The True Vine. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Dayton, Ohio. Where is Everyone? In this issue: Parish Registry. April 2018 Vol.

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1 The True Vine Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Dayton, Ohio April 2018 Vol. 2 Issue 4 Where is Everyone? In this issue: Where is Everyone 1-2 Parish Registry 1 Liturgical Schedule 2 President s Corner 2 News and Notes 4 Ministries and Organizations 4 Faith in Action 5 Stewardship 6 Calendar 7 Parish Registry 40 Day Blessing March 4, Kasey and Katerina Kordalis Funeral March 14 +Tom Xarhoulacos The Rt. Rev. Fr. Tryphon, Abbot of All-Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington, provides meaningful support and authoritative guidance for a profitable spiritual life in today s world for Ancient Faith Radio and on other forms of social media. This is a challenging piece that all American Orthodox Christians would do well to consider. Over the years I have heard many grief stricken parents and grandparents lament the loss of their children and grandchildren from the Church. Sad as it may be, I m not usually surprised, for over and over I ve heard the sad truth behind this exodus from the Church. More often than not, these parents did not raise their children to be practicing Orthodox Christians. They may have had their infant baptized, but the frequency of church attendance was not important, other than the need to keep those ethnic links to the old country. Parents, unless they are serious about their faith, often look upon baptism as the moment when their child is made Orthodox, but fail to realize the Mystery of Baptism is only the beginning of a life in Christ. These same parents know childhood inoculations against diseases are important, and they understand their child s long term health requires sound nutritional planning, exercise, and loving support for good mental health. Being loving parents, they wouldn t think good parenting ends with that one inoculation, yet they treat baptism as though it is a magical formula that assures their child is forever connected to the ethnic heritage of the family tree. Orthodoxy can not be seen as the ethnic link to a family s history, anymore than ethnic dancing and ethnic food, makes one Orthodox. It is fine to be proud of one s ethnic heritage, and want to preserve one s ethnic language and ethnic traditions. But our ethnicity does not save us. Only Christ saves us! Being Greek or Russian will not save us, for there is no grace in one s ethnicity. It is only putting on Christ, and becoming One Body in Christ, that will bring about salvation. We must not link ethnic preservation to our Orthodox Faith, for in Christ there is neither Greek nor Jew..., for in Christ, we are but ONE NATION. It is always sad to witness churches that are packed with Sunday worshipers who are only there because they want their cultural hit for the week. Getting together with people who are from the old country, and who speak the language of their former country, is not what makes one Orthodox. Knowing the traditional dances from the old country, and eating ethnic foods that connect them with the old country, is fine. Yet, if these ethnic bastions only serve up cultural hits for the week, they are in danger of becoming barriers to knowing Christ. As well, if these parishes place so much emphasis on cultural and linguistic links to the old country, they are in danger of becoming nothing more than walled citadels of ethnic purity, keeping outsiders from entering into the Gates of Paradise. If visitors (potential seekers) to our Orthodox parishes find themselves outsiders in their own country, Orthodoxy will be seen as an ethnic club that is closed off to them. This is the reason I so strongly believe Serbs, Greeks, Russians, Bulgarians, and all other immigrants, coming into the United States to better their economic life, should be welcomed by Orthodox parishes that instruct them in the Orthodox Faith, encourage them to worship in the language of their adopted nation, and help them to become pious American Orthodox believers.

