a sermon on the divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit. In 386, he was again at Constantinople, and he was asked to speak the funeral oration in memory of the empress Placilla. Again in 394 Saint Gregory was present in Constantinople at a local Council, convened to resolve church matters in Arabia. Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a fiery defender of Orthodox dogmas and a zealous teacher of his flock, a kind and compassionate father to his spiritual children, and their intercessor before the courts. He was distinguished by his magnanimity, patience, and love of peace. Having reached old age, Saint Gregory of Nyssa died soon after the Council of Constantinople, about 395. Together with his great contemporaries, Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian, Saint Gregory of Nyssa had a significant influence on the Church life of his time. His sister, Saint Macrina, wrote to him: You are renowned both in the cities, and gatherings of people, and throughout entire districts. Churches ask you for help. Saint Gregory is known in history as one of the most profound Christian thinkers of the fourth century. Endowed with philosophical talent, he saw philosophy as a means for a deeper penetration into the authentic meaning of divine revelation. Saint Gregory left behind many remarkable works of dogmatic character, as well as sermons and discourses. The acts of the Seventh Ecumenical Council call him the Father of Fathers.

5 Sunday, January 3 rd Sunday Before Epiphany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Tuesday, January 5 th Eve of Epiphany Royal Hours/Vespers/Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 8:30 am Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am Wednesday, January 6 th Feast of Epiphany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am Liturgical Calendar Thursday, January 7 th Feast of St. John the Forerunner Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, January 10 th Sunday After Epiphany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Sunday, January 17 th 12 th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, January 18 th Feast of Sts. Athanasius & Cyril Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, January 24 th 14 th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Saturday, January 30 th Feast of the Three Hierarchs Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, January 31 st 15 th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Studies in the Faith All Classes from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (unless otherwise indicated) Monday, January 25 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, February 8 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 22 nd The Sacramental Life of the Church We will discuss the Sacraments of the Church: Baptism, Chrismation, Unction, Matrimony, etc. Monday, March 14 th 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 28 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, April 11 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, TBD 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, Elpis Chapter #7041 Vasilopita Sunday - January 3rd Join us in the beautiful tradition of the vasilopita bread. We will be collecting money for St. Basil's Academy as well as sponsoring the coffee hour. More than a Meal - January 17th Cooking and Serving Teams We will be cooking and serving dinner to those in need at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Midtown. 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 on the Elpis bulletin board. ELPIS Bookstore Our store offers books, icons, jewelry and many gift items perfect for every person on your list. Don't see what you want, ask a manager to order it for you! 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! Featured Monthly Item Girl's Night Out - Painting Lesson - TBD All women of the church are welcome to attend! Join us at a local painting studio for an evening of painting, wine and fellowship. RSVPs are needed. Contact Cyndi for more information and to respond. General Membership Meeting - Sunday, January 24th Please join us in the library for our general membership meeting. We will be reviewing the 2016 budget and discuss the year's events. We will meet in the library immediately after church. Can't stay for the meeting? Stop by and pick up a copy of the budget and information packet. Hope to see everyone there! 2016 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: Vaselopita Sunday - January 3 More than a Meal - January 17 - Cooking and Serving Team Girl's Night Out - Painting at Artist's Compass - January 22 St. John Chrysostom Divine Liturgy Book $17 Includes the Greek, Greek phonetic and English translation of our precious Divine Liturgy service in large print. A must have for all! 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 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.

7 Young at Heart YOUNG AT HEART JANUARY 21st 11:30 am in Cotros Hall Join us for Soup, Sandwich and Winter Bingo! Everyone 50 years of age and older are invited Schedule January 21 st - Soup Thursday and Bingo February 18 th - Valentine party with Mike Miller March 17 th - Herbs of the Garden April 21 st - Luau (Wear your best Hawaiian outfit) May 19 th Steppin Out Dancers *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! Sunday School News and Upcoming Events Sunday School has an URGENT need to fill an opening for a Co-Teacher for 3 rd and 4 th grade. Please see Anna Paris for more details. Sunday School Classes will resume on January 10 th. 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 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). GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos GOYA Activities 2016 St. Nicholas Winter Youth Retreat in Lexington, KY January Please contact Mitch Obradovic by Sunday, January 3, if you would like to attend. For more details go to the following link: Parents: We need volunteers to drive. Save the Date: 2016 St. Nicholas Summer Camp July Registration will open February/March JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) Our JOY Group took a trip in December to the Memphis Zoo to see the Zoo Lights. Take a look at our photos and see how much fun we had! Annunciation Oratorical Festival February 13, 2016 We are hoping for 100% participation from the Annunciation Youth. If you haven t picked your topic already, please do so in order that you have time to prepare. For any questions, please contact Andrew or Tina Douglas.

8 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. ======================================================================================================================================== January Friends of the Metropolis Message With our hearts lifted high, we thank you for the abundant goodness shown to the Metropolis of Detroit. Because of your generous gifts to Friends of the Metropolis and to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas... our Metropolis remains financially strong, secure, stable and able to grow God s vineyard. To all our supporters of Friends we extend to you the following verse: Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. Amen. As we look forward to the coming year, let us take this opportunity to encourage all Orthodox faithful prayerfully consider becoming a Friend. The Friends of the Metropolis Campaign is on-going with a robust concentration the months of September, October, November and December! In His Service, Chrisi Hopper and Donna Mousourakis Friends of the Metropolis Chairs and Metropolis Council Members Happy New Year! ======================================================================================================================================== BLESSING OF HOMES FOR THEOPHANY 2016 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE: WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? (Please try to schedule times during daytime hours. Although some evenings are available, these are limited due to other scheduled meetings and events. Blessings will take place from the day after Theophany on January 7 th, until Great Lent begins on March 14 th. If you have any questions, please contact Father Simon in the Church Office.)

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. Daughters of Penelope The Daughters of Penelope, founded on November 16, 1929, in San Francisco, California, is a part of the AHEPA. Our Mission Statement is the same as AHEPA s: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and & Individual Excellence. BAKE SALE THANK YOU On behalf of all of the Daughters, I would like to thank all of you for supporting our Bake Sale held Sunday, December 13. We had fun baking our Kourambiethes and the Koulourakia. It was work, but isn't it great you are having "fun work". A huge thank you to Elaine Otto and Linda Nichols who led the baking. Also, a thank you to all the Daughters who made home-baked items. We hope you enjoy what you purchased. If it was bought as a gift, we hope your "recipient" enjoys the goodies. You can't go wrong in giving Greek pastries as a gift. We still have a little bit left and will be selling them Sunday, Dec. 20th. The profits from the Bake Sale will go toward our Scholarship awarded in May. CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Wasn't the Christmas Pageant absolutely lovely? What beautiful voices the Sunday School students have and what talented students we have playing their musical instruments! From our pre-school to our high school seniors, you all did a marvelous job. Despina's Greek School classes did a spectacular job of singing the Greek Christmas Songs - Bravo!!! If you missed the pageant, you must make sure you see it next year...it is an event that should not be missed! Students, don't forget our Apokreas March 6 - share your talents!!! HOLIDAY WISHES We are all looking forward to spending the holidays with our families and friends. The Daughters want to wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and a very healthy, happy and prosperous New Year! AHEPA & DOP January Schedule of Events AHEPA Upcoming events: AHEPA Breakfast Meeting at Piccadilly Cafeteria, 3425 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN on Saturday, January 9 th at 9:00 am DOP Upcoming events: JANUARY EVENTS In January we will be initiating our new members, an event that reminds our group what the Daughters is all about. If you need information about the Daughters please feel free to contact me at church or any of our Daughters. REMINDER I know it is a little early, but don't forget our Godparents Luncheon February 14.

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11 Father Vieron s 44th year to teach Adult Greek Class Father Vieron s Next Class begins Monday, January 18, 2016 at 6:30pm. Class sometimes fills up quickly, therefore, register now! First come, first served! If you are planning a trip to Greece, this 14 week course is a must! Another reason for taking this Class is to be able to read the New Testament in the original Greek text. Or, perhaps you have married into a Greek speaking family and you want to know what they re saying behind your back! In this very basic introductory course the only requirement is ATTENDANCE! Leave the rest to the instructor who shares with his students a 90-year-old experience. Furthermore, he doesn t really teach. He simply performs - in a stress-free, relaxed atmosphere. And before you know it, you are speaking a little Greek and showing off to your Greek speaking friends. The course promises NOT to add any more pressures to your life, only a relaxed stress-free one hour each week from 6:30-7:30 pm each Monday. At the Graduation party you will enjoy a dinner for you and your guests. You will receive a beautiful diploma with a grad of Good, Very Good or Excellent. Everyone graduates! COMPLETE THIS REGISTRATION FORM WRITE OUT YOUR CHECK FOR SEVENTY-FIVE ($75) DOLLARS MAIL BOTH TO: THE ADULT GREEK CLASS 573 North Highland Memphis, TN Phone (901) Please make it a priority to attend the orientation session on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 6:30 PM Registration Form ADULT GREEK CLASS Course limited to one Monday evening class consisting of 25 students - "first come first served" Circle one: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Dr. Rev. Fr. or NAME please print your name...exactly as you want it to appear on your diploma! ADDRESS ZIP ---- CITY STATE Phone(s) H: Other: Enclosed, my $75 registration fee check, made out to "The Adult Greek Class" Date Signature of future Greek Scholar

12 Young at Heart January 21 st 11:30 am in Cotros Hall Join us for Soup, Sandwich and Winter BINGO! Enjoy a wonderful day of food, fellowship and FUN at our monthly Young at Heart gathering! Everyone 50 years of age and older are encouraged to join our group. Hope to see you January 21 st!

13 LOOK WHAT ANNUNCIATION WAS UP TO IN DECEMBER! Sunday School Christmas Pageant GOYA Christmas Caroling Daughters of Penelope Bake Sale E L P I S P e t B l e s s i n g

14 2015 Year End List of Stewards Thank you to the following 166 families who 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 Cooper, Don & Pat Cotros, Charles & Connie Couloubaritsis, George & Laura & Couloubaritsis, Jerry & Julia & family Dedic, Jasmin & Brymer, Bibiana Deitz, George & Wagner, Kristine & Demas, Helen Demopoulos. Chris 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 & Anne & Semos, Vasili & Luane & Shipman, Daniel Sinis, Harry & Magda & Sinis, Tom & Susan Skefos, Harry & Catherine Skefos, Katherine Skoutakis, Vasilios & Eleni Smith, Jimmy & Georgia Smith, Sheilia If we have mistakenly left your name off, please contact the Church Office! 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, Vasiliki Williams, James & Melinda & Zachary, Nina Zaharopoulos, Nick & Georgia Zambelis, Kathy & Zdancewicz, William & Julie &

15 JANUARY 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Saint Basil the Great 2 Circumcision of the Lord 3 Vasilopita Sunday Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am NO Sunday School today Nursery Available 9:30 am 12noon Vasilopita Sunday Coffee Hour hosted by Elpis Philoptochos GOYA Meeting 12:00 noon 4 Greek School 12:00 Noon 5 Eve of Epiphany Royal Hours 8:30 am Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil 10:00 am Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am 11:30 am Elpis Board Meeting 6:30 pm 6 Feast of Epiphany Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Blessing of the Waters 11:00 11:30 am Greek School 2:00 pm 7 St. John the Baptist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Girl Scouts 3:30 pm 8 DOP Board Meeting 10:30 am 9 AHEPA Meeting 9:00 am 10 Sunday after Epiphany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour Hosted by DOP DOP Monthly Meeting 12:00 Noon 11 Greek School 12:00 Noon Greek School 2:00 pm th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour - Open GOYA Meeting 12:00 Noon More Than a Meal 3:00 pm 18 Saints Athanasius & Cyril Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Greek School 12:00 Noon Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm Fr. Vieron s Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm Greek School 2:00 pm 21 Young at Heart Luncheon 11:30 am Girl Scouts 3:30 pm 22 Elpis Girls Night Out 6:00 pm th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour - Open Elpis General Meeting 12:00 Noon 25 Greek School 12:00 Noon Fr. Vieron s Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm Greek School 2:00 pm Feast of the Three Hierarchs Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am th Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour hosted by the Couloubaritis and Touliatos Families in Memory of Elias Collins