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Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
Publish Date: 2020-03-29
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Climicus
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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

 

March 29 - April 5, 2020

Until further notice, all non-liturgical events in our parish are suspended.  We will still be holding the scheduled Divine Liturgies, as well as the Lenten Services on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings.  Many of our ministries are going digital! Please keep and eye on your inbox for further updates regarding COVID-19 and for instructions on how to participate in our ministries from home!  Thank you and God Bless.

Over the past year, as part of our outreach ministry, we have been blessed to broadcast our services via Facebook Live.  All services are broadcast live during their scheduled time and are available for playback after the service is over.  Simply click on the link below. Note: You do not need a Facebook account to watch our services on Facebook Live or Facebook Watch

 

Sunday, March 29th

Epistle   Hebrews 6:13-20
Gospel   Mark 9:17-31

9:00 am | Orthros
10:00 am | Divine Liturgy: St. John of the Ladder

Monday, March 30th

6:00 pm | Great Compline
7:15 pm | Orthodoxy 101 via Google Hangouts 

Wednesday, April 1st 

11:30 am | Studies in the Faith via Google Hangouts
5:30 pm | Greek School (Online! Please contact your teachers for more information)
6:00 pm | Divine Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts

Thursday, April 2nd 

5:30 pm | Greek School (Online! Please contact your teachers for more information)

Friday, April 3rd

7:00 pm | Salutations to the Theotokos

Sunday, March 5th

Epistle   Hebrews 9:11-14
Gospel   Mark 10:32-45

9:00 am | Orthros
10:00 am | Divine Liturgy: Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

 

All services are streamed live on our Parish Facebook during their scheduled time.  Following the service, the recorded video is available for playback. Note: You do not need a Facebook account to watch our services on Facebook Live or Facebook Watch. 

 

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

    Annunciation Sacramento and COVID-19

    Annunciation Sacramento and COVID-19

    Please click here to read Fr. James Retelas and the Annunciation Parish Council's statement on the COVID-19 Pandemic and the steps we are taking in our parish


    Liturgical Schedule for Great Lent

    Liturgical Schedule for Great Lent

    Great Lent calls us to prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ. There are two main components to Great Lent; fasting and prayer. As St. Synklitiki of Alexandria, a 4th century desert mother and monastic, writes, “Just as the most bitter medicine drives out poisonous things, so prayer joined to fasting drives evil thoughts away”. St. John Chrysostom also writes, “The fast of Lent has no advantage to us unless it brings about our spiritual renewal. It is necessary while fasting to change our whole life and practice virtue. Turning away from all wickedness means; keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things– herein is the true value of the fast. St. John Chrysostom again writes, which summarizes the goal of this season, “For what good is it if we abstain from meat and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?” With this mentality we should approach fasting and Great Lent! Fasting, without prayer, is simply dieting, which is why we increase our prayer life through attendance and participation in the services of our Church. During Great Lent, we pray three beautiful and unique Church services; The Great Compline, the Presanctified Liturgy, and the Salutations to the Theotokos. We invite you to pray with us these services during Great Lent: Great Compline | Mondays 6:00 pm Presanctified Liturgy | Wednesdays 6:00 pm Salutations to the Theotokos | Fridays 7:00 pm


    St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

    St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival

    Parish Oratorical Festival | March 29th District Oratorical Festival (At Annunciation Sacramento) | April 5th Topics are out now! Start preparing your speech today! https://www.goarch.org/-/2020-st-john-chrysostom-oratorical-festival-topics Please contact Andonia Cakouros or Yianni Magoulias for more information


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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News

Archbishop’s Encyclical for the Feast of the Annunciation and the Day of Greek Independence (2020)

03/24/2020

Freedom of movement and freedom of association are being reasonably restricted, as we seek to slow the spread and preserve the health of our communities. Thus, we must remember that our most precious liberty is that of conscience, our God-given right to think and believe freely. This freedom of the inner person can never be taken away by any external conditions.

Archbishop Elpidophoros Announces Further Measures To Protect The Faithful

03/16/2020

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces today measures to protect the health of the Greek Orthodox Flock of America, and the health of the wider public. These decisions are being taken in light of the recommendations of Federal, State, and City officials and agencies, including the CDC.

