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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
Publish Date: 2019-11-17
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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (916) 443-2033
  • Fax:
  • (916) 443-2743
  • Street Address:

  • 616 Alhambra Blvd

  • Sacramento, CA 95816


Contact Information








Services Schedule

Sundays & Appointed Weekdays:
Matins - 9:00 am
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 am

Summer Schedule for Sundays & Appointed Weekdays:
Matins - 8:30 am
Divine Liturgy - 9:30 am


Past Bulletins


This Week at Annunciation Sacramento

 

November 17 - November 24, 2019

 

Sunday, November 17th  

Epistle   Galatians 6:11-18
Gospel   Luke 12:16-21

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School
Greek Dance

Monday, November 18th

6:00 pm Parish Council Meeting

Tuesday, November 19th

5:30 pm Nea Genia Dance Practice
5:30 pm Hara Dance Practice

Wednesday, November 20th  

11:00 am Studies in the Faith
5:30 pm Greek School

Thursday, November 21st

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy: Presentation of the Theotokos into the Temple
5:30 pm Greek School
7:00 pm Choir Practice

Sunday, November 24th  

Epistle   Ephesians 2:4-10
Gospel   Luke 18:18-27

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School
Greek Dance

Philoptochos Pie Raffle 

7:00 pm Great Vespers: Feast of St. Katherine at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Elk Grove, CA.

 

Food Donation Drive

We will be collecting non-perishable food items this holiday season benefitting the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.
Please look for the blue bins in our Annunciation Hellenic Center Foyer or in your child’s Sunday School classroom.
Thank you for supporting our local food bank 

At and Around Annunciation Sacramento

Check out all the events at our church and around Sacramento!
http://www.annunciationsac.org/at-and-around-sacramento/

Please visit our parish website for the monthly calendar and to subscribe
http://www.AnnunciationSac.org/master-calendar/

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Bulletin Inserts

    Sunday Bulletin | November 17th

    Sunday Bulletin | November 17th

    The Sunday Bulletin from Sunday, November 17th


    Philoptochos Pie Raffle | November 24th

    Philoptochos Pie Raffle | November 24th

    Join us for our 8th Annual Pie Raffle! This Sunday! Tickets can be purchased in the Annunciation Hellenic Center during coffee hour.


    Support the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services!

    Support the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services!

    This year, our community will be running in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry on Thanksgiving morning! Unable to join us? You can donate to our team! Last year we raised the 2nd most of ALL TEAMS participating! All donations go directly to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. https://raceroster.com/events/2019/23509/run-to-feed-the-hungry-10k5k/pledge/team/202983


    Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale Pre-Orders

    Philoptochos Christmas Bake Sale Pre-Orders

    The Ladies of Philoptochos will be baking once again and offering Greek Pastries for the Christmas season. Drop by the Annunciation Hellenic Center foyer during coffee fellowship hour on December 8th, 15th, and 22nd and choose from an array of delicious sweets for your Christmas table or for gifts! Pre-Orders are also being accepted! Use the form here to pre-order your pastries!


    Christmas Decorating 2019 | December 4th

    Christmas Decorating 2019 | December 4th

    Christmas Angels needed to decorate the church for Christmas. Come help decorate on Tuesday, December 4th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please meet in the church. For details, please contact Donis Whaley (916) 548-3036


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Homily

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Homily offered by Fr. Timothy Robinson on November 17, 2019

https://youtu.be/Q844irs2REw

As part of our outreach ministry, we are pleased to announce that divine services at our church are now being streamed live on Facebook!  The purpose of this ministry is to provide an opportunity to view our church services for those who are not physically able to make it to services, like shut-ins and college students away from home, as well as people interested in learning about our precious Orthodox Christian Faith.  Again, this is not a substitute for those who are able to come to church.

Recordings of the Sunday Homily will still be posted to our YouTube channel.

