Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Transcription

1 The Epistle January 2017 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/ Excerpt from the Christmas Encyclical of Hi All Holiness Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople Beloved brothers and sisters, dear children in the Lord, Unfortunately, the Gospel of Christmas is once again proclaimed to a world where the racket of weapons is heard, where unprovoked violence against individuals and peoples is enacted, and where inequality and social justice prevail. It is unbearable to witness the state of countless children, victims of military conflict, irregular situations, manifold exploitations, persecutions and discriminations, as well as hunger, poverty and painful dispossession. Last April, we had the opportunity in Lesbos to witness with our own eyes together with His Holiness Pope Francis of Rome and His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece the tragic circumstances of refugees and immigrants, and especially the acute problems of the suffering children, innocents and defenseless victims of military violence, as well as the racial and religious discrimination and injustice, all of which are constantly increasing. The feast of God s Word, who became an infant the child Jesus, whose disappearance is pursued by worldly authority, according to the Evangelist Matthew (Matt 2.13) is a reminder and invitation for us to care for children, to protect these vulnerable victims and to respect the sacredness of childhood. Of course, children and sensitive souls are also threatened in economically developed and politically stable countries of the world, whether by the immense crisis of marriage and family, or by diverse interventions as well as the use of physical or spiritual force. A child s soul is altered by the influential consumption of electronic media, especially television and the internet, and by the radical transformation of communication. Unbridled economics transfigures them from a young age into consumers, while the pursuit of pleasure rapidly vanishes their innocence. We appeal to all of you to respect the identity and sacredness of childhood. In light of the global refugee crisis that especially affects the rights of children; in light of the plague of child mortality, hunger and child labor, child abuse and psychological violence, as well as the dangers of altering children s souls through their uncontrolled exposure to the influence of contemporary electronic means of communication and their subjection to consumerism, we declare 2017 as the Year of Protection of the Sacredness of Childhood, inviting everyone to recognize and respect the rights and integrity of children. As underlined in another significant document of the Holy and Great Council, the Church of Christ does not look to judging and condemning the world with its word (John 3.17; 12.47), but rather to offer to the world the guidance of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, namely, the hope and assurance that evil, no matter its form, does not have the last word in history and must not be allowed to dictate its course. Therefore, we venerate our Savior with humility and compunction, for He has visited us from on high; we praise with divine song the immensity of the sacred Incarnation; we kneel down before the All-Holy Theotokos, who holds the child Jesus; and we address from the sleepless Phanar the festive greeting to all children of the Church of Constantinople, both near and afar: Christ is born; glorify Him. Christ has come from heaven; come out to meet Him, together with our paternal wishes and patriarchal prayer. Be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 2.1) Let us all strive together with faith and sincere love in the good struggle of new life in the Church, adhering to all that the Lord has commanded. For He is with us all the days of our life, to the end of the ages. (Matt 28.20)

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired CHRIS APALODIMAS DEMIE BITINIS ENDY CARTER BILL JOYNER DIANE KAVELARAS MARIA MOORE ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL NAJI NASSIF TED POPLOS PETE RUBY ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN VASILI SEMOS HARRY SINIS CHANTERS CHOIR 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 PARISH MINISTRIES ANDREW HORVATH STEPHANIE POPLOS 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 TED POPLOS LEAH & ANDREW HORVATH TED POPLOS & MITCH OBRADOVIC PRESVYTERA STEPHANIE THOMAS ANDREW & TINA DOUGLAS ANNA PARIS JOHN KAY PHANI MITCHELL OFFICE PERSONNEL ERIN BOBBITT DE PADILLA 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 President s Message January 2017 I am writing this message only because I am the current sitting president of the council. I was hoping for a break. I would like to welcome Deme Bitnis to the council and welcome back Chris Apalodimas after a 4 year hiatus. I would also like to thank the current council members who have chosen to serve for another term. I also would like to thank Peter Melonas and Ed Morrison who have chosen to take a break from the council. I especially would like to thank Ed who took on the role of treasurer of the council, not for his love of numbers (and he made that point very clear) but for the love of his church and a sense of duty when no one else volunteered. Enjoy your well-deserved rest gentlemen. Where to go from here? As we end the year 2016 and begin the year 2017, you may notice a few changes. We are again hosting a New Year s Eve party at the church with a guest chef imported from California. It will be good to celebrate together as a community again. We will be pruning and cleaning up all the trees on our property. We have changed out all the old bulbs in the church chandeliers. We have painted and organized a storage room adjacent to the choir loft. Just to name a few. I do not know who will be president of the council next year but I hope and pray that you will help and support them as you have me. I am honored to have served you this year. I hope and pray that all of you will have a good year in In His service, Ted Poplos Blessing of the Mississippi River It is traditional for Orthodox Christians to bless the dominant body of water on at the time of our Lord s Baptism during the Feast of Epiphany. On Saturday, January 7, 2017, the Annunciation Parish, along with St. John Orthodox Church and St. Seraphim Orthodox Church, will gather to bless the Mississippi River at the Greenbelt Park across from Paulette s Restaurant in Harbor Town on Mud Island. All are invited to participate in a picnic lunch at the beach after the blessing. Subway sandwiches, chips and drinks will be available for purchase. Please R.S.V.P. to the Church Office by Thursday, January 5th, if you would like to participate in the lunch. 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 Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Ed, Sophia, Cornelia

4 Volunteers for January Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas John Eramo Max Graves Ushers 1 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos, Harry Sinis 8 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby 15 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis 22 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Chris Apalodimas 29 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos, Harry Sinis Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 1 Coffee will be available in the Hall 8 Vasilopita Sunday by Elpis/Choir Appreciation by Parish Council 15 Mazas in honor of Diana Mazas 100 th Birthday 22 Open 29 Daughters of Penelope Greeters Angela Buchanan & friends 29 Prosphoro Bakers: 1 Enosis Touliatos 8 Enosis Touliatos 15 Enosis Touliatos 22 Enosis Touliatos 29 Enosis Touliatos Epistle Readers: 1 Ted Poplos 8 Paul Vieron 15 Andrew Douglas 22 Richard Tobias 29 Loretta Taras December Notices Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of) Robin Duzane by: Mike & Maria Moore, James & Nancy Tashie, Bessie Kolopanas & Georgia Douklias, Tina Liollio, Dr. & Mrs. Maury Bronstein, Anna Paris &, Mrs. Judith Campbell & Bruce Campbell Jr., Angie Buchanan George Govatos by: Charles & Terri Williams Inga Boosalis by: Mark & Mahi Chambers Dimitra Fronimos by: Vassiliki Apostolakos Mary & Steve by: Albis Samonides Deaths: Robin Duzane, mother of Madeleine Duzane Donnelly (Johnny), Mark Duzane and Matthew Duzane, and grandmother of Isabella, Abigail and John, December 4, 2016 Dimitra Fronimos, daughter of Kiki Apostolakos and sister of Constantina Baldwin, December 14, 2016 Frances Stergios, daughter of Martha Stergios and sister of Catherine and John Stergios over the Christmas weekend 2016 Baptisms: Vivian Elisa Hrissikos infant daughter of Haralabos and Crystal Hrissikos, December 26. Sophia Stephens Mitchell, infant daughter of Christian and Kristin Mitchell, December 17 Maya Deitz, daughter of Alex Deitz and Sangeeta Mahadevan, December 28

