You Want Me to do What!?!

Transcription

1 The Epistle February 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/ You Want Me to do What!?! But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:44-45). Our Lord asks a lot of us, especially when it comes to love. Love the Lord, your God (Matthew 22:37); Love one another (John 13:34); Love you neighbor (Matthew 19:19); Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Wait, what!? I was with Him up until that last part! It isn t really a question of whether or not He has the right to ask (I mean, He is God, and did take on flesh, died on the Cross, forgave those who crucified Him, and rose from the dead offering us salvation), it is more of an issue of practicality. I may sometimes struggle with the first three listed above, but how am I supposed to love my enemies? I recently came across a line in the book, The Problem of Pain, by C. S. Lewis: Love, by definition, seeks to enjoy its object. That struck a chord with me. Maybe it is my own struggle with love, or maybe it is what I perceive currently to be a definite lack of love within society, but it helped clarify what it means to love my enemies. Don t misunderstand, it isn t as if I have a lot of enemies. In fact, I am not sure I could say I have any enemies (at least no one specific). But there have been times in my life when I have been treated poorly, and there were certainly people who didn t like me (I know this because they told me), and then there are the people in society who would lump me in with a group of people they generally do not like (Christians, clergy, males, whatever ). Let s just say, I do not enjoy being in the company of such people. And yet, here is C. S. Lewis saying to me, If you want to honor our Lord s command to love your enemies, you will need to seek to enjoy their company. I do not believe there is an emoji that depicts a defeated sigh, but if there is one, it should be inserted here. I know Lewis is correct. Through sin, we became enemies with God (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18), and God not only sought to enjoy us, but He sent His Only-Begotten Son to be with us and save us. How do I love my enemies? I must seek to enjoy them. I actually have to want to be with them, talk with them, be reconciled to them, and be saved with them. I know this is correct, and I know that this is what our Lord has asked of us. So as we enter the month of love, let us love God, one another, our neighbors, and even our enemies! With Love in Christ, Father Simon

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church TED POPLOS - PRESIDENT NAJI NASSIF VICE-PRESIDENT ENDY CARTER - SECRETARY MARIA MOORE - TREASURER CHRIS APALODIMAS DEMIE BITINIS 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 Rev. Father Simon Thomas, Parish Priest Rev. Father Nicholas Vieron, Retired ANNUNCIATION PARISH COUNCIL PARISH MINISTRIES BILL JOYNER DIANE KAVELARAS PETE RUBY ROMULUS SALA-STOIAN VASILI SEMOS HARRY SINIS 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 KATHY ZAMBELIS & PAUL VIERON 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 February 2017 I am honored to have been elected president for another year. The bad news is that I will be sending these messages for another year. Don t get me wrong, it is not that I don t enjoy communicating with all of you, I am just not a terrific writer. So allow me to try to do my best. For those who were not able to attend the New Year s Eve party, it was fantastic. About 120 people had a great prime rib meal and danced their way into the New Year. What a great event, and with a little planning I think it should remain an annual event here at Annunciation. I don t know exactly what they teach at the seminary, but Fr. Simon can cook with the best of them. As if cooking for 120 isn t challenge enough, he added a Vesper service about 2/3 of the way through to make it even more interesting. I guess the power of prayer really does work because it went off without a hitch. We will have a general assembly on February 5 th to discuss the fiscal year 2016 and appoint an audit committee to review those books. We have finally received the blessings of Metropolitan Nicholas to bring forward our proposal to replace the icon screen and bishop s throne. You should have received that information in the mail. If you haven t, please contact the church office so that we can get you that information. I hope that you will attend the assembly and hear about the project and let your vote be cast. This is an important step for us and we should leave the meeting united in moving forward in the growth of our church. We are in the process of accepting bids on tree work on the property. We are also in the process of having the canvas awnings replaced with aluminum awnings and adding awnings where there are currently none. I guess you will just have to come by to check out how it will look once the trees are pruned and cleaned up and the new awnings are installed. Finally, as we prepare for our annual festival (yes it is that time again) I hope that you will give very real and serious consideration to volunteering a few hours for the many workshops and preparatory events that lead up to the festival. For every volunteer that comes to help, we can avoid paying someone for their labor. Consider it as an opportunity for stewardship. It is a tremendous feat to put this together and can be a lot of fun in the midst of the actual work. Be looking for a workshop or two to attend in the near future. In His Service Ted Poplos