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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Elpidophoros Keynote Speaker at the Ecumenical Symposium: “Truth Does Not Fear Dialogue”

11/14/2019

NEW YORK – On November 13, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros offered the keynote address at an Ecumenical Symposium titled “Truth does not fear dialogue,” hosted by...

Με επιτυχία ολοκληρώθηκε το Α΄ Συνέδριο για την Ελληνική Παιδεία

11/12/2019


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Stewardship Voice

Stewardship

Stewardship 2019

09/29/2019

One of the greatest treasures we have received is our Orthodox Christian Faith and its Tradition that guides our worship and our entire life.

As we approach the end of the year, I'd like to thank those parishioners that have made their stewardship commitments for 2019.

For those that have not , I respectfully ask you to consider making your stewardship gift.  Very simply put, it is through our gifts that we not only sustain our ministries and continue our faith , but most importantly express our love and gratitude for all God's blessings.

Please consider joining us.

In Christ,

Stella Dariotis
Stewardship Chair


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Parish, Metropolis, & Archdiocesan Ministries

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Annunciation Sacramento Ministries and Resources

Annunciation Observer

November/December issue of the Annunciation Observer

Sunday School

Register for the Sunday School 2019-2020 academic year! Sunday School has begun!
https://annunciationsac.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/64/responses/new

Annunciation Dance Ministry

Greek Dance practice is on Sunday following the Divine Liturgy.  Being a ministry of the Church, all dancers and directors are expected to attend the Divine Liturgy in order to participate in practice.

Ta Paidakia | 12:15-1:00 pm
Filarakia | 12:15-1:00 pm
Ta Zouzounakia | 12:15-1:00 pm
Nea Genia | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Hara | 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Deos | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Save these important dates!

  • 1/5/20 -- Preview Rehearsal & Group Photos
  • 1/12/20 -- Preview during Coffee Hour
  • 2/8/20 -- FDF Glendi
  • 2/13/20 - 2/16/20 -- FDF in Anaheim
  • 5/8/20 -- Coffee Hour/Mother’s Day Event

Annunciation Greek School

Thank you for joining us at our annual OXI Day luncheon and celebration!

Our Annunciation Greek School is now Ellinomatheia certified! If you would like to take the certification test, please look for more information on their website: http://greekschoolannunciation.org/ellinomatheia/

Annunciation Senior League

ASL November Board Meeting | November 21st
ASL December Luncheon | December 5th
Please RSVP to Mary Kondos by Dec. 2nd | 5328 Spilman Ave. Sacramento, CA. 95819 (916) 457-2196

Altar Guild

Please visit us on our parish website for information and schedule
http://www.annunciationsac.org/altar-guild/

Christine may be contacted at cdariotis@golyon.com or (916) 412-8112
Rula may be contacted at (916) 606-2193

10th Annual Hellenic Golf Classic - September 27, 2019

Thank you for joining us and supporting the 10th annual Hellenic Golf Classic! See you next year!

At and Around Annunciation Sacramento

Check out all the events at our church and around Sacramento!
http://www.annunciationsac.org/at-and-around-sacramento/

Acolytes

Young men ages 8 and up are welcome to learn about our faith by serving in the Holy Altar.  Please contact Yianni Magoulias (Magoulias@AnnunciationSac.org) for inquiries.

Youth Ministries

On the first Monday of every month, our Youth Ministries will gather for a short prayer service, followed by meetings supervised by a parent adviser, and with the spiritual guidance of Fr. James, Fr. Timothy, and Yianni.  These brief, 1-hour meetings will allow our youth to take ownership of their own ministry by planning events and philanthropies, while growing together in Christ, as well as gaining leadership skills.  We are very excited about this new format and are thankful for your prayers and support.  

Meet our Youth Ministries!

