The Epistle. July/August The Holy & Great Council

Transcription

1 The Epistle July/August 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/ The Holy & Great Council Metropolitan Nicholas signing document at the gathering of the Holy & Great Council The Holy and Great Council commenced its work on Monday, June 20 th at the Orthodox Academy of Crete. In his Introductory Address, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made reference to the history of the attempts over many years for the Council to be assembled, emphasizing that there was no possibility for postponement. His All-Holiness expressed his disappointment at the decision of certain Local Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, which after decades of preparation, failed at the last moment to honor their written agreement, and are not participating in the Holy and Great Council, underlying at the same time the need to preserve unity since the Orthodox Church is one and does not constitute a confederation of Churches. The Primates of the Local Orthodox Autocephalous Churches in their turn, addressed greetings to the Council, unanimously expressing their joy and support for being present at this historic event. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together in unity to address the questions facing the Church in the contemporary world and to deepen co-operation in the future. They also expressed their profound regret and incomprehension at the absence of some Churches, underlying the need for unity. There is a wealth of information available online regarding the Council that can be found here: All texts and homilies related to the Holy and Great Council are available at the following link: As this historic event continues towards its conclusion, please pray for the unity of the Orthodox Church. Furthermore, as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America meets for the Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville this July, pray that we may further the work of the Church in this country. We will be fully represented as a Parish at the Clergy-Laity Congress, as well as at the National Philoptochos Convention, the Church Music Federation, and with the Presvyteres. For more information on the Clergy-Laity Congress, go to: With Love in Christ, Father Simon

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church TED POPLOS - President MARIA MOORE Vice President ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN - Secretary ED MORRISON - Treasurer PETE RUBY Co-Treasurer ENDY CARTER 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 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 PETER MELONAS NAJI NASSIF VASILI SEMOS HARRY SINIS ANDREW HORVATH STEPHANIE POPLOS EVAN HOOVER TODD BAGATELAS DESPINA KARAS CYNDI DETTY 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 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 July and August 2016 President s Message As the heat of Summer surrounds us and we embark on our vacations, I hope that you stay safe and have an enjoyable and restful time. I personally am looking forward to some R&R. I also want to remind you that the Church is still open every Sunday and I know that I enjoy seeing all of you at the coffee hour. I join in celebrating the 4 th of July although I will be in Nashville at the Clergy-Laity Congress. I will let you know how Nashville does with their celebration. I will be reporting on the Congress in my next message. I congratulate you the members of Annunciation on a fantastic festival. The numbers are now in and it looks like our profit is over $117,000. Way to go. I want to again thank Todd for his leadership, strength and energy. One more year Todd? Be on the lookout for some community work dates around the church. We need to clean out some of the clutter in several storage areas to make room for shelving to store the many publications that we used during Lent, Holy Week and Easter. In an effort to save time and money we have collected them and stored them in containers. The work days will not be too long and they are a good way to spend time with fellow parishioners and give back to the Church. Finally, I you haven t seen our new community garden, you should check it out. It is located on the North side of the festival storage shed close to Galloway. Madeleine and John have been busy planting, fertilizing and watering. I m sure they would like some help. Check with them to see if you can take a shift. Thank you all for your work and dedication to our Holy Church. 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 Jim, Dick, Kathy, Harry, Helen, Bruce, Irene, Sam, Queenie, Jason, Presvytera Bess, Annie Thank You Messages Dear Annunciation Memphis Parish, Thank you so much for your generous outpouring of prayers, love and support this month during our big move into our new home. We have had helpers packing, moving furniture, swapping cars to borrow trucks, cleaning the new house, cleaning the rental house, unloading the POD and more! We are so excited about this wonderful opportunity for our family and look forward to sharing it with you when we have it all unpacked and in order. Have a wonderful summer! Father Simon, Presvytera Stephanie, Elpinike and Demetri Thomas

