Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Fourth Mode

The joyful news of Your resurrection was told to the women disciples of the Lord by the angel. And throwing off the ancestral curse, they boastingly told the Apostles: death has been vanquished; Christ our God is risen, bestowing great mercy on the world.

Τὸ φαιδρὸν τῆς Ἀναστάσεως κήρυγμα, ἐκ τοῦ Ἀγγέλου μαθοῦσαι αἱ τοῦ Κυρίου Μαθήτριαι, καὶ τὴν προγονικὴν ἀπόφασιν ἀπορρίψασαι, τοῖς Ἀποστόλοις καυχώμεναι ἔλεγον· Ἐσκύλευται ὁ θάνατος, ἠγέρθη Χριστὸς ὁ Θεός, δωρούμενος τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

To fedron tis Anastaseos kyrygma, ek tu Angelu mathuseh eh tu Kyriu Mathitrieh, ke tin progonikin apofasin aporripsaseh, tis Apostolis kafkhomeneh elegon; Eskylefte o thanatos, eegerthi Christos o Theos, dorumenos toh kosmo toh mega eleos.

Apolytikion for Hieromartyr Anthimus in the Fourth Mode

O holy hieromartyr Anthimos, you lent yourself to the Apostles’ way of life and succeeded them on their throne. Inspired by God, you found the way to contemplation through the practice of virtue; wherefore you became a perfect teacher of the truth, fighting for the Faith unto the shedding of your blood. Intercede with Christ God that He may save our souls.

Καί τρόπων μέτοχος, καί θρόνων διάδοχος, τών Αποστόλων γενόμενος, τήν πράξιν εύρες Θεόπνευστε, εις θεωρίας επίβασιν, διά τούτο τόν λόγον τής αληθείας ορθοτομών, καί τή πίστει ενήθλησας μέχρις αίματος, Ιερομάρτυς Άνθιμε, πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Ke tropon metohos, ke thronon diadohos, tohn Apostolon yenomenos, tin praxin evres theopnevste, ees theories epivasin; dia tuto tohn logon tis alithias orthotomon, ke ti pisti enithlisas mekris ehmatos, Ieromartys Anthime; presveve Christo toh Theo, sothineh tas psychas eemon.

Apolytikion for Righteous Theoctistus and Euthymius in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O Theoktistos, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls.

Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Θεόκτιστε Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

Tes tohn dakrion su ro-es, tis erimu toh agonon eyeorghisas, ke tis ek vathus stenagmis, ees ekaton tus povnus ekarpoforisas; ke yegonas foster, ti eekumeni lambon tis thavmasin, Theoktiste patir eemon osie; presveve Christo toh Theo, sothine tas psyhas eemon.

Apolytikion of the Annunciation in the Fourth Mode

Today is the crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery planned from eternity; the Son of God, becomes the Virgin’s Son, and Gabriel announces the grace. Wherefore, we along with him, to the Theotokos let us cry out: Rejoice, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.

Σήμερον τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν τὸ Κεφάλαιον, καὶ τοῦ ἀπ' αἰῶνος Μυστηρίου ἡ φανέρωσις, ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, Υἱὸς τῆς Παρθένου γίνεται, καὶ Γαβριὴλ τὴν χάριν εὐαγγελίζεται. Διὸ καὶ ἡμεῖς σὺν αὐτῷ τὴ Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν· Χαῖρε Κεχαριτωμένη, ὁ Κύριος μετὰ σοῦ.

Simeron tis sotirias eemon to Kefalaion, ke tu ap’eonos Mystiriu ee fanerosis; o Ios tu Theu, Ios tis Parthenu ghinete, ke Gavri-il tin harin evangelizete. Dio ke eemis syn afto ti Theotoke voisomen; Haire Keharitomeni, o Kyrios meta su.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

In your holy birth, Immaculate One, Joachim and Anna were rid of the shame of childlessness; Adam and Eve of the corruption of death. And so your people, free of the guilt of their sins, celebrate crying: "The barren one gives birth to the Theotokos, who nourishes our life."

Ιωακείμ καί Άννα όνειδισμού ατεκνίας, καί Αδάμ καί Εύα, εκ τής φθοράς τού θανάτου, ηλευθερώθησαν, Άχραντε, εν τή αγία γεννήσει σου, αυτήν εορτάζει καί ο λαός σου, ενοχής τών πταισμάτων, λυτρωθείς εν τώ κράζειν σοι, Η στείρα τίκτει τήν Θεοτόκον, καί τροφόν τής ζωής ημών.

Ioakim ke Anna onidismu ateknias, ke Adam ke Eva, ek tis fthoras tu thanatu, eeleftherothisan Akrante, en ti Aghia yennisi su. Aftin eortazi ke o laos su, enohis ton ptesmaton, litrothis en toh krazin si: ee stira tikti tin Theotokon, ke trofon tis zois eemon.

Saints and Feasts

September 03

Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedea

After the death of the 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia, their Bishop Anthimus fled to a certain village to care for his remaining flock. The Emperor Maximian sent men in search of him. When they found him, he promised to show Anthimus to them, but first took them in as guests, fed them, and only then made himself known to them. Amazed at his kindness, the soldiers promised him to tell Maximian that they had not found him. But Anthimus went willingly with them, and converting them by his admonitions, baptized them on the way. He boldly confessed his Faith before Maximian, and after frightful tortures was beheaded in the year 303 or 304.

September 03

Holy Father Theoctistus and his fellow struggler Euthymius the Great

Saint Theoctistus, a monk at the Palestinian lavra of Pharan, embraced a more severe life in the wilderness with his friend Saint Euthymius the Great. They founded a monastery, of which Theoctistus was the abbot. He reposed in deep old age in 451.

September 04

Moses the Prophet & Godseer

The Prophet Moses-whose name means "one who draws forth," or "is drawn from," that is, from the water-was the pinnacle of the lovers of wisdom, the supremely wise lawgiver, the most ancient historian of all. He was of the tribe of Levi, the son of Amram and Jochabed (Num. 26:59). He was born in Egypt in the seventeenth century before Christ. While yet a babe of three months, he was placed in a basket made of papyrus and covered with pitch, and cast into the streams of the Nile for fear of Pharaoh's decree to the mid-wives of the Hebrews, that all the male children of the Hebrews be put to death. He was taken up from the river by Pharaoh's daughter, became her adopted son, and was reared and dwelt in the King's palace for forty years. Afterward, when he was some sixty years old, he fled to Madian, where, on Mount Horeb, he saw the vision of the burning bush. Thus he was ordained by God to lead Israel and bring it out of the land of Egypt. He led Israel through the Red Sea as it were dry land and governed the people for forty years. He wrought many signs and wonders, and wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, which are called the Pentateuch. When he reached the land of Moab, he ascended Mount Nabau, on the peak called Phasga, and there, by divine command, he reposed in the sixteenth century before Christ, having lived for some 120 years. The first two Odes of the Old Testament, "Let us sing to the Lord" and "Attend, O heaven, and I will speak," were written by him. Of these hymns, the first was chanted by the shore of the Red Sea as soon as the Israelites had crossed it; the second, in the land of Moab, a few days before his repose. The Holy High Priest Aaron was the elder brother of the Holy Prophet Moses. He was appointed by God to serve as the spokesman of Moses before the people, and also before Pharaoh, in Egypt. Afterwards, in the wilderness, he was called to the ministry of the high priesthood, as narrated in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers in the Old Testament. The name Aaron means "enlightened."

September 05

Holy Prophet Zacharias, Father of the Venerable Forerunner

According to the opinion of many Fathers of the Church, based on an ancient tradition, this is the Zacharias whom, as our Lord said, the Jews slew between the temple and the altar (Matt. 23:35), first, because even after the Virgin Mary gave birth, he continued to refer to her as virgin and number her among the virgins; second, because Zacharias' son John was not found during the slaughter of the Innocents, since the elderly Elizabeth had taken him and carefully hid him while he was yet an infant, in an unnamed place somewhere in the desert, where, according to the Evangelist, "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel" (Luke 1:80). When the child was not found, his father was slain by Herod's command.

September 06

The Commemoration of the Miracle Wrought by Archangel Michael in Colossae (Chonae)

The feast today in honour of the Archangel Michael commemorates the great miracle he wrought when he delivered from destruction a church and holy spring named for him. The pagans, moved by malice, sought to destroy the aforesaid church and holy spring by turning the course of two rivers against them. But the Archangel appeared and, by means of the Cross and a great earthquake that shook the entire area, diverted the waters into an underground course. Henceforth, the name of that place changed from Colossae to Chonae, which means "funnels" in Greek.

September 07

Sozon the Martyr

This holy Martyr was a shepherd in Lycaonia. Born a pagan, named Tarasius, he received holy Baptism and was renamed Sozon. Filled with zeal for the truth, he taught his countrymen to desist from the worship of idols. Once he entered the temple of Artemis in Pompeiopolis of Cilicia, cut off the golden hand of the idol, and breaking it in pieces, distributed it among the poor. When he saw that many were being unjustly punished for the theft, of his own accord he gave himself up to Maximian the Governor. He was beaten with rods until his bones were broken. According to some, he suffered martyrdom in 288; according to others, in 304.

September 08

The Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

According to the ancient tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was born of barren and aged parents, Joachim and Anna, about the year 16 or 17 before the birth of Christ. Joachim was descended from the royal line of David, of the tribe of Judah. Anna was of the priestly tribe of Levi, a daughter of the priest Matthan and Mary, his wife.

September 09

The Holy & Righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna

Today, the day following the Nativity of the most holy Theotokos, we celebrate the synaxis of Saints Joachim and Anna, honouring them as her parents.

September 10

Menodora, Metrodora, & Nymphodora the Martyrs

These Martyrs, sisters according to the flesh, were from Bithynia. They lived in virginity on a mountain near the Pythian hot springs of Bithynia, devoting themselves to asceticism and prayer. Betrayed to the local governor, Fronto, they were subjected to frightful tortures, and so gave up their holy souls into the hands of God. They contested for the Faith during the reign of Maximian, in the year 304.

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Second Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:1-8

When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back, for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." And they went out and fled from the tomb; for trembling and astonishment had come upon them; and they said nothing to any one, for they were afraid.

Second Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:1-8

Καὶ διαγενομένου τοῦ σαββάτου Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ καὶ Μαρία ἡ τοῦ ᾿Ιακώβου καὶ Σαλώμη ἠγόρασαν ἀρώματα ἵνα ἐλθοῦσαι ἀλείψωσιν αὐτόν. καὶ λίαν πρωῒ τῆς μιᾶς σαββάτων ἔρχονται ἐπὶ τὸ μνημεῖον, ἀνατείλαντος τοῦ ἡλίου. καὶ ἔλεγον πρὸς ἑαυτάς· τίς ἀποκυλίσει ἡμῖν τὸν λίθον ἐκ τῆς θύρας τοῦ μνημείου; καὶ ἀναβλέψασαι θεωροῦσιν ὅτι ἀποκεκύλισται ὁ λίθος· ἦν γὰρ μέγας σφόδρα. καὶ εἰσελθοῦσαι εἰς τὸ μνημεῖον εἶδον νεανίσκον καθήμενον ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, περιβεβλημένον στολὴν λευκήν, καὶ ἐξεθαμβήθησαν. ὁ δὲ λέγει αὐταῖς· μὴ ἐκθαμβεῖσθε· ᾿Ιησοῦν ζητεῖτε τὸν Ναζαρηνὸν τὸν ἐσταυρωμένον· ἠγέρθη, οὐκ ἔστιν ὧδε· ἴδε ὁ τόπος ὅπου ἔθηκαν αὐτόν. ἀλλ᾿ ὑπάγετε εἴπατε τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ Πέτρῳ ὅτι προάγει ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν· ἐκεῖ αὐτὸν ὄψεσθε, καθὼς εἶπεν ὑμῖν. καὶ ἐξελθοῦσαι ἔφυγον ἀπὸ τοῦ μνημείου· εἶχε δὲ αὐτὰς τρόμος καὶ ἔκστασις, καὶ οὐδενὶ οὐδὲν εἶπον· ἐφοβοῦντο γάρ.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Fourth Mode. Psalm 103.24,1.
O Lord, how manifold are your works. You have made all things in wisdom.
Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 16:13-24.

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Προκείμενον. Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 103.24,1.
Ὡς ἐμεγαλύνθη τὰ ἔργα σου Κύριε, πάντα ἐν σοφίᾳ ἐποίησας.
Στίχ. Εὐλόγει ἡ ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Κορινθίους α' 16:13-24.

Ἀδελφοί, γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε. Πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω. Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί - οἴδατε τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ, ὅτι ἐστὶν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀχαΐας, καὶ εἰς διακονίαν τοῖς ἁγίοις ἔταξαν ἑαυτούς - ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις, καὶ παντὶ τῷ συνεργοῦντι καὶ κοπιῶντι. Χαίρω δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ Στεφανᾶ καὶ Φουρτουνάτου καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ, ὅτι τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν. Ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν· ἐπιγινώσκετε οὖν τοὺς τοιούτους. Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῆς Ἀσίας· ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς ἐν κυρίῳ πολλὰ Ἀκύλας καὶ Πρίσκιλλα, σὺν τῇ κατʼ οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίᾳ. Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες. Ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ. Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου. Εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα. Μαρὰν ἀθά. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μεθʼ ὑμῶν. Ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. Ἀμήν.

Gospel Reading

13th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 21:33-42

The Lord said this parable, "There was a householder who planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a wine press in it, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. When the season of fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants, to get his fruit; and the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did the same to them. Afterward he sent his son to them, saying 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir; come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.' And they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" They said to him, "He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons." Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'"

13th Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 21:33-42

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· ῎Αλλην παραβολὴν ἀκούσατε. ἄνθρωπός τις ἦν οἰκοδεσπότης, ὅστις ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα καὶ φραγμὸν αὐτῷ περιέθηκε καὶ ὤρυξεν ἐν αὐτῷ ληνὸν καὶ ᾠκοδόμησε πύργον, καὶ ἐξέδοτο αὐτὸν γεωργοῖς καὶ ἀπεδήμησεν. ὅτε δὲ ἤγγισεν ὁ καιρὸς τῶν καρπῶν, ἀπέστειλε τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ πρὸς τοὺς γεωργοὺς λαβεῖν τοὺς καρποὺς αὐτοῦ. καὶ λαβόντες οἱ γεωργοὶ τοὺς δούλους αὐτοῦ ὃν μὲν ἔδειραν, ὃν δὲ ἀπέκτειναν, ὃν δὲ ἐλιθοβόλησαν. πάλιν ἀπέστειλεν ἄλλους δούλους πλείονας τῶν πρώτων, καὶ ἐποίησαν αὐτοῖς ὡσαύτως. ὕστερον δὲ ἀπέστειλε πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ λέγων· ἐντραπήσονται τὸν υἱόν μου. οἱ δὲ γεωργοὶ ἰδόντες τὸν υἱὸν εἶπον ἐν ἑαυτοῖς· οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ κληρονόμος· δεῦτε ἀποκτείνωμεν αὐτὸν καὶ κατάσχωμεν τὴν κληρονομίαν αὐτοῦ. καὶ λαβόντες αὐτὸν ἐξέβαλον ἔξω τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος, καὶ ἀπέκτειναν. ὅταν οὖν ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος, τί ποιήσει τοῖς γεωργοῖς ἐκείνοις; λέγουσιν αὐτῷ· κακοὺς κακῶς ἀπολέσει αὐτούς, καὶ τὸν ἀμπελῶνα ἐκδώσεται ἄλλοις γεωργοῖς, οἵτινες ἀποδώσουσιν αὐτῷ τοὺς καρποὺς ἐν τοῖς καιροῖς αὐτῶν. λέγει αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· οὐδέποτε ἀνέγνωτε ἐν ταῖς γραφαῖς, λίθον ὃν ἀπεδοκίμασαν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, οὗτος ἐγενήθη εἰς κεφαλὴν γωνίας· παρὰ Κυρίου ἐγένετο αὕτη, καὶ ἔστι θαυμαστὴ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς ἡμῶν;

Wisdom of the Fathers

Many things does He intimate by this parable, God's providence, which had been exercised towards them from the first; their murderous disposition from the beginning; that nothing had been omitted of whatever pertained to a heedful care of them;...

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 68 on Matthew 21, 4th Century

And observe also both His great care, and the excessive idleness of these men for what pertained to the husbandmen, He Himself did ... and He left little for them to do; to take care of what was there, and to preserve what was given to them.

St. John Chrysostom

Homily 68 on Matthew 21, 4th Century

PARISH NEWS

PARISH LEADERSHIP

REV. FR. JON MAGOULIAS
PARISH PRIEST

JAYLEN FRENCH
PARISH COUNCIL PRESIDENT

DIVINE SERVICES
Saturday,                 September 2^ndGreat Vespers 5:00 p.m.

Sunday,                   September   3^rd
13^th Sunday of Matthew
Epistle       1 Cor.      16:13-24
Gospel       Matt.       21:33-42
Sunday Divine Services                        9:00 a.m.

Friday,                     September   8^th
The Nativity of the Theotokos
Epistle     Phil.         2:5-11
Gospel     Luke      10:38-42. 11:27-28
Divine Services                                    8:30 a.m.

Saturday,                 September 9^thGreat Vespers 5:00 p.m.

Sunday,                   September   3^rd
SUNDAY BEFORE THE HOLY CROSS
Epistle       Gal.       6:11-18
Gospel       John         3:13-17
Sunday Divine Services                        9:00 a.m.

Divine Services at our Church of the Annunciation can be viewed live on the Internet! Divine Services may 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.

In addition to the ability to view the live broadcast of services on the internet, one may now view services from our Facebook page: Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Modesto. From the Facebook site, the service may also be viewed after the service has concluded!

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.

This Sunday, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, we will have a Special Collection to assist the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana. If you wish to write a check, please make it out to: Annunciation Church and in the memo "IOCC".

Immediately following the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, we would like you to join us in the Very Rev. Emmanuel Papageorge Cultural Center for Christian Fellowship. This Sunday, we will be serving loukoumades and we would like to thank the Loukoumades Committee for hosting this annual event prior to our Greek Food Festival.

May you have a blessed week!

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, September 3^rd – Team 4: Jeff Brown, Stamatis Tsatsaronis & Mitch Word

Sunday, September 10^th – Team 1: Tony Gavrilis, Nick Faklis & Steve Pallios

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 ~ Frankie Zanotto ~ PJ Zanotto

Sunday, September 3^rd – Team B: Captain, Alex Alexander, Matthew Myrtakis, Michael Myrtakis, Dimitri Stamos and Chris Zanotto

Sunday, September 10^th – Team A: Captain, Jacob Gavrilis, Nicholas Affholter, Ryan Hatton, Carson Maroudas and Walter Lemons

OFFICE CLOSED
The church office will be closed on this Monday, September 4^th for Labor Day. The office will re-open Tuesday, September 5^th at 10:00 a.m.

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!

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 9:30 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 gives pertinent information about how we are to fulfill our role as Stewards of the Church. 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
The newly elected members of the Philoptochos Board are: Maria Berris, Dena Brown, Diana Demetrulias, Mary Gavrilis, Tina Gianopoulos, Janelle Hatton, Helen Katotakis, Maria Skordos-Moore, Denna Tsatsaronis, Ella Velthoen, Eleni Venierakis, Gloria Vincent. Recently, the Philoptochos Board convened to elect officers. The newly elected officers are: Denna Tsatsaronis, President; Ella Velthoen, Vice-President; Dena Brown, Treasurer; and Mary Gavrilis, 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!

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.

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 Summer Sunday Church School ends this Sunday! The summer program has enabled us to build on our Religious Education Ministry. Divine Services will begin at 8:30 a.m. and Summer Sunday Church School at 9:30 a.m.

On Sunday, September 3rd, we will begin our regular session of Sunday Church School. Young people ages 3-12 are expected to regularly particate in our Religious Education Ministry.

This Sunday, the students will attend Sunday School first and then come into the Divine Liturgy to sit in the front pews. On regular Sundays, the students will attend the Divine Liturgy first and should sit with their class in the front pews. In this way, those prepared to receive Holy Communion will come forward, following the Acolytes and the Choir members, and then go their class.

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. We wish to thank everyone that attended and supported the Kickoff Luncheon last weekend. It was a wonderful gathering of good food, fellowship and fun as we begin the celebration of the 52^nd Annual Greek Food Festival. Once again your generosity has been overwhelming. We have collected $16,290.00 as of August 31^stand we give thanks to God for your generous support!!! If you have not made a donation to help us offset these costs, please do so this week…

We have already begun to distribute tickets to be sold prior to the Festival. Please contact Bessie Grillos or the Church Offices so that you may sell the tickets to your co-workers, neighbors and friends. Your help in pre-selling tickets guarantees the success of our annual Greek Food Festival.

We also ask that you plan your schedule to join us for future baking days. They will be held: September 6^th; and September 11^th - September 15^th! Each baking date will begin at 8:00 a.m. Don’t forget your apron! Loukoumades Sunday is September 3^rd!

GFF Baking Days have begun! We wish to thank all the stewards who have already given of their Time and Talent to bake for this year's Festival. The 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.

Please plan your schedule to join us for future baking days. They will be held: September 6^th; and September 11^th - September 15^th! 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 members of HOPE, JOY, and GOYA will meet on Monday evening, September 4th, at 7:00 p.m., for their first meeting. We will be electing officers for the new year and planning our activities. Young people in Grades 3-12 are invited to attend.

We want to thank all the advisors of HOPE, JOY and GOYA for their support and guidance during the year.

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. New titles in our bookstore include: Turning The Heart To God; Walking In Wonder; Icon. One may also find: 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. Registration 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!

We will be reorganizing our groups once registrations have all be made. We look forward to a new year in our Greek Folk Dance ministry.

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 past year were:

Poulakia – Emily Davis & Angela Korakas
Nikites - Katie Hatton & PJ Zanotto
Chrysi 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 2017-2018 are:

Janelle Hatton - President
Aliki Alexander - Vice-President
Maria French - Treasurer
Cassandra Ramirez - 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 and installed)
12. The installation of 7 new chandeliers for the Church (Donated and completed).

UPCOMING PROJECTS

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

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

SEPTEMBER 3 - AUGUST 26
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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