GOYA | 9-12th grade
Jr. GOYA | 6-8th Grade
JOY | 3-5th Grade

Upcoming GOYA Events: 

  • Run to Feed the Hungry, Nov. 28
  • November Meeting | Nov. 4th
  • Family Game Night & Potluck | Nov. 25th | 5:30 pm
  • November Kickback | Nov. 26th
  • December Meeting | Dec. 2nd

Upcoming Jr. GOYA/JOY Events:

  • Family Game Ninght & Potluck | Nov. 25th | 5:30 pm
  • December Meeting | Dec. 2nd
  • Contact Audrey Bazos (andreas_bazos@yahoo.com) or Yianni Magoulias for more information

Parish Contact 

Have you moved? Do you have a new number? Please notify the Church Office to stay up to date with everything happening at our parish!

Parish Communications

In the fast-pace society we live in today, internet communications are the norm.  
Please follow us online and on social media.

Parish Website: http://www.annunciationsac.org/
Parish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annunciation.sacramento/
Parish Instagram: @AnnunciationSac
Parish Twitter: @AnnunciationSac
Parish YouTube: Annunciation Sac
Annunciation Young Professionals: https://www.facebook.com/groups/310609672670680/
Annunciation Bookstore: https://www.facebook.com/AnnunciationBookstore/
Sacramento Greek Festival: https://www.facebook.com/sacramentogreekfestival/
Hellenic Golf Classic: https://www.facebook.com/hellenicgolfclassic/

Observer Articles are due on the 10th of the month

Please visit our parish website for the monthly calendar and to subscribe
http://www.AnnunciationSac.org/master-calendar/

Prosfora Offering

Every Divine Liturgy, the priest uses a special bread, called Prosforo, to prepare the Holy Eucharist.  The priest cuts the bread in a special way and prays to God, the Theotokos, the saints, the prophets, and the angels for their prayers and intercessions… The priest also prays for all those living and those who have passed away. Following the Divine Liturgy, the remainder is handed out to all the people.

This bread is a beautiful offering by an individual or a family.  The Church is always in need of Prosfora.  
Please contact the Church Office for the recipe and to schedule a time to bring Prosfora.

 

Metropolis of San Francisco Ministries and Resources

St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center

Every summer, hundreds of children and teenagers from throughout the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco gather for our summer camp program. The Orthodox Christian faith comes alive for young people as they develop lifelong friendships and memories that will last forever. Summer camp activities include: arts and crafts, faith and culture, athletics, swimming, canoeing, campfires, archery, hikes, daily worship services, a visit to the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring, and Orthodox life discussions.
http://gosfyouth.org/basic-information/

Annunciation Scholarship for St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp Sponsored by the Annunciation Endowment Fund

Interested in going to Summer Camp at St. Nicholas Ranch this summer?
Apply now for Annunciation’s St. Nicholas Ranch Summer Camp Scholarship by sending your completed St. Nicholas Ranch registration confirmation to Yianni Magoulias (Magoulias@AnnunciationSac.org)

Application Deadline: Coming next summer!

2020 SUMMER CAMP DATES

Registration for Summer Camp 2020 opens January 1, 2020.

Session I: July 12-18
Session II: July 19-25
Session III: July 26-Aug 1

2020 WINTER CAMP | January 2-5th

Join the Metropolis youth for WINTER CAMP at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center!
6th - 12th grade | $250 per person
Interested in going? Contact Yianni Magoulias!
For more information, please visit: http://gosfyouth.org/goya-winter-camp

Youth and Young Adult Ministries - San Francisco

Metropolis of San Francisco Young Adult Christmas Reception

Friday, December 13th | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Metropolis House

Young Adult Winter Retreat in Lake Tahoe

January 17-20, 2020 | $265 (three nights of lodging and all meals)

Young Adult Lenten Retreat

Information coming soon!

