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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
Publish Date: 2020-01-12
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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

 

January 12 - January  19, 2020

 

Sunday, January 12th

Epistle   Ephesians 4:7-13
Gospel   Matthew 4:12-17

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School
Dance Preview and Coffee Hour

Tuesday, January 14th  

5:30 pm Nea Genia Dance Practice
6:00 pm Hara Dance Practice
6:30 pm Philoptochos Meeting

Wednesday, January 15th

5:30 pm Greek School
7:00 pm Orthodox Basic Training

Thursday, January 16th

10:00 am ASL Board Meeting
5:30 pm Greek School
7:00 pm Choir Practice

Friday, January 17th 

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy: St. Anthony the Great

Saturday, January 18th 

10:00 am Moms 'n Tots

Sunday, January 19th

Epistle   Ephesians 4:7-13
Gospel   Matthew 4:12-17

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy
Sunday School
Coffee Hour

 

House Blessing for the Feast of Theophany

The traditional time of year for blessing homes is after Theophany, January 6.  Fr. James and Fr. Timothy are dedicating two weeks beginning January 7th to come to your home, if requested, for this special blessing.
What is involved?
Just 15 minutes of your time!
If you would like to have a meal, please coordinate with the Fathers ahead of time. 
What do you need to do?
Please contact the parish office or email Fr. James (frjames@annunciationsac.org) or Fr. Timothy (frtimothy@annunciationsac.org)

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 | January 12th

    Sunday Bulletin | January 12th

    The Sunday Bulletin from January 12, 2020


    2020 Annunciation DSG T-Shirt | Deadline: January 15th

    2020 Annunciation DSG T-Shirt | Deadline: January 15th

    Purchase your 2020 Annunciation DSG t-shirts to show your support at FDF or around Sacramento!  You can choose to have the dance group names listed on the back OR to have the back left blank.    All orders need to be placed by Thursday, January 15. Cost of the shirts are $20 each and they will arrive in early February.  Purchase your shirt today online at https://annunciationsac.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/117/responses/new


    Family Glendi at Nativity of Christ, Marin County | February 1st

    Family Glendi at Nativity of Christ, Marin County | February 1st

    The Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Marin County, Youth & Young Adult Ministries invites you to: Family Glendi with Live Music February 1st at 6:00 pm at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church 1110 Highland Dr. Novato, CA 94949 We are invited to join their parish for an evening of live music from Crete by Franktzeskakis and Stratakis, gyros, dancing, and fellowship! $15: 18 and up | $10: 6-17 | Free: 5 & under For more information, please contact NativityGlendi@gmail.com or (415) 883-1998 https://www.facebook.com/events/2685500941736148/


    Apokriatiko Glendi | February 29th

    Apokriatiko Glendi | February 29th

    Our Peloponnesian Society of Sacramento invites you to an APOKRIATIKO GLENDI with live music from Greece and DJ A portion of the proceeds will benefit our Annunciation Greek School 29 February, 2020 | 6:00 pm Appetizers, 7:00 pm Dinner Annunciation Hellenic Center Adults/$50 - Children/$20 - 5 and under/Free For tickets, please contact: Kathy Argyropoulos - (916) 307-9375 ArgyropoulosKathy@gmail.com Sophia Callas - (916) 718-4094 Sophia@larsencazanis.com Ioannis Kazanis - (916) 505-1891 Ioannis.Kazanis@gmail.com *The deadline to purchase tickets is February 24th. Tickets will not be sold at the door


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Homily

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Homily offered by Fr. Timothy Robinson on January 12, 2020

https://youtu.be/S4mp643Do6M

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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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

January/February 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!

  • 1/12/20 -- 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 December Board Meeting | December 19th
ASL January Luncheon | January 9th
Please RSVP to Mary Kondos by Jan. 5th | 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 - June 1, 2020

Save the date for our 11th annual Hellenic Golf Classic on MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020

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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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop Attends State Department Reception

01/09/2020

WASHINGTON – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America attended tonight a State Department reception in honor of the Prime Minister of Greece, His Excellency Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Parathosi 2020 Dance Festival Celebrating Hellenic Culture and Heritage

01/08/2020

The 8th annual celebration of Hellenic Heritage & Dance, PARATHOSI 2020, of the Direct Archdiocesan District of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, will take place on Saturday January 11th, 2020 at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, NY.