4 Acolytes: Co-Captains: Kristofer Preza & Nikolas Preza Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas Volunteers for July John Eramo Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Ushers 3 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Peter Melonas 10 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Ed Morrison, Ted Poplos 17 Team 4: Vasili Semos, Harry Sinis, Endy Carter 24 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby 31 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Peter Melonas Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 3 Open 10 Daughters of Penelope 17 Nichols in Honor of Linda s Birthday/Bookas Hawkins in Honor of Elliot s 2 nd Birthday Greeters 3 Angela Buchanan & Friend 10 Andrew & Tina Douglas 17 Sarkis & Jenny Kish 24Athena Jameson & Anastasia Terranova 31 Pete & Jan Futris Prosphoro Bakers: 3 Enosis Touliatos 10 Enosis Touliatos 17 Enosis Touliatos 24 Enosis Touliatos 31 Enosis Touliatos Volunteers for August Epistle Readers: 3 Paul Vieron 10 Richard Tobias 17 Andrew Douglas 24 Ted Poplos 31 Cathe Skefos Acolytes: Co-Captains: Kristofer Preza & Nikolas Preza Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas John Eramo Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Ushers 7 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Ed Morrison, Ted Poplos 14 Team 4: Vasili Semos, Harry Sinis, Endy Carter 21 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby 28 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Peter Melonas Coffee Fellowship Hosts 7 John Tashie 14 Daughters of Penelope 21 Elpis for Dormition of the Theotokos 28 Open Greeters Prosforo Makers 7 Enosis Touliatos 14 Enosis Touliatos 21 Enosis Touliatos 28 Enosis Touliatos Epistle Readers 7 Tim Bullard 14 Mitch Obradovic 21 Richard Tobias 28 Scott McKee June Notices Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of) Mrs. Evangeline Semos by: Chris & Shawn Demos, Peter & Lynn Albano, Mr. Desideriu Neagu by: Maria Trif 6 MonthMemorial: Desideriu Neagu, father of Dana Damsa June 12

5 The Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah July 20 th The Holy Prophet Elijah (Elias) is one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation of the Word of God. During this time the Israelite nation had fallen away from the faith of their Fathers, they abandoned the One God and worshipped pagan idols, the worship of which was introduced by the impious king Jereboam. Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was devoted to idol worship. She persuaded her husband to build a temple to the pagan god Baal, which led many Israelites away from the worship of the true God. Beholding the ruin of his nation, the Prophet Elijah began to denounce King Ahab for impiety, and exhorted him to repent and turn to the God of Israel. The king would not listen to him. The Prophet Elijah then declared to him, that as punishment there would be neither rain nor dew upon the ground, and the drought would cease only by his prayer. Indeed, the word of Elijah was a torch (Eccles. 48: 1). The heavens were closed for three and a half years, and there was drought and famine throughout all the land. During this time of tribulation, the Lord sent him to a cave beyond the Jordan. There he was miraculously fed by ravens. When the stream Horath dried up, the Lord sent the Prophet Elijah to Sarephta to a poor widow, a Sidonian Gentile who suffered together with her children, awaiting death by starvation. At the request of the prophet, she prepared him a bread with the last measure of flour and the remainder of the oil. Through the prayer of the Prophet Elijah, flour and oil were not depleted in the home of the widow for the duration of the famine. By the power of his prayer the prophet also performed another miracle: he raised the dead son of the widow. After the end of three years of drought the Merciful Lord sent the prophet to appear before King Ahab, and promised to send rain upon the earth. The Prophet Elijah told the king to order all of Israel to gather upon Mount Carmel, and also the priests of Baal. When the nation had gathered, the Prophet Elijah proposed that two sacrificial altars be built: one for the priests of Baal, and the other for the Prophet Elijah who served the True God. The Prophet Elijah told them to call on their gods to consume the sacrificial animals with fire, and he would call on his. Whichever was first to send fire on the sacrifice would be acknowledged as the true God. The prophets of Baal called out to their idol from morning till evening, but the heavens were silent. Towards evening the holy Prophet Elijah built his sacrificial altar from twelve stones, the number of the tribes of Israel. He placed the sacrifice upon the wood, gave orders to dig a ditch around the altar and commanded that the sacrifice and the wood be soaked with water. When the ditch had filled with water, the prophet turned to God in prayer. Through the prayer of the prophet fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, and even the water. The people fell down to the ground, crying out: Truly, the Lord is God! Then the Prophet Elijah had all the pagan-priests of Baal put to death, and he began to pray for rain. Through his prayer the heavens opened and an abundant rain fell, soaking the parched earth. King Ahab acknowledged his error and repented of his sins, but his wife Jezebel threatened to kill the prophet of God. The Prophet Elijah fled into the Kingdom of Judea and, grieving over his failure to eradicate idol worship, he asked God to let him die. An angel of the Lord came before him, strengthened him with food and commanded him to go upon a long journey. The Prophet Elijah traveled for forty days and nights and, having arrived at Mount Horeb, he settled in a cave. The Lord told him that the next day Elijah would stand in His presence. There was a strong wind that crushed the rocks of the mountain, then an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in them. The Lord was in a gentle breeze (3 Kings 19: 12). He revealed to the prophet, that He would preserve seven thousand faithful servants who had not worshipped Baal. Later, the Lord commanded Elijah to anoint Elisha into prophetic service. Because of his fiery zeal for the Glory of God the Prophet Elijah was taken up alive into Heaven in a fiery chariot. The Prophet Elisha received Elijah s mantle, and a double portion of his prophetic spirit. The life of the holy Prophet Elijah is recorded in the Old Testament books (3 Kings; 4 Kings; Sirach/Ecclesiastes 48: 1-15; 1 Maccabees 2: 58).