2 2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 500 Belmonte Park North Dayton OH Office Hours: Mon. Fri. 9 am 5 pm Clergy: Fr. Joseph Gingrich frjosephgingrich@gmail.com Secretary: Carol McDougle Bookkeeper: Brandee Moran Building Operations Manager: David Casey Parish Council: President: Maria Abboud Vice President: Evan Bambakidis Secretary: Deb Pulos Treasurer: Demetri Inempolidis Members: Sandy Angelopoulos Harriet Argue Nikki Burns Andrea Casey Louis Castleman Larry Couchot Dan Douglass Bernie Gearon Toni Moraites Nick Regopoulos Parish Organizations and Ministry heads: AHEPHA: Nick Tolias Catechism School: Christina Harsch Katina Tsatalis Choir: Ernie Stathes Dance Coordinators: Isidora Margioris Maria McFarland Daughters of Penelope: Alexis Brun GAPA: Linda Kididis GOYA: Dori Daskalakis Missy Fote Greek School: Katina Tsatalis Michelle Zois Maids of Athena: Thomai Bessler Maria McFarland Philoptochos: Cynthia Barron Young at Heart: Becky Heddings Mary McDonald Toni Moraites If we are not to repeat the mistakes of the past, that led to the exodus of the children and grandchildren of the last mass immigration, we must not repeat the same mistakes. If our children and grandchildren do not understand the language of worship, the faith will not become their own. And, if their friends are not made welcome in our churches, our children and grandchildren will eventually leave the Faith of their Ancestors, and we will stand, alone, wondering why our churches are empty, yet again. With love and blessings, Abbot Tryphon Liturgical Schedule for April All non-sunday Divine Liturgies begin at 9:30 am unless otherwise noted. If Matins/ Orthros is not listed before Divine it isn t being served that day. Sun., Apr. 1 Matins/Divine Palm Sunday and Bridegroom Matins Mon., Apr. 2 Bridegroom Matins Tue., Apr. 3 Bridegroom Matins Wed. Apr. 4 Sacrament of Holy Unction 5:00 pm Thur., Apr. 5 Vesperal Divine of the Mystical Supper 8:00 am Matins of the Passion and 12 Gospels Fri., Apr. 6 Royal Hours 9:00 am, Great Vespers 2:30 pm, Lamentations Sat., Apr. 7 Vesperal Divine 10:00 am, Vigil service 11:30 pm Sun. Apr. 8 Matins and Divine of Pascha 12:00 am Agape Vespers 12:00 pm Sun., Apr. 15 Matins/Divine Thomas Sunday Sun., Apr. 22 Matins/Divine Myrrh Bearers Sunday Mon., Apr. 23 Divine St. George Sun., Apr 29 Matins/Divine Paralytic Sunday President s Corner Xristos Anesti! Christ is Risen! We are so blessed to have such a busy and vibrant community! Thank you to the entire parish family for being so active in all the activities and for your offering of time, talent and treasure. Here are some community updates: Congratulations to GOYA for hosting a wonderful tournament again this year. We had 400 visitors here for the weekend, sharing in fun and fellowship. We were also blessed by the presence of Metropolitan Nicholas. Congratulations to the third- and fourth-grade catechism students who participated in a Saturday retreat on the importance of confession. They participated in confession and on Sunday received Holy Communion together. What a great example they are for all of us. Have you noticed how beautiful the gym floor looks? Thank you to GOYA for their significant contribution toward refinishing the gym floor. When mailing checks to the office for any type of donation, be sure to specify the designation in the memo line.

