THE. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. St. Euphemia September 16th. September & October 2016

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1 THE VOICE Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church September & October 2016 St. Euphemia September 16th

2 Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive ~ Fort Myers, Florida Ch. Phone: (239) Fax: (239) officeagoc@gmail.com Fr. Dean s cell: (239) revfrdean@gmail.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday ~ 10 am-3:30 pm Administrative Assistant: Kelsie Gregware Rev. Fr. Dean Nastos, Proistamenos Fr. Deacon John Howard PARISH COUNCIL Executive Officers: Nick Karras President Les Haynes Vice-President Michael Peceri Treasurer Pat Kemp Assistant Treasurer Heidi Kubiak Secretary Board Members: Virginia Headley Mikes Maillakakis Marilyn Necak Gabriel Nuta Carol Palatine John Ruppe Jon Shannon Council Committees: Stewardship Pat Kemp Welcome/Greeters Effie Kapetan Presvytera Carolyn Nastos Cyndi Kyriacou Aileen Fenton Ted Drakos Pam Strikis Popi Ambazis VOICE Editor Fr. Dean Nastos Altar Don Headley Choir John Nychis, Director Adam Krotov, Co-Director Heidi Kubiak, Organist Chantors Theo Palis Virginia Headley Prosphoro Polly Margaritis:(239) MINISTRIES GOYA (TEENS) Sunday School Mary Sue Gladis Ladies Philoptochos Ginny Amend, President H.O.P.E & J.O.Y (5yr-12yr) Olympia Ruppe Bookstore Virginia Headley Dr. Theodor Bonstedt DANCE TROUPE Georgia Kline Organizations: Hellenic American Social Club of S.W. FL Barbara Dionysopoulos, President VISIT US ON FACEBOOK Annunciation GOC Fort Myers September & October VOICE 2016

3 3 From the Desk of Our Proistamenos... SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2016 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 HAPPY NEW YEAR! On September 1st we celebrate the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year or the beginning of the Church New Year. The month of September brings to each of us an invitation to begin to prepare ourselves for the work that will be set before us. This work is made up of both the Spiritual and physical. As we read the above passage, we must understand that when we gather as children of God, our Lord is with us and guiding us in whatever we do. We should also understand that our Spiritual life is like a race. St. Paul tells us in his Epistle to the Corinthians, Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24). The prize we must obtain is salvation in our Lord s Kingdom. That is why we are all asked to run the race which our Spiritual life carries us on. We are also called by the Church, during this month, to approach with respect the Holy Cross which we remember on September 14th. This is a great day as witnessed to by the many faithful who venerate the Holy Cross to receive its divine grace. There is no other emblem more honorable and holy for the Christian heart than the Holy Cross. The Cross of our Lord is the means of our salvation. On the Cross the Redeemer of mankind spread out His hands and by His sacrifice, returned the sinful man to the Grace of God. The All-Holy Cross of our Lord is elevated once again this year in our Parish. It is not to become, however, a mere act of our veneration, but a means of sanctifying our lives. The Cross is the symbol of great sacrifice that has redeemed and sanctified our lives. Let us make the Holy Cross a practical symbol in our lives so that our steps may be directed by its saving power. Let us also bend the knees of our body and soul so that we may acknowledge the grace that we receive from the Holy Cross. In this way, we will become worthy in our veneration of the Holy Cross. In Christ s Service, Fr. Dean

4 A Message from the President, Nick Karras Greeting Fellow Orthodox Christians, Friends & Neighbors, SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2016 As we approach the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical year, we prepare ourselves for a new year. Our Sunday School program is about to begin. Please make every effort for your children to attend weekly classes. It is a great feeling to see all the children in church. The classroom project fundraiser is continuing. Your generous donations are always greatly appreciated. As always, we are looking for new active and motivating participation from members of our parish. As our church parish of the beautiful Annunciation grows, we need additional help to orchestrate these ministries. All of you are welcome for "time, treasure and talent". On the week of the 4th of July, Father Dean, myself, my wife Stella, Father Al & Ginny Amend traveled to Nashville, Tennessee for the 43rd Annual Clergy Laity Conference. Over 1200 Hierarchs, Clergy, Presveteres and lay people attended. It is always very educational and inspirational. They share with everyone many positive thoughts and promote many new ideas which can help each parish. Events forth-coming are our luncheon September 18th for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with funds raised to benefit the Holy Cross Theological School. Please make your reservations today by calling the church office "Little Taste of Greece" will take place in October again. Date details coming up soon. We need many people to participate and help to make this event successful again this year. Please also help promote it throughout the neighborhood communities. Our community looks forward for this event and our Greek Fest. Another fundraiser that my wife and I started last year is participating in the OPA Greek Cruise. We had a great group of people from here attending. Every year, our goal is to make this group grow from Fort Myers. This year it is on February 3-12, Please join us for lots of fun, action and always meeting new friends. Our Annunciation Greek Orthodox church benefits for every cabin booked. If you are interested please contact Judith at Travel Group International Ext. 102 or toll free or Judith@travelgroupint.com. In His Service, Nick Karras Parish Council President