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Ministries and Resources

Hellenic College Holy Cross, Greek Orthodox School of Theology

Hellenic College Holy Cross is a rare institution of higher learning with a higher purpose.  Hellenic College Holy Cross serves the Archdiocese and the world by training and educating clergy, theologians, and lay leaders in their undergraduate and graduate studies. You can learn more about Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Theological School by visiting their website, www.hchc.edu
www.HCHC.edu

Ionian Village

Ionian Village is not just another summer camp; it is like nothing you have ever experienced. The campers and Staff come not only to understand their Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Culture in a more realistic and tangible way, but also to meet and interact with other young people just like them from all over the country. Through this interaction, their eyes are opened as to what the reality of being an Orthodox Christian in this world truly should be: to be people who live Christ-centered lives, to be people of love. " Applications open on March 4, 2020.
https://www.ionianvillage.org/summer-camp

#IV2020 Dates

IV Next (for participants aged 19-24) 
June 1-12

SUMMER CAMP (for campers currently in 9th-12th grades)
Session One: 
June 20-July 9
Session Two: 
July 19-August 7

St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

Introduced in 1983, the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival provides Greek Orthodox teenagers the opportunity to write about and defend their faith.  The purpose of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival is to give teenagers an opportunity to learn, write, and speak about their Orthodox Christian Faith, Church, and Heritage.  This process will enhance their understanding and appreciation of their identity as Greek Orthodox Christians and cultivate spiritual growth and maturity.  The overall Oratorical program is called an Oratorical Festival rather than a contest to minimize the competitive spirit and emphasize a joyful learning experience.
https://www.goarch.org/oratorical

Parish Oratorical Festival: March 29, 2020
District Oratorical Festival (hosted by Annunciation Sacramento): April 5, 2020

CrossRoad

What does it mean to travel the road of the Cross of Christ in your life, for your life?
CrossRoad is an engaging 10-day summer institute for Orthodox Christian high school juniors and seniors of all jurisdictions that takes place every summer on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts. Students from the United States and Canada are invited to take part in an exciting summer vocations exploration program designed to help them discern their life callings and match their God-given gifts with the needs of the world. Applications open on Friday, November 8, 2019.
http://www.crossroadinstitute.org/

CrossRoad 2020 DATES

Applications open on Friday, November 8, 2019.

Session One | Boston, MA: June 13 - June 23
Session Two | Boston, MA: June 30 - July 10
Session Three | Chicago, IL: July 20 - July 30

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Plagal First Mode. Psalm 11.7,1.
You, O Lord, shall keep us and preserve us.
Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man has failed.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Galatians 6:11-18.

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God. Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Προκείμενον. Plagal First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 11.7,1.
Σὺ Κύριε, φυλάξαις ἡμᾶς καὶ διατηρήσαις ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Σῶσον με, Κύριε, ὅτι ἐκλέλοιπεν ὅσιος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Γαλάτας 6:11-18.

Ἀδελφοί, ἴδετε πηλίκοις ὑμῖν γράμμασιν ἔγραψα τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί. Ὅσοι θέλουσιν εὐπροσωπῆσαι ἐν σαρκί, οὗτοι ἀναγκάζουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, μόνον ἵνα μὴ τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ Χριστοῦ διώκωνται. Οὐδὲ γὰρ οἱ περιτετμημένοι αὐτοὶ νόμον φυλάσσουσιν, ἀλλὰ θέλουσιν ὑμᾶς περιτέμνεσθαι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ ὑμετέρᾳ σαρκὶ καυχήσωνται. Ἐμοὶ δὲ μὴ γένοιτο καυχᾶσθαι εἰ μὴ ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· διʼ οὗ ἐμοὶ κόσμος ἐσταύρωται, κἀγὼ τῷ κόσμῳ. Ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει, οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις. Καὶ ὅσοι τῷ κανόνι τούτῳ στοιχήσουσιν, εἰρήνη ἐπʼ αὐτούς, καὶ ἔλεος, καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰσραὴλ τοῦ θεοῦ. Τοῦ λοιποῦ, κόπους μοι μηδεὶς παρεχέτω· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὰ στίγματα τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ ἐν τῷ σώματί μου βαστάζω. Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, ἀδελφοί. Ἀμήν.


