Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 The EPISTLE March 2018 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 573 N Highland Street Memphis, TN Contact us at: (901) phone (901) fax annunciationmemphis@gmail.com Sunday Services: Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Church Office Hours: Mon Thurs 8:30am 4:30pm Friday 8:30am 12:30pm Daylight Savings Time Sunday, March 11 th 3:00 am Don t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night. Remember: spring forward! Lenten Services Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Great Compline will be celebrated on most Monday evenings at 6:30 pm. Pre-Sanctified Liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm. The Salutations services will be celebrated on Friday evenings at 6:30 pm. SJC Oratorical Festival Saturday, March 3 rd 12:00 noon The young people of our Parish offer talks on our Orthodox Faith. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Orthodoxy, and support our youth. Featured Activities This Month Lenten Lecture Series Wednesdays in March following Pre-Sanctified Liturgy Cotros Hall The Lenten Lecture Series brings in clergy and theologians from around the Metropolis and Archdiocese to offer talks on the Orthodox Faith. A lenten meal is included. The speakers are: March 7 th Father Jon Boukis, Assumption in Louisville, KY March 14 th Father Michael Marcantoni, Holy Spirit in Rochester, NY March 21 st Father Larry Legakis, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Toledo, OH March 28 th Dr. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Fordham University Spring Parish Assembly Sunday, March 11 th Cotros Hall Be sure to join us for this important meeting. We will present a recap of 2017 in our Parish, and present information on what to expect in Materials have already been mailed. Feast Day of the Parish Feast of the Annunciation Sunday, March 25 th Church Sanctuary Join us to celebrate the Feast Day of the Parish. Following services will be a Feast Day Luncheon and Greek Independence Day celebration with performances and presentations. Youth Section GOYA Outing to the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, March 24 6:00 pm FedEx Forum The GOYA will attend the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers basketball game. To RSVP, please contact Andrew and Tina Douglas. GOYA Saturday of Lazarus Retreat Friday, March 30 5:00 pm to Saturday, March 31 st AGOC The annual GOYA lock-in prepares our young people for Holy Week. Please contact Andrew and Tina Douglas for more information.

2 Hierarchs of the Parish Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople Archbishop Elder Demetrios of America Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit Parish Clergy Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Pastor Emeritus Office Personnel Erin Bobbitt de Padilla, Office Assistant Parish Council Ted Poplos President John Kay Vice President Endy Carter Secretary Naji Nassif Treasurer Chris Apalodimas Demie Bitinis Madeleine Donnelly Bill Joyner Diane Kavaleras Vasili Semos Harry Sinis Music Ministry Choir Director & Organist...DoraThea Barre Chanter Director.Andrew Horvath Youth Ministries Acolytes..Daniel Shipman Sunday School Director..Anna Paris Pre-K/K.. Anna Paris, Naji Nassif 1-2 Kristine Wagner, Christina George Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman 7-8. Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos Ted Poplos, Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta GOYA Coordinators..Andrew & Tina Douglas JOY Coordinator.....Kellye Farris Oratorical Festival...Kathy Zambelis Athenian Dance Troupe Andrew & Leah Horvath Christmas Program Ken Hoover St. Nicholas Summer Camp Father Simon Young Adult Ministries Young Adult League..Alexis Moore Ole Miss..Blaise Brackett Seniors Ministries Young at Heart Kathy Zambelis Elpis Philoptochos President..Elizabeth Hawkins Vice President...Marianthe Pilcher Secretary..Joanne Gikas Treasurer.Anne Schmitt Committee Leaders: Altar Committee..Laura Couloubaritsis Cookbook Elaine Otto Elpis Bookstore.Angela Tobias & Connie Apalodimas Food Pantry.Anna Paris Makaria Coordinator Marianthe Pilcher More Than a Meal.Cyndi Detty Prayer Circle Luane Semos Sunshine Committee.Zoe Futris Visitation Committee..Kristine Wagner Memphis Greek Festival Festival Director..Todd Bagatelas Greek Language Greek School Teacher Despina Karas Adult Greek Class Father Nicholas Vieron Organizations AHEPA..John Kay DOP..Phani Mitchell Parish Library Docent..Billy Benson