5 5 Stewardship 2016 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER CONTINUED FROM LAST MONTH WHY TITHING IS GOOD FOR AN ORTHODOX PARISH Tithing becomes ministry. There are things that a Parish would love to do but just can t because they don t have the money for it. Perhaps they could improve or repair the building or build a new one. They could start that Iconography project. They could get an Assistant Priest. They could hire a youth director. They could give to charities. They could fund continuing education for the Priest, the choir director, or other parish workers. They could bring in special speakers. They could sponsor kids to summer camp. They could sponsor people to go on pilgrimages. They could do a lot more outreach. They could feed the hungry and clothe the naked. The possibilities really are almost endless. The point is that God takes what we give, blesses it, and then returns it to us for our sanctification. When we give our money, God turns it into MINISTRY. And sometimes ministry is just the most basic things, like keeping the Priest from having an outside secular job, keeping health insurance for him and his family, paying the Parish s utility bills, buying supplies. When we tithe, that s what God does with our money. It doesn t go to lining anyone s pockets. Most Clergy not just Orthodox, but all Clergy are actually rather underpaid for their level of education, experience and the labor they put in. And almost none of them ever get a raise for preaching about tithing. AND A LOT OF THEM ARE TITHING THEMSELVES. In many Parishes, the Priest is one of the top givers, and he usually does it on a salary far below the Parish average. Tithing ends money problems for the Parish, once and for all. If a mission Parish has 25 tithing families who each make roughly the national average ($50k/ yr.), the collective income for the Parish would be $125k, which is usually plenty for a mission to function on. If a Parish has 50 tithing families who make that average, pledge income would be $250k. We are now well above the income of most medium to small Parishes. If there are 100 families who tithe like that, the income would be $500k. And they re probably about to burn any mortgage, buy new land, build something new or start a new mission. Or maybe they re hiring a couple more Clergy, a secretary, etc. How many 100-family Parishes have half a million dollars to use every year? Even if half the families in a Parish start tithing or even if that same half started giving just 5%, the Parish would probably never have any more money problems ever. By Fr. Andrew Damick TO BE CONTINUED Annunciation Stewardship Committee

6 ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 2016 STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM PLEDGES This listing contains the names of those Stewards of the Church who have signed the, Hot Pink, pledge cards for Pledge cards are available in the Church Narthex or Church office. If you feel your name has been omitted please contact: Kelsie Gregware, Administrative Assistant in the Church Office ( ) or Michael Peceri, Parish Council Treasurer. **Nicholas & Varvara Alexiou Michael & Popi Ambazis **Rev. Albert & Ginny Amend James & Jodi Anderson **James Avtges Anastasios & Darlene Bairaktaris **Dr. Andrew & Jen-Hope Belis Angelo Bitsis Golfo Bitsis Joseph Boisvert Stephen & Ana Lucia Bonstedt Dr. Theodor & Dorothy Bonstedt Stephen & Brittany Boucher Michael Boucher **Robert & Helene Boucher Tina Brassel George & Elaine Chakonas Penny Churchman Leonard & Lois Colagrossi Elwood & Aglaia Collier **Evelyn P. Condoleon Angelo & Anastasia Constan Katerina Coumbos Katherine DelMonico Johanna DiMartino Constantinos & Barbara Dionysopoulos Kostas G. Doikos John & Caren Dopoulos **Frances Drakos Charles Eliopoulos Robert & Aileen Fenton **Athena Fisk Brian & Kristin Foell Anastasia Frangakis Nicholas & Theofano Frank Tom & Helen Gallian Evagelos & Niki Georgatos **Joyce Gladis Mary Sue Gladis **Maria Gorrell John & Elaine Green Thanos & Dr. Nina Gritzalis **Roda & Paul Guenther Thomas & Marlene Haley Thomas & Karen Hanley Ronald Hanseck & Patricia Pavis Hanseck **Edward & Mimi Hardgrove **Richard & Matia Hawks **Les & Emily Haynes Donald & Virginia Headley Joseph & Betty Heller Jeremiah & Christina Hemmert-McClure Joseph Hemmert Alice Henderson George & Willena Heropoulos Dcn. John & Lanette Howard Alexander & Hope Hunter **Roger & Maria Shields Donald & Demetria Hughes James & Bess Hord Richard & Dr. Cheryl Johnson Catherine Jokich James & Theresa Kalogridis **William & Helen Kaltsas George & Dorothy Kantarze Effie Kapetan Jimmy & Despina Karras Nick & Stella Karras Apostolos Karydas William & Sophia Katsaris Marianthi Kazakos **Richard & Barbara Keene **Patricia Kemp Dub & Mary Kendrick Panos Klentzeris Rich & Georgia Kline Rick & Stacie Kmetz Pres. Aspasia Kontinos Bella Elaine Kontinos Nicholas Kontinos Thomas & Chandra Kontinos Dr. George & Joyce Kopidakis Continued on Next Page