Feast of the Epiphany 2020 in Tarpon Springs

01/06/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, presided for the first time since he became Archbishop last year, at the annual 114th celebration of Theophany (Epiphany), the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing Service of the Waters and the Dive for the Cross in Spring Bayou, while many thousands of pilgrims and visitors attended the festivities.

Gov. Cuomo and Archbishop Elpidophoros Announce Construction to resume on St Nicholas

01/02/2020

NEW YORK – Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo officially welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros of America to New York and announced plans to resume the rebuilding of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center. This was the Governor's first meeting with His Eminence since the Archbishop was elected by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as Archbishop of America to succeed Archbishop Demetrios in May. The project will be driven by a new non-profit organization with an independent, 13-member board - the Friends of St. Nicholas. The new entity has been formed to ensure that the sacred space is completed as expeditiously as possible and can begin welcoming visitors from around the world. The Friends of St. Nicholas will aim to resume construction with a two-year target to complete the church
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. First Mode. Psalm 32.22,1.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.
Verse: Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 4:7-13.

BRETHREN, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it is said, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men." (in saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Προκείμενον. First Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 32.22,1.
Γένοιτο, Κύριε, τὸ ἔλεός σου ἐφ' ἡμᾶς.
Στίχ. Ἀγαλλιᾶσθε δίκαιοι ἐν Κυρίῳ

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἐφεσίους 4:7-13.

Ἀδελφοί, ἑνὶ ἑκάστῳ ἡμῶν ἐδόθη ἡ χάρις κατὰ τὸ μέτρον τῆς δωρεᾶς τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Διὸ λέγει, Ἀναβὰς εἰς ὕψος ᾐχμαλώτευσεν αἰχμαλωσίαν, καὶ ἔδωκεν δόματα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. Τὸ δέ, Ἀνέβη, τί ἐστιν εἰ μὴ ὅτι καὶ κατέβη πρῶτον εἰς τὰ κατώτερα μέρη τῆς γῆς; Ὁ καταβάς, αὐτός ἐστιν καὶ ὁ ἀναβὰς ὑπεράνω πάντων τῶν οὐρανῶν, ἵνα πληρώσῃ τὰ πάντα. Καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν τοὺς μὲν ἀποστόλους, τοὺς δὲ προφήτας, τοὺς δὲ εὐαγγελιστάς, τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους, πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων, εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ· μέχρι καταντήσωμεν οἱ πάντες εἰς τὴν ἑνότητα τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῆς ἐπιγνώσεως τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς ἄνδρα τέλειον, εἰς μέτρον ἡλικίας τοῦ πληρώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ.


Gospel Reading

Sunday after Epiphany
The Reading is from Matthew 4:12-17

At that time, when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Sunday after Epiphany
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 4:12-17

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἀκούσας δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ᾿Ιωάννης παρεδόθη, ἀνεχώρησεν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν, καὶ καταλιπὼν τὴν Ναζαρὲτ ἐλθὼν κατῴκησεν εἰς Καπερναοὺμ τὴν παραθαλασσίαν ἐν ὁρίοις Ζαβουλὼν καὶ Νεφθαλείμ, ἵνα πληρωθῇ τὸ ῥηθὲν διὰ ῾Ησαΐου τοῦ προφήτου λέγοντος· γῆ Ζαβουλὼν καὶ γῆ Νεφθαλείμ, ὁδὸν θαλάσσης, πέραν τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου, Γαλιλαία τῶν ἐθνῶν, ὁ λαὸς ὁ καθήμενος ἐν σκότειεἶδε φῶς μέγα, καὶ τοῖς καθημένοις ἐν χώρᾳ καὶ σκιᾷ θανάτουφῶς ἀνέτειλεν αὐτοῖς. ᾿Απὸ τότε ἤρξατο ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς κηρύσσειν καὶ λέγειν· μετανοεῖτε· ἤγγικε γὰρ ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Take heed, then, often to come together to give thanks to God, and show forth His praise. For when ye assemble frequently in the same place, the powers of Satan are destroyed, and the destruction at which he aims is prevented by the unity of your faith.
St. Ignatius of Antioch
Epistle to the Ephesians Ch. 13, 2nd century

For as persons not even knowing where to put a step forward, so they sat, overtaken by the darkness.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 14 on Matthew 4, 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
January 12

Euthasia the Virgin-Martyr


Baptism
January 12

Sunday after Epiphany


Allsaint
January 12

Tatiana the Martyr of Rome

Saint Tatiana was the daughter of a most distinguished consul of Rome. She became a deaconess of the Church, and for her confession of the Faith of Christ, she endured many torments. As she was suffering, angels punished her tormentors with the same torments they inflicted on her, until they cried out that they could no longer endure the scourges invisibly brought upon them. She was beheaded during the reign of Alexander Severus (111-135).