Further Guidance From The Holy Eparchial Synod

03/15/2020

For the benefit and protection of the faithful, and taking into account the recent scientific findings, we advise our faithful not to be exposed in places of public assembly (including attending church) during the next few weeks.
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Homily

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Homily offered by Efstratios "Yianni" Magoulias on March 22, 2020

https://youtu.be/OROg3_DUH4g

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

02/01/2020

What does the Bible say about Stewardship?

The Bible says we should give without show, give with regularity and proportion, and give liberally.  Most importantly, we should give cheerfully.  Let’s all remember this as we look forward to a most wonderful year at Annunciation.

Please remember to fill out your pledge cards for 2020!

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

March/April issue of the Annunciation Observer

Sunday School

Please join us for the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent: The Sunday of the Holy Cross!  Sunday, March 22nd

Annunciation Dance Ministry

Congratualtions and thank you to all our dancers, directors, parents, chaperones, and volunteers on another successful dance season!
This year at FDF:
Filarakia, directed by Athena Bourdaniotis and Agamemnon Bourdaniotis, received the Division III Participation Award!
Athema, directed by Alex Eriksson and Nikki Karapanos, received the Division III Participation Award!
Nea Genia, directed by Dimitra Tsigaris, Evi Tsigaris, and Katina Vail, received the Division II, Advance Pramary costume award and second place!
Hara, directed by Nena Kyriklidou and George Kyriklidis, received the Division I, Intermediate fouth place!
Deos, directed by Lidnesy Kivetos, Nena Kyriklidou, and Katina Vail, received the Division I Sweepstakes!

We also had seven young adults volunteer and serve on the FDF Management Team!

Please look for upcoming information on our Spring general meeting and Board elections, hosting a Presanctified Liturgy Lenten Dinner (April 1st), and Holy Friday Luminary sales.

Annunciation Greek School

Our Annunciation Greek School is now Ellinomatheia certified! Registration for the May 2020 test is now open! For more information, please visit: http://greekschoolannunciation.org/ellinomatheia/

Annunciation Senior League

More information coming soon...
Please RSVP to Mary Kondos by March 30th | 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 Events: 

  • Contact Audrey Bazos (andreas_bazos@yahoo.com) or Yianni Magoulias for more information

Youth Choir

Coming soon! Please e-mail Yianni (Magoulias@AnnunciationSac.org) 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

Youth and Young Adult Ministries - San Francisco

Young Adult Lenten Retreat

April 3-5 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center
For more information, please visit: https://gosfyouth.org/youngadults#/youngadultretreats

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 Fourth Mode. Psalm 75.11,1.
Make your vows to the Lord our God and perform them.
Verse: God is known in Judah; his name is great in Israel.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Hebrews 6:13-20.

BRETHREN, when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore to himself, saying, "Surely I will bless you and multiply you." And thus Abraham, having patiently endured, obtained the promise. Men indeed swear by a greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he interposed with an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God should prove false, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Προκείμενον. Plagal Fourth Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 75.11,1.
Εὔξασθε καὶ ἀπόδοτε Κυρίῳ τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν.
Στίχ. Γνωστὸς ἐν τῇ Ἰουδαίᾳ ὁ Θεός, ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ μέγα τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς Ἑβραίους 6:13-20.

Ἀδελφοί, τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ θεός, ἐπεὶ κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχεν μείζονος ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσεν καθʼ ἑαυτοῦ, λέγων, Ἦ μὴν εὐλογῶν εὐλογήσω σε, καὶ πληθύνων πληθυνῶ σε. Καὶ οὕτως μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχεν τῆς ἐπαγγελίας. Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ μείζονος ὀμνύουσιν, καὶ πάσης αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς κληρονόμοις τῆς ἐπαγγελίας τὸ ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι θεόν, ἰσχυρὰν παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς προκειμένης ἐλπίδος· ἣν ὡς ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ ἐσώτερον τοῦ καταπετάσματος· ὅπου πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν Μελχισεδὲκ ἀρχιερεὺς γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα.


Gospel Reading

Sunday of St. John Climacus
The Reading is from Mark 9:17-31

At that time, a man came to Jesus kneeling and saying: "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a dumb spirit; and wherever it seizes him it dashes him down; and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid; and I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able." And he answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me." And they brought the boy to him; and when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, "How long has he had this?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting." They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise."