7 **Konstantinos & Marie Kostouros **Ann V. Kotsalis Nicholas & Mary Koukos Theo & Nancy Koupelis Vasili & Susan Kourpouanidis Michael & Christine Kouvelis Ann Kratsios Adam & Sandra Krotov Joseph & Heidi Kubiak Doug & Tina Kucera Antonia Kurtis **Cyndi Kyriacou John Lampiris Michael & Evangeline Lemonakis Theodore & Cleta Lizas Ray & Niki Locklear **Mikes & Minna Mailakakis Steven & Jennifer Maillakakis Stavros & Francine Maillakakis Dino & Jennifer Magas **Maria Makrynakis & Leonardo Guinto Theodore & Mary Makrynakis Thomas Maniatis **Anthony & Marie Mankus Robert & Sophia Mankus **Paul & Jeannie Manos Pauline Margaritis Maria Mason Dr. Paul & Pana Mastros Ellen Matic Vickie Matic S. Charles & Lenore C. Mattoff Helen Mavrelis Poly Mavridou & Peter Hernandez **Helen Messerotes Ross & Melissa Metzger Marilena Midgley Allen & Phyllis Mino-Sheppard Helene Moran Joshua Moretz George & Maria Mourgis **Rev. Dean & Pres. Carolyn Nastos **Marilyn & Bertha Necak **Thomas & Celeste Niarchos Frieda Nicholas Donald & Dorothea Nicholson George & Helen Nicolaidis Gabriel & Elizabeth Nuta John Nychis **Rich & Carol Palatine Theo & Margaret Palis **Basil & Linda Pappas Presvytera Evangeline Pappas John & Amelia Pappas Phillip & Petronia Pappas Andrew & Joanna Pastrikos Michael B. Peceri William & Phyllis Photinos Hrisovalantis & Kaliopi Pilatos Dr. Peter & Diana Pisaris John & Ottilie Pistolis **John & Bernadette Poulos **Pauline Poulos Patricia Reardon Helen Rogers Albert & Darlene Romanosky John & Elaine Rompella Tony & Cathy Rubinski John & Olympia Ruppe Antonette Russ Mitchell & Christina Samuels Jamie & Anastasia Scime Stephen & Rachel Scrobe **Jon & Roman Shannon George Skaff Helen A. Sotiropoulos **Bessie Spiridakis Thomas & Pamela Strikis Connie Talabac James & Theresa Thomas William & Katherine Thomas Michael R. Thomas, Jr. Athanasios Scott Tonk John & Corgette Troutman Effie Vlahos James & Vanthea Vouros Tyler & Ageliki Wainright **Jack & Angie Weaver Robert W. & Christine Webb Artemis Welsh Dr. Thomas & Susan Williams **William & Andrea Wolfe Marion Zachariades Sue Zatezalo ** = INCREASED PLEDGE FROM LAST YEAR = NEW PLEDGE Continued on Next Page... 7