Allsaint
January 13

The Holy Martyrs Hermylus and Stratonicus

Saints Hermylus and Stratonicus contested for piety's sake during the reign of Licinius, in the year 314. Saint Hermylus was a deacon, and Stratonicus was his friend. For his confession of Christ, Hermylus was beaten so fiercely that his whole body was covered with wounds. Stratonicus, seeing him endure this and other torments that left him half dead, wept with grief for his friend. From this he was discovered to be a Christian, and when he had openly professed his Faith and had been beaten, he and Hermylus were cast into the Danube River, receiving the crown of martyrdom.


Allsaint
January 13

Hilary of Poitiers

The holy Hierarch Hilary was born of pagan parents in Gaul, and was trained in philosophy and rhetoric. At a time when paganism was still strong in Gaul, Saint Hilary understood the falsehood of polytheism, and became a Christian, and a great defender of his new Faith. About the year 350 he was ordained Bishop of Poitiers, when Arles and Milan were in the hands of the Arians and the Arian Constantius was sole Emperor. Like his contemporary Saint Athanasius, Saint Hilary's episcopate was one long struggle against the Arians. As bishop of Poitiers, Saint Hilary foresaw the future greatness of Martin (see Nov. 12), and attached him to himself. In 355, when required to agree to the condemnation of Saint Athanasius passed by the Council of Milan, Hilary wrote an epistle to Constantius convicting the wrongs done by the Arians and requesting, among other things, the restoration of the Orthodox bishops, including Athanasius. For this, Hilary was banished to Asia Minor, where he wrote his greatest work, On the Trinity. Saint Hilary returned to his see in 360, where Saint Martin sought him out again. It was this time that Saint Hilary blessed Martin to found a monastery near Poitiers, where Martin remained until being consecrated Bishop of Tours in 371. In his last years, Saint Hilary, strove for the deposition of Auxentius, the Arian Bishop of Milan, but by affecting an Orthodox confession Auxentius retained his see. Saint Hilary reposed in peace about the year 368. Auxentius died in 374 and was succeeded by Saint Ambrose, who continued Saint Hilary's battle against Arianism.

Baptism
January 14

Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ


Allsaint
January 14

The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raitho

As for the holy Martyrs of Sinai and Raithu, those of Sinai contested during the reign of Diocletian, about the year 296; those of Raithu were slain about the middle of the fifth century. On both occasions, the perpetrators of these massacres were a barbarian tribe called Blemmyes, from the parts of Arabia and Egypt.

Because of the Apodosis of the Feast of Holy Theophany also on the 14th of January, the liturgical services to the Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raitho are transferred to January 13th.


Jkalyvitispaulthebes
January 15

John the Hut-Dweller

Saint John, who was from Constantinople, was the son of illustrious parents -- Eutropius the Senator and Theodora. At twelve years of age he departed secretly from his home and went to the Monastery of the Unsleeping (see Dec. 29). Aflame with longing for his parents, he returned after six years to his father's home in the guise of a pauper and beggar. Living in a small hut at the gates of his parents' house (wherefrom he is called "hut-dweller"), he remained unknown therein for many years, and suffered mockery at the hands of those who had been his own servants. Foreknowing his death, he revealed himself to his parents, and within a few moments reposed, about the year 450.


Jkalyvitispaulthebes
January 15

Paul of Thebes

Saint Paul, first among hermits, was born about 227 in the Thebaid of Egypt. In 250 he fled into the wilderness because of the persecution raging at that time under Decius. Having lived a solitary life in a certain cave for ninety-one years, he reposed in 341, at the age of 114, and was buried by Anthony the Great, who had been directed thither by God several days before the Saint's repose.


Peter
January 16

Veneration of Apostle Peter's Precious Chains

Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great and king of the Jews, grew wroth against the Church of Christ, and slew James, the brother of John the Evangelist. Seeing that this pleased the Jews, he took Peter also into custody and locked him up in prison, intending to keep him there until after the feast of the Passover, so that he could win the favour of the people by presenting him to them as a victim. But the Apostle was saved when he was miraculously set free by an Angel (Acts 12:1-19). The chains wherewith the Apostle was bound received from his most sacred body the grace of sanctification and healing, which is bestowed upon the faithful who draw nigh with faith.

That such sacred treasures work wonders and many healings is witnessed by the divine Scripture, where it speaks concerning Paul, saying that the Christians in Ephesus had such reverence for him, that his handkerchiefs and aprons, taken up with much reverence, healed the sick of their maladies: "So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them" (Acts 19:12). But not only the Apostles' clothing (which certainly touched the bodies of the sick), but even their shadow alone performed healings. On beholding this, people put their sick on stretchers and beds and brought them out into the streets that, when Peter passed by, his shadow "might overshadow some of them"(Acts 5:15). From this the Orthodox Catholic Church has learned to show reverence and piety not only to the relics of their bodies, but also in the clothing of God's Saints.


17_anthony2
January 17

Anthony the Great

Saint Anthony, the Father of monks, was born in Egypt in 251 of pious parents who departed this life while he was yet young. On hearing the words of the Gospel: "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor" (Matt. 19:21), he immediately put it into action. Distributing to the poor all he had, and fleeing from all the turmoil of the world, he departed to the desert. The manifold temptations he endured continually for the span of twenty years are incredible. His ascetic struggles by day and by night, whereby he mortified the uprisings of the passions and attained to the height of dispassion, surpass the bounds of nature; and the report of his deeds of virtue drew such a multitude to follow him that the desert was transformed into a city, while he became, so to speak, the governor, lawgiver, and master-trainer of all the citizens of this newly-formed city.

The cities of the world also enjoyed the fruit of his virtue. When the Christians were being persecuted and put to death under Maximinus in 312, he hastened to their aid and consolation. When the Church was troubled by the Arians, he went with zeal to Alexandria in 335 and struggled against them in behalf of Orthodoxy. During this time, by the grace of his words, he also turned many unbelievers to Christ.

Saint Anthony began his ascetic life outside his village of Coma in Upper Egypt, studying the ways of the ascetics and holy men there, and perfecting himself in the virtues of each until he surpassed them all. Desiring to increase his labors, he departed into the desert, and finding an abandoned fortress in the mountain, he made his dwelling in it, training himself in extreme fasting, unceasing prayer, and fierce conflicts with the demons. Here he remained, as mentioned above, about twenty years. Saint Athanasius the Great, who knew him personally and wrote his life, says that he came forth from that fortress "initiated in the mysteries and filled with the Spirit of God." Afterwards, because of the press of the faithful, who deprived him of his solitude, he was enlightened by God to journey with certain Bedouins, until he came to a mountain in the desert near the Red Sea, where he passed the remaining part of his life.

Saint Athanasius says of him that "his countenance had a great and wonderful grace. This gift also he had from the Saviour. For if he were present in a great company of monks, and any one who did not know him previously wished to see him, immediately coming forward he passed by the rest, and hurried to Anthony, as though attracted by his appearance. Yet neither in height nor breadth was he conspicuous above others, but in the serenity of his manner and the purity of his soul." So Passing his life, and becoming an example of virtue and a rule for monastics, he reposed on January 17 in the year 356, having lived altogether some 105 years.


Newgeorge
January 17

George the New Martyr of Ioannina


Athncyrl
January 18

Athanasios and Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria

In the half-century after the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicea in 325, if there was one man whom the Arians feared and hated more intensely than any other, as being able to lay bare the whole error of their teaching, and to marshal, even from exile or hiding, the beleaguered forces of the Orthodox, it was Saint Athanasios the Great. This blazing lamp of Orthodoxy, which imperial power and heretics' plots could not quench when he shone upon the lampstand, nor find when he was hid by the people and monks of Egypt, was born in Alexandria about the year 296. He received an excellent training in Greek letters and especially in the sacred Scriptures, of which he shows an exceptional knowledge in his writings. Even as a young man he had a remarkable depth of theological understanding; he was only about twenty years old when he wrote his treatise "On the Incarnation." Saint Alexander, the Archbishop of Alexandria, brought him up in piety, ordained him his deacon, and after deposing Arius for his blasphemy against the Divinity of the Son of God, took Athanasios to the First Council in Nicea in 325. Saint Athanasios was to spend the remainder of his life laboring in defense of this Holy Council. In 326, before his death, Alexander appointed Athanasios his successor.

In 325, Arius had been condemned by the Council of Nicea; yet through his hypocritical confession of Orthodox belief, Saint Constantine the Great was persuaded by Arius's supporters that he should be received back into the communion of the Church. But Athanasios, knowing well the perverseness of his mind, and the disease of heresy lurking in his heart, refused communion with Arius. The heresiarch's followers then began framing false charges against Athanasios. Finally Saint Constantine the Great, misled by grave charges of the Saint's misconduct (which were completely false), had him exiled to Tiberius (Treves) in Gaul in 336. When Saint Constantine was succeeded by his three sons Constantine II, Constans, and Constantius, in 337, Saint Athanasios returned to Alexandria in triumph. But his enemies found an ally in Constantius, Emperor of the East, and he spent a second exile in Rome. It was ended when Constans prevailed with threats upon his brother Constantius to restore Athanasios (see also Nov. 6). For ten years Saint Athanasios strengthened Orthodoxy throughout Egypt, visiting the whole country and encouraging all: clergy, monastics, and lay folk, being loved by all as a father. After Constans's death in 350, Constantius became sole Emperor, and Athanasios was again in danger. On the evening of February 8, 356, General Syrianus with more than five thousand soldiers surrounded the church in which Athanasios was serving, and broke open the doors. Athanasios's clergy begged him to leave, but the good shepherd commanded that all the flock should withdraw first; and only when he was assured of their safety, he also, protected by divine grace, passed through the midst of the soldiers and disappeared into the deserts of Egypt, where for some six years he eluded the soldiers and spies sent after him.

When Julian the Apostate succeeded Constantius in 361, Athanasios returned again, but only for a few months. Because Athanasios had converted many pagans, and the priests of the idols in Egypt wrote to Julian that if Athanasios remained, idolatry would perish in Egypt, the heathen Emperor ordered not Athanasios's exile, but his death. Athanasios took a ship up the Nile. When he learned that his imperial pursuers were following him, he had his men turn back, and as his boat passed that of his pursuers, they asked him if he had seen Athanasios. "He is not far," he answered. After returning to Alexandria for a while, he fled again to the Thebaid until Julian's death in 363. Saint Athanasios suffered his fifth and last exile under Valens in 365, which only lasted four months because Valens, fearing a sedition among the Egyptians for their beloved Archbishop, revoked his edict in February, 366.

The great Athanasios passed the remaining seven years of his life in peace. Of his fifty-seven years as Patriarch, he had spent some seventeen in exiles. Shining from the height of his throne like a radiant evening star, and enlightening the Orthodox with the brilliance of his words for yet a little while, this much-suffering champion inclined toward the sunset of his life, and in the year 373 took his rest from his lengthy sufferings, but not before another luminary of the truth -- Basil the Great -- had risen in the East, being consecrated Archbishop of Caesarea in 370. Besides all of his other achievements, Saint Athanasios wrote the life of Saint Anthony the Great, with whom he spent time in his youth; ordained Saint Frumentius first Bishop of Ethiopia; and in his Paschal Encyclical for the year 367 set forth the books of the Old and New Testaments accepted by the Church as canonical. Saint Gregory the Theologian, in his "Oration On the Great Athanasios", said that he was "Angelic in appearance, more angelic in mind; ... rebuking with the tenderness of a father, praising with the dignity of a ruler ... Everything was harmonious, as an air upon a single lyre, and in the same key; his life, his teaching, his struggles, his dangers, his return, and his conduct after his return ... he treated so mildly and gently those who had injured him, that even they themselves, if I may say so, did not find his restoration distasteful."

Saint Cyril was also from Alexandria, born about the year 376. He was the nephew of Theophilus, Patriarch of Alexandria, who also instructed the Saint in his youth. Having first spent much time with the monks in Nitria, he later became the successor to his uncle's throne in 412. In 429, when Cyril heard tidings of the teachings of the new Patriarch of Constantinople, Nestorius, he began attempting through private letters to bring Nestorius to renounce his heretical teaching about the Incarnation. When the heresiarch did not repent, Saint Cyril, together with Pope Celestine of Rome, led the Orthodox opposition to his error. Saint Cyril presided over the Third Ecumenical Council of the 200 Holy Fathers in the year 431, who gathered in Ephesus under Saint Theodosius the Younger. At this Council, by his most wise words, he put to shame and convicted the impious doctrine of Nestorius, who, although he was in town, refused to appear before Cyril. Saint Cyril, besides overthrowing the error of Nestorius, has left to the Church full commentaries on the Gospels of Luke and John. Having shepherded the Church of Christ for thirty-two years, he reposed in 444.


Lepers
January 19

12th Sunday of Luke


Allsaint
January 19

Macarius the Great of Egypt

Saint Macarius the Great was from the Thebaid of Egypt, a disciple, as some say, of Saint Anthony the Great. He was born about 331 and struggled in asceticism in the desert at Scete. Although young, he was called "the child elder" because of his great wisdom and austere manner of life. He was ordained presbyter and reposed in 391, at the age of sixty. There are fifty homilies ascribed to him.

It is said of Saint Macarius that he became as a God upon earth, for even as God protects the whole world, so did he cover the faults he saw as if he did not see them. Once he came back to his cell to find a thief taking his things and loading them on a camel. Macarius' non-possessiveness was so great that he helped the thief load the camel. When the camel refused to rise, Macarius returned to his cell and brought a small hoe, said that the camel wanted the hoe also, loaded it on, and kicked the camel telling it to get up. The camel obeyed Macarius' command, but soon lay down again, and would not move until everything had been returned to Macarius. His contemporary, Saint Macarius of Alexandria, was so called because he came from Alexandria and was therefore of that Greek-speaking colony; while Saint Macarius the Great is also called "of Egypt," that is, he belonged to the ancient race native to Egypt, the Copts.


Markephesus2
January 19

Mark, Bishop of Ephesus

The great teacher and invincible defender of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Saint Mark, was the offspring and scion of the imperial city, Constantinople. Reared by most pious parents, and instructed in secular and spiritual wisdom, he became preeminent in both. Saint Mark lived as an ascetic on the Prince's Islands and later in the monastery of Saint George Magana in Constantinople. He passed through all the degrees of the priesthood, and was finally advanced to the dignity of Archbishop and the lofty throne of the Metropolis of Ephesus. At the insistence of Emperor John Paleologos, the Saint was sent to the council of the Latins in Florence, to unite the churches that had been divided for so many years. He astounded the papal teachers with the divine wisdom of his words, and was the only one who did not sign the blasphemous decree of that false council. Because of this, the Holy Church of Christ has ever honored this great man as a benefactor, teacher, sole defender, and invincible champion of the Apostolic Confession. He reposed in 1443.


Allsaint
January 19

Arsenius of Corfu

Saint Arsenius, who had Palestine as his homeland, was born in 876, the son of devout parents. From childhood he was consecrated to God and assumed the monastic habit. He studied in Seleucia, where he also received the dignity of the priesthood. After he had moved from thence to Constantinople, he was appointed Metropolitan of Corfu. He adorned the throne there by his virtue and instruction. When advanced in age, he returned to Constantinople and appeased the unjust rage of Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus against the leaders of Corfu. Finally, during his journey back to his see, he fell ill at Corinth and reposed in the Lord about the middle of the tenth century.


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ATTENTION PARISHIONERS

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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.

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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 Theophany Afterfeast in the First Mode

Lord, when You were baptized in the Jordan, the veneration of the Trinity was revealed. For the voice of the Father gave witness to You, calling You Beloved, and the Spirit, in the guise of a dove, confirmed the certainty of His words. Glory to You, Christ our God, who appeared and enlightened the world.
Ἐν Ἰορδάνῃ βαπτιζομένου σου Κύριε, ἡ τῆς Τριάδος ἐφανερώθη προσκύνησις, τοῦ γὰρ Γεννήτορος ἡ φωνὴ προσεμαρτύρει σοί, ἀγαπητὸν σὲ Υἱὸν ὀνομάζουσα, καὶ τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐν εἴδει περιστεράς, ἐβεβαίου τοῦ λόγου τὸ ἀσφαλές. Ὁ ἐπιφανεῖς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, καὶ τὸν κόσμον φωτίσας δόξα σοί.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Fourth Mode

You appeared to the world today, and Your light, O Lord, has left its mark upon us. With fuller understanding we sing to You: "You came, You were made manifest, the unapproachable light."
Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον τὴ οἰκουμένη, καὶ τὸ φῶς σου Κύριε, ἐσημειώθη ἐφ' ἡμᾶς, ἓν ἐπιγνώσει ὑμνούντάς σε. Ἦλθες ἐφάνης τὸ Φῶς τὸ ἀπρόσιτον.
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