3 Thank you to David Casey for taking care of getting new lighting in the kitchen. If you haven t noticed it by now, stop by and look, what a difference brighter lights make. If you haven t turned in your Stewardship card for 2018, please do so ASAP. I just want to re-iterate the importance of being diligent on a safety front. Over the upcoming months you will be hearing more about efforts being made to increase safety awareness amongst the entire parish. If you need to use the handicap entrance, please stop in the Narthex and let an usher know, they will open the door for you. Please refrain from opening doors in the church if they are knocked on during services Thank you to then entire staff for all they do for the parishioners, organizations and church. They work tirelessly, please take a moment to let them know how much you appreciate them. Church Donations Unless specifically noted, any donations made to the church or in memory of a parishioner will be deposited into the Legacy Fund. If it is your wish to have donations placed in a specific fund, i.e. Memorial Fund, Capital Improvement Fund etc This must be specified with the donation. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Brandee the church bookkeeper. Effective MAY 1, The True Vine will be moving to an electronic format If you currently receive it via you do not need to do anything If you wish to have it ed to you send an to office2.annunciation@donet.com and ask to be added to the True Vine list It will continue to be available via the church website, For stewards of the church who do not have internet access, please call Carol in the office to make arrangements to receive the True Vine Thank you for your understanding as we make this important cost-saving transition Maria Abboud News and Notes Expressions of Sympathy Our sympathies to the family of +Tom Xarhoulacos, who passed away on March 12. May his memory be eternal. In Appreciation Thank you Susan Manos for her time and talent to embellish the white crowns worn by the Myrrh Bearer girls at the Great Friday Lamentation Service. I would like to thank Fr. Joseph for his visit and prayers for me while I was in the hospital. I would also like to thank our parish community for your cards, flowers, visits, gifts, phone calls, and your thoughts and prayers as I recovered from my surgery. Love and Prayers, Phyllis Davell Thank you Young at Heart for remembering and helping me celebrate my 89th Birthday. Also thank you to Deno and Phyllis Davell for my birthday cake, everything was delicious and very much appreciated. Thank you again Don Hanel Ministries and Organizations Catechism School First Confessions On Saturday, March 3, we began our morning with a teaching seminar about the Sacrament of Confession for third- and fourth-grade students. Then we went into Church where students participated in the Sacrament of Confession. Afterward, we returned to the Athenagoras Room to decorate candles symbolizing the promise made at our Baptism, and enjoyed fellowship with a pizza lunch. Next year we look forward to expanding to multiple grades. It is impossible for the soul to remain in the same state, but it must move along either to what is better or what is worse. Dorotheos of Gaza 3

4 Catechism School in Partnership with Orthodox Parents in Action: The catechism students this Lenten season will be participating in a blessing bag project for those in need. Each blessing bag will include the following items: a water bottle, chapstick, tissue pack, toothbrush, toothpaste, pair of socks, wet wipes, granola bars, emergen-c packet, emergency rain poncho, hand warmers, beef jerky and box of raisins. Students will also be adding a bible verse or picture to their bags when assembling. The catechism students will be assembling these bags on Sunday, April 15 during coffee hour. If any other members of the community would like to donate to this project, please sign-up through this link: Questions can be forwarded to Dena Inempolidis at dena.inempolidis@gmail.com Choir To join the choir or for additional information regarding the choir please contact: Choir Director Ernie Stathes or Organist Linda Parker. Community Sandwich Making The community sandwich making for The House of Bread will take place this month on Monday, April 16 at 6:30 in the parish kitchen. Last month we made over 1,200 sandwiches, thanks to the support from our parish. The House of Bread is just a few blocks from our