8 Total Stewardship Pledged: $137,882 (as of August 14th, 2016) STEWARDSHIP DATA 2016 Stewardship Goal: $150,000 How many possible Stewards: 250 Total # of Stewards Pledged: 221 Total amount given (recorded): $95,856 (as of August 14th, 2016) Some of this is charged to Stewardship but given by Parishioners who have not signed Pledge Cards. Annunciation Greek Orthodox Parish of Fort Myers Mission Statement The mission of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Parish is to proclaim and live the Orthodox Christian Faith in its fullness as faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. To welcome all who are seeking the truth of the Lord s presence, mercy and grace. We must focus as a family of believers in order to reach salvation in and through Jesus Christ. This sacred mission is fulfilled in the Holy Spirit by living our faith through worship, teaching, witness, outreach, service and fellowship. All Parish activities will succeed if only done for the glory of God. By using our own God-given gifts of Time, Talents, and Treasures we will accomplish this divine sacred work. Stewardship Reminder REMINDER: You can now use your credit card for your stewardship. Earn your rewards while giving towards your stewardship. Call the church office if you have any questions. Thank You Karras Family Thank you to The Karras Family, most especially Jimmy & Desi for their generosity! They graciously donated the raffle proceeds from their recent Customer Appreciation dinner to our "Hara Tis Elladas" Dance Troupe. We appreciate all their support! OPA!!

9 9 Inquires Class Fall Schedule INQUIRER'S CLASS FALL SCHEDULE :30 PM 8:00 PM This class is about teaching the Orthodox Christian Faith to those who are inquiring (wanting) about becoming an Orthodox Christian. This class is open to all, not to only just those wanting to become an Orthodox Christian. Please bring with you a pen and some paper to take notes, if you wish. Book - Introducing the Orthodox Church: Its Faith and Life by Fr. Anthony Coniaris. The cost of the Book is $20.00 Sept. 15th Class 1 - Introduction & The One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church Book Read Chapters 1 & 2 Sept. 22nd Class 2 - What we believe about Jesus & the Holy Trinity Book Read Chapters 3 & 4 Sept. 29th Class 3 - What we believe about the Divine Liturgy (Part. 1) Book Read Chapter 5 & 6 Oct. 6th Class 4 - What we believe about the Divine Liturgy (Part 2) Book Read Chapters 7 9 Oct. 13th Oct. 20th Oct. 27th Class 5 - What we believe about Salvation Book Read Chapters 10 & 11 Class 6 - What we believe about the Sacraments Book Read Chapters 12 & 13 Class 7 - Church Tour Book Read Chapters All participants must REGISTER with Fr. Dean by Sept. 7th, Contact the Parish Office at (239) to REGISTER.

10 2016 Flowers for Feast Day Icons Flowers always add beauty to whatever they adorn. It has always been a tradition among our Orthodox Churches to decorate Holy Icons with flowers when the Feast Day is being celebrated. Please contact the Church Office and donate towards the flowers you would like as soon as possible. As always, this will be done on a first come, first serve basis. The names of those who donate the flowers will be listed in the VOICE Newsletter the month after the Feast Day is celebrated. Thank you for your support in this project and may our Lord continue to bless you. Please make your check payable to: ANNUNCIATION CHURCH Flowers for Nativity of Theotokos Icon Sept. 8th Flowers for SS. Joachim & Anna Icon Sept. 11th $45.00 Flowers for Exaltation of Holy Cross Icon Sept.14th Flowers for St. Sophia, Faith, Hope & Love Icon Sept.18th Flowers for the Sower Icon - Oct. 16th $45.00 Flowers for St. Iakovos Icon - Oct. 23rd $45.00 Flowers for St. Demetrios Icon - Oct. 26th $45.00 Flowers for Lazarus & Rich Man Icon - Oct. 30th $45.00 Flowers for Synaxis of Archangels Icon - Nov. 6th $45.00 Flowers for Good Samaritan Icon - Nov. 13th $45.00 Flowers for Entrance of Theotokos Icon - Nov. 20th $45.00 Flowers for St. Catherine Icon - Nov. 25th $45.00 Flowers for St. Stylianos Icon - Nov. 27th $45.00 Flowers for St. Andrew Icon - Nov. 30th $45.00 Donated 2016 Flowers $45.00 TAKEN $45.00 TAKEN $45.00 TAKEN Flowers for Prophet Elias Icon July 20th Donated by Maryanne Aivaliotis in honor of my family. Flowers for Transfiguration Icon August 5th Donated by Kostas & Rosalie Doikos In loving memory of George Androniki and Helen Doikos. Flowers for Theotokos Icon August 10th Donated by Pam & Tom Strikis in honor of Pam s birthday. Flowers for Theotokos Icon August 10th Donated by Kostas & Rosalie Doikos In loving memory of George Androniki and Helen Doikos. Flowers for Falling Asleep of Theotokos Icon August 15th Donated by John & Maria Gorrell. Flowers for Beheading of St. John the Baptist Icon August 28th Donated by Albert & Darlene Romanosky