6 Falling Asleep of the Most Holy Theotokos August 15 th After the Ascension of the Lord, the Mother of God remained in the care of the Apostle John the Theologian, and during his journeys she lived at the home of his parents, near the Mount of Olives. She was a source of consolation and edification both for the Apostles and for all the believers. Conversing with them, she told them about miraculous events: the Annunciation, the seedless and undefiled Conception of Christ born of Her, about His early childhood, and about His earthly life. Like the Apostles, she helped plant and strengthen the Christian Church by her presence, her discourse, and her prayers. In time, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her and announced her approaching departure from this life to eternal life. In pledge of this, the Archangel gave her a palm branch. With these heavenly tidings the Mother of God returned to Bethlehem. She summoned Righteous Joseph of Arimathea and other disciples of the Lord, and told them of her impending Repose. The Most Holy Virgin prayed also that the Lord would have all the Apostles come to her. The Holy Spirit transported them from various parts of the world, setting them in the very place where the Mother of God lay. After the prayer, the Most Holy Virgin offered incense, and everyone heard a voice from Heaven, closing her prayer with the word, Amen. Seeing one another, the Apostles rejoiced, but in their confusion they asked each other why the Lord had gathered them together in one place. Saint John the Theologian, greeting them with tears of joy, said that the time of the Virgin s repose was at hand. When she had fallen asleep, the Apostles kissed the all-pure body with reverence and awe, and they in turn were blessed by it and filled with grace and spiritual joy. Through the great glorification of the Most Holy Theotokos, the almighty power of God healed the sick, who with faith and love touched the holy bed. Bewailing their separation from the Mother of God, the Apostles prepared to bury Her all-pure body. The holy Apostles Peter, Paul, James and others of the Twelve Apostles carried the funeral bier upon their shoulders, and upon it lay the body of the Ever-Virgin Mary. Saint John the Theologian went at the head with the resplendent palm-branch from Paradise. The other saints and a multitude of the faithful accompanied the funeral bier with candles and censers, singing sacred songs. This solemn procession went from Sion through Jerusalem to the Garden of Gethsemane. When the procession reached the Garden of Gethsemane, then amidst the weeping and the wailing began the last kiss to the all-pure body. Only towards evening were the Apostles able to place it in the tomb and seal the entrance to the cave with a large stone. For three days they did not depart from the place of burial, praying and chanting Psalms. Through the wise providence of God, the Apostle Thomas was not to be present at the burial of the Mother of God. Arriving late on the third day at Gethsemane, he lay down at the tomb and with bitter tears asked that he might be permitted to look once more upon the Mother of God and bid her farewell. The Apostles out of heartfelt pity for him decided to open the grave and permit him the comfort of venerating the holy relics of the Ever-Virgin Mary. Having opened the grave, they found in it only the grave wrappings and were thus convinced of the bodily ascent of the Most Holy Virgin Mary to Heaven. The holy Patriarch Juvenal of Jerusalem ( ) testified before the emperor Marcian ( ) as to the authenticity of the tradition about the miraculous ascent of the Mother of God to Heaven, and he sent to the empress, Saint Pulcheria, the grave wrappings of the Mother of God from Her tomb. Saint Pulcheria then placed these grave-wrappings within the Blachernae church.