parish and we will be considering for additional ways to support this philanthropic organization offering hot lunches to our local community. Sandwich meat, cheese and bread may be dropped off in the parish refrigerator on Sunday, April 15. Daughters of Penelope News: Thank you to the community for supporting our first spanakopita baking fundraiser! Thank you to the leadership and the many hands that prepared the 50 pans! Thank you to the ladies of GAPA that allowed DOP the opportunity to pick up this fundraiser which they have done in the past. On March 17, we attended the AHEPA Midwest Regional Banquet at The Ohio Statehouse. This fundraiser honored Hellenism and those in service. It benefited the Endowment of the Chair for Modern Greek Studies at Ohio State University, Maids of Athena, and Sons of Pericles. Next meeting is Thursday, April 12, 6:30 p.m. Please join us for our Annual Scholarship Luncheon on Sunday, April 29. A light luncheon provided and your gracious donations to benefit the Buckeye Scholarship program. New members are always welcome! Please feel free to contact Alexis Brun, President, agrkblsng22@gmail.com Young at Heart Hope you will come to the Young at Heart luncheon on Thursday, April 19 at 11:30 am. We will have Alan Price give a presentation on his findings of a rare Confederate buckle and 16 relics he found on the Canby property, which was next door to the church. 4

5 Philoptochos: Faith in Action April Membership Meeting Our next meeting will be Thursday, April 12, at 10:00 am. Please note this date as it is one week later than usual due to Holy Week. We will have a speaker from Care House which is our May Community Care Ministry. Care House is the Montgomery County s Advocacy Center for child victims of abuse and neglect. Its mission is to provide a multidisciplinary team response to child abuse for the purpose of protecting and supporting children and their non-offending family members, holding offenders accountable, and educating the community. Donation to Homefull Thinking about getting new silverware? You can donate extra silverware to the Donation Station at Homefull. Homefull is also in need of large bath towels, paper towels and toilet paper. You can bring them to the April 12 membership meeting or contact Sandy Alex at salex142@aol.com, or What a great way to clean out your cabinets and linen closets! Many thanks to our Donation Station committee members who refill our household products monthly at Homefull. Volunteers are always welcome to join. 5 April CCM: Maple Tree Cancer Alliance Maple Tree Cancer Alliance is committed to improving the quality of life of individuals battling cancer. This nonprofit organization provides free exercise training, nutritional counseling and Christcentered spiritual support for those battling cancer. Currently in 7 area hospitals, our financial support will help to replace broken tread mills and other equipment. To learn more go to: MapleTreeCancerAlliance.org or contact Katina Tsatalis Red Eggs for Pascha Thanks so much to Debbie Withers and Athena Baldridge for researching a non-toxic red egg dye for our Pascha eggs! We appreciate their time and effort not only for dyeing the hundreds of eggs, but that they are safe to eat! Did You Know That Philoptochos: Was recognized in the most recent Orthodox Observer for a grant of $10,000 from the National Philoptochos to our local Homefull organization? Donated $ plus shoes to Shoes 4 the Shoeless? Supports the Philoptochos National Ministry Commitments every month? March Orthodox Christian Missions and Support A Mission Priest provides financial support to missionary priests and teams March Hellenic College Holy Cross Lenten Event Veneration of the Holy Cross proceeds provide for Hellenic College Holy Cross operational expenses April Sisterhood of Saint Basil Academy provides for the physical needs of the children of Saint Basil Academy as well as graduation costs, awards and gifts. April International Orthodox Christian Charities provides food, shelter and economic self sufficiency to those in need 2018 Annual Dues Membership dues are $ Suzanne Zonars-Hambrick, Membership Chair, will gladly accept your payment. Since we are kicking off our membership drive, this is a great time to bring in someone new to Philoptochos. Please let Suzanne know and we will send a note to the recipient on your behalf. It s a great way to introduce a younger church member to our great organization!