4 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 Nick, Edna, Helen, Diana, Bob, Alec, Katherine, Maria, Zoe, Pat, Ronnie, Jeffrey, Toni, Sandy, Sophia, Cornelia Volunteers for February Acolytes: Lee Couloubaritsis Austin Detty Jackson Detty Nick Douglas John Eramo Max Graves Jonathan Holland Vasili Johnson Jonathan Mehrotra Jack Shipman Abiel Tesfazion Demetri Thomas David Wassef Ushers 5 Team 1: Maria Moore, Bill Joyner, Pete Ruby 12 Team 2: Naji Nassif, Diane Kavelaras, Demie Bitinis 19 Team 3: Romulus Stoian, Chris Apalodimas 26 Team 4: Endy Carter, Vasili Semos Coffee Fellowship Hosts: 5 Parish Assembly 12 Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP 19 Open 26 Open Greeters 5 Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas 12 Andrew & Tina Douglas 19 Pete & Jan Futris 26 Anastasia Terranova & Phani Mitchell Prosphoro Bakers: 5 Enosis Touliatos 12 Enosis Touliatos 19 Enosis Touliatos 26 Enosis Touliatos January Notices Epistle Readers: 5 Cathe Skefos 12 Scott McKee 19 Mitch Obradovic 26 Scout for Scout Sunday Memorial Contributions (In Memory Of) Robin Duzane by: Pete & Jan Futris, Diane Kavelaras Frances Stergios by: Diane Kavelaras Gus & Carmela Tashie by: Paul Tashie Jasper Hoover: by Ted and Stephanie Poplos Deaths: Dick Erskine: brother of Bruce Erskine and brother-in-law of Helen Erskine, Wednesday, January 11 William Umberson: father of Linda Farrell and grandfather to Matthew and Brian Farrell, December Day Blessings: Spiro Castellucci infant son of Brianna & Conan Castellucci and grandson of John & Nancy Kay 40 Day Memorials: Robin Duzane, January 15th