3 Participation in Great Lent Great Lent is a time for self-examination and self-denial a time for taking control of our lives and our bodies. The purpose of the fast is to give us a greater awareness of our dependence on God. It is a time to improve ourselves, our relationship with God, and with others. Lent is a time for greater works of mercy and charity for those less fortunate than us. It is a time for visitation of the sick and assistance to the poor, and generally a more joyful relationship with those who are close to us our family and friends. Most of all, Lent is a time of joy and a new beginning. We cleanse ourselves mind, body and soul through the physical and spiritual fast, keeping a Christian attitude in all that we do. All this is done to prepare us for the Great Feast of Pascha the Resurrection of Christ. One of the great resources the Orthodox Church has to assist us during Lent is prayer. The aim of prayer is to enter into conversation with God. Prayer is sometimes referred to as dialogue with God. Often it is a waiting on God in silence. In the Church it is defined as the lifting of the mind and heart to God, and also as walking in the presence of God. We turn our mind and thoughts toward Him. We mentally gaze at Him and speak with Him in reverence, fear, and hope. At times we speak to Him with words and at other times we stand in reverent silence, saying nothing, but being aware of His presence. In this dialogue with God we praise Him and thank Him. We ask Him for what we need. Our mind and our heart are opened to Him. Prayer is not only repeating words, it is trust in God that he hears and directs us in His Way involving spiritual growth and development. Of all the prayers we say during Lent, the Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is best known: The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust for power, and idle talk. Give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Your servant. Yes, O Lord and King, grant that I may see my own transgressions and not judge my brethren, for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. This prayer asks God for three things: 1) do not give us negative attributes, 2) give rather to us positive attributes, 3) and allow me to focus on myself and not on others. The negative attributes of sloth, despair, lust for power, and idle talk are attributes that prevent us from either leading productive lives, or leading lives that are productive. The positive attributes of chastity, humility, patience, and love are elements of the fruits of the Holy Spirit, and are indicative of a person in communion with God. Finally, by maintaining or focus on ourselves, we have an opportunity to make ourselves better, instead on being distracted by those around us. May our Holy Father, Saint Ephraim the Syrian, intercede for us! With Love in Christ, Rev. Father Simon Thomas Parish Priest

4 President s Message Joyful Sorrow. You may be saying to yourself, that doesn t make sense. Those two words just don t go together. Well, in most cases you would be correct. However, in Orthodoxy, most things are a paradox. These words are no exception. They are used to describe the Lenten fast. We are now almost in the middle of the Lenten fast. I hope that you are staying strong in your fasting discipline and not growing weary. I hope that you will take advantage of the spiritual food that the church offers during this time. That food comes in the form of Compline, Pre-Sanctified Liturgy, Lenten lectures and the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos. And speaking of Lent, what do 6 priests, 4 deacons, 21 acolytes/leaders and 8 loaves of prosforo have in common? If you guessed the Sunday of Orthodoxy, you would be correct. I hope that you were able to join us for this annual event that brings all the Orthodox faithful in Memphis together to worship as one body. If you were not in church, you missed the Great Entrance with 16 acolytes. I cannot recall hearing the Lord s Prayer prayed with so much volume and conviction. It is always a beautiful service when we all pray together. I hope that you were able to visit with our friends from St. John and St. George. We look forward to seeing them again next year if not sooner. I would be remiss if I did not remind all of you that the 60 th annual Greek Festival is coming very soon. I hope that you will come help at one of the many workshops that are scheduled. I can already hear the excuses. But the reality is that if each one of us gave just a few hours at one of the workshops, our labor bill would be cut in half. Don t just think about it, DO IT. On Saturday March 3 rd, our junior high and senior high students are competing in the St. John Oratorical festival. Our elementary students also will be giving speeches, although they aren t not judged. The two finalists in the junior and senior division will advance to the regional round of competition. If you see our speakers on Sunday, make sure to encourage and congratulate them on a job well done. One announcement for the parish. If you have stopped by the church office lately, you may have found the office door closed. We are not trying to be anti-social by any means. Please be reminded that this is a business office and by closing the door, we are removing the distractions that keep Erin from completing her assigned tasks. I know that we all want her to be able to leave on time each evening, so please help us by respecting this new policy. I pray that you have a blessed Lenten season and that it will be spiritually uplifting so that you may be prepared for the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His Service, Ted Poplos

5 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 & family Parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Metropolitan Paul (Yazge) of Aleppo Archbishop Youhanna Ibrahim (Syriac) of Aleppo Nick, Helen, Alec, Maria, Zoe, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Cornelia, Kosta, George, Sarantos, Alex, Nicholas, Vicki, Marcy Volunteers for March Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty John Donnelly Nick Douglas John Eramo Luke Farris Max Graves Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Eli Morris Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas Epistle Readers: March 4: Maryanna Couloubaritsis March 11: Patricia Grantham March 18: Scott McKee March 25: Kathy Zambelis Prosphoro Makers: Enosis Touliatos Ushers: March 4 Team 1: Madeleine Donnelly & Bill Joyner March 11 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis M arch 18 Team 3: Chris Apalodiams, John Kay & Harry Sinis March 25 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos & Ted Poplos Greeters: Coffee Fellowship Hosts: March 4: family of Diana Mazas for her 40 Day Memorial & Scout Parents for Scout Sunday March 11: Constance Poplos March 18: OPEN March 25: Feast of the Annunciation/Greek Independence Day Luncheon hosted by the Daughters of Penelope

