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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
Publish Date: 2020-01-26
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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 26 - February 2, 2020

 

Sunday, January 26th

Epistle   I Timothy 4:9-15
Gospel   Luke 19:1-10

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

Monday, January 27th

7:00 pm GOYA Kickback

Tuesday, January 28th  

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

Wednesday, January 29th

11:15 am Studies in the Faith
5:30 pm Greek School
7:00 pm Orthodox Basic Training

Thursday, January 23rd

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy: The Three Hierarchs; St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom
5:30 pm Greek School
7:00 pm Choir Practice

Saturday, Feburary 1st

6:00 pm Famly Glendi at Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church in Novato, CA.

Sunday, February 2nd

Epistle   Hebrews 7:7-17
Gospel   Luke 2:22-40

9:00 am Orthros
10:00 am Divine Liturgy: Presentation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the Temple
Sunday School
Coffee Hour

 

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.

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 26th

    Sunday Bulletin | January 26th

    The Sunday Bulletin from January 26, 2020


    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/


    ASL Monthly Luncheon | February 6th

    ASL Monthly Luncheon | February 6th

    Thursday, February 6th 11:00 am - 1:30 pm at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Elk Grove, CA. Please RSVP to Mary Kondos by February 3rd 5328 Spilman Ave. Sacramento, Ca. 95819 457-2196 mkondos@att.net


    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. John Angelis on Sunday, January 26th

https://youtu.be/YzkszZr7laU

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
Athema | 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!

  • 2/8/20 -- ZUMBA© Workout and Fundraiser 
  • 2/13/20 - 2/16/20 -- FDF in Anaheim
  • 5/8/20 -- Coffee Hour/Mother’s Day Event

Annunciation Greek School

Please support our Annunciation Greek School by attending our Peloponnesian Society's Apokriatiko Glendi!
February 29th | 6:00 pm Appetizers, 7:00 Dinner | Annunciation Hellenic Center
Tickets: Adults/$50 - Children/$20 - 5 and Under/Free

 

Katina Argyropoulos
(916) 307-9375
ArgyropoulosKathy@gmail.com

Sophia Callas
(916) 718-4094
Sophia@larsencazanis.com

Ioannis Kazanis
(916) 505-1891
Ioannis.Kazanis@gmail.com

 

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 February Luncheon | February 6th at St. Katherine
Please RSVP to Mary Kondos by Feb. 3rd | 5328 Spilman Ave. Sacramento, CA. 95819 (916) 457-2196
ASL February Board Meeting | February 20th

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 Events: 

  • Meetings, First Monday of the Month
  • GOYA Kickback, January 27th at Magoulias Home
  • Lock-in, February 28-29th in our Annunciation Hellenic Center
  • Central Valley Youth Retreat, March 28th at St. Basil, Stockton, CA
  • 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

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Appoints George A. Tsougarakis as General Counsel

01/27/2020

NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America today announced that attorney George A. Tsougarakis has joined the Archdiocese as General Counsel. As the Archdiocese’s chief legal officer reporting directly to His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Mr. Tsougarakis will work closely with the Holy Eparchial Synod and Executive Committee of the Archdiocesan Council.

Archiepiscopal Encyclical for the Feast of the Three Hierarchs (2020)

01/23/2020

This spirit of equality is the way of Christ. It is the life of the Holy Trinity. It is the everlasting glory of the Three Holy Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers. Through their intercessions, may Christ our God bless us with the same spirit of humble brotherhood that inspired their holy festival.
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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 28.11,1.
The Lord will give strength to his people.
Verse: Bring to the Lord, O sons of God, bring to the Lord honor and glory.

The reading is from St. Paul's First Letter to Timothy 4:9-15.

Timothy, my son, the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.

Προκείμενον. Grave Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 28.11,1.
Κύριος ἰσχὺν τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ δώσει.
Στίχ. Ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ, ἐνέγκατε τῷ Κυρίῳ δόξαν καὶ τιμήν.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Τιμόθεον α' 4:9-15.

Τέκνον Τιμόθεε, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος. Εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ὀνειδιζόμεθα, ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν. Παράγγελλε ταῦτα καὶ δίδασκε. Μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πνεύματι, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ. Ἕως ἔρχομαι, πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ. Μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος, ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου. Ταῦτα μελέτα, ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι, ἵνα σου ἡ προκοπὴ φανερὰ ᾖ ἐν πᾶσιν.


Gospel Reading

15th Sunday of Luke
The Reading is from Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost."

15th Sunday of Luke
Κατὰ Λουκᾶν 19:1-10

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, διήρχετο τὴν ῾Ιεριχώ· καὶ ἰδοὺ ἀνὴρ ὀνόματι καλούμενος Ζακχαῖος, καὶ αὐτὸς ἦν ἀρχιτελώνης, καὶ οὗτος ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐζήτει ἰδεῖν τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν τίς ἐστι, καὶ οὐκ ἠδύνατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ὄχλου, ὅτι τῇ ἡλικίᾳ μικρὸς ἦν. καὶ προδραμὼν ἔμπροσθεν ἀνέβη ἐπὶ συκομορέαν, ἵνα ἴδῃ αὐτόν, ὅτι ἐκείνης ἤμελλε διέρχεσθαι. καὶ ὡς ἦλθεν ἐπὶ τὸν τόπον, ἀναβλέψας ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶδεν αὐτὸν καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· Ζακχαῖε, σπεύσας κατάβηθι· σήμερον γὰρ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου δεῖ με μεῖναι. καὶ σπεύσας κατέβη, καὶ ὑπεδέξατο αὐτὸν χαίρων. καὶ ἰδόντες πάντες διεγόγγυζον λέγοντες ὅτι παρὰ ἁμαρτωλῷ ἀνδρὶ εἰσῆλθε καταλῦσαι. σταθεὶς δὲ Ζακχαῖος εἶπε πρὸς τὸν Κύριον· ἰδοὺ τὰ ἡμίση τῶν ὑπαρχόντων μου, Κύριε, δίδωμι τοῖς πτωχοῖς, καὶ εἴ τινός τι ἐσυκοφάντησα, ἀποδίδωμι τετραπλοῦν. εἶπε δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι σήμερον σωτηρία τῷ οἴκῳ τούτῳ ἐγένετο, καθότι καὶ αὐτὸς υἱὸς ᾿Αβραάμ ἐστιν. ἦλθε γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ζητῆσαι καὶ σῶσαι τὸ ἀπολωλός.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For Christ's presence is like that of some life-giving, scented balsam which restores health, enriches life and gives savor to the soul, the thoughts, the words of a man. In brief, distance from Christ means corruption and death, and closeness to Him means salvation and life.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

Christ is the salvation that comes, and Zacchaeus is the house to which He comes.
Bishop Nikolai Velimirovic
Prolog, 4 February

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Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
January 26

Symeon the Elder of Mount Sinai


Luke
January 26

15th Sunday of Luke


Xenophon
January 26

Xenophon & his Companions

This Saint, a wealthy nobleman of Constantinople, was filled with piety toward God. He had two sons, Arcadius and John, whom he sent to Beirut to study law. But they were shipwrecked during their voyage; barely saved, they forsook all things and departed for Palestine. Saint Xenophon and his wife Mary, ignorant of what had happened, went in search of their sons. On finding them in Jerusalem, dressed in the habit of monks, they also took up the monastic life. And thus, having completed their lives in holiness, they departed for the Lord about the beginning of the sixth century. Saint Xenophon and his sons reposed at Saint Sabbas Monastery, and Mary at the Monastery of Saint Theodosius.


Johnchry
January 27

Removal of the Relics of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople

This event took place on this day in the year 438, when Saint Theodosius the Younger had been Emperor for thirty years; he was the son of Arcadius, and Eudoxia, who had exiled Saint John. The Archbishop of Constantinople at that time was Proclus, who had been the Saint's disciple (see Nov. 13 and Nov. 20).


28_ephraim1
January 28

Ephraim the Syrian

Saint Ephraim was born in Nisibis of Mesopotamia some time about the year 306, and in his youth was the disciple of Saint James, Bishop of Nisibis, one of the 318 Fathers at the First Ecumenical Council. Ephraim lived in Nisibis, practicing a severe ascetical life and increasing in holiness, until 363, the year in which Julian the Apostate was slain in his war against the Persians, and his successor Jovian surrendered Nisibis to them. Ephraim then made his dwelling in Edessa, where he found many heresies to do battle with. He waged an especial war against Bardaisan; this gnostic had written many hymns propagating his errors, which by their sweet melodies became popular and enticed souls away from the truth. Saint Ephraim, having received from God a singular gift of eloquence, turned Bardaisan's own weapon against him, and wrote a multitude of hymns to be chanted by choirs of women, which set forth the true doctrines, refuted heretical error, and praised the contests of the Martyrs.

Of the multitude of sermons, commentaries, and hymns that Saint Ephraim wrote, many were translated into Greek in his own lifetime. Sozomen says that Ephraim "Surpassed the most approved writers of Greece," observing that the Greek writings, when translated into other tongues, lose most of their original beauty, but Ephraim's works "are no less admired when read in Greek than when read in Syriac" (Eccl. Hist., Book 111, 16). Saint Ephraim was ordained deacon, some say by Saint Basil the Great, whom Sozomen said "was a great admirer of Ephraim, and was astonished at his erudition." Saint Ephraim was the first to make the poetic expression of hymnody and song a vehicle of Orthodox theological teachings, constituting it an integral part of the Church's worship; he may rightly be called the first and greatest hymnographer of the Church, who set the pattern for these who followed him, especially Saint Romanos the Melodist. Because of this he is called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Jerome says that his writings were read in some churches after the reading of the Scriptures, and adds that once he read a Greek translation of one of Ephraim's works, "and recognized, even in translation, the incisive power of his lofty genius" (De vir. ill., ch. CXV).

Shortly before the end of his life, a famine broke out in Edessa, and Saint Ephraim left his cell to rebuke the rich for not sharing their goods with the poor. The rich answered that they knew no one to whom they could entrust their goods. Ephraim asked them, "What do you think of me?" When they confessed their reverence for him, he offered to distribute their alms, to which they agreed. He himself cared with his own hands for many of the sick from the famine, and so crowned his life with mercy and love for neighbor. Saint Ephraim reposed in peace, according to some in the year 373, according to others, 379.


Ignatiosgodbearer
January 29

Removal of the Relics of Ignatius the God-bearer

Saint Ignatius was a disciple of Saint John the Theologian, and a successor of the Apostles, and he became the second Bishop of Antioch, after Evodus. He wrote many epistles to the faithful, strengthening them in their confession, and preserving for us the teachings of the holy Apostles. Brought to Rome under Trajan, he was surrendered to lions to be eaten, and so finished the course of martyrdom about the year 107. The remnants of his bones were carefully gathered by the faithful and brought to Antioch. He is called God-bearer, as one who bare God within himself and was aflame in heart with love for Him. Therefore, in his Epistle to the Romans (ch. 4), imploring their love not to attempt to deliver him from his longed-for martyrdom, he said, "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Saint John Chrysostom has a homily in honour of the translation of the Saint's relics (PG 50:587).


30_hierarchs1
January 30

Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom

This common feast of these three teachers was instituted a little before the year 1100, during the reign of the Emperor Alexis I Comnenus, because of a dispute and strife that arose among the notable and virtuous men of that time. Some of them preferred Basil, while others preferred Gregory, and yet others preferred John Chrysostom, quarreling among themselves over which of the three was the greatest. Furthermore, each party, in order to distinguish itself from the others, assumed the name of its preferred Saint; hence, they called themselves Basilians, Gregorians, or Johannites. Desiring to bring an end to the contention, the three Saints appeared together to the saintly John Mavropous, a monk who had been ordained Bishop of Euchaita, a city of Asia Minor, they revealed to him that the glory they have at the throne of God is equal, and told him to compose a common service for the three of them, which he did with great skill and beauty. Saint John of Euchaita (celebrated Oct. 5) is also the composer of the Canon to the Guardian Angel, the Protector of a Man's Life. In his old age, he retired from his episcopal see and again took up the monastic life in a monastery in Constantinople. He reposed during the reign of the aforementioned Emperor Alexis Comnenus (1081-1118).


Unmercenaries
January 31

Cyrus & John the Unmercenaries

These Saints lived during the years of Diocletian. Saint Cyrus was from Alexandria, and Saint John was from Edessa of Mesopotamia. Because of the persecution of that time, Cyrus fled to the Gulf of Arabia, where there was a small community of monks. John, who was a soldier, heard of Cyrus' fame and came to join him. Henceforth, they passed their life working every virtue, and healing every illness and disease freely by the grace of Christ; hence their title of "Unmercenaries." They heard that a certain woman, named Athanasia, had been apprehended together with her three daughters, Theodora, Theoctiste, and Eudoxia, and taken to the tribunal for their confession of the Faith. Fearing lest the tender young maidens be terrified by the torments and renounce Christ, they went to strengthen them in their contest in martyrdom; therefore they too were seized. After Cyrus and John and those sacred women had been greatly tormented, all were beheaded in the year 292. Their tomb became a renowned shrine in Egypt, and a place of universal pilgrimage. It was found in the area of the modern day resort near Alexandria named Abu Kyr.


Triphon
February 01

Trypho the Martyr

The Holy Martyr Trypho was from Lampsacus in Phrygia, and as a young man he tended geese. Being filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he also healed sufferings and cast out demons. During the reign of the Emperor Decius, about the year 250, he was betrayed as a Christian and taken to Nicaea, where he was beaten, bound to horses and dragged over rough ground, then dragged naked over nails; his sides were burned with torches; finally he was sentenced to beheading, but gave up his holy soul in his torments before the stroke of the sword. Saint Trypho is one of the Holy Unmercenaries, and is also invoked for the protection of gardens from insects and pests.


Allsaint
February 01

Bridget of Ireland

When Ireland was newly converted to the Christian Faith, the Holy Abbess Bridget devoted herself to the establishment of the monastic life among the women of her country, and founded the renowned convent of Kildare-Kil "Cell (or Church)" Dara "of the Oak." She was especially renowned for her great mercifulness, manifested in her lavish almsgiving and in miracles wrought for those in need. The Book of Armaugh, an ancient Irish chronicle, calls Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget "the pillars of the Irish" and says that through them both, "Christ performed many miracles." She reposed in peace about the year 525.


Preslord
February 02

The Presentation of Our Lord and Savior in the Temple

When the most pure Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary's forty days of purification had been fulfilled, she took her first-born Son to Jerusalem on this, the fortieth day after His birth, that she might present Him in the temple according to the Law of Moses, which teaches that every first-born male child be dedicated to God, and also that she might offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons, as required by the Law (Luke 2:22-24; Exod. 13:2; Lev. 12:6-8). On this same day, a just and devout man, the greatly aged Symeon, was also present in the temple, being guided by the Holy Spirit. For a long time, this man had been awaiting the salvation of God, and he had been informed by divine revelation that he would not die until he beheld the Lord's Christ. Thus, when he beheld Him at that time and took Him up into his aged arms, he gave glory to God, singing: "Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master. . ." And he confessed that he would close his eyes joyfully, since he had seen the Light of revelation for the nations and the Glory of Israel (Luke 2:25-32). From ancient times, the Holy Church has retained this tradition of the churching of the mother and new-born child on the fortieth day and of the reading of prayers of purification.

The Apodosis of the Feast of the Meeting in the Temple is usually on the 9th of February. This, however, may vary if the Feast falls within the period of the Triodion. Should this occur, the Typicon should be consulted for specific information concerning the Apodosis of the Feast.


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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 Grave Mode

By Your Cross, O Christ our God, You destroyed death. You opened paradise to the thief. You transformed the lament of the Myrrh-bearing women, and You commanded the Apostles to proclaim You are risen, granting the world Your great mercy.
Κατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, ἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας, ὅτι ἀνέστης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ μέγα ἔλεος.

Apolytikion for the Church in the Fourth Mode

Today marks the crowning of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery before all ages.  For the Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Therefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you.

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

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

Seasonal Kontakion in the First Mode

Your birth sanctified a Virgin's womb and properly blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and saved us O Christ our God, give peace to Your commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen those in authority, whom You love, as only the loving One.
Ὁ μήτραν παρθενικὴν ἁγιάσας τῶ τόκω σου, καὶ χείρας τοῦ Συμεὼν εὐλογήσας ὡς ἔπρεπε, προφθάσας καὶ νὺν ἔσωσας ἡμᾶς Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός. Ἀλλ' εἰρήνευσον ἐν πολέμοις τὸ πολίτευμα, καὶ κραταίωσον Βασιλεῖς οὓς ἠγάπησας, ὁ μόνος φιλάνθρωπος.
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