5 Saint Polycarp of Smyrna February 23 rd Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who was fruitful in every good work (Colossians 1:10), was born in the first century, and lived in Smyrna in Asia Minor. He was orphaned at an early age, but at the direction of an angel, he was raised by the pious widow Kallista. After the death of his adoptive mother, Polycarp gave away his possessions and began to lead a chaste life, caring for the sick and the infirm. He was very fond of and close to St Bucolus, Bishop of Smyrna. He ordained Polycarp as deacon, entrusting to him to preach the Word of God in church. He also later ordained him to the holy priesthood. The holy Apostle John the Theologian was still alive at this time. St Polycarp was especially close to St John, and sometimes accompanied him on his apostolic journeys. Shortly before his death, St Bucolus expressed his wish that Polycarp be made Bishop of Smyrna. When St Polycarp was consecrated as a bishop, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him. St Polycarp guided his flock with apostolic zeal, and he was also greatly loved by the clergy. St Ignatius the God-Bearer of Antioch also had a high regard for him. Setting out for Rome where execution awaited him, he wrote to St Polycarp, This age is in need of you if it is to reach God, just as pilots need winds, and as a storm-tossed sailor needs a port. The emperor Marcus Aurelius came to the Roman throne and started up a most fierce persecution against Christians. The pagans demanded that the judge search for St Polycarp, the father of all the Christians and the seducer of all Asia. During this time St Polycarp, at the persistent urging of his flock, stayed in a small village not far from Smyrna. When the soldiers came for him, he went out to them and invited them in to eat. He asked for time to pray, in order to prepare himself for martyrdom. His suffering and death are recorded in the Epistle of the Christians of the Church of Smyrna to the Other Churches, one of the most ancient memorials of Christian literature. Having been brought to trial, St Polycarp firmly confessed his faith in Christ, and was condemned to be burned alive. The executioners wanted to nail him to a post, but he declared that God would give him the strength to endure the flames, so they could merely tie him with ropes. The flames encircled the saint but did not touch him, coming together over his head in the shape of a vault. Seeing that the fire did him no harm, the pagans stabbed him with a dagger. So much blood flowed from this wound that it extinguished the flames. The body of the priest-martyr Polycarp was then cremated. The Christians of Smyrna reverently gathered up what remained of his holy relics, and each year they celebrated the day of his martyrdom. A story has been preserved about St Polycarp by his disciple, St Irenaeus of Lyons, which Eusebius cites in his Ecclesiastical History (V, 20): I was still very young when I saw you in Asia Minor at Polycarp s, writes St Irenaeus to his friend Florinus, but I would still be able to point out the place where Blessed Polycarp sat and conversed, and be able to depict his walk, his mannerisms in life, his outward appearance, his speaking to people, his companionable wandering with John, and how he himself related, together with other eyewitnesses of the Lord, those things that he remembered from the words of others. He also told what he heard from them about the Lord, His teachings and miracles Through the mercy of God to me, I then already listened attentively to Polycarp and wrote down his words, not on tablets, but in the depths of my heart. Therefore, I am able to bear witness before God, that if this blessed and apostolic Elder heard something similar to your fallacy, he would immediately stop up his ears and express his indignation with his usual phrase: Good God! That You have permitted me to be alive at such a time! During his life the holy bishop wrote several Epistles to the flock and letters to various individuals. The only one that has survived to the present day is his Epistle to the Philippians which, St Jerome testifies, was read in the churches of Asia Minor at divine services. It was written by the saint in response to the request of the Philippians to send them some letters of the priest-martyr Ignatius which St Polycarp had in his possession.

6 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.) Thursday, February 2 nd Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Orthros/Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday, February 5 th Sunday of the Publican and Phariseee Triodion Begins Orthros 8:45 am Divine 10:00 am Liturgical Calendar for February Thursday, February 9 th - Orthros/Divine Liturgy Feast of Saint Haralambos 6:00 pm Sunday, February 12 th Sunday of the Prodigal Sun Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Saturday, February 18 th Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am Sunday, February 19 th Sunday of Judgement (Meatfare) Orthros 8:45 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Saturday, February 25 th Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am Sunday, February 26 th Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare) Orthros 9:00 am Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Monday, February 27 th Great Lent Begins Clean Monday Great Compline 6:30 pm

7 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 Kosta Taras contact Loretta Taras for Visiting arrangements Visitation Committee Volunteers for 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 January: Nancy Tashie, Jan Futris & Tina Liollio Please contact Kristine Wagner if you would like to volunteer to be on the visitation committee. PARISH ORATORICAL FESTIVAL Our Local St John s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church beginning at 10:00 am in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to come to hear children speak on various topics they were given to choose from. We love supporting the children in our community and this festival is an important event to offer them your love and support.