6 St John of the Ladder (Climacus) March 30 th /4 th Sunday of Lent Saint John of the Ladder is honored by Holy Church as a great ascetic and author of the renowned spiritual book called The Ladder, from which he is also called of the Ladder (Climacus). There is almost no information about Saint John s origins. One tradition suggests that he was born in Constantinople around the year 570, and was the son of Saints Xenophon and Maria. John went to Sinai when he was sixteen, submitting to Abba Martyrius as his instructor and guide. After four years, Saint John was tonsured as a monk. Abba Strategios, who was present at Saint John s tonsure, predicted that he would become a great luminary in the Church of Christ. For 19 years Saint John progressed in monasticism in obedience to his Spiritual Father. After the death of Abba Martyrius, Saint John embarked on a solitary life, settling in a wild place called Thola, where he spent 40 years laboring in silence, fasting, prayer, and tears of repentance. Saint John had a disciple named Moses. Once, the saint ordered his disciple to bring dung to fertilize the vegetable garden. When he had fulfilled the obedience, Moses lay down to rest under the shade of a large rock, because of the scorching heat of summer. Saint John was in his cell in a light sleep. Suddenly, a man of remarkable appearance appeared to him and awakened the holy ascetic, reproaching him, John, why do you sleep so heedlessly, when Moses is in danger? Saint John immediately woke up and began to pray for his disciple. When Moses returned in the evening, Saint John asked whether any sort of misfortune had befallen him. The monk replied, A large rock would have fallen on me as I slept beneath it at noon, but I left that place because I thought I heard you calling me. Saint John did not tell his disciple of his vision, but gave thanks to God. Saint John ate the food which is permitted by the monastic rule, but only in moderation. He did not sleep very much, only enough to keep up his strength, so that he would not ruin his mind by unceasing vigil. The following example of Saint John s humility is noteworthy. Gifted with discernment, and attaining wisdom through spiritual experience, he lovingly received all who came to him and guided them to salvation. One day some monks reproached him for being too talkative, so Saint John kept silence for a whole year. The monks realized their error, and they went to the ascetic and begged him not to deprive them of the spiritual profit of his words. Concealing his ascetic deeds from others, Saint John sometimes withdrew into a cave, but reports of his holiness spread far beyond the vicinity. Visitors from all walks of life came to him, desiring to hear his words of edification and salvation. After forty years of solitary asceticism, he was chosen as abbot of Sinai when he was seventy-five. Saint John governed the holy monastery for four years. Toward the end of his life, the Lord granted him the gifts of clairvoyance and wonderworking. At the request of the abbot of the Raithu monastery, Saint John wrote the incomparable Ladder, a book of instruction for monks who wished to attain spiritual perfection. Knowing of the wisdom and spiritual gifts of Saint John of Sinai, the abbot requested him to write down whatever was necessary for the salvation of those in the monastic life. Such a book would be a ladder fixed on the earth (Gen. 28:12), leading people to the gates of Heaven. Saint John felt that such a task was beyond his ability, yet out of obedience he fulfilled the request. The thirty steps of spiritual perfection correspond to the thirty years of the Lord s age. When we have completed these thirty steps, we will find ourselves with the righteous and will not stumble. Although the book was written for monks, any Christian living in the world will find it an unerring guide for ascending to God, and a support in the spiritual life. In The Ladder, Saint John describes the ascent toward spiritual perfection, which is essential for anyone who wishes to save his soul. It is a written account of his thoughts, based on the collected wisdom of many wise ascetics, and on his own spiritual experience. The book is a great help on the path to truth and virtue.

7 Liturgical Calendar for March Thursday, March 2nd Salutations to the Virgin Mary 6:30 pm Sunday, March 4th, Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, March 5th Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 7th Ninth Hour Service 5:30 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Friday, March 9th Salutations to the Virgin Mary 6:30 pm Sunday, March 11th, Sunday of the Holy Cross Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, March 12th Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 14th Ninth Hour Service 5:30 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Friday, March 16th Salutations to the Virgin Mary 6:30 pm Visitation Committee March: Linda Nichols, Anne Schmitt, & Debbie Bookas April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham, Emily Capadalis Love, Georgia Karris June: Despina Karas & Angela Tobias July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras August: NEED VOLUNTEERS September: Susanna Peters & Cathe Skefos Sunday, March 18th, Sunday of St. John Climacus Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Wednesday, March 21st Ninth Hour Service 5:30 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Friday, March 23rd Akathyst Hymn 6:30 pm Saturday, March 24th Great Vespers 5:00 pm Sunday, March 25th, Feast of the Annunciation Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Monday, March 26th Great Compline 6:30 pm Wednesday, March 28th Ninth Hour Service 5:30 pm Pre-Sanctified Liturgy 6:00 pm Saturday, March 31st, Saturday of Lazarus Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am November: Loretta Taras & Tasia Vergos December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jamison January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio February: Vicki Hoover & Family The following members of our parish family have requested visitation. For address and/or contact information please check your parish directory or contact the Church Office. October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner Alec Collis Alex Gogonelis Maria Hetos Stella Nichols Kosta Taras Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the Visitation Committee, a ministry of the Elpis Philoptochos.

8 February Notices Marriages: Chrystan Skefos & Joshua Leasure, February 17th Baptisms: Gabriel Hawkins, Son of Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins, February 3rd Deaths: Helen Mavraganis, February 12, 2018 Dorothy Paris, February 21, 2018 Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of): Diana Mazas by: Maria Apalodimas, Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas, Steven & Anastasia Barlow, David & Debbie Dye, Tom & Emily Love, Mike & Maria Moore, Manuel & Susanna Peters, Ted & Stephanie Poplos, Katherine Skefos, Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis, Georgia Karris, Tasia Vergos, Dorothy Weems, Anastasia Hogan, Pete & Jan Futris, Helen Mavraganis by: Manuel & Susanna Peters, Anastasia Hogan, Vasilios & Georgia Douklias, Katherine Skefos, Evangeline Paris, Maureen Kay, Maria Apalodimas, Anna Paris, Bill & Niki Gikas, Steve & Zoe Futris, Dorothy Paris by: St. George Orthodox Church, John & Norma Barrow, Julia Lester, Laura House, Pete & Jan Futris, Steve & Zoe Futris, Maureen Kay, Katherine Skefos, Tom & Emily Love, Mike & Maria Moore, Kalliope Lefes, Alex Vergos, the Tobias Fanily,

9 Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041 With funds raised from our Vasilopita Coffee Hour, coupled with donation from our chapter treasury, we sent a check for $800 to St. Basil s Academy to support the work they do for children in need We will sponsor a food drive throughout the month. Any donations of canned or nonperishable items can be brought to the collection area in the back of Cotros Hall. Upcoming General Meeting We will have a General Meeting on Tuesday, March 20 th at 6pm in Cotros Hall. As we prepare for Holy Week and Pascha, there are many opportunities to serve our community. Come learn what we re up to and plans we have for the spring! Elpis will host the Lenten Lecture on March 28 th. We welcome volunteers to help set-up, serve and clean up. We are excited to host our special guest!! Palm Sunday Luncheon April 1 Join us for our annual Palm Sunday luncheon prepared by Dennis Patrikios in the Fellowship Hall immediately after services. Plan to spend this beautiful day with your church family. Tickets: $12 Adult; $7 Children under 12; Children under 6 - Free. Holy Friday Candles Place your request to receive one of our Holy Friday candles by contacting Joanne Gikas or Joy Touliatos before Holy Week. Donations accepted. All money received will be placed towards Philoptochos charities More Than A Meal March 18 th We invite you to join us to cook & serve for our monthly ministry. We will gather after Divine Liturgy to cook food, then gather at Grace-St. Luke s to serve at 3pm. This is open to all members of the community! PARTNERS IN PHILANTHROPY GRANT APPLICATION Throughout the years countless people, families and individuals have been in need of assistance. They have been personally touched by the love, kindness and generosity of the Philoptochos. Partners in Philanthropy was established as a Detroit Metropolis commitment in 2006 after the National Convention in Nashville, TN. At the 2006 National Convention, the 75th Anniversary Founders Fund was established to provide assistance to older adults and their families. Each Metropolis was given $10,000 to help older adults. The money was disbursed throughout our Metropolis. After all the monies were disbursed, the board saw the great need of so many people, and Partners in Philanthropy was established. This commitment is not only for older adults, but for all those in need in the Metropolis of Detroit. Please make your chapter and Church Community aware of this fund. Attached are photos from February s Ladies Night Out at Paint A Piece in Germantown. If you are interested in planning a social gathering, contact Elizabeth. For the latest news and updates, please look for our facebook page: We our bulletin monthly, and share information on the Elpis bulletin board at church. For questions or concerns, reach out to President Elizabeth Hawkins or any Board member.

10 SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

11 Elpis will be collecting non-perishable food items & toiletries throughout the month of March. Please bring donated items to the table set up in Cotros Hall. All items will be donated to those in need throughout Memphis. Suggested items: Canned tuna Granola bars Oatmeal packets Individual macaroni & cheese Canned fruits & vegetables Peanut butter toiletries

12 Please join us for our next General Meeting on March 20 at 6pm in Cotros Hall. As we prepare for Pascha, there are many opportunities to serve our community. Come learn about what we re up to!

13 Join us for the annual Palm Sunday Luncheon Sunday, April 1st We invite all members of our community to join us for the annual Palm Sunday Luncheon. Menu: Baked Tilipia, Shrimp, Potatoes, Vegetables, Bread and Dessert Tickets: $ 12 Adult; $ 7 Children under 12 Children under 6 - Free Hosted by Elpis Philoptochos

14 Elpis Bookstore Stop by the bookstore for all of your Lenten needs and Easter gifts! Holy Week Book Use this Holy Week book to help you navigate through all of the services. Includes both Greek and English. $ Divine Liturgy Book In both Greek and English; large print $ Tapestry Bookmarks Beautiful, Orthodox tapestry bookmarks - perfect as a gift. $ 5.00 Pascha Egg Pendants These beautiful egg pendants will make a wonderful gift for the special person in your life. Many colors and styles to choose from. $ We have a large assortment of icons, gifts and liturgical supplies. We can also special order most items. Visit the bookstore every Sunday after services and by appointment.