Gospel Reading

9th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 12:16-21

The Lord said this parable: "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, 'I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." As he said these things, he cried out: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

9th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 12:16-21

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τήν παραβολὴν ταύτην· Ἀνθρώπου τινὸς πλουσίου εὐφόρησεν ἡ χώρα· καὶ διελογίζετο ἐν ἑαυτῷ λέγων· τί ποιήσω, ὅτι οὐκ ἔχω ποῦ συνάξω τοὺς καρπούς μου; καὶ εἶπε· τοῦτο ποιήσω· καθελῶ μου τὰς ἀποθήκας καὶ μείζονας οἰκοδομήσω, καὶ συνάξω ἐκεῖ πάντα τὰ γενήματά μου καὶ τὰ ἀγαθά μου, καὶ ἐρῶ τῇ ψυχῇ μου· ψυχή, ἔχεις πολλὰ ἀγαθὰ κείμενα εἰς ἔτη πολλά· ἀναπαύου, φάγε, πίε, εὐφραίνου. εἶπε δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ Θεός· ἄφρον, ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ· ἃ δὲ ἡτοίμασας τίνι ἔσται; οὕτως ὁ θησαυρίζων ἑαυτῷ, καὶ μὴ εἰς Θεὸν πλουτῶν.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

I cannot be silent about the story of Hesychius the Horebite. He passed his life in complete negligence, without paying the least attention to his soul. Then he became extremely ill, and for an hour he left his body.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

And when he came to himself, he begged us all to leave him immediately. And he built up the door of his cell, and he stayed in it for twelve years without ever uttering a word to anyone, and without eating anything but bread and water.
St. John Climacus
Ladder of Divine Ascent. Step 6: On Remembrance of Death, 6th Century

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Saints and Feasts

18_lukewriting
November 17

9th Sunday of Luke


Gregwonderjohnmercy
November 17

Gregory the Wonderworker & Bishop of Neo-Caesarea

Saint Gregory was born in Neocaesarea of Pontus to parents who were not Christians. He studied in Athens, in Alexandria, in Beirut, and finally for five years in Caesarea of Palestine under Origen, by whom he was also instructed in the Faith of Christ. Then, in the year 240, he became bishop of his own city, wherein he found only seventeen Christians. By the time the Saint reposed about the year 265, there were only seventeen unbelievers left there. Virtually the whole duration of his episcopacy was a time of continual, marvellous wonders worked by him. Because of this, he received the surname "Wonderworker"; even the enemies of the truth called him a second Moses (see Saint Basil the Great's On the Holy Spirit, ch. 29).


Allsaint
November 17

Righteous Mother Hilda of Whitby

Our righteous Mother Hilda was of noble birth, being a kinswoman of Saint Edwin, King of Northumbria (celebrated Oct. 12). At the age of thirty-three she renounced the world, and lived another thirty-three years as a nun and abbess. The last six years of her life she suffered a burning fever with patience and nobility, and reposed in peace in the year 680.


Allsaint
November 17

Gennadios I and Maximus, Patriarchs of Constantinople


Allsaint
November 18

Holy Martyr Romanus

Saint Romanus, who was from Antioch, lived during the reign of Maximian. He presented himself before Asclepiades the Eparch, and rebuked him, saying, "The idols are not gods; even a little child could tell you that." Then the Saint asked that a child be brought in from the market, that he might be the judge of the matter at hand. Therefore, when the child was asked, "Which God must we worship?" he replied, "Christ." The child was beaten mercilessly and beheaded at the command of the tyrant. As for Saint Romanus, his tongue was cut out, and then he was cast into prison, where he was strangled in the year 305.


Platon
November 18

Plato the Great Martyr of Ancyra

Saint Plato contested in martyrdom in 266, when Agrippinus was proconsul. He was from the city of Ancyra in the province of Galatia.