8 Parish Ministries Philoptochos, Elpis Chapter #7041 More than a Meal - February 19 - Cooking Team We will be preparing and serving dinner to those in need within the Memphis community. Join us on February 19 from 3-5 pm at Grace St. Luke's Church in Midtown. All are welcome to attend. We plan to prepare most of the meal on February 18th. If you are interested in participating, please contact Linda Obradovic or Cyndi Detty. Girls' Night Out - Painting with a Twist - February 23 Please join us for an evening of painting, wine and fellowship. Join us at Painting with a Twist (3116 Village Shops Dr #22, Germantown (near Target)) on February 23 at 7:00. All women in the church are welcome to attend. Costs are $35 per person and sign-ups are online. If you do not have internet access, please contact Cyndi Detty. Party.aspx?eid=EB Dues are now accepted 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 our Memphis community as well as those worldwide. You can be as involved as you would like through a multiude of committees and events. We encourage you to look for our electronic montly newsletter to fine 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. For more information, please contact Cyndi Detty. 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 Join us for lunch to celebrate Valentine s Day on Thursday, February 16 th at 11:30 am in Cotros Hall. Mike Miller will be here to entertain us! All those age 50 and over are invited to join us! *Organization Coordinators: Kathy Zambelis: ,Anna Paris: , Sophie Theodore: 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: JOY February 4 th - Service Activity - Making Valentines for our Parish shut-ins 10am-12pm at Cotros Hall. March 25th -Spiritual Education - Celebrate our Parish Feast Day Together! 9:00 am Orthros and Divine Liturgy followed by an Activity coordinated by Renee Graves. April 14th - Spiritual Education- Holy Friday JOY Lenten Youth Retreat Royal Hours (morning service) + Lenten Youth Retreat and Craft + Lunch + Removal of Christ from the Cross (afternoon service) ~PLEASE see sign up genius to sign up to bring food or craft supplies!!! May 6th - Pool Party 2-4pm at Thomas Home

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 February GOYA News Greetings GOYA Members and Families. We will once again celebrate the Super Bowl with a party and an opportunity to gather nonperishable foods items for the Souper Bowl of Caring (food donations will go to the Highland Heights Food Pantry). This year's party is graciously being hosted by Father Simon and Presvytera Stephanie. We will gather after 4:30 PM at the Thomas home for the 5:30 PM kickoff. Father Simon invites attendees to bring swim suits - youth can swim if the game is not fun to watch. GOYA will provide the main course. Please RSVP at the SignUp Genius link to let us know how many will attend, and sign up to bring a menu item. 1FA7-souper GOYA Activities Activity Date 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 SCHOLARSHIPS As it becomes available, scholarship information can be found at the following links: On the Parish website at On our Facebook page at /.

11 SCOUT SUNDAY February 26, 2017 All Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are welcome to participate in our church s Scout Sunday which will be held February 26. Our church Scouts have Troops across the Mid-South but come together on Scout Sunday in uniform serving as greeters and reading the Epistle. Any member with a Boy Scout or Girl Scout wishing to participate in our Scout Sunday service which will be held February 26, should contact the church to submit the Scout's name. Scouting has been recognized as an official youth program of the Orthodox Church since 1952 when the Standing Conference of Canonical Bishops (SCOBA) approved it and created the Eastern Orthodox Committee on Scouting (EOCS). The twelfth Boy Scout Law states, A Scout is reverent, He is reverent to God, He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion. Scout Sunday gives Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to attend church and be recognized as a Scout. 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: 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 cooking the Apokreas Dinner on February 19 th. Come ready to eat, display your talent and show off your costume! 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 Family share our objectives: To promote Hellenism, Education, Philanthropy, Civic Responsibility, and Family & Individual Excellence. This year2017, the Daughters are celebrating their 88 th Birthday! We would like to thank you, our fellow parishioners who were so generous in supporting Penelope House at our luncheon. We received a lovely thank you note from Kathryn Coumanis. She, with her Daughters group, founded Penelope House in From Kathryn: Thank you for your generous donation of $1000 to Penelope House. Your gift enabled us to bring a little joy and happiness to the women and children who spent their Christmas in our shelter and transitional housing facility. Each year nearly 1000 women and children pass through our doors, usually coming in with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Your love and support enable us to continue to provide them with safety and comfort through these difficult times. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Wishing you each a very Happy and healthy New Year. Love in Theta Pi, Kathryn Coumanis Coming up in February is our Godparent Luncheon on the 12 th cooked by Connie and Chris Apalodimas. You will find the flyer for the Godparent Luncheon in this epistle. AHEPA is cooking for the Apokreas on the 19 th with the Daughters sponsoring the Talent portion. So get out your dancing shoes, limber up those fingers, and warm up your voices.