11 11 Ladies Philoptochos Society by Ginny Amend, President We ladies of Philoptochos have been busy right through the summer. Stella Karras and I attended the wonderful clergy/laity conference in Nashville, Tenn. We are anxious to report to our members so much of the information we received at the meetings and we will do so at our first meeting to be held on Monday, Sept 12th. Our Scholarship Committee, under the leadership of Lenore Mattoff, worked diligently to select this years two $500 scholarship winners, awarded to Gabriella Kubiak and Charles Nastos on Sunday July 31. In addition Betty & Joe Heller generously allowed for a third $500 scholarship to be awarded to Matthew Shannon. This was presented in memory of Steven Fisk (son of Athena Fisk). Our four high school graduates, Gabriella Kubiak, Athena Mason, Matthew Shannon and Hallie Fenton were presented with $100 checks for a congratulatory job well done. On August 13th the L.P.S in cooperation with Marilyn Necak, Heidi Kubiak and Olympia Ruppe presented back packs and school supplies to needy children. We look forward to our new directory and exciting new year of charitable events. Charles Nastos (parents: Fr. Dean & Presb. Carolyn Nastos), Gabriella Kubiak (parents: Joe & Heidi Kubiak) & Matthew Shannon (parents: Jon & Roman Shannon) 2016 Ladies Philoptochos Society Scholarship Winners

12 SS Cosmas and Damian October 17 This third set of brothers bearing the name Cosmas and Damian were born in Arabia. They became physicians together with their other three brothers, Leontios, Anthimos and Efprepios. They traveled from town to town, country to country, healing the sick with no remuneration. During the reign of the Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximianus, in the year 292 A.D., all five brothers went to Asia Minor, to a city in the province of Lycia. Because of their Christian faith, which they refused to deny, they were tortured horribly, and were eventually beheaded. They not only had the gift of healing, but also the glory of martyrdom. Thank You Prosforo Making Ladies Our entire Parish would like to thank Polly Margaritis who is the Coordinator of our Prosforo Making ministry for all the wonderful work she does. Polly organizes the ladies who make the Prosforo, makes sure there is enough Prosforo for every service and maintains the supply. We are fortunate to have Polly oversee such a vital ministry of our Parish and words cannot express fully our thanks. We would also like to thank the dedicated ladies who make the Prosforo for all they do. May our Lord continue to bless all the ladies of our Prosforo Making Ministry. Thank you to Joyce Gladis, Virginia Headley, Marianthi Kazakos, Pat Kemp, Polly Margaritis, Lenore Mattoff and Margaret Palis. Welcome Ministry by Cyndi Kyriacou Our Annunciation Welcome Ministry has been keeping up with the many visitors and new residents of Southwest Florida joining us for worship. We are there -- in the Narthex bright and early--cyndi Kyriakou, Popi Ambazis, Pam Strikis, Ted Drakos and Aileen Fenton, Effie Kapetan each Sunday. If you are bringing a visitor, please have them fill out one of the OR- ANGE cards with some information. Give it to an usher before Holy Communion so Fr. Dean can welcome everyone. We have ORANGE cards in each of the pews. Invite a new visitor to our Fellowship Hour where we have a reserved table just for them.

13 13 Hellenic-American Social Club of S.W. Florida, Inc. By Barbara D. The long dog days of summer are coming to an end as we move into the months of September/October of The children are back in school, and their parents are getting back to their family routine again. Many of our members have taken the summer months to head up north to be with their families and spend time with the grand kids. It s a relief to get away from the heat of summertime in Florida. Our Board of Directors had their semi-annual meeting to set up the Schedule of Events for the upcoming fall/winter social events. Our club likes to picnic together so we will start our official season at JayCee Park, in Cape Coral, in early October. We will also be making our annual trip to Tarpon Springs to shop and lunch. Our first stop will be at The Greek Boys Grocery, to buy our goodies in preparation for the holiday season. Our Vice-President, and Tour Guide, Phyllis Mino, is wrapping up several day trip tours to fun places. We have over 60 members and we want all members to participate in our social events. We will be sending our members the new season Schedule of Events in early September. Our new club Membership Directory will also be available in September. The Hellenic American Social Club was a proud sponsor of the summer BACKPACK DAY held for the economically disadvantaged children in the parking lot of our church in August. Our contribution helped pay for backpacks for our community s less fortunate children. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Hellenic American Social Club of S.W. Florida, contact Carol Palatine at or Barbara Dionysopoulos, Annual dues are only $20 per person. Our club is a great way to meet new people socially. Join us. Back Packs for the Needy August 13th Over 60 backpacks and lunch coolers were collected for the needy on August 13th. Thanks to all who donated financially or with supplies. Great Things WE CAN Do Together! Conti

