Publish-header
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2024-04-07
Bulletin Contents
Parish News
Saints and Feasts
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Bulletin Inserts:
03_calvary
Organization Icon
St. Anna Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (908) 968-4004
  • Fax:
  • (908) 968-4002
  • Street Address:

  • 85 Voorhees Corner Road,

  • Flemington, NJ 08822

Contact Information

St. Anna Office staff


stannagoc@gmail.com | (908) 968-4004

Corresponding Secretary Paul Costalas


corrsecr@stannagoc.org | mobile (215) 850 0661

Services Schedule

Sunday Services:  Orthros 8:30 am; Divine Liturgy 9:30  am.  

Weekday Services:  See parish website calendar link for updates.

 

Past Bulletins


Parish News

Please refer to the 2024 Archiepiscopal and Synodical Encyclical for the Veneration of the Holy Cross PDFs attached to this bulletin.

Palm Sunday Fish Luncheon - On April 28th, we will be having a Palm Sunday Luncheon in our Fellowship Hall after Liturgy. All are welcome to join. The cost is $20 per person. Please register for the event using this link - app.wooclap.com/PALMSUN. 

2024 Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade: The annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Philadelphia is scheduled for today, April 7, 2024. Our community has been well represented at the Philadelphia Parade for the past few years and it would be a huge blessing to continue this proud tradition. Please see event chair Bill Johnson or any PC member with any additional questions. 

YOUTH MINISTRY CONTACTS:

Sunday School Director: Nikol Toulatos nikoltoulatos44@gmail.com
Greek School Director: Maria Sfondouris msfondouris@gmail.com
GOYA Head Advisor: Larisa Trumpy larisatrumpy@gmail.com
Hope & Joy Advisor: Kristen Diagelakis kdiagelakis@gmail.com
Greek Dance Lead: Larisa Trumpy larisatrumpy@gmail.com
Young Adult League (YAL): Kali Vaporakis rangerkali@gmail.com
College Care Package Ministry: Maria Tattoli mtattoli@gmail.com
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Chair: Lisa Soteropoulos lisasoteropoulos@gmail.com

MYRRH-BEARERS (MYROPHORES): Kristen Diagelakis will be coordinating the Myrrh-bearers (Myrophores) during Holy Friday evening service this year on May 3rd. Girls between ages 5-12 are welcome. Contact Kristen via email kdiagelakis@gmail.com if interested.

Oratorical Festival: Congratulations to Aris Diagelakis and Adriana Tattoli who represented our parish at the district level at the St. George Church in Hamilton on Saturday, April 6. 

Camp Good Shepherd: Ages 8 to 18!   June 23-29, 2024. The registration for Camp Good Shepherd has opened. Please see the bulletin insert flyer. The link to register is here: http://app.campdoc.com/register/cgsn 
 
Young Adults & Young Professionals are invited to a Pan-Orthodox Evening of Prayer, Fellowship, and Discussion with His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos on Friday, April 19th at 6PM. Enjoy a Lenten Potluck & Discussion with His Eminence in the Church Hall. Pease bring a Lenten (Vegan) Dish to share! Please refer to the "April 19 2024 Akathist and Potluck at Annunciation Elkins Park.pdf" attachment accompanying this bulletin.

LADIES PHILOPTOCHOS CORNER:    

We would like to warmly welcome Father Michael, Presvytera Adamantia, and Vasiliki, to our beautiful parish of St. Anna.
We are looking forward to getting to know you better.
 
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Thank you to all of our new and renewed members for a very successful membership drive! With your help, we look forward to our continued commitment to help those in need. The next General Membership meeting is on Sunday, April 21, 2024 directly after church services. Looking forward to seeing everyone there and welcoming Father Michael and Presvytera Adamantia in joining us.
 
Clinton Food PANTRY FOOD DRIVE is continuing till the end of April:
Please bring in non-perishable items to the church. There are 2 donation boxes outside the fellowship hall with a list of items desperately needed at our local area food pantries.  Please be as generous as you always are!! THANK YOU!!
 
EASTER BAKE SALE: Last day to order is April 8
Pre-order forms are now available at the Philoptochos table! Or please use this Bake Sale Link to pre-order: 
 
Orders will be available for pick-up on Palm Sunday, April 28th!
 
Baklava $12 - 6 pieces 
Variety Box $18 - 6 of each, Kourabiedes, Melomakarona, and Koulourakia
Walnut Roll $10 - each
Payment can be made by cash, check or Zelle. 
 
If you'd like to volunteer with baking, packaging and selling, please contact Popi Missios at kalliopi@aol.com or Aimee Douvris at aimeedouvris@gmail.com 
 
Philoptochos Easter Tsoureki Sale:

Tsourekia for Pascha are being sold through Sunday, April 7th.  Cost is $18. Orders may be picked up from church on Palm Sunday, April 28th.  Any questions, please contact Aimee Douvris at aimeedouvris@gmail.com or Arge Mardakis at mardakis@co.somerset.nj.us 

ST. ANNA BOOKSTORE NEWS. ST. ANNA BOOKSTORE NEWS.  Let's read a spiritual book and grow in our faith together. 

BOOKSTORE RECOMMENDATIONS February/March:
----Following our prior St. Anna Lenten Retreat with Dr. Eugenia Constantinou, we are recommending her books: "THINKING ORTHODOX" and "THE CRUCIFIXION OF THE KING OF GLORY".
----For Adults: "Making God Real in the Orthodox Christian Home".
----For Kids: various saint mini-books by Paterikon for Kids, matching games, and first prayer books.

If there is something in particular you are looking for, we can assist. Contact Angela Ferreira (angelaferreira37@gmail.com) or Aimee Douvris (aimeedouvris@gmail.com). 
 
 STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship is the sharing of the talents and treasures that God has provided for us. An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards.

2024 Stewardship Status: we have 111 Pledges totaling $177,490 and $95,964 received to date. We also have 6 families who have contributed $ 770 to date but have not submitted a stewardship card. It is important that all families complete a stewardship card to be considered a steward. Current Stewardship List and other stewardship information is posted in bulletin board by water cooler.

We need everyone’s participation to exceed this year’s stewardship pledge target of $215,000. If you have not done so already, we ask that you prayerfully consider your stewardship commitment and submit a 2024 pledge card as soon as you can.

…Remember a rich man is not one who has much, but one who gives much…..

2024 Stewardship List
       

* Contributed but have not submitted stewardship card

Report Date: Apr 5, 2024
       

1

Agelopoulos, Catherine and Alex

69

Nelson, Stephanie

2

Allen, Peter & Elena Stavrakas

70

Obiedzinsk, George & Stavroula Staikos

3

Archimedes, Alexander & Debbie

71

Panageas, Bill & Margaret

4

Argiropoulos, Anthony & Amy

72

Panageas, Sophia

5

Avgoustiniatos, Spyridon & Evangelia Arvanitidou

73

Panageas, Stella

6

Bunce, Daniel & Marianne

74

Panayote, William & Deborah

7

Callanan, Ryan & Christina Roros

75

Peppe, George & Demetra

8

Collett, Martin & Adriane

76

Petromelis, Christopher

9

Connell, William & Nikki

77

Petromelis, Phyllis

10

Costalas, Paul & Josephine

78

Procyk, Eugenia

11

Coutros, George & Lana

79

Rentoulis, Nikolaos

12

Coutros, Peter

80

Sacalis, John

13

Coutsouridis, John & Denise

81

Sakellos, Alexandra

14

Diagelakis, Gerasimos & Kristen

82

Sakellos, Evan & Catherine

15

Diamantis, Ioannis & Gerasimoula

83

Sakellos, George

16

Diver, Sean & Joanne

84

Samouhos, Evan&Melanie

17

Doty, James & Kathy

85

Sauma, Abdo & Gladys

18

Douvris, John & Aimee

86

Sauma, Hadi & Natalie

19

Dowling, Michael & Angelique Xirouhakis

87

Seigler, Ryan & Elefteria Lambrou *

20

Ferreira, Jorge & Angela

88

Shepardson, Lilyan

21

Finley, Thomas & Antoinette

89

Sideris, Leonidas & Elizabeth

22

Foglia, Katina

90

Soteropoulos, Dean & Elizabeth

23

Gabriel & Ioana Patuleanu Swift

91

Staikos, George & Christi

24

Georgeles, George & Maria

92

Staikos, Nicholas, Eirini Daskalakis

25

Giambrone, Charles J *

93

Stathopulos, Peter&Julan, Adriana *

26

Gianakos, Michael & Dianne

94

Steubing, Michael & Maria Katsamani

27

Gianakos, Phillip & Arianna

95

Stier, Benjamin & Eleftheria Tsatsos

28

Giannouris, John & Tracey

96

Szymborski, Christopher & Maria

29

Gianos, Irene

97

Tattoli, Larry & Maria

30

Gimbel, Benjamin & Maria

98

Toulatos, Nikoleta

31

Glynos, Peter & Cindy

99

Toulatos, Polixenia

32

Grina, Peter & Diana

100

Tsatsos, Costa & Maria

33

Hawes, Ashlynn

101

Tsistinas, Theodora

34

Hawes, Brian & Allison Faches

102

Tsokas, Lorraine

35

Hawes, Teagan

103

Tsokas-Johnson, Bill

36

Iliopoulos, Christos & Anna

104

Tsokas-Johnson, Gloria

37

Janulis, Paul and Joan

105

Tzovolos, Olympia

38

John Trontis

106

Vaporakis, Efharis Karise

39

Kaldes, John & Zoi

107

Vaporakis, John & Kim

40

Kamnitsis, Constantine & Nancy

108

Vaporakis, Kaliope

41

Kanterakis, Anthony & Maria

109

Vaporakis, Mihail

42

Karabasis, Efstratios

110

Vespa, Paul & Fay

43

Karazoupis, Vasilios & Panayiota

111

Vlahakes, Louis & Anastasia

44

Kazantzis, Sava & Nancy

112

Vlahakis, Dan

45

Kosoglou, Arianna *

113

Wolf, Chad and Jennifer

46

Kosoglou, Teddy and Roula *

114

Wygera, Walter & Constance

47

Kousoulas, Constantine

115

Zanidakis, Charlotte

48

Kousoulas, Evangelos

116

Zannikos, Peter & Amy

49

Kousoulas, Fr. Anastasios & Presv. Nektaria

117

Zervos, Alexandros and Mary

50

Kousoulas, Panayiotis

118

 

51

Kubu, James & Evangeline

119

 

52

Kydonieus, Angela and Demitrios

120

 

53

Kypridakes, Michael & Asimina

121

 

54

Logothetis, Nikita & Sophia

122

 

55

Lutkus, Anthony & Vasiliki *

123

 

56

Manoussakis, Stamati & Sofia

124

 

57

Manteo, Michael & Gramatiki

125

 

58

Mardakis, Arge

126

 

59

Mariani, Anthony & Kristen

127

 

60

Martin, Stephen & Despina

128

 

61

Martini, Matt & Meropi, Louis

129

 

62

Mavrode, John Steven

130

 

63

Mavrode, Michael & Demetra

131

 

64

Mavrode, Ouania (Ronnie)

132

 

65

Mavrode, William & Vanessa

133

 

66

McElroy, Stephanie

134

 

67

Millett, Matthew & Maria

135

 

68

Missios, Michael & Popi

136

 

KIDNEY DONOR NEEDED:

We come to you with a heartfelt message on behalf of the family of National Philoptochos Board Member Joanne Kakoyiannis. Joanne has been a long-standing National Philoptochos Board member who has been rooted in the mission of the Greek Orthodox Church throughout her entire life. She is currently facing stage 5 chronic kidney disease and urgently requires a kidney transplant.

Her doctors have informed them that time is of the essence. If Joanne has to rely on a kidney from a deceased donor, the wait would optimistically be 5 - 8 years, during which time she would need to undergo dialysis. This extended period on dialysis would take a toll on her health, negatively impacting the quality of her life.

They’ve learned that the best solution is a kidney transplant from a living donor. This process is quicker, and once the match is made and tests are cleared, the transplant could happen in less than a year. Moreover, a kidney from a living donor tends to have a longer lifespan compared to one from a deceased donor.

Despite their sincere desire to donate a kidney, medical evaluations reveal that her husband, Peter Kakoyiannis, is not compatible with Joanne. Their children are being evaluated but are likely to face similar incompatibility issues because of a few factors, including Joanne’s blood type, which is O-positive.

Recognizing that a living transplant offers Joanne the best chances, they are reaching out to each of you. Considering becoming a living donor is a significant decision. Joanne is working with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Kidney Transplant Program (“Penn”), and they are available for confidential discussions to provide information about the living donation process, address your concerns, and answer any questions you may have. You can contact Penn at (215) 662-6200 or visit their website and intake form here. All communication with the Donation Center is confidential, and Joanne’s family will only be advised if there is a suitable match. Thankfully, Joanne's medical insurance covers the transplant and hospitalization, ensuring there is no financial burden on the donor.

If you are not in a position to be a donor but know someone who may be open to this possibility, please let them know about Joanne’s situation and feel free to share this letter. They also have built a personal site that tells Joanne’s story, so please share it widely using social media: http://www.helpingjoannefindakidney.com/

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out to Penn (tel 215-662-6200 and website here). Peter Kakoyiannis (tel 215-715-5378; email petrok@gmail.com) and Jason Kakoyiannis (213-590-9125; jason@jasonkak.com) are available for confidential discussions as well.

In summary, Joanne's health is rapidly declining, and without a kidney transplant, her situation will continue to worsen. At the same time, they’re approaching this situation with hope and gratitude and are optimistic that, with your support and their group of friends, family, and community, they can find a solution for Joanne's urgent need.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,

The Kakoyiannis Family (Peter, Jason, Alana, Marissa, & Joanne)
 
BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

03_calvary
April 07

Sunday of the Holy Cross

With the help of God, we have almost reached the middle of the course of the Fast, where our strength has been worn down through abstinence, and the full difficulty of the labour set before us becomes apparent. Therefore our holy Mother, the Church of Christ, now brings to our help the all-holy Cross, the joy of the world, the strength of the faithful, the staff of the just, and the hope of sinners, so that by venerating it reverently, we might receive strength and grace to complete the divine struggle of the Fast.

Allsaint
April 07

Gerasimos the God-Bearer of Byzantium

Allsaint
April 07

Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and Enlightener of North America

Born in 1865 in the region of Pskov, our Father among the Saints Tikhon was tonsured a monk in 1891 and ordained to the priesthood in the same year. In 1897 he was consecrated Bishop of Lublin, and a year later appointed Bishop of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, with his see extending to all of North America from 1900 onwards. He did much to unite the Orthodox Christians of a great many ethnic backgrounds in North America, so that there was indeed one flock under one shepherd. In 1907 he was made Archbishop of Yaroslavl and Rostov, and in 1913, Archbishop of Lithuania.

In 1917, when he was Metropolitan of Moscow, he was elected to be the first Patriarch of Russia in over 200 years, in times that could not have been more difficult. After the Revolution of 1917, the persecution of the Russian Church by the atheist government grew more bold and more fierce with every year. By nature a meek and peace-loving man, Tikhon sought to determine, while giving only to God that which is God's, what could be given to Caesar to preserve peace and avoid the shedding of blood. At his departure on the feast of the Annunciation in 1925, Saint Tikhon made the sign of the Cross thrice, pronouncing the words, "Glory to Thee, O God!" Because of the many unspeakable sufferings he endures as Patriarch, he is honoured as a Confessor.

Note: St. Tikhon's repose was on the Feast of the Annunciation according to the Old Calendar (March 25), but on the New Calendar his repose falls on April 7.

BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal 2nd Tone. Psalm 27.9,1.
O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance.
Verse: To you, O Lord, I have cried, O my God.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6.

BRETHREN, since we have a high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, "Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee"; as he says also in another place, "Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek."

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Holy Cross
The Reading is from Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

The Lord said: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power."

BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the 3rd Tone

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Apolytikion for Sun. of the Holy Cross in the 1st Tone

Save, O Lord, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unto the faithful victory over adversaries. And by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.

Apolytikion for St. Anna (Dec. 9) in the 4th Tone

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed; for God hearkened to Joachim and Anna. And though it was beyond hope, He clearly promised them that they should bear a divine child, from whom was born the Uncircumscribable One Himself Who became a mortal, and through an Angel commanded them to cry unto her: Rejoice, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee."

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal 4th Tone

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

The key to knowledge is the humility of Christ. The door of the Kingdom of Heaven is open, not to those who only know in their learned minds the mysteries of faith and the commandments of their Creator, but to those who have progressed far enough to live by them.
St. Bede the Venerable
Unknown, 8th century

To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself, according to St. Paul means "to be dead to sin. . . but alive to God."
St. Innocent of Alaska
The Lenten Spring, SVS Press, p. 147, 19th Century

BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts:

BACK TO TOP