13 St John s Chrysostom Oratorical Festival Our LOCAL FESTIVAL Saturday, February 11, 2017 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 10:00 am Registration begins at 9:30 All speakers are asked to please be on time for a microphone check!

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15 "Young at Heart" Valentine s Day Luncheon Thursday, February 16th at 11:30am in Cotros Hall Join us for a delicious Valentine s Day lunch followed by Music and Entertainment by Mike Miller All those 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and older are invited to join us!

16 Dinner Sponsored by AHEPA Talent Show - Sponsored by the Daughters of Penelope. Warm up your voices Share your talents! Sunday, February 19, :30 pm Join us for an evening of delicious food, fun, fellowship and entertainment! MENU Cooked by the Chefs of AHEPA Gourmet meatballs Roast Beef Oven roasted potatoes Salad Rolls Dessert Drinks TICKETS: Adults $12.00 Children 12 & Under: $6.00 Dinner begins at 6:00 pm followed by the Talent Show If you would like to participate in the Talent Show Contact: Kathy Zambelis at or at: kzambelis@gmail.com to let her know what you will be performing

17 Thursday, February 23 7:00 pm Painting with a Twist 3116 Village Shops Drive (Target plaza) Germantown Join us for a fun evening of painting and fellowship for just the girls! All ladies of the church are welcome to attend (including our youth ladies). No painting experience (or talent) required! Appetizers will be provided. Please bring your choice of beverage (adult beverages are fine). Thursday, February 23 7:00pm Reservations and a $ 35 fee are required. Please visit for more information regarding the class. Please contact Cyndi Detty or cyndi.detty27@gmail.com for more information and to place your reservation.

18 Metropolis of Detroit Partners in Philanthropy Program Friends of the Metropolis Metropolis of Detroit Scholarships St. Nicholas Summer Camp Metropolis of Detroit Emergency Relief Fund Metropolis of Detroit St. Spyridon Fund 25 th Anniversary of His Eminence Patriarch Bartholomew St. Basil s Academy National Philoptochos Social Services Account Autism Assistance Fund Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) St. Photios Shrine Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) Sisterhood of St. Basil s Academy International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) 75 th Anniversary Founders Fund Support a Mission Priest (SAMP) Hellenic College Holy Cross Scholarship Fund Retired Clergy & Widowed Presvyteres Benevolent Fund National Philoptochos Emergency Fund Cancer Fund National Sisterhood of Presvyteres Hellenic College Holy Cross General Medical Fund UNICEF Ecumenical Patriarch National Philoptochos Philabundance Feeding the Children Everywhere St. Nicholas Shrine (completing a $ 6,000 donation from our local chapter) AGOC Young at Heart AGOC Altar Needs AGOC Easter Flowers AGOC Garden, sponsored by JOY LeBonheur Children s Hospital Gift to an Orthodox St. Jude Patient Sunny Meadows Mid-South Therapy Dogs More than a Meal, Grace St. Luke s Church Holy Trinity Church, Baton Rouge, LA (flood) Two Scholarships for AGOC Youth Our local Social Services Fund helps those within our church community. We paid $1, in medical bills, rent, utilities and funeral expenses. If you or someone you know has a financial need, please contact Father Simon.