7 Liturgical Calendar for July & August Sunday, July 3 rd 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Sunday, July 10 th 3 rd Sunday of Matthew Sunday, July 17 th Sunday of the Holy Fathers Wednesday, July 20 th Saint Elijah the Prophet Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, July 24 th 5 th Sunday of Matthew Sunday, July 31 st 6 th Sunday of Matthew Monday, August 1 st Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 3 rd Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Friday, August 5 th Great Vespers 6:00 pm Saturday, August 6 th Feast of the Transfiguration Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, August 7 th 7 th Sunday of Matthew Monday, August 8 th Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 10 th Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Friday, August 12 th Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Sunday, August 14 th 8 th Sunday of Matthew Monday, August 15 th Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Sunday, August 21 st 9 th Sunday of Matthew Sunday, August 28 th 10 th Sunday of Matthew Monday, August 29 th Beheading of John the Baptist Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

8 Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter # Clergy-Laity and National Philoptochos Conference The following Elpis members will be representing our chapter Cyndi Detty - chapter delegate Marianthe Pilcher - chapter delegate Stephanie Poplos - Metropolis board delegate Angela Tobias - chapter delegate Joy Touliatos - observer More than a Meal Sunday, July 17th 3:00-5:00 Grace St. Luke's Church in Midtown, Serving Team Summer Picnic Please join us for our annual summer picnic for current members as well as those who may be interesting in joining our organization. We will meet the first weekend of August at the home of Tina Liollio. The Elpis board members will be providing the food and beverages. Look for more information soon! Special Coffee Hour in honor of our Beloved Theotokos Please join us for a special coffee hour on Sunday, August 21st in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the Divine Liturgy. Angela Buchannan, Janet Boosalis and Alex Vergos will be hosting the event in honor and memory of their mothers. We will be accepting donations to fund our Social Service Fund. This fund provides assistance to church members who are in financial need. In the past, we have helped members pay doctor's bills, rent, electric bills and other necessary expenses. We sincerely ask that you be generous in your donation. If you or someone you know may be in need of support, please speak directly to Father Simon. ELPIS Bookstore Volunteer this summer! We are looking for a few volunteers to help in the bookstore. We are open every Sunday from 11:45-12:30. This is perfect for our youth who are on break from Sunday School. Proceeds from our bookstore fund our annual scholarship fund. Stop by the store to volunteer or use our online sign-up form. 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 co-host 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 at Heart Wishing everyone a wonderful summer! Looking forward to seeing you in the fall for a lot of fun! Everyone 50 years of age and older is invited to attend. *Organization co-ordinators: Kathy Zambelis: ,Anna Paris: , Sophie Theodore:

9 G R E E K O R T H O D OX M E T RO P O L I S O F D E T RO I T FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS Dear Friends of the Metropolis: God has called us to do mighty deeds for the glory of His name and for the love of His people. You are called upon to join in this reality of faith working through love as we continue to manifest the love of God for His Church and His people. When you support the Friends of the Metropolis Campaign, you are part of a greater outreach that proclaims with one universal voice that God is truly our hope and our rock of salvation. Because of your devotion and help to the Friends program, ministries and programs are implemented on a Metropoliswide basis which strengthen and enhance our faith and our joint ministry of service. If you have not yet become part of the Metropolis-wide effort, I would like to invite you to join forces with the faithful throughout the Metropolis in support of the ministries which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan,. Thanking you for your kind and generous response, I remain, with paternal blessings and prayers, +NICHOLAS Metropolitan of Detroit WHAT DOES FRIENDS OF THE METROPOLIS SUPPORT? GENERAL Fully fund the expenses of the Metropolis office, program and travels. EDUCATION Enhance scholarships and adult education programs, as well as support the Metropolis students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross. SUPPORT Develop and provide educational and instructional seminars and services to clergy and parishes. YOUTH Maintain and support the youth office and activities of a full-time Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. OUTREACH/MISSIONS Create opportunities to introduce our faith to society, participate in inter-christian and inter-faith activities as well as provide quick responses to national disasters. HELLENISM Develop programs for Hellenic Cultural Outreach, including language, history and arts. LEADERSHIP Organize Metropolis Clergy-Laity Conferences, Oratorical Festivals, Christmas Pageants, and Adult Education Programs. SPECIAL PROGRAMS Website development, hospitality to visiting dignitaries and guests, Charity and Philanthropy. PLEASE SEND THE FOLLOWING FORM IN AN ENVELOPE TO THE ADDRESS BELOW I am pleased to support the work of Metropolitan Nicholas and the Metropolis through the Annual Metropolis Stewardship Friends Program G R E E K O R T H O D O X M E T R O P O L I S O F D E T R O I T 2560 CROOKS ROAD TROY, MI Phone: Fax: NAME (please print) ADDRESS (please print) PHONE $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 $1000 OTHER METHOD OF PAYMENT Check Enclosed (payable to Metropolis of Detroit) Please Charge My Credit Card (MC or VISA ONLY) office@detroit.goarch.org Website: ADDRESS (please print) CREDIT CARD # EXP. DATE PARISH AFFILIATION CITY/STATE SIGNATURE

10 Concert to Benefit the St. Nicholas National Shrine Dearly Beloved in the Lord, To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). I am excited to announce that our Parish will sponsor a concert to benefit the St. Nicholas National Shrine at the World Trade Center in New York City, featuring Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame Member Chris Hillman, along with Herb Pedersen and The Agape Trio, at the Malco Paradiso Theatre on Sunday, September 4, 2016, at 4 pm. Chris Hillman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 as a member of The Byrds, and has received numerous accolades for his songwriting. Herb Pedersen was the number one session singer and instrumentalist in the Los Angeles area for decades, performing on many notable artists albums. The Desert Rose Band, fronted by Chris, Herb and John Jorgenson, was honored by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association as Best Vocal Band. The Agape Trio consists of Chris Hillman, Patti Stathis, and Greg Pantages all long-time members of the St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church in Santa Barbara. A time to break down, and a time to build up a time to gather stones together (Ecclesiastes 3:3, 5). St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was the only house of worship destroyed in the collapse of World Trade Center Tower Two during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Proceeds from this event will support the construction of the St. Nicholas Shrine at Ground Zero in New York City. In memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11, this site will welcome all who seek solace, reflection and spiritual healing. How can you participate? Tickets for the event are limited, and will go on sale this Sunday, June 5 th for members of the Annunciation. In this way, we are providing the members of our parish an opportunity to choose the seating they most prefer. Tickets can be purchased in the Church Office and on Sundays after services: Section 1: $50 Section 2: $40 Section 3: $35 Section 4: $30 VIP Tickets are also available. These tickets provide an exclusive opportunity to meet Chris, Herb, Patti, and Greg after the concert, for an added $10/ticket. You can upgrade to VIP at the time of purchase, and tickets are limited. A Dinner Plan is also available. The Dinner Plan provides you with a tasty meal when you arrive, inclusive of food and drink. For $10, your meal will include food and drink, ensuring you can sit back and enjoy the show. The Dinner Plan can also be purchased at the time of purchase. T-shirts featuring the St. Nicholas National Shrine are also available. These shirts can be purchased at any time through the Annunciation Church Office for $15. Shirts are available in almost any size, and in either black or white. Can t make the event? Donations are always welcome by sending a check to the Annunciation Church Office with St. Nicholas Shrine in the memo section. I am grateful to everyone who has offered their time, talent, and treasure to make this event a reality. I pray this event will provide our Parish and community a time to gather together in fun and fellowship. With Love is our Risen Lord, Father Simon