6 2018 Stewardship Program Providing for the future, serving the present: If you have not picked up your 2018 Stewardship packet please do so from the office or the community center. It s very important to fill out your pledge card and return it to the office. The folder has important information regarding our parish and it s operation. Please take action today. Thank you. Stewardship Paid as of March 10 $750,000 $650,000 $550,000 $450,000 $350,000 6 ~ 2018 ~ The list of Stewards reflects those who have made their 2018 Stewardship Commitment or contributed to their 2018 Stewardship Commitment as of March 10, We thank them for their generosity and loving support. We invite you to join with them and support, joyously, the ministries of the Church. You may obtain information and Stewardship Commitment Cards from the Church Office, or you can speak to a Parish Council Member or Fr. Joseph. Christina Abboud Dr. Fayez & Maria Abboud Kally Adams Drs. Abdulla & Malak Adib Maxine Alex Sandy Alex Bill Alimonos Nick & Adrianne Alimonos Lawrence & Susan Andrews Elayne Anton Ted & Helen Anton Semere & Hiwot Araia Anthony & Jennifer Argue George & Harriet Argue Evan & Stacy Bambakidis John & Cynthia Barron Juanita Bartlett Eric & Christa Bishop Mark & Kristin Bliss Evelyn Boosalis Matt & Penny Boosalis Gloria Borod Wendy Boucuvalas Harry & Linda Bouris Lou & Tina Bouris Helen Bourne James & Cynthia Brandenburg Michael & Nina Breed Nancy Breen Robert & Diane Briggs James & Bessie Brooks Kay Brown Alexis & Bob Brun Stamatis & Karyl Bulugaris Doyle & Nicole Burke Annika Burns & Bob Feldmann Bob Cade Stephan Calondis Maria Caras David & Andrea Casey Louis Castleman Mary Castleman Mrs. P. Stanley Castleman Mary Caudell Dimitri & Kay Chagares Andreas & Panayiota Charalambos Kayleigh Choma Terry & Marthea Christ William & Nicki Cochran George & Salwa Constandinidis Larry & Christine Couchot Angelo & Helen County Gary & Sharon Cunagin Tom G & Dori Daskalakis Deno & Phyllis Davell Chris & Christina Day Nick Demetre George & Vanessa Demetriades Dr. James & Leah Derksen Marika Dimitriou James & Harriett Ellis Mari Farmakis Steven & Nicole Fischer Alex & Photini Fote Dessine Fricioni Anastasis Gabbard Dr. Arthur Gardikes Bernard & Tracy Gearon Jr. Alexandra Ghazal Fr. Jospeh Gingrich Alex & Joan Gounaris Harriet Gounaris Julie Grubbs Eileen Gustin Awad & Barbara Halabi Suzanne Zonars-Hambrick Donald Hanel Dr. Mary Haritos Mark & Dena Hartman Carole Haubrock James & Matina Ann Haubrock Jeff & Chrisanne Heisey Evonna Hurst William Hutchison Jerry & Carolyn Hypes Demetri & Dena Inempolidis Mike & Anna Jackson Alan & Rebecca James Mary Jannides Michael Jannides Stephanie Jannides Sarah Jones Betty Jonson Johnny & Jamileh Kaissieh Christine Kambas Pia Kanistros Rosalee Kanistros Kevin & Christine Karaba Tina Karambelas Helen Alex Karkadoulias Constantina Karras Katerina Karras Lula Karras Richard & Cleo Keighley Mark & Cindy Keilholz Andrew & Linda Kididis Constantine Kontonickas & Diane Margioras George N Kordalis Peter & Shirley Kossoudji Tina & Harry Krukenberg Dirk & Ashley Lackovich-Van Gorp Harry & Marcia Joan Lake Vigi Liakakos Gus & Sharon Liapis Elizabeth Limber & Robert Golden Nicholaos Limberopoulos & Nada Shaheen Mitchell Limbert Paul & Cheryl Logus Col & Mrs. John Lusa Pete & Chris Makaritis Peter Manavis Constantine & Susan Manos Gary Manos George Marinakes Audrey Makris Maria Mavrouleas Ike & Christine Maxis Chris & Beth McAlpine Jay & Kathy McAlpine Matt & Laura McAlpine John & Mary McDonald Keith & Maria McFarland Gregory & Nancy Milstead Mike & Joan Mokas William & Dina Mokas John & Barbara Moraites Mary Moraites