14 Religious Education Ministry In Acts 2:42(Pentecost) we read that the apostles doctrine or apostolic teaching was the first activity the faithful participated in when they gathered together. After this they prayed and then broke bread or participated in Holy Communion. In 1 Corinthians 12:28 we read that St. Paul ranks teachers after Apostles and Prophets and just before miracle workers. Today we know that all teachers are Apostles and Prophets and week after week perform miracles. As we know, our Orthodox Faith is not totally made up of whatever is written in books but a way of life. In order for our children to grow in the knowledge about our Faith, we must go beyond books in order for them to make it in America. We can no longer take it for granted that our children will remain connected to the Church and their Orthodox Faith. We live in the information age and because of that our children are constantly asked to explain what they believe to others, so knowing the facts is important. Our children today must want to study, question, discuss, and then after that put into action their faith. If our Religious Education Program is done well then we give our children the opportunity to grow year after year so that they can more deeply appropriate the truth and wisdom of the way of life in their heads, hearts and hands. Our Religious Education Program must: Be a Focused, sequenced, and age-appropriate study - Religious education should follow good educational practices, utilizing what we know about how people learn over their lives and the best ways for teachers to facilitate learning. Technology. Adults mentoring students - Teachers are role models, guides, and coaches in living the Faith, because they are striving to put their Faith into action. Do you consider yourself as a role model? Community building - In a class, we learn what it means to be a part of a community. Are our classrooms building up our Parish community? Reflection and making connections - Customs, traditions, and practices are connected to stories, events and sources, such as Hymns. We can learn little from experience without reflecting on it. The curriculum that is needed is a dynamic Parish community filled with good worship and liturgy, opportunities for service to the world and Parish, good fellowship and organization, and fellow parishioners who can talk about and share their knowledge, experience, and wisdom that comes from a life in the Church.

15 15 Greek Fest Fort Myers Your Festival Guide 2017 ~ Share our Fest Facebook Page or Website with your contacts. ~ Volunteer by signing up during Fellowship. Décor and cleaning. FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY THE FESTIVAL NEEDS YOU-- VOLUNTEER!!!! Check the table in Fellowship Hour. The preparation of our Annual GREEK FEST FORT MYERS is in full swing. Our Festival has grown to be a big success because of your continuing support. Once again we call upon the young- the older and the new members to volunteer. Father Dean, The Parish Council, The Specialists thank you! Many opportunities to help before, during and after the Festival: ~ Help with the Festival setup week. Grounds Set up from opening a chair to hanging a sign. Breakdown on last night and follow up week. NEW * INVENTORY AND POINT OF SALE SYSTEM CONTROL. ~ Buy Lexus Car Raffle Tickets and sell to others (Christmas Gifts)! $50 ~Sponsor items in our SAY YES TO THE FEST NEEDS.~ Advertise your business or do it in memory of family. ~ the Fest Flyer to your contacts, post in your Gated Community Newsletter or on the Board. ~Roll Grape Leaves in February. Inventory input in February. Carpenter, Electrical, Design talents needed. Curbside PICK UP LET S BE GOOD AND FAITHFUL STEWARDS. **STUDENTS! Register early to help with the Festival. Receive credit for Community Service hours. Fr. Dean & Parish Council Nick Karras Hiring and Car Raffle Les Haynes Grill and orders Heidi Kubiak Curbside Pick- up Jon Shannon Inventory Control Virginia Headley Bakery Marilyn Necak NEW Point of Sale System and Inventory Control Pat Kemp Bank Michael Peceri Bank John Ruppe Purveyors Gabriel Nuta Transportation Carol Palatine Volunteers Mikes Maillakakis Grounds

