“Proclaim the Gospel, sanctify the faithful, grow the church, live the faith, and serve humanity”

OUR MISSION is to proclaim the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, sanctify the faithful through worship and the holy sacraments, live the Orthodox Christian Faith, grow the church by inviting and receiving new members, and serve humanity through Christ-centered ministries.

OUR VISION is to be a loving, caring, and welcoming community, the light of Jesus Christ to the whole world,  “a city set on a hill” (Matthew 5:14), where all belong and grow in the Orthodox Christian Faith through worship, witness, fellowship  and service to others.

II SUNDAY of LUKE, 29. Kyriakos the Hermit of Palestine; Martyr Petronius; Theophanes the Merciful of Gaza; Dionysios I, Patriarch of Constantinople.

• 9-11:30am     Matins & Divine Liturgy.
• Memorial prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of our brethren: Anthoula Frangos (3-years), Chrysanthos Georgiou (15-years), and Maria Georgiou (21-years). The congregation is invited to join in prayer with the families of the departed.
• 40-day mother & child blessing: Georgiou family.
• Kalosorisma/Fellowship hour hosted by Philoptochos.
• 2:30pm Wedding: Marianthi Nikolopoulos to Nikolaos Papanikolaou.

MONDAY 30.

• 7pm Cantors & Readers class.

TUESDAY 1.

• 4:30pm Greek School classes.
• 7pm Start of adult Greek language classes.
• 7:30pm Philoptochos Board meeting.

THURSDAY 3.

• 6:30 Philoptochos Annual Tea and general meeting.
• 8pm Homeless ministry, 18th & Vine.

FRIDAY 4.

• 4:30pm Greek School classes.
• 6:30pm JOY dance practice.

SATURDAY 5.

• 7pm Great Vespers at the celebrating  St. Thomas Church, Cherry Hill.

III SUNDAY of LUKE, OCTOBER 6. The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas; Eroteis the Martyr of Cappadocia; Makarios the Righteous of Chios.

• 9-11:30am Matins & Divine Liturgy.
• ŸChrismation of Christine Thompson.
• ŸMemorial, Richard Neumeister (1-year).
• Kalosorisma/Fellowship hour hosted by GOYA.
• First GOYA meeting for the 2013-2014 year.

February 1, 2015. Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today

On February 1 we commemorate the holy martyr Tryphon of Lampsacus; our devout father Peter of Galatia; our devout father Bendimianos; our devout father and confessor Basil, Archbishop of Thessaloniki; the devout Timothy who reposed in peace; the holy martyr Theion, with two children, who died by the sword; the holy martyr Karion who died after having his tongue cut out; the holy martyr Perpetua and those with her: Saturus, Revocatus, Saturninus, Secundulus, and Felicity; the holy new martyr Anastasios of Nafplion, who witnessed in Nafplion in the year 1655, and died by being cut into small pieces. Through their intersessions, Lord have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

• 8:30-11AM…ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY.

• Youth catechism classes follow Holy Communion.
• MEMORIAL prayers are offered today for the repose of the souls of our brethren: Mikes Skilas (1-year), Felia Skilas (2-years).

The congregation is invited to join in prayer with the family of the departed.

• 40-DAY MOTHER & CHILD BLESSING: Elias, newborn son of Antonia and Thomas Trotter.
• GOYA collection for International Orthodox Christian Charities.
• Philoptochos invites all to the Fellowship Hour.
• Three Hierarchs/Greek Letters celebration by Greek School.

Monday 2

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

• 8:30AM…ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY.

• Metropolis Clergy Retreat at Annapolis MD (Monday-Wednesday).

Tuesday 3

• 10:30AM...Reading with Our Orthodox Kids.
• 5PM…Greek School classes.
• 7:30PM…Philoptochos Board meeting.

Thursday 5

• 8PM…Feeding of the homeless, 18^th & Vine St. Philadelphia.

Friday 6

• 5PM…Greek School classes.
• 6:45PM…JOY dance practice.
• 7PM…GOYA Friday with Father, hosted by the Nanos family.

Next Sunday February 8, 2015

Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Godparents Sunday

• 8:30AM…ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY.

• MEMORIALS: Konstantinos Calliagas (6-month), Nicholas Alvanitakis (35-years), and Anna Alvanitakis (34-years).

Family and friends are invited to attend.

• Fellowship Hour hosted by PTO.

A very old tradition of blessing, breaking and sharing bread and giving thanks to the Holy Trinity.
My most dear Sunday Morning Gospel reading is the Fifth Resurrection Gospel, read in sequence on Sundays, taken from the Gospel according to Saint Luke chapter 24. The title reads, “Jesus appears to the disciples on the road to Emmaus". It is a passage that can bring tears to the eyes of the reader and the hearer. It reminds me of the other beautiful account from the book of Genesis where we read, "And God walked with Adam and Eve in Paradise in the evening". It is a rather long piece. After the death and burial of Jesus, the women early in the morning go to the tomb to anoint His body and find the empty tomb and tell that to the Apostles. In their disbelieve, Simon Peter and John run to the tomb and they are astonished for they find it as the women had told them.
The two disciples who were traveling to the village called Emmaus were very sad that their Lord had died. One of them was Cleopas, whom tradition identifies as the brother of Joseph, and thus Jesus' uncle, and the unnamed follower who according to tradition is the Evangelist, Luke himself. The Lord appears to them in a veiled way. He shows tender concern for the feelings of the two men. These disciples are surprised that anyone could have been in Jerusalem for the Passover and not be aware of the tragic events of the passion of Christ. In their conversation with the Lord, they show their weak faith and He censures them for that. He explains the Law of Moses, the Prophets of the Old Testament, and the Psalms which were fulfilled through His passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. Jesus is trying to tell them, “Why are you so sad and confused; I am the risen Lord". They do not understand even then, but they liked His teachings and admonitions. So as they draw near to the village they were going, He indicated that He would have gone further. They constrained Him saying, “Stay with us for it is toward evening and the day is far spent". And He went in to stay with them. In the next verse, the core of our existence, our purpose of life, for coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving Day is unfolded. Listen carefully. Now it came to pass as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed it and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they knew Him and He vanished from their sight. (It is finished. The Divine Liturgy was completed. Let us depart in peace). And they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together saying; “The Lord is risen indeed and has appeared to Simon". And they told about the things that had happened on the road and how He was known to them in the breaking of the bread. And here my friends is where the other Christian traditions differ from our Orthodox Tradition. Many explain the words of the disciples, “He was known to us", and support them by their exclamation, “did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road and while He opened the Scriptures to us". We, the Orthodox, without diminishing the importance of the Word of God, explain and support their statement, "He was known to us by the breaking of the bread". The Holy Eucharist identifies, unites us, with the risen Lord. We know the risen Lord when we sit at His table, commune with Him, and receive from His own holy and blameless hands, His Body and Blood. It is no accident then but divine providence that the Pilgrims and the native Indians thanked God with joy in their lips, hearts, and minds while sharing bread and other gifts of God. It is no accident. They could have gone and set fires and dance and become drunk but they did not. Their insides, their hearts, Christian and non-Christian, were burning with the God given desire that in order to thank God properly they ought to come together (Ecclesia) and break and share bread. Now perhaps it can be understood why we Orthodox use the term Holy Eucharist and Holy Communion interchangeably. And also now it should be understood why a holiday like Thanksgiving Day celebration can be incorporated into our Orthodox calendar without destroying our Holy Tradition being careful what we eat and what we drink. And at the same token it should be easily understood why other 'celebrations' which we Orthodox have found in America and unfortunately, some celebrate with vigor, cannot be incorporated into our Christian life. Ex: Halloween. The Pilgrims and the Indians, brought together by the grace of the Holy Spirit, set for the next generations a feast worth of its name and character. "Giving  thanks to God always for everything”.  Let us honor the Holy Trinity, the giver of all blessings by celebrating Thanksgiving Day with moderate drinking and eating, without waste, with prayer and hymns and never forget the poor and the disadvantaged; for truly to thank God is to give to the least of His brethren.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day with your families in love and unity.

Father Christos

The Joy of Christmas 2013

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in the Newborn Child,

In the joy of Christmas, the church calls mystically from the cave of Bethlehem, from the root of our life in the cave of our heart. She is proclaiming to each one of us the birth of God the Word who is one with us in the joy of the feast. Open your eyes inward. Open your ears inward. Listen attentively to what the church is saying: “Come away from the noisome, blinding darkness of tinsel-town Christmas". Raise your minds on high and come in spirit to the church as to the cave of Bethlehem, and with the eyes of your soul look on the Virgin as she hastens to the cave to give birth to our God, the Lord of all!

Let this saving Word of the church sink into your soul; let it penetrate like a sharp two-edged sword into your heart. Dwell in it; live in it; clothe yourself with it. With open eyes and ears and with attentive mind, come to the feast as to the cave of Bethlehem that opens onto heaven. Enter into the joy of the feast as into the cave of Bethlehem and step into the living presence of the Savior. In your heart, live in His presence; live in His Word. Put Him on. Clothe yourself in Him by giving your mind over to prayer, your body and soul over to the ascetic discipline of fasting, not just with the belly but with all our senses, and give your heart over to love our Christ, our God, the greatly Compassionate One, the only Lover of Mankind.

May this feast of Christmas be that moment when we Passover to a new, spiritual manner of living, to make our way in the true joy of Christmas from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, from the cave to the tomb of Pascha, so that our whole life becomes an approach in the fear of God, with faith and love towards the One who offers Himself in every Divine Liturgy, so we can be partakers of divine grace and communicants of life eternal, in that very joy and eternal life of the Savior. Amen!

The joy of the feast be with you always,

Father Christos

The Blessing of Homes, Theophany 2014

The tradition of blessing homes during the Theophany/Epiphany season is of special beauty and significance. It is not simply a sentimental tradition without meaning, nor is it a custom whose meaning we have forgotten like an old friend whose face we remember, but whose impact on our life has been forgotten. When an Orthodox Christian believer moves into a new home or starts a new business, he dedicates his new home as the abode of a follower of Christ and his business also as a place of earning his living with God's help as to support his family and those who are in need. He asks that God, the source of all goodness and the giver of every perfect gift, to bless his house and all that is in it; he recalls that Jesus Christ, His Son, came to bring salvation to all and everything, as He brought salvation to the house of Zaccheus; he prays that the Holy Spirit may abide in it, guiding those who dwell in it in the paths of righteousness.

On the Feast of Theophany we rededicate our home for its original purpose, just as we must periodically rededicate our life to Christ. We do it especially on this Feast because this is the day on which we remember in the church year the coming of Christ who began His earthly ministry when He descended into the Jordan river to be baptized by Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist. He enters again into our lives reminding us that we must  "repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand".

An Orthodox Christian must dedicate not only himself and his house to the Lord, but his daily work and all his efforts as well. All things are to be done for the glory of God. That is why in the Orthodox Church not only religious items, such as icons, crosses, temples, and vestments are blessed, but also homes, fields, livestock, places of work, and all objects which are used in our daily life for the good of mankind. In this the church expresses her faith that the Holy Spirit's sanctifying action extends over the whole creation.

During this Theophany season of 2014, I ask of you, my good parishioners, to re-kindle the spirit of this Holy Orthodox Tradition by inviting the Holy Trinity in your home in the person of the priest, to bless your dwelling or place of work.  Please note that this new year 2014 there will not be specific dates of visitations for certain towns as it was done in the past. House blessings will be done by appointment. Therefore, please let us know as soon as you can if you would like your home to be blessed with the waters of Theophany. Call the church office with your request, leave your name and the best telephone number to call you back in order to arrange a convenient appointment for the visit.

Thank you and may the blessing of the Holy Trinity be with all of you,

Father Christos

Celebrations, Milestones, Gratitude, Comfort & Support

Pastoral care: If you or someone you know is sick, homebound elderly, or scheduled for surgery, please call the church office to let us know so Fr. John can make a pastoral visit, or to add someone to the prayer list.

Let us pray to the Lord for the health and salvation of: All Orthodox Christians, Virginia, Leo, Panagiotis, Cleopatra, Gus, Elisavet, Maria, Margaret, Stephanie, Helen, Katherine, Karen, Matushka Suzanna, Fr. Panagiotis, Dimitra, Eugenios, Esther, Valerie, Vasiliki, Kyriaki, Alexandra, Anastasia, Angeliki, Jennie, Constantinos, Linda.

Χρόνια πολλα!  Happy birthday!   God grant you many years!  To those celebrating this coming week:  Eric Angelucci, Eleni Angelucci, Dimitrios Sarver, Leslie Contoudis, Nicole Gilliland, Vasilis Karras, Panteleimon Telegadis, Heather Fkiaras, Paraskevi Hagiandreu, Athanasios Makris, Alexander Dalson, Beverly Economopoulos, Konstantinos Metsikas, Zissis A Pappas, Yiannis Exarchos, Brenna Zervos, Stefanos Zoubroulis.

Congratulations!  To Regina & Jacob  Rodenhousen on the birth of Lukas on January 28, 2015.

With Sincere Gratitude: To all those whose hard work and dedication made possible our Winter Food Fest last week! We especially want to thank the organizers and cooks: Vicky Aristoklis, George Vlahos, George Georgiou, Chris Fifis, Alex Falbo, Kostas Grigorakakis, Many Topakas, Stathis Fragogiannis, Andreas Hagiandreou; and Cathy Avgiris and the ladies from Philoptochos for the pastries.

Graduation Sunday Today

Another productive school year has joyfully come to an end, and we are pleased today to award promotion certificates, graduation diplomas and awards to students who have attended the Annunciation Catechism School and Greek Language School programs. Students may sit with their families for the Divine Liturgy.

Following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy:

Greek School Students will be called to receive their promotion certificates and awards form Fr. John, assisted by their teachers: Maria Sandilos (Level I), George Dalagelis (Levels II, III & IV), and Dimitra Afthinou-Spilioti (levels V, VI).  The following awards will be given this year: 1) Calligraphy Award, 2) Outstanding Effort Award, 3) Philomatheia (love of learning) Award, 4) Honorable Distinction Award, 5) Scholastic Leadership Award, 6) Superior Achievement Award, and 7) Three Hierarchs Award of Excellence. 

Catechism School Students will be called to receive their promotion certificates and diplomas from Fr. John and Catechism School Director Mary O’Hara, assisted by their teachers: Athena Douris, Maria McNally (pre-K), Anna Dalson (1st Grade), Susan Gouris (2nd-4th), Zaffie Zoubroulis (5th Grade), Jane Papacostas (6th Grade), Gregory Mariani (7th-8th Grades), and Anthony Mariani (9th-12th Grades).

To conclude, we will honor the Annunciation Parish Class of 2014 High School, College and Graduate School graduates.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH CLASS OF ‘14 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

1. George Spiro Armentani, son of Denise and Richard Armentani, graduated Summa Cum Laude form Holy Ghost Preparatory School. He will be attending Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, Pennoni Honors Program. George has been recognized with many awards from Holy Ghost Prep for his dedication to scholastic achievements, athletics, and service to others.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Tri M Music Honor Society, and the Foreign Language Honor Society.  George has also been recognized as a Distinguished Scholar to represent his school at the Academic Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul.  He has also been awarded several scholarships from Drexel University, and named an A.J. Drexel Scholar.

2. Katherine Bennett, daughter of Anna and Greg Bennett, graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School. Katherine will be attending Penn State University, majoring in Accounting.

3. Dennis George Koulouris, son of Christina and Spero Koulouris, graduated from Council Rock High School. George has an interest in studying behavioral science. He played basketball for Council Rock for 6 years, baseball for 2 years and track for 1 year.

4. Veron Koukaras, son of Kostadina and Dionysios Koukaras, graduated from Upper Moreland High School. He will be attending Montgomery County Community College, majoring in Business and Criminology.

5. Lazaros Mackrides, son of Faye and Bill Mackrides, graduated from Abington Senior High School. Lazaros will be attending Cabrini College. He will also play basketball for Cabrini.

6. Alexandra (Lexi) Elizabeth Trivelis, daughter of Lisa and Jim Trivelis, graduated from Council Rock High School South . Lexi will be attending Penn State University, majoring in Elementary Education. Lexi played the violin in the Council Rock Symphonic Orchestra, and she is a member of the National English and Music Honor Societies.

7. Michael Matthew Trivelis, son of Renee and Michael Trivelis, graduated from Council Rock High School South. Michael will be attending West Chester University.

8. Kristen Vaganos, daughter of Tina and Steve Vaganos, graduated from Germantown Academy. Kristen will be attending New York University.

9. George William Wrigley, son of Alexandra and Richard Wrigley, graduated from William Tenant High School. George will be attending Penn State University, majoring on Business and Engineering. George participated in 4 years of varsity tennis, was a member of student government, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and represented WTHS at the state competitions in Hershey, and was chosen as the business student of the month for June.

10. Chris Zoubroulis, son of Zaffie and Theodore Zoubroulis, graduated from Council Rock High School South. Chris will be attending Stevens Institute of Technology.

ANNUNCIATION CHURCH CLASS OF ’14 COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY GRADUATES

1. Dawn Artemis Armentani, daughter of Denise and Richard Armentani, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the LeBrow College of Business of Drexel University with a BS/BA in Finance and Marketing, Greek Studies and Communications minors. Dawn is currently contemplating career opportunities with the Federal Reserve Board as an analyst and with Aramark where she completed her co-op as a Program Management Specialist. Dawn was recognized with the highest distinction of honors from the Pennoni Honors Program. She has received numerous awards including Outstanding Student Award, and Dean’s Student Advisory Board Senior Award.  She is also a member of the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. 

2. George Fisfis, son of Stella and Apostolos Fisfis, graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a double major in Finance and Food Marketing. George was awarded a scholarship for Most Outstanding Orientation Leader for 2011-2013, and went on two humanitarian service trips.

3. Maria Karidas, daughter of Patra and Nikos Karidas, graduated with honors from Gwynedd Mercy University with a BA in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Maria was named Conference Player of the year, Senior Scholar Athlete of the year and was an Academic All-American for 4 years. Maria will be teaching at Council Rock High School South, and also coach field hockey.

4. Gregory Mariani, son of Ana Benavides and Evangelos Mariani, graduated from Rider University with a BA in Management and Entrepreneurship.

5. Panayiotis (Peter) James O’Hara, son of Mary and Dennis O’Hara, graduated from Delaware Valley College with an MBA.

6. Elena Nicole Economopoulos, daughter of Beverly and Nicholas Economopoulos, graduated from Parsons School of Design with a MA in Fashion Studies.

To all the graduates, we express our heartfelt best wishes and we congratulate each one of you for your noble achievements. May God bless each one of you with the gifts of His love and may He guide you to every good work in serving and helping your fellowmen that His Holy Name be glorified.

To celebrate this day and the accomplishments of our students, please join us in the Cultural Center immediately following dismissal for ice cream, offered by the Parents & Teachers Organization.

All are invited!

• Click on the SUPPORT OUR MINISTRIES button on the home page and follow the directions. Please indicate in the memo the purpose of your donation (stewardship, memorial donation, Greek school tuition, OPA donation etc.).
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Please contact us with any questions, or if you need assistance setting up your contributions.

“ The truly rich are not those who keep their riches to themselves but those who give to others. Happiness comes not from possessing wealth but from giving it away. Whatever is generously given away becomes a fruit of the soul”.  +St. Clement of Alexandria.

Γιορτή της Αγίας Σκέπης και Ημέρας του ΟΧΙ, 28η Οκτωβρίου, 1940

A Celebration of the Feast of Holy Protection & OXI Day, October 28, 1940

· Ευχαριστήρια Δοξολογία. A Doxology of Thanksgiving.

· Προσευχή από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Επιπέδων  3 & 4.

A prayer from the students of Levels 3 & 4. Λευτέρης Νικολαΐδης, Ανδρέας Νικολαΐδης, Λευτέρης Ντάλσον, Αλλυ ΜακΝάλλυ, Μαρία Σιδέρη, Ορφέας Τριαντάφυλλος, Αχιλλέας Τριαντάφυλλος, Νίκος Τσιν.

· Απόσπασμα από το ποίημα «Ἁξιον Εστί» του Οδυσσέα Ελύτη, «Πορεία προς το Μέτωπο». An excerpt from the poem “Axion Esti” of Odysseas Elytis, “March to the Front”.Απαγγέλει ο Κωνσταντίνος Σπιλιώτης.

· «Ζήτω η Ελλάδα μας», “Long Live Greece”, από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες του 1ου Επιπέδου. Νίκος Καρράς, Αλέξανδρος Ντάλσον, Νικόλαος Μπλάκτον, Αννα Μπλάκτον, Κυριακή Καρδένας.

· «Σημαία Γαλανή», “The Blue Flag”, από την Κωνσταντίνα Νικολαΐδη.

· «28η Οκτωβρίου», “October 28”, από την Χρυσάνθη Νικολαΐδη.

· «Η Ελληνοπούλα», “The Young Greek Girl”,  από την Τίνα Στάθη.

· «Οι Ηπειρώτισσες του 1940», “The Women of Epirus”, από την Γεωργία Στάθη.

· «Το ΟΧΙ το Αθάνατο», “The Immortal OXI” από την Αγγελική Μιλλς.

· «Μολών Λαβέ», “Come and get them!”, από τον Μικέ Τσίν.

· Τραγούδι «Στη Σημαία»,  “To the Flag”, από τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες των Επιπέδων  5 & 6. Κωνσταντίνα Στάθη, Χρυσάνθη Νικολαΐδη, Αγγελική Μιλλς, Μικές Τσίν, Κωνσταντίνα Νικολαΐδη, Αντώνης Καρδένας, Γεωργία Στάθη.

· «Ύμνος στην Ελευθερία», “Ode to Liberty”,  από όλους τους μαθητές και μαθήτριες.

Thank you! Ευχαριστούμε!

We are grateful to all stewards who contributed and made it possible to reach our goal of $85,000 in order to pay our 2014 bills in 2014. Our matching challenge was also met and we thank the two donors for their generous offering!

We wholeheartedly thank each one of you for your generosity and wish you a blessed, healthy, and prosperous New Year 2015.

Το Κήρυγμα της Κυριακής

Τὸ Μεγάλο Δεῖπνο

Μὲ τὴ χάρι τοῦ Θεοῦ διανύουμε τὴν περίοδο τῆς Τεσσαρακοστῆς τῶν Χριστουγέννων καὶ σὲ δέκα ἡμέρες θὰ ἑορτάσουμε τὴ μεγάλη ἑορτὴ τῆς ἐνανθρωπήσεως τοῦ Υἱοῦ καὶ Λόγου τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Ἡ Ἐκκλησία μας καθόρισε νὰ ἀναγινώσκεται δύο Κυριακὲς πρὶν τὰ Χριστούγεννα ἀπὸ τὸ κατὰ Λουκᾶν Εὐαγγέλιο ἡ παραβολὴ τοῦ Μεγάλου Δείπνου.

Ὁ Κύριος ἔλαβε τὴν ἀφορμὴ νὰ πεῖ αὐτὴ τὴν παραβολή, ὅταν ἦταν καλεσμένος γιὰ δεῖπνο στὸ σπίτι ἑνὸς Φαρισαίου κάποιο Σάββατο. Ἔλεγε δὲ στὸν οἰκοδεσπότη ποὺ τὸν εἶχε προσκαλέσει τὰ ἑξῆς: «Ὅταν παραθέτεις κάποιο γεῦμα ἢ δεῖπνο μὴ προσκαλεῖς σ’ αὐτὸ τοὺς ἀδελφούς σου ἢ τοὺς συγγενεῖς σου ἢ τοὺς φίλους σου ἢ τοὺς πλουσίους γείτονές σου, ποὺ μποροῦν ὁμοίως νὰ σοῦ ἀνταποδώσουν καὶ νὰ σὲ προσκαλέσουν σὲ γεῦμα, ἀλλὰ νὰ καλεῖς φτωχούς, ἀναπήρους, τυφλούς, καὶ τότε θὰ εἶσαι μακάριος, διότι αὐτοὶ δὲν θὰ μποροῦν νὰ σοῦ ἀνταποδώσουν τὸ καλὸ ποὺ ἔκανες, πρᾶγμα τὸ ὁποῖο θὰ ἀνταποδώσει ὁ Θεὸς στὴν ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν» κατὰ τὴν Δευτέρα Παρουσία του. Ὅταν ἄκουσε τὰ λόγια τοῦ Κυρίου κάποιος ἀπὸ τοὺς καλεσμένους Φαρισαίους, εἶπε: «μακάριος ἐκεῖνος ποὺ θὰ καθίσει στὸ γεῦμα τῆς βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ»(δ΄ 12 -15).

Οἱ Φαρισαῖοι πίστευαν στὴν ἀνάσταση τῶν νεκρῶν, ἀλλὰ νόμιζαν ὅτι μετὰ τὴν ἀνάσταση οἱ ἄνθρωποι θὰ ζοῦν μὲ τὸ ὑλικό τους σῶμα καὶ ὅτι θὰ τρῶνε καὶ θὰ πίνουν. Ὁ Κύριος, λοιπόν, μὲ ἀφορμὴ τὰ ἀνωτέρω, τοὺς λέει τὴν παραβολὴ ποὺ ἀκούσαμε σήμερα, τοῦ Μεγάλου Δείπνου.

Γιατὶ εἶναι μεγάλο τὸ Δεῖπνο; Διότι αὐτὸς ποὺ καλεῖ εἶναι ὁ ἴδιος ὁ μεγάλος Θεός, εἶναι ὁ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. Ὅπως λέμε στὴ Θεία Λειτουργία ὁ Κύριος εἶναι «ὁ προσφέρων καὶ προσφερόμενος, ὁ προσδεχόμενος καὶ διαδιδόμενος». Ὁ Χριστὸς εἶναι ἐκεῖνος ποὺ προσφέρει καὶ ταὐτόχρονα προσφέρεται στοὺς πιστούς. Εἶναι ἐκεῖνος ποὺ προσδέχεται καὶ διαδίδεται. Ἀκόμη εἶναι μεγάλο τὸ Δεῖπνο, διότι τὰ παρατιθέμενα στὸ τραπέζι εἶναι μεγίστης πνευματικῆς ἀξίας. Δηλαδὴ δὲν πρόκειται ἐδῶ περὶ ὑλικῆς τροφῆς ἀλλὰ οὐράνιας τροφῆς ποὺ εἶναι ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ. Λέει ὁ ἀπ. Παῦλος στὴν ἐπιστολή του πρὸς τοὺς Ρωμαίους: «Οὐ γάρ ἐστιν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ βρῶσις καὶ πόσις, ἀλλὰ δικαιοσύνη καὶ χαρὰ ἐν πνεύματι Ἁγίῳ» (Ρωμ. ιδ΄17). Δηλαδή, ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ δὲν εἶναι θέμα φαγητοῦ καὶ ποτοῦ, ἀλλὰ εἶναι δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰρήνη καὶ χαρά, ποὺ χαρίζει τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα.

Ἡ Βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἀγαπητοί μου, δὲν εἶναι μόνο ἕνα γεγονὸς τοῦ μέλλοντος, εἶναι ταὐτόχρονα καὶ μιὰ ἐπίγεια πραγματικότητα. Εἶναι ἡ Ἐκκλησία ποὺ ἵδρυσε ὁ Κύριος μὲ τὴν παρουσία του ὡς Θεάνθρωπος ἐπάνω στὴ γῆ, εἶναι ἡ ἐν Χριστῷ ζωὴ τῶν πιστῶν. Ὁ Ἴδιος εἶπε: «ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστι», εἶναι μέσα μας. Ὅποιος ζεῖ ἐν Χριστῷ γεύεται τὴ Βασιλεία Του ἀπὸ τὴ ζωὴ αὐτὴ ἐν μέρει, γιὰ νὰ τὴν ἀπολαύσει ὁλόκληρη στὸν οὐρανό, ὅπου θὰ βλέπει τὸν Κύριο «πρόσωπον πρὸς πρόσωπον». Γράφει ὁ ἅγιος Συμεὼν ὁ νέος Θεολόγος: «ὅποιος δὲν δεῖ τὸν Χριστὸ ἐδῶ στὴ γῆ, δὲν θὰ τὸν δεῖ οὔτε στὸν οὐρανό».

Λέει ἀκόμη ὁ Κύριος στὴν παραβολὴ ὅτι ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης ἔστειλε τὸν δοῦλο του νὰ εἰδοποιήσει τοὺς καλεσμένους. Ὑπῆρχε, λοιπόν, κάποια συγκεκριμένη ὥρα γιὰ τὴ συμμετοχὴ στὸ δεῖπνο. Ποιὰ εἶναι αὐτὴ ἡ ὥρα; Αὐτὴ ἡ ὥρα ἀρχίζει μὲ τὴν ἐνανθρώπηση τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου. Ἡ ἀνθρωπότητα ὁλόκληρη περίμενε μέσα στοὺς αἰῶνες νὰ ἔρθει ὁ Μεσσίας, ὁ Λυτρωτὴς τοῦ κόσμου, περίμενε αὐτὸ τὸ μεγάλο Δεῖπνο τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὅταν μᾶς καλέσει κάποιο σπουδαῖο καὶ μεγάλο πρόσωπο στὸ σπίτι του, γιὰ νὰ μᾶς προσφέρει ἕνα δεῖπνο μαζί του, περιμένουμε μὲ ἀνυπομονησία πότε θὰ ἔρθει ἐκείνη ἡ ἡμέρα καὶ ἡ ὥρα νὰ πᾶμε στὸ σπίτι του, διότι αὐτὴ ἡ πρόσκληση μᾶς περιποιεῖ μεγάλη τιμή. Κάλεσε ὁ Θεὸς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους σὲ ἕνα παγκόσμιο Δεῖπνο ἁπλωμένο σ’ὅλη τὴ γῆ καὶ σὲ ὅλους τοὺς αἰῶνες μέχρι τὴ συντέλεια τοῦ κόσμου. Γιὰ τοὺς Ἑβραίους ἡ Γέννηση τοῦ Μεσσία ἦταν ἡ ὥρα ποὺ προσκλήθηκαν στὸ Δεῖπνο. Ἀλλὰ αὐτοὶ ἀρνήθηκαν τὴν πρόσκληση καὶ ἄφησαν τὴν ὥρα αὐτὴ νὰ χαθεῖ. Αὐτὸ ἦταν τὸ πιὸ τραγικὸ λάθος τοῦ Ἰσραηλιτικοῦ λαοῦ. Καὶ ὄχι μόνο τὴν ἄφησαν νὰ πάει χαμένη, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔγιναν ἐχθροὶ καὶ πολέμιοι τοῦ ἰδίου τοῦ Υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ἦρθε ὅμως μετὰ ἡ ὥρα τῶν ἐθνῶν. Ἐμεῖς οἱ Ἕλληνες ἀνήκαμε στὸν ἐθνικὸ κόσμο, στοὺς εἰδωλολάτρες, καὶ δεχθήκαμε ἀπὸ τὸν ἀπόστολο Παῦλο τὴν πρόσκληση στὸ Μεγάλο Δεῖπνο.