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12 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 Pinterest: GOA YoungAdults On Tumblr: GOA Young Adults 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. Youth Ministries ST NICHOLAS SUMMER CAMP Registration OPEN NOW for Summer Camp! Please visit: SUMMER CAMP 2016 INFORMATION CAMP DATES: JULY 24-30, 2016 AGES: For children 8 years old (or entering 3rd grade in Fall 2016) 18 years old (or will be graduating High School in Spring 2016). PRICE $425 Normal Registration (JUNE 1ST - JULY 24TH) 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 except during the Summer and certain Holidays. Sunday School Registration for Fall 2016 will be held on Sunday, July 31 and Sunday, August 7 th in Cotros Hall after Divine Liturgy. First day of Sunday School is August 14 th. More information to follow. 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! Looking for Sunday school teachers to fill the vacant positions for the 3rd and 4th graders and for 5 th and 6 th graders for the upcoming school year which begins in August. We have a wonderful curriculum which is easy to teach and amazing children that will fulfill your life. Please contact Anna Paris at /parisa@comcast.net or Fr Simon at Have a wonderful summer!

13 HOPE/JOY (Junior Orthodox Youth) SAVE these DATES~ We are going to have a ZOO day July 16th at 10am. Meet just inside the gates at the roaming river area. We will have a play morning at Shelby Farms Discovery Playground on August 20th at 10am! Bring snacks and sunscreen! Looking forward to your company! Bring friends! 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. 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). Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos Goya July and August 2016 Welcome to summer and the care free, homework free days of Memphis and the heat and humidity. We had a great year in Goya and ended the official year with a pool party. We want to thank the Douglas family for hosting the party and offering their pool to us for a fun afternoon. The weather tried to rain on our parade but it is hard to complain about being wet when you are in a pool on a hot day. Thank you Douglas family. We are taking a break from our regular meetings but we are planning a couple of outings soon. Please be checking your for details on a Redbirds game or a movie outing. We hope you have a fun and safe summer and look forward to seeing most of you in the fall. To our graduates, we wish you all safe travels as you head to your school of choice. We look forward to seeing you back home on break. Your Goya advisors GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic June Garden Update Parish Community Garden Our garden is on the grow! We have trellises added, the sprinkler system set up and plants are coming along nicely. Many thanks go out to Johnny & Madeleine Donnelly for getting the garden started and established and continuing to tend to it in their spare time. If you d be available to take a turn checking on the garden or volunteering to help weed and fertilize, please contact Madeleine at

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15 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 be in for a pleasant surprise. Ahepa July and August 2016 On Sunday June 19 th Ahepa once again sponsored a Father s Day brunch to celebrate all the fathers in our community. Happy Father s Day to all of the fathers in the community. On June 25 th the men of Ahepa and the community met at Picadilly in Germantown to have some fellowship and discussion about the future format of the group currently known as Ahepa. It has been apparent for some time that a change in format and mission is needed. We are working on both of those. Stay tuned to see what the outcome of the discussion is. We will be publishing the results in our next message. We congratulate all the graduates this year. We congratulate Evan Hoover and Kristofer and Nikolas Preza who were the recipients of the Ahepa scholarships. Be on the lookout for details for our annual community picnic and softball game this fall. With the Cubs on a roll, it seems that Fr. Simon is really fired up about the game this year. Come on out to the game to see what happens and then stay for the picnic provided by the Vergos family and the Rendezvous. Have a fun and safe Summer. Summer 2016 Daughters of Penelope 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 AHEPA share our Mission Statement: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and & Individual Excellence. Summer is officially here and the Daughters are enjoying themselves with their family and friends. We are taking the summer off so we can gear up for the fall. An event we will be participating in this summer is The Germantown International Festival. This will take place on Saturday, August 20. It will be held at the Germantown Great Hall, by the Performing Arts Center. Opening Ceremony starts at approximately 11:00 this is really impressive with the Parade of Countries. Reminds me of the Olympics Opening Ceremony where all the countries march in, with Greece first. Every year, I try to talk them into letting us come first alas to no avail. We will have our Greek Artifacts on Display and our Athenian dancers will be performing around noon time. If you have never seen this International Festival, you are missing out. Under one roof will be approximately 30 countries presenting dancing, arts and crafts, food..and much more. Where else can you go to see so many different cultures and practically in your backyard. Come and support our dancers and our culture. It is with great pleasure that I announce Constance Poplas was a recipient of a National Daughters of Penelope Scholarship. Bravo Constance! I believe this might be a first for our group for one of our member's child receiving a scholarship from National DOP. A reminder, Ole Miss is expanding their exhibit of the Greek Artifacts at their museum. It is open on Saturdays. Do try and get to Oxford and see this fabulous exhibit.another cultural opportunity almost in our back yard!! In Theta Pi, Anastasia Terranova