15 Book Review by Billy Benson Tears of Repentance true experiences in a Greek taxi cab by Athanasios Katigas St. Nicodemos Publications, Bethlehem PA One of the beautiful aspects of Orthodoxy is the attention we place on the lives of the saints. They provide us inspiration and hope in our daily struggles, a role model to aspire to. But in our daily struggles we can often look at these champions of the Faith as being beyond our ability, as one s whose lives have no comparisons to the struggles and difficulties we face in the daily grind of modern life. This of course is untrue, the difficulties of every age and era share the same human qualities and difficulties, only the way it is expressed is different. It can cause us to question what our impact is to those around us, and seemingly lessen what and how we can witness to those that are hurting in our very midst. The book Tears of Repentance is the real world experiences of a modern day Greek taxi driver, who through living his Orthodox Faith while working and serving the public in what many would call a difficult and mundane job, had a real impact on those he encountered on a normal workday. This wonderful book gives us accounts of those he came into contact with, their stories of pain and worldly confusion, and how the simple acts of listening and sharing his faith in a nonjudgmental way came to change lives and bring hope and salvation to these lives. It shows us that most often it is the little ways we share and listen that have a profound effect later on. Nothing we say goes without notice, and by our acts of love and compassion for those hurting, lives can be changed. In this book, Mr. Katigas gives us short and simple stories of those he has met while driving his taxi in Greece. The people he encounters are from the same walks that we often meet here, no different hurts and struggles than those in his community. He demonstrates to us the need to actually listen to those around us, to willingly hear what they are saying, and to be compassionate in how we listen. He also provides examples of how he shared his faith to those in need, in a nonjudgmental way, yet with clarity and truth. We learn that more often than not these exchanges are simply times of planting seeds of what God has to offer, the spiritual harvest is, as Scripture tells us, a later time. The stories given are written in an easy to read style, the sections and chapters cover a cross-section of common encounters that all of us experience in our daily lives. They show us the commonality of suffering that those without hope experience, and that by our daily faith and obedience we can bring hope to the hopeless and spiritual healing to those in need of it. I found the book to be spiritually invigorating and a needful reminder that we are heard, in both word and deed, daily. I trust that you will find the same joy I found in reading his encounters, and the encouragement to live with a constant reminder that we are living examples to others in this modern world. We have two copies of this book in our Parish Library, please come and take a look at it and the other quality Orthodox books we have in our inventory.

16 Young at Heart Please join us for a Lenten Luncheon on Thursday, March 15th at 11:30. Everyone is there 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 + are welcome to join in the fun, food and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you then! YOUNG AT HEART MARCH LUNCHEON Thursday March 15 th 11:30 am Cotros Hall COME JOIN US FOR A LENTEN LUNCHEON With good FOOD, FUN and Fellowship with good friends! All 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 + all welcome to join us! Looking forward to seeing YOU!

17 YOUNG ADULT LEAGUE Since 2013, we have been on the forefront of creating and shaping Christ-centered, Kingdom-oriented ministry that's been helping generations of Orthodox Christians around the world. Our Mission Y 2 AM helps introduce youth and young adults to Christ. Y 2 AM inspires them to live out their relationship with the Lord and His Church on a daily basis. We are a ministry team of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Take some time and listen to our Pop Culture Coffee Hour Podcasts at podcasts/popculture. Steven Christoforou and Christian Gonzalez talk about pop culture, theology, and whatever else is on their minds. They might even make you laugh. Maybe. Pop Culture Coffee Hour is a joint production of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Ancient Faith Radio. Other Y 2 AM great resources: The YouTube Channel series: The Trench The Ladder: a Blog Please check back here and on the YAL Memphis Facebook Page for future events for our Young Adults IONIAN VILLAGE CAMP Ionian Village is more than just a summer camp. It is an invitation to the youth of our Archdiocese to closely encounter our Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage, all while surrounded by their peers and our highly qualified staff. Ultimately, Ionian Village is an invitation to change the way our youth live as Greek Orthodox Christians in this world. The Ionian Village summer camping program consists of two sessions, with dates carefully selected to allow for maximum participation across the Archdiocese. Each summer camping session is open to young people currently in grade 9 through grade 12. Our IVNext program is open to young adults ages 19 to 24 and offers a foray into our heritage and faith in a smaller group setting, while exploring the crucial next steps that each young adult will take. All of our Ionian Village programs have experienced tremendous growth over the past few years and space is limited, so please encourage families to register their children early, as we anticipate sold out programs this summer. Registration begins March 1 st at 12:00pm EST. Ionian Village rejuvenates our young people in their faith, allowing them to return to each of our parishes enlightened with true Orthodox Christian love. I do hope to see some young people from your parish this summer at camp!

18 YOUTH MINISTRIES Sunday School On February 25th, the classes from St. John (AOC) Church and St. George (OCA) Church joined our students with their favorite icons for Orthodoxy Sunday. On Good Friday, April 6th, we will have a "special art activity" for the students. More information will be coming out in the next few weeks. Teachers Pre-K /KK Anna Paris, Naji Nassif 1st/2nd Kristine Wagner, Christina George 3rd/4th Stephanie Johnson, Pannay Guigley 5th/6th Renee Graves, Alexia Loughman 7th/8th Ken Hoover, Gabriella Stroplos 9th-12th Ted Poplos, Elizabeth Hawkins, Chris Apalodimas, and Brian Berretta 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! HOPE/JOY Welcome to all the HOPE/JOY families at Annunciation! HOPE & JOY are the children s ministries of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of American. HOPE is the ministry for the Kindergarten though 2nd grade children and JOY, the Junior Orthodox Youth, is the ministry for the 3rd through 6th grade children. Since HOPE & JOY are ministries, the programs reflect the Orthodox Christian Faith, Tradition and Life. On March 31, we will gather together on Lazarus Saturday to fold palm crosses after the morning's service. There will be a pancake breakfast and church cleanup taking place this morning as well. Liturgy starts at 10 and the other activities will take place around 11. Join us this day to offer your service to our beautiful church. We still need volunteers for April and May activities. Please contact Kellye if you'd like to volunteer or to get on our list. kellyefarris@gmail.com Hope/Joy are for kids up to 5th grade. We'd love to have you join us! CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Sophia Douglas. Her Collierville high school dance and POM team placed second in the nation in the POM and Hip hop categories February 2nd-4th in Orlando Florida. The team won a state title in Murfreesboro earlier this season in POM.