5 Saint Gregory the Theologian January 25 th Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, a great Father and teacher of the Church, was born into a Christian family of eminent lineage in the year 329, at Arianzus (not far from the city of Cappadocian Nazianzus). Both his father, a bishop of Nazianzus also named Gregory, and his mother, Nonna, are also saints of the Church. When the child learned to read, his mother presented him with the Holy Scripture. St Gregory received a complete and extensive education: after working at home with his uncle St Amphilochius, an experienced teacher of rhetoric, he then studied in the schools of Nazianzus, Caesarea in Cappadocia, and Alexandria. Then the saint decided to go to Athens to complete his education. On the way from Alexandria to Greece, a terrible storm raged for many days. St Gregory, who was just a catechumen at that time, feared that he would perish in the sea before being cleansed in the waters of Baptism. St Gregory lay in the ship s stern for twenty days, beseeching the merciful God for salvation. He vowed to dedicate himself to God, and was saved when he invoked the name of the Lord. St Gregory spent six years in Athens studying rhetoric, poetry, geometry, and astronomy. St Basil, the future Archbishop of Caesarea, also studied in Athens with St Gregory. They were such close friends that they seemed to be one soul in two bodies. Julian, the future emperor ( ) and apostate from the Christian Faith, was studying philosophy in Athens at the same time. In 358 St Gregory quietly left Athens and returned to his parents at Nazianzus. At thirty-three years of age, he received Baptism from his father. Against his will, St Gregory was ordained to the holy priesthood by his father. However, when the elder Gregory wished to make him a bishop, he fled to join his friend Basil in Pontus. St Basil had organized a monastery in Pontus and had written to Gregory inviting him to come. St Gregory remained with St Basil for several years. When his brother St Caesarius died, he returned home to help his father administer his diocese. The local church was also in turmoil because of the Arian heresy. St Gregory had the difficult task of reconciling the bishop with his flock, who condemned their pastor for signing an ambiguous interpretation of the dogmas of the faith. St Gregory convinced his father of the pernicious nature of Arianism, and strengthened him in Orthodoxy. St Basil the Great made St Gregory bishop of the city of Sasima, a small town between Caesarea and Tyana. However, St Gregory remained at Nazianzus in order to assist his dying father, and he guided the flock of this city for a while after the death of his father in 374. Upon the death of Patriarch Valentus of Constantinople in the year 378, a council of bishops invited St Gregory to help the Church of Constantinople, which at this time was ravaged by heretics. Obtaining the consent of St Basil the Great, St Gregory came to Constantinople to combat heresy. In the year 379 he began to serve and preach in a small church of the Resurrection. Like David fighting the Philistines with a sling, St Gregory battled against impossible odds to defeat false doctrine. Heretics were in the majority in the capital, Arians, Macedonians, and Appolinarians. The more he preached, the more did the number of heretics decrease, and the number of the Orthodox increased. On the night of Pascha (April 21, 379) when St Gregory was baptizing catechumens, a mob of armed heretics burst into the church and cast stones at the Orthodox, killing one bishop and wounding St Gregory. But the fortitude and mildness of the saint were his armor, and his words converted many to the Orthodox Church. St Gregory s literary works (orations, letters, poems) show him as a worthy preacher of the truth of Christ. He had a literary gift, and the saint sought to offer his talent to God the Word. He wrote Panegyrics on Saints, Festal Orations, two invectives against Julian the Apostate, and various orations on other topics. In all, forty-

6 five of St Gregory s orations have been preserved. The letters of the saint compare favorably with his best theological works. All of them are clear, yet concise. In his poems as in all things, St Gregory focused on Christ. The fame of the Orthodox preacher spread through East and West. But the saint lived in the capital as though he still lived in the wilderness: his food was food of the wilderness; his clothing was whatever necessary. He made visitations without pretense, and though in proximity of the court, he sought nothing from the court. The saint received a shock when he was ill. One whom he considered as his friend, the philosopher Maximus, was consecrated at Constantinople in St Gregory s place. Struck by the ingratitude of Maximus, the saint decided to resign the cathedra, but his faithful flock restrained him from it. The people threw the usurper out of the city. On November 24, 380 the holy emperor Theodosius arrived in the capital and, in enforcing his decree against the heretics, the main church was returned to the Orthodox, with St Gregory making a solemn entrance. An attempt on the life of St Gregory was planned, but instead the assassin appeared before the saint with tears of repentance. At the Second Ecumenical Council in 381, St Gregory was chosen as Patriarch of Constantinople. After the death of Patriarch Meletius of Antioch, St Gregory presided at the Council. Hoping to reconcile the West with the East, he offered to recognize Paulinus as Patriarch of Antioch. Those who had acted against St Gregory on behalf of Maximus, particularly Egyptian and Macedonian bishops, arrived late for the Council. They did not want to acknowledge the saint as Patriarch of Constantinople, since he was elected in their absence. St Gregory decided to resign his office for the sake of peace in the Church. After telling the emperor of his desire to quit the capital, St Gregory appeared again at the Council to deliver a farewell address asking to be allowed to depart in peace. Upon his return to his native region, St Gregory turned his attention to the incursion of Appolinarian heretics into the flock of Nazianzus, and he established the pious Eulalius there as bishop, while he himself withdrew into the solitude of Arianzus so dear to his heart. Zealous for the truth of Christ, the saint continued to affirm Orthodoxy through his letters and poems, while remaining in the wilderness. He died on January 25, 389, and is honored with the title Theologian, also given to the holy Apostle and Evangelist John. In his works St Gregory, like that other Theologian St John, directs everything toward the Pre-eternal Word. St Gregory was buried at Nazianzus. In the year 950, his holy relics were transferred to Constantinople into the church of the Holy Apostles. Later on, a portion of his relics was transferred to Rome Blessing of Homes for Theophany 2017 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: TELEPHONE: WHAT IS A CONVENIENT TIME/DATE THAT YOU WILL BE HOME? (Please try to schedule times during the day) (Fr. Simon will bring basil and Holy Water. Please have a bowl of water prepared for the service.)