Sunday of St. John Climacus
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 9:17-31

Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ λέγων, διδάσκαλε, ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρός σε, ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. καὶ ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται· καὶ εἶπον τοῖς μαθηταῖς σου ἵνα αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ ἴσχυσαν. ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει· ὦ γενεὰ ἄπιστος, ἕως πότε πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι; ἕως πότε ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν; φέρετε αὐτὸν πρός με. καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς αὐτόν. καὶ ἰδὼν αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν, καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ· πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο γέγονεν αὐτῷ; ὁ δὲ εἶπε· παιδιόθεν. καὶ πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν· ἀλλ᾿ εἴ τι δύνασαι, βοήθησον ἡμῖν σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφ᾿ ἡμᾶς. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ εἰ δύνασαι πιστεῦσαι, πάντα δυνατὰ τῷ πιστεύοντι. καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε· πιστεύω, κύριε· βοήθει μου τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ. ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει ὄχλος, ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ· τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφόν, ἐγώ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς αὐτόν. καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν αὐτὸν ἐξῆλθε, καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε πολλοὺς λέγειν ὅτι ἀπέθανεν. ὁ δὲ ᾿Ιησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀνέστη. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων αὐτὸν κατ᾿ ἰδίαν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν αὐτό. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο τὸ γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ. Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ· ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς ὅτι ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ἀναστήσεται.


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Wisdom of the Fathers

Seest thou how He now proceeds to lay beforehand in them the foundation of His doctrine about fasting? ... See, at any rate, how many blessings spring from them both. For he that is praying as he ought, and fasting, hath not many wants, and he that hath not many wants, cannot be covetous; ...
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

... he that is not covetous, will be also more disposed for almsgiving. He that fasts is light, and winged, and prays with wakefulness, and quenches his wicked lusts, and propitiates God, and humbles his soul when lifted up. Therefore even the apostles were almost always fasting.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 57 on Matthew 17,4,5. B#54, pp.355,356., 4th Century

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Saints and Feasts

Climicus
March 29

Sunday of St. John Climacus

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on March 30, where his biography may be found. He is celebrated today because his book, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, is a sure guide to the ascetic life, written by a great man of prayer experienced in all forms of the monastic polity; it teaches the seeker after salvation how to lay a sound foundation for his struggles, how to detect and war against each of the passions, how to avoid the snares laid by the demons, and how to rise from the rudimental virtues to the heights of Godlike love and humility. It is held in such high esteem that it is universally read in its entirety in monasteries during the Great Fast.


Allsaint
March 29

Mark, Bishop of Arethusa

Saint Mark was Bishop of Arethusa in Syria. In the days of Saint Constantine the Great, Saint Mark, moved with divine zeal, destroyed a temple of the idols and raised up a church in its stead. When Julian the Apostate reigned, in 361, as the pagans were now able to avenge the destruction of their temple, Saint Mark, giving way to wrath, hid himself; but when he saw that others were being taken on his account, he gave himself up. Having no regard to his old age, they stripped him and beat his whole body, cast him into filthy sewers, and pulling him out, had children prick him with their iron writing-pens. Then they put him into a basket, smeared him with honey and a kind of relish of pickled fish, and hung him up under the burning sun to be devoured by bees and wasps. But because he bore this so nobly, his enemies repented, and unloosed him.


Iconclimacus
March 30

John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent

This Saint gave himself over to the ascetical life from his early youth. Experienced both in the solitary life of the hermit and in the communal life of cenobitic monasticism, he was appointed Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai and wrote a book containing thirty homilies on virtue. Each homily deals with one virtue, and progressing from those that deal with holy and righteous activity (praxis) unto those that deal with divine vision (theoria), they raise a man up as though by means of steps unto the height of Heaven. For this cause his work is called "The Ladder of Divine Ascent." The day he was made Abbot of Sinai, the Prophet Moses was seen giving commands to those who served at table. Saint John reposed in 603, at eighty years of age. See also the Fourth Sunday of the Fast.


Hypatius
March 31

The Holy Hieromartyr Hypatius, Bishop of Gangra

This Saint, who was from Cilicia of Asia Minor, became Bishop of Gangra, the capital of Paphlagonia. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council. Because of his confession of the Orthodox Faith, he was put to death by the Novatians, a sect which denied that sins committed after Baptism could be forgiven.


01_mary2
April 01

Mary of Egypt

When Mary was only twelve years old, she left her parents and departed to Alexandria, where she lived a depraved life for seventeen years. Then, moved by curiosity, she went with many pilgrims to Jerusalem, that she might see the Exaltation of the venerable Cross. Even in the Holy City she gave herself over to every kind of licentiousness and drew many into the depth of perdition. Desiring to go into the church on the day of the Exaltation of the Cross, time and again she perceived a certain invisible power preventing her entrance, whereas the multitude of people about her entered unhindered. Therefore, wounded in heart by this, she decided to change her way of life and reconcile herself to God by means of repentance. Invoking our Lady the Theotokos as her protectress, she asked her to open the way for her to worship the Cross, and vowed that she would renounce the world. And thus, returning once again to the church, she entered easily. When she had worshipped the precious Wood, she departed that same day from Jerusalem and passed over the Jordan. She went into the inner wilderness and for forty-seven years lived a most harsh manner of life, surpassing human strength; alone, she prayed to God alone. Toward the end of her life, she met a certain hermit named Zosimas, and she related to him her life from the beginning. She requested of him to bring her the immaculate Mysteries that she might partake of them. According to her request, he did this the following year on Holy and Great Thursday. One year after this, Zosimas again went thither and found her dead, laid upon the ground, and letters written in the sand near her which said: "Abba Zosimas, bury here the body of wretched Mary. I died on the very day I partook of the immaculate Mysteries. Pray for me." Her death is reckoned by some to have taken place in 378, by some, in 437, and by others, in 522. She is commemorated also on the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent. Her life was recorded by Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem.


Allsaint
April 02

Titus the Wonderworker

Little is known of this Saint except that he took up the monastic life from his youth, became the abbot of a monastery, and reposed in peace.


Allsaint
April 03

Nicetas, Abbot of the Monastery of Medicium

Saint Nicetas lived in the eighth century and became the Abbot of the Monastery of Medicium, which was near the city of Triglia on the Sea of Marmara. For his Orthodox confession of the veneration of the holy icons, he was persecuted and exiled twice by the Iconoclast Emperor Leo the Armenian, but recalled by Michael the Stutterer, and reposed, adorned with the twofold crown of holiness and of confession of the Orthodox Faith, about the year 824.


Allsaint
April 03

Joseph the Hymnographer

Saint Joseph was from Sicily, the son of Plotinus and Agatha. Because Sicily had been subjugated by the Moslems, he departed thence and, passing from place to place, came with Saint Gregory of Decapolis (see NOV. 20) to Constantinople, where he endured bitter afflictions because of his pious zeal. Travelling to Rome, he was captured by Arab pirates and taken to Crete, whence he later returned to Constantinople. He became an excellent hymnographer and reposed in holiness shortly after 886 (according to some, it was in 883). The melismatic canons of the Menaion are primarily the work of this Joseph; they bear his name in the acrostic of the Ninth Ode. He also composed most of the sacred book known as the Paracletike, which complements the Octoechos For this reason, Joseph is called par excellence the Hymnographer.


Vmakthst
April 04

5th Saturday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn

About the year 626, the Persians, Avars, and Slavs came with a great host and besieged the imperial city of Constantinople while the Emperor Heraclius and the main body of the Byzantine army were absent in the East. Enemy ships filled the sea, especially the Golden Horn, and on land the adversaries were ready for attack with foot-soldiers, horses, and engines of war. Though the citizens courageously withstood them, yet they were few in number and would be unable to repulse the attack of such a great host. Hence, they could not count on any other means of salvation, except the protection of the Theotokos. And truly, suddenly a violent tempest broke up all the ships and submerged them, and the bodies of the invaders were cast out near the Blachernae quarter of the city where the famous Church of the Theotokos stood. Taking courage from this, the people went forth from the city and repulsed the remaining forces, who fled out of fear. In 673, the city was miraculously delivered yet again, this time from an invasion of the Arabs. Then in 717-718, led by the Saracen general Maslamah, the Arab fleet laid siege once more to the city. The numerical superiority of the enemy was so overwhelming that the fall of the Imperial City seemed imminent. But then the Mother of God, together with a multitude of the angelic hosts, appeared suddenly over the city walls. The enemy forces, struck with terror and thrown into a panic at this apparition, fled in disarray. Soon after this, the Arab fleet was utterly destroyed by a terrible storm in the Aegean Sea on the eve of the Annunciation, March 24, 718. Thenceforth, a special "feast of victory and of thanksgiving" was dedicated to celebrate and commemorate these benefactions. In this magnificent service, the Akathist Hymn is prominent and holds the place of honour. It appears that even before the occasion of the enemy assaults mentioned above, the Akathist Hymn was already in use as the prescribed Service for the Feast of the Annunciation, together with the kontakion, "When the bodiless one learned the secret command," which has the Annunciation as its theme. It was only on the occasion of the great miracle wrought for the Christian populace of the Imperial City on the eve of the Annunciation in 718 that the hymn "To thee, the Champion Leader" was composed, most likely by Saint Germanus, Patriarch of Constantinople.

Historians have ascribed the Akathist Hymn to Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople (638), to Saint George the Confessor, Bishop of Pisidia (818), or even to Saint Photius the Great (891), all of whom lived either at the time of or after the above-mentioned sieges. However, it appears most likely from its language, content, and style that the true composer of the Akathist Hymn is Saint Romanus the Melodist (6th century).


Allsaint
April 04

George the Righteous of Maleon

This Saint took up the monastic life from his youth, and went to Mount Maleon, where a community of monks gathered about him. He foretold his death from three years before, and reposed in an odour of sanctity.


05_mary2
April 05

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

The memory of this Saint is celebrated on April 1, where her life is recorded. Since the end of the holy Forty Days is drawing nigh, it has been appointed for this day also, so that if we think it hard to practice a little abstinence forty days, we might be roused by the heroism of her who fasted in the wilderness forty-seven years; and also that the great loving-kindness of God, and His readiness to receive the repentant, might be demonstrated in very deed.


Allsaint
April 05

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorinus, and those with them

Of these Martyrs, Saint Claudius died when his arms and legs were severed; Saint Diodore was burned alive; Saints Victor, Victorinus, and Nicephorus were crushed to death by a large boulder; Saint Serapion was burned alive; Saint Pappias was cast into the sea. According to some accounts, they contested in Corinth under Decius in 251; according to others, in Diospolis in Egypt under Numerian in 284.


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ATTENTION PARISHIONERS

Attention!

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

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Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

O Merciful One, You came from on high, and condescended to Your three day burial to save us from suffering. You are our Life and our Resurrection. Glory to You.
Ἐξ ὕψους κατῆλθες ὁ εὔσπλαγχνος, ταφὴν καταδέξω τριήμερον, ἵνα ἡμᾶς ἐλευθερώσῃς τῶν παθῶν. Ἡ ζωὴ καὶ ἡ Ἀνάστασις ἡμῶν, Κύριε δόξα σοι.

Apolytikion for Sun. of St. John Climacus in the Plagal Fourth Mode

With the rivers of your tears, you have made the barren desert fertile. Through sighs of sorrow from deep within you, your labors have borne fruit a hundred-fold. By your miracles you have become a light, shining upon the world. O John, our Holy Father, pray to Christ our God, to save our souls.
Ταίς τών δακρύων σου ροαίς, τής ερήμου τό άγονον εγεώργησας, καί τοίς εκ βάθους στεναγμοίς, εις εκατόν τούς πόνους εκαρποφόρησας, καί γέγονας φωστήρ, τή οικουμένη λάμπων τοίς θαύμασι, Ιωάννη Πατήρ ημών, Όσιε, Πρέσβευε Χριστώ τώ Θεώ, σωθήναι τάς ψυχάς ημών.

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 Plagal Fourth Mode

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Τὴ ὑπερμάχω στρατηγῶ τὰ νικητήρια, ὡς λυτρωθεῖσα τῶν δεινῶν εὐχαριστήρια, ἀναγράφω σοὶ ἡ Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε, Ἀλλ' ὡς ἔχουσα τὸ κράτος ἀπροσμάχητον, ἐκ παντοίων μὲ κινδύνων ἐλευθέρωσον, ἵνα κράζω σοί, Χαῖρε νύμφη ἀνύμφευτε.
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