19 What s happening in GOYA? GOYA is open to all youth in grades 6 th through 12 th. We focus on fellowship, service, and how to bring our Orthodox teachings into our daily life. All are welcome! March Activities Saturday, March 24 Grizzlies Night Saturday night Grizzlies take on the Lakers at FedEx Forum. It s a different season than we had hoped for our beloved team but we are All Heart and we still love to Grit n Grind! It s always fun to boo the Lakers too!! Please sign up using the sign up genius. Friday-Saturday, March Lenten Lock-in It s THE most popular GOYA event of the year. Vespers, altar talk, Prosfora baking, games, movies, folding crosses and much more! Bring an overnight bag and a sleeping bag. The Bowling Outing we had planned for March 4 th has been moved due to Athenian Troupe Dance Practice. We will try and reschedule later in the year. February Recap February 4 th - We started out the month with our annual super bowl party! Thank you to the Detty family for hosting the fun and festivities! February 18 th - GOYANS showed their creativity by making dishes for the coffee hour. They raised $500 for the Mid-South Food Bank! With the buying power at the Mid-South Food Bank that $500 translates to 1,500 meals for hungry families in over 30 counties across 3 states in the Mid-South. February 25 th - After the Sunday of Orthodoxy GOYANS hosted St John s and St. George s Youth Groups for a great discussion with St John s Father Alex Mackoul. We had a lively talk about Orthodoxy, our Lenten journey and our mindset all the way through Pascha If you are not on our list please let us know! Adoug867@yahoo.com. Mr. Andrew, Ms. Tina, Mr. Demetri

20 ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE PRACTICE SCHEDULE Sun, March 4: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Sun, March 18: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Sat, March 24: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Sun, March 25: Greek Independence Day performance during luncheon Sat, April 14: 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon Sun, April 15: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Sat, April 21: 9 am - 12:00 Noon Sun, April 22: 12:30 pm - 3 :00 pm Sat, May 5: 9 am - 12:00 Noon Sun, May 6: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Wed, May 9: Dress Rehearsal, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Fri, May 11: Greek Fest performance, 6:00 pm Sat, May 12: Greek Fest performances, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 pm COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AHEPA/MEN S GROUP Welcome to AHEPA! AHEPA Mission statement: To promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, integrity, and family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. In February we cooked for the APOKREAS Dinner & Talent Show. On March 21st we will be hosting the Lenten Lecture with Lecture Speaker Father Larry Lagakis from Holy Trinity Parish in Toledo, OH. Scholarship information will be available soon so please check for updates.

21 DAUGHTERS OF PENELOPE March 2018 The Daughters of Penelope, was founded in1929, in San Francisco, California. It was the realization of Alexandra Apostolides Sonenfeld s dream to create a women s organization comparable to her husband s membership in AHEPA. The Daughters is the women s organization of AHEPA. We share our Mission Statement: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. Agape Sunday The Daughters of Penelope s Annual Agape Godparent Luncheon has become one of our church communities favorite event! It was wonderful seeing so many people taking communion together with their love ones! We appreciate all those who honored or showed memory to their Godparents and Godchildren. Thanks so much to Chris & Connie Apalodimas for the delicious meal and to all those DOP members who helped make the day so memorable. We look forward to next year! March 25 Greek Independence Day Luncheon Please plan on staying and enjoying a delicious lunch sponsored by the Daughters. We will be looking forward to seeing our children perform. Yes, we will have the first presentation of the year of both the Greek School and our own Athenian Dancers. What a wonderful event it will be. All of our Daughters join in wishing our Sister Stephanie Storgion-Poplos a wonderful two years as 2 nd Vice President of the Metropolis Philoptochos Board of Detroit for the We wish you a successful term. Conservator Completes Work on Three Marble Busts at UM Museum - Ole Miss. Pictured above is Ms. Amy Jones Abbe, one of the country s most respected conservators of Greek and Roman sculpture she is pictured restoring a busts in the museum s David M. Robinson Greek and Roman Antiquities Collection using the monies the DOP raised for Ole Miss Museum items restored: A vase, an important lekythos with Iris and Hermes, was also completely restored, and another, a kylix with Apollo as the swan, is currently being worked on. The first gallery with the restored items will be open to the public March 13th.