7 Liturgical Calendar for January Sunday, January 1 st Circumcision of Christ Feast of Saint Basil Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 10:00 am Sunday, January 15 th Twelfth Sunday of Luke Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Wednesday, January 4 th Forefeast of Theophany Royal Hours for the Theophany 9:00 am Vesperal Liturgy Feast of Epiphany 6:00 pm Service of the Blessing of the Waters 7:30 pm Friday, January 6 th Feast of Theophany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Service of the Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am Saturday, January 7 th Feast of Saint John the Baptist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Blessing of the Waters at the Mississippi River 12:00 Noon Sunday, January 8 th Sunday after Theophany Vasilopita Sunday Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Vasilopita Cutting 11:30 am VISITATION COMMITTEE The following parishioners have requested visitation. Please contact them directly to schedule visitations. For address &/or contact information please check your parish directory or contact the office. Alec Collis Pat Bacopulos Cooper - contact Marianthe Pilcher for visiting arrangements Edna Nichopoulos Zoe Nickas Presvytera Bess Vieron Tuesday, January 17 th Feast of Saint Anthony the Great Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, January 22 nd 15 th Sunday of Luke Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Tuesday, January 24 th Orthros/Divine Liturgy 6:00 pm Sunday, January 29 th Sunday of the Canaanite Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Monday, January 30 th Feast of the Three Hierarchs Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Visitation Committee Volunteers for January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio February: Vicki Hoover & family March: Linda Nichols & family April: Cary Chiungos & Mary Katherine Taras May: Demie Bitinis, Tricia Grantham & Emily Love June: Despina Karas/Angela Tobias July: Maria Moore & Diane Kavelaras August: Stephanie Poplos & friend September: Susanna Peters, Maria Apalodimas & Cathe Skefos October: Sophie Theodore & Kristine Wagner November: Connie Cotros, Loretta Taras & Tasia Vergos December: Anastasia Terranova & Athena Jameson Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the visitation committee.

8 Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041 Vasilopita Sunday - January 8 Elpis will be sponsoring the coffee hour and collecting money for the children of the St Basil's Academy. More than a Meal - January 15 We will be serving those in need at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal church in Midtown Membership Dues We invite all women age 18 and older to join Elpis Philoptochos. Our service-based organization supports our church, provides help to those in need within our church family, within the Memphis community as well as those world-wide. You can be as involved as you would like through a multitude of committees and events. We encourage you to look for our electronic monthly newsletter to find opportunities to serve. Our organization also provides an outlet for social events, learning and networking. Membership is $35 per year and includes both local and national dues. Men are also welcome to join us as associate members. We offer complimentary honorary memberships to college-aged women (18-22) and women age 80 and over. To join or for more information, please contact Cyndi Detty ( or cyndi.detty27@gmail.com) ELPIS Bookstore Looking for new ways to volunteer this year? Work at the bookstore! We are looking for volunteers to help on Sundays from 11:30-12:30. Stop by and talk to Angela Tobias and Connie Apalodimas for more information. Young at Heart Young at Heart will be hosting Andy Wise on Thursday, January 19th presenting "Watching out for Scamers". We will have a delicious Greek luncheon. All 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 & older are encouraged to join our fun group! We start at 11:30 am in Cotros Hall! *Organization Coordinators: Kathy Zambelis: ,Anna Paris: , Sophie Theodore: Young at Heart Christmas Luncheon Hosting Coffee Fellowship after Liturgy The Parish Council invites members to volunteer to host a Coffee Fellowship Hour in Cotros Hall during this Ecclesiastical Year. The intent is to offer refreshments of your choice that will encourage social interaction among the membership, and opportunities to meet and greet visitors and new members. The coffee, sugar/sweetener, napkins, plates, cups and utensils are provided by the Church. Please bring creamer and juice. This is a great opportunity to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or to honor a loved one. Photos/memorabilia are encouraged for a table display. Families or groups of individuals can cohost as well. Please sign up on the Coffee Hour 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.

9 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! OCF s Real Break is a one-of-a-kind alternative spring break program for Orthodox high school graduates between years old. The Real Break program provides young adults with the opportunity to understand the true meaning of seeing Christ in the other traveling to all parts of the world deepening their faith, serving those in need, and cultivating relationships with like-minded peers. See the Flier and follow the link for more details: 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 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. 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 (Junior Orthodox Youth) Mark your calendar for upcoming events: January 7th - 9am Orthos/ 10am Divine Liturgy for the Feast of St. John the Baptist 12pm Blessing of the Mississippi River!! We will meet at Greenbelt Park on Harbor Town and we will gather at St. John's following the blessing! It would be wonderful to have a large group represent our parish for this blessing! January 14-15, Winter Youth Retreat at Assumption Church in Louisville, KY. This retreat is open to all youth ages Last year we sent some participants and we would like to send another group! Looking for parent chaperone drivers! Contact Presvytera Stephanie: s_c_thomas@yahoo.com or For more info RSVP DEADLINE: All participants (youth and adults) must register for the event AND reserve hotel rooms by no later than January 6, TO REGISTER, DOWNLOAD FLYER, OR DOWNLOAD THE RETREAT INFO PACKET, VISIT RG/ WINTERRETREAT. February 4th -Making Valentines for parish shut-ins more info to come. March - Need Parent Volunteer to coordinate! April - Need Parent Volunteer to coordinate! May 6th - Pool Party at the Thomas home more details to come.

10 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). GOYA Advisors: Mitch Obradovic Demetri Papastefan Ted Poplos Luane Semos GOYA Activities Activity Date Ballroom Dancing January TBD More Than a Meal Grace St. January 15 Luke s GOYA Super Bowl Party Super February 5 Bowl of Caring More Than a Meal Grace St. February 19 Luke s Trivia Night March TBD More Than a Meal Grace St. March 19 Luke s Lenten Lock-In April Pascha Lamb Roast April More Than a Meal Grace St. April 16 Luke s Pascha Year-End GOYA Pool Party May TBD More Than a Meal Grace St. May 21 Luke s Other Volunteer/Service Opportunities: 1. Assist with serving and cleanup at luncheons 2. Greek Festival Workshops 3. Greek Festival Ice Cream and Frappe Booth 4. Food Pantry Drive 5. Starry Nights 6. Friends of the Metropolis 7. Project Haiti 8. Ionian Village Recovery Fundraiser GOYA Christmas Caroling January GOYA News Registration is open for the 2017 St. Nicholas Winter Youth Retreat. The St. Nicholas Winter Youth Retreat is open to all youth ages We will have retreat discussions, food, and fellowship. We will also talk about the St. Nicholas Summer Camp and exciting news for 2017! We had a great turnout last year and would love to see more of you! For your convenience, see the flier here in The Epistle. Here are some of the important details: WHEN: January 14-15, 2017 (Sat/Sun - MLK weekend) WHERE: Assumption Church - Louisville, KY COST: $35.00 per person (Youth and Adults) HOTEL: Hampton Inn/Louisville - $99/night (hotel info with retreat info packet) RSVP DEADLINE: All participants (youth and adults) must register for the event AND reserve hotel rooms by no later than January 6, TO REGISTER, DOWNLOAD FLYER, OR DOWNLOAD THE RETREAT INFO PACKET, VISIT REAT Please direct any questions to youth@detroit.goarch.org

11 ATHENIAN DANCE TROUPE The Athenian Dance Troupe's mission is to provide dancers with artistic education and immersion in the rich tradition of Hellenic performing arts and dance. A key goal for The Athenian Dance Troupe is to instill in its dancers an enthusiasm for and desire to share the art of Hellenic dance within the Memphis community. We accept dancers into the program starting in 2nd grade. For older children and teenagers interested in joining, no prior dance experience is required. All are welcome! If you have any questions, would like more info, or would like to enroll your child(ren), please contact Father Simon at the Church Office, or the Horvaths. Andrew Horvath andrewmarkhorvath@gmail.com Leah Apalodimas Horvath leahapalodimas@yahoo.com Performances Sunday March 19 Greek Independence Day Luncheon 12:00 Noon Memphis Greek Festival Friday, May 12, 6:00 pm Saturday, May 13, 12:00 Noon & 6:00 pm Practice Schedule Juniors: Saturday March 4 11:30 am 12:00 Noon Saturday March 18 10:00 am 10:45 am Saturday April 22 10:00 am 10:45 am Saturday April 29 10:00 am 10:45 am Saturday May 6 10:00 am 10:45 am Thursday, May 11 5:00 pm 7:30 pm Seniors: Sunday January 22 12:00 Noon 2:30 pm Saturday March 4 12:00 Noon 2:00 pm Saturday March 18 11:00 am 1:00 pm Saturday April 8 12:00 Noon 2:00 pm Saturday April 22 11:00 am 1:00 pm Saturday April 29 11:00 am 1:00 pm Saturday May 6 11:00 am 1:00 pm Thursday May 11 5:00 pm 7:30 pm

12 Community Organizations Men s Group/AHEPA The reorganized Men s group of Annunciation will be announcing new events and activities coming soon. Please check the weekly bulletins and the February Epistle for details. 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 objectives: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and & Individual Excellence. This year2017, the Daughters are celebrating their 88 th Birthday! What a wonderful Christmas Luncheon we had with our Elpis friends at the beginning of December. This year it was held at the Ridgeway Country Club. The room was decorated beautifully for Christmas and the food delicious. Getting to visit with each other while relaxing and being waited on was so nice. We also held our ornament exchange which is always a lot of fun. At the Christmas Luncheon, the Daughters honored Anastasia Terranova for her hard work as their President of 6 years. Congratulations Anastasia, well deserved!!!! Keeping in the spirit of the holiday season at church, wasn t the Christmas Pageant so lovely? Seeing all the children participating with the Greek School was a reminder of the reason for the season. What a wonderful start to Christmas week. Children, teachers, Ken you all did a fantastic job. We ended the year with our traditional Holiday Bake Sale on December 18. Thank you to all of you who supported us in the sale. It has helped us with our scholarship fund. A special thank you to Elaine Otto and Linda Nichols who led the baking. We had our traditional Kourambiedes, Koulourakia and this year, we added the Melomakarona. Oops, we sold out completely.note to self: think about baking a bit more!!! In January, we are recuperating from all the holidays so we will host a Coffee Hour. Come February we will be having our traditional Agape Luncheon and then the Apokreas with the Chefs of AHEPA cooking. We look for your continued support for these events. A message from our Memphis Chapter President Phani Mitchell: Dear Father Simon and family, my fellow parishioners and Daughters of Penelope, I would like to wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful I also would like to thank you for your continued support to the Daughters of Penelope Projects and to the Daughters, thank you so much for all your hard work and enthusiasm to our chapter. With all my love, Phani Mitchell. All of the Daughters join together in wishing each and everyone one of our parishioners a Blessed Christmas and a wonderful, healthy and happy New Year.

13 PET BLESSING December 17th

14 Sunday School Christmas Pageant Deccember 18th

15 Adult Greek Class Sponsored by The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 573 North Highland Memphis, Tennessee Instructor: Fr. Nicholas L. Vieron Phone: (901) Next Class begins Monday, January 16, :30pm Class sometimes fills up quickly, therefore, register now! First come, first served! Registration Form ADULT GREEK CLASS Course limited to one Monday evening class consisting of 25 students - "first come first served" Circle one: Mr. Mrs. Miss Ms. Dr. Rev. Fr. or NAME please print your name...exactly as you want it to appear on your diploma! ADDRESS ZIP CITY STATE Phone(s) H: Other: Enclosed, my $75 registration fee check, made out to "The Adult Greek Class" Date Signature of future Greek Scholar

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, George & Laura & *Couloubaritsis, Jerry & Julia & Daniels, Elaine Deitz, George & Wagner, Kristine & 2016 List of Stewards *Demas, Helen * Demopoulos, Chris *Demos, Chris & Shawn 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 & *Habte, Daniel & Tsadik, Yorusalem & Hawkins, Charles & Elizabeth & *Herbert, Sandy *Hetos, Maria 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

17 *Moore, Alexis *Moore, Maria & Michael *Moore, Tommy & Kyndall *Morrison, Robert & Kathryn *Mosby, Michael & Valerie & 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 *Theodore, Sophie *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 *Wilson, Matthew & Michelle & *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 December 29, 2016: Stewards 220 Stewardship Cards 98 Amount Pledged $202, Amount Received (YTD) $297, Amount Received December - $28,899.00

18 2017 List of Stewards *Robert Allphin *Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & family *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas *Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Endy Carter * Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & family *Elaine Daniels *Nick & Marty Fox *Steve & Zoe Futris *Bill & Niki Gikas *Joanne Gikas *Alex Gogonelis *Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & family *Sandy E Herbert *Ken & Vicki Hoover & family *Athena Jameson *Al & Tina Jennings *Diane Kavelaras *Marcy Kollias *Tom & Emily Love *Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & family *Mike & Maria Moore *Robert & Kathy Morrison *Naji & Rebecca Nassif & family *Evangelia Panas *Demetri Papastefan *Anna Paris *Eva Paris * Manual & Mary Beth Peters *Ted & Stephanie Poplos & family *Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson & family * Scott Reed *Vasili & Luane Semos & family *Jimmy & Georgia Smith *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie *James & Nancy Tashie *John Tashie *Anastasia Terranova *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Sophie Theodore *Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & family *Alex Vergos *Tasia Vergos *Magdi & Amira Wassef & family *Vasiliki Whitten *Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos As of December 29, 2016: 2017 Stewardship Cards - 50 Amount Pledged - $94,153.00

19 1 Feast of Saint Basil the Great Orthro 8:45 am Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great 10:00 am No Nursery or Sunday School today Coffee will be provided in Cotros Hall JANUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY Royal Hours 9:00 am 5 6Feast of Epiphany New Year s Day Vesperal Liturgy Feast Girl Scouts Orthros/Divine observed of Epiphany 6:00 pm 4:15 pm Liturgy 9:00 am Parish Closed Service of the Blessing of Service of the the Waters 7:30 pm Blessing of the Waters 11:00 am 8 Sunday after Theophany Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Oath of Office for the 2017 Parish Council Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Vasilopita Sunday hosted by Elpis Choir Appreciation hosted by Parish Council DOP Board Meeting 12:30 pm 9 10 Bible Study 6:30 pm Girl Scouts 4:15 pm High Point Terrace Neighborhood Meeting 6:00 pm 7 Feast of Saint John the Baptist Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Blessing of the Waters at the Mississippi River 12:00 Noon Picnic to follow Metropolis Winter Youth Retreat 15 Twelfth Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour hosted by Mazas family to Honor Diana Mazas on her 100 th Birthday DOP General Meeting 1:00 pm More Than a Meal Serving Team 3:00 pm Metropolis Winter Youth Retreat 22 Fifteenth Sunday of Luke Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Athenian Dance Troupe Practice Seniors 12:00 Noon Elpis General Meeting 12:00 Noon 16 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm Fr. Vieron s Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 23 Fr. V Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 17 Feast of Saint Anthony the Great Orthros/Divin e Liturgy 9:00 am 24 Orthros/Divin e Liturgy 6:00 pm Young at Heart Luncheon 11:30 am Girl Scouts 4:15 pm 25 Feast of Saint Gregory the Theologian Sunday of the Canaanite Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Coffee Hour hosted by DOP JOY Making Valentine Cards for Parish Shut-Ins 12:00 Noon 30 Feast of the Three Hierarchs Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Fr. V Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 31 Bible Study 6:30 pm