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19 19 The Raising of the Precious Cross On September 14, of each year Orthodox Christians observe a great feast day dedicated to the cross: the Feast of the Raising of the Precious Cross. Let us consider this feast day as it speaks about the cross and its meaning to us. The Feast of the Raising of the Precious Cross commemorates the discovery of the precious cross. The cross, as you may recall, remained lost for nearly four hundred years. It was discovered in the fourth century by St. Helen, St. Constantine s Mother. St, John Chrysostom, in 395, speaks of the three crosses discovered by the Empress Helen beneath the mount of Golgotha: that of Christ was identified because it was found in the middle and bore the inscription. But there is a deeper significance to the raising of the cross as we practice it on this day. Our Lord refers to it when He says in John 3: as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Jesus is referring to the time when the Israelites were in the wilderness. They were rebellious and complaining. Because of their disobedience, God sent poisonous snakes to punish them. The people were dying from the bites. They went to Moses with a protest and an appeal for help. Moses, as always, took his troubles to God. God then told him to raise the standard of a brazen serpent and to tell the people to look at it when bitten. Healing would come by looking at the standard. And it did. Those who looked at the brazen serpent were healed. Perhaps this is why the serpent today is used as an emblem by medical doctors. As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, says Jesus, so must the Son of man be lifted upon the cross that whoever believes in Him might have eternal life. Thus, every year on this Feast, the Church raises the cross in our midst. She raises it so that we today may find healing and strength in the uplifted cross of Christ. For we, too, become infected with the deadly poison of sin and guilt. Salvation for us, too, is in a look a look of faith and repentance and commitment to the crucified and risen Christ. The sweet-smelling Basil we receive on this day reminds us of the exquisite treasure we find in the Risen Christ. We take the plant home and keep it by our family icon as a constant reminder of the sweetness of salvation in Christ. 40 Day Baby Blessing On June 26th, 2016, Aiden James the son of James & Jodi Anderson received his 40 Baby Blessing in our Parish. The proud grandparents are: Mary Sue Gladis & Ron Chupak and Jim & Sue Anderson. May our Lord continue to send His blessings upon the entire family. We look forward to Aiden James Baptism in the near future.

20 Leave the Parish in Your Will Part of our life s legacy is the inheritance we leave our children. By leaving an inheritance, a part of us lives on through them. When preparing your Will, you should consider leaving money, stocks, bonds, property, insurance policies or anything that is of value to our Parish this is the Parish of your children and part of their future can be positively impacted by leaving some of your inheritance to our Parish. The ability of our Parish to spread the Word of God is facilitated by everyone s Stewardship. By leaving a portion of your inheritance to our Parish in your Will, you remain a Steward in perpetuity, but more importantly, you help cement a solid financial future for our Parish for your children and your grandchildren. If you are interested in leaving our Parish in your Will, please contact either Nick Karras or Michael Peceri. Thank you for your consideration. Hope & J.O.Y by Olympia Ruppe Hope and Joy- Hello Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful summer and a safe one! We will be kicking off our meetings in September. I will keep you posted on the date. It will be one Monday a month from5:30-6:30 and we will do our Funday sometime in September as well as usual the weekends. Sundays seem to work well since we are at Church and leave from there as a group. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact me at ojruppe@embarqmail.com or It is a program for ages Kids have really loved this program and we always love new faces. Can't wait to see you all! Blessing of the backpacks for a good school year August 14th

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23 23 The Nun Kassiane September 7th Hidden among the great hymnographers of all time is the exceptional female creator of church music whose sweet creations have been heard for centuries in Orthodox churches where the members are unaware that a woman wrote the inspirational melodies. The exceptional female composer of hymns of the Orthodox Church was a woman named Kassiane whose origin is subject to question. The most credible story says that she came from the small island of the Aegean called Kassos, believed principally because her name is so similar and suggests she might have been born into one of the family of seafarers occupying the island. Church history becomes aware of her when she lived in Constantinople and was regular attendant at the royal court of Emperor Theophilos whose mother, Eufrosene, saw in the brilliant and beautiful Kassiane a very likely candidate to become the bride of her son. Paphlogenia, apparently from a ranking family of the empire. The final choice was to be made by the young emperor who elected to have both the girls brought before him so that a final comparison and decision could be made. Since both were extremely attractive, the choice was not an easy one; but the one thing that Theohilos wanted to make certain was that his bride not exceed him in intellect. In a custom that dated back to the Persians, years before the formation of the Byzantine Empire, a golden apple was to be given to the one who was to be the empress. Looking at Kassiane, the emperor stated, From woman came the worst in the world (Meaning Eve and her original sin). Kassiane calmly replied, From woman also came the best (referring to the Virgin Mary who bore the Son of God). The issue was settled then and there, and Theodora got the golden apple. She did not consider it a rejection, but rather that she had been freed to pursue a higher calling as a bride of the King of Kings in a convent. After completing her training she was given leave to devote whatever time she needed to compose an outpouring of music and lyrics born of deep religious conviction and an abiding love for Jesus. Her hymns were so beautiful that they were brought to the attention of the Church fathers of the day, all of whom acknowledged her gifts and encouraged her to compose hymns for special occasions. She was, in a sense, commissioned to create hymns lofty enough to suit the occasion, the most famous of which is her familiar hymn sung during Holy Week and which bears her name as the Hymn of Kassiane. This hymn alone assures her place in the Church. The field of eligible young women narrowed down to Kassiane and another lovely girl named Theodora who hailed from

24 The Nativity of the Theotokos Celebrated on September 8th SCPRIPTURAL REFERENCES Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11 Gospel: Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28 Old Testament: Proverbs 9:1-11 FOR PARENTS The record of the birth of Mary is not found in the Bible. The traditional account of the event is taken from the apocryphal writings which are not part of the New Testament scriptures. The traditional teaching which is celebrated in this feast is the Joachim and Anna were a pious Jewish couple who were among the small and faithful remnant- poor and needy - awaiting the promised Messiah. The couple was old and childless. They prayed earnestly to the Lord for child, since among the Jews, barrenness was a sign of God s disfavor. In answer to their prayers, and as the reward of their unwavering fidelity to God, the elderly couple was blessed with the child who was destined, because of her own personal goodness and holiness, to become the Mother of the Messiah-Christ. The fact that there is no Biblical verification of the facts of Mary s birth is incidental to the meaning of the feast. Even if the background of the event as celebrated in the Church is questionable from a historical point of view, the divine meaning of it for us men and for our salvation is obvious. There had to be one born of human flesh and blood who would be spiritually capable of being the Mother of Christ, and she herself had to be born into the world of persons who were spiritually capable of being her parents. The feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, therefore, is a glorification of Mary s birth, of Mary herself, and of her righteous parents. It is the celebration as well of the very first preparation of the salvation of he world. (taken from Worship, the Orthodox Faith Vol. II by Fr. Thomas Hopko) FAMILY ACTIVITIES As a family, read the Scriptural references. Use the section above to explain in simple terms the significance of the feast to your children. Try to communicate to your children how God, in His wisdom, prepared all that was necessary so that His Son could come to save the world. If you have an icon of this Feast, display it in your family s place of prayer. Discuss the icon with your children so that they can recognize all the figures. Use the Troparion and Kontakion hymns as prayers before and/or after meals and as part of evening prayers. To bring home the point with younger children, have a birthday cake/cupcakes for the Theotokos. THE ICON Saint Anna the central figure, reclining on her bed; an elderly woman robes in blue The Nurses the figured surrounding Saint Anna; these were midwives to help with birthing. The Theotokos appears in two scenes as an infant: in the arms of a nurse being pondered by her mother, and in a cradle attended by a nurse and being pondered by her father. St. Joachim the figure in the lower right; an elderly man with white hair and a beard.

25 This is a fundraiser for our Annunciation Church!! 25

26 09/01/ /01/2017 LITURGICAL ITEMS DONATED Our entire Parish would like to thank Tom & Pam Strikis for their generous donation towards the purchase of a Gold Chalice & Paten Covers Set and a Red Chalice & Paten Covers Set. These sets were purchased at the recent Clergy-Laity Congress in Nashville from the vendors in attendance. We would like to thank so very much Tom and Pam for their offering towards our Parish and pray our Lord will continue to bless them always.

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29 29 07/01/ /01/2016 Work with an inspirational teacher who knows how to guide you through instruction and demonstration, to create your own original piece of art. Tuition includes supplies. No worries about mess or inventory! Evening classes include light refreshments. Classes Begin, July 2016 Sign up for Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced classes. For more information, or to reserve your seat, call: Andi Hirsch Come Relax And Paint With Us! Artisan s Café is a Christian-Based Art Studio in Ft. Myers Psalm 90:17

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32 Metropolis of Atlanta Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church 8210 Cypress Lake Drive Fort Myers, Florida Current Resident or TO: