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Annunciation Church
Publish Date: 2017-05-07
Bulletin Contents
Hymns of the Day
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Wisdom of the Fathers
PARISH NEWS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
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Annunciation Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (209) 522-7694
  • Fax:
  • (209) 522-3926
  • Street Address:

  • 313 Tokay Avenue

  • Modesto, CA 95350
  • Mailing Address:

  • P.O. Box 578128

  • Modesto, CA 95357

Contact Information

Rev. Fr. Jon Magoulias

frjon@goannunciation.org | 209-522-7694

Services Schedule

DIVINE SERVICE SCHEDULE

 

Sunday    

Divine Services    9:00 am

Saturday

Great Vespers     5:00 pm

Weekday

Special Feastday 8:30 am 

Past Bulletins


Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

“Christ is risen from the dead; and by His death has He trampled upon death; and to those in the tombs does He grant life!”

Χριστός ἀνέστη ἐκ νεκρῶν, θανάτῳ θάνατον πατήσας, καί τοῖς ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος.

Christos anesti ek nekron, thanato thanaton patisas, ke tis en tis mnimasi, zoin harisamenos.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad, for the Lord has shown the power of His reign: He has conquered death by death, and become the first born of the dead. He has delivered us from the depths of Hades, and has granted the world great mercy.

Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια, ἀγαλλιάσθω τὰ ἐπίγεια, ὅτι ἐποίησε κράτος, ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ, ὁ Κύριος, ἐπάτησε τῷ θανάτῳ τὸν θάνατον, πρωτότοκος τῶν νεκρῶν ἐγένετο, ἐκ κοιλίας ᾅδου ἐρρύσατο ἡμᾶς, καὶ παρέσχε τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Efrenestho ta urania, agalliastho ta epighia, oti epi-eese kratos en vrahioni aftu o Kyrios; epatise toh thanato ton thanaton, prototokos ton nekron eyeneto, ek kilias Adu errisato eemas ke pareskhe toh kosmo toh mega eleos.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, O Immortal One, You destroyed Hades’ power, and rose the victor, Christ God. To the myrrh-bearing women, saying “Rejoice!” and granting peace to Your Apostles; You are He Who raises the fallen.

Εἰ καὶ ἐν τάφῳ κατῆλθες ἀθάνατε, ἀλλὰ τοῦ ᾍδου καθεῖλες τὴν δύναμιν, καὶ ἀνέστης ὡς νικητής, Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, γυναιξὶ Μυροφόροις φθεγξάμενος. Χαίρετε, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις εἰρήνην δωρούμενος ὁ τοῖς πεσοῦσι παρέχων ἀνάστασιν.

Ee ke en tafo katilthes, athanate, alla tu Adu kathiles, tin dynamin; ke anestis os nikitis, Christe O Theos, yinexin miroforis fthengxamenos, hairete, ke tis Sis Apostolis eerinin dorumenos, O tis pesusi parehon anastasin.

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Saints and Feasts

Constantinegreat
May 07

Commemoration of the Precious Cross that appeared in the sky over Jerusalem in 351 A.D.

On this day in the year 351, not long after Cyril had succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem, during the reign of Constantius, the son of Saint Constantine the Great, on the day of Pentecost, the sign of the Cross appeared over Jerusalem. Saint Cyril, in his letter to the Emperor Constantius, says, "At about the third hour of the day, an enormous Cross, formed of light, appeared in the heaven above holy Golgotha and reaching to the holy Mount of Olives, being seen not by one or two only, but manifest with perfect clarity to the whole multitude of the city; not, as one might suppose, rushing swiftly past in fancy, but seen openly above the earth many hours in plain sight, and overcoming the beams of the sun with its dazzling rays" (PG 33:1 16q).

08_stjohn1
May 08

John the Apostle, Evangelist, & Theologian

The feast today in honour of the holy Apostle John commemorates the miracle taking place each year in Ephesus, in which a certain dust or powder, called manna, suddenly poured forth from his tomb and was used by the faithful for deliverance from maladies of both soul and body. For an account of his life, see September 26.

Isaiah
May 09

The Holy Prophet Esaias (Isaiah)

The Prophet Esaias, the son of Amos, was descended from a royal tribe. He prophesied in the days of Ozias (who is also called Azarias), Joatham, Ahaz, and Hezekias, Kings of Judah. About 681 B.C, in the reign of Manasses, the son and successor of the most pious Hezekias, when this Prophet was censuring Manasses' impiety and lawlessness, he was sawn asunder with a wooden saw, and thus received a martyr's end.

Of all the Prophets, he is called the most eloquent because of the beauty and loftiness of his words. His book of prophecy, divided into sixty-six chapters, is ranked first among the greater Prophets. The Fifth Ode of the Psalter, "Out of the night my spirit waketh at dawn unto Thee, O God . . ." is taken from his book. It was this holy Prophet who foretold that a Virgin would conceive in the womb (7:14); that not an ambassador, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself would save fallen man (63:9); that the Messiah would suffer, bearing our sins (ch. 53). His name means "Yah is helper."

Christopher2
May 09

Christopher the Martyr of Lycea

Saint Christopher was at first named Reprobus. Seeing the Christians persecuted, he rebuked the tyrants for their cruelty. Soldiers were sent to bring him to appear before the ruler; but he converted them to Christ, and with them was baptized, receiving the name Christopher. After he appeared before the ruler, he was imprisoned and two harlots were sent to seduce him, but he converted them also, and encouraged them in their martyrdom. He was subjected to torments and finally beheaded in the days of Decius.Many marvellous and mythical things are said about him out of ignorance and superstition, one of which is that it is impossible for one to die suddenly from some unexpected cause on the day on which one looks at the Saint's icon. This is the origin of that proverb that is quoted in various quarters: "If on Christopher thou shouldst gaze, thou shalt safely wend life's ways." The etymology of his name, which means "Christ-bearer," has undoubtedly moved iconographers to depict him carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders; it is completely erro-neous, however, to depict him, as some uninformed iconographers do, having the head of a dog, because of a statement in his life that he was dog-faced, by which is meant only that his countenance was exceedingly frightful to look upon.

Simonzealot
May 10

Simon the Zealot & Apostle

This Apostle was one of the Twelve, and was called Simon the Cananite by Matthew, but Simon the Zealot by Luke (Matt. 10:4; Luke 6:15). The word "Cananite" used by Matthew is believed to be derived from kana, which in the Palestinian dialect of Aramaic means "zealot" or 'zealous"; Luke therefore translates the meaning of "Cananite." Later accounts say that he was the bridegroom at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, where the Lord Jesus changed the water into wine, making this the first of His miracles (John 2:1-11); according to some, he is called Cananite because he was from Cana (according to others, from the Land of Canaan). Simon means "one who hears."

Cyrilmethodios
May 11

Methodius & Cyril, Equal-to-the Apostles Illuminators of the Slavs

Born in Thessalonica, Saint Methodius was a military man before becoming a monk on Mount Olympus. His brother Constantine, known as the Philosopher because of his erudition, was Librarian at the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople; he later became a monk with the name of Cyril. The Emperor Michael sent him with his brother Methodius to the Khazars in response to their petition for teachers to expound to them the Christian Faith. On their way, they stayed in Cherson, where they recovered from the Black Sea the relics of Saint Clement of Rome. Later, they were called by Prince Rostislav of Moravia to instruct his people in the Orthodox Faith (Saint Rostislav died a martyr's death and is celebrated Oct. 15). The Saints devised an alphabet for the Slavs, and used it to translate the Greek books into the language of the people. In their apostolic labours throughout the Balkans, the holy brothers were slandered by certain Germanic bishops who opposed the use of the vernacular in the church services. Summoned to court at Rome in 867, they presented their Slavonic translations to Pope Adrian II, who received them with love and full approval. Two years later, Saint Cyril reposed in Rome on February 14 and was buried in the Church of Saint Clement. Saint Methodius was made Bishop of Moravia, but at the intrigues of certain Latin clergy, was cast into prison by the "Holy Roman Emperor" (the Germanic Emperor of the West), where he was cruelly tormented for some three years. In 874, through the defence of Pope John VIII, he was freed and made Archbishop of Moravia. Because he reproved the lax morals of the German priests in Moravia, he was soon accused of heresy by them, and was forbidden to celebrate the Liturgy in Slavonic. Summoned to Rome again in 879, he was completely exonerated and allowed once again to use the Slavonic tongue for the divine services. He reposed on April 6, 885.

Epiphanius
May 12

Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus

Saint Epiphanius was born about 310 in Besanduc, a village of Palestine, of Jewish parents who were poor and tillers of the soil. In his youth he came to faith in Christ and was baptized with his sister, after which he distributed all he had to the poor and became a monk, being a younger contemporary of Saint Hilarion the Great (see Oct. 21), whom he knew. He also visited the renowned monks of Egypt to learn their ways. Because the fame of his virtue had spread, many in Egypt desired to make him a bishop; when he learned of this, he fled, returning to Palestine. But after a time he learned that the bishops there also intended to consecrate him to a widowed bishopric, and he fled to Cyprus. In Paphos he met Saint Hilarion, who told him to go to Constantia, a city of Cyprus also called Salamis. Epiphanius answered that he preferred to take ship for Gaza, which, despite Saint Hilarion's admonitions, he did. But a contrary wind brought the ship to Constantia where, by the providence of God, Epiphanius fell into the hands of bishops who had come together to elect a successor to the newly-departed Bishop of Constantia, and the venerable Epiphanius was at last constrained to be consecrated, about the year 367. He was fluent in Hebrew, Egyptian, Syriac, Greek, and Latin, and because of this he was called "Five-tongued." He had the gift of working miracles, and was held in such reverence by all, that although he was a known enemy of heresy, he was well nigh the only eminent bishop that the Arians did not dare to drive into exile when the Emperor Valens persecuted the Orthodox about the year 371. Having tended his flock in a manner pleasing to God, and guarded it undefiled from every heresy, he reposed about the year 403, having lived for ninety-three years. Among his sacred writings, the one that is held in special esteem is the Panarion (from the Latin Panarium, that is, "Bread-box,") containing the proofs of the truth of the Faith, and an examination of eighty heresies.

Glykeria
May 13

The Holy Martyr Glyceria

This Martyr contested in 141 in Trajanopolis of Thrace, during the reign of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. At a heathen festival, when Sabine the Governor of Trajanopolis was offering sacrifice, Saint Glyceria entered the temple and declared herself to be a handmaid of Christ. Sabine commanded her to sacrifice. She went to the statue of Zeus and overturned it, dashing it to pieces. She was subjected to many horrible tortures, and finally was cast to wild beasts; bitten once by one of them, she gave up her soul into the hands of God.

Jcsamwom
May 14

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

One of the most ancient cities of the Promised Land was Shechem, also called Sikima, located at the foot of Mount Gerazim. There the Israelites had heard the blessings in the days of Moses and Jesus of Navi. Near to this town, Jacob, who had come from Mesopotamia in the nineteenth century before Christ, bought a piece of land where there was a well. This well, preserved even until the time of Christ, was known as Jacob's Well. Later, before he died in Egypt, he left that piece of land as a special inheritance to his son Joseph (Gen. 49:22). This town, before it was taken into possession by Samaria, was also the leading city of the kingdom of the ten tribes. In the time of the Romans it was called Neapolis, and at present Nablus. It was the first city in Canaan visited by the Patriarch Abraham. Here also, Jesus of Navi (Joshua) addressed the tribes of Israel for the last time. Almost three hundred years later, all Israel assembled there to make Roboam (Rehoboam) king.

When our Lord Jesus Christ, then, came at midday to this city, which is also called Sychar (John 4:5), He was wearied from the journey and the heat, and He sat down at this well. After a little while the Samaritan woman mentioned in today's Gospel passage came to draw water. As she conversed at some length with the Lord and heard from Him secret things concerning herself, she believed in Him; through her many other Samaritans also believed.

Concerning the Samaritans we know the following: In the year 721 before Christ, Salmanasar (Shalmaneser), King of the Assyrians, took the ten tribes of the kingdom of Israel into captivity, and relocated all these people to Babylon and the land of the Medes. From there he gathered various nations and sent them to Samaria. These nations had been idolaters from before. Although they were later instructed in the Jewish faith and believed in the one God, they worshipped the idols also. Furthermore, they accepted only the Pentateuch of Moses, and rejected the other books of Holy Scripture. Nonetheless, they thought themselves to be descendants of Abraham and Jacob. Therefore, the pious Jews named these Judaizing and idolatrous peoples Samaritans, since they lived in Samaria, the former leading city of the Israelites, as well as in the other towns thereabout. The Jews rejected them as heathen and foreigners, and had no communion with them at all, as the Samaritan woman observed, "the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans" (John 4:9). Therefore, the name Samaritan is used derisively many times in the Gospel narrations. After the Ascension of the Lord, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the woman of Samaria was baptized by the holy Apostles and became a great preacher and Martyr of Christ; she was called Photine, and her feast is kept on February 26.

Allsaint
May 14

Isidore the Martyr of Chios

This Saint was a soldier from Alexandria. He came with the Roman fleet to Chios, where he was betrayed as a Christian to Numerian, Commander of the Fleet. Because he boldly pro-fessed himself to worship Christ as God and refused to worship any other, he was tormented and beheaded in 251, during the reign of Decius.

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Fifth Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 24:13-35

Καὶ ἰδοὺ δύο ἐξ αὐτῶν ἦσαν πορευόμενοι ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ εἰς κώμην ἀπέχουσαν σταδίους ἑξήκοντα ἀπὸ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, ᾗ ὄνομα ᾿Εμμαούς. καὶ αὐτοὶ ὡμίλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους περὶ πάντων τῶν συμβεβηκότων τούτων. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς· οἱ δὲ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτῶν ἐκρατοῦντο τοῦ μὴ ἐπιγνῶναι αὐτόν.εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· τίνες οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι οὓς ἀντιβάλλετε πρὸς ἀλλήλους περιπατοῦντες καί ἐστε σκυθρωποί; ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ εἷς, ᾧ ὄνομα Κλεόπας, εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· σὺ μόνος παροικεῖς ἐν ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ καὶ οὐκ ἔγνως τὰ γενόμενα ἐν αὐτῇ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ταύταις; καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· ποῖα; οἱ δὲ εἶπον αὐτῷ· τὰ περὶ ᾿Ιησοῦ τοῦ Ναζωραίου, ὃς ἐγένετο ἀνὴρ προφήτης δυνατὸς ἐν ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ ἐναντίον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ παντὸς τοῦ λαοῦ, ὅπως τε παρέδωκαν αὐτὸν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ἡμῶν εἰς κρῖμα θανάτου καὶ ἐσταύρωσαν αὐτόν. ἡμεῖς δὲ ἠλπίζομεν ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ὁ μέλλων λυτροῦσθαι τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ· ἀλλά γε σὺν πᾶσι τούτοις τρίτην ταύτην ἡμέραν ἄγει σήμερον ἀφ᾿ οὗ ταῦτα ἐγένετο. ἀλλὰ καὶ γυναῖκές τινες ἐξ ἡμῶν ἐξέστησαν ἡμᾶς γενόμεναι ὄρθριαι ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ μὴ εὑροῦσαι τὸ σῶμα αὐτοῦ ἦλθον λέγουσαι καὶ ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων ἑωρακέναι, οἳ λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ζῆν. καὶ ἀπῆλθόν τινες τῶν σὺν ἡμῖν ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, καὶ εὗρον οὕτω καθὼς καὶ αἱ γυναῖκες εἶπον, αὐτὸν δὲ οὐκ εἶδον. καὶ αὐτὸς εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· ὦ ἀνόητοι καὶ βραδεῖς τῇ καρδίᾳ τοῦ πιστεύειν ἐπὶ πᾶσιν οἷς ἐλάλησαν οἱ προφῆται! οὐχὶ ταῦτα ἔδει παθεῖν τὸν Χριστὸν καὶ εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ; καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν διηρμήνευεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. Καὶ ἤγγισαν εἰς τὴν κώμην οὗ ἐπορεύοντο, καὶ αὐτὸς προσεποιεῖτο πορρωτέρω πορεύεσθαι· καὶ παρεβιάσαντο αὐτὸν λέγοντες· μεῖνον μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν, ὅτι πρὸς ἑσπέραν ἐστὶ καὶ κέκλικεν ἡ ἡμέρα. καὶ εἰσῆλθε τοῦ μεῖναι σὺν αὐτοῖς. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ κατακλιθῆναι αὐτὸν μετ᾿ αὐτῶν λαβὼν τὸν ἄρτον εὐλόγησε, καὶ κλάσας ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς. αὐτῶν δὲ διηνοίχθησαν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν αὐτόν· καὶ αὐτὸς ἄφαντος ἐγένετο ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν. καὶ εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· οὐχὶ ἡ καρδία ἡμῶν καιομένη ἦν ἐν ἡμῖν, ὡς ἐλάλει ἡμῖν ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ καὶ ὡς διήνοιγεν ἡμῖν τὰς γραφάς; Καὶ ἀναστάντες αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, καὶ εὗρον συνηθροισμένους τοὺς ἕνδεκα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς, λέγοντας ὅτι ἠγέρθη ὁ Κύριος ὄντως καὶ ὤφθη Σίμωνι. καὶ αὐτοὶ ἐξηγοῦντο τὰ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ καὶ ὡς ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἐν τῇ κλάσει τοῦ ἄρτου.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

IN THOSE DAYS, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Προκείμενον. Third Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 46.6,1.
Ψάλατε τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν, ψάλατε.
Στίχ. Πάντα τὰ ἔθνη κροτήσατε χεῖρας.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πράξεις Ἀποστόλων 9:32-42.

Ἐν ταῖς ἡμεραῖς ἐκείναις, ἐγένετο Πέτρον διερχόμενον διὰ πάντων κατελθεῖν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς ἁγίους τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Λύδδαν. Εὗρεν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἄνθρωπόν τινα Αἰνέαν ὀνόματι, ἐξ ἐτῶν ὀκτὼ κατακείμενον ἐπὶ κραββάτῳ, ὃς ἦν παραλελυμένος. Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ Πέτρος, Αἰνέα, ἰᾶταί σε Ἰησοῦς ὁ Χριστός· ἀνάστηθι καὶ στρῶσον σεαυτῷ. Καὶ εὐθέως ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἶδον αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ κατοικοῦντες Λύδδαν καὶ τὸν Ἀσσάρωνα, οἵτινες ἐπέστρεψαν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον. Ἐν Ἰόππῃ δέ τις ἦν μαθήτρια ὀνόματι Ταβηθά, ἣ διερμηνευομένη λέγεται Δορκάς· αὕτη ἦν πλήρης ἀγαθῶν ἔργων καὶ ἐλεημοσυνῶν ὧν ἐποίει. Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἀσθενήσασαν αὐτὴν ἀποθανεῖν· λούσαντες δὲ αὐτὴν ἔθηκαν ἐν ὑπερῴῳ. Ἐγγὺς δὲ οὔσης Λύδδης τῇ Ἰόππῃ, οἱ μαθηταὶ ἀκούσαντες ὅτι Πέτρος ἐστὶν ἐν αὐτῇ, ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς αὐτόν, παρακαλοῦντες μὴ ὀκνῆσαι διελθεῖν ἕως αὐτῶν. Ἀναστὰς δὲ Πέτρος συνῆλθεν αὐτοῖς· ὃν παραγενόμενον ἀνήγαγον εἰς τὸ ὑπερῷον, καὶ παρέστησαν αὐτῷ πᾶσαι αἱ χῆραι κλαίουσαι καὶ ἐπιδεικνύμεναι χιτῶνας καὶ ἱμάτια ὅσα ἐποίει μετʼ αὐτῶν οὖσα ἡ Δορκάς. Ἐκβαλὼν δὲ ἔξω πάντας ὁ Πέτρος θεὶς τὰ γόνατα προσηύξατο· καὶ ἐπιστρέψας πρὸς τὸ σῶμα, εἶπεν, Ταβηθά, ἀνάστηθι. Ἡ δὲ ἤνοιξεν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῆς· καὶ ἰδοῦσα τὸν Πέτρον, ἀνεκάθισεν. Δοὺς δὲ αὐτῇ χεῖρα, ἀνέστησεν αὐτήν· φωνήσας δὲ τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ τὰς χήρας, παρέστησεν αὐτὴν ζῶσαν. Γνωστὸν δὲ ἐγένετο καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰόππης, καὶ πολλοὶ ἐπίστευσαν ἐπὶ τὸν Κύριον.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Sunday of the Paralytic
Κατὰ Ἰωάννην 5:1-15

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀνέβη ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα. Ἔστι δὲ ἐν τοῖς ῾Ιεροσολύμοις ἐπὶ τῇ προβατικῇ κολυμβήθρα, ἡ ἐπιλεγομένη Ἑβραϊστὶ Βηθεσδά, πέντε στοὰς ἔχουσα. ἐν ταύταις κατέκειτο πλῆθος πολὺ τῶν ἀσθενούντων, τυφλῶν, χωλῶν, ξηρῶν, ἐκδεχομένων τὴν τοῦ ὕδατος κίνησιν. ἄγγελος γὰρ κατὰ καιρὸν κατέβαινεν ἐν τῇ κολυμβήθρᾳ, καὶ ἐταράσσετο τὸ ὕδωρ· ὁ οὖν πρῶτος ἐμβὰς μετὰ τὴν ταραχὴν τοῦ ὕδατος ὑγιὴς ἐγίνετο ᾧ δήποτε κατείχετο νοσήματι. ἦν δέ τις ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖ τριάκοντα καὶ ὀκτὼ ἔτη ἔχων ἐν τῇ ἀσθενείᾳ αὐτοῦ. τοῦτον ἰδὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς κατακείμενον, καὶ γνοὺς ὅτι πολὺν ἤδη χρόνον ἔχει, λέγει αὐτῷ· θέλεις ὑγιὴς γενέσθαι; ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ ὁ ἀσθενῶν· Κύριε, ἄνθρωπον οὐκ ἔχω, ἵνα ὅταν ταραχθῇ τὸ ὕδωρ, βάλῃ με εἰς τὴν κολυμβήθραν· ἐν ᾧ δὲ ἔρχομαι ἐγώ, ἄλλος πρὸ ἐμοῦ καταβαίνει. λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· ἔγειρε, ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει. καὶ εὐθέως ἐγένετο ὑγιὴς ὁ ἄνθρωπος, καὶ ἦρε τὸν κράβαττον αὐτοῦ καὶ περιεπάτει. ἦν δὲ σάββατον ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ. ἔλεγον οὖν οἱ ᾿Ιουδαῖοι τῷ τεθεραπευμένῳ· σάββατόν ἐστιν· οὐκ ἔξεστί σοι ἆραι τὸν κράβαττον. ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς· ὁ ποιήσας με ὑγιῆ, ἐκεῖνός μοι εἶπεν· ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει. ἠρώτησαν οὖν αὐτόν· τίς ἐστιν ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ εἰπών σοι, ἆρον τὸν κράβαττόν σου καὶ περιπάτει; ὁ δὲ ἰαθεὶς οὐκ ᾔδει τίς ἐστιν· ὁ γὰρ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐξένευσεν ὄχλου ὄντος ἐν τῷ τόπῳ. μετὰ ταῦτα εὑρίσκει αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καὶ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἴδε ὑγιὴς γέγονας· μηκέτι ἁμάρτανε, ἵνα μὴ χεῖρόν σοί τι γένηται. ἀπῆλθεν ὁ ἄνθρωπος καὶ ἀνήγγειλε τοῖς ᾿Ιουδαίοις ὅτι ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὸν ὑγιῆ.

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Wisdom of the Fathers

For where tears are-- or rather, where miracles are, there tears ought not to be; not where such a mystery is celebrating. Hear, I beseech you: although somewhat of the like kind does not take place now, yet in the case of our dead likewise, a great mystery is celebrating. Say, if as we sit together, the Emperor were to send and invite some one of us to the palace, would it be right, I ask, to weep and mourn? Angels are present, commissioned from heaven and come from thence, sent from the King Himself to call their fellow servant, and say, dost thou weep? Knowest thou not what a mystery it is that is taking place, how awful, how dread, and worthy indeed of hymns and lauds? Wouldest thou learn, that thou mayest know, that this is no time for tears? For it is a very great mystery of the Wisdom of God. As if leaving her dwelling, the soul goes forth, speeding on her way to her own Lord, and dost thou mourn? Why then, thou shouldst do this on the birth of a child: for this in fact is also a birth, and a better than that.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on Acts 9, 4th Century

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

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PARISH NEWS

PARISH LEADERSHIP

REV. FR. JON MAGOULIAS 
PARISH PRIEST 

JAYLEN FRENCH
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT

AARON GILBERT
PASTORAL ASSISTANT


DIVINE SERVICES
Saturday,                     May   6th                   
Great Vespers                                   5:00 p.m.

Sunday,                       May   7th
Sunday of the Paralytic
4th Sunday of Pascha
Epistle                            Acts       9:32-42
Gospel                            John      5:1-15
Sunday Divine Services                      9:00 a.m.

Wednesday,                  May  10th
Mid-Pentecost
Epistle                           I Cor.      4:9-16
Gospel                           Luke       6:12-19
Divine Services                                  8:30 a.m.

Saturday,                     May 13th                   
Great Vespers                                   5:00 p.m.

Sunday,                       May 14th     
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
5th Sunday of Pascha
Epistle                            Acts     11:19-30
Gospel                            John      4:5-42
Sunday Divine Services                      9:00 a.m.


Divine Services at our Church of the Annunciation may now be viewed live on the Internet! In addition, Divine Services may also be viewed using an iPhone or iPad. Visit our Parish Website: www.goannunciation.org and go to the "Live" link to follow directions. Please be sure to connect to the proper device.


The purpose for this ministry is to provide shut-ins that have internet capability, college students that may not be able to get to an Orthodox Church, or people interested in our precious Christian Orthodox Faith, the opportunity to view our church services. This is not a substitute for attending Church!


WELCOME
We are pleased to welcome all visitors to our Parish and we pray that our Lord bless them through the intercessions of the All-Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.  We invite you to join us for church services regularly and to pray with our Christian family.

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, we would like you to join us in the Very Rev. Emmanuel Papageorge Cultural Center for Christian Fellowship. This week, Fellowship Hour is being hosted in memory of the departed faithful for the memorials this weekend.  Please join us in offering our prayers and support.

Christ is Risen...May you have a blessed week!        


MEMORIAL SERVICES
Memorial prayers will be offered this Sunday for the repose of the souls of the servants of God:

Robyn Karabinis   40 Days      
Sophia Hahn          3 Years       
David Hahn          41 Years 

On behalf of the entire Parish we extend our prayers to their family and friends.  May our Heavenly Father grant them eternal rest where there is no pain or sorrow, but everlasting life. 
     
Eternal be their memory!


VISIT OUR WEBSITE
In an effort to continue improving our Parish Ministry, we continue to upgrade and improve our Parish Website: www.goannunciation.org

The format is much more pleasing to the eye and user friendly. In addition to this wonderful look, there are many features that are constantly being improved and updated.

The use of today's technology to improve our ability to serve you, the faithful stewards of the Annunciation Church, is of paramount importance. Whether it is through our website or the broadcasting of Divine Services, it is the responsibility of good stewardship that we strengthen our ability to communicate Christ's message of love, peace and salvation to all.

A new feature on the website now enables donations and Stewardship offerings to be made online. After researching a number of programs to provide a means by which online contributions may be made we have chosen to use "Paypal" which is a well tested and secure method.

Please accept this improvement to our Parish Ministry as an offering from your Parish Council. We are grateful to the stewards and friends of our Parish that support our ministry and we pledge to continue to provide the highest quality of service to you, the people of God.


PARISH COUNCIL
Sunday, May 7th – Team 3:  Nick Stavrianoudakis, Jaylen French, & Andrea Mayer

Sunday, May 14th – Team 4: Jeff Brown, Stamatis Tsatsaronis, & Mitch Word   


ALTAR BOYS
ALL ALTAR BOYS ARE EXPECTED TO: 

* Dress properly, wearing lightcolored shirt, tie, and dress shoes. 
* The Sunday Church School Program now enables an Altar Boy to serve on Sundays when he may not be scheduled. If you wish to put in extra service on days when it is not your group day, you may do so, but following Holy Communion, you must attend Sunday Church School.
* If unable to participate at your scheduled time, please contact your team captain. Please be on time for all services. 


ACOLYTE COORDINATORS: 
 
Manoli Rodarakis 

SENIOR ALTAR BOYS: 
Andreas Alexander ~ Sammer Mitri ~ Stefan Word ~ Frankie Zanotto ~ PJ Zanotto

Sunday, May 7 - Team A: Captain, Jacob Gavrilis; Nicholas Affholter; Leo Georgopoulos; Nikko Georgopoulos; Ryan Hatton; Carson Maroudas; and Walter Lemons

Sunday, May 14 - Team B: Captain, Alex Alexander; Matthew Myrtakis; Michael Myrtakis; Dimitri Stamos; and Chris Zanotto


PARISH COMPLEX SECURITY
For the safety of our Parish complex we have installed security cameras on the exterior and interior of our church complex.  Please be aware that the cameras will be recording daily 24/7 – 365 days a year.  Don’t forget to smile!


PASCHAL NEWS
It is with joy in the Resurrection that we wish to thank everyone for their support and participation during this holy season.  We would like to remind you to make an offering during this Holy Season of our Lord’s Resurrection and to return your Paschal envelope at your earliest convenience.



CHURCH ETIQUETTE
When attending services, please be prompt! In order to partake of the Holy Eucharist please remember proper preparation is required to receive Holy Communion.  Proper preparation in receiving Holy Communion requires that the person be in the Divine Liturgy on time, that means BEFORE 10:00 a.m.!

When receiving the Holy Eucharist come forward reverently, give your baptismal name, hold the red cloth under your chin and after receiving, wipe your lips.

Please remember that the "Cry Room" is intended only when an infant child may seem to be disrupting a divine service. It is wonderful to see so many families with young children and for this reason, we ask that only one parent and child be in the "Cry Room" at any given time. Parents should not be giving their children games to play while in the "Cry Room".  Once the child has settled down they should return to the pews for the service. 


STEWARDSHIP 2017
Our Christian Orthodox Stewardship ministry requires us to prayerfully evaluate our obligations to Christ and His Church. We continue to be one Family in Christ and we remind everyone to please fulfill their 2017 Stewardship commitment to our Parish.

The 2017 Stewardship Directory is now in your home.  Dedicated to Christ's challenge in John 20:21: "As the Father has sent Me, so I send you", we are called to support His Church and to reach out to those who may not be coming to Church on a regular basis. 

In accepting this invitation from the Lord Himself, our active Stewardship is expressed in the fellowship of our Parish Family.  In this way we will experience His love that enables us to grow and strengthen our Parish Church and Ministries.

As we are called to be active participants in our 2017 Stewardship we ask that you consider:  

      1.)  increasing the Time you spend in Church;      
      2.)  giving of the Talent you offer through various ministries of our Parish and;       
      3.)  considering increasing the financial offering from your Treasure that will enable 
            us to fully fund the operating costs of our Parish through YOUR stewardship
            commitment! 

The Stewardship Directory for 2017 lists the stewards of our Parish and provides the information for us to offer our Stewardship in love, faith and thanksgiving to God for ALL His blessings in our lives.  We ask that you prayerfully study the Stewardship information to support the ministries of our Church.  It is important that each steward return the Stewardship Form so that we may be able to track the offerings in accordance with our Ministry Budget.

Christian Stewardship is the very essence of living our precious Faith that teaches each of us to return to the Lord a portion of our earnings so that the Church may continue to grow. Every person baptized and/or chrismated into the Orthodox Christian Faith may be a parishioner but a steward is something more! A steward is a baptized and/or chrismated person who understands his responsibility to God and His Church. This understanding directs him to live his life according to the teachings of our Faith and at the same time, offers Time, Talents and Treasure to the sacred work of the Church. It is important to understand that our Stewardship obligations determine a family (husband, wife, & children) or an individual as stewards of our Parish. Young adults (18 years and older) that have completed their schooling and/or find themselves in the workplace are expected to become stewards of the Parish. These individuals are not included in one’s “Family Stewardship” obligation. 

Our Holy Church emphasizes the truth found in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition that we must give cheerfully and without reluctance to the sacred work of God’s Holy Church.  Your support is necessary to continue the growth and development of our Parish Ministries.

On our newly designed website Stewardship contributions (and other donations) may be made through “PayPal”. This is a secure means to make online donations and it provides a means for contributions to be made in a timely manner. In addition, it enables the steward to make regular contributions to support the sacred ministry of our Church.

If you have any questions regarding your offering please contact Fr. Jon. Christian Stewardship is the very essence of living our precious Faith that teaches each of us to return to the Lord a portion of our earnings so that the Church may continue to grow.

Each year we are blessed that a number of our stewards increase their commitment to the Church. In recent years, we have had a number of stewards increase their offering above the 10% we hoped for with some increasing their previous year offering by as much as 25%! Approximately $205.00 from every Stewardship offering is contributed for National Ministries.

We have an attainable goal of 350 Stewardship families/individuals for 2017…This IS an attainable goal!  Please support our efforts and remember: "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."


PHILOPTOCHOS NEWS
We are currently accepting the Stewardship offering for all who would like to be a member of the Philoptochos.  The ministry of the Philoptochos Society is meaningful to the life of our Church. When considering one’s offering for 2017 remember that we also contribute the membership obligation to the Archdiocese and Metropolis Philoptochos which totals $30.00 per person: $15.00 to the National Philoptochos; $15 to the Metropolis Philoptochos; and whatever is offered above that amount remains for local ministries.  We strongly encourage the ladies of our Parish to join Philoptochos and to participate in this beautiful ministry.

The Philoptochos Officers are: Gloria Vincent, President; Dena Brown, Vice-President; Maria Skordos-Moore, Treasurer; and Ella Velthoen, Secretary. We pray that our Lord may guide the stewards of the Philoptochos Ministry with faith and love in leading us to accomplish greater service to the glory of God!


FLOWER DONATIONS DURING GREAT LENT AND PASCHA
We celebrated another beautiful season of Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pascha.  The Church was beautifully prepared in such a way that let the faithful know the sanctity of the holy season.  One of the most beautiful ways in which our Church announced this sacred time of the year was by the use of flowers.  We are grateful to all that have contributed to this effort and we will continue accepting contributions through this week.  If you would like to participate by making a contribution, please contact Anna Petrulakis or the Church Office.



ATTENTION PARISHIONERS
We would also like to obtain the e-mail addresses of ALL the families in our Parish. We have begun to communicate much more frequently via the internet. Parents and students are asked to send their email addresses so that we may have them for our Parish records. We also ask that you please submit the names, addresses and e-mails for college students attending school away from home.

It is also important to inform the Church Office when you have an address change.  In this way we are able to keep our files current and avoid unnecessary charges from the Post Office.

In addition, we ask that you please notify the Church Office when you plan a trip and put your mail on "Hold."  Each time there is an address change or a temporary hold one's mailing address, the Parish is charged by the Post Office.


PARISH EDUCATION MINISTRY

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL:
Our regular Sunday Church School Ministry is having an amazing year!  It is imperative that ALL families been in the Divine Liturgy on time.  Divine Services begin at 9:00 a.m. and students should be in church by 10:00 a.m.  The students will come into the Divine Liturgy first and should sit in the front pews with their class.  This procedure enables the students to receive Holy Communion first and then to go to their class.

Our young people in grades 3-12 are preparing for the annual St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival.  Our Parish Festival will be held during Fellowship Hour on Sunday, April 2nd.  We invite everyone to attend and to listen to the uplifting presentations made by our young people.

A.R.E. YOU READY?
Our Adult Religious Education Ministry (A.R.E.) invites you to participate in the study of Holy Scripture as understood by our precious Christian Orthodox Faith.  Our topic is: “The Beatitudes”.  This forum will study Holy Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers.  Please bring your Orthodox Study Bible and join us this Thursday evening, May 4th! We will continue to meet the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

MORNING A.R.E.
The morning Bible Study is usually scheduled for the second and fourth Thursday of each month.  We will be meeting on Thursday, May 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the classroom building.  We are studying the Epistles of St. John the Evangelist.  Bring your Orthodox Study Bible and join us in growing in our precious Christian Orthodox Faith.

GREEK SCHOOL NEWS
We would like to express our appreciation to everyone that supported this year's Greek School Luncheon and Program.  We had a delicious meal and enjoyed a wonderful program by the students of our Afternoon Greek School.  We are especially grateful to our Greek School Staff: Despina Rodarakis and Dimitra Wilson for their dedicated work and love for this ministry. 

Our Greek Language class for Adults has begun!  We meet every Monday at 6:00 p.m. in the classroom building.  If you are interested in the Adult Greek Language class please contact the Church Office or Despina Rodarakis.

We strongly urge our parents to enroll their children in our Afternoon Greek School.  Along with our Sunday Church School, our Afternoon Greek School teaches our children the Orthodox Christian Faith and our Hellenistic culture.  This ministry enables our young people children to develop spiritually and culturally.  The total and complete person is one that not only possesses knowledge, but character.  Knowledge we receive in schools, however character, is developed through Christian Orthodox education. Classes have begun and will continue every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.  Children must be age 3 years and older.

Registration for the new academic year has begun.  You may register for Greek School in our Church Office Monday - Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM.


GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL - 2017
Preparations for the 2017 Greek Food Festival have already begun!  We pray that everyone will offer their support to this year’s GFF Committee.  Our chairperson for this year is Tony Gavrilis and the co-chairman is Maria Skordos-Moore. 

Our first meeting of the GFF2017 Committee will be on May 24th, at 7:00 p.m., in the Classroom Building.  ALL GFF Chairpeople are expected to be in attendance!

GFF Baking Days are beginning soon:  Koulourakia and Paximadia will be held June 12th and June 13th, at 8:00 a.m. in the hall!  Our delicious pastries are enjoyed by thousands but it requires your assistance to prepare them!  Even if you don’t have any experience baking, there is plenty of work to do.  This is a beautiful way to support our Parish and share in the fellowship with fellow stewards.

          
We also ask that you plan your schedule to join us for future baking days.  They will be held: July 17th; July 18th; September 6th; and September 11th - September 15th!  Each baking date will begin at 8:00 a.m.  Don’t forget your apron! 



PLEASE TAKE NOTE
It is the practice of our Faith that as we enter the House of God, an offering is made and we say a prayer as we light candles to symbolize that Christ is the Light of the world. Please remember that if a check is being written for this purpose or for a donation, in accordance with the non-profit status of our Parish, any check made out to the Annunciation Church must be for the exact amount. Thank you!


CHURCH MUSIC MINISTRY
The ministry of our choir members is to represent YOU and to serve as volunteers by using the gift of music to sing praises to our Lord is a true act of Christian Orthodox Stewardship.

Parishioners, who may be interested in of our Church, and especially our young people, are invited to join the choir. St. Augustine wrote: "What better thing can the people do than sing. I know of no better thing than this!" Please contact Markella Tsatsaronis or the Church Office, to find out more about our Church Choir.


YOUTH NEWS
The success of this ministry rests with the parents as we strive to teach our young people to live our Faith through fellowship and service. We urge the parents of our young people to support this ministry with enthusiasm and love. 

Our Youth Ministry is comprised of young people in:
H.O.P.E. - Grade 3-5; 
J.O.Y. - Grades 6-8; 
G.O.Y.A. - High School; 
Y.A.L. - College - 35 yrs. old

The officers of our youth groups are:

H.O.P.E.
Kathleen Ramirez, President 
Nicholas Affholter, Vice-President

J.O.Y.
Kylie Affholter, President
Alexia Mason, Vice-President 


G.O.Y.A.
Eva Borden, President 
Eleni Davis, Vice-President 
Matthew Myrtakis, Treasurer 
Elizabeth Davis, Secretary
Jacob Gavrilis, Corresponding Secretary

The GOYA will be having their monthly Fireside Chat on Monday, May 15th, at 7:00 p.m.  Please see the Weekly Bulletin for details.
  

MOTHER'S OF ORTHODOX MINORS (MOMs)
Calling all MOMS!!! Our M.O.M.S group invites you to their February gathering on Friday, May 5th at 9:00 a.m.  They will be meeting at Greens Table (501 Bangs Ave.) Please join us for delicious coffee and fantastic conversation.  If you have any questions, please contact Diane Hillas.



PARISH BOOKSTORE
It has been said: "The more you read.the more you know!" We have a great selection of books, icons, music and other items that every Orthodox Christian can use! Our bookstore is brimming with new arrivals that also make excellent gifts for every occasion.

We have received a new selection of books for all ages.  The Holy Week Book; The Lenten Spring; If we Confess our Sins; Praying with the Orthodox Mind; Becoming Icons of Christ; Beginners Guide to Prayer; Meditations for Great Lent; Goodnight Jesus; and others.  In addition, we have received some fun Orthodox games for young people.  Other titles in our bookstore include: Everytime I Do My Cross; When God Made You; Food - Faith and Fasting (A Sacred Journey to Better Health; Thirty Steps to Heaven; Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives (Teachings of the Elder Thaddeus); Father Arseny; The Meditations of Fr. Thaddeus; Meditations for Holy Week; and several other children’s titles that include: Pictures of God and From God to You.  In addition, our bookstore has many excellent gifts for every occasion.  Please visit our Bookstore during Fellowship Hour!


ANNUNCIATION GREEK DANCE GROUP NEWS
Our Annunciation Dancers would like to thank our Parish Family for their love and support throughout the year.  During Great Lent our Greek Folk Dance Ministry takes a break.  Registratino and practices for our Greek Folk Dance Ministry have resumed.  Practice is held every Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy.  All dancers are expected to be in Church at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy and to attend Sunday Church School.  Please register your dancers today!

Over the years families that have been involved in our Greek Folk Dance ministry have been gracious to loan their costumes for other young dancers and we thank them. We would like to remind the families that may have borrowed costumes in the past to please return them as quickly as possible. This includes all parts of the costume including jewelry and we ask that it be returned clean! Thank you!
  
Our Greek Folk Dance Ministry Executive Director is Manoli Rodarakis.  Assisting Manoli as directors this year were:

Poulakia – Katie Hatton, Eva Borden & PJ Zanotto
Nea Omada – Dimitra Wilson & Frankie Zanotto
Oli Mazi – Stavros Stathoudakis & Markella Tsatsaronis
Panikos – Manoli Rodarakis & Sophia Thymakis

The Dance Parent Support Group officers elected to serve for 2016-2017 are: 

Aliki Alexander - President 
Janelle Hatton - Vice-President
Anna Affholter - Treasurer
Kelly Lemons - Secretary


PARISH PROJECTS
The ongoing responsibility to maintain the beauty and safety of our church complex is of utmost importance.  We have accomplished many projects and express our appreciation to the Stewards and Friends of our Parish that have been so generous to our ministry.

In the last three years we have completed: 

1. The replacement of the doors throughout our facility which was approximately $25,000.00. 
2. The installation of new lighting around the complex perimeter that was completed at a cost of $3500.00. 
3. The new lighting in front of the church (replacing the old MID poles) has finished. The cost of this project was $23,000.00. 
4. Sealing and repairing the parking lot - cost $17,000.00 
5. The addition of new curbing on back parking lot planters - cost $4,000.00.
6. New lighting in the Classroom Building - cost $10,000.00...DONATED.
7. New Heating/Air Conditioning for the back of the Church Hall - cost $12,000.00; 
8. Upgrading of the main electrical panel of our Church complex - cost $3,000.00.
9. Painting of the outdoor pavilion. (Donated.)
10. Landscaping in the upgraded planters behind our complex.
11. Trimming of the cypress trees. (Donated)
12. Upgrade to the Internet Broadcast equipment.
13. Painting of the Vestry and Sacristy. (Donated).
14. Sound System for the Pavilion. (Donated).
15. 2 Flagpoles (Donated).
16. New handicap ramp on side of the church (Donated).
17. Remodeling of the Classroom Building (Donated).
18. New and repair of gutters on the entire church complex (Donated and completed).
19. Security cameras inside and outside our facilities (Donated).
20. A new sound system for the church (Donated and completed).
21. A railed platform area and ramp behing the kitchen. (Donated and completed.)
22. Roofing repairs over the kitchen, Lodge Room and entry way to the Hall. (Completed at a cost of $12,580.00)
23. Resealing and restriping of the front Church parking lot and area behind the kitchen. (Completed at a cost of $10,500.00)
24. The purchase of 3 AED units (Donated)

We, again,  are grateful to the parishioners that have already made contributions towards these projects. 

Recently, we have received donations for new items that will be used during Divine Services.  They are:

1.  New Acolyte Robes (Donated and received);
2.  A new Resurrection Candleholder (Donated and received);
3.  2 new sets of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated and received);
4.  A set of new Bishop Candlesticks (Donated and received);
5.  A new Gospel in Greek and English (Donated and received);
6.  A new set of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated)
7.  One Rantistirion (Sprinkler) for Holy Week (Donated)
8.  Two silver vigil lights that are placed on each side of the Cross (Donated);
9.  An icon of the Virgin Mary Directress (Donated)
10. A new set of covers for the Holy Altar Table and Chalice Set (Donated and received)
11. Updating of our electronic Carillon (bell) system (Donated)

UPCOMING PROJECTS

If you would like to contribute toward ecclesiastical items needed, please contact Fr. Jon or a member of the Parish Council.

Having evaluated the chandeliers in our church, it has been decided by the Parish Council, with the approval of the Parish Assembly, to replace the seven (7) chandeliers in the church.  The reason is that the wiring to the light sockets and the wires that hold the crystals are becoming brittle and starting to break.  Several light sockets are already out and we have been told that they are a potential fire hazzard. 

We have received amazing support in replacing the chandeliers.  They have been contracted to be made by the Dafereras Ecclesiastical Company in Athens, Greece. The following have been ordered:

1.  Replacement of the Church Chandeliers (7)
     A. Center Chandelier - $15,000.00 (Donated)
     B. 4 Chandeliers in the church - $5,000.00 (Donated)
     C. 2 Chandeliers in the narthex - $2,500.00 (Donated)


PARISH HERITAGE 
We encourage you to visit our Parish Website: www.goannunciation.org. It is frequently updated and contains the Monthly and Weekly Bulletins, along with photographs and other information about our Parish.


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
We are very blessed to have a wonderful church complex. This has only been accomplished by the generosity of the stewards of our Parish that understand the importance of gathering for Christian Orthodox Fellowship. We are grateful to everyone that has contributed over the years and we commit ourselves to be responsible to maintain our facilities to the best of our abilities.

For this to happen, we need YOUR support too! This is why we must remind parishioners that church property is not to be removed from our complex. Please do not remove plates, pans or other utensils from our facilities for any reason unless approved by the Parish Priest and Parish Council. If you have any items from the Cultural Center please return them this week. In addition, we would like to remind parishioners that we rely on volunteers to serve the meals at our luncheons. During meals that are served in our Church Hall please do not enter the kitchen unless you are volunteerin g to help! We thank you for your understanding and support!


PLEASE REMEMBER
The demands on each individual and family are great. In an effort to understand this we would like to remind our parishioners that before anyone plans on selling items in our church complex or during Parish activities, they must have the approval of the Parish Priest. We also understand that organizations within our Community, as well as, organizations we may support, have a need to raise funds for their activities. We do not want times of fellowship to become a time when parishioners may be bombarded to purchase items.

We would also like to remind everyone that the placement of flyers on our cars is prohibited! Flyers that you wish to have distributed may be brought by the Church Office for approval and then included in either our Monthly and/or Weekly bulletins.


IN TIMES OF ILLNESS
"Come, O blessed of my father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;.for I was sick and you visited me." (Matt. 25:31-46). When a member of our Parish is ill and has been hospitalized or may be recuperating at home, the immediate family of the ill person should contact the Church Office, 522-7694. It is beneficial to both the body and the soul when our priest prays for us when we are healthy or ill. The local hospitals will not notify us when an Orthodox Christian has been admitted to the hospital, so it is imperative that the immediate family accept this responsibility.


CHURCH BEHAVIOR
Divine Services on Sunday morning begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. There is no set time as to when the Divine Liturgy actually begins since the hymns of the Matins vary from week to week. According to actual Church Service procedures, each and every member of the congregation is required to be seated in the pews by the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. It is only through leniency that anyone is allowed to enter the Church once the Service has begun. Thus it behooves us not to take undue advantage of this leniency. Also, unnecessary noise is extremely distracting during worship, especially when it comes from the adults talking; in addition, our nursery is equipped with all the conveniences for young children and a parent to participate in the Liturgy. Please remember to prepare yourself properly to attend the Divine Liturgy; dress accordingly; do not chew gum; turn off your cell phone; and please do not create a disturbance. Please remember that the Parish Council members are re quired to see to the order during Church Services and everyone should follow their directions at all times.

"The Lord has given us many counsels and commandments to help us toward salvation. He has even given us a pattern of prayer, instructing us on how we are to pray. He has given us life, and with His accustomed generosity, He has also taught us how to pray. He has made it easy for us to be heard, as we pray to the Father in words taught us by the Son.Let us pray as God our Master has taught us. To ask the Father in words His Son has given us, to let Him hear the words of Christ ringing in our ears, is to make our prayer one of friendship, a family prayer." St. Cyprian, martyred Bishop of Carthage (+258)


OBLATION OFFERING
The Divine Liturgy begins with the offering of the faithful people of God. The gifts we bring forth are an expression of our faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Holy Communion makes us one with the Holy Trinity and is given for "remission of sins and life everlasting". The people are invited to bring forth their offering, i.e. "Prosforon", for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated. We use 4 prosfora on a regular Sunday and they may be given through our Philoptochos for a donation. The Eucharist Bread may be offered in memory of a loved one or for someone's health and well-being. Anyone wishing to donate the Eucharist Bread ("Prosphoron") on a particular Sunday may contact Anna Petrulakis, 522-0298.

In addition to contributing the Eucharist Bread it is customary to bring a bottle of olive oil for the vigil lights and a bottle of wine for Holy Communion. The ONLY wine being used for Holy Communion is Coumantaria and will now be available for purchase from the Church Office.

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“As the Father has sent Me,
so I send you...”
(John 20:21)


SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL


Our Sunday Church School program
is held each Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Parents are urged to bring their children to
Sunday Church School each Sunday

Ages 3 – Grade 12



Please be prompt in coming to church each Sunday and remember that the SS children are to sit in the front pews each Sunday!

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