16 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. *Allphin, Robert Anaston, Zoe *Apalodimas, Chris & Connie *Apalodimas, Maria Arcamuzi, Michael & *Argol, Nick & Anne Avgeris, John & Diane *Bagatelas, Todd & Cyndi & *Barlow, Steven & Anastasia & Berretta, Bryan & Melissa & *Bitinis, Demetra *Bookas, John & Deborah Boosalis, Inga *Boosalis, Janet Branch, William *Branum, Shawn *Buchanan, Angela *Bullard, Tim Buring, Jacob & Michele & Caranyiannis, Dean & Vickie & *Carter, Endy Castellucci, Brianna & Conan & *Chagaris, Mary Chelsoi, Catalin & Anca Chiungos, Cary Collis, Alec Cooper, Pat Bacapoulos *Cotros, Charles & Connie *Couloubaritsis, Jerry & Julia & Deitz, George & Wagner, Kristine & *Demas, Helen * Demopoulos, Chris *Demos, Chris & Shawn 2016 List of Stewards Denton, Anna *Detty, Greg & Cyndi & *Douglas, Andrew & Tina & Douklias, Vasilios & Georgia Drumea, Ioana *Erskine, Bruce & Helen Farrell, Linda & Farris, Phillip & Kellye & *Fox, Nick & Marty Fox *Futris, Katherine *Futris Jr., Pete & Jan *Futris, Steve & Zoe *Gallagher, Evangelia *George, Christina *Georgopoulos, Lois *Gikas, Bill & Niki *Gikas, Joanne Gogonelis, Alex *Govatos, George Grantham, Ronald & Patricia *Graves, Alan & Renee & Guidi, Sophia Guigley, Kevin & Pannay & Hawkins, Charles & Elizabeth & *Herbert, Sandy Hong, Tony & Ramona & *Hooker, Nathan & Stephanie & *Hoover, Ken & Vicki & *Horvath, Andrew & Leah Hristopoulou, Koula Huston, Dorothy *Jameson, Athena *Jennings, Al & Tina & Johnson, John Johnson, William & Stephanie & Joyner, Bill & Denise Karas, Jim & Despina Karris, Georgia *Kavelaras, Diane *Kay, John & Nancy Kay, Maureen *Kennedy, James Khalaf, Nader Kish, Sarkis & Jenny Kolaitis, Regina *Kollias, Marcy Kolopanas, Bessie Koplin, Jonathan & Pauline & *Lefes, Kalliope Limberakis, George *Liollio, Tina Looney, Charles & Camille Maria Louza, Samya *Love, Tom & Emily *Maasho, Aklilu & Amdetsion, Nigisti & Maragos, Pete & Amelia & Matika, Yolanta Mavraganis, Gus & Helen Mazas, Diana *McKee, Scott & Weilin Xi and McCoy, Ronald & Helen *Melonas, Emily Melonas, Peter & Kathryn *Meng, James & Susan & Mims, Alan & Lydia Montgomery, Toni *Moore, Alexis *Moore, Maria & Michael *Moore, Tommy *Morrison, Robert & Kathryn *Mosby, Michael & Valerie &

17 Nassif, Naji & Rebecca & Nichols, Nick & Linda Nickas, Zoe Nix, Michael & Linda *Obradovic, Mitch & Linda & Ogbasion, Abraham Ogbasion, Asmelash & Asmeret Otto, Greg & Elaine & *Papastefan, Demetri Pappas, Alexandra & Pappas, Maria *Paris, Anna *Paris, Dorothy *Paris, Evangeline Patrikios, Dennis & Odette Paulus, Basil *Peters, Manual & Mary Beth Peters, Manuel & Susanna *Peters, Spero Phillips, Stanley Pilcher, Derek & Marianthe Plekon, Paul & Cate *Poplos, Ted & Stephanie & Poulos, John & Maria Preza, Chrysanthe & Valdimarsson, Einir & Ramage, Elizabeth *Reed, Scott *Ruby, Pete *Samonides, Albis *Sanders, Andrew & Betsy & Sandouk, Sandy Sarantidis, Foti & Terri *Schmitt, Eric & Anne & Schnepf, Theresa *Semos, Vasili, Luane & *Shipman, Daniel & *Sinis, Harry & Magda & Sinis, Tom & Susan *Skefos, Harry & Catherine *Skefos, Katherine Skoutakis, Vasilios & Eleni *Smith, Jimmy & Georgia Sobczak, David Sousoulas, James & Sophia *Stamson, Jerry Joseph & Tiffany & *Stamson, Pandora Staurksy Jr., Andrew & Sissa, Katherine Steckler, Steve & Joy Stergios, Martha Stoian, Romulus & Camelia *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 *Tesfazion, Amanuel & Brur & *Theodore, Lee & Yiota *Thomas, Fr. Simon & Pres. Stephanie & Tingle, Gregg & Lorrie *Tobias, Andrew *Tobias, Richard & Angela Topolewski, Kimberly Touliatos, Sarah Trif, Maria Vasilopoulos, Debbie Vergos, Alex *Vergos, Annie *Vergos, Charles John Vergos, Tasia Vergos, Theodore Vieron, Lee Vieron, Fr. Nicholas & Pres. Bess Vieron, Paul *Wassef, Magdi & Amira & *Wasserman, Maria D. *Whitten, Vasiliki *Zachary, Nina *Zaharapoulos, Nick & Georgia Zdancewicz, William & Julie & *Zambelis, Kathy & Thank you for your contribution for the year 2016! Your stewardship supports the ministries of the Annunciation. If we have mistakenly left your name off the list, please contact the Church Office! As of June 26, 2016: Stewards 188 Stewardship Cards 94 Amount Pledged $195, Amount Received $164,617.51

18 JULY 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Clergy-Laity Congress 2 nd Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - Open 4 Clergy-Laity Church closed to celebrate Independence Day 5 Clergy-Laity 6 Clergy-Laity 7 Clergy-Laity 8 Clergy-Laity rd Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour Hosted by DOP Sunday of the Holy Fathers Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by Nichols to Honor Linda Nichols on her Birthday 18 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm Saint Elijah the Prophet Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am St. Nicholas Camp 5 th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by the Thomas in honor of Demetri s 7 th Birthday 25 St. Nicholas Camp 26 St. Nicholas Camp 27 St. Nicholas Camp 28 St. Nicholas Camp 29 St. Nicholas Camp 30 St. Nicholas Camp 31 6 th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - hosted by the Hawkins family to Honor Elliot on his 2 nd Birthday

19 AUGUST 2016 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm 2 3 Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm 4 5 Great Vespers 6:00 pm 6 Feast of the Transfiguration Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 7 7 th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour - 8 Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm 9 10 Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm Paraklesis (Supplication) Service 6:00 pm th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by John Tashie 15 Feast of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour hosted by Elpis for the Dormition of the Theotokos th Sunday of Matthew Nursery Available 9:30 am Coffee Hour 29 Beheading of John the Baptist Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am 30 31