19 Member Information (please print) 2017 Membership Form Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society of Annunciation Church, Memphis, Tennessee (ELPIS Chapter) Name Address City, State, Zip Code Home Phone Cell Phone I am an Honorary Member (ages or 80 and over) I am a New Member I am a Returning Member Attached are my dues for 2017: Cash Check Honorary Member Dues are $ 35 annually and include both national and local commitments. Our local chapter pays for all honorary members national dues. Please return your completed form and payment in the enclosed envelope or send to Joy Touliatos, Treasurer, 8200 N. Westbrook Road, Arlington, TN This year, I would like to see Philoptochos This year, I would like to become involved in

20 F R I E N D S O F T H E M E T R O P O L I S When you support the Friends of the Metropolis campaign, you are part of a greater outreach that proclaims with one universal voice that God is truly our hope and our rock of salvation. Because of your devotion to the Friends program, ministries and programs are implemented on a Metropolis wide basis which strengthen and enhance our faith and our joint ministry of service. I would like to invite you to join forces with the faithful throughout the Metropolis of Detroit in support of the ministries which are part of the Office of the Metropolitan. Thanking you for your kind and generous response, I remain, with paternal blessings and prayers, +NICHOLAS Metropolitan of Detroit MORE INFO AT: General Support Fully fund the general expenses of the Metropolis office, including programs and travels. Outreach/Missions Create opportunities to introduce our faith to society. Participate in inter Christian and interfaith activities. Provide quick responses to national and international disasters. Education Enhance various scholarship opportunities, adult education programs, and support Metropolis students at Hellenic College/Holy Cross. Hellenism Develop programs for Hellenic Cultural Outreach, including language, history, and arts. Clergy/Parish Support Develop and provide instructional seminars and services for clergy and parishes. Youth Ministries Support the youth & young adult ministries, including our summer camps, as well as the activities of a full time Metropolis Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Leadership Organize Clergy Laity Conferences, Oratorical Festivals, Youth Worker and Religious Education Training, and Adult Education Seminars. Special Programs Continued website development, hospitality to visiting dignitaries, charity and philanthropy. F R I E N D S I N F O R M A T I O N Please print the following required details. P A Y M E N T I N F O R M A T I O N Make checks payable to Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit. Name Credit Card Check Money Order Address Credit Card No. City State Zip Expiry CVC No. Mobile No. Total in $ Parish Name City/State Signature Fill out this card and send it with payment to: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Crooks Road - Troy, MI 48084

21 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 List of Stewards *Robert Allphin Zoe Anaston Chris & Connie Apalodimas Maria Apalodimas Michael & Annie Archamuzi & family John & Diane Avgeris *Todd & Cyndi Bagatelas & family *Demetra Bitinis *John & Deborah Bookas *Janet Boosalis *Shawn Branum *Angela Buchanan Claude Burdikoff Jacoby & Michele Buring *Endy Carter *Mary Chagaris *Cary Chiungos * Jerry & Julia Couloubaritsis & family *Elaine Daniels *Alexander & Sangeeta Deitz *Chris Demopoulos Chris & Shawn Demos Anna Denton Greg & Cyndi Detty & family Andrew & Christina Douglas & family *Vasilios & Georgia Douklias Linda Farrell *Nick & Marty Fox Pete & Jan Futris *Steve & Zoe Futris *Evangelia Gallagher Kalovan Getev *Bill & Niki Gikas *Joanne Gikas *Alex Gogonelis Ronald & Patricia Grantham & family *Alan & Renee Graves & family *Maria Hallas *Sarantos & Catherine Hatzigeorgiou *Charles & Elizabeth Hawkins & family *Sandy E Herbert Monica & Evan Hinson Spence Holland Nathan & Stephanie Hooker *Ken & Vicki Hoover & family Andrew & Leah Horvath & family Dorothy Huston *Athena Jameson *Al & Tina Jennings Bill & Denise Joyner Jim & Despina Karas *George Karkatsugas Georgia Karris *Diane Kavelaras *John & Nancy Kay *James Kennedy Nader Khalaf Sarkis & Jenny Kish Regina Kolaitis Bessue Kolapanas *Marcy Kollias Kevin & Alexia Loughman Samya Louza *Tom & Emily Love Yolanta Matika *Scott McKee & Weilin Xi & family Emily Melonas Peter & Kathryn Melonas James & Susan Meng Allen & Lydia Mims & family *Alexis Moore *Mike & Maria Moore *Tommy & Kyndall Moore *Robert & Kathy Morrison Michael & Valerie Mosby *Naji & Rebecca Nassif & family *Mitch & Linda Obradovic & family *Evangelia Panas