Allsaint
November 19

Obadiah the Prophet

The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.


Allsaint
November 19

Martyrs Barlaam of Caesarea and Heliodorus

Saint Barlaam, who was from a certain village near Antioch in Syria, was advanced in years and a husbandman by occupation. Because of his confession of Christ, he was brought before the judge, who had him scourged with whips and then scraped with iron claws. Since this could not break his constancy, he was forcibly haled to the idols' temple, and live coals with incense were placed in his right hand. The judge thought that he would cast them down because of the pain, thus seeming to have offered a sacrifice of incense to the idols. But Saint Barlaam stood unmoving until his hand was thoroughly burned by the coals; he fell to the ground, and so gave up his soul into the hands of the Lord. He contested in martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian (284-305). Saint Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom both gave homilies in his honour.


Allsaint
November 20

Gregory the Righteous of Decapolis

Saint Gregory who was from Irenopolis of the Decapolis of Asia Minor, was the son of Sergius and Mary. He became a monk as a young man, and after struggling for many years in virtue and prayer under obedience to a wise spiritual father, he was informed by revelation that it was the will of God for him to live, like the Patriarch Abraham, with no certain dwelling, moving from place to place. His journeyings took him to Ephesus, Constantinople, Corinth, Rome, Sicily, Thessalonica, and again to Constantinople, where, after many labours in defence of Orthodoxy against Iconoclasm, he reposed in peace in the first half of the ninth century. He had two disciples, one of whom was Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (see Apr. 3), who wrote the Menaion service for Saint Gregory, his father in Christ.


Allsaint
November 20

Proclus, Archbishop of Constantinople

Saint Proclus lived during the reign of Saint Theodosius the Younger. A disciple and scribe of Saint John Chrysostom, he was ordained Bishop of Cyzicus about the year 426, but because the people there unlawfully elected another bishop before his arrival, he remained in Constantinople. In 429, Nestorius, who had been Archbishop of Constantinople for about a year, and had already begun his blasphemous teaching that it is wrong to call the holy Virgin "Theotokos," invited Bishop Proclus to give a sermon on one of the feasts of our Lady, which he did, openly defending in Nestorius' presence the name "Theotokos," that is, "Mother of God." Saint Proclus was elevated to the throne of Archbishop of Constantinople in 434. It was he who persuaded Emperor Theodosius the Younger and his holy sister Pulcheria to have the most sacred relics of his godly teacher Saint John Chrysostom brought back from Comana, and triumphantly received them upon their return to the imperial city (see Jan. 27 and Nov. 13). He reposed in peace in 447.


Vmentrnc
November 21

The Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple

According to the tradition of the Church, the Theotokos was brought to the Temple at three years of age, where she was consecrated to God and spent her days until she was fourteen or fifteen years old; and then, as a mature maiden, by the common counsel of the priests (since her parents had reposed some three years before), she was betrothed to Joseph.


Allsaint
November 22

Archippus the Apostle, Philemon the Apostle & his wife, Apphia, Onesimos the Disciple of Paul

Philemon, who was from Colossae, a city of Phrygia, was a man both wealthy and noble; Apphia was his wife. Archippus became Bishop of the Church in Colossae. All three were disciples of the Apostle Paul. Onesimus, who was formerly an unbeliever and slave of Philemon, stole certain of his vessels and fled to Rome. However, on finding him there, the Apostle Paul guided him onto the path of virtue and the knowledge of the truth, and sent him back to his master Philemon, to whom he wrote an epistle (this is one of the fourteen epistles of Saint Paul). In this epistle, Paul commended Onesimus to his master and reconciled the two. Onesimus was later made a bishop; in Greece he is honoured as the patron Saint of the imprisoned. All these Saints received their end by martyrdom, when they were stoned to death by the idolaters. Saint Onesimus is also commemorated on February 15.


Allsaint
November 22

Holy Martyr Cecilia and those with her

Saint Cecilia was of an illustrious Roman family. On being betrothed to Valerian, she drew him to the Faith of Christ, and he in turn drew his own brother Tiburtius to the same. They contested in martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian, in the year 288.


Amphilochios
November 23

Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium

Saint Amphilochius, who was born in Cappadocia, shone forth in asceticism and divine knowledge even from his youth. He was consecrated Bishop of Iconium in 341, he struggled courageously against the blasphemies of Eunomius, Macedonius the enemy of the Holy Spirit, and the followers of Arius. He was present at the Second Ecumenical Council of the 150 Fathers, which took place in Constantinople, convoked during the reign of Theodosius the Great in the year 381. In 383 Amphilochius wished to persuade the Emperor Theodosius to forbid the Arians from gathering in Constantinople and to commit the churches to the Orthodox, but the Emperor was reluctant to do such a thing. The next time that Amphilochius entered the palace, he addressed Theodosius with proper honour, but slighted his young son Arcadius in his presence. Theodosius was indignant, and said the dishonour shown to his son was equally an insult to himself. To this Saint Amphilochius answered that as he would not suffer an insult to his son, so he ought to believe that God is wroth with those who blaspheme His Only-begotten. Saint Theodosius understood and admired Amphilochius' ingenious device, and he issued the desired edict in September of the same year. Saint Amphilochius, having reached deep old age, reposed in peace about the year 395. Saint Basil the Great wrote many letters to Saint Amphilochius, his friend and Fellow champion of the Faith, and at his request wrote his treatise On the Holy Spirit, which besides demonstrating the divinity of the Holy Spirit and His equality with the Father and the Son, defends the Church's unwritten ancient traditions, such as making the sign of the Cross, turning towards the East in prayer, no kneeling on Sunday, and so forth.


Allsaint
November 23

Gregory, Bishop of Agrigentum

Saint Gregory, the son of pious parents named Chariton and Theodora, was born in Agrigentum, a city of Sicily, and was great in virtue from his childhood. He was baptized, brought up, and tonsured reader by Bishop Potamion during the reign of Justinian II, in the seventh century. At the age of eighteen he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he was ordained deacon by Macarius, Bishop of Jerusalem. He traveled to Constantinople, and then to Rome where he was consecrated Bishop of his native Agrigentum. As Bishop of Agrigentum he worked many miracles and shone brilliantly in virtue, but also suffered many great temptation; from the priests Sabine and Crescentius, who so envied him that they slandered him to the Pope as a fornicator and had him cast into prison for two and a half years. In the end, however, he vindicated himself by casting the demon out of the woman who had falsely accused him of committing sin with her. Saint Gregory reposed in peace in deep old age.


18_lukewriting
November 24

13th Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
November 24

Our Holy Father Clement, Pope of Rome

Saint Clement was instructed in the Faith of Christ by the Apostle Peter. He became Bishop of Rome in the year 91, the third after the death of the Apostles. He died as a martyr about the year 100 during the reign of Trajan.


Allsaint
November 24

Peter, Archbishop of Alexandria

Saint Peter illustriously occupied the throne of Alexandria for twelve years, and, as Eusebius says, "was a divine example of a bishop on account of the excellence of his life and his study of the sacred Scriptures" (see Eusebius, Eccl. Hist., Book VII, 3 2; Book VIII 11, 13; and Book IX, 6). He excommunicated Arius for his sympathy with the Meletian schism. When Arius learned that Saint Peter had been imprisoned, he sent many priests and deacons to him, asking that he receive him back into the communion of the Church before his martyrdom. When the ambassadors of Arius, who had not, like Saint Peter, perceived the ruin he would engender, were astonished at the vehemence with which Saint Peter refused to receive Arius again, he revealed to them a dread vision he had seen, in which the Master Christ had appeared to him as a child wearing a garment torn from head to foot. When Saint Peter asked the Lord who rent His garment, the Lord answered that it was Arius, and that he must not be received back into communion. The holy hieromartyr Peter was beheaded during the reign of Maximinus in the year 312; he is called the "Seal of the Martyrs," because he was the last Bishop of Alexandria to suffer martyrdom under the pagan Emperors. His successors to the throne of Alexandria, Saints Alexander and Athanasius the Great, brought to final victory the battle against Arius' heresy which Saint Peter had begun.


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ATTENTION PARISHIONERS

Attention!

Many parishes in our Archdiocese have been targeted by e-mail phishing scams asking for donations in the form of gift cards.  We will never ask for donations outside of our ministries and philanthropies, and always using our secure CCB portal.  When in doubt, please call the Parish Office before submitting your credit card information online.  Thank you for your attention.

Parish Contact 

Have you moved? Do you have a new number or e-mail? Please notify the Parish Office to stay up to date with everything happening at our parish!

Parish Complex Security Disclaimer

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!

Parish Social Media, Development, and Outreach Disclaimer

When you enter the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation for a service, ministry, or event, you will be entering an area where photography, videography, and audio recording may occur.

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation takes photographs and/or makes audio and/or video recordings of members involved in church related activities, including the live streaming of services and sacraments. Staff and/or participants may use such photographs or video records to recall activities or participants. In addition, such photographs and audio/visual recordings may be used in the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation's publications, advertising materials to let others know of our ministry, and/or streaming and website hosting of services and sacraments. In addition, local news organizations may hear of our activities or events and our church may allow them to record our events for news reporting on special interest features.

By entering the service/ministry/event premises, you consent to, photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for live streaming, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on web sites, and/or any other purpose by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation. You release the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, its clergy, church officers, employees, laity, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, and/or publication of photographs, computer images, video and/or sound recordings.

By entering the service/event premises, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation or the person or entity designated to do so by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation.

Please communicate with Efstratios "Yianni" Magoulias if you have any comments, questions, or concerns.

You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the service/ministry/event.

 

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal First Mode

O Faithful, let us sing a hymn of praise and worship to the Logos, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, who was born of the Virgin for our salvation. Of His own will He went upon the Cross in the flesh and suffered death, to raise the dead through His glorious Resurrection.
Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον Πατρὶ καὶ Πνεύματι, τὸν ἐκ Παρθένου τεχθέντα εἰς σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν, ἀνυμνήσωμεν πιστοὶ καὶ προσκυνήσωμεν, ὅτι ηὐδόκησε σαρκί, ἀνελθεῖν ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ, καὶ θάνατον ὑπομεῖναι, καὶ ἐγεῖραι τοὺς τεθνεῶτας, ἐν τῇ ἐνδόξῳ Ἀναστάσει αὐτοῦ.

Apolytikion for Gregory the Wonderworker in the Plagal Fourth Mode

By vigilance in prayer, and continuance in the working of wonders, thou didst acquire thine achievements as a surname; wherefore, intercede with Christ our God, O Father Gregory, to enlighten our souls, lest we sleep in sin unto death.
Εν προσευχαίς γρηγορών, ταίς τών θαυμάτων εργασίαις εγκαρτερών, επωνυμίαν εκτήσω τά κατορθώματα, αλλά πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, Πάτερ Γρηγόριε, φωτίσαι τάς ψυχάς ημών, μή ποτε υπνώσωμεν, εν αμαρτίαις εις θάνατον.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

Today, the most pure temple of the Savior, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the house of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The Angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.
Ο καθαρώτατος ναός τού Σωτήρος, η πολυτίμητος παστάς καί Παρθένος, τό Ιερόν θησαύρισμα τής δόξης τού Θεού, σήμερον εισάγεται, εν τώ οίκω Κυρίου, τήν χάριν συνεισάγουσα, τήν εν Πνευματι θείω, ήν ανυμνούσιν Άγγελοι Θεού, Αύτη υπάρχει σκηνή επουράνιος.
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