Theodore C. & Angela Moraites Calvin & Christina Moran Chrisoula K. Morris Andrew & Stella Moulas Renee Nicholas John Nickolas Dennis & Vickie Pacilio Maria & Vasiliki Panagouleas Nicolette Panagouleas William & Irene Pangos David & Lisa Panson George & Sherry Panson Costa & Maria Pantelatos Caterina Papadopoulos Chris & Christina Papakirk Georgia Pappas Peter & Kathleen Pappas Jim & Linda Parker Taki & Christina Parker Connie Pavlakos David & Anne Pepiot John Pickrel Jared & Kate Poeppelman John & Margie Polites Maria Polychronis Todd & Maria Powers Becky Pulos Chris & Debra Pulos Nicholas & Charrie Regopoulos Anneta Reis Dr. Thomas & Angela Retzios Jim Richards Dr. Lori Vavul- Roediger Nelson & Theona Russell George & Mary Saloom $250,000 $150,000 $50,000 $0 Joe & Heather Saloom Michael Samonas Charles & Kate Scott Gregory & Georgea Scoumis John & Mary Searles Dr. Nicholas & Nadine Shamma Nick & Sophie Shissias Igors & Daira Skriblis Kenya & Melissa Smith Paula Stamas-Snyder John & Patricia Sotiropoulos Gregory & Jane Speros Elias & Kathy Spyrou Jim & Libby Stamas Maria Stamas Nick C & Emily Stamas George Stamaty Evanthia Steffens Christina Stiakakis Roger & Fofy Sylvester Dr. Victor & Athena Thaler Gilbert Thurman Anastasia Tipler Nick & Theodora Tolias John & Irene Torges John & Maria Tsalas Dr. James & Catherine Tsatalis Michael & Gigi Tsocaris Pete & Trina Tsolometes Ioannis & Linsey Tzanidis Chris & Maria Tzouras John Urse III & Debbie Urse Dr. John & Evanthia Valassiades Carol Valen Gus & Kelly Valen Emilia Verdes Nick & Stavro Ververis Soula Vlahos Anthony & Karmen Lee Vradelis Theodore & Chrisoula Vradelis Stephanie Waszczak Timothy & Julia Weikert Adam Winters Dr. Antonia S. Winters Philip & Xiulian Winters James & Constance Xarhoulacos Lynne Zaharako Anthony & Irene Zalants Andrea Zavakos & Cor Groeneweg Connie Zavakos Jim & Ruthann Zavakos Andrew & Dessine Ziehler Demetrius C Zonars Nikki Zonars

7 April 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Palm Sunday 2 No Greek School 3 Bridegroom Matins 4 3:00 pm Marian Prayer 5 8:00 am Vesperal Divine of the Mystical Supper 6 9:00 am Royal Hours Palm Sunday Luncheon Bridegroom Matins Bridegroom Matins 5:00 pm Sacrament of Holy Unction Matins of the Passion and 12 Gospels 2:30 pm Great Vespers Lamentations 7 10:00 am Vesperal Divine 11:30 pm Vigil Service 8 12:00 am Pascha 9 Greek School :00 pm Marian Prayer 12 10:00 am Philoptochos Meeting 12:30 pm Twisted Stitchers :00 pm Agape Vespers 6:30 pm DOP/AHEPA. Meeting Athenagoras Room 15 Thomas Sunday Chatechism Students Blessing Bag Project 16 Greek School 6:30 pm Community Sandwich Making 17 1:00 pm GAPA Meeting Athenagoras Room 18 3:00 pm Marian Prayer 6:00 pm Evzonakia, Levendopeda & Nisiotes 19 11:30 am Young at Heart Myrrh Bearers Sunday 23 St. George Greek School :00 pm Marian Prayer 26 Parish Council. Meeting Paralytic Sunday 30 Greek School Review lessons/ mandatory attendance Daughters Tea

8 The True Vine Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 500 Belmonte Park North Dayton Ohio The Ladies Philoptochos Society 12th Annual Spring Charity Luncheon Saturday, May 12 is the day of our popular Philoptochos Spring Charity Luncheon which will be held at the beautiful Dayton Country Club. Ladies of all ages enjoy this special day with a delicious lunch, over 100 auction items and most of all- fun and fellowship! Doors open at 11:00 am with one hour before lunch to decide which auction gifts are worth your tickets! Invitations will be mailed by the end of March. If you have not attended in the past, contact Michelle Zois at matinazois@gmail.com to be added to our invitation list.