22 *Demetri Papastefan Alexandra Pappas *Anna Paris *Evangeline Paris Dennis & Odette Patrikios Basil & Bethany Paulus * Manual & Mary Beth Peters Derek & Marianthe Pilcher *Ted & Stephanie Poplos & family John & Maria Poulos *Chrysanthe Preza & Einir Valdimarsson & family Elizabeth Ramage Melissa Ramage * Scott Reed Pete Ruby Albis Samonides *Eric & Anne Schmitt & family *Vasili & Luane Semos & family Harry & Magda Sinis & family Tom & Susan Sinis Vasilios & Eleni Skoutakis *Jimmy & Georgia Smith *James & Sophie Sousoulas Thomas & Stasia Spentzas & family Pandora Stamson Steve & Joy Steckler Romulus & Camelia Stoian Dimitri & Mary Katherine Taras *Kosta & Loretta Taras *David & Christine Tashie *George & Cecile Tashie *James & Nancy Tashie *John Tashie Judd & Debbie Tashie *Anastasia Terranova Amanuel & Brur Tesfazion & family *Lee & Yiota Theodore *Sophie Theodore *Fr. Simon & Presvytera Stephanie Thomas & family Richard & Angela Tobias Sarah Touliatos *Alex Vergos John & Ellen Vergos *Tasia Vergos Theodore Vergos Nicholas & Bess Vieron *Magdi & Amira Wassef & family *Maria Wasserman *Vasiliki Whitten *Nick & Georgia Zaharopoulos *Michael & Kathy Zambelis As of January 31, 2016: 2017 Stewardship Cards 70 Stewards Amount Pledged - $124, Amount Received - $

23 FEBRUARY 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Feast of the Presentation of the Lord Orthros/Divi ne Liturgy 9:00 am Girl Scouts 4:15 pm 3 4 JOY Making Valentines for Parish Shut-Ins 10:00 am 5 Sunday of the Publican & Pharisee Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Parish Assembly 12:00 Noon GOYA Souper Bowl of Caring 4:30 pm 12 Sunday of the Prodigal Sun Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Agape Godparent Luncheon hosted by DOP 12:00 Noon 6 Father Simon out of office Fr. Vieron s Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 13 Fr. Vieron s Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 7 Father Simon out of office 14 Bible Study 6:30 pm 8 Father Simon out of office 9 Orthros/Divi ne Liturgy Feast of Saint Haralambos 6:00 pm Young at Heart Luncheon 11:30 am Girl Scouts 4:15 pm 10 Feast of Saint Haralambos 11 DOP Monthly Meeting & Set up for Agape Godparent Luncheon 8:00 am Parish Oratorical Festival 9:30 am Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am Girl Scout Thinking Day 12:00 Noon 19 Judgement Sunday (Meatfare) Orthros/Divine Liturgy 8:45 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am GOYA Meeting 12:00 Noon More Than a Meal Serving Team 3:00 pm Apokreas Dinner, Talent Show & Costume Contest 5:30 pm 26 Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare) Orthros 8:45 AM Divine Liturgy 10:00 am Nursery Available 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Scout Sunday 20 Parish Council Meeting 6:15 pm Fr. V Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm 27 Great Lent Begins (Clean Monday) Great Compline 6:30 pm Fr. V Adult Greek Class 6:30 pm Festival Workshop Koulourakia 8:30 am Girls Night Out 6:00 pm 28 Bible Study 6:30 pm 24 Festival Workshop Koulourakia 8:30 am 25 Saturday of Souls Orthros/Divine Liturgy/Memorial Service 9:00 am