22 PARISH NEWS & EVENTS 2018 Lenten Lecture Series and Dinners 7:00 pm each Wednesday immediately following Pre-sanctified Liturgy SPEAKERS & HOSTS MARCH 7 - FR. JON BOUKIS Dinner sponsored by Daughters of Penelope MARCH 14 - FR. MICHAEL MARCANTONI Dinner sponsored by the Sinis Family MARCH 21 - FR. LARRY LEGAKIS Dinner sponsored by AHEPA MARCH 28 - DR. ARISTOTLE PAPANIKOLAOU Dinner sponsored by Elpis Philoptochos Becoming Truly Human By 5 Sees Production Company 5 SEES is a production company with an Eastern Orthodox worldview. Our vision is to engage culture through cinema for all audiences. Follow Basil as he navigates our modern cultural landscape, engaging with a group of spiritual "nones" (religious unaffiliated) in honest and open discussion on religion and spirituality, while recounting his own journey as a "none" in search of spiritual wholeness. 3 Screenings Tuesday, April 24 7:00 pm Malco Forest Hill Cinema Grill 3180 Village Shops Drive Germantown, TN Book your tickets on Eventbrite at: Wednesday, April 25 7:00 pm Malco Studio on the Square 2105 Court Ave Memphis, TN Book your tickets on Eventbrite at: Thursday, April 26 7:00 pm Cordova Town Cinema 1080 North Germantown Parkway Memphis, TN Book your tickets on Eventbrite at:

23 2018 MEMPHIS GREEK FESTIVAL Our 60th Annual Memphis Greek Festival will be held on Friday & Saturday, May 11th & 12th. Please take the time to look over the workshops & find a place to volunteer. We will also need volunteers for set up & to work in the various areas of our festival. We will announce the Volunteer Sign-Up Genie weblink within the next couple of weeks. Workshop Schedule Spanakopita Prep: Friday, March 3rd & Friday, March 16th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Spanakopita Assembly: Saturday, March 4th & Saturday, March 17th, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Macaroons: Thursday & Friday, March 22rd & 23rd, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Kourambiethes: Wednesday & Thursday, April 25th & 26th, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sweet Bread: Friday & Saturday, April 27th & 28th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Pre-Pack Assembly: Sunday, May 6th, 12:00 Noon - 4:00 pm & Monday, May 7th, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Galaktoboureko Syrup Making: Tuesday, May 8th, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm Chicken Prep: Wednesday, May 9th, 8:00 am -1:00 pm Meat Skewering: Wednesday, May 9th, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Galaktoboureko Assembly: Thursday, May 10th, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm ********* Point of Sale Training: Monday - Thursday, May 7th - May 10th, Times to be advised If you are heading up a workshop and haven t scheduled your time, please contact the office ASAP as space in the kitchen is filling up.

24 Be a special part of the 60 th Anniversary Celebration & Ceremony for our Greek Festival May 11 th & 12 th! For 60 years, our church family has had the privilege and honor to share our Greek heritage, food, music and culture with the people of the Mid-South community. This year as we celebrate our 60 th Anniversary we ask that YOU be a part of our celebration as we take a walk down memory lane. We are asking for photos of any past festivals, workshops, etc. that you or family members may have to share with us as we put together a montage reel, which will be projected during the festival. *Please submit your photos with the following information: Labeled with the names of the people in the photos -Name and phone number of who submitted the photo so it can be returned. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CEREMONY At the end of the festival, we will be having a special ceremony paying tribute to those who have participated in or sponsored our festival! ** For a $25.00 sponsorship You can offer a special greeting, well wishes, show honor or memory to loved ones during our Anniversary Celebration (with or without a photo). Examples: (Without photo) Wishing AGOC much success on the 60 th Anniversary Celebration! Love The Family or your Business Name (With photo) Making Koulouria at a festival workshop with Nouna in 1970!! In loving memory of: From : What a great way to offer your love and support for the many years of dedication, service and love to members of our church family! Please submit labeled photos to: Pete Futris - in person, on flash drive or digitally via at pfutris@byroncarson.com. All photos will be returned. *See Kathy Zambelis for sharing Photos of memories or Patron Anniversary message for the $25 sponsorships which will be acknowledged during the festival!

25 Come Celebrate Culture, Cuisine & Community Members of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church invite the Mid-South to: 60 th Anniversary Celebration of Memphis Greek Festival Friday & Saturday, May 11th-12th 2017, 11am-8pm 573 N. Highland Street, Memphis, TN For additional information, please visit : Facebook: Memphis Greek Festival For 60 years the congregation of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the love of and for their Greek heritage, food, music and culture with the people of the Mid-South. On behalf of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Memphis Greek Festival we would like to thank you. So bring your OPA! to Our Little Greek Island on Highland! We invite you to be a part of our 60 th Anniversary Celebration of our Festival by being one of our special sponsors! Thank you in advance for being a part of one of the Mid-South s favorite food festival *Please note that we will be adding something special for this year s sponsor. Your logo will also appear during our Anniversary reel that will roll throughout the two day festival and will be announced at the end of the festival as a special acknowledgement for your support! Thank you in advance for being a part of our church family!

26 MEMPHIS GREEK FESTIVAL 2018 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS The 60 th Anniversary Celebration of Memphis Greek Festival will be held Friday & Saturday, May 11 & 12, 2018, 11am-8pm 573 N. Highland Street, Memphis, TN Zeus was the Supreme God in Ancient Greece, father of the Olympian gods and ruler of mankind. Zeus Lever-$10, Sponsorship packet will include: 150 Meal tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival Athena was the Greek Goddess of wisdom, skill and war. Athena Level-$5, Sponsorship packet will include: 100 Meal tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival Apollo was the Olympian God of the sun, light, music and prophecy. Apollo Level-$2, Sponsorship packet will include: 50 Meal tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival

27 Nike is known as the Winged Goddess of Victory. Nike Level-$ Sponsorship packet will include: 25 Meal tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival Dionysus was the Greek God of wine, joy, the theatre and a Lover of Peace. Dionysus Level-$ Sponsorship packet will include: 10 Meal tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival Demeter is known as the Goddess of agriculture, nourishment and growth. Demeter Level-$ Sponsorship packet will include: 5 Meal Tickets which include the following: Admission to the Festival, Choice between Pork Kabob or Grecian Chicken, all meals include Rice Pilaf, Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta), Grecian style green beans and homemade bread. Company Logo on website: Company Logo on Posters Company Logo to be projected during the Festival s Celebration photo reel Acknowledgement during the Anniversary Ceremony at the Festival Please come and enjoy authentic, homemade Greek food along with the beauty and jubilant spirit of Greek music, heritage and culture. The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Memphis Greek Festival want to personally thank each one who has supported our festival in the past and for Thank you for making our th Anniversary Celebration of Memphis Greek Festival a huge success. Once you have decided on your level of sponsorship please contact: Kathy Zambelis Publicity Chairman Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church kzambelis@gmail.com We will need your company log so that we can put you as a sponsor on our website and advertising material. See invoice for information.

28 INVOICE 60 th Anniversary Celebration Memphis Greek Festival 2018 Sponsorship I would like to be a sponsor at level: (circle one) Zeus-$10,000 Athena-$5000 Apollo-$2500 Nike-$1000 Dionysus-$500 Demeter-$ Send ticket packets to: Company/Name: Attn: Phone: Address: City: State: Zip: Send Logo to: kzambelis@gmail.com Subject Line: Sponsor Logo Please make checks payable to: AGOC Festival Account Mail to: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 573 N. Highland St. Memphis, TN Attn: Sponsorship For 60 years the congregation of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church has had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the love of and for their Greek heritage, food, music and culture with the people of the Mid-South. On behalf of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and the Memphis Greek Festival we would like to thank you. If you have any questions, please contact: Kathy Zambelis Publicity Chairman Memphis Greek Festival kzambelis@gmail.com Facebook: Memphis Greek Festival

29 Stewardship Report Our Archdiocesan Regularions and Parish By-Laws define Stewards as those who participate regularly in the life of the Parish, as well as contributing towards the financial well-being of the Parish by offering stewardship and/or filling out a Stewardship Card. Below is a list of all Stewards of the Annunciation. Those denoted with an (*) have submitted their Stewardship card to the Stewardship Committee. If you have not submitted a Stewardship Card, please contact the Stewardship Committee or the Church Office List of Stewards Katherine Abraham Zoe Anaston Chris & Connie Apalodimas Michael & Annie Arcamuzi *John & Diane Avgeris Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas James & Olivia Beard Frank & Penelope Bennett *Billy & Carri Benson *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacob & Michele Buring *Endy Carter *Mary Chagaris Caatalin & Anca Chelsoi Cary Chiungos *John Chulos Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis *Elaine Daniels George Deitz & Kristine Wagner *Helen Demas Chris & Shawn Demos Alexander Denton Anna Denton Johnny & Madeleine Donnelly Andrew & Christina Douglas Vasilios & Georgia Douklias Yiannis Drosos & Regina Kolaitis Bruce & Helen Erskine Phillip & Kellye Farris *Nick & Marty Fox Pete & Jan Futris Steve & Zoe Futris *Evangelia Gallagher *Bill & Niki Gikas Joanne Gikas Ronald & Patricia Grantham Kevin & Pannayiota Guigley Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins Laurentiu & Mihaela Herbei Sandy E Herbert Spence Holland Ken & Vicki Hoover Andrew & Leah Horvath Koula Hristopoulou *Cristina Hunter *Athena Jameson Al & Tina Jennings Vasilios & Stavroula Kakales Jim & Despina Karas *Georgia Karris Antonios Karaziotis & Beverly Sanderson *Diane Kavelaras *John & Nancy Kay *James Kennedy Sarkis & Jenny Kish Bessie Kolapanas Harry & Jenny Koniditsiotis John & Cornelia Koniditsiotis *Kalliope Lefes *Tina Liollio Kevin & Alexia Loughman Samya Louza Tom & Emily Love Irini Manousakis Pete & Amelia Maragos *Yolanta Matika Gus Mavraganis *James Scott McKee & Weilin XI Bobby & Nicole McNulty Emily Melonas Peter & Kathryn Melonas M & G Michalopulos Allen & Lydia Mims Tom & Phani Mitchell Mary Toni Montgomery *Alexis Moore *Mike & Maria Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Steven & Jennifer Morris Robert & Kathy Morrison