Καὶ ποιὰ εἶναι, ἀγαπητοί μου, ἐκεῖνα ποὺ ἑτοίμασε ὁ Χριστός; Εἶναι ὅσα ἔφερε πάνω στὴ γῆ μὲ τὴ Γέννηση, τὴ Σταύρωση, τὴν Ἀνάσταση καὶ Ἀνάληψή του. α) Εἶναι ἡ ἄφεση τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ὅλων τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπὸ τὸ προπατορικὸ ἁμάρτημα καὶ ἐν συνεχείᾳ ἡ συγχώρηση ὅλων τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μας, ὅσο βαριὲς καὶ ὅσο πολλὲς κι’ ἂν εἶναι αὐτές, μὲ τὴν μετάνοια καὶ τὴν ἐξομολόγησή μας. Ἐλευθερώνεται ὁριστικὰ ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἀπὸ τὰ δεσμὰ τῆς ἁμαρτίας. β) Ἕνα ἀκόμη ἀγαθὸ ἀπὸ τὰ προσφερόμενα στὸ Τραπέζι τοῦ Θεοῦ εἶναι τὸ μεγάλο δῶρο τῆς υἱοθεσίας. Οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἀποποιήθηκαν τὸν Θεὸ σὰν Πατέρα τους, ἔπαψαν νὰ θεωροῦν τοὺς ἑαυτούς τους παιδιὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ θέλησαν νὰ υἱοθετηθοῦν ἀπὸ τὸν Διάβολο. Μὲ τὴν ἐνσάρκωση τοῦ Θεοῦ Λόγου ἔρχεται ἡ ἀπελευθέρωσή μας καὶ γινόμαστε πάλι παιδιὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ, μελλοντικοὶ πολῖτες τῆς Βασιλείας ποὺ μᾶς προσφέρει ὁ Θεός. γ) Κατὰ τὴν ἡμέρα τῆς Πεντηκοστῆς ὁ Κύριος ἔστειλε τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα στοὺς μαθητές Του, τὸ ὁποῖο ἔκτοτε μένει στὸν κόσμο καὶ ἔτσι μπορεῖ ὁ κάθε ἄνθρωπος μὲ τὸ Βάπτισμα καὶ τὸ Χρῖσμα νὰ γίνεται μέτοχος τοῦ Ἁγίου Πνεύματος. Δηλαδὴ ὁ ἄνθρωπος γίνεται πνευματοφόρος. Εἶναι ἀκόμη ἕνα δῶρο ποὺ προσφέρει στὸ Δεῖπνο Του ὁ Κύριος. Αὐτὸ τὸ Ἅγιο Πνεῦμα, ποὺ δόθηκε πλουσιοπάροχα στοὺς μαθητές, συνεχίζει νὰ προσφέρεται καὶ σήμερα στοὺς πιστούς. Ἔτσι ὁ πνευματοφόρος ἄνθρωπος μπορεῖ νὰ ἀπολαμβάνει ἤδη ἀπὸ τὴ ζωὴ αὐτὴ τὰ ἀγαθὰ τῆς Βασιλείας τοῦ Θεοῦ.

Ἀγαπητοί μου, τὸ τραπέζι τοῦ Δείπνου εἶναι πάντοτε στρωμένο μὲ τὰ δῶρα τοῦ Θεοῦ. Ὅσο ζοῦμε ἡ πρόσκληση ἰσχύει. Ἂς τὴν δεχθοῦμε, γιατὶ ἀφορᾷ στὴ σωτηρία μας. Ἀμήν.

Dear families and friends of Annunciation EP Greek school students:

We would like to thank you for all your help, encouragement, and donations, both known and unknown, for the Greek school, on class days as well as during the preparation and presentation of the OXI day celebration. Thank you also for helping our young scholars to complete their assignments and learn their lessons well. 

With love, The Greek School Board. 

Dear Greek School Teachers:

Your enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance is already yielding great results. As one parent put it, "my child has only been in Greek school for four weeks and he's already reading, writing, speaking, singing, understanding, and loving the language."

Thanking you for all you do. The Greek School Board.

In addition to every Sunday, the day of Resurrection, our Holy Orthodox Church offers us opportunities to be blessed during these summer holy days:

The Dormition Fast, August 1-15

August 15 is traditionally identified as the day of the Falling Asleep of the Theotokos. This date for the Feast was established during the reign of Emperor Maurice (582-602 AD), although we do not know the actual date. On this feast, we remember the death of the Virgin Mary and her translation into heaven.

• PARAKLESIS/SUPPLICATION TO THE MOTHER OF GOD prayers will be offered at 6:30pm on Fri. Aug 1; Mon. Aug 4; Wed. Aug 6; Thu. Aug 7; Fri. Aug 8; Mon. Aug 11; Tue. Aug 12; Wed. Aug 13.
• GREAT VESPERS will be celebrated on Thursday, August 14, 6:30-7:30pm. Please let the church office know if you plan to bring Arto (loaf of bread to be blessed) for this service.
• ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY will be celebrated on Friday August 15, 8:30-10:30am. A community luncheon by Philoptochos will follow.

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, Friday August 29.

A strict fast day (the best reason  given for the strictness of this fast day is that St. John the Baptist was killed in the context of a banquet, see Matthew 14:1-12).

• ORTHROS & DIVINE LITURGY will be celebrated on Friday August 29, 8:30-10:30am.

HOPE-JOY-GOYA FOOD DRIVE

Please help our hungry neighbors by bringing in non-perishable food items from November 2^nd to November 23^rd!

Below is a list of just a few examples of items that you can donate:

• Canned Fruits and Vegetables
• Canned Soup, Stews and Pasta
• Canned Meat and Fish
• Baby Foods, Baby Formula
• Cold Cereal, Oatmeal, Pancake Mix
• Powdered or Evaporated Milk
• Pasta, Rice, Dried Beans, Sugar

Thank you for your support!

Friday with Father will take place this Friday November 7, 7-10 PM at the Karidas house, 648 Glen Meadow Rd., Richboro, PA, 18954, 215-497-3111.

Food, fun and fellowship provided

This is a chance for our GOYAns to have heart to heart discussions with +Father John, one Friday a month, about how they engage the world in which they live; without the presence of parents.  (Advisors will be present but “not present.”)     

We will discuss various topics of their interest in pop-culture, relationships, ethical and moral standing in the world, and character development all viewed through the lens of Christ and our Holy Orthodox Christian Faith.

Father John will connect with our youth as they enter middle and high schools, and as they prepare for life beyond home and Annunciation.

GOYA  Dance Update

Annunciation Elkins Park is pleased to welcome Maria Kotopoulos as our new GOYA Greek dance teacher.

Maria dances with the Pan Macedonians and currently serves as their president. Maria is eager to meet our youth and to begin to teach them dances from the various regions of Greece. Our next GOYA dance practices are Friday Nov. 14 & 21 @ 6:30. 

The Ladies Philoptochos Society Nausica is hosting a fundraiser luncheon on National Philoptochos Fellowship Sunday, September 28, 2014 in support of the Aid to Greece and Cyprus Campaign. A $10.00 minimum luncheon donation will be requested, which will include Kiki’s delicious homemade Piroskis, salad, and dessert. Enormous thanks for your continual and generous support of our philanthropic endeavors.

School is in session as of last Sunday Sept. 21! If you haven’t already registered your child(ren) for youth  ministries, including Catechism class, please do so ASAP so that we can ensure that we prepare accordingly.  Copies of the handbook RUDDER are published and available at the narthex. This handbook contains information about the Catechism program, as well as a calendar for upcoming activities through the ecclesiastical year.

Sunday & weekday divine liturgies schedule will remain consistent  year-round. That is Orthros (Matins) will start at 8:30am, followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30am. Catechetical Sunday school classes will start right after holy communion, and continue into the Fellowship Hour for 45’.

A Paraklesis/ Supplicatory prayer service to the Mother of God will be prayed on the second Friday of the month at 11am, and on the fourth Friday of the month at 6:30pm. Please attend and bring the names of your loved ones to be lifted up in prayer for health and salvation.

Fr. John is available to hear confession prior to each Paraklesis, on the second Friday from 9-11am, and on the fourth Friday from 4:30-6:30pm. Please call the parish office to make an appointment.

Weekly Bible class started on Wednesday September 17, 7-9pm. This will be an eight-week class and we will be studying the two Epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians. All are invited!

Our October Fellowship & Orthodox Spirituality gathering will take place Wednesday October 8. Our host family and location will be announced soon.

R.O.C.K in the Courtyard!

Reading with our Orthodox Christian Kids will take place this Tuesday November 4, 10:30am-12pm.

This is an educational opportunity for parents to bring their children (infants to 5-years) for story time with Fr. John with Orthodox Christian Literature and creative play with thoughtful arts and crafts.

Please contact Tina Hadgimallis for more information, or to offer your help, teena21beena@comcast.net. 

It's harvest time and we are going APPLE picking at Styer Orchard.

Saturday, October 18^th @ 10:00 am.

We are taking a wagon ride to the apple grove to pick our own! We will also enjoy a snack.

Meet at Styer Orchard: 97 Styers lane Langhorne, Pa19047 in the back parking lot at 10:00 am sharp.
(Please remember each person is responsible for the purchase of his or her own apples).

Please RSVP with Christina Hadgimallis teena21beena@comcast.net267-241-0045

The Fall General Assembly of our parishioners will take place this Sunday November 9 at the conclusion of the D. Liturgy.

Click here for the Sunday November 9, 2014, General Assembly invitation and information

The PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation will once again be awarding $250,000 in scholarships this year. Please click here for more information. Applications deadline is January 31, 2015.

The Fifth Annual Metropolitan Evangelos Ambassador Awards Program, sponsored by the Delaware Valley region Youth Commission of the Holy Metropolis of New Jersey, will take place on Sunday, October 26, 2014, 3:30pm, at Merion Caterers, Cinnaminson, NJ.

Pleaase click here for the Banquet Journal to see the Annunciation/Evangelismos Church Youth Ambassadors and Parish Honorees.